So what do you guys do for fun?

[dk]

I've been a little out of the loop the past few years and way too busy with work. I was playing a massively multiplayer online role playing game (mmorpg) for 3 years and finally beat that addiction. Outgrew my clubbing habits more or less and I don't get the thrill out of video games that I used to. And I don't enjoy working from home anymore nor have time/energy to do my own web projects at home after hours.

So, "fun" for me mostly amounts to watching tv or trying to be entertained by video games. I do pottery on Sundays just to do something creative. But I'm a little dry on ideas.

What do you guys do for fun these days?

I've got an 8 month old daughter now, so I guess that's one limiting factor. She's a blast though, but I don't have the freedom I once had, of course. Just looking for some ideas.

I'm thinking about starting to write for the paper again. Maybe doing a series on Ryukyuan cultural sites or something. At least that'd get me out and about with a camera again. But I wish I could find something I'd enjoy that didn't have to do with me typing code or doing work. Or without drinking.

Man I need to get out more and make some friends. Or something. It's been kind of a rough year and due to work related issues and people moving, I've lost contact with quite a few of my close friends.

[P_chan]

Me I like to do a lot of things. I love sightseeing and finding interesting places all over the island. I also enjoy classic video games (I'm hooked on street fighter right now), and watching movies of course. I don't really go "clubbing" that much anymore. I grew out of that a while ago, too expensive if you ask me. I still enjoy going out for a drink with my friends but I don't do it that much anymore. Guess I'm starting to get lazy.

[DoctorP]

I do pottery on Sundays just to do something creative. But I'm a little dry on ideas.


You do pottery??? What, are you still stuck on that movie "Ghost"?


J/K

I play golf, hit practice balls a lot. Work in my yard, I've been trying to raise flowers, usually I kill them! I practice martial arts, japanese writing, and play with my kids. I also spend a lot of time on the internet if you guys haven't figured that out already!

[dk]

Ghost... That's borderline before my time. :P

I'm actually pretty good at pottery now. You should see some of my cups and dishes. lol.

[P_chan]

I'd love to take a martial art. But now I'm going to be going back to college so I don't think I'll have the time.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I've never really gotten into the computer gaming world. I have purposely stayed away from it because I think I would really get sucked into it. I've seen a lot of my old friends get sucked into it, and I don't think I would be able to kick the habbit and walk away once I did. So, like a drug, I don't touch it.

I'm thinking about starting to write for the paper again. Maybe doing a series on Ryukyuan cultural sites or something. At least that'd get me out and about with a camera again.

I think that is a great idea. You should definitely do that if that brought you a sense of joy and strong contribution to the community. You are lucky to have that outlet.

But, I implore you, if you DO do some cultural pieces for the paper, dig into the culture to find something that has not been already written and published to death in JU. I mean, it is like every friggen year the same stories on the same aspects of the culture pop up like clock work. Seriously, how many stories does JU have on record about the Naha Tug of War and the Dragon Boat Races, etc...? I don't know why they even bother to hire a writer anymore to do those pieces, since they could just go to the file and pick one out of 20 and reprint it.

Dig deep on the culture and give us a unique story and perspective of it that has not been already done. Us long time resident foreignors are hungry for new stories -- not regurgitated ones over and over. I am quite sure you are up to being able to breath some fresh air into JU.

Definitely looking forward to it.

edit: To add, one of the most memorial stories and photos from JU for me came from you -- the one with the sea turtle covered in garbage at the sea wall. That really shocked me and woke me up to the ecological threats Okinawa was facing. I hope that was one of your proudest contributions to the paper.

Perhaps, while working to add pieces about culture, you could also split some of that time to focus on the environmental problems Okinawa is facing, or will soon be facing as it develops more and more and as Mainlanders who retire relocate here, helping to balloon the population -- even as the total population of Japan declines.

[dk]

Whenever I did stories in the past, I tried my best to write about topics rarely/never covered. I got glued to doing castle stories for a while and hit up just about every one of them. I think I probably bored my boss to tears but I was having a good time.

I feel ya on the tug of war story, but that's one of those things that can't be helped. It just wouldn't be right to spit out the same exact story every single year. I know, nothing really has changed in the Naha Tsunahiki over the years, but that's just one of those things. Like groundhog's day.

Speaking of the Naha Tug-of-war, I've only ever been to ONE of those. And I hated it. There were just way too many people. You couldn't even see the rope even from ten feet away.

