Such Great Heights

I must say, I am, and have been for the past several days, in the best of spirits. My classes, while time consuming, are not terribly difficult. Conversely, though still positively, they are proving to be interesting, and I find myself actively taking notes in my classes. Perhaps my classes truly are interesting, or maybe my conscious effort to enjoy my education has done some good. In either case, classes are going very well, and I could not be happier.

My bed problem has been resolved. I purchased a queen sized futon, and got a bargain. The owners were trying to move it, maybe for the floor space, maybe simply because nobody wanted it. The pad, I was told, was inferior to most of what they sell, being 100% cotton fill rather than a mix of synthetic padding, cotton, and memory foam. While their other pads certainly were comfortable, I got my queen set for less than half of what I would have paid for one of their softer full size sets. Having spent the better part of a week on the floor, with my collection of blankets as padding, the “not soft enough” pad is heavenly. Truth be told, I like my sleeping surfaces firm.

I’m also excited to have the couch aspect of my Megatron futon in my room. It’s wide enough to seat four or five people comfortably, so I can have company over. It also gives me a more comfortable place to sit while studying or practicing guitar. My computer chair has arms, making the arrangement claustrophobic and makes guitar playing difficult and awkward. The ass padding is getting thin too, something I think I’m going to fix.

As mentioned above, I have been practicing guitar. I learned a little in a city college course over one of those forgotten summers, but managed to lose everything I accrued in that class. Its coming back, quickly, gloriously, and I’m excited to see my ability increase so rapidly. I’m actually excited to get home and practice more.

Guitar Hero has made a difference in my ability to read music, a skill that has always given me trouble. I also require myself to practice real guitar an equal amount of time I play GH, which is spurring my improvement further. I think I’m going to require real practice before I play, and force myself to earn video game time.

Kendo is going fantastically. The first practice back, I pushed myself a little too hard, and found myself fighting down, eventually swallowing vomit. I was worried I’d be put off, but this last practice was perfect. I kept the physical, mental, and spiritual intensity high and powerful throughout the practice, performed well during our sparing sessions, and managed, to a small extent, to impress my comrades and earn the praise of my sensei. I feel myself improving here as well, and it pleases me greatly.

I think that’s it for now. I’m going running tonight, and I want to sign up for another stretch class, though if I make a point of doing it myself, there’s no reason to oblige myself to a specific time slot.

I feel powerful, unstoppable again.