Category Archive

What did you do last night?????

Here in the house of Zen we did our symbolic part for earth hour. We have all energy saving bulbs in our home anyway. Lady Z enjoyed doing the by candle evening. She says it should be done once a month.  Once a year is nothing. She would be even up for everyday lights off by 9:00 or 10:00 pm. With her it was not so much the energy saving but she just likes the feel of it. We ended up with the lights off for about 2.5 hours not just the one. She got to talk, I got to listen , and listen and listen…

here are a few things about global warming:

Sidney alone - everyone turning the lights off for one hour was equivelent to taking all the cars off the road for a year.

1.Human activities are changing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere. Increasing levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere since pre-industrial times are well-documented and understood.
2.The atmospheric buildup of CO2 and other greenhouse gases is largely the result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
3.An “unequivocal” warming trend of about 1.0 to 1.7°F occurred from 1906-2005. Warming occurred in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and over the oceans (IPCC, 2007).
4.The major greenhouse gases emitted by human activities remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from decades to centuries. It is therefore virtually certain that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will continue to rise over the next few decades.
5.Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations tend to warm the planet.

It was a rainy evening as I headed out to the WC , Shaolin Tai Chi Mantis Studio

It has been a long time since I’ve seen Sisuk. Not since before the holidays. I went by his school last night to catch up on things. He was happy to see me. We lightly chated for a bit while his class was still in session. It is always good to see him teach. It is a lesson for me when he points out small things to his students. Also seeing them drill gives me ideas. His students are much more hard core than mine, so I need to adapt some things. There are a couple of my students that would hold up under such training. The others…

Anyway it was good to hear his comments about, the why’s of what they do stuff, balance in their stances, two directional punches. Good stuff, good to hear re-enforcements on what I show , good to get new things.

After the class dismissed. Then we spoke on deeper issues. He was not pleased that I had to go seeking another job. He had a couple of ideas out of my field…but that is maybe the way to go to get some stability. He also spoke of some of the things he is dealing with in his life. As I am not his student but a “nephew” he can speak with me of things he would not say to his students. It is interesting to me the role I take on when I am around him or Shifu. I am just another upcoming student. Even though I have some “rank”, to them it is nothing, I am still a “grasshopper” I always feel humble in their presence, like I am a teenager just getting my feet wet in life.
A s usual beside person stuff and work we spoke of Kung Fu, or Federation, & training. He is still considering and working on bring the Chen system he studies into this country full on. To him this is a big deal, a major comment of some type. Which I have not fully grasp yet. I know it has something to do with him being a deciple of this Chen clan.

He told me I needed to practice more ( as always), this is not the time to back off. Even though busy with life and getting older with the tendency to slow down. I needed to stay on it. More so with my re-location plans. So this leads to that, and I am told to show him, X,Y,Z, gulp. Not ready for a demo, was I , but I rallied and did a bit of a drill he had given me.  One cannot say no. I was told the corrections I needed and reminded this needed to be done daily at least 30 min.

If I followed everything he said about what I needed to do daily for 30 min. I would be up at 4:30 everyday practicing until 7:30 and rushing out the door to work. or get up at 3:30 so I could do Zazen and have breakfast after the a.m. training. If I want to be “a master”…I have no care to be one, to “master” it is another story.

Life is more complex than in the old days living in a temple…

I will go see my Shifu next week, it is time for the monthly training. I have been unable to attend since Nov. I need to review my Gim Sword badly. I will put in some practice time this week, so not to lose too much face. Even through Shixong with working with on on this sword set. I still need to step up my game.  Summer Mantis Events are coming. Back to Training.

I am very thankful to have 4 more weeks of work before having to deal with EDD and life’s extreme cut backs again.

I am also very very thankful my family from Japan all got to visit us without, having the shadow of no job over our heads. I only slightly regret picking up the 300.00 dinner tab. That will work out in the big picture. From a Zen view, the money was only temporary and being fully in that moment it was the thing to do and it was pleasing.

