(Oddly-Formatted) JET 2012 Packing List

Here is my packing list, constantly in the process of revision.
Personal Bag
Wallet + $ (en   changed by bank)        Kindle        Laptop        Ipod Touch (w/ new apps) + Nintendo DS        English-Japanese dictionary        Camera        Headphones        Pen, pencil, paper        Deck of cards        Handkerchief        Important documents + copies        birth certificate        social security card        marriage certificate        driver's license        passport        resume        diploma + TEFL Certificate        Wear        Glasses        Casual Shoes        Skirt        Summer shirt        Toiletries        Ear Plugs        Eye Mask        Eye Drops        Lotion        Lip Balm        Hand Sanitizer
Carry-on
Suit (2)        Microfiber towel        Various chargers + prong adaptors        Ethernet Cable        Pajamas        3 Professional Shirts        2 Professional Skirts        Professional Shoes        Slippers        1 pair shorts        2 summer shirts        5 panties        5 pairs socks        Tennis shoes        Slippers        Neck pillow        Toiletries        2 oz of perfume        Cosmetics        Feminine products        Deodorant        Sunscreen        Contacts(1mo.)/Solution        Ibuprofen (50 pills)        Binders + bobby pins, Swimsuit        Shampoo        Comb Instant Coffee
Checked Bag
School sandals        Med Kit        Omiyage        T-shirt blouses (2)        Long-sleeved blouses (2)        Summer Skirts (2)        Dresses (3)        Non-jean pants (1)        Shorts (2) (1 athletic)        T-shirt (2)        Bras (1 regular, 1 athletic)        Nylons        Underwear (7)        Socks (5)        Athletic warm-up suit        Vitamins        Razor        Travel mug
Have Shipped
Boots        Coats        Educational materials + prizes        Warm socks (3)        Non-jean pants (2)        Quilt        Hat, scarf, gloves        Sewing kit        DVDs        Long underwear        Winter Skirts (2)        Long-sleeved professional shirts (3)        Costumes (Santa, Halloween)        Cleats, shin guards

Tokyo Orientation

Awaiting further information about the JET Program and my placement, I have resorted to researching details myself. It seems that JETs have stayed in the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo for the 3-day orientation in Tokyo. Here is a picture of the outdoor pool on the 7th floor:

And a view from the top:

While I am nervous for travelling to Tokyo and navigating the transportation, I am so excited for the amenities. Boy, do I love hotels. :)

Wish List

http://amzn.com/w/35WL25BGPSUH

I have created a wish list on Amazon for things that I would like for Japan. I update it frequently!

Japan, Here I Come!

     The last couple of weeks have been remarkable and exhausting. I found out that I have been short-listed for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program(!!!!!!!!!), to depart on July 28th after a pre-departure orientation in Chicago. I am awaiting notification of my placement, and I can't wait to connect with my Board of Education (Contracting Organization) and my predecessor for more information.
      The gap in my posts is due to the long wait before I was notified of my new position as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). Now, I must make time for writing and reflecting about the initial steps of my journey, although it seems that I have so many other things to think about before I leave the country in 3 months: finishing up my second year of AmeriCorps and my TEFL Certification class, planning a wedding reception and a "get-rid-of-all-my-material-possessions" garage sale. 
     Before my departure, I am learning as much Japanese as I can. I made a day-by-day syllabus, until July 28th, utilizing all the resources available to me: textbooks, software, podcasts, films, a speaking club, the internets, and cultural events like the Como Park Japanese Garden Tea Ceremony, the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM)'s Kanna Networking Club, the U of M's N-Dimensional Japan, and the JET Alumni Association of Minnesota's former JET panel this summer. In June, will be taking a trip to Chicago with my Minnesota JET compatriots for a team-teaching seminar and Q&A session with former JETs put on by the Japanese Consulate. 
     My packing list is under constant revision, with the thanks of the current JET, Macalester Alumni who have been so kindly and thoroughly advising me. My pre-departure to-do list includes all the nitty gritty of figuring out taxes, shipping, money exchanging, and teaching materials. One thing I do well is prepare; however, the tumult is a challenge to quell.