Anywho, by following my interests, I’ve been fortunate to be in a position to enjoy the work that I do (tho it’s getting a little stale, hmm). It is in a similar vein, that I’m pursuing my interest in Japanese culture, entertainment, history and what have you. While I haven’t quite made the step into making any sort of career out of it, and who knows if I will in the end, I continue to pursue my interests for my own sake, and anything more that comes of it is all gravy.

It is somewhat in that context that I frame the thought of finding the one for me. As I continue to explore and experience the world around me, perhaps I’ll meet someone. By doing nothing special but being myself, I might just meetup with someone who holds similar interests. Someone who ends up liking me because of, and or in spite of, all of my various little character quirks and interests. Say, going out and meeting people, wow, what a novel concept, eh (I only say it like that, reflecting on the source of who’s saying it~); but no, it’s more like, going out and doing my own thing, with no particular goal in mind, things are bound to happen anyway, you know? Go with the flow.

Just sounds like I’m being lazy or something, ha. I’ve never been one to put much effort into actually looking for that special someone, but at the same time I’ve never really rejected the idea of settling down and I would like to become a father some day (whether that actually involves settling down or not). All the while, I’m not in much of a hurry to get there either; and then, where’s there? Here is fine for now.

I like the way it looks and I feel kinda cool / confident while still holding the appearance a guy who is friendly and approachable. I won’t call this my “teddy bear style,” but I think I’ll stick with it, until it starts getting cold out anyway.

Another note on confidence is when I was strolling the Hawaiian beaches, wearing the swim trunks I bought a few weeks ago. It’s not what I was wearing really, but it was a mental attitude. The whole style thing isn’t about impressing others or trying to be something that I’m not, consciously anyway, yeah. Me just being me, being comfortable with myself, it just felt right. Not that I worry much at all about what people think of my appearance anyway, but for some reason it bolstered a positive attitude out of me.

On a final point, I still haven’t completed any sort of design for the tattoo(s) I’ve been thinking about getting, but being in Hawaii has sparked an interest again. I really liked some the unique tribalesque styles I saw.

Shy, introverted, schizoid, whatever you want to call it, I’ve pretty much been this way my whole life, yeah. Growing up, I never really had any friends, but I had at least one thing, family. More specifically, a twin sister. My sister, beyond being opposite to me in gender, she is also opposite in personality; extroverted, assertive, a little anti-social, et cetera, et cetera. I wonder how I would have turned out had my sister not been there… but no use in playing the what if game. She was there and through her I was able to be at least a little bit social.

First, I’ll say that growing up my sister and I played with a lot of dolls and such. Stuffed animals, cabbage patch kids, barbies and the like, with those we’d act out and play pretend with (I don’t know, regular kid imaginary stuff, lol). I think the Ninja Turtle figurines I collected were the only unique boyish things I had, tho she was in to TMNT as well and the Ninja Turtles “played” with the other dolls too. I think the whole playing with dolls things is somewhat taboo, maybe not so much now, but perhaps was back then. I played and enjoyed in any case, it was fun sharing those times with my sister.

Outside of just the two of us, there was my older sister who lived about two hours away. Her children, two boys around the same age as my sister and me, would sometimes come down during the weekends and for longer periods during the summer. We’d all have a good time together, but as the two boys weren’t around too often, we didn’t really grow up together and bond as much as my sister and I.

So on to the social aspect of things. There were a few neighborhood kids that my sister and I got along with. Mostly the girls. You see, whatever my sister wanted to do, or whatever friends she made, well I’d just kinda tag along. Her girl friends became my friends in a sense. There were a few boys in the neighborhood, but interaction with them was minimal. In school, kindergarten through the second grade holds a similar story. My sister and I being in the same class, well I wasn’t clingy, but I again just kinda assimilated and hung out with her friends.

