When Summer Decides to Crash the Winter Party: A Day in Kagoshima
Kagoshima has really thrown us for a loop lately, hasn’t it? Yesterday was a delightful summer day, which is a bit confusing since we’re teetering on the edge of winter. I mean, who needs winter coats when you can rock short sleeves in November? It’s practically a rebellion against the changing seasons! Do we owe Pocky a thank-you for this unexpected warmth? Because honestly, I’d trade winter chills for a packet of those delightful sticks any day. And wait! What about anniversaries? Did someone say cake? Let’s focus here—food is priority!
Financial Confessions and Kitchen Chronicles
Now, amidst the weather drama, we’ve got some juicy confessions involving everyone’s favorite topic: money! Our friend Aya is putting together her end-of-year documents—pretty riveting stuff, I know. But really, how did we go from short sleeves to tax forms so quickly? This is why I never attended accounting classes. I was busy calculating the perfect temperature for a noodle soup.
Let’s Talk Recipes! 🍲
Continuing from yesterday’s culinary journey, we’re diving into the kitchen! If there’s anything that brings everyone together, it’s a good meal. Let’s start with the glorious:
- Chicken Thighs and Cabbage: Simple, satisfying, and probably the best way to get your protein without transforming into Popeye.
- Delicious Salted Side Dish Soup: Because every meal needs a sidekick, right? What’s a good dish without its trusty side also knocking on your tastebuds’ door?
- Natto Jjigae Hotpot: Let’s spice things up! Delicious, nutritious, and perfect for those who enjoy getting sweaty in the kitchen.
- Easy Tomato Pot: Just toss it all in, add some cheese, and voilà—dinner is served! Who knew cooking could be so straightforward? I mean, where have you been all my life?!
Now picture this: a cold day, a steaming hotpot, and everyone gathered around. Isn’t that the dream? Just don’t forget *someone* always ends up with a burnt tongue. It’s practically a rite of passage!
Just Me, Myself, and My Thoughts
Moving on from the joys of eating, there’s a bit of a somber note. Working solo can lead to some hefty pondering—like wondering how many more years of work time one has left. It’s deep, really. Eight years until the kiddos are off to conquer the world, and just like that, off goes the financial burden. Cue the confetti! 🎉
But wait! There’s always something lurking around the corner, isn’t there? Perhaps the parents need a little help, and then suddenly you’ve got more bills than sense! What was it they said? Something about life being a series of unfortunate events punctuated by the occasional Pocky snack?
And let’s be honest: as soon as the kids are out, it’s time for travel! Korea here we come! Or maybe just a leisurely weekend brunch. After all, isn’t that what we work so hard for? I think my flower garden plan might be a bit ambitious—don’t tell my plants!
Living on the Edge of Chaos
Life is all about the balance, isn’t it? Between working and dreaming, cooking and eating, and somehow jogging in between the two. Let’s not forget—health is wealth, and as long as you’re healthy, those dreams of ditching the office for a lovely cafe brunch are entirely possible!
So let’s do what we do best: keep pushing forward, keep dreaming, and for goodness’ sake, save me a piece of cake! 😁❤️
Final Note
This is the iron pot I’m looking for the most right now! Sukiyaki at the end of the year? Count me in! And hold on a moment—did I say Christmas? Sweet, sweet chaos, let’s go shopping!
So onward we march, tackling this day with a smile, a spoon, and maybe even a Pocky or two! Fighting everyone—together we thrive! 💪
🎉✨ Stay fabulous, and remember: good food is good mood! 🌟🍜
Yesterday in Kagoshima felt just like summer 🫠; I found myself donning short sleeves in the morning, only to turn on the fan in the sweltering afternoon heat 😇. It’s hard to believe it’s almost winter—after all, it is November 11th! Is it really Pocky Day? And what about your wedding anniversary?
“Please provide me with Aya’s annual income information, and I’ll fill it out in the year-end adjustment document before sending it off to the accounting department.”
I’m excited to dive back into part 2 from yesterday!! ︎ I hope my culinary suggestions can inspire your menu planning.
chicken thighs and cabbage
Delicious salted side dish soup that warms the soul
This is a recent recipe that my son has been raving about! I’ve made it several times ☺️🩷 and can wholeheartedly recommend it ❤️🔥.
Click here for additional recommended recipes♪
Natto jjigae hotpot
A delicious and nutritious hot pot dish that truly satisfies♪
I can’t help but crave it over warm rice.
