My newest writing adventure

I'm writing a shopping column for a weekly marketing publication that my office produces. This 285-word column is suppose to appeal to military spouses. We'll see how it goes.

Shopping Happiness

By Michelle Volkmann

“Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.”
-- Bo Derek

Buying happiness in Okinawa is a challenge. Without the commerce safety nets of Target and Walgreens planted near almost every stateside military installation, shopping in Japan is a complex riddle containing an exchange rate and a language barrier.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Treasures are plentiful. It’s only a matter of looking in store windows, asking for recommendations and keeping your eyes open.

As the Sherlock Holmes of shopping, I will investigate buying challenges and provide solutions in this semimonthly column. I will highlight unique stores designed for penny-wise window shopping along with those must-have items so that your household goods are a 3-D scrapbook of your military service.

Shopping is my favorite hobby because it’s a sport that provides points for participation and takes hardly any hand-eye coordination. This sport doesn’t necessarily drain your checking account. Inexpensive trinkets can offer a glimpse into Japanese life for your friends and families. It is always better to give than receive and everyone loves receiving a package from across the Pacific Ocean.

The shopping experience itself provides hours of entertainment. It’s a way to study the differences between American and Japanese culture. And it’s simply fun to be greeted with “irasshaimase” while browsing the shelves. It's those little details that make spending yen a memory that remains long after the movers break your shisa dogs.

Grab your wallet and prepare to feel the surge of shopping happiness.