August 5-9, 2024: A Week of Transitions and Reflections

Monday, August 5, 2024: New Beginnings with a Samsung Fold

Today was a busy day, but an exciting one as well. I finally picked up my Samsung Fold from the Galaxy store, a device I’ve been eager to get my hands on for quite some time. The Samsung S23 I had before was simply too large for my hand, making it uncomfortable to use, especially when trying to capture those fleeting moments in life. With the Fold, I can now be a quick draw with my camera, ready to seize whatever life throws my way without fumbling through an unlock screen.

Later in the evening, I had dinner with Kumiko. Our conversation drifted into the drama unfolding at her work—people getting fired, uncertainty looming. It’s strange how the economy seems to be on a downswing during an election year, when you’d expect it to be propped up. It feels like those in charge of this economic circus are letting it run its course, preparing for whatever phase comes next in our lives.

My 1 TB Samsung Fold, ready for action.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024: The Week of Tacos

As I embark on this work trip in Mexico, I’ve humorously dubbed this week “The Week of Tacos.” It’s fitting since tacos have become my staple diet for now. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy tacos, but moderation is key in all things. Today was particularly busy, with nearly six hours of flying. We did a turn to Puebla, Mexico, and ended the day in Oaxaca. The weather’s been chaotic, with hurricanes brewing in the Caribbean and wreaking havoc in Florida. Just another day navigating through the unpredictable skies.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024: A Strange Dream in Oaxaca

Waking up in Oaxaca this morning, I had a peculiar dream that has lingered with me. In the dream, a baby goat, the cutest thing imaginable, kept me warm by lying on my neck as I lay on a cold, hard ground. Later, I found myself trying to catch a fish barehanded in the water. It slipped away, and I thought to myself, “Well, this is your home now.”

There’s something about being in Oaxaca, away from the usual 5G signals and closer to the mountains, that makes me wonder if this dream had a spiritual element. It’s as if the geography or something beyond the physical world is opening my mind, expanding my perceptions. I’ve noticed that traveling south, closer to Mexico, seems to do that for me.

Thursday, August 8, 2024: Disrespectful Pigeons and Rediscoveries

Tacos were on the menu again today, this time for breakfast in Laredo, Texas. The day was marked by a memorable encounter with a particularly disrespectful pigeon strutting across the tarmac as we pulled into the gate in Houston. It seemed like the pigeon was on a dare, taunting us with its boldness. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of it entertaining its pigeon friends with this little stunt.

When I got home, I had a chance to catch up with Dad. We talked about everything going on, and while exploring the empty part of the house, I stumbled upon my old camera system. I thought it had been taken from me, so finding it was like rediscovering a forgotten artifact. Dad also offered me some old shirts, which, despite his insistence on their value, were just old people clothes. They held no appeal, but I appreciated the gesture.

Friday, August 9, 2024: A Moth’s Gaze

The exhaustion of the past weeks has been catching up with me, and today I felt it more than ever. Whether it’s from overwork, dehydration, or both, I just needed to sleep. When I finally managed to pull myself out of bed, I headed to Black Rock Coffee café to get some reading done and play around with my new phone.

As I sat there, I had the unsettling feeling of being watched. When I turned my head, I noticed a moth looking at me through the window. It was strange to see a moth out at 10 in the morning, especially with the heat rising. Moths have always seemed to appear during transitional phases in my life, almost like silent watchers, observing from the periphery. They’re beautiful but also carry an ominous quality, making me reflect on where I am in life and where I’m heading.