Canon's Diary

Tuesday, July 8th.
I still had some bread left over from when I made French toast on Sunday, so for breakfast today, I toasted a slice, topped it with lettuce, ham, and cheese, and enjoyed it. I toasted the bread in a frying pan with some butter. Who needs a toaster when a frying pan does the job so well? It’s surprisingly versatile.

Today was cloudy, so the heat was more bearable, and the commute wasn’t as tough. The other day I had symptoms close to heatstroke, so I decided to stop wearing a suit to work. Now I go in a Nike cap, T-shirt, light track jacket, and black high-cut Converse sneakers—casual wear. I did feel a bit awkward suddenly changing my style, but most of my colleagues dress similarly. Besides, I change into work overalls at the company anyway, so it was no problem at all. I can keep my work clothes in my locker there, and they even wash them for us. That means fewer loads of laundry at home, which is really convenient. More than anything, it’s so much more comfortable walking outside on these summer days. I wonder why I didn’t start doing this sooner.

Once work begins, I spend almost the entire day staring at my computer screen, typing out emails or glued to CAD drawings. Even with a lunch break, my concentration inevitably wanes, so I deliberately pause now and then—let out a slow breath, close my eyes, and turn my attention inward. I take a deep breath. Or I have a bit of idle chat with my coworkers. Sometimes, just for a change of pace, I spend a few minutes drafting posts like this one. During today’s lunch break, I put on my earphones and quietly listened to Aoi Teshima singing “The Rose.”

While I’m in Osaka, I try to message my mother and wife on LINE as often as I can. Lately, I’ve been sending them pictures of what I’ve cooked or eaten that day. The replies are usually simple: “Oh,” or “Looks good.” But I’d still worry if the conversation ever completely dried up. I want to know how things are going back in Tokyo, even if just a little. Of course, it also helps ease the loneliness of living by myself. When we’re face to face, I sometimes get unreasonably irritated, so maybe this bit of distance is just right for now.

Tonight’s dinner was some cabbage soup I’d made ahead of time, paired with rice and raw egg, plus shredded cabbage. I took a photo of that too, planning to send it to my family. Lately, my wife teases me on LINE, saying, “Don’t you ever get tired of eating that?” Like I’ve written before, little comments like that can linger in my chest more than I’d like.