Getting Closer

The time is flying by and multitasking just isn't working. The end of the school year brings enough added responsibilities. With the additional preparations for my trip, I've had many late nights the past few weeks. I'm too old to be burning the candle at both ends, but it's so worth it!

I have continued to receive a number of emails from my new travel friends. We have already set in place a baseball game and a few side trips. Not that we'll have much time to ourselves as our schedules will be tight, but we've managed to work some "touristy" fun into our schedules. And yes, I am very excited.

I will be pod casting from Japan. Kathleen (Currie) Smith and I were awarded a LEAF Grant for the purchase of a 42" television in the library. We picked it up this weekend. Hopefully it will be mounted and ready to go for my trip. Scary that I'll be larger than life in the library! How great it will be for my class, family and others to be able to "travel with me."

Usually a night before packer, I have continued packing the past week or so. I'm trying to pack as lightly as possible, so planning is a must. Three weeks is a long time and we're only allowed one check-in bag. Can I do it? It won't be easy, just ask my husband! I'm up for the challenge though. There are certain things I need to bring with me. Nylons...can't even remember the last time I wore them. Band-aids...no visible tattoos. Umbrella...it's the rainy season. Business cards...thank you Mrs. Reinschmidt for the Japanese translation. Post Cards...my class made them in both languages. I will hand them out to the classes I visit. State Quarters...another little keepsake. Gifts for the family I will be staying with...the Japanese love wrapped gifts I am told. And of course computer, cameras and a tripod...speaks for itself. The list goes on, but I'll spare you from it!

Next on the list...Report Cards.

Overwhelmed

Friday night I sat down to check my email.  After logging on I found I had well over 60 new emails.  My first thought was "What the heck, am I now on a list for some reason?"  Each email was from a different address.  My next thought..."How am I going to get off this list?"  Had my computer malfunctioned?  Upon further investigation and against my better judgement I decided to open one of these infamous emails.  Wow, it was from a fellow JFMFer!  How cool and where did they get my email address.  Looking over the list, I realized just about every email was from a different person that I would be traveling to Japan with.  What fun I had as I sat for about an hour reading each one.  I had plenty I should have been doing as I was being honored at a dinner party that night, but just couldn't pull myself away from the excitement in each message my new friends had sent me.  Everyone wanted to meet everyone else.  Everyone wanted to make plans.  Everyone was so excited.  What a support group!  Needless to say, I can't seem to stop checking my email.  Each time I log on I find I have another 20 messages or so, well over 100 to date.  

The anticipation of the trip seems more real each day, however I keep thinking "Is this like Bob Newhart?  Will I wake up and find it's all a dream?"  Let's hope not.  So, yesterday I got out my suitcase and started packing.  Even though my departure is three weeks away, looking at my suitcase on my bedroom floor keeps it real!

I have had such a great amount of support not only from program members, but also from my district, particularly Ledyard Center School colleagues, students and families.  Thank you all so much for all you have done and offered to do for me.  I am so honored to have the opportunity to represent Ledyard Public Schools and especially Ledyard Center School in Japan and can't wait to come back to share my experiences with you all. 

Sushi anyone?

Homework class...What mountain is Japan famous for and why?  Can you name a company that uses this mountain in its advertising? 

For students in my class you may bring me in the answer.  Students from other classes visiting this page may email me at...           tsamokar@sbcglobal.net

Konnichiwa

Japan...Preparation...Where do I begin?  My first thoughts after being selected as a participant in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program.  I am officially a "JFMFer", translation: JFMF Teacher Program Participant.  I will be traveling to Japan for a three week emersion program, which focuses on education, culture and people.  In answer to my initial question, reread my application and begin building the plan I had laid out.  I have begun as you can see with my blog.

My plane leaves from Providence on Sunday, June 8, 2008.  My first destination; San Francisco for orientation.  I will be joined by 159 other participants from around the country.  On Monday, June 9th will we continue our journey together to Japan.  Once in Tokyo we will spend five days attending lectures, seminars, traditional art performances and have one day to explore on our own.  On Sunday, June 15th we will break down into smaller groups and head to our host cities.  I will travel with 16 other Teacher Program Participants to Tanabe, Wakayama, a small seaside village on the east coast, south of Tokyo.  During this time I will visit schools and experience a homestay and Japanese culture.  On Monday, June 23rd I will journey back to Tokyo for Project Resource sessions, debriefing and presentations.  Thursday, June 26th I will return to the United States and will most likely be home on Friday.  Wow, sounds like a lot in three weeks!

I will keep everyone updated on my experiences as often as possible.  Needless to say the camera is ready.  I will post photos, film clips and journals to keep everyone informed.  You can imagine how fortunate I feel to have been selected for such an exciting adventure.  

So, the first assignment for my class is to find Tanabe, Wakayama on a map and show me where it is.   And you thought you wouldn't have homework!  Students from other classes are welcomed to join in, come down to my room and show me where I'm going.

I'll post again as I continue further preparations.

Sayonara