Uh Oh Spaghetti Os

Seems I don't have any classes for this semester. Partly, er, mostly my fault for waiting until December to turn in the pref form after I'd stated I might not be able to teach. Then again, I don't remember ever SEEING an email about the pref forms in the first place. Best not to dwell on it though there are still a couple ways for this to play out in my favor. There are always last min changes the first day, so a class or two may fall into my lap. Also, there's still a chance I'll secure 10 week sections. Other than that, I'm fucked for the next few months. I need to come up with a way to generate income. Fun fun fun in the worst economy since The Great Depression but don't blame the free market, it can never fail only be failed.

Last night in BJJ, lots of good things

The brown belt is some kind of dream. Postive reinforcement? Never been used to it, but learning to love it. Thought my movement was good, called me "wirey" (don't you have to be lanky to be wirey?) I executed a side control escape I learned last week--it's a good one, useful for straight grappling, MMA, amd street fighting. Uses an over/under gable grip. Also showed me how to be more mobile from guard, must be willing to not merely go off the line, but assume a shrimp like position.

If he has financial trouble, I'd be willing to throw down some of my own cash to keep him around.

Meanwhile, on the homestead

too many fights. too much silence. and jellybeans, a whole lotta jellybeans.

Meanwhile, Girlfriend and I...

Spent the holidays playing Super Smash Bros on the Wii. A game that is merely a series of locks and keys: complete a task open a door to a new task, complete that task, open a door to a new task etc. All cleverly disguised as one of the loopiest fighting games I've ever played. (A Giant Nintendog popped out of nowhere covering a third of the screen, our characters were completely obscured).

Our relationship continues to survive despite all laws of physics and advice columns. I love her; she loves me, but given everything that's happened, you'd think that wouldn't be enough, that we'd need a Deus Ex Machina or at least a giant monster...or terrorists holding a tower of people hostage to keep this relationship going, yet we continue to subsist on monthly visits and the Wii. (Although there is an argument to be made for the Wii as Deus Ex Machina). I'm still fearful that it will all end suddenly--sudden in it's long flailing slowness--but I have to marvel at our resilience. This is the worst and best part of my life.

Meanwhile, at the dojo...

A brown belt has been coming from upstate to train with us once a week, partially due to a needlessly complicated scuffle with the Fabulous Machados. Regardless of the political landscape, he's a good teacher, and has proven himself quite adept at tailoring criticism and advice to the different needs of his students. He showed us an escape from side control that's perfect for MMA fighters like college boy, while showing me a few tricks to finishing arm bars particularly pertinent because of the size differential I have to cope with. He's mentioned being an english major, and his language is precise and to the point, but descriptive when it needs to be. Perfect for a verbal/visual learner such as yours truly. I look forward to training with him.

Sidenote: due to the holiday season our judo brown belt has been MIA I'm hoping I can officially restart my judo training tonight.

Meanwhile, at the dojo.

Is Christmas over yet?

Haven't posted due to holiday goo goo ga ga---not because of any bodily pain. I've felt pain in the legs and knees but it's been minor; My diagnosis of a leather recliner has been a success. I'm vindicated. But, this is not a return to the status quo. I need to take care of insurance related stuff (I have none, that needs to change fast)