Season’s greetings to you all.
I hesitate to use the phrase, “Happy New Year,” when so many of us continue to face the harshness of austerity. Well, at least the fiscal cliff crisis looks likely to be averted, even if somewhat tentatively. Hopefully this means that negative repercussions to the Japanese economy will be avoided for the time being, and my, what a relief that is.
Straight after the Lehman’s fall, companies in Japan took rationalization measures whereby employees on temporary hire were laid off by the thousands. Now, it is the employees in permanent positions who are getting the axe. Only yesterday did my newspaper give a front page coverage on Panasonic’s heartless measures being taken to consign unwanted employees into resignation. My husband also works in the waning manufacturing industry, so we can hardly afford to look at the situation with indifference.
Whatever harshness this new year might bring, I am adamant that I continue to provide my family with love and comfort that they deserve. Let this be my new year’s resolution.
Best wishes, everyone.
Ayano xxx.
Not only Japan but the world over it seems.
I was just this morning bemoaning the amount of price increases which seem to have appeared since the New Year – Bread Rolls – 5 for £1.00, now 4 for £1.00!!!
And sadly I have little faith that the people who got us into this mess will get us out of it!!!
“Love and comfort” are however within the power of all of us to provide.
My best wishes to you
David
Things are really looking bad, aren’t they.
Although I believe that Britain has a much much healthier fiscal status than we have, I’m still hearing words like ‘the expectation of a triple-dip recession’ from the media over there. I hope the gloomy forecasts turn out to be false.
The most worrying thing about such economic gloom is that there is a tendency for us to become introverted and also overly nationalistic. The country’s purchase of the disputed islands of Senkaku (which China also lays claim) is a very good example of our poor judgment.
Living modestly with what we have isn’t always a bad thing. It makes one think about what is really important and what isn’t; being overtly hawkish certainly isn’t something that I would count as being necessary. I guess the one good thing about social media is that one can express one’s views clearly irrespective of what the people in the higher places think and do!
I will try to write a more cheerful post in the future, David. I remember a wonderful TV ad calling us to “always look on the bright side of life.” I believe that is the right way to go.
Ayano xxx.
Hi Ayano, I have to agree with David on both points. Love and comfort have a way of softening Life’s harsher times. And as for politicians – I think you know my opinion of them. As for “looking on the bright side,” I’ll have to reflect on that. But best wishes to you too.
Thank you, just a peasant.
I hope I can keep my family together by providing them with warmth.
Ayano xxx.
A long time ago someone advised me – “Don’t take yourself too seriously David, you are not that inportant”
I have tried to carry that thought with me throughout life.
I may not always be able to “look on the bright side” but I hope I never lose my sense of humour.
David
I would like to adopt your acquaintance’s advice for my own use too, “Don’t take oneself too seriously, I am not that important.” The words have a mitigatory effect.
Humour has always given me comfort and solace, and I think, also latitude. With a few changes that I am expecting in my life this year, I am definitely going make sure that humour doesn’t give up on me just yet!
You are important to me, David.
Ayano xxx.
A very late (but still) Happy New Year to you! I hope 2013 is a good year for you!
Thank you, Nyasha, and the same to you too!
Ayano xxx.