P is trying some oriental voodoo magic accupuncture. She's got three needles in her back, and two in each ankle. Supposed to relax her, especially the abdomen, giving Tonchan room and freedom to flip out of breech and into position. Hey, whatever works, eh.
oriental voodoo
similarities
Good turn out in class today, and an interesting discovery, though not surprising: sa and enyo and basically the same kata. Specifically, the sayabiki and the use of the left side of the body are the same. Doesn't matter if you're turning to the left as in sa or turning to the right as in enyo; the effect is the same: get the saya out of the way to get the sword out, don't draw with just the right arm, let the hips do the work.
This is why I think teaching is such a great way to learn: things I think are key and obvious aren't necessarily so for others. So I try to show and explain in a different way, and in doing so I re-discover something. As Gosoke says: "There is only one kata in Mugai."
This is why I think teaching is such a great way to learn: things I think are key and obvious aren't necessarily so for others. So I try to show and explain in a different way, and in doing so I re-discover something. As Gosoke says: "There is only one kata in Mugai."
akiba economics
Took my old and busted iPod (well ok not busted per se, but certainly old as it was bought used, and the battery doesn't hold a charge any more) and sold it at Softmap. Didn't realize that on the 5th, 15th, and 25th of the month they do a special points campaign, so it being Sunday the 15th the used buyback counter was packed. Had to wait four hours, so I wandered to the cool t-shirt shop and back alleys, discovered a couple new robot parts and LED shops, ate some crappy rotator sushi, and watched some digital entertainment at Tower Records before picking up my points.
I then crossed the street to the Softmap Mac store and picked up a brand new 80 gig black video iPod for: zero cash. I had over 45,000 points stored up so I used them all.
I then crossed the street to the Softmap Mac store and picked up a brand new 80 gig black video iPod for: zero cash. I had over 45,000 points stored up so I used them all.
cuttin'
Cutting all day in Honbu; morning session had seven people, and we split the floor with the Beginner's class, which was packed with 15. A little worried about space, but we went one at a time on our side, and the beginners spent most of the time learning how to sit, stand, and bow, so they didn't take up much room.
In the afternoon there were only four of us, and we each went through about 10 targets, plus all the cuttable bits left over from the morning. I cut better than usual, but from shear volume my arm got pretty sore.
In the afternoon there were only four of us, and we each went through about 10 targets, plus all the cuttable bits left over from the morning. I cut better than usual, but from shear volume my arm got pretty sore.
tonchan @ 32 weeks
Tonchan is doing well -- near 2 kilos, and has long legs (where'd those genes come from?) She's still breeched; face buried into the placenta like a nice pillow. If she doesn't flip head down in the next few weeks we'll have to figure out what to do -- might have to do a cesarian which P is understandably not looking forward to.
happy birthday p!
P's birthday, so first things first, I handed over her DS Lite and Brain Training games -- gotta keep her wits sharp now that she's not working in the office anymore!
She went to the newly opened all natural health food store and got some free bread, though she had to battle the grandmas for it.
In the afternoon Mihohoho came back from Boston for a week and needed someone to go with her to see Kabuki, so P went along and they did dinner in Shinbashi whilst I got pummel'd by the Fighting Girls. Wednesday seems to be my Day of Pain: 45 minutes of non-stop cardio, followed by muscle training (situps, pushups, etc.) and then finally pad/bag work for another hour.
She went to the newly opened all natural health food store and got some free bread, though she had to battle the grandmas for it.
In the afternoon Mihohoho came back from Boston for a week and needed someone to go with her to see Kabuki, so P went along and they did dinner in Shinbashi whilst I got pummel'd by the Fighting Girls. Wednesday seems to be my Day of Pain: 45 minutes of non-stop cardio, followed by muscle training (situps, pushups, etc.) and then finally pad/bag work for another hour.
2 months to go!
Taking full advantage of the last of this 3-day weekend, P and I rearranged the funiture in the bedroom to make it more Ton-chan friendly, including the addition of the Ton-chan Sleep Recepticle.
dali..er, ginza
P and I got motivated to check out the Dali exhibit in Ueno, but I think everyone else in Tokyo had the same idea, given the 3-day weekend and perfect post-typhoon weather. It was mad packed, with a line that looped the park.
So we bagged it and walked up and down Ameyoko for a bit, then got back on the Yamanote and headed to Ginza. Much nicer to walk around there and it was fairly uncrowded.
Ultimately had lunch at TGIF's and then I headed to the dojo for some extra cutting with a few of the guys and gals.
So we bagged it and walked up and down Ameyoko for a bit, then got back on the Yamanote and headed to Ginza. Much nicer to walk around there and it was fairly uncrowded.
Ultimately had lunch at TGIF's and then I headed to the dojo for some extra cutting with a few of the guys and gals.
typhoon...and chips
LL's last day in Tokyo before she's off to London, and mad mad typhoon rain, so I skipped the dojo and headed down to Dubliner's for some farewell bevvies and chicken and chips, and fish and chips, and ... chips.
Nothing finer than a big, fried, potato-like structure, hot and smothered in ketchup.
Nothing finer than a big, fried, potato-like structure, hot and smothered in ketchup.
take the skinhead bowling!
Work's yearly Bowling Night! I missed last time, so I was definitely in. We engaged in The Sport Of Kings at Tokyo Dome's Yellow Building 5th Floor bowling lanes (just up from th off-track betting.)
I bowled okay, considering how long it has been since the weekly league back in Munster, Indiana when I was 5. First game 135, second game 137.
Managed to come away with the team win, as my partners in crime managed to stay out of the gutter and throw only one open frame the second game (for individual 3rd place) respectively.
But such glory is not without sacrifice!
After such a brutal workout in the dojo on Wednesday (45 minutes non-stop with the music cranked, then situps, back arches, and pushups for another 10, then a final hour of target kicking) I was already sore, and lofting an 11-pounder at the pins for an hour just finished me right off.
I bowled okay, considering how long it has been since the weekly league back in Munster, Indiana when I was 5. First game 135, second game 137.
Managed to come away with the team win, as my partners in crime managed to stay out of the gutter and throw only one open frame the second game (for individual 3rd place) respectively.
But such glory is not without sacrifice!
After such a brutal workout in the dojo on Wednesday (45 minutes non-stop with the music cranked, then situps, back arches, and pushups for another 10, then a final hour of target kicking) I was already sore, and lofting an 11-pounder at the pins for an hour just finished me right off.
monja
Daboo and N3i came back from Kansai and we had monja and okonomiyaki for dinner. They fly home tomorrow and definitely need to come back to Japan soon to hang out with Ton-chan!
baby stuff and bag
P and I went to Akachan Honpo (kinda like a Japanese Kids 'R Us) and loaded up on kids stuff: crib and all the fixings, bottles and feeding stuff, high chair, blankets, etc. DAMN this parenting is expensive, and this is before the kid is even born and after we got all the other stuff from everyone. I think I'll name my daughter "Money Pit".
