So, it's been a while huh? Well...I have found myself spread too thin across the inter-webs like butter scraped over too much toast. Such a presence is too much to keep up with at times and as such, I have let this blog fall behind. Way behind.
Today I looked at pictures I had taken while in London in early 2007. I missed experiencing something new. Luckily, I have a trip coming up that should satisfy my wanderlust. In December I will be heading to the Philippines for two weeks. During that time I (we) will try to go to both Boracay as well as Bangkok.
Well...that was my attempt to do a new entry. Stick that in your craw.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
have you seen me lately
Obviously, for all of you (or just the singular general you) who read this, I've been absent for a while. My absence can be explained by the fact that I am busy, so get off my case!
I've been going to the DCTri club's swim clinic about every other weekend. It is Sunday evenings at AU up in Tenleytown. It was horrible the first time, but subsequently I've shown steady and continued imporvement and am no longer completely retarded and inept in the water. Over the past few sessions we've been beginning the class with sculling, which I actually find easier to grasp. However, there are movements which don't make sense to me, but I can feel them work. Other than the colder temperatures outside, this really crappy ear infection, and the sneezing fits after, I've been really enjoying this. It always helps to see and feel improvement.
I've also been continuing to train for an upcoming no gi jiu-jiutsu tournament being held at VIDA fitness at GalleryPlace. It is sanctioned and there will be people from other schools coming. I have no idea how I will do, but am very much looking forward to seeing how I might stack up against people who are training a bit more formally than I. One more week of practice and then it will be showtime!
Do to a crazy schedule of being slightly under the weather, freelance work, concerts/shows, and AIGA events, I haven't been to the gym as often as I'd prefer. But actually having a life and being able to live it far outweighs the fun of the gym.
I've also been promoted at my place of work. This position wasn't available or even an option, but I strongly requested that we restructure the department in such a way as to allow this promotion as I've been here for over three years now. So, kudos to me and my new title.
It's funny to think about how much people have grown...or as I know myself the best, to think about how much I have grown or changed. A year ago, I was very heartbroken and lonely. I took up running to occupy myself and run this person out of my heart and mind. I also have the need to prove myself (to myself) that I can do things, especially those of a physical nature, that I couldn't do before or never thought I could. Running has been a gateway activity leading me towards training for a triathlon, performing better in kendo. Taking some time off from kendo has lead me to finding a great MMA and BJJ program, which in turn has strengthened my actual kendo.
I have also met a really wonderful girl. While people don't replace others, she has filled the void, and shown me what it's like to be with someone who actually cares about me and is a nice person. My freelance work has really started to blossom. So much so, that I am having to consider putting people on a waiting list. This has also enabled the ultimate and achievable goal of being credit card debt free by early next year (2009). I feel like my life has changed considerably and am looking forward to see what happens this coming year. Oh yeah...and I also got an iPhone.
I've been going to the DCTri club's swim clinic about every other weekend. It is Sunday evenings at AU up in Tenleytown. It was horrible the first time, but subsequently I've shown steady and continued imporvement and am no longer completely retarded and inept in the water. Over the past few sessions we've been beginning the class with sculling, which I actually find easier to grasp. However, there are movements which don't make sense to me, but I can feel them work. Other than the colder temperatures outside, this really crappy ear infection, and the sneezing fits after, I've been really enjoying this. It always helps to see and feel improvement.
I've also been continuing to train for an upcoming no gi jiu-jiutsu tournament being held at VIDA fitness at GalleryPlace. It is sanctioned and there will be people from other schools coming. I have no idea how I will do, but am very much looking forward to seeing how I might stack up against people who are training a bit more formally than I. One more week of practice and then it will be showtime!
Do to a crazy schedule of being slightly under the weather, freelance work, concerts/shows, and AIGA events, I haven't been to the gym as often as I'd prefer. But actually having a life and being able to live it far outweighs the fun of the gym.
I've also been promoted at my place of work. This position wasn't available or even an option, but I strongly requested that we restructure the department in such a way as to allow this promotion as I've been here for over three years now. So, kudos to me and my new title.
