After running various errands in the morning, Hiroko and I got all dressed up and went to Evan and Miho's wedding reception. Watatani-ke is a very cool old mansion built in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Japanese entrance, western hall and stairs, Japanese tatami rooms, western sitting room, Japanese garden; a cool blend of old and new. Hiroko and I played video games and chatted with some of Evan's family friends before heading over to Trocadero for Zareen's going-back-to-the-states party.
But as soon as we got there I started feeling really bad, and we ended up going home right after we got there. Hiroko thinks it might have been the crab-stuffed appetizers, as I was careful to avoid the cheese.
honbu jo
Came by honbu dojo after work and set up the computer and network. PC worked ok but we couldn't get Niina-gosoke's laptop to connect to the wireless LAN. Still have to figure that one out.
Hoshina-san schooled me on the first five jo (staff) techniques. Niina-gosoke would demonstrate the tachi (sword) part a couple of times, and then I'd try it with Hoshina-san pummelling me in the wrist, head, and solar plexus. The moves are tough, and I have no idea how we'll teach the basics and 10 kata during the LA seminar next month, but then again Niina-gosoke does have Menkyo-kaiden, so he knows what he's doing. The problem is I don't.
The first five kata are tachi-otoshi, tsuba-wari, tsuki-zue, hissae, and sakan. And that's about all I remember. Gosoke loaned me an old, out-of-print book with all the Shindomusoryu jo techniques in it (over 70 or something like that) and I've got to make copies of it as it's been out of print for decades.
After practice we went to the Chinese restaurant next door. Cheap and good and the portions are huge. Plus they have those cool lazy-susans on all the tables.
Hoshina-san schooled me on the first five jo (staff) techniques. Niina-gosoke would demonstrate the tachi (sword) part a couple of times, and then I'd try it with Hoshina-san pummelling me in the wrist, head, and solar plexus. The moves are tough, and I have no idea how we'll teach the basics and 10 kata during the LA seminar next month, but then again Niina-gosoke does have Menkyo-kaiden, so he knows what he's doing. The problem is I don't.
The first five kata are tachi-otoshi, tsuba-wari, tsuki-zue, hissae, and sakan. And that's about all I remember. Gosoke loaned me an old, out-of-print book with all the Shindomusoryu jo techniques in it (over 70 or something like that) and I've got to make copies of it as it's been out of print for decades.
After practice we went to the Chinese restaurant next door. Cheap and good and the portions are huge. Plus they have those cool lazy-susans on all the tables.
minami azabu 3rd
Put up some photos of what will hopefully soon by our new home. Shimizu-san is still negotiating with the landlord, and they still have to clean the place. If all goes well we can probably move in late May!
honbu dojo
Stopped off at the honbu dojo to set up the DSL and wireless LAN. Niina-gosoke bought pizzas and food and everyone who helped paint and set up had a little party. The place looks really great now that it's all painted, and it's much bigger than I thought. I'll go on Friday to practice with Niina-gosoke; he's got to teach me the jo and tanjo (staff and short staff) kata for when we do the seminar in LA next month.
what a difference a day makes
Shimizu-san is, without a doubt, The Bomb. Hiroko and I were wondering if really Pacific was the better apartment, or if we should go for MinamiAzabu 3rd, the house we saw. Both have their good points.
Pacific:
Tons of light, huge living-dining room, brand new reform, right in AzabuJyuban, but the building is old.
3rd:
Huge, giant basement, two toilets, fully spec'd kitchen, but it's a stand-alone wood-frame building (not well insulated.)
Anyway, going back and forth with Shimizu-san and she finally says: "The management company of Pacific is...sketchy. Even negotiating the most basic things, they're dodgy and indirect, and then they're making this crazy demands like 6 months advance notice when moving out...I've done some research and the parent company is into loan-sharking, debt collection, land and real estate management, venture capital...I just get a bad feeling dealing with them, and I'm worried that it will be trouble for your later."
Hmm: loans, debts, real estate...can you say Yakuza front? So Shimizu-san basically gave up her agent fee by being honest with us. That is so cool.
But little did she know we really liked 3rd as well, so I told her to go for it. She knows that management company well and they're totally cool. So she's put a hold on the place and is negotiating to take 50,000 yen off the rent and knock down the deposit, get the place cleaned, etc.
It's an awesome house:
First floor has a big entrance way with a MASSIVE shoe closet. Right off the entrance hall is the bedroom (as big as my living room now; 12 mats) which has a giant walk-in closet. Down from that is the bathroom (toilet and sink) and next to that the shower/bath, a totally modern Japanese deal.
Stairs go down into the basement, which is basically the whole foundation of the house (20 mats at least), plus two massive storage spaces in the corners and more storage under the stairs. So basically, that's my dojo.
Upstairs is the main level: kitchen with refrigerator, washer/dryer, dish washer, water filter, oven, and stove. Lots of cabinet storage and counter space, and an open counter into the living-dining room. The ceiling is high; cathedrals all the way up to the roof, and theirs more stairs up to the loft above the kitchen. Loft has carpet, more closet storage, a big sky light, and is big enough to stand up in (my office probably.)
Off the living-dining room is a reasonably nice sized wooden deck on two sides (with a small bench on it now.)
So, things are looking good, assuming we can get a final agreement on the place. Also, it's about a two minute walk from our place now, so moving won't be a big deal, and I know the neighborhood's good!
Pacific:
Tons of light, huge living-dining room, brand new reform, right in AzabuJyuban, but the building is old.
3rd:
Huge, giant basement, two toilets, fully spec'd kitchen, but it's a stand-alone wood-frame building (not well insulated.)
Anyway, going back and forth with Shimizu-san and she finally says: "The management company of Pacific is...sketchy. Even negotiating the most basic things, they're dodgy and indirect, and then they're making this crazy demands like 6 months advance notice when moving out...I've done some research and the parent company is into loan-sharking, debt collection, land and real estate management, venture capital...I just get a bad feeling dealing with them, and I'm worried that it will be trouble for your later."
Hmm: loans, debts, real estate...can you say Yakuza front? So Shimizu-san basically gave up her agent fee by being honest with us. That is so cool.
But little did she know we really liked 3rd as well, so I told her to go for it. She knows that management company well and they're totally cool. So she's put a hold on the place and is negotiating to take 50,000 yen off the rent and knock down the deposit, get the place cleaned, etc.
It's an awesome house:
First floor has a big entrance way with a MASSIVE shoe closet. Right off the entrance hall is the bedroom (as big as my living room now; 12 mats) which has a giant walk-in closet. Down from that is the bathroom (toilet and sink) and next to that the shower/bath, a totally modern Japanese deal.
Stairs go down into the basement, which is basically the whole foundation of the house (20 mats at least), plus two massive storage spaces in the corners and more storage under the stairs. So basically, that's my dojo.
Upstairs is the main level: kitchen with refrigerator, washer/dryer, dish washer, water filter, oven, and stove. Lots of cabinet storage and counter space, and an open counter into the living-dining room. The ceiling is high; cathedrals all the way up to the roof, and theirs more stairs up to the loft above the kitchen. Loft has carpet, more closet storage, a big sky light, and is big enough to stand up in (my office probably.)
Off the living-dining room is a reasonably nice sized wooden deck on two sides (with a small bench on it now.)
So, things are looking good, assuming we can get a final agreement on the place. Also, it's about a two minute walk from our place now, so moving won't be a big deal, and I know the neighborhood's good!
pacific!
Shimizu-san is putting in an offer for Pacific Azabu #702. Huge living-dining room, tons of sunlight, nice kitchen...very psyched!
giant microbes
from my bro:
Get intimately knowledgeable about the common cold, flu, or a stomach virus with these awesome stuffed toys!
Get intimately knowledgeable about the common cold, flu, or a stomach virus with these awesome stuffed toys!
kobayashi barber
My clippers are dying (ok, they're dead) and I haven't cut my hair in weeks. Hiroko suggested I just pop down the street to Kobayashi, the barber next door to the local bath house.
So I hopped on the bicycle and cruised over. 4000 yen and I got a shave, haircut, and shampoo. The best part is at Japanese barbers you lean forward to have your hair rinsed and washed. Sporty.
So I hopped on the bicycle and cruised over. 4000 yen and I got a shave, haircut, and shampoo. The best part is at Japanese barbers you lean forward to have your hair rinsed and washed. Sporty.
pacific azabu mansion!
The sun was shining and it actually felt a bit like spring. Shimizu-san must have been getting sick of showing us apartments, because today each apartment was better than the next. Minamiazabu 3rd was a little house down the street from our place. It had a huge basement, a giant master bedroom with walk-in closet, a good kitchen with all the trimmings, nice living-dining room, and a loft. Two toilets and a Japanese bath, too. Hiroko liked it, so we were off to a good start.
Next was Pacific. Just in Azabu-jyuban, across the street from the Korean embassy. The building is old (1971) and the floorplan looked lame, but when we looked at it, the place was amazing! Seems the owner himself planned on moving in, but half-way through the remodelling decided to live somewhere else. Beautiful floors, giant (GIANT) living-dining room, the whole south wall is double sliding glass doors, 2 small bedrooms and a third room that opens into the living room, brand new kitchen with a counter to the dining room, lots of smart closets, and a toilet lid that automatically opens when you stand in front of it. 7th floor, south facing, and the building is in from Sendaizaka Street because of the parking lot, so it's quite and full of sunlight. Behind it is the temple and graveyard, in front is the Korean Embassy, so there are cops all over the place 24/7 and no one will ever build something to block the view or sun.
This was one of the first floorplans Shimizu-san sent me, but the floorplan was the old apartment before the remodelling, and I don't think anyone's gone to see the place since it's been on the market. The location, price, and design makes it a steal, but the floorplan is so bad everyone (including me) just blows it off. Asked Shimizu-san to put in a offer on this place, so we'll see!
Also saw a couple of other apartments. Two nice 'foreigner' places just down the street: good carpet, high ceilings, two toilets, but the kitchens were kind of lacking and compared to Pacific they weren't really big and open. Then we checked out Flats K in Nishiazabu: very clean, almost sterile, but nice places. And finally a huge place on the top floor of a building right on Kottodori in Aoyama. The living-dining room was even bigger than Pacific, the kitchen was an open counter, and the entire roof was a balcony. Had a big master bedroom with a big closet, and another big but funky-shaped room. Two toilets and a Japanese bath (old but usable.)
Hopefully Pacific will come through, but if not there's still hope.
Next was Pacific. Just in Azabu-jyuban, across the street from the Korean embassy. The building is old (1971) and the floorplan looked lame, but when we looked at it, the place was amazing! Seems the owner himself planned on moving in, but half-way through the remodelling decided to live somewhere else. Beautiful floors, giant (GIANT) living-dining room, the whole south wall is double sliding glass doors, 2 small bedrooms and a third room that opens into the living room, brand new kitchen with a counter to the dining room, lots of smart closets, and a toilet lid that automatically opens when you stand in front of it. 7th floor, south facing, and the building is in from Sendaizaka Street because of the parking lot, so it's quite and full of sunlight. Behind it is the temple and graveyard, in front is the Korean Embassy, so there are cops all over the place 24/7 and no one will ever build something to block the view or sun.
This was one of the first floorplans Shimizu-san sent me, but the floorplan was the old apartment before the remodelling, and I don't think anyone's gone to see the place since it's been on the market. The location, price, and design makes it a steal, but the floorplan is so bad everyone (including me) just blows it off. Asked Shimizu-san to put in a offer on this place, so we'll see!
Also saw a couple of other apartments. Two nice 'foreigner' places just down the street: good carpet, high ceilings, two toilets, but the kitchens were kind of lacking and compared to Pacific they weren't really big and open. Then we checked out Flats K in Nishiazabu: very clean, almost sterile, but nice places. And finally a huge place on the top floor of a building right on Kottodori in Aoyama. The living-dining room was even bigger than Pacific, the kitchen was an open counter, and the entire roof was a balcony. Had a big master bedroom with a big closet, and another big but funky-shaped room. Two toilets and a Japanese bath (old but usable.)
Hopefully Pacific will come through, but if not there's still hope.
rain and lame
What's up with the damn spring weather? It was sunny and warm in the winter, and now that it's officially spring it's all cold and rainy and nasty. No fun whatsoever.
The plan was to babysit Amy for the day, but she had a fever and the sniffles, and the weather really sucked, so we bagged it. Hiroko and I checked out the Azabu Regency just up the street: huge 4 bedroom apartment, but it was on the first floor (no natural light) and had only western bathrooms and showers. Hiroko said it reminded her of an old hotel. Well put.
We were in a rainy Saturday funk and I was bummed because I thought we'd never find an apartment, so we went across the street to Doraichi to get some ramen for lunch. They just started serving Tantanmen and it was great; not too spicy or anything.
After lunch we watched Tasogare Seibei. Brilliant flick!
