My first full day I spent I Tokyo I walked over to Asukusa temple. The good thing about my hostel(besides having ac) is that's very close to everything. The temple is pretty cool but I didn't get to explore much because as soon as I sat down next to it a crazy old Japanese man came and talked to me for what had to be 30 minutes. He spoke broken English and every other word was "you know you know" or "you understand" and he had incredibly thick hands and the worst looking toenails. But he was a nice guy and told me about how you shouldn't look at Japanese in the eyes and various other aspects of Japanese culture. He kept telling me about some place I had to go on the edge of Tokyo where I could stand in front of a tv station and pick up Japanese girls. He thought this was a good thing, mentioning several times that the US was open and international and that Japan was becoming more international. I told him I already met a Japanese girl and he kept asking how a Japanese man could pick up a western lady. Toe nail clippers would be a good start. Nice guy though, and I actually learned a lot. I had to meet Dai San and his mother though so I stopped back at the hostel and hopped on the train to Shinigawa where I met them at the train station. There we had udon and tempura. Dai is looking good but his his mother tells me that his blindness is getting worse. I also found out that the reason they didn't offer me a place to stay was that they had just moved into a new house and have yet to unpack.
We talked about the Earthquake a bit and I found out that not only was Dai san in the bathroom at an underground barbershop when the Earthquake hit, but that he had gone alone by Taxi. Cell phones didn't work after the quake and it took 4 hours for him to get home when usually it takes a half hour by train. Michi San was understandably worried. Was good to see they were both ok though.
Got back home walked around a bit and crashed. Next morning went to Akihabara, which is the electronics district in Tokyo and they have tons of anime, arcades, and girls in little maids outfits with short skirts and long stockings passing out fliers for businesses. (Note to self - that marketing problem at bar, might have solution). Looked around for a cd for a friend and found a few games I might want to get next year when the budget allows for it.
Talked to Mari last might by phone. Took forever to figure out how to get the phone to work so I kept walking back and forth to the pay phone until I finally just used the hostel phone and a calling card. Sat in the hostel common area with my iPad in hand to translate but it turns out I didn't need it much. We chatted some more online using Facebook and I crashed out shortly after.
Today I'm meeting Dai again and we're going to The Ginza district. Not entirely sure what is there but I'll find out.
More to come, home on Friday
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Last days in Okinawa, reflections, and Tokyo
My second to last day in Okinawa was interesting. A friend of Mari's took us a to a little known site used by Japanese soldiers. After heading up a steep tree covered hill we got to a spot with some small man made caves which we did not enter. To the left of the path was a metal and wood frame covered with a tarp. Underneath we're the remains of 5 Japanese soldiers with 2 skulls, a spine, and a few other bones visible. It was as fascinating as it was eerie and a reminder how different Okinawa was now. Afterwards we drove to anothier shrine in the woods that you could reach by walking up a small stone trail. There were a lot of peole there and some very cool rock formations. I think Mari said that it was a place of healing or cleansing.
My last day in Okinawa was spent on a pristine beach with Mari, where we rented some goggles and did some diving. The water was very clear and we took a boat ride as well which took us to a spot with even clearer water. Had the water been any cleaner you'd thnk the boat was floating on air. The guide pointed out some 5,000 year old coral and fed some fish as well so that we could see them come up. We headed back and swam one last time and I spent my last few minutes holding Mari in the ocean watching small tears well up in her eyes. The day was about as bittersweet as could be with both of us knowing we'd soon be separated.
That night Ameku, A guest Fromm the house named Sho, Mari and I headed to Naha where Mari and I met with Banks Sensei and Tanaka at a bar I had visited with Tanaka and Banks before. It's a small place up some steep narrow stairs and can't hold more than 15 people. It's run by a mother daughter couple. The mother is apparently the wife of a baker in Yonabaru, the same place Banks Sensei and I stopped every morning on the way to Nakazato's house. Okinawa seemed to get smaller every day. After a few beers we headed over to Naohide's bar where we asked him a number of questions. I had wanted Naohide to put some technique on me so I could evaluate him but when Tanaka didnt seem to understand that I just wanted to feel the technique. When he asked Naohide he kept using the word oeshite - which means to teach. For one reason or the other Nahohide thought it was a strange request but later started to show a number of techniques and also taught us a number of exercises. It was pretty damn cool and was exactly what I was looking for.
Ameku and some friends stopped by after and we all drank Awamori and a number of people karaoke'd which was extra cool because the blind piano player played while they sang and Naohide played the clarinet as well a few times. He also produced a small, round, metal instrument that fit in the palm of his hand. It had a hole to blow into and a few small holes on top. He played a pretty cool little tune that left me very impressed.
We left and Ameku and his friends left Mari and I to hit the town so that we could enjoy our last night together. We found a cheap club where we some drinks and that was the night. Woke up the next day, took some pictures with everybody and Left with Banks, Mari and Tanaka for the airport. Airport was a bit scary because we go there late and I thought I'd miss my flight. Mari stayed with me till the security check point where we said a very sad goodbye.
Looking back at Okinawa there are a few things I'll never forget. Walking into the hostel and meeting Mari, our first night of drinking. My second night where Mari, after she'd been drinking, snuck into my room and crawled in bed with me. Nothing happened but she laid next to me and said in that smooth, soft, heavily accented voice of hers "Damon, I like you" which at the time was the most complete sentence I'd heard her say in English. Sitting on the beach watching the sun go down. The fireworks that got shot off from the the opposite side of the bay the night after while Mari and I sat on the beach and Mari exclaiming "romanticu!". Watching Tanaka karaoke while Naohide rocked the clarinet. Standing on the bridge in front of the hostel at 4am my last night with Mari, holding her and telling her I'd bring her to Colorado. Bit cheesy but things I'll never forget. Okinawa was the best experience I've ever had and Tokyo has been pretty lame in comparison. But it never had a chance to begin with.
Tokyo is interesting though, some cool temples near the hostel. Ate udon and tempura with Dai and his mother. Was very happy to see them again after meeting them last year in Colorado.
More to come
My last day in Okinawa was spent on a pristine beach with Mari, where we rented some goggles and did some diving. The water was very clear and we took a boat ride as well which took us to a spot with even clearer water. Had the water been any cleaner you'd thnk the boat was floating on air. The guide pointed out some 5,000 year old coral and fed some fish as well so that we could see them come up. We headed back and swam one last time and I spent my last few minutes holding Mari in the ocean watching small tears well up in her eyes. The day was about as bittersweet as could be with both of us knowing we'd soon be separated.
That night Ameku, A guest Fromm the house named Sho, Mari and I headed to Naha where Mari and I met with Banks Sensei and Tanaka at a bar I had visited with Tanaka and Banks before. It's a small place up some steep narrow stairs and can't hold more than 15 people. It's run by a mother daughter couple. The mother is apparently the wife of a baker in Yonabaru, the same place Banks Sensei and I stopped every morning on the way to Nakazato's house. Okinawa seemed to get smaller every day. After a few beers we headed over to Naohide's bar where we asked him a number of questions. I had wanted Naohide to put some technique on me so I could evaluate him but when Tanaka didnt seem to understand that I just wanted to feel the technique. When he asked Naohide he kept using the word oeshite - which means to teach. For one reason or the other Nahohide thought it was a strange request but later started to show a number of techniques and also taught us a number of exercises. It was pretty damn cool and was exactly what I was looking for.
Ameku and some friends stopped by after and we all drank Awamori and a number of people karaoke'd which was extra cool because the blind piano player played while they sang and Naohide played the clarinet as well a few times. He also produced a small, round, metal instrument that fit in the palm of his hand. It had a hole to blow into and a few small holes on top. He played a pretty cool little tune that left me very impressed.
