Rocket_Jay

the yearly shower? Free of charge? water saving?

Thought I would share... I spent part of the day sitting under an icy cold waterfall. This is a cleansing ceremony practiced by members of the Shinto religion, but has been adopted by Aikido practitioners.

What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? el-if-I-know!

What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? el-if-I-know!

What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? el-if-I-know!

What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? el-if-I-know!

Hi Joe,
 Cool! Yes, it's been very interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the two styles. My original style was based on Five Animals Kung Fu, so the Japanese arts are a whole new realm! Less so these days, but when I first started training in Aikido, I would get pressured and automatically revert back to kung fu mode. My chief instructor Aaron always gets a kick out of this when it happens and will stop and ask me what it is I'm doing... name of stance, reason etc. Kinda funny but embarrassing. Like getting caught wearing 2 different shoes... there's no hiding it!
  And Pink... sorry, no crime fighting battles. These days my main fight is against Father Time :-)

Hello all,
 It has been brought to my attention that my initial introduction post was a bit lacking. SOooo, at the risk of going from too little detail to too much... here goes!
  My name is John and I live in Dover, NH. having grown up locally. I turned 51 at the end of Feb. I attended Catholic High School, and then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. having been playing guitar since age 9. (thanks mom!)  Returning to seacoast NH after college, I worked in several "Joe Job" careers, from roofer and sider, to steel worker on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. All through these careers, I played in several working bands around the northeastern part of NH.
 I am married, having meet my wife in my early 30's. We finally married when I was 37. We have no kids, as my wife is 8 years older than I am.
My last professional stint as a musician ended about 3 years ago. Prior to then, my wife and I played in the same band, with her as the lead singer for 18 yrs. We had quite a bit of success as a cover band, and played from Worchester MA to Portland ME, and all points in between. As we got older, the late nights and getting in at 3:00am became no fun anymore, as we both held day gigs over all the time playing in the band. After we dissolved the band, bought myself a nice classical guitar and have been working on finger style stuff ever since. I started out by learning Bach, Beethoven etc, but as that is not really my thing, soon started finding contemporary finger style arrangements to work on. I.E, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Police  The Beetles etc etc.
  The next paragraph is kind of a prelude to what is currently happening in my life.
  While in my 20's, I was involved in a bit of a life changing event... a real suck scene which happened while trying to defend a friend. Subsequent to this, I started training in martial arts, and studied Shoalin Kenpo Karate from an excellent instructor named Kevin Crossan. I say he was excellent as his former students include several current dojo owners, state police, and the head of security for UNH sports. (also a dojo owner) I studied for a little over 6 years under Sensei Kevin and reached the rank of 1st Degree black belt. I was in preparation for my test for 2nd degree, when major life changes put my training on hold. I became unemployed, slightly injured, had a relationship change, and my mother became ill, for the last time.
