I've said almost all of my goodbyes. Taiko is over for now, the room is clean, the bags are packed, and the partying has been had. Tomorrow is my last day in the states for the next year. I'm not too sure how to feel about that...
I'll miss my family and friends for sure, but I think I'll do alright over there. As long as I have Mr. Rabbit, I'll be okay.
This last year has been full of laughter, tears, stress and hard work all leading up to this point. The next time I post on here, I'll be in Japan.
Thanks everyone and I love you all!
See you on the flip-side.
25 July 2009
14 July 2009
L.A. adventure
I obtained my Visa today. It doesn't expire until 2014! I could come and go as I please for the next 5 years.
I did okay with public transit and exploring alone. A good sign for the next year!
When I was in Marukai, this old Japanese woman comes up to me and starts talking to me in Japanese. I was so surprised that she was just talking to me NOT in English. But what was awesome was I knew what she was saying... and able to have a conversation with her! I was super surprised at myself and quite pleased.
I can't wait to try some REAL melon pan. mmmmm... Japanese sweets.
All in all a productive day, but a bit bittersweet. I almost broke down crying in Taiko practice. I'll miss my group of friends here. My adventures will be once in a lifetime in Japan, but right now it's a little difficult to see past the immediate situation.
Not to worry. I'll bounce back, because as Hiro said, "Yeah it makes you sad, but you can make it. because you are CATLIN!!"
Confidence.
I did okay with public transit and exploring alone. A good sign for the next year!
When I was in Marukai, this old Japanese woman comes up to me and starts talking to me in Japanese. I was so surprised that she was just talking to me NOT in English. But what was awesome was I knew what she was saying... and able to have a conversation with her! I was super surprised at myself and quite pleased.
I can't wait to try some REAL melon pan. mmmmm... Japanese sweets.
All in all a productive day, but a bit bittersweet. I almost broke down crying in Taiko practice. I'll miss my group of friends here. My adventures will be once in a lifetime in Japan, but right now it's a little difficult to see past the immediate situation.
Not to worry. I'll bounce back, because as Hiro said, "Yeah it makes you sad, but you can make it. because you are CATLIN!!"
Confidence.
12 July 2009
two weeks remain.
It's getting close to departure time. I'm going to miss my life here, but I'm excited for the future. I think a bit of a break down is in the future because it feels like the fact that I'm leaving hasn't really hit me yet.
Tomorrow I'm going into LA to get my visa. I'll be all by my lonesome. Perhaps a telling event for the days to come.
Wednesday is the going away party with the Taiko kids. I'm excited for it. I'll be happy to have everyone together like old times... minus a few key people though. Anthony's sister might make something tasty for it! Hurrah for culinary school students!! Thanks Amanda!
Going to plan some kind of beach day picnic thing with all the high school friends. That should be fun too.
But all fun aside, I've started packing. All my winter clothes are going to get shipped to me later on. That's going to be expensive.
I've looked at my budget too. After taking money out for rent, internet, cell phone, and utilities, I should have around ¥100,000 left per month (roughly $1,000) to pay for food and transportation and fun. It's looking not too shabby. I'm going to have to save like mad in the beginning though.
Also!! I got my housing information for Doshisha. I'll be living in Maison Iwakuni. Unfortunately all the dorm rules are in Japanese! YIKES! Reality is starting to hit me that I'm not going to have a choice but to learn.
My room has it's own bathroom, sink, mini-cooking area, bed, desk and chair. Judging from the room number I'll be on the 4th floor. I hope they have elevators. It's only 15.5 m^2. We converted it to feet and it's quite possible that it's smaller than my pantry... I'm hoping we're wrong though.
The great adventure is on the horizon and fast approaching. Only a few more pieces are yet to fall in place.
Love until later!
Tomorrow I'm going into LA to get my visa. I'll be all by my lonesome. Perhaps a telling event for the days to come.
Wednesday is the going away party with the Taiko kids. I'm excited for it. I'll be happy to have everyone together like old times... minus a few key people though. Anthony's sister might make something tasty for it! Hurrah for culinary school students!! Thanks Amanda!
Going to plan some kind of beach day picnic thing with all the high school friends. That should be fun too.
But all fun aside, I've started packing. All my winter clothes are going to get shipped to me later on. That's going to be expensive.
I've looked at my budget too. After taking money out for rent, internet, cell phone, and utilities, I should have around ¥100,000 left per month (roughly $1,000) to pay for food and transportation and fun. It's looking not too shabby. I'm going to have to save like mad in the beginning though.
Also!! I got my housing information for Doshisha. I'll be living in Maison Iwakuni. Unfortunately all the dorm rules are in Japanese! YIKES! Reality is starting to hit me that I'm not going to have a choice but to learn.
My room has it's own bathroom, sink, mini-cooking area, bed, desk and chair. Judging from the room number I'll be on the 4th floor. I hope they have elevators. It's only 15.5 m^2. We converted it to feet and it's quite possible that it's smaller than my pantry... I'm hoping we're wrong though.
The great adventure is on the horizon and fast approaching. Only a few more pieces are yet to fall in place.
Love until later!
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