taiko

my mind is occupied with many things. boy-related things. work-related things. just a lot going on.

pledge drive is coming up, which presents its own set of challenges. up until i moved i had the luxury of pitching with the same people for 9 straight years. suddenly that has all changed. new co-workers, new tactics for raising money. the dynamic is going to be totally different. i'll have to learn a whole new set of "asks" AND adapt to the idiosyncrasies of a whole new set of askers. we are having a series pledge drive rehearsals, which helps... but i still have a touch of anxiety about this pledge drive. the unknown.

so it was nice to go tonight with a bunch of co-workers to see portland tailko. i'd never heard of taiko until tonight. had you? it's high-energy, choreographed, tribal japanese drumming. here... take a look at some of the video clips they have on their website.

it's an overwhelming experience: aggressive, loud (chest-thumpingly loud) and really really cathartic. we all loved it.

afterward, one of my fellow announcers took me to a groovy asian bar in a nearby hotel and we sipped cocktails and jawed about work. it was a really nice bonding experience. i feel that this particular co-worker is the station's best announcer, though tonight he said that after my arrival he was "no longer the best". i looked at him, slack-jawed, after he said that, thinking he was just being coy and flattering... but from his slightly-saddened expression i could tell he was sincere. it may have been the most meaningful compliment that i've received since i moved here.