In some ways this is easier than before looking forward from here last year. Perhaps because we just went through it, or it is just beginning. The big uncertainly in this is, will I get the Max amount for EDD? or how much? Since I made far less money in the last few cycles, than last year. It is good that I have some sailing teaching jobs upcoming in April. Also Sisuk has a lot of thing for me to do and I have not seen him since before the holidays. We’ve postponed a couple of meetings since, now both back from our travels. Too bad he can not afford me full time. I’m going to go with the ” Zen sense” that does not “feel” like it will be that long before, I’m too busy again. I will make a point to enjoy this time more than last. Perhaps my practicing is kicking in more now. I’m going to go ahead an still plan for the retreats this spring. The teaching monies will pay for it. God will put me there if I need to be. Somethings you just need to do for your spirit.

The hardest thing right now is coming to work everyday and still staying focused on doing something constructive, work related. I got my cleanup before relocation assignments today. Simple stuff, need to stretch it into 4 weeks. That will be a task.

I told Lady Z last night, she took it well. Disappointed of course, but calmer than I thought she would be about it. Maybe it is her “Zen” training kicking in. I feel better now that she knows what’s up also. She also felt it was pretty lame of the owner, how things were done, but I feel it could have been alot worse. Like a day or two notice, not a month. I do feel ok with that.
I still do not feel focused yet. Kind of like that half wake state after a long nap.

Part of me says, if you do the same thing ( look for just a job/income), high chance of the same results. Do something different, but what is the question. What do I want diminish in order to gain…what? My life is pretty simple and fine, other than being ready to move to Japan and needed to prepare, save, train, study, practice, save, Study, did I say save

そね…

There is the long range Nihon plans, but that will take time to reach that point of readiness and I need money to do that. I just want to find a decent job for 4-5 yrs. Four years at GOOD, Fun, satisfying, low commute, fair pay job would be great! It could happen…

Maybe Obama will be president…who would have thought 20 yrs ago, he could have gotten this far. Makes me think there is Hope for this country… it could happen…

I digress…

For now it is back to training for the next mission…back to basics, sleep, PRACTICE, re-center, sail (which is under practice), be open to the Tao let it run it’s course. The “Force” will put me where I need to be. In sailing terms it is called “Heaving To” in the storm, and as others storms on the sea, this too will pass…

Life is Change… Resistance is futile!

The Buddha taught that life is suffering. We suffer because we don’t get what we want, we suffer when we get what we don’t want, and we suffer when we do get what we want because we know we cannot hang onto it forever…me..I’m tired…

The family is gone back to Japan now. I am so glad that we got to have some time with them, with no worries. It was great sort of like our last visit to Nihon. Which was almost at the same time last year. Then came home to the bomb drop of being laided off at my last company. I believe it was around March 18th…March 15 isn’t that the ides of March and unlucky. I know it was for some Ceasar or somebody. Anyway I digress.

It is back to business at the office. It was an interesting week at work. I do not remember if it was this week or last, two people had gotten laided off. Not because business was bad , because their 3 mo probation was up and they were not workingout…

We had just finished up the BIG conference in Nashville. There are still post stuff to deal with. We had had a debrief after the big show and told we all did a fine job. I was busy with doing some web up dates, and taking care of the photos that need to be handled and cards designed, etc. Everyone was a busy, but …I’m feeling something is wrong in the Force.

After the end of the day on Thurs, I’m heading out and do my usual goodnight to those there. The President says her usual and I’m off to the car,… feeling very uneasy..Something IS wrong in the Force.

The next day there is a note on my desk, ” There will be a small meeting in the dining room ” Hmm, I’m thinking, food? Because we never meet in the dining room.

But, I’m not feeling food…

maybe the wrong room name …

I was right on that it was the other room…

Lady Z has been sick with the flu all weekend. We got out a little early on Friday, I have been letting her rest so far all weekend. I have just been staying inside seeing what she needed and meditating on life and the circles within it. I wrote a song over the last couple of days. The first I have done in a while. No words, different from my older stuff. This was really just done so Lady Tokyo could Jam with it and add some keyboards. It was good for me to make that musical connection, doing sometime like that always changes my spirit. A different way of meditating and connecting to the Universal Chi. Reminds me I do have some small talents to do something…

It is Sunday, I thought about going down to s/v Zen today, but I’ll wait until tomorrow, Monday. Nice that it is a holiday, bad that there is no wind for sailing. So I just sit here finishing up this and that, doing a few misc items before going back to work on Tuesday. Nice it will be a short 4 day week. I’m taking advantage of some down time to re-center.

