The year of the cow is now behind us, and it is time for the tiger to step up.

this year's card

While politicians both in the States and here in Japan spent a lot of time talking about “change,” I’ve been making some huge ones over the past several months. And they’ve mostly been for the better. Here’s a brief rundown of cool shit that went down in 2009:

• Since April, I’ve been essentially self-employed. That’s meant taking some part time gigs to pay bills while I tried to figure out what I was doing. The good news: I now know what I’m doing, and 2010 is going to be all about taking these various projects to the next level and building them into a business.
• There were also some kick ass events and visits from friends abroad. Japan hosted the 5th World Taido Championships in August. Thanks to everyone who traveled to Japan to build a better Taido. Thanks especially to those who bought me beer. We had a hell of a good time, and a not-bad competition. See you all again in Finland 2013.
• I took 5dan in Taido and certified as a Circular Strength Training instructor, both of which challenge me to learn much more all the time.
• Most importantly of all, in June, Noriko and I got married, and I’m ridiculously grateful for having her.

So that’s where things stand here on the cusp of the new year. It’s pretty exciting really. We’re planning some big stuff for the next twelve months, and I can’t wait to get started. Actually, I can wait. I can wait until we get back from the next few days of eating and sleeping and relaxing. But after that, I’ll be getting right back to work.