Day 10 Journaling Challenge - The Finish Line!

Hold up! Before you dive into the last entry, play this video on the background. I think it is fitting tribute for my last journal entry.

Click this! Kimi no nawa - Sparkle by Radwimps :)

Finally! It's here! The finish line! I can't believe I made it through day 10. Honestly, it was more challenging than I expected. I usually come home from work, dead tired and my brain even deader than a walker from Walking Dead.
I couldn't say I didn't enjoy writing these entries. Actually, through this experience, I was able to find myself and my passion again.

The whole truth behind this shenanigan is to find myself. Ashamed as I may be to admit it, last year, I've lost in touch with my creative self. I was so absorbed with gaining security with my job and my status in Japan that I forgot how good it felt each time I made a poetry or a short entry. The rush, exhilaration and bliss of materializing the words and thoughts that floats around the spaces of my mind feels like hearing my child utter his first words or kissing those lips that I so long want to taste for the first time.

Each poetry, each silly journal entry and fan fiction shorts are my children. Everyone flawed in their every way and yet, beautiful in their own words.

The journey with this journal entries felt like a reawakening and a rebirth of my heart and soul. I learned to notice the little things around me. I especially love the curve of people's eyes when they smile and how they look back and do a polite bow before disappearing from sight.

I also learned how to write for myself and myself only. I stopped caring what other people think and just let go of these words dangling from my silent lips. Through this, I discovered another style of writing which I would love to explore further. Although, I still love writing emo stuff so it's possible that that kind will pop around once in a while.

Finally, I learned that despite of the selfish reason why I started this challenge, there are still people who loves me enough to read through all of it. This has inspired me to push through the heavy veil of writer's block and punch procrastination on the face.

From the bottom of my heart, to my dearest readers, my family and my friends and my silent readers, domo arigatou gozaimasu and I love you from the moon and back! You guys have helped me get out of the mud and walk tall again with my button-nose, short but happy.

So what's next? I hate making promises so I'll just use the word "try". I won't be able to write for days straight like how I tried to do so with this challenge, but I will try to write a couple every week.

This I promise though - I will not stop writing and stirring your hearts with my words :)

Again, I can't thank everyone enough for supporting me and helping me find my way again.

You guys are the best! Remember, if you're feeling lonely, in the dark, or like no one cares, say this to yourself - "you are strong, beautiful and you'll be okay no matter what happens." This magic chant has always worked for me and I hope it helps you someday when you're in need of a nudge or a lift on one of your dark times :)

Stay awesome, you beautiful people!

Here's a little something for you guys. Just me and my virtual twin, Edna from the Incredibles. She's my inspiration for my new haircut lol

Twinning with Edna. Sorry I forgot to put on my glasses!

Love,
Daphne

Day 9 Journaling Challenge

First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay of this entry. I was so beat yesterday that I fell asleep as soon as I posted the announcement.

Anyway, on to the second-to-the-last entry. Woohoo! This one will be short and of course, I can't end this journaling challenge without talking about my favorite companion - books!

Yep, that was me on the reflection of my shades.

By now, everyone who read my journal entry day 3 knew that I am an expert aloner ('cause loner means lonely, and I am not!) I cannot deny my love for quiet walks around my neighborhood with only my thoughts as company. I especially adore spending time learning a new song on my Ukulele on my day offs or drinking a cup of tea on a cold evening with Netflix on  (by the way, I'm loving this series called Anne with an E). I also love just lying on my bed in the warm embrace of my blankets with a book propped on my knees and reading until my eyes could take no more.

By the way, I also love watching movies alone in the cinema. I used to do that when I was in the Philippines, I cannot do it here now though. It's just way too expensive! It's 2500Yen or around 1200pesos for you information.

Recently, with 70% of my time spent being with myself, books have saved me from the awkward and pitying glances of people in restaurants. Books have also saved me when I have to go to a salon to get a haircut or when I have to do a 3-hour wait at the airport for my connecting flight and feel like talking to no one.

Books have saved me from looking like a fool in public for daring to dine alone in a quaint coffee shop. Books have saved my mind from wandering too far off. 

Books are my best friend, my teacher and a map to another world that awaits my soul hungry for wanderlust.

As far and as long as I can remember, the smell of the paper and the feel of the spine of a book on my hands stirs up my soul. I could spend all day in a bookstore and go bankrupt from buying mountain of books that I would probably read in one day or never read at all. I could stay up all night and get lost in another world created by another person's words and thoughts. I could dream about the characters I met and wonder what they're going to do next and picture myself in their situation and wonder what I would do if I am faced with the same tribulations.

