So the past couple of days have been very eventful for me! I heard from my predecessor finally and so now I know for sure I will be moving to Yamaga village on the outskirts of Kitsuki. She sent me this huge 30 page word document detailing her work life and the different schools and her responsibilities therein. 9 schools in total and 8 of them are elementary schools. She was super informative telling me everything from which teachers were worth getting to know and what classes they teach to which tea lady will bring me snacks after lunch and who I eat with. [with whom I eat?] Needless to say after I read it I felt a lot better. Although JET says we are never to be teaching alone I guess as long as the teacher is in the room we are covered because she says some classes I will plan and teach entirely on my own. Eeck!
So an update on everything else:
Car - M (my pred) says she is just going to give me the car. The catch - Japan does inspections every two years, thorough inspections, and the car is due for one in October. Because it is an older car (~95 Toyota Corolla), it may not pass. Should the car pass the inspection I have to shell out around $1,000 to renew the license for another two years. If the car fails - I have to buy a new one. Guess there is still a price to pay for a car but I will at least have a few months to save up money in case I have to buy one. Sigh.
Apartment - So M did JET with her boyfriend and since he was in Beppu they decided to find their own apartment between the two cities. This means the BoE has to find me one near the schools. They are having a difficult time, however, because in a town of 3,000 people there aren't really a lot of temporary housing options. They will broaden their search this week to include the actual city of Kitsuki. Hopefully by the end of the week I will have an address and everything. :-). Because the apartment will be in the BoE's name and not my own I will likely not be responsible for key money or any of the other crazy fees Japanese people seem to charge on renting an apartment. This is not for sure yet though and until I have heard from them directly (I have still only been in contact with M and R and K - the current ALTs) I will assume everything is a rumor.
Furniture - M sent me lots of pictures of everything and a full inventory of everything included in her 'furniture package.' Basically everything for the kitchen including rice cooker, bread maker and cooktop, bed, two couches, night stands, lights, TV, DVD player, etc. She wants ~$1,300. I think this is pretty reasonable but I will consult with my family before I decide on anything. Knowing Japanese apartments are like to come with nothing except a toilet and a fridge if I'm lucky, I think this would be an awesome investment and save me so much money having to purchase all this stuff on my own. They have a real bed which is kind of a bummer since I was looking forward to a futon but I suppose my back will thank me.
Clothes and attire - She gave me the full rundown on weather and shoes and the like and it looks like I am pretty well prepared except for lacking in a pair of comfy shoes I can slip into inside the schools. She said she actually brought too many pairs of shoes - a mistake I am likely to make as well.
I feel like I need to be catching up on Japanese.
I have also been packing up my life here. When Mom dropped me off on Monday she left with a car full of everything she could fit from my apartment. All my books, including the shelves, winter clothes, any and all paraphernalia I am unwilling to part with and my winter clothes. Now all I have left is my PS3, TV and some clothes, shoes and my new suitcases. All the furniture remaining - bed, desk, nightstand, etc. - is being sold or already has been. My alarm actually echoes in the morning because my room is so barren. :-(.
Have started wearing the attire I will wear in Japan to work everyday so I can get used to the slacks and everything. At least I will know how everything looks when it gets all stretched out too. Shoes are a problem because they have been destroying my feet. Oh well.
Sorry for the long post but I had a lot to update on! Love!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A New Door Opens
Watching LOTR with my dad. Went to visit for the week because this will be the last time I see him and my sister before I take off for Japan. They are going to have a major surgery while I am gone so I am very nervous about leaving them in their present state especially. I know they will be OK but it is still a little nerve-wracking knowing they will need my cell phone number in Japan as soon as I get one so they can put it as their emergency contact. What I will be able to do from Japan I don't know, but if it makes them feel better, I'm OK with it.
They bought me luggage and I got the rest of the necessary clothing. I am all set now except one pair of shoes and a few more omiyage. Now it really feels official. I will begin packing this week... kind of scary. Only 34 days. Less than a month before my life changes as I know it. Still no word on predecessor information or living situation. I will keep posted as I get updated. The consulate has assured us they will contact our contracting organization directly if we have not received word by the 30th of June. They have three days I guess. Hopefully I will hear word by Wednesday.
Well, hopefully I will have something soon. Love.
