Linda was nice (and patient) enough to teach me the basics of snowboarding. I took my first slide down Mountain High last Sunday. We’d been talking about giving it a shot… that is, me actually getting out there and locking my two feet onto a piece of fiberglass and sliding down a bunny slope.

According to her I was a fast learner. I learned how to stop heelside, even toeside a few times. Though learning the ropes was not without it’s fair share of bruises for me.

Apparently, she had enough points for us to go back up on the lifts a bunch of times. I count around 7 times we went back up to board down again. Good times.

I fell a good amount of times forwards, backwards, and somewhat sideways on several occasions. But it was extremely rewarding to be able to eventually steer around people and come to a stop (or slow down) when I needed to. Towards the latter half of our time at the mountain, I’d be sliding down a little faster and falling less. It was exhilarating to hear the sound of [manmade] snow getting pushed away as I sped down the mountain.

It’s safe to say that I am going back as soon as I can. More than likely in the next three weeks…

Signs all over San Diego Comic Con…

What is D-9? The one thing I actually love is that I have no idea what it’s about. Even at the bathrooms, there were signs saying “For Humans Only / Zone Restricted / www.d-9.com. It leads you to a website that is “translated” in English and Alien.

This is the way to do viral marketing. The “Multi National United” website seems like a full site as well. I’m intrigued.

Katrina taught me how to shoot arrows today.

Figures, art and cosplayers amongst attendees.

Megumi left Los Angeles this morning to return home in Tokyo.

I first met her when I returned from Japan after the JET Programme. That was three years ago.

Everyone had a lot of fun last night, and today was a nice, intimate farewell at LAX.

Until we meet again…

It’s been a bit since I’ve actually set aside the time to write… it’s been pictures usually.

I’ve been keeping myself busy, either by choice or by role. First off, I’ve started working. I have been thrown back into the world of American taxpayers for almost a month now, and my weekdays are no-longer freelance affairs. I’ve made use of the evenings, though, for my video editing projects. Video still hasn’t died for me, and I doubt it will anytime soon.

I find myself juggling a lot now. Work, a freelance project or three here and there and even a girlfriend. Most of my friends found the last part very surprising, while I find it a most wonderful part of my life. The whole thing is definitely a challenge… maybe better written as a new, challenging chapter of living life. Is that too profound?

There is still the occasional room or time in my day to listen to some good music, and find new music as well. I haven’t gotten into a videogame since I finished several in November and December. The last movie I saw on DVD was “Lord of War”.

With all that is going on in my life (and it seems like a fair share) I am surprised I can manage to keep up at the moment.

That’s the abridged version for now. Like everyone else, I’m busy with life. As usual, I am aspiring to do things. I think my next video will be a ways from now, but I really want to do something special.

More to come.