I have a rice cooker

I have a rice cooker. I have had a rice cooker for a little over a month now, it must be. I use it to cook rice! It is also possible to steam veggies 'n' things using the rice cooker. You can even do it while you cook the rice! If you want!!

I have actually only used it three times total since I got it. Not because I'm lazy or anything, but because I don't have a convenient place to plug it in. My little kitchenette has no outlet. Unlike my friend's apartment just down the hallway. He has an outlet. His outlets also have three holes - that is to say, ground. None of my outlets have three holes. They all have two holes.

I think my hardwood floor is also older than his.

I would like to use the rice cooker more. I would like to know how to prepare an actual meal, too, instead of just a bowl of rice. I mean, don't get me wrong; a bowl of rice is pretty great! But as a meal it is rather bland, yes? Maybe I could teach myself how to make sushi. I'd love some sushi right about now.

But enough about sushi! Let's talk about my cooking abilities.

They are essentially non-existent. I can make pancakes using Bisquik. I can fry an egg. I can... well, that about sums it up. I don't consider using the rice cooker a skill. Maybe you do. I don't. Oh, I did make some tacos. Rather simple tacos, mind you, but tacos nonetheless. It wasn't very difficult. Thaw meat in microwave, throw on pan, fry 'til not pink, add seasoning, stir, fry a little more. Once the meat was done I nuked a tortilla shell for a few seconds and wrapped some meat and cheese in it. Repeat until full. Not difficult, still tasty.

But not tasty enough.

I'm thinking about trying my hand at egg salad. It looks simple enough. I just need to procure the ingredients. I also really, really want to eat some mabodofu - it is my favorite Chinese dish that is available in Japan and not available in America. I think I'll try to make that, too...

I have a rice cooker. It is the beginning of the end. Further posts on this topic will be less boring. I promise.

P.S., I totally made some biscuits earlier, using one of those ready-to-bake Pillsbury things, and it exploded on me when I opened it because I forgot I had it out of the fridge for a while. I am going places.

Something different

[jonzo] hey i wanna write about something
[jonzo] give me a topic
[axord] write about going back to japan to sucba dive in caves
[axord] caves found ON TOP OF MNT FUJI

Such an activity would probably be the pinnacle of all activities. The epitome of sheer cool. The ultimate in badassery.

I don't think anyone could argue this. Unless they are a fun-hater. Are you a fun-hater? I didn't think so.

The other day I was hangin' out with me mams and somehow the topic of space came up. I don't remember why. I told her I wanted to go to Mars and that if I did, I could die happy. She seemed shocked by this and took it pretty seriously... And although I meant it to be taken in a humorous fashion (as I am quite the joker), I was being serious after a fashion.

I don't fear dying. I don't fear much at all, really. I'm ready to live life to the fullest. (Inasmuch as I, personally, enjoy life.) However! I still wish I could live forever. When I think about all the things I won't see in humanity's future simply because I won't be alive, it bothers me significantly.

What is going to happen to humanity? Will we kill each other off? Will we finally find peace? These are the boring questions. No one with an imagination like mine gives two measly wossnames about that nonsense. The real question is this: What will we find out there? Other intelligent life forms? Or are we completely alone? Either way, we can at least spread out, explore, terraform and oh man I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.

Space. It's awesome. And, granted, there's still a lot we don't know about our own planet. We have yet to dive to the deepest depths of the ocean. New species of land animals are still being discovered all the time. There's also all that stuff we don't know about us. There is much to learn. But, at least for me, the most exciting thing we can do, the thing that yields the largest potential, is exploration. Oh, to be alive in the days of yore when those brave souls sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and discovered the Americas. Can any of us really imagine what that must have been like? Of course not! With the rare exception of those who have been in space, I imagine.

So, back to Mars. Will we land on that glorious red planet and at last find evidence of an ancient Martian civilization? Uh, most likely not. But it is the next obvious step. Let's get the fuck out there and stop meandering down here on Earth, eh?

SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER.

I would absolutely jump at the chance to go to Mars. Without hesitation, and even if it meant I would never be coming back. Not only would it mean I had accomplished something huge with my life, but it would also hopefully be the catalyst for the human species to open their eyes and look to the stars once more.

Dream Big, Jonny Boy.

Of course, all this is moot because I'm too fucking tall to be an astronaut. Thanks NASA. (Go go privately-owned-and-operated space exploration!)

The new me in the old world

Sheeeit, mang. Who am I? Where am I? what am I doing? It's like a whole new world! I am doing things this year I never thought I'd be doing when I started college. Always have been a bit of a, uh, what is it... socially inept sort of fellow? I'm probably still awkward but at least I don't care anymore. Well, mostly. Of course, I have Japan to thank for that. Old news. Old. News.

The point is, I went caving last weekend with UC's Mountaineering Club. But I'm a little too... shall we say husky for it. I couldn't fit into the crawlspaces with everyone else, so while they were off exploring, I was stuck waiting in the dark cave alone. Which, in itself, was kind of a cool experience. For a while I had my headlight on, but then I figured why waste the battery, and turned that sucker off. (Actually it was just to get rid of all the fucking bugs flying around my goddamn head.) I've never been in pitch blackness before! Actually, I have to be honest. There was a small point of very dim light that pointed to the entrance to the cave... But other than that I couldn't see a damned thing! I could hear shit, though. Drip drip goes the water. And I think I heard cave crickets crawling around my head - there was some weird sound I couldn't identify, but that's my best guess.

It was bizarre.

Anyway, yeah, I couldn't fit in the crawlspaces. Or at least I felt like I couldn't. Maybe I could've fit through at least one of them, if I forced my way through, but I felt pretty good and stuck before I was even halfway, and I guess I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get BACK through. I'm not claustrophobic by any stretch of the imagination, but... hey. It was a new thing for me. I'm allowed to be a frightened little child.

What I'm trying to get at here is that this is the first time my weight (that is to say, my overweight, my physical girth) has actually impeded on my ability to enjoy life. I mean sure, because I'm out of shape, I might get tired easier than other people, but it's never outright prevented me from doing something. It was... kind of depressing. It's not even like I'm ginormous, either, I'm just too big for the wossnames, you know.

I really was excited for caving, too. It's one of those things I've always wanted to do.

I wonder, though, if I'm just too big even if I was in shape. I'm not a small guy! I mean, 6'4" is nothing to scoff at! Who knows. The only way to find out is to get in shape, and that's what I've been working on since the school year began (albeit sporadically - I really should stick to the fucking schedule, eh?).

On a happier note, I'm second in the reserve line for the trip to Mt. Washington this February. Only second! I should probably be bummed I'm in the reserves and not going on the trip, since unlike a lot of people in the club, I am a senior. However, senior or not, I'm still new to the club. Shit go down like shit go down. Besides, it's probably better if I don't go. 1) I'm broke. 2) I dunno if I could handle the trip in my shape. 3) It'd be happening right in the middle of when I should be working on my senior design project.

Three great excuses to not be sobbing myself to sleep. Good enough for me.

Life is grand, ain't it? (This is not a sarcastic remark, despite what the context may imply.)

WHAT UP, KIDS

Back in the swing o' things, m'self.

That is to say, back in the swing o' not really bein' in the swing o' things. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. I promise.

Two weekends ago, I went backpacking. One weekend ago, I partied with some friends I haven't seen for a long while (with the exception of two: one who is in a few of my classes and the other who I saw not long after I returned to America). The party was fun. Cops were called. We were too loud, I guess.

But the backpacking was the real trip! Pun not intended, but most definitely acknowledged. We went to Red River Gorge and stayed one night.