We left and Ameku and his friends left Mari and I to hit the town so that we could enjoy our last night together. We found a cheap club where we some drinks and that was the night. Woke up the next day, took some pictures with everybody and Left with Banks, Mari and Tanaka for the airport. Airport was a bit scary because we go there late and I thought I'd miss my flight. Mari stayed with me till the security check point where we said a very sad goodbye.
Looking back at Okinawa there are a few things I'll never forget. Walking into the hostel and meeting Mari, our first night of drinking. My second night where Mari, after she'd been drinking, snuck into my room and crawled in bed with me. Nothing happened but she laid next to me and said in that smooth, soft, heavily accented voice of hers "Damon, I like you" which at the time was the most complete sentence I'd heard her say in English. Sitting on the beach watching the sun go down. The fireworks that got shot off from the the opposite side of the bay the night after while Mari and I sat on the beach and Mari exclaiming "romanticu!". Watching Tanaka karaoke while Naohide rocked the clarinet. Standing on the bridge in front of the hostel at 4am my last night with Mari, holding her and telling her I'd bring her to Colorado. Bit cheesy but things I'll never forget. Okinawa was the best experience I've ever had and Tokyo has been pretty lame in comparison. But it never had a chance to begin with.
Tokyo is interesting though, some cool temples near the hostel. Ate udon and tempura with Dai and his mother. Was very happy to see them again after meeting them last year in Colorado.
More to come
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Japan update
Night before last I introduced the hostel staff to the famous American drinking game. Luckily it never got as crazy as in college, as the last thing I needed to be in the hostel was sitting on the floor naked. The rules are pretty hard to explain in Japanese but once we got playing everyone learned how to play pretty quick. We had a great time even though I got 3 of the kings cups the first game. It turns out Awamori and Orion beer mix well. Afterwards we went and ate some yakuzori which is what you eat at 1am after drinking. Ameku took off after we ate but Harada, Mari, and I headed to the closest karaoke bar. Mari is really good at karaoke but I'm pretty terrible so I had to a song that involved more talking than singing. So of course I did "Sex Machine" by James Brown. We got back at about 3am and after spending some more time with Mari I crashed out.
Drinking till 3 am made going to Nakazato's house at 8am with Banks Sensei difficult but after I got digging I woke up at bit. We found some old stamp books with stamps from the 60's and Soke's bowling ball and trophies (who would have thought) and headed back to the house around noonish. I've really enjoyed by time talking to Banks Sensei even if we don't agree on everything. It's been a good time.
Went to RyujiRo Castle with Mari after which was pretty cool. It's been burned down four times and was heavily damaged during the battle for Okinawa. It's been restored since and was my first Japanese Castle. First castle I've been to where where upon entering you are given a bag to put your shoes in because you can't wear your shoes inside. Was bit tickled at when I asked one of the guys in a costume if I could take his picture in Japanese and he said yes. Was proud of myself. We got back, did a little drinking and talking and got to bed by 330 which again, made getting up and going to the house today with Banks Sensei hard. We didn't find anything but I grabbed a weapon which Harada later told me said "Shobudo Zen do".
Update:
Returned to house and came up empty, went to tradition village with Mari after. Saw a very cool traditional dance called Asa that involves drums, song, and this one had two people in a dragon costume dancing around. The dragon had a big wooden mouth that made a a huge clapping sound when it was open and shut. The dragon dancers went around and pretended to eat people and their things. The dance ended with the crowd walking around in a circle with the dancers waving their hands around. Mari and I were both a bit embarrassed and we escaped as quickly as possible. Afterwards we say a snake show. The handler first brought out a few snakes and at one point held it so that people could touch it, which both Mari and I didn't have any desire to do. Inside the room on the stage was a glass box that was divided in two with a mongoose on one side and a snake on the other and a piece of sliding glass dividing the two. I thought the handler was going to have them fight but at the end he put a small box in the mongoose's cage and it jumped right in after being commanded to do so. Later we drove to some cliffs and walked a trail that followed the edge of the path. It was raining so Mari threw a small tarp over her head that we had sat on the night before on the beach. She looked very cute with it covering her head like a cloak. We stopped by a grocery store and a movie rental place afterwards and when we got home she made dinner for everybody. The owner also had some raw liver that had been brought over as a gift from the lady who owned the restaurant we had been to a few nights back after we'd been drinking. It smelled very strong and Ameku said he could only eat two pieces of it and that Harada had tried it but couldn't eat one. I cut off a small piece and dipped it in soy sauce mixed with wasabi and it wasn't too bad so I finished the whole piece. Mari tried it as well. Not something I'd eat everyday but now I can say I tried it. Mari and I watched some movies and hit the sack. Another good day.
Today Banks Sensei and I returned to Nakazato's house for the last time and searched the small guest house where I found a number of weapons and books on massage and few spiritual topics. Found a metal box as well that I had hoped would contain the Shobudo books we have been looking for, but inside the box was just a Hakama and a few books that were so decayed that we could barely tell they weren't what we were looking for.
Going to check a few places out today, tomorrow is my last full day in Okinawa.
Drinking till 3 am made going to Nakazato's house at 8am with Banks Sensei difficult but after I got digging I woke up at bit. We found some old stamp books with stamps from the 60's and Soke's bowling ball and trophies (who would have thought) and headed back to the house around noonish. I've really enjoyed by time talking to Banks Sensei even if we don't agree on everything. It's been a good time.
Went to RyujiRo Castle with Mari after which was pretty cool. It's been burned down four times and was heavily damaged during the battle for Okinawa. It's been restored since and was my first Japanese Castle. First castle I've been to where where upon entering you are given a bag to put your shoes in because you can't wear your shoes inside. Was bit tickled at when I asked one of the guys in a costume if I could take his picture in Japanese and he said yes. Was proud of myself. We got back, did a little drinking and talking and got to bed by 330 which again, made getting up and going to the house today with Banks Sensei hard. We didn't find anything but I grabbed a weapon which Harada later told me said "Shobudo Zen do".
Update:
Returned to house and came up empty, went to tradition village with Mari after. Saw a very cool traditional dance called Asa that involves drums, song, and this one had two people in a dragon costume dancing around. The dragon had a big wooden mouth that made a a huge clapping sound when it was open and shut. The dragon dancers went around and pretended to eat people and their things. The dance ended with the crowd walking around in a circle with the dancers waving their hands around. Mari and I were both a bit embarrassed and we escaped as quickly as possible. Afterwards we say a snake show. The handler first brought out a few snakes and at one point held it so that people could touch it, which both Mari and I didn't have any desire to do. Inside the room on the stage was a glass box that was divided in two with a mongoose on one side and a snake on the other and a piece of sliding glass dividing the two. I thought the handler was going to have them fight but at the end he put a small box in the mongoose's cage and it jumped right in after being commanded to do so. Later we drove to some cliffs and walked a trail that followed the edge of the path. It was raining so Mari threw a small tarp over her head that we had sat on the night before on the beach. She looked very cute with it covering her head like a cloak. We stopped by a grocery store and a movie rental place afterwards and when we got home she made dinner for everybody. The owner also had some raw liver that had been brought over as a gift from the lady who owned the restaurant we had been to a few nights back after we'd been drinking. It smelled very strong and Ameku said he could only eat two pieces of it and that Harada had tried it but couldn't eat one. I cut off a small piece and dipped it in soy sauce mixed with wasabi and it wasn't too bad so I finished the whole piece. Mari tried it as well. Not something I'd eat everyday but now I can say I tried it. Mari and I watched some movies and hit the sack. Another good day.
