on the ground and running....

Thursday afternoon here....4:25pm. 

I have four and a half huge boxes packed, taped and ready to load onto the aircraft. I packed one bag last night-full of clothes and a couple of English workbooks. I need to pack my shamisen yet....and some odds and ends.

My poor parents are worried sick about my going to Japan so I just emailed them a map of Japan and circled where we will be living.....so that they can see we are far south of the situation up north in Sendai.

I need some quiet time. I really need some quiet alone time but honestly I just can't squeeze it in right now. I guess that will have to come on the plane. I'm starting to jiggle inside....can you relate?

I'm not scared of going to Japan. I guess it's just all the emotions that are trying to well-up right now. It has taken a huge effort to remain in the moment. I absolutely refuse to get swept away by emotion either way. I am purposely walking the middle path.

The past few days have been full of "going away" lunches and dinners. Saying good-bye to friends. I never I knew people cared about me so much and I am honestly quite humbled. A few cried....I was honestly touched.

I have a list of people that I need to see so that I can say good-bye. I tried to see the old priest today but he was not around the temple...I hope I can see him tomorrow.

Two more full days to go.....

Why do I feel like I am forgetting something??