I don’t tend to share a lot of personal life stuff on the blog, as that’s a choice I’ve made for my family and for my brand. I do share the occasional snippet of Japanese life on Instagram on @blossomheartquilts though, but you can never really tell the whole story on there with a little square photo! So when I shared a few snaps from our Kyoto trip the other week, I realised that I should share what’s going on at the moment to help you understand what’s happening “behind the scenes” here. Because things will definitely be changing in a big way!
April 2015
The Story
Quick back story for those who are new around here: In May 2012, my family moved to Chiba, Japan for my husband’s work. He’s a scientist, and having finished his PhD soon after we were married, getting some experience outside of Australia was important to help establish his career as a researcher. As a radiation biologist, and having connections here in Japan (plus his fairly good level of Japanese), it made sense to come here. The fact that it’s closer to Australia than Europe or the US, as well as being in a very close timezone, was a huge bonus! We have absolutely loved it here, and believe it was the best decision we could have ever made for our family and for us as individuals too. Being able to grow as people, as parents and as a family away from “the past” and our comfort zone has been challenging but incredibly worth it.
First fabric store trip
It was originally only for 3 years, but we extended to 4 as it made sense for our family. If his boss had his way, we’d never leave! But May 2016 is the end date, and it’s only 11 months away, eek! This new timeline allowed our son to finish yochien (Japanese preschool/kindergarten), gave our daughter an extra year of yochien to better establish her Japanese, and it also gave us adults an extra year to work out what to do next (aka an extra year to procrastinate making decisions…).
Kindergarten matsuri 2013
The Future
With our time now winding down, the time to make those decisions has arrived. The conference in Kyoto was a big one, with many international attendees, and was Ben’s chance to network in person. Unfortunately, the science scene in Australia is pretty dismal at the moment, with funding and research priorities pitifully low thanks to the current government. But he had some interesting conversations, and people are aware that he’s coming back and looking, so we haven’t given up hope. There were leads in Northern Ireland and Vienna though, ha! But no, Australia is the destination for the sake of our kids and family, at least for the next few years. Except that we just don’t know where! We do have a backup plan of staying with family for a couple of months if necessary while the job hunt continues, and a few other bits and pieces that shouldn’t leave us high and dry and homeless!
Matsuri lanterns
Bottom line – we’re returning to somewhere in Australia, sometime in 2016. Kids finish the Japanese school year at the end of March, visas expire May 8th, we can technically remain on a 90 day tourist visa. So yeah, sometime in there…
First Disneyland trip
The Reality
Yes, the unknown is frustrating. And exciting. And daunting. We sold pretty much everything other than a few boxes of kitchen goods and books and frames and such when we moved, and we do have a double bed and a La-Z Boy rocking recliner too I think. So at the very least we can cook and sleep and take turns reclining… We won’t be shipping anything back from here other than personal items (read: boxes of fabric). So it’s daunting to think of how much we need to do (and spend) when we move back. But I just keep reminding myself that I’ve already done all this once before, in a country where I don’t speak the language, didn’t really know anyone, and had no family. So doing it all again back in Australia?! What a cinch!
Kindergarten matsuri 2014
The Blog
So what does this mean for me and the blog and Blossom Heart Quilts? Well, other than the fact that April-June next year may be a bit quieter than usual, hopefully nothing too drastic that I can foresee. I am determined to keep growing my business, and I have some long-term goals that go beyond the expiry date on our Japanese visa! To be honest, one option that I have to remain open to is that maybe I will be the one who finds work in Australia. I’m not adverse to the idea, especially if it’s in the quilting industry, so if anyone knows of a quilting store or business who needs an experience quilter and social media manager, you know where to find someone who fits that bill!
Making mochi
But I will still be working bloody hard at my BHQ goals and dreams, and I even have some plans already that I can put in place now to help keep things around here moving next year. That’s how serious I am, working 12 months ahead! I’m here to stay, guys, even if “here” doesn’t know where it’s going to be this time next year.
I think that just about covers it all. Thanks for listening guys, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Myra says
I enjoyed this peek into your lives!
Bernie says
Alyce, This was so fun to read. I honestly don’t know all that much about you except for a few hints here and there. I love getting to know the blogger. Hang in there. Change is a bit unsettling but also an adventure. Your littles are adorable!