It wasn’t until the third grade that we were put into separate classrooms that our closeness would start to part, and my access to being social would start to go with it. By no means did it end however. I’d go with her over to some of her girl friends houses to play. I’d go to their birthday parties and other such things. I wasn’t always the only boy there, but it often was the case where I was at least one of few. Our own birthday parties too, since we shared a birthday, when we had our little parties we’d invite over friends and such. Well, being practically friendless myself I didn’t have anyone to invite over and so it was girl’s party.

Once middle school rolled around, similar story. I would hang out with the girls. During lunch, I would sit at the all girls table (I was the only boy they would -allow- to sit with them). I’d essentially become one of the girls. I’m friendly, approachable. They felt safe around me. They felt they could say anything around me, stuff they wouldn’t when the other boys were around. (I think could elaborate on this and it’s implications so much more, but I’ll leave it be for some other time.)

Around this age is also when my sister joined the girl scouts. As you may have guessed, I tagged along, to the extent that they would let me anyway. They had various house parties, or sleepovers, I’d be there (tho I had to leave once all the girls went to sleep, heh). When they went on their various field trips, I’d be there. I remember going on a multi-day camping trip with them. Aside from a few adult male chaperons, I was the only guy there.

In high school I had pretty much retreated into myself socially, so while I still hung out with the girls somewhat, I was more socially isolated during this time than I had been in the past. Once school was over I was working in a more professional job, basically in an office full of women. We got on great of course.

Today, I’ve got a few people I guess I would call friends [IRL]. A couple of Japanese girls I meet through a Japanese meetup thing a few years ago. My sister and I are still pretty close. Then there’s her best friend who I’ve known since high school. Yeah, just girls for the most part.

All of that is not to say that I don’t have any sort of social experience with boys. I was in the boy scouts for one or two years actually. But the majority of my [limited] social interaction comes from interacting with girls. Now beyond the interaction aspect of things, I also feel that there’s a bit about me that just didn’t inherently fit in with the boys, another point to elaborate on later perhaps.

Now, saying that I enjoy the company of girls sounds a bit silly (like, duh), but perhaps that gives it a little bit of context.

We’d go to the store together and pick out patterns and cloth, and my mother would sew them up for me. In that sense, not only did I have input into the style of clothes I’d be wearing, I got to pick out unique patterns that created a style that stood out. My clothes would always match and were generally in good condition. No doubt the teachers and faculty who decided to give the award noticed that, and decided it was one defining facet of me that they thought they’d recognize.

Another thing during this time that made me stand out style wise was during Halloween. Again, my mom would sew together costumes for me (and my sister). For a few years we got awards and were recognized for our elaborate costumes. The “Doll and Pet Parade” sticks out for one, where my sister and I were dressed as clowns, and without pets, we had stuffed animals that were dressed in a similar fashion. Costumes crafted by mom and we were featured in the newspaper and given an award for that as well.

When I moved to the southwest, my mom wasn’t making as much of my clothes as we were buying them now, but I still had a lot of input on what I wanted to wear. Being in the southwest, my clothing for a few years was heavily influenced by Mexican/Native American style. A lot of short sleeve button down shirts with shorts, I wasn’t dressing up but it was different from what all of the other kids were wearing. During this time is also when I got glasses for the first time so that added a little bit to things. In addition, for a lot of the time I had my hair permed (straightened), a unique hair style, divergent from the typical mini afro one might see on black people.

From there, I moved over to the east coast and again, my style would change somewhat. By this time we were buying all my clothes and I basically got to pick out whatever it is that I wanted. This would continue and by the age of 13 instead of my parents buying it, I’d actually be buying things with my own money. So yeah, total freedom to define my own style. For about a year my style would be a bit casual, shorts and t-shirts, but I’d eventually move on to something more unique. For one year I wore nothing but black and green. Not sure the reasoning behind it, but it was a style and color combo that I though looked cool. Another year, I adopted somewhat of a hip hop fashion, wearing nothing but a single brand of clothing (BOSS, by I.G. Design). It was really unique and one could tell that I put effort into it.