After the kid shopping we braved the raining? weather and challenged Shibuya on a Sunday afternoon. Many umbrellas and packed as expected. We headed for Seibu Department Store so that I could finally get a decent replacement for the ratty old REI backpack I've been using for 10 years.
Checked out the cool Paul Smith bags but finally settled on the Tumi Tech Flow messenger bag. It has all kindsa cool pocketness and is expandable. I really liked the Sando messenger bag but it's too narrow for carrying dojo stuff.
To avoid the rain we headed into subterranean Tokyo, bought a bunch of dinner food at FoodShow, and bussed home.
After the kid shopping we braved the raining? weather and challenged Shibuya on a Sunday afternoon. Many umbrellas and packed as expected. We headed for Seibu Department Store so that I could finally get a decent replacement for the ratty old REI backpack I've been using for 10 years.
Checked out the cool Paul Smith bags but finally settled on the Tumi Tech Flow messenger bag. It has all kindsa cool pocketness and is expandable. I really liked the Sando messenger bag but it's too narrow for carrying dojo stuff.
To avoid the rain we headed into subterranean Tokyo, bought a bunch of dinner food at FoodShow, and bussed home.
wireless and sittin'
Headed to The Eng's in the AM to setup his wireless network. I was impressed with his ability to answer the door 2 hours before noon. He is strong when necessary, a fine upstanding gent.
So the wireless was easy, and the Yahoo! DSL seemed fine, then weak, then dropped completely...wtf?!
After much hair-pulling it was decided that the new home alarm system the building owner insisted he have installed was screwing up the phone line. So armed with my trusty screwdriver I proceeded to pry off the cover to the alarm, disconnect the phone line uplink, cut the power, disconnect the backup battery, and restore the phone line to its pristine state.
I also plugged the DSL modem and wireless into the phonejack in the bedroom, and amazingly enough it worked.
After that mad success, The Eng gave me a ride in his 43o Spider to Hiroo Station wherein I encountered a large group of large (ever seen small?) marines obviously confused. They were trying to get to Iidabashi, so I took them halfway and pointed them in the right direction as I continued on to Hongo 3-chome to do some sittin'.
And I sat.
And we had some snacks and bevvies as we usually do after sittin', then I bought a bunch of quality fish and dinner foods at FoodShow in Shibuya before bussin' home.
So the wireless was easy, and the Yahoo! DSL seemed fine, then weak, then dropped completely...wtf?!
After much hair-pulling it was decided that the new home alarm system the building owner insisted he have installed was screwing up the phone line. So armed with my trusty screwdriver I proceeded to pry off the cover to the alarm, disconnect the phone line uplink, cut the power, disconnect the backup battery, and restore the phone line to its pristine state.
I also plugged the DSL modem and wireless into the phonejack in the bedroom, and amazingly enough it worked.
After that mad success, The Eng gave me a ride in his 43o Spider to Hiroo Station wherein I encountered a large group of large (ever seen small?) marines obviously confused. They were trying to get to Iidabashi, so I took them halfway and pointed them in the right direction as I continued on to Hongo 3-chome to do some sittin'.
And I sat.
And we had some snacks and bevvies as we usually do after sittin', then I bought a bunch of quality fish and dinner foods at FoodShow in Shibuya before bussin' home.
the bridge from the boat
We rented a boat for a couple of hours to cruise around the bay. The weather was perfect, the water calm, the food warm and the beverages cool.
crash and bored
So, was in a car accident yesterday. Yes, I'm fine and not hurt, driver is fine, too.
Accidents happen, such is life. However, it was a fascinating insight into the machine of Japanese bureaucracy.
First order of business: close the highway, all lanes. For two hours.
I counted: 10 patrol cars, 2 fire trucks, 3 ambulances, at least 40 cops, plus 4 highway vehicles with big blinky signs and a number of old-school wicker brooms to help clean up the debris.
We spent a couple of hours standing around on the highway explaining to 7 different cops at least 7 times what happened. They had big tape measures, different colors of chaulk, digital and film cameras, flares, cones, reflective arrows, and blinky lights.
After a couple of hours on the highway, and having come to an agreement that the accident happened in our lane, with the other driver changing lanes in front of us, our tow truck arrived and we accompanied the car to the police station.
And then we sat on a bench.
For.
Three.
Hours.
20 cops. One laptop computer. A printer that appeared to only be capable of printing one. page. at. a. time.
Then signing lots of paperwork: we have your car. We're returning your car. We're NOT returning your car. This ackowledges that you ackowledge that we have your car, etc.
And then the cops apologized for keeping us so long, said they'd ask us to come back again, and when they call we can decide on a mutually agreeable time and date, then they called a cab for us.
And by 4pm we were back in the office. (The accident was about 8am.)
Accidents happen, such is life. However, it was a fascinating insight into the machine of Japanese bureaucracy.
First order of business: close the highway, all lanes. For two hours.
I counted: 10 patrol cars, 2 fire trucks, 3 ambulances, at least 40 cops, plus 4 highway vehicles with big blinky signs and a number of old-school wicker brooms to help clean up the debris.
We spent a couple of hours standing around on the highway explaining to 7 different cops at least 7 times what happened. They had big tape measures, different colors of chaulk, digital and film cameras, flares, cones, reflective arrows, and blinky lights.
After a couple of hours on the highway, and having come to an agreement that the accident happened in our lane, with the other driver changing lanes in front of us, our tow truck arrived and we accompanied the car to the police station.
And then we sat on a bench.
For.
Three.
Hours.
20 cops. One laptop computer. A printer that appeared to only be capable of printing one. page. at. a. time.
Then signing lots of paperwork: we have your car. We're returning your car. We're NOT returning your car. This ackowledges that you ackowledge that we have your car, etc.
And then the cops apologized for keeping us so long, said they'd ask us to come back again, and when they call we can decide on a mutually agreeable time and date, then they called a cab for us.
And by 4pm we were back in the office. (The accident was about 8am.)
tonchan's sleeper
P is The Best Wife, and soon to be The Best Mom. A few months ago we did the traditional thing and went to the shrine to make sure she got all the proper Shinto Good Birth Magic, and she got a length of gauze cloth to wrap her abdomen in order to the keep the baby cookin' properly. With this bolt, she buckled down in proper home-bound pregnant wife fashion and sewed this awesome babywear.
I asked if she could make one for me, too but she said she doesn't have enough cloth.
dinner w/yoons & smallwoods
We did Akiba in the morning, checking out all the geeky back streets and crazy t-shirt shops, then met Conan's dad and headed to the massive Yodobashi Camera. N3i got a cool digital camera and then we all regrouped at home to check out Conan's new pad, watch some Samurai Jack, and get some excellent dinner.
jew food
Amy and Maya came over with their parentals and we all went down to David's Deli for some right and proper Jew food. Falafel pita sandwhich, matzoh ball soup, annoying Korean waitress...just like in NYC!
