Last February I bought Aikido 3D, a computer program that shows various skills with 3D animated characters that were created using motion capture technology featuring an Aikido Master (with the option of voiceover of techniques). At the time I was still hoping to get back into martial arts, and found the program a lot of fun to check out. It really sparked my interest in the art. www.aikido3d.com
The same company that made that program 5 years ago had also just come out with a program for WTF Taekwondo, another art that kinda sparked my interest, albeit not as much as Aikido. This newer program was much more detailed with the background and the martial arts animated figures (once again using Taekwondo Masters with motion capture tech). www.tkd3d.com
Pretty cool, but I started to wonder if they'd either update the Aikido program or come out with a program for another martial art. As it turns out, they just updated the Aikido program with a 2.0 version. The graphics and details are much better, and give all kinds of good views for the practitioner. They even added a weapons expansion, timely since I just started practicing with Aikido weapons in class.
With the actual Aikido classes I've been taking since April, I've found the program to be more than helpful in my training, particularly with reviewing at home. Now, there are subtle differences in techniques but that's to be expected.
Back when I first started studying the martial arts as a kid, I never thought I'd be using computer programs to help me study, particularly in a different art than the eclectic style of Kempo I was trained in. Of course I've never been that too far thinking in terms of the technological wonders that have expanded since I was a kid. Seriously, the first time I set up an email account I felt like an old grandpa.
Welcome to the future...help with your martial arts training is now a click away!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Routine
A big part of my job as a Paramedic involves transporting patients from our small hospital in northern New Hampshire to some of the bigger specialty hospitals . It's just something we have to do whenever a patient has a particular health issue or major trauma.
The three main hospitals we transfer people to are in Hanover NH, Manchester NH, and Portland Maine. In a weird coincidence, it takes about two hours and fifteen minutes to drive to any of those three locations from our neck of the woods in Berlin NH.
At my level as a Paramedic, I'm usually in the back attending to the patient while my EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate partners drive, depending on the severity. One example: I usually get to drive if it's a psychiatric transfer, since they just need the stable environment and no real life saving meds handy.
My routine for transfers is pretty standard. We meet the patient after getting all our info and paperwork set by the Doctors and Nurses, get the patient loaded on our stretcher (gurney), whatever you wanna call it. Then we'll make sure we have all Intravenous pumps with us if we're providing fluids and medication along the ride. Portable oxygen. Sometimes our portable cardiac monitors we'll set up to our patient before or after they're on our stretcher.
Then once we have the patient loaded in our truck, I'll get a first set of vitals signs, which include pulse, respirations, blood pressure and an oxygen saturation percentage. If the patient is attached to our monitor I'll make note of the rhythm , and then we're on the road.
At this time I usually talk to the patient while going over their medical history in the packet of info that's going to the other hospital. I'll make notes for the patient's medication, allergies, medical history and what led up to our little ride out of town. I alway like looking in these packets, since they give me all the info I need, particularly what I can and can not give my patient for the ride, and what to keep an eye on.
Once I'm satisfied with what I've written down, I'll take vitals signs periodically and tend to my patients needs as needed. a lot of times our patients can sleep, watch something on our portable dvd player, or converse with us. I've had transfers where I've barely spoken to a patient, mainly because it was apparent they did not want to talk to me. Then there are others where we'll talk non-stop for a couple of hours. It can be pretty cool to learn about someone for the short time you're caring for them.
My first transfer, an elderly gentleman was telling me about his time as a soldier in WWII; fascinating stories. There've been other times where it was easy to connect the dots on "who i know that knows them" conversations. In a small town of 10,000, everybody almost knows everybody.
A lot of times people will be nervous. Can't blame them, they are in an ambulance after all. We do what we can to reassure them that the places we're bringing them to have some of the best specialists in their field.
Once we get our patient to their destination, we get our paperwork squared away with the Doctors and Nurses that are taking over care. We say our goodbyes, wish them the best, then put our ambulance back together for the next ride. Now we're usually over two hours away from home, and we'll go get some grub. Depending on the time of day, we usually have options. Thankfully most of the places we go there's usually a place we know of that's open 24/7. Truckstops are good for that! We get an amount we're allowed to put on our company credit card for a meal (thanks' boss!) and we're set for the ride back , particularly if we got some good java in us.
On the ride back, it's good to have a partner that isn't an asshole. There's one guy I work with who can turn into the whiniest little child in the world. "We're all going to hell, and so's the world, rabble rabble rabble". While this can be annoying, there are various ways to play mind games with curmudgeon partners like this. I'll bring up some of those stories another time.
Usually my partner and I can listen to some tunes or podcasts we agree on. Sometimes one of us will try and get some sleep, in case whichever one of us driving gets tired later (varying on time of night/morning).
After we get back to town, we drop off any equipment we borrowed from the hospital, gas up the ambulance, then go back and wash our trucks and do our paperwork. All in all, about 7 hours usually from start to finish of a transfer. Just part of the job for us north country ambulance monkeys.
The three main hospitals we transfer people to are in Hanover NH, Manchester NH, and Portland Maine. In a weird coincidence, it takes about two hours and fifteen minutes to drive to any of those three locations from our neck of the woods in Berlin NH.
At my level as a Paramedic, I'm usually in the back attending to the patient while my EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate partners drive, depending on the severity. One example: I usually get to drive if it's a psychiatric transfer, since they just need the stable environment and no real life saving meds handy.
My routine for transfers is pretty standard. We meet the patient after getting all our info and paperwork set by the Doctors and Nurses, get the patient loaded on our stretcher (gurney), whatever you wanna call it. Then we'll make sure we have all Intravenous pumps with us if we're providing fluids and medication along the ride. Portable oxygen. Sometimes our portable cardiac monitors we'll set up to our patient before or after they're on our stretcher.
Then once we have the patient loaded in our truck, I'll get a first set of vitals signs, which include pulse, respirations, blood pressure and an oxygen saturation percentage. If the patient is attached to our monitor I'll make note of the rhythm , and then we're on the road.
At this time I usually talk to the patient while going over their medical history in the packet of info that's going to the other hospital. I'll make notes for the patient's medication, allergies, medical history and what led up to our little ride out of town. I alway like looking in these packets, since they give me all the info I need, particularly what I can and can not give my patient for the ride, and what to keep an eye on.
Once I'm satisfied with what I've written down, I'll take vitals signs periodically and tend to my patients needs as needed. a lot of times our patients can sleep, watch something on our portable dvd player, or converse with us. I've had transfers where I've barely spoken to a patient, mainly because it was apparent they did not want to talk to me. Then there are others where we'll talk non-stop for a couple of hours. It can be pretty cool to learn about someone for the short time you're caring for them.
My first transfer, an elderly gentleman was telling me about his time as a soldier in WWII; fascinating stories. There've been other times where it was easy to connect the dots on "who i know that knows them" conversations. In a small town of 10,000, everybody almost knows everybody.
A lot of times people will be nervous. Can't blame them, they are in an ambulance after all. We do what we can to reassure them that the places we're bringing them to have some of the best specialists in their field.
Once we get our patient to their destination, we get our paperwork squared away with the Doctors and Nurses that are taking over care. We say our goodbyes, wish them the best, then put our ambulance back together for the next ride. Now we're usually over two hours away from home, and we'll go get some grub. Depending on the time of day, we usually have options. Thankfully most of the places we go there's usually a place we know of that's open 24/7. Truckstops are good for that! We get an amount we're allowed to put on our company credit card for a meal (thanks' boss!) and we're set for the ride back , particularly if we got some good java in us.
On the ride back, it's good to have a partner that isn't an asshole. There's one guy I work with who can turn into the whiniest little child in the world. "We're all going to hell, and so's the world, rabble rabble rabble". While this can be annoying, there are various ways to play mind games with curmudgeon partners like this. I'll bring up some of those stories another time.
Usually my partner and I can listen to some tunes or podcasts we agree on. Sometimes one of us will try and get some sleep, in case whichever one of us driving gets tired later (varying on time of night/morning).
