About this Crying...

When I was a younger man, I never thought I could be moved to tears. It wasn't that I was such a tough guy...my emotions just didn't seem to work that way. I certainly didn't understand how a person could cry for joy, or because they were inspired somehow. Even the untimely and tragic passing of my first wife only brought me to tears twice, even though the pain I felt was bone-deep.

But as I said, I was a younger man back then. I'm nearly 40 now, and I've experienced not only tragedy, but unbridled joy. I've felt the thrill of goals met, and the disappointment of failed attempts. I've spent over a decade with my soulmate, and most of that as a devoted father. And so I've slowly entered the world of manhood and established my place in it...and now I cry all the friggin' time.

Apparently comfortable with the expression of such emotions, I cry at movies, tv shows, and commercials. I cry when I'm reading books,and when I'm relating events that are particularly meaningful to me. I cry when I read of an athlete that overcomes overwhelming odds to reach the Olympic podium. And I cry when I watch So You Think You Can Dance. So sue me.

I never expected to enjoy watching dance performances. I never really had paid attention to that sort of thing before, I suppose, but we started watching So You Think You Can Dance when it first came on, and I've been hooked ever since. I've learned a little bit about dance since I started watching the show. I enjoy the ballroom numbers and the hiphop dances as well. The Waltz isn't my favorite, but I enjoy it if it's done well. My favorites are the contemporary and lyrical pieces, and that's where the crying comes in. Sometimes, a performance will reach me on a deep and emotional level, and I find myself crying at the beauty unfolding before my eyes. Wow.

One number that never fails to move me is this one from last season. It was choreographed by Mia Michaels, and I have absolutely no clue what it's supposed to mean, or what story it's trying to tell, but something in it ALWAYS moves me.



If anyone has any idea what Mia was trying to express here, please feel free to enlighten me.

And here's a dance routine that moves me on a completely different level. It's H-O-T. Hubba hubba!!



And with that, I bid you good day. And I hope that you are inspired, touched, or moved to tears sometime soon.

What a Week!

Wow! This week has turned out to be a pretty good one! My darling wife and son returned from their trip on Tuesday, and it's just wonderful to have them home again. It seems like Monkey's grown an inch at least in the week they've been gone, and Christina was certainly a sight for sore eyes. I had a chance to do some training with BB as well, and somehow managed to avoid his takedown attempts. It's always great to see him, to say the least.

The incomparable Larry Escher is also making an appearance, and we're enjoying the pleasure of his company. So my family's home, my two best friends were here, martial arts playtime, and fun...I'm having a blast.

Got some new toys this week...new laptop, a new mp3 player, and some way cool Bluetooth headphones. I think that's my toy allotment for the next two years, but it's worth it. Now my wife and I don't have to fight over our desktop computer...she can do Webkinz anywhere! And I can now carry my entire supply of crappy, girly, 80's music with me wherever I go.

We're currently planning another family trip, but I'm going on this one. Details are sketchy, but we may end up on the road for a few days, seeing the sights and enjoying visits with family. However, our road trip will be a decidedly lazy one, most unlike the ones I remember from my youth. My folks apparently come from the "Drive 'till you get there, and only stop for police and roadblocks!" school of travel, and I'm just not made for those kind of trips. I like to stop and smell the roses along the way, stop driving well before midnight, and enjoy the process rather than just get to the destination ASAP. Not totally sure where we're going, but I'm really looking forward to it, regardless.

Today's Friday. It's a good day. Go enjoy it!!

Busy, busy, busy....

It seems that my fabulous wife and son won't be in until sometime Tuesday, so I'm here alone for a few more days. That's OK...I've been using the time to get some stuff done that has really needed doing.

Here's a short list of stuff I've managed to accomplish:

Get the oil changed in the car.
Stuff two punching bags at JMMA.
Get my new mp3 player up and running. Yay! ( got mine off Ebay for $80!)
Update the JMMA website...it's not totally done yet, but there's progress.
Wash, fold, and put away 98% of the laundry in the house.
Clean the kitchen. Including the junk drawers...WOW, there was a lot of crap in there!
Rearrange the dining room.


