So as you can see from my last post, I am not in Japan. It's a long story but the moral is that it just was not meant to be. Now, I am heading to Kelowna, BC to live until next september and work as the PC for the South Okanogan. I have never beeen to Kelowna but I am looking forward to checking the place out. I have heard great things and seen some photos that look pretty amazing.

So I am looking forward to that.

Totally changing subjects... it's time for a rant. I have been thinking about the environment lately and all the things in my life I can do to improve my footprint. I have realized that I take way too long of showers. I LOVE long showers they are kind of a haven for me. However, every 2 mintues uses up as much water as the average african person does in an entire day!

So I have committed to cutting back on my shower time. But then I got to thinking about how easy it is to make small changes and make sure that we are voting with our money for products that are better. Now, I don't mean running out at buying everything organic. Here are a couple ideas that I came up with:

1) switching to energy saving lightbulbs
2) using an water saving shower head (that's what I need)
3) Avoid Styrofoam (ex, egg cartons)
4) Use phosphate free laundry and dish detergent
5) When you buy new appliances make sure they are energy efficient
6) Vegatarian meal one night/week

These things don't change our everyday life but they do make a bigger picture overall. I know I am going to try and follow these when I move out to Kelowna.

It's not a lecture, just felt like sharing.

Cheers,
Erin

Erin is not in Japan... :(

Only seven days left folks!! It still doesn't feel like I am leaving. Everything is basically in place but my life is going on as normal. Running, working, socializing... I think it will hit me at some point across the Pacific ocean.

Things have been going great so far. I have a bit of stress because of various things I need to get done but I am otherwise doing well. We had a farewell dinner at Rob's parents house last night and it was great. Both his family and mine were there and I think it went really well.

Anyway, not much else to report... just the getting ready bit... none too exciting.

Kompai!
Erin

Waiting

Today I received my Japanese Visa in the mail. I am offiially all set to go. I just have to wait 13 more days to get on the plane. This is the worst period of anticipation in a trip for me. I am mentally and physically ready to leave, but I still have to wait.

I may be an ubber nerb, but I have already started packing for Japan. Yep, I want to have one suitcase packed by tonight. It's filled with stuff that I won't be using until I get there so, I might as well! I call it just good organization (or over anticipation) you can choose.

Anyway,

that's all to report for now!

First post!

Well, I feel like I am actually going now. Last night I got an e-mail from Nova with all of our accomadation information. Rob and I had initially requested Morioka (where I did exchange before) and Sendai (near Morioka) but we got a city called Hachinohe! It is in the Aomori prefecture, which is the Northern most province on Honshou. The city has a population of about 250,000. I am also really excited because Aomori has a low population and loads of beautiful scenery. As well, I am only 1 hour away from my friends and family in Morioka!! I will be able to see them on my days off and have that support there.

We are leaving the 18th at 7AM and arrive in Toyko on the 18th at 2PM. We are spending a night in Tokyo right in the downtown core and I plan on resting loads on the plane to take full advantage of our night there!

Then on the 20th we take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hachinohe. It is about 3 1/2 hours away but that is over a thousand kilometers from Tokyo!!

Anyway, that is all the news I have for now! I will keep you posted!

Cheers,
Erin