One week to go! :)

Well...a year ago I began the application process to attend a study tour to Japan through the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. After a lot of planning, writing papers, getting reference letters, etc. I sent it off in December and waited....and waited...and hoped...and prayed...and waited. Months later, I came home to find an acceptance letter in my mailbox... I was GOING TO JAPAN!!! :) As more time went by I imagined what the trip would be like. I read lots of books and articles on Japan and their educational system, planned what to bring, tried to learn some Japanese (not very successful) and worked on revising my "follow-on plan" (this is the plan of what I will do with the information I learn when I return). Today is Sunday and next week this time I will be on a plane to San Francisco to meet the all the other participants from across the country at a brief orientation and then off to Tokyo. I just measured my suitcase and was happy to see that the "linear dimensions" fit the guidelines but now I have to make sure that what I pack doesn't exceed 50 pounds (not an easy task)! I am off to get everything finished before next Sunday. Later! :)