UPGRADED

So, I GOT UPGRADED!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got the call this afternoon. Susan (Boston's JET wonder) asked me a couple questions and is sending my info to Tokyo. I am currently printing my IRS form and my Medical Check form and AM COMPLETELY FREAKING OUT!!!!

I just wanted to share the excellent news and I am on vacation (SCA's Pennsic War) and I won't be back until August 4, so I will share more info on the forms and my excitement then!

Oh, and, I am probably leaving on September 3, so just about a month and a half away!

Fingerprinting and FBI Background Check

So, progress has been made. Yesterday, I sent out my passport name change paperwork, expedited, which means that today is fingerprint day.

Fingerprinting, for the FBI background check, is really important. I am choosing to get it done at the local police station because I am hoping that having it done by a someone who takes prints as a government employee means that other government employees will accept them. Make sure the prints are clear and to the required standard because the FBI can reject your prints and JET will probably reject you because it won't be in a timely fashion. So, there are a couple things with this.

1) Print all the forms you need. Applicant form and print card, if needed.
2) Police stations will require you to bring your own print card. I don't know about private places.
3) Bring multiple cards, spend the extra money if needed, to make sure you have clear prints. You don't want a smeared print.
4) Bring money for print collection. My station charges $5.
5) FBI Check costs $18, I believe JET says somewhere to not use a service, so I am just sending mine directly.
6) Make sure you make a copy of your applicant form for your reply form.

It seems that some police stations have specific times or require appointments, mine just requires an officer to be in the station. So, make sure you know and allot your time appropriately.

When you mail your prints, make sure to specify not to bend the envelope during transit because damaged prints won't work right and will be rejected. I think that's everything... I hope that helps. Good luck everyone!

Alternate Paperwork

I have now received the list of things needed for paperwork as an alternate.

1) Reply form

2) Copy of FBI Background Check application

3) Photocopy of VALID passport

4) Proof of Graduation (if not already submitted with JET application)

5) FBI Identification Record sent directly to JET (to your consulate)

These are all fairly straightforward and easy. I am making a separate post related to the fingerprinting and background check, so that leaves only one concern. Do NOT be me. So, I didn't have the money to fix my passport if I didn't have to, which means my old passport is technically not "valid" because it has my maiden name. At this point, I sent it out (once I knew I was an alternate and might need it) to get the name changed and I sent it expedited, so hopefully I get it in time. However, I am really concerned that my passport won't be back in time. It does note that, if your passport was included in your application, then you don't need to send another copy, but I am not 100% sure that I did. I believe I sent a copy of my passport and a copy of my marriage license to show my name and legal-ness... So, yeah, now I'm freaking out about it...

Anyway, there is more stuff if I/you/anyone gets upgraded. Once upgraded you will need these.

1) Certificate of Health (I think this includes a TB test)

2) Copy of IRS Residency Certification (Form 8802)

3) Passport

4) Visa application

5) Passport picture

6) Everything you already needed as an alternate

I hope this is helpful and I hope I get my stuff all straightened out ><

The Day After and More Preparation

Okay, so I gave myself a day to be sad that I wasn't shortlisted and now I am ready to get my ass in gear.

As an alternate or a shortlister, there are forms to fill out, which I haven't gotten yet, and other things to get finished. Today, I got my passport sent out to be renewed with my new name. Tomorrow, I will be setting an appointment to get my fingerprints taken as soon as possible to get my FBI Background Check done.

I will update again as time continues and I get more information on what I am doing as time goes on. I know I'm just an alternate, so as time goes on this year, my blog will become less useful, but I'll try to keep good records on everything as I go.

And, I'm a bit torn... I'm hoping I get upgraded because it is a bit sad knowing that I have already decided that this is my last attempt, at least until some time in the future I might change my mind... I'm not sure if it's better to chase the life I want or if I want to chase my dream... But, I am glad to have been listed as an alternate.

