Flurry of activity

It's been an exciting couple of days. Three, really. I called DM from BWI on Monday, after getting off the plane. I got voicemail, and left a message that was something like, "I am leaving BWI. I could be at the lab within an hour and a half. Call me back so I know what to do."

I drove back, and thought that I would be able to do it without a map or gps or directions, etc. I was wrong. I got a little confused about I-370 and I-270 and I-70. But that's what these new high fangled phones are for right?

I got back to my apartment unharmed. And uncalled. I took a nap (had been up since 3:30 am with some sporadic plane-sleeping), took a shower, took a skype call with AK. I finished the third season of Six Feet Under.

On Tuesday, I went into DC. I visited with a friend who goes to school at American, and we had some Chinatown Chinese food for dinner. I then went to a concert without her. She had been invited, but could not make it.

It was Hadag Nachash. Quite enjoyable. This was the fourth time I have seen them live, and it was easily the best. This was their last stop on their tour, and they really made it count. The venue was really weird. It was the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue. As in, it used to be a synagogue. Now, it is a venue for Jewish cultural programming. Sort of like a JCC, but they really know how to put on a concert. The concert was co-sponsored by J Street (the mommy organization of J Street U), so I got a free ticket and reserved VIP seating. Pretty cool. It was just weird to be at this hip-hop concert in a sanctuary.

Somewhere in the meantime, DM called. He said that he had been to the office of Mr. Guy-who-makes-decisions, and said that he needs this decision (of me being able to start immediately) today! Mr. Guy wasn't in. His secretary said she would have him call when available.

Wednesday was mostly shopping. I went to Ollie's Bargain Outlet. They are so awesome. They buy up overstock and outlet stuff. They sell it cheap. I think Ollie's should always be the first stop, because you never know what they are going to have. Afterwards, you can go to K-Mart or Walmart or the grocery store. They did not have everything I wanted but were close.

I called DM on my mother's wishes and told his voicemail that I would sit in Mr. Guy's office if need be. I only have time. Also, if DM were to give me his secretary's number, I could stop bothering him directly.

In the evening, I went to Aikido for the first time in Frederick. It was like going to Aikido for the first time ever. I have been doing Aikido basically for five years over the past seven. It has not been particularly contiguous, but I am certainly not a new beginner. I have now studied three styles, and this was a fourth. Aikido is a martial art wherein there is a lot of throwing and joint locks and that sort of thing, but it is all about compassion to your opponent. You never attack, just redirect their energy.

This dojo (training space) belongs to the Ki Society. I have always wanted to try this sort of Aikido, as they focus on cultivating Ki. Ki is life-force. It is a very difficult concept for Westerners. Basically, all of your strength in this type of Aikido actually comes from relaxing. I was working with the teacher when we were all paired up, and everytime that I would begin to use strength, he would freeze up. It was aggravating and motivating. I think I will stick with it.

This morning, DM called. He said, "Why don't you just come in tomorrow morning and we'll get you started. We are still waiting on Mr. Guy, but that's just a formality. Some come in tomorrow to my office, and we will get you started." OK. Cool. Sounds good. Etc.

I have showered and read a bit since then. He just called back (while I was writing this), and said "Mr. Guy called me. Everything is approved. You are set to go. Come in tomorrow morning, and we will get started!" Stupendous! Awesome! Suddenly I feel as though a gigantic weight has been lifted from my shoulders. And it's only lunchtime! What else might the day hold?