I mean, prior to backpacking, the last outdoorsy shindig I was involved with was climbing Mt. Fuji. We all know how that went. This was on a whole a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience. Everything I did, I did with people of a like mind, but it was also a beginner's backpacking trip. Perfect for people like me, who maybe went camping a bunch as a young'un but haven't been around a campfire for years (bonfires don't count), let alone slept outside!

I need to make a habit of this shit, yo.

Naturally, I took my camera. Here is my favorite picture...

I wanna be a real boy!

Well, it's been a while since I wrote anything. I had intended to write some proverbial Final Thoughts or some shit regarding my extranational experiences much sooner than this, but the world turns as the world turns and sometimes it just don't turn for you!

So here goes.

Japan is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me...

Let me start again.

Japan is undoubtedly the best thing that has ever happened to me. I remember when I first signed up for this ICP nonsense, it was kind of half-heartedly. I always knew I'd eventually be going to Japan, and I knew I had to keep above a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. I did it, and I made it. But even with all the problems I had getting a job prior to leaving the country, and getting my passport, and packing, and and and and... AND-- It bit me in the ass. I don't know how, but I just really didn't feel it coming until I was already landing.

And then I was in Japan. I've talked enough about my experiences. No doubt as I catch up with everyone they'll ask me questions and I'll mumble and attempt to traverse my terrible memory until they walk away disappointed...

Alas! That's not why I'm writing NOW at THIS MOMENT IN TIME.

Japan changed me. Not in an immediately obvious way, and especially not in an outward way. I no doubt still appear to be the same shy guy who lacks any significant amount of confidence, but inside I am different! I promise. I'm more confident - this isn't something I had a problem with before, but people often equate shyness with lack of confidence. Nonetheless, I am more confident now.

More importantly, I've gotten over one of my greatest character flaws: lack of motivation. For the longest time I had no real desire to do anything, and I spent a lot of time moping about wondering why oh why I couldn't find the desire to do things. Oops. The solution? Just fucking do it, idiot.

I'm not sure when or how it happened or what the catalyst was in Japan, but at some point while I was over there, I just realized that I did not think about it anymore. How excellent! I started doing pixel art for fun (this was in Korea, when I had a lot more time for it and didn't feel exhausted after work). I started really planning out a game with My Good Buddy. We've made it a lot further than we ever have before and soon I'll continue with my part of the project -once I get a fucking desk. (Motivation or not, a few piles of boxes does not make for a comfortable working desk. Ironically, I still suffer through it for vidya gaems. Clearly I've still got priority issues!) Photography, traveling, outdoorsy things - I discovered/rediscovered loves for all these and more.

I am excited about life.

So. Yeah. Thanks, Japan!

A kick in the face!

There is nothing quite like a breakfast trip with my small town Indianaianiananin (from Indiana) grandparents to the local Mom's Restaurant, wherein the ceiling is lined with dollar bills signed by patrons past, all of whom were likely the same type of customers you see now - predominantly overweight, all white.

The restaurant lies on the corner of an intersection and is neighbor to a gas station, which sells live bait, and a church. All around this uncharacteristically large intersection (five roads!) are farms. Fields and fields of crops. On the opposite side of one swiftly yellowing field lies a thin barrier of likewise yellowing trees - the only thing separating my house and its respective community from this intersection.

I eat biscuits and gravy, a scrambled egg, hash browns. My grandparents order grits with their meal. It is familiar territory.

My father has started his own miniature farm in our backyard. Some might call it a garden. Corn, cucumbers, green onions. These are all harvested already. There are a few tomatoes left. He even planted some watermelon. They are still small.

Welcome home, Jonny Boy. Welcome home.

Meeting of Minds

This morning... well, last night, I guess, since I'm BACK IN AMERICA, I met Yoshiro Kimura.

He's pretty rockin'. Rad maximum. Raximum. To the max.

I was pretty nervous about meeting him, in no small part because I know I am an extremely shy man. But! I had set the meeting and I had no intention of turning back. I was determined.

