Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Crunch Time

I can't believe I'm leaving in less than a week! I even called the consulate to make sure. I hadn't received any information about when and where I would be picking up my passport, visa and plane tickets. Apparently, it got sent to my address in Victoria. I knew I should have triple checked that they changed my address! But no problem there. I pick it all up on Friday, and spend the day orientating. What else they want us to know the day before we go I can't imagine. Probably how to avoid jetlag, and what kind of orientation we do in Tokyo.

I'm in the midst of packing all of the stuff that I want for a year in Japan. Luckily I'm too busy here to get nervous. Mostly. Talk to me after I start trying to get stuff into suitcases.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Cowboys at the gates


Cowboys at the gates
Originally uploaded by anyram.

Yes, I have been to the Stampede.

Dad treated us to an evening of Chuckwagon races, grandstand show, and mini donuts. Mmmm... mini donuts...
It was lots of fun, but I'm ready for everyone in town to return to wearing normal clothing, and for hearing music in public places that is NOT bad country music.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Yahoo!

I made the drive across the rockies without incident last week. We reserved a place on the ferry so we didn't get caught in the extra traffic generated by the accident at Horseshoe Bay.

The highway was only really busy from Vancouver to about the Coquihala toll booth. Driving was an interesting way to spend Canada Day. We even caught some fireworks on our way through Canmore, unlike people in Calgary where fireworks were on the 30th. The cat was very quiet and well behaved for the long, long drive. He was very relieved to get to mom and dad's place, even if there is a dog there.

So now I am relaxing in Calgary, enjoying time with my family and friends here. I'll be heading up to Edmonton at some point too! And I guess I will hit the Stampede grounds once or twice, if only for taking pictures of the cultural experience that is the Calgary Stampede for my Japanese students. After all, I think it was my excellent demonstration of calf roping that clinched my position with the JET program.

Operation: Secret Brother and Sister-in-law Visit successfully initiated.
Operation: Sister Visit remains on indefinite hold.

I should really start thinking about packing, because I leave in about two weeks! Scary stuff kiddies!