nearly made it the whole way

Missed last week, sorry!

So this will be the first year since about 2002 that I'm missing out on the annual kwoon maintenance. I'm disappointed for two reasons. Firstly, this year involves smashing things. I enjoy that.

Secondly is the sense of ownership I get out of helping out. When I'm actually shaping the place I train in it's a nice reminder of the work I've put into it that doesn't show. I've long since realized, especially after moving away, that a school adds a tremendous amount to my training, and silent river especially gives kung fu a home. So I'll miss that reminder this year, but I'll be thinking about what else I'm missing too.

That being said, I hate painting.

this is not the future

So I like terrible things. Especially on the rare occasions I watch tv, it's Jersey Shore or American Gladiators.

I want to describe it as applied nihilism: staring head on into the headlights. This culture is a truck barreling down on me, so I get a giddy thrill seeing how bad it truly is.

Have you seen Snooki from the Jersey Shore? Seen what kind of person she is, or is at least portrayed to be? And how about the guy who has a nickname for himself and his abs (weirdly, it's the same one: 'the situation'). These are ideals I'm up against, a sort of half cocked vomit of the celebrity industry. Thousands of dollars spent on a dress or a hat to be worn once.

PEOPLE LIKE THIS EXIST, AND THEY ARE ALL AROUND YOU.