tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38795285157326027132024-02-21T08:55:29.316-08:00Betania to JapanIT IS OFFICIAL:
JAPAN 2010-2011Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-36084960305314574892010-09-08T06:23:00.000-07:002010-09-08T06:42:48.239-07:00Well then...I don't know who even follows this any more...I mean God it's been forever FOREVER since I last posted but since a certain person just wants a blog post so much here it is.<div><br /></div><div>Uhm so It's been about 5 and a half months now.</div><div>I'm not really sure what to say...</div><div><br /></div><div>During the summer I changed host families (temporarily), had to say good bye to a lot of friends but also got to know a lot of new ones :) </div><div><br /></div><div>And before you all ask. The whole change was due to my host sister going to America for college. My host family wanted to go and help her and make sure everything was good and that she was adjusting well :) I miss her! But I can't wait until winter holidays when she comes back :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For welcoming the new kids we went on a "Welcome Outing" to Kyoto! Super fun!</div><div>....I love Kyoto :) SO many good memories there </div><div><br /></div><div>The weather here in the summer is ridiculous. The heat is intense and it's so HUMID! I hate hate hate it! As my friend said it best, it just feels like the air is sweating all around you. But it's finally starting to get at least a tiny bit colder. It's typhoon season although nothing has really hit so far. </div><div>I will never complain about Ohio summers again thats for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (hereafter called JLPT) and this test basically tests you for your level of proficiency in the Japanese language (sorry if that was a bit cheeky lol). There are 5 levels starting this year, as the test has been revised and updated. I'm going to take level 3 hopefully. Although the studying alone might kill me.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for now. I'm just trying to let go of all the stress I'm putting myself under.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we go out! I'm excited! :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks </div><div><br /></div><div>And YOU. Be happy :P</div><div><br /></div><div>Betania</div><div>(maybe more to come)</div>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-35398481245514096512010-04-29T06:15:00.001-07:002010-04-29T06:30:54.042-07:00Uhm....HiHey guys.<div><br /></div><div>Man I feel terrible. I'm such a lazy blogger as of late. I'm just so tired all time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So obviously it's been a while, and I've started school and gotten a bit more settled in.</div><div><br /></div><div>School has been pretty great. The first few days I went there and met everyone tons, and I mean TONS, of people were staring at me and coming up to me and saying hi, telling me their names, and asking me questions. I tried to speak in Japanese a little and I smiled at everyone. And pretty much everything I do here is "KAWAIIII!!!" *cute*. It's really weird. But I'm having a good time. I have quite a few friends in my class and I've become good friends with the other exchange student who is currently here through Rotary. It's just basically been a good time with school.</div><div>I'll try to post more about that later hopefully.</div><div><br /></div><div>My host family is in one word: AMAZING.</div><div>I really feel lucky with them. They're very open about things and joke around and they remind me a lot about my own family which at some points scares me but in the good way so it's okay. My only thing is that when I say "hm?" or "Mou ikkai?" *once more please?* because I couldn't hear, they start telling me what they just said but they say it in English. Recently it's been getting better though so we'll see. My host dad doesn't speak any English though so I really have to listen with him. But I'm starting to understand WAY more which is great. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically everything has been good. Sorry there isn't more content but it would just take a long long LONG time to fill in everything. Look forward to more posts though. I'll try to post more regularly. Now that my adjustment is getting better though I hope to get into putting more stuff up. Lots of fun things are happening this month.</div><div><br /></div><div>I should probably go though. I have math homework I need to finish and more letters to write (uggghhh so manyyyy X_X)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks a bunch</div><div><br /></div><div>Betania :)</div>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-59533616038658731412010-04-05T23:55:00.000-07:002010-04-06T02:24:26.644-07:00School SuppliesThis morning my host mom and I woke up early and headed off to my school so that we could get the necessary items I will need.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Getting there was an adventure in and of itself.</div><div>Funny enough, the trains were the easy part.</div><div>My train ride is about 10-15 minutes, and I live pretty close to the train station here in my city so I don't have to worry about that so much.</div><div>Depending on which of the two types I take I may only have to change trains either once or not at all which is really freakin awesome.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then comes the slightly more tiring part.</div><div>Although the only thing I have to do is walk, and it's pretty much a straight shot to the school once I leave the station, it's up a hill and takes about 20 or 30 minutes to get there. I'm a bit worried since I don't know really about the way to get there since there are a few streets I have to cross but apparently I will see a lot of girls with my uniform so I can just follow them. We'll see how it goes.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and actually school for me starts Thursday.</div><div>I have to make my self introduction in front of the whole high school. Once on Thursday in front of the 11th and 12th years, and then a second time on Friday during the Entrance Ceremony. I also have to introduce myself to my teachers. Oh and I'm going to be a 10th grader here, did I mention?</div><div><br />My school has hosted before and this year there will be a three of us total. There is a girl from Canada here right now and then when she leaves a girl from the US will be here. It's really cool too. We even have an "Exchange Student Room." I love it. There are messages written there in the small lockers and on the board. Recently a girl who was here a few years ago came and visited and left a message on the chalkboard. I really hope I have as great a time as the girls who were here before me did :)</div><div><br />Today I recieved my uniform (which we went to the Exchange Student Room for fitting) and everyone made a big fuss over it (I heard the word "cute" thrown around more times in 10 minutes than I've ever been used to). They also gave me two pairs of shoes. The ones I use to go to school and then the shoes I change into and wear in the school throughout the day. Along with that I was given my school bag and a charm of the school's mascot which is absolutely adorable. The shoes bag and charm are all mine to keep which I most definitely will ;)</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I Skype with my parents and enjoy my last free day before Japanese school begins! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>And so I leave you with some pictures as promised :)</div><div><br />**Betania<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj292Pjcgk9Qk8Y5xH2MVqHXKUbK8-Ai2Hy2_iHQR5UZ9ThwOeWf8TLlF04EdQ1YVoX_CzSGNZvlyRfw_VmSm9uR221SuYQej7eeNqJx3IJgdZHLi-hdS60MMUl0I6Lh2KQgU2ofQR0a1M/s1600/DSCN0881.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456936602963875842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj292Pjcgk9Qk8Y5xH2MVqHXKUbK8-Ai2Hy2_iHQR5UZ9ThwOeWf8TLlF04EdQ1YVoX_CzSGNZvlyRfw_VmSm9uR221SuYQej7eeNqJx3IJgdZHLi-hdS60MMUl0I6Lh2KQgU2ofQR0a1M/s200/DSCN0881.JPG" /></a></div><div>In Kyoto these were outside of a lot of the shops there. A string of five of them means they are welcoming customers to come into their shop.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiADLummNhFk5ITW7PeOqd0mgLT60cUloULimpAt-6po9_LmcAG97agEgsyv7tjy18RpZtCILTAY6pBqvBzHX9022nLBgpTlf5gETC05p_w_37iPKdLL-VBGZccAMJ_6tllcy0KDy7SA/s1600/DSCN0899.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456943253911860738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiADLummNhFk5ITW7PeOqd0mgLT60cUloULimpAt-6po9_LmcAG97agEgsyv7tjy18RpZtCILTAY6pBqvBzHX9022nLBgpTlf5gETC05p_w_37iPKdLL-VBGZccAMJ_6tllcy0KDy7SA/s200/DSCN0899.JPG" /></a><br />Candy bento box! So cute! This little shop also had a sushi one, along with little sweets and cookies. My host mom got me some candies as a gift. I haven't eaten them yet though x)</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzK4AlM44h8WtAfpmZ7XDyfab72WqEnUFjIpRmYgL9_pTy8pErwKi-ESPTR219Dyh4rKyou6A_mN6mw_pT8KutpEuJaxoWclNEzSJLxTlcRQkjqebyDsLstocq1o5ukGs1AocYht-MvI/s1600/DSCN0914.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456943268563758018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzK4AlM44h8WtAfpmZ7XDyfab72WqEnUFjIpRmYgL9_pTy8pErwKi-ESPTR219Dyh4rKyou6A_mN6mw_pT8KutpEuJaxoWclNEzSJLxTlcRQkjqebyDsLstocq1o5ukGs1AocYht-MvI/s200/DSCN0914.JPG" /></a></div><div>Sakura! They were freakin EVERYWHERE. Many of the trees hadn't bloomed yet though which was a bit sad but the ones that had were so pretty! I took tons of pictures. Some were light pink and most white. But I didn't see any darker pink ones.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr-srZU4K9o5vu7onzG-qv4bQCEbpc98VB4zx55xd4PH_4_pRk2zs4p2xvuMsIMmOFfIzg4tW0rVqU7acbX74wC7SIfzNOf2UARhvK6hEyJkJwjJRimFiixCkMkgUP6NQTo6pUWEEOYc/s1600/DSCN0961.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456943271357438802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr-srZU4K9o5vu7onzG-qv4bQCEbpc98VB4zx55xd4PH_4_pRk2zs4p2xvuMsIMmOFfIzg4tW0rVqU7acbX74wC7SIfzNOf2UARhvK6hEyJkJwjJRimFiixCkMkgUP6NQTo6pUWEEOYc/s200/DSCN0961.JPG" /></a></div><div>This was a smaller temple near Kiomizu. At this temple people who wanted to get married or have a lover or a boyfriend/girlfriend would come to make wishes. You could also buy charms that would advance your love life or that might hopefully give you a safe delivery of your child.</div><div> </div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvRqGNxaQD5Qlk0xqntbdkf__B9SyXAWQttOb3FDhGi3arLG6JNEUkgTZ7o_zJKiQFXlv10fwA9JfH-0CGWPNWMpJh_R00oMj_aN81amsaf62dWOBKYnFNMxYXzsvY3XJcyoJPUjRicg/s1600/DSCN0887.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456949266333681922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvRqGNxaQD5Qlk0xqntbdkf__B9SyXAWQttOb3FDhGi3arLG6JNEUkgTZ7o_zJKiQFXlv10fwA9JfH-0CGWPNWMpJh_R00oMj_aN81amsaf62dWOBKYnFNMxYXzsvY3XJcyoJPUjRicg/s200/DSCN0887.JPG" /></a></div><div>Fake Maiko-san :'(</div><div>Apparently (although it's not very surprising if you think about it) you can pay a certain amount of money (of the "If-You-Have-to-Ask-Me,-You-Probably-Can't-Afford-It" sort) and become a Maiko for a day.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ur6nOR0tCMSnuH6R_9vQOKanaVu2TblTErIMOZ5J0padnpEm33_YNEHy0ETJ2UYlbRZGUeCrOfQo6wyoyiQLn-k-uBEz-Y6oXLiNdqtlNQFHd4pTcalfBUUqhbxP2-fpRyWq_Ql2s7w/s1600/DSCN0984.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456943286318060306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ur6nOR0tCMSnuH6R_9vQOKanaVu2TblTErIMOZ5J0padnpEm33_YNEHy0ETJ2UYlbRZGUeCrOfQo6wyoyiQLn-k-uBEz-Y6oXLiNdqtlNQFHd4pTcalfBUUqhbxP2-fpRyWq_Ql2s7w/s200/DSCN0984.JPG" /></a></div><div>Kiomizu Temple. It was so beautiful there. There were lots of different little places to pray and makes wishes. We couldn't really take pictures inside though which was disappointing.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizvtZ3ennK_ebWOPyX_aP4PP3EYG15yYR5xFmlzOrdQ0bz72KgukDSsDRu_IXotdxTjiuHBX3hUgq3J4c2mfHqTdeqKvJY__in55tQ9ZcMXjRPx3Fd3NHAAcOMLKhH43OtmQQQi8Z9TE/s1600/DSCN1142+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456943291907020802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizvtZ3ennK_ebWOPyX_aP4PP3EYG15yYR5xFmlzOrdQ0bz72KgukDSsDRu_IXotdxTjiuHBX3hUgq3J4c2mfHqTdeqKvJY__in55tQ9ZcMXjRPx3Fd3NHAAcOMLKhH43OtmQQQi8Z9TE/s200/DSCN1142+-+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div>For our Osaka Tour we passed by this bridge (I guess this is a really famous spot) and we took a picture with this Glico running man. We were having so much fun and posed like he was. I'm so glad we did otherwise I would have regretted not doing it I think ;)</div></div></div>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-12562000013276676032010-03-30T22:47:00.000-07:002010-03-30T23:14:40.868-07:00One Week After Departure<span style="font-size:85%;">So it's been about a week since I left America and I'm feeling okay.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I really had a good time with my dad before we said good bye. I met a lot of people in L.A. at the orientation; people who I had never known of or talked to, and people who I had been anxiously waiting to meet. Orientation was a bit slow and boring, but still very helpful.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In the morning we woke up early and got on our way to Japan by about 1:00pm. The flight was really long, but I have to say I have never been so entertained in 12-14 hours of consciousness as I had been on the flight. New record for me. :)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In Tokyo it was crazy! There were so many people at the hotel from ALL OVER. Swedes, Thais, Germans, Malaysians, Hungarians, Americans, Australians, and Chileans just to name a few. I got to take pictures with more people I had been looking forward to meeting. Me and some friends explored the hotel and such before going to bed.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The next day we got up early and had breakfast. The room for breakfast was packed. Everyone had the same idea I guess. My bus was the first to leave, so I took some last minute photos and then left with my group to the Osaka Orientation site. The bus ride was about 10 hours long, but it didn't feel that way. We all had a fun time talking and laughing a lot.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We spent that night at the hostel and the following day having activities and discussions, and then at the end there was a talent show. It was a good time.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Finally on the 27th we headed off to meet our host families.