  After this short period of unemployment, I made a giant career change going from construction type stuff to taking a job in the receiving department of a local Personal Computer manufacturer. Over the course of my employment there, I moved out of the receiving department and into a position at the head technicians assistant, having displayed a natural aptitude for my new career. From assistant, I eventually became the head technician, and then moved on to head tech positions with several different companies. In 1992 I set out on my own, establishing J&D Computer Services. I have been self employed ever since. About 5 years ago, while investigating the purchase of T-shirts for my band, I got interested in screen printing, and have since started a second business, Silk Storm Tees Screen Printing. I have a little 4 color 2 station screen press, a flash dryer, and conveyor dryer here in my basement, which is only a few feet from my computer work bench. On a good work day, I can stay here, fix PC's and while they backup, scan, install etc, get a little screen printing done for some extra $$. Several of my print clients are business who's PC's I take care of, so things are working out pretty well.
  Okay, so back to the training thing... I had always intended to go back to training, but as life worked out, with the startup of 2 businesses, getting married, buying a fixer upper home and the like, I had been away from any martial arts studies for 20 yrs. Back in the day during my first stint of training, I attended several seminars with an Aikido master. I was so impressed with him, and fascinated by the style, I thought that when I finally did go back to martial arts studies, it would be at an Aikido dojo. This past November, I decided that if I were to fulfill this dream, I'd better get to it. After all, at age 51, my time left for this type of physical activity has gotten a lot shorter than ever before! I signed up at an excellent traditional Aikido dojo, Portsmouth Aikido. There they have direct lineage to Morihei Ueshiba, or O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Mitsunari Kanai Sensei who was one of the last uchi-deschi, or live in apprentices of O'Sensei, was instrumental in forming Portsmouth Aikido.
  After going through the 6 week beginner course at Portsmouth Aikido, I became a regular student. Although I love learning a new style, I found myself missing my original style, Shaolin Kenpo. It seemed a little silly to me to just let 6 years of study and training in something I was pretty good at fall by the wayside. This lead me to contact the new owner of the old dojo I went to. As it turns out, the new owner is one of my old students. You see, before I left the dojo the first time, I had become a certified instructor there and was helping with the teaching of classes. After I left, Sensei Dennis continued to train all that time, an is now a 4th degree black belt. This could have been an odd dynamic for me to walk into, but Dennis is a great guy and has made it very enjoyable for me. He would go to the dojo on what would be his off days to give me private lessons so I could get back up to speed. He did this for me for a period of over 2 months! The conclusion of all of this is that I am now studying both styles. I go to class at the Kenpo dojo Saturdays and Tuesdays, and at the Aikido dojo on Thursdays and Sundays. This has been a great health benefit to me. I have gone from an average 6 foot tall 205lbs down to lean 168lbs, and my endurance has gone through the roof! I am very much looking forward to summer this year so I can make good use of some of this extra energy!
  Really my only other passion besides what I have already mentioned is that I love to sail. I am not financially in the Yachting class, so I have a small 18ft sailboat. She is a Precision P-18 and is a sloop named Stargazer. Sloop means that it has a cabin and sleeping quarters. My wife and I often tow it up to Rockport ME and spend long weekends sailing around Penobscot Bay. Because the boat is trailer-able, We have also taken it to upstate NY during the summer and sailed several of the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes with her... tons of fun and a great relaxing get away.
  So, that is pretty much the sum of my entire adult life... or at least all the stuff I am willing to share!~
Before I conclude I would be remiss in not thanking XI Larson and XI Budman for assisting me in the process of becoming an XI member.
Salute!
Rocket
 

