184--The Magic Number?

So I've been working on my counting drill--it's nothing but a series of doko's--but I want to be able to do it quickly and accurately. Last week I made a note in my planner saying: 176? Impossible? But I was wrong, since now I can do it at 176 beats per minute. I think it's about just developing the patience and the right muscles. Most of what holds me back are the little things I'm thinking as I'm doing the drill, like, am I holding the bachi right? Am I breathing? Is my left shoulder popping up? Is my thumb cheating? Can the neighbors hear this? What about the laundry--do we need to do laundry yet? Do I have quarters? But this week I put a note in my planner saying, definitevely, 184, impossible. I tried today, and really, it seems impossible. But maybe I'll be able to log-in in a week or so saying how I was wrong. It's something to aim for, anyway. At what point do you need to change the type of bachi you use, or the technique? I still can't do a snare-drum-type roll to save my life.

Oh, and since we're airing our laundry, I am going to run Bay to Breakers again this year. If you don't remember, it's that 7-mile race from the Bay side of San Francisco to the breakers side. Basically a sprint (or leisurely jog) from one side of the City to the other. My friend wants us to dress up as Frida Kahlo this year. Since I have short hair, I'm thinking the pissed-off-at-Diego-Frida, but that means wearing a man's coat, which I don't have, and don't have the inclination of wearing while I run 7 miles. Last time I went home, I found this beautiful Mexican blouse my Mom has probably kept in her closet since the 70's. I brought it up here, not knowing what for, but I'm thinking Frida. Seven miles of Frida. Anyhow, now I said it, and now I have to train for and run it. You should really come. It's a lot of fun and not nearly as hard as it sounds.