tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231208216725133035.post8388781587926789046..comments2023-05-14T20:16:34.087+09:00Comments on The Bowmans in Okinawa: Reader Mailbag!aviva5271http://www.blogger.com/profile/07379860415547601596noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231208216725133035.post-5561279458871200342008-08-28T10:49:00.000+09:002008-08-28T10:49:00.000+09:00The only COLA I've ever benefitted from, besides w...The only COLA I've ever benefitted from, besides what we got while my family was stationed in Iceland, is Diet Cola...I'm losing half a pound a week!erniesbudolabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10877585580028900853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231208216725133035.post-88831900266847632152008-08-27T09:02:00.000+09:002008-08-27T09:02:00.000+09:00I agree that you WILL NOT save money here. MAYBE w...I agree that you WILL NOT save money here. MAYBE with the COLA and living somewhat frugal you could end up debt free before you leave - but I have to say, that was our plan 5 years ago...we have one year left and I think we are more in debt now after traveling to Hawaii, China, Thailand, etc. and buying all the great furniture! I guess I am one of the few that have been lucky enough to get a good job. I'm GS at the hospital...it does pay decent, but my job WOULD pay better in the states....they lowball us because they know we are here anyway and need jobs so we don't get any of the "bennies" like housing allowance, COLA, etc.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03731504355599366726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231208216725133035.post-13678844268724147412008-08-26T20:53:00.000+09:002008-08-26T20:53:00.000+09:00I found your website once previously just browsing...I found your website once previously just browsing the internet for information on Okinawa (always looking for new places to visit here) and then came across it from your profile on Okinawa Hai Society. Normally, I'm not one to post on people's blogs that I haven't personally met, but I had to for this one. 100% true in every possible way. Okinawa is absolutely amazing for all of the opportunities it provides, as long as you are willing to go out and take advantage of it. As for the money situation, I know only a few spouses who actually work and have tried in the past to no avail to get a job here with plenty of education and experience to spare. However, I have found complete happiness in being home with our son and just exploring everything there is to do here. I could go on and on about how wonderful of an experience it has been here so far, but then I might as well write my own blog post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16483473207233188432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231208216725133035.post-5488019306623360922008-08-26T19:43:00.000+09:002008-08-26T19:43:00.000+09:00I completely agree! We were told this nonsense ab...I completely agree! We were told this nonsense about saving money and making money, as well. NOT TRUE! The military changes policies so often that all the off base money making opportunities we heard about and looked forward too had changed 2 days before we arrived on island! And the kicker, they've all changed numerous times since then! This place IS what you make of it. My friends know I can't wait to get home, but I wouldn't trade the Okinawa experience for anything! Thanks for the post, Aviva!Abbeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15847924513767677801noreply@blogger.com