Lady Z should be feeling better by Tues. She’ll have gotten some needed rest. I guess that is the time to tell her, about the movie Ground Hog Day…

Because that is how I feel like I’m in it after being told, I only had 1 more month of work, until March 14th, when the company moves it office and I am once again out of a job almost exactly a year later.

Day 3,

Things are going along well. Everything has worked out and in the case of the last night even better. It is Sunday, we are off to Sonoma County for wine tasting. As we had such a late night on Sat, we sleep in a bit on Sunday then were off to the North.

We headed out on a familar route for me. I use it everyday to get to work. We had to drive almost right by my office so I took a small detour and showed the Crew the office house built in the early 19oo’s . It is am impressive house , total different than what they would see in Japan.

Next stop a winery. We did two wineries that day. The first we had drinks, more like sips, which was perfect ad it was free. I did not take pictures there, but for one of lil sis & hubby. Our next stop had more visual quality so I got some shots.

Also one of were Lady Z & I sat for our first picture together, just dating. It was kind of an anniversary return for us.

We all went into the shop for snack & spreads samples. However as the drinks sample cost 5.00 we passed. We’ll I passed , and they all felt so afterwards I spoke up…so they said.

 

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After strolling around the grounds for a while, it took off for Olde Town Sonoma. Time for some shopping. They hit a few stores. We had ice cream, then looked around some more. Finally a suitable prize was selected and we were off.

From here it was a drive out further into the countryside . We made a stop at my big Sis’s house for shakes and bows before heading back home for Pizza & drinks.

With a title this you know it has to be epic…

The big event for us this year, which we have been waiting on for some 4 years, was; the visit from the Kobe Crew. Lady Z’s sister and husband finally made it here from Kobe Japan. We all have been excited about this for weeks on end. They have tried to make it over several times but something unpleasant always came up. We all were delighted fro them ot make it. I was intent on doing whatever was needed to have their needs taken care of for the visit. I needed to repay in a small way the kindness they showed when I came to Japan the first time to visit them. When I fell ill they helped and the many times of help since then with the family affairs in Japan and other visits.

Mother had made the trip now it was their turn. There was some family drama a couple of weeks before they arrived. We were concerned events would again require a postponement…

However this time they made it! They were under a very short time schedule so we had a lot of things to fit in a just a few days, less than a week to be exact. This was going to be a rush…

I picked them up at the S.F. Airport having borrowed my cousin’s SUV for the visit. That was a REAL blessing, thanks cuz. ANywHoo we head from the airport to the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.

note* there are more pictures of all on another of my sites. If you can access on. The Photo album is here:

http://zenkazi.multiply.com/photos

A most excellent and beautiful energy spot. All the flowers, and the water a delight for the eyes and spirit.

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Or next stop which I had planned out was the Palace of Fine Arts, built in 1915 I believe for the Pan-Pacific Faire

or Expo I have been there several times now but it is always an visual event.

They are slowly renovating inside the dome. I must see that when it’s done. Hopefully before we go to Japan…

Next stop, this is a great path I worked out. Seeing much stuff all on the way home in a smooth round about road.

I was quite pleased with myself at the route. Anyway I degress with my ego

The Golden Gate Bridge. It is a amazing sight when it is partly covered with fog. I wanted to get a shot of that. There was major fog in the morning, however now it is returned to it source.

We can however enjoy the clear sky and the great northern Ca weather . We gather views from many sides to savor the visual meal spread before us.

That is followed by the desert of finally arriving home for a rest, a meal and some wine.

Nice…

Greetings, sup , hola, konnichiwa, ni hao, yo!

Seems like I have not written in awhile. I have though just not here. A few things doing or has been doing. Make sense, no, it’s ok.

