More Preparations

I never use the phrase "I have things to do," or even the last three words of it.

It's not a product of any grammatical grudge. I actually dislike it when people make a big fuss over grammatical errors or inadequate typography--it's like seeing the ugly, over-privileged, grasping, vindictive side of people who are genuinely intelligent. There was a poem I read years ago where "I have things to do" was a solo line, used as part of a reason one person was abandoning...a kid, friend, lover, pet? I don't even know the specifics, but since then, that phrase has carried too much of an emotional weight to use.

This is a problem, however, when I need to do things, and especially when I need to make a list in that regard.

Right now, I have three goals in the 21 days before I leave.

1. Brush up on my Japanese. I'd like to get beyond the Durrr Gaijin Durrrr phase as quickly as possible.

2. Learn some teaching games, as I just found out that in my particular situation, I play a very active role in teaching. I'm super-stoked, but equally nervous.

3. Pack everything (clothing, some yarn, electronics, books, omiyage, toiletries, random stuff for decorating) into a single suitcase. Also, prepare one box for the family to ship sometime in the fall that includes winter clothing.

More music would also be awesome, but le budget does not think a big iTunes card is a good idea right now.

Driving around my hometown has been odd lately as I realize that I'm going to be, you know, leaving the country. It's gone from a someday thing to being more on the immdiate horizon. While it's really exciting, I'm still afraid that I'm going to fail in some way, make some big mistake right off the bat. I want to teach, and I want to be something important to the students I'll be with. There's a possibility of mutual inspiration, and I really, really don't want to screw that all up.