Constant Change

Before, "Caught in the Riptide" was an outlet for creative writing and diary-keeping. I have new purpose and perhaps reason to continually apply myself to the maintenance of this word-behemoth. Such reasons include: remembering how to use my English to it's full extent, reviewing Japanese and Hogan (Okinawan) language lessons each day, and reflecting on my own changes as I strive to become one with my favorite island on this rotating blip we call Earth.
I'd love to get wordy and start doing Okinawan history, but I promised myself I would jump into the language aspect of the blog immediately. I live off-base in Okinawa now, and am completely surrounded by the Japanese language and the island lifestyle. It's everything I wanted and more, especially coming from the Redneck Riviera known as Pensacola. I practice with a Japanese soccer team, they kick my ass every Mokuyobi (Thursday). I am currently shopping for the Japanese equivalent of a 4runner, and it's called a Hilux Surf. Autos are cheap over here so I'm kinda hoping to find one for chump change. I wish I could say I've been diving every weekend, but the weather's been cold and my life's been busy. I did, however, find out about "night surfing" which is done when the water is high over the reef at night. The locals use spotlights, about 6 of them, and the brightness shows the waves and even the reef, a little bit. It's gorgeous and I hope I can attend a session one night.

Being here lets me hang out with my dad and stepfamily a lot, and I've really enjoyed the last couple of weeks. There are plans in place to help him brew a new batch of beer, and soon the peanut butter chocolate stout will be ready to drink. All in all, I'm stoked to be in Okinawa. I love this place dearly and I can't wait to report what hijinks and teachings I can.

I'm going to start off the language portion by repeating my favorite words I've learned over the last couple of months... My words for the day:
Wadgi Wadgi - annoying (Hogan) Best phrase ever.
Mooichi doitte kudasai - Please repeat that (Japanese) I say this a lot.
Zutsuu - Headache (Japanese) Sounds perfect, especially when your head hurts and you wanna stress the Oooh.
Tadaimaaaaa! - I'm home! My littlest sister repeats this literally every day.
So Ka - I see. Not 'I see' like I see something; but 'I see' like 'I understand'. I've noticed that almost all languages use this phrase instead of "I understand", and metaphors like 'seeing clearly' exist universally too. Pretty neat.

I'm always going to keep this one aspect of my old blog, too much passion for music. Maybe eventually I'll have some Japanese names on this list... My fave 3 jams of the moment...

Capital Cities - Origami

Incubus - Golden

Macklemore - Crew Cuts
(Seriously anything by this guy, but I love the Bravery guitar riff in this one...)