Question meme, via ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jesse_the_k
Oct. 12th, 2018 07:07 pmsoniaIf you want questions of your own, let me know in comments.
Thanks for the questions,jesse_the_k!
When did you first receive bodywork?
My first official bodywork session (other than trading backrubs with friends as an undergrad) was in 1990 or so, while I was in grad school in Berkeley, CA. I don't remember how I got the person's name or what motivated me to try it. She worked out of her home, a lovely studio apartment half-underground, so the light came in from high windows surrounding the table in an open space. She did half massage and half acupressure. My body trembled the whole time during acupressure. She was very kind and reassuring. Now I assume I was releasing held trauma, but I didn't have any words for it at the time. It was a good experience, but I didn't go back to her.
When did you decide to become a bodyworker?
In 1997, I was sitting at my desk on the fourteenth floor of an old business building in downtown San Francisco, right on Market street. It had windows that opened! The software job was good enough, but I had a clear sense that I had lost my way so profoundly that I did not know which way to turn to find it again.
I learned about Reiki somewhere in there, and got really excited about it. I took the three levels of classes.
Then I heard a talk by a massage therapist, and decided to start taking evening massage classes. Acupressure and shiatsu, actually. I didn't take a Swedish massage class until later, when I needed more hours to get my license in Oakland. I kept taking classes, and eventually got my business license in February 1999. It's been very gradual building my practice, and it was half a practice for the longest time. It's only in the last three years it's really supported me full time without intermittent supplemental computer contracting.
What's a favorite song to sing in the shower?
It varies based on what song I'm working on lately. One I come back to is the high part of Polegnala e Todora. I used to know all the words but I've gotten rusty because my singing group hasn't sung it in quite a while.
What's your earliest bicycle memory?
We visited my cousins in Ft. Worth, TX, when I was eleven. I was intent on learning to ride a bike, and practiced on one of their smaller bikes on the concrete driveway. I fell over and bruised my knee hard enough that it hurt for months, but I did learn. I finally got a three-speed bike for my twelfth birthday, after asking for years. I guess there must be earlier memories since I knew I wanted one, but that's what came to mind. I did have an awesome red tricycle when I was small. But no bigwheel. I wanted one of those, too.
If I came to visit, where would you take me?
Well, it would depend on what you wanted to see! Powell's Bookstore, I assume. My favorite Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden has lots of accessible paths. If you haven't been here before, the Columbia River Gorge is a must. The big waterfalls are *right there* by the road and the paths are accessible. It's starting to recover from the big fire last summer. There's also the Farmer's Market and Saturday Market craft fair (which operates on Sunday too).
I default to outdoor destinations, but there's also an art museum and an Oregon History museum. All accessible by bus, and I assume wheelchair accessible, although I haven't been there in a few years and would have to check ahead.
Thanks for the questions,
jesse_the_k!When did you first receive bodywork?
My first official bodywork session (other than trading backrubs with friends as an undergrad) was in 1990 or so, while I was in grad school in Berkeley, CA. I don't remember how I got the person's name or what motivated me to try it. She worked out of her home, a lovely studio apartment half-underground, so the light came in from high windows surrounding the table in an open space. She did half massage and half acupressure. My body trembled the whole time during acupressure. She was very kind and reassuring. Now I assume I was releasing held trauma, but I didn't have any words for it at the time. It was a good experience, but I didn't go back to her.
When did you decide to become a bodyworker?
In 1997, I was sitting at my desk on the fourteenth floor of an old business building in downtown San Francisco, right on Market street. It had windows that opened! The software job was good enough, but I had a clear sense that I had lost my way so profoundly that I did not know which way to turn to find it again.
I learned about Reiki somewhere in there, and got really excited about it. I took the three levels of classes.
Then I heard a talk by a massage therapist, and decided to start taking evening massage classes. Acupressure and shiatsu, actually. I didn't take a Swedish massage class until later, when I needed more hours to get my license in Oakland. I kept taking classes, and eventually got my business license in February 1999. It's been very gradual building my practice, and it was half a practice for the longest time. It's only in the last three years it's really supported me full time without intermittent supplemental computer contracting.
What's a favorite song to sing in the shower?
It varies based on what song I'm working on lately. One I come back to is the high part of Polegnala e Todora. I used to know all the words but I've gotten rusty because my singing group hasn't sung it in quite a while.
What's your earliest bicycle memory?
We visited my cousins in Ft. Worth, TX, when I was eleven. I was intent on learning to ride a bike, and practiced on one of their smaller bikes on the concrete driveway. I fell over and bruised my knee hard enough that it hurt for months, but I did learn. I finally got a three-speed bike for my twelfth birthday, after asking for years. I guess there must be earlier memories since I knew I wanted one, but that's what came to mind. I did have an awesome red tricycle when I was small. But no bigwheel. I wanted one of those, too.
If I came to visit, where would you take me?
Well, it would depend on what you wanted to see! Powell's Bookstore, I assume. My favorite Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden has lots of accessible paths. If you haven't been here before, the Columbia River Gorge is a must. The big waterfalls are *right there* by the road and the paths are accessible. It's starting to recover from the big fire last summer. There's also the Farmer's Market and Saturday Market craft fair (which operates on Sunday too).
I default to outdoor destinations, but there's also an art museum and an Oregon History museum. All accessible by bus, and I assume wheelchair accessible, although I haven't been there in a few years and would have to check ahead.
no subject
Date: 2018-10-13 03:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-10-13 06:19 pm (UTC)What's the story behind your username?
What's a book you read for bookgroup that you wouldn't have read otherwise that had a big impact on you?
What do you think will bring you delight that you're having done to your house?
What are you proud of about a story you've told?
If you had all the resources and space you need to make your ideal garden, what would it be like?
no subject
Date: 2018-10-13 06:52 pm (UTC)Ahhhhh, that song sends shivers up my spine.
You started cycling so late, and you were brave!
I started before first grade, with kids on my block. The single coaster-brake bike we all learned on lackes saddle and seatpost, which made for a very careful learning experience. I got my first bike in 2nd grade, and (in hindsight I realized) terrorized pedestrians on the sidewalks--and this was before curb ramps, when sidewalk riding was really obnoxious.
Fascinating answers! I adore waterfalls. Thanks--clearly a PNW visit would be a delightful event.
I'll take five (or fewer) questions, if you have any left--be as direct as you please :,)
no subject
Date: 2018-10-14 01:55 am (UTC)Yikes for your training bike! I *knew* I wanted to bike, so it didn't feel brave at the time, but I can see what you mean looking back.
Do come to the PNW! The waterfalls are spectacular, and it would be lovely to meet. My house has stairs at all the entrances, sadly.
Answered!
Date: 2018-11-21 01:10 am (UTC)https://jesse-the-k.dreamwidth.org/275275.html
no subject
Date: 2018-10-13 08:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-10-14 02:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-10-14 10:47 pm (UTC)I shall get to these at some point today or tomorrow.
no subject
Date: 2018-10-14 11:26 pm (UTC)