Books are one of humanity's greatest creations. It has saved my life and lead me to find my passion. It has taught me to go beyond my imagination, step out of the comforts of my safety net and dare myself to put my thoughts on paper. It showed me the infectious joy of finding connection from another person who read the same book and talk about it for hours on end.

Books are pools of wisdom. Books are a result of a writer's blood, sweat and tears and hours of editing and rewriting. Books are life changers.

If you are in need of comfort and a hand to hold, grab a book you loved and go back to its pages. You will surely find solace in its familiar words (My go-to book is The Fault in Our Stars. A good ugly cry always helps!).

P.S. This book is an ode to my fellow bookworms, and to my mom who taught me the joys of reading :)

Day 8 Journaling Challenge

Below is the picture taken after my storm.

Yesterday, If you read my last entry, I was blabbing about challenges and how I overcame them, without knowing, as I went out excitedly for a drive around the city today, a big challenge awaits me.

Here's what happened: I got this planned down from the time I have to leave to the time I have to come back home to do some lesson planning for the week. And so, I embarked on my short drive to Muji to get the below pens I've been dying to get my hands on for my workbook. 

They're worth the 40-minute drive :)

Around 11:30am, I arrived safe, but a bit shaken from the traffic at my destination. I thought everything was going well. I was dreamily browsing furniture and school supplies at the store when I decided to check for my car keys. I usually hook it to the zipper of my bag. Frantically and with my heart beating on my throat, I searched my bag, turned it inside and out, but found nothing. At the back of my head, I knew I left my keys at my car AGAIN. As I was checking out at the counter, I was racking my head for ways on how to get my keys back. 

Option A: Ask someone for help.

Option B: Buy a hanger and try to jimmy the lock with it (by all means, I am no locksmith but I heard of this trick)

Option C: Call rescue from a locksmith company (which by the way, will cost me a leg)

As soon as I swiped my card and left the store, feeling numb from the problem that I was about to face, I raced to my car to see if my keys were there. In Japan, there's only a 1% chance that someone would run off with your car, so I was half-wishing that I forgot to lock my door. 

But I didn't.

There it was, my keys sitting like a king on the passenger , staring back at me, my biggest fear realized. One of the good things about this stupid mistake was I left my passenger side window cracked open about 3 -4 inches. I tried pushing it down but of course, it's futile. I ran to the guards stationed there and asked them if they could help me, but they just shrugged and went back to their business. I ran to one of the stores and told them about my situation, but I was met with the same response - a cold shrug. 

I wasn't bothered by it because I half-expected it already. I've been in situations where I was left to fend for myself and I did okay anyway. So, this one, I thought, would be okay too.

I'll be okay. 

I kept repeating this to myself as I was sprinting in the cold winter drizzle, desperate to get this over with.

"Daiso, they have everything," I thought so I made my way there and grabbed what I thought I needed. I had the hangers on my hand already when I saw this 7m malleable wires. I reckoned it would do the job but it was another stupid decision I made today.

I went back to my car half-running and half-dazed with fear and adrenaline. I kept repeating my mantra in my head while I prayed to God to send me help.

I googled how to unlock your car and found various ways. I tried the shoestring trick but I cannot do a slip knot and the sides of  the doors of my car was sealed with rubber, so that didn't work. I tried the hanger trick but I bought the stupid wire and it was too soft to even jimmy the lock. I tried fishing my keys through the opening I left on the window but again, the stupid wire was too soft. I tried making a hook out of the wire to try and pull my locks, but that didn't work too.

It was raining. It was freezing, My insides are on fire from panic and from calming myself at the same time. People were getting off their cars and casting me strange glances and probably talking about that girl who's trying to slip a wire on a car. I paid them no attention and kept myself busy with busting into my car.

My savior arrived in his pink car. Quite dainty for an old guy, I say. He wore this black jacket and has thinning white hair. His eyes though, I would never forget. They were kind and bright. "Miss, are you okay?" he asked. I shook my head and I explained to him, in my best Japanese, what had happened. Without any hesitation, he took the wire from my hands and tried fishing my keys with the wire. When he saw that didn't work, he tried hooking the lock with the wire, but that didn't work either. 

He called out to other Japanese guys nearby for help. One came but said he cannot help. Some Taiwanese tourist even offered aid (I felt bad for taking their vacation time), but they have to leave since they're on a tour.