After we get back to town, we drop off any equipment we borrowed from the hospital, gas up the ambulance, then go back and wash our trucks and do our paperwork. All in all, about 7 hours usually from start to finish of a transfer. Just part of the job for us north country ambulance monkeys.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
a year of good concerts...
After my breakup at the end of March, I was set with a new wealth of freedom. I'd gone from being a family guy in a long term relationship and stepfather role, to essentially having no one to be responsible for at home beyond myself. It was strange, but excellent at the same time. One of the things I promised myself with my newfound freedom, was that I'd make up for lost time by seeing a rock concert every month, seeing as how it'd been a few years since my last one.
The first concert was at the end of May. I'd always wanted to see the alt rock band Weezer. This band is geek rock at it's finest. They were playing down in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun. I have an old friend that lives nearby there, and the night of the concert happened to be her birthday, so along with a couple friends of hers, we made it a fun birthday night out for her. A good time had by all, and the band was awesome!
A couple weeks later in June, I saw Cake in Essex Junction, Vermont. It was another fun concert, with a strange family fair type atmosphere. I was there with three other couples, all friends of mine. It was kind of odd for me being the seventh wheel and all, but I stil had fun.
In July I visited my friend Jen in Nashua. Jen and I have the same last name, but not related, and since she was a couple years older than me, we always joked that she was my "big sister". On a whim we drove to Boston and happened to catch Tenacious D. Awesome comedic rock band! Headed by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, the band tends to mix 70's/80's hard rock with mystical midevil comedy. Thoroughly rocked!
In August I went to my first hometown of Bangor, Maine; visiting my friend Emily and her family. Emily, her friend Janine and I saw Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Cracker, Blues Traveler and the Barenaked Ladies. Excellent show! It was also nice to visit the town where I was born. I hadnt been back there since I was 15, a shame espcially considering my friend Emily had settled near there with her husband and kids so many years ago. Better late than never. I even stopped by my old home. That particular trip was also my longest motorcycle adventure of the summer.
Last, but certainly not least, was seeing one of my best friend's punk rock bands in Chicago in November. My good friend Jeremy works as a cop in Chicago, but also fronts a couple different punk rock bands as the lead singer. He'd been bugging me to visit him again (been 5 years), and I told him I'd do it, if he could give me a set day when his band the Modern Day Rippers would be performing. A date was sent to me, and i made the plans. Spent 5 days in Chicago. When I got to see my friend's band perform with a few others, it was apparent at that venue that the people were there to see the Modern Day Rippers. Awesome time.
I really think I made up for lost time with all the good shows I saw this past year. Next year I plan to see a couple shows, but not nearly as many as this year. I think I'll always remember 2012 for the good music...
The first concert was at the end of May. I'd always wanted to see the alt rock band Weezer. This band is geek rock at it's finest. They were playing down in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun. I have an old friend that lives nearby there, and the night of the concert happened to be her birthday, so along with a couple friends of hers, we made it a fun birthday night out for her. A good time had by all, and the band was awesome!
A couple weeks later in June, I saw Cake in Essex Junction, Vermont. It was another fun concert, with a strange family fair type atmosphere. I was there with three other couples, all friends of mine. It was kind of odd for me being the seventh wheel and all, but I stil had fun.
In July I visited my friend Jen in Nashua. Jen and I have the same last name, but not related, and since she was a couple years older than me, we always joked that she was my "big sister". On a whim we drove to Boston and happened to catch Tenacious D. Awesome comedic rock band! Headed by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, the band tends to mix 70's/80's hard rock with mystical midevil comedy. Thoroughly rocked!
In August I went to my first hometown of Bangor, Maine; visiting my friend Emily and her family. Emily, her friend Janine and I saw Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Cracker, Blues Traveler and the Barenaked Ladies. Excellent show! It was also nice to visit the town where I was born. I hadnt been back there since I was 15, a shame espcially considering my friend Emily had settled near there with her husband and kids so many years ago. Better late than never. I even stopped by my old home. That particular trip was also my longest motorcycle adventure of the summer.
Last, but certainly not least, was seeing one of my best friend's punk rock bands in Chicago in November. My good friend Jeremy works as a cop in Chicago, but also fronts a couple different punk rock bands as the lead singer. He'd been bugging me to visit him again (been 5 years), and I told him I'd do it, if he could give me a set day when his band the Modern Day Rippers would be performing. A date was sent to me, and i made the plans. Spent 5 days in Chicago. When I got to see my friend's band perform with a few others, it was apparent at that venue that the people were there to see the Modern Day Rippers. Awesome time.
I really think I made up for lost time with all the good shows I saw this past year. Next year I plan to see a couple shows, but not nearly as many as this year. I think I'll always remember 2012 for the good music...
Monday, December 3, 2012
Where's the snow?
I bought myself a pair of snowshoes, trekking poles and a pair of "stable-icers" this past weekend. We had snow on the ground... honestly we did! It was all pretty and stuff, and it's December!
One of the main reasons I enjoy living in the northeast is the specific seasons. I like the change. I want a white Christmas! Unfortunately the snow we received this weekend was rained out and melted by late Sunday morning.
I contemplated taking the motorcycle out in protest to mother nature, but with all the sand and salt on the roads, it would have been lousy riding. Now I have these new snowshoes ready to hit the trails, but anxiously awaiting the white stuff.
I'd only taken up snowshoeing a few years ago, and in that time borrowed my girlfriend's (now ex) father's old fashioned style snowshoes. The new one's I've got have crampons on the bottom as well, something that will help on the steeper aspects of the trails I usually use. This year I'm hoping to get out on the trails more to continue enjoying the outdoors on hikes.
So bring on the snow!
One of the main reasons I enjoy living in the northeast is the specific seasons. I like the change. I want a white Christmas! Unfortunately the snow we received this weekend was rained out and melted by late Sunday morning.
I contemplated taking the motorcycle out in protest to mother nature, but with all the sand and salt on the roads, it would have been lousy riding. Now I have these new snowshoes ready to hit the trails, but anxiously awaiting the white stuff.
I'd only taken up snowshoeing a few years ago, and in that time borrowed my girlfriend's (now ex) father's old fashioned style snowshoes. The new one's I've got have crampons on the bottom as well, something that will help on the steeper aspects of the trails I usually use. This year I'm hoping to get out on the trails more to continue enjoying the outdoors on hikes.
So bring on the snow!
Friday, November 30, 2012
small class
Aikido has been going relatively well. I've enjoyed what I've been learning a great deal. However, I'm now the only regular student.
Another fellow black belt in a style of Kenpo, Jeff had been attending the class regularly as well. We worked well with each other. When studying the martial arts, it's good to have people that you're tossing around, and who toss you around to have a mutual respect. Makes things less awkward when one of you does get tossed a little too well.
Unfortunately, Jeff moved from NH to the other side of the country last month. Over the past month, Jack Sensei and I have simply coordinated various times when we could meet. Due to the holidays and a trip I took to Chicago, we only met once a week. Now we're back to meeting twice a week, although we'll take the week of Christmas off.
The days we did meet this past month, we doubled up on the time in class to make up for the other days missed. It's been a lot like taking private lessons, and I'm progressing well. It's fun to learn!
I'll be testing again in January. Still enjoying the art of Aikido.
Another fellow black belt in a style of Kenpo, Jeff had been attending the class regularly as well. We worked well with each other. When studying the martial arts, it's good to have people that you're tossing around, and who toss you around to have a mutual respect. Makes things less awkward when one of you does get tossed a little too well.
Unfortunately, Jeff moved from NH to the other side of the country last month. Over the past month, Jack Sensei and I have simply coordinated various times when we could meet. Due to the holidays and a trip I took to Chicago, we only met once a week. Now we're back to meeting twice a week, although we'll take the week of Christmas off.
The days we did meet this past month, we doubled up on the time in class to make up for the other days missed. It's been a lot like taking private lessons, and I'm progressing well. It's fun to learn!
