Getting ready for the long goodbye

Life has been hectic the last few weeks.  I've managed to keep my head above water with my papers and exams, but my friends here have had trouble and I've been spending my free time trying to help them through.  It's led to a few sleepless nights, but I think I've really managed to help.  But, on top of all that, the looming day of my eventual departure has finally come into sight.  I leave Japan a week from tomorrow.  God help us all.  I've got my trip planned out and everything should be fine, I'll leave early and get to the airport with more than enough time for departure...but still, it's terrifying.  I have to say goodbye to my friends and the people I've spent the last half a year with.  Some I'll really be sad to leave.

For those who haven't found out yet, I have finally given into facebook.  While I still think it's largely a waste of time, it does help me keep up with people, which has been essential, since some of my friends have already moved out of the seminar house.  I grudgingly recommend it for those traveling abroad, as they can keep up to date about stuff happening at home.

I did make one trip this week, to visit Na-chan in her home town again.  We had lunch at Mister Donuts, which actually serves ramen, believe it or not, and got some takoyaki and pancake like bread in the shape of Hello Kitty and Doraemon.  I also spent my last frivolous dollar, buying a game that, in the US, would sell for a few hundred dollars, but in Japan sells for under twenty.  I feel lucky to be here.  I have a few dinners wit friends planned before my departure, but the day still looms over me.  Gonna have to try and have fun without worrying to much...while I pack.  Oy.

Ikebana is still fun and relaxing for me, so here is my latest composition.  It's meant to be a Christmas arrangement.

I do hope to make some commenatires about my trip on this blog after I get back to the states, so look forward to that.  But, because of my tight schedule, packing, and finals, I may not be able to make another post before I depart, though I will try.

For friends and family wondering, I will arrive in the states on December 21st, a little past midnight.  I look forward to going home but whether I fall into a miserable depression afterwards depends on if I can keep up with my friends still in Japan or in different states when I finally get settled again.

Only time will tell.  I'll keep this short for now, but know that I'm thinking about Japan and my experience a lot.  Started a journal chronicling what I did, still want to do, people I met and want to keep up with, and foods I have tried.  Just as a reference.  I don't intend for this to be my last time in Japan, after all.

Till next time, I hope all my viewers wish me luck for finals and for getting all my goodies packed.