As opposed to last time, I'll be the one flying out of RDU airport to Singapore in a little over a day. My To-Do list is nearly finished, with just a final washing of clothes and finishing packing left. I just called and confirmed the flight, and also found out that they only allow one carry-on bag, which means I'll have to check my suitcase (something I absolutely hate doing). Twenty-five hours from Raleigh to Detroit to Tokyo to Singapore. I am so damn excited.

I talked to Janet last night for our last verbal conversation before I leave, and found out that her parents are going to throw a get-together on the Saturday that we get back from Bali (where she and I'll visit for a few days), the purpose of which is to introduce her entire extended family to me. A little scary, but I think I'm prepared. There's a scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding at Easter when Ian gets introduced to Toula's extended family for the first time, and they wash over him like a tide. I'll just make sure I'm wearing my life preserver.

The Leviathan story is starting to coalesce in my mind bit by bit, and I imagine I'll get a fair bit of it written during the flight back on the 31st. I never usually think about stories this much before starting them, but working on the novel has gotten me in the mindset lately, and I think it's a good thing. I'll have a good idea what the story's about and where it's going at the very beginning, instead of flailing about like I normally do.

In a wonderful act of generosity, Asimov's and F&SF are posting their stories that are nominated for the Hugo Awards this year, free of charge. You can also read "Making Waves", the 2002 Asimov's Award-winning story by fellow Clarionoid Lena DeTar.

And god bless Kurt Vonnegut.

I plan on checking email and writing journal entries while in Singapore, though sporadically, since, obviously, I'll be spending as much time as I can with Janet, and not stuck in front of the computer. But I'll definitely be updating the journal a few times while I'm there, because I know I'll have a lot to talk about.

I'm pretty sure I won't be able to sleep a wink tonight.

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Now Reading:
Witpunk edited by Claude Lalumière & Marty Halpern

Stories Out to Publishers:
9

Books Read This Year:
20

Novel Word Count:
9200