Jay's Blog.

[jay7]

Hey Party People.

I was wondering, for some input for you dear readers.

What can I do better, or not do, or start doing, etc, for my videos? I highly doubt I'm ever going to go anywhere with editing, but I'm positive that a few of you have good criticism that I could gain from. I really like making videos, and, I want to do the best I can for you fine folk. I know I'm no Mads Hole, Eliot Piltz, or Martha Stewart, but I am positive I could take steps closer to becoming one. So, please, let me have it. Rain on my parade. Piss in my cereal. Take the jam out of my doughnut. Remind me that I don't have crank.

In other life news, everything rocks. I am trying to put more emphasis on making myself cooler, so if any of you have life changing books, or projects I could participate in, or simply want to have a meaningful chat, I am down. Imagine how cool it could be to talk on the phone or something, with a real live footbagger. Ooh lala.

[CIC flurry]

I like this sentiment, but idk if I have anything for you atm, but I'll think on it, and maybe we can chat soon. Remember Eli had tittays in that one video at the end. ooh lala.

[jay7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAla88So ... e=youtu.be

Being retired, until I go to Germany, I've been doing as many awesome things as humanly possible, for cheap. Hiking, beaching, swimming, footbag, cooking, bow/arrow, fishing, driving, family-ing, wedding planning, etc. It is absolutely awesome to retire at 22..

As you can imagine, Germany is all I can think about, and, I am so bloody excited. My honeymoon is going to kick ass, and, all is well.

Also, seeing as Michelle's mom was born in the UK, she can apply for a passport there. Once we're married in a month, I can likely get a passport through her. So, shit, I might even officially turn into a Euro!

Footbag is still great. Today I'm going to take the carpets outside, and play in the beautiful fresh air. I can't wait to air out the carpets I've been bastardizing all winter here, with buckets of sweat. Ew.

Hope you enjoy the video.

[Sporatical_Distractions]

Didn't know you were engaged. congratulations man.

[jay7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMkwrP0G ... e=youtu.be

I went to Texas, and, that came out of it. Enjoy!

In other news: Life before wedding / leaving the country snowballs into busy-ness. So awesome.



Part of my Texan - mock wedding, was getting about 100 live blue crabs, and, boiling them, splitting them open, cleaning them, and, breaking them in half.. I begin to realize that, I would have lived my food-life slightly differently if I realized what an experience that would be. Try it

I get to see the Accelerator soon. If any of you notice your lights turning on, randomly, that is likely the cause. SO Excited.

[Max Power]

You are a bad ass. I saw this video about a week ago and wanted to comment but i forgot. Congratulation on the Texan-mock wedding.

[jay7]

So, last few days before the wedding festivities begin. Sold my car, and pretty much everything else, and everything is quite ready to go. Bank accounts are in order, obviously tickets bought and the like, and, I'm just working at my grandparent's here and there to help out before I go. My plan of spending as much time as possible with the people I love, has gone really well, and I (in every way) recommend doing it regardless of whether or not you are leaving anywhere. Grandparents are cool, friends are cool, old friends are cool, sightseeing your local areas are cool... With the right attitude, so many things are evidently the entire reason we're living. Embracing the "now", is definitely something I hear europeans are more interested in, and I do hope that my preparations in the last months gives me a good foot in the door.

I've been playing, decently often, despite all the commotion. I've concentrated on getting more Dave-esque combos going, so that I can embrace more of the "combos" aspect of stringing. I'm pretty confident that my ability of easy trick->hard trick repeat is ok, but I've most definitely not evolved my ability to link midstring tricks. Today I bsos'ed blurry whirl->spinning whirl->vortex->mobius->food processor, which, for me is very new. It isn't taking too much work, but at the same time it is so under developed in my world, that, I am proud of it. If I can build enough combos up, where I just take 5 tricks, and do them in a row over and over, I hope that over the next few months I can look more like Dr. D.

