It’s getting close to the end of the year, and if there’s one thing I’ve noticed on this site in recent times is that personal entries have been few and far between, with me spending most of my time just pointing out things that I’m into, and where my latest writings are appearing. I guess it’s time then to give an update on things.

First of all, and this is going to be deja vu for longtime readers, but I’m back at the Japanese, this time concentrating on kanji, and I’ve actually been pretty good about it during my vacation time (still have a week and a half to go). It started with Marxy giving me a 1st-graders kanji practice book, suggesting I start with the basics and work my way up, and that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s a good approach for me, since I like doing the workbook exercises (more than just sitting there and memorizing stuff), and I’ve noticed a vast improvement in not only recognition, but it’s also helping me build my vocabulary in a smart way. Add to that the fact that I’ve been spending so much time at Cafe Pause, chatting with the staff, which I think has done wonders for my conversation, and I’m feeling pretty good language-wise heading into 2006.

The next big project I’m working on now is another event at Cafe Pause, following the success of last month’s Swedish Style-related “Mamma Gun sager: Ta en PAUS.” This time I’m on my own, and it’s something that will hit closer to home: “Canadian Style.” The plan is to have various installations (photography, video, music), with of course a special food menu, and a few other fun things tacked on. The plan as of now is to have it happen February 1-12, and you just now that I’ll be updating you from here on out on how things are advancing.

So that’s what’s keeping me busy these days — well, that and an unhealthy amount of gaming — and I figure it’s a good way to exit one year and jump into the next one. And tomorrow, I’m getting a haircut!