Results and More Waiting

So... I'm an alternate. Which, I guess, means that I must have given some decent advice over this year. It's good to know that what I did didn't result in failure, so hopefully this blog is a good reference for everyone else.

Now, I guess I can start blogging about the rest of this as an alternate, not just an applicant. I guess I now wait for my paperwork to fill out and mail back. I need to renew my passport with my name change (the worst part is I have that all done and ready to go but I need to fax my marriage license to Sallie Mae for them to change my name, they are a bunch of assclowns) and do some other stuff for the official things.

I'm going to be honest that this sucks balls. I mean, realistically "Alternate" means accepted just no position available yet. However, it also sort of means putting life on hold some more. If I get upgraded in like September and I've gone back to school to finish my teaching license, then that kind of sucks... And it means I don't want to make any real plans because spending money on something that I may not end up doing and can't get the money back also sucks... So, the waiting is rubbish... And the not knowing you are rejected and not getting it at all until December also sucks... But, no matter how crappy it seems, it does mean that I was good enough this year, just not necessarily as good as other people, and I am happy enough with that.

Post-Interview Thoughts

Well, first off, I am honored that someone stopped by to tell me to update! My little blog certainly isn't that special, but I'm glad it is worthy of note to at least a few people.

Second, I mentioned posting some interview advice after my interview outfit post; I apologize that I never succeeded at doing that. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, but interviews are interviews. If you got an interview, that means you fit the bill on paper and they just want to know that you in person fits the bill as well. This unfortunately means that all the advice in the world can't help you be a better you. Show up, be you, be comfortable, and just make sure you shine through.

Finally, let me give a brief rundown of me and my interview I guess. The most important part of which is that I will not share any information on the actual interview because there is a clause you sign that you will not share anything. So, I shall discuss basics and things that I have actually learned since (in my phone customer service sales job). For my interview, I loved my outfit, I got my hair done, I felt 100% confident. Until I got into Boston. My dad went with me to drive me to the train and just keep me company on the long journey in and out of Boston and we got dinner with my Nana as well, so I had that to look forward to. Honestly, I think this was something that helped me feel better about my interview. I wasn't stressed because I talked out my anxiety and had something to look forward to. So definitely, if you have a friend or family applying for JET or able to take the time to be your commute-budy, I'd take advantage.

As for the actual interview, and that telemarketing advice, I think I did well and I was pretty happy with my performance. I did not walk out thinking "I failed," but I also didn't walk out thinking "I nailed it!" The biggest flaw was in my answering strategy and I keep thinking about it when I hear certain things. Recently I heard something on the radio about the human need to fill silence; basically, after five seconds you feel anxious if nobody fills the conversation. So when there is silence, I am definitely the person to fill that in and that cna be tragic. And that leads to the next issue. Literally three days after my interview, we discussed, in my job training, that you don't want to overload the information. Pick one strategy and answer. They don't need every possibility or every item that excites you or every detail. Don't overload. I am guilty of overloading if I can't choose an answer. You've probably noticed that I do this in this blog. I just talk a lot about all the options and reasons and everything else like that. Basically, pick something and be confident.

So yeah, that sort of made it sound like I was really concerned about everything, but honestly, I'm at peace with it. I worked hard on my app and got some great advice from current/previous JETs. I didn't prepare a ton for my interview, I just chose to be confident that I was enough. Because I worked hard and got some great advice from current/previous JETs, I got some extra interview advice. So, the best advice I can give you is to prepare thoroughly for JET as a whole. It isn't just an app or just an interview. The people you ask for help and you show yourself to will help you along the way.

Now, I wait. We find out in April and I don't know if I'll update before then. I am trying to keep busy with work and fandom nonsense and soon it will be archery season again. But I shall try and update and express my stress and waiting and just kjhdsglakjhlkj about the length of time the JET application takes.

Also, if people ever have questions and I am not updating, just comment or message me or whatever and I'm happy to answer things and chat at any time ^_^

The Interview Outfit

Nothing is more stressful than choosing clothes, especially for women. I am going to do a brief post on my opinions and thoughts on what to wear and talk a little about what I have chosen.

