at the moment, i’m very much in the state Kris described to me: auto-pilot. work is keeping me very busy, i’m (slowly) preparing for my upcoming Linux classes, school, and Eriko’s visit. in the back of my mind are my ACL article, my trip to Japan in August (i seriously need to step up my Japanese studies), and buying a house or condo. tonight i have some reading for work and pleasure.

i’ve had to temporarily give up my excercise routine as it doesn’t mesh well with my throat cold. not sure if its too much sinus pressure or not enough oxygen but its more important to take it easy and ride this thing out.

my desire to move to Japan is waning fast. if it happens as part of my career, i’m all for it. otherwise, it seems like it would be an irresponsible move.

i’m toying with the idea of moving to Japan after i complete my master’s degree. Eriko mentioned getting married next year but it seems awfully quick. i would have no time to spend with her family, i would just swoop in, marry her, and we’d leave. i don’t really like that idea. she suggested it, so perhaps she’s fine. an alternative would be that i move to Japan for a few years, we get married and have our first child before moving back to the US.

i’m not hearing much from Eriko these days and i’m a little frustrated. i have this knot in my stomach and my mind can’t focus. this recent occurence is because i sent her an email and the conversation was just left hanging. women. =)

i was writing an email to Katrina when something i said made me think of Musashi’s book and the concept of the Void spirit. i feel like perhaps i may have a little understanding what this concept is, this position in me that is completely neutral, even as emotions or thoughts rage. this is my first glimmer of comprehension but it is something else for ‘me’ to look at. i love those quotes.