Since arriving in Japan earlier this month I have not had a single day of rest. Between attending Goma Ceremonies with Yamabushi (I walked across hot coals!), training with Aikido masters (I got taken down by an old lady!), partying with Geiko (I sang Rodgers and Hammerstien to Kyoto’s youngest Maiko!), making new friends and catching up with old ones (too much to name!), my schedule is quite literally jam-packed!
It’s great, and losing my voice this last week from all the events I’ve been attending or performing at has told me that it’s time to shelve this section of my creative works while I experience things in the grass-touching world this spring and summer. For example: Yesterday after being blessed by the Yamabushi at the Goma ceremony, I was gifted 3 swords and a jitte, and today used one of those swords to train in Iaido. This was all within an 18 hour period, and I’m leaving so much out. I’ve even got a meeting with the Kyoto Governor’s office in a few days that I have barely had time to even think about, let alone prepare for. Hear that, Navy? When you re-instate me, best just promote me on the spot and put me in the Tokyo Attache position to strengthen the US/Japan relationship to its maximum potential; I’m doing it already here as a civilian! They’re probably a little busy recently though, as SecDef just confirmed what I have stood by since 2021: The jab order was unlawful. So now that the hornet’s nest known as “Big Navy” just got set on fire, the N1 COVID Cell dealing with my re-entry might be a little delayed, but I am keeping tabs with both them and LT Spadaro of the Orlando recruiting office and will let you guys know of any major developments.
You know me by now, I can’t promise consistent updates when I’m in this Live! Live! Live!! mode, but you can expect one or two fun updates if the urge strikes and the time is right. For now, please enjoy these photos of my shenanigans during the last few weeks:
Enjoy the spring and summer, everyone! And don’t forget to LIVE!