The plan was to babysit Amy for the day, but she had a fever and the sniffles, and the weather really sucked, so we bagged it. Hiroko and I checked out the Azabu Regency just up the street: huge 4 bedroom apartment, but it was on the first floor (no natural light) and had only western bathrooms and showers. Hiroko said it reminded her of an old hotel. Well put.
We were in a rainy Saturday funk and I was bummed because I thought we'd never find an apartment, so we went across the street to Doraichi to get some ramen for lunch. They just started serving Tantanmen and it was great; not too spicy or anything.
After lunch we watched Tasogare Seibei. Brilliant flick!
2004 q1 earnings
Earnings out for the first quarter. Not bad at all: $1.226 billion net income ($6.2 billion net revenues), return on equity of 19%.
spell check
Who needs spell check when my parents read my blog religiously and constantly correct my spelling and grammar?
And what the hell is up with this weather? It was COLD yesterday, and kind of Londonish rainy/windy. No fun at all. Gimme my Chaucer-like spring:
Whan that aprill with his shoures soote
The droghte of march hath perced to the roote,
And bathed every veyne in swich licour
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;
And what the hell is up with this weather? It was COLD yesterday, and kind of Londonish rainy/windy. No fun at all. Gimme my Chaucer-like spring:
Whan that aprill with his shoures soote
The droghte of march hath perced to the roote,
And bathed every veyne in swich licour
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;
Japanderer
Find your favorite Hollywood star doing silly things for huge amounts of money on TV in Japan.
And you thought Lost In Translation was kidding!
And you thought Lost In Translation was kidding!
more apartments
Poor Shimizu-san, she's shown us a gazillion apartments, and none of them are just right. I keep apologizing to her for being such a difficult apartment-seeker, but she said "I can't give up now! I HAVE to find you a place you like!" So she'll be taking Hiroko and I on Sunday to check out some more places...will it ever end?
off-site
Spent all day in an officer's off-site today. Except it wasn't actually off-site; it was in the training room. All day. In the training room. All day.
Presentations.
Video link to Hong Kong.
All day.
Presentations via video link in Hong Kong.
All day.
In the training room.
All day.
Presentations.
Video link to Hong Kong.
All day.
Presentations via video link in Hong Kong.
All day.
In the training room.
All day.
paintin'
Went to the Honbu Dojo to paint. Everything. The walls, the ceiling, the trim...scary part was I was one of the only people there who'd ever painted before, and that's not saying much. The hardest parts about painting:
Painting evenly with a brush.
Painting evenly with a roller.
Painting a wall with a brush and a roller.
Painting trim in a straight line without tape.
Painting trim in a staight line WITH tape.
Needless to say, we got alot of paint all over the place, and mostly (by luck) on the walls and ceiling.
The Honbu Dojo is, by the way, fantastically sweet. Floor area is alot bigger than I thought, and the office is roomy, too. The 5th floor walk-up will be a nice warm-up before practice, too.
Painting evenly with a brush.
Painting evenly with a roller.
Painting a wall with a brush and a roller.
Painting trim in a straight line without tape.
Painting trim in a staight line WITH tape.
Needless to say, we got alot of paint all over the place, and mostly (by luck) on the walls and ceiling.
The Honbu Dojo is, by the way, fantastically sweet. Floor area is alot bigger than I thought, and the office is roomy, too. The 5th floor walk-up will be a nice warm-up before practice, too.
Akihabara is cool
Did my Good Deed for the month today. Scooter'd up to the Hougyoku-kai office because Niina-gosoke asked me to sell the old office PC up there: no point in moving it to the Honbu Dojo. So I packed up the computer, monitor, and two printers, balanced and roped it all on the luggage rack I brought, and lugged it across to the other side of the station to the used place. Of course the weather happened to be unseasonably warm and I was working up quite a sweat pushing an unwieldy stack of parts up and down the street. Luckily, such a site in Akihabara is fairly typical, so no one gave me a second thought.
After dropping the stuff off I walked back to the office and got some lunch at the Indian curry place in the building. Stupendously average, but cheap and the nan was good.
Scootered back to the used store and discovered that, much to my surprise, the total came to over 12,000 yen! Seems if we still had the box and manuals it would have been double that, but oh well. One printer was only 50 yen though, and the other printer was zero yen (but at least they took it away; would have cost 1000yen just to throw it out.) So I pooled the points on my Sofmap card and got handed a coupon good for 2000 yen off of a wireless LAN purchase. Lucky! Just what I needed so I headed over to the Mac Sofmap and bought an Airmac card for Niina-gosoke's iBook and a Buffalo wireless LAN/router. Using the points and coupon the total came to only 7000 yen. I love Akihabara.
After dropping the stuff off I walked back to the office and got some lunch at the Indian curry place in the building. Stupendously average, but cheap and the nan was good.
Scootered back to the used store and discovered that, much to my surprise, the total came to over 12,000 yen! Seems if we still had the box and manuals it would have been double that, but oh well. One printer was only 50 yen though, and the other printer was zero yen (but at least they took it away; would have cost 1000yen just to throw it out.) So I pooled the points on my Sofmap card and got handed a coupon good for 2000 yen off of a wireless LAN purchase. Lucky! Just what I needed so I headed over to the Mac Sofmap and bought an Airmac card for Niina-gosoke's iBook and a Buffalo wireless LAN/router. Using the points and coupon the total came to only 7000 yen. I love Akihabara.
shinbashi
Shimizu-san came by about 4:30 and we looked at a few more apartments. Sendaizaka Oak Hills is right in Azabu Jyuban, but the apartments were just average, nothing exciting. The other apartment was also in Azabu Jyuban, right by the video game store at the bottom of Kurayamizaka, but it was kind of small and dark and only had a unit bath. Azabudai Tower is a nice expat place, with an awesome kitchen and huge living/dining room, but it is literally across the street from the Tokyo American Club, and it only has a western bath/shower. The owner said he was thinking about remodelling the bathroom to be Japanese-style; a place to change, a shower area, and a bathtub. But even if they did that, don't think I want to live there.
Hiroko and I will go see some more places next weekend, so I'm not worried. Still think Wakayama House was the best place, but Hiroko wasn't crazy about it. So we'll see.
After looking at apartments I finally made it to Gosoke's class for the first time in what seemed live forever. I brought custard cakes from Hokkaido and there were just enough for everyone. After practice Gosoke and I went to his favorite sushi place and we talked about the Honbu Dojo (gotta go paint it this weekend!) and who's gonna take over Mugairyu in the future...deep stuff, especially since I'm still just trying to figure out the basics.
Hiroko and I will go see some more places next weekend, so I'm not worried. Still think Wakayama House was the best place, but Hiroko wasn't crazy about it. So we'll see.
After looking at apartments I finally made it to Gosoke's class for the first time in what seemed live forever. I brought custard cakes from Hokkaido and there were just enough for everyone. After practice Gosoke and I went to his favorite sushi place and we talked about the Honbu Dojo (gotta go paint it this weekend!) and who's gonna take over Mugairyu in the future...deep stuff, especially since I'm still just trying to figure out the basics.
spring?
What's up with this damn weather? Yesterday it's 18 degrees C and sunny: total t-shirt spring weather. Wind is blowing the hay fever'd pollen hither and yon, the birds are a'chirpin', etc.
Today, it's gray and overcast, 11 degrees C, and the wind is icy.
Make up your mind!
Today, it's gray and overcast, 11 degrees C, and the wind is icy.
Make up your mind!
more powder!
Awoke early to see the snow still falling, and fresh powder all over the mountain.
Rallied the seriously hung-over troops, who gave it their best, considering the alcohol-induced damage from the night before.
Got on the mountain and did some powdery on-piste; not great visibility but the goggles were good and the snow was perfect. Didn't bother going seriously off-piste as I had enough powder between trails, in trees, and under lifts, and my legs were feeling the pain.
Gave myself four good runs, including one badly-calculated run through some nasty moguls, and called it a happy day.
A final onsen, packed my stuff, ate some banana bread, finally finished my book, and it was back on the bus to Chitose Airport. We managed to get bumped to an earlier flight so I was home by 10:30, sore and tired but loving it.
Rallied the seriously hung-over troops, who gave it their best, considering the alcohol-induced damage from the night before.
Got on the mountain and did some powdery on-piste; not great visibility but the goggles were good and the snow was perfect. Didn't bother going seriously off-piste as I had enough powder between trails, in trees, and under lifts, and my legs were feeling the pain.
Gave myself four good runs, including one badly-calculated run through some nasty moguls, and called it a happy day.
A final onsen, packed my stuff, ate some banana bread, finally finished my book, and it was back on the bus to Chitose Airport. We managed to get bumped to an earlier flight so I was home by 10:30, sore and tired but loving it.
niseko day 3
No fresh snow, so made a late start of it. Took it easy, did some on-piste, found some random powder between trails, got yelled at for ducking under the ropes and hitting the virgin snow between the trees under the quad.
Decided to try the Anupuri off-piste on my own. Stayed high and cut across the ridge of the near valley. Plunged through some tremendous untouched snow along the wind-blown ridge line and managed to start a small avalanche. Ended up farther right than I should have been so I had to hoof about 15 minutes of flat valley bottom before I got back on track. But then I ended up running through trees for a LONG time, finally ending up at the bottom of a quad I didn't recognize. Seems I had come all the way to the resort on the other side of the mountain. Had to buy a one-time lift pass to get to the top of the quad, then hoofed and skated until I got to the far edge of the far valley (from Anupuri.) I could see the valley I should have been in, and I could see the line that would take me back to the bottom of Anupuri, and I could see that no one had even been on this valley wall. I savoured the moment before plunging into 2 meter deep, untouched powder down the entire valley wall. I worked it as long as I could, then shot at speed into the valley bottom, hanging hard left, and finally ending up at the bottom of Anupuri. Mission accomplished.
Had an early lunch at Pow-Pow, some lounging by the fire, another pre-dinner onsen.
Then the snow flurries started. Nothing serious, and folks weren't too excited about tomorrow...but the weather report says snow...
Decided to try the Anupuri off-piste on my own. Stayed high and cut across the ridge of the near valley. Plunged through some tremendous untouched snow along the wind-blown ridge line and managed to start a small avalanche. Ended up farther right than I should have been so I had to hoof about 15 minutes of flat valley bottom before I got back on track. But then I ended up running through trees for a LONG time, finally ending up at the bottom of a quad I didn't recognize. Seems I had come all the way to the resort on the other side of the mountain. Had to buy a one-time lift pass to get to the top of the quad, then hoofed and skated until I got to the far edge of the far valley (from Anupuri.) I could see the valley I should have been in, and I could see the line that would take me back to the bottom of Anupuri, and I could see that no one had even been on this valley wall. I savoured the moment before plunging into 2 meter deep, untouched powder down the entire valley wall. I worked it as long as I could, then shot at speed into the valley bottom, hanging hard left, and finally ending up at the bottom of Anupuri. Mission accomplished.
Had an early lunch at Pow-Pow, some lounging by the fire, another pre-dinner onsen.
Then the snow flurries started. Nothing serious, and folks weren't too excited about tomorrow...but the weather report says snow...
powder
Woke up at 6:30 to a beautiful Hokkaido morning. And buckets of fresh powder. The group was psyched by slightly hungover. Me and Binnie and couple others managed to get on the slope by 8:30, rode to the top, hiked up to the very peak, and barrelled down unspeakably good, fresh, deep powder.
I went way off course and ended up far too left, and had to hoof 30 minutes to get back on the mountain. But it was worth it.
Hooked up with Greg who took us to the other side of the mountain where we found a valley of fresh powder. Hit that several times before lunch before breaking for a thousand yen pasta-and-meat-sauce-topped-with-deep-fried-pork-cutlet. They kept going but I was getting tired so I took some on-piste runs and called it a day.
Headed back to the Full Note and did the pre-dinner onsen, got the fireplace running, and sat around reading.
Weather was sunny so folks weren't expecting fresh powder, and thus planned on a late start. More drunken debauchery downstairs; cheap dinner wine, prune juice and vodka, etc. Several UDI's (Unidentified Drinking Injuries).
I went way off course and ended up far too left, and had to hoof 30 minutes to get back on the mountain. But it was worth it.
Hooked up with Greg who took us to the other side of the mountain where we found a valley of fresh powder. Hit that several times before lunch before breaking for a thousand yen pasta-and-meat-sauce-topped-with-deep-fried-pork-cutlet. They kept going but I was getting tired so I took some on-piste runs and called it a day.
Headed back to the Full Note and did the pre-dinner onsen, got the fireplace running, and sat around reading.
Weather was sunny so folks weren't expecting fresh powder, and thus planned on a late start. More drunken debauchery downstairs; cheap dinner wine, prune juice and vodka, etc. Several UDI's (Unidentified Drinking Injuries).
to hokkaido
Got up at 4am, which technically can't be called 'morning' because it was pitch dark.
