Well, that all got very cosy and heartwarming to finish off the first story. Young woman learns that older people know a thing or two, living in a dump eating junk food is not the best way to live life, and that there is a joy in failing to get something right first time and persisting until achieving success!
Most importantly she learned that eggs don’t belong in the fridge. That feels like a key life lesson for all of us.
I wonder if people are still so keen to try cooking castella now?!
I finished the chapter almost a week ago and forgot to write about it.
I liked quite much, it made me think a bit about my own lifestyle At some point in the story I started worrying that Tomoka won’t continue with the Office courses, somehow I was invested in her decision to acquire new skills.
The role of Komachi-san is not yet clear to me, not like it is important. I mean that Tomoka’s conversations with Kiriyama and her coworker felt more important for triggering the self-reflexion.
It is as @2000kanji describes, a quiet ending to a wonderful first chapter.
More than anything, I felt like it was Tomoka’s mind that opened up to the possible futures she could create starting with what she had around her. Not just in the skills she can acquire like cooking or computers, but also in being able to hear or learn from the people around her. It reminds me of the expression “Bloom where you are planted.”
Initially she didn’t think much about the older part-timer Numauchi-san, but after the episode with the upset customer, and the conversation in the locker room about Guri and Gura, Tomoka seems more open to making a connection with and learning/hearing from her colleague.
The other element I liked is the message to not worry too much about reaching a specific goal in the future (ie. the big egg in the forest). Of course, you can aim for that big egg, but it’s not totally in your control. Rather, focusing on the right here right now will build your skills and knowledge. Some will benefit you regardless, and other skills/knowledge/connections may turn into an opportunity for something totally unexpected.
Well, at least that’s how I read it anyway. As Tomoka said ”あんな短い話なのに、人によってどんな本なのかがそれぞれ違うのだ。”
And while I was initially excited to try making a castella based on the recipe in the book, I think I’ll start by looking for one in a store
Started this book a few days ago and finished the first chapter last night. I like it so far. It’s quiet in a pleasant way. I found it satisfying how Tomoka realized that one’s way of living impacts areas of life like health, energy level, mindset and motivation. “Yes, good realization! You go, girl ”
The random cooking and baking brought in some new words to me:
篩う = to sieve (flour)
泡だて器 = whisk
フライ返し = spatula/turner
弱火 = low heat
Also made me want to bake brownies. I never bake, but I’ve had a craving for brownies recently, so I bought powder mix the other day. Ended up baking brownies in the middle of reading session Made a poll too because my friend’s reaction was funny.
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At some point in the story I started worrying that Tomoka won’t continue with the Office courses, somehow I was invested in her decision to acquire new skills.
You go, girl 
Made a 