Easy ♪ tomato pot
After enjoying this dish, adding parmesan cheese and noodles transforms it into a delightful Italian pasta dish.
Very fulfilling hot pot experience that brings comfort.
Let’s gather around a cozy hot pot on a chilly day 😋❤️🔥.
Did Sumire perhaps pick a new snack yesterday?☺️
I can only imagine what it might taste like 😋!
This way of eating 👇🏻—have you ever accidentally bitten your finger? That’s definitely relatable, right? 😂 Or am I alone in this? It goes all the way to my fingertips, lol.
Yesterday, I found myself working alone in the office.
Out of nowhere, I questioned how many more years I would need to keep working. In about 8 years, Sumire will be 20.
As a freelancer, I have the flexibility to choose when to retire, but it leads me to ponder many different aspects of life 💻🥘.
Fast forward to 8 years from now: I envision Jo being independent, Sumire may have completed her education, and my husband probably will have wrapped up his job. By then, we will have faced the financial burden of their cram schools and lessons, which would cost roughly 1.3 million yen per year. This isn’t even considering Sumire’s tuition fees, my husband’s living costs, and all the travel back home expenses that will no longer exist.
If that’s the case, wouldn’t life become significantly easier both financially and physically (in terms of time)? That sounds sweet, doesn’t it? By then, inflation will have likely surged, with electricity bills possibly reaching 100,000 yen and rice costing about 20,000 yen for 5 kg! 🤣
Are you running around to hospitals to take care of your parents, husband, or even yourself? Don’t you receive any pension? Just when you think your child-rearing days are over, will you be hit with major renovations expenses? 🤣
Considering all the seniors in your life 🥹, I naïvely believe that in 8 years, we’ll probably be traveling to Korea or exploring domestic destinations on a monthly basis, right? I’ll have quit my job, enjoying daily lunches, occasionally hitting the gym, and nurturing a fabulous flower garden in my spare time, lol.
Well, that’s the dream ♡ but right now, I feel a strong urge to update my blog ♡ 😂.
Until then, above all, I wish you good health! 🙏 If you’re healthy, you can keep working productively!
Perhaps, just perhaps 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
So let’s all work hard today too 😊.
Keep fighting, everyone! ❤️
This is the iron pot I’m most eager to use right now! I wonder if I can make sukiyaki by the end of the year ♡. And before that, Christmas is around the corner! 😍
As I was reading about this, I found it genuinely intriguing ♡. I saw it featured on TV and immediately thought it looked amazing—I want it 🥹🥹. Santa, are you listening? 🙏
I’ve been struggling with color choices for a long time, so I think I’ll play it safe this time…
While I own a black one, I just bought a white one ♡. It’s a heat-generating knit! Perfect for inner layers!
Too cute to resist ♡.
I engage in Poi activities daily without fail ♡ and save points to PayPay! Let’s all participate together! 😁
If you watch videos anyway, why not collect points while you’re at it!
Ah, the beautiful chaos of life! It never really lets you take a break, does it? But amidst all the juggling of responsibilities, there’s something so comforting about cooking and coming together around a meal. Each dish, from the hearty Natto Jjigae Hotpot to the uncomplicated Easy Tomato Pot, invites everyone to gather and enjoy not just the food, but also the company that comes with it.
And speaking of gatherings—whether it’s holidays or simply a cold day welcoming a hot pot, those moments are what truly make the everyday grind worthwhile. You know, the burnt tongues and all! 😂 It is wonderful to dream about the future, but as you’re pondering those years ahead, remember to cherish the now and savor each meal, each laugh, and every shared experience.
Your reflections on the future of finances and children growing up strike a chord. It’s an ongoing dance of hopes, dreams, and unexpected challenges. Nope, you’re definitely not alone in wondering how life will unfold. It’s always a matter of balance—navigating aspirations while keeping your feet firmly planted in the present. And who knows? Perhaps those travel plans and brunch outings will become a glorious reality sooner than you think—after a little bit of chaos and a sprinkle of determination! 🚀
So here’s to delighting in delicious meals, embracing life’s unpredictable turns, and dreaming about that café brunch—because after all, isn’t a good meal the best kind of therapy? Plus, how can you resist a little cake and Pocky along the way? Let’s keep that spirit high, save some for the table, and remember: every side—both in food and life—plays its part beautifully! 💖🍰
Stay fabulous, and remember: good food nourishes not only the body but the soul! 🌈🥘
