... 13 days... 12 days...

Speaking of days, Happy Canada Day!! Of course, Canada Day also means I'm that much closer to leaving, which is slowly starting to sink in. Mostly in the form of an extremely packed schedule of things to do before I go.

But, on the other hand, I've done pretty much all the things I needed since my last post. Things like my visa, airfare, clothing. Still haven't done presents yet but those don't take as long.

I also met a very kind and generous Mark Taylor who set up Shiramizu internship two years ago and was thus the first one to do it. We chatted for quite a bit and he gave me some suggestions on how to prepare as well as an idea of what to expect. Although at some points, we both agreed that it's more fun to not tell me so I can experience what it's like to jump in the deep end and fend for myself.

He (as well as Richard sensei) mentioned that the third month is the hardest. The first apparently feels much like a vacation since it's so new. The second is when it starts to hit you that, hey wait, I really don't understand anything around me, and that gets a bit overwhelming. And by the third, it's getting pretty rough since you start pining for things at home as the overwhelming-ness becomes over-overwhelming. But, apparently, after the third month, it's easy as I get into the groove of things and make friends and such.

The other thing too is I'm not sure how often I can update this, but keep checking back as I want to maintain a weekly posting schedule. I'll have lots of pictures (unlike this bland past few posts) and lots of stories, so hopefully this'll work out. But please still leave lots of comments. It's rather fun to read and reply to them.

Oh, and one more thing. I hit a coyote last night- it ran out from behind a parked car about 2 feet in front of me. That was exciting in an OMGWTF kind of way... those crazy coyotes and their poor decision making...