Friday, December 26, 2008

WOW


Christmas day was my last day at Starbucks. It hasn't quite hit me yet. I turned in my apron and my shift keys, and it still doesn't feel real to me. It also doesn't feel like I only have 13 days to be with my family and friends. I have so much to do in so little time. My suitcases were sent out to be fixed and they finally came in. I'm debating on whether or not I want to start packing. I guess I should because I don't want to pack a years worth of stuff at the last minute. I know I need to pack an overnight bag because we are going to Detroit to see my grandmother tomorrow. That I can do right before leaving though...
I still need to finish my scrapbook. I know i'll be glad I did it when I get homesick but man is it a thorn in my side right now.
I got an email from the teacher I'm replacing today! He said the apartment I'll be living in is huge! We were informed that our apartments would be about 6 tatami mats in size but mine will be 12 mats and i'll have a loft! WOOHOO! Thats good because I know I'll accumulate a lot of stuff. I received a card from all the teachers at the school 2 days ago. It was soooo nice! I can't wait to meet them all! They seem very nice and helpful. I feel lucky! I just can't believe this has crept up on me so quickly!

Monday, December 1, 2008

39 days

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't written anything in a while.::cough cough thank you April:: I've been super busy. So anywhoo i have my visa now, its good for 3 years. Who knows if I will end up staying there that long. I'm getting excited as i purchase my last few things I need. Now the only things left on my list are random things such as panty hose, eye makeup remover and buckeye chocolates for omiyage(gift for my fellow teachers, staff, and neighbours). My luggage is in the process of being fixed, I need to exchange my money at the bank and make sure my bank will accept wire transfers. I also need to figure out what tax form to fill out. I'm in the middle of making a scrap book which i'm proud of the first 2 pages i have done. I need to catch up Marisa had hers done so quickly! I need to make a 5th trip to Joannes. What else has happened... Oh, I had my blood drawn for an overall check up and to find out what my blood type is. Let me explain something... I don't do needles. I just don't. I absolutely HATE them. And yes, I cry. You can laugh... anyway the nurse was nice enough to hold my hand since my mom couldn't accompany me on this emotionally scaring trip. I owe that nurse big, I think I'll bring her a coffee next time. So yeah my blood type is O+, it would be a good thing to know in general but also in Japan knowing your blood type is like knowing your astrological sign. If you know your blood type check out your traits, I've posted them below for your convenience.Post your blood type, I'm curious to know too! I'm sure I'll blog more as the date arrives! Let the countdown continue!

The Traits
Type O – The Warrior
trendsetter
loyal
passionate
self-confident
independent
ambitious
vain
jealous

Famous O’s
Queen Elizabeth II
John Lennon
Elvis Presley
Liam & Noel Gallagher
Paul Newman

People with blood type O people are outgoing, energetic and social. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They easily start up projects but often have trouble following through because they give up easily. They are flighty and not too dependable. O types always say what's on their mind. They value the opinion of others and like to be the center of attention. Also, people with O blood are extremely self-confident.

Type O, the most "average" blood type, is considered the best type in Japan.


Type A – The Farmer
calm
patient
sensitive
responsible
overcautious
stubborn
unable to relax

Famous A’s
Adolf Hitler
George Bush Senior
Soseki Natsume
Ringo Starr
Britney Spears

Type A

People with blood type A have a deep-rooted strength that helps them stay calm in a crisis when everyone else is panicking. However, they tend to avoid confrontation, and feel very uncomfortable around people. A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn. They seek harmony and are very polite, but all the same feel that they never really fit in with others. A types are very responsible. If there is a job to be done, they prefer to take care of it themselves. These people crave success and are perfectionists. They are also very creative, and the most artistic of all the blood types, most likely because of their sensitivity.

People with blood type A are also likely to be considered classic "type A's": stressed and conscientious.

Type B – The Hunter
individualist
dislike custom
strong
optimistic
creative
flexible
wild
unpredictable

Famous B’s
Akira Kurosawa
Paul McCartney
Mia Farrow
Leonardo Di Caprio
Jack Nicholson

Type B

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with blood type B are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree. In anime, the genki, off-the-wall types are type B, along with any kind of well-intended character who's ruled by their impulses.


Type AB – The Humanist
cool
controlled
rational
sociable
popular
critical
sometimes standoffish
indecisive

Famous AB’s
Jackie Chan
Marilyn Monroe
John F Kennedy
Mick Jagger
Alain Prost

People with blood type AB are hard to categorize. They can have characteristics on both ends of the spectrum at the same time. For instance, they are both shy and outgoing. They easily switch from one opposite to another. AB people are trustworthy and responsible, but can't handle it when too much is asked of them. They don't mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on their own conditions. People with this blood type are interested in art and metaphysics.

AB is considered the worst blood type. In predictability-loving Japan, they're loose cannons. They also like to set their own conditions and reserve the right to drop out when things don't meet their expectations. They're known to be sensitive and considerate—at times—but it just isn't enough to balance out the flaws in this blood type. For a while, some companies tried dividing their employees into work groups based on blood type, and no one wanted to work with the AB group. Anime villains are likely to be type AB.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The arrival of my COE!

I got a call from my recruiter today and she said that my COE (certificate of eligibility) arrived in Chicago today! I will be receiving it tomorrow around 10:30am! She and I were both surprised on the phone because we expected it to be ready 2 weeks to a month prior to departure (Jan. 8th) Instead I get a 2 month jump start! AWESOME! Marisa just facebooked me that she is receiving hers tomorrow as well. I think they may have sent them in together. None the less I think we are both excited! This means that we don't have to move or postpone our departure date and more importantly our plane tickets! SOOOOOOO I got a good deal! 784 for plane ticket is not that bad! If you recall from my previous post, moving the ticket would be $200 plus the difference. 66 days left yall!