It's funny to think about how much people have grown...or as I know myself the best, to think about how much I have grown or changed. A year ago, I was very heartbroken and lonely. I took up running to occupy myself and run this person out of my heart and mind. I also have the need to prove myself (to myself) that I can do things, especially those of a physical nature, that I couldn't do before or never thought I could. Running has been a gateway activity leading me towards training for a triathlon, performing better in kendo. Taking some time off from kendo has lead me to finding a great MMA and BJJ program, which in turn has strengthened my actual kendo.
I have also met a really wonderful girl. While people don't replace others, she has filled the void, and shown me what it's like to be with someone who actually cares about me and is a nice person. My freelance work has really started to blossom. So much so, that I am having to consider putting people on a waiting list. This has also enabled the ultimate and achievable goal of being credit card debt free by early next year (2009). I feel like my life has changed considerably and am looking forward to see what happens this coming year. Oh yeah...and I also got an iPhone.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
politik-ing
As I sat at my computer trying to do a bit of work and also listening to the third and final Presidential debate I just had to get a few things out.
Negative Campaigning. Maybe I am misinterpreting the idea but there is a difference between attacking someone's policies and then using racism and lies to attack the person in order to rally your base. I have not once, in these 21 months or so, seen an ad or speech from Obama that characterizes McCain as anything other than George Bush...which is pretty f-ing bad. But he doesn't attack him personally. McCain wants apologies and repudiation from Obama for t-shirts that people where wearing at his speeches, words from other people not even involved with his campaign, or ads that attacked his policies. Cheers to Obama for not getting sucked in to that mire of crappy politics. Jeers to McCain for letting it go on for too long in his campaign as well as in the debate.
Calm, Cool and Collected. That described Obama. Frustrated, grumpy and off-point. That described McCain. You know you're on national television. Control yourself. I was told my my art director that I need to work on having better control of my reactions/emotions within internal meetings. And while I can understand anger and frustration, I don't want to see a presidential candidate to behaves like I do when those feelings arise.
Speechisms. I hate this Republican debate/speech tactic to try and personalize little bits of policy. "You betch-a" and "say it ain't so joe" and McCain's slightly off-color comments like "guess who will do it, this guy" and some little snarky thing he said last night. Grow the fuck up! I don't want a president to use coloquialisms. Nor do I want them to be cynical and sarcastic. This country does not need that right now. Good for Obama for not letting that get to him, in either of the last two debates.
A few last thoughts.
Governor Palin supports areal hunting of wolves and bears up in Alaska. There's a troubling video of this on YouTube. She offered something like $4,000 to each person who brought in the front leg/paw of a dead wolf and/or bear. I'm not sure why this is the case or what motive is behind this. But it is disturbing to see what seems to be a complete and total disregard for life. Which seems to contradict her dogmatic pro-life views.
James Carville still looks like an alien.
Palin understands families with special needs because she is retarded too.
McCain's new campaign direction and new "stump speech" is the same as is old direction and speeches, just with more eye rolling and sigh's.
Finally, I wonder if America's economy and DOW thrives on some sort of twisted schadenfreude. It seems as if there are little bouncebacks or "ups" for the DOW in the wake of extremely low points for the Hang Seng index and the Nekkei.
Any people out there who are undecided voters at this point are either racist or are incapable of understanding simple things like walking and eating. I'm not attacking reps or dems...I'm attacking idiots.
Negative Campaigning. Maybe I am misinterpreting the idea but there is a difference between attacking someone's policies and then using racism and lies to attack the person in order to rally your base. I have not once, in these 21 months or so, seen an ad or speech from Obama that characterizes McCain as anything other than George Bush...which is pretty f-ing bad. But he doesn't attack him personally. McCain wants apologies and repudiation from Obama for t-shirts that people where wearing at his speeches, words from other people not even involved with his campaign, or ads that attacked his policies. Cheers to Obama for not getting sucked in to that mire of crappy politics. Jeers to McCain for letting it go on for too long in his campaign as well as in the debate.
Calm, Cool and Collected. That described Obama. Frustrated, grumpy and off-point. That described McCain. You know you're on national television. Control yourself. I was told my my art director that I need to work on having better control of my reactions/emotions within internal meetings. And while I can understand anger and frustration, I don't want to see a presidential candidate to behaves like I do when those feelings arise.
