Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Izumisano is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny morning, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. First off, I’m stationed at this building on Nishi-Kawasaki Street. You know, the one with the weird statue of a cat? Yeah, that one. I swear, that cat’s judging me every time I walk by. Anyway, I’m just chillin’ in my little booth, ready to hit that button and take folks up and down. Easy peasy, right? Wrong! So, the first ride of the day, this lady hops in. She’s got like five bags of groceries. I’m talkin’ about a full-on shopping spree at the Izumisano Market. I’m like, “Lady, you need a truck, not an elevator!” But whatever, I hit the button for the 3rd floor. She’s all, “Can you go faster?” I’m like, “Lady, this ain’t a race!” Then, outta nowhere, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Oh great, I’m gonna be stuck here with this lady forever.” But nah, I just hit the reset button, and we’re good. She gets out, and I’m thinkin’, “Phew, that was close.” Next up, this dude in a suit gets in. He’s all stressed, talkin’ on his phone. “Yeah, I’ll be there in five minutes!” I’m like, “Bro, you’re in an elevator. Chill!” But he’s not havin’ it. He’s pacing back and forth, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. I mean, it’s Izumisano, not Tokyo! Then, we hit the 5th floor, and he bolts out like he’s on fire. I’m just sittin’ there, thinkin’, “What just happened?” After that, it’s a parade of people. Old folks, kids, tourists. You name it, they came. I had this one kid who was obsessed with the buttons. He kept pushin’ them like he was tryin’ to launch a rocket. I’m like, “Dude, chill! We’re not goin’ to space!” But then, the best part of the day happens. This couple gets in, and they’re all lovey-dovey. I’m talkin’ about the kind of love that makes you wanna gag. They’re whispering sweet nothings, and I’m just rollin’ my eyes. But then, the guy pulls out a ring! A freakin’ ring! I’m like, “Whoa, is this a proposal in my elevator?” He gets down on one knee, and I’m just there, like, “This is the best thing ever!” The lady’s face lights up, and I’m grinning like an idiot. I mean, who knew my elevator could be a love nest? But then, just as they’re about to kiss, the elevator jolts again. I’m like, “Not again!” But it’s just a little hiccup. They laugh it off, and I’m like, “You guys are lucky. This could’ve been a disaster!” After that, I’m feelin’ all warm and fuzzy inside. But then, the day takes a turn. This guy gets in, and he’s clearly had a rough day. He’s all grumpy, and I’m like, “Dude, lighten up! We’re in Izumisano!” But he’s not havin’ it. He starts complainin’ about the weather, the traffic, and how his lunch was cold. I’m like, “Bro, it’s just a bad day. Tomorrow’s a new one!” But he just glares at me. I’m like, “Okay, okay, I’ll just hit the button and let you stew in your misery.” Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but smile. Izumisano is wild, man. From the busy streets of Sakae to the quiet parks, it’s got a vibe. I love it here. As I close up, I think about all the crazy stuff that happened. The love, the grumpiness, the weird cat statue. It’s all part of the ride. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So, here’s to another day in Izumisano! Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.