A beautiful day.

I cleaned my dishes and the kitchen counters. I worked on a cover letter for a job possibility in Boston. I probably won't get it, but it feels good to have some ideas about what I can do when I get back. Talked to family and friends on Skype. Talking about my insecurities, one friend said, "Knowing you, you'll find yourself sucked into a new life right away." That was actually kind of reassuring, that I could be interesting and desirable enough to find a new start.

I sat out on the window in my boxers and t-shirt with my cigarette and coffee. I spotted my four year-old neighbor Tenma down by the parking lot. I watched as he ran over to the drainage ditch, pulled down his pants and peed. He pulled up his pants, turned around, then saw me up in the high window. He waved and yelled "MERII-SENSEI!" I waved back as he ran to get his dad, telling him to look up. I politely waved to Mr. Aota, who had Tenma's 6 month-old brother in his arms. He laughs as Temna tries to yell to me where the family is going for the day. I laugh at the adorableness of the scene.

I left my window perch to then figure out the train schedules for the day. Found there is a Hamakaze rapid service to Takeno, where there summer's kick-off beach party is happening. Leaving exactly an hour from now, the perfect amount of time.

The last week has been full of panic. But today, so far, has been perfect--a mix of productive and relaxed time. And I see this is how the days should be enjoyed from here on out. Appreciating the things I will miss, soaking them in like the sunshine. Preparing slowly to move onto the next phase, to reunite with the people back home.

Despite what it's been like in my headspace these days, today I actually believe things are going to be okay.