I have another blog of sort over on Multiply. It is waaay different over there. I do not really write as I do here and on Zensekai II. I just post some interesting articles I find and some videos and pictures. It handles videos and pictures better than here, that is a nice feature. Along with being able to tell who’s visited your site even if they do not say anything. The people there are hmmm, different, but maybe not so much, other than they are more willing and do interact more than folks here, well at least on my page. Also you can see when someone post something of interest because of the contacts they are called, postings notices. Anyway, lots of politic talk, and some Zen things, sailing spots the world, etc. Kind of interesting, but I do my writings here it is like home. More like my private journal.

I had my first Jam of the year last weekend. Nice. I heard the band, well part of the band, I guess I could say the core of the band practicing on Sunday and true to my word, I heard them and stopped in with my Bass to get my Jam on. They were going through stuff I just played along. The keyboard player was doing some Bass patterns, I filled in around that. It was cool! Finding musical holes and filling them, but not to much that it was over done. It had a Tai Chi/Zen kind of feel to blend into the nature of what was there. Adding without, unbalancing. I can always find some Zen thing in what I’m doing. I guess that is part of making it part of your life not something you go to to do. Also once one starts just playing with out thinking about what being played, that is really that mindful Zen state, being one with the Force. Very much part of playing music, in the groove they say. Anyway, I digress, I liked it. They have a opportunity be regular players at a club down in San Jose, that was at one time a very famous Blues club. The new owner is trying to bring it back. Maybe I’ll sit in with them from time to time or work up a set. That would be kind of cool!

Other than an Atari that I had many many moons ago, that was basically something that would do spreadsheets and play a couple of games, word process. My first real computer was a Mac. I have stuck with them since! Macs are the BOMB! Anyway I went to MacWorld today in San Francisco. I was able to take the afternoon off from work. Thanks to my nice boss lady! I wanted to check things out. It had been years since I was able to go. The last 5 years my company was PC based ( barf), so I could not go with the company’s ble$$ing

So today I went, the weather was good, there was a big crowd. I took the Bart over after walking to the station. It was a good day for a walk. The big New thing @ the show this year was a thin thin thin laptop, which is very thin. Did I say that it thin, very thin? Otherwise, a lot of the things for sale were about covers for one’s Mac toys. Some new media software and gadgets. I ended up buying a folding laptop desk. It it easy to use sitting lotus on the floor, in a chair at a table with my MacBook. I am using it now. It is good support and keeps the Laptop running much much cooler. I was thinking something was wrong with my laptop the fan keep coming on so much. It has not come on once since using this!

Otherwise there were a few cool things I could have gotten if I had money to burn which I did not. A lot of things for Podcasting and video casting. Some of which maybe of use down the road for my current work in multimedia. However if the company had not paid for my ticket of 45.00 ( because I did not purchase early) I would have not been happy. It just did not seem worth it to pay that much money to get in to see things one could buy. The seminars were way off the hook in cost! It did not help my mind to read on the news stand headline about a deadly bacteria that is loose in San Francisco. It did say in the gay community, but still…I do not think the bug cares and there were A Lot of people there, it could suddenly decide to go AC/DC

So I’m back now, and it is back to work tomorrow. I really have to crack down on the job, the next two weeks. I am heading off to Nashville for a week long conference on the 28th. Not looking forward to it, other than it being over with! After that not only do a get a couple of days off, lil Sis is coming from Japan, we are so looking forward to it!

So that is the local news, campers. Lets be careful out there and try to be kind to each other. We all need it!

Today is rainy rainy rainy and WINDY. There is a big storm settling in for the next few days. It is a good day to be next to a fireplace or in bed or both. I’m feeling a bit sluggish.

I’m on lunch break at work. There is a lot to do the next coupe of weeks before I head off to Nashville (yuk). Anyway we are now into the New Year. So far so good

This is lunar year of the Rat coming in Feb. I have to check on what that means to a Tiger Child:

“Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.”

TIGER Anticipate minimal gains and not too much advancement. Restless Tiger requires action, but money could be tight and compromises must be accepted. Rats think, plan, scheme, and ponder — which are not Tiger (nor Horse) traits. You will start a new fortunate life cycle in Tiger year 2010.”

hmmm ok. Well 2010 is just before we head to Nippon, that should help.

Also I may just for fun throw a I-Ching.