Scootered over to the Westin and found Dev. Waited for Binnie and finally saw a tall white guy running down the street. We grabbed a cab to Haneda airport, rallied the troops, and flew to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Switched on a bus and drove through the expansive nothingness of Hokkaido to Niseko. Lots and lots of not much. And snow. Kind of reminded me of Wyoming.
Got to the Full Note, checked in, got our rooms, grabbed some lunch at Pow-Pow and hit the slopes. Snow was falling, wind was blowing, and visibility sucked. But the powder was stupendous. Boarded all afternoon, bought some new googles, and called it a day.
Back to Full Note for dinner and relaxing by the fire, watching the snow fall. Some folks went out drinking, I stayed by the fire to finish reading.
Scootered over to the Westin and found Dev. Waited for Binnie and finally saw a tall white guy running down the street. We grabbed a cab to Haneda airport, rallied the troops, and flew to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Switched on a bus and drove through the expansive nothingness of Hokkaido to Niseko. Lots and lots of not much. And snow. Kind of reminded me of Wyoming.
Got to the Full Note, checked in, got our rooms, grabbed some lunch at Pow-Pow and hit the slopes. Snow was falling, wind was blowing, and visibility sucked. But the powder was stupendous. Boarded all afternoon, bought some new googles, and called it a day.
Back to Full Note for dinner and relaxing by the fire, watching the snow fall. Some folks went out drinking, I stayed by the fire to finish reading.
highlands ranch, co
My brother the yuppie buys a house in the suburbs with with wife, kid, dog. American dream comes true:
led traffic lights
Slowly but surely the Tokyo government continues its devious plot to replace the ineffective standard traffic lights with bright, clear led ones. First is was the main strip of Ginza, and then I noticed that the lights at Furukawabashi Crossing are now led. Even in direct sunlight it's totally obvious which light is lit, and when not lit they are near black. Each color seems to made of concentric circles of perhaps 100 individual leds. I am assuming they are lower power and longer lasting than traditional bulb lights. And such a vibrant green! Really, technology is just so cool.
catch-22 ?
Do you deserve to be sorrounded by your fellow morons, or do the morons around you not recognize the fact that you don't belong there?
I remember, at an impressionable young age, my wisen'd father telling me about How The World Is:
"The average person is: average. And that's pretty dumb. Think about it. An average grade is a 'C'. Think about your fellow classmates who consistently get C's. They are morons. They are average."
The Curse of the Bell Curve? The cruel irony of being two standard deviations right of the norm?
I remember, at an impressionable young age, my wisen'd father telling me about How The World Is:
"The average person is: average. And that's pretty dumb. Think about it. An average grade is a 'C'. Think about your fellow classmates who consistently get C's. They are morons. They are average."
The Curse of the Bell Curve? The cruel irony of being two standard deviations right of the norm?
testing
By some miracle I managed to get up early enough to get to Toritsudai and attend am practice. Even had about 40 minutes all by myself in front of the mirror when everyone was eating lunch. Only 13 people tested for shodan and nidan, including Presley-kun. Thankfully everyone passed, though Ando-sensei had about 3 million points to make after the test.
Niina-gosoke was suffering from hay fever and stressing over the cost of remodelling the honbu dojo, trying to figure out how to cut the price down ("We'll put in the mirrors ourselves!") so after the test I went home to discover that Hiroko had succeeded in the string bean mision and had made a giant batch of mama's famous carmelized-onions-and-string-beans fake chopped liver dip. Don't worry about how strange that sounds, trust me it's stunningly good.
She also cooked up a storm as is the Sunday evening tradition, so we ate like royalty and watched dumb Japanese tv.
Niina-gosoke was suffering from hay fever and stressing over the cost of remodelling the honbu dojo, trying to figure out how to cut the price down ("We'll put in the mirrors ourselves!") so after the test I went home to discover that Hiroko had succeeded in the string bean mision and had made a giant batch of mama's famous carmelized-onions-and-string-beans fake chopped liver dip. Don't worry about how strange that sounds, trust me it's stunningly good.
She also cooked up a storm as is the Sunday evening tradition, so we ate like royalty and watched dumb Japanese tv.
apartments
Did some errands in the morning and then Shimizu-chan from Roy Organization picked us up and we went to look at a bunch of apartments. The first one, in Mita, was the owner's own place on the top floor of a slick building. Stunning view; Tokyo Tower, private club's Japanese garden, 270 panoramic with nothing coming even close to the apartment's 16th floor. However, it was definitely a single-guy pad. Huge bathroom with window that looked into the living room (for unobstructed views), a steam sauna, a window in the bedroom looking into the tatami room next to it (again for unobstructed views), and one giant, square main room. With stunningly tacky furniture. Nice, for someone, but not us.
Next was Chanex; actually quite a killer apartment: huge balcony, huge carpeted master bedroom with huge walk-in closet, huge kitchen with all GE appliances, huge carpeted living-dining room, and all the trimmings like central air, oven, fridge, washer/dryer. Alas, the bathroom was one of those horrible unit-baths: a solid piece of molded plastic for the wallsfloorceilingsinktoiletshowertub. Totally out-of-place and just ruined the whole apartment.
After that we checked out a typically nice Japanese place right behind Ebisu Garden Place (a bit TOO close to work.) It was perfectly normal; air-conditioner in every room, dark wood doors and trim, nice Japanese bath. Narrow stair climb up to the 2nd floor entrance, quite residential neighborhood, nice Japanese "system kitchen" (no oven.) Not thrilling at all, but Hiroko liked it.
Then we saw an old apartment on the 9th floor of an old mansion (condo building). One of these typical old-school Japanese half-ass buildings: nice lobby, elevator up to 9th floor, then walk outside past all the front doors (like a motel.) Problem was this apartment was on the very end, and the overhead ended just before the front door, meaning in the rain you'd have to open your umbrella again just to get into your front door. Big place, but...strange. Huge roof balcony, except for the giant air-vent right in the middle, making the whole space impractical. Big main room with a ceiling split at inopportune places with massive ceiling beams. Two carpeted rooms, plus a 'walk-in closet' which was just a third small, windowless room (no racks for clothing or anything.) Typical nice bathroom. The kitchen was big and old; a long metal counter with a sink at one end, the stove at the other, and basically some old-school cabinets and a bunch of open space, in the middle of which must go the refrigerator.
Then we checked out a bunch of apartments in Roppongi. Location was right across the street from Roppongi Hills, and was kind of noisy. Apartments were okay; spacious, two bathrooms (one in the master bedroom) that were typical western toilet/shower/bath/sink but not horrible unit baths, and for some reason all the closets had locks with keys (but none of the internal doors had locks.)
Finally we headed to Motoazabu, a short walk from Azabujyuban, to check out Casa Blanca. As expected, it was white. The entrance hall echoed madly and even had a stained-glass window, adding to the church-like experience. Stepping through the front door there's a monstrous genkan (entrance hall) with cool wooden doors covering mountains of closet space. Then through a big glass door into the carpeted main living-dining. Huge, south facing, and lovely. The kitchen was...odd. Orange floor, red tiles, white cabinets that were probably original, washer and dryer, stove and oven that were definitely new. The first bathroom had brown wallpaper that could only be called heinous. The two bedrooms were carpeted and spacious, with good closet space, too. The bathroom was blue-tiled; sink, toilet, sunken recess with shower, and sunken tub. Could seriously use at least a shower curtain. The balcony stretched from the main room around to the master bedroom. It was spacious enough, but only accessible by climbing out the window. Central air, excellent light, I loved it. Hiroko would have nothing to do with it: kitchen and bathroom were unacceptable, carpet color and bathroom wallpaper NG. Location was perfect, size was great...oh well.
I love looking at apartments. Hiroko absolutely hates it, but she must realize by now that if she doesn't actively participate in the process we'd end up in Casa Blanca and she'd have to kill me.
Next was Chanex; actually quite a killer apartment: huge balcony, huge carpeted master bedroom with huge walk-in closet, huge kitchen with all GE appliances, huge carpeted living-dining room, and all the trimmings like central air, oven, fridge, washer/dryer. Alas, the bathroom was one of those horrible unit-baths: a solid piece of molded plastic for the wallsfloorceilingsinktoiletshowertub. Totally out-of-place and just ruined the whole apartment.
After that we checked out a typically nice Japanese place right behind Ebisu Garden Place (a bit TOO close to work.) It was perfectly normal; air-conditioner in every room, dark wood doors and trim, nice Japanese bath. Narrow stair climb up to the 2nd floor entrance, quite residential neighborhood, nice Japanese "system kitchen" (no oven.) Not thrilling at all, but Hiroko liked it.
Then we saw an old apartment on the 9th floor of an old mansion (condo building). One of these typical old-school Japanese half-ass buildings: nice lobby, elevator up to 9th floor, then walk outside past all the front doors (like a motel.) Problem was this apartment was on the very end, and the overhead ended just before the front door, meaning in the rain you'd have to open your umbrella again just to get into your front door. Big place, but...strange. Huge roof balcony, except for the giant air-vent right in the middle, making the whole space impractical. Big main room with a ceiling split at inopportune places with massive ceiling beams. Two carpeted rooms, plus a 'walk-in closet' which was just a third small, windowless room (no racks for clothing or anything.) Typical nice bathroom. The kitchen was big and old; a long metal counter with a sink at one end, the stove at the other, and basically some old-school cabinets and a bunch of open space, in the middle of which must go the refrigerator.
Then we checked out a bunch of apartments in Roppongi. Location was right across the street from Roppongi Hills, and was kind of noisy. Apartments were okay; spacious, two bathrooms (one in the master bedroom) that were typical western toilet/shower/bath/sink but not horrible unit baths, and for some reason all the closets had locks with keys (but none of the internal doors had locks.)
Finally we headed to Motoazabu, a short walk from Azabujyuban, to check out Casa Blanca. As expected, it was white. The entrance hall echoed madly and even had a stained-glass window, adding to the church-like experience. Stepping through the front door there's a monstrous genkan (entrance hall) with cool wooden doors covering mountains of closet space. Then through a big glass door into the carpeted main living-dining. Huge, south facing, and lovely. The kitchen was...odd. Orange floor, red tiles, white cabinets that were probably original, washer and dryer, stove and oven that were definitely new. The first bathroom had brown wallpaper that could only be called heinous. The two bedrooms were carpeted and spacious, with good closet space, too. The bathroom was blue-tiled; sink, toilet, sunken recess with shower, and sunken tub. Could seriously use at least a shower curtain. The balcony stretched from the main room around to the master bedroom. It was spacious enough, but only accessible by climbing out the window. Central air, excellent light, I loved it. Hiroko would have nothing to do with it: kitchen and bathroom were unacceptable, carpet color and bathroom wallpaper NG. Location was perfect, size was great...oh well.
I love looking at apartments. Hiroko absolutely hates it, but she must realize by now that if she doesn't actively participate in the process we'd end up in Casa Blanca and she'd have to kill me.
slow and lame
Finally made it to Gosoke's friday evening practice -- haven't gone in a while because of snowboarding. Realized yet again just how painfully slow and lame I am, especially compared to Ohtsuka-san and everyone else who goes every week and practices every day. Luckily it's not a competition, but I'm bummed at how hard it is to progress, especially when I spend all my time teaching.
Also need to motivate Ted (actually Ted has to motivate his artist-hippie dude) to get my new sword furniture made so that I can get a new handle made. This short handle is killing me as I shred all the skin off my left thumb from having too small a grip.
Will be very psyched when the Honbu Dojo is open in April. At least then I'll have a place to practice on my own whenever I have time. However Gosoke's grand plans have to considerably scaled down; the interior reform costs are way higher than we can afford. Probably have to forget the tatami and all the nice touches, just stick to the useful basics like a good wooden floor and high ceiling. We'll also probably put up the mirrors ourselves; tenth the cost of having the professionals do it.
Also need to motivate Ted (actually Ted has to motivate his artist-hippie dude) to get my new sword furniture made so that I can get a new handle made. This short handle is killing me as I shred all the skin off my left thumb from having too small a grip.
Will be very psyched when the Honbu Dojo is open in April. At least then I'll have a place to practice on my own whenever I have time. However Gosoke's grand plans have to considerably scaled down; the interior reform costs are way higher than we can afford. Probably have to forget the tatami and all the nice touches, just stick to the useful basics like a good wooden floor and high ceiling. We'll also probably put up the mirrors ourselves; tenth the cost of having the professionals do it.
karaoke
Good thing I just went home, ate, and slept last night! Seems the team was out for dinner, karaoke, and ramen, and didn't get in until 4:30am.
Folks started straggling in late-morning, looking and sounding like ass. Hani's comment: "I don't think Brad's been out until 4am since college." He's such a trooper. Moka's morning email was cute, too: "Overslept. Be in soon." I told him "Dude, it's not like you forgot to set your alarm clock, you were out drinking until 4 am! I didn't exactly expect y'all to make it in, that's why I came in early." He's still got quite a bit to learn about moring-after excuses.