I try to keep quality in my stories though. If I'm bored, I do a terrible job. So if a story bores me, I don't write it. Unless I'm forced to--which has happened in the past with an old manager. I was miserable, but with any job you sometimes have to do things you don't want to do. Well, I don't anymore, but I did back then. :P

I promise you, if I get back to writing, if you see my name, the story will be quality. My grammer and vocabulary might not be (I'm literally forgetting English, I don't get much human interaction at work), but I do my best.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I know, nothing really has changed in the Naha Tsunahiki over the years, but that's just one of those things. Like groundhog's day.

When you put it like that, I see your point.

I wonder if there are any Okinawans in America who are sick and tired of reading stories about Groundhog Day in their local papers?

Perhaps we have our Okinawan doppledingers on the other side of the world.

[Bones]

I've been a little out of the loop the past few years and way too busy with work. I was playing a massively multiplayer online role playing game (mmorpg) for 3 years and finally beat that addiction. Outgrew my clubbing habits more or less and I don't get the thrill out of video games that I used to. And I don't enjoy working from home anymore nor have time/energy to do my own web projects at home after hours.

So, "fun" for me mostly amounts to watching tv or trying to be entertained by video games. I do pottery on Sundays just to do something creative. But I'm a little dry on ideas.

What do you guys do for fun these days?

I've got an 8 month old daughter now, so I guess that's one limiting factor. She's a blast though, but I don't have the freedom I once had, of course. Just looking for some ideas.

I'm thinking about starting to write for the paper again. Maybe doing a series on Ryukyuan cultural sites or something. At least that'd get me out and about with a camera again. But I wish I could find something I'd enjoy that didn't have to do with me typing code or doing work. Or without drinking.

Man I need to get out more and make some friends. Or something. It's been kind of a rough year and due to work related issues and people moving, I've lost contact with quite a few of my close friends.

I enjoy playing golf on the computer, against my wife. Even started taking lessons in the real world, but at this point in time my performance could best be described as "weed whacking".

I enjoy assembling computers for other people, and would enjoy the job a lot more if I was actually able to keep some of the systems that I've had the pleasure to work with.

And by all means, go back to work at Japan Update. From what I've seen from here, the quality of that publication has gone way down hill since you left. Especially enjoyed your articles on where to find a good meal, for little money.

There are so many interesting things happening on the island, and most people will never read about them due to the fact that Japan Update, insists on focusing on recurrent annual events.

We'll be back on-island soon, and we'll be pretty busy getting our home set up. Then we'll need to focus on how we can enjoy our spare time over there. Your articles helped a lot during our last visit, and will most likely do so again.

NBTP

[dk]

I still work for JapanUpdate. I just don't write for them anymore. I wrote too much for too long and got a huge case of burnout. But I think I'm ready to get back to it again on occasion.

The writer who does the Fantasy Okinawa stories does a pretty decent job in my opinion. I just personally prefer to read more about the culture than some event.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Work in my yard, I've been trying to raise flowers, usually I kill them!

I like to garden, too.

[dk]

If you guys ever notice an abundance of dandelions growing in your garden, feel free to pick the green leaves for me. My tortoise is a freak for dandelion leaves. lol.

[DoctorP]

If you guys ever notice an abundance of dandelions growing in your garden, feel free to pick the green leaves for me. My tortoise is a freak for dandelion leaves. lol.

I let my turtle run free in the yard quite often and he goes nuts if he sees any of those worms climbing the walls. I've made him a pretty nice little home in an aquarium that was thrown out by someone on base. If he gets much bigger though I'll have to make a little pond for him in the front yard.

Have you ever been to the Mini Mini Zoo? They have a nice setup there for the turtles and other animals.

[dk]

Where's the mini mini zoo?

Cute story about your turtle. I really need to get a real house so I can build an outdoor play area for my tortoise. He's getting way too big. I'm really starting to feel bad for the guy. I need a yard for myself too anyway.

[DoctorP]

The Mini Mini Zoo is in Okinawa City, near San A Main City. It's not much, there are peacocks, huge tortoises allowed to roam free, pigs roaming free, a monkey, squirrells, etc... It's not a lot, actually the place is there for the sole purpose of selling farm fresh eggs...the owner just has this as his hobby. No charge to enter, and it is actually quite nice.

[dk]

Cool. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll be sure to bring my daughter there when she gets a little older.

Sounds kind of like Dacho Land (ostrich park) up north. Except for it's only ostriches there. Ever been there? That's probably one of the coolest out of the way places I've ever been to on Island.

[DoctorP]

nah I never went there, but where I live there was a guy raising 3 of them and we would stop by occasionally and hang out a while.

That little zoo is cool...it really doesn't qualify as a zoo though. Still I like what the guy has done. And there appears to be quite a few little RES turtles that were probably someones pets and now he has given them a home.

