dream
So I'm in the van. It's a rental, yellow, but kind of like a UPS or Kuroneko delivery truck. I'm with some friends (from high school, I think) and we're driving around a posh neighborhood, possibly Southern California. I'm on point, driving around the dirt roads that lead up into the hills where the really big estates are. We're looking for the hidden dinosaur park. Down one particularly promising road, we stop to recheck our strategy. I've parked on one side of the intersection, the other folks park on the other side. I get out to go meet them, realize I forgot the parking break, and jump back into the van as it starts rolling away. I step on the parking break, curb the wheels, and take the keys out, but by then everyone's come over to meet me and discuss our strategy. We press on up the road, passing some large estates with huge expanses of rolling green hills and dense trees, hidden dinosaur park possibilities abound.
The alarm clock rings, and I wake up.
I tell Hiroko about this dream and she comments "I guess you're looking for something?"
The question is, what?
The alarm clock rings, and I wake up.
I tell Hiroko about this dream and she comments "I guess you're looking for something?"
The question is, what?
daimyo gyoretsu
We got up early, checked out, and watched the Daimyo Gyoretsu parade pass by right in front of our ryokan.
Now thoroughly sick of the crowds, we headed back on the train and got back home in time to have some Doraichi Ramen before cruising up to Roppongi Hills to check out the cool architecture.
We grabbed some taiyaki on the way back and kicked it at home, goofing off as the rain stuttered along. Finally jorge headed back to the hotel to get some work done and Hiroko and I ate leftovers and went to bed early.
hakone pola museum
Met jorge at Shinagawa's lovely new Shinkansen Station and grabbed some 'bucks while laughing about the wireless access; apparently in order to get wireless access you have to go to the given URL...chicken and egg, anyone?
Anyway we got on our train and sped to Odawara in 30 minutes. The station was packed with everyone else going to Hakone, so we had to leave the station, line up, and loop back in to get on the local going up to Hakone. The train was packed but we got up to Hakoneyumoto Station in another 30 minutes. From there we did the out-and-in again to get onto the local local hill climber to work our way up to Gora Station. The station had photos of Swiss Alps trains (Switzerland uses Japanese trains or something) and it was quite a ride. The train would go up to a station, then backtrack, stop, the driver would get out, run to the other end of the train, and drive up to the next station. We switch-backed up the side of the mountain a couple times, each time stopping and waiting for the down train to pass as there's only one main track. Pretty cool, actually. At Gora Station most people were getting on the cable car to go up to the very top and ride the ropeway gondola, but we got on a bus and headed up to the Pola Museum. The bus driver was taking those mountain road hairpins at speed, so we got another adrenalin rush before being deposited in front of the glass and steel magic of Pola.
First we got lunch, of course at one of the outside tables, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and tolerating the fairly clueless staff. Then we checked out the art; not bad, but it's the building itself that is so cool. Finished off with some cake and coffee and postcards, and then got a cab to go back to Gora Station. With everyone else, we jammed onto a train and switch-backed down to Hakoneyumoto Station, got on a small bus and headed to Shohachi.
We checked in and got a stupendous meal, lay around for an hour enjoying our food coma, and then it the hot springs bath before heading back up to the room for some well-earned sleep.
Anyway we got on our train and sped to Odawara in 30 minutes. The station was packed with everyone else going to Hakone, so we had to leave the station, line up, and loop back in to get on the local going up to Hakone. The train was packed but we got up to Hakoneyumoto Station in another 30 minutes. From there we did the out-and-in again to get onto the local local hill climber to work our way up to Gora Station. The station had photos of Swiss Alps trains (Switzerland uses Japanese trains or something) and it was quite a ride. The train would go up to a station, then backtrack, stop, the driver would get out, run to the other end of the train, and drive up to the next station. We switch-backed up the side of the mountain a couple times, each time stopping and waiting for the down train to pass as there's only one main track. Pretty cool, actually. At Gora Station most people were getting on the cable car to go up to the very top and ride the ropeway gondola, but we got on a bus and headed up to the Pola Museum. The bus driver was taking those mountain road hairpins at speed, so we got another adrenalin rush before being deposited in front of the glass and steel magic of Pola.
First we got lunch, of course at one of the outside tables, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and tolerating the fairly clueless staff. Then we checked out the art; not bad, but it's the building itself that is so cool. Finished off with some cake and coffee and postcards, and then got a cab to go back to Gora Station. With everyone else, we jammed onto a train and switch-backed down to Hakoneyumoto Station, got on a small bus and headed to Shohachi.
