Update of Sorts.

Just taking a moment out of my work on the upcoming mini-happyô-kai to further my procrastination efforts.

Yes, the Center decided to hold a second event at the end of this term, and everyone is thoroughly put out about it. (Did they do that in previous years? I get the feeling not, but...) I think the desire to hold a second event is particularly strong this year because not everyone will give a presentation at the end of the year. They've added the option to continue taking classes in the 4th term rather than complete project work, and I suppose they want to make sure everyone does two stand-up presentations.

But that means those of us already doing the end-of-the-year presentation wind up with three. [sigh]

Ah well, it's a dissatisfying end to a largely ignominious quarter, and - if nothing else - the cynical side of me sees that as somehow wholly appropriate.

And I am learning, so I can't fault them for that. But still, this mini-happyô-kai is by no means the best use of our time at the moment. Because of it, I think I can completely write off coming to a good understanding of the chapter five grammar points. After all, we're only devoting two days to it because of the mini-happyô-kai.

Grrr.

But enough of that. I've got plenty to be thankful for: my reading comprehension is skyrocketing, I'm beginning to reach of level of real researching prowess, this term is inches away from being over, and my mom and I are going to be touring the wilds of Japan for two glorious weeks during the break. Not too shabby.

Oh, and carbonara flavored potato chips are surprisingly good, so that's another win.

In which I cease and desist all bitching.

So, writing through this paper for the mini-happyô-kai is making me keenly aware of the fact that I have progressed to the point where I can write fairly complex academic papers (short papers, mind you, but papers nonetheless) in Japanese.

In my calmer moments, I'm capable of remembering that often the best progress comes from doing things one doesn't particularly want to do. But usually (for me, anyway) a tantrum must precede said doing. Anyway, the writing's rolling along now, and I'm actually feeling pretty good about this paper - which is sort of weird.

But I think I might come out of this whole experience as a fledgling coffee drinker, and I don't know how I feel about that. ;>

Anyway, we now return you to your regularly scheduled blah blah blah.