[dk]

It was really kind of him to give the turtles homes.

I know it's hypocritical for me to say this, but in hindsight, I really don't think Okinawan pet stores should even be selling the kind of tortoise I have. I should have done more research before buying mine, and my wife likes to give me the "it said how big they get on the sign on the cage" bit even though it was in Japanese, but dang my tortoise is getting huge.

And I've come across a few of the same type of tortoise on Okinawa. I don't imagine most families are able to adequately take care of this kind of tortoise. I've been on my own guilt trip for a few years just for not making the committment to buy a real house JUST SO MY TORTOISE WILL HAVE A YARD.

I swear to god if I didn't even have this tortoise, I'd probably be happy in a lion's mansion or something the rest of my life on Okinawa lol.

But I'm a decent human. I will buy a house. Just so my tortoise will have a yard. One of these days.

[Tempestuous]

Your little one would likely enjoy a yard of her own to run & play as well.
So now you have two reasons to push you to getting a place with a yard. :)

[dk]

Yeah, I just wonder sometimes if I love Okinawa to commit to something like buying a house. But it's definitely something I'm thinking about.

I have a definitely love/hate relationship with this place sometimes.

[Tempestuous]

Here you can buy a place cheaper than renting.....unless you are on welfare or low-income
(which is considered something like <1,000-18,000/yr)

The housing market is also pretty decent so most people sell without too many problems

[Traveller]

Japan Upate is in a unique position to turn out a lot of stories of interest to everyone. I would like to see new things too. What are they? If everyone offers ideas to the newspaper, perhaps they can then follow up with stories.

What about news tips? Does anyone call the newspaper with information or ideas. We all can help make it a better paper.

One point that bears focus: while some of us are longtime island residents, I suspect the vast majority of the Japan Update readers are military, and come and go. For them, the annual events are important because they don't know about them. I can live with that, so they appreciate all that Okinawa has to offer. As good citizens, I think it is important the paper publish safety things, like typhoons and water dangers, for the benefit of the newbies.

[dk]

I take news tips and forward them on to the actual editor. If you have any, shoot them to webmaster@japanupdate.com or send me a PM here. I probably get a news tip every two weeks or so.

[jmw01]

a couple things that i like to do over here is spear fishing and golf and just sightseeing

[bokuwa]

Read "TP" threads.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Read "TP" threads.

lol. Well, I guess I have a following, then.

[Ammoyankee]

Most of my time not spent with my family is usually riding my motorcycle or geocaching...

[coldnoodles]

For fun around here, we stay off the base as much as possible!

I take the kids to the park, indoor play area, etc.

Drive around the Island to find different reataurants and things to do, especially festivals.

Take pictures of everything there is!

It may sound boring, but I have never been to a bar or club. I just do things so my kids have fun.

Playing games on computer, wii, ps2, Xbox 360

[atb35]

When I was here with my family before, I used to go to a different park each weekend, hit up the numerous beaches, anything a kid would enjoy going to or at least seeing, I tried to go to. Just driving around with snorkels, fins and towels provided good times everytime we ventured out.

Now that I am single and here, I ride my bike alot. I try to use the backroads as much as possible to take in the real okinawa, off the beaten path. In three weeks Ive already seen alot of stuff that I never knew was here. Nothing exciting, just different.

[Brett23iu]

I drink and party duh I am an airman lol

[socalheart]

lol. Well, I guess I have a following, then.

down ego boy! :7: that's enough of that now. next thing you know, tP will think he's dK... and then BK... and then we'll have to eat king size bocaburger meals instead. :D

[P_chan]

I drink and party duh I am an airman lol

Hey brett are you from south bend?

[Muku]

I have a definitely love/hate relationship with this place sometimes.
You are not alone here, it wouldnt surprise me if there were more of us here too,

Oh on topic here, I sleep it off.:D:old:

[socalheart]

Orion Beer Fest (http://www.ocvb.or.jp/card/en/0140000158.html) is something to do for those people who enjoy drinking beer and outdoor festivals. I don't drink beer, but have had fun at it in the past.

The beer pavilion is supposedly checking ID, but the rest of the festival is open to everyone. Usually, the best thing to do is park at the Kadena USO and take a taxi to and from the festival; just direct them to the Orion beer fest. The beer pavilion only had porta-potties when I was there, and there was no light at night. I recommend a skirt for the females to avoid dirtying your pants. I don't recommend wearing shoes with heels. I think it's mostly dirt-sand and mud. I don't think they accept US dollars either.

