Life in a Bento Box

So, Japan. A possible new adventure for the gentleman and I. Gentleman, mind you. Just the one. Though there are many places I would rather go, namely eastern Europe, I am coming around to the idea of Asia. After talking to people about it who have known me for awhile we've generally come to the same conclusion; Japan doesn't represent something fabled and new to me. I grew up around and among Asians of varied heritage. Asia is not a vast, unexplored frontier. Asia is a place like most others (in that every place is different) that happens to like things very small. That has a lot of irking potential since I am very attached to furniture and space.
However, the worst part? Not the bathrooms. I can [maybe] adjust if I end up with a strange bathroom. Those are usually somewhat western at this point. The thing I fear most is the kitchen. No oven? Small, almost camp-style cooktop? Little counter space? Tiny fridge?? How do I use that?
I hope to be able to use Ikea to solve a lot of my problems. Alton Brown (May he live forever) has always been a fan of multi0taskers. I should light a candle at my Good Eats altar and ask for guidance...

The Moral of the Story...?

When I think about the conversations I have been having recently, it becomes all the more apparent that I am officially not only in a different life stage but also preparing for transition into yet another one. I'm finishing college soon, and looking toward what comes next. Friends and I have talked in all seriousness about the state of the economy. Stories about weddings are personal and in not only present but also past tenses. Life decisions become more imminent.
Right now I am coming to terms with the idea of applying for work in Japan. Hopefully I can get a job there. The demand for teaching jobs is supposedly high but one can't always rely on hearsay to be reliable. There are a couple issues with moving to Japan that I will probably expand on later. But there are other implications. Moving to Japan, an entirely different country. With Paul. Even if we are there with two good friends (one is definitely looking to go, the other is more tentative.) it has serious connotations. I'm not afraid of serious connotations, but it does put me in the early stages of The Rest Of My Life. It would be exciting, if it wasn't so serious.
Okay, it is kindof exciting.