As Barney Stinson would say, "Suit up!" Really, suit up. If you aren't suiting up, dress conservatively and respectably. For men, you want nice slacks, a good button-down, a tie, and a tailored jacket. I always think that you want to look like you have a bit of style. Maybe go for a colored shirt or a nicely patterned (not scary patterned) tie. But, don't get yourself all nervous and uncomfortable just because you feel you need a suit jacket and a tie and to be crazy formal. This interview is about showing who you are as a professional; if this means that you need to wear your leather jacket (that is well tailored and looks great on you) then do. Just don't look like a schmuck. Wear shine-able shoes, maybe pick something that makes a statement. My brother wears fantastic wing tips done all in black, so they are understated but still worth noting.

Women, I still suggest suiting up. It gets more difficult because society puts so much emphasis on our first impression, but this also means we get a little more fun without having to worry quite as much about stepping out of the box. I live in the US, so in JET, I will be representing the US. I think that this gives me the definite advantage that I should dress like a professional of my country. (No offense to other countries, I just don't know what people wear in your professional communities, so I don't want to pretend I do). Women get to wear color; in fact, a complete lack of color can end up showing that you don't care about your appearance. A nice white button-down shirt is fantastic, as long as it is nice. But, I would be an advocate for picking a pop of color for your shirt, something that makes you look good and feel confident. For skirts and pants, I would pick something that has a bit of modernity to it. I am going with a skirt that has a little pleated detail on the sides, but not so much to be really eye-catching or out there. I am also a huge fan of wide leg pants (as long as the proportions work on your body type). I think that a little bit of detail on the bottoms goes a long way. Lastly, I highly recommend some sort of jacket or cardigan. Layering generally conveys a sense of professionalism and I don't really know why. A great suit jacket goes a long way in enhancing your silhouette (or evening it out if you are like me and have a disproportionately small waist compared to my bust and stomach T_T). Also, a suit jacket is important because, while in JET, you will have to wear a suit at least once or twice, so it's good to show off that you are prepared and understand that Japan's schools have truly formal events. The other option for women is a cardigan, which can be a lot of fun. This can allow for a bit of pattern, or an embroidered detail or two, or something that really pops, as long as it looks professional.

I feel like I have gone on forever, so I am going to shut up now, by summarizing for another few hundred words. This advice all comes from my experience interviewing, opinions of my family and friends, and some reading up on stuff on ITIL and Official. People have gotten in with all sorts of outfits, so really pick something you are comfortable in. The only big thing is (note that I already said this a million times) "professional." If you couldn't wear it while working for JET on a day-to-day basis, then you 100% cannot interview in it. You could wear a suit every day if you wanted (though from what I've seen, you probably won't need to in most places), but you probably won't be wearing your ripped jeans and team t-shirts. So, be professional, express yourself in a reasonable fashion, and be comfortable.

Now, I promised to state what I am planning to wear, so I will. I tried finding links for pics on Macy's website, but apparently my outfit doesn't exist online. I bought a black suit, that has a well-tailored suit jacket and a skirt to the knees that has a little pleating detail at the hem on the sides. For my top, I bought a patterned shirt that has a pleated collar and a fairly bright blue base-color. I can't say exactly what I am doing for shoes (I am torn at the moment) or accessories (I don't know that I will wear any) at the moment because I just don't know. But, I will try to compile some more thoughts on hair, shoes, accessories for a later post. Also, I apologize because I haven't really talked much about actual interview strategies because I am not really the person that stresses over the contents of the interview, but I'll try to get to that too.

Statement of Purpose

So, the SoP is a big point of argument amongst the masses. Some of us are very dry and professional. Some of us are more casual and conversational. People get in with all sorts of SoPs, but I thought I might share mine. This was my final draft of my SoP (please nobody steal it, that would be bad) for this year. I am not going to post my SoP from last year since I didn't get an interview, but if someone really wants to see it, feel free to message me and I am happy to share if you want to compare my two statements.

