Japan Questions: Answered

Hello!

I have a bit of writer's block, so I thought I would answer some common questions that people have asked me as I've been spreading the word about our move to Japan. Here's a Top 5 List, now that I'm a big expert ;)

Q: Do you speak Japanese?
A: Umm... no. Not a lick of it. They didn't teach that at CWL HS. :)

Q: Can you bring your cats to Japan?
A: Yes, we can bring the cats to Japan! There are a lot of hoops to jump through, but I actually started preparing for this about a year ago, when I had microchips implanted in the cats. I know it sounds sort of sci-fi, but in actuality it is enables the Japanese government to "match" the Rabies vaccination record to the cat by way of the microchip. Japan is a rabies-free country, and they would obviously like to keep it that way! So - while there will be more vaccinations, more paperwork, and more fees, Tenga and Peaches will be joining us on our World Tour! I just need to make sure they stay inside cats so they do not end up in someone's dinner!! (Kidding!! Well, sort of...)

Q: How are your parents taking the news?
A: Umm... I'll let my mom answer this one. :) I would say that their initial reaction was not particularly a happy one. I think it's the whole removing-the-grandson-from-this-continent thing. But I think they are coming around. After all, it's a tropical destination - what's not to like about visiting? Really, they have always been so supportive of everything I've done, and I'm thankful for that. I think they are planning to visit us in Japan. Right, mom?

Q: What about your stuff?
A: Well, that's a good question. One I hope to have answered in detail at the class I'm attending next week on moving overseas. I already know that we have to sell both of our cars. Anyone interested in a 2002 Mazda? Or how 'bout a 2006 Highlander??? We get to take 3,000 pounds of stuff with us, which is approximately 1/3 of everything we moved to Virginia with us. Which means that we'll have some decisions to make regarding what to take with us, what to sell, and what to put in long-term government storage. Yippee!

Q: What are you doing while Tommy is in California this summer?
A: Continuing to hone my single-parent skills. And hanging out at the pool in our housing center with my friends. Tommy leaves mid-June. I plan to work until July 31, when my contract ends. Then in early August they will probably pack up our stuff. Then in late August I'll probably go to Iowa for a few weeks to see everyone and say our goodbyes.

Q: Are you excited?
A: YES!! We are really excited. At first I asked Wyatt if he wanted to move to Japan, and he said, "NO!" But then I explained about the beach, ocean, tropical fish, playing outside year round, and asked him again, and he said, "Yes!" I get more excited everytime I read this blog http://www.okinawahai.com/my_weblog/offbase_housing/, which is all about life on Okinawa. Specifically, this link takes you to the Off-base section, which I've been looking at quite a bit since we are strongly considering living off-base. Check it out if you have a chance! It's got tons of great information.