Jackie's Japan Journal: 2024!!!

I remember in January feeling that the move was a long way off!

We had a year before we had to move, I was sure that by October we would be moved out and I wouldn't have to pay rent!

That didn't happen. Time just got away from me!

But we have moved, I'm still trying to organize things, trying to find places for all the stuff we have. I've thrown out a lot but there is still too much. I guess another round of throwing out things is in order.

I think 2024 wasn't that bad, just the move hanging over our head made it seem a lot more miserable than it would have been!

Mikey getting engaged was really great. As much as I love having my kids here I want them to have their own lives, to find happiness and success in life, whatever they decide to do.

Then Hannah passing her test and getting into graduate school was another high point!

celebrating Hannah's entrance to graduate school

Of course, getting to that point had to have some drama! Just two days before her test she had a seizure. We called an ambulance and got her to the hospital. The doctor ran a load of tests and kept het overnight. According to the doctor the seizure happened because of stress, exhaustion and heat (It was still in the 30Cs everyday). Of course Hannah started to panic, so we went back and spoke to the doctor, she was very kind and explained in detail about seizures, that Hannah could have another one next week or never have another one her entire life. Hannah was reassured by this, it helped her a lot.

After she was accepted into graduate school she found an apartment near her campus and moved in. That was really bitter sweet! It was nice watching her make choices, deciding which apartment to take. Then getting all the paper work done, getting utilities set and buying the basic things that she needs. But sad that my youngest was moving out!

Hannah's apartment

She has settled in alright. She is keeping her schedule, makes sure she has good food. I'm glad that she takes time to cook for herself and doesn't rely on take-aways or instant meals!

some of Hannah's meals

David managed to buy his own car. Having two cars has really helped, especially his car is rather large.

David's new car

our two cars at the old house

David didn't say anything about buying a car. He told Hannah that he was expecting a delivery, so we thought maybe some books that he had ordered! It was kind of shocking when somebody turned up with a car!

I think Christopher had a hard year. He lost his job because the supermarket closed down, plus moving. He's looking for something but because he can't drive he is limited in where he can work. He has been a big help with the moving, doing a lot of the heavy work. He has cleared out one area of the yard so we can start growing something soon. He has also taken an interest in cooking, he has cooked a lot the past few weeks!

My year started off okay! I kept hoping that the owners of the old house would change their minds and we could stay there! But that hasn't happened!

I got sick in May with shingles, in June with Covid. Took ages to fully recover!

My diabetes is being managed with just medicine and life style changes. I do need to eat a lot more healthy in the new year. I would love to get under 90kgs by my next appointment in March. I've lost a kilo since we moved, without dieting. I think living here is more physical.

I'm hoping that 2025 will be good, that I can feel settled in this house, get things organized, start doing the yard and growing some vegetables.

I also need to find another way to make money. I have no way of getting to the other city after Mikey moves out. I've been looking at online teaching but most of the places ask for a degree or some other qualification that I don't have.

Few photos from the year.