During high school is when my style pretty much revolved around dressing up. Business casual if you will. Button down shirts, long sleeve or short, never wearing shorts or jeans, nothing but khakis and dress pants. If I was known for anything I was known for my unique fashion sense. Even to this day, when I wear something that is not considered “dressing up,” people notice right away.

Now, beyond clothing, during my time on the east coast also brought some interesting hair styles. First, I grew an afro a couple inches long and had my mother trim it into a high top fade. I think the high top was a bit of a dated style at the time, but that’s part of what made it stand out. What I did next however, made it stand out so much more.

I had been accustom to getting perms, which was unique in it’s own right, but this time I did something different. I dyed my hair bright blond. Note, that with the high top, the sides are buzz cut, I left that black, the top however was now not only straight, but a blond/gold color. A really unique style that caught many eyes when I returned to school after the summer when I had it done.

The next step in the evolution of that hair style was to braid my hair. Whether the braids were cornrows or 20 to 40 varied sized plats, it was really unique. My hair would eventually grow down to my shoulders, keep in mind that the sides were always buzz cut and it was only the top of my hair that was long. An interesting style indeed (sometimes causing me to be confused for a girl, actually), that lasted for about 4 years before I cut it off. From then on out my hair and clothing has been pretty consistent. Dressy, but not overly so, totally different than what both people of my age and what older people would be wearing.

My facial hair didn’t really start growing in until I was around 21. I’ve never really done much with that but shave it off and or have a mustache/goatee. Also at 21 is when my hair started thinning. A mix of heredity and probably, if only slightly due to the bunch of chemicals I had put into it years earlier, heh. I’ve been shaving my hair for the past two and a half years or so, the baldness has taken complete control and I’m too lazy to try and come up with something unique around that nowadays.

Before my trip to Japan last month, I decided to do a slight mix of my style. Shorts and some interesting designed t-shirts. Simple, yeah, but really out of the norm from what I usually wear. The shirts were purposefully a bit tight on me, giving a slight glimpse of the outline to my body. I really liked this and it made me feel kind of, not “sexy,” but confident and cool. More and more recently I’m becoming interested in varying up my style, and hope to look into it more seriously. I’ve even considered cross dressing too, wouldn’t work for work and other such occasions, but who knows, I might like to mix it up every once in a while.

Whether it’s “cool” fashion, or “cute,” or some undefined “solo style,” it’ll be unique that’s for sure, as my style always has been.

Work wise, I continue with self-employment. I’ve been working on one project in particular that’s gotten streams of good reviews. I think I’ve mentioned to those involved already, I’m really thankful for all the opportunities Kentucky has offered me, past and present.

I’ve been a contributor over at International Wota since May. Or well, what started off as some consistent contributions has since dropped off significantly. I’m trying to get back into things without forcing myself, you know? Will see how that goes. Even with my inactivity and what not, I’m appreciative of the fact that I was accepted to the team.

Went to Japan twice; once in the summer and once in the fall. This is where the more than great parts of the year come into the picture. The highlight of the trips being the Hello! Project concert experiences, but even beyond that, it’s the whole history of the place, being immersed in the language and culture that I really enjoy.

School has been moving right along; I’m on track to get my AA degree this May and will be full time at the University of Kentucky in August to finish up my last two years. One thing I’ll need to be thinking about is what lies beyond that, what happens when school is done. As right now, I’m not completely sure, but I am confident that something good will come of it, if nothing more than a great learning experience.

Looking forward to the future!

History of Asia, 1800 – Present

I needed a Humanities course to fill my general education requirements and this class fit not only that, but will fit my major as well. Unfortunately BCTC didn’t offer the class and the class offered at UK didn’t fit my schedule, so I ended up taking this one online. I’ve got a little bit of experience with online classes actually, having completed a two year Graphic/Web Design program as well as taking some courses related to site design and e-commerce. I was a bit hesitant to go into online classes, but I wanted to finish up my Associate’s Degree this semester, so I fit it in. In addition to being online, it was also an 8-week course, so yeah, as of now it’s over and done with.