Today Banks Sensei and I returned to Nakazato's house for the last time and searched the small guest house where I found a number of weapons and books on massage and few spiritual topics. Found a metal box as well that I had hoped would contain the Shobudo books we have been looking for, but inside the box was just a Hakama and a few books that were so decayed that we could barely tell they weren't what we were looking for.
Going to check a few places out today, tomorrow is my last full day in Okinawa.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
More from the house of Nakazato
Yesterday Mari San and I did more site seeing. We drove to another small island connected to Okinawa by a bridge. It was very pretty so we made sure to take a lot of pictures. I had hoped that after we could go to a grocery store so that I could buy something for a barbecue that the owner of the hostel(Ameku) was having with some of his family later that night. Mari San had told me that mozuku would be a good idea. Mozuku is seaweed found off the coast of Okinawa and according to Mari, Ameku loves it. While walking back to our car after seeing a local Okinawan shrine we saw a sign pointing down the ally for mozuku. We followed it and found a hunched over old lady with a big walking stick who told us to go to the house next to hers to buy the mozuku. We went next door where a nice old lady sold us some mozuku for 300 yen and before we had a chance to leave ran to her kitchen and returned with some hot cakes that she gave me as a gift.
The barbecue was pretty cool, the food was good and afterwards Banks Sensei gave a short demonstration with me serving as uke. After cleaning up Mari suggested Ameku, myself and Harada ( the other helper) go to a club in Naha. I introduced Ameku and Harada to "pre gaming" and we took a shot from a Jim Beam bottle that a previous guest had left as present. Apparently they weren't whiskey drinkers as they both coughed a bit after taking their shot. Then we grabbed a taxi and after some walking around found a club that would let us in. It turned out to be pretty to find a place that would let me in with just a drivers license and also would allow Harada in because he's only 19 and you have to be 20 to drink here. We found a club at played 70's and 80's music that was pretty cool. The cover was 20 bucks but after you got in they had a number of free drinks, so we drank a bunch of rum and cokes and tried to introduce Harada to some of the women there without much success. It turns out it was the first club he'd ever been to. We got home about 4am.
Apparently this morning Banks Sensei woke up me 3 times and I sat up and talked to him but I have no recollection. Pretty pissed I missed out on going to Nakazato's house to dig through is stuff but Banks Sensei came back with some throwing stars, ninja claws and some beautiful water color painting that Nakazato had painted. I had to take picture of all them because they were just amazing. And luckily Banks sensei plans to go back and dig through more of Nakazato's stuff the next few days so I'll be able to return with him. He mentioned there were some more shuriken there that he would like me to have.
Got to run as we've got a lot to do. Once again, more to come.
The barbecue was pretty cool, the food was good and afterwards Banks Sensei gave a short demonstration with me serving as uke. After cleaning up Mari suggested Ameku, myself and Harada ( the other helper) go to a club in Naha. I introduced Ameku and Harada to "pre gaming" and we took a shot from a Jim Beam bottle that a previous guest had left as present. Apparently they weren't whiskey drinkers as they both coughed a bit after taking their shot. Then we grabbed a taxi and after some walking around found a club that would let us in. It turned out to be pretty to find a place that would let me in with just a drivers license and also would allow Harada in because he's only 19 and you have to be 20 to drink here. We found a club at played 70's and 80's music that was pretty cool. The cover was 20 bucks but after you got in they had a number of free drinks, so we drank a bunch of rum and cokes and tried to introduce Harada to some of the women there without much success. It turns out it was the first club he'd ever been to. We got home about 4am.
Apparently this morning Banks Sensei woke up me 3 times and I sat up and talked to him but I have no recollection. Pretty pissed I missed out on going to Nakazato's house to dig through is stuff but Banks Sensei came back with some throwing stars, ninja claws and some beautiful water color painting that Nakazato had painted. I had to take picture of all them because they were just amazing. And luckily Banks sensei plans to go back and dig through more of Nakazato's stuff the next few days so I'll be able to return with him. He mentioned there were some more shuriken there that he would like me to have.
Got to run as we've got a lot to do. Once again, more to come.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Izumi - The place where Nakazato sleeps
Yesterday, after the usual jog and shower, Banks sensei and myself were taken to Izumi to see the grave of Nakazato. We left earlier in the afternoon and drove to Naho which is near the other end of the island and takes a little over an hour to get to. Along the way we stopped at a beautiful beach to take some pictures and also at a cookie factory/ store that is built right on the beach. Looking out the window at the cookie factory and seeing such a beautiful sight made me think, "I'm in the wrong business, I need to be making cookies on the beach!" What a life that would be.
Izumi actually turned out to be very hard to find, even for Tanaka and at one point we ended up going down a tiny farmers road that seemed to be more narrow than Tanaka's car. Had I seen it anywhere else I would have assumed it was a small sidewalk and driving on it seemed to make even Tanaka San a bit nervous. We got off the tiny road and finally made it to Izumi. Went into the funeral home and got to directions to the actual grave. While talking to the funeral director he made the comment in Japanese that "Nakazato was a famous teacher". Whether this was true or he we was just being polite, having heard Banks sensei say that he was there to see his teacher, I don't know. Anyway, after going to the shrine and burning incense we went and found the grave. All the headstones were of the same design with the family name on the front, who paid for the grave and the grave company name on the side, and the names and age of all the people buried in the grave on the back(everyone is cremated at this place). The family grave for Nakazato was paid for by his son and someone named Rika and there were 3 people who's ashes were buried in it - Nakazato and I believe his mother and father. According to the grave, Nakazato was 91 when he passed away. We paid our respects and drove back stopping along the way to get gas for the car, which turns out runs on propane and also grabbed some Japanese fast food which was pretty good.
The rest of the night was pretty uneventfully, Mari san and I went to eat in Naha a little after ten at this very trendy but reasonably priced restaurant and after walked into a random bar called Maluta. It was a fairly large place but very empty for a Friday night. On the wall behind the bar was a large projector screen with music videos playing on it. The music selection was about as random as I've even seen bouncing between modern and older without any reason. The good thing about watching a music video from 1980 was that I was able to explain to Mari San what a porn stash was. The owner was a short guy in a sea captain style and very friendly. I was able to ask him to mix us up some shots that turned out pretty good. They were bit strong for Mari though, as quick as she could drink a be, shots were not her forte. I was probably reading the situation wrong but I get the impression that shooting shots isn't a big thing in Japan.
We stumbled home at about 4am and were surprised (although not nearly as much in retrospect) to find Banks Sensei was already awake and checking his email. After chatting a little bit I said goodnight to Mari San and went to bed. Another great day.
Tonight there is a barbecue at the hostel and at the request of the owners father, Banks sensei and me will give a demonstration. Not sure what we'll do before that, Mari has mentioned wanting to take a ferry to a near by island but I'm not sure if we will have time today.
More to come...
Izumi actually turned out to be very hard to find, even for Tanaka and at one point we ended up going down a tiny farmers road that seemed to be more narrow than Tanaka's car. Had I seen it anywhere else I would have assumed it was a small sidewalk and driving on it seemed to make even Tanaka San a bit nervous. We got off the tiny road and finally made it to Izumi. Went into the funeral home and got to directions to the actual grave. While talking to the funeral director he made the comment in Japanese that "Nakazato was a famous teacher". Whether this was true or he we was just being polite, having heard Banks sensei say that he was there to see his teacher, I don't know. Anyway, after going to the shrine and burning incense we went and found the grave. All the headstones were of the same design with the family name on the front, who paid for the grave and the grave company name on the side, and the names and age of all the people buried in the grave on the back(everyone is cremated at this place). The family grave for Nakazato was paid for by his son and someone named Rika and there were 3 people who's ashes were buried in it - Nakazato and I believe his mother and father. According to the grave, Nakazato was 91 when he passed away. We paid our respects and drove back stopping along the way to get gas for the car, which turns out runs on propane and also grabbed some Japanese fast food which was pretty good.
