I saw a Tanuki today!!

I was happily ruminating on my way home. Reflecting how the day started with two big problems at work; where one could possibly cost us hundreds of thousands, if not a million, dollars, and the other a safety issue. How one ended with me finding a possible cost down effort that will have a bigger impact instead of the initial (deemed) cost increase (much smaller). And how the other one ended with different disciplines agreeing (with much satisfaction) to my proposed solution.

It was a day to be thankful for.

Then, just as I was approaching the back entrance of our condo, I saw in the dark the cutest fur animal I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It stood there frozen, looking at me quizzically, yet somehow also looking at me as if encouraging me to move forward. Its big black round eyes was looking at me curiously. Big round belly. Huge furry tale. Looking at me deeply, so much so that I still feel its stare up to now.

Then it dawned on me that I was seeing in flesh the famed lucky tanuki (raccoon dog) The type so cute the photos I’ve seen doesn’t do it justice. I’m seeing a lucky charm tanuki!

When I realised my good fortune, I flicked open the flap of my phone. Dang. It darted away so fast, faster than I could say “wait”.

The encounter was so overwhelming I’m claiming the good fortune it is famed to bring! 😂🤣😅

I Graduated! 🔰🔰🔰

Beginner

The examiner told me I almost failed because of parking (in my own rating, I think I failed the parking part).

But she highly commended me with my safety checks and safe driving. As she said this, two scenes during the practical exam flashed in my mind: one where I had to overtake a parked car while a truck was on the opposite lane of a very narrow road; and another was when I was rounding a curve and a bus was also rounding the curve and I felt like my car’s hood would hit the bus’ headlight. To hear her commendation and pride on her face truly uplifted my spirits from my terrible parking performance; because of all my teachers, she was the most strict with safety.

Back in Manila, I actually didn’t feel any fear while driving. Now though, even after refreshing my driving skills and learning a ton more of new skills and knowledge, I feel more apprehensive going out alone, without my teacher.

Practice, practice.

life with a grade schooler: silkworms

After the golden week, you’ve been gushing about how in a few days you’ll be receiving eggs. Silkworm eggs that you’ll be taking care of. Fast forward a couple of weeks and they’ve grown. You’ve been heralding us of your silkworms’ antics and how the two seems to have different personalities. And yes, they have names: Shiro and Kumo; and that you can tell them apart because of the little black marks on their body.

And then, for over a week, you’ve been praying for a sunny Friday; apparently they could die in the rain hence you can only bring them home when that Friday is a sunny day. Told you I’ll pray in turn for a rainy day.

But your prayers were heard.

Thankfully they need to be housed in a closed box with some holes on, I wouldn’t be seeing them always. I feel like shrieking whenever I see them, my heart feels like it’s being squeezed.

Come Friday night however, my heart is being “squeezed” by an altogether different matter: your thanksgiving prayer.

After your evening prayers and you getting tucked in for the night, you suddenly bounced up, positioned yourself in prayer, and with sincerity in your voice, you prayed with gratitude on how your prayers were answered. And that you look forward from now for more answered prayers.

Such faith. Such gratitude. My work is done. Love you baby.