i'm almost done learning N2 vocabulary. right now i have about 90 words left; i'll finish today. then N1, which i want to get finished within May, is another 2417 words... still, even if i only do 100 a day it'll be done before the end of the month. then i have to study grammar and listening and individual kanji... i've definitely made huge progress in japanese in the past few months (again). it's just the fact that i now know so many written words that i can actually pick up any random book/novel/manga and not be completely lost. i'm also following along with real, live conversations on youtube though how much they're simplifying / slowing down their speech in order to speak to the foreign guy (youtube channel host) i don't know.

as for the study abroad: no new news, but i basically have 3 months left until august which is when i should be leaving for it. i've heard japan is super fast at giving out VISAs so i should get one in time (unlike when i had to get one for iceland and it took months and i just barely barely got it in time).

but i really want a few things:
1. reading glasses. gonna cost like $500 USD. right now i ONLY have prescription sunglasses and not only do i need all the help in reading i can get, but it's really hard to navigate in dark places (bars, dim stores, walking at night) with sunglasses on so i need some untinted glasses. i can survive without normal glasses i think.
2. stabilizer for the smartphone camera + selfie stick. i found a good stabilizer on indiegogo that also includes an "energy bank" (spare battery thingy for your phone), for $100. but after 60 more people back it (it's already made and done, this is just the first production round i guess) the price will jump to $200 so if i want it i need to buy it fast.
3. should go to the dentist, since i haven't gone in about 8 years. it'd be good if they could get some of these stains off my teeth and fill in the chips i have or something. people can see you have chipped teeth when you smile/talk, right?
4. 360° camera. i reaaaaally want one, they make SUPER cool videos that make you feel like you're "actually there". but the cheapest "good" one costs $200.

sigh. i really, really hope i can find a job in japan fast....

i'm keeping a list of stuff i want to do (in no particular order) while in japan, feel free to suggest stuff:

1. nara deer park (youtube it!) http://nara-park.com/en/
2. fox village (same as deer park but for foxes)
3. buy secondhand kimono; go to kimono meetups
4. buy secondhand 3DS XL
5. comiket or other convention thing
6. visit that esperanto temple thingy
7. dog café; esperanto café; esperanto meetups
8. learn to play shamisen

"places that will maybe hire me" ideas:
1. english café (maybe only exist in tokyo?)
2. some old lady's farm (maybe impossible with my eyes)