I'll be testing again in January. Still enjoying the art of Aikido.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Bad blogger
I've been a procrastinator when it comes to this blog. Only real excuse I have is apathy to the idea at times.
However, I do find myself , almost daily, thinking to myself that certain thoughts I'm having should be posted.
So, starting tomorrow (procrastinator), I plan to contribute to this blog at least twice a week, but preferrably every other day. Over the next few weeks I'll get into a little more detail about my adventures this summer, being single again, going to concerts, continuing my Aikido studies, adventures in being a Paramedic, and getting back into dating again. Spoiler alert: new girlfriend.
So yeah... I'm gonna blog more!
However, I do find myself , almost daily, thinking to myself that certain thoughts I'm having should be posted.
So, starting tomorrow (procrastinator), I plan to contribute to this blog at least twice a week, but preferrably every other day. Over the next few weeks I'll get into a little more detail about my adventures this summer, being single again, going to concerts, continuing my Aikido studies, adventures in being a Paramedic, and getting back into dating again. Spoiler alert: new girlfriend.
So yeah... I'm gonna blog more!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Online
Recently I came to a realization that I'd been single six months now, with pretty much nothing going on in the romance department. Honestly, I've mostly been avoiding any type of romantic entanglements. There was a nice lady I'd asked out in August, and even went on a nice date, but it was apparent (to me at least) that she wasnt all that interested in me romantically.
I kind of shrugged it off, thinking maybe I wasn't ready to date again. But now I feel I've had a good buffer between my last relationship, along with a pretty damn good summer of fun with my friends. However, I'm not a fan of going to the bars any more to go "trolling" for whatever single women are hanging out in the local bars. No offense to them, but that scene just doesn't do it for me.
Of course, I'm kind of the odd man out amongst my friends. I'm in my early thirties and most of my friends are married with children, so even going to a bar, I have no wingmen... on my own. And going to a bar on my own is another weird thing, or at least it feels weird.
A friend suggested I try an online site to meet women. I tried this once before, about a week before I became involved with my last girlfriend. So I never even had much of a chance to really use that kind of dating venue. I never gave the online thing much of a thought, since I figured living up in such a rural area, it would be hard to meet women.
But I'm expanding my horizons. What have I got to lose? I recently signed up for one of the big online dating sites. Nothing really to speak of yet, but we'll see how it goes. In the meantime, my free time tends to fill up quickly with stuff to do with my friends. Whether I meet a good lady online or out and about in the world, the important thing is that I feel ready to "get back out there".
An old friend once told me his philosophy on relationships: "We are all like rays of light shining out across the universe. Sometimes we find other rays of light that we travel with for a time, some for all time, others for only a short time. But we are not the only bright spots in the universe, and there is always another ray of light out there".
I'm ready for that next ray of light...
I kind of shrugged it off, thinking maybe I wasn't ready to date again. But now I feel I've had a good buffer between my last relationship, along with a pretty damn good summer of fun with my friends. However, I'm not a fan of going to the bars any more to go "trolling" for whatever single women are hanging out in the local bars. No offense to them, but that scene just doesn't do it for me.
Of course, I'm kind of the odd man out amongst my friends. I'm in my early thirties and most of my friends are married with children, so even going to a bar, I have no wingmen... on my own. And going to a bar on my own is another weird thing, or at least it feels weird.
A friend suggested I try an online site to meet women. I tried this once before, about a week before I became involved with my last girlfriend. So I never even had much of a chance to really use that kind of dating venue. I never gave the online thing much of a thought, since I figured living up in such a rural area, it would be hard to meet women.
But I'm expanding my horizons. What have I got to lose? I recently signed up for one of the big online dating sites. Nothing really to speak of yet, but we'll see how it goes. In the meantime, my free time tends to fill up quickly with stuff to do with my friends. Whether I meet a good lady online or out and about in the world, the important thing is that I feel ready to "get back out there".
An old friend once told me his philosophy on relationships: "We are all like rays of light shining out across the universe. Sometimes we find other rays of light that we travel with for a time, some for all time, others for only a short time. But we are not the only bright spots in the universe, and there is always another ray of light out there".
I'm ready for that next ray of light...
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
one without the other...
I've been enjoying my martial arts training over the past five months in Aikido. It's been invigorating to train with other martial artists again, throwing each other around, off balancing and such. I started the class at a time when I really needed it. I'd been out of regular practice with other people for so long that I was starting to feel like a part of me had been caged.
One of the odd aspects of Aikido is the lack of strikes that are utilized. In most schools of Aikido, and "atemi" is thrown as a strike, but very lightly, more like a faint to confuse your attacker. This goes along with the philosophy that centered on protecting your opponent almost as much as protecting yourself. This is a way to promote peace and harmony, if possible.
I like the ideal; it's part of what drew me to Aikido to begin with. However, I have a healthy understanding to know that some techniques associated with Aikido will not always work, and that sometimes, an opponent needs a good shock to the system.
The kung fu I learned before had a very even blend of various punches, kicks, strikes, grips and throws. It was an all-around good system. I continue to regularly practice various strikes on my body opponent bag, which helps with focus and a good release of steam.
Sometimes cross training is good
One of the odd aspects of Aikido is the lack of strikes that are utilized. In most schools of Aikido, and "atemi" is thrown as a strike, but very lightly, more like a faint to confuse your attacker. This goes along with the philosophy that centered on protecting your opponent almost as much as protecting yourself. This is a way to promote peace and harmony, if possible.
I like the ideal; it's part of what drew me to Aikido to begin with. However, I have a healthy understanding to know that some techniques associated with Aikido will not always work, and that sometimes, an opponent needs a good shock to the system.
The kung fu I learned before had a very even blend of various punches, kicks, strikes, grips and throws. It was an all-around good system. I continue to regularly practice various strikes on my body opponent bag, which helps with focus and a good release of steam.
Sometimes cross training is good
Monday, September 10, 2012
Uphill with a smile
Over the past month I've gotten into doing some regular hiking. Part of my way of getting fit and getting outside more. Living in the White Mountains of NH means I'm living in a virtual playground for hikers. Even in my town of Berlin there are plenty of places to go hiking.
About 4 blocks down the street from me sits Mount Jasper. A small mountain just behind the local high school. For a quick hike up and and back, it works quite well. I usually get from the my house to the top within thirty minutes. Makes for a good semi quick cardio workout. While a short hike, the views from the top are excellent. I can see most of my town from there.
By this time next year I hope to have hiked up the Presidential Range, particularly Mt Washington. Sadly the only one I've been up before is Mt Adams. I'm looking forward to this challenge...
About 4 blocks down the street from me sits Mount Jasper. A small mountain just behind the local high school. For a quick hike up and and back, it works quite well. I usually get from the my house to the top within thirty minutes. Makes for a good semi quick cardio workout. While a short hike, the views from the top are excellent. I can see most of my town from there.
By this time next year I hope to have hiked up the Presidential Range, particularly Mt Washington. Sadly the only one I've been up before is Mt Adams. I'm looking forward to this challenge...
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2 wheels good... three wheels ...different-er
Trike Motorcycles have been around for years. In fact, my Aunt Denise used to drive one around quite a few years ago (she's a bad ass, or at least used to be. Now she drives a Smart Car). I even know a guy I was in a short film with that rides around on a traditional Trike, with the rear composed of an old VW car and engine, with a motorcycle type front wheel and handlebars. It's all decked out with a Native American theme. With his mohawk, it makes for a sight when he's riding down the road. (And now just realizing, why haven't I asked him to try his trike?)
Back in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder debuted. It's the flip side of the traditional motorcycle trike. These machines have the single wheel in the back (with power generated to via belt drive), with two wheels up front. Very cool-looking machines. It was created by Bombardier, known for their ATV's and snowmobiles. No other company makes Trikes like these
I've always wanted to try one, at the same time knowing I'd never want to own one. I figured they looked cool and all, but I loved the two wheeled motorcycles better. At that point you're just one step away from driving a sports car.
