Life: Passing of aunt Chiyoko

 My father was a part of seven siblings. The Japanese used to have big family. Each of the siblings got a spouse, and they all had one or two children.

As such, there were many uncles, aunts and cousins for me.

When there was a family gathering for summer festival, Mochitsuki (rice cake making) for new year's preparation, wedding or funeral, most of the family showed up. Adults were partying with foods and drinks, and kids (cousins) were playing games in another room.

Looking back, now I know it was a big tight-knit family.

This week I heard from my sister that on 9/16/2023, the last of the original seven Yamada siblings, aunt Chiyoko passed away in Japan.

I took some time to reminisce, and sent a condolences card to my cousins. 

Aunt Chiyoko and her family were very helpful to my family. When I was very young, aunt Chiyoko was babysitting me and helping out my parents.

The seven siblings from my grandfather's side are now all gone. 

  Toshio

  Chiyoko

  Miyoko

  Shizuo

  Akira (my father)

  Kiichi

  Katsutaro

We used to call each family with the name of their residence's location. Uncle Toshio and his family lived in Toyooka, so we called him Uncle of Toyooka. 

Not much of a nostalgia-indulging guy, I hardly take time to remember the past. 

Aunt Chiyoko's passing gave me an opportunity to do so.

And such a blessing I've had.

Dance: Embrace/hold distances in Argentine Tango

Embrace/hold of Argentine Tango comes with many variations. 

Distant/open (Stage dancers who need lots of space to move use this. Also beginners who feel uncomfortable in tighter embrace use this, too.), close/hugging distance (social Tango norm), very close/tight (with her left arm wrapping around his upper back, a style preferred by some, or perhaps, getting preferred by some of contestant stage tango dancers and their judges), are such options.

In addition, adjusting to height and body type needs to be done on the spot. 

There are many things to assess at the beginning of social Tango dance.

On social Argentine Tango dance, woman offers the hold at first. That helps to set the tone. 

As dance goes, he may choose to alter the hold and distance, and she may or may not like it.

 

Personally, I see it a good idea to keep what she offered at the beginning, close or open, especially when she seems to be a Tango dancer with at least intermediate and above skill level and apparently knows what she is doing.

That said, exception would be when she is not as comfortable in close Tango hold, or, is unsure as a beginner. In the case, the lead, provided he knows what he is doing, needs to take the lead.

After all, Tango, with upper body contact, is danced closer than most other dances. 

Rise of other closely-held dances (kizomba, sensual bachata, some style of Zouk) has normalized closer social dance distance. But it occurred only within several years.

Like boxers choosing their distance and fight as infighter or out-boxer, it is okay to choose your distance and choose a dance that suits your comfort zone. 

Social Argentine Tango is a hugger's dance. If you are not a hugger/infighter, stick to Salsa or Swing.

Throwing around some thoughts.

Life: Sept 4, 2023 Labor day.

 About 5 weeks ago I strained my lower back. Probably pulled QL muscle on the right. It took about 2 weeks to recover. During the painful time, I did not want to arrange any travel for dance or whatsoever.

As a result, here it is, Labor day weekend with no travel.

You make it happen, or nothing happens.

It is not bad, though. 

For one, I am fully recovered and can dance. Tested it at a Latin party in Adelante dance studio on this past Saturday (9/2). No problem.

During the summertime, we published a paper. I am working on a grant proposal for follow-up study of the paper. 

I will be giving a talk on the subject of the paper tomorrow (9/5 Tue) to colleagues in Cancer Center, so I am adding finishing touch on presentation slides in my office while sipping nice white tea.

These are works that I kind of like. The line of work is potentially innovative, changing practice of medicine in the future. 

Finding a meaning in what you do can be great for your motivation and outcomes.