The Doshisha calendar went up a couple of days ago. Here's a copy of it in all it's beauty:
Course Work in English & Japanese
Doshisha University, Kyoto
2009-10
| Official EAP Arrival Date (Year Students) | July 28, 2009 |
| Placement Exam | July 29, 2009 |
| Mandatory EAP Orientation | July 30, 2009 |
| ILP (IIJ) | July 31-September 10, 2009 |
| Break | September 11-13, 2009 |
| Dorm Move-In Date | September 14, 2009 |
| Doshisha Orientation | September 16, 2009 |
| Fall Term | September 26-February 17, 2010 |
| Winter Break | December 24-January 6, 2010 |
| Exams | January 27-February 17, 2010 |
| Break | February 18-March 31, 2010 |
| Spring Term | April 1-August 6, 2010 |
| Exams | July 23-August 6, 2010 |
My goodness this is surreal. I've been planning this for too long for it to actually come true!
I'm waiting to hear back about Boren before I buy my plane ticket. Hopefully I get it, but it's a long shot. I'm not counting on it--it would just be nice. I should hear about it some time in May. They officially said May 1st, but this whole process has taught me not to count on deadlines for receiving information. It's like everytime you're dying to hear about something the date they tell you gets pushed back a million times.
Anyway, now comes the hard part: planning. I now possess the document that will guide my way when I land in Tokyo. It should help a bit, but packing and logistics of packing enough stuff to live on for a year are all in my hands. I'm hoping when Matt comes back from ICU he can help me out a bit.
I'm thinking I'll use the travel agents at AAA to buy my plane ticket. I spoke with Michael Cruz, EAP Adviser, today and he said I'd want an open-ended ticket, not just a one way.
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On a more emotional level, the notion of being without all the people I love for basically a year is really starting to hit home. I keep looking at the things around me and get this bittersweet pang thinking "It's going to be a long time before I'm back here." And time doesn't stop for lil ole me. Things will change and grow. After next year, everything is going to change. It makes me want to cry a little.
I'll miss the friends I've made recently. Most of them will be graduating either this year or when I'm gone. I may not see them for a long time, if ever again.
Coming closer to it, I wonder if it's all worth it--putting my life on hold for so long. I've sacrificed a lot to get to do this. I am excited for what is in store, but I want to share it with everyone. I wish I could take everyone with me. At least Ian will be there for a bit for certain. I hope that Mom and Dad can afford to come. That would be excellent.
Future plans. So much time... but really so little.
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Edit: Oh yeah! So I went to go get my Vericella, MMR, and Hep A vaccinations a couple of weeks ago. I used to hate shots immensely-- well I still do, but I don't freak out anymore. I go in and face it like an adult. Oh yes, I walked into that pediatrician's office with my head held high. It's ridiculous I'm still going to my ped.
Anyway, the nurse gave me the Hep A and the Vericella in my left arm and went around to the right one to give me my MMR when she asks me if I'm doing okay. By this point I'm NOT doing alright. I was seeing gray, but I wanted them done with. I told her I was fine but my body had another opinion.
Apparently I looked a bit peakid and she told me to lie down a bit, but I don't remember any of this. I remember dreaming the dream I'd had that morning about Vin Deisel and purple bunnies then she was calling my name. I sat bolt upright when I heard her and I remember thinking "Why the hell did I fall asleep at the doctor's office? I knew I was tired... but come on!" Well they were all worried and gave me sniffing salts. By the way, that stuff burns the sinuses like none other.
They wouldn't give me the third shot since I had to drive myself home that day. They kept me there for a good 40 minutes more. I ended up having to come back later in the day with Dad just in case I didn't do so well again. I was fine though.
I guess my body doesn't care if my mind is zen about shots. It's goin' down whether my brain likes it or not!
But on the bright side, I don't have to have another shot for at least another couple of weeks... and it's only one.
Just thought I'd share that little anecdote. <3
Sounds like it is getting closer to being a real thing for you. A year will go fast with all the new things you will be doing. I have a niece that has been in Shanghai teaching for a year and has a few months left to go. Good Luck with your plans.
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