Prepping for Departure

Days until Departure: 12

I am less than two weeks from landing in Tokyo, Japan and it still doesn't seem real. Outside, my parents' home, it's raining and I'm making mental note to pack my umbrella. Once I get to packing that is.

At this point, I have a LOT of paperwork that I'm trying to keep organized and forms that I'm hoping will arrive (from the IRS), a VISA (and passport) that I hope will go through successfully and a form (from the FBI) that I hope will be accepted. Mostly, I'm hoping no major problems develop.

I have a lot to do in the next 12 days. I need to buy clothes for teaching and probably luggage to put those clothes into. I need to get thousands of dollars transferred to Yen (as Japan is a cash-based society) and get my international driver's license from AAA.

I had my last day at work last week and need to return my keys to the store. While I'm going to miss the chocolate, I've heard that chocolate will be easily accessible in Japan, even if the same -- tragically -- can't be said about cheese.

I also had my going-away party two days ago, and had a wonderful turn-out. I have truly been blessed with good friends. Perhaps what is going to be the hardest part of leaving on this exciting adventure is knowing what fantastic friends I'll be forced to leave behind. And a truly amazing boyfriend, who has been nothing but encouraging and supportive through the entire application and interview process. Saying goodbye will be so hard. My little brother is probably taking my upcoming absence better with anyone: while he may be suffering deeply, he hides behind a gleeful smile.