Folks started straggling in late-morning, looking and sounding like ass. Hani's comment: "I don't think Brad's been out until 4am since college." He's such a trooper. Moka's morning email was cute, too: "Overslept. Be in soon." I told him "Dude, it's not like you forgot to set your alarm clock, you were out drinking until 4 am! I didn't exactly expect y'all to make it in, that's why I came in early." He's still got quite a bit to learn about moring-after excuses.
last practice
With testing on Sunday, this was the last chance to run Takahashi-san and Presley-kun through practice. Nakayama-kun cranked on Presley-kun; poor guy, but Nakayama-san knows his stuff. His best quote: "I don't mean to brag, but I know of what I speak. After all, I'm one of the only members to have failed the shodan test!"
Also had three visitors checking out class so Sekido's wife gave them the explanation. First two guys where students at the dental college down the street, who probably just wanted to check it out but had no real interest in making a commitment to practice. Third guy was most likely a spy. He said he practices Eishinryu, so he's most likely ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation). We get spies every now and then checking us out; how many members do we have, what/how do we teach, etc. We had 4 4dan instructors in class so at the very least I think we gave him the impression that if they were thinking of doing some "dojo-busting" they'd be in for a tough time.
Also had three visitors checking out class so Sekido's wife gave them the explanation. First two guys where students at the dental college down the street, who probably just wanted to check it out but had no real interest in making a commitment to practice. Third guy was most likely a spy. He said he practices Eishinryu, so he's most likely ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation). We get spies every now and then checking us out; how many members do we have, what/how do we teach, etc. We had 4 4dan instructors in class so at the very least I think we gave him the impression that if they were thinking of doing some "dojo-busting" they'd be in for a tough time.
pullin' teeth
Nice weather from the weekend went somewhere in a hurry. Wasn't too cold, but wasn't exactly warm either, and the cold wind didn't help. Visitor from NY at work this week so pretty busy, and then practice after work -- bunch of folks testing this weekend so ran through a fake test and schooled on some of the finer points.
Came back and Hiroko had her upper left wisdom tooth in a little bag on the coffee table. Seems it came out with no problem, but the upper left one might be more trouble as it's in kinda crooked, and that's the side that got kind of messed up when she got hit by some idiot on a bicycle all those years ago. The lower wisdom teeth are a whole different issue. Getting those things out will require some gnarly surgery. Don't even wanna think about it.
Came back and Hiroko had her upper left wisdom tooth in a little bag on the coffee table. Seems it came out with no problem, but the upper left one might be more trouble as it's in kinda crooked, and that's the side that got kind of messed up when she got hit by some idiot on a bicycle all those years ago. The lower wisdom teeth are a whole different issue. Getting those things out will require some gnarly surgery. Don't even wanna think about it.
nozawa sun and no snow
Well the weather continued to be fine, but the snow sucked and the gondola lifts were closed due to strong winds. I braved the lines for 45 minutes to get one slushy, crappy run in before calling it a day.
Most folks came back from karaoke between 1 and 4 in the morning, so they weren't really into the concept of hitting the mountain anyway.
We packed up our stuff, sent gear to Niseko in Hokkaido, and went into town. Took the Sketchy Chairlift down into town and hit the onsen before grabbing the bus back to Nagano station. Very cool town; steep narrow streets with old, local onsen all over the place. Hana-chan tried one of the little local onsen, and we headed up to one of the bigger ones near a hotel.
Made it back down to the bus stop and by 1:30 everyone made it on the bus -- no one bothered to stay the whole day.
Back at Nagano we knew we couldn't change our tickets so we just took over a non-reserved car on an earlier train, made nasty faces whenever anyone tried to sit near us, and we were back in Tokyo by 5pm.
Most folks came back from karaoke between 1 and 4 in the morning, so they weren't really into the concept of hitting the mountain anyway.
We packed up our stuff, sent gear to Niseko in Hokkaido, and went into town. Took the Sketchy Chairlift down into town and hit the onsen before grabbing the bus back to Nagano station. Very cool town; steep narrow streets with old, local onsen all over the place. Hana-chan tried one of the little local onsen, and we headed up to one of the bigger ones near a hotel.
Made it back down to the bus stop and by 1:30 everyone made it on the bus -- no one bothered to stay the whole day.
Back at Nagano we knew we couldn't change our tickets so we just took over a non-reserved car on an earlier train, made nasty faces whenever anyone tried to sit near us, and we were back in Tokyo by 5pm.
nozawa sun and snow
I forgot my earplugs and between Ramesh snoring like a chainsaw and William blathering like a drunk, it's a miracle I got any sleep at all. Woke to a standard Japanese staying-on-the-slopes breakfast, but we talked them into giving us coffee. And the rice was good.
A stunningly sunny and beautiful day; t-shirt only under the jacket and we headed up the gondola. Nozawa is much bigger than it looks, and after a couple of long, wide, groomed runs on old snow, we headed to the very tippy top, ducked the ropes, and plunged into a Valley of the Powder. One side was sunny and slushy, the other side shadowy and fluffy. We were obviously the only ones foolish enough to go off-piste, and the reward was some harrowingly steep, deep snow. At the bottom is flattened out and joined up with a nice green that went all the way to the far bottom, so getting to and through that was tiring work.
We headed back up and got a late lunch, harassing Hana-chan by buying her icecream and watching her eat it. Couple more runs, including Valley of the Powder again, and it was back to Schnyder for a pre-dinner bath.
Dinner was the standard fair; plentiful and good. Most everyone went into town to do some karaoke damage, but I stayed in, getting really into the second volume of Shiba Ryotaro's "Moeyoken (Burning Sword)."
A stunningly sunny and beautiful day; t-shirt only under the jacket and we headed up the gondola. Nozawa is much bigger than it looks, and after a couple of long, wide, groomed runs on old snow, we headed to the very tippy top, ducked the ropes, and plunged into a Valley of the Powder. One side was sunny and slushy, the other side shadowy and fluffy. We were obviously the only ones foolish enough to go off-piste, and the reward was some harrowingly steep, deep snow. At the bottom is flattened out and joined up with a nice green that went all the way to the far bottom, so getting to and through that was tiring work.
We headed back up and got a late lunch, harassing Hana-chan by buying her icecream and watching her eat it. Couple more runs, including Valley of the Powder again, and it was back to Schnyder for a pre-dinner bath.
Dinner was the standard fair; plentiful and good. Most everyone went into town to do some karaoke damage, but I stayed in, getting really into the second volume of Shiba Ryotaro's "Moeyoken (Burning Sword)."
to nozawa!
Ran outta work early to pack, even though I didn't have much to pack as I already sent my snowboard and gear. Got hungry and figured I wouldn't have time to eat later so hit Doraichi and got some ramen. They've also started selling gyoza so got a plate of those, ate too much too fast, and then got in a cab to battle Friday night traffic to Tokyo Station.
Made it to the station and got on the train in time (unlike Alex, who managed to miss the train by one minute.) Went to Nagano Station and switched to a local train to Nozawa-Onsen, then took a bus taxi to the bottom of the slopes. The Schnyder Pension folks met us with a snow mobile and a light truck outfitted with snow tracks. I (foolishly) chose to wagon on the back of the snow mobile, and was clinging for my life as we rocketed up the dark-of-night lower ski slope, fish-tailing madly as the snow mobile driver struggled to to control both the snow mobile and the alcohol in his veins. After a facefull of icy spray and a harrowing 10 minutes, we arrived.
Made it to the station and got on the train in time (unlike Alex, who managed to miss the train by one minute.) Went to Nagano Station and switched to a local train to Nozawa-Onsen, then took a bus taxi to the bottom of the slopes. The Schnyder Pension folks met us with a snow mobile and a light truck outfitted with snow tracks. I (foolishly) chose to wagon on the back of the snow mobile, and was clinging for my life as we rocketed up the dark-of-night lower ski slope, fish-tailing madly as the snow mobile driver struggled to to control both the snow mobile and the alcohol in his veins. After a facefull of icy spray and a harrowing 10 minutes, we arrived.
yaesu
Again no Iidabashi class, so I and everyone else came to Yaesu, including Niina-gosoke. All told we had about 20 people. I was put in charge of the German dude checking out class with his wife who was a natural; after only two weeks whe was picking it up like a pro. Promotion exams next week so Takahashi-san got one-on-one with Ohtsuka-san, and everyone else was broken up into groups of 3-4.
After practice a bunch of us were hungry so we walked down the street to a tiny little local tonkatsu place (Deep Fried Pork is your friend!), took it over, and chowed.
Niina-gosoke talked more about the Honbu Dojo, which should be ready to use in April. 5th floor of an old 6 story building, very close to Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi. We'll take out an internal wall, make one side the dojo, and behind it lay tatami and make a changing room/office. Will be nice to have a place to practice 24-7, and to have a permanent home base.
After practice a bunch of us were hungry so we walked down the street to a tiny little local tonkatsu place (Deep Fried Pork is your friend!), took it over, and chowed.
Niina-gosoke talked more about the Honbu Dojo, which should be ready to use in April. 5th floor of an old 6 story building, very close to Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi. We'll take out an internal wall, make one side the dojo, and behind it lay tatami and make a changing room/office. Will be nice to have a place to practice 24-7, and to have a permanent home base.
brazilian portugese
Tonight at practice I sat in while Niina-gosoke was interviewed by a Portugese speaking Brazilian-Japanese for a Portugese magazine. The success of Last Samurai seems to have its upside, as she asked probing questions about the application of traditional martial arts on modern society and seemed generally interested in the deeper aspects of the arts, the "way inside the techniques." Also she was really cute, and I think Portugese is a sexy language. A hint of Spanish, a sprinkle of Russian; it sounds great and has a wonderful rhythm.
bargains
Hit Jimbocho and caught all the bargain sales -- got a snowboard bag, a Red Hi-Fi helmet, new pair of mitten gloves (with removeable liners), bright green Oakly goggles with a helmet strap, and a neck gator. Everything was 20-40% off -- gotta love late season shopping!
3 up
So turns out that three Shibuya students will be testing for shodan end of February. Good luck! I drilled most of them on kata, collected the testing fees, and now all we can do is pray...I think they'll make it, but they'll sweat a bit first!
powder-licious
Up early, the snow still falling. Seems rain at base meant snow on the mountain, all night. Gondola still closed because of adverse conditions at the top, so we ride the side double a couple of runs, enjoying fresh powder on the groomed trails.
Finally the gondola opens up, but only halfway up the mountain. From there up the quad, and it's deep fresh powder all around. Goggles fogging, thick balls of snow falling, visibility bad. I borrow some nice goggles and carry on. Gloves soaking through, fall and buried in powder neck deep.
Notes to self:
* don't follow everyone else into double-black diamonds
* buy a helmet
* buy expensive goggles that don't fog
* don't buy expensive gloves that get soaked
Break for lunch and then into the onsen for extended soaking -- always better to quit while yer ahead. Others finally start dropping in, tired and wet and happy. More bathing, more lounging and beering. Bus at 5:30 to Nagano station, quick and dirty ramen then train back to Tokyo.
More notes to self:
* buy a snowboard bag that'll hold boots and gear
* ship gear to hotel before hand, ship home when done (or even better: to next hotel for next trip)
* preventative advil stops muscles aches dead
Finally the gondola opens up, but only halfway up the mountain. From there up the quad, and it's deep fresh powder all around. Goggles fogging, thick balls of snow falling, visibility bad. I borrow some nice goggles and carry on. Gloves soaking through, fall and buried in powder neck deep.
Notes to self:
* don't follow everyone else into double-black diamonds
* buy a helmet
* buy expensive goggles that don't fog
* don't buy expensive gloves that get soaked
Break for lunch and then into the onsen for extended soaking -- always better to quit while yer ahead. Others finally start dropping in, tired and wet and happy. More bathing, more lounging and beering. Bus at 5:30 to Nagano station, quick and dirty ramen then train back to Tokyo.
More notes to self:
* buy a snowboard bag that'll hold boots and gear
* ship gear to hotel before hand, ship home when done (or even better: to next hotel for next trip)
* preventative advil stops muscles aches dead
let it snow
Up and down for breakfast by 7am. Bright, sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. On the gondola by 9am and the day was sunny and warm, even at the top. Trails were groomed nicely, and perfect to get back into the boarding groove. Off-pist/in trees was all tracked up snow, but soft and doable. Fine weather and a good relaxing day of downhill fun.
Lunch on the balcony of the restaurant at gondola-top, more fine weather, and finally clouds starting to roll in.
Early break and into the onsen for some deep-soaking, sauna, and bathing. All-you-can-eat sukiyaki dinner; piles of meat and veggies cooked up nicely on the table. Stuffed full, the weather gets ugly: rain. Hard, nasty rain. Many give up on tomorrow and pound the bar in the hotel next door. By 10pm the rain is now snow, and hopes lift. What will tomorrow bring?
