As if we aren't stressed out enough from this upcoming Japan trip, my brother had to go and discover last night that his Driver's License and ATM card have been missing for who knows how many weeks. After much initial freak out, there was an even greater freak out when we realized all the implications. Since 9/11 and the increased airport security, Airlines have made it very clear that valid ID isn't a thing to be trifled with. We leave in 3 days and the DMV isn't even open on Mondays, so the earliest he can go in to order a replacement is Tuesday. 48 hours later we're supposed to be boarding the plane at KCI. My mother was crying and a complete mess, since it seemed like he was going to have to stay home. We'd take a hit for his plane tickets, but also, Shika and I would have had his absence on our minds the whole trip. Thank goodness none of that has to happen, since his passport already arrived and that alone ensures he can travel anywhere worldwide. About 2 hours passed though, from the time we figured out his license was gone and when I gave my mother the number for Northwest Airlines and she spoke to them directly, clearing everything up.

We didn't need that last night. Thank God it's over.

This morning, Shika and I went and withdrew all the moola from our accounts that we'll be bringing with us to spend on food, transportation, gifts, hot springs admissions and Akihabara. ^.^ We're bringing about 10x as much as she took last summer. whoo!!

Now I get to look forward to a night filled with packing all the clothing items Shika and I will need. This should be pretty simple since we wear mostly the same sizes. Hurray for sharing! (^_^)/

UPDATE: Everything outside is white, the rain is falling so hard. Friggin' jeez, man. o.O