Again DO NOT STEAL THIS it is not good enough to steal, so just don't. Plagiarism isn't cool.

In a Kyoto crepe shop during March 2008, I had my nose buried in my first manga in Japanese. A man’s voice called out, “Are you reading that?” I paused and turned around to see a Japanese man smiling at me. I smiled back and managed an awkward “Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.” We chatted in English as I told him that I only knew hiragana, but was trying to learn Japanese. The man’s smile grew as I explained; he was as excited to understand my interest in his culture, as I was to learn about his culture. Years later, I am surprised to remember this exchange more vividly than most of the other experiences I had in Japan.

I discovered Japan as a child through Pokémon and other children’s anime and manga. As I grew older, my interests expanded as I learned more of the history of traditional Japanese clothes, food, and music. My knowledge of Japanese culture is mostly self-taught, but I have been chasing better understanding for years, which is a large part of why I wish to travel to and live in Japan. I have joined the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group that studies and recreates medieval society from around the world, where I have had the chance to increase my own knowledge and the knowledge of those I meet, in classes I have attended and classes I have taught.

I decided to be a teacher when I was in preschool and began my interest in the JET Program while I was still in elementary school. I began by teaching my peers to tie shoes, tutored other students when I was older, and edited papers and songs for friends. The classes that I enjoyed the most had a constant exchange of ideas through workshops or roundtable discussions. My interest in working on the JET Program helped me take a special interest in my course focused on adolescent literacy, as we focused in on how to teach English to non-speakers and low-level speakers. Once I began working, I learned quickly and started training other new employees on the cash register, in customer service, folding, and displays. The employees I trained frequently received positive customer comments and lasted longer in the job than other new employees.

To complete my Education program, I was required to take four courses and an internship. For my internship, I created a Writing Center at Triton Regional High School. The experience was unforgettable. I found my strengths as a teacher: I worked hard to know the students and address them in ways that suited them best, and I was happy to take all the time required to answer every question and complete every assignment.  In my position, I worked one school day a week, when students could get help one-on-one. I also made sure to be available via email. I spent hours reading papers, writing comments, editing grammar, and learning the best ways I could teach the students to be better writers. It was the most fulfilling job I had ever performed, reaffirming that teaching is the profession I wish to pursue. By the end of the semester, I had helped students improve their writing abilities and their re-writing abilities. And, I had learned to be a better teacher with the help of those experiences and those students.

With each education course I took, my passion for teaching expanded. I found new ways to interest students, new ways to incorporate my interests in my teaching, and new ways to understand students. A part of this was getting my TESOL certification, where I learned new techniques that I look forward to using in teaching English as a second language. My experiences will help me to work alongside the Japanese English teachers. Through JET, I can share my culture, help teach others English, and learn about another culture and education style. Participating in JET will allow me to build memories and better understanding for others, as well as myself, like I found in that Kyoto crepe shop. The more I expand my own experiences and knowledge, the better I will be as a teacher on the JET Program.

Receiving Notification of an Interview!

I received notification last night that I will be interviewing in Boston at the end of February! I am super excited and I guess this now means I have something to blog about again in relation to JET.

Honestly, I don't think that it is worth stressing too much over any interview. If you don't know yourself and your qualifications, then maybe you just aren't right for the job. That being said, some preparation and foresight is certainly worthwhile. I am going to get back into regularly studying Japanese (as best I can), as a start. I'm also hoping to buy a new interview suit, so that I can present myself well. Last, I am going to read up on a couple things for Japanese news.

In general, it is also good to review your SoP once maybe twice just before the actual interview. Hopefully, you actually know your own resume well enough to not need to read your application, but if it makes you more comfortable, definitely read through and remind yourself of what you had on there and maybe check what you have done since the application to be even better.

If I think of anything actually worthwhile for advice, I'll put that up here. But there is already a lot of information out there on interviewing in general and a lot on the JET Forums and ITIL Forums on JET interviews in particular.