I haven't done a symposium trick in months, because of my back. And, I've been tiptoe-ing around my game, and figuring out what does and doesn't hurt, and slowly have been isolating what hurts it during what tricks. For example, thinks like whirl, or double down, never hurt my back, but the link of whirl->stepping does hurt me...As did double down->stepping for example, however I've figured out the double down link, and it no longer hurts. So, by raising my level, and having no pain, I am decently confident that my career isn't over or something. I was, worried for a while, that I'd never figure out how I could get "good" in my head again, and that my back would limit me. However, I'm halfway through the tunnel leading to the shiny light. Hoorah.

Other highlights for the day,

Food->ripped warrior*rpt
Blurry double switch->atomic whirl*rpt
tapping whirl->flurry->toe spinning osis bsos.
Blurriest->blurrier*rpt from every contact.
Lots of atomic ducking work. Not hurting my back anymore.
down double down->flurry*rpt->plasticman->whatever->xanabox 1/2->other xanabox 1/2.

I have no idea when I'll make a tournament again. I'll be going to Southern Germany, which doesn't exactly have the biggest scene at all, and, will be married, and, am looking for engineering work. I hope it falls into place that I can make some euro-tournaments, or at least visit clubs, but, it is all too unclear. Fingers crossed. I miss footbaggers

Also, I just watched the movie top gun. My word, I can't believe that made it in theaters without everyone laughing. So, so, oh so Bro.

[Asmus]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E[/youtube]

Welcome (soon) to Europe. You are more than welcome to visit Copenhagen if you find the time.

[jay7]

So, big changes ahead..

I'm now married, and, had a blast. I had a lot of really good guys with me, and, they made it extremely easy to not feel nervous, or anything like that. Getting many of your idols to your wedding, and showing them your family, and whatnot is just an awesome experience. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Great times had by all, I believe. There is a bunch of footage, which is nice, but I have no earthly idea when I'll get to editing it.

In the last week, I have....

Sold my car which I've owned and used for 5 years.
Sold my computer, which I edited all my videos on.
Transferred my high speed camera.
Gotten Married.
Sauna'd 7 times.
Driven to and from the airport like 10 times.
Transferred my vitamix blender that I've used almost daily for 2 years.
Had a bachelor party, which involved Top Gun and a huge session of footbag..
Hiked, and seen ~3 waterfalls including Niagara Falls.
Saw a butterfly conservatory.
Walked 10 km in Toronto.
Had to say many good-byes

I realized last night when talking with Anssi and MIchelle, that my life is about to drastically change. Simply speaking, without a car and many people to visit, I'm going to be at home quite a bit more than previously. Things like grocery shopping will have to be planned, instead of whenever the hell I want, etc. As a result of this, I am aware and embracing the fact that my habits, and hobbies must change. I will likely take up a new hobby or two, or embrace old ones like stitching. However, I think something I wouldn't mind focusing on, is a lot of "culture". For example, reading old classic books, that people like Anssi consider musts and I consider "never heard ofs".

I am at a breaking point before a nice new high in footbag. I've changed my game considerably, I believe, since I've really shown anyone. Much more clipper, for an example. However, I feel like I've changed so many things, so that one they all come together in maybe a month or two, I'll ideally be at a new high. I can see myself getting to the point of hitting really solid links midstring. Editing and watching the Winter video for Dave, gave me a good handful of new goals that I've been working on for a while now. Also, as always, playing with Anssi and Aleksi has changed some perspective.

I can't say I'll become a European when I move to Europe, but what I can say is that I'll definitely upgrade. Getting out of the rat race is something I think will do my brain a lot of good, so when I want back in it, ideally I'll have good perspective and focus. Once you've been racing too long, I feel like the people in the stands watching have such a better idea on what is going on, that they can say "I would have done ___". I'd like to fuse the two, and, take a stand position, and, then come back and obliterate whatever goal I find next. BUt, for now, I'd consider the goal of getting married and moving to Germany obliterated. Stuff is packed, and all that is left is to hop on a plane and hold the hand of my wife for 8 hours straight. God I'm going to miss Johnny Suderman.