The rest of the night was pretty uneventfully, Mari san and I went to eat in Naha a little after ten at this very trendy but reasonably priced restaurant and after walked into a random bar called Maluta. It was a fairly large place but very empty for a Friday night. On the wall behind the bar was a large projector screen with music videos playing on it. The music selection was about as random as I've even seen bouncing between modern and older without any reason. The good thing about watching a music video from 1980 was that I was able to explain to Mari San what a porn stash was. The owner was a short guy in a sea captain style and very friendly. I was able to ask him to mix us up some shots that turned out pretty good. They were bit strong for Mari though, as quick as she could drink a be, shots were not her forte. I was probably reading the situation wrong but I get the impression that shooting shots isn't a big thing in Japan.
We stumbled home at about 4am and were surprised (although not nearly as much in retrospect) to find Banks Sensei was already awake and checking his email. After chatting a little bit I said goodnight to Mari San and went to bed. Another great day.
Tonight there is a barbecue at the hostel and at the request of the owners father, Banks sensei and me will give a demonstration. Not sure what we'll do before that, Mari has mentioned wanting to take a ferry to a near by island but I'm not sure if we will have time today.
More to come...
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The son of Nakazato
The amount of experiences that are packed into each day continues to amaze me. I jogged the canal again this morning which was only about 500 -700 meters twice, doing 25 air squats and pushups at one end and doing 25 burpes at the other. After showering Mari and I walked to the closest beach which was closed for cleaning but still a nice walk. The slightly overcast weather and ocean breeze made the day time weather a bit more bearable.
early in the afternoon Banks Sensei's Okinawa contact stopped by. His name is Tanaka and Banks sensei met in an airport in Taiwan of all places. Tanaka san asked to borrow a pen and they've been in touch ever since. He is in charge of all the contracts that are awarded to local businesses to work on the base and either because of work or his social habits, seems to know everybody. Banks sensei had told me that when he told Tanaka San that he was looking for a musician named Nakazato he called a friend who knew the local musicians and was able to find Nakazato in about 15 minutes.
We got off on the wrong foot as because of a miscommunication between Banks sensei and Takana San caused Tanaka San to wait at the monorail station near the hostel for 2 hours on the night of my arrival waiting to pick me up. I thought at first he was angry at me but soon learned he was just ribbing me. He is not reserved like most Japanese but rather very jolly and out going. Right away he took us to soke's house which has fallen into incredible disrepair. Vines grow through the ceiling and the floors are rotting out. We only saw it briefly but Banks sensei plan on returning this weekend to dig around and see if we can find anything else.
Anyway at about 7 Tanaka took us out to meet Nakazato's son Naohide. Because Naohide's bar didn't open till later Tanaka took us for "just one beer", which as I told Banks sensei, "It's never just one.". The bar was close to Naohide's bar, up some very narrow stairs on the second floor of whatever building. After a few snacks that ranged from meats to tiny baby fish and chips we had some beer and wine and pretty soon Tanaka san was singing karaoke. Banks sensei of course sang "sexual healing".
Afterwards we drove to Naohide's bar which is called The Little Brown Jug and is on the 3rd floor of the building it's in. The bar has a brick facade and looks very jazzy, and like most bars in Okinawa is very small. Naohide, who looks just like father with a wide face and same
hair was very happy to see us. His blind piano player recognized Banks voice right away. We quickly got a beer and began to talk with Tanaka San translating. Much to our delight Naohide seemed to love the opportunity to talk about his father and was quickly pulling weapons out from all over the bar including two different yawara bo's, a steel nun chuck like weapon with one short and one long handle, sai's and another nun chuk like thing with 3 short arms that s mean to be concealed. Naohide demonstrated choking with the steel nun chuck and also used regular ones in a demonstration. His sai work was incredible for someone who claimed just to be a musician. I had a suspicion as soon as we walked in that he had trained based his forearms and overall build and it turns out I was right! He talked about kapo and sapo, sapo being death and hapo being life and rescutation. Afterward he demonstrated a pressure point for healing by having both Banks sensei lay face down, foot turned out so that the inside of foot was flat and on the floor and then applying pressure mid thigh with his thumb. He was very particular about the placing of the foot. Afterward, sitting on the couch, a little drunk and my mind blown I watched as Tanaka san sang karaoke with the blind man playing piano and Naohide rocking the clarinet. What a fucking trip! It was a life changing experience that for as much as I've written I can't completely describe.
That was the second full day in Okinawa. Naohide seems keen on meeting us again so hopefully we'll be able to do that again. More to come...
early in the afternoon Banks Sensei's Okinawa contact stopped by. His name is Tanaka and Banks sensei met in an airport in Taiwan of all places. Tanaka san asked to borrow a pen and they've been in touch ever since. He is in charge of all the contracts that are awarded to local businesses to work on the base and either because of work or his social habits, seems to know everybody. Banks sensei had told me that when he told Tanaka San that he was looking for a musician named Nakazato he called a friend who knew the local musicians and was able to find Nakazato in about 15 minutes.
We got off on the wrong foot as because of a miscommunication between Banks sensei and Takana San caused Tanaka San to wait at the monorail station near the hostel for 2 hours on the night of my arrival waiting to pick me up. I thought at first he was angry at me but soon learned he was just ribbing me. He is not reserved like most Japanese but rather very jolly and out going. Right away he took us to soke's house which has fallen into incredible disrepair. Vines grow through the ceiling and the floors are rotting out. We only saw it briefly but Banks sensei plan on returning this weekend to dig around and see if we can find anything else.
Anyway at about 7 Tanaka took us out to meet Nakazato's son Naohide. Because Naohide's bar didn't open till later Tanaka took us for "just one beer", which as I told Banks sensei, "It's never just one.". The bar was close to Naohide's bar, up some very narrow stairs on the second floor of whatever building. After a few snacks that ranged from meats to tiny baby fish and chips we had some beer and wine and pretty soon Tanaka san was singing karaoke. Banks sensei of course sang "sexual healing".
Afterwards we drove to Naohide's bar which is called The Little Brown Jug and is on the 3rd floor of the building it's in. The bar has a brick facade and looks very jazzy, and like most bars in Okinawa is very small. Naohide, who looks just like father with a wide face and same
hair was very happy to see us. His blind piano player recognized Banks voice right away. We quickly got a beer and began to talk with Tanaka San translating. Much to our delight Naohide seemed to love the opportunity to talk about his father and was quickly pulling weapons out from all over the bar including two different yawara bo's, a steel nun chuck like weapon with one short and one long handle, sai's and another nun chuk like thing with 3 short arms that s mean to be concealed. Naohide demonstrated choking with the steel nun chuck and also used regular ones in a demonstration. His sai work was incredible for someone who claimed just to be a musician. I had a suspicion as soon as we walked in that he had trained based his forearms and overall build and it turns out I was right! He talked about kapo and sapo, sapo being death and hapo being life and rescutation. Afterward he demonstrated a pressure point for healing by having both Banks sensei lay face down, foot turned out so that the inside of foot was flat and on the floor and then applying pressure mid thigh with his thumb. He was very particular about the placing of the foot. Afterward, sitting on the couch, a little drunk and my mind blown I watched as Tanaka san sang karaoke with the blind man playing piano and Naohide rocking the clarinet. What a fucking trip! It was a life changing experience that for as much as I've written I can't completely describe.
