July Update

Hi!

I’m still here, just I finally have a little free time to myself. We’ve been super busy the past six months; a new workplace, five weeks in Japan, and I’m currently in the middle of writing a book, with ChatGPT adding in a few tweaks to my writing, as well as becoming a hoarder of all things automotive. We’ve so little space in our shed, but I’ve managed to amass a large collection of car cleaning and detailing products, axle stands, jacks, various lubricants and parts cleaners, gloves and some spare car parts.

I know Mami isn’t going to win any traffic light races, so the ultimate plan is to win in the corners by having the brakes and suspension played with (whenever the lotto Gods shine down on me). For now, she’s only going to win the Cleanest Car around Mount Coolum award because I’ve just spent three hours downstairs giving a wash, wax and interior detail.

Japan was great, as always, and I’m so happy that I got to see Haku play live in Fukuoka. They’ve been my fave band of 2025, and it was an effort and a half to get a ticket – I’ll save writing about that for another day – but it was $35 well spent, plus drink fee. And my book is going to be about Japan. The country, not a journal or biography. It’s going to be an amusing short story/travel guide to all the prefectures.

Speaking of Japan, we’re well on our way to get some more cheap return flights with Qantas points. We paid $580 return with luggage included, and are keen to do it again, just no 10 hour bus ride from Osaka to Hakata next time.

Anyway, I need to keep this short and somewhat sweet, as it looks like dinner is about to be served.