They bought me luggage and I got the rest of the necessary clothing. I am all set now except one pair of shoes and a few more omiyage. Now it really feels official. I will begin packing this week... kind of scary. Only 34 days. Less than a month before my life changes as I know it. Still no word on predecessor information or living situation. I will keep posted as I get updated. The consulate has assured us they will contact our contracting organization directly if we have not received word by the 30th of June. They have three days I guess. Hopefully I will hear word by Wednesday.
Well, hopefully I will have something soon. Love.
Monday, June 14, 2010
So much and yet so little
Ok, I know it has been a few days and I was suppose to have a lot of information to share - and I do. It just wasn't all I was looking for when I mentioned learning new information in regards to my placement. So the information I have so far:
1. I am going to Kitsuki. We already knew this, but they have my paperwork so I am golden.
2. Kitsuki has snow. Bummer. They also have no insulation so where there's snow there's cold and I will be unable to escape it both at home and at work. Bummer.
3. The girl I am replacing [this is still up for debate because there are two girls who are leaving Kitsuki and I will be replacing one of them - not sure which yet, explained below], R, loves her children and hates me a little on the inside for replacing them. Ouch. This is with the utmost respect and friendship though because she selfishly never wants to leave them since they are so wonderful. I think I understand and don't really mind as long as there is no animosity or anything since she is only moving to the next city over.
4. I still don't know whether I will be in the main city or in Yamaga, one of the outlying villages. Both have their ups and downs but in Yamaga I can take traditional Japanese dance and help with the rice harvest. Woot! I would prefer it there, even if only 8,000 people reside there. This brings me back to the main point of this post. I don't know yet where I will be exactly. There was some drama surrounding the Yamaga apartment. It can't be rented again or something. Thus, a new abode must be found and approved by both R and M, probably K as well. These are the three current Kitsuki ALTs only one of whom, K, is remaining next year. Apparently this is a necessary step because R had some terrible experiences when she arrived to her apartment in Kitsuki 5 years ago. No bed or appliances and a broken TV. I really appreciate more than I can say how much these women are going above and beyond to help settle all of this for me and Sam (the other new Kitsuki ALT) before we get there. This is worth more than the peanut butter and reeses I promised her by far.
5. I am learning more and more information about specifically what to bring in regards to omiyage (souvenirs) and how much I need to bring. I will be visiting 9 schools, regardless or if I am in Kitsuki proper or Yamaga, and thus need a gift for all the principals and vice-principals at every school and much of the faculty. I should also have something special for the BoE director Mr. Sakasi (spelling?) who is helping the girls go way above and beyond to prepare for my arrival with Sam. Mostly, cooking books and American paraphernalia will suffice but I should also plan to bring big bags of individually wrapped candies for the classroom and some for the staff office as well. This is going to be quite the space occupant in my suitcases (which I still haven't bought yet).
6. I am finally done with all my damn doctor's appointments. All I have left to acquire are the drug store purchases and filling a few prescriptions.
7. Clothes are almost done too, just waiting on luggage which I will get next week if all goes according to plan.
Well, I have a lot more to post concerning some of the questions I asked R, M and K (man I feel like I'm in Men in Black with all these single letter names ^^) but I will have to do it when my eyes are feeling better.
Love!
1. I am going to Kitsuki. We already knew this, but they have my paperwork so I am golden.
2. Kitsuki has snow. Bummer. They also have no insulation so where there's snow there's cold and I will be unable to escape it both at home and at work. Bummer.
3. The girl I am replacing [this is still up for debate because there are two girls who are leaving Kitsuki and I will be replacing one of them - not sure which yet, explained below], R, loves her children and hates me a little on the inside for replacing them. Ouch. This is with the utmost respect and friendship though because she selfishly never wants to leave them since they are so wonderful. I think I understand and don't really mind as long as there is no animosity or anything since she is only moving to the next city over.
4. I still don't know whether I will be in the main city or in Yamaga, one of the outlying villages. Both have their ups and downs but in Yamaga I can take traditional Japanese dance and help with the rice harvest. Woot! I would prefer it there, even if only 8,000 people reside there. This brings me back to the main point of this post. I don't know yet where I will be exactly. There was some drama surrounding the Yamaga apartment. It can't be rented again or something. Thus, a new abode must be found and approved by both R and M, probably K as well. These are the three current Kitsuki ALTs only one of whom, K, is remaining next year. Apparently this is a necessary step because R had some terrible experiences when she arrived to her apartment in Kitsuki 5 years ago. No bed or appliances and a broken TV. I really appreciate more than I can say how much these women are going above and beyond to help settle all of this for me and Sam (the other new Kitsuki ALT) before we get there. This is worth more than the peanut butter and reeses I promised her by far.
