it's not life that matters but the journey...

I am not really in the mood for writing much today - spending too much time brainstorming lesson plan ideas for my job. Also, trying to get into the writing mode for my book(s) which I am churning out more slowly than molasses in January (sorry for the uncreative cliche there, but my brain is tired).

I was having a great day today, writing and exercising and feeling generally good about myself - and then was told that I'm not helping enough with dinners. Not that anyone is really mad, but this is a working household (the pace here is miles faster than what I'm accustomed to) and his mother gets tired during the day and doesn't want to cook by herself. I understand and I am happy to help! But its so difficult since its not my own kitchen (and I really don't feel comfortable with, nor can I really communicate with his mother) and I sometimes don't want to eat what M's parents are eating. Of course I can prepare my own dinners, if I have the means to go shopping (i.e. not living a good 10 minute drive away from the nearest supermarket and not being able to drive here); the supplies that I am used to (for example foods I can eat, and packages I can read), and a space to work in (its hard to prepare two dinners in one small kitchen that has only two burners) - its all so difficult in my present situation.

I'm holding out here because Masahiko has spent the last several days working really hard on the sign for our school. its almost finished and then he can distribute flyers and start to get students. The sign is very professional (when its finished I'll put a picture of it online), and it should attract people. Plus we will rely on word of mouth . . . wish us luck...

well, back to my lesson planning. did I mention that its getting cooler? thats another reason I'm able to survive these days, even though I miss everything in the states so much.