People have often asked me about my experience socializing in Japan. More specifically, about whether I have a lot of friends and feel comfortable here. On the comfort part, the answer is a definitive yes. I truly enjoy a lot of the conveniences and such that come with living here. On the friendship part,...
Something I really enjoy about my marriage is that it has always been about turn-taking. Sometimes it is all about me and sometimes it is all about Chad. Some it is even all about Rasta. We each get a turn for it to be all about us. This past year was all about Chad...
I have a couple of hereditary diseases, both of which are sunlight sensitive. One is acute hereditary coproporphyria, and the other is lupus. If you follow The Musicks In Japan podcast, or read my mother’s blog on the website, then you’ve probably already heard about her experience. I don’t have it as bad as...
I know a few weeks ago I was glum and overwhelmed about well everything. This week, that is not that case. I have officially competed all of my reading. YAY me *throws confetti*. It was a massive undertaking, but I did it. I am really glad that I signed up for the literature review...
I’ve owned my car for about 8 months now, and I’m starting to get the hang of taking care of it. Before owning a car, I didn’t realize how much work or money went into maintaining one. I always thought of a car as primarily a large, one-time payment with annual or semi-annual lumps...
Hi y’all. This week I have some exciting news about the podcast. At least, I hope it is exciting. We are gearing up to begin a second podcast in 2020 called Disabled is Not Broken. We don’t have an official launch date quite yet, but we do have a firm idea about what the...
For many years, I’ve worked as an editor and writer, with technical and management duties taking up only a portion of my days. On Monday, I’ll start a new job as a Data Engineer. In this role, I’ll be responsible for managing (and documenting) the flow of information within the company, for getting analysts...
An obi is a type of belt used to tie closed kimonos and yukatas. I have never worn a kimono, and I only this year had the experience of wearing a yukata. This may come as a surprise because I have lived in Japan for over a decade, but I have simply never had...
Fall is my favorite time year of Japan. If feels like a time of hope, happiness and romance. At least, that’s my perception of the season. To be totally honest fall, winter, and spring are all fairly romantic. I think Nagoya, and probably all of Japan, is a very romantic place focused on love,...