SOFTWARE, JAPAN, SELF-ACTUALIZATION AND

写す (copy)
写真 (photo)

字
文字 (character)

漢
漢字 (kanji)

集まる (something / someone gathers)
集める (to gather something / someone)

考える (to consider, to think)

真
写真　(photograph)

I had a chance to drop by Florence for a day and a half when I was in the US. It was great to see my friends there.

Not only did we have lunch together, but we also spent some time on the river - and I got to try water skiing for the first time!

Here we go.

Ok, I’m ready. Let’s go!

“I think I can, I think I can…”

“Out of the water! This isn’t so hard!”

FAIL

Captain Amanda to the rescue.

I tried a half-dozen times or so before I finally got the hang of it. Water skiing is really fun - thanks to Brian and Amanda for taking us out on the water (Ayako even rode an intertube in the water).

Amanda was a great instructor, and I hear that Harold is an expert at water skiing himself (and was once an instructor).

Cheers to Harold (on the jet ski in the background), Trisha, Brian, Amanda, Cory, Hannah, Jim, & Shaye for hanging out that day

帰 (go home)
帰る (to return)

進む (to advance)

曜 (day of the week)

以 (from)
以上 (more than)
以下 (less than)

堂 (hall)
食堂 (dining room)

別 (separate)
別々に (separately)

Ok, so I took an unplanned hiatus from posting here. I was quite busy in the US of A and simply had no time to even think about posting. Then, when I did have time to post stuff, I actually had no internet connection (at the one place I expected to have it).

Of course, I won’t honestly complain about not posting here. I enjoyed the break, but I know some of you were wondering if this site was an overnight ghost town - so apologies.

I wanted to write something to summarize all the things I did in the US, but jet lag has been killing me for the past few days. After work, I fell asleep for about 4 hours and woke up just now. But, now it is time for bed - and I have to force myself to sleep again.

Sleep is for the weak, the time for sleep is now.

申う　(to say)
申し上げる

税 (tax)
込む ([include,] become crowded)
税込み

申し込む

Today it rains. Today, I have a lot of walking to do.

Unfortunately, I am missing the images I planned on posting today. I have much business to attend to today, so will be unable to post them until Friday.

So, where am I at this moment? Perhaps this will give you a clue (and make you laugh):

(hint: the clue is the guy driving the car)

And, while I am sharing videos, I might as well share this funny video Makoto showed me. Sumo wrestling the way it is meant to be:

After a short stint in Chicago, I am now in New York for 2 days. My schedule is becoming very hectic, posts with photos will be made on Wednesday and Friday.

Internet connection is very unsteady here, will post again soon.

I few posts ago I mentioned my basketball team’s recent accomplishment at a local tournament. What I didn’t mention is that I also occasionally practice with another team. Their name, chosen by their captain, is Trans-Breakers.

A couple weeks ago there was a 3 day weekend in Japan. On Saturday, I played with my main team Hoshiigaru in a tournament (post is here). On Monday (a holiday that marks the opening of ocean beaches to the public), I joined Trans-Breakers for a tournament.

And here is a group photo after our first tournament:

We placed 5th in that tournament. Next time, both teams will place 1st

On another note, after complaining about the Fanta drinks disappearing from the vending machines near my apartment (and everywhere I looked in Tokyo), I found a few more bottles. Well, a case of bottles to be precise.

A local store had these cases marked down 60% on clearance. Apparently, nobody likes these but myself. That’s OK, I ended up with a case for less than 10$. That is less than 50 cents a drink, and it is enough to last me for 2 months