Speechisms. I hate this Republican debate/speech tactic to try and personalize little bits of policy. "You betch-a" and "say it ain't so joe" and McCain's slightly off-color comments like "guess who will do it, this guy" and some little snarky thing he said last night. Grow the fuck up! I don't want a president to use coloquialisms. Nor do I want them to be cynical and sarcastic. This country does not need that right now. Good for Obama for not letting that get to him, in either of the last two debates.
A few last thoughts.
Governor Palin supports areal hunting of wolves and bears up in Alaska. There's a troubling video of this on YouTube. She offered something like $4,000 to each person who brought in the front leg/paw of a dead wolf and/or bear. I'm not sure why this is the case or what motive is behind this. But it is disturbing to see what seems to be a complete and total disregard for life. Which seems to contradict her dogmatic pro-life views.
James Carville still looks like an alien.
Palin understands families with special needs because she is retarded too.
McCain's new campaign direction and new "stump speech" is the same as is old direction and speeches, just with more eye rolling and sigh's.
Finally, I wonder if America's economy and DOW thrives on some sort of twisted schadenfreude. It seems as if there are little bouncebacks or "ups" for the DOW in the wake of extremely low points for the Hang Seng index and the Nekkei.
Any people out there who are undecided voters at this point are either racist or are incapable of understanding simple things like walking and eating. I'm not attacking reps or dems...I'm attacking idiots.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
You Look Nice Today
In the midst of writing some on-going blogs I've been meaning to post this. Two weekends ago I had a really great Saturday. Or, extra great since I tend to see the girl every weekend. On said Saturday I decided to take all two of the MMA classes offered. The first class (hour) is muay thai. The second class (hour) is BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).
I've been feeling more comfortable (except for the latest two classes) with my standup game and this class proved to be no exception. I've been moving a little more effortlessly and have been getting the hang of the footwork. Additionally, on that day I had my first sparring session in the BJJ class, which is incredibly fun and exhausting.
So, after really enjoying both of these classes and seeming to do well I started to ride home. I rode up 7th Street to make a left onto L or K St. Whichever street has the historic library. I was riding past and saw people doing capoeira in front of the library. I immediately stopped since I have never actually seen people do this other than in the movies (Only the Strong).I parked my bike only to find that the Brazilian Embassy has sponsored a cultural event in front of the library where they had schools and instructors and students from all over performing this Afro-Cuban martial art. They had some of the older guys playing the music (the berimbau and the pandeiro) and the players in and around the roda.
They were all ages and colors and sexes (or at least all two). They went slowly at first and as it progressed various people decided to speed up along with the music. It was amazing to see people move like that. They all had a smile on their face and seemed to genuinely be enjoying themselves. 
I wanted to try it and had heard rumor of there being a workshop. However, not having eaten yet that day and the time fastly approaching 4pm, I decided to leave and eat. It made for a very enjoyable day and I am very happy to have seen that. Here are some pictures.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Working the Guest List (written some time ago...more to come)
As promised in the previous entry, the following blog is about my brief time spent at a local posh club working as a host/doorman/guest list checker-offer type of guy.
I had made a contact through a volunteer event earlier this year. He was so impressed with my work ethic he said that if I ever needed a job that he would have one for me. At the time, I didn't need a second job (as I already had one). But recently—over the past month—I decided to get another second part time job to help out with my ever-tightening wallet. I emailed said contact and he responded quite quickly, arranged a brief interview and proceeded to offer me the job right away. I was to work as the host and/or person who would be on the outside of the club, checking people off the guest list and checking ID's and turning people away if they don't fit the bill or if they're not on the guest list. I was to wear a (preferably) black suit and nice shoes.
My first night was the following Friday. I showed up in my closest imitation of a black suit, a dark gray suit and my comfortable johnston and murphy shoes (admittedly a bit beat up). I shadowed one of the regular hosts we'll call John. John is of Middle Eastern descent and was built similar to me yet with a voice that seemed closer to the villain from Only the Strong. He proceeded to act the part of the lecherous foreign guy with the two girls who were also working the front door area taking the cover charge money and handing out tickets and stamps. Also, much to my shock and amazement, it worked. They seemed to flirt back and laugh with his absurd and obvious machismo.