[C-Fan]

Congrats again Jay. I'm excited for you as you start this next phase of your life. Know that footbag, and all your footbag friends, will be here for you whenever you need us. Now go kick some ass in Europe!

[bustinjustin]

You two look so beautiful. I'm so happy for you.

[zulu]

alles alles gute wünsche ich euch von herzen.

yes i'm still stalking you
did some clippers the other day. feeling rusty.
nice to hear your comin back. see you here...

[Ohios1]

props on getting married. you guys look very happy together. i hope you guys have a great life and an exciting future ahead. When love is present, all things become better and brighter. Sky is the limit you two. It also looks like your shredding is getting better. i remember you talking about being a better shredder and my the looks of your vid and blog, your starting to get a taste of what lies ahead. keep pushing. best of luck blurry chainsaw massacare man.

[james]

OMFG that underwater video is the best shit evar.


Congrats again of course

[jay7]

So, I've been in Germany for a month. Currently living in the Black Forest. Holy hell this place is beautiful.

I've been playing still about 4-5 times a week, and did a demo in Switzerland for Flavio. Total of 3 shows, and, we gave away tons of footbags. We also discussed how Michelle could volunteer for Planet Footbag, and we came up with lots of good ideas. I really feel like I'm getting to that age in Footbag where I want to give back, and, do tournaments and whatnot. Once I get my shit together and get a job, instead of searching for where I want to settle, I should get on that.

By the way, what we've decided to do with our lives, is travel around, volunteering, until we find out where we want to live. We've been to like, 5 countries and 10 cities thus far, and we've found out that what looks good on the internet, kind of sucks, and where we went randomly turns out to be legendary. And, since I researched where I wanted to live, and found out it wasn't what I wanted... I thought it best to just city hop until I found something legendary.

I must say, not being at Worlds has inspired me. I know everyone gets this way around worlds, like Rabbits in springtime, but I wasn't even there.... Assuming next worlds is in Europe, I'll make it easily, and then I can go and make Anssi proud. One of my goals, since I'm in Europe and demos are far more frequent, is to get a few more.. Get a little more Honza in my life. It is no secret, that when you do 400 routines/year in front of crowds 10x the size of worlds, that you look natural doing routines. So, if I can do 40, then I bet my chances at not sucking the hind tit will increase. So far, in Europa, I've done one official demo, and one unofficial (Today)... Making.. Probably equal demo experience if 5+ years in Canada in a month. And next Tuesday I'm already doing a small demo for a children's birthday party. Nothing to lose, anyway, right?

Since I'm no longer doing Symposium, and haven't for a long while, I've decided I need to learn some new consistent flair tricks. So where an Aleksi does a superfly, I do a _____. If anyone cares to suggest something, I'm all ears. But I've got my list going. I don't want to be a player who, goes to worlds, and looks like he does the same tricks as last year. I want to surprise people, but, consistently instead of inventing things I suppose.

Anyway, time to play some Pokemon. I'm maybe 25 hours in. So good. So, so good. I haven't played a video game like this since... I was like, 9.

[boyle]

Have you thought you can make a living just from footbag? You are obviously good enough and if you have the availability to just pop over to any place, there is definitely the opportunity there, particularly if you were to make some extra money busking. There is also a great chance in Europe to do some sort of series of competitions, as you have the variety of places and players in a reasonable area.

Good luck with it all - it's not so easy to just pack up and move countries.

[jay7]

I've definitely thought that I could keep afloat via footbag. Especially in the summer, and by living extremely basic. However, summer is almost over here, and, I don't want to start investing in something just when it is starting the downward part of its cycle.