That was the second full day in Okinawa. Naohide seems keen on meeting us again so hopefully we'll be able to do that again. More to come...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Japan - day 1 continued
I suppose day 1 is really day 2 but since I blogged this morning I didn't get in today's activities. Bought a few supplies, swim trunks and met Mari to go to the beach. We actually went to two but I only swam at the first one. By the time we made it to the second one we had about enough time to sit and watch the sunset. Afterwards we went to a nearby restaurant and ate Okinawa soba. The appetitizer was some weird green thing Mari San said was "grapes of the sea" and had a very salty taste. Apparently it come from the waters off Okinawa. Wasn't too bad and the soba was tasty too.
Mari San was able to use the hostels car to drive me around and only almost killed us once. It's funny sitting to the left of the driver but I was more preoccupied watching the controlled chaos that is Okinawa traffic. All the cars are tiny, the roads are smaller, and scooter and motorcycles weave through traffic which is impressive considering how small the space is between cars. How there aren't accidents can only be attributed to the fact ycant drive too fast when nthe streets are that crowded.
Bedtime, I'm exhausted, and full. Banks comes in tomorrow
Mari San was able to use the hostels car to drive me around and only almost killed us once. It's funny sitting to the left of the driver but I was more preoccupied watching the controlled chaos that is Okinawa traffic. All the cars are tiny, the roads are smaller, and scooter and motorcycles weave through traffic which is impressive considering how small the space is between cars. How there aren't accidents can only be attributed to the fact ycant drive too fast when nthe streets are that crowded.
Bedtime, I'm exhausted, and full. Banks comes in tomorrow
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Japan - day 1
Arrived in Okinawa last night. Trip was fairly easy, just very long. Japan was interesting right off the bat. Watching an airport employee actually running back and forth trying to keep the line at customs was funny. No one seems to speak very good english but the guy at the monorail station helped me buy a ticket and wrote down the buses I could use to get to the hostel and also wrote down the stop in Japanese which turned out to be very helpful because all the stops were written in kanji so I had to identify the character to get off at the right place.
The hostel is very nice and has a free laundry machine and internet. The owner wasn't in when I arrived but Mari San was there to show me everything. Mari San is 32, but being Japanese looks 23 and is from Nagoya. She is in Okinawa to study working at a hostel and hopes to open her own someday. She speaks less English than I speak Japanese but with google translate we were able to talk a better part of the night. It was pretty cool drinking a few beers and than a bottle of wine and listening to music with her.
I woke and realized two things - Okinawa is hot as hell and I was hungover. Hot and humid. Hung and over. I still took a jog along the canal but it wasn't fun. After my shower Mari San woke up and now she's cooking me breakfast. So far a good trip! I think I will talk to the beach later and explore a bit. The man I'm meeting here, Banks Sensei arrives tomorrow.
More to come, I'm taking lots of pictures I'll throw up here and on Facebook soon as I get back.
The hostel is very nice and has a free laundry machine and internet. The owner wasn't in when I arrived but Mari San was there to show me everything. Mari San is 32, but being Japanese looks 23 and is from Nagoya. She is in Okinawa to study working at a hostel and hopes to open her own someday. She speaks less English than I speak Japanese but with google translate we were able to talk a better part of the night. It was pretty cool drinking a few beers and than a bottle of wine and listening to music with her.
I woke and realized two things - Okinawa is hot as hell and I was hungover. Hot and humid. Hung and over. I still took a jog along the canal but it wasn't fun. After my shower Mari San woke up and now she's cooking me breakfast. So far a good trip! I think I will talk to the beach later and explore a bit. The man I'm meeting here, Banks Sensei arrives tomorrow.
More to come, I'm taking lots of pictures I'll throw up here and on Facebook soon as I get back.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Pain and suffering - another workout done
Today wasn't so brutal as I was just bad at it. The warmup was relatively easy but the 5 rounds of 400 m runs and 15 front squats with 115 pounds was rough. I was bit ashamed to finish in around 25 minutes, but oh well - another day. Some days you suck more than others. I put up decent numbers yesterday. Strangely enough I seem to do better on the days I only get 4-5 hours of sleep. Not entirely sure what that means.
Checked on my flight for Japan and looks like I got window seats the whole way which is good. If I had to fly for that long in between two people I might have snapped. Speaking of which I had my cash count paper disappear on me but I believe I was right about 4900, and thats now to 4665 now. Still a lot of bills to pay though and a lot more debt to make payments on. Just about 5 weeks left till I go.
Checked on my flight for Japan and looks like I got window seats the whole way which is good. If I had to fly for that long in between two people I might have snapped. Speaking of which I had my cash count paper disappear on me but I believe I was right about 4900, and thats now to 4665 now. Still a lot of bills to pay though and a lot more debt to make payments on. Just about 5 weeks left till I go.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Progress
Yesterday's conditioning workout was the baseline workout that you do when you first join - 10 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, and 40 squats and a 500m row for time. I think I did around 8 minutes when I first joined. It's been about 2 months so I was relatively happy when I got that done in 4:27 yesterday. Added 10lbs (145) to my ten rep max for box squats too since last week.
Freaking beat today, muscles and brain are worn out. Doesn't help it hot as hell out.
Another $6149 to make before my trip to Japan on August 29th. Clock is ticking...
Freaking beat today, muscles and brain are worn out. Doesn't help it hot as hell out.
Another $6149 to make before my trip to Japan on August 29th. Clock is ticking...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
WOD and my must go place for Tokyo
Figured I could start posting the crossfit workouts I been doing over at Emerfit if for any reason to keep me blogging. Yesterday involved some kind of warm up that I've already forget and then max rounds for 20 minutes of:
- 10 Renegade rows (should have been with 35lbs. dumbbells but I couldn't find any so I had to scale down to 30's)
- 20 Weighted sit ups
- 800m run
I squeezed out 3 rounds but only by sprinting the last 100m of my last 800m run to finish round 3 with 2 seconds left. Had been pretty worried I was going to be the guy who only finished with 2 rounds and didn't think I was going to finish that 3rd round but I managed to squeeze it in.
In related news, a few customers I haven't seen in awhile have come in and said I look like I lost weight and my face is thinner. What the hell - people trying to say I had a fat face? I didn't think I had weight to lose. Maybe I am thinner, I haven't had a night of eating a sleeve of oreos in forever. It sounds like a great idea though, I'm not above cheating my diet.
A friend sent me this bloggers story about Muscle Park in Tokyo. It's got a few ninja warrior challenges, other strange and very Japanese games, along with some apparently terrible hamburgers. I'm there!
Been playing powerball again and sad to say I didn't win again last night. Looking forward to winning on Friday so as to avoid working this weekend/rest of life.
Finally, I found this poster for the July 2nd Freedom Fest we had at Hodi's
It's kind of badass
- 10 Renegade rows (should have been with 35lbs. dumbbells but I couldn't find any so I had to scale down to 30's)
- 20 Weighted sit ups
- 800m run
I squeezed out 3 rounds but only by sprinting the last 100m of my last 800m run to finish round 3 with 2 seconds left. Had been pretty worried I was going to be the guy who only finished with 2 rounds and didn't think I was going to finish that 3rd round but I managed to squeeze it in.
In related news, a few customers I haven't seen in awhile have come in and said I look like I lost weight and my face is thinner. What the hell - people trying to say I had a fat face? I didn't think I had weight to lose. Maybe I am thinner, I haven't had a night of eating a sleeve of oreos in forever. It sounds like a great idea though, I'm not above cheating my diet.
A friend sent me this bloggers story about Muscle Park in Tokyo. It's got a few ninja warrior challenges, other strange and very Japanese games, along with some apparently terrible hamburgers. I'm there!
Been playing powerball again and sad to say I didn't win again last night. Looking forward to winning on Friday so as to avoid working this weekend/rest of life.
Finally, I found this poster for the July 2nd Freedom Fest we had at Hodi's
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mission Japan!