There were tests, readings, movies to watch, research and participation assignments, a lot packed in. The online nature is probably what made it feel less like a half semester course, as I could work at my own pace (waiting until the last minute for most of the things, but hey I got it done). The course was flexible enough also that I could somewhat focus the items I wanted write and learn about. Japan’s economy, Sensoji, Japanese curry, the Tokugawa Shogunate… and as I’ve done the past few semesters, I had to slip in a presentation about “wota” in there. The presentation conjured up a bit of discussion with other students, the teacher as well, which is always interesting to see peoples’ reactions to a subculture they may not be aware of.

Anyway, I ended up with an A in the class. History has always been a favorite subject of mine and I’m looking forward to taking a few more classes with regards to that.

Firstly, with going back to school. I’m doing pretty well so far; 25 credits and all As. I may not be able to keep it up this semester, but I’m going to give it my best. Japanese class is going great and I’m really enjoying Psychology so far. Psychology is something I may be looking into a bit further, I’m not sure yet.

Next semester I’ll be dual enrolled at the University of Kentucky, on the road to my Bachelors of Arts in International Studies, with a major in Foreign Language and International Economics. Depending on how UK ramps up their Japanese Studies program some of that may change, In any case, I’m looking forward to it.

I’m tentatively planning a trip to Japan this summer. Might not see a Berryz concert, which is a big reason I would want to go, but a trip to get a bit used to things and overall cultural immersion might be enough for a first. If things go well, I may plan another trip in the fall.

Just recently left my job after going part time for about half of the year. Need a bit more flexibility and to focus more on school. I’ll be doing some freelance stuff, we’ll see how it all turns out, but I’m optimistic.

Looking forward to the future!