Yes Cooper, extreme. However, I'm pretty sure I won't be told I didn't give enough info!

Hi Joe,
 Cool! Yes, it's been very interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the two styles. My original style was based on Five Animals Kung Fu, so the Japanese arts are a whole new realm! Less so these days, but when I first started training in Aikido, I would get pressured and automatically revert back to kung fu mode. My chief instructor Aaron always gets a kick out of this when it happens and will stop and ask me what it is I'm doing... name of stance, reason etc. Kinda funny but embarrassing. Like getting caught wearing 2 different shoes... there's no hiding it!
  And Pink... sorry, no crime fighting battles. These days my main fight is against Father Time :-)

I also wanted to reply to Gatorgirl. Very cool about your son! Berklee is a great school. It's expensive, but he would stand to learn a ton by going there. I will warn however, your son would really have to be able to keep the partying in check. For the first year at least, he would be housed in a dormitory with 2,000 other young musicians, freshly away from parental supervision!
It's easy to get distracted from what you are there to do!

Hi Joe,
 Cool! Yes, it's been very interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the two styles. My original style was based on Five Animals Kung Fu, so the Japanese arts are a whole new realm! Less so these days, but when I first started training in Aikido, I would get pressured and automatically revert back to kung fu mode. My chief instructor Aaron always gets a kick out of this when it happens and will stop and ask me what it is I'm doing... name of stance, reason etc. Kinda funny but embarrassing. Like getting caught wearing 2 different shoes... there's no hiding it!
  And Pink... sorry, no crime fighting battles. These days my main fight is against Father Time :-)

Hi Joe,
 Cool! Yes, it's been very interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the two styles. My original style was based on Five Animals Kung Fu, so the Japanese arts are a whole new realm! Less so these days, but when I first started training in Aikido, I would get pressured and automatically revert back to kung fu mode. My chief instructor Aaron always gets a kick out of this when it happens and will stop and ask me what it is I'm doing... name of stance, reason etc. Kinda funny but embarrassing. Like getting caught wearing 2 different shoes... there's no hiding it!
  And Pink... sorry, no crime fighting battles. These days my main fight is against Father Time :-)

Hi Joe,
 Cool! Yes, it's been very interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the two styles. My original style was based on Five Animals Kung Fu, so the Japanese arts are a whole new realm! Less so these days, but when I first started training in Aikido, I would get pressured and automatically revert back to kung fu mode. My chief instructor Aaron always gets a kick out of this when it happens and will stop and ask me what it is I'm doing... name of stance, reason etc. Kinda funny but embarrassing. Like getting caught wearing 2 different shoes... there's no hiding it!
  And Pink... sorry, no crime fighting battles. These days my main fight is against Father Time :-)

Hello all,
 It has been brought to my attention that my initial introduction post was a bit lacking. SOooo, at the risk of going from too little detail to too much... here goes!
  My name is John and I live in Dover, NH. having grown up locally. I turned 51 at the end of Feb. I attended Catholic High School, and then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. having been playing guitar since age 9. (thanks mom!)  Returning to seacoast NH after college, I worked in several "Joe Job" careers, from roofer and sider, to steel worker on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. All through these careers, I played in several working bands around the northeastern part of NH.
 I am married, having meet my wife in my early 30's. We finally married when I was 37. We have no kids, as my wife is 8 years older than I am.
My last professional stint as a musician ended about 3 years ago. Prior to then, my wife and I played in the same band, with her as the lead singer for 18 yrs. We had quite a bit of success as a cover band, and played from Worchester MA to Portland ME, and all points in between. As we got older, the late nights and getting in at 3:00am became no fun anymore, as we both held day gigs over all the time playing in the band. After we dissolved the band, bought myself a nice classical guitar and have been working on finger style stuff ever since. I started out by learning Bach, Beethoven etc, but as that is not really my thing, soon started finding contemporary finger style arrangements to work on. I.E, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Police  The Beetles etc etc.
  The next paragraph is kind of a prelude to what is currently happening in my life.
