Happy New Year

I've been spending time on the Big Island. Its so nice here. I always find a sense of center. Went fishing yesterday and caught my first fish - It was a ferocious 5 inch Hinalea. Catch and release. Never grew up fishing so this was great.

So no New Year's gig for me this year. Geez, its been a while now since i've done a new year's thing. I'll be be in Hilo on the 7th for a gig at "Uncle Mikey's". We'll see how it goes. We've been trying to do more outer-island gigs to build a new fan base. Gigging on Oahu is always a challenge. Its so hard to find a place where you can play original music. Most of it is banished to the depths of an open mic nite at some dive. There's also such a lack of original songwriting - maybe no incentive. I guess its easier to copy someone than to actually create it and throw a Jawaiian-esque beat behind it. Hey, don't get me wrong- I'm glad people are playing what they like- its a free country. Just not my cup of tea.

Didn't mean to rant.

I really wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Okay, I'll try not to be too sarcastic today.

I've always wondered why there's so much hype built for one day. Personally, I love Thanksgiving. It's like X-mas, but w/o the gift giving. Don't get me wrong, I like exchanging gifts, but sometimes the process sucks ass (malls, shopping, traffic). I've been so discouraged to shop this year. My wife ended up doing all the shopping. She does have the knack. Maybe I'm being too much of a grinch. Maybe I put too much importance on it that it seems that big of a deal. I have MUCH to be thankful for this year and I think I'll stick with that.

Kendo Talk

Kendo Specs:

school: Myohoji Kendo Club (Honolulu)
started: 02.22.05
in bogu: 06.09.05

Tonight was a good practice for me. I was hydrated enough during practice and not feeling too much of the fatigue i felt last week. Last week tuesday and thursday were probably the worst practices i've had since being in bogu. My whole body just quit. I think I've hit the "wall" when it comes to conditioning. Hopefully i can remedy it with some conditioning drills outside the dojo.

Back to today's practice.... It went OK, I still don't feel as quick as i could be. Its almost like i'm re-learning my footwork and striking (Ki Ken Tai-ichi). Don't feel confident with my fumikomi. I picked up some advice on fighting against Jo-dan. (Backstory) - I got my ass handed to me this past sunday by a guy who was in Jodan. I hope to get the chance to use my new knowledge soon.

X-mas party on thursday.

WELCOME

Aloha. Thanks for dropping by the blog.