Being Belittled... ― 2023/12/19
A story about being belittled for the first time in years.
I used to be the subject of light-hearted insults from shop assistants, hairdressers, nurses and other hospitality workers. But in the last 10 years I haven't felt looked down on. Or rather, people seem to have become polite and kind to me. I assumed it was because I got older and had an air of dignity about me.
Today, in a butcher's section of Iwataya department store, an obachan behind the counter who looked as old as me insulted me to my face when I asked her for some pieces of pork belly with less fat. I said, politely, "Sorry to bother you" and she retorted: "Yes, indeed it's too much of a bother" (note: my translation with a very negative impression).
I felt myself looking upset. Then she said "I was joking" -- obviously trying to patch things up, but without saying sorry.
I still don't think I was a bad or intimidating customer to her, but my humble attitude may have triggered her sadism. Or I may have expected too much from this local department store, which is the last one that does not rely on lower-priced retailers, such as Muji in Daimaru and Daiso in Mitsukoshi, to attract customers.
Anyway, the most annoying things about this incident are that I acted as if nothing had happened, not even talking back or asking her to take her boss with her or reporting the rude remark to the customer service desk, and most of all, spending my life grumbling about such a trivial thing at the end of the year when I am supposed to be busy doing this and that.
The bellies I bought? They were, as you may well imagine, full of fat. Perhaps even fatter than I would find in Marukyo. I had to remove a fifth of the weight I had paid for before cooking the Dongpo pork for the New Year.
More Badges ― 2023/12/20
In my previous post I mentioned about politicians wearing lots of badges to demonstrate their agenda.
I said then that our governor wore so many badges that he looked like a punk rocker. But here is an even more punkish one in central government.
This lady is a (hereditary) minister in charge of lots of issues: Okinawa and Nothern Affairs, Consumer and Food Safety Affairs, Local Developments, Ainu Policy and World EXPO... and her own issue related to the recent series of "party ticket sales quota" scandals. By the way, how can one take care of, or be responsible for, so many things that can affect the fate of this country, and remain sane?
A Side Dish with No Name ― 2023/12/20
I don't know what this is called in either English or Japanese.
A dish of Konnyaku threads seasoned with sugar and soy sauce, mixed with soft scrambled egg. 糸こんの卵とじ？
This is a side dish that is very familiar to me, but completely foreign to my husband, Considering the age difference between me and him, I guess this dish might have been popular among mothers in certain areas of Japan at a certain period of time.
Christmas at Post Office ― 2023/12/21
I think there is something wrong or misunderstood about this decoration, but I can't pinpoint it.
Beyond My Sense... ― 2023/12/21
Today I read a piece of news that a Yamagasa float is on display in the lobby of the prefectural government building.
Eh, maybe most Fukuokans have forgotten, but isn't that THE float that ran over a man carrying it in July this year?
I know the float itself is innocent, and there is nothing wrong with showing things related to a local festival to promote local culture (even if tourists and foreigners rarely visit this building). But I can't help but associate it with Bonnie and Clyde's Death Car, which I have heard is on display somewhere in the US.
(Reference)
My New Shopping Heaven ― 2023/12/23
I have found another shopping paradise that seems to have been designed especially for me.
A few meters away from my favorite bakery, there are a Seria 100-yen shop and a clothing store specializing in comfortable and reasonably priced (some might say "cheap," though) casual clothing for women over a certain age, hidden on the top floor of a local MaxValu.
Unlike other Serias, this particular shop was almost empty. I could comb through every rack and shelf without any other shoppers getting in my way.
I couldn't believe it was actually Seria, which is supposed to be always crowded.
Then there is an Obachan clothing shop.
Look at the widest range of thermal underwear
and room trousers. Needless to say, most of them are brushed on the inside.
As usual when I visit a shop for the first time, I failed to get something I really wanted, but to show that I appreciate the shop, I got these items.
Two pairs of slipper socks for 590 yen and a pair of knickers for 390 yen. The lady at the till kindly put my purchases in plastic bags for free, just in case I bought something wet in the food section downstairs. I was grateful for her attentiveness, and at the same time, felt her resistance to charge for plastic shopping bags.
In addition to Yusen-tei Park and the Kanten Shop, I came to have another spot to drop in at in Tomooka area. My bread shopping trip is going to get even busier!
Snapshot of Winter 2023 ― 2023/12/24
Can you see a snow-sprinkled mountain in the distance? This is a view in the coldest period.
Christmas Cake 2023 ― 2023/12/25
As-you-like Victoria sponge cake.
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 egg yoke
80g granulated sugar
1tabespoon tepid water to mix
100g cake flour
40g butter
Serve with some strawberry jam and whipped cream.
I know this is not a "proper" Victoria sponge cake in many ways, but I believe my lighter version would be the same once it gets in my stomach.
To be honest I couldn't be brave enough to follow the classic BBC recipe, which calls for 200 grams of butter and sugar...
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