So, I've finished my black forest chapter. It was amazing, and I figured a lot about my footbag self. Something I never did, when playing in public, was have confidence with strangers. My word, doing that demo in Switzerland, and being in the Schwarzwald, really started to knock that out of the park. I made, and sold, 12 bags to the local children there, and sold another bag to an asian who was doing the same program Michelle and I were. Literally, the only difference that made 13 potential Vaseks, was that I said "Hey, I play a sport and I'd love to do a demo for your kids someday soon". I did the 10 minute demo, answered a bunch of questions, and handed the young boy a free Planet Footbag, bag. Suddenly, the lady said "There is a birthday party next week. I'd love for you to do a demo, and give all the kids bags". .. The opportunity just plopped itself right in front of me.

Somehow I just see footbag kind of like advertising now. If you just make people aware of it, in a confident / cool way, suddenly they might take interest in it. I've never done this before. Previously I've always felt the N. American "hate" toward "stoner fags", and always presented it like "Yeah, a lot of people think it looks stupid, but, I like it". Instead of the European quarter lie of "I learned this trying to get better than my friends at soccer, and then found out this was way cooler". With this new attitude, literally every person I saw in the black forest got interested, FAR more than anyone previously in my life. Even an american guy at the place asked to see how I made a footbag, because he thought it was cool. *shakes head*. I think the next step in my career as a footbagger, involves this attitude change. I was playing at a tennis court, and a soccer field was nearby, full of players. I think if I was prepared, had bags and maybe a pamphlet, I'd go to the coach once practice settled down, and just say "Hey, I'm one of the best in the world at a sport called Footbag. I want to do a demo for your team, to show you how it can improve foot control". Like, why the hell not? My goal at first was to get better at performing, which, this would help. My new goal is to make people aware of the existence in a planet footbag kind of way (From players, to players. Not for a few players, from the players). At the worst the coach would say "We don't have time", and, I'd lose nothing. Or maybe he'd throw a schnitzel at me, I don't know.

Anyyyway.

Now I'm at Marco Hartig's place. I can see why he is Anssi's Main Man.. So friggen awesome. We've played a few times, and yesterday I got to access the inner-German-Scene again, which I haven't done since 2006. The Scene where, someone is really good, way above guiltless, never goes to tournaments, and no one has ever heard of him. This guy, Andreas, did blurry whirl->ps whirl mid string, a few strings with multiple toe 3 dexes, and pixie everything like his mom taught it to him. Good form, and, yeah. Never heard of him before yesterday. I was quite sore from training triple switchovers, so I knew I had to suck it up and go Anssi style, and just, play regardless. Thankfully I channeled my inner Finn, and was able to have a decent session. It was really fun to play with someone new, but I found a new "pressure" on myself. When I heard that some German said "OMG, you're going to be in Mannheim today? Jay is going to be with Marco there, you have to play!".. The idea that I have a name, and people know it, still hasn't sunk in quite. I really feel like I'm not nearly as good as I should be, and amongst players I can quite easily get self conscious. I'd like to be a Vasek, Jorden, or Dave, where they just DON'T disappoint, but, I know I definitely can. Anyway, I just need to be european a bit more, grow a pair, and get better at footbag and everything should fix itself.

Next up, in my life, I've got a good amount of footbag planned. I am going to my "roots" and taking Michelle to my home-city, where I was an exchange student. This will involve visiting all the players that started me off on my journey, and seeing my old school, where I learned whirl, etc etc. After that, I'm going to Berlin to see Aleksi, then Prague/CZ for a week and play with Honza and another 20 footbaggers, and then I'm going to fly to Sweden, take a ferry, and go hang out with Anssi for a week... Then participate in the Finnish Open. Shit.

