Procrastination

Procrastination.  It's a bad thing.  Usually.  Except sometimes, you're so busy procrastinating one thing, that you do lots of other useful things.  Like when Jeff was studying.  I was so sad when he finished his 499 paper, because the house was spotless when he was supposed to be worked on that project.  And today, I should have spent all day catching up on the Japanese study that I'm about three weeks behind in (test due next week).  Have I looked at my Japanese today?  No.  But you know what?  I've done about four pages of editing/writing on my blog/book (need a catchier title for that...), something I haven't looked at in months and months.  2,069 words today, thank you very much.  And I'm very, very pleased with myself. 

Just to clarify, that's not because my writing was brilliant or that the thing is looking so polished - there is still a lot to be done.  I view this project as like peeling an onion.  Or painting a wall.  But something with layers.  Oh, stripping a wall and then repainting, that's what it's like!  I'm currently taking out real names, glossing details and noting or plugging holes in the story.  But I'm very pleased with myself because even if it takes me ten years to finish this thing, every little bit I do on it gets me closer to my goal of having written a completed book.  Even without publishing, it would be exciting to say I had written a book! 

That's all I had to say right now...  I'm off to photocopy the grammar points of my Japanese book and jump straight to the test without doing any of the activities or learning any of the new grammar.  Not ideal, but better than just giving up.  I have severe doubts about whether I'll bother signing up for the Intermediate course next year.  At least I don't have to worry about failing this Beginner course - firstly I have Jeff to check my tests for me, and secondly Jeff has the old tests, so when he's not sure of the answer he checks the answer schedule!  Although it does take the fun out of receiving your grade when you already know it'll be 100!  Having said that, I have found that studying by discussing it with Jeff is a really great way to learn and remember the new Japanese.  I find it very hard to remember stuff when I've only read it, so speaking and discussing it means I remember much better.  That's in case anyone wanted to accuse me of straightup cheating ;)

Hope you're all doing well.  I'm enjoying my break from classes and am counting down till we return to NZ!  Yay!