SASE Received

I just wanted to post that I have received my SASE back, which means they have started through the apps received on the second to last day, possibly last day. So to people still stressing about not getting it back yet, they are still coming and they still aren't that important ^_^

For people stressing out, DON'T ^_^ Find something to do, find a hobby or practice your Japanese or watch Supernatural and talk to me about it. Just, do something, not stress. JET is a waiting game, there is still so much time left and you don't want to wear yourself out freaking out about this stuff.

Good luck everyone!

Waiting and Waiting and I Don't Really Have Anything to Say

So I see lots of people are receiving/have already long past received their SASEs, CONGRATS ^_^ That's awesome.

For anybody who has yet to receive their SASE, it isn't a big deal If you sent it in some fashion that gave you proof that it was signed for, then they have it. If you sent it USPS and have no proof, they probably still received it. Don't worry.

The SASE is literally nothing but a slip of paper with your name and ID number. Your ID number is also on your application. If you are one of the unfortunate people whose apps were weird and the number wasn't on the print out, you should be able to log into the app website and get your number from there (if memory serves me right). Getting your SASE back does not say that you did anything right other than put the SASE in the packet and they got your app. It doesn't say that you aren't disqualified because of a mistake, it doesn't say anything about your app. Just that the envelope with all your stuff made it to DC.

So please, no stress ^_^ It isn't a big deal. Keep your mind on other things, finals if you are in school, work, hobbies, whatever floats your boat. There is still SO much time before interviewees will even be announced, don't let the anxiety make the holiday season even more stressful!

People really need to stop stressing about the SASE it is no big deal, but whatever.... I have been enjoying Supernatural and looking for a job like crazy, but barely thinking about JET. I feel like I suck for basically never updating in a long time, but I had already gotten my advice out there early on and didn't have much left and once apps start, it's just a doing not a planning... Now it's waiting and waiting on the interview list and maybe once that comes out I will hunt for some interview advice...

Anyway, have a nice holiday season everyone ^_^ Don't stress too much!

JET Program 2013 Application is OUT

That is all.

Time Goes On and Paperwork Accumulates

So, I am quite enjoying getting all my things checked off on my beautiful white board ^_^ I got to pick up my reference letters on Friday, print out my SoP on Sunday, and now I need to reschedule my doctors appointment since it got cancelled this morning. But, that means I am making progress. Sadly, the main app is still not out, but that doesn't mean there aren't things to do. SoPs can still be edited, references can be collected (if you haven't done this already), and everything else.

I don't really have much of an update today, other than to say that it is a good thing to be accumulating all that paperwork. You want a folder that is bulging with all the things that will be filling your JET app packets. So, I'm going to give a list of the things I have in my folder at this point in my app timeline.

-one copy of my application from last year with notes on it
-one copy of my SoP from last year, just to reference how badly it sucked
-college ruled paper with things to note in my app (my honors, certs, placement request ideas)
-college ruled paper with my high ed institution info and my teaching background (classroom teaching, other teaching tutoring, and teacher training and ed courses; basically the format on the app last year)
-college ruled paper with international/intercultural experience and employment history
-college ruled paper with my Japan-related studies, languages, and honors/awards/scholarships
college ruled paper with my extracurricular experiences and leadership positions
-first reference letter, envelope signed and sealed
-second reference letter, envelopes signed and sealed (my prof put all three letters in their own envelopes)
-three copies of my SoP
-marriage license (I need this with my birth cert to show my name change)
-SASE
-SSU transcript original, no copies yet
-MCLA transcript original, no copies yet
-UMaine IEI TESOL certification original, no copies yet
-SSU diploma, no copies yet
-Physician's Form, incomplete and to be taken with me to my doctors appointment

This means that I only need my birth certificate, my Physician's Form completed, the main app stuff, and my copies made. It is nice to be all organized and have everything prepared. On website, I think there is a page that you can print off that is a wonderful checklist, I highly recommend it. Last year, I attached this to my folder, so that I had everything checked off and collated as it needed to be. Currently, I am using my big white board for this, but the paper was awesome and very helpful ^_^

I hope everyone is having good luck with all their application stuff!

