Turning a Bad Day Into a Fun One

It happens several times a year.

I have been teaching at the same high school now for almost two years, and every few months, they neglect to tell me that I don’t need to come. So I go all the way there, and then have to turn around. I think the last time it happened was back in September, and it had very serious repercussions, both financially and physically. As i wrote back then, I was still on crutches because of my leg, and my balance was not very good, so I slipped on the slick pavement near my apartment. Although I didn’t fall down, I slid into a bad position and put my back out, which led to a lot of expensive chiropractic treatment and perhaps the other complications I suffered.

Kokubunji Station. The entrance to Lumine is to the right of this photo. I had lunch on the 9th floor.

This time, on the way home, I decided to stop at Kokubunji Station and have lunch. I am always running from place to place. As I have mentioned before, most major stations in Tokyo are shopping and dining complexes. They often have large department stores, (Lumine is a popular example that you will often notice in many of my pictures), restaurants, and other shops. The restaurants are usually pretty nice. The Lumine at Kokubunji has 10 floors, if you count the Basement Floor (B1). Most Japanese department stores follow the same pattern: The basement floor (or floors) is devoted to food–especially sweets and souvenirs. Restaurants are usually on the highest floors. The floors in between feature clothing, shoes, bags, and other products. Every region in Japan has its own special souvenirs that are unique to that area, and generally unavailable in other areas. Fortunately, in Tokyo, we can often get many regional souvenirs at large department stores. If you ever get the chance, go to the basement floor of any major department store. You’ll be amazed!

I had tempura. It was great. Now I am home for a few hours, before I have to go to my night class. The day started out on a bad note, but I decided to treat myself. It sounds corny, but it is true: Sometimes, you have to stop and smell the roses. No matter what happens, every day offers a special opportunity; a new chance to learn things and enjoy yourself. Like anyone, I get caught up in negative thoughts and I can forget how truly lucky I am. I am trying to open my heart and mind to the good things that life offers–even when it seems like things are going wrong.

Update: Although tempura is fairly well-known outside of Japan (it is widely available in Japanese restaurants all over the world), I meant to include a link just in case anyone reading this post isn’t familiar with it. Here is a good Wikipedia article on tempura.