Time for a break

Remembering things from 20 years ago is getting progressively harder. And please remember, while I am not trying to BS anyone, memories are very subjective, and can be inadvertently embellished, selective, and even misremembered...

Onigiriman's Response to Selected Commentaries:
Capstew: "In a band, huh? How about some photographic evidence?!! Do you still play the piano?"
Alas, I have no photgraphic evidence. You have only my word. But if anyone were to sue me, I'm sure I could find at least 20 bodies to testify that I am telling the truth... or at least some version of it. And I do not play the piano anymore. My fingers are to stiff and the only tune I can play from beginning to end is chopsticks... But I have a lot of sheet music; would that be proof enough? hehehe, just being my sarcastic self.

Fooky: "when my hair is dyed with radical colors (blue, red, pink, etc.), they NEVER search my bags or anything at the air-port.  But, when my hair is black, they give me FULL SERVICE (taking my shoes off, body check...I mean EVERYTHING).  Why is that???"
Cuz you probably like your colored hair. If you are comfortable, you probably don't look like someone who is trying to hide something. Actually, the first time I went to Japan is the last time I was ever searched. A friend of mine told be to look neat, be polite, but otherwise be yourself, and they will leave you alone. It's been working. Unshaven, unbathed and grumpy will usually get you searched... But being searched isn't too bad. Look on the bright side: At least you weren't subjected to a cavity search.

Grom: I'm reading and enjoying the tale of your secret origins.
There is no secret origin, although there are other "origin theories". According to my mother, I was found beneath a bridge. (Okay, how many of you have been told the SAME story?!?)

those_days: "keep the stories coming... i happen to find them really interesting."
Thanks for your interest. I tried to leave a comment on your site, but either you're really private, or I'm just stupid.

GDub1983: "im learning many surprising, or even shocking facts about you as a student, hehe."
Uh-oh... am I busted?

Rockman: "I find your journal quite interesting since I'm a JA as well. And it's given me hope that, I'm not the only one thinking about things you've thought or have been thinking... I'm a westsider, but wondering where all the cute girls are."
Hey, Rockman, thanks for the props. I think a lot of JAs who think like we do are in the majority. but have never voiced their opinion out of embarrassment or fear of standing out, something that JAs have been trained to avoid. We're Globs, right? As for westside chicks, I never said they were cute. The Eastsiders wer hot "looking". The Weststers were hot because of their personalities. Every serious relationship I've ever had until I got married (twice) was with a westsider. They all went to Dorsey, LA, or Marshall High. And don't forget that the eyes of a high schooler can also be easily influenced...

Sleetse: "thats a nice story, your were like me you didnt belong to any country. now if you add some fictional fist fights and sex scenes you can publish..."
I think a lot of us Asians feel similarly. All humans crave a sense of belonging, something we have been denied on a public level. That's why its important to support JA/AA groups. I'm a member of JANM (Japanese American National Museum) and the WWII JA Veteran's Memorial in DC. I choose to stay away from litigious groups that often politicize issues. Polarizing people is not the answer. Disseminating information about our existence and experiences is the way to go, I think. As for violence, we had are share of Eastside/Westside confrontations. Those Westside dudes hated Eastsiders like me going after their women. I had to tread lightly on their turf. As for sex? I lost my virginity in the back seat of a Plymouth. Now thats REALLY old school...

Marja: "I take off a good 10 minutes to read through your entry.  You could make a sitcom based on ur story, sorta like a JA version of the wonder years"
I know you're at work so I hope your boss doesn't sue me... But I'm glad you like the entries. You think a major network would pay me a couple mill for the rights to my story? I'll send Sleetse to be my agent. hahahaha! (I wish)

Piratechan: "I was refraining from commenting because, well, it's your story, and it seems more like I should listen than talk."
Don't ever refrain, cuz it's not "my" story... I think its kinda everyone's story. The only difference is the time, place, people... wait a minute, maybe it is my story... hahaha. But it shouldn't keep you from commenting, good or bad, props or disses. All are welcome... speaking of which...

Pochi: "duuuude, ur entries are looong"
Sorry, but I got a lot to say... hahaha. Read what you wanna read. I got no problems with that.

ts3c6cwo: It takes me 20minutes to read your entry.
Sorry, but ganbatte!

Kayanized: "haha. onigiriman.. you are TOO funny."
Thanx, I try... or were you being sarcastic?

dAnxdAn: "this is by far one of the most intelligent xangas i have ever read... this is why xanga needs more older members, so we can read some intellectual stuff once in awhile instead of just about relationships, school, and partying, or the ones that talk about their sex life all day (enjoyable yet insatiable).
Thanks for the props...except for the reminder of how old I am...

Other comments: Thanks to those who have commented in Japanese too. I do not post them here cuz not every reader understands Japanese, but everyone can read English. But I still love ya' guys... uh, not the ones who can't read Japanese, I mean those who comment in Japanese... I still, uh, ah forget it... Love and Peace to everyone. (How 60s!)

BTW: Join me on Sleetse's blogring, Japan II... but only if you can stand his sarcasm or my long entries....