We had a quiet New Years Eve and Day. I spent NY eve day on the boat, since Lady Z had to work. I had a nice lunch, wrote for the Zensekai2 blog, a few misc chores, took pictures, etc. It was a good day.

NY eve night, which is NY day in Japan, we spoke with family in Japan via Skype that was fun.

Otherwise after we hung out. There was traditional food stuff out all day and we had left over for the next 3 days as there is no cooking. So whatever was made at NY or just before is consumed over the next few days…mostly cold.

We are off to Ch’an group practice this Sat. It seems like it has been ages since I’ve been. It has been at least a month for me, since I had that intenseness with the USCG study exam, which I passed!! ( sweet) In case you did not know. I finally got a Zafu ( meditation seat) cushion for Christmas. Even though we do not use them in Ch’an sitting. I got one anyway to help my knees. I would like to avoid that disabling suffering I went through last year. I did come across someone last year from Japan who did his Zen practice standing. We were in agreement that it is about the mind not the body. However… Fine for alone, but makes one standout (heheh) in a sitting group session.

I have a new office mate, no more solo in my office
Oh well he seems ok enough, any rate I can be the Bamboo unless he is a real pain. He does not seem the sort. However if I have to share a room with him whilst traveling to the on site convention jobs, I will not be happy! However I’ll cross that bridge if it happens. One of the things I am doing in my new capacity as Team Captain Concord-CA for the ecoflag/GSA organization, is change all ( ok most) the incandescent bulbs in use here at the office to low emission florescents. Anything we can do, even small things make a difference and with the light bulbs, the reduction in cost and emission is substantial. Do your share, we all pollute, we all can reduce! Reduce, Recycle, Reuse! Reduce waste in 08′

I’m reading a new book I came across called, Thank you and OK. Weird title ne! Is about a guy from the SF Zen center who goes to stay and train in Japan for a while. Interesting reading. Not a whole lot about Zen, but more so about his life in the monstery and the monks. It is an old book, kind of fun to read about his adventures in the land of the Rising sun.

Sisuk is in Tawain or Hong Kong or someplace like that, I have a couple of weeks of break from his intensity. I will need to prepare fro some serious Tai Chi training when he gets back. He is there training and will be all amped up when he gets back, and I have been told I need to make time to get in to the studio and practice with him. Think drill Sargent! It will do me good, but it will not be fun . He says, training is not suppose to be fun. That is a western concept, it should be hard work otherwise he say one can just go to a gym. There was no Holiday party this last year from his school as he had to go oversea earlier than planned. I missed my Shifu’s Christmas party as I was in LA doing the anniversary thing with my classmate. I want to keep my schedule fairly simple this year so I can have some time for training. I maybe heading back to LA to give a couple more seminars. Althouhg I will plan on teaching less stuff and just being more in depth with whatever I am showing, as the class there can not handle too much information at once. I’m thinking maybe a Kali/Arnis seminar would be good. Hmmm, well there is still time to think on it. Another classmate who runs the The South Wind School of Classical Chinese Martial Art gave a combat stick seminar and not sure how that will work with them having learned that it maybe ok, I’ll need to check. It is completely different but maybe not so much, to someone who does not know better. So maybe they will not be interested in learning Kali basics.

A student asked if I was going to do any ceramics this year. I would like to but… That maybe too much for right now, I really need to put in some Kung Fu time even through my heavy nautical studies are over for the moment. Maybe in the second half of the year. That will be in time for some Christmas gifts.

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Anyway on with 2008, minasan Ganbatte ne! (everyone do your best) & let’s be careful out there!

Stillness…
With all the running and stuff I have been doing the last year and more so the last couple of months it is good to have some balance to that, some stillness. It feels weird though not doing anything of note. Yet, keeping in balance and doing nothing is of note and keeping in the Zen spirit. There are things I could be doing, but… I’m not, at least nothing on Sat. perhaps Sunday will be as well a day of Stillness.

We are preparing for New Years. There will be no food prepared on that day read: no cooking. We went to the Japanese Market today to get some traditional stuff. Only Japanese foods the rest of the year. Lady Z will make enough Mon. night for snacking all day on Tues. Will have a quiet reflective day. She says as she gets older and closer to moving back to Nippon she becomes more interested in traditional Japanese things. Last Year was also quiet, but that was a different quiet because of the lose of her father that year. This year is more of a thankful, quiet celebration quiet, that we can enjoy food and drink.