We then got some bread at the cool French bakery (Japan has the best bakeries, no idea why) and cruised home to await the arrival of Daboo and N3i.
The bus from the airport arrived promptly at 9pm. We taxi'd home and inhaled huge bowls of pasta as jet-lag set in.
We then got some bread at the cool French bakery (Japan has the best bakeries, no idea why) and cruised home to await the arrival of Daboo and N3i.
The bus from the airport arrived promptly at 9pm. We taxi'd home and inhaled huge bowls of pasta as jet-lag set in.
crackberry
Blackberries are finally coming to Japan. I had one for a couple of days for testing. It's pretty cool. Got used to the full but tiny keyboard pretty quickly. The Japanese support is weak -- they just slapped a crappy interface into an English device, but it displays okay so for reading Japanese mails it's fine.
I guess it'll be good for overseas travellers -- your Blackberry will finally work in Japan (as long as it's 3G) and Japanese berries will work overseas as well. Roaming charges will kill you though, and the damn thing is expensive enough to start, as it will only be offered to corporates.
Personally I'm more interested in having push mail and a more robust browser on my cellphone. Much better input prediction for Japanese on cells these days, and with a little more tweaking (slightly bigger screen, more powerful browser that supports more scripting) I'll be set.
The issue is that the market in Japan is entirely driven by consumers, not corporates, so the needs of the business user (data and more PC functionality) are beaten by the needs of the high schooler (MP3 player, digital TV, full-color decorated email.)
I had to go to Yokohama and was on the berry the whole time in the train. Managed to get through alot of mail and I can see how it can be productive, especially for folks with a long commute to work. Then again I can also imagine being a slave to it as mails from NY and London come in all through the night and weekends. No thanks, I'll stick with my laptop and cell for now!
I guess it'll be good for overseas travellers -- your Blackberry will finally work in Japan (as long as it's 3G) and Japanese berries will work overseas as well. Roaming charges will kill you though, and the damn thing is expensive enough to start, as it will only be offered to corporates.
Personally I'm more interested in having push mail and a more robust browser on my cellphone. Much better input prediction for Japanese on cells these days, and with a little more tweaking (slightly bigger screen, more powerful browser that supports more scripting) I'll be set.
The issue is that the market in Japan is entirely driven by consumers, not corporates, so the needs of the business user (data and more PC functionality) are beaten by the needs of the high schooler (MP3 player, digital TV, full-color decorated email.)
I had to go to Yokohama and was on the berry the whole time in the train. Managed to get through alot of mail and I can see how it can be productive, especially for folks with a long commute to work. Then again I can also imagine being a slave to it as mails from NY and London come in all through the night and weekends. No thanks, I'll stick with my laptop and cell for now!
sweat
I-sensei was in fine form again tonight. He set up a circuit for the first half of class. A series of 1-minute routines with 5 second breaks:
I think I lost 2 kilos in sweat alone.
- bench steps (right foot up on the bench, left on the floor. Push off with the right foot on the bench, lifting the whole body up to bench level, switch feet, putting the left foot on the bench and the right on the floor. Repeat.)
- running in place with 1 kilo weights in each hand, knees and elbows high
- straight sit ups
- right side sit ups
- left side sit ups
- straight sit ups
- right side sit ups
- left side sit ups
- left-right punching heavy bag, full speed, from the hips, up on the balls of the feet
- left-right kicking heavy bag, as soon as the kicking foot touches down, kick with the other foot
- sky-divers (lie on your stomach. Lift hands and feet off the ground in sky-diver position, lower and raise without stopping.)
- push ups
I think I lost 2 kilos in sweat alone.
mad ninja skillz ren @ work (by loveTrain)
LoveTrain drew this sweet picture of me. This is what I'm like at work, gettin' my bid'ness on.
bugs and weeds
Typhoon passed with little more than lots of rain, and as the clouds started to clear, I pulled on my long gum boots, long sleeves and pants, and wrapped my head in a towel. Time to pull weeds.
The front "yard" (is there a minimal size for a yard? If so, this is smaller) has been overrun by greenery I don't want, concealing the cool beauty of the moss I have encouraged to grow over the clay-like dirt.
So I pulled me some weeds. And the bugs didn't like it. Or, more accurately, they loved it. Specifically, they loved the one piece of exposed, non-covered skin: my face.
By the time I retreated to the safety of the shower, I had enough bug bites on my face to make me look like a battered husband. This was enough to get some decent husband pity from P, who rewarded my valiant efforts with a huge showing of sesame-dressing pork for dinner.
The front "yard" (is there a minimal size for a yard? If so, this is smaller) has been overrun by greenery I don't want, concealing the cool beauty of the moss I have encouraged to grow over the clay-like dirt.
So I pulled me some weeds. And the bugs didn't like it. Or, more accurately, they loved it. Specifically, they loved the one piece of exposed, non-covered skin: my face.
By the time I retreated to the safety of the shower, I had enough bug bites on my face to make me look like a battered husband. This was enough to get some decent husband pity from P, who rewarded my valiant efforts with a huge showing of sesame-dressing pork for dinner.
neighborhood mikoshi
Three-day weekend + late summer = Neighborhood festival! Various omikoshi being carried by the adults and kids around town. When I went to get my haircut, only mom and daughter were there, as dad had snuck out to help, and was gone all afternoon. Even though it started raining a bit, everyone was having a grand time.
what u lookin at?
After the antique fair we went to Bic Camera and I bought me a super hi-tek electric shaver. Then we went to the big Muji, had some lunch, and bought some maternity clothes for the no-longer working P, and a new cover for our old couch. They changed the couch style a couple years ago; the arms are thinner and it's less comfy to sit on. But luckily they still sell the old-style couch cover.
milk
Went with P to check out the Oedo Antique Fair at Tokyo International Forum. Lots of cool, old stuff, but nothing worth buying. They also had various artistically decorated cows, which reminded me of the first time I saw such bovines, back in the day in Stamford, CT.
long night
To welcome the new folks on the team, we went out for some socializing beverages and eats. Started at the Irish (?) pub in the basement, then when they kicked us out we walked up the street to Apache, from there walked up to Roppongi, stopping by a sketchy S&M club that was (thankfully) closing so we carried on to Geronimo. The drum was bang'd. The drum was head-butt'd. Many shots were...shot'd. By 2am, Dommy-chan's shirt had been ripped off and whiskey was spilled and drinked in equal shares (both excessive) so it was time to leave.
Needless to say, I am rather sleepy today.
