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10 Things to Consider Before Moving to Japan

If you're like me and have had a long-time infatuation with Japan, you've probably thought about visiting or even moving there someday. Living or studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and seek adventure. But before you pack your bags, take time to consider 10 important things that will determine whether a long-term stay is right for you.

Blackout now avalable in paperback!

Exciting news: my novel Blackout is now available in paperback on Amazon for all the hard copy lovers out there!

Let's face it: there's nothing like the smell of a new book, the glossy cover, the feel of turning the pages, being able to see your progress, admiring it on your bookshelf with the rest of your collection, and even the simple pleasure of using a fun bookmark. Now you can head to your local coffee shop or cozy up at home and enjoy all the feels!

Disneybounding ideas

Welcome back for more Disneybounding ideas, the popular activity both in and outside the parks to show off your favorite Disney fandoms by dressing as your favorite character using everyday clothes and accessories.

Loki

First up is my favorite God of Mischief, Loki! I've done a few different bounds as he is my all-time favorite Marvel character (dare I say Avenger).


New book Blackout available now!

While I love blogging about Japan and Disney, I'm also a creative writer on the side! My novella Blood Magic is available on Amazon, and now I'm releasing my first novel called Blackout through Golden Storyline Books.

It's been a work in progress for more than 10 years since I wrote it back in the early 2010s. (Which is how long I've been trying to get published! So long, in fact, that the original manuscript had the protagonist using a (gasp) flip phone!).

If you like speculative fiction set in a futuristic world with a side of action, mystery, and romance with a strong, kick-ass female protagonist, this one's for you! Head to Amazon now to purchase!


Virtual launch party: Blackout

 I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my debut novel, Blackout. Join me on Zoom Saturday, March 23rd at 1:30 PT/3:30 CT for the virtual launch!

During the launch party I will be introducing the book, reading an excerpt, and holding a Q&A session. I will also be giving away 2 FREE copies of my book!

Zoom

March 23rd

1:30 PT/3:50 CT

Meeting ID: 812 4430 4947

Passcode: dz5Lrd

Read a description of Blackout below.

In a world without sunlight, darkness means death.

There are four main things humans need to survive: water, food, air – and sunlight.

Somewhere along humanity’s existence, humans have lost the ability to absorb sunlight on their own and must rely on the use of solar discs. There are a full 17 hours of sun a day, astronomists are celebrated as celebrities – if not gods – and no one dares go out after dark, or you may be dead before dawn’s first rays.

After a high-stakes career, Roth’s job in the Sun Regulatory Affairs department is safe – but dull. When black patches began appearing around the city that occupy space for crucial sunlight, alarm sets fire throughout the nation.

In a stroke of fate, a boy with ghost-like white hair named Carrow appears, and the department tasks Roth with his care and protection. This boy is one of the last of a long-lost people known as the “Children of Light,” who don't need solar discs to absorb sunlight and have faded into all but legend.

When Roth discovers Carrow can make the black spots disappear, news spreads in a frenzy, to the surprise of the city’s top astronomers who are supposed to be the authority on the case. Dissension brews among them as Carrow’s identity and subsequent popularity skyrockets as the world’s savior.

But soon the black spots are growing faster than ever, nearly everyone is criticizing Roth, and pressure is mounting from all sides. Will Roth and Carrow be able to restore balance, or could this mean the end of everything they know?

Japanese Secrets to Health, Fitness, and Longevity

The Japanese population is known to be one of the healthiest on the planet, with low obesity rates, high life expectancy rates (84.95, and up to nearly 88 years for women), and one of the world's highest concentration of centenarians (if you've watched the recent Blue Zone documentary series on Netflix, you'll be familiar with how Okinawans make up a big portion of global centenarians).

Meanwhile, in the US obesity rates soar at 41.9% nationwide, and average life expectancy is considerably shorter at 77.5 years. Many other countries also experience similar health statistics that are concerning. Let's explore Japan's secrets to staying healthy and living long.