Lunch on the balcony of the restaurant at gondola-top, more fine weather, and finally clouds starting to roll in.
Early break and into the onsen for some deep-soaking, sauna, and bathing. All-you-can-eat sukiyaki dinner; piles of meat and veggies cooked up nicely on the table. Stuffed full, the weather gets ugly: rain. Hard, nasty rain. Many give up on tomorrow and pound the bar in the hotel next door. By 10pm the rain is now snow, and hopes lift. What will tomorrow bring?
to arai!
Got the evening shinkansen to Nagano. We basically took over half a car, and the poor unrelated folks in there with us suffered accordingly as we spun the seats around and inhaled all the beer on the train.
Bus from Nagano to the hotel and of course more revelry. Got the hotel (nice!), got paired up into rooms, and lounged about hitting up the vending machine for more beers.
Bus from Nagano to the hotel and of course more revelry. Got the hotel (nice!), got paired up into rooms, and lounged about hitting up the vending machine for more beers.
garlic
All that deep-fried garlic I ate last night is making its presence known. As my father has indicated his distaste for reading about my flatulence, I'll leave it as an exercise for the reader to imagine the gastrointestinal implications of eating so much fried garlic.
dumb and dumbererer
I really have no place leading practice. Not only do I often forget my gear, but most of the time I don't even check the schedule and end up going to cancelled practices.
Recently, Tanaka-sensei called me saying he was asked what happened to Komatsu-chan's member dues. I had no clue and asked Sekido-san and Otsuka-san, but no idea.
So then at practice, Komatsu-chan came (because we had no Akihabara class on Wed -- I remembered that!) and I asked her who took her member's dues when she signed up and she gives me this weird look and goes "Uh, you."
So I realized I had completely forgotten to deposit the money she gave me. Called back Tanaka-sensei, who just laughed. I guess they're used to me by now.
Recently, Tanaka-sensei called me saying he was asked what happened to Komatsu-chan's member dues. I had no clue and asked Sekido-san and Otsuka-san, but no idea.
So then at practice, Komatsu-chan came (because we had no Akihabara class on Wed -- I remembered that!) and I asked her who took her member's dues when she signed up and she gives me this weird look and goes "Uh, you."
So I realized I had completely forgotten to deposit the money she gave me. Called back Tanaka-sensei, who just laughed. I guess they're used to me by now.
"long live the emporer!"
Did some errands in Shibuya and found myself in the middle of a massive rightist's demo. The trucks were blaring traditional music, the flags were flying high, and for some reason the all assembled in front of the Citizen's Center, faced down a row of cops, and shouted "Kick out the North Koreans!"
In the window of the Citizen's Center was a banner announcing IT Retraining classes and after-school student playgroups for working parents' children.
The best part was all the folks like me; hanging out watching the show. Families with children stood stoicly between a line of police and a line of buzz-cut rightists, waiting for the light to change. When it turned green, an officer waved the people forward, waved the rightist truck over, and everyone crossed the street. When the light turned red and the sidewalk was clear, a skinhead (some kind of leader, giving orders all over the place) rushed the cops and was promptly pushed back and held down until he mellowed out.
Two girls on a shopping trip stopped to take a photo: one turned her back to the scuffle, faced her friend, and made a 'V' sign with her fingers while her friend took a photo of her, cops pinning down a couple of over-acting rightists in the background.
Another couple was taking photos when a young rightist jumped out of the truck and started yelling at him "What are you doing?! Taking photos?!" His girlfriend stepped between them, pushed him back with both hands, he brushed her off and continued shouting as they both walked away.
Totally surreal, as only can be experienced in Japan.
In the window of the Citizen's Center was a banner announcing IT Retraining classes and after-school student playgroups for working parents' children.
The best part was all the folks like me; hanging out watching the show. Families with children stood stoicly between a line of police and a line of buzz-cut rightists, waiting for the light to change. When it turned green, an officer waved the people forward, waved the rightist truck over, and everyone crossed the street. When the light turned red and the sidewalk was clear, a skinhead (some kind of leader, giving orders all over the place) rushed the cops and was promptly pushed back and held down until he mellowed out.
Two girls on a shopping trip stopped to take a photo: one turned her back to the scuffle, faced her friend, and made a 'V' sign with her fingers while her friend took a photo of her, cops pinning down a couple of over-acting rightists in the background.
Another couple was taking photos when a young rightist jumped out of the truck and started yelling at him "What are you doing?! Taking photos?!" His girlfriend stepped between them, pushed him back with both hands, he brushed her off and continued shouting as they both walked away.
Totally surreal, as only can be experienced in Japan.
l'assiette blanche
Met Hiroko for dinner in Shirogane at L'Assiette Blanche.
We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary by enjoying some really good French cuisine at a cute little place tucked away down the street from Shinohashi. Hiroko's soup was awesome; some magical blend of nuts and spices and potatoes and lobster. My fois gras with apples was melt-in-your-mouth good and sweet. The duck main was moist and juicy and not gamey at all like duck often is. Hiroko's fois gras and venison in a crepe shell was rich and delicious; so rich we ended up taking half of it home to make sure we had room for dessert. Fruit tart, half glass of ice wine, frozen meringue covered in espresso...ah, eating well really is the best revenge.
We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary by enjoying some really good French cuisine at a cute little place tucked away down the street from Shinohashi. Hiroko's soup was awesome; some magical blend of nuts and spices and potatoes and lobster. My fois gras with apples was melt-in-your-mouth good and sweet. The duck main was moist and juicy and not gamey at all like duck often is. Hiroko's fois gras and venison in a crepe shell was rich and delicious; so rich we ended up taking half of it home to make sure we had room for dessert. Fruit tart, half glass of ice wine, frozen meringue covered in espresso...ah, eating well really is the best revenge.
burdoch root
Ah, the mighty gobo, how I love this crunchy, dirty root! Hiroko made a huge pot of tonjiru with lots of gobo, and I gotta tell ya, it's better than beans and potatoes -- I'm passing more gas than a Senate committee hearing on campaign finance reform!
crowded
Finally just about everyone showed up to practice, 5 girls and 5 guys, so it was a big old hoot, but still pretty damn cold. Can't wait for spring, though the sniffling snot of approaching hay fever is no fun.
last year's national tournament
Didn't realize that Sudo-san had posted the videos of the cutting demo we did at last year's national tournament. So here they are:
Tanaka-sensei -- Mawari-gakari
Naganuma-sensei --
two rolls gyakugesa
two rolls yokoichimonji
two rolls shofu
(note the second roll is hanging on by one layer...and Naganuna-sensei is NOT happy!)
ren -- jinrai
(Ah yes, note the complete lack of hips, and such bad form!)
Tanaka-sensei -- Mawari-gakari
Naganuma-sensei --
two rolls gyakugesa
two rolls yokoichimonji
two rolls shofu
(note the second roll is hanging on by one layer...and Naganuna-sensei is NOT happy!)
ren -- jinrai
(Ah yes, note the complete lack of hips, and such bad form!)
shop cook eat
Nice sunny day so Hiroko and bussed down to Shibuya, hit Loft for a new frying pan and some coasters. I forgot my watch so couldn't get the battery replaced (doh!)
Then we grabbed some munchies in the Tokyu basement and headed home for lunch.
Spent the rest of the afternoon running to the grocery store a couple of times to load up on food as Hiroko cooked up buckets of eats and then I hunkered down to clean my room. From the back of the closet emerged a bag of old clothes, including a pair of jeans I bought in high school, loaned to Masa, and never saw again. Amazingly, they still fit (praise the lord for GAP Baggy!)
Masa came over for dinner and I berated her about the jeans, which she finally remembered borrowing: "They never fit me!" she exclaimed, as if that justifies her shoving them into the back of the closet years ago.
Then we grabbed some munchies in the Tokyu basement and headed home for lunch.
Spent the rest of the afternoon running to the grocery store a couple of times to load up on food as Hiroko cooked up buckets of eats and then I hunkered down to clean my room. From the back of the closet emerged a bag of old clothes, including a pair of jeans I bought in high school, loaned to Masa, and never saw again. Amazingly, they still fit (praise the lord for GAP Baggy!)
Masa came over for dinner and I berated her about the jeans, which she finally remembered borrowing: "They never fit me!" she exclaimed, as if that justifies her shoving them into the back of the closet years ago.
nakagawa-gosoke's letter
I've finally finished translating the letter Nakagawa-gosoke wrote to Shiokawa-gosoke appointing him 15th Soke of Mugairyu Iaihyodo. Not entirely sure about all the names, but you get the idea.
First, some history:
Along with the other high-ranking iai sensei across Japan, Mugairyu sensei helped form the ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation) and ZNIR (All Japan Iaido Federation) seiteigata (standardized forms.)
Nakagawa-gosoke (13th) appointed Ishii Gogetsu as his successor in Mugairyu Iaihyodo, but Ishii put himself and all of his students under the auspices of the ZNKR. Even back then, Nakagawa-gosoke had no patience for the politics and in fighting of the ZNKR. He issued hamon (expulsion and stripping of rank) for Ishii and wrote the following letter to Shiokawa-gosoke, who had just recently won the ZNKR national iaido tournament for the 3rd year in a row.
The letter:
When I came back from mailing a postcard, I found your letter and enclosed program.
As I wrote last time, be it ZNKR, ZNIR, or whatever, I don’t care one bit if you receive rank and/or certification. Until now Mugairyu was mainly associated with the ZNKR, but now it is my hope that you will spread the true line of Mugairyu.
I never taught Ishii the naiden (advanced) short sword or iai forms, so it is no wonder that Takai would screw up [the advanced form] Sangyo Icchi . They are just aping the movements without understanding the underlying principles or theory, so in my mind I don’t compare them to humans. I consider them a bunch of monkeys.
As I was returning to Tokyo, I stopped by to practice with the folks at the Kichijyoji dojo, but that dojo is under Okada sensei, so they are all ZNKR. Even if it’s ZNKR, my hope is that true and proper Mugairyu grows and spreads, and in so doing, false Mugairyu will wither and die.
It is my belief that I am the superlative Mugairyu. Not ZNIR Mugairyu, not ZNKR Mugairyu. The superlative martial artists acknowledge me. East to west, everyone in iai knows. In Osaka, ZNKR Hanshi Yoshida-sensei is famous for his sharp tongue, but my iai alone he acknowledges is the best in Japan. In Kyoto, ZNKR Hanshi Omori-sensei often does whatever he can to help me.
Even the lone wolf of Tokyo iai, Yukiyama-sensei, who bad mouths everyone, only to me does he say nothing, and at the Kanto Tournament he was explicitly respectful to me.
If you hone your heart and technique in iai such that there is no opening from any angle, then you will have no problems no matter how much those below you make a fuss.
I have received 10th dan and Hanshi from the ZNIR, but these things mean nothing to me. It is only because the superlative martial artists recognize me as such that I am considered as having a worthy menkyo.
Eishinryu with its unclear founder and lineage, ryuha that are merely a list of names from one generation to the next; most of the styles out there simply don’t stack up. As you saw in the book I published “Mugaijikiden Shindoko”, with its clear lineage, history, and gravestone, you will not find a ryuha as true as Mugairyu.
With their nitpicking and bickering, claims of authenticity and accusations and lies, Eishinryu’s Kano, Yamamoto and others are, from the perspective of iai, the lowest of the low.
As long as you do iai based on the fundamentals, no one will have anything to say. I think those in Eishinryu do not even know what the martial fundamentals are.
Recently Kano and Hirai have not been getting on, and last year Hatakejima abandoned Kano. Eishinryu is in disarray.
In Kichijyoji, where their camaraderie is strong, Ishii’s students from the police academy have been expelled and driven out to Kanagawa Prefecture. I heard this both from those in Kichijyoji and from Okada-sensei. By all means do both Mugairyu and ZNKR.
Chairman Kimura, as well as Vice Chairman Otani, and I were invited to the Osaka University tournament on the 3rd, but I am busy with visitors and unable to attend.
Please do come and visit. Last year we rebuilt the house, so you will stay here. We await you visit.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Shinichi Nakagawa
November 10th
First, some history:
Along with the other high-ranking iai sensei across Japan, Mugairyu sensei helped form the ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation) and ZNIR (All Japan Iaido Federation) seiteigata (standardized forms.)
Nakagawa-gosoke (13th) appointed Ishii Gogetsu as his successor in Mugairyu Iaihyodo, but Ishii put himself and all of his students under the auspices of the ZNKR. Even back then, Nakagawa-gosoke had no patience for the politics and in fighting of the ZNKR. He issued hamon (expulsion and stripping of rank) for Ishii and wrote the following letter to Shiokawa-gosoke, who had just recently won the ZNKR national iaido tournament for the 3rd year in a row.
The letter:
When I came back from mailing a postcard, I found your letter and enclosed program.
