Prep day 3. Packed EVERYTHING today. Plastic bags really come in handy. I have all my clothes, soaps, and omiyage (gifts) ready to go. All thats left to do now is wait these next 31 hours to board the plane!

Preparation day 2. Today I went to the bank, Walmart and bath & body works. Walmart was for shampoo, soap, souvenirs for my host family and other necessities. We were like mad men running around looking for all the things on our list. At bath & body works, I got my lotion, shampoo and yet more souvenirs for my hosts. I had an armful of things but refused to get a "shopping bag". Ice cream made the hours of shopping better. Now, except for food, I ...

Knowing that Japan is a very humid country, and that I'll be there in 100 degree (F) weather, I've done a lot of shopping for clothes. I've never shopped this much in my life, and I'm utterly tired of dressing rooms and check-out counters. Between trips to H&M, Kohls, and other random stores here and there, I'm good with not buying new clothes until I'm heading out for college. As far as other preparations go, we had our last meeting this past Saturday wher...