Nearby where I go for Aikido classes there's a dealership that rents the machines for 4-8 hours. I decided after class on Saturday to stop by the dealership and check it out.
It wasn't cheap, cost me about $190 once all fees/insurance was factored in. But it's been a decent summer for me financially, and you only live once.
After an introduction to how to maneuver in the parking lot, I was on the road for the next four hours with this unique machine.
The first thing to note is the lack of a "front" brake, as usually part of the right handlebar. Front/Rear brakes are applied via the right foot, where traditionally the rear brake is on a motorcycle. There's a push button for a parking break as well. The machines is a 5 speed, with reverse one click down from 1st when you push the R button.
The ride was excellent. Weird at first when steering. Whether motorcycling or cycling on two wheels, counter steering is the way to properly steer , but with trikes you figuratively steer the regularly using the handlebars. I actually wondered what the difference would feel like if they used a steering wheel on these. Didn't take me long to get used to. The front tires have unique traction and stability control. At no time did I feel like I might flip the trike on sharp corners.
So I rode around for four hours, with a break for lunch at my favorite cafe. Excellent riding, particularly with clear sunny skies. No issues with the ride. It was fun, but not something I'd want to own. Still love my two wheeled ride...
Back in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder debuted. It's the flip side of the traditional motorcycle trike. These machines have the single wheel in the back (with power generated to via belt drive), with two wheels up front. Very cool-looking machines. It was created by Bombardier, known for their ATV's and snowmobiles. No other company makes Trikes like these
I've always wanted to try one, at the same time knowing I'd never want to own one. I figured they looked cool and all, but I loved the two wheeled motorcycles better. At that point you're just one step away from driving a sports car.
Nearby where I go for Aikido classes there's a dealership that rents the machines for 4-8 hours. I decided after class on Saturday to stop by the dealership and check it out.
It wasn't cheap, cost me about $190 once all fees/insurance was factored in. But it's been a decent summer for me financially, and you only live once.
After an introduction to how to maneuver in the parking lot, I was on the road for the next four hours with this unique machine.
The first thing to note is the lack of a "front" brake, as usually part of the right handlebar. Front/Rear brakes are applied via the right foot, where traditionally the rear brake is on a motorcycle. There's a push button for a parking break as well. The machines is a 5 speed, with reverse one click down from 1st when you push the R button.
The ride was excellent. Weird at first when steering. Whether motorcycling or cycling on two wheels, counter steering is the way to properly steer , but with trikes you figuratively steer the regularly using the handlebars. I actually wondered what the difference would feel like if they used a steering wheel on these. Didn't take me long to get used to. The front tires have unique traction and stability control. At no time did I feel like I might flip the trike on sharp corners.
So I rode around for four hours, with a break for lunch at my favorite cafe. Excellent riding, particularly with clear sunny skies. No issues with the ride. It was fun, but not something I'd want to own. Still love my two wheeled ride...
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
the First House
I was born in Bangor, Maine. One of the bigger cities in Maine. I'd lived in the area until I was 8 years old, when my parents, my younger brother and I moved to Berlin, NH, where my parents both grew up. I remember various things about the first 8 years. I don't remember the first apartment, and then trailer park my parents lived in during my first couple years.
I do remember their first house, right in Bangor. It was a small bungalow, with one bedroom on the second floor for my parents, and my small bedroom just off the kitchen and dining room on the first floor. We had a small back yard, and a patio my father and friends built. A nice front porch. Brown paint with white trim.
The street we lived on intersected the street Stephen King's house is on. My parents told me I was too afraid to go to his house on Halloween, this being the very early 80's and Mr. King not being as super famous as he is today. Not sure if he still does this, but back then he would put on a grand Halloween decoration scene at his house.
A couple houses down and across from us my friend Aaron lived with his family. Pretty much the quintessential childhood best friend. My parents have pictures of us together during Halloween and birthday parties.
Next door to us was a blue house where an old widow lived. Mrs. Moore was a very nice lady. With my grandparents all about a 3-4 hour drive away, it was like having a surrogate grandmother right next door. She'd occasionally babysit me. And I was always welcome to visit her. She'd let me play on her exercise bike, would tell me stories about when she was younger and about her husband, and she always had cranberry juice just for me. I still have a quilt she made me.
We moved just prior to when I started Kindergarten. My brother was born in May of that year, and that little bungalow of a house wouldn't do for the bigger family. So my parents moved us to a huge log home in a nearby rural town. New friends were made, new adventures. Good times.
Recently I visited the old house in Bangor. I'd gone to a concert with a friend in Bangor the night before, and stayed at the place she, her husband and kids lived in nearby Winterport, their first house. The next day I decided to check it out.
Thanks to the technology of Google Maps, I was able to get a first hand street view look of the place before I left for my trip. I pull over on my motorcycle, and there it is. Same paint scheme and everything. Even Mrs. Moore's house was the same blue color. Now I felt weird. I'm a big burly guy showing up on a motorcycle taking random pics of a couple different houses with my cell phone. I kept expecting people to poke their heads out the window to give me weird looks. I didn't check out much more of the Bangor area, but thought it was pretty cool to ride around before the long ride back home.
Kindergarten is starting this week for a lot of new students. And I wonder about the little one that used to live here, herself starting kindergarten in Rhode Island. I still miss the kiddo, and wonder if she'll remember this house.
I do remember their first house, right in Bangor. It was a small bungalow, with one bedroom on the second floor for my parents, and my small bedroom just off the kitchen and dining room on the first floor. We had a small back yard, and a patio my father and friends built. A nice front porch. Brown paint with white trim.
The street we lived on intersected the street Stephen King's house is on. My parents told me I was too afraid to go to his house on Halloween, this being the very early 80's and Mr. King not being as super famous as he is today. Not sure if he still does this, but back then he would put on a grand Halloween decoration scene at his house.
A couple houses down and across from us my friend Aaron lived with his family. Pretty much the quintessential childhood best friend. My parents have pictures of us together during Halloween and birthday parties.
Next door to us was a blue house where an old widow lived. Mrs. Moore was a very nice lady. With my grandparents all about a 3-4 hour drive away, it was like having a surrogate grandmother right next door. She'd occasionally babysit me. And I was always welcome to visit her. She'd let me play on her exercise bike, would tell me stories about when she was younger and about her husband, and she always had cranberry juice just for me. I still have a quilt she made me.
We moved just prior to when I started Kindergarten. My brother was born in May of that year, and that little bungalow of a house wouldn't do for the bigger family. So my parents moved us to a huge log home in a nearby rural town. New friends were made, new adventures. Good times.
Recently I visited the old house in Bangor. I'd gone to a concert with a friend in Bangor the night before, and stayed at the place she, her husband and kids lived in nearby Winterport, their first house. The next day I decided to check it out.
Thanks to the technology of Google Maps, I was able to get a first hand street view look of the place before I left for my trip. I pull over on my motorcycle, and there it is. Same paint scheme and everything. Even Mrs. Moore's house was the same blue color. Now I felt weird. I'm a big burly guy showing up on a motorcycle taking random pics of a couple different houses with my cell phone. I kept expecting people to poke their heads out the window to give me weird looks. I didn't check out much more of the Bangor area, but thought it was pretty cool to ride around before the long ride back home.
Kindergarten is starting this week for a lot of new students. And I wonder about the little one that used to live here, herself starting kindergarten in Rhode Island. I still miss the kiddo, and wonder if she'll remember this house.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
certificate
This morning in our Aikido class, my fellow Aikidoka Jeff and I were presented with our certificates for completing 5th Kyu in Aikido, from the headquaters of our small school and the Baltimore Aikido school... in Hawai'i.
Hawai'i... really, that's how they spell it. Neat. It's kinda nice to have the certificate. Even bought a frame for it. It will sit in my basement next to my framed Third Dan in Ninpo Chuan Fa and black belt.