  While in my 20's, I was involved in a bit of a life changing event... a real suck scene which happened while trying to defend a friend. Subsequent to this, I started training in martial arts, and studied Shoalin Kenpo Karate from an excellent instructor named Kevin Crossan. I say he was excellent as his former students include several current dojo owners, state police, and the head of security for UNH sports. (also a dojo owner) I studied for a little over 6 years under Sensei Kevin and reached the rank of 1st Degree black belt. I was in preparation for my test for 2nd degree, when major life changes put my training on hold. I became unemployed, slightly injured, had a relationship change, and my mother became ill, for the last time.
  After this short period of unemployment, I made a giant career change going from construction type stuff to taking a job in the receiving department of a local Personal Computer manufacturer. Over the course of my employment there, I moved out of the receiving department and into a position at the head technicians assistant, having displayed a natural aptitude for my new career. From assistant, I eventually became the head technician, and then moved on to head tech positions with several different companies. In 1992 I set out on my own, establishing J&D Computer Services. I have been self employed ever since. About 5 years ago, while investigating the purchase of T-shirts for my band, I got interested in screen printing, and have since started a second business, Silk Storm Tees Screen Printing. I have a little 4 color 2 station screen press, a flash dryer, and conveyor dryer here in my basement, which is only a few feet from my computer work bench. On a good work day, I can stay here, fix PC's and while they backup, scan, install etc, get a little screen printing done for some extra $$. Several of my print clients are business who's PC's I take care of, so things are working out pretty well.
  Okay, so back to the training thing... I had always intended to go back to training, but as life worked out, with the startup of 2 businesses, getting married, buying a fixer upper home and the like, I had been away from any martial arts studies for 20 yrs. Back in the day during my first stint of training, I attended several seminars with an Aikido master. I was so impressed with him, and fascinated by the style, I thought that when I finally did go back to martial arts studies, it would be at an Aikido dojo. This past November, I decided that if I were to fulfill this dream, I'd better get to it. After all, at age 51, my time left for this type of physical activity has gotten a lot shorter than ever before! I signed up at an excellent traditional Aikido dojo, Portsmouth Aikido. There they have direct lineage to Morihei Ueshiba, or O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Mitsunari Kanai Sensei who was one of the last uchi-deschi, or live in apprentices of O'Sensei, was instrumental in forming Portsmouth Aikido.
  After going through the 6 week beginner course at Portsmouth Aikido, I became a regular student. Although I love learning a new style, I found myself missing my original style, Shaolin Kenpo. It seemed a little silly to me to just let 6 years of study and training in something I was pretty good at fall by the wayside. This lead me to contact the new owner of the old dojo I went to. As it turns out, the new owner is one of my old students. You see, before I left the dojo the first time, I had become a certified instructor there and was helping with the teaching of classes. After I left, Sensei Dennis continued to train all that time, an is now a 4th degree black belt. This could have been an odd dynamic for me to walk into, but Dennis is a great guy and has made it very enjoyable for me. He would go to the dojo on what would be his off days to give me private lessons so I could get back up to speed. He did this for me for a period of over 2 months! The conclusion of all of this is that I am now studying both styles. I go to class at the Kenpo dojo Saturdays and Tuesdays, and at the Aikido dojo on Thursdays and Sundays. This has been a great health benefit to me. I have gone from an average 6 foot tall 205lbs down to lean 168lbs, and my endurance has gone through the roof! I am very much looking forward to summer this year so I can make good use of some of this extra energy!
  Really my only other passion besides what I have already mentioned is that I love to sail. I am not financially in the Yachting class, so I have a small 18ft sailboat. She is a Precision P-18 and is a sloop named Stargazer. Sloop means that it has a cabin and sleeping quarters. My wife and I often tow it up to Rockport ME and spend long weekends sailing around Penobscot Bay. Because the boat is trailer-able, We have also taken it to upstate NY during the summer and sailed several of the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes with her... tons of fun and a great relaxing get away.
  So, that is pretty much the sum of my entire adult life... or at least all the stuff I am willing to share!~
Before I conclude I would be remiss in not thanking XI Larson and XI Budman for assisting me in the process of becoming an XI member.
Salute!
Rocket
 