Needless to say, I am rather sleepy today.
sword weekend
Spent all day in the dojo on Saturday -- huge cutting session. Special Agent RB joined from the Southland in the PM and showed us how it was done properly. I think we put away nearly 100 mats. Next time I am sticking to the 10 person limit; give everyone more mats and still takes less time.
Sunday I taught a beginner's seminar in the afternoon -- small turnout and it was damn hot -- and then finished up the kumitachi class at honbu. Lots of people dancing pretty with sticks, not enough fear and danger. As Gosoke says "Get clobbered in the head a couple times if you really wanna learn. Besides, if you get hit it's your own fault!"
And in an unrelated note, what exactly the hell is wrong with razors? P went to 3 different drug stores to try and find Gillette blades that would fit my razor. I ended up by Mach2 Sensor blades or something, but every time they add another blade (or lotion strip, or battery vibe or whatever) they change the razor so that new heads don't fit on old razors. I am sick of this scam. I'm going to drop big money on a really good wet/dry electric shaver, and then get a proper barber shop shave, with a straight razor, a couple times a month anyway.
Sunday I taught a beginner's seminar in the afternoon -- small turnout and it was damn hot -- and then finished up the kumitachi class at honbu. Lots of people dancing pretty with sticks, not enough fear and danger. As Gosoke says "Get clobbered in the head a couple times if you really wanna learn. Besides, if you get hit it's your own fault!"
And in an unrelated note, what exactly the hell is wrong with razors? P went to 3 different drug stores to try and find Gillette blades that would fit my razor. I ended up by Mach2 Sensor blades or something, but every time they add another blade (or lotion strip, or battery vibe or whatever) they change the razor so that new heads don't fit on old razors. I am sick of this scam. I'm going to drop big money on a really good wet/dry electric shaver, and then get a proper barber shop shave, with a straight razor, a couple times a month anyway.
tonchan!
The alien lives, and is watching you. Tonchan is now about a kilo, and P is feelin' it! Tonchan is also kicking and groovin' about regularly, making is really difficult for P to get a good night's sleep!
dinner zen
Met some of the Zenner's at Hachiko. We grabbed some dinner at a random local place, then finished up with Traditional Japanese Dessert at TGIF's. Brad showed us some killer old photos of the 80's punk scene in Ohio and we reminisced about the old punk/hardcore days. He's about 8 years older than me, so he's more legit than I was, but then again I caught the beginnings of the hardcore skate-punk scene and the peaking Straight Edge movement.
Good to blather away with a bunch of well grounded folks, and quite an international crew at that.
Some day I will have to get out to see Nishijima-sensei, too.
Good to blather away with a bunch of well grounded folks, and quite an international crew at that.
Some day I will have to get out to see Nishijima-sensei, too.
10 rounds
I-Sensei was in a fine mood today, and had us work on stamina. We did five three-minute rounds of kicking, non-stop, with only 30-second breaks between rounds. Then we did five rounds of punching, again non-stop. Double plus pain. Many sweatings. Much sore.
one frito tastes as good as the whole bag.
Spent the past couple days in Tokei-in, a wee old temple in the tea-leaf foothills of Shizuoka. This is the second time I've joined the Dogen Sangha retreat, lead by World Famous Author (only calling him that because he really ain't keen on it) Brad Warner.
Last year I was mostly concerned with why: why sit uncomfortably on a little cushion staring at the wall? Why all this fancy bowing and ritual and religious mumbo-jumbo making the monks rich off of funerals? Why spend a weekend in the hills, getting assaulted by bugs and eating according to a stylized ritual that guarantees nothing will be eaten warm?
I didn't manage to answer any of these questions, but this year I instead started asking how: How can I sit every morning, even when it's cold, or when I'm tired? How can I keep the mind and leg numbing boredom from making me give it up? How do I keep my back straight? How do I control my breathing without trying to control my breathing?
I am less cynical about all the religious bits and bobs. Not because I don't think it's mainly a bunch of tax-exempt crap, but because there is something to the structure and ritual and costume and social interaction of it all. I certainly couldn't motivate myself to get up at 4:30 and sit for hours every day, so there's something to be said for the whole temple experience.
The other cool thing: I am starting to figure out that it's not about going to a special temple and having a great, mellowing experience, and then leaving it and returning to reality. It's about spending a weekend sitting, and eating, and cleaning the toilets, and tending the yard. I think I most enjoyed: making a mess of the rock garden, and doing the last meal service -- curry rice. Usually meal service is a very specific series of chants, serving food, eating in silence; very regimented and really meant to get you to focus on the meal, on the fact that without this food you die, and to really appreciate that, by serving, thanking, eating, cleaning up (you get some hot water and use your last pickle to rinse out all your bowls.)
But the last lunch, after we'd put away our traditional three-bowl-and-chopsticks set, was your basic Japanese curry: rice on a plate, eaten with a spoon. I was serving, so I had to think about how to serve and keep some semblance of the ceremony, the process, and I really thought that zen is figuring out how to serve and appreciate the basics of life, like lunch.
Brad was in fine form for the lectures as well. He claims to not enjoy doing them, but he's an engaging speaker, and as this was his third time running the show, he's starting to diverge from the standard script, and I think we had some good discussions because of that. Interesting discussion about respecting "noble silence" more, and maybe sitting more, and maybe working more. In all it was engaging, tiring, delicious, and really, really boring.
shabu shabu
Mai-chan took me out to lunch because I'm always helping her write English emails. We went to shabu shabu, which for the non-Japanese inclined is the sound of cooking incredibly thin meat in boiling water. Here we have Japan's finest pork and beef, sliced translucent thin, and after cooking to be dipped in either the tart ponzu or the sesame-delightful goma sauce. I ate four plates and two bowls of rice, which put Mai-chan back around 60 bucks US. But I am so worth it.
hisae grandma
P and I took the Tsukuba Express from Akiba up to Tsukuba to see Grandma Hisae. She had a stroke a couple months ago and her left side was paralized.
She's now in a physical therapy ward in a nice hospital and can move her left arm ok, though she can't yet walk as her left leg doesn't have enough mobility yet.
But she's crotchety as always and her brain is sharp, so we were relived. She gave P lots of advice, including the old proverb "birth 'em small, raise 'em big."
Afterwards we went with mom to lunch at the strangest restaurant I've been to yet. It was called "Mehiko" (as in Mexico), specialized in crab, and was shaped like an octogon, the center of which was a tropical paradise filled with...flamingo. Real, pink, flamingo. In Mexico. Specializing in crab.
I had the steak-on-rice, which immediately gave me a massive stomach ache. Not a surprise given then 37 liquid ounces of butter used to cook the rice (and the steak, methinks.)
mingeikan
P and I checked out the Mingeikan, Japan Folks Crafts Museum. The house of the founder, Yanagi Souetsu, wasn't open, but the museum was. Lots of cool pottery, textiles, metal and glass works. Sweet building, too. It's in a quiet neighborhood just west of Shibuya; a delightful way to spend the morning.
