Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a glazier in Shimotoda is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local konbini on Kōen-dōri for my morning coffee. You know, the one with the cute barista? Yeah, she wasn’t there. Just my luck. Instead, I got this grumpy dude who looked like he just rolled outta bed. I mean, c’mon, it’s 7 AM! Smile a little, man! Anyway, I grab my coffee and head out.
So, I’m on my way to a job on Shimizu Street. It’s a nice area, lots of old buildings mixed with new stuff. I love it. But then, BAM! I step in a puddle. Not just any puddle, but the biggest, muddiest one ever. My boots are soaked. Great start, right? I’m already fuming.
I finally get to the site, and it’s a mess. The client, this old dude named Mr. Tanaka, is pacing like a caged tiger. He’s all like, “Where’s my glass?!” Chill, man! I just got here! Turns out, the delivery guy got lost. Classic Shimotoda, right? I mean, it’s not that big of a place!
While I’m waiting, I decide to take a stroll. I hit up the Shimotoda Castle ruins. Man, the view from up there is sick! You can see the whole city, the mountains in the back, and the river winding through. I’m standing there, just soaking it all in, when I hear this loud crash. I whip around, and it’s a bunch of kids playing soccer. They kicked the ball right into a vendor’s cart! Poor guy was selling yakitori. Now it’s a yakitori explosion! I can’t help but laugh. Kids are wild, man.
After that, I head back to the job site. Finally, the glass arrives. But guess what? It’s the wrong size! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?!” Mr. Tanaka is losing it. I’m trying to calm him down, but he’s waving his hands like a madman. I swear, if he had a glass of water, he’d be splashing it everywhere.
I take a deep breath. “Alright, let’s fix this.” I pull out my phone and start calling suppliers. I’m pacing back and forth on the sidewalk, dodging people. Shimotoda’s streets are packed today. I swear, it’s like everyone decided to go out at once.
Finally, I get a hold of a guy who can deliver the right glass. I’m feeling like a hero! But then, my phone dies. Just like that. I’m standing there, feeling like a total loser. I can’t even call the guy back! Ugh!
So, I run to the nearest café on Kōen-dōri. I’m like, “Can I charge my phone, please?” The barista gives me a weird look, but she lets me. I’m chugging down another coffee, trying to keep my cool.
After what feels like forever, I finally get the right glass. I rush back to the site, and guess what? Mr. Tanaka is still there, but now he’s chillin’. He’s got a beer in hand. I’m like, “Dude, where’d you get that?” He just laughs and says, “You gotta relax, my friend.”
We get the glass installed, and it looks amazing! I step back, and I’m like, “Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Mr. Tanaka gives me a thumbs up. I’m feeling like a rockstar.
As I’m packing up, I notice the sunset over the mountains. Shimotoda is beautiful, man. I can’t help but smile. Even with all the craziness, this city has its charm.
I head home, boots still muddy, but I don’t care. I’m exhausted but happy. Just another day in Shimotoda, right? Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!