I was going to post some stuff about the way Japanese people use “yes” / “no” and the way Americans do, but my head is ready to explode from the lack of sleep. I was so rudely kept awake until 4:00 a.m. by really really loud people outside, and I realized that I said something really weirdly dumb in one of the emails I sent out this morning. *sigh* I wonder if people in my city don’t have to work on Fridays anymore.

I’ve been feeling a bit burned out recently.

I can’t sleep very well, and I’m often tired and so on. Partly I think it’s due to the sale announcement, etc. It’s been a bit overwhelming and exciting, and coming down from that…well…

Of course it didn’t help that I’m trying to wrap up A Happily Ever After of Her Own by Friday May 30, and wrap up Nine soon, before June 30. There’s nothing wrong with Nine per se, but I realized that there is some tightening up that I could do (thanks, Bettie ), so I’m working on everything all at the same time. I also need to outline All the King’s Women, based on the result of Fast Draft, by June 30.

Some people might ask, “Why do you need to finish Nine or All the King’s Women by this date or that? You aren’t contracted for those works, right?”

To be honest, no. None of the projects are contracted (and if we put it that way, neither is A Happily Ever After of Her Own), but I’m very deadline-driven, and I always impose them on myself. I tried to be flexible, since sometimes it takes longer to finish, but I always tried to meet them. Consider it practice for when I do actually have contractual deadlines.

And yes, Natasha, I’ve made a nice Gantt chart.

P.S. I might take a break on Saturday or Sunday, after I submit A Happily Ever After of Her Own to Samhain.

Well, I was talking with two my CPs — Jennifer & DD — about my blog. My main complaint was that I usually don’t have anything to say, so I wanted to shut down my blog.

Jennifer in particular thought I should write about what it’s like to live in Japan. I told her it’s not all that exciting, but she said I only thought that because I actually live here.

Mmmm.

Maybe I’ll blog about Japan…

I turned 30 today. I was dreading it for a while, but it was fun actually. And rather productive.

The day started out with breakfast. BF made it. Well, he always cooks breakfast, but today was exceptionally nice: a cheese omelet with red bell peppers and some spicy potatoes.

And while he was working, I revise two chapters, checked emails, etc. I also got a card from Mom with an international money order inside. (BTW — note to everyone: if you send an international money order, make sure to fill out every single blank space you’re supposed to fill out or it’s going to be near-impossible to cash it.) BF and I had sushi and cake for lunch. I revised another chapter, then practiced the new scales (with something like five sharps and one double-sharp) and read. Very very satisfied with the day.

P.S. If you’re wondering what BF got me for my birthday — he gave me a copy of Rascal. It’s out of print, but he found a nice hard cover. W00t!

1. They have the best roasted chicken with special secret sauce I’ve ever had.
2. They’re located in the mountains with petite red-leaved maple trees.
3. There’s a pretty pond with gorgeous –and gigantic! — koi and ducks.
4. They have funny looking buddahs with hats and bibs — all in matching crimson.
5. Crows eat whatever’s left over — after you leave the table.
6. Gurgling streams provide nice soothing sound.
7. They have a beer vending machine.
8. Fantastic hospitality.
9. During Golden Week, they’re open until 5 a.m.
10. Everyone knows this place around here despite the fact that it’s over 1.5 hours away, one way.
11. They not only have some of the best chicken I’ve ever had, but some of the best rice dish I’ve ever had.
12. And the most delicious dumplings.
13. Did I mention the food?