We Live Where We Are

With a hair over one month before our departure, the inevitable tide of hectic preparations has begun to rise. Today I cancelled my car insurance (effective next month, in case you were worrying), formally decided upon an apartment in Sendai, and started this blog. Tomorrow we're holding a yardsale with our friend Jose, who is also leaving for Japan. And the entirety of next week is filled with doctor's appointments, a car donation, and the scrambled boxing and storage of household goods, all culminating in what will most definately be a last-minute, frenzied move from our apartment to Juli's mom's place. We'll be staying there for about a week, then flying to Maryland to visit my family for a little under two. Upon our return to Seattle we'll have a bit over a week to pack what scant belongings we'll be taking with us into three or four rather average sized suitcases. More than enough room, says I. I'll try my best to pack light, giving Julianna ample room for her bounty of clothes, shoes, and fashion rags.

For the uninformed, Juli and I will be traveling to Sendai with the JET program to teach English. We'll both be based out of academic high schools; mine is all-boys and hers is all-girls. In April of next year both schools will be integrated, and a flurry of awkward flirting will doubtlessly ensue.

This being our inaugural post, I ought to explain that Julianna and I will both be posting here, so you'll probably have to infer from context who's speaking. We have a serious aim to post regularly, so check-in often to get the latest!