My COE--Certificate of Eligability--came yesterday morning. They shipped it out late the day before, and it was already to Oakland by before midnight. Its crazy how fast they can do that stuff!

Anywho, I got my COE. It is what I need to trade for my Visa. Essentially it says that I have the right to work in Japan. I think it looks kinda cool. (Ignore the awful photo of me.)

I went to go get my International Driving Permit from AAA today, but they were out. XD So I have to go back later in the week. I have to get one because I have to drive in Japan. I hope I will be okay driving on the left side of the road. >.< At least its the middle of nowhere! Haha.

After that I went to go get pics for my visa and the IDP. Man those passport photos are a ripoff! $9.99 for 2 photos, and then 39 cents each photo after that. But whatever. And of course, I can't take a good pic to save my life. *sigh*

My last stop was at Borders. I wanted to get some kids books to take with me. It was hard because I am not sure what their reading level would be, but from what I looked at, I assumed it would be comparable to around 3rd or 4th grade in America. (And that is probably shooting high.) I also bought a book on California and a cool map of the greater Los Angeles area. More than being an English teacher, I'm supposed to be a cultural ambassador. I wanted to find a book with a bunch of pictures, and I did in "Our California". I also got a cute passport and luggage tag.















Yesterday I went to the 99 cents store and bought some "omiyage", or gifts, for my new coworkers and landlord. Omiyage are a pain cause they are gonna take up room in my suitcase and you don't know how much you need. But its kinda expected of you, and I want to make a good first impression. And candy is always a safe bet, so this is what I got.

Haha, you can see my feet! I also got a couple of hand towels and some wafers for my landlord. :)

Microfiber! Yeaaaaah. Its all coming together!

xoxo Stephie