OK, my week wasn't a complete loss.

While it did suck mightily, I had one moment that made it all worthwhile.

A job in Santa Cruz proper - not in the mountains - where I was dropping an empty pod at a neat old house with a huge yard. I knew the place was cool when the customer came out wearing a Trogdor the Burninator shirt. Then I noticed what he was carrying.

GURPS Traveller: Ground Forces

I managed not to gush "I wrote that!" immediately. Instead, we did the whole "where do you want it? Can't do that. Here's where I can put it." dance. He watched as I played with Podzilla, and then I showed him some of the pod's features. After I was done, I asked "While I'm here, would you like me to autograph your book?"

Hey looked confused. Then saw my name tag, then looked at the cover.

"No way!"

"Way."

We had a good laugh, and I signed the book like this.

Earl, this book is sadly deficient on the subject of storage containers. Shocking oversight, I tell you. - Douglas E. Berry, PODS Corporate Driver.

I also flipped to the illustration on page 128 of a drop capsule that landed on an enemy command post and drew a quick PODS logo on it.

Made my day.