A day in the life of a Middle Schooler: “You’re Beautiful”

My daughter was in the powder room, and was about to finish brushing her teeth when I stood beside her in front of the mirror, with the intention of measuring our heights.

She blurted out though: Mommy, does the song “You”re Beautiful” have a good meaning?

Me: why did you suddenly remember the song? Is it because you saw me? (Laughing hard)

Yui: No. Because I saw myself in the mirror.

I laugher even harder. Atta girl! I’m so proud of you.

Home is where the heart is

We’re now on Narita Express heading back home. Back from a great vacation in the Philippines; where I met great friends who I treasure dearly, and had a memorable road trip with family who made me feel loved and cherished. My heart is with them. And I/we are looking forward to our next vacation.

But as the train sped on and I gaze out on Japanese houses in Chiba, rice paddies, golf courses, I felt happy to be home. My heart is also here, my love is here. I am home.

Kilig

I usually get kilig in the most unromantic reasons.

When I’m praised at work.

When my work is recognized in the most unexpected way.

When I see someone in high position/very experienced engineer applying the procedures I put in place.

When I created something that was really marvelous.

Today, out of the blue, the Piping Lead of my current project (who was in constant business trip for the past four months that I haven’t seen him in person) suddenly paid me a visit on my desk. Just to say hi and commend me on my efforts thus far.

What made me kilig though was what he revealed: he said he’s been wanting to work with me for the longest time now. Said he’s heard about me in other projects and was part of a team that worked with me but that he wasn’t my direct contact. Said he appreciated the efforts I’m putting.

Kilig. To the bones. Especially since he said it when people around my work area were in their seats and silently working.

Kilig.