There still remains the rain gutters I'm planning to install, but that'll wait until Tuesday or so. I miss my family a ton, but I figure it's better for me to be happily busy than to mope around and get nothing done. Hey, that rhymes.

Now, I'm going to go finish the laundry, get some dinner, and read the new Eddie Bravo book I just bought, Mastering the Twister. I've been working on his Rubber Guard techniques for a while now, and although I'm far from a master, I'm really enjoying the process. Thanks to my friend and BJJ instructor, Paul Thomas, I had the chance to participate in a seminar with Eddie a few years back, and I was really impressed with his technique. Now that I've progressed a bit in my own grappling training, I can appreciate even more what kind of innovations he's brought to the world of grappling and BJJ. I'm looking forward to continuing my study of his system.

So now I'd better get back to work. I figure I've got around six hours before I should get to bed, and that's a lot of time to get stuff done!

It's awfully quiet over here...

My wife and son are away on a trip with her Mom, Dad, Sisters, Brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces. They're all in a huge van, trekking their way to Utah for a family reunion. It sounds like they're having big fun, and I'm thrilled for them. There were some possible issues that could have made trouble on this trip, but happily, things are working out quite well so far.

Some folks are asking why I didn't go on this trip, and I don't mind saying that I don't like being enclosed in tight spaces for days on end with seven adults and six children, even when they are all on good behavior. I get a little twitchy, to say the least. Also, we are planning a family trip later this summer, and I'd rather not ask my fabulous assistant instructors to take over for me at my school for weeks and weeks. And someone has to feed Julie's fish and water her tomato plants, right?

And so, until Monday or Tuesday, I'm home alone. Wow, it's quiet here. I'm getting some things done that I usually don't...filling new punching bags, installing a rain gutter at the front door, working on the garage...stuff like that. I've got all the time in the world to train, read, surf the 'net, write, fix the JMMA website, pretty much whatever I want to do. But wow, it's just really quiet here.

I'm planning to go run some intervals in a bit, and then I need to go meet the air conditioner guy at my school. Not an especially thrilling day, considering that my wife and son have seen Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell, NM in the last couple of days...but just the same, I'm happy to be here.

So feel free to call or write. I've probably got time to chat.

Yet another Survey.

How many bathing suits do you own?
Just one, and it looks downright silly on me.

What woke you up this morning?
Not sure...I woke up before my alarm went off, and I have no idea why.

Have you ever stolen a sign from a street?
No...that's just plain ridiculous.

What is the weirdest pet you have ever owned?
My cousin gave me a rat for my birthday once.

Do you own a gun?
Just one shotgun.

When is the last time you went fishing?
Probably a Christmas or two ago. We were visiting Jason's parents on their houseboat, and they offered to let me show Connor how to fish. Didn't catch a thing, but had a lot of fun.

Are your toenails painted?
Do I have to answer that?

Name 3 things you drink regularly?
Water, Orange Juice, and Orange Monster

What is in your pocket right now?
I'm not wearing pants, and my shirt has no pockets.

What is the last thing that made you laugh?
We watched one of those funny home video shows last night, and it was hilarious!

Who is in the bathroom right now?
No one.

Who did you hang out with last night?
My students, and Amy, Mark, and Misty. Then my family.

What year did/do you graduate high school?
1988

When are you going to bed tonight?
Probably between 11pm and 1am.

Have you ever shut someone's fingers in a door?
Yeah...my own. Yee-owtch!!

Do you know how to change a tire?
Of course. I have the video to prove it.

Where did your last hug take place?
Somewhere in my house.

Do daddy long legs freak you out?
Not at all. I mean, unless I wake up from a nap and find one sitting on my chest. Did you know that I can teleport in an emergency?

What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Reading a book and eating breakfast.

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?
On occasion. ;-)

Where is your mom right now?
Elkhart, Indiana.

Look to your left, what do you see?
A fencing foil, an ironing board, a pile of fake vegetation, and an open door.

