Preparations!

Time has gone by so fast since I made my last post.

My partner and I are leaving on Monday!

I've been so busy finishing up school and then getting ready for everything.  Eleven weeks is starting more and more to seem like a lot of time!  Things that I normally don't have to worry about (like when I go on two-week long vacations) are starting to become things I have to think about.  Like: will my shampoo run out during my visit? should I bring a different style of clothes for when the season/weather changes?

I also think I'm nervous because I'm working in Japan, rather than simply going for vacation or studying abroad.  But while I think I'll face different challenges because of that, I think working in another country provides rare opportunities I wouldn't experience otherwise!  And maybe it'll prepare me for something more long-term like JET.  :)

I've been buying a lot of things from souvenirs for everyone to personal items I normally wouldn't need like bug spray.  My to-do list and packing list is so long.  (ー_ー)!! But I'm happy to say that most of the stuff is done and now I just need to pack.

Look at what I just got done with today:

A photo album to help me with conversations about things, and Japanese business or name cards, known as meishi.  My cousin's amazing girlfriend designed it for me, and dealt with me freaking out on what design to use.  In the end, I used the first one she did for me, haha.


Meishi are an integral part of the business side of Japan.  While I'm not going to represent a giant company or something, I wanted something I could hand back when people give me their cards.  When I went to Chichibu three years ago there were so many times someone gave me their card and I didn't have anything to hand back.  I also have a nice business card holder that my cousin gave to me!

I've bought somethings for the kids I'll be working with, and for previous host family.  I have bubbles, stickers and Jelly Bellies for the kids, and American things like Cocoa Pebbles and chicharone (okay, not exactly mainstream American...) for my host family.

Once I get to Japan I'm sure I won't be as nervous as I am right now!  But I know I'm going to be missing everyone a lot.