I've had a pretty good week, although my tennis tournament didn't work out last weekend due to torrential rains. Many parts of Fukuoka were shut down due to floods. Luckily, my area was flood free so the rain was a minor inconvenience. However, the flood warning sirens were a bit annoying at 5 a.m. I wasn't really sure what the siren meant so after I was jolted from my deep sleep, I was in a panic as to what i was supposed to do. Should I run to the nearest shelter? Where is the nearest shelter? I decided to stay in bed until I heard other doors slamming. I never heard them.

This week has been pretty good. A bit sad but pretty good. I've had to say goodbye to my Wednesday and Thursday students. In classes today, both adult students bought me farewell gifts. One gave me some delicious sweet bean and potatoe snack (I am addicted to sweet beans) and a traditional Japanese laquer basket. The other brought me some flowers.

Now, it's kind of strange. I am not a girl who often recieves flowers. I would say on average, I get flowers once every three years or so...this is the second time in 2 weeks I've gotten flowers. Earlier this month, Jin bought me a beautiful bouquet. I guess I should go away more often.

Other than that, not much else going on. I've been trying to pack my things. I filled one suitcase and a huge garbage bag with things from my bedroom...looking at my room now I can't even tell that anything is gone. I think I'm in trouble.

I've hit a bit of bad luck this week. My bank card finally wore out...3 weeks before I leave Japan for good. So, no problem right? Well, if I had my bank book, there would be no problem but since I left that in America the last time I moved back, I'm in a pickle until I get the new one in the mail.

Even if I had no money, that'd be ok I suppose. If I can't get to it, i can't spend it, right? Well, as it turns out, my phone bill is also a little overdue. Not a lot, but just enough so they shut it off. That's really annoying. I tried to pay it. I explained the situation to them and I tried to pay by credit card but they didn't accept it. I didn't really believe they'd turn it off!

Not that I am an avid phone user. Truth be told, I hate talking on the telephone. But, as I mentioned in my previous blog, I have a lot of things going on these days and without a means of communication, things get muddled.

Well, it looks like they'll get thier payment tomorrow...in 100yen coins from my change bank. They asked for it.

I never knew I was so popular. I've been living in Fukuoka for about a year and a half now. I spend most of my free time either by myself or with Jin. Yes, you could say that I'm kind of pathetic. I don't go to movies. I don't go to dance clubs. I don't go regular clubs or bars. I don't go shopping. We occasionally play tennis (but not so much these days...which could explain why I'm turning into an old lady who groans everytime she stands up)

Suddenly, I find my schedule book filled up. Why? Because I'm leaving. Now, everyone I've ever talked to wants to give me a proper farewell party. Not that I'm complaining. I welcome any excuse to have a party. But, I'm going to be worn out and broke by the time I leave for Sweden. I suppose, technically since they are my farewell parties I shouldn't have to pay but you never know.

It's going to be a rough couple weeks.

I realize that it's been a really long time since the last time I wrote anything here. I would like to take this time to aplogize to my reader.

I really have no excuse. I was really busy for a week or two but for the past week or so things have gotten back to normal. Work, tutoring, pottery class. I am so sad because I only have 3 classes left. I am trying to work it out so that i have something to do at all 3 classes but I have to stop making things or they won't be done before I leave.

Other than that, I've just been hanging around. Sometimes I can't believe how slowly time moves...then I leave work and I can't believe how quickly it goes by.

I don't really know why I havn't been writing lately. I have been having trouble keeping on top of my email as well even though I normally keep my mail box pretty clear. I've turned on the computer dozens of times meaning to write but I just can't bring myself to do it. I don't have the will-power to do it. I think I'm in a rut. I'm sad because I'm leaving but I'm excited because I'm leaving. That leaves me stuck in the middle most of the time and I don't really feel much of anything. I need a kick-start and fast!