I decided it was time to take Tanuki with me to work. I paused Amanozako, put Tanuki in my pet pouch, and took him with me to work. It was a little bit too hectic at work to unpause him, but I was able to play with him on the subway downtown. It was a really nice bonding experience, because I just held him in my hand the whole subway ride (about half an hour). I turned the sound off and checked on him as often as I pleased. When a guy sat down beside me, I thought about hiding my Akai back in my purse, but I decided I would be proud of my hobby and just hold my Tama right in my hand. It's not unusual to see people holding electronic devices in their hands on public transit these days. Everyone has their cell phones in their hands, checking them just as often as I check my newborn Haatotchi! If not a cell phone, it's a DS or a PSP or a video iPod... everyone's holding little screens. So no one even looked twice at my bright orange Tamagotchi.

I paused him again when I got to the open rehearsal and auditions. It was a really fun evening. I met a lot of new people who were trying out for the choir for the first time, which was really gratifying to see. We went out for dinner together.

Back at my apartment, I raised Tanuki while waiting for America's Next Top Model to start (I love that show!!). He grew into a Cherrytchi just after the show started. ^_^

I'm going to really enjoy having him around with me for the next little while. I adore the shell he's in, and the name "Tanuki" just feels like a cheerful, happy friend. ^_^