Huge news!

So, I had the orientation back on the 15th (and I was ten minutes late!), and while I got a lot of information and had some questions answered, there were new ones that needed answering. And that meant more waiting. Meanwhile I'm taking care of stuff out here and don't have time to blog about it all. Things are getting answered, though.

But here was the run down:

• Most new AETs get Elementary schools, but I got a Junior High I found out just the other day.
• New AETs get Sempais to show them around the first weekend. I talked to mine for a couple hours via Skype and we're both excited to meet one another!
• Used cars are super cheap in Japan, so I got an international driver license. 
• I bought a Japanese smart phone for the AU network, so now all I have to do is get an account with them.
• Mito still has not told us what time we need to be at the airport, so the 3 Californian teachers finally just went and bought their plane tickets. We're all on the same flight, and we leave April 9. We'll all be in a hotel for a night.
• Our apartments will have some furnishings, but not many. The intent is to ensure everyone has a bed, at the very least. Sempai has at least offered me an air mattress in case I don't get one. 
• I was super excited about there being a COSTCO in Tsukuba (about 1.5-2 hours away) but Sempai informed me that there will be one in Hitachinaka, which is much closer! 
• Two of my friends came over and helped me practice pack for the trip. I have 2 suitcases planned out as far as outfits and shoes and toiletries, and I also have a box set aside for stuff that I won't need until Fall/Winter. What's more, I have a box set aside full of toiletries and grammar books that I'll want sent ASAP. 
• I also found out that I had to buy presents for a bunch of people, with the recommendations being to get candy. For about 50 people. Because I don't have to shove enough into 2 suitcases. 
• Singapore Airlines weighs your carry-on, and 15 pounds is my laptop, Nikon, and external hard drive. I am, however, entitled to a purse and a laptop on top of the carry-on, so if I can get a laptop case for the one, I should be fine. (I have a laptop and a netbook)
• Things for which I have no room and will need to wait: My stuffed bunny, my wind chimes, and crochet stuff. I was going to take some posters and animu figurines with me, but there's no way. So, the Attack on Titan figurine for which I waited 5 months to get, will have to stay home for 2 years. Unless some kind soul gets it to me. And some of my other ones. :D 
• I technically know which school is my home school, but I can't find it on the map and the address they gave me doesn't get me anything, either. I also do not know my apartment address yet. 
• It's also very likely that my breaks won't be long enough to take extended trips. :( I was hoping to visit home and Australia over the summer. We'll see, though. 

I think that's everything?