As I wrote last time, be it ZNKR, ZNIR, or whatever, I don’t care one bit if you receive rank and/or certification. Until now Mugairyu was mainly associated with the ZNKR, but now it is my hope that you will spread the true line of Mugairyu.
I never taught Ishii the naiden (advanced) short sword or iai forms, so it is no wonder that Takai would screw up [the advanced form] Sangyo Icchi . They are just aping the movements without understanding the underlying principles or theory, so in my mind I don’t compare them to humans. I consider them a bunch of monkeys.
As I was returning to Tokyo, I stopped by to practice with the folks at the Kichijyoji dojo, but that dojo is under Okada sensei, so they are all ZNKR. Even if it’s ZNKR, my hope is that true and proper Mugairyu grows and spreads, and in so doing, false Mugairyu will wither and die.
It is my belief that I am the superlative Mugairyu. Not ZNIR Mugairyu, not ZNKR Mugairyu. The superlative martial artists acknowledge me. East to west, everyone in iai knows. In Osaka, ZNKR Hanshi Yoshida-sensei is famous for his sharp tongue, but my iai alone he acknowledges is the best in Japan. In Kyoto, ZNKR Hanshi Omori-sensei often does whatever he can to help me.
Even the lone wolf of Tokyo iai, Yukiyama-sensei, who bad mouths everyone, only to me does he say nothing, and at the Kanto Tournament he was explicitly respectful to me.
If you hone your heart and technique in iai such that there is no opening from any angle, then you will have no problems no matter how much those below you make a fuss.
I have received 10th dan and Hanshi from the ZNIR, but these things mean nothing to me. It is only because the superlative martial artists recognize me as such that I am considered as having a worthy menkyo.
Eishinryu with its unclear founder and lineage, ryuha that are merely a list of names from one generation to the next; most of the styles out there simply don’t stack up. As you saw in the book I published “Mugaijikiden Shindoko”, with its clear lineage, history, and gravestone, you will not find a ryuha as true as Mugairyu.
With their nitpicking and bickering, claims of authenticity and accusations and lies, Eishinryu’s Kano, Yamamoto and others are, from the perspective of iai, the lowest of the low.
As long as you do iai based on the fundamentals, no one will have anything to say. I think those in Eishinryu do not even know what the martial fundamentals are.
Recently Kano and Hirai have not been getting on, and last year Hatakejima abandoned Kano. Eishinryu is in disarray.
In Kichijyoji, where their camaraderie is strong, Ishii’s students from the police academy have been expelled and driven out to Kanagawa Prefecture. I heard this both from those in Kichijyoji and from Okada-sensei. By all means do both Mugairyu and ZNKR.
Chairman Kimura, as well as Vice Chairman Otani, and I were invited to the Osaka University tournament on the 3rd, but I am busy with visitors and unable to attend.
Please do come and visit. Last year we rebuilt the house, so you will stay here. We await you visit.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Shinichi Nakagawa
November 10th
aparments and asakusa
Went with Hiroko to check out a "designer's apartment" as they're called. Certainly cool designs, but not actually the kind of place we could live in, and not for the ridiculous price they're asking. The details are cool, but the apartment in totality is kinda "huh?" Lots of space, lots of light, cool fixtures, but cheap floors, single-paned glass, and not enough storage space.
After checking out the apartment we went to Asakusa so that I could get tabi for Tony and everyone. We walked around for a while, had some agemanju, bought the best karinto, and came home.
By now we were pretty hungry so we headed up to Azabujyuban's Sankoen for some yakiniku. Meat. Meat. Meat. Barbeque Meat. Meat. Meat.
Not sure what it was, but after dinner I had a bit of an allergic reaction to something...maybe too much grilled garlic?
After checking out the apartment we went to Asakusa so that I could get tabi for Tony and everyone. We walked around for a while, had some agemanju, bought the best karinto, and came home.
By now we were pretty hungry so we headed up to Azabujyuban's Sankoen for some yakiniku. Meat. Meat. Meat. Barbeque Meat. Meat. Meat.
Not sure what it was, but after dinner I had a bit of an allergic reaction to something...maybe too much grilled garlic?
shizankai
Cutting practice this morning in Akabane. Tried a couple of double-roll cuts -- not bad but not exactly inspirational. Did a few zagi-nukiuchi with no problem, including yu a couple of times. But Naganuma-sensei wasn't thrilled with my form and told me I get worse every time he sees me, because I must be practicing without thinking enough. He told me to THINK about what I'm doing, how I'm cutting, how I'm using my arms and hips, and he'll see if I've made any progress next month.
nihonbashi
Old-school practice at Nihobbashi. A few hundred basic cuts and my right arm was about to fall off. Other than that, I continue to suck.
Then we had dinner at the sushi place above the supermarket, where none of the waitresses are Japanese, so finding a language in which to order is always interesting.
Then we had dinner at the sushi place above the supermarket, where none of the waitresses are Japanese, so finding a language in which to order is always interesting.
yeasu
No practice at Iidabashi so I went to Yaesu, along with everyone else, and ended up teaching Harada-chan and Sekido-okusan. Kosaka-san had all us instructors take a couple of students each, so we worked in detail on only a couple of kata. And it was cold.
bye-bye bystedt
A modest farewell gathering for Tomo, as this week he ends his Morgan Stanley career and starts soon at Titlest Japan. Dream job, actually, for a guy who absolutely loves and lives for golf. Best o' luck to him.
He and Mieko are busy trying to find a place to live that's reasonable for both of them to get to work, as she's still working in Ebisu while he'll be on the other side of Tokyo. They're looking around Sengakuji/Shirganetakanawa, so that'll put them in my neighborhood! Hope they find a place soon, as he's got a month to get out of his current place, and once he starts his new job he'll be pretty busy.
He and Mieko are busy trying to find a place to live that's reasonable for both of them to get to work, as she's still working in Ebisu while he'll be on the other side of Tokyo. They're looking around Sengakuji/Shirganetakanawa, so that'll put them in my neighborhood! Hope they find a place soon, as he's got a month to get out of his current place, and once he starts his new job he'll be pretty busy.
suzuki-sensei
I love my dentist. He's awesome. He's probably the only dentist in Japan who so vehemently believes in twice-yearly preventative check-ups and cleaning. He even gives a discount if you pay for both appointments in advance (thus motivating you to actually keep the appointments.)
He's got a new ultrasonic cleaning thingy that uses an even higher frequency sonicWaterCleaningBeamThingy to destroy all the tooth nastiness that builds up. Those upper left teeth of mine that I've brushed too hard and therefore have a bit of receding gumline don't like the cold water spray too much, but other than that I love being able to see the spaces between my teeth again.
SO much better than getting cavities filled, that's for damn sure.
Now, if only Japanese national health insurance actually covered preventative medicince...
He's got a new ultrasonic cleaning thingy that uses an even higher frequency sonicWaterCleaningBeamThingy to destroy all the tooth nastiness that builds up. Those upper left teeth of mine that I've brushed too hard and therefore have a bit of receding gumline don't like the cold water spray too much, but other than that I love being able to see the spaces between my teeth again.
SO much better than getting cavities filled, that's for damn sure.
Now, if only Japanese national health insurance actually covered preventative medicince...
shibuya
A light evening rain but a fair bunch came for class. Expected three folks to come check out class, but only two showed up (what happened to the Frenchman?), and one ended up signing up. Sekido-san and his wife came to help out; he took the beginners while I ran the others through all twenty forms. Always nice to have someone to help, even if I do enjoy teaching.
instructors' seminar
Freshly sore from boarding, I headed to Suidobashi for the instructors' seminar led by Niina-gosoke. At least Suidobashi is well air-conditioned. Too well, it turns out, as it soon became very hot after Niina-gosoke had us run through a couple hundred cuts for warm-up.
He then ran us through all twenty kata, picking out the specific points we have to be careful of ourselves when we teach.
Finally he took us through the okuden and naiden advanced kata, which I can still barely remember let alone do correctly.
He ended by decreeing that all members over 3dan are to wear a second; either a wakizashi (short sword), tanto (dagger), sensu (fan), or my personal favorite tessen (steel fan.) He explained that wearing two swords was the privilege of samurai, whereas yakuza and other criminals wore one sword. Back when iai started to become popular, and incidentally starting losing touch with its original effective intentions, practitioners stopped wearing a second because it was in the way.
But as we practice a traditional samurai art, and we are not yakuza, we will wear a second, so as to not lose touch of our origins.
He then ran us through all twenty kata, picking out the specific points we have to be careful of ourselves when we teach.
Finally he took us through the okuden and naiden advanced kata, which I can still barely remember let alone do correctly.
He ended by decreeing that all members over 3dan are to wear a second; either a wakizashi (short sword), tanto (dagger), sensu (fan), or my personal favorite tessen (steel fan.) He explained that wearing two swords was the privilege of samurai, whereas yakuza and other criminals wore one sword. Back when iai started to become popular, and incidentally starting losing touch with its original effective intentions, practitioners stopped wearing a second because it was in the way.
But as we practice a traditional samurai art, and we are not yakuza, we will wear a second, so as to not lose touch of our origins.
first boarding
Managed to get up at 5 am. Hiroko's sniffles turned into a right and proper cold, so with a fever and runny nose she wasn't going anywhere.
I stumbled about, got my board and gear together, and headed off to Tokyo Station, arriving about 6:30 for our 7am train. Other folks trickled in and then we were on our way. It was a quick 1.5 hours to Eichigo-Yuzawa, short shuttle to the hostel, then off to the slopes. Iwappa is a small mountain, but it had been snowing all night and continued to snow all day, with a break of sunshine at lunch for about 20 minutes.
Needless to say there was nice fresh powder everywhere. The only chunky icy bit was the steep drop leading into the gondola.
I spent the day with the iPod blasting, digging myself out of waist-deep flat powder, winding my way down from the gondola and trying to remember how to board. By the end of the day I had managed to carve a decent line or two, but my thighs and feet were protesting. My boots and bindings were ok, but I had cranked the boots too tightly across my instep.
By 3:30 I took my last run, grabbed my gear from the locker, took one last ride up the gondola, and headed right. I didn't go far right enough, it seems, because I ended up at Ski Center 2, not 1 at the very bottom of the mountain. I changed and walked through the parking lot looking for the bus to the train station, only to find myself walking all the way down the mountain to the bottom. I arrived at Ski Center 1 and grabbed the bus, hit the station, switched my tickets, jumped on the train, and was in Tokyo by 6:30.
When I got home, Hiroko had been in bed all day battling her cold, so I commiserated for a bit and we ate porridge and took a hot bath. I didn't want to complain about my sore legs and arms, seeing as how she had a cold and a fever, but it was fairly obvious considering how much TigerBalm I slathered on after the bath.
I stumbled about, got my board and gear together, and headed off to Tokyo Station, arriving about 6:30 for our 7am train. Other folks trickled in and then we were on our way. It was a quick 1.5 hours to Eichigo-Yuzawa, short shuttle to the hostel, then off to the slopes. Iwappa is a small mountain, but it had been snowing all night and continued to snow all day, with a break of sunshine at lunch for about 20 minutes.
Needless to say there was nice fresh powder everywhere. The only chunky icy bit was the steep drop leading into the gondola.
I spent the day with the iPod blasting, digging myself out of waist-deep flat powder, winding my way down from the gondola and trying to remember how to board. By the end of the day I had managed to carve a decent line or two, but my thighs and feet were protesting. My boots and bindings were ok, but I had cranked the boots too tightly across my instep.
By 3:30 I took my last run, grabbed my gear from the locker, took one last ride up the gondola, and headed right. I didn't go far right enough, it seems, because I ended up at Ski Center 2, not 1 at the very bottom of the mountain. I changed and walked through the parking lot looking for the bus to the train station, only to find myself walking all the way down the mountain to the bottom. I arrived at Ski Center 1 and grabbed the bus, hit the station, switched my tickets, jumped on the train, and was in Tokyo by 6:30.
When I got home, Hiroko had been in bed all day battling her cold, so I commiserated for a bit and we ate porridge and took a hot bath. I didn't want to complain about my sore legs and arms, seeing as how she had a cold and a fever, but it was fairly obvious considering how much TigerBalm I slathered on after the bath.
Ichigaya
For once I actually checked the schedule, and saw that Niina-gosoke's practice in Nihonbashi was cancelled, but that he would be in Ichigaya. I checked the map and hopped on the Mightier Steed, figuring I'd take my regular route to Iidabashi, but then just turn left at Yasukuni Shrine instead of right, head towards Ichigaya Station, and magically find practice. Of course I drove around the one-way back streets for 20 minutes, using the maps on my cell phone to figure out it must be the elementary school behind the park. As I drove by I spied Niina-gosoke through the window of the gym, so I parked and found my way in.
Practice was quite packed, so I and Sekido-san ended up on the stage at the front of the gym. I doubt anyone was watching us; they were too busy trying their best under the watchful eye of Niina-gosoke, but still it's no fun to literally be up on stage.