It will be a good way to start the New Year. I will do my prayer, meditation and Tai Chi early. The rest of the day will be eating, drinking, napping, reading, maybe a DVD. Lady Z will add to that mix watching Japanese TV. She has been looking forward to it.

I have a couple of things I will be looking forward to next year. There are two retreats I am looking forward to : Kyudo and Ch’an. Both are in May a week apart, this should be interesting. The Kyudo will be in a mountain Zen center, with a big influence from zazen and perhaps some of the monks. It is a “Sato” style center and the first place a was exposed to a formal Zen Practice years ago. A very different time and space in my life. It will be interesting to sit in that space again. It will be fun to be on the farm in the mountains, and get to “practice” the many faces of Zen in open space. Such vibes from the temple. The Ch’an retreat, hmmm so different all about internal …hmmm mostly, there is some moving Zen. But nothing like doing Tai Chi most of the day, with a little sitting. So, hmmm I guess it could be thought of as the Yin to the Yang of the Kyudo retreat. The stillness…

The big thing for early next year is my Sis-n-Bro in-law visit. They have taken care of us every time we went to Japan, they have been wanting to come here for a long time and something gets in the way each time. This time tickets are purchased and if the Force permits, they will be here. It will be great to show them a good time for a change . We are looking forward to that, Tanoshime desu! For now, there is only now and

stillness…

Like the day

full of fog and cool air

it called for stillness

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With the passing of Christmas this season , the sun begins to set on 2007. It was a challenging year. One in which we can be thankful to get through, and learn from our errors, celebrate our joys and sorrows, would be the Zen thought. For without those Yin moments of bitter tea, there would have been no chance to grow.

With the lost of my job early in the year I was not sure how this Christmas would be. I was fairly sure we would get by, but it would be very tight. Even tough we are both working, our Christmas was simple but pleasurable. We enjoyed the time we had together and that were were able to have food and a warm place to live. Our spending was modest. The high point for me was just being able to relax for a few days, no studies, no getting up early for class or work. I could read, study some Japan, clean up the garden a bit and tend to my plants. Of course some housework but nothing demanding…sweet. Some time to myself with a few chores to do at home to prepare for the New Year.
Lady Z had to work, but we still were able to feel like we had a holiday. Out to dinner on one night, to celebrate my passing my USCG exams and Christmas blessings. For dinner on Christmas, a filling but light homemade dinner, champagne, some good music, played “Go” , life was good. I had the place all to myself during the day, we spent time together in the evening. That has been rare these days. Only purchased a couple of small gifts for ourselves and immediate family.

I heard a someone say , that when they were kids they got some 40 presents . That really made Christmas for him. Understandable, it would for me also if I got 1/4 of that score. Now he could not get his kid anything but some simples toys and even doing that was struggle. He was sad, it was a lousy Christmas… There was the party the day before with friends over, and lots of eating and drinking and sharing with friends that came out… reaching out…but Christmas was otherwise pretty much a bust. They are broke. Interesting how life changes our views from a when we were young, ne! When we base our nows on then it brings suffering. Interesting Buddhist thought there, on a Christmas, pondering. Yet Christian as well about attachments. Interesting how a a holiday based on a man who spoke of non-attachments to things of illusions, worldly goods, is all about the goods. Kind of sad ne!

When I was a child Christmas there were presents (a few) and all, but before that there was church. It was made known Christmas was not all about presents. Even though my path is now not a regular church attender. The belief of non-attachment to the consumer spirit of Christmas is still there. I tell my son, and anyone else for that matter, Christmas is not about shopping. I think the more the true “ideals” of Christmas are shown and taught at this time of year the less guilt and depression many will feel. Not to mention the debit.

Of course then store and sales would suffer…more spirit , less spending…
Interesting cycle ne!

