Beckteria

Three Suitcases

Okay, I’m packed and sort of ready to go. Three suitcases, one backpack, and a pillow. You try whipping that around at Narita (Tokyo’s airport). This will be interesting. All of my luggage is on rollers, but if you can’t haul it around in Tokyo, they force you to ship it at $50-75 per piece. I’m hoping to only ship one because I’m a cheap bastard.

I was hoping to buy more omiyage (gifts) for my new co-workers, but I simply don’t have room or money. I’ll have to some shipped later. I really only bought Momo-san a Sponge Bob towel (she wanted a plush Gary toy which I could not locate) and her Oreo cereal. For my co-workers, I bought Pearson’s nut rolls as they are from St. Paul. It’s best to buy regional things as is Japanese custom. They love giving perishable gifts.

Yeah, I feel unprepared. Three suitcases just isn’t enough. Have you ever tried cramming your life into such a small space? It’s crazy, even more because I’m a recovering pack rat. My parents’ house is crammed to the gills with stuff—I would classify a lot of it as junk, but that’s just me. So, I feel like I’m just not bringing very much at all. For over a year, I’ve been going through my stuff here at home and trying to clear a lot of it out. It still feels like I have too much junk. And now, all I have is three suitcases.

Emotionally, I am totally drained. Saying “goodbye” to all of my friends is really wearing, worse yet is with my parents. I always cry like a little girl when I don’t think I’m going to see them again for a long time. Nobody else usually, just Mom and Dad. I still have a few calls that I should make, but probably won’t—just too much effort and I’m so exhausted. So, I'm sorry if I don't call you.

Tomorrow, I head to Chicago. Friday is pre-departure orientation. Saturday I leave for Tokyo. I believe that I have a direct flight from Chicago—some people fly through Minneapolis. (Thanks for making me drive to Chicago if that’s the case.)

posted by Bex @ 1:40 PM