After practice we went down the street to the station and grabbed some dinner, taking over some little izakaya that was obviously used to us. Kubota-san had his one beer, turned bright red, started slurring, and stumbled off to catch his last train. The rest of us ate and drank and I finally headed home around 11.
Practice was quite packed, so I and Sekido-san ended up on the stage at the front of the gym. I doubt anyone was watching us; they were too busy trying their best under the watchful eye of Niina-gosoke, but still it's no fun to literally be up on stage.
After practice we went down the street to the station and grabbed some dinner, taking over some little izakaya that was obviously used to us. Kubota-san had his one beer, turned bright red, started slurring, and stumbled off to catch his last train. The rest of us ate and drank and I finally headed home around 11.
full house
Had a big class tonight -- Tanaka-chan and Kawamoto-chan, Takahashi-san (who just got promoted to 1kkyu last week by Niina-gosoke), and of course Kiyokawa-kun and Nakayama-san and Eta-san, and Orita-san showed up late, and ended up helping Yoshida-san who just started, and then two other people came to check out practice. Luckily it wasn't too cold and we had a fun time. As the start of spring is visible over the horizon, I think we start working harder, knowing the cold will be over soon.
oops
Arrived in Akihabara like I always do, ready for practice. Only there was no practice today. Luckily, instead of it just being me who can't read the monthly schedule, three other students showed up as well. Also, I called Tanaka-sensei, who was in his car on his way to practice. Funny considering that it's his wife who makes the monthly schedule!
free speech
Democracy: if someone is saying something you don't like, you can choose not to listen, and/or to say your own opposing viewpoint.
Not Democracy: if someone is saying something you don't like, you make them shut up.
Not Democracy: if someone is saying something you don't like, you make them shut up.
hay fever
It's not even February yet, it's still freezing cold and dry, and yet my hay fever has begun. Actually, I suffer from the dreaded kafunsho about 11 months out of the year. Today I was treated to a headache, runny nose, and itchy eyes all day. Time to stock up on tissues and break out the Claritin. Joy.
amy
Todd and Narumi went to Shiodome for the day, so Hiroko and I watched Amy. Standard Operating Procedure: Amy cries, Hiroko holds her, they both fall asleep on the couch, Amy wakes up and cries a little more but doesn't want any food. Hiroko eats a couple of hotdogs and Amy's watching the whole time. Now Amy's interested in eating. She chows down some yam and goes through half a bottle of apple juice (from Lucky Mama). Amy drinks out of the little tiny wine glass, and every time she drinks, I say "kampai!" (cheers) and she clinks my glass, then tosses back the apple juice in one shot. Just like dad.
After eating and drinking and getting her diaper changed, she was all energy and gigles. It was too cold to bother going outside so we wandered around the apartment until she discovered the bedroom lamp. It has a big round button on the cord that you push to turn the lamp on and off, and Amy was REALLY into that. Then she bounced around on the bed before going back into the living room. She was most fascinated by my feet (or was it my socks?) and before we knew it mom and dad where back.
Todd and I walked to Niku-no-hanamasa to get groceries and we had a big tonyu nabe; pork and tofu and veggies stewed in soy milk. Todd and Narumi went to check out the government housing in Shiodome; a big modern tower. The place they live in is also government housing, so their place is huge and cheap (you're welcome for my taxes.) The Shiodome apartments were interesting, but not entirely super-cheap. Todd also said some of the New Concept places were just weird, and from the pamphlets they look like they spent too much time worrying about how slick the bathroom door handles looked or the view out the window, and not enough time thinking about useful space layouts.
After eating and drinking and getting her diaper changed, she was all energy and gigles. It was too cold to bother going outside so we wandered around the apartment until she discovered the bedroom lamp. It has a big round button on the cord that you push to turn the lamp on and off, and Amy was REALLY into that. Then she bounced around on the bed before going back into the living room. She was most fascinated by my feet (or was it my socks?) and before we knew it mom and dad where back.
Todd and I walked to Niku-no-hanamasa to get groceries and we had a big tonyu nabe; pork and tofu and veggies stewed in soy milk. Todd and Narumi went to check out the government housing in Shiodome; a big modern tower. The place they live in is also government housing, so their place is huge and cheap (you're welcome for my taxes.) The Shiodome apartments were interesting, but not entirely super-cheap. Todd also said some of the New Concept places were just weird, and from the pamphlets they look like they spent too much time worrying about how slick the bathroom door handles looked or the view out the window, and not enough time thinking about useful space layouts.
lucky!
Went over to Jimbocho/Ochanomizu area, famous for used book and sports equipment. I intended on hitting Himaraya but got to Minami Sports first and got a good deal on Burton boots and step-in bindings. I tried step-in rentals last season and the cheesy rental boots/bindings were good enough, so I figure mid-range Burton step-ins will be fine for me. Thought about a helmet too, but didn't find the Bad Lieutenant so I gave up. Also got a nice pair of mitten/gloves.
When I got home, Hiroko and I went to dinner at Lucky and dropped off the English menu we made for them. Lucky Mama was so thankful she gave us two bottles of apple juice (she knows we don't drink), a cool picture book about a salaryman who takes an early afternoon (written by the producer of the Lucky restaurant), and wouldn't let us pay for our dinner. Hiroko's comment: "Damn! We shoulda ordered more food!"
When I got home, Hiroko and I went to dinner at Lucky and dropped off the English menu we made for them. Lucky Mama was so thankful she gave us two bottles of apple juice (she knows we don't drink), a cool picture book about a salaryman who takes an early afternoon (written by the producer of the Lucky restaurant), and wouldn't let us pay for our dinner. Hiroko's comment: "Damn! We shoulda ordered more food!"
al-gebra threat
From my brother:
"At New York's Kennedy airport today, an individual later discovered to be an engineer was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a setsquare, a slide rule, and a calculator.
At a morning press conference, Attorney general John Ashcroft said he believes the man is a member of the notorious al-gebra movement. He is being charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
"Al-gebra is a fearsome cult," Ashcroft said. "They desire average solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like "x" and "y" and refer to themselves as "unknowns", but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.
"As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, there are 3 sides to every triangle," Ashcroft declared.
When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes.
"I am gratified that our government has given us a sine that it is intent on protracting us from these math-dogs who are willing to disintegrate us with calculus disregard. Murky statisticians love to inflict plane on
every sphere of influence," the President said, adding: "Under the circumferences, we must differentiate their root, make our point,and draw the line."
President Bush warned, "These weapons of math instruction have the potential to decimal everything in their math on a scalene never before seen unless we become exponents of a Higher Power and begin to factor-in random facts of vertex."
Attorney General Ashcroft said, "As our Great Leader would say, read my ellipse. Here is one principle he is uncertainty of: though they continue to multiply, their days are numbered as the hypotenuse tightens around their necks."
"At New York's Kennedy airport today, an individual later discovered to be an engineer was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a setsquare, a slide rule, and a calculator.
At a morning press conference, Attorney general John Ashcroft said he believes the man is a member of the notorious al-gebra movement. He is being charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
"Al-gebra is a fearsome cult," Ashcroft said. "They desire average solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like "x" and "y" and refer to themselves as "unknowns", but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.
"As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, there are 3 sides to every triangle," Ashcroft declared.
When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes.
"I am gratified that our government has given us a sine that it is intent on protracting us from these math-dogs who are willing to disintegrate us with calculus disregard. Murky statisticians love to inflict plane on
every sphere of influence," the President said, adding: "Under the circumferences, we must differentiate their root, make our point,and draw the line."
President Bush warned, "These weapons of math instruction have the potential to decimal everything in their math on a scalene never before seen unless we become exponents of a Higher Power and begin to factor-in random facts of vertex."
Attorney General Ashcroft said, "As our Great Leader would say, read my ellipse. Here is one principle he is uncertainty of: though they continue to multiply, their days are numbered as the hypotenuse tightens around their necks."
akihabara practice
Seems there was no Shinjuku practice, so everyone came to Akihabara, and for some reason Tanaka-sensei actually came early, so he changed and we all started practice about 6:30. There were several beginners, so after running through the basics I split off with them, but Otsuka-san said his feet were still hurting so he'd teach the beginners and I got to actually practice.
Tanaka-sensei ran us through all 20 kata, five times each. The unending depth of my suckiness continues to amaze me. I can't cut straight. I can't turn. I cut too small. My angles are all wrong. Ryoguruma was really giving me problems; I can't get the first cut to stop, and if I can, the second cut is totally off. The footwork is a mess too. I have so much work to do this year, I almost wish I didn't have to teach so much, so that I could just study and practice on my own. But that's not really fair, as all of my instructors took the time to teach me, so now it's my turn to help my students. If I need more time to practice on my own, I'll have to do it by finding more time, not reducing teaching. Maybe I should start going to Tuesday night practice...I could also consider waking up early on the weekends to practice...nah, never happen!
Tanaka-sensei ran us through all 20 kata, five times each. The unending depth of my suckiness continues to amaze me. I can't cut straight. I can't turn. I cut too small. My angles are all wrong. Ryoguruma was really giving me problems; I can't get the first cut to stop, and if I can, the second cut is totally off. The footwork is a mess too. I have so much work to do this year, I almost wish I didn't have to teach so much, so that I could just study and practice on my own. But that's not really fair, as all of my instructors took the time to teach me, so now it's my turn to help my students. If I need more time to practice on my own, I'll have to do it by finding more time, not reducing teaching. Maybe I should start going to Tuesday night practice...I could also consider waking up early on the weekends to practice...nah, never happen!
photos
Finally posted the various photos from our latest US excursion:
Seminar in LA
Seminar in VA
MOMA Queens
Manhattan
Long Island
New Year's
Seminar in LA
Seminar in VA
MOMA Queens
Manhattan
Long Island
New Year's
bye-bye bystedt!
Tomo has announced that he's leaving Morgan Stanley! He got a job with Titleist Japan, maker of many fine golf goods. Basically his dream job. Not exactly clear what he'll be doing but it will involve selling Titleist stuff, talking to clientsn and suppliers, coordinating with the other offices including the English-speaking head offices in the US, playing golf, talking about golf, working with people who play golf, and deal with golf-related issues...basically a golf-lover's paradise. Good job, Tomo! And good luck!
shibuya
First official day as leader of the Monday Shibuya practice, and Niina-gosoke decided to come and teach; something he does once every couple of years. The members are mostly new so I hardly know any of them. All told we had about fifteen. Niina-gosoke started with the very basics; how to put the sword in the belt, drawing/cutting/sheathing fundamentals. We spent the whole time doing the basics and only a couple of kata. It was a nice way to start and will give me many good points to work from in the next few months. And it wasn't too terribly cold, either.
2004
Today we gathered in the (heated!) Yakumo Gym in Toritsudai to have the first official practice of 2004. About 70 people showed up, and Niina-gosoke took us through the first couple of hours of practice. Then he split us up into groups by rank and had adjacent ranks do a few kata side-by-side. Occasionally he'd single someone out and tell them to move to the next-highest ranked group, and then the lower group would step off, everyone would slide over, and the next-highest ranked group would step on. Several people got promoted that way on the spot, including Miyasawa-kun, who thanked me and told me it must have been because of the sword he's using that he just bought from me. I didn't disagree; that's a great sword.
In the afternoon Niina-gosoke took the women and ran though various self-defense techniques. Ando-sensei took us 4th/5th dan and drilled us non-stop on all the kata. About half way through he announced "We will...NOT take a break! Next!" and we just kept cranking away. With the cutting practice yesterday and the workout in the morning by 4:30 my arms were dead.
Then we headed down to a place by the station for New Year's Dinner/Tomoyose-san's Farewell party as he's heading down to Okinawa next week. Now we have an excuse to have a seminar in Okinawa!
In the afternoon Niina-gosoke took the women and ran though various self-defense techniques. Ando-sensei took us 4th/5th dan and drilled us non-stop on all the kata. About half way through he announced "We will...NOT take a break! Next!" and we just kept cranking away. With the cutting practice yesterday and the workout in the morning by 4:30 my arms were dead.
Then we headed down to a place by the station for New Year's Dinner/Tomoyose-san's Farewell party as he's heading down to Okinawa next week. Now we have an excuse to have a seminar in Okinawa!
cold cuts
Supposed to snow today, so I bundled up warm and headed out to Akabane for cutting practice. There were only seven of us so we had way too many targets to cut and it was COLD, like hands-are-stiff, feet-are-numb cold. Needless to say I didn't cut too well, but I guess I did ok under the circumstances. At least the targets weren't frozen.
Came home and sat around with Hiroko translating Lucky's menu into English because last time we were there mama asked me if I could do it...gotta drop that off next week.