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I love my host family. They're so nice and helpful. Even though my host mom speaks English and stuff she's really been a help. And it's nice to be able to ask her things. But I am working very hard with my Japanese and always work up the courage to say something even if it might not be right. I even bought some small spiral memo notebooks for taking notes on new words and phrases.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Yesterday my host family and I went to Kyoto for the day. I took so many pictures! There was Sakura everywhere and I took pictures of one of the temple we visited there. I even got the chance to take a picture with sumo wrestlers! I tried a lot of new foods (as well as the Japanese take on a hamburger which was yummy). I also bought a good luck charm that is now hanging off of my purse.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I hope things keep going well and I can't wait to go to school (never thought I would say that phrase in my life) as well as get my school uniform (never EVER thought I would be excited about a uniform).</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyway, pictures will follow in the next post, and I have also posted some on facebook.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Thanks for reading guys and please continue. There will definitely be more to come ;D</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">**Betania</span>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-38349380873398346592010-03-12T12:46:00.000-08:002010-03-18T23:34:06.891-07:00Recentlyy....These days things have really picked up...<br /><br />The last two weeks I was non-stop at the mall. And since I'm a total pain when it comes to shopping I didn't buy much but I'm happy with the few shirts and two shorts I got, which if you know me is an epic event since I NEVER wear shorts.<br /><br />Right now I'm in L.A. Let me say...I'm freakin jet lagged and tireeddd...and currently it's 2:07am in Ohio whereas in California it's only 11:07pm(at this writing)...I'm DEAD TIRED AND I'm gonna have to adjust to a whole new time difference in 4 days. Whoopdie joy. I had to say goodbye to my mom and sister and to Torrie [muh BESTIE]. God...we hugged for what felt like 50 hundred hours. I really didn't want to let go. :((((<br /><br />Yesterday I posted my first post on my blog that is being run for the local newspaper in my city AND I was in the paper!! There's this huge picture of me and I got TONS of text messages saying "Do you know you're in the paper?!" LOL Yes guys I saw it :))))<br /><br />Obviously I finished packing and that was a nightmare trying to apply myself to doing it...and I still feel like I forgot something... -____-<br />Oh well. at least I stayed under the weight limit d-(^.^)-b<br /><br />My host sister added me on facebook and we have been talking :D It's SO exciting and made me VERY happy. I had actually seen her thing before when I searched to see if she or my other sister had one, but I wasn't sure if it was her so I didn't send the request. But I'm so happy about it. And my Hmom sent me an e-mail again. They all seem so excited to meet me so I feel a bit more confident although that much more nervous too >.< !!<br /><br />So uhm yeah. I'm in L.A. and I love it. It's sunny (even though I hate sun and heat because I'm pale as f*** and feel the heat in like 5 seconds but w/e) and I actually wish I had brought a bathing suit or something (also an epic occurance since I hate swim suits and how I look in them). I don't know. I'm starting to feel more comfortable in my skin which is good. But I want to spend a day by the ocean so badly.I also want to go look at the shops along the beach here and see if there is anything cute or interesting. I guess we'll see how things go...<br /><br />Welp kids, what else can I say? 4 more days left before departure, until I meet everyone I have been dying to meet (one kid in particular for now because I know however it turns out, THAT meeting is gonna be interesting), and going to JAPAN. I'm sort of...in limbo right now...I don't really know what's going on...I'm not totally here exactly. Just keep zoning out. But oh well.<br /><br />Well I'ma go...I need sleeeeeppppp<br /><br />Thanks for reading guys, and if I don't update before I arrive in Japan I guess I'll see you all on the other side.<br /><br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-53772225472081108922010-02-25T16:22:00.000-08:002010-02-25T17:34:58.880-08:00Back and Better Than Ever!Man it feels like forever.<br />Sorry I haven't posted much.<br /><br />A month ago, I got grounded. And during this time SO MANY THINGS have happened! I feel maybe this was for the best. I have so much news!<br />And for those of you who I have not been able to talk to recently due to schedule things and time differences this should REALLY catch you up :)<br />Here we go:<br /><br />1) On January 27,2010 I received my host family information. I will be living in Nishinomiya City in the Prefecture of Hyogo. It is a coastal city with a population of about 480,000 (I rounded up). It also is home to the Koshien Stadium where the Hanshin Tigers Baseball team plays home games and also holds Japan's annual high school baseball championships.<br />I will be going to an all girls private high school. It seems like a very nice school and pretty impressive. The school trip will be to Okinawa which I totally can't wait for.<br />My host family has four people. I have my dad and mom and two older host sisters and they also have a hamster. They seem like very nice people! I emailed them on Friday and today received a response from them. VERY EXCITING!<br />They own an Ancestral Kimono Shop. It has been in my dad's family for 120 years, since the Meiji Era! My host mom practices Tea Ceremony and the koto. My oldest host sister has been to a college here in my state and attended for two years! And then my second oldest host sister will be coming to the US in the fall for college as well. I wonder if she will also come to my state? That would be very cool!<br /><br />2) I got my Visa! I really love the Japanese visa. It is very pretty. I kinda look a bit scary in the picture though (it is a photocopy of my passport picture), but that's okay I guess. It also had my Certificate of Eligibility attached to it which was pretty interesting. I hadn't seen it till that point.<br /><br />3) I just had my last official lesson for Japanese class with my teacher. It was pretty sad. I still can't quite accept the fact that I won't be taking lessons from her anymore as her student. But it's not goodbye just yet! We will be having one last little thing with me and her and Torrie in about two weeks. Just a fun day there. We will dress up in kimono again like we did a few years ago and we will eat. I'm not sure if we will be cooking it all together or if Akemi-Sensei will be making it and then we will eat. But whatever it is or how it gets made, I'm sure it will be tasty.<br /><br />4) Recently I had the Japan Country Conference Call. Basically it's where people going abroad with AFS (in this case to Japan) sign up for one of two dates and get the chance to meet others going to their destination country and can ask a returnee questions about their experience. I learned quite a bit more, met another person who has now joined the Facebook group, met two people I already knew from the facebook group, and met new kids.