Aikido rankings go from 6th Kyu (beginner) to 1st Kyu, with students wearing a white belt with their gi. After 1st Kyu, we'll test of 1st Dan (1st degree Black Belt), after that, it's black belts and Hakamas, which are black skirt-like pants that the samurai used to wear. My good friend Leane and I refer to them as the "fancy pants".
I'm really enjoying the class right now. Fellow student Jeff is an athletic guy in his 40's with a black belt in Kenpo. With just the two of us, it's kind of like private lessons with Jack Henry, our sensei. We've really been moving along in our studies, although Jeff and I both get tripped up in certain moves and how we try to not resort to old moves we know from the other styles we're trained in.
Lately I've taken some steps on behalf and at the request of Jack Sensei to set up a Facebook page for our group. I've gotten some friends to "like" the page. Also put up a few flyers for the school around the area. Jack is hoping we could get at least a few more people to round out the class. He started teaching Aikido at a health club in North Conway in February this year, there have been a few headaches with the club, such as having to switch rooms and mats around every class, and some overlap of other classes there. That'll be coming to an end, as the program is being moved to Conway at a local Yoga studio next month. Maybe we'll have a few less headaches with that.
Hawai'i... really, that's how they spell it. Neat. It's kinda nice to have the certificate. Even bought a frame for it. It will sit in my basement next to my framed Third Dan in Ninpo Chuan Fa and black belt.
Aikido rankings go from 6th Kyu (beginner) to 1st Kyu, with students wearing a white belt with their gi. After 1st Kyu, we'll test of 1st Dan (1st degree Black Belt), after that, it's black belts and Hakamas, which are black skirt-like pants that the samurai used to wear. My good friend Leane and I refer to them as the "fancy pants".
I'm really enjoying the class right now. Fellow student Jeff is an athletic guy in his 40's with a black belt in Kenpo. With just the two of us, it's kind of like private lessons with Jack Henry, our sensei. We've really been moving along in our studies, although Jeff and I both get tripped up in certain moves and how we try to not resort to old moves we know from the other styles we're trained in.
Lately I've taken some steps on behalf and at the request of Jack Sensei to set up a Facebook page for our group. I've gotten some friends to "like" the page. Also put up a few flyers for the school around the area. Jack is hoping we could get at least a few more people to round out the class. He started teaching Aikido at a health club in North Conway in February this year, there have been a few headaches with the club, such as having to switch rooms and mats around every class, and some overlap of other classes there. That'll be coming to an end, as the program is being moved to Conway at a local Yoga studio next month. Maybe we'll have a few less headaches with that.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Runs on calories...
Earlier this week I took my mountain bike for a sixteen mile round trip to the next town up north into the local village. It was a hot day, humid too. One of those days where a lot of people just stay by their air conditioners. However, I was feeling pretty good, particularly after an excellent weightlifting workout in my basement, where it's always nice and cool in the summer.
My ride went well, with just a gentle enough breeze to make the heat bearable. Thought I was drinking enough water, but when I got home I felt like I walked into brick wall. I recovered with some good hydration and proper food. Made me pretty tired for my Aikido class later though.
Sadly enough I've only taken my mountain bike out once this year, and only a handful of times last year when I bought it.
This year's different though. Being single again has been kind of a wake up call on getting my weight under control. Really not feeling comfortable in my own skin right now, excess baggage and such. I think getting on the bicycle regularly will help me out like it did oh so many years ago when I went from being a husky teen to the kinda guy that was actually in pretty good shape and thinking of going to college to become a personal trainer.
Going to school for Culinary Arts kinda sent me the other way. My own fault.
Also, some friends of mine opened up a bicycle shop in the next town south of here. They have group rides every wednesday and sunday evenings, so I'll have to check those out when my schedule permits.
Not liking the new bike I bought though. Got talked into the mountain bike I have, when I really should have gotten more of a Road/Commuter bike. Soon I'll have to get rid of the bicycle for something more fitting for the road riding I prefer to do. Also, need a better saddle. I'll be ordering through my friends' shop to help support their new business. They sell Jamis bicycles, a company out of New Jersey.
Think I'll go check out their website...
My ride went well, with just a gentle enough breeze to make the heat bearable. Thought I was drinking enough water, but when I got home I felt like I walked into brick wall. I recovered with some good hydration and proper food. Made me pretty tired for my Aikido class later though.
Sadly enough I've only taken my mountain bike out once this year, and only a handful of times last year when I bought it.
This year's different though. Being single again has been kind of a wake up call on getting my weight under control. Really not feeling comfortable in my own skin right now, excess baggage and such. I think getting on the bicycle regularly will help me out like it did oh so many years ago when I went from being a husky teen to the kinda guy that was actually in pretty good shape and thinking of going to college to become a personal trainer.
Going to school for Culinary Arts kinda sent me the other way. My own fault.
Also, some friends of mine opened up a bicycle shop in the next town south of here. They have group rides every wednesday and sunday evenings, so I'll have to check those out when my schedule permits.
Not liking the new bike I bought though. Got talked into the mountain bike I have, when I really should have gotten more of a Road/Commuter bike. Soon I'll have to get rid of the bicycle for something more fitting for the road riding I prefer to do. Also, need a better saddle. I'll be ordering through my friends' shop to help support their new business. They sell Jamis bicycles, a company out of New Jersey.
Think I'll go check out their website...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Aikido
Over the past couple months I've had the opportunity to take martial arts classes again. An Aikido program opened up in North Conway , about a 45 minute drive away, at a local health club.
The instructor, Jack Henry, is a second degree black belt Aikido. He and his wife moved up from Baltimore to the N.Conway area to semi-retire. Jack is a former school teacher, and he definitely looks the part. While he and his wife enjoy northern NH, he really started to miss his Aikido classes, so why not start teaching?
The classes are held at 121 Fit. One hour classes every Thursday evening and Saturday morning. I'm one of only a few regular students. The price is $50 a month, which basically just pays for the fees to use the rooms and mats at the club. Basically means Jack is doing this pretty much non-profit, and mainly so he can spread the art he's come to enjoy with others.
Aikido is unique in that there are very few, if any strikes, including kicks/punches. The philosophy by it's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was to harmonize with one's opponent, to blend with an attacker's energy and take control of their "center". A person's center, or "Hara" is located approx two inches below the naval. A big part of the manipulations focuses on one's center, and being in control of it. The best way I can describe it, is that with it's focus on protecting your opponent, it's an ideal martial art for hippies!
One thing that makes it easy to converse with Jack Sensei, is that he also has a 2nd degree black belt in Kempo, the style that formed the biggest aspect of Ninpo Chuan Fa, the style that I'm a 3rd degree black belt in. Strangely enough, the only other regular student , Jeff, is also a former practitioner of Kempo, with a first degree black belt.
One of the more fun classes have involved a couple of my fellow black belts from the old school joining me for class. Leane was able to go to a few classes, and Tim joined us for one as well. While they both enjoyed it, they both lead busy lives, so have not made it a regular thing. That particular class which had Leane, Time and I was particularly fun, especially for Jack. He was very impressed with all of us, and appreciated how open we were to learning.
Also, just recently, my young friend and author Kyle, who has also learned from John, has started attending classes, car-pooling with me. I could see the doubt in his eyes as I explained how Aikido works. Aikido can look pretty fake and impractical to the outside observer, particularly if they've studied other arts before ( I know I did). After his first class, I could see how excited he was, and he plans on being a regular student. Kinda cool that I have a kindred spirit to car-pool with.
The Aikido 3D program has actually come in handy pretty well! It's helped me to understand the moves I'd been learning from all angles. An excellent purchase that was. It's particularly helping me prepare for June 30th, when I'll take my first test, for 5th Kyu. In contrast, the last martial arts test I took was for my 3rd Degree Black Belt, eleven years ago!
In Aikido schools, there are 5 Kyu levels to obtain before testing for 1st Dan, or 1st degree Black Belt. In most of these schools, all Kyu levels are white belts. I ordered myself a new Gi with white belt. Kinda neat to put on a new uniform, and particularly a white belt!
