This week I said goodbye to three things... but all for a good cause.

We gave one of our foster kittens, Louie, to a permanent home.  His foster sister, Cheyenne, is a little confused, as is our cat, Dara.  Funny how furry little animals can have such interesting group dynamics that reach over and grab us too.  It will be very strange to be in Japan with no animal companions.  Perhaps we can find a stray kitten and take it in while we are there.

Bye Louie!

I sold my 2008 VW Rabbit  back to the dealer at an almost $3000 profit.  I had initially thought of just selling it to someone I knew for what I owed, but on a whim, decided to see if I could get more at the dealer.  I love my dealership, the Dean Team Kirkwood (shout out!) and didn't feel the need to wheel and deal with them.  Their offer was what I needed, so I accepted on first go around.  Now I have a rental for the last month I am here, which lessens my stress about something happening to my car and then having to still sell it.  Added bonus, the kids think my new rental--a Jeep Patriot--is the most awesome thing they have ever seen.  They said the seats are higher, they have their own door, and overall, it is just cooler.  They are not paying for the gas, however...

My baby Rabbit

Alan is gone for the next 8 days to visit family and friends in Baltimore.  Though I wanted to go for at least the weekend, I thought all things considered, it was better if I made myself scarce.  It's good for us to have to miss each other, as we have been so stressed with all the to-do lists and planning I think half the time we forget we actually even like the other one.  Hopefully, it will also give me the opportunity to start packing and organizing.  In our small space, any major project is more difficult when another person is around.  I'm sure I will have a different story come day five or six...

We are using the profits from selling my car to buy our new one in Japan.  It is a Toyota Starlet Reflet X and looks something like this: http://www.japan-partner.com/Auto/1080/Toyota/Starlet/car-for-sale.html   I received my International Driver's Permit in the mail today, which will allow me to drive in Japan for the first year, and I am ordering the Japanese rules of the road tonight.  It will be so much fun to drive on mountainous roads on the wrong side with signs in Kanji.  Another challenge to be conquered!  Below is a link to some common road signs in Japan--I particularly like the Raccoon crossing sign, and the sign with only a giant exclamation point.  Good times.  I wonder what they think of our signs? http://www.yokota.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100329-005.pdf