John and the other employees, who all shared the characteristic of having a non-u.s. nationality did their best to ignore me and pretend that I wasn't cool enough to work there, which, as it turns out, I wasn't. At various points throughout the evening they even proceeded to speak to each other in their native tongue when they were right next to me, a rude thing to do in any culture I'd imagine. One bouncer was kind enough to chat with me and make sure I was understanding the basic's of the biz.
The customers that evening seemed fairly calm and just up for having a good time. As the crowd was light that evening, and I wasn't really working as much as i was shadowing, they let me go early. I informed the nicer bouncer that I had plans for the Saturday and also the following weekend and was not going to be able to make it. He was nice enough to clear it with the main guy. I was told to try and have the black suit for the next time I work and also wear better shoes. Sometimes you gotta spend money to make money i guess.
Two weeks later I confirm that I can still come in on the Friday evening to work. I purchased new shoes and had a new very well-fitting black suit. I felt like "the shit."
I chugged an energy drink on the walk to work thinking "ok, I can do this...it's all about attitude and mindset." I had to be cleared, calling the manager and asking him if it is ok for me to come in, before even entering the place. I was told that I was to shadow the regular host. This guy (whom we'll call Matt), while similar to the aforementioned John, had a more understated cool and farted much less stinky machismo, but was still nonetheless "too cool for school." The manager had the same attitude and tried to make me feel about as unimportant as an insect and did his best to not make eye contact with me.
That evening I was able to get a better understanding of the club scene in DC. Not the crazy ghetto club idea or the rave glow-stick club, but the kind of club where one would expect to see Paris Hilton or one of those realty E channel celebs. In addition to that generally shallow façade, there were the regulars or those on the guest list. There was a very random mix of whites, blacks, europeans, asians, middle easterners, etc. Materialism and excess know no country lines, and neither does the attitude of entitlement.
I had made a contact through a volunteer event earlier this year. He was so impressed with my work ethic he said that if I ever needed a job that he would have one for me. At the time, I didn't need a second job (as I already had one). But recently—over the past month—I decided to get another second part time job to help out with my ever-tightening wallet. I emailed said contact and he responded quite quickly, arranged a brief interview and proceeded to offer me the job right away. I was to work as the host and/or person who would be on the outside of the club, checking people off the guest list and checking ID's and turning people away if they don't fit the bill or if they're not on the guest list. I was to wear a (preferably) black suit and nice shoes.
My first night was the following Friday. I showed up in my closest imitation of a black suit, a dark gray suit and my comfortable johnston and murphy shoes (admittedly a bit beat up). I shadowed one of the regular hosts we'll call John. John is of Middle Eastern descent and was built similar to me yet with a voice that seemed closer to the villain from Only the Strong. He proceeded to act the part of the lecherous foreign guy with the two girls who were also working the front door area taking the cover charge money and handing out tickets and stamps. Also, much to my shock and amazement, it worked. They seemed to flirt back and laugh with his absurd and obvious machismo.
John and the other employees, who all shared the characteristic of having a non-u.s. nationality did their best to ignore me and pretend that I wasn't cool enough to work there, which, as it turns out, I wasn't. At various points throughout the evening they even proceeded to speak to each other in their native tongue when they were right next to me, a rude thing to do in any culture I'd imagine. One bouncer was kind enough to chat with me and make sure I was understanding the basic's of the biz.
The customers that evening seemed fairly calm and just up for having a good time. As the crowd was light that evening, and I wasn't really working as much as i was shadowing, they let me go early. I informed the nicer bouncer that I had plans for the Saturday and also the following weekend and was not going to be able to make it. He was nice enough to clear it with the main guy. I was told to try and have the black suit for the next time I work and also wear better shoes. Sometimes you gotta spend money to make money i guess.
Two weeks later I confirm that I can still come in on the Friday evening to work. I purchased new shoes and had a new very well-fitting black suit. I felt like "the shit."