What do you think of when you think of Australia?
The Australian wilderness...wow, I'd like to go out there sometime!

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
BB

How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
39, and reveling in my youth.

When was the last time you went swimming in a pool?
I think it was during a trip to see Doug and Julie in Galveston.

Do you currently have a hickey?
Do mat-burns count?

What was the last reason you cried?
I watched the Bucket List.

What are you seriously wearing?
A shirt. Hey, I just got out of bed awhile ago...you expect me to put on a three-piece suit to eat breakfast and surf the 'net?

Have you ever talked to someone when they were high?
It's possible.

How many red lights have you ran?
Not many...our Katy police are quite vigilant.

Is there anything that you are craving right now?
Oh, goodness, yes!

Do you drink tea?
Nope.

Is anyone on your bad side right now?
Hmmmm...only one person comes to mind. Wait, no...two.

What jewelry are you wearing?
Look, I said I'm wearing a shirt. That's it. No jewelry, no shoes, no hats...a shirt.

Do you clean when you’re upset?
Funny you should ask, but yes, I do.

What are you listening to?
The staccato clicking of the keyboard as my fingers fly over the keys.

Has anybody on your top friends ever admitted to liking you?
I should hope so!

What's the one thing that always gets you through a bad day?
If you've only got one thing to get you through a bad day, I'd suggest you look for more things. Seriously, though, my wife and son do a lot for my good mood, and I enjoy listening to happy music when necessary.

What are you doing right now?
Thinking that it might be time to put on some pants.

Do you usually tell people when they hurt your feelings?
Yes, usually by kicking them in the crotch. No, that's a joke. Really.

Do your initials spell out a word?
Nope.

How often do you give high fives?
I prefer to run a victory lap while making whooping noises.

Where is the last place you went to go eat?
My living room. That place is always open, and the service is fabulous.

Have you bought any clothing items in the past week?
No, unless you count those clown shoes I picked up.

Do you sing in the shower?
Like a virtuoso.

Where is the last place you went shopping for clothes?
I think I bought some underwear at Wal Mart.

Do you prefer a call or a text?
Usually a call, but I text all the time.

Have you ever been on television?
Actually, I've been in a movie! An independent film made by my Sis- and Bro-in-law, it's called Eve of Understanding. I was an extra in an AA meeting.

Do you trust people easily?
Sometimes, too easily.

Who was the first person you talked to today?
That will be my fabulous wife. She's still asleep, but I'll kiss her when I leave for work.

Looking forward to something this weekend?
The sky's the limit! Maybe we'll see a movie, or go out to eat, or rent a movie, or go to the bookstore, or ride bikes...heck, I'll even enjoy a nap. I love the weekends!

Fun Weekend.

My in-laws have a timeshare in several places around Texas, and we had the pleasure of joining them in Conroe this past weekend. We had a blast doing little but playing boardgames, watching tv and napping. Sometimes you need weekends like that. I did manage to squeeze in a bit of archery practice (although the available equipment was pretty thoroughly junked up) with my Mom-in-law, and a bit of mini-golf with my son. All in all, just a nice, relaxing time. I admit that I didn't sleep as well as I'd have liked, but sleeping in our own bed last night more than made up for it. Special thanks to my fabulous in-laws for inviting us along!

Not much of a thought-provoking entry today...I don't really have any points to make or stories to tell. I may have something of import later, though, but for now, it's just time for some food.

Have a happy day, everyone!

Another little survey...

Are you tan?
I’ve got a huge Farmer Tan going on. Head, neck, arms, and lower legs are pretty brown, but the rest of me is amazingly, shockingly pale.


Do you have unlimited texting?
Oh, yes.


How old will you be in 13 months?
39, and reveling in my youth.

Where did you get the underwear you are wearing right now?
I’m wearing underwear? Oh, yes, I am…probably Wal Mart or Target.


What are you looking forward to in the next months?
Family vacations.


Are you easily confused?
Who…me? What?


