Every morning I have a routine of going to Lawson, a chain of convenience stores here in Japan. I pick up two drinks and sometimes a "sea chicken" (or tuna) onigiri. Last Friday it was a bottle of milk tea and some water.

The convenience stores here are just too wonderful. All the general items are there, such as your standard food, snacks and drinks. It doesn't stop there: light bulbs, recordable CDs, DVDs and video games. I can even get concert tickets from a machine in the store.

Last year, in September, I remember receiving some utility bills. I tried to decipher them and I noticed barcodes on them as well as the names of convenience stores on the back. So I walked over to Lawson's and handed them the documents. Scan barcode, pay, done. My bills were paid.

I'm going to miss that. But, on the flipside, I am looking forward to seeing a Super Big Gulp at the 7-Eleven back home. 44-ounces would make the kids out here gasp in disbelief.