Have a great time, if you go! Be careful, bring a friend or two. :thumbup:

[Richard Burns]

I drink beer and or any alcohol.

[dk]

FPS suxxorz though... :p

[TheLastDon]

Holy thread necromization batman!

[DougP]

FPS suxxorz though... :p
Holy thread necromization batman!

Are you guys slipping or what? :w00t: Herro? Spammer..... :argh14:

[dk]

Herro iPhone. Don't feel like modding. Ror.

[DougP]

Herro iPhone. Don't feel like modding. Ror.

Re-rax guy. :D Oh look, Tony is back ror. :thumbup:

[Oxmix]

dk,
You could buy an old car and fix it up both mechanically and the body.

Buy a motorcycle and start riding.

You cold get into body building.

You could learn gourmet cooking.

You could start brewing your own beer.

Regards

Ox

[TheLastDon]

Are you guys slipping or what? :w00t: Herro? Spammer..... :argh14:

Actually RB necromancined the thread not the spammer.

DOH! Doug LOL:D

[DougP]

Actually RB necromancined the thread not the spammer.

DOH! Doug LOL:D

I wasn't talking about the necromancing, dk replied to the spammer both of you missed the link to Okinawa-something-something.com in the guys sig lol.

[TheLastDon]

I wasn't talking about the necromancing, dk replied to the spammer both of you missed the link to Okinawa-something-something.com in the guys sig lol.

Admin fail! ROR:D

http://linuxoutlaws.com/blog/files/facepalm.jpg

[dk]

dk,
You could buy an old car and fix it up both mechanically and the body.

Buy a motorcycle and start riding.

You cold get into body building.

You could learn gourmet cooking.

You could start brewing your own beer.

Regards

Ox
I am actually thinking about getting into cooking a little. Brewing my own beer could be fun too. :)

[dk]

Re-rax guy. :D Oh look, Tony is back ror. :thumbup:

LOL, I fell asleep like five minutes later, so I must've just been REALLY tired. There's a pretty good excuse, at least. hahaha

[HomeTheaterGod]

I'm a Home Theater junkie outside of riding my motorcycle. Needless to say, I totalled two nice bikes here so I'm done on the bikes. I'll probably buy another soon, but right now I'm taking a long break. Other than that, relaxing when I can.

[japan-diver]

There is always scuba diving and exploring and finding WWII ship wrecks.

[proudtobnotpc]

There is always scuba diving and exploring and finding WWII ship wrecks.
yeah and there is always masturbation and gerbils so what it you point?:first:

[proudtobnotpc]

I'm a Home Theater junkie outside of riding my motorcycle. Needless to say, I totalled two nice bikes here so I'm done on the bikes. I'll probably buy another soon, but right now I'm taking a long break. Other than that, relaxing when I can.

just keep going, sooner or later you will get it, can not count how many I have destroyed :scared:

[A'Sharad]

Gaming is huge for me. Waiting for Old Republic to come out. Otherwise I drink beer, relax and catch up on the weekly torrents that have been downloaded. Otherwise I chase the wife around the house for exercise.

[proudtobnotpc]

Gaming is huge for me. Waiting for Old Republic to come out. Otherwise I drink beer, relax and catch up on the weekly torrents that have been downloaded. Otherwise I chase the wife around the house for exercise.

umm oK you saved yourself with the beer part but I still think your gay:first::D

[Spadesy]

When I was with my old unit, I drank a lot, went to clubs with my cohorts while traveling and working, hardly ever spent time in Okinawa. Then I got stationed to a non-deployable unit at Foster, and will remain until 2011. I drive around a lot, go to the beach to grill and drink with friends (summer is ending, though), go on long runs, and read. The only poon I get is when I travel up to mainland or when the girl comes down here, once a month. It's a pretty good life. :thumbup1:

[Oxmix]

My wife likes gardening and landscaping.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Misc/Landscape.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Mehi River]

sometimes I masturbate....but only when I don't have sex on hand... wait a minute, sex on hand sounds a lot like mas... oh cr@p, I have been ripped off big time...

[Oxmix]

sometimes I masturbate....but only when I don't have sex on hand... wait a minute, sex on hand sounds a lot like mas... oh cr@p, I have been ripped off big time...

Just for you. :grin1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Misc/Handzoff.jpg

Regards

Ox

[Jazz]

I don't know why that reminded me of this but, the last time I had sex was this morning when my finger accidentally popped through the toilet paper..

[Mehi River]

nonononononononononononononononononononononononono !

that is sosososososososososososo wrong!!

[Oxmix]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Misc/HandJob.jpg

Regards

Ox