Do you think you would make a good wife/husband?
Actually, yes. Mistakes are made on occasion, but I’m a fabulous hubby.

What's your favorite kind of ice cream?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Have you ever liked someone who treated you badly?
Back in High School.


What color are your socks?
Whoa! I didn’t realize that I’m barefoot ‘til just now!

Do you fall for people easily?
No, not really.


Everything happens for a reason?
No, not everything. I do think you can learn from just about everything that happens if you so choose.

Have you ever dated someone more than once?
Uh….geez, I’ve been married twice since I was in my early 20’s…what’s “dating?”

When is the last time you talked to number 1 on your top friends?
Less than an hour ago.


What are you listening to right now?
The hum of the computer, and blissful silence…I have the house to myself for a change.

Who was the last person to send you a message on MySpace?
That was Amanda, Brian’s sis.

Last person you said I love you to?
My ridiculously tall 6-yr-old son.

What is it you truly want right now?
A moped/scooter. Truly.

Are you wearing jeans right now?
No, I threw on some really ugly shorts.


What is the wallpaper on your computer?
Blue, and an Elvgren painting that reminds me of my wife. It’s called ‘Bedside Manner’, and it’s HOT!


How many 20 dollar bills do you have on you right now?
Not a one.


Do you dance in the car?
No…well, maybe. I do sing, and do Chan Su Jinn circles, though.


Do you smile a lot?
I have a rather scary, stone-faced expression when I’m not smiling, so I try to smile as often as possible.


Do you prefer call or text?
I LOVE to talk on the phone. So sue me.


Who is at your house right now?
Just me.


Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?
From the clean clothes pile.


What's the last movie you saw in the theater?
Indiana Jones. Not bad. I can do better with a whip, though.

Can you live without the computer?
Sure. But I won’t like it, nope, not at all.

When was the last time you got flowers?
My darling wife has bought me flowers a few times, and I just love it. A dear friend of mine also got me flowers many years ago, and I’ve never forgotten her kindness.


Do you have a tattoo?
Do scars count?

Are you hiding something from someone?
Within everyone’s heart of hearts, there’s something they would prefer to keep hidden. Some things are frightening, some are tragic, and some are only embarrassing. I’m no different.


Are there things you can't live without?

Of course. Food, oxygen, water, love…

What was your first thought when you looked in the mirror this morning?
I actually haven’t seen myself yet today.

Do you like to have long hair or short hair?

Short. I’ve a limited repertoire of styles with my hairline, so I keep it simple.

Have you memorized your social security number?
Yup.

Who is your number two top friend?
Larry “The Awesome” Escher


What's your favorite thing to have on your bed?
My wife and myself.

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
Oh, yes.

What happened at 10:00 am today?
I was probably gathering up the breakfast dishes.


Is your family just a bundle of fun?
I laugh every single day…they both just crack me up.


When did you last cry?
I probably got emotional over some movie or other. I’m such a sap.


When did you last smile?
Just now…I thought of something funny. ;-)

Dang it.

So there I was, sitting in my car, feeling like a complete moron. What could I do but laugh?

Here's the brief tale...

I had been wandering around Home Depot for nearly an hour, looking for odds and ends. I had casually greeted the occasional passerby, and smiled at pretty much everyone I saw...I was in a good mood. Enjoyed a brief chat with the checkout guy before heading out to my car. My wallet dropped out of my pocket when I pulled out my keys, so I squatted down, picked it up, then sat in my car.

As I clicked my seatbelt closed, I realized that my zipper was down. Way down. Like down-to-my-ankles down. I had worn the one pair of shorts that has that particular flaw (its zipper is unstable), and it had done its dirty work.

For a moment, I thought, "Well, it probably unzipped when I squatted down to get my wallet...yeah, that's what happened!" I had one blissful moment of relief before remembering that I had also squatted down for some time in the store as I examined different types of pliers. So it had most likely been unzipped for the rest of the time I was in there.

Dang. Must have looked like an idiot.

Guys, if you see some poor fool wandering around with his barn door open, please have the common decency to let him know. Really.

Have a nice day.