start the engine

Every Sunday, after watching a good days worth of football (if I have the chance), I'll take a deep breath, and begin mentally preparing for the onslaught that the week will bring. 

Of course, a lot has been happening. My last post was about 朝ゴンhelping. Almost instantaneously, I've gotten some results. On Thursday, I went to a Baltimore City Bar Association event at the Silo Point Penthouse and met my old internship boss at the City Law Department. I established a really close relationship with her and the rest of the office, so I was very happy to see her at the event as well. According to her, there are some potential employment opportunities that may pop up and she's been recommending me left and right. The jobs are right up my alley - they involve zoning and land use matter.

@ Silo Point

I also started karate again, and I think I'm progressing fast. It's been nice to have something to look forward to, and also a reason to get back into shape. I'm nearly back to a full split and the Senseis have recognized my potential, or so I think. Last Saturday's class was cancelled due to a Shodan Belt Test. Five people earned their black belt. It was enjoyable watching the testing :)

The biggest news is that my older brother is moving to Santa Monica. He was selected as the YMD Study Fellow. It'll last 2 years.  There are, of course, collateral effects of his moving to California, so I have to prepare for more here after he leaves. I'm happy for him. If I had to choose one person to establish a solid study program for the SGI-USA, there's no doubt that I would choose him. He's moving at the end of the year, so that makes two Kunimoto's within a few months of each other moving to Cali.

We've had a bunch of going-away celebrations for him. Just yesterday, we got together with a few of the YMD leaders at Matthews 1600, a local restaurant/bar in Catonsville. It was nice to chill and do some good ol' heart-to-heart, but I drank one too many (which is, for me, one beer). 

Justin and Richard

This wednesday will mark the first official step of my professional career as an attorney. I'll be sworn-in on Wednesday in Annapolis, and will become an Esquire! As much as I would like to be excited, I can't get myself pumped up since all the hard work was done earlier this year. This Wednesday is just a formality, but it certainly is a big step for me :)

At yet another going-away for my older bro, I had time to reflect with some other members about the contributions that he has made to this region, and it's made me realize how fortunate I am to have grown up in this family and in my circumstances. For all the problems that an older brother creates, to be a younger brother of someone who pushes himself for kosen-rufu is truly, truly a humbling experience. Aside from my mother, my brothers have had the most positive impact in my life because of their connection to Sensei. So, thank you to my family.

I forced Ryan to take a picture with me at Daniel's going away at the Community Center.

Finally, "Headlights," by Monkey Majik, which I referred to a month ago, is finally out in its full version! Check out the PV and a cover by CREAM.