It's been fun!

It's been a busy summer as I have hurried to wrap things up at one job, get ready to start a new one, and at the same time deal with a large-scale mold problem and prepare for a move (next week).  Mixed in with all of my goodbye speeches and parties were the goodbyes to the friends who are leaving Japan to go back to their own countries.  It happens every year but it is always hard to say goodbye!  This year I won the awful "Staying Forever" sash but I can appreciate the JOKE and took it in stride.  I don't want to stay forever, that is for sure!  My sash was nothing compared to Angie's, "So hot!"

I decided a while ago to wrap up my blog at the end of this month.  It's been four years now since I moved to Japan as an ALT, and a lot of the novelty has worn off.  Not only is my teaching job finishing tomorrow, but I have run out of new and fun things to do and post about on a regular basis... the past few months have been pretty pitiful.  I haven't always done a great job of staying in touch with everyone at home since starting this blog, but now I'll have no excuse not to call and email more often.  If you don't already know where to find my pictures online, just ask.

A few weeks ago I had the brilliant idea about how to write my last blog post.  I've gotten so used to bugs and creepy crawlies in Japan that it would be disingenuous to continue my Japan blog under the current name, I thought.  Oh, how I misled myself!  Just days after my great idea I had a run-in with a large huntsman spider on my head and face that sent me flailing and screaming like a lunatic right back into my scaredy-cat ways.  I guess I have really come full circle from my first night in my new apartment 4 years ago when I found an even bigger huntsman on my wall and wondered what I was doing in such an awful, bug-infested place.

I don't know when I will be heading home (maybe next summer?) but I know one thing for sure.  As long as there are bugs in Japan, I will NOT be staying forever! 

Comments

[mina]

I've enjoyed your blog so much! It's been a nice reminder of my fun times in Japan when I was an ALT several years ago. I wish you much success in your future endeavors!

[Mariko]

Oh man, it makes me sad you're going to end your blog, but I am happy that we are in touch otherwise. By the way, the parcel arrived, and I LOVE everything in it! THANK YOU for everything.

[Mom]

:-(

[freecia]

Awwwwwwww. Send link for photos and such! I've enjoyed reading your blog but can't point fingers, since it has been months since I've updated mine.

[ger]

Nnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Please don't go!!!

[kat]

Fours years!! That's nuts. I think I remember when you first emailed me and you were still in the US...I've been here six years straight...that's nuts too. So sad that you are finishing up your blog, but still look forward to seeing your photos on flickr. Um and if you don't like bugs...you can never move to Australia - it's worse there!!!

[suzy]

I will miss you too! I have really enjoyed reading about your adventures in Japan, especially since I'm not there any more.
Good luck with the new job.
xx

PS: Kat is right about the bugs in Australia.

[Amy]

I think I've been reading your blog since the beginning (or practically). I haven't been much of a commenter in recent months, but I've still been reading. Thanks for sharing so many wacky stories of your life in Japan (and elsewhere).

[lori]

I'm sorry you will not continue your blog.., I have enjoyed keeping up with all your adventures! Hope your new apartment and job are wonderful and you are happy!

[gillian]

hi molly -

i have never e-mailed you or commented, i came across your blog one day four years ago, it was just a few weeks before you left home. i have really enjoyed reading about your adventures, and your pictures make me long to visit japan one day. thank you for sharing your world, and i wish many many blessings of love and happiness to you as you continue throughout your life.

[Brit]

Hi Molly
I have always enjoyed your blog being both a fellow Japan blogger and knitter, and am very sad that it is coming to an end.

I really admire your knitting prowess and also the enthusiasm with which you tackle all Japan related "challenges" that come your way.

I've learnt a lot from you. I hope that my blog will one day have that same genki, Japan friendly feel.

Best of luck in the future, and keep knitting.

Brit

[Schnoobie]

I'm sure I don't EVEN want to know how big a huntsmen spider is....*shudder*...My fiance' is a professional pest control tech here in Indiana. Meet me in Chicago whenever you come back to the states and I will set you up with some "killer" stuff! Happy "free time" instead of blogging!!! I've enjoyed your adventures....

[kate]

hi! thinking of you! wanting to write back. up to my eyeballs in email. but thinking of you nonetheless.

[jen]

Haha! Ahh, the spiders - I remember your very first encounter when you moved in and I came over with suika. That thing was fast!! Unlike most of the people commenting, I have been very bad at keeping in touch/following your blog and just decided to visit randomly today. I need to get my shit together and do a Japan trip while you're still there. Miss you loads! jxx