Today is my very last day in Misato... sob!!  I'm really leaving.  It hasn't really hit me that yesterday was really the last day of school, but the fact that my house is nearly empty is bringing my looming departure into reality quickly. 

Tomorrow morning Jaclyn, Danielle, and I will board the train from Hitoichiba for the very last time (at least as residents).  Then we'll zoom towards Tokyo on the Super Azusa (train).  By 2:30 pm I will officially be the renter of a cute but small little apartment in East Tokyo and we'll begin the fun chore of lugging my stuff from Tom's guest room to my place... by train.  It may take until December to fully move in! 

Friday morning I head to my new office to sign paperwork.  I will start full time on Monday morning- which means I get 2 and a half days of summer vacation.  For once, my work a holic teachers here in Misato were truly impressed with my dedication.  They don't realize that it is actually my *desperation* to cover my bills!  Not only must I pay about 5 months rent as a deposit (half of which is more a gift), but I also have to buy all of my appliances (refrigerator, stove, etc.) and everything else (hangers, hanger bars, silverware, curtains, light fixtures)... you name it.  The real killer is that I don't have any air conditioning yet, which hasn't been too tough in Nagano but Tokyo has been setting records for blistering temperatures lately (39.5)!!!  It's rather insane. 

I also don't have a phone line.  Which means I won't be here or on e-mail at all until I get one set up.  It could be a while!  Thanks for all your support and good wishes- I'll be back as soon as possible!