and the countdown begins.

i'm down to my last few hours before the signing at 10:45am. orientation was surprisingly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. my teachers are so incredibly nice and welcoming. there are 80 of us in the japanese school--20 are middkids :) 300 applied. student to teacher ratio is 4:1. 2000 paper cranes will be made this summer. i can't wait! i'm signing up for martial arts, soccer, and volleyball. the list of activities is extensive, and i plan to take full advantage of what language school has to offer.

after hatasa-sensei's closing remarks, i found myself more inspired than i ever thought i would be to follow closely the language pledge. this means i won't be calling home often, checking facebook, talking to my friends in chinese school, or listening to american music (contrary to my intentions before arriving on campus). i'll stay on top of my email, but i can't promise the usually long responses.

おやすみなさい [oyasuminasai], or good night!