we are eligible!

Yesterday, the husband and I received our certificates of eligibility to enter Japan. Well, first we had to chase down and intercept a UPS van, and then we received said certificates. We were halfway to the Japanese consular offices before I read the fine print, and realized there were still a few more things left to cover.

After picking up a Visa Application to Enter Japan, which is different from the visa application itself, we took yet another set of passport photos, filled out the proper forms, put together all the documentation, and will return to the office later this afternoon. After everything is filed, I am told we should expect a call in 5 to 7 days, asking us to return to the consulate to retrieve our actual visas.

I'm going to be honest with you: I am exhausted. Just when I felt as if I was on a roll, I came down with a stomach bug, and spent the better part of a week either barfing or trying desperately not to heave ho. I began eating solid foods again just a couple days ago, then threw out my back for the fourth time this year. My sleeping schedule is erratic at best these days, and all the tasks I had lined up to finish are literally piled up in my living room awaiting the first day I can lift or bend or move without maximum effort.

I'm holding it together, and I feel myself getting very slowly better. I have decided to make small efforts for the rest of this week. I plan to get at least one thing done each day, in order to keep my motivation high, and possibly two whole things if I can manage it. The husband has been extremely helpful, picking up things from the floor, doing dishes, fetching me juice and apple sauce, and keeping a cool head in spite of all my worry between fits of vomiting.

This weekend, I will be as leisurely as possible. I will try not to worry or force myself to do too much beyond relaxing and getting better. I am fully convinced the only reason I got sick to begin with was because I wore myself down over the past couple weeks. I will be a good Scout, and I will take a break, and I will have a lovely weekend, so I can get back on task bright and early Monday...afternoon.