After several dry cleanings and still the buttons on my coat are missing, the cleaning shop finally called us to ask if we still have the buttons so that they can put them back. They didn’t even ask for a fee. They just want everything to be in its right place. Amazing.
Yui was trying to reason her way out of putting on her socks by herself this morning. Me (for the nth time): Yui put on your socks.
Yui: Mommy mo sokoshi dekiru yo (Mommy, with just a little bit of effort you can do it)
We were already about to be late for the bus so I eventually had to put her socks on her.
Yui: Mommy, dekita ne. Jouzu (see Mommy, you can do it! Good job!)
Dear Winter ,
I’m probably one of the very very few who absolutely loves you.
Sure, you can be terribly harsh and hard. Even sans the snow, the bitter wind makes us feel so numb that we sometimes don’t notice some fluid is already dripping down our feels-like-nonexistent-nose. Trees and plants look so bare and dried up most would think it’s gone and died up.
But whenever I look at these seemingly dried up plants and bare trees, I see so much promise. And I smile because I know below the ground and within those trunks and branches, there’s life that’s throbbing and preparing a beautiful surprise that’s called Spring. And whenever I look up at the brilliantly blue sky, the breathtaking sunrise and brilliant sunsets, I exclaim with a big smile on my face and a grateful heart to God, “Ah, Winter! I’m glad you’re here.” 
Dear Kid who made this sandcastle,
You and your friends have been in my thoughts the whole day. From now, you will always be in my prayers. I pray you and your friends get the education you need, the passion to achieve more, the heart to do good, the wisdom to choose good over evil, angels to guide and help you in your way for a better and more fulfilling life. I claim to God that my prayers will be answered in His perfect time and that you and your friends are in Good Hands. Indeed, it’ll be a Happy New Year for you and your friends! 🙂
Looking at this serene beauty is worth missing the train for.
Have you ridden in one of these “Illumination and Gallery Buses” circling Yokohama? They even have some Christmas jingles softly playing in the background.
Would try to sit at the back next time, right next to the gifts. Nighttime would be best. 🙂
