One More Sleep

So I've bought everything I need, bought everything I want, packed 'em, been to Calgary and back and got my passport and visa (and a lovely leather bag I likely should have left there), and I think I'm all ready to go. Flying to Calgary was the right thing to do. As soon as I got through security on the way there my sense of adventure kicked in. I love airports 'cause for me they've always been the first step on an adventure. Then the plane took off. I LOVE that feeling. Then I got all my Calgary errands done in no time and spent the day relaxing. It was good. Now I feel refreshed and ready to go. Up and at 'em.

So this'll be my last blog before going to Japan. Don't know when I'll get computer time again, but see you then.

The Times They Are a Changin'

So I go to the gas station this morning, MY gas station, the one I've been going to for as long as I've owned my car, to fill up for the last time before my dear Sporty is no longer mine. And IT'S CHANGED. Same owners, but they've become Petro Can. They used to be Mowhawk. I was actually a little stunned.

This may seem to you like a small, silly thing to stun a person. But this place has been one of the few constants in my life in Winnipeg. Everything has been changing around me, the crowd I hang with (cause people keep moving), the people at church, the location of the church, where I live. It's been a blessed but unstable existence for the past 7 years. And now my trusty gas station has left me too! I've felt for a long time change was coming through for me, and I think this is another sign.

Almost There

5 sleeps until I get on the plane to Japan.

So a friend of mine reprimanded me for not updating my blog often enough, and then proceeded to share how she couldn't keep one going herself (you know who you are). Anyway, I always thought I'd be a bad blogger. I'm just living up to my expectations.

While in Japan, I don't know how much computer access I'll have. Even if there are computers at work, it's possible I'll be banned from using them for personal use. Japanese can get very sticky about such matters. I will try to find an internet cafe, if nothing else, and blog occasionally.

Preparations are coming along. Packing up my stuff hasn't been quite as awful as I'd feared, but I do wonder if I'll have enough time to do everything. I have to run back and forth to Calgary twice in order to get my visa. This really irritates me since it's the company's bad timing that's forcing the second trip. On the bright side, I can count on that being a more relaxing day. I'll fit in some leisure activity somewhere.

I am too busy thinking about all I have to do to really concentrate on blogging. Later.

Your Japanese Name Is...

Naoko Anenokoji

What's" your Japanese Name?

I thought this seemed appropriate. Click the link to find your name.

The Whole Sordid Tale

For anyone who's been wondering, an update on preps for going to Japan. I received an email about my placement. It was the city furthest from my family and closest to where I used to live. This is OK but not great. 5 days after that email I got one saying a position had opened and would I mind being re-assigned to the area closest to my family. I said "please assign me there if you can". Final word on postings won't be released for another 2 weeks or so, so I won't know exactly where I am going until days before I get on the plane.

So I've been making arrangements for travel, working, and spending some time wondering where I'll live come August. I found a place to "land", so I'll be OK until I find an apartment. I want to find something as permanent as possible, so I don't have to move again. Actually, what I was thinking about today is that what I really want is a home. Does a single person ever really find a home?

Well, that's my story. And I'm stickin' to it.