Required Docs Now Available!!!!

So, the required docs have been updated as of a few minutes ago. I thought I would post the link and remind people that this means you can get everything done now, other than the parts that are in the main application to be done online!

JET Required Docs 2013 Now Available

Check List Almost Complete

So, once I get a copier and a printer to use, I think that I have everything ready and set, other than the forms JET still needs to provide. Once the forms are available, I have to try and schedule a doctors appointment for my Physician's Form, but other than that, it is just filling out forms on my own ^_^ I'm quite excited. I am especially happy to be done with my SoP. I think that I am finished with it, though I might go back and read through it one or two more times to check for spelling or grammar errors, just in case.

I hope everyone's app preparations are going okay and people aren't having any trouble :)

What to do....

The application is finally drawing near. Supposedly, US required docs will be updated sometime this week (I'm hoping Friday as a bday present to me <3). Lots of people have started doing things ages ago (like me) and some are just starting now.. So I think that maybe I'll talk about things that can be done right now, despite the lack of proper forms and the main app not being out yet.

First? I recommend starting the SoP. You want to have plenty of time to read examples (if you are unsure what to write). I am not a huge fan of focusing on the work of other people to create your own, for specific works like this, but when you aren't already sure, it is the best way. I admit, I was against it before, but a few people gave me crap about my douche-y attitude, so I sucked it up, read some papers and I think I am much better off. So, read examples. Then, you can start your drafting, bullet points, full writing, whatever works for you. The most important part of all this may be finding people you trust to read your SoP and rip it apart. If your family and friends can't be honest and tell you it's crap (if it's crap), then they aren't the right readers. Find someone that doesn't care about your feelings and let them at it.

Second? Order transcripts. Very straightforward.

Third? Find out if you have all your paperwork. Do you have a passport? Do you know where it is? If no passport, do you have a birth certificate? Do you have an official copy to make copies from? Also, if you have had your name changed, do you have proof of your legal name change with your birth cert?

Fourth? Proof of graduation, impending or already completed. Seriously, paperwork.

Fifth? Start thinking about your references, maybe ask them now and start grooming them, so that you can hop to it when the required docs are updated. If not this, at least think about who you want to ask.

Sixth? Figure out if you need to see a doctor prior to sending your app. I have severe food allergies and need an Epi-pen, thus I need to see a doctor to get my prescription renewed and get a Physician's Form stating that my health won't prevent me from doing my job as an ALT, if I get in.

Seventh? Maybe find something else to do with your time, rather than obsessing over JET. I've been much better off since I stopped obsessing and last year's obsessing was brutal...

Anyways... Those are some of my suggestions, if anyone is new to the process or just not sure what to do right now... A lot of this stuff is repeated from old posts, but it still stands true now. Good luck everyone ^_^

September Progresses...

As September moves on, the new required docs still aren't available, but c'est la vie. I am trying to get myself together and slowly accumulate my paperwork. It's a bit frustrating to feel trapped at the point I am currently at.... Supposedly the paperwork will be out sometime this month, when it does I'll update that it's out, in case  anyone isn't stalking the page ^^;

Anyway... I finished my kosode... If you search for Endewearde's Fort Knox Demo, you can probably find pics or I posted on with an explanation on the fb group... I'm also teaching a small class on momiji-gari in two weeks, so hopefully that will go well ^^; And other than that... I guess I can update my check list

App-N/A
Medical Forms-X
SoP-in progress
LoR-requested from three people, just need the form
Proof of Graduation-just need copies
Proof of Citizenship-just need copies
Proof of TESOL-just need copies
SASE-Check
Transcripts-just need copies

Basically, I have everything together that I need, except what isn't available and I need copies of everything (including the kitchen sink)

