happenings

I'm planning on competing in two upcoming grappling tournaments:

NE Grappling Challenge at Bridgewater State on May 30. The rules and weight divisions seem favorable for a beginner like me. It could be interesting.
NAGA East Coast Championship in Providence on June 27. This will be a much bigger event. I'll probably have no chance.

I didn't think I'd be ready for a tournament, but my instructor, Mark, convinced me by saying, "nobody is ever ready for a tournament." It didn't take much convincing. My game plan is to distract my opponents with my vale tudo shorts and then try for o soto gari or maybe even seoi nage. Once on the ground, I'll rely on my excessive sweatiness to evade submission...

In other news, Tabblo passed the 2 year anniversary of the official acquisition date (and our time in Marlborough). I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's a notable event.

It's also getting close to the time when I have to decide whether to renew my lease here or move somewhere else. Since I just applied for a passport, my options will be more open! Got any wild suggestions?