After the museum we went back to Shibuya, had to 'Nam food for lunch, did some shopping, and came home.
Must have been something in the lunch, as I started feeling crappy, so took a nice nap. Then P and I committed a full assault on the crab that Momo sent us from Hokkaido. My stomach was fine by dinner, so we feasted.
After the museum we went back to Shibuya, had to 'Nam food for lunch, did some shopping, and came home.
Must have been something in the lunch, as I started feeling crappy, so took a nice nap. Then P and I committed a full assault on the crab that Momo sent us from Hokkaido. My stomach was fine by dinner, so we feasted.
ward office
Several weeks ago I went to the Minato Ward Office to renew my resident terrori-, I mean, permanent resident registration card. By law I am required to carried this photo id with me at all times. It used to be worse; when I first came to Japan I was finger-printed and my thumb print was on my card until a few years ago. I thought things were a bit Draconian in Japan, but the USA's recent post-9/11 antics make Japan look like a bastion of free democracy.
Anyway I made photos in the photo booth, filled out some paperwork, showed my passport, etc. I also had to show some supporting documentation for the kanji I use for my name, because my payslips from work get paid to my Japanese name and tax filing gets ugly if the names don't match.
And now three weeks later I come to pick up my card and...the kanji is wrong. It's correct on the form I filled out, and it's correct in my file, it's just wrong on the card. Oops.
So we take photos again, redo the paperwork, and I'll be back in another few weeks.
So much for Japanese perfection.
Anyway I made photos in the photo booth, filled out some paperwork, showed my passport, etc. I also had to show some supporting documentation for the kanji I use for my name, because my payslips from work get paid to my Japanese name and tax filing gets ugly if the names don't match.
And now three weeks later I come to pick up my card and...the kanji is wrong. It's correct on the form I filled out, and it's correct in my file, it's just wrong on the card. Oops.
So we take photos again, redo the paperwork, and I'll be back in another few weeks.
So much for Japanese perfection.
late
Showed up late for class on Monday as I had a conference call with London in an attempt to stop the hemmoraging of money from one of my trading desks due to some not-so-clever accounting. Accounting sucks. I have mad respect for accountants, because damn that looks like a totally miserable job.
So I got to class late and luckily missed the fun stuff at the beginning and joined in when we started various kicks. After class I felt guilty so I ran through the standard 3 rounds of sit-ups: 16 slow (4 count up, 4 count down), 16 medium (2 count up-down), and 32 wee little fast crunches as high as possible. Then I did some side crunches and Supermans (lie on your stomach, lift your left leg and right arm, alternate, fly like Superman!) before pounding on the heavy bag gloveless. Key to hitting the bag gloveless is to hit it properly; square on the first two knuckles, don't buckle the wrist, don't overpower with the arm, drive from the hips and it makes a really satisfying thump. Of course since I'm an idiot I've shredded most of the skin off of my knuckles in bad hits. But it still feels great to pummle a couple hundred kilos of sand.
Was late for class tonight as well; had to finish up some last-minute stuff and finally made it about 8. Only three in class, so we worked through four of the shintoryu kumitachi. I like working through paired forms nice and slow, working on distance, so it's good to work with some of the lower ranks.
After class I walked 40 minutes through Ginza to Shinbashi station and took the bus home. Nice breeze and not too hot and humid so walking through Ginza and checking out the first stirrings of the night is always good.
So I got to class late and luckily missed the fun stuff at the beginning and joined in when we started various kicks. After class I felt guilty so I ran through the standard 3 rounds of sit-ups: 16 slow (4 count up, 4 count down), 16 medium (2 count up-down), and 32 wee little fast crunches as high as possible. Then I did some side crunches and Supermans (lie on your stomach, lift your left leg and right arm, alternate, fly like Superman!) before pounding on the heavy bag gloveless. Key to hitting the bag gloveless is to hit it properly; square on the first two knuckles, don't buckle the wrist, don't overpower with the arm, drive from the hips and it makes a really satisfying thump. Of course since I'm an idiot I've shredded most of the skin off of my knuckles in bad hits. But it still feels great to pummle a couple hundred kilos of sand.
Was late for class tonight as well; had to finish up some last-minute stuff and finally made it about 8. Only three in class, so we worked through four of the shintoryu kumitachi. I like working through paired forms nice and slow, working on distance, so it's good to work with some of the lower ranks.
After class I walked 40 minutes through Ginza to Shinbashi station and took the bus home. Nice breeze and not too hot and humid so walking through Ginza and checking out the first stirrings of the night is always good.
daisuke
Kairi wanted to go to the Azabu Jyuban Festival so she brought Daisuke and her parents over this afternoon. Daisuke spent most of the time drooling, gurgling, and sleeping. He's puffy like a fresh sausage, but smells generally better. We did the rounds and gathered armloads of food before heading home and feasting. Aki came over later and we sat around and played with Daisuke some more, then Kairi and I goofed off in the basement before they all went home. Good practice for my own daughter, though Kairi's mom and P agreed that after seeing me with Maya, Amy, Kairi, and Daisuke, consensus is that I'm going be a total pushover -- my daughter's gonna get whatever she wants outta me!
kyushu pork
P and I went to Isetan in the morning to check out the twice-yearly Kyushu Sale and we loaded up on Quality Pig Products. There's a family farm down there that raises pigs and makes the best miso-marinated pork and sausages (and the grandparents raise chickens for meat and eggs.) Dad and his multiple (cute) daughters were selling, and they remembered us from last time so we got a choice selection of meats and some free eggs!
rudick @ azabujyuban
Maya and Amy came over to play today. It was way too hot, but we went to the Azabu Jyuban festival anyway and loaded up on festival foods before heading home to feast. Amy got a bunch of cool rubber balls so we went into the basement and bounced balls all over the place for a while while Maya slobbered about and giggled.
duck and weave
Staying in constant motion for four consecutive three-minute rounds with only a 30 second break between is decidedly tiring. We worked a bunch of duck and weave and counter patterns, staying small and low and moving all the time. Wednesday class is usually tiring simply because it's a solid 1.5 hours of punching and kicking, but tonight was even better because we were constantly ducking, evading, side-stepping, bobbing around, and generally trying not to get hit. Loads of fun and I worked with Sensei the whole time which is great because he has such excellent control and timing. And when he wants to be, he is way too damn fast.
Finished up with 5 minutes letting all hell break loose on the heavy bag. Damn, I need to get me a heavy bag. One out of 20 punches I land it just right and the resulting sound echoes off the ceiling and the bag swings back visibly and it's just a whole bucket o' sweaty fun. After a solid workout, my legs and back are killing me.