Reference Things That Make Me Happy

So, I know I go on and on and on and on and on about references, but I finally have a nice thing to say about them. You know that you have picked a good person to be your reference, when they ask you about your deadlines, ask about getting a copy of your resume, ask about the requirements, and ask to meet you in person to make sure the formatting is all right. One of my references this year is going to be a professor that I absolutely loved having. He taught my adolescent literacy class for my education minor and he does a lot of work with improving literacy education in the northeastern US. Basically, he is awesome. He is really nice, really smart, and a really good teacher. And he thinks I am a decent fit for the JET Program and is more than happy to help me out by writing a reference letter for me! I am super excited XD

In other news, there are more people on the forums almost every day ^_^ And the Miami coordinator is back and helping us with good advice and we have the LA coordinator this year too! It's great to see that there are so many people willing to take time to help us applicants out, even this early on.

Does Anybody Think That I Am Crazy Obsessed with References Yet?

I swear that my letters of reference are going to be the death of me. I am going to have an aneurysm, an ulcer, something. I asked two people to write me references back in May/June and now it is time to remind them and ask again. This morning I emailed the two people that agreed to write me a reference before, plus one more possible reference. I am hoping to have a fair amount of things in my hand and ready to go before the application comes out. If I get references from all three of these people, then I have options and I get to choose who I think knows me best and can represent that to JET for me...

Anyways, I know that it is almost time for more applicants to start coming out of the woodwork and so I will be seeing more questions that I can address and find answers for. Yesterday (I think), a guy posted on the fb group and ended up asking about references. There are important things to remember, like answering the questions JET posts and showing you at your best. You definitely need to choose someone that knows you as a learner, an educator, and as a person, if you have someone that really knows you well in all three ways. It is also important to pick someone that is going to look professional and make you look professional (as in, don't end up like I did last year with my manager failing to read the directions and do any of it right). Lastly, ask more than two people; ask all the people that you think will give you a good reference. If you get more than two, you can choose which will be best and you won't be sitting there thinking that you only asked two and one of those hasn't gotten back to you and the deadline is fast approaching. So, too much is better than not enough, in this case. Also, ask now, so they have time if they need it.

Summer Is Coming to a Close and JET Season Is Approaching

Two weeks ago, I went to a party for my friend Staci, who has now been in Japan for a few days with JET!!! Then I went to spend two weeks in Pennsylvania at Pennsic 41, living in the middle ages ^_^ I had tons of fun and wish Staci the best of luck!

Being at Pennsic, I finished three kosode. One is a white under-layer and then I have two outer layers or layering layers, one blue and one orange. The layers looked pretty good together and I look forward to getting some pictures of them. The next step for my medieval Japanese garb is to make some patterns on the kosode I've made. Traditional Japanese patterns are typically larger than modern prints in Japan and elsewhere, so it's easiest to dye your own or use fabric paint to accomplish your goal. I have a fall-ish orange that I want to do maple leaves (or something like that) for a fall event, since that seems most accurate. But, I will try to get pictures up soon ^_^

And most importantly, it is now mid-August! This means that it is truly almost time for the JET application XD I am going to start asking again about my letters of reference and getting myself together. After finishing my TESOL certification course, I really want to do more work with the IEI and hopefully get a reference there. The course really got my back into the game as far as JET is concerned. As I met some of the kids and talked about the TESOL process, I realized that I definitely want to do this. The man that runs the IEI taught in Japan for years, so his comments helped me see some of the reality of what I want to do and in doing so, brought the fire back.

Other things on my to-do list: get my new ME license, get my new-to-me car registered, get my passport done, make more kosode, and take a new look at my SoP ^_^

Any ideas on what I should talk about here would be awesome. I know that I have covered my own experiences fairly completely, but I can look for other advice or repost some of the things that have been more useful. I just want to get back to being helpful, especially since it is now time for the help to be more needed. I am going to try to post at least once a week, maybe more, but I will definitely try to get things that are useful up here each time ^_^ (or things that are at least interesting, maybe, if you like Japan).