So I had decided early on that I would create a blog for my time in Japan. I used a blog to keep track of my senior thesis project, and I feel that this is even more appropriate. After looking around a little I decided that I didn’t really want to deal with the hassle of setting up new webspace (my current space with Morpheus Media will expire relatively soon), and some of the other online blogging services didn’t really seem appealing. Since I liked using WordPress before, I was happy to see that I could easily create an account on their web based system. So that’s what I did. I haven’t really gone over everything carefully yet, so commenting may not be that easy yet (or it could be too easy and there may be some garbage there soon).
Anyway, the point of this post was to describe some of the preparations I’ve done in order to be somewhat prepared for moving to the other side of the world for a year. Thanks to help from my friends and family, I have tons of Canadian memorabilia to give away as omiyage. Also, I have started picking up the larger gifts that I will give to my principals, co-workers, etc. I’ve been shopping a few times and have gotten nearly all the clothing I think I will need (although I’m sure this is not quite accurate). I’ve gotten my vaccines, converted some Canadian money to yen, ordered a laptop, and done a bunch of other small things that needed to be done. I think technically I’m doing pretty well in terms of getting ready, however I keep feeling like I’m running out of time very quickly and something important won’t be done. Fortunately, the JET Programme is very good at keeping things on track, which I really appreciate. I can’t actually imagine how much more complicated it would be if things like Visas, travel arrangements, and accommodations weren’t taken care of for me.
Anyway, that’s my first post, more will be up soon.
