Yeah...it was kind of insane. When I called my boss about where the nearest hospital was - since it was only three days after I had move to Japan - he really did ask me over the phone if I had put a band aid on it. I wanted to kick him...

Goooooooooood question. I have actually been thinking a lot about them recently since it is almost time for Kurumi to be able to produce one herself. A few animals pop to mind for myself...

• Cat -I have always loved cats, so this is more of a decision based on personal bias. However, the cat as a totem represents a guardian of homes and a blessing on newborns - coming from Roman and Norse mythology. As a teacher, I feel these two traits speak a lot to me. They are also said to be very watchful.
• Hedgehog - they are often a symbol of the ability to be able to take care of themselves and are known to represent intuition and protection when used as a totem. Since living on my own, these are things that I attribute more to myself. That...and who wouldn't want an adorable silvery hedgehog running around?!
• Seahorse - there is so much symbolism and mythology across all cultures involving the seahorse that I have always been fascinated with it! In some cultures, they are believed to be sea dragons. In Europe, it was once believed that seahorses carried the souls of deceased sailors to the underworld - giving them safe passage and protection
• Raccoon - ever since I was young, my family had "pet" raccoons. We fed them every night and they would knock on the door for food. I have always loved these little bandits. They are curious, just like I am, and make sure that everything is clean - which I find super cute.