Hong Kong Phooey

Today I had my very first karate lesson.  It's something that I've been toying with doing for a few years now.  Found a dojo fairly close to me (on South Michigan Avenue) called Imazaki Dojo, so I set up a free session for lunchtime today.

The sensei's name is Seijo Imazaki.  His features have a distinct Asian flair to them, although it looks like he's part caucasian as well.  The dojo was very no-frills--- just a big empty room with mats and mirrors.  I was the first one there, so I got a solo lesson for the first 20 minutes or so.  Afterwards, two men joined us.  One of the guys was also a newbie (it was only his second class), so I didn't feel too out of place.  The sensei made me feel very at ease and gave me confidence-- I had never experienced a workout like this.  I was suprised at how difficult and strenuous it was while, paradoxically, requiring a certain level of focus and grace.

Here are some of my thoughts and what I learned today:

1) it's a barefoot activity and my pedicure is solely lacking.  Epic fail.
2) there are all kinds of behavioral rules regarding gestures and bowing, especially when you get onto the mat.  I wasn't entirely sure if I was supposed to bow every time you get on and off the mat, so I erred on the side of over-bowing.  I was a human bobblehead.
3) they loaned me a pair of pants to wear, but during the whole session I kept thinking "where is the store and when can I get my own outfit?"  I was jonesing over the sensei's get-up with the mysterious Japanese writing.
4) once I got my outfit (it's called a gi and it's a uniform, not an outfit; there's a whole new language to learn here), it soon became apparent that adding a spash of color via the belts can only happen once you earn it by progressing from level to level.  So much for freedom to accessorize.
5) I kick better than I punch.  And I still have trouble knowing my left from my right.  And I'm a klutz when it comes to footwork.

I had a BLAST!  For the next two weeks, I'm allowed unlimited sessions for $25, then I sign up for a monthly pass-- I'll probably go with the one session a week, because I'll need to keep up my running and Pilates, and school will be starting soon.

Will I become a mean, lean, fighting machine?  Who knows?  But the process is filling me with energy and I'm eager to dive right in.

It's been almost a year...

I don't know how or why I got away from writing.  I enjoy it.  Here's to 2014 and a new start.  I changed the look and color scheme of the blog to keep things interesting (or at least to keep me engaged-- I have a short attention span).

So, what's happened in the past year?  Well, I turned 50 (complete with a surprise birthday party featuring Keith Semple of 7th Heaven and an unexpected visit from my youngest sister) in September.  I also travelled to Dallas this past summer with Kimmy and the kids and got to see the Texas School Book Depository and stand on "the spot" on Elm Street.  In November, my brother David took me to Boston for the anniversary of the Kennedy assassination (see a theme here?).  In December, John and I jaunted to western PA for my friend Louann's surprise 50th birthday party.

Reflecting on the past year, a lot has happened.  The Hawks have another Stanley Cup ring. I fell out of step with my running and then reclaimed it again (although a tad bit slower). Decided that, for my health's sake, I would give up drinking (saving a lot of calories while at the same time lovin' my liver-- it's going on two months now).  I continue to be energized by my ongoing painting endeavors-- explored some new techniques in mixed media and new ways of handling the figure and bugs and all of my other favorite subjects.  Met new people who inspire me.  Renewed friendships from the past.  In other words, moving forward.

So, hello again, blog.  Nice to be back.