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Updates Galore

Writing

I submitted a horror story on Saturday. It's a wonderful tale *possibly* involving cannibalism. After looking at the critiques from my writing group on another story, I'm slightly worried it's riddled with grammar issues though.

I'm unsure why I'm having trouble with grammar lately. Passive voice is likely creeping into my work because I've been listening to classic novels. I'm a little worried about this grammar issue. I used to tutor others in English. Hopefully I'm just going through a growth period. In any case, Purple Ribbons will need more fixes before it goes out the door.

Writer's group was tonight. We have several new members who gave great feedback. It's really nice having some new perspectives and varied experience.

I haven't heard about my novel yet, but they're a small team and I know it takes me a long time to read one book let alone several. Of course I'm eager to hear from them, but I'm keeping the project manager within me at bay.


Health

I'm starting to feel more energetic, but usually by Thursday I feel utterly exhausted. Hopefully I stop feeling exhausted simply from going to work soon.

I am producing a little more saliva, which is a great thing for my teeth. This is weird for me though. I feel somewhat like a newborn experiencing things for the first time. I also keep wondering if I'm drooling, but keep telling myself it just feels like that because I've been dry for so long.

Small movements make my muscles hurt, like just lifting my arm. Doesn't seem to matter how much water I've drank. Hopefully that lessens as it's really not encouraging activity.


Reading

I've got several books on the go. I'm listening to the Libravox recording of Dracula by Bram Stoker as part of research for my own tale. Also as research, and really sheer enjoyment, I'm reading Human by S. M. Carrière.

Also on the go are Isaac Bonewits' "Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism" and American Gods by Neil Gaiman. The guide is for my own spiritual growth, but will likely help me with any edits to The Page & The Magician as a bonus. I read an article that said writers often write specific stories depending on what point of life they are at. I guess I'm at the spiritual discovery point, which is on target for my age.


TV

I caved and for Netflix. I'm working my way through the old seasons of The X-Files. I was 12 when they first aired and there's a lot I don't remember. I also never finished the whole thing.

When I'm needing a break from that I check out movies I missed like The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo or Django Unchained.


Martial Arts

Didn't do much last week. Hoping to get back to it tomorrow evening. I was too tired to go to karate on Saturday, but tried to practice a bit of the second kata. I did something wrong with the reverse punch on my left side and hurt my bicep muscle. I read this happens commonly with shadow boxing on the off hand. Unfortunately that made me unable to use my arm much on Sunday and meant no iaido. Driving didn't hurt today though, so hopefully I'm good to go tomorrow.

Recently my grand sensei (my sensei's sensei) posted about how he still struggles with sword grip. It's very timely for me. I've been wondering if I'll ever fix my grip hahaha. Now I know I'll be working on it forever. Hopefully I improve to the point where my sword is definitely cutting most of the time. I'm only shodan, so I have a lot of work ahead of me. I'm not sure if it's reassuring to know I'll still be struggling with it should I ever make it to 7th Dan or not. That's iaido though. It's an art focused on continuous self improvement.


Music

I haven't been doing much in the past couple of months, but I've been getting back into my guitar this week.


Lots on the go. Getting back to normal is a wonderful thing, but I want to fit some reading in before bed.

Ciao,
R~
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