Then, after we've tried several minutes using the wire I have, the kind ojii (grandpa) told me to keep trying while he fetch some wire hangers from the nearby store. The rain kept pattering and my hands shook non-stop, but hope didn't left me,  

I'll be okay, I told myself again.

Finally, when I thought of seriously calling a locksmith for help, Kind Ojii came back with an uncoiled wire hanger. We tried fishing my keys with it, but it was too short. Then, when I thought that Kind Ojii was in a brink of giving up, a nice couple came by and noticed our plight. The husband (my hero) came, with a cigarette in his mouth and asked what's going on. Kind Ojii explained the situation to him since I could barely speak from the terror that's eating me up inside. I only was able to say "arigatou" and "sumimasen (sorry or excuse me)" all throughout the time he and the Kind Ojii were trying to fish my keys. His lovely wife came with an umbrella to help keep us from the rain. She consoled me and reminded me to be careful next time.

During this moment, I was overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion of strangers. When I first arrived in Okinawa, a stranger helped me find the right bus to get on to. When I got lost in Fukuoka, a stranger helped me with directions. When I was struggling to find a job, my now boss, who was a stranger then, offered me a job. 

As I witness my keys being pulled from the crack on my passenger side window, I kept thanking God over and over for sending his help through the kind strangers I met today. I also thanked God for I knew that these strangers will not leave me without seeing to it that I get into my car.   

I wouldn't be able to get home and be where I am today without help from these kind strangers who expected nothing in return. That moment earlier reminded me to to pay their kindness forward by helping other strangers in need. So if you see someone in trouble, go and help. Who knows, you might be the person they're praying for to come and save them.

 

Presenting, my Team Rusty keychains :)

Day 7 Journaling Challenge

I'm struggling to keep my eyes open and resist the temptation of diving into the comforts of my bed, so I'll make today's entry short.

I was up and running our store from 11am and finally closed at 6pm tonight. I've lost count of how many times I said "arigatou gozaimashita" (thank you very much) and "irasshaimase" (welcome) to the stream of customers that came today. On top of this, I was tasked to steam iron 100 pieces of clothing whilst checking out the customers and making sure that no kids drown on the toilet. Yeah, 'cause shopping moms tend to get absorbed with digging through the racks of clothes and completely forget the existence of their kids.

Today, with aching arms from slinging that steamer around and a big happy grin on my face, I noticed that I am more capable than I think I am.

Long time ago, when Daphne was still dreaming of speaking Japanese and living on her own, until now, that she's living her dream, she still doubts herself a thousand times but surprisingly, rises to the occasion and crosses the finish line.

I actually always surprise myself. Looking back, I've always doubted that I could do anything remarkable. I always thought I would quit halfway and just drift somewhere with the hopes that I could find something more within my capabilities. Inevitably, I'll end up somewhere that would test me to the very edge of my limits. I remember feeling so shaken up and nervous that I might do something on my driving test. Or that one time when I was placed in-charge of organizing a volunteer event, I wasn't able to sleep a wink the night before with the fear of messing the entire thing because this that whole thing is just too massive for me.

And yet, I emerged from them with patches of sweat on my armpits, laughing and exhilarated from these little victories. Each challenge in itself was a journey of doubting myself a lot and exceeding expectations I've set on myself, punching the wall from overwhelming frustration and jumping up and down when my name was called as one of the successful examinees, crying tears of joy in the car and going home victorious, happy and at peace.

So, how exactly did I manage these challenges? Everyone has their own way of dealing with their problems, but let me briefly share my secret formula.

1. I set ZERO expectations on myself, that way, there's no room for disappointment.

2. I just do it! That's right! Just do it like Nike says. No room for overthinking. Just do it. Stop counting. Just do it! Except for cliff dives, just count me out!

3. I pray to God that she sends me the right people who will help me overcome what lies ahead.

This hasn't been scientifically proven and tested by scientist but this weird combination definitely works for me!  I guess number one attests to my thinking that I am more capable than I think I am. With zero expectations and being able to cross the finish line after, without a shed of expectations on myself, just purely operating from the determination of completing the job and with the help of people around, the expected reaction would, without a doubt, surprise.   

Yep, I ironed these and more

How about you? How do you wrestle with a challenge? I would love to learn a thing or two from you!

P.S. Every trials or tribulations you've experienced, you are experiencing and will experience is a journey itself. No matter where you are on that journey, hold on and pray a lot, I assure you that you will get through it :) Don't forget to celebrate it with Netflix and ice cream later :)

Day 6 Journaling challenge

Disclaimer: Before we dive into it, let me open this by saying, "I'm not a doctor. I've only tried the below mentioned remedies on myself. No animals were harmed."