I've always wanted to go to Japan and made a few half ass attempts at going for the last few years but now it's really happening. I got a ticket for August 29th to September 15. I'm flying into Okinawa where I'll meet Sensei Banks whom I'll hang with for most of the trip before I head to Tokyo for a few days to meet a friend and get lost for a few days in the city. Getting lost is really the plan, I want to wander and just experience what I can without having to worry about the bar and work - all that other shit.
I can't put into words how great it feels to finally know I'm going for real, it's a dream come true. Honestly can say I probably wouldn't have been able to swing the trip if I wasn't going to my crossfit classes. I get a huge boost of energy after a workouts that allows me to work as much as I have been the last few weeks and I need to work as much as possible if I'm going to be able to afford the trip.
So work, work, work till I leave. It's not enough to make enough money that I can enjoy my trip, I owe plenty of people money and its time I get everybody paid. Living in debt sucks and it's bout time I not only dig myself out of the hole, but get a head. Eating right and exercising has given me the energy and motivation now to get shit done.
Still a long way to go but I'm excited that I'm heading in the right direction. My goal is to make 8k before I leave to pay bills, debt and have enough money to enjoy my trip. It's not enough to take care of all my debt but it's a pretty good start. After a week and half I've got another $6789 to go. It's a good start but there just isn't much room for error or screwing around.
Every time a customer puts a dollar/quarter tip down on the bar, every time I pick up a dime or penny off the street I think to myself "I'm a (however much it happens to be) closer to Japan."
Goals are fun.
I can't put into words how great it feels to finally know I'm going for real, it's a dream come true. Honestly can say I probably wouldn't have been able to swing the trip if I wasn't going to my crossfit classes. I get a huge boost of energy after a workouts that allows me to work as much as I have been the last few weeks and I need to work as much as possible if I'm going to be able to afford the trip.
So work, work, work till I leave. It's not enough to make enough money that I can enjoy my trip, I owe plenty of people money and its time I get everybody paid. Living in debt sucks and it's bout time I not only dig myself out of the hole, but get a head. Eating right and exercising has given me the energy and motivation now to get shit done.
Still a long way to go but I'm excited that I'm heading in the right direction. My goal is to make 8k before I leave to pay bills, debt and have enough money to enjoy my trip. It's not enough to take care of all my debt but it's a pretty good start. After a week and half I've got another $6789 to go. It's a good start but there just isn't much room for error or screwing around.
Every time a customer puts a dollar/quarter tip down on the bar, every time I pick up a dime or penny off the street I think to myself "I'm a (however much it happens to be) closer to Japan."
Goals are fun.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Oh dear god...
Roommate decided to cancel our internt and TV which we had talked about but didn't tell me the day it was happening and didn't give me a chance to get everything transferred in my name. So now I been dealing with trying to get internet for the house and it's been way too complicated.
I read a book on a business a little while ago and the author had mentioned if a business really valued you as a customer they wouldn't put you on hold forever. Dealing with Qwest now and I've never been more tempted to murder someone. Not sure what idiot thought that it was a good idea to have Qwest advertisements for their on hold music but hearing the same ad for a their high speed Internet service that they don't even offer in Fort Collins is kind of making me have violent thoughts. I called earlier and got through to someone who couldn't input my request directly so they had to put me on hold with someone else, who then sent me to someone else. It took forever, I had to give the same information 3 times only to find out that I couldn't get someone over to the house to check the phone line and bring a modem over till next Friday. I asked to be transferred to the cancellation department where I was put on hold till I was disconnected. Not from Qwest, my call just disconnected. Half hour later and now I'm on hold again with someone else.
This really is why I should be in charge of everything...15 minutes of the same damn voice repeating the same damn commercials is such bullshit.
Not like I planned on doing any real work today...
I read a book on a business a little while ago and the author had mentioned if a business really valued you as a customer they wouldn't put you on hold forever. Dealing with Qwest now and I've never been more tempted to murder someone. Not sure what idiot thought that it was a good idea to have Qwest advertisements for their on hold music but hearing the same ad for a their high speed Internet service that they don't even offer in Fort Collins is kind of making me have violent thoughts. I called earlier and got through to someone who couldn't input my request directly so they had to put me on hold with someone else, who then sent me to someone else. It took forever, I had to give the same information 3 times only to find out that I couldn't get someone over to the house to check the phone line and bring a modem over till next Friday. I asked to be transferred to the cancellation department where I was put on hold till I was disconnected. Not from Qwest, my call just disconnected. Half hour later and now I'm on hold again with someone else.
This really is why I should be in charge of everything...15 minutes of the same damn voice repeating the same damn commercials is such bullshit.
Not like I planned on doing any real work today...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Pot calling the kettle Lebron James - is this title rascist?
Found a good article on yahoo sports about a Cub's minor league team that is promote tonight's game by poking fun at Lebron James. In addition to giving away non - existant replica Lebron Champion rings the team is trying to skip the fourth inning of the game to honor James who they say " who took off the fourth quarter of every finals game" For the full story check it out here
Skipped crossfit today to heal up, yesterday was my 3rd day straight going to class and I definitely felt it, especially in the beginning.
Anthony Weiner may have resigned today but myself, like the amorous Ashida Kim - I remain
Got to go back and beat both Mass Effect games again to be ready for the 3rd. Decisions made in every game change the outcome of the story and with each game taking easily 30 hours plus to beat, theres a lot of desicison to make. The first trailer below is for the 2nd game which possibly was the best game I ever played or at least in the top 5. The 3rd(and final) game is looking even better
ME3
Skipped crossfit today to heal up, yesterday was my 3rd day straight going to class and I definitely felt it, especially in the beginning.
Anthony Weiner may have resigned today but myself, like the amorous Ashida Kim - I remain
Got to go back and beat both Mass Effect games again to be ready for the 3rd. Decisions made in every game change the outcome of the story and with each game taking easily 30 hours plus to beat, theres a lot of desicison to make. The first trailer below is for the 2nd game which possibly was the best game I ever played or at least in the top 5. The 3rd(and final) game is looking even better
ME3
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
1 step forward, two steps back - The Dance of D
Today's workout over at Emerfit was pretty good. The warm up was 4 rounds (or 5 - I forgot already) of 5 pushups, ten squats while holding a kettlebell (goblet squats), ten of whatever they call holding a pvc pipe and rotating it around your body, ten back extensions, and 5 crunches. The actual workout was 5 rounds of 400m run, ten pullups and ten backsquats(w/ 125lbs. for me). As always it was pretty terrible. I did do better on my pullups, sure they were swinging pushups but I did the first 2 sets straight and the last 3 I think I got like 5 out every time before I had to drop down and rest before finishing. All was well, I finished felt good got in my car and was ready to take on the rest of my day.
So I pulled out on to Harmony road, hooked a left at the night on to Timberline and got in the left lane to avoid the slower traffic because of people turning in the right lane. Right after I switched lanes everyone in front of me slammed on their breaks, so I did the same. I was able to stop but I had some help from the bumper of the car in front of me. Who then bounced off the minivan in front of him, who then hit the red smaller car in front of them. My first accident, and it was my fault. The red car took off right away and fled the scene. I got out of the car right away and checked on everybody in front of me, who were thankfully were fine so I suggested we pull on to a side street, which we did. I called the cops and took a look at the damage. The Nissan Extera I hit was fine, a few scratches. My Jeep was fine too. There's a tiny little impression of the Nissan's trailer hitch in my bumber and a small dent but thats it, if anything it looks more jeep-y. The mini van didn't look quiet as good, the bumper and rear door were both beat to hell and the front bumper took a hit too. God Damnit....
Turns out I hit the nicest, most forgiving people in the world. All parties agreed that sometimes it just happens. Despite everything being my fault, everyone was really friendly and just happy no one got hurt. Which really just made everything worse, when the woman driving the mini van hugged me and told me it was all ok before she drove off I felt about as bad as could be.