Hello all,
 It has been brought to my attention that my initial introduction post was a bit lacking. SOooo, at the risk of going from too little detail to too much... here goes!
  My name is John and I live in Dover, NH. having grown up locally. I turned 51 at the end of Feb. I attended Catholic High School, and then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. having been playing guitar since age 9. (thanks mom!)  Returning to seacoast NH after college, I worked in several "Joe Job" careers, from roofer and sider, to steel worker on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. All through these careers, I played in several working bands around the northeastern part of NH.
 I am married, having meet my wife in my early 30's. We finally married when I was 37. We have no kids, as my wife is 8 years older than I am.
My last professional stint as a musician ended about 3 years ago. Prior to then, my wife and I played in the same band, with her as the lead singer for 18 yrs. We had quite a bit of success as a cover band, and played from Worchester MA to Portland ME, and all points in between. As we got older, the late nights and getting in at 3:00am became no fun anymore, as we both held day gigs over all the time playing in the band. After we dissolved the band, bought myself a nice classical guitar and have been working on finger style stuff ever since. I started out by learning Bach, Beethoven etc, but as that is not really my thing, soon started finding contemporary finger style arrangements to work on. I.E, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Police  The Beetles etc etc.
  The next paragraph is kind of a prelude to what is currently happening in my life.
  While in my 20's, I was involved in a bit of a life changing event... a real suck scene which happened while trying to defend a friend. Subsequent to this, I started training in martial arts, and studied Shoalin Kenpo Karate from an excellent instructor named Kevin Crossan. I say he was excellent as his former students include several current dojo owners, state police, and the head of security for UNH sports. (also a dojo owner) I studied for a little over 6 years under Sensei Kevin and reached the rank of 1st Degree black belt. I was in preparation for my test for 2nd degree, when major life changes put my training on hold. I became unemployed, slightly injured, had a relationship change, and my mother became ill, for the last time.
  After this short period of unemployment, I made a giant career change going from construction type stuff to taking a job in the receiving department of a local Personal Computer manufacturer. Over the course of my employment there, I moved out of the receiving department and into a position at the head technicians assistant, having displayed a natural aptitude for my new career. From assistant, I eventually became the head technician, and then moved on to head tech positions with several different companies. In 1992 I set out on my own, establishing J&D Computer Services. I have been self employed ever since. About 5 years ago, while investigating the purchase of T-shirts for my band, I got interested in screen printing, and have since started a second business, Silk Storm Tees Screen Printing. I have a little 4 color 2 station screen press, a flash dryer, and conveyor dryer here in my basement, which is only a few feet from my computer work bench. On a good work day, I can stay here, fix PC's and while they backup, scan, install etc, get a little screen printing done for some extra $$. Several of my print clients are business who's PC's I take care of, so things are working out pretty well.
  Okay, so back to the training thing... I had always intended to go back to training, but as life worked out, with the startup of 2 businesses, getting married, buying a fixer upper home and the like, I had been away from any martial arts studies for 20 yrs. Back in the day during my first stint of training, I attended several seminars with an Aikido master. I was so impressed with him, and fascinated by the style, I thought that when I finally did go back to martial arts studies, it would be at an Aikido dojo. This past November, I decided that if I were to fulfill this dream, I'd better get to it. After all, at age 51, my time left for this type of physical activity has gotten a lot shorter than ever before! I signed up at an excellent traditional Aikido dojo, Portsmouth Aikido. There they have direct lineage to Morihei Ueshiba, or O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Mitsunari Kanai Sensei who was one of the last uchi-deschi, or live in apprentices of O'Sensei, was instrumental in forming Portsmouth Aikido.
  After going through the 6 week beginner course at Portsmouth Aikido, I became a regular student. Although I love learning a new style, I found myself missing my original style, Shaolin Kenpo. It seemed a little silly to me to just let 6 years of study and training in something I was pretty good at fall by the wayside. This lead me to contact the new owner of the old dojo I went to. As it turns out, the new owner is one of my old students. You see, before I left the dojo the first time, I had become a certified instructor there and was helping with the teaching of classes. After I left, Sensei Dennis continued to train all that time, an is now a 4th degree black belt. This could have been an odd dynamic for me to walk into, but Dennis is a great guy and has made it very enjoyable for me. He would go to the dojo on what would be his off days to give me private lessons so I could get back up to speed. He did this for me for a period of over 2 months! The conclusion of all of this is that I am now studying both styles. I go to class at the Kenpo dojo Saturdays and Tuesdays, and at the Aikido dojo on Thursdays and Sundays. This has been a great health benefit to me. I have gone from an average 6 foot tall 205lbs down to lean 168lbs, and my endurance has gone through the roof! I am very much looking forward to summer this year so I can make good use of some of this extra energy!
  Really my only other passion besides what I have already mentioned is that I love to sail. I am not financially in the Yachting class, so I have a small 18ft sailboat. She is a Precision P-18 and is a sloop named Stargazer. Sloop means that it has a cabin and sleeping quarters. My wife and I often tow it up to Rockport ME and spend long weekends sailing around Penobscot Bay. Because the boat is trailer-able, We have also taken it to upstate NY during the summer and sailed several of the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes with her... tons of fun and a great relaxing get away.
  So, that is pretty much the sum of my entire adult life... or at least all the stuff I am willing to share!~
Before I conclude I would be remiss in not thanking XI Larson and XI Budman for assisting me in the process of becoming an XI member.
Salute!
Rocket
 

