Category: I Like It

New Nike Pacifics

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/4.5, 1/105 sec, ISO6400
 “Nike Pacific” Cedar Park, 2026

I went shoe shopping this morning and walked out with two pairs. 👟

I originally went to look at some Adidas I spotted in Osaka last month, but they didn’t feel great once I tried them on. I kept browsing and found some blue Nike Pacifics on sale that looked and felt good, so those went in the cart.

Then I wandered into the women’s section and found the same shoe in different colors, including a white version and a brighter blue. I knew right away I wanted the white ones. The blue took a little more thought, but I went with the darker shade since it’s a bit less flashy. (see bottom photo)

I used the store credit card and got $30 off, so two pairs of shoes for $93 after tax. Not bad at all!

Both pairs are heading to Japan next trip. One will stay there permanently. My Japan wardrobe is already pretty set since I left pants, shirts, underwear, and my Converse high-tops there last time. The goal is to eventually travel between our two homes with nothing more than what I’m wearing and a spare set of sleeping clothes for layovers. I think it’s a good plan. 😄

Quick FYI: I always lace one shoe differently than the other. Just a habit I’ve had since I was a kid. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/105 sec, ISO1000
 “Nike Pacific” Cedar Park, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Which Color?” Cedar Park, 2026

Akatombo-kun and Akane-chan

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2300 sec, ISO80
 “Hon Tatsuno” Tatsuno, 2026

On today’s osanpo, I walked to Hon-Tatsuno Station just to get used to the route. And yes, I ran into my favorite duo again: Akatombo-kun and Akane-chan! ✨

For those who don’t know, the composer of the famous song Akatombo (Red Dragonfly) was from this area, so the city adopted the red dragonfly as its mascot. First came Akatombo-kun, then a few years later they added his girlfriend Akane-chan. I love them both!

Mariko and Bay think I’m weird for being so obsessed with the city mascots, but honestly? I think it’s fun!

“Mascots Tatsuno, 2026Screenshot

Screen Time

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
 “Rin” Cedar Park, 2026

Okay, so much for waiting until the whole season is released to binge watch Gimbap and Onigiri. I’m enjoying it way too much to hold out that long 😅 Guess I’ll just have to look forward to new episodes every Monday like everyone else!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
 “Taiga” Cedar Park, 2026

Screen Time

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO200
 “Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang” Cedar Park, 2026

I spent the afternoon parked in front of the screen, bouncing between Frieren, Sakamoto Days, and finally Who Rules the World. Wrapped up in my tortilla blanket and working my way through my watchlist felt luxurious. I’m not sure there’s a better way to spend a chilly winter afternoon.

Vera Wong Book 2

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “Vera Wong 2” Cedar Park, 2026

I’ve started listening to the second book in the Vera Wong series, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man), and I’m already hooked. The narrator, Eunice Wong, is a delight. Her delivery brings so much personality and warmth to the story, making the characters feel alive. I’m only a short way in, but so far it’s been great, and the continuation from the first book is seamless, even though it happens maybe a year since the first book ended. I’m very happy to be back in Vera Wong’s world!