<br />I found out that only 21 people are going to Japan this year through AFS. I was a bit surprised actually! I thought that there would be many more of us going! But I guess it has been hard finding host families this year. Oh well. I can't wait to meet everyone anyhow. And the plane ride will still rock this world.<br /><br />5) I have talked with my boss and either this week or next week (I think that there was some sort of miscommunication or something because I'm not sure.) will be my last week of work. So we'll see how that turns out.<br /><br />6) My dad sent an email to a columnist we know here who writes for the local newspaper. He thought it would be interesting to do a local story about me going to Japan. She suggested that I might instead write a blog for the paper instead. So today I went in to talk to the editor. He seems very excited about it, as am I. So I need to work some more on my title for the blog and soon I will have my first post up!<br />Once we start it off and I have my page up on their site for it I will post a link for sure!<br /><br />...Alrightie...that's about all I can think of (sorry it is a tad long) but that's a pretty good condensed version for now I think.<br /><br />I don't know when I will post next. It might not even be until the very end, before the rocket start of the beginning of what I look to be the best year ever (!) .<br />Keep following though! There's definitely going to be more to come :)<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-5213490277890681582010-01-19T18:22:00.000-08:002010-01-20T05:10:33.488-08:00PDO! PDO!Wow it's been a few days... I feel a bit bad not getting to this sooner!<br /><br />Sorry guys.<br /><br />But I'm here now! SO! News time :)<br /><br />Saturday was my local Pre-Departure Orientation for AFS.<br />The ride up there was really fun. My parents and I stopped for coffee on the way (yumm <3) so I had my extra energy!<br />I got to talk to my mom and dad about the trip some more, and heard some things from my mom about how it was when she first came here from Brazil and some of the hard things she dealt with with language and school and stuff. Its really interesting to talk to both my mom and my Japanese teacher for this. I might rely on them for help if the time comes for that while Im gone. x)<br />I'll have to be careful about that...<br />Anyway, we got there a few minutes before 9, that was when the meeting was going to start. It was at a YMCA in Chardon, and we were in a small conference room altogether.<br />In my area, right now they are only sending two people, me and a girl who is going to France for a semester. I guess with Winter Departures they don't get as many people as they do with the ones for Summer, which is understandable when you consider that they also do the summer homestays and such wich allows for more people to go during that season.<br />During the Orientation we talked about where we fit into the AFS structure, the AFS chain of support, Culture Shock and dealing with cultural differences.<br />After our break at about 10.30 we split up and the parents went to another area and me and the other girl stayed in the room and talked to our volunteer for a bit about our expectations and what we hope to accomplish, keeping ourselves safe while abroad, and extra advice about just not being afraid to ask questions, and building a good relationship with our hosts, etc.<br />Something really cool was we got a small packet that had advice from previous students who had been to our respective countries. I don't know if they are accessable online for us yet to get the amount that were on the sheet, but there were many I hadn't seen before.<br />It was good to talk to our volunteer. One thing she said (out of many others mentioned) was that we shouldnt be afraid about going to our volunteers and talking to them, that many had been where we were are now. In talking to her we really got to see a bit behind her experience when she went abroud about 12 years ago. It was really comforting and calmed me a bit more.<br /><br />After that we came back together (at about noon or so?) and just hung out and had some lunch and talked with each other, and this just gave us the chance to talk about anything we might have forgotten about before.<br />We wrapped up and left at about 1pm.<br /><br />Over-all, even though it wasn't a whole weekend experience, I enjoyed it. AND I got to give the girl going to France the name of the Forum I go to, I love it so I hope she'll check it out. Great way to meet people going to the same country as you :)<br /><br />She'll be leaving in a few days, and I can't wait until thats me! Im so ready to get going!<br />But there's still lots of prep work and and a host family to be aquired! So for now I'll go work on and wait for those!<br /><br />Thanks guys~<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-84019487152387907282010-01-14T20:50:00.000-08:002010-01-14T21:14:56.971-08:00Well I was a bit depressed on Wednesday.<br /><br />I had to have "the talk" with my Japanese teacher.<br />We arranged for when my last day of lessons would be...<br />...inside I was just like ".....WHAT?!....NOOOO!!!!!"<br />Its so strange! I remember years ago when I first started taking my lessons, and heard about when Josh and Wyatt finished their lessons, I thought to myself "Oh that's going to be so far from now! I have so much time!"<br />And now it's suddenly here. Time flew by so quickly I can't believe it. I guess in some ways I felt like I would never get to this point, kinda didn't want to because it's been a whole part of my life for so long.<br />But it's good y'know? I feel like I'm sort of ending a chapter in my life that has now been able to help catapult me into a new one.<br />...*siighhh* It's hard to put this feeling into words...<br />Its...bittersweet I guess...<br />But I've been so grateful to my teacher for helping me with learning her language for almost 4 years.<br />But I won't say everything just yet! Not time for that! I can't do it just yet!<br /><br />*sigh...* emotions eh?<br /><br />Also this Saturday is the PDO so that's gonna be fun. Just waiting for that. I'll post more about it when I come back.<br /><br />In more recent news,<br />many of the AFSers are beginning to get their host families! It's so exciting! Now I'm just waiting for my turn. But I wont be as bad with my patience as I was before I PROMISE! I'm just trying to patiently wait for it! Hopefully it will be soon!<br /><br />So that's about all, just wanted to put up a quick post.<br /><br />So wish me luck guys :)<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-56260977316648780112010-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:002010-01-06T15:42:17.634-08:00Well Now...Hello all!<br />Hope everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR~!<br />My Christmas was pretty good. Think I got some awesome stuff.<br />And also got my parents to wake up and open presents at 5am :D<br />ahh fun.<br /><br />Well, I felt it was time for an update.<br /><ul><li>January 16th! This is the date of my local PDO!! (Pre-Departure Orientation).