So I got what looks like $165 in fines and 4 points off my license in addition to my first court date ever. Very glad everyone was OK, my car is fine (good call mom and dad, that thing is a tank), but still pretty pissed at myself. Sure whatever asshole that decided to stop quickly helped, and we were all driving too close to each other but really it's all my fault.
The bar is doing better, I have a way out of the business, and a new one lined up to hop on board. But it's all so far out, and stuff like today seems to bring up a feeling I get a lot - I'm a huge fuck up. I stay up many nights racking my brain for ideas or inspiration, trying to jump start everything and get my head on straight and it frustrates the hell out of me. Nights like tonight I just want to give up, call it quits. I sat on my bed a few minutes ago and looked at Conan who sat there smiling with his tongue hanging out (I think all this talk about rear ending excited him - I accept my dog and his "alternative" lifestyle). I just wanted to give up, let my failure completely consume me. It felt like standing on the bottom of a pool looking up. And then it felt like something else, something that happened today, 4 rounds into our exercises in class. I had just finished my 4th round of running and came back to the pull up bar and it's a pretty damn high bar. I looked up at it, exhausted and breathing hard. I wanted to quit, but I just couldn't. As terrible as finishing sounded, not finishing wasn't an option. There was only one option - jump up and grab on. Finish.
I know how to fail, I know how to slack, fuck up, and half ass. But I don't know how to give up and quit. Quite Frankly, it's pretty fucking frustrating. It'd be nice to be OK with just getting by, just surviving, just breathing and happy with what I have. Just can't do it though. Can't stand at the foot of the mountain and say "nice view." I can't find peace till I reach the top. Only through success can I find serenity.
There are times when the bar gets slammed and I'm behind with no way to catch up. No one to help, nothing to be done but bury your head and move as fast as you can. Only one thing to do, put your head down and pour drinks. Battle through. Nothing else you can do, can't just walk away from the bar, can't slow down, can't give up. Head down and move - just don't stop. And then the night is over and your tip jar is full of money. Some customers are pissed they had to wait but most recognize you did your best. Easy to deal with for a night. Hard to for a few years. But what else can you do? Failure is only an option when you allow it to be.
So I pulled out on to Harmony road, hooked a left at the night on to Timberline and got in the left lane to avoid the slower traffic because of people turning in the right lane. Right after I switched lanes everyone in front of me slammed on their breaks, so I did the same. I was able to stop but I had some help from the bumper of the car in front of me. Who then bounced off the minivan in front of him, who then hit the red smaller car in front of them. My first accident, and it was my fault. The red car took off right away and fled the scene. I got out of the car right away and checked on everybody in front of me, who were thankfully were fine so I suggested we pull on to a side street, which we did. I called the cops and took a look at the damage. The Nissan Extera I hit was fine, a few scratches. My Jeep was fine too. There's a tiny little impression of the Nissan's trailer hitch in my bumber and a small dent but thats it, if anything it looks more jeep-y. The mini van didn't look quiet as good, the bumper and rear door were both beat to hell and the front bumper took a hit too. God Damnit....
Turns out I hit the nicest, most forgiving people in the world. All parties agreed that sometimes it just happens. Despite everything being my fault, everyone was really friendly and just happy no one got hurt. Which really just made everything worse, when the woman driving the mini van hugged me and told me it was all ok before she drove off I felt about as bad as could be.
So I got what looks like $165 in fines and 4 points off my license in addition to my first court date ever. Very glad everyone was OK, my car is fine (good call mom and dad, that thing is a tank), but still pretty pissed at myself. Sure whatever asshole that decided to stop quickly helped, and we were all driving too close to each other but really it's all my fault.
The bar is doing better, I have a way out of the business, and a new one lined up to hop on board. But it's all so far out, and stuff like today seems to bring up a feeling I get a lot - I'm a huge fuck up. I stay up many nights racking my brain for ideas or inspiration, trying to jump start everything and get my head on straight and it frustrates the hell out of me. Nights like tonight I just want to give up, call it quits. I sat on my bed a few minutes ago and looked at Conan who sat there smiling with his tongue hanging out (I think all this talk about rear ending excited him - I accept my dog and his "alternative" lifestyle). I just wanted to give up, let my failure completely consume me. It felt like standing on the bottom of a pool looking up. And then it felt like something else, something that happened today, 4 rounds into our exercises in class. I had just finished my 4th round of running and came back to the pull up bar and it's a pretty damn high bar. I looked up at it, exhausted and breathing hard. I wanted to quit, but I just couldn't. As terrible as finishing sounded, not finishing wasn't an option. There was only one option - jump up and grab on. Finish.
I know how to fail, I know how to slack, fuck up, and half ass. But I don't know how to give up and quit. Quite Frankly, it's pretty fucking frustrating. It'd be nice to be OK with just getting by, just surviving, just breathing and happy with what I have. Just can't do it though. Can't stand at the foot of the mountain and say "nice view." I can't find peace till I reach the top. Only through success can I find serenity.
There are times when the bar gets slammed and I'm behind with no way to catch up. No one to help, nothing to be done but bury your head and move as fast as you can. Only one thing to do, put your head down and pour drinks. Battle through. Nothing else you can do, can't just walk away from the bar, can't slow down, can't give up. Head down and move - just don't stop. And then the night is over and your tip jar is full of money. Some customers are pissed they had to wait but most recognize you did your best. Easy to deal with for a night. Hard to for a few years. But what else can you do? Failure is only an option when you allow it to be.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Amateur Porn and Ninjas
Looking at back at when I started my blog it's pretty disappointing - man did I waste a lot of time between least year and this year. The retirement counter is definitely moving faster than me.
Read a good quote that said something to the effect - "Busy people get things done." So if I'm not getting enough, I must not be busy enough. It's a depressing thought because I thoroughly enjoy doing nothing.
Put this together today. As added incentive to not touch the ground, I haven't cleaned up dog poop in forever and falling could literally mean eating shit.
I'm slowly constructing a tiny Ninja Warrior course. Look for future blogs titled "broken ankle", "Eating all food in liquid form through straw" and "typing with my tongue" to follow.
Finally for those of you with time to blow, a Netflix subscription, and low expectations, try watching The Amateurs, a weird Jeff Bridges movie about a few losers trying to make a porno. It's actually kind of funny, a movie that you would say "It wasn't that good, but I enjoyed it."
Read a good quote that said something to the effect - "Busy people get things done." So if I'm not getting enough, I must not be busy enough. It's a depressing thought because I thoroughly enjoy doing nothing.
Put this together today. As added incentive to not touch the ground, I haven't cleaned up dog poop in forever and falling could literally mean eating shit.
I'm slowly constructing a tiny Ninja Warrior course. Look for future blogs titled "broken ankle", "Eating all food in liquid form through straw" and "typing with my tongue" to follow.
Finally for those of you with time to blow, a Netflix subscription, and low expectations, try watching The Amateurs, a weird Jeff Bridges movie about a few losers trying to make a porno. It's actually kind of funny, a movie that you would say "It wasn't that good, but I enjoyed it."
Saturday, June 11, 2011
i c weiner - the new store
To commerate Weinergate, I've redone the store through cafepress.com, you can see my Weiner shirt here. More shirts and such to come. I hate going through cafepress because the products are a bit pricey, but on the plus side you don't have to pay anything at all, so I can design a bunch of shirts, hats, whatever and throw it up on the store and if it sells I make a little cash. If not, I don't have a 100 shirts with Weiner's face on it.
All kinds of things that have happened since I last blogged in February - I got a plan to get out of the bar business, the bar had it best month ever (April), I booked a rock show with a bikini contest, and spent some time in Portland for a martial arts demonstration (As pictured below).