Hello all,
 It has been brought to my attention that my initial introduction post was a bit lacking. SOooo, at the risk of going from too little detail to too much... here goes!
  My name is John and I live in Dover, NH. having grown up locally. I turned 51 at the end of Feb. I attended Catholic High School, and then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. having been playing guitar since age 9. (thanks mom!)  Returning to seacoast NH after college, I worked in several "Joe Job" careers, from roofer and sider, to steel worker on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. All through these careers, I played in several working bands around the northeastern part of NH.
 I am married, having meet my wife in my early 30's. We finally married when I was 37. We have no kids, as my wife is 8 years older than I am.
My last professional stint as a musician ended about 3 years ago. Prior to then, my wife and I played in the same band, with her as the lead singer for 18 yrs. We had quite a bit of success as a cover band, and played from Worchester MA to Portland ME, and all points in between. As we got older, the late nights and getting in at 3:00am became no fun anymore, as we both held day gigs over all the time playing in the band. After we dissolved the band, bought myself a nice classical guitar and have been working on finger style stuff ever since. I started out by learning Bach, Beethoven etc, but as that is not really my thing, soon started finding contemporary finger style arrangements to work on. I.E, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Police  The Beetles etc etc.
  The next paragraph is kind of a prelude to what is currently happening in my life.
  While in my 20's, I was involved in a bit of a life changing event... a real suck scene which happened while trying to defend a friend. Subsequent to this, I started training in martial arts, and studied Shoalin Kenpo Karate from an excellent instructor named Kevin Crossan. I say he was excellent as his former students include several current dojo owners, state police, and the head of security for UNH sports. (also a dojo owner) I studied for a little over 6 years under Sensei Kevin and reached the rank of 1st Degree black belt. I was in preparation for my test for 2nd degree, when major life changes put my training on hold. I became unemployed, slightly injured, had a relationship change, and my mother became ill, for the last time.
  After this short period of unemployment, I made a giant career change going from construction type stuff to taking a job in the receiving department of a local Personal Computer manufacturer. Over the course of my employment there, I moved out of the receiving department and into a position at the head technicians assistant, having displayed a natural aptitude for my new career. From assistant, I eventually became the head technician, and then moved on to head tech positions with several different companies. In 1992 I set out on my own, establishing J&D Computer Services. I have been self employed ever since. About 5 years ago, while investigating the purchase of T-shirts for my band, I got interested in screen printing, and have since started a second business, Silk Storm Tees Screen Printing. I have a little 4 color 2 station screen press, a flash dryer, and conveyor dryer here in my basement, which is only a few feet from my computer work bench. On a good work day, I can stay here, fix PC's and while they backup, scan, install etc, get a little screen printing done for some extra $$. Several of my print clients are business who's PC's I take care of, so things are working out pretty well.
  Okay, so back to the training thing... I had always intended to go back to training, but as life worked out, with the startup of 2 businesses, getting married, buying a fixer upper home and the like, I had been away from any martial arts studies for 20 yrs. Back in the day during my first stint of training, I attended several seminars with an Aikido master. I was so impressed with him, and fascinated by the style, I thought that when I finally did go back to martial arts studies, it would be at an Aikido dojo. This past November, I decided that if I were to fulfill this dream, I'd better get to it. After all, at age 51, my time left for this type of physical activity has gotten a lot shorter than ever before! I signed up at an excellent traditional Aikido dojo, Portsmouth Aikido. There they have direct lineage to Morihei Ueshiba, or O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Mitsunari Kanai Sensei who was one of the last uchi-deschi, or live in apprentices of O'Sensei, was instrumental in forming Portsmouth Aikido.
  After going through the 6 week beginner course at Portsmouth Aikido, I became a regular student. Although I love learning a new style, I found myself missing my original style, Shaolin Kenpo. It seemed a little silly to me to just let 6 years of study and training in something I was pretty good at fall by the wayside. This lead me to contact the new owner of the old dojo I went to. As it turns out, the new owner is one of my old students. You see, before I left the dojo the first time, I had become a certified instructor there and was helping with the teaching of classes. After I left, Sensei Dennis continued to train all that time, an is now a 4th degree black belt. This could have been an odd dynamic for me to walk into, but Dennis is a great guy and has made it very enjoyable for me. He would go to the dojo on what would be his off days to give me private lessons so I could get back up to speed. He did this for me for a period of over 2 months! The conclusion of all of this is that I am now studying both styles. I go to class at the Kenpo dojo Saturdays and Tuesdays, and at the Aikido dojo on Thursdays and Sundays. This has been a great health benefit to me. I have gone from an average 6 foot tall 205lbs down to lean 168lbs, and my endurance has gone through the roof! I am very much looking forward to summer this year so I can make good use of some of this extra energy!
  Really my only other passion besides what I have already mentioned is that I love to sail. I am not financially in the Yachting class, so I have a small 18ft sailboat. She is a Precision P-18 and is a sloop named Stargazer. Sloop means that it has a cabin and sleeping quarters. My wife and I often tow it up to Rockport ME and spend long weekends sailing around Penobscot Bay. Because the boat is trailer-able, We have also taken it to upstate NY during the summer and sailed several of the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes with her... tons of fun and a great relaxing get away.
  So, that is pretty much the sum of my entire adult life... or at least all the stuff I am willing to share!~
Before I conclude I would be remiss in not thanking XI Larson and XI Budman for assisting me in the process of becoming an XI member.
Salute!
Rocket
 