Finished up with 5 minutes letting all hell break loose on the heavy bag. Damn, I need to get me a heavy bag. One out of 20 punches I land it just right and the resulting sound echoes off the ceiling and the bag swings back visibly and it's just a whole bucket o' sweaty fun. After a solid workout, my legs and back are killing me.
jewish feast!
I have long complained that the only thing Tokyo was missing is a proper Jewish deli. Well, Tokyo is now officially complete. David's Deli is a few minutes walk from my house (another reason to live in the middle of Tokyo), open seven days a week, and damn fine. They make their own bagels and pita, have motzo ball soup, falafel, stuffed cabbage, an assorment of pickles, and kasha varnishkes (which, according to my father, is horse food, but I still love it.)
And the best part is the Korean waitress has serious attitude. Just like Manhattan!
shibuya
Hit Bic Camera with The Eng to sort his home network situation. Having too many problems with his current solution, so we decided to switch him to Yahoo DSL. Paperwork was no problem, except for the arbitrarily useless phoneline issue -- the joy of having one and only one phone company:
In Japan, all phonelines have an owner. Of course, these days thanks to deregulation, you can rent out your phoneline to anyone. So The Eng's phoneline isn't his, he rents in. (Buying to own a phoneline is a magically expensive process.) The "construction" necessary to convert a phoneline to do DSL requires the OWNER'S (not the renter's) approval. And due to Personal Information Protection laws, NTT couldn't actually tell us who the owner was -- the fact that we know who it is "proves" to NTT that we have permission.
So we're sitting in Bic Camera, in the first place me doing everything because The Eng no speak the Japonesi. The Bic Camera dude calls NTT, hands The Eng the phone. Which I take. NTT lady says "Who is this?" and I confirm that I am The Eng, by reciting my name, address, and phone number. Then she asks who owns the line. The Eng has a blank look on his face. We try the name of his real estate agent. Nope. Trading assistant. Nope. Admin. Nope. Aha, maybe it's the owner of the apartment? What's her name? No idea. The Eng calls his real estate agent. She says the last name. I tell NTT. Yup, got the last name right. Now what about the first name? What?! I talk to the real estate agent. Akiko? Nope. Nanako? Nope. Keiko? Nope. Real estate agent calls her office. Gets someone to look at the paperwork. Calls The Eng back. Not sure how to pronounce the first name? Guess a couple of standard readings and finally Nail it: Sumiko! NTT lady on the phone confirms that, since we have given her The Eng's name, address, phone number, and the full name of the lady who owns the phone line, we have proven whatever it is we are required to prove, and have now been authorized to do whatever it is that needs to be done for his phone line to be switched to Yahoo DSL.
I love bureaucracy.
In Japan, all phonelines have an owner. Of course, these days thanks to deregulation, you can rent out your phoneline to anyone. So The Eng's phoneline isn't his, he rents in. (Buying to own a phoneline is a magically expensive process.) The "construction" necessary to convert a phoneline to do DSL requires the OWNER'S (not the renter's) approval. And due to Personal Information Protection laws, NTT couldn't actually tell us who the owner was -- the fact that we know who it is "proves" to NTT that we have permission.
So we're sitting in Bic Camera, in the first place me doing everything because The Eng no speak the Japonesi. The Bic Camera dude calls NTT, hands The Eng the phone. Which I take. NTT lady says "Who is this?" and I confirm that I am The Eng, by reciting my name, address, and phone number. Then she asks who owns the line. The Eng has a blank look on his face. We try the name of his real estate agent. Nope. Trading assistant. Nope. Admin. Nope. Aha, maybe it's the owner of the apartment? What's her name? No idea. The Eng calls his real estate agent. She says the last name. I tell NTT. Yup, got the last name right. Now what about the first name? What?! I talk to the real estate agent. Akiko? Nope. Nanako? Nope. Keiko? Nope. Real estate agent calls her office. Gets someone to look at the paperwork. Calls The Eng back. Not sure how to pronounce the first name? Guess a couple of standard readings and finally Nail it: Sumiko! NTT lady on the phone confirms that, since we have given her The Eng's name, address, phone number, and the full name of the lady who owns the phone line, we have proven whatever it is we are required to prove, and have now been authorized to do whatever it is that needs to be done for his phone line to be switched to Yahoo DSL.
I love bureaucracy.
all day in the dojo
Got up early (for a Saturday) and headed to Honbu Dojo. We had cutting practice all day. First group started about 10am and went until lunch. Wakadanna came by and we discussed the target-soaking situation, which he rectified by buying two large, wheeled trashbins. Whilst purchasing said bins, he also picked up an electric pump. This is how it should be done! Drop the pump into the bucket, stick the hose in the toilet, plug it in and watch the magic. Also, Nakayama's no-stinky discovery is also a big hit. No idea what's in this wonder liquid, but diluted 100 times in a spray bottle and it immediately kills any and all nasty stinkiness.
After cutting we did a little rearranging in the office; pulled the door off the bathroom, moved the shelves to fit the soak buckets, moved the locker into the hall, realized we couldn't get the soaker bins out past the locker, moved the locker to where the clothes rack is, and then rearranged everything else around again. We just got way, way too much crap in the office.
After cutting we did a little rearranging in the office; pulled the door off the bathroom, moved the shelves to fit the soak buckets, moved the locker into the hall, realized we couldn't get the soaker bins out past the locker, moved the locker to where the clothes rack is, and then rearranged everything else around again. We just got way, way too much crap in the office.
tonchan
P got her monthly check up -- mom's doing okay, Tonchan is growing as expected. Kickin' around on a regular basis. I am guessing that having one's organs randomly kicked and pushed on from inside is a less-than-pleasant experience, with which mom is dealing as well as can be expected.
Also, we have passed a Milestone: P's waist is now officially bigger than mine. I have lost 3 kilos in the past 3 months and dropped 3 centimeters off the waistband, and she has progressed steadily into pregnant-ness.
Also, we have passed a Milestone: P's waist is now officially bigger than mine. I have lost 3 kilos in the past 3 months and dropped 3 centimeters off the waistband, and she has progressed steadily into pregnant-ness.
After work, got some curry with The Eng and headed back to his place to trouble shoot his wireless network. Seems the adsl line and wireless were fine, but for some reason the he was getting a PPP authentication error. Maybe the crappy ISP changed his account or something, who knows.
We then spent a good hour racing his remote-control Ferrari around the well-waxed wood floor, much to the dismay of his cat, LB.