1. I have a twin sister. A lot of people know that I guess, but some don’t. Oh, and I’m older (2mins).
2. I’m 6’1” which is kinda tall when compared to the rest of my family. I’m pretty sure it comes from my mom’s side of the family.
3. I’ve lived in 5 states. Minnesota (born), Wisconsin, New Mexico, Maryland and Kentucky.
4. I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t drink coffee. I don’t drink tea.
5. I’ve travelled out of the country twice. Once to Canada (Toronto), once to Sweden (Stockholm/Linchoping).
6. I’ve got three tattoos. My sister and I partially celebrated our 18th birthday by getting them done. A dragon kanji on the back of my neck and the kanji for fire and water on my right shoulder. The dragon is meant to represent a protector of treasure, the treasure being me (lolwut); that and a sort of representation of my thick skin. The water would be my nonchalant go with the flow attitude while the fire is some unkindled passion I have yet to discover. I’d like to get a dragon to cover the whole of my back. Sometime soon maybe.
7. I have horrible handwriting and I suck at spelling stuff. I also write my lowercase A’s as double-story, I think that’s what it’s called anyway. My English teacher in middle school did this occasionally and I thought it was cute. I’ve been using it ever since.
8. I’m a good cook? I’d like to think so anyway. I’ve been cooking since I was 3, I think. I used to cook breakfast for myself and my sister before we went to school. I took a cooking class in high school and at one point had contemplated going to a culinary arts school. Nowadays, I don’t cook so much cause I’m kinda lazy as far as going out shopping &c. I do still enjoy it tho.
9. I procrastinate way too much.
10. I want kids. Actually, I think I have for a while, tho I’ve usually said that somewhat jokingly. I’ve got some issues, as most people do, but I think I’d be a good father. That said, I don’t think I’m a good uncle at the moment. Sure my nieces and nephews don’t live anywhere close or whatever, but still, gotta work on that.
11. I’ve never missed a day of school. Might be because I never get sick. Which might be because I don’t want people to have to worry about me.
12. The name Geoffrey comes from Geoffrey Chaucer. George was considered at one point I believe, but I think it was my mom that didn’t want another George Washington Williams (the third). I still have the same initials tho, GWW. I think I want to name my first son George Walker.
13. I don’t read books. Actually, I can say that I’ve never read a book all the way through.
14. I fail at remembering the names of songs, lyrics, movie titles, actors and actresses. I don’t know how to do the electric slide. Or is it, “I don’t want to know how to do the electric slide”, hmmm… I fail at a lot of pop culture stuff really.
15. I rarely get stressed, mad, angry or the like. One thing that is annoying tho, is when people assume that I’ll get stressed, mad or angry when they tell me something. I can get a bit impatient sometimes, but that’s only with family I think. On that note, I’m an overall apathetic and emotionless person anyway; so if you ever do see me getting mad, maybe you should run :) . No, no, no… I’m not one of those people who will snap and go crazy or something.
16. I love snow. I love weather in general. I used to watch The Weather Channel all day.
17. I’m a Japanophile. I’m also a Wota. In some ways’ it’s not as bad as it sounds. In other ways, ya, it kinda is.
18. Cheese. Don’t know if it was Wisconsin or what, but man I love me some cheese. I also love Chinese and Japanese food. Mmm, and nothing beats a good salad. What I don’t like is food with bones still in em. Chicken wings and legs come to mind. Generally don’t like fish, but I love sushi. I’m also not a big fan of bread.
19. I absolutely adore cute stuff. “Hot” and “Sexy”, not so much.
20. I got an award in elementary school for being best dressed or something like that. This has carried on throughout the years, I’ve always ‘dressed up’ I think.
21. I’ve built a couple computers and am fairly computer savvy.
22. I used to make and play music with keyboards, synthesizers and computer software. I was in the school and church choirs. I played the clarinet and bassoon in middle/high school marching and concert bands. I’m currently teaching myself to play the drums.
23. I love learning about history and social studies, but I’m not good at remembering all of the stuff I’ve learned. I’m good at math, but I don’t like it. I can be a good writer, if I put the energy into it.
24. Off and on, I’ve had relatively long, straightened and often dyed hair whilst growing up. Nowadays, I just keep it short.
25. I’m pretty much an open book, but only if you ask the right questions. Otherwise, I’m quite content with just sitting back and observing the goings on around me.

While I have been living here for a good amount of time, I haven’t really experienced Kentucky all that much. Lexington in particular, being a college town, has a lot of stuff going on throughout the year. I need to get out more, heh. I’ve never really been motivated enough to do so. I think it’s about time to start being a bit more proactive in getting to a point of settling down, starting a family and all that jazz.

I’ve recently joined a Japanese culture and language group that meets periodically. Additionally, The University of Kentucky seems to have a good Japanese program and a couple of groups that seem interesting to me. With my work schedule lightning up a bit, I hope to check them and others out over the next few months.

And speaking of work, the reason I moved out here to Kentucky in the first place. I’m very glad that I’ve been able to gain a lot of experience in a field of work that I enjoy and meet a fine group of people. I’m very thankful for that.

Looking forward to the future!

I’ve always been fascinated by the weather and meteorology in general, but the snow has always been a major event for me. I remember spending hours just watching The Weather Channel. I’d get really pumped when a storm was on it’s way. Since moving out here to Kentucky however, there’s not much to get excited about.

Coupled with my love of snow, I’ve always been attracted to the cold weather. Born in Minnesota and living in Wisconsin for eight years after that, I’ve grown to be fairly acclimated to it. Some might say that I’m a little too okay with it.

Through winters past, I’ve always been out there in my choices of clothing. Shorts, short sleeves and jacketless were the norm for me. While these days I usually stick to pants, I’ll most likely be seen without a jacket unless it’s really windy.

I used to say that I don’t get cold, but now that I think of it, its more along the lines of being significantly more tolerant than others. At one point I remember visiting a doctor for allergies I believe; it was said that my inherent warmth may be related to some high histamine or some such.