We checked in and got a stupendous meal, lay around for an hour enjoying our food coma, and then it the hot springs bath before heading back up to the room for some well-earned sleep.
tv moving
Met Kev and Todd outside Will's place, Stevie showed up relatively on time, so they brought the car around back and we went up to Will's to get his TV. We had a dolly, but damn that's a heavy tv. Got it downstairs, into Stevie's car (damn that's a heavy TV) and packed everyone into the car, Sachiko on Will's lap, me jammed between Will and Todd. We got to my house and Stevie managed to get his car right up in front of the building. We carried the TV upstairs to my apartment, and damn that's a heavy TV. Hiroko's parents watched amusedly as we wrestled the widescreen beast upstairs and onto the TV stand. Then we brought my TV down, into the car, and off to Kevin's we went. Got to his place with only a wee bit of traffic and a long detour thanks to the car navi, got the TV into his place, and his TV into the car. Then off to Todd's. A wee more traffic, and then we lugged his TV up to Todd's building and into his apartment. Said hi to Amy and off to Roppongi we went. This time the car navi was giving Kevin problems, but Stevie redeemed his manliness by using the voice-recognition to plot a course to Roppongi Station. Those fools went to get food, I went home to have dinner with Hiroko and the in-laws, enjoying the huge, panoramic expanse of my newly acquired Toshiba.
time for o.j.
No Akihabara practice today. Which is just as well because I was in a meeting that ended so late, by the time I got to practice it'd be over. So I checked some email and headed downstairs to buy the cash sales traders a round and listen to them abuse each other. Thoroughly entertaining, and some of the absolute smartest guys we've got in the company. Wicked fast wits, the lot of them, and they tell it like it is, whatever 'it' may be.
So I bought a round, got my orange juice in the next round, and listened in as they abused each other, each others' wives, the job, life, and anything else that popped up. With the stress those dudes are under every day trading and selling, I can see how several relaxing beverages can help unwind from a typical day in the market.
So I bought a round, got my orange juice in the next round, and listened in as they abused each other, each others' wives, the job, life, and anything else that popped up. With the stress those dudes are under every day trading and selling, I can see how several relaxing beverages can help unwind from a typical day in the market.
speaking of diabetes
I remember growing up in Munster, Indiana (see 'armpit of chicago' in the USA atlas) there was this kid around the street named D.J. which I think stood for Doug Johnson. I guess he was my brother's age, and as much as my brother was a misfit problem child (read: had more fun than I did), D.J. made my brother look like a cherub. He was also, as I recall, diabetic, and a real stupid one. I remember seeing him inject himself with insulin a couple of times, and I also remember him being really really mentally unstable, which I'm guessing was caused by his blood-sugar levels getting all out of whack, because as far as I recall he didn't do any of the things diabetics are supposed to do, specifically watch what he was eating.
I remember back in those days of Munster, the summer mosquitos as big as baseballs, whenever we screwed around my mom would scold us with a "don't be like D.J." so now it's my turn to give my mom the same advice!
I remember back in those days of Munster, the summer mosquitos as big as baseballs, whenever we screwed around my mom would scold us with a "don't be like D.J." so now it's my turn to give my mom the same advice!
mama
The good news is, she's not just lazy. The bad news is, she feels tired all the time because of Type II diabetes. The good news is, she is now really motivated to try the Atkins low-carb diet. The bad news is she has to go low-sugar diet, too.
The good news is she'll be hitting the gym and getting lots more exercise. The bad news is papa will gloat "I told you so" every chance he gets. (^^)
The good news is she'll be hitting the gym and getting lots more exercise. The bad news is papa will gloat "I told you so" every chance he gets. (^^)
kill bill
Finally saw Kill Bill with Todd and Will & Sachiko and Roland & Anthea. Loved it! Exactly what it was trying to be: a tribute to Saturday afternoon Kung Fu Theater. As Hiroko says: "It's a Top-of-the-line, big budget, B movie." I think most folks who didn't like it were expecting something more Tarantino-esque. I guess if some no-name Hong Kong director made this flick, it'd be accepted for what it is: ridiculous fountains of blood, melodramatic acting, cheesy dialog, lots of wirework.
Julie Dreyfus totally looks familiar, and of course is fluent in Japanese, which is a shame because my one major complaint is that Uma tried and Lucy Liu should've tried harder, but I was laughing along with the Japanese audience every time she opened her mouth. Reminds of Sean Connery in Rising Sun.
Chiaki Kuriyama was awesome, but she died too quickly! Man, she's got the Evil Eye like no one else has. I certainly hope she gets the chance to play more whacky/psycho roles, especially in Hollywood, because she's got some juice, and it's not just the school uniform. She was killer in Battle Royale, literally.
Next movies to see: Matrix: Revolutions and Lord of the Rings III. Have to try and see Lost in Translation when we're in the states in December. Even daboo said it was great.
Julie Dreyfus totally looks familiar, and of course is fluent in Japanese, which is a shame because my one major complaint is that Uma tried and Lucy Liu should've tried harder, but I was laughing along with the Japanese audience every time she opened her mouth. Reminds of Sean Connery in Rising Sun.