I chugged an energy drink on the walk to work thinking "ok, I can do this...it's all about attitude and mindset." I had to be cleared, calling the manager and asking him if it is ok for me to come in, before even entering the place. I was told that I was to shadow the regular host. This guy (whom we'll call Matt), while similar to the aforementioned John, had a more understated cool and farted much less stinky machismo, but was still nonetheless "too cool for school." The manager had the same attitude and tried to make me feel about as unimportant as an insect and did his best to not make eye contact with me.
That evening I was able to get a better understanding of the club scene in DC. Not the crazy ghetto club idea or the rave glow-stick club, but the kind of club where one would expect to see Paris Hilton or one of those realty E channel celebs. In addition to that generally shallow façade, there were the regulars or those on the guest list. There was a very random mix of whites, blacks, europeans, asians, middle easterners, etc. Materialism and excess know no country lines, and neither does the attitude of entitlement.
Friday, August 29, 2008
On Your Sleeve
Let me start off this newest post by qualifying my brief absence.
First off I was just plain tired of writing a blog and basically had/have nothing to say.
Secondly, I went on a brief vacation to the beaches in Delaware with a friend of mine. While drama ensued from third parties that we met up with at the time, my friend and I managed to enjoy just getting the hell away from our respective lives for a few days.
Thirdly I've been pulling in more and more freelance work. Not necessarily the kind of work I really want, but paying work. And speaking of paying work, I decided (prior to the influx of freelance work) that I need to procure yet another second job. See next reason.
Fourthly, I contacted a...um..contact that I made while volunteering at the FFP event at the Italian Embassy. He was happy with my hustle and work ethic at that event and mentioned that if I ever needed a job to contact him. So I did. Very quickly I found myself in the odd position of working the guest list/host for a very posh club in DC. (full description in upcoming post).
Fifthly (or filthily) I've been seeing someone. So, you know....I'd rather be seeing her than sitting in front of a glowing computer screen writing about god-knows-what.
Triathlon endeavors have been officially put off until next year. It is hard to participate in bricks and other type of activities when one (or juan) doesn't have a good or at least decent bike. However, I must keep an eye on swim classes and such since that is the area I am most severely lacking in endurance, technique...and well...I just plain suck.
Training for the Philly half marathon has also fallen into a lull. I think my sister has decided not to run it and therefore, I may not run it. I know it's not a good excuse. But the motivation isn't there anymore. Not like it was early this year to run the cherry blossom 10 miler. And running in the heat didn't treat me well.
Upcoming posts: MMA training; working the guest list
First off I was just plain tired of writing a blog and basically had/have nothing to say.
Secondly, I went on a brief vacation to the beaches in Delaware with a friend of mine. While drama ensued from third parties that we met up with at the time, my friend and I managed to enjoy just getting the hell away from our respective lives for a few days.
Thirdly I've been pulling in more and more freelance work. Not necessarily the kind of work I really want, but paying work. And speaking of paying work, I decided (prior to the influx of freelance work) that I need to procure yet another second job. See next reason.
Fourthly, I contacted a...um..contact that I made while volunteering at the FFP event at the Italian Embassy. He was happy with my hustle and work ethic at that event and mentioned that if I ever needed a job to contact him. So I did. Very quickly I found myself in the odd position of working the guest list/host for a very posh club in DC. (full description in upcoming post).
Fifthly (or filthily) I've been seeing someone. So, you know....I'd rather be seeing her than sitting in front of a glowing computer screen writing about god-knows-what.
Triathlon endeavors have been officially put off until next year. It is hard to participate in bricks and other type of activities when one (or juan) doesn't have a good or at least decent bike. However, I must keep an eye on swim classes and such since that is the area I am most severely lacking in endurance, technique...and well...I just plain suck.
Training for the Philly half marathon has also fallen into a lull. I think my sister has decided not to run it and therefore, I may not run it. I know it's not a good excuse. But the motivation isn't there anymore. Not like it was early this year to run the cherry blossom 10 miler. And running in the heat didn't treat me well.
Upcoming posts: MMA training; working the guest list
Monday, July 14, 2008
Fighting With the Sky
I finally found a great road/racing bike. It is a Trek 1500, cherry red, carbon seat post, carbon fork, and all around decent component setup. They reduced the price from $1100 to $899, so it seems like a pretty sweet deal and one that's hard to pass up. Unfortunately I don't qualify for the financing option (buy now, pay later deal) for various reasons. Also, I certainly don't have $899 to just handover for the bike. So, it looks like this will be the second item ever that I've put on "lay-away." The first being a left-handed epiphone les paul. While it isn't immediate gratification, I think paying for something in installments makes getting the item just a bit sweeter. So, I am looking forward to, in about 3 months, having a pretty sweet bike.
