Been a While

Got a bit lazy these last few weeks, but maybe not much more than I usually am.

In any case, I'm 26 now. Another year of my life spent, in Japan. The birthday was pretty nice, a little party with some friends and a relaxing weekend. It seems November 13th is a popualr day to be born, as I share the day with at least three other people I see on a regular basis.

Last week was concert week. I went to a whole two shows. At about 7,000 yen ($70) a piece, they weren't cheap, but it was good to be out seeing some of my favorite bands. I even had my girlfriend with me, trying to impress her with my eccentric tastes. First was the Mars Volta. They are insane, and for that, genius. I guess they don't really play songs so much as just sorta jam out for an hour or so. I haven't heard their new albums, but from what I understand, they didn't play anything from those either. A Mars Volta show is an experience. Two days following, I saw New Found Glory. Call me a fag, but I think they kick ass. The new album is good and their live shows are always fun. I considered going the groupie route and trying to catch up with the bands after the shows, since touring groups always go to this one bar in Amerika Mura, Rock Rock. But thought better of it as I really have nothing to talk to them about and I'm not in that desperate need of pics of me and some band guys throwing the horns.


Oddly enough, I had Thanksgiving off. It wasn't for Thanksgiving, of course, but some kinda Japanese Labor Day. I did nothing. A little guilt was had for not celebrating in some festive way, but my sis said they set my picture at the table and dined with me in spirit. That works for me.

Autumn is about done here, what leaves are left on the trees are bright gold, but most places are bare. I always look forward to seeing it snow, but I hate the cold. Slowly working my way around to planning a snowboarding trip, and looking at doing some outdoor Japanese-y things. Enjoy the season!

October Revolutionary

The last few years of my life seem to have hinged on events in October. I came to Japan in October of 2003, I quit NOVA in October of 2005. This blog was started at the same time as my job departure, October 2005. That makes this post roughly my one year anniversary of blogging. Looking into the future, from this October, things certainly have panned out differently than I expected. The job situation is a whirlwind, but things around the house and socially are pretty calm. I'm optimistic.

Being just over a year since my first post, I thought I should update my picture. I made a little trip to Kyoto's beautiful Arashiyama this Sunday to snap the same shot I used in my first post, plus a year. See if you can spot the differences!