Chiaki Kuriyama was awesome, but she died too quickly! Man, she's got the Evil Eye like no one else has. I certainly hope she gets the chance to play more whacky/psycho roles, especially in Hollywood, because she's got some juice, and it's not just the school uniform. She was killer in Battle Royale, literally.
Next movies to see: Matrix: Revolutions and Lord of the Rings III. Have to try and see Lost in Translation when we're in the states in December. Even daboo said it was great.
nishizoe & kusu wedding party
Went to a cool place, The Orbient, in Aoyama for Spike and Kusu-chan's wedding party. I was styling in my blue kimono with NYC bling-bling. Spike and his boys put on a great Water Boys show, and at then Kusu-chan changed into her naughty nurse outfit and Spike into his baby blue velour adidas track suit. Many photos taken. Many drinks drink'd.
Saw Chimi for the first time in forever. She's cranking up for the Honolulu Marathon and dancing like a Takefuji Girl. Been busting her butt at work for a couple months as she's got some big project about to go live. Don't think it's the Japanese Gold Box, but she promises it'll be something good so I have to spend lots money. She's really loving her job, which is sweet because working at Morgan Stanley was really bumming her out, and I'm glad she's found something she enjoys so much.
Mieko and Tomo are so cute together; they're finalists in the bakappuru(Baka Couple aka Pair of Loons) but have some strong competition from Will and Sachiko, and of course Spike and Kusu-chan.
spike and kusu-san wedding party
Went to The Orbient in Aoyama for Spike and Kusu-san's wedding party. Cool place and we enjoyed the Water Boys show and crazy video of how they met. I was styling in my kimono with NY bling-bling. Talked to Chimi whom I haven't seen in a while and she looked good and is loving her job. She's got some big project going live soon, so hopefully it'll be something I can spend more money on!
Took lots of crazy photos before walking back to Shibuya with Hiroko, then bussing home.
Took lots of crazy photos before walking back to Shibuya with Hiroko, then bussing home.
full house
Lots of folks showed up for practice at Iidabashi. Kiyokawa-kun ran the Waseda kids through kata, booming in his loud voice like only a young buck can. I focused mostly on Kawamoto-san, this being her first practice and the first time she used her new sword. Sekido-san and Nakayama-san did their thing, and I popped in on occassion to make a few points and try a few things. It was relaxed and noisy, with everyone doing their own thing at their own pace. Just the way I like it.
muromachi
Sekido-san brought in Niina-gosoke's previous sword and handed it over. Wow. It's a Muromachi era sword with a wicked sori. 950 grams of 400 year old steel, registered in Kumamoto Prefecture, and it feels much deeper and warmer than my modern-made cold, hard blade.
Tough to describe, but that old steel is just...warmer, like thick stew.
The hamon is sugu and notare, with very subtle hataraki; mostly chikei. The polish is a working iai polish, but I might have to drop some cash and get a really nice polish, because I'm sure there's alot more going on in there.
Tanaka-sensei was late to practice so I ran everyone through basics and started kata work. Then Niina-gosoke showed up to take some photos. Spent the rest of the regular class teaching a beginner, and the last hour Tanaka-sensei ran us through the last 10 kata. Damn but that blade feels good to swing. I can feel my techniques changing, and hopefully it will be for the better!
Niina-gosoke said Oka-san in Shiga-ken called and said the repairs and polish to my modern blade will be 50,000 yen -- cheap! So I'll probably send him my other blade, my cutter, to have it repolished and have a shirasaya made.
Note: see sword blade terminology and sword glossary for definitions of terms.
Tough to describe, but that old steel is just...warmer, like thick stew.
The hamon is sugu and notare, with very subtle hataraki; mostly chikei. The polish is a working iai polish, but I might have to drop some cash and get a really nice polish, because I'm sure there's alot more going on in there.
Tanaka-sensei was late to practice so I ran everyone through basics and started kata work. Then Niina-gosoke showed up to take some photos. Spent the rest of the regular class teaching a beginner, and the last hour Tanaka-sensei ran us through the last 10 kata. Damn but that blade feels good to swing. I can feel my techniques changing, and hopefully it will be for the better!
Niina-gosoke said Oka-san in Shiga-ken called and said the repairs and polish to my modern blade will be 50,000 yen -- cheap! So I'll probably send him my other blade, my cutter, to have it repolished and have a shirasaya made.
Note: see sword blade terminology and sword glossary for definitions of terms.
grand theft auto 3
Guess I'm a bit late getting GTA3, but it's finally available in Japan and as I have a Japanese PS2, I couldn't use the English release. Anyway this game is as great as everyone says. Never mind the random street interaction, the huge city, the tiny details like newspapers blowing across the street, etc. Just stealing a car and driving around listening to the radio is fun enough, never mind killing rival gang members and pimps. Hours of good clean family entertainment!
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