It's Almost Time!!

I leave in less than two weeks! I fly to San Francisco early in the morning on 10/12/2008. I have never been there. I am a little disappointed that I won't get to see any of the city but preparations for Japan are definitely more important! We have orientation Sunday afternoon and then a reception at the Consul General's house Sunday evening. 160 plus people in a house--this should be very interesting!

I am making my packing lists and gathering gifts for my hosts in Japan. The city of Mesquite gave me a very cool pen in the shape of a horse head (since Mesquite is known for the rodeo). I also have Texas Ranger Baseball playing cards. I hope that my host family likes sports!

Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan

I now know my host city!! I am very excited about this. Minamisoma is northeast of Tokyo. I'm still working on finding out more about the city but it's hard because the websites are in Japanese!!

A Very Nice Reception

"The Consul-General of Japan and Mrs. Eiko Osawa cordially invite you to attend a reception to honor The 2008 Fullbright Memorial Fund Teachers on Thursday,
June 5, 2008 7:00 p.m."



The reception was held in the Consul-General's home. My mother and I went. I met several people who are going in October with me, including Amy, the woman in the black and white dress. She teaches in Arlington.

The whole evening was wonderful. Two speakers gave us insight into Japanese culture and tips about travelling to Japan. We were served a lovely buffet after the presentations. I took a picture of the great room of the home. All the regular furniture had been removed so that chairs could be set up in rows. The view of the front entry way is from the middle of the great room. I had such a nice time and our hosts were gracious and welcoming. It was nice to meet a few people that I will see again in October as we begin our trip.

The summer is passing quickly and I can hardly believe it is almost July already. Fall will be here before I know it and the trip will come with that. I am so honored to be a part of this.

Chopstick Help

RK gave me the best present the other day. It's chopsticks held together like a very long clothespin. I am so happy!!! Now, I'll eat with chopsticks that I can use and not have to ask for a fork.

I should find out soon which city I will be sent to after my time in Tokyo. I also found out that I have one day in Tokyo to myself. I'm trying to decide what to do. It is such an amazing city!!

Clocks, sushi, and chopsticks

Check out the clocks on the right! I love sushi. I am grateful to my sister, B, for introducing me to it. Some of the places I like to eat sushi are Mr. Sushi in Addison, Asian Mint, Sushi on McKinney, Kamikaze, and Iron Chefs. You can't go wrong with a good piece of yellow tail tuna.

I am not having much success with the chopstick lessons. They hurt my hand; however, I am not giving up. I will practice over the summer as much as I can and by the time I go, I will be able to eat with them. I must admit that I am considering buying the device at Pei Wei that allows you to cheat. It's a brace. Maybe if I'm discreet, no one will really notice.

I chose the theme of the bonsai because you're supposed to simply trim away what doesn't belong. I think that's good for bonsais and for life. I like for things to be simple. As I've grown older, I've discovered that I like less clutter in the house and in my life. Trimming away what isn't needed is a good idea.

I am so very excited!!

I received the letter on a Saturday in March. I screamed so loudly that EB thought I had run into another lizard! I ran next door and told Scooter and the K's and I don't think my feet touched the ground for the rest of the day.

I leave in October and will be gone about 3 weeks. This blog will chronicle what is going on with the trip and I hope to post pictures of everything I see and do. There might not be a lot of posts between now and October.

I want to publicly thank all of my family and friends who have been so supportive of this trip and who are happy for me. At times I am overwhelmed at the prospect of taking a trip to such a far away place but am thrilled at the opportunity. Your love, support, and good wishes make it easy for me to do all that I do!!! I love you all.