God's too cute

I was feeling a little sad and unloveable last night, and I prayed about it during my devotions. Two seconds later, I was chatting with five friends on social media: Stella, a Kenyan friend from college; Yan, my childhood friend; Kitty, my closest friend from badminton here; Elaine, from my current home group; and Emmanuel, a Rwandan from CICF. Each in their own ways made me feel valued despite my weaknesses and failures, and shared little stories from their lives.

Yes, I'm sure none of them would have liked to know that I was chatting with four other people at the same time (type fast and ask more questions) but these weren't very long chats anyway. It was just what I needed, and God provided not one friend, not two friends, but five friends. God loves and gives abundantly!

(And, he has quite the sense of humor.)

sigh

I guess I'm still naive in some ways, cynical in others, and just plain dumb sometimes.

My workplace drives me nuts but everyone just keeps telling me that this is how life works. Things aren't always going to be clear, and they aren't always going to make sense.

I wish God created a better version of me. Someone who doesn't make as many mistakes as I do.

Psalm 51

The best examples of the worst of humanity can be found in the university.

True story.

Although, I suppose I should be glad that I don't run the risk of dying at work. Stories of friends of friends who develop cancer from all the stress and anxiety notwithstanding.

Day 6

Kiyomizudera, then a scenic walk to Gion for lunch where we had unusual tasting sushi for lunch at Izuju. The horse mackerel was the best tasting of the three types and it was affordable at 1800 yen for two people.

Then off to Fushina shrine before heading back to Osaka's kitchen street to get a few gifts.

Cold udon noodles for dinner. I will skip the grated yam next time. The texture was too slimy. Very tired. Early trip to the airport tomorrow morning.

I already miss Japan!

Day 5

Spent the day in Arashiyama, and my favorite part of the trip was the monkey park, then to Ginkakuji before dinner with an old friend. Tonkatsu in Kyoto tastes different from what I have had in HK.

Day 4

Lunch was kushikatsu, and it was more delicious than it looks. The sauce on the right is communal so no double dipping. 

Had puffer fish sashimi and ovaries followed by ramen for dinner. The puffer fish was very good but also expensive.

I like living dangerously.

Day 3

Haven't been able to travel far for lunch and it's slim pickings around the conference area, so I ate a simple lunch of grilled mackerel that tasted home made.

Dinner was at a famous place for kitsune udon,  Usami-tei Matsubaya. 

Day 2

Taiko drum performance by a local high school troupe at the conference. Who says Asians are effete? Those kids have serious muscles.

Diner style curry pork cutlet for lunch.

Visit to the Osaka Peace Center for me and the castle for my mom.

Then off to Umeda and a random dinner under the tracks. It turns out we ordered beef stomach and vegetables. Pretty good, actually.

Super tired. Glad we're staying at a hotel with hot springs baths. Cheap but serviceable.

Day 1

Breakfast at kuromon market.

That white baloon like stuff is very creamy fish roe.

Cheap lunch at tenjinbashi shopping street.

Followed by a beer dinner at matsusaka-project.

Japan

Managed to pack only one carry on bag for a week of travel. Trying not to wonder if I forgot anything important. Still don't love the start of a trip. Too anxious, but can't wait to eat yummy Japanese food!