alright, it's official

i just booked my flight to tokyo for wednesday, september 27th. less than two weeks to go. after having such a desire to move out there as soon as possible, finally the fears are beginning to manifest themselves. for example:

1. what if my application to audit classes gets denied?
2. how am i supposed to make any friends?
3. can i find any circles to participate in? band? hip-hop dance? snowboarding?
4. what if i have problems with my citizenship?
5. will my speaking/reading/writing improve at all?
6. what are the chances that i can find some kind of job?
7. will i involve myself with japanese politics, or just be an onlooker?

over the past couple weeks, i've been spending a lot of time hanging out with those i don't get to see much. i've realized how amazing it has been to reestablish these friendships, but now that i have, it's time for me to disappear for awhile. a long while. will i be missing out on local opportunities? is this really the right decision? and how long am i even going to be gone?

the irony is that none of these questions have any answers. well, at least not yet. the non-refundable one-way ticket has been paid for, and i have no remaining choice but to throw away these doubts and embrace the unknown. wish me luck!

here are some pictures from the awesome going-away party my parents threw for me. tentatively, i'm planning on coming back late-march/early-april to eat mexican food. uhh i mean for the association of asian american studies annual conference. hopefully i can see everyone again then!!