Because of the computer meltdown at the Bulletin (and our sister papers), getting Friday’s column into print meant writing it a second time, from memory and my notes, when the first version proved inaccessible, as noted in Friday’s paper.

However, rewriting Friday’s column consumed the time I would have spent writing Sunday’s column. I’ve maxed out on vacation time and was committed to taking Friday off (and probably two days next week). The only way to throw together a column for Sunday was to stay late. Working overtime Thursday to take off a few vacation hours Friday isn’t very logical, and so, spurred on by the continuing computer difficulties, I gave up and went home.

Thus, no Sunday column. It’s the first time I didn’t write a column since spring of 2005. Usually I go to great lengths to fill the space for vacations, but then, that was before this blog entered the picture, sopping up stray material and time.

I knew the streak had to end sometime. It’s a relief, really, because for vacations and an upcoming news assignment I’m likely to miss a few more columns this summer, and we might as well get used to the idea. Well, me more than you.

When you realize my space is filled with something else, it’s only a couple of seconds of disappointment, or maybe even relief, but of course I like to imagine it’s a crushing blow.

That said, I’m personally committed to posting seven days a week on this blog through its first anniversary in September, and I haven’t missed a day yet. What can I say, I like to set weird goals for myself.