PRE-DEPARTURE; It's getting close

I have less than two weeks until I leave for Japan for four months to study

2011 alter in a Saitama house.

abroad. When I think about it I get a little nervous, even though I have been before and am confident I can communicate (even if I might sound like a baby learning how to piece together sentences).

I think of that roller coaster of feelings image that the Study Abroad department told us all about at orientation, and I am grateful to know in advance the many stages and vast amount of emotions I will most likely feel during the process before during and after. It's comforting.

2011 topiary in Saitama.

I'm not worried about much, just nervous for no real reasons. I don't really have much that I am nervous about, I just am.

I just went on a weekend vacation trip to spend more time with my boyfriend before I leave, and I think about being away from him for the whole time. Since I live with him and have for years I know I will really miss him during my study.

On the other hand anytime I come across a new documentary about culture in Japan, or get together with Japanese people here and such I feel completely at ease and even excited for the exploration to come.

For example these really get me looking forward to my time in Japan:

First time here: Japan
Japan By Bicycle
Departures: Japan the future
Departures: Japan the past

All in all I think it's going to be great and work out well. I'm absolutely excited to get going, but also will miss someone.

2011, Me trying on a Yukata.

My Revised LIST:

• Laptop
• Camera/cord/rechargeable batteries and charger
• Genki II Japanese textbook, pdf file of basic grammar formulas from Genki I book.
• My 36 views of Japan new word notebook where I write down new vocabulary
• Hairbrush, shampoo-bar, toothbrush, tweezers, citronella essential oil for mosquito repellent, eyeliner.
• Deodorant stone.
• Mini hand cloths aka Tengui 
• Stainless steel waterbottle
• Some paperwork or pdf files of the paperwork for registering for CMU classes while I am abroad, and other papers needed for the study abroad process, visa, passport, flight info etc. 
• Minimal clothing that utilizes layering such as blazers and tanktops.
• Several slacks and dress pants, one blazer, and pajama pants and shirts.
• My cellphone, just so I can have it to call family before I get to Japan, and upon return from Japan.
• A wallet that works well with Japanese coins and bills.
• 1 pair of black tennis shoes for all the walking, they also blend in for formal occasions.
• Gift for my advisor who will be picking me up from the airport, my friend at the university and my friend from Nagoya who will be meeting me in Nara.