One Lazy Long Weekend — Finding Joy in Ordinary Days

Sometimes happiness isn’t found in big events or plans, but in slow mornings, small adventures, and the quiet company of family.

By Darkmoon_Art via Pixabay

There was a time — not so long ago — when Sundays were the only day off.
 (Yes, that might sound like something straight out of the Showa era!)

Back then, even our days off were full of “input and output,” endless events, and constant busyness.

But now, in this new era of work-life balance, we’re told:

Keep your productivity high — and make sure to rest properly.

So that’s what I did: a long weekend dedicated not to doing more,
 but to simply being — slowly, happily, and positively.

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📚 A Trip to the Library

I went to the library with my youngest child.
 We ended up borrowing nearly 30 books — and yes, my arms were screaming on the way home.
 (Okay, fine, a few of those books were mine too… 😅)

We also stopped by the 100-yen shop next door.
 My kid picked out a few treasures with great satisfaction.

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🍺 Small Joys and Simple Adventures

Later, I went grocery shopping with my wife.
 She treated me to a can of Kinmugi, the limited-edition summer “fireworks design.”

Then, my son and I embarked on an epic adventure — 
 in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
 I keep dying way too fast… these controls have way more than two buttons, right!? 🎮💀

We even made fried rice together (well, I might have taken over a bit too much — and got scolded for it).
 And in the evening: Karaage Party! Crispy, delicious, and filled with laughter.

Karaage Party with Kinmugi
My wife treated me to a can of Kinmugi, a popular Japanese summer beer with a special fireworks design.

🛋️ Ordinary Bliss

I read, took naps, did a few squats, went for a bike ride,
 checked my kid’s homework (grading style: generous ),
 vacuumed the floor, cleaned the bathroom, hung up the laundry…

Nothing fancy. No big events.
 Just a quiet, comfortable weekend surrounded by the people I love.

And yet — when I think about it — 
 there was no illness, no accidents, no disasters, no wars, no aliens,
 no underground invasions, no chaos.

Just peace, calm, and small joys.

That, in itself, is something to be deeply thankful for.

Gratitude for an ordinary day — that’s the real luxury.