<br />This is VERY exciting. I'm going to meet all the other exchangers in my area who will be leaving in the coming months. It won't be country specific, just covering the basics like safety, departure/return, cutlure shock, etc.<br />It's only going to be a few hours :[ But, I guess I'm happy that I have SOMEthing to do.<br />-as an add-on here, I also recieved a packet in the mail from my local area volunteer with some papers to try and fill out at home (and then also at the PDO), so I'll be working on that.... @.@...there's lotsa questions...<br /></li><li>SECOND!--........ -_- .....School started Monddayyyy.....<br />It's been a pretty easy week though. Mainly we did a lot of "reflection" on the first semester and what to improve and such. I hope the rest of the week will be good too.<br />I think I had a good break. I got actually a LOT more sleep than I thought I would have. (me+breaks+sleep=....HA! [usually]). I went out some and saw movies and bought a book to read (Jane Eyre...GOOD BOOK), and just basically vegged out *~^__^~*<br /></li><li>...so uh my work hours are totally down. We're slowing down a bit so I havent been to worrk much. But I'm still glad to go in when I can. Its just a bit weird. Such a change from when I first started in August, I was there like <strong>every day</strong> XD.<br />We'll pick up though as the month goes on though so that will be good.<br /></li><li>I have a rough idea of my last day of school and day that I officially leave Ohio. My dad says that I will leave on March 12th. On March 17th I will be leaving to L.A. with my dad and we're gonna hang out there for a last little bit. (We ALMOST were able to stop and see my brother but noooooo my dad had to book the tickets and THEN think that it would be good to go and see my brother....ahh it sadens me TT-TT)</li></ul><p>hrmm...there's probably more...if so I'll add it. But lately I have not for the life of me been able to remember anything else thats really happened.</p><p>So I guess we'll leave it at that for now.</p><p>OH! And according to my Ticker I have 76 days until departure to JAPAN!<br />o.o its coming fast guys...slowly freakin out here...<br />@.@</p><p>As always thanks for reading :)<br />**Betania</p>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-13774318581407567292009-12-23T07:23:00.001-08:002009-12-23T07:43:31.024-08:00Almost thereee....SOOOO....<br /><br />Yesterday I got my travel logistics!<br /><br />Im so excited!!<br /><br />I'll be leaving on March 23rd from LA and getting to Narita on the 24th.<br />I'm pretty excited.<br />It is SOOOO nice to know about something with this FINALLY. I was getting anxious not having any kind of news.<br />Also along with the travel stuff came the location for the Gateway Orientation which I simply CANNOT wait for.<br /><br />Now I have new things to read and learn information about so I'll have to get crackin with that "Takeoff!" bulletin. I'll have it finished in a short time (not today though since I have to work). But after that.<br />All thats left is to secure a host family! I hope that happens soon!!!<br /><br />Also, I recieved my "Japanese for Everyone" textbook and was able to use it on Saturday. Honestly, I think I have a problem. This book is already slowly getting messed up. And my Genki book is just sad. I hope it doesnt get worse.<br /><br /> So yeah, this is a pretty short post, but it's a small update so...oh well...<br /><br />oh and one more thing, I DID find out the secret (it was too exciting) and...I must say, that was one of the happiest secrets I have ever had the pleasure of being told. :)<br /><br />So anywho, I'm off...I'll update again when something else comes up.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-404484132669107922009-12-14T05:01:00.000-08:002009-12-14T05:25:04.775-08:00Things that Rhyme with Orange...So I'm at school right now in the library and I'm totally bored.<br /><br />I could be writing some stuff down for a study guide but I can't concentrate right now so whatev.<br /><br />Let's see...<br />Not much has happened by way of hosts or anything. Thats a bit sad. But it could be any day so I'm trying not to worry myself about that right now.<br />Recently I got a letter from AFS though that was, like, the actual acceptance letter about Japan....THANK GOD FOR EMAIL.<br />If I had had to wait that long (think it wouldve been bout 3 more weeks?) to get the freakin letter I would have hurt something. But yeah, it just had some general info about how it might take a while for hosts, to make use of the many resources that AFS has to find out info about Japan, stuff like that.<br /><br />On Saturday I had JLSC again which is fun and getting easier...sort of, haha.<br />I still don't know as many vocab words as I'd like but that's okay. I'm learning.<br />I also should be getting my new book sometime this week so thats good.<br /><br />OH!!! So my sensei's former student, Wyatt, who went to Osaka for a semester of exchange through his college is supposed to be coming back sometime soon!<br />I'm pretty excited. And I'm told he has a good time.<br />I think my teacher wants to set up another meeting time for us to all talk and stuff, so that will be nice to see how he's been and what it was like for him.<br />....And hopefully this time we will be able to talk more.<br />I think my social skills have improved some though so we'll see how it goes if we do that.<br /><br />Also! One of my friends has some sort of secret to tell me. I'm entirely too curious! I'm not going to be patient enough to last the week. But I guess I will have to. I had the option of hearing a hint (which would reveal everything) yesterday....I totally said I'd wait...grr...<br />...WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!<br />But it builds up the suspense. And apparently I'm going to be super excited when I hear and it's totally worth it.<br />You promised kid. You best keep that. I'm holding you to it. :]<br />.....You know who you are.<br />(although I don't know if that person is reading this blog...hrmm...have to check that..)<br /><br />Well....I have to go...In 5 minutes we will be dismissed to a "Holiday Assembly"...<br />WHICH MEANS I GET OUT OF ENGLISH!!! WOOOTTTT!!!!<br /><br />...Kay gonna go.<br /><br />Thanks for reading<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-66890378043080083192009-12-08T20:25:00.000-08:002009-12-08T20:42:06.078-08:00Blog HappeningsOkay so I've been thinking.<br /><br />I'm going to switch my stuff over to this blog from now on. I love having the two blogs I have, but it is tough maintaining two blogs. And I am basically typing the same information for each.<br /><br />So I'm going to try to update this more often (hopefully) or at least put all the updates I do have, on here. It'll just be easier.<br /><br />Also I have slightly changed the name of my blog. But it's the same thing so no worries!<br /><br />So I hope you guys stick with it! And I hope to be getting more information from AFS as time moves on and it gets closer and closer to departure date!<br /><br />Thanks for reading and following!<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-67357872648530985942009-12-08T20:24:00.000-08:002009-12-10T04:45:56.690-08:00JLSC Advanced Class!Okay so...Today I...well okay technically yesterday *it's 3.00 Am Sunday morning right now*....I went to JLSC.<br />It's the beginning of the second semester. Kinda weird. But good.