Did I mention I am in no way near competition ready? In the next month I have to learn how to compete again. I haven't competed against a giant, pulsing, raging group of Finnosterone crazed Suomilainens in quite a while, let alone anyone else. Thankfully, I have the inside knowledge that in general, Finnish Champs aren't quite as serious as they could be... But the raw shredding power in that country is devastating. Like, 90% of the players *could* win it, any year, if someone has a bad, or good day. Not quite the case on the east coast. Probably, 18% of players are capable of winning. But, then, there is like, Jorden. So, that 18% takes into account that he had a tumor in his knee. I'll see how I do, but, all in all I really just think my best approach is to not do anything special. I think a failure in competition, is to think that there is some weird person inside of you that can be better than you normally are. To think "Well, Vasek just did 150 contacts, maybe I should do a huge long string too, because I'm in this special place with special people": No. If my average good string is 30 contacts, go for 30 contacts. Do what you can, and don't expect some super sayan version of yourself to hit that trick you've only done 2 times, IN the heat of the moment. If Pipenberg did anything at worlds right, I think he did that.

Holy ramble batman. Marco is awake, breakfast is starting, and it is time for me to settle the shit down and stop having my brain think about 23 things at once. This whole hobo-life is really interesting, that way. So difficult to focus on one objective.

[Strix]

Like you said, no need to think about 20+ things at once. Just KISS ( Keep It Simple Stupid ), getting over analytical just leads to problems. Hobo life is interesting but the easiest for learning how to live one day at a time. Harness and enjoy every moment. It sounds like you got some nice adventures in front of you.

[boyle]

From a fairly limited exposure to both of them, I would say there is that vibe in Europe, the lack of "uuuuuuuuuuuuurrr hacky sack" and that it is simply a sport, that people play together, generally in cool locations (by a lake, in a cool museum district, next to a swimming pool), then get together after kicking. I think there is more appreciation for it in Europe from an outsider perspective.

[jay7]

Greetings.

The keyboard I am using at the moment is German, 12 years old and as stiff as a rusty bike lock. However, I did unlock the buttons to type Mäcrö. Take that, Mäcrö. Pow. Pöw. Mhmm.

Now that that fiesta is over, let the games begin.

I am in mainz Germany right now, and this is where it all began. I played with Matthias and Julian, on the Rhein, just like 6 years ago. Except, a wife was in the distance, playing video games. It is amazing what coming to a ''home'' feels like. I haven't been to Mainz in quite a while, let alone by public transport. I remember all theroads, all the stores, all the KEbab, and it feels like yesterday. Except, apparently, I am a lot better at footbag than 6 years ago. I don't know what is in store for me, but, I certainly hope 6 years from now if I'm playing, I can say the same

It was such a life perspective change, watching old Mainz videos, and having Matthias narrate habits of my past. It was a slightly chilly session, and I said ''I'm done, because I want to make sure I don't injure myself'''... Something, that obviously changed in the past few years. He remarked on that, and, I felt like, so much has happened in 6 years it seems like a lifetime. Weird, because sometimes I think about University, and can only get the feeling that it took 5 minutes, except the footbag trips.

Confidence is a weird thing. I feel like, I really only regularly play with people far better than me. Since I hardly go to tournaments, but still visit a bunch of footbaggers, or talk to Anssi on Gtalk as often as a 6th grader and his best friend, I really don't get a dose of reality. I've played a lot, and, despite all of my brains worst intentions, I don't actually suck at footbag. I'm not Finnish or something, but I certainly forget that things like, whirling set both sides, is, well, absurd to some. Or nuke ducking both sides, is, hard. Or, double down swirls bsos is tricky. Just, things I've been saying ''Why did I drop that strongside alpine matador? Am I a little girl?'' are quite in my head. It felt good to play with zee old shred partners, and the ones who taught me everything in my first year. Because, every time I hit something neat, I could just feel the pulse of ''Holy Macaroni, they had no idea I could hit that!ÄÄ or ''Bonkers, I forgot that footing gyro HPD was... Stupid''. It made me hunt after big tricks, but, it felt good to have the power to be better than expectations. Because I'm never better than my own :p

But, there is no cutting the cake at a different angle. I suck at flurricane now. Gyro furious ruined it. Tisk Tisk. Mäcrööööö.