Getting in touch with friends

I've been a horrible friend to most everyone for a good long time. I haven't been mean, or hurtful, or anything like that, but I have been living under my little rock a little too much. I'm trying to reach out to everyone more. I am still very busy, but I miss talking on the phone, chatting online, emailing and even *gasp* going out with my friends. If you're reading this, don't be afraid to call, or text, or email. I might be busy, but it's always nice to have an excuse to take a break now and then. :)

Kendo!

Time flies when you're having fun, or so they say. They might be on to something there. Since it's been over a month since I last posted, I'd like to tell you about some of the fun things we've been doing. I'll start with Samantha.

Samantha is enjoying kendo. She has just finished her beginner class is now allowed to wear a practice uniform that consists of a keiko-gi (top) and hakama (pants). Her kendo uniform hasn't arrived yet, but here she is holding her shinai (bamboo sword) wearing my iaido uniform.

 Her uniform is similar, except that it will be navy blue and she won't wear socks. After several months of practice, she'll be able to wear bogu or kendo protective armor. This allows for practice and sparring where they actually strike each other with the shinai. It's pretty intense and quite loud. I've included a couple pictures of the advanced students' practice, so you can see how they look in full bogu.