it's not life that matters but the journey...

I have been doing lots of thinking about my writing and where to post it. I'm still pondering some ideas, but I think I've narrowed it down to having two separate blogs, or communities, in addition to my personal LJ page (laurainlimbo). I thought at first that I didn't want to post my creative writing on LJ - but if I create a separate community just for my creative writing, then it will still be separate from my personal posts, most of which I make private. I want a place where any of my family and friends, even those who don't have LJ, can see my creative writing. I just want to get it out there for fun and feedback - I'm not a professional writer, but I do like some stuff I've written. and I like the idea of having people read it so it doesn't remain just hidden on my hard drive:)

Then I'm thinking of creating a separate blog over at wordpress.com for my writings about Japan. I had thought about trying to get a blog over at GaijinPot.com - but I'd have to "audition" so to speak. I might do that later after I've done some writing for awhile. I'm too rusty at this point.

Now, for blog or domain names! that's the hardest part. I'm gonna be brainstorming over the next few days... then I might ask for some help narrowing down.

Well, we've reached the one-week countdown for the beginning of my job! I'll start teaching in just one week - on April 12th! I'm excited and happy, but also nervous and a bit freaked out.
I know it will be fine, but the beginning is always stressful. I need to make a good first impression - because as important as first impressions are in every job, they're even more important for me as a "gaijin" teaching in Japan! These kids (and the teachers too) will remember the first impression they have of me, and it will be hard to change it. So wish me luck impressing them from the start. I have to be a star, albeit a humble one. oh dear!
I think my first post on my new Japan blog will be about all the rules that go along with teaching at a public high school. My first day alone will probably fill up pages and pages...

Anyway, before I go today I thought I'd post a few pictures of the gorgeous cherry blossoms that I've been seeing for the last couple of weeks. I posted some over at Facebook, but not everyone here can see those. Plus I'll post a few extra ones here, of me and some of the friends I met at our "enkai" at last weekend's orientation.

( many pictures behind the cut )