umbrella – The Diary of The Deranged Writer

Listen IV: Saya’s “Natsu Shigure”

On the afternoon of June 30, 2025, I ran a few errands in the nearest business district. And when I was about to finish the final errand, heavy rain poured. I brought my portable umbrella (I always do because I’m vigilant in a way), but still… damn.

I waited several minutes for the weather to calm down, but I also wanted to go to my favorite cafe, Satchmi, early. So, I switched on my wireless earphones, opened my umbrella, pressed the shuffle mode on “My Favorite Songs” playlist on Spotify, went outside the building, hit the play button, and started walking. During my first steps, the sun slightly appeared while it was still raining.

The first song that Spotify played was the perfect soundtrack during that sunny yet rainy walk to my favorite cafe. What’s the song? It’s “Natsu Shigure” (夏しぐれ), my favorite song from Saya (冴夜), my recent favorite singer-songwriter hailing from Japan. “Natsu Shigure” means “Summer Drizzle” or “Summer Shower” in Japanese.

10-Minute Warning CXIX

So, what can I tell here under 10 minutes?

There are 17 days before my family’s Japan trip, and I’m planning my outfits today. Because Tokyo’s weather will be warm in June, I will bring lightweight clothes and should not worry about layering. But just in case it rains, I will bring my favorite Bullet Club jacket and an umbrella.

Moving on… my 2nd custom Funko Pop may be done earlier than expected – probably at the end of the month. I’m excited for that as well! I’m looking forward to bringing my Pop to the Japan trip!

And now I’m capping this post and the work week with a refreshing, cool Jack and Coke. Happy weekend, everyone!

Header image: Jezael Melgoza of Unsplash. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2024.

30-Minute Warning IX

Last time, I said that I feel tired physically and mentally. What about today?

Well, physically I’m still tired. I went out at 1pm and I was supposed to pay for a traffic ticket at a specific bank. But then the clerk and security guard told me to go to a payment center 2 km away from the bank. I had a hard time looking for a jeepney, so I walked from the bank to the payment center. And then when I arrived at the payment center and inquired if I could pay for the ticket, I was told that I need to go to the city where the ticket was issued.

Good grief. My heart sank and my legs are sore because I was walking and inquiring all around from 1 to 3pm. I told my family on the phone what happened and that I can’t pay for the ticket today, and they understood. Thank you, family.

As for how I am mentally, I feel better now. After running errands, I went to my favorite cafe Satchmi and I had my late lunch: a tasty BLT and a refreshing house blend iced tea. I’m sure I said it before, but let me say this again: One of my favorite weekly habits is hanging out, dining, and writing at Satchmi. Thank you, my favorite spot and safe space.

After that, I went home via FX. And then the rain poured heavily. Crap. I can hear the heavy rain punching the car roof even if I have my earphones on. Good thing I have my foldable umbrella so I can brave the rain somehow. An hour after the FX ride, I arrived home safely. My slacks and shoes got wet, but at least I’m home now.