I'm enjoying my time with the class, and will definitely be sticking with it. I do still miss studying Ninpo Chuan Fa with John, and I will be sending him an email soon to check back if he'd be up for teaching again, even if it was just teaching me private lessons.
After a year of reading multiple books on various martial arts and missing the practice, it's quite satisfying to to be back in groove again, even if studying something new!
Konnichiwa
The instructor, Jack Henry, is a second degree black belt Aikido. He and his wife moved up from Baltimore to the N.Conway area to semi-retire. Jack is a former school teacher, and he definitely looks the part. While he and his wife enjoy northern NH, he really started to miss his Aikido classes, so why not start teaching?
The classes are held at 121 Fit. One hour classes every Thursday evening and Saturday morning. I'm one of only a few regular students. The price is $50 a month, which basically just pays for the fees to use the rooms and mats at the club. Basically means Jack is doing this pretty much non-profit, and mainly so he can spread the art he's come to enjoy with others.
Aikido is unique in that there are very few, if any strikes, including kicks/punches. The philosophy by it's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was to harmonize with one's opponent, to blend with an attacker's energy and take control of their "center". A person's center, or "Hara" is located approx two inches below the naval. A big part of the manipulations focuses on one's center, and being in control of it. The best way I can describe it, is that with it's focus on protecting your opponent, it's an ideal martial art for hippies!
One thing that makes it easy to converse with Jack Sensei, is that he also has a 2nd degree black belt in Kempo, the style that formed the biggest aspect of Ninpo Chuan Fa, the style that I'm a 3rd degree black belt in. Strangely enough, the only other regular student , Jeff, is also a former practitioner of Kempo, with a first degree black belt.
One of the more fun classes have involved a couple of my fellow black belts from the old school joining me for class. Leane was able to go to a few classes, and Tim joined us for one as well. While they both enjoyed it, they both lead busy lives, so have not made it a regular thing. That particular class which had Leane, Time and I was particularly fun, especially for Jack. He was very impressed with all of us, and appreciated how open we were to learning.
Also, just recently, my young friend and author Kyle, who has also learned from John, has started attending classes, car-pooling with me. I could see the doubt in his eyes as I explained how Aikido works. Aikido can look pretty fake and impractical to the outside observer, particularly if they've studied other arts before ( I know I did). After his first class, I could see how excited he was, and he plans on being a regular student. Kinda cool that I have a kindred spirit to car-pool with.
The Aikido 3D program has actually come in handy pretty well! It's helped me to understand the moves I'd been learning from all angles. An excellent purchase that was. It's particularly helping me prepare for June 30th, when I'll take my first test, for 5th Kyu. In contrast, the last martial arts test I took was for my 3rd Degree Black Belt, eleven years ago!
In Aikido schools, there are 5 Kyu levels to obtain before testing for 1st Dan, or 1st degree Black Belt. In most of these schools, all Kyu levels are white belts. I ordered myself a new Gi with white belt. Kinda neat to put on a new uniform, and particularly a white belt!
I'm enjoying my time with the class, and will definitely be sticking with it. I do still miss studying Ninpo Chuan Fa with John, and I will be sending him an email soon to check back if he'd be up for teaching again, even if it was just teaching me private lessons.
After a year of reading multiple books on various martial arts and missing the practice, it's quite satisfying to to be back in groove again, even if studying something new!
Konnichiwa
Friday, June 8, 2012
moving on...
I've been avoiding this blog for a little while, mainly since I'm really not sure what to write about. My life has been in an odd state since becoming single again.
My ex girlfriend essentially gave full custody of her child to her ex-husband, lying to her family and I about what she was going to do with her daughter. And... there was another guy. So my respect for her is gone. I don't hate her, since hate implies that I want something bad to happen to her. If it wasn't for her family, all of whom I still care for dearly, then I would hate her. It's tough being close friends with one of her sisters, who is also angry with her. I had one friend tell me that her actions don't make her a bad person. My response was simply, "so cheating on her man and giving up primary custody of her child makes her a good person"? No reply after that. I thought I was a with a nice hippy chick, who turned into a shallow whiny child over the past year.
I really didn't want to blog about my breakup, but it would feel odd not to, like holding back. I'll forgive her someday, if she donates a kidney to someone I care about or cures cancer. A few people have a hard time with me being honest about my disdain for my ex. They don't like it, I ask them to take one moment and step into my shoes. I was a damn good boyfriend and also an excellent role model to Alice. I miss her dearly, and I feel now like all the time I spent with the little on was for nothing. However, as far as my ex goes, good riddance.
Ok, I'm done. I had to get that off my chest.
There have been some good things over the past couple months since. I'll get to those. Some good times to blog about.
Sorry about the angry blog folks. Promise there's positive energy I'll send out in the blogosphere soon.
Namaste and all that jive...
My ex girlfriend essentially gave full custody of her child to her ex-husband, lying to her family and I about what she was going to do with her daughter. And... there was another guy. So my respect for her is gone. I don't hate her, since hate implies that I want something bad to happen to her. If it wasn't for her family, all of whom I still care for dearly, then I would hate her. It's tough being close friends with one of her sisters, who is also angry with her. I had one friend tell me that her actions don't make her a bad person. My response was simply, "so cheating on her man and giving up primary custody of her child makes her a good person"? No reply after that. I thought I was a with a nice hippy chick, who turned into a shallow whiny child over the past year.
I really didn't want to blog about my breakup, but it would feel odd not to, like holding back. I'll forgive her someday, if she donates a kidney to someone I care about or cures cancer. A few people have a hard time with me being honest about my disdain for my ex. They don't like it, I ask them to take one moment and step into my shoes. I was a damn good boyfriend and also an excellent role model to Alice. I miss her dearly, and I feel now like all the time I spent with the little on was for nothing. However, as far as my ex goes, good riddance.
Ok, I'm done. I had to get that off my chest.
There have been some good things over the past couple months since. I'll get to those. Some good times to blog about.
Sorry about the angry blog folks. Promise there's positive energy I'll send out in the blogosphere soon.
Namaste and all that jive...
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Another chapter...
I haven't posted in a little while. Mostly due to uncertainty. Things had been in an odd state over the past month in my home, which I shared with my girlfriend and her five year old daughter.
That's now over. Despite my best efforts, my now ex-girlfriend and I became more distant. We broke up last Saturday. Without getting into details and finger pointing, the best I can say is that our relationship ran it's course. She and the kiddo will be moving back in with her parents, all in the midst of mediation and possible court issues with her ex husband on who will have little Alice during the school year, essentially the decision for primary custody. I wish her and her family the best, as I still believe Alice is better off with her mother.
So now a chapter in my life is ending, with a new one beginning. Really, I'm in a transitional stage. On Saturday when we broke up, she left to go back to her parents, and I went north to my part time job for a couple days. It was good to not be in the house. During this time I spent little time reflecting on the past, and a lot of time thinking about what's ahead. It made things easier.
Last night, when I returned home, it kinda hit me: I'm now in this house by myself. When I bought the place, I bought it in mind with making a good home for Marjie and Alice. Very little has been changed in the house so far, due to both of us being busy. Tomorrow I have off, and I'll be faced again with all the stuff in the house that isn't mine, that will need to be packed up. Some stuff will get moved around.
There are things I'm going to miss about the pseudo family life I had. The holidays are more fun with little kids, and summers have their own kinda fun: camping trips, theme parks. Then there are the days that were mostly Alice and I together. We had some fun times. The step-dad role had it's challenges and rewards. I'm really going to miss my time with her. The best part was reading her classic Winnie the Pooh stories as she'd fall asleep in my arms.
...I'm really going to miss that.
Moving on...
Concerning my previous posts about martial arts stuff. Never really set on a day for the old black belts from the former School of the Silent Warrior to meet up (that's mostly on me). I think I'm going to let that go now. If my old instructor wants to teach again, I'll be the first one in line. But it's up in the air if he will teach again, and I don't want to get my hopes up.
