It looks more and more like events are conspiring …
It looks more and more like events are conspiring to time the publication of the book with the war, now underway it seems. Whether or not this is some kind of marketing strategy the publisher dreamed up is anyone’s guess. Something tells me that more people are going to be glued to their TVs and computers in the coming weeks than browsing bookstores wondering what they should read next.
I went over to the publishers last night to have a look at the final draft and cover design. It looks pretty good, despite the fact that my ugly mug is on the cover. Actually, I find this quite amusing. I was asked if any of the guys I served with would recognize me from the picture, and I said they probably would. Hopefully the ones who still hold a grudge won’t, though. I’ll have to update my book page when I get a copy of the final cover and details on sales.
I was supposed to get new, sound-insulating windows today, but my landlord called me up at 8:30 and said the rain made it impossible. Oh yes, it’s been rainy and cold here for the past few days, typical for spring, and it looks like it’s not going to stop anytime soon. What is the most irritating about this is that I’m sure when it’s over we’ll still be in the middle of an official drought. Taiwan uses so much water, it seems, that it has to rain every day just to avoid a drought. At least the rain drives away the Dancing Women, Drumming People and Mr. Karaoke. I hated this kind of weather when I was in the army, since I had to be out in it all day, so I don’t mind it as much now, since I have the choice of dressing appropriately instead of waiting for orders concerning what I could and couldn’t wear.
Elsewise (I know, that’s not a word, but I’m tired of writing “In other news…), I had lunch yesterday with Mindcrime and Maoman at the New Bangkok Thai restaurant behind Sogo. The food was really good, but the portions were way too small, even if the rice was served in an ornately designed goblet that looked like it was made of Mithril. Afterwards, I got to see Maoman’s new 250cc Majesty scooter. Man, that thing is one big-assed scooter. It’s all ass. You could fit a family of three in the storage space if they kinda hunched over. Watching Maoman gingerly remove a piece of crate someone had leaned against his pride and joy made me wonder if I’d want the have to worry about parking an expensive, brand-new motorcycle on the streets here. There’s definitely something to be said for not having to worry about your piece-of-shit bike all the time. That said, there’s also something to be said for having a motorcycle that will start when you want it to and keep running for a reasonable length of time without breaking down.
I’ve got my third job interview this afternoon, which means donning Ze Zoot once again and facing yet another Boss. Wish me luck.
Wish us all luck.