Came home and sat around with Hiroko translating Lucky's menu into English because last time we were there mama asked me if I could do it...gotta drop that off next week.
old school
Back to Niina-gosoke's practice for the first time in what felt like forever. The elementary school was having a student's calligraphy display, so we were surrounded by "Pure Heart", "New Year", and "Spring is Coming" in various qualities of penmanship. Practice was cold and I was slow, but managed to pummel myself through the evening.
After practice we got some dinner at the same grubby, smelly, cheap izakaya we always go to. Got a big boiling pot of kimche stew and dumped ramen noodles into it...SO good! America's a nice country, but you really can't beat Japanese food.
After practice we got some dinner at the same grubby, smelly, cheap izakaya we always go to. Got a big boiling pot of kimche stew and dumped ramen noodles into it...SO good! America's a nice country, but you really can't beat Japanese food.
iidabashi
First Iidabashi class of the year, nice and small. Kiyokawa took Iwata-chan and schooled her draw-cut for two hours; she looked bummed and confused and not happy to be graduating and looking for a job in the Real World when she'd rather stay in the Fantasy Land of Dreams.
I took John and Tanaka-chan and we ripped through a bunch of kata. I felt all still and uncoordinated teaching, but getting slowly back into it.
I took John and Tanaka-chan and we ripped through a bunch of kata. I felt all still and uncoordinated teaching, but getting slowly back into it.
starting from scratch
Still jet-lagged but I managed to go to practice in Akihabara. Otsuka-san took pity on my and took over the beginners so I could actually practice, for the first time in about a month. Needless to say I was terrible. Couldn't swing, couldn't cut, couldn't balance. Tanaka-sensei ran us through all twenty kata and every now and then he'd just smile at me and go "Too small. Too much tension. Too stiff."
I think this year I will start over from zero -- relearn everything from the basics up, in an attempt to break all my bad habits.
At least I finally paid for Niina-gosoke's sword, so now it's officially mine! Now I have to redo the handle; a bit longer as it's kind of short, and redo the wrap with silk instead of leather. Going to possibly get some custom fittings made as well, assuming I have any money left over from my bonus after I pay for three weeks in NY currently built up on my credit card.
I think this year I will start over from zero -- relearn everything from the basics up, in an attempt to break all my bad habits.
At least I finally paid for Niina-gosoke's sword, so now it's officially mine! Now I have to redo the handle; a bit longer as it's kind of short, and redo the wrap with silk instead of leather. Going to possibly get some custom fittings made as well, assuming I have any money left over from my bonus after I pay for three weeks in NY currently built up on my credit card.
chris gets a house!
Miracle of miracles. America IS a great country. If my brother can buy a house, anyone can. Here's what he has to say about it:
We are homeowners! It’s the American dream. I now have a quiet place to smoke my Meerchaum while I work on carving and painting my duck decoys.
So, I’ve learned a lot during the process…If your credit isn’t perfect and you don’t put 15% down then going through the process of getting approved is much like what having your testes hooked up to a car battery is like. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, it’s similar, but different.
I’ll take some snapshots, everyone’s invited.
Most importantly we are paying less than the 1.5 million dollars a month on rent at the other house. So maybe we can actually start saving for some trips…of course Keiran is going to want his own car soon, and nice clothes to impress the ladies…
We are homeowners! It’s the American dream. I now have a quiet place to smoke my Meerchaum while I work on carving and painting my duck decoys.
So, I’ve learned a lot during the process…If your credit isn’t perfect and you don’t put 15% down then going through the process of getting approved is much like what having your testes hooked up to a car battery is like. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, it’s similar, but different.
I’ll take some snapshots, everyone’s invited.
Most importantly we are paying less than the 1.5 million dollars a month on rent at the other house. So maybe we can actually start saving for some trips…of course Keiran is going to want his own car soon, and nice clothes to impress the ladies…
goodbye
Woke reasonably early and had brunch at a little Frenchie place around the corner -- croissant french toast! -- before heading to Grand Central for the train back to Stamford. Subway took forever (should've cabbed) so we didn't have time to get a shoe shine in GCT, but we did buy our tix with the cool ticket machines that give back dollar coins for change.
Back in Stamford we immediately headed out to Westchester so I could get my altered pants and sport coat from Nordstroms. Did some final final shopping and headed home. Dinner at the City Limits diner where I scared myself by eating an entire monster turkey burger and all the fries (note to self: when able to finish US portion, time to leave US.), then home to pack. Had to borrow a couple of extra bags to fit in all the purchases!
Back in Stamford we immediately headed out to Westchester so I could get my altered pants and sport coat from Nordstroms. Did some final final shopping and headed home. Dinner at the City Limits diner where I scared myself by eating an entire monster turkey burger and all the fries (note to self: when able to finish US portion, time to leave US.), then home to pack. Had to borrow a couple of extra bags to fit in all the purchases!
five points
The troops rallied this evening for dinner at the unstoppable Five Points, just down from aunt Emy's on Great Jones. We got the table in the back by the kitchen, and the chef started everyone with a stunning pasta dish that made the tongue tingle. The pork chops were thick, the salads refreshing, the meat juicy, the flat bread crunchy...I never tire of the place.
After dinner we headed up to the loft (new elevator!) and arranged ourselves around the various pieces of furniture. Will came by and we forcefed him jewish desserts as Lee relaxed sloth-like in The Comfy Leather Chair. After recovering from food coma we headed back to Gramercy Park South and watched the last of American tv.
After dinner we headed up to the loft (new elevator!) and arranged ourselves around the various pieces of furniture. Will came by and we forcefed him jewish desserts as Lee relaxed sloth-like in The Comfy Leather Chair. After recovering from food coma we headed back to Gramercy Park South and watched the last of American tv.
piccolo
Hiroko and I took the 6 down to SoHo and did some damage. We cleaned out Anthropologie, J Crew, and Banana Republic before heading back home. My taste in clothes for Hiroko is getting much better; she actually bought a few things I picked out. The shiny gold skirt is cool, as is the flowery jacket, but I really groove on the green sweater with big buttons.
Lee and Charity then took us around the corner to Piccolo for some neighborhood Italian. The veal -- Sinatra and Pacino -- was awesome, and my homemade meatballs were delicious. Finished off with a glass of dessert wine and I was asleep at the table.
Lee and Charity then took us around the corner to Piccolo for some neighborhood Italian. The veal -- Sinatra and Pacino -- was awesome, and my homemade meatballs were delicious. Finished off with a glass of dessert wine and I was asleep at the table.
hanging in manhattan
Photos
Hiroko took the bus up to Grand Central, then walked up Fifth Avenue and picked up her shiny clean rings from Tiffany's.
Meanwhile I was hanging with Lee in downtown. Had a nice lunch at Ise with Steve and blew the waitress away by ordering off the menu. Before coming back up to have an order-in dinner of Indian curry we had a beverage or two at The Full Shilling with Steve and George, having water as he's in training for the San Diego half-marathon and the Boston full marathon.
Hiroko took the bus up to Grand Central, then walked up Fifth Avenue and picked up her shiny clean rings from Tiffany's.
Meanwhile I was hanging with Lee in downtown. Had a nice lunch at Ise with Steve and blew the waitress away by ordering off the menu. Before coming back up to have an order-in dinner of Indian curry we had a beverage or two at The Full Shilling with Steve and George, having water as he's in training for the San Diego half-marathon and the Boston full marathon.
manhattan
Took the two o'clock train into Grand Central with mama and Hiroko and immediately got my boots polished. Then we took the Lexington bus up to Fifth Avenue and hit Fortunoff and Tiffany's. Lee joined us after his haircut and we looked for a gold watch for mama and cufflinks for me. I couldn't decide on what to get, so I finally took home three pairs: black beans, atlas bars, and knots.
Lee went home to get Charity and we proceeded to The W. Papa and then CJ showed up, so after a wee chat we headed around the corner to Smith & Wollensky's for some steak dinner. Eddie P got us the Guzofski Table right by the kitchen window and we had a mighty feast. In proper Small World fashion, CJ and Lee worked together in Morgan Stanley many moons ago, and we were trying to determine if CJ ever dated Kurt.
After dinner they brought a piece of chocolate cake for papa's birthday (tomorrow) and Hiroko got her own slice, too (since they're smaller now.)
We finally headed back to Lee and Charity's awesome new apartment on Gramercy Park South and exchanged silly gifts. They loved their "Jesus is My Homeboy" "Mary is My Homegirl" t-shirts, and my scorpion-in-amber Mexican belt buckle is a true show stopper (will go great with my new cufflinks.) Lee was all fired up so went around the corner for "just one drink" but ended up heading to karaoke next and doing some damage until 3 am.
Lee went home to get Charity and we proceeded to The W. Papa and then CJ showed up, so after a wee chat we headed around the corner to Smith & Wollensky's for some steak dinner. Eddie P got us the Guzofski Table right by the kitchen window and we had a mighty feast. In proper Small World fashion, CJ and Lee worked together in Morgan Stanley many moons ago, and we were trying to determine if CJ ever dated Kurt.
After dinner they brought a piece of chocolate cake for papa's birthday (tomorrow) and Hiroko got her own slice, too (since they're smaller now.)
We finally headed back to Lee and Charity's awesome new apartment on Gramercy Park South and exchanged silly gifts. They loved their "Jesus is My Homeboy" "Mary is My Homegirl" t-shirts, and my scorpion-in-amber Mexican belt buckle is a true show stopper (will go great with my new cufflinks.) Lee was all fired up so went around the corner for "just one drink" but ended up heading to karaoke next and doing some damage until 3 am.
return of the pasta
Hiroko and I went to see the final installment of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Loved it. Long and grand and huge and epic and a decidedly non-Hollywood melancholy ending. Todd will hate it because it's exactly as he describes: it's like watching a Dungeons & Dragons adventure unfold. So if you like that kind of thing (or liked the first two) you'll love the third.
After the movie we met up at John's Best for dinner. Cheap, big Italian food with a menu chock full of English and Italian spelling mistakes. Yuko's lobster ravioli in pink sauce was the winner, but the pizza is good, too.
And once again Papa's Principles of Palate #2 was in full effect: he put salt on his pizza.
For those who are not familiar with all of Papa's Principles of Palate:
After the movie we met up at John's Best for dinner. Cheap, big Italian food with a menu chock full of English and Italian spelling mistakes. Yuko's lobster ravioli in pink sauce was the winner, but the pizza is good, too.
And once again Papa's Principles of Palate #2 was in full effect: he put salt on his pizza.
For those who are not familiar with all of Papa's Principles of Palate:
- Never drink water.
- Food tastes better with more salt.
- All the carbs you ever need can be had from wine.
- Salad goes in its own salad bowl.
- Order what you want to eat and eat what you order: no sharing.
- The quality of the food is inversely proportional to the number of spelling mistakes on the menu.
- The quality of the food is inversely proportional to the ease with which the reservations were made.
- The waiter is most likely an idiot.
- The bill is probably wrong.
virginia
Photos
Got up at five am and papa drove me to La Guardia. Checked in immediately and then sat waiting for my flight to Dulles, with all the other zombie'd morning flyers. We landed early and I found Rob, so we hopped into The Red Mustang and shot over to his dojo. By noon we had about 20 people, including alot of kids, and we got to work. Managed to run through all twenty kata by five pm, and I was impressed most by the kids, one dude 9 years old, who managed to stick through all five hours at a mad pace without going bonkers.
After the seminar we drove (I love America!) across the parking lot to Durango's for some steaks and chicken and crap-talking before Rob drove The Red Mustang back to Dulles. We missed the exit so I got a quick tour of DC from the freeway: saw the Pentagon, Washington Monument, and the Capitol.
Since I had been given a boarding pass for my return flight when I checked in this morning, I went straight to the gate, turned on the iPod, and zoned for an hour. The flight back was half empty and landed early at White Plains. Papa even called the airport and was told my flight was on time, but for some reason he arrived early, passed the Orange Alert checkpoint manned with M-16 carrying National Reservists, and picked me up just after I landed.
Got up at five am and papa drove me to La Guardia. Checked in immediately and then sat waiting for my flight to Dulles, with all the other zombie'd morning flyers. We landed early and I found Rob, so we hopped into The Red Mustang and shot over to his dojo. By noon we had about 20 people, including alot of kids, and we got to work. Managed to run through all twenty kata by five pm, and I was impressed most by the kids, one dude 9 years old, who managed to stick through all five hours at a mad pace without going bonkers.
After the seminar we drove (I love America!) across the parking lot to Durango's for some steaks and chicken and crap-talking before Rob drove The Red Mustang back to Dulles. We missed the exit so I got a quick tour of DC from the freeway: saw the Pentagon, Washington Monument, and the Capitol.
Since I had been given a boarding pass for my return flight when I checked in this morning, I went straight to the gate, turned on the iPod, and zoned for an hour. The flight back was half empty and landed early at White Plains. Papa even called the airport and was told my flight was on time, but for some reason he arrived early, passed the Orange Alert checkpoint manned with M-16 carrying National Reservists, and picked me up just after I landed.
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