Aileen says
very interesting. You and your husband have been courageous enough to follow opportunities and challenges to the full. Wonderful! I hope the anti-science/anti-intellectual trend of the current political scene in Australia will be short lived. Good luck in the coming months.
Catherine says
There is a world full of opportunities out there. You are both still young and with a beautiful young family. It must be unsettling not to know what is in the future but I am sure that you will make the most of whatever comes your way.
Amy Mayen says
wow, that’s a big share! How exciting, wonderful, and tremendously stressful. You have the right attitude, knowing that new doors are opening. I can’t wait to follow along the journey!
Anne says
Exciting and daunting! I’m hopeful that your husband will be able to find something, Australia will be lucky to have you both! 😉
Caroline says
Ooh, good luck! Not that you’ll need it — sounds like you and your husband have the right attitude (and experience!) to do another big move. I’m not sure Australian science is in a great place right now (particularly with funding), but fingers crossed your husband can find a good position. Otherwise you will just have to aim for world domination via BHQ!
Anneliese says
How fun it that? My children always have to tell the people “no, we do not have kangaroos in Austria” and you got a job offer and could say “we do have kangaroos”. I hate and find the unknown terrible frustrating so hopefully you get the job he is looking for and can start selling and planing soon 🙂
Katie says
I am fairly new to your blog, so it was great to get your background! Best of luck in the job search for your husband and yourself! I was worried that you were going to stop blogging, so am relieved:). Take care!
Anny says
How exciting! And such a wonderful opportunity you and your family has had and will have. Change is difficult but will happen.I hope,for only the best for you and yours. You and your husband are giving your children life long lessons about change, growth and resilience. May every day be good and some be even better. Congratulations on a new adventure. Ps: would love to check out those fabric stores in Japan. 🙂
Diane stanley says
many good thoughts headed your way. Moving is a big process and not one I can speak of from experience. Never the less, I wish you well and hope things go well in the job search too
Samantha says
Good luck with the moving plans and job search- fingers will surely be crossed across the globe for you guys!
Jeifner says
Exciting and nerve wracking I’m sure 🙂 I totally understand wanting to be around friends and family. If however you are thinking about Vienna it’s (and austria is) a wonderful place for adults and kids.
Charmaine says
Japan is a beautiful place but there is no place like home. Good luck with the job hunting for both of you. Japanese fabrics are gorgeous – bring lots home or at least the contacts to buy more as there aren’t a lot of places that sell them. I would love to take my family to Japan to show them what was an important part of my life for 6 months when I lived there – one day.
marg says
Lucky, lucky Australia……
Capi says
Thanks for sharing your news. Sometimes reverse culture shock can be more shocking than we’d expect. Good that you are thinking ahead about all of this. Will pray the right door opens for your hubby.
Carla says
Capri is right, but we have already discussed this. Be prepared for reverse culture shock when you return to Oz, but also be reassured that it will pass.
What was so traumatising about mochi mashing for little miss?
Ms Midge says
Hooray for making decisions! lol x
mindingmomma says
So glad you are here to stay. Best wishes on the job hunt, house hunt, and all that goes along with it. Looking forward to following your journey.
Susie says
All the best on all fronts. You can’t leave Japan yet cause that missing fabric you sent me may return after all!!
Celtic Thistle Stitches says
Exciting times ahead Alyce! I shall keep my fingers crossed that everything works out just how you want it to 🙂
Johanna says
Exciting times for your family! Thanks for sharing!
DeborahGun says
Exciting times ahead for you all, as well as daunting and sometimes worrying. I know what it’s like to live never sure of where you will be the next year, whether your visa will come through in time etc, but I think its these times that draw us together as a family, make us realise our dependence on God and deepen our faith and relationships. Lots of love to you all xx
Pasqualina says
I enjoyed reading this and getting to know you a little better. You have a challenging time ahead. My husband and I were in the same situation a few years ago. At the end, everything turned out just right. I’m sure it will be the same for you. You are a talented and open minded person and have already achieved a lot. I’m sure good things are waiting for you and your family. I’m glad to plan to stay around with your blog as I enjoy reading it. All the best to you and your family!