Coronavirus

Okay, I’m jumping on the bandwagon. It’s just inescapable. I’m inundated everyday on the news about the coronavirus and its spread all over Japan. Everyday, new cases are reported. The worrying thing is that it’s affecting even those who had no direct contact with people from China’s Wuhan province. There’s a lack of masks in Japan and all around the world. People are stocking up … Continue reading Coronavirus

Black Friday, Japan

Things that make you go, hmm… Last week was Thanksgiving in the US, but I live here in Japan and there was hardly any mention of the holiday except from fellow Americans. However, the big thing that was on people’s minds was Black Friday–which made me go, “Huh?” Black Friday is such an American thing: Lining up at Walmart, people getting trampled just so they … Continue reading Black Friday, Japan

Five Things I’m Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Today is Thursday, November 28, 2019 in Japan. In the US, it is celebrated as Thanksgiving. In that spirit, I wanted to write about things that I’m grateful for.   I’ve written before how gratitude is my superpower. But I wanted to re-visit it today. It only seems fitting. So here are five things that I’m grateful for this season: Knowledge I am grateful that … Continue reading Five Things I’m Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Rushing the Process

So I just hung up the phone with my nephew. Or more like: I just switched off Facetime with Baby Boy. Baby Boy is in college, in his second year of the University of Connecticut’s Business Program. He texted me this weekend, out of the blue, exclaiming that Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad was one of the best books he’s ever read. I’m so … Continue reading Rushing the Process

Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan

I am at Fujiya, our local cake place, choosing which cake to eat for dessert tonight. I make my choice and take out the money for this purchase. The lady pauses for a moment before she rings up my order. She seemed to be waiting for something. And then, “Do you have your point card?” Oh! Whoops! With an embarrassed laugh, I whip it out … Continue reading Point Cards and Stamp Cards in Japan

Hanging On

Hubby is going through a crisis right now. He’s thinking about quitting his job, mostly because there are things that he just can’t deal with at his workplace. Unfortunately, the bulk of the comforting and the encouragement falls onto me. Frankly, it’s a little draining sometimes. Though I’m usually very supportive, I’m a little tired of the conversation. We’ve had this discussion so many times. … Continue reading Hanging On

Slaying Your Enoughasarus

Enoughasaurus: “The beast within each of us, he/she that must be satisfied. Slaying or at least satisfying your Enoughasaurus is a matter of deciding what’s enough for you and then designing your priorities and life around it.”  I love this concept, but I think it’s one of those things that is very hard to do. I came across this word a few years ago when … Continue reading Slaying Your Enoughasarus

Do I Really Need Life Insurance?

Okay, I’ll admit, I don’t have life or disability insurance. Somehow, I seem to be okay with it. I know, however, that as an adult, it’s one of those things that I need to take care of. The thing is, my husband and I have no children. I am also not the main breadwinner in our relationship so I feel like I don’t really need … Continue reading Do I Really Need Life Insurance?

39

This number seems so ominous. So close to forty, but not. Actually, that’s how old I am right now. Wait a minute–that does look really bad, now that I am staring that number in bold black print. Maybe I should just forget about this post… But I need to reel myself in and focus on the point: It’s been a month since my birthday and … Continue reading 39