I had fully intended and committed to completing a seven mile run on sunday, as part of my ongoing half-marathon training. However, due to some confusion in direction I only ended up doing a 4.5 mile run. A bit disappointing. I'll have to check www.mapmyrun to figure out where I went wrong. I am also trying to find that inspiration or energy to do the mid-to-end-of-week run. On Tuesdays I typically do a spinning (interval) class that lasts 45 min to and hour. Then do a strength pilates class. Then ride or walk (depending if I have the bike) home. Then I'll do the 2 mile speedwork run. It usually feels really good and I amp myself up to do it. But as the week goes on and I hit the gym every day, going for a long run by myself doesn't seem as fun. I'm looking into www.meetup.com to see what running groups there are around. Perhaps that will help me with my training.
This is my general training schedule:
Monday: Circuit training with free weights and nautilus machines and a half hour ab workout.
45 minute - 1 hour cycling/interval class.
Tuesday: 45 minutes - 1 hour cycling class.
1 hour strength pilates class
2 mile run
Wednesday: Kendo
or circuit training with free weights and nautilus machines
I try to swim on the days I am at the gym, but can only do so for about 20 minutes. It isn't continuous, but swim for a minute or two, stop, swim, stop, etc.
Thursday: 45 minute - 1 hour cycling class
budokon class. This past week I was pretty frustrated with my lack of flexibility and overall strength, so after that class I ran a 8.40 minute mile and then spent around 10-15 minutes taking out my frustration on the punching bag. It felt really great to do that and I miss karate and kickboxing a bit.
Friday: Usually ends up being about 20-25 minutes cardio warm-up on either a treadmill or an eliptical trainer, followed by circuit training with free weights and nautilus equipment.
Saturday: Always an a.m. workout. 45 minute - 1 hour cycling/interval class. 1 hour budokon (more for beginners with basic and foundational moves) class.
Sunday: long run.
So, that is how my week(ends) look.
I had fully intended and committed to completing a seven mile run on sunday, as part of my ongoing half-marathon training. However, due to some confusion in direction I only ended up doing a 4.5 mile run. A bit disappointing. I'll have to check www.mapmyrun to figure out where I went wrong. I am also trying to find that inspiration or energy to do the mid-to-end-of-week run. On Tuesdays I typically do a spinning (interval) class that lasts 45 min to and hour. Then do a strength pilates class. Then ride or walk (depending if I have the bike) home. Then I'll do the 2 mile speedwork run. It usually feels really good and I amp myself up to do it. But as the week goes on and I hit the gym every day, going for a long run by myself doesn't seem as fun. I'm looking into www.meetup.com to see what running groups there are around. Perhaps that will help me with my training.
This is my general training schedule:
Monday: Circuit training with free weights and nautilus machines and a half hour ab workout.
45 minute - 1 hour cycling/interval class.
Tuesday: 45 minutes - 1 hour cycling class.
1 hour strength pilates class
2 mile run
Wednesday: Kendo
or circuit training with free weights and nautilus machines
I try to swim on the days I am at the gym, but can only do so for about 20 minutes. It isn't continuous, but swim for a minute or two, stop, swim, stop, etc.
Thursday: 45 minute - 1 hour cycling class
budokon class. This past week I was pretty frustrated with my lack of flexibility and overall strength, so after that class I ran a 8.40 minute mile and then spent around 10-15 minutes taking out my frustration on the punching bag. It felt really great to do that and I miss karate and kickboxing a bit.
Friday: Usually ends up being about 20-25 minutes cardio warm-up on either a treadmill or an eliptical trainer, followed by circuit training with free weights and nautilus equipment.
Saturday: Always an a.m. workout. 45 minute - 1 hour cycling/interval class. 1 hour budokon (more for beginners with basic and foundational moves) class.
Sunday: long run.
So, that is how my week(ends) look.
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