<br />I have officially been "promoted", as my sensei said it, to the advanced class.Which means I just bumped myself up two levels.It was abit weird at first but I had already met all the people in the class before and they are all pretty cool.<br />It was a bit sad because my bestie couldnt go but I filled her in on the stuff we covered and so I think she should be all good now. She just won't be coming to the school until January....which is a bit depressing for me.Oh well.<br /><br />Anyway.It was fun.I don't have a book yet so they had to make a few copies of some things for me. It was a weird change from the book we used in the first class because this one actually had some grammer stuff to it and went more in-depth. I think it might have a few more things in there than the book I am using with my tutor.<br /><br />I like the way the class was set up.The class goes from 9-12.<br />The advanced class is divided into two groups. There's us in the regular and then there is the people in the advanced advanced class lol. (we'll just call them AA....hahahaa)<br />In the first hour us in the regular advanced class work on our stuff and those in AA get a test over the things they worked on the class before (at least that's what I think it was over).<br />And then in the second hour we switch and AA goes over book work while we take a test over what happened last class, or in the last few lessons.I took it too and I got a few questions. My main stumbling block was the Kanji. I knew some but not a lot of them.Well, in the last hour it was really cool.<br />The last hour is left for Japanese conversation.Its a bit weird at first...my speaking skills I think still need work for me to think of things when asked something. But it helped a lot. And everyone was really cool about it when I made a mistake or something or needed help with a word. I'm pretty excited to do that again. I want to work on my conversational skills more. And I learned some new words too so that was good!!So yeah that was basically how it went.<br /><br />My main worry is that I will really have to sit down and review everything in a short amount of time because I want to be at least very close to being caught up to them since I am leaving in March. And the problem is that they were saying that it takes some months to catch up and get used to it. I don't have very many months(counting down the days left in my third, actually). So I hope that I can study as much as possible.<br />I just don't want to rush through it all and then not remember anything I studied.<br />But based on the test I took today I just really need to work on my Kanji mainly. I knew most of the things on the test when I saw it and when I was working with the teacher to re-answer some of the things I didn't understand due to kanji. I also realized when we were talking that I need to work on my vocabulary. Although, surprisingly I knew more than I thought I did.<br />I think that a lot of things I worked on a long time ago with my tutor are coming back to me and that makes me really happy that I havent actually forgotten them. They have just kinda....been resting I think. And now that I get the chance to re-use a lot of that information....It made me really happy.:D<br /><br />Also in recent news I have been talking to a lot of people on Facebook. It was pretty cool. I know a TON of people now in Facebook who are also going to Japan the same time as me. And I already have some buddy-pals who I know will be going with me from the U.S. so that's exciting.We all get along pretty well. And it is neat to be able to share information and stuff. And I love that I know so many people from so many different places.I...I know people from Norway! NORWAY! That blows my mind in a whole new way. :)<br /><br />So yeah. Small update.<br /><br />Hope to keep you guys updated on more stuff as it comes along.<br />Thanks for reading!<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-37227838845446019972009-11-20T19:46:00.000-08:002009-11-20T19:51:30.184-08:00YYYYYYEAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!SOOO....YESTERDAYY....<br /><br />Japan finally accepted my application!<br />I am so excited.<br /><br />All my family and friends and teacher know about it.<br />I have so much support behind this...I am so thankful for it so far!<br /><br />It feels a bit strange. I probably wont feel it until LA or until JAPAN even!<br /><br />But I am trying to keep myself grounded now. Just not wandering even more lol.<br /><br />Thanks again!!<br /><br />I'll keep you guys updated.<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-80780000948593337262009-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:002009-11-09T11:42:54.425-08:00O.OI finally got some info lol.<br /><br />So it is still going for country review.<br />We are hoping to hear something this week.<br /><br />I truely hope it is a good outcome. And Right now I am relieved to hear anything.<br /><br />Sorry about the angry nature of my previous post. I guess the stress and worry really got to me.<br /><br />Thanks for patience with my whining and complaining!<br /><br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-60948943965612696122009-11-09T05:15:00.000-08:002009-11-09T05:25:12.440-08:00Post TB, CS, JLSC, AFSSo I think you will be happy to know I passed my TB test!<br />YAAYYY!!!<br />And we now have a doctor's note and everything making it official. And we resent in the application with the new area for the TB filled in.<br /><br />It was not so bad. The needle was like microscopic...well not that small but it was tiny...and very short. Almost didn't feel a thing.<br />ALMOST!<br /><br />You may notice all the abbreviations in the heading.<br /><br />One is for the Forum I visit. LOVE IT. I have made many new friends form there and people I may potentially be with thruogh AFS and just generally meet in Japan. I'm pretty happy.<br /><br />The second is, of course, Japanese Language School of Cleveland. Very entertaining. We had a presentation of the international classes on Saturday. Super fun. We all introduced ourselves in front of all the Japanese parents of many of the children that attent the school.<br />I and 2 other students also got to interview the parents. That was exciting.<br />Great practice too!<br /><br />And lastly. AFS.<br />I have begun to be a bit disappointed with them. I will post something later about that but right now...I am losing confidence. And feel like I may not make it to Japan. I have not heard anything from Japan or AFS in general about acceptance. I haven't heard anything except for the TB thing. A week can feel like an eternity sometimes.<br />I sent an email to my local volunteer as well on Friday. She said she would see what she can find out. It has been two weeks since I last emailed my advisor and have heard nothing.<br />I hope I find out something soon.<br /><br />I'll post something late going into a bit more detail about this.<br />And if I get any news today in my email I will also post that.<br /><br />Thakns for reading guys,<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-56114165691947343082009-11-02T22:27:00.000-08:002009-11-02T22:36:30.565-08:00Tired, TB Test...UgghhhSo...Suup?<br /><br />It has been a looonnnggg time since I last updated. But there hasn't been much to talk about I guess.