Pre-Departure Musings

I just got back from the dentist. Today, I finished the process of getting my first crown! This year has been so busy for my dental work. Earlier this year, a cavity turned into an severely abscessed (and PAINFUL) tooth which led to my first root canal which led to my first crown. I also got all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted this year ⁀(⊙﹏☉)⁀ But it all ended today and I'm finally caught up so yay. I'm also caught up with immunizations since I got my tetanus shot (which I have a still have a knot on my arm from, ouch). I've also obtained my International Driving Permit from AAA, just in case I decide to drive in Japan. I've printed out the forms to prepare a will and grant Power of Attorney to my dad but my IRS form 6166 hasn't come yet which is bugging me. I reeeally hope it gets here before I leave! Only 9 more days... It's so crazy how everything is coming together.

The Home Stretch

My head is swimming in a sea of anxiety... But my heart still floats! It's getting so close to departure that each passing day feels major. 18 days until I leave America, as of right now. I'm officially in the teens. Slowly but surely, I'm chipping away at my to-do list. Even so, it feels like every time I cross something off, I think of about 3 more things I need to do (一。一;;）As it stands, I should complete the following list within the next 2 weeks and 4 days.

*last updated: July 27*

• Get a haircut
• RSVP to Nashville Pre-Departure Orientation
• Finish dental work
• Update my tetanus shot
• Start a YouTube account
• Shop for new business clothes
• Stock up on essential toiletries
• Dye my roots
• Pack and send winter clothes to Japan
• Pack and send picture books to Japan
• Ride horses on my granddad's farm
• Have dinner with a former JET & friend of my mom
• Finish preparing my 15-minute introduction
• Print recent pictures of my house and family
• Collect more Memphis memorabilia
• Grant power of attorney to my dad
• Get international driver's license from AAA
• Set up payment for student loans
• Receive IRS form 6166
• Ask my bank about international card use
• Ask my cell carrier about tethering on my iPhone
• Set up lowest form of car insurance
• Import pictures from my phone onto my laptop
• Prepare a will
• Withdraw savings
• Measure dimensions of my suitcases
• Pack everything!

Overview of Ehime

For no particular reason, I just really wanted to do a post about the prefecture I'll be living in, Ehime-ken! (Probably because the closer I get to departure, the more obsessive I become -.-') So yea I mentioned this in a previous post but I'll reiterate: Japan's prefectures are roughly equivalent to what states are in America. Like I'm from Memphis, Tennessee, USA but I will live in Yawatahama, Ehime, Japan. I also previously noted that Ehime's kanji (愛媛) directly translates to "love princess," (traditional translation is "beloved/beautiful maiden") which is just about the cutest thing I've ever heard. To get a sense of exactly where in Ehime I will live, check my placement post! Now then, let's discover more about...

Ehime's flag

Ehime (pronounced eh・he・meh) truly is a hidden treasure – a place where natural beauty and industry meet ヽ(愛´∀｀媛)ノ!

Intro to My Apartment

One thing I've been particularly anxious about is seeing my apartment for the first time once I get there. It will be where I sleep, eat, recollect and well... Live, after all! So far, I haven't seen any pictures of the inside but I do know my exact address which has allowed me to get a few pictures of *what I believe to be* the outside of it via google earth (PS you can click the pictures to enlarge)ヽ(〃v〃)ﾉ~

front view

left side street view

right side street view

 Look at those big green mountains ♡ ‿ ♡ Haha! But, luckily, I do have more information than just that.

Sailor Moon Musical

YES OMG FHBCKAHBFCB, YOU GUYS. It's sooo cool that this is happening..  After almost a decade, this is like a revival !! This musical will only be shown in Japan though, which is sad for all of my fellow Americans. Luckily for me, it's from September 13-23 in Tokyo which is about a 2-3 hour trip from Yawatahama. I'd have to take an hour-long train ride to Matsuyama and then an hour-long plane ride to Tokyo but ahh! I feel like it may be worth that, plus the $68 admission fee. I just wish I could understand what they're saying ; ~ ;