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Existence Itself

I had my monthly neighborhood association meeting this morning, and boy oh boy it was a doozy. This one old dude Omori-san must've woken up on the wrong side of the bed because he was airing grievances left and right. 

I always show up a little after 8 AM at the community center and spend two hours getting notes from the chairman Nakabachi-san and the other vice-chairperson Abukawa-san on what to put in the monthly neighborhood newsletter. I love making the newsletter but I have to say that when my vice-chair tenure is up in March I'm gonna be somewhat relieved to not have to do this again for a while. Mostly it's a burden on Eri because she has to hold down the fort on her own when I'm off doing neighborhood association tasks.

During the meetings this morning I was barely paying attention. I sipped my thermos coffee (with steamed milk and nutmeg added... I'm such a white person) and smiled and nodded and even when I had MC duties I was kinda mentally absent.


When I left the house Osamu was helping mama make French toast. He loves helping in the kitchen. I sometimes daydream about him becoming a chef one day.

 
In a world where so many people find solace in possessions and rigid schedules, I find myself more and more liberated by a different perspective. For me, life isn't about accumulating things or adhering to a checklist of must-dos. It's about embracing each moment as it comes, recognizing the sheer gift of existence itself.

I've come to the belief that happiness isn't tied to what you have or where you go. It's about appreciating the beauty in every experience, whether grand or seemingly mundane or even unpleasant or painful. It's kinda like the way I see food as sustenance rather than a matter of personal preference. Life's offerings are to be savored, regardless of their external appeal. Being a living human is a gift unto itself.

Unlike some of the folks I know, I thrive in unfamiliar settings and situations. For better or for worse, the unknown doesn't intimidate me; instead, it fascinates me. Whether surrounded by strangers or navigating uncharted territories, I find crazy joy in observing people and learning from their diverse perspectives and actions.

Central to my worldview is a profound belief in the inherent goodness of people. Of course I acknowledge the existence of those who do harm, but I maintain that they are exceptions rather than the rule. Trust, to me, is a foundation for meaningful interactions and relationships, far outweighing the alternative of cynicism and distrust.



Kenzo wasn't feeling well today so he took it easy on the couch and Osamu and I grabbed the bus after lunch and headed over to Nanakita Park for some good times. The winter cold had let up a little today so I figured we should seize our chance.


I've been reflecting pretty deeply on simplicity, and trusting in the fundamental goodness of humanity. For me, life's true richness lies not in what we possess or where we are compelled to go, but in our ability to appreciate and engage with the world around us, with open hearts and minds. 

My biggest worry these days is if I'll be able to pass that on to my sons.

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