To Brag

Something happened just minutes ago that made me really happy and since I have no one else to tell I thought I'd tell you.

I was running through my town when these two elementary school siblings starting chasing me with their little bikes. They chased me all the way back to where I park my car and I showed them my car and told them that I understand some Japanese (they never really knew because I am always teaching them in English). Then they asked me what I was going to do and I said I was going to cook. And they asked "What?," so I said (in Japanese): rice, nori, daikon, and natto. They said "Natto! I want to eat Natto." And then I asked them if they had any and they argued for a few moments and then agreed that they had finished their natto at home. So I said "hold on," and ran into my house to get some yen. Then I ran down to the village market and bought them some natto for 180 yen and wrapped it in the plastic bag and offered it to them as a present to their family. At first the older sister wouldn't accept it but then, in a spark of healthy self-interest, the little one happily accepted the gift.

This event has brought a lot of warmth to my heart in a time when it's been feeling a little unheated. I recommend a random act of kindness or two when you are feeling down.

For those of you who don't know, natto is rotten soy beans. Eat up, they're good for you!