Dear Diary, 

Sometimes you need a staycation on your vacation, you know what I mean? So I decided not to get out of bed today and have a TV/movie binge. As I flipped through the channels, belly full of mango mochi and rice crackers, I first stumbled on a reality show where these adorable toddlers ran errands for their parents. This episode, one kid went to the market for cabbage and brought home lettuce and honestly, it had more drama than Heather’s black eye on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City reunion. On to the next show, Gaki no Tsukai, a Japanese variety show that is basically the original Silent Library. Even in Japanese it was still funnier than SNL. For a while I even bopped to the music on Space Shower TV which was literally just MTV Japanese style. 

But what really got my eyes off the small screen in my hand and onto the big TV screen was this movie called, The Twilight Samurai. It's about this guy, Seibei, who is a terrible Samurai in the eyes of everyone around him - he doesn't dress well, won't shave his head as is tradition, and prioritized the care of his mother and daughters to any nights out with the other samurai. But his wife just died, so maybe give him a break? But they don't and then his long lost friend comes back into town and her ex challenges our guy to a duel. Spoiler alert: he wins using only a wooden sword instead of steel. But that's just the beginning! 

The entire movie is about honor and duty in Samurai culture and how Seibei fulfills his duties despite his low rank and modest circumstances. Seibei remains committed to his obligations as a samurai, diligently performing his duties to support his family and uphold his clan's honor. Samurai lived by a code that demanded nothing less than absolute dedication to their lord and their cause. It’s like the ultimate #squadgoals, except instead of brunch dates, they were out there defending their honor on the battlefield.

In contrast to the stereotypical image of the lone, stoic warrior, The Twilight Samurai emphasizes the importance of family and relationships in the lives of samurai. Seibei's devotion to his daughters and his aging mother humanizes him and captures the personal sacrifices that samurai often made in service to their loved ones and shows a softer side of the Samurai.

Who knew that behind all the epic battles and badass armor, there was a philosophy that’s just as relevant today as it was centuries ago? It’s got me thinking about my own code of honor – what it means to be true to myself and those around me. Who knows, maybe I’ll start practicing my sword skills just in case the zombie apocalypse happens. Hey, a girl can never be too prepared, right?

Until the next battle, I’ll be here scrolling.

Xoxo, 

Maria