One of the first things I fantasize about after a long and hard day's work is not to stuff myself with something sweet(oh! a slice of cheesecake would do nice though!) nor have a drink of wine while watching Netflix, but to have that few quiet minutes in a steamy and almost scalding hot shower to wash off the day's worries & weary.

That's why, today, I am here to ramble about the healing powers of a hot shower & everything else that soothes our tired bodies at the end of the day.

I just woke up from a short nap turned 2-hour long hour nap, hopped on the shower and washed away all the stresses of today - my mind now refreshed and my body smelling of kiwi, lemon and lime. Now, I am ready to conquer the world once more, but I am in my pyjamas and oversized hoodie and it would be crazy to go outside looking like this. So, allow me to conquer the last remaining minutes of the day with my typewritten words.

Hot showers are my superman. No matter if it's in the middle of summer or I'm sweating buckets, I'd always run to its loving arms to help me put my anxious and exhausted self at ease. The way the hot water runs on your body is like rain washing the streets clean or the waves lapping on the shore. It just resets everything. It's a gentle reminder that we get to start all over again.

If you've dealt with a lot of horse poo today or with a lot of customers with horse poo for an attitude, don't worry! You'll have to deal with them again tomorrow (Okay, that didn't help.) If you just plain messed up today, let's say, photocopied your face "by accident" or called a superior with a different name (that's why plain sir or madam is your safest bet), don't worry! Tomorrow, you'll get it right. Be sure that you won't get caught if you're up to something silly and just call everyone sir, madam or Ben.

After basking in a hot shower, I usually follow it up with a hot cup of Matcha or let the whimsical smell of my scented candles waft in my your room. I also run to the soothing hands of music or a bowl of steaming instant ramen (the latter being my guilty pleasure). Recently, following my hot shower, I put my face mask on, watch some Netflix or thrust myself into writing. Just simple things I let myself indulge in and also, my other way of saying to myself that I did my best today and tomorrow's another day, a clean slate, a fresh start.

So, if you're feeling exhausted or if anxiety is kicking you in the butt, give yourself a nice hot shower and let go of the bad things, the pain and the worries of the day. You gave your best shot today. Tomorrow is another chance to start :)

What about you? What do you reward yourself with at the end of the day or what do you do to recover from the day's beating?

P.S. When you're in the shower, you get to think a lot of deep stuff which adds to the beauty of it too. Just make sure not to go too deep or else your gas and water bill would sky rocket and this would add to your list of other sufferings.

A shower head is not cute, so here's a picture of my Christmas mug :)

Day 5 Journaling challenge

Looking back, this whole journal challenge's purpose is not only for me to overcome my massive writer's block, but it is also a way for me to rediscover and reconnect with myself. It's kind of selfish actually, but allow me, just this once (or maybe even a couple more) to tell you about this tale from not so far, far away.

I guess I've been foreshadowing this topic for the past few entries. If you've been reading them from day one, I reckon it won't be a big surprise that today, I've noticed, quite so clearly, the relationship I have with the good and bad wolf within me a.k.a the Tale of the Angry Mean Obaa and Nice Fairy Godmother.

When you've done something reckless like commented "kuwaii" (scary) instead of "kawaii" (cute) to your customer's new born baby or sent that silly photo meant to your friend to that cute guy at work (btw, I've only done the first one, hopefully I won't be careless enough to do the latter), don't you have this voice inside your head that shouts profanities at you? I've always have that voice, that harsh critique, that grumpy loathsome echo who keeps check of my mistakes. I call that voice the mean obaa (granny).

Yep, I have that in my head. Sexy, isn't it?

When I was at the blossom of my youth (Ah! I feel old saying this), mean obaa was just an angry obaa. She would scold me, and at times, replay my misses 99 times before the day ends. I would then proceed to soothe the pain with a stolen cake from the fridge - ladies and gentlemen, the reason why my face never deflates.

Now that I'm not that young anymore (Ah! I feel even older saying this), angry obaa turned into angry plus mean obaa. She would recall, in her throaty and insulting tone, all my fails of the day and of the past 10 years 99 times, plus reciting what I should have done with a cluck from her tongue at the end of each sentence. At least she got wiser!

It's unfair to say that mean obaa stays her demeaning self all the time. Actually, in some of my moments of defeat and ugly crying, she would sweep in the room, offer me a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and turn into an enchanting fairy tucking me sweetly to sleep.