We then spent a good hour racing his remote-control Ferrari around the well-waxed wood floor, much to the dismay of his cat, LB.
dad & patriotic ladies
As a matter of fact, it's genetic. My dad runs. It's a health thing. Recently, he ran the Hope and Possibility Race in Grand Central. Most of the runners had prosthetic limbs or were in a wheelchair or something. My dad's handicap is his twisted sense of humor: note his 'kamikaze' (divine wind) headband.
pork shabu w/ericka
Lily's mom is in town for a few days in bid'ness, so we got some pork shabu with her bro Tre and the indefatigable Tony. Cool little place just down the street, and damn fine pig eats.
tokyo national museum
Well crank an egg on my head and call me a frying pan it is HOT today! But never mind the heat, we had some culture to be gettin'! P and I cruised up to Ueno, got lunch at Hard Rock, and checked out the Meiji Era art from the Joe Price collection at the Tokyo National Art Museum.
Extremely cool. We wandered the rest of the museum and saw the permanent collection as well -- lots of great swords, pottery and other artifacts of Japan-ness.
After the museum we took a wee break at 'bucks, then headed back to Shiroganetakanawa station, did some shopping for dinner, and wandered back home through the Shinohashi local shopping street summer festival.
pikachu
More birthday silliness. Went up to Kanda to enjoy some fried meat and beverages with the mostly-British gang from work, and pikachu announced my birthday as the ladies surprised me with another birthday cake. Then we wandered Kanda a bit and ended up in a salaryman standard standing bar for some late-night bits and bobs.
A good time was once again had by all and a fine way to become 34 (if a day late, but who's counting?)
happy bday to me!
I thought I had escaped the birthday gremlins, but they caught up with me at work!
dragon fruit juice
Okinawa Festival at Isetan in Shinkuju again, so P took me to get some quality noodles and then we grabbed a couple of bento and other goodies for dinner.
And of course P got her traditional dragon fruit juice ("pulpy!") and I got an acelora juice ("tart!")
Then we walked over to Bic Camera and got my birthday present: my very own bloodpressure monitor! It's a little jobby that goes on the wrist and measures blood pressure and pulse. I will collate data from daily morning and evening readings and see what's what. So far so good -- I think my bp's better when I test it at home. Then again I can make my bp go down 30 points just by zoning out and relaxing for 30 seconds, so I'm less interested in the exact number and more concerned about keeping it stable or even dropping, not rising.
Cause I'm an Old Man now, eh.
yoshida party
Went to Yoshida's for a birthday-is-a-good-excuse-to-eat party. Spent most of the time playing with Marin:
At the station waiting for the train, there was a salaryman in a messed up black suit who sat down on the bench. Then lay down. Then fell onto the floor. Then somehow got back up onto the bench. by the time we got on our train he was lying on the bench again.
And then at Shibuya station we saw this fellow:
ginza nap
Snuck out of work early and headed down to the dojo. I ended up practicing noto (sheathing) for almost 2 hours. Details man, it's all about the details.
After practice it wasn't too terribly hot so I walked 45 minutes through Ginza down to Shinbashi station, and found this salaryman having a wee nap after what I assume to be a quite a few beverages with the boys. Ah, the reserved and conservative Japanese!
happy b-day & bye-bye ky!
Yotsu's birthday and her last day in the office -- she's off to join her new husband in NY. Good luck KY!
my back hurts
I think I tweaked my lower back sitting all day on Saturday judging for the tournament, and of course I ignored the pain for the next few days, running around with the guys and training and not getting enough sleep and working and not really sitting zazen very well.
Now it hurts. I don't think I totally threw my back out or anything, but bending over is truly unpleasant, and sometimes if I move badly I imagine I know what it's like to have red-hot iron stuck into my body. I can't exactly figure out what kind of movement hurts. Lying down feels fine, walking is okay, but sometimes it's like the strain of supporting the weight of my legs is too much for my hips/lower back, and it just hurts.
I went to the dojo last night but thankfully it was closed -- don't think working out would have been a good idea.
Now it hurts. I don't think I totally threw my back out or anything, but bending over is truly unpleasant, and sometimes if I move badly I imagine I know what it's like to have red-hot iron stuck into my body. I can't exactly figure out what kind of movement hurts. Lying down feels fine, walking is okay, but sometimes it's like the strain of supporting the weight of my legs is too much for my hips/lower back, and it just hurts.
I went to the dojo last night but thankfully it was closed -- don't think working out would have been a good idea.
tournament
We got up early and out the door on time to taxi up to the Chuo City Sports Center. The place was already setup and so everyone got changed out and registered, then before you know it we were lined up and starting the opening ceremonies. We had the standard boring (and long!) speeches from the ex-Cabinet bureaucrat, the mayor, etc. and then we're off!
Started with the cutting demo; me and five guys took our places, faced our targets, and did our damage. I think five out of six of us made our cuts, so that was good. Then Gosoke and Yamada-sensei did a jo vs. sword demo, and finally all the Big Sensei demo'd iai kata. Always interesting to see the differences between all the big guys; very subtle in some ways and obviously different in others.
After the demos we started the competition: single-elimination pyramid, divisions based on rank. I judged for several divisions up to lunch and my back was pretty sore from sitting up straight in a chair for a couple hours solid.
For lunch I ate with the guests and other sensei; Hashimoto-san provided bento from his restaurant and it was damn fine eats. I stuffed myself and then got back down on the floor for more judging.
My division, 5/6dan was last. I was wearing my formal kimono, with long sleeves, and had my tabi (socks) on, so in my first round I couldn't see where I was cutting and I kept sliding all over the place. I barely won, beating Tominaga who has always kicked my butt since years ago, but only because he's a long-distance truck driver and hasn't practiced much. Got into better form in the later rounds and swept my way to the finals.
Then it was time for all the final rounds so I was back to judging for the first few divisions, and then ran back to do my final round for first place. Didn't feel too bad, just kind of cruised through it as I was pretty fried by then, but managed to get three out of three flags for the win!
Then we did the awards ceremony, handed out trophies and certificates, etc. and before you know it we were cleaning up and getting ready to head out.
Started with the cutting demo; me and five guys took our places, faced our targets, and did our damage. I think five out of six of us made our cuts, so that was good. Then Gosoke and Yamada-sensei did a jo vs. sword demo, and finally all the Big Sensei demo'd iai kata. Always interesting to see the differences between all the big guys; very subtle in some ways and obviously different in others.
After the demos we started the competition: single-elimination pyramid, divisions based on rank. I judged for several divisions up to lunch and my back was pretty sore from sitting up straight in a chair for a couple hours solid.
For lunch I ate with the guests and other sensei; Hashimoto-san provided bento from his restaurant and it was damn fine eats. I stuffed myself and then got back down on the floor for more judging.
My division, 5/6dan was last. I was wearing my formal kimono, with long sleeves, and had my tabi (socks) on, so in my first round I couldn't see where I was cutting and I kept sliding all over the place. I barely won, beating Tominaga who has always kicked my butt since years ago, but only because he's a long-distance truck driver and hasn't practiced much. Got into better form in the later rounds and swept my way to the finals.