The new freedom with my schedule gives me the opportunity to try different martial arts programs each about an hour's drive away. In Lancaster, there's a long running, family run traditional Shotokan Karate school. And now in North Conway, there's an Aikido program being offered. Next week I'm going to observe one of the Aikido classes. Looking forward to it. It think it will be kinda cool to start over in a new art.
There are projects on the house to do now, with no one to consult on decor but me. Going to take out the tiles in the kitchen floor and replace with a nice laminate. Going to either paint the trim or hire somebody else to do it. There's also the issue of whether I'm going to put the pellet stove upstairs in the living room, or keep it in the basement and insulate the walls of the basement. I'm kinda torn on which one would be better, so I'm giving myself until August to make a decision on the matter.
I'm doing pretty well overall on seeing the positive side to my new semi-reluctant freedom. I'm still young, got a nice house, a full time job and part time job that I both love. I've got 10-13 weeks of paid vacation to use, with three of those weeks being used starting next week.
Adventures will be planned, some on the motorcycle (weather permitting). I'm going to make up for not seeing any concerts last year by going to one every month this summer. Already got the first one lined up next month. Others are in planning, and waiting on a few more dates to be added by particular artists I'd like to see.
Some of these adventures will be to visit friends I have not seen in a long time. Looking forward to those. Some of the concerts will be planned around these trips. Some trips will be on a whim, wherever my trusty motorcycle will take me.
Then there's NH motorcycle week. I'm going to spend at least a couple days down in the Laconia area, staying over one or two nights. Then I'm going to enjoy the rest of the week up north, with the annual Ride to the Sky up Mount Washington. Gonna end that week in Vermont, however, in Burlington (hopefully with a couple friends) to see another band in concert.
So in conclusion to this post, I'm now in an odd but good place. Yes, I'm going to mourn what I've lost, particularly after all I put into the past three years. But I know in the long run that this is what's best for me. The rest of this year I'm dedicating to me, with the things I want to do. This is prime time for me. I'm doing the job that I love, I've got a cool house. I'm still young and ruggedly handsome.
I have true friends and family that are all excellent.
And I have a motorcycle...
That's now over. Despite my best efforts, my now ex-girlfriend and I became more distant. We broke up last Saturday. Without getting into details and finger pointing, the best I can say is that our relationship ran it's course. She and the kiddo will be moving back in with her parents, all in the midst of mediation and possible court issues with her ex husband on who will have little Alice during the school year, essentially the decision for primary custody. I wish her and her family the best, as I still believe Alice is better off with her mother.
So now a chapter in my life is ending, with a new one beginning. Really, I'm in a transitional stage. On Saturday when we broke up, she left to go back to her parents, and I went north to my part time job for a couple days. It was good to not be in the house. During this time I spent little time reflecting on the past, and a lot of time thinking about what's ahead. It made things easier.
Last night, when I returned home, it kinda hit me: I'm now in this house by myself. When I bought the place, I bought it in mind with making a good home for Marjie and Alice. Very little has been changed in the house so far, due to both of us being busy. Tomorrow I have off, and I'll be faced again with all the stuff in the house that isn't mine, that will need to be packed up. Some stuff will get moved around.
There are things I'm going to miss about the pseudo family life I had. The holidays are more fun with little kids, and summers have their own kinda fun: camping trips, theme parks. Then there are the days that were mostly Alice and I together. We had some fun times. The step-dad role had it's challenges and rewards. I'm really going to miss my time with her. The best part was reading her classic Winnie the Pooh stories as she'd fall asleep in my arms.
...I'm really going to miss that.
Moving on...
Concerning my previous posts about martial arts stuff. Never really set on a day for the old black belts from the former School of the Silent Warrior to meet up (that's mostly on me). I think I'm going to let that go now. If my old instructor wants to teach again, I'll be the first one in line. But it's up in the air if he will teach again, and I don't want to get my hopes up.
The new freedom with my schedule gives me the opportunity to try different martial arts programs each about an hour's drive away. In Lancaster, there's a long running, family run traditional Shotokan Karate school. And now in North Conway, there's an Aikido program being offered. Next week I'm going to observe one of the Aikido classes. Looking forward to it. It think it will be kinda cool to start over in a new art.
There are projects on the house to do now, with no one to consult on decor but me. Going to take out the tiles in the kitchen floor and replace with a nice laminate. Going to either paint the trim or hire somebody else to do it. There's also the issue of whether I'm going to put the pellet stove upstairs in the living room, or keep it in the basement and insulate the walls of the basement. I'm kinda torn on which one would be better, so I'm giving myself until August to make a decision on the matter.
I'm doing pretty well overall on seeing the positive side to my new semi-reluctant freedom. I'm still young, got a nice house, a full time job and part time job that I both love. I've got 10-13 weeks of paid vacation to use, with three of those weeks being used starting next week.
Adventures will be planned, some on the motorcycle (weather permitting). I'm going to make up for not seeing any concerts last year by going to one every month this summer. Already got the first one lined up next month. Others are in planning, and waiting on a few more dates to be added by particular artists I'd like to see.
Some of these adventures will be to visit friends I have not seen in a long time. Looking forward to those. Some of the concerts will be planned around these trips. Some trips will be on a whim, wherever my trusty motorcycle will take me.
Then there's NH motorcycle week. I'm going to spend at least a couple days down in the Laconia area, staying over one or two nights. Then I'm going to enjoy the rest of the week up north, with the annual Ride to the Sky up Mount Washington. Gonna end that week in Vermont, however, in Burlington (hopefully with a couple friends) to see another band in concert.
So in conclusion to this post, I'm now in an odd but good place. Yes, I'm going to mourn what I've lost, particularly after all I put into the past three years. But I know in the long run that this is what's best for me. The rest of this year I'm dedicating to me, with the things I want to do. This is prime time for me. I'm doing the job that I love, I've got a cool house. I'm still young and ruggedly handsome.
I have true friends and family that are all excellent.
And I have a motorcycle...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
well, that's not happening...
Tim's ambiguous to the idea now, and Leane's got other things lined up, so there will be no basement kung fu with other people for now. Oh well.
Otherwise, business as usual. I'm taking my swee time reading Kyle's book, but I'll probably get to finishing it next week. I was informed that Kyle paid some company to edit his book, which was done piss-poorly. It looks like all they did was run it through a spell check. Quite a few mistakes with words meaning spelled the wrong way. I think I'll offer to edit his next book for free. However, I am enjoying the story of Aran and his adventures.
This winter has been a let down in a couple ways. The pellet stove only heats my basement, and just really add so an already ridiculous heating bill. I talked to a local contractor about either moving it upstairs to my living room or insulating my basement walls so they reflect the heat instead of those concrete walls soaking up most of the heat. I'm supposed to get a quote from them soon on either option.
The other downer is this entire lack of snow. I was really looking forward to doing a lot more snowshoeing and sledding with Marjie and Alice. I get into fun conversations with my parents about how awesome it is that they don't have to deal with snow any more since they live in the Phoenix area. This year we were lucky we had any kind of white christmas.
Ok, I'm done bitching...
Peace and balance... :)
Otherwise, business as usual. I'm taking my swee time reading Kyle's book, but I'll probably get to finishing it next week. I was informed that Kyle paid some company to edit his book, which was done piss-poorly. It looks like all they did was run it through a spell check. Quite a few mistakes with words meaning spelled the wrong way. I think I'll offer to edit his next book for free. However, I am enjoying the story of Aran and his adventures.
This winter has been a let down in a couple ways. The pellet stove only heats my basement, and just really add so an already ridiculous heating bill. I talked to a local contractor about either moving it upstairs to my living room or insulating my basement walls so they reflect the heat instead of those concrete walls soaking up most of the heat. I'm supposed to get a quote from them soon on either option.