5. I am learning more and more information about specifically what to bring in regards to omiyage (souvenirs) and how much I need to bring. I will be visiting 9 schools, regardless or if I am in Kitsuki proper or Yamaga, and thus need a gift for all the principals and vice-principals at every school and much of the faculty. I should also have something special for the BoE director Mr. Sakasi (spelling?) who is helping the girls go way above and beyond to prepare for my arrival with Sam. Mostly, cooking books and American paraphernalia will suffice but I should also plan to bring big bags of individually wrapped candies for the classroom and some for the staff office as well. This is going to be quite the space occupant in my suitcases (which I still haven't bought yet).
6. I am finally done with all my damn doctor's appointments. All I have left to acquire are the drug store purchases and filling a few prescriptions.
7. Clothes are almost done too, just waiting on luggage which I will get next week if all goes according to plan.
Well, I have a lot more to post concerning some of the questions I asked R, M and K (man I feel like I'm in Men in Black with all these single letter names ^^) but I will have to do it when my eyes are feeling better.
Love!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Bienvenido A Miami
Not much to post, mostly just moving the updates section over here:
Other than that... nothing much else is happening. A lot of waiting, working and relaxing. Hopefully next update I will have more to say :-)
Love.
No word from my predecessor yet. Waiting patiently.
Did hear from the travel agent (just the paperwork is filled out, no flight info yet) and got the paperwork for the visa application. 50 days left.
Still no word from my BOE but details seem to be trickling slowly in for others from the Miami consulate, just need more patience.
Miami got us a nice group discount at the hotel though and I will be traveling with Kristi now to Miami and the airport and stuff. Sounds like a good plan!
Other than that... nothing much else is happening. A lot of waiting, working and relaxing. Hopefully next update I will have more to say :-)
Love.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Travel Time!
I just noticed I use a lot of exclamation points. Guess it is supposed to substitute for the smile I always have when I say things that make me happy. Yay!
Anyway, heard from the travel agency today. Just preliminary stuff though, hopefully they will have the flight information for us soon? I want to drop off all the rest of my paperwork when I go to Miami on the 23rd-ish so I hope to have heard by then. Still no word on a predecessor or from my contracting organization. Miami said everything should be finalized mostly by the end of June so I still have some time. Deadline for everything is July 9th. It was kind of exciting actually to see the google group page change from being part two to part three (final!!). Time is moving so quickly now!
Life otherwise is surprisingly chill. I am trying to enjoy the rest of my time in Florida by watching the lightning storms, enjoying cable TV and biking in the excruciating humidity. I spent the weekend watching Firefly, playing the Sims 3 and relaxing. I also cleaned... a lot. I am trying to go through all my stuff and throw it out. Turns out I am a major pack rat and four years of college was just enough for me to accumulate massive amounts of nonsense. Throwing away small pieces of my life makes me feel simultaneously lighter and nostalgic. Guess that's part of growing up and moving on.
I have been thinking a lot about things I do in America that I won't be able to do in Japan. For instance, I was running on Saturday (it was miserably humid :-<) and it started raining. Instead of stopping and going inside, I continued running. It felt amazing but I started thinking about how everyone in Japan always carries an umbrella and I wonder if running in the rain, or walking in it for that matter, is unacceptable? I even played Ultimate Frisbee in the rain with Amanda the other day and it was awesome. I know it rains in Japan but I hope I will be able to enjoy it in the same way.
Dad asked me if I wanted to ship my bicycle to Japan. If only I could. Guess I will be buying a cheap one there. It costs more than my bike is worth to ship it. I will be shipping my PS3 though :-P.
Well, that's all I've got for now I'm afraid.
Love.
Anyway, heard from the travel agency today. Just preliminary stuff though, hopefully they will have the flight information for us soon? I want to drop off all the rest of my paperwork when I go to Miami on the 23rd-ish so I hope to have heard by then. Still no word on a predecessor or from my contracting organization. Miami said everything should be finalized mostly by the end of June so I still have some time. Deadline for everything is July 9th. It was kind of exciting actually to see the google group page change from being part two to part three (final!!). Time is moving so quickly now!