Hello all,
 It has been brought to my attention that my initial introduction post was a bit lacking. SOooo, at the risk of going from too little detail to too much... here goes!
  My name is John and I live in Dover, NH. having grown up locally. I turned 51 at the end of Feb. I attended Catholic High School, and then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. having been playing guitar since age 9. (thanks mom!)  Returning to seacoast NH after college, I worked in several "Joe Job" careers, from roofer and sider, to steel worker on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. All through these careers, I played in several working bands around the northeastern part of NH.
 I am married, having meet my wife in my early 30's. We finally married when I was 37. We have no kids, as my wife is 8 years older than I am.
My last professional stint as a musician ended about 3 years ago. Prior to then, my wife and I played in the same band, with her as the lead singer for 18 yrs. We had quite a bit of success as a cover band, and played from Worchester MA to Portland ME, and all points in between. As we got older, the late nights and getting in at 3:00am became no fun anymore, as we both held day gigs over all the time playing in the band. After we dissolved the band, bought myself a nice classical guitar and have been working on finger style stuff ever since. I started out by learning Bach, Beethoven etc, but as that is not really my thing, soon started finding contemporary finger style arrangements to work on. I.E, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Police  The Beetles etc etc.
  The next paragraph is kind of a prelude to what is currently happening in my life.
  While in my 20's, I was involved in a bit of a life changing event... a real suck scene which happened while trying to defend a friend. Subsequent to this, I started training in martial arts, and studied Shoalin Kenpo Karate from an excellent instructor named Kevin Crossan. I say he was excellent as his former students include several current dojo owners, state police, and the head of security for UNH sports. (also a dojo owner) I studied for a little over 6 years under Sensei Kevin and reached the rank of 1st Degree black belt. I was in preparation for my test for 2nd degree, when major life changes put my training on hold. I became unemployed, slightly injured, had a relationship change, and my mother became ill, for the last time.
  After this short period of unemployment, I made a giant career change going from construction type stuff to taking a job in the receiving department of a local Personal Computer manufacturer. Over the course of my employment there, I moved out of the receiving department and into a position at the head technicians assistant, having displayed a natural aptitude for my new career. From assistant, I eventually became the head technician, and then moved on to head tech positions with several different companies. In 1992 I set out on my own, establishing J&D Computer Services. I have been self employed ever since. About 5 years ago, while investigating the purchase of T-shirts for my band, I got interested in screen printing, and have since started a second business, Silk Storm Tees Screen Printing. I have a little 4 color 2 station screen press, a flash dryer, and conveyor dryer here in my basement, which is only a few feet from my computer work bench. On a good work day, I can stay here, fix PC's and while they backup, scan, install etc, get a little screen printing done for some extra $$. Several of my print clients are business who's PC's I take care of, so things are working out pretty well.
