Where's the love?

I'm sick. Not dying or anything. But the cold is doing it's best to make my life (and my breathing) difficult.

Even though I'm sick enough to warrant the mask (Japanese people wear it from the first signs of sickness, I don't nother unless I'm sneezing, or coughing a lot or have a sore throat) I went to work yesterday (yes, Sunday). There were demo-classes that the parents could watch, a PTA meeting, and a drinking party with the PTA. So I didn't get home til after 9. Did I mention it was Sunday?



So, all my teachers are off as a comp day, but I have a meeting in the office. But I could probably get around that, if I really wanted to. I guess I'm at work because I don't mind. Because I actually love my job.

I mean I've been doing it for 3 years- and that's like a millennium for me. Also, my job neccesitates being on the other side of the world from the grand majority of important people and things in my life. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't still be here. Because I love it, it's easy. Or at worse, doable.

Even in October, when I work every weekend and 2 weeks of late nights. Even when I have to spend a small fortune in drinking parties during the graduation-teacher transfer season. Even when the teachers and supervisors spring stuff on me at the last half a nanosecond.

It's easier when you love it.

Same applies to our work as writers. Writing novels is a long process. Drafting, critiquing, planning, revising/editing, submitting, more revising/editing, etc. It's a long long loooooong road.

There will be times when you work every day, weekends included. There will be late nights. There will be days you'd rather be with family and friends. And your writing addiction will eat money. For one reason or another.

The writer's life is a life of sacrifice.

But if you love something, it's worth it.

That's not to say there won't be hard days. But when they come, take a break or do something fun or take a deep breath.

Then remind yourself:

I love this job!