The countdown begins

I finally found out when I'm going home! Yes, the plane ticket is booked and I'm leaving August 4th. My heart leaped for joy when I first held the itinerary in my hands. I wanted to prance happily around the room, spinning and twirling, and thanking God that Japan was letting me leave. It may seem odd to say, but Japan has a way of keeping people here, whether they like it or not. I've been here two years but it feels like so much longer. But now that I know I'm definitely leaving, I will try to appreciate my remaining days and soak up everything. For instance, on my bike ride to work, I looked again at the passing scenery and noted the beauty once more. Fields of rice framed by the mountains. And since it's rainy season, the rice farmers are out, tending to their crop. It makes a beautiful, very Japan sight. I still worry what I'll do when I get back to Toronto, but I'm sure I'll find something. So I just have to finish off this last month and a half. I hope it goes quickly!