  Okay, so back to the training thing... I had always intended to go back to training, but as life worked out, with the startup of 2 businesses, getting married, buying a fixer upper home and the like, I had been away from any martial arts studies for 20 yrs. Back in the day during my first stint of training, I attended several seminars with an Aikido master. I was so impressed with him, and fascinated by the style, I thought that when I finally did go back to martial arts studies, it would be at an Aikido dojo. This past November, I decided that if I were to fulfill this dream, I'd better get to it. After all, at age 51, my time left for this type of physical activity has gotten a lot shorter than ever before! I signed up at an excellent traditional Aikido dojo, Portsmouth Aikido. There they have direct lineage to Morihei Ueshiba, or O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Mitsunari Kanai Sensei who was one of the last uchi-deschi, or live in apprentices of O'Sensei, was instrumental in forming Portsmouth Aikido.
  After going through the 6 week beginner course at Portsmouth Aikido, I became a regular student. Although I love learning a new style, I found myself missing my original style, Shaolin Kenpo. It seemed a little silly to me to just let 6 years of study and training in something I was pretty good at fall by the wayside. This lead me to contact the new owner of the old dojo I went to. As it turns out, the new owner is one of my old students. You see, before I left the dojo the first time, I had become a certified instructor there and was helping with the teaching of classes. After I left, Sensei Dennis continued to train all that time, an is now a 4th degree black belt. This could have been an odd dynamic for me to walk into, but Dennis is a great guy and has made it very enjoyable for me. He would go to the dojo on what would be his off days to give me private lessons so I could get back up to speed. He did this for me for a period of over 2 months! The conclusion of all of this is that I am now studying both styles. I go to class at the Kenpo dojo Saturdays and Tuesdays, and at the Aikido dojo on Thursdays and Sundays. This has been a great health benefit to me. I have gone from an average 6 foot tall 205lbs down to lean 168lbs, and my endurance has gone through the roof! I am very much looking forward to summer this year so I can make good use of some of this extra energy!
  Really my only other passion besides what I have already mentioned is that I love to sail. I am not financially in the Yachting class, so I have a small 18ft sailboat. She is a Precision P-18 and is a sloop named Stargazer. Sloop means that it has a cabin and sleeping quarters. My wife and I often tow it up to Rockport ME and spend long weekends sailing around Penobscot Bay. Because the boat is trailer-able, We have also taken it to upstate NY during the summer and sailed several of the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes with her... tons of fun and a great relaxing get away.
  So, that is pretty much the sum of my entire adult life... or at least all the stuff I am willing to share!~
Before I conclude I would be remiss in not thanking XI Larson and XI Budman for assisting me in the process of becoming an XI member.
Salute!
Rocket
 

Rockets house, Dover NH
 

Rockets house, Dover NH
 

The sensor for my thermometer on the outside window sill is now buried and reads a constant -40!

Rockets house, Dover NH
 

The sensor for my thermometer on the outside window sill is now buried and reads a constant -40!

Well, of course.. . but people can in fact disagree without being disrespectful. There I just did!

Damage-inc- ...  I see what you mean... the post was a little brief. Not being that familiar with the forum, I had written a more detailed post, but put it in the wrong area.
  Anyhow, the members who play on the Ace mod will know me as WB_Rocket as I have 828+ hours playing there. I have been asked many times if I was interested in joining XI, so I have finally dropped the WB affiliation from my nickname in order to pursue XI membership. WB was a leftover from an old Combat Flight Simulator squadron.
 I don't know yet how to improve my profile, but I will look into it. Thanks for giving me a good reason to make another post.
Rocket