Horrors of Packing

Tonight's unenviable task is to compact the contents of my material life into this:



I don't consider myself to be someone who maintains a particularly large wardrobe, but it sure is big enough to not fit in here. More importantly, my books, movies, and CDs are most definitely not getting in there. Tragic.

The day is fast approaching when I leave - nine days from today until I'm in Chicago. I almost miss the days of endless complaints about the endless length of June and July... almost. Most of the preparations are complete; tonight's packing is merely a mock-up so I know what I need to give away, donate, or store. I also have to go through my backlog of pictures to process; this will be done at some point before I leave. Also remaining is getting yen, and getting as much money as I can to convert into yen. Will there be a period of time of hilarious destitution after I move? Most likely!

Stay tuned for updates as the big day approaches. As a final note, as I am packing I have realized that I don't possess a pair of lucky underpants. I really feel that this is something I should have at this point in my life. Whatever I wore to the interview is probably a good bet, but I don't remember what that was. Any suggestions to remedy this situation would be welcome.

Suddenly, information!

The information drought is over. I have my placement information!

It has been decided that I will be taking over the Elementary school positions in Monbetsu, teaching at a number of elementary schools throughout the city and ranging from full size to outlying schools with class sizes below ten. As everyone says that the elementary school kids are the most fun, I'm pretty stoked about this.

I've also received information about my apartment. It looks like I'll be living in a fifth floor apartment that comes fully furnished, and provided with a company car for traveling to the schools - I couldn't be happier. This is great, since I won't have to worry about getting the money together to buy a car right away, and I can wait a few months to look into getting a car for personal use. The furniture being sold by my predecessor also amounts to less than a hundred dollars, so for now my money worries appear to be over. Rent is pretty cheap, too!

My predecessor sent me a long text file describing the living conditions, schools, and town in detail - it sounds like Monbetsu is a fine place to live. Although I'll have a better idea once I get there, it sounds like most of the necessities are within easy walking or biking distance.

August can't come fast enough! Now to go shopping for my tracksuit.

Moving forward, slowly

A very minor update, but some progress has been made in the long process of moving towards departure. Today, my long-awaited FBI background check arrived, as well as the IRS certification of residency - on the same day! Additionally, I received an email a few days ago from the Monbetsu Board of Education, wanting to arrange a phone call with me. Although this has not yet been followed up on, it's nice to have some contact. August can't come fast enough!