My First Entry

I've tried to write the initial entry to this blog about a dozen times.  I talked about the history of me trying to go to Japan.  I talked about the packing process.  I talked about the ups and downs of the uncertainty.  None of it felt right.  I think that's because even now, at 5:00 am on Wednesday, April 21, there's still a chance things could fall apart.  I received a text message at 3 am informing me lab results are available.  That must be the required, pre-travel covid test I had administered on Monday.  I can't see the results right now, though.  I don't have an account with the medical lab that processed the sample.  So, I have to wait until the clinic I went to opens to know that I have a good, negative test.

Still, Jen, Gabe, and Malachi have been helping me pack and prepare for the flight I should be taking tomorrow morning.  I guess I won't really believe it is happening until I'm on the plane from Seattle to Tokyo.  There really isn't any convenient place to stop in between the cities at that point, so I should be okay with admitting I'm going to make it.

For today, I will be doing the last bits of running around.  Yesterday was my intended last day on campus.  I drove home, reached our neighborhood, and said "Damn."  I left my business cards in my desk.  Right after Tami reminded me of the importance of having them to hand out.  I'll be on campus this morning.  I'm also going to get some cash that I'll be able to exchange for yen, do a bottle return run, and print one more gift.  I need to finish packing, which means a single load of laundry needs done.

Here's to hoping all goes well.