Goings On: Too Much

Perhaps I bit off more than I can chew.

There has been so much on my plate that since arriving back from Christmas vacation, I have had little time to sit down and type out anything unrelated to work, Shizuoka AJET, or sumo.

This past weekend, I thought to take a time out for myself and go skiing in Nagano. It was an eventful trip with many "memory moments" when you have to be optimistic and just chill, reminding yourself "We'll get home, when we get home". After a small accident, lots of snow on the roads, many missed turns and detours, and a dead car battery, I finally got home at 1:30 am this morning.

Recently, I have stepped in as an officer for Shizuoka AJET, an organization that plans events for all the JETs (and any accompanying friends) in Shizuoka. My job has been to finalize all Sapporo Snow Festival payments, rooming, the charter bus, and money. I've already dealt with people who are making changes to their plans, want refunds, drop-outs, a hotel change, charter bus meeting points and leaders and overall BAAAAAAHHHH!!!
On Friday, I am meeting with our travel agent to make the final payment for everything. I am counting on everyone to send in their money to the joint AJET account so that I can pay the travel agent. I hope people do not procrastinate too long. The actual trip is February 5-8.

This Saturday, I am going to the sumo tournament with 4 friends, 3 of whom need to pay me back for the tickets that I bought for everyone. Usually, I am not a stickler on payback times, but as I see these friends rarely, I'd rather get that money back sooner rather than later. And since I hold all the tickets, I hope they show up on time at the designated place so that we do not miss any of the action.

An elementary school sent letters from the students to answer questions about Japan. While there hasn't been a deadline mentioned, I have become stressed that I need to get this done in a timely manner. Preferably, I'd like to wait until March to send my replies, but as a fellow teacher, I know what it is like waiting and depending upon someone else.

Class starts in 10 minutes. Maybe I won't lose my head.