What this fiasco about is the two sides of myself which are constantly fighting to be allowed to be seated on the passenger seat. Honestly, and I am ashamed to say this, I used to listen to the angry and mean obaa before, all the time. I guess I just groove to their beat. I've danced to their disco so much that I've made myself my greatest enemy and torn my self-confidence entirely.

Maybe, that's one of the reasons why I chased love so much before. I was looking for broken people to fix in the hopes that they would return the favor. I have to admit. I was total mess in the past, and that's largely because I let the obaa rule.

Now, I cannot attest entirely that she's gone. She's still here, hanging around all the time, sipping her tea with a sour expression. Recently, however, I am happy to report that I've been hanging out with her whimsical version, my nice fairy godmother, 65% of the time. And here's why she's awesome:

1. Nice Fairy godmother is the one who tells me "I'll be okay" or "we can do it, baby! Just hold on a little while longer, we're up next for the toilet!"

2. She's also the one who praises my accidental delicious recipe or pats me at my shoulder when I finally able to play that song in my Ukulele without a fret.

3. She's my cheerleader when I needed a pep talk on the times I cannot ask anyone to give me some cheering.

4. She's my positive critique on my writing or my silly art and would leave me with tons of "muy biens." and deep "mhms".

5. She's one of my biggest fan and would tell me to get up and dress up since today is a clean blank slate to be showered with pastel rainbow colors and Master Yoda's singing Seagulls! (Stop it Now). If you don't know what I'm talking about, click this baby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9t-slLl30E

This year, I am planning on listening to my Nice Fairy Godmother more and start building a good and tight relationship with her. After all, if I keep listening to the Angry Mean Obaa, I might end up wrinkly and throaty before I know it. I'd rather be sparkly and nice with a pumpkin carriage for a transportation!

So which of the two would you rather have on your passenger seat, the Mean Angry Obaa or the Nice Fairy Godmother? 

P.S.  If you're at conflict with yourself right now or someday in the future, always know that I am here and you're not alone. I'll long-distance hold your hand. If I'm Mr. Fantastic, I could literally do it  :) 

A Japanesy pose for you for reading until the end!

Day 4 Journaling Challenge

Before I begin, I just want to give a big shout out to everyone who patiently gave their time to read through my ramblings, especially to my ever supportive family and friends. You guys are the best! I am looking forward to all your love, support and virtual hugs until the end of this journaling challenge. 6 more days to go!

Today, I'll talk about something in a slightly philosophical note. I hope I don't bore you! I did my best to put these thoughts in words today, but I probably failed to bring them thoughts to life. I hope you get my the idea though. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays are becoming my two favorite days after, of course, my day offs. And here's why:

During these two days, I get to speed by the highway and marvel at the craftsmanship and intricacy of this amazing engineering. Today, I noticed the wonderful power of human creation.

Have you ever thought of how a pair of, let's say, shoes was created? Who first conceptualized the idea of this essential modern every day item? How about the design? Whose brilliant mind did it came from?

Have you ever wondered how a building was made? How many pair of hands, buckets of blood and sweat and swearing and rolls of blueprints were used to bring that structure to life?

Or have you ever mused on the beauty of your favorite song? Have you not wondered how someone brought a melody to life, gave it lyrics and forever touched your heart with his or her music?

We, humans, may do A LOT of stupid things, like eat Tide Pods, kick an ant hill or go out drinking until one passes out and doesn't remember anything the next day. Despite the many things I loathe about us, the fact that anyone could create something out of nothing astonishes me.

Here's a scenario for you: You have a pen and paper. You draw a circle, then maybe a couple of strokes here and there. After a few minutes or hours of fiddling with your pen and a couple dozen of cursing yourself, you've created a drawing or a picture out of your sheer talent and imagination! Isn't that wonderful?

Or me, right now, writing this, typing these words to create this journal. Ideas that has sprung into something I could share to others. 

Look at your hands. They are tools of creation. Something God has bestowed upon us to create something good. In most unfortunate cases, these very hands create things that brings forth pain and suffering to others. I'm hoping that we aim to create for the former.

If you're feeling down or disappointed with yourself, look at your hands. Think of what you can make with them. Just make sure not to create anything you'll regret!

This entry is a shout out of love and sincere admiration to all the creators out there, like you and me, especially to the engineers, architects, chefs, bakers, seamstress, pharmacists, artists, and authors. Mad respect for you guys.

Today's entry is sponsored by my knock-out shoes :)