I woke up early to finish packing, because 1) I planned to head to the airport immediately after the meeting ended and 2) I kind of... gave up the night prior. Some inexplicable wave of exhaustion set over me and I collapsed in the middle of folding my clothes. It probably had to do with my extreme hatred for packing, I'm sure. Luckily, I managed to spur forth enough energy to set my alarm extra early.

So, yes... I packed. I finished a little earlier than I thought I would. I looked at the clock. Time passes very slowly at moments like this. Fact of life. Everyone feels it. Probably some science mumbo-jumbo to explain it, but really the only thing anyone needs to know is it's dreadfully dull.

Time to leave. Got to a station near where I'd meet him. Walked around for far too long looking for an open locker for my big suitcase. Found nothing. Ahh, gonna be late if I wait any longer! I stuffed all my other baggage in a smaller locker (two lockers, actually) and took my walking stick and big suitcase to the train for the last few stops. Upon arrival, I exited to meet the creator of a bunch of games I've never played but always been interested in, including but not limited to Moon: An RPG Remix Adventure (or something like that), Chulip, and Little King's Story.

He is known (at least to me) as someone whose games often contain original and intriguing concepts. This is something I strive for when I search for ideas in the great, largely empty and easily distracted ocean that is my mind. Sometimes, though, I think I've hit a real gem, and I will write it down in some fashion, to come back to later.

So, basically, what I'm getting at is I want to be like this guy - taking my (self-labeled) wonderful ideas and creating a (player-labeled) wonderful game. In meeting him, I hoped to get some insight on How He Does It, and start working toward that goal.

I think I damn well succeeded at that. However, out of respect for privacy, I will limit what I say about the conversation...

Granted, a large part of what he told me, I already knew. Stop being lazy and actually do something. Haha, he actually berated me when I said I would. "Will you really?" He knows me already! We talked for two hours! Since what he said was basically true, I couldn't really do anything but laugh. I will work on the laziness.

Another bit of wisdom I already knew (and have actually sort of been working on, I swear!) is to start simple. Copy established games. You don't have to be original until you can actually do originality justice. That's why I've been making pong! And after that, Ijaspy, whose very NAME exudes simplicity! Sort of...

Let's see, what else did he say... Work on one idea at a time; don't spread your personal, limited resources across multiple projects. Think about it every day. Draw in the beginning - don't erase, don't write words, just draw. PRACTICE. Etc. Etc. Etc!

You know, basically the advice you'd give anyone just starting out. But it wasn't just what he said, it was the way he said it. He had stories, and all kinds of shit. A cool dude.

Ah, actually, there is something else I can mention, since it has more to do with me than him! I shared a few of my ideas with him. The first one I wasn't actually that sure about, but I thought the idea was one he would like so I shared it hoping to, I don't know, impress him? Stupid. It was the idea he liked least. It has no focus! That's essentially what he told me. A summary of that idea: you are a werewolf in a small town, and can't control yourself during the full moon, but have to try to hide your identity while human.

The other two ideas I shared, though, he seemed to like a bit more. 1) Messin' about with goo to make tools and weapons. 2) Swinging around an obscenely large hammer to control character movement (or at least to propel the character). He laughed when I explained the pictures I'd drawn! I don't think he was laughing at me. It was a jovial, fun kind of laugh! Anyway, these two ideas had a much bigger focus on interactivity. I think he approved of that. The first idea was just kind of a basic story (which, to be fair, is a crucial part of that idea) and one basic mechanic.

It was nice to get some input from someone who's actually in the industry instead of a bunch of fans of the industry. (That's right. All of you who I share my ideas with are worthless. Eat it!)

Needless to say, it was an extremely enlightening experience (alliteration not intended). I'm kind of in a crossfire of a complete lack of organization and getting ready to move into a new apartment at the moment, but once I get settled again, I hope to start following his advice.

But will I actually do it?

We'll see! I'm back home now, hence the situation. In a week, I move again. Granted, this time I only move to Cincinnati instead of billions of miles away.

Dum dum de dum.