and so it's final

what i never thought i'd say: my last week of teaching has commenced.

the rainy season is finally over, so it's been humid as hell the last week or so. seriously, unbearable. but along with the incredibly nice (but muggy) weather, my last rounds at school have been well underway, and as of this instant, i have 3 days of school, and 3 schools left to say goodbye to.

i can honestly say that despite all the Farewell Assemblies i've been to over the last few weeks, i've hardly shed a tear, since i know i'll probably run into more than a few of my students in my remaining few weeks on the island. i plan to hit up as many festivals on the island before i head out, and since we're approaching festival season, i'm sure i'll see a ton of people between the end of school and my departure.

speaking of departure, i've finally done it. i've finally purchased all my plane tickets which will ultimately bring me home. yes, that's right. i'm going home. about a week after my interviews, i decided that the only reason why i wanted to stay in japan another year was so i could perfect my writing and professional speaking skills. but really, i live in the bay area. that means that if i look hard enough, i can probably find a native or at least pretty damn fluent japanese speaker who can be my language buddy. so if i can find someone who can give me that one-on-one attention at home, there's really no need to put myself through the misery of living in Tokyo again.

soooo, i emailed 2 of the companies that i interviewed with (the JET like companies) and told them i just wasn't interested anymore, and that i was going home. i could tell i disappointed both of them, but i know this is what is best for me. i also soon got a rejection letter from the translation company... no surprise there.

SO, here's the "Evelyn's-ACTUALLY-going-home-for-good-plan":

Mon, Aug 4th: Leave Tsushima and head out towards Kansai

Thurs, Aug 7th: Watch my quite possibly last Hanshin game ever in Osaka vs. the Hiroshima Carps

Sat, Aug 9th or so: Head out to Tokyo to visit people

Thurs, Aug 14th: Depart from Narita and go straight back to SF

So to all you folk in the Bay Area, if you're free after Aug 15th, let me know and let's meet up!! It's going to be weird being home after finally getting used to the slow island life, but i know it's time to leave... i'm finally feeling the aching need to re-Americanize myself. I'm counting on you all to ease the process ;D

See you all soon!!!