Well, I'm feeling much better these days. Actually, I've been feeling better for a while but I've just been too busy to write anything here.
It all started Saturday when I went to Nokonoshima with some friends. The original reason for going was to celebrate another friend's wedding which was the same day in Korea. Since none of us could attend, we decided to have a beach BBQ in his honor. Of course, I think we all realize that it had less to do with him and more to do with a good excuse to have a party. But we did write a message to him in the sand and take our picture next to it...though he will probably never see the picture.
In any case, it was fun. The weather was perfect and the food was great. Someone even caught an octopus! They insisted on throwing it on the grill even though no one really wanted to eat it for fear of contamination. The part of the island that we were on has particularily greenish-black water.
On Sunday nothing happened, I was so tired from Saturday I left the house only to go grociery shopping.
Monday-- I finally got some word on my Master's program at Lund University. I had e-mailed the coordinator on Friday to get some answers. He replied on Monday and, although nothing is official, it looks like I'll be heded for Sweden in the fall! He said that basically I've been accepted but they just have to check my documents, i.e. diploma, transcripts, etc. Since I don't remember forging or lying about any of those things, I think I'm in the clear. So, now I have to go about finding a place to live, learning Swedish, saving money. I am pretty excited...and relieved! I'm sure my parents are, too. When I told them that I was basically accepted, they said, 'good, cause we already have our tickets booked to visit.'
I know, I shouldn't have said anything until it was 100% for sure but, I have been waiting for what seems like ages and I couldn't wait any longer.
To make things BETTER. I got an email from one of my friends, Katie, who studied at Kyushu University a couple years ago. (if you look at the picture on the bottom of my main page, Katie is the one in the blue jacket sitting in the train.) Anyways, she told me that she is planning a trip to Fukuoka in June. To top it off, I just happen to have a small break during that time!
I know there was something else good that happened recently but I can't remember now. I'm too tired and I've been looking at this computer way too long.
Posted by keldog at May 21, 2003 04:13 PMIt pisses me off.
Posted by: kevin on May 23, 2003 01:33 PMHow much is it costing you all together? Are you getting a loan? How is the money situation working for that?
How much do you have to have in your account before you can get your student visa?
--also, I have a digital camera for you if you come to Tokyo before you go. The batteries die a little quickly, but it still takes photos. of course if your feeling rich, I'd recomend you get the same one that I just got...
What pisses you off?
Thanks for the offer of the camera...I'll take you up on it if I can get to Tokyo but I don't think I'll make it. Not enough time, not enough money.
As for the money situation...mom and dad are covering it.
No, actually, I figure it should cost me around 2,000,000 yen (about 17,000$) for the full 1 1/2 years--worst case scenario. It doesn't look like I can get a scholarship for the first semester...maybe the second.
For me to get a student visa they say i have to have 94000 yen/month (800$) for 10 months/year...so 940000Yen. I don't have it all figured out yet...i have enough to cover the first 10 months...I assume I'll get a job when I'm there.
The tuition is basically free. I just have to pay a small class fee each semester (something like 100$ or so) And of course I have to pay for living expenses. I've been getting a lot of pointers from a girl i know who just came back from studying there. She says I can make it no problem.
Something will work out, I'm bringing my tent just in case.
Posted by: Kelly on May 23, 2003 11:10 PMWoahhh! If mom and dad cover me, all my worries are OVER!!!! YEAH!!!!!
I'm going to quit and ride my bike around Japan taking photos and painting!
And I'm pissed because it was MY dream to go to Sweden and learn Swedish! Why should you get to do it while I am stuck in a dead end job in a crappy, dirty, crowded, killing me slowly town like Tokyo?!?!
actaully if I think about it... You wouldn't really be getting the money from mom and dad, you'ld be taking MY inheritance! I object!
Oh, you will probably get a lot more people reading this site now. I told Kurt Easterwood, a blogger in Tokyo who has the definitive list of Japan bloggers links, about your site. He added it to the right hand side link list on his site, so you better start being careful what you write.
Posted by: kevin on May 24, 2003 04:18 PMActually, I wouldn't be using your inheritance. I'd be using the extra money they were planning to bequeath to me-- their favorite, youngest, cutest child...their only daughter.
Also, I don't know about it being 'YOUR dream to go to Sweden and learn Swedish' but basically, the main reason I 'get to do it' is because I applied. If it makes you feel better, learning Swedish is not my main goal...it's just a side benefit...that I'm really, REALLY looking forward to.
Thanks for adding me to the main Japan bloggers link...the pressure's on.
Posted by: Kelly on May 24, 2003 08:24 PMI have no memory of telling anyone I would pay for any thing. I think you are dreaming. Also, that "P" word hurts my eyes--try to think of a better word to use in the future.
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