The busiest summer ever and a new life soon

It's been a long time....I don't know where or how to start. These 2 months, especially, have been one of the most stressful time of my life. It's ironic that my job on JET was so relaxing but the months leading to the end of my contract have been far from that. I'm officially an ex-JET since July 31st 2007 and am currently unemployed...well until the end of this month. I've finally found a new job (thank God), which quickly required me to find a new place in Tokyo, meaning I haven't rested since April, the time when I started my job hunt. I'll talk about my new job, which will be in Shibuya, later. Hah....Shiraoka & Shibuya! You can't find any similarities between these 2 places...a small town and a big,big city.

There was also saying goodbyes. Making rounds to all the schools and giving speeches and saying my farewells. Not only to students and teachers but to some people whom I've gotten close to since I've lived here. It was emotional and yet I didn't have the time to dwell on it. Every time after saying goodbye to someone, I'll be busying myself with the apartment search, packing or moving arrangements. My eyes would fill with tears but go away quickly as I've no time for such emotional feelings. The practical thoughts of preparing for my new life would drive them away.

I can say a lot for my harrowing apartment search, packing and moving preparations but there's not much point in mentioning them now. Though I must say that I've never felt so grown-up in my life doing all those things. It is a time when I really think that it's not easy being an independent adult. Now, I'm 1/4 glad that I've found a new place in Tokyo [much smaller & a lot more expensive :( ] and 3/4 wishing that I don't have to move to an unfamiliar place. Tomorrow will be The Day, when I bid farewell to my little town in Saitama, a place where I've grown so accustomed to and am so afraid to leave for the Big Smoke. My feelings now? 1% excitement and 99% dread & anxiety. Scared....scared....scared. I'll still be in Japan. Same country but my life will be so different. I'm excited too, but right now, the feelings of anxiety and loneliness (of going into the unfamiliar) are stronger.

Anyway, I just have to do it because there's no other way to it. I've made the decisions. There's one thing to look forward to though and that is going home this week! Moving & going home at the same time...I wonder how I managed to get all the preparations done in such a short time! Phew!!