Then it was time for all the final rounds so I was back to judging for the first few divisions, and then ran back to do my final round for first place. Didn't feel too bad, just kind of cruised through it as I was pretty fried by then, but managed to get three out of three flags for the win!
Then we did the awards ceremony, handed out trophies and certificates, etc. and before you know it we were cleaning up and getting ready to head out.
seminar
Slept in and got down to Honbu to get haircuts and shaves then cabbed to the gym for some pre-tournament setup and seminar. Gosoke was running the seminar, and Yamada-sensei and Konishi-sensei couldn't just watch without helping out, so they jumped in with many pointers and everyone was most appreciative.
We trained for a couple of hours and then cruised to Miri's for some tasty burger and turkey dinners before heading home for a decent night's sleep.
I looked all over for my zekken (name patch) and of course couldn't find it at all, so decided to wear my kimono, as I should be dressing up formally anyway.
We trained for a couple of hours and then cruised to Miri's for some tasty burger and turkey dinners before heading home for a decent night's sleep.
I looked all over for my zekken (name patch) and of course couldn't find it at all, so decided to wear my kimono, as I should be dressing up formally anyway.
arrival
The Senpokan Crew arrived well on time so I met everyone at the ANA Hotel and helped the guys get cabs to the hotel. BigT and Father Neeley piled in with me to go home and inhale a massive pot of Hiroko's famous black chili.
I bought a new wireless router earlier in the day (as well as some slick remote-controlled Ferrari's that we buzzed around the trading floor) and got that setup as we turned to living room into a remote office -- four people, four laptops, lots of key clicking.
I bought a new wireless router earlier in the day (as well as some slick remote-controlled Ferrari's that we buzzed around the trading floor) and got that setup as we turned to living room into a remote office -- four people, four laptops, lots of key clicking.
crabcake @ cicada
Went to Cicada for dinner with some of the guys from work. Quality food. Had kind of a Moroccan thing going on, with lots of fresh, organic goodness. Tangine, couscous, hummus, lamb. Oh, happy lamb. Fine seafood, too. And totally reasonably priced.
The clientele fell into three main categories: groups of 20ish/30ish Japanese OL women. Old, rich Japanese couples. Gaijin couples. Gay men. Considering we were a table of 5 guys, I would add to that list "cool and heterosexual gaijin dudes from Wall Street."
guzofski in japan
During the massive dojo basement cleanup I unearthed a bunch of old photos and had them all dumped to CDR. Here are a slew of photos from when Guzofski was in Japan; some shots from the Azabujyuban festival and the going-back-to-the-USA/happy engagement party. I'll upload more as I go through them.
capt'n DD
The Gaijin Samurai Invasion has begun! Captain Double D arrived this evening and being the real trooper that he is, showed up for class. At least it wasn't die-of-dehydration hot; weather's dropped off a cliff the past few days and now it's just colder and rainy and humid.
We cranked the basics and did a few kata for a couple hours, and then he was lookin' mighty ready for a shower and some significant sleep, so we called it a night.
I went home and came to the painful realization that my internet connection wasn't just slow. It's worse than that, he's dead Jim.
After nearly three years of tireless service, my Linksys wireless router is d-e-a-d. Can't flash the firmware or hardboot or system reset. Can't ping it, can't trace it, can't do nothing much but plug in the power and watch the red error LED turn on and stay on. Indicating (hello!) an error.
Time to get me down to BicCamera for some replacement shopping.
We cranked the basics and did a few kata for a couple hours, and then he was lookin' mighty ready for a shower and some significant sleep, so we called it a night.
I went home and came to the painful realization that my internet connection wasn't just slow. It's worse than that, he's dead Jim.
After nearly three years of tireless service, my Linksys wireless router is d-e-a-d. Can't flash the firmware or hardboot or system reset. Can't ping it, can't trace it, can't do nothing much but plug in the power and watch the red error LED turn on and stay on. Indicating (hello!) an error.
Time to get me down to BicCamera for some replacement shopping.
clean dojo
I spent the day cleaning up the basement dojo. I threw away seven trashbags of old useless crap, cleaned out the small room and made it into my mini-sanctuary, moved my antique tansu and sword rack into the sanctuary, cleared out all the useless storage under the stairs, rebuilt the metal shelving unit into a narrow, tall rack for the sanctuary and a rolling clothes rack for underneath the stairs, and finally I rolled all the targets and stacked then nicely into the corner.
Seriously didn't realize how much space I have in the dojo, and now with it all cleaned up I realize how lucky I am to have a house with a basement. I can use it for training, and Tonchan can use it as a playroom.
This house has issues; too many stairs, too damn hot in the summer and too damn cold in the winter. But it's got a big basement and plenty of room otherwise, and for the middle of Tokyo I'll be hard-pressed to find such a fine space.
bbq!
Akee came over and we fired up the Weber to cook some meats. Ah, BBQ! Please note the amount of food and the number of people. Yes, we made way too much. But meat is good. We also had corn and potatoes from the homestead farm.
cuttin' w/salty
Only Hata-chan and Kara-chan showed up for class today, so we spent a goodly amount of time on the basics and breaking down several kata. Near the end of class Salty-kun showed up and had some targets soaked, so we did some cutting. He's really nervous about the cutting demo for the tournament, so he was stressing. Besides which, the targets he had were barely soaked and rock hard, so we both cut quite badly. Finally I pulled out some properly soaked targets and we both cut fine, so hopefully his stress levels have come down a bit.
mom & p on the bus
Mom spent the night at our place, and then we went up to Ginza for some shopping. Hiroko got some more maternity clothes, and we looked at overpriced Norwegian cribs and decided we really just need to take a trip to Babies r us.
afternoon cuttin'
Hit the dojo about noon and got set up for cutting practice. Good turnout, nice and sweaty in the dojo, lots of stinky (STANKEE!) targets.
Most folks cut well. I cut like ass first couple times, then hit my stride and nail a few nice shots. We cleaned up, hit the 'bucks with Elvis for a cool bevvie and some mumble mumble, and came home. At the Shirogantakanawa station, they were doing a wee neighborhood festival (probably for Tanabata) and I had some lottery tix from my haircut last week, so I got three spins on the chusen and won...a digital camera? 100,000yen in travel coupons? three packs of tissues and a cloth to clean my glasses!
Most folks cut well. I cut like ass first couple times, then hit my stride and nail a few nice shots. We cleaned up, hit the 'bucks with Elvis for a cool bevvie and some mumble mumble, and came home. At the Shirogantakanawa station, they were doing a wee neighborhood festival (probably for Tanabata) and I had some lottery tix from my haircut last week, so I got three spins on the chusen and won...a digital camera? 100,000yen in travel coupons? three packs of tissues and a cloth to clean my glasses!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)