One step closer

So I finally reserved my flight... I think I'm starting to get hit in the face with the fact that I'm really going. Maybe I was in denial the last two days. I am traveling out on Nov 12... leaves me with less than two weeks to pack, get everything together, buy some teaching supplies, order trashy magazines, buy a slingbox and just set everything up. Its a little overwhelming right now... I still dont know too much about the people that I will be starting with nor the kind of place I'll be staying at. All I know is that it is a furnished apartment, I think it will be a loft.

I finished my last day at NBC today. It was sad to think that it was going to be the last time I'll be swiping my ID, taking BDFV to 47/50th st, and just seeing everyone. Definitely a bittersweet moment. Great things happened in 1566E and 1567E. I've come across some amazing people who have helped me through the tough days. Unforunately, we cant all stay in the same place forever... We'll see where things go when I come back, who knows, maybe it wont be the last time. Wishful thinking that is, hah

Anyway, thats as far as my update goes for now. Happy Halloween everyone!

spontaneity

I've always wanted to travel the world. Recently, my friends and I have been on this travel craze. Whenever we return from a trip, it just doesnt seem enough and we immediately search for new deals. Sad to say that I will be unable to join them in Vegas, Belize, Iceland, Brazil, etc. However, I am beginning a new chapter in my life. For the next year (at least), I will be teaching English in Japan. I officially accepted my offer today and am waiting to hear on details about flight, schedule, housing, and all the important stuff.

Support and encouragement? My parents have traveled a lot in their younger days so they support me and think its a good idea for me to travel abroad. They know and understand that I might be giving up good job opportunities here. Although my NBC Olympics job was only a contract and ends Oct 31, I had a few interviews that looked promising. I turned them down because I was set on this option. They think this is a great opportunity for me to branch out, see the world, and be on my own for a little bit. I'm pretty glad that they are behind me on this, definitely makes the transition a bit easier. As for my sister... she's not so easy to convince. I wish she can see where I am coming from. I know that no career rise can come from going to Japan, but you never know. That is the risk I am willing to take. She questions the legality of the school and worries about all the smaller details. Sure, they're important but I choose to see the bigger picture, just wishes she could too and believe that I will be fine.

Friends are pretty supportive as well which is great since it was a tough decision to make. Some think its great, some wonder why I'm doing it, some like to play devil's advocate, and others think I'm running away. I dont think its so much that I'm running away rather than having the desire to experience something completely new. Who knows what doors this can open and what can stem from this.

How am I feeling? The moment I sent in my official signed offer, I began to feel anxious and nervous, but in all in a good way. I cant wait to arrive in Japan and just see what it's all about. Of course, there are all the logistics to take care of since I only have two weeks to get ready/pack. The whole entire process surprisingly moved pretty quickly. I applied for the job 6 weeks ago and once I was found out I was accepted, I had 3+ weeks until my training date which is Nov 17. Now, with the days dwindling down and I still have no travel out date, I'm a little apprehensive. All in all, I should find out by the end of the week when I leave and everything will work itself out. For some reason, I'm not worried about logistics. Maybe because this is really what I want and believe that everything will fall into place. Well, I'll be back when the finer details emerge themselves.