My Turf

Hi, Cheryl.

You have a confirmed seat with Northwest on March 12, Sunday. Departure is at 8 in the morning. You have to be at the airport (old one not centennial) at least 3 hours before then. Your return is dated March 27 but it is rebookable. You may reconfirm your return flight with Northwest Tokyo once you are settled.

Have a smashing time in Tokyo!

I think this is one of THE BEST emails I have ever received.

Last Tuesday, our company President asked to speak with me. In his office, he asked when my VISA was set to expire. I answered, "Soon! March 14, sir."

He nodded and said, "I send you to Japan. You will handle…" then he went on describing my latest assignment.

I don’t think I remember half of what he told me. I’ve had my VISA since December last year (actually, I have a long story about my VISA application experience that I’ve always meant to write about, but I’ll save that for another entry).  When March came and I still haven’t used the VISA, I gave up all hopes of ever going to Japan.

I could hardly believe it. As I sat there, looking at my Japanese boss as if concentrating on what he was telling me, my mind was actually flying. I wanted to jump up and down. I couldn’t control the trembling of my hands nor the corners of my lips from curling up.

I am truly, officially, FINALLY going on my first out-of-the country trip! Wooo-hooo! I am so, so much happier than I could ever begin to describe!

I guess I’m off to Tokyo then! See all of you in two weeks or so.