With only 22 days left until I leave, I am starting to feel a cloud of nervousness beginning to hang over my head. I know I'm excited to go, but part of me wants to curl up in my safe, familiar bed and never come out. Every morning I wake up and think "only __ days to go," which sends a shiver of fear and anticipation over me. I find myself unpacking and repacking my suitcase, making lists that I just lose or tear up, or just googling "living in japan" over and over again. I'm restless, excited, frustrated, and an emotional mess. BUT, despite all that there still remains the fact that there are only 22 days left.
Over the past month, I've:
- Gotten my passport and visa stamp
- Sent an introduction letter and photos to my school
- Stalked my Japan neighborhood via Google Maps, to find out where all the stores, train stations, and post offices are in that area
- Still packing/getting rid of stuff I'm not taking
- Bought an AWESOME Asus Transformer tablet to take with me (Thanks for the help mom and dad! ^_^)
- Work, work, work.... still saving up cash
Today I had a pre-departure phone interview with my recruiter to make sure that I have everything arranged and to answer any questions I might have for them. We talked about my visa and passport, what I had already packed, and procedures for when I arrive at Kansai International Airport. She is the nicest person ever, and super helpful in answering my questions (I've asked her enough of them, haha)! I probably have sent them 1 email a week ever since March... :P She reminded me to not stress out, especially when I first get to Japan and everything is new. "If you panic, the school panics, and the students panic," she said. Well, I definitely don't want to cause a riot, so I will have to work on my breathing exercises and meditation. ;)
Work has been a little frustrating lately.
One of the best things to happen to me this week was the arrival of a wonderful envelope containing a letter of sorts from my new school in Shizuoka. :) The teachers had put together a flyer with "Welcome to Shizuoka Ekinan!" printed on it, with a photograph and a small note from each of them. It was so thoughtful and wonderful, I almost cried when I opened it! I put it in a picture frame and hung it next to my front door so that every day when I go out I can be reminded of my new goal. :)
Ugh, this post is a little melancholy, but since I haven't posted anything in almost 2 months, I thought it was about time for me to make an update. I still have a lot to do, like finalizing my suitcases, moving out of my apartment, finding a home for the kitties, buying my omiyage (chocolate buckeyes!), and getting my first-week money exchanged for Yen. I'm hoping I don't get overwhelmed.
Thanks for all the help and support so far everyone!
Shawna
