Garden Life Japan – Page 15 – Getting Down and Dirty

New Job

So as we are trying to save for our move to sunny California the snow is starting to float down heavily settling us into winter a tad bid early. Winters are long and cold here making our April 2015 date seem like an eternity to wait. With snow finally sticking to the ground the low temperatures are here to stay. In attempts to combat our expensive heating bill and never ending baby expenses I have decided to get a part time job at the local ski park. This will be my first true Japanese job. Im a little nervous and a little excited to try out my Japanese skills. On the other hand, both my wife and I are not too thrilled about the extra time spent away from each other. But I feel its our only chance to stay afloat and keep the house heated.

The snow park is located about fifteen minutes north of where we live. And im not sure if I have these two job titles are written on my forehead but my job positions are waiter and snowboard instructor. Seems like fate has me doing these two jobs in whatever country I go to. Anyways I will be working there over the winter holidays and Saturdays. As you know trying to save money and be frugal doesn’t create the most comfortable lifestyle. I am hoping with a little extra cash it will provide a more relaxed atmoshphere around the house.

I start the 14th of December when the park opens so I will keep you posted on any new news.

San Diego Bound!

Im going to start this with a disclaimer on this entry!!

**As is always plans change.**

I came to Japan five years ago with the intention of staying one year! It was meant to be a fun break from life and a way to make money while I travel the world. Although I have travelled to almost every country in Asia I am still in Japan. Not that it is a bad thing but I don’t really want to spend the rest of my life here. Japan is an easy place to live and you get comfortable fast.

And the thing about comfortable places is that they are hard to leave behind.

But my family and I have decided it now or never and we are working towards saving money to move back to my hometown San Diego!

We are looking for a bit of culture change and a place to escape the hardships of the severe winters we experience here in the Alps of Japan. Saving enough money to make an international move is going to require some sacrifices on our parts.

We are going to have to give up the few luxuries we have now to make this move possible. As it is we are already living quite a frugal life but downgrading things is always hard. This upcoming year will be very trying on our relationship and family so please keep us in your prayers. If everything goes according to plan we will be making our move April 2015. And we can throw away our heavy snow jackets and shovels for shorts and flip flops. Wish us luck and follow along as we try to fin new ways to save and make money.

If you have any comments or ideas we would love to hear them! Especially if they make our lives easier.