<br />Not much going on.<br /><br />I have been going to work for a litle over 2 mo now. Pretty excited about that. I am getting a good source of money through that. Like the people I work with, thats good.<br />I finished the "AFS Guides and Orientations" booklet that they sent me in the mail quite some time ago. Highlighted it and everything just to make sure I got the important stuff. I really hope I don't lose it.<br /><br />Recently, we got an e-mail from AFS saying that Japan wanted to know about whether or not I got a TB test. Well...we thought we had filled it in. At first we were pissed but then my dad told me to check the app online and lo and behold...we had oh so coneveniently missed the TB part of the medical forms.<br />So off I went to the doctor's on Saturday I think to get the test.<br />I really really really hate hate hate shotsss..<br />So I was a bit wary of this. I wasn't sure what the process for TB shots were but...bleegghhh can't stand needles.<br />Turns out though that needle is sooooooooooooo tiny. So that was good. Hardly felt a thing. :)<br />I passed with a negative. So my dad sent the papers back in to them...hopefully we will hear something soon.<br /><br />That was just a basic update. So...yeah. Nothing else new happening.<br />I hope I have more to report as time goes on and Japan draws nearer and nearer.<br /><br />Thanks for reading as always guys ;)<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-40224895577229981692009-09-10T17:19:00.000-07:002009-09-10T17:33:49.394-07:00Culture Trek, Apps. and WorriesOkay<br />...<br />grr...I feel like it has been forever since I blogged about something. Lol. Oh well. I'm here now right?<br /><br />So I have been worrying more and more and more and More and MORE about AFS. I am still waiting on my information/acceptance letter-email from Japan. I'm starting to get worried.<br />So today I thought "Hey, what the heck, why not check out my online participant application and see if anything new has come up."<br />Without expecting much from it I logged on.<br /><br />Two cool things have appeared:<br />Numero 1!--For those of you who have this as well, after you log on, at the "My Applications" page, it has a little box. Inside this box is sectioned.<br /><ul><li>Program is the first</li><li>Country</li><li>Departure Year</li><li>Program Length<br />.....anndd.....</li><li>Departure Date</li></ul><p>It now says next to each one (program is a really general one right now so I won't put that on this list)</p><ul><li>Country - Japan</li><li>Departure Year - 2010</li><li>Program Length - Year</li><li>Departure Date - Winter</li></ul><p>So that has definitely been updated since the last time. I don't remember what was and wasn't there but I KNOW it is different.</p><p>NEXT! I also see the Culture Trek Orientation thing, under my online app.'s "Orientation" list. I don't really know much about it and I have yet to check it out (maybe after I finish my homework here in a little bit.) I heard it is kinda boring but I'll have a look-see anyways and see what it's all about.</p><p>Thats basically all I have for now. Not much else is going on besides waiting for Japan.<br />I keep getting this feeling building up. I'm really starting to realize that this is all happening! I can't believe it. My mind is now starting to think of AFS and Japan whenever it wanders. I being to wonder more and more about my app.... AUGH! It is just so aggrivating! I want to know! But I have so much going on. I'll try to keep it from my mind :)</p><p>Thanks so much for reading!</p><p>Wish me Luck!<br />**Betania</p>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-81894704867418013772009-08-18T06:37:00.000-07:002009-08-18T06:40:24.291-07:00Work, Work!So today is my first day of work! I'm kind of excited and really nervous. But I hope all will turn out well.<br />And then also today is the day for getting picture ID's done for school. Ugh. It only makes going back to school soon feel that much more real. Which is kind of unnerving...but probably the point. I really don't want to go. But I must.<br /><br />So yeah. The main problem here is that I have to go to school and get my pictures and then get my schedule and find my rooms (although I assume I'm in the same hall way so I probably know where they all are anyways) and talk to my counselor all before at least 1pm. Bcause then I have to go to work around 1:30pm to get there on time.<br /><br />Haha, It's weird saying that. Never worked before. I'm just glad that I can start working to earn money for Japan. And to have some of my own spending money.<br />But yeah.<br />:)<br /><br />Anyways, Wish me luck!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-35446130832113232472009-08-06T16:54:00.000-07:002009-08-06T17:42:20.800-07:00Japanese Lunch with the BoysOkay so...<br /><br />I know I posted about having lunch with Wyatt, Akemi-sensei's student from a few years ago....aaaannnnnddd.....I know I never posted back about it afterwards.<br />Torrie (bestie) was there with me so, sadly, I talked to her a lot and Akemi-sensei talked to Wyatt.<br /><br />Today, I had my Japanese lesson as per usual. And then I got to sit and have lunch with Akemi-sensei and Wyatt and her other student Josh. Funny enough, Josh just got back from going to Japan for a semseter of college in Osaka, while Wyatt will be leaving to Japan in just a few weeks to go to the same college! And this was also their first meeting ever.<br />It was really fun. I'm kinda shy the first few times I meet someone so it took some getting used to still. But it was nice to see them both again. ( I met Josh briefly one time after my lesson, then he started meeting Akemi-sensei after Torrie's lesson, to talk about stuff before he went to Osaka, and they talked some). Josh cut his hair and has a slight beard, and well...I don't know, I only met Wyatt a while ago but he looked the same.<br /><br />ANYWAYS! lol,<br />I liked hearing them talk in Japanese to Akemi-sensei, hearing them speak it all confident-like....That's my goal. It's what I hope to accomplish.<br />They talked about the college, and the dorms, and food, and money, etc.<br />I didn't add much to the conversation but I said a few things here and there. But they tried to help me with my elcetronic dictionary to make flashcards. We failed...haha.<br />Then later on my dad came to pick me up and asked some questions.<br /><br />Now, in Cleveland there is a Japanese Language School and me and Torrie have been talking about going for a while, at least to sit in on a class and see what it is like. A friend of mine who is a returnee from going to Japan through AFS previously went to JLSC. Josh said he was thinking about going for a while and since he doesn't live too far from us my dad, being the people person he is, did not hesitate to jump at the chance of asking Josh if he would take me with him if he indeed decided to go to the school.<br />Dad:"I'm assuming you (Josh) are old enough to drive"<br />Josh:"Uh yeah, I'm 21"<br />Dad:"Oh! "<br />Josh:"How old did you think I am?"<br />Dad:"I don't know, 18...19?"<br />....<br />my final thought at the end of this conversation?<br />--Thanks dad. Just send me to go on a 1-2 hour drive some 21 year old guy I, and more importantly you, barely know just for carpooling benefits.