ハルウタ

It's spring. I feel a little guilty for not posting more often, especially because this is one of my only [digital] outlets. I came back from Cancun with my parents, and as much as I was complaining about the idea of going with my folks, I really had a blast. I had time to relax, which I forget to do sometimes! But more on that in a subsequent post.

I really feel satisfied with the way 2012 is going. We began the Gajokai Academy in late February, and for our region, it's been very successful. I see the other regions struggling, which is all the more reason why we need to show actual proof in Chesapeake Bay. A point to be remembered is that the administrative tasks is half the battle. The problem is that no one wants to do them! I found Google Docs to be very, very helpful . . . Reading the Human Revolution, it amazes me how strong communication and reporting were despite the conditions of post-war Japan.

But the real reason I decided to post today was because I found a Ikimonogakari song that I really liked, and wanted to make sure I had it somewhere so I won't forget to get a hold of it. I fell in love with them ever since Ge Ge Ge no Nyoubo's dorama theme song. This new song is for some new anime. There's nothing special about it, but maybe that's why I like it so much. It sounds like a typical anime song, which breaks back memories of when my grandfather (one of which just passed away a few days ago, NMRK) sent me huge boxes of VHS tapes filled with recorded kids shows. Like the animes that were in those tapes, these songs were full of excitement and sense of worry-lessness. It makes me feel 'free and easy.'

In other news, I fractured my rib, and it's been three weeks and still hurts. The doctor tells me another three weeks and I should be okay. The awesome thing is that, at the karate tournament at which I was injured, I ended up winning the entire thing. I'm debating whether to go to another tourney this coming Saturday in VA. I could compete up again, which would be very good experience. Still experimenting with a new kamae.

unsung heroine one week too early

One week until spring officially begins, but Baltimore's already been experiencing the goodness.  It's been in the 70s the past three days, and the forecast looks good. There is simply no way to explain how refreshing the first signs of spring is. I am always reminded every year during this time that "winter always turns to spring." I, too, need to break through my karma and win at work, in the job search, and with relationships.

Hello there, spring.

Strolling back to work from lunch.

Heading toward the Harbor.

My view from my office is of City Hall, point blank. Over yonder you can see Hopkins' Medical.

I've also taken some of the guidance I received from D. Frankenfield to heart, and am pushing myself to get up at 6am to put in an hour's worth of daimoku. It really does make a huge difference. The entire day just sort of slows down. I know the challenge is to continue. At the same time, I have many things to pray for, just really boiling down to doing my own human revolution.

My all too quick breakfast. 

Nalley Fresh, in Baltimore. This is a rice bowl with salad toppings, cheddar cheese, and chicken broth.

In other news, I discovered "Unsungheroine" on youtube after looking for dubstep music to respond to Cliff's call for songs. I ran into her piano version of Skrillex's Scary Monsters. It's really amazing. You should also check out her version of Katy Perry's ET. Wow.

whenever I get around

Whenever I get around to writing these darn things, I always forget what I wanted to write. I have to remind myself by looking at the random pictures I've taken with my cell phone.  So here we are.

I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to grab some equipment I needed for my karate tournament that I had last saturday, and I staggered when I saw the prices of these darn mouth pieces.  Since when did mouthpieces cost 50 dollars?  I couldn't even find a decent pair of simple mono-colored ones.  No, Nike, I don't want people to see a swoosh when I smile.

These last three pics are from the tournament venue in York, Pennsylvania. I felt slightly out of place when I was driving up there early in the morning up I-83 because there was just nothing around.  I felt like I was on some sort of frontier ... yet it was inhabited.  I later learned of the presence of many Amish and Moorish people.  But as I ventured into the plains, I felt somewhat at peace. It was such as beautiful site to take in, outside the chaos of the cities and industry.

That particular location was some golf course that was decked out with snow tubing hills and some conference centers. I also won the tournament. Yes. I have a few other tournaments coming up so it's making me try that much harder at my classes.

These two gals I've known for quite some time, since they were toddlers. Their parents helped raise me into the YMD I am today.  I went to visit their family in Lancaster right after my tournament, and I'm really glad I did. My alterior motive was to get some encouragement from the dad . . . and wow . . . . If you want to find someone who's fighting for kosenrufu (and remember, in the community Amish!), this is the guy.  I felt so honored to even be in his presence . . .

Finally, a family friend of mine came back from Japan with a gift that I've been wanting for quite some time. I have been using my beads (bottom) for several years, and the ends have been coming apart.  In fact, one of the ends just went kung fu on me and just completely came apart. I received the ones pictured on the top. I figure I can use March 16 as a good date to start with my new beads. This sounds kind of ridiculous, but I am going to be a little sad parting with my worn out beads. It's been with me through the toughest years of my life . . .

By the way, the new ones are these massive beads that just went out of style, lol. The oversizeness is still in style, but the cloth ends are not. Nowadays, many of the YMD in Japan are using temari-style balls, which really do look cool.  But I really like the dark color of these new beads. Seems like I've matured or something. Ha! As if . . .