The other downer is this entire lack of snow. I was really looking forward to doing a lot more snowshoeing and sledding with Marjie and Alice. I get into fun conversations with my parents about how awesome it is that they don't have to deal with snow any more since they live in the Phoenix area. This year we were lucky we had any kind of white christmas.
Ok, I'm done bitching...
Peace and balance... :)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
basement kung fu
I was able to get a hold of Tim, a former fellow student from the old School of the Silent Warrior, and if we can match up some dates/times, he, Leane and I could all meet up in my basement for some "remembering" training. This will consist of us going over our list of forms/combos and trying to figure out which ones we can remember.
All three of us have been mostly out of practice over the past 5 yrs or so with the Ninpo Chuan Fa system, but my former fellow students have told me they've also had that "itch" to practice again. With any luck we can meet once or twice in February, see how it goes, and maybe make it a semi regular thing.
I've also been thinking about purchasing a computer program to try some other forms of martial arts that I've read about over the past year. A company has produced two computer programs dedicated to showing multiple angles and movements in distinct detail with motion capture animation to produce www.tkd3d.com and www.aikido3d.com. Now which one do I wanna try? Both appeal to me. The TKD3d has two different programs: one focusing on Olympic style Taekwondo sparring, and the other for more traditional WTF Taekwondo. If I were to go that route, I'd just do the traditional TKD.
However, Aikido appeals to me more, with it's focus on pure defense and circular motions. I know if an Aikido school and a Taekwondo school opened up in the area, I'd more likely join the Aikido school.
I'd thought of maybe taking some classes at White Mountain Karate in Lancaster, but the days they have classes I'm usually working, so I'd only be able to go once or twice a month. Oh well.
I've ditched the "100 Push ups" thing. While I noticed push ups were getting easier, I was really starting to miss lifting weights, so I'm back to mostly lifting again. I likes my dumbbells!
Some other fun workout stuff has involved the Nintendo Wii with Wii Fit Plus. Marjie, Alice and I have been having fun with some of the workouts.
And soon, I'm gonna get those snowshoes on again for some good ol' North Country hikes...
All three of us have been mostly out of practice over the past 5 yrs or so with the Ninpo Chuan Fa system, but my former fellow students have told me they've also had that "itch" to practice again. With any luck we can meet once or twice in February, see how it goes, and maybe make it a semi regular thing.
I've also been thinking about purchasing a computer program to try some other forms of martial arts that I've read about over the past year. A company has produced two computer programs dedicated to showing multiple angles and movements in distinct detail with motion capture animation to produce www.tkd3d.com and www.aikido3d.com. Now which one do I wanna try? Both appeal to me. The TKD3d has two different programs: one focusing on Olympic style Taekwondo sparring, and the other for more traditional WTF Taekwondo. If I were to go that route, I'd just do the traditional TKD.
However, Aikido appeals to me more, with it's focus on pure defense and circular motions. I know if an Aikido school and a Taekwondo school opened up in the area, I'd more likely join the Aikido school.
I'd thought of maybe taking some classes at White Mountain Karate in Lancaster, but the days they have classes I'm usually working, so I'd only be able to go once or twice a month. Oh well.
I've ditched the "100 Push ups" thing. While I noticed push ups were getting easier, I was really starting to miss lifting weights, so I'm back to mostly lifting again. I likes my dumbbells!
Some other fun workout stuff has involved the Nintendo Wii with Wii Fit Plus. Marjie, Alice and I have been having fun with some of the workouts.
And soon, I'm gonna get those snowshoes on again for some good ol' North Country hikes...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New year, new stuff
Over the past 6 years I've had the opportunity to really enjoy New Years Eve with some good people. My friends Heather and Lincoln always have an excellent laid back new years party with a bonfire in the back yard, good people, good food and good drink. They also have two kids in elementary school that are both just a couple different kinds of awesome.
The bonfire consists mainly of everyone bringing their Christmas trees and whatever brush/wood/tree stumps Lincoln wants to burn off. In times past the fire would be lit at midnight in a somewhat questionable way (will he blow himself up this year?). This year the fire was started early in the evening and kept going til after midnight. At midnight everyone was handed a very large sparkler. We all lit ours in the fire at the same time, a couple minutes after midnight. Good times.
I'm incredibly thankful for this party every year. In the past it was always a toss up of having a good time on new years. There was the time I had a get-together at my place that was ruined by one of my friends dumping their long time girlfriend that night (actually that happened a couple times). Then there was the new years where my roommate and I spent new years watching movies with a couple that had broken up months before and were still living together, but my roommate was intimately involved with the lady in that couple equation, and ex-boyfriend/roommate of said lady had no idea, and they were both trying to get her to abstain from the alcohol. All the while, she kept trying to talk me into sneaking out with her to go to the bars.That sucked, but I digress...
So the new year brings a couple new things. First off, I'm going to start doing a couple per diem shifts a month for 45th Parallel EMS up in Colebrook. I'd been looking to do some part time Paramedic stuff to expand my horizons and such, so this will give me some more experience, and a chance to work in a different environment than the incredibly comfortable one I have working for Berlin EMS. Colebrook has a very small hospital with limited resources and paramedics are a nice pre-hospital resource to have that far up north. 45th Parallel EMS is a non profit organization that provides a full time staff/coverage for nearly a dozen towns in a large area with a total population of around 7k. Looking forward to it, can make some extra coin while gaining more rural EMS experience.
With that said, I just have to check off a thing or two for my January schedule, then I'm going to call a former fellow student from the School of the Silent Warrior to see if he and I could work out together on occasion. He's a 5th degree black belt who was always very knowledgeable, and a tough guy to spar/grapple with. I'd spoken to his wife recently, and she told me he's had the same affliction of the past year that I've had in missing the dojo and the regular training that went with it.
Have not heard from my former instructor since his last blog proclaiming a soon to be return teaching a few months ago. My hope is that with the new year he hopes to teach again. Here's hoping...
The bonfire consists mainly of everyone bringing their Christmas trees and whatever brush/wood/tree stumps Lincoln wants to burn off. In times past the fire would be lit at midnight in a somewhat questionable way (will he blow himself up this year?). This year the fire was started early in the evening and kept going til after midnight. At midnight everyone was handed a very large sparkler. We all lit ours in the fire at the same time, a couple minutes after midnight. Good times.
I'm incredibly thankful for this party every year. In the past it was always a toss up of having a good time on new years. There was the time I had a get-together at my place that was ruined by one of my friends dumping their long time girlfriend that night (actually that happened a couple times). Then there was the new years where my roommate and I spent new years watching movies with a couple that had broken up months before and were still living together, but my roommate was intimately involved with the lady in that couple equation, and ex-boyfriend/roommate of said lady had no idea, and they were both trying to get her to abstain from the alcohol. All the while, she kept trying to talk me into sneaking out with her to go to the bars.That sucked, but I digress...
So the new year brings a couple new things. First off, I'm going to start doing a couple per diem shifts a month for 45th Parallel EMS up in Colebrook. I'd been looking to do some part time Paramedic stuff to expand my horizons and such, so this will give me some more experience, and a chance to work in a different environment than the incredibly comfortable one I have working for Berlin EMS. Colebrook has a very small hospital with limited resources and paramedics are a nice pre-hospital resource to have that far up north. 45th Parallel EMS is a non profit organization that provides a full time staff/coverage for nearly a dozen towns in a large area with a total population of around 7k. Looking forward to it, can make some extra coin while gaining more rural EMS experience.
With that said, I just have to check off a thing or two for my January schedule, then I'm going to call a former fellow student from the School of the Silent Warrior to see if he and I could work out together on occasion. He's a 5th degree black belt who was always very knowledgeable, and a tough guy to spar/grapple with. I'd spoken to his wife recently, and she told me he's had the same affliction of the past year that I've had in missing the dojo and the regular training that went with it.
Have not heard from my former instructor since his last blog proclaiming a soon to be return teaching a few months ago. My hope is that with the new year he hopes to teach again. Here's hoping...
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