hmmmmmm

Life continues.  I have been working out at Paul's.  I have reconciled some childish issues I used to have with the man.  I'm supremely happy for him in his new life; although the schedule and his dedication to his students has morphed in different ways, He still provides an amazing and wonderful environment to learn in.  Hearing about his travels and his new passions lifts my heart.  The man remains an inspiration and I know I can still learn much from him.

Seeing Les Nubians and Beats Antique was super fun, but I'm taking a break to be more of a homebody while I work on my drumming.  I'm drilling with JoJo Mayer's "Secret Weapons of the Modern Drummer" dvd because his technique and musicality are inspiring.  I want monster hands like his.  Besides the monotonous hours working on my pinky fingers, I'm stretching my thumb and trying hard to make it work like new.  Paul says that when people injure themselves, energy tends to become blocked at that point, no longer flowing freely.  He says I've already fixed that, so now it's just flexibility and strength I need to work on.  It still hurts like a mother fucker after a shift at the Spot, however.  Oh well, here's looking forward...

My yanagi-ba is being worked on by a pro, which is comforting.  He's taking his time straightening the knife and putting a mirror finish on the blade.  I can't wait to cut some fish up with that thing! On the other hand, my gyuto has started chipping; I think the included angle has become too steep, leaving the edge brittle.  I'm afraid the next step is a total regrind of the knife...oh well, gotta learn some time.  Our house is making foccaccia pizza tonight, I can't wait to eat it! YUM.