<br />**I didn't actually say that lol, but w/e, Josh seems like an OK guy**<br /><br />Ahh how small this world really is...<br />Akemi-sensei takes her daughter to JLSC, and now Wyatt and my friend who went to JLSC both go to the same college, and Josh and Wyatt are both previous students of Akemi-sensei and will have gone to the same college in Japan (tho at diff times). And Torrie and I are best buddies taking Japanese from the same person so she knows Josh and Wyatt and Akemi-sensei, too.<br />I'm sure there's more to it but I don't want to make a whole diagram.<br />And I've come into contact with all these awesome people and events because I wanted to learn Japanese. Talk about life changing.<br />Life's good :)<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-72626364562120733782009-08-03T18:29:00.000-07:002009-08-03T18:37:52.080-07:00Accepted!I've been accepted by AFS-USA!<br />They have now sent my application through to AFS-Japan.<br /><br />I'm really annoyed because now begins the long process of waiting for 4-6 weeks at least. Maybe even more because Japan doesnt look at applications until around mid-August.<br /><br />But I am happy to know that I, 1) am now entirely eligible for my scholarship and 2) have my application in pretty early.<br />Again, the only downside is waiting a lot longer.<br /><br />My advisor and local volunteer are both awesome though. So wether I know before they do or if they know before I do, they are still doing a great job with keeping me posted. And I'm so appreciative of their help and answers to my questions.<br /><br />In the mean-time wish me luck! And as always donations are super appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-85804233889297316372009-08-01T20:30:00.001-07:002009-08-01T20:32:51.779-07:00Interviews! Worries!How nerve wracking!On Friday, July 31, I had two interviews!<br />Both of which hold very important outcomes for me!I had a job interview at 2.00pm and then I had a Home Interview for AFS! --at 4.00pm<br /><br />I had so much fun! I got hired! So now I have a job! My family is going on vacation this coming week so I will not be working right away. I need to call the manager of the store while I'm on vacation and then she is going to give me my schedule. I'm going to be working starting when I come back! So now I can start really earning money for Japan!<br /><br />Donations are still greatly appreciated though!<br /><br />The home interview was so much fun! I got to say a lot of things that were just too much to explain in a thankyou note or an answer to a question on my blog! The lady was really nice and the interview was actually really casual. The only sad part is knowing that all I have left to do now is wait.Man...after doing so much now for so long it's weird to have to just sit and wait which is the worst part of all. All that anticipation building up. But I'll have work, and school once it starts up, to keep it off my mind.<br /><br />So here's how the application schedule is according to my advisor.<br />Since my application is now done completely, she will accept my application on behalf of AFS.She says that acceptance into AFS is a two-tiered process:<br />First I have to be accepted by AFS-USA<br />Second I have to be accepted by AFS-Japan. It seems to take at least 4-6 weeks to hear back from them about my acceptance.<br /><br />The deadline for the application for the Japan Year Program is October 27, but the program may fill up before that date since it is subject to availability. But for me to be eligible for my scholarship I already have to turn in my app. by the 10th of August so I think that I am safe. And the woman who did my interview said that she would send in my interview today, Saturday, so that AFS will have it first thing on Monday. I wonder if I will get a call/e-mail from my advisor about it?<br /><br />Oh well! I hope everything goes good! And that no red flags came up in my interview!<br /><br />Thanks again for reading!<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-16967607019566202832009-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:32:44.177-07:00オノマトペ の うた! (onomatopoeia song!)So I...I ABSOLUTELY HAD to post this.<br /><br />At my sensei's house I watch this show called Pythagora Switch Mini when I wait for Torrie to be done when her mom takes me home. This "onomatopoeia song" made me laugh so hard.<br />It was so CUTE! It's just basically a little video of the Japanese sounds for different actions. It's one of the coolest things I've seen. I hope you enjoy it!<br /><br />So here we go!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5PhBEBcCb5U&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5PhBEBcCb5U&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-89676268601193298792009-07-25T11:15:00.000-07:002009-07-25T11:25:02.195-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0sahKV6mpwyWz3D2eONVJD8JtkKGWww42IS_eIkaDvA-RBNOLJYQJaW648ylG-_ypyZayuwu4KEWOLUlRoNfPl02GnbGr9EXEQUnYQe4zcYuXfaxzj7gYA6xpbNfzJt9mQ64TLh32Eo/s1600-h/DSC01974.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362463419282961506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0sahKV6mpwyWz3D2eONVJD8JtkKGWww42IS_eIkaDvA-RBNOLJYQJaW648ylG-_ypyZayuwu4KEWOLUlRoNfPl02GnbGr9EXEQUnYQe4zcYuXfaxzj7gYA6xpbNfzJt9mQ64TLh32Eo/s320/DSC01974.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> So here's some pictures of my laptop. Sorry for all the junk in the background of the second one.<br />I guess the cover for it is called "Sea Sky"?<br />It's pretty sweet.<br />:3<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoyVxFqUZvbSLhdPkUuf-QRcHJ42vGMTxlsP7Y3dEC26QrZWHNq-57go7ifUHO-1V1xHtZs1G6Kw1tUtfnjzWNAtz6PzqsgTEKoPspefcpEy8J640my2d58EBHxOtVIwlGXSgfIomQ2I/s1600-h/DSC01975.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362464910042423090" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoyVxFqUZvbSLhdPkUuf-QRcHJ42vGMTxlsP7Y3dEC26QrZWHNq-57go7ifUHO-1V1xHtZs1G6Kw1tUtfnjzWNAtz6PzqsgTEKoPspefcpEy8J640my2d58EBHxOtVIwlGXSgfIomQ2I/s200/DSC01975.JPG" border="0" /></a>Betaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3879528515732602713.post-48371118588562267522009-07-25T10:43:00.000-07:002009-07-25T10:53:22.582-07:00New stuff!...and Fundraising!I found out yesterday that my parents got me a laptop! My dad and I got home and he sat down on the couch with my mom. I went to turn on the fan and when I turned around they had the laptop right there! My mom was all like "Oh look at my new laptop!" I was mad for a second (because she already has one) but then they were all smiley and I realized they were joking.<br /> They said it was for me so that I have a laptop to take with me to Japan. So I need to make sure to take care of it. It's a nice Dell laptop. I'll post pictures soon. Maybe today. My laptop has a nice little slot for a memory card so...yay!<br /><br />Also I'm trying to raise awareness about my blog here and my other one to people.<br />You guys! If some of you have already started reading please let other people know about this so they may make a donation!<br />If anyone has some fundraising ideas for me to help me out just let me know!<br /><br />Thats all for now! Like I said I'll try to post some pics of the laptop soon!<br />As always, Thanks for reading!<br />**BetaniaBetaniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01617500024378668577noreply@blogger.com0