Life otherwise is surprisingly chill. I am trying to enjoy the rest of my time in Florida by watching the lightning storms, enjoying cable TV and biking in the excruciating humidity. I spent the weekend watching Firefly, playing the Sims 3 and relaxing. I also cleaned... a lot. I am trying to go through all my stuff and throw it out. Turns out I am a major pack rat and four years of college was just enough for me to accumulate massive amounts of nonsense. Throwing away small pieces of my life makes me feel simultaneously lighter and nostalgic. Guess that's part of growing up and moving on.
I have been thinking a lot about things I do in America that I won't be able to do in Japan. For instance, I was running on Saturday (it was miserably humid :-<) and it started raining. Instead of stopping and going inside, I continued running. It felt amazing but I started thinking about how everyone in Japan always carries an umbrella and I wonder if running in the rain, or walking in it for that matter, is unacceptable? I even played Ultimate Frisbee in the rain with Amanda the other day and it was awesome. I know it rains in Japan but I hope I will be able to enjoy it in the same way.
Dad asked me if I wanted to ship my bicycle to Japan. If only I could. Guess I will be buying a cheap one there. It costs more than my bike is worth to ship it. I will be shipping my PS3 though :-P.
Well, that's all I've got for now I'm afraid.
Love.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
SO BUSY!
Why when I think I am so bored so I get so busy? I don't even really feel like I am doing that much but the hours fly by regardless. I still have so much left to do for Japan and stuff but I don't feel like I have enough time now! I am taking the MCAT in July so I am trying to get in at least 2 hours a day for that. 40 hours/week between my two jobs. Meeting boys (this isn't stressful or anything but definitely has a time reserved spot). Working out (or trying to as the case may be most days). Throwing away bits of my life from my room so my mom doesn't have to store it all. Just renewed my driver's license online - $50. Need an eye doctor's appointment, international driver's license, luggage, khaki pants, phonetic teaching materials (hooked on phonics anyone?), Omiyage/cheap gifts to give to the students and my co-workers. I also need to get this paperwork straightened out for the second job I have been trying to take care of for three weeks now (no pay yet :-(). And I am down to the last two months of my time in the US.
So much to do, so little time. And all I really want to do is go out with my friends and play video games and watch movies until the sun comes up. Maybe while I am at home for two weeks prior to departure? Sigh. Joe at least heard from someone in his office with info about them finalizing his paperwork. Jealous. Kelly and Rebecca still don't have much information for me because the BOE (board of education) in Kitsuki is kind of keeping it under wraps for a little bit longer. I reall yhope I am replacing Rebecca and not Meghan (she lives out in the mountains and has to commute further). Maybe soon I will know. Everything is falling into place on their end so I just have to be patient.
Oh the drama. Hopefully everything will be worked out soon.
Love.
So much to do, so little time. And all I really want to do is go out with my friends and play video games and watch movies until the sun comes up. Maybe while I am at home for two weeks prior to departure? Sigh. Joe at least heard from someone in his office with info about them finalizing his paperwork. Jealous. Kelly and Rebecca still don't have much information for me because the BOE (board of education) in Kitsuki is kind of keeping it under wraps for a little bit longer. I reall yhope I am replacing Rebecca and not Meghan (she lives out in the mountains and has to commute further). Maybe soon I will know. Everything is falling into place on their end so I just have to be patient.
Oh the drama. Hopefully everything will be worked out soon.
Love.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Time flies
Information overload. I have been speaking with one of the current ALTs in Kitsuki for the past week or so and she has been really helpful. Answering questions all the way from clothes to cars to sports. It is making me feel a mix of super excited and super nervous. She said I will most definitely need a car. Lame. Maybe a motorcycle would be OK? *except I'm scared of motorcycles but maybe I'll get over it?* Scary thought. She also said depending on finding clothes in Japan is hopeless and they will have to be shipped from the states. *sigh* No chunky peanut butter either. Oh well.
I am still excited though and I know this is going to not only be an amazing experience but just plain amazing! I am really looking forward to going. I even had a dream last night about flying into Narita airport and getting off the plane in Japan. I was so excited. June 1st... I leave July 31st... OMG!
Love.
I am still excited though and I know this is going to not only be an amazing experience but just plain amazing! I am really looking forward to going. I even had a dream last night about flying into Narita airport and getting off the plane in Japan. I was so excited. June 1st... I leave July 31st... OMG!
Love.
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