Oh wait, that's from the store two minutes away from our where we stayed in Portland. But I think that particular picture sums up are trip pretty well. (Keith I remembered this is the picture I tried to text to you, see what you missed!)
I started doing cross fit and it's terrible but kind of awesome too. I feel great for hours after a workout and I'm already getting in shape pretty quickly. Plus you can work out in funny shoes.
I use to think these things were pretty freakin' stupid. But for the kind of lifting we've been doing they're actually pretty good. I definitely feel a difference in my workout in terms of what hurts in my legs at the end and I also feel like I can move better. They're pretty comfortable too, wearing toed shoes is like walking barefoot but not having to worry about setting in dog poop.
So to summarize, the bar kicked ass so I'm trying to take off, somewhere out there some guy is making bank as a dew rag model, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to look like this in like a week
Well maybe a bit bigger. Go to the store. Happy Fathers Day Dad
All kinds of things that have happened since I last blogged in February - I got a plan to get out of the bar business, the bar had it best month ever (April), I booked a rock show with a bikini contest, and spent some time in Portland for a martial arts demonstration (As pictured below).
I started doing cross fit and it's terrible but kind of awesome too. I feel great for hours after a workout and I'm already getting in shape pretty quickly. Plus you can work out in funny shoes.
So to summarize, the bar kicked ass so I'm trying to take off, somewhere out there some guy is making bank as a dew rag model, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to look like this in like a week
Well maybe a bit bigger. Go to the store. Happy Fathers Day Dad
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
And the award for dumbest question I've been asked over the phone goes to...
I been in the office a lot daily and I've tried to answer the phone more. I think it's a good thing to assist customers and bands it's just the phone is not always the best way to do things. Most of the time just a minute or two research online would save both parties a lot of time. Thinking a little also helps.
Someone who called about 5 minutes ago provided the perfect example. The call went something like this:
Me: "Hodi's can I help you"
Stupid Person: "uhh I understand you have an event with some bands tonight?"
Me: "Yes we do"
Stupid Person: "Can I like just come in without buying a ticket?"
Me: (Dreams of saying - "Can you come into the show for free we're charging a cover for? No please go find a solid wall and bounce your head off it till you figure out why that was a stupid question"). I actually said "No, just like a movie theater, if you want to go in and see a movie you have to buy a ticket."
Customer: "Oh...thanks"
I pondered explaining why that was a moronic question but I don't think it'd be worth the effort in any way. I was too stunned to be sarcastic.
:
Someone who called about 5 minutes ago provided the perfect example. The call went something like this:
Me: "Hodi's can I help you"
Stupid Person: "uhh I understand you have an event with some bands tonight?"
Me: "Yes we do"
Stupid Person: "Can I like just come in without buying a ticket?"
Me: (Dreams of saying - "Can you come into the show for free we're charging a cover for? No please go find a solid wall and bounce your head off it till you figure out why that was a stupid question"). I actually said "No, just like a movie theater, if you want to go in and see a movie you have to buy a ticket."
Customer: "Oh...thanks"
I pondered explaining why that was a moronic question but I don't think it'd be worth the effort in any way. I was too stunned to be sarcastic.
:
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Jujitsu, Kicking Ass, and The Meanest Letter I've written in awhile
Our CSU jujitsu class started yesterday and the group we have looks pretty promising. We'll see who actually last the semester. Even when my instructor was around our classes would go from 15-20 students and end up with 3 by the end of the semester.
Went from class to work and had a near sold out show on Tuesday for our year anniversary of not being sold/new partners buying in. Had a lot of great regulars show up to help celebrate and tip well to boot. Very fun night to work. I been having a lot of fun behind the bar lately and it's been paying off. I've had a number of customers tell me I was a great bartender, they like me, etc. I'm shocked how easy it is to be nice to people and how well they respond to as a bartender. I'm making more money and having more fun.
Course I wouldn't be me if I wasn't a grumpy asshole from time time to time and after telling the guys next door to get there damn cars out of my private lot by 6 (We actually let them park in lot during the day) I finally snapped when the same guy I told last week to move his car (At 7pm) left his car in the lot past 9pm last night and one of my staff had to park in the lot next to Hodi's. It's the same place him and our sound engineer were parked when their tires were slashed a few weeks ago. I decided to leave him this:
Went from class to work and had a near sold out show on Tuesday for our year anniversary of not being sold/new partners buying in. Had a lot of great regulars show up to help celebrate and tip well to boot. Very fun night to work. I been having a lot of fun behind the bar lately and it's been paying off. I've had a number of customers tell me I was a great bartender, they like me, etc. I'm shocked how easy it is to be nice to people and how well they respond to as a bartender. I'm making more money and having more fun.
Course I wouldn't be me if I wasn't a grumpy asshole from time time to time and after telling the guys next door to get there damn cars out of my private lot by 6 (We actually let them park in lot during the day) I finally snapped when the same guy I told last week to move his car (At 7pm) left his car in the lot past 9pm last night and one of my staff had to park in the lot next to Hodi's. It's the same place him and our sound engineer were parked when their tires were slashed a few weeks ago. I decided to leave him this:
click photo to enlarge
Strangely I don't see his car in my lot today. It may seem a bit harsh but I can't regret the letter, the profanity, or the fact I taped the shi*t out of the letter when attaching it to his window. And as mean as it is, I could have just towed his ass.
Class, work, done at 330am, bed at 5. Up at 1030 for work. Bleh....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Whiskey in a can...one of many things I should have thought of
It's not real Scotch and it probably doesn't taste good but I think it's a real step forward for mankind. Whiskey in a can!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Creepy Dad and Ipad track pad - Macterbation and more
Becca and I watched 
Dexter: The Fourth Season like we usually do - 4 episode at a time. We finished the season in like 3 days. The villian in season 4 locks his daughter in her room. I thought that was a bit creepy and then i saw this on the door to the second bedroom in the house:
I remember from the first time I saw the house - that this was the kid's room. Apparently locking your child in their room is a more common practice than I knew. Or the guy who use to own this place was a serial killer. Strangely enough just like the villian, the previous homeowner liked to do carpentry. Unfortunately unlike Dexter's villian, this guy sucked. One of my goals for this summer to fix the house up a bit.
In equally unimportant (yet much cooler) news, I downloaded an app that lets me use my Ipad as a keyboard.
It works pretty well and using my pad' (Thats what we cool kids call our tablet computers) as a wireless keyboard is pretty cool. Using my Ipad as a keyboard for a Mac does seem like a bit much though. Maybe later I'll put on headphones, listen to my Ipod, while I browse the net on my Mac, using my Ipad to type in searches on google. Macterbation at it's finest. If only I had an Iphone....
Dexter: The Fourth Season like we usually do - 4 episode at a time. We finished the season in like 3 days. The villian in season 4 locks his daughter in her room. I thought that was a bit creepy and then i saw this on the door to the second bedroom in the house:
I remember from the first time I saw the house - that this was the kid's room. Apparently locking your child in their room is a more common practice than I knew. Or the guy who use to own this place was a serial killer. Strangely enough just like the villian, the previous homeowner liked to do carpentry. Unfortunately unlike Dexter's villian, this guy sucked. One of my goals for this summer to fix the house up a bit.
In equally unimportant (yet much cooler) news, I downloaded an app that lets me use my Ipad as a keyboard.
Friday, January 14, 2011
New Photo Scanning Business
So I teamed up with our house photographer at the bar and put together a little photo scanning business. We can scan and restore pictures, documents, and 35mm film plus photo negatives. Visit our site at http://sharpscans.highwire.com/. Help us get off the ground by passing the word along to family, friends, relatives, etc!
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