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

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

End of the Year

So we’re coming up on the last two months of 2019. Frankly, I have lots to do on my list, and I feel like I’m bowing to the pressure. For the past few weeks, every morning I wake up, I review the things that I have to do for the day. I start the day motivated and then I lose steam later on. I become … Continue reading End of the Year

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

Consumption Tax Hike Japan 2019

So it’s been more than a week since the consumption tax hike here in Japan. I haven’t experienced anything earth shattering since then. Considering all the media attention and the panic that ran rampant in the streets regarding this issue before October 1st, I find the second week really underwhelming. But let me back track a little. Essentially, the Japanese government, under Abe’s leadership, needs … Continue reading Consumption Tax Hike Japan 2019

Coursera, EdX, and MOOCs

The problem when you live in Japan is that everything is in Japanese, especially for those of us who live in areas that are not as connected globally. You do have to rely on the local language most of the time–so if you choose to take classes, most of it will be in Japanese. Enter online learning. I’m surprised I haven’t written anything about this … Continue reading Coursera, EdX, and MOOCs

Starting From Scratch

I am still reeling from the shock of it all. Two years of work. Gone. It’s my fault, really. I am the first to admit it. In a fit of spite, I undid all the work that I had painstakingly and lovingly built from the ground up. I run another blog, which is dedicated solely to my life in Hokkaido, Japan. I started that blog … Continue reading Starting From Scratch

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