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.
14 July 2009
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!
27 June 2009
update on financial stuff
So it's all in order. All my little ducks are in a row! I just got word on the financial aid package I'll be receiving for next year. It's looking good. I just need to map out a budget and see how much I'll have each month for fun stuff!
Also, I'll be receiving my certificate of eligibility soon and along with it my housing info. I'll post up some pictures of where I'll be staying when I can!
I've sacrificed a lot to get to this point. It's time to make it all worth it.
Also, I'll be receiving my certificate of eligibility soon and along with it my housing info. I'll post up some pictures of where I'll be staying when I can!
I've sacrificed a lot to get to this point. It's time to make it all worth it.
24 June 2009
Awesome news y'all
I got the JASSO scholarship!! Starting Sept 2009 and ending in Aug 2010 I will receive a stipend of 80,000¥ a month plus a one time settlement allowance of 80,000¥. That comes out to about 10,000USD. This is going to help big time!
So...
Total program cost: 3,077,479.90¥
Duttenhaver (according to the current exchange rate of $1.00=95.34¥) = ~476,700¥
JASSO= 1,040,000¥
Total program cost post scholarships: 1,560,779.90¥ ($16,370.67)
not too bad. The loans should cover all that jazz! wooooo!
So...
Total program cost: 3,077,479.90¥
Duttenhaver (according to the current exchange rate of $1.00=95.34¥) = ~476,700¥
JASSO= 1,040,000¥
Total program cost post scholarships: 1,560,779.90¥ ($16,370.67)
not too bad. The loans should cover all that jazz! wooooo!
14 May 2009
Orientation and financial aid
Well, I went to orientation and it was not very useful. I got a T-shirt out of it though. :D
I tried to meet with my financial aid adviser and they said I don't get to do that till 3 weeks before I leave. That just seems dumb to me. I'll have to call her to get my questions answered.
Also, Danielle is saving up to come visit!
It's getting closer! In the mean time, Senryu Taiko's Spring Concert is coming up!
We've been practicing till midnight for the last couple of weeks. My arms feel like they're going to fall off.
Also, Spam Musubi is delicious.
That's all for now. I'll let you know when more cool things happen.
I tried to meet with my financial aid adviser and they said I don't get to do that till 3 weeks before I leave. That just seems dumb to me. I'll have to call her to get my questions answered.
Also, Danielle is saving up to come visit!
It's getting closer! In the mean time, Senryu Taiko's Spring Concert is coming up!
We've been practicing till midnight for the last couple of weeks. My arms feel like they're going to fall off.
Also, Spam Musubi is delicious.
That's all for now. I'll let you know when more cool things happen.
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