Yin, yang, cause and effect, karma

The Spirit of Christmas I feel is beyond religion so if taught correctly, should transcend countries illusion’s of boundaries. As it is now, but with the sacrifice of it’s soul. Fundamentalist would say, the Devil’s world has corrupted the Spirit of Christmas. But what do I know, I’m just a leaf…

Anyway, we had a good Christmas, we had our own space, ceremony, celebration, meditation, sparkle , we even received a few cards. Cards are kind of a big deal now. Because it is sooo easy & cheap to send ecards. Something that was common place years ago is a big deal now. Buying, signing, mailing.

Anyway now on to New Years…

The lady and I have never been the go out and party New Years type. So we will have a quiet New Year.

We are planning a simple Japanese Style New Year. Some meditation, some drink, snacks, traditional foods, quiet time. Like our Christmas was. Lady Z is off and looking forward to her first in a long time New Years day off.

Happy New Year!

For the first time in many moons, I/we did not run off to do something this weekend/holiday. Thursday was spent Chillin. We watched some TV did some “puter” stuff and read. Nothing exotic to practice, study, learn, just being in quiet moments. It was nice not to have to be someplace else.We had a simple dinner which was enjoyable, we were thankful to share it and have it.Sat. we arise some what early but not too much, we are off to Monterey to visit the Tokyo Delegation. We had a few stops to make one of which was at the Japanese market, for food stuff and Sake.Another quick stop to check out a marine consignment then on the hwy to Monterey.It was a fairly quick drive down to Monterey traffic was light. The weather perfect Autumn day of Northern Ca. The water at the beach was a perfect peaceful blue with just a light breeze it would have been a easy sailing day.We found out friend’s place easy and good times began. It was good seeing our buds it had been a while. They were in their new Apt, that was part of the reason for the visit, the other just to visit.Lady Tokyo had said she played piano before, classical she said, but wanted to learn Jazz piano. I brought along my keyboard and flute. After a while of visiting I got out the keyboard and went through a few basics on Jazz and Blues. Then showed her a few cord progressions, a turned on a few effects. From there we jammed, for a while. That was a high point for me. I got to just free style over some basic cords, and we got into a groove. She caught on well and we had a good time. Next time it should be better after she picks up her own keyboard and gets to practice some. I think we can do some cool grooves, that will be fun.

(Note: Pictures are Arted out, Lady T is not comfortable being shown on the web. Gotta understand and respect that.)

Then dinner, OOOOSHIIIIII, A.E. did up dinner, and did it up right!!, The salad and pasta dinner was out standing! We had champagne, wine, and sake during and after dinner. We were in good spirits, but not wasted or close to it, all the food absorbed the liqueur. So unlike Nippon Style we did not get to the sloppy passing out drunk stage

We watched a great Music DVD during dinner, Prince, with Larry Graham on Bass, (my favorite funk bass player). With them were The Time, also there was Sly Stone’s horns section, James Brown’s sax player, & George Clinton also did a part. It was a GOOD concert. I was so pleased seeing some of my favorites. We chatted for while after dinner then went to bed as it was it the 2:00am range.

After a restful sleep we were up for breakfast, which Lady T was in charge of doing up. It was perfect for my taste, a simple Japanese breakfast! Miso soup with veggie, some mackerel fish and rice, with green tea. Simple, filling, & delicious.We watched a movie on Japanese abductions by Korea. A sad and interesting story. Something that is still not resolved it will be a sore spot with Japan for a long time.Then lunch time, Lady T. had started preparing almost right after breakfast seemed like. Of course we did not eat until 11:00 I think it was more like brunch.

It was Japanese style for lunch, sushi, tempura, sake, tea. Ah, very peaceful eating style visit, again Oshii!!! It was nice to have someone put the energy into cooking for us. We were grateful and full.

We watched a bit more of some taped shows from Japan our friend was in before we headed back home.  It was a good visit. It was good to ge out with our only couple hangout friends.Traffic was bad (read as it sucked) most of the way, but it was a good visit enough that the bit of traffic was not a big deal. It was worth it.A nice end to a couple of hectic weeks. I expect it to be quiet around here for the next few weeks. I will be putting my energy into my US Coast Guard licensing Exam Study and training (by sea blog). So nothing interesting here, I as far as I know… however things change…the Universe is funny like that.