change of scenery

My coworker Mark found salvation in Tae Kwon Do, similar to the salvation I’ve found in biking. He’s been at it for a year or so i think, and is on a black belt track. Nick had to work late last night, so I decided to see what all the hype was about. I’ve always had an interest in martial arts, but I never really knew anything about it.

At first I felt a little stupid and silly, I’d gone to an “All Student’s” class, which was a buncha little tiny kids and me. But since Mark is learning to become a teacher, he took me off to the side and taught me the basics while the kids were doing their ‘workout’ . I leared some stances and some kicks. I enjoied the moves and the workout. It’d be great cross training if I had any time to dedicate to it. Time. That’s what it always comes down to.

I have to admit tho, the whole procedural mumbo jumbo is something I have a hard time swallowing — bow to the dojo, bow to the flag, stand at attention, blah blah .. Its just all so serious. For some reason, that all just seemed to be too much for me. I suppose if I were to get more into it, go to more classes, learn more, and get better, I might have more respect for the art and history of it. But for now, it all just seems silly.

One thing I really liked about this place in particular is that they focus on self-defense. They teach from a self-defense perspective. I’ve been wanting to take more control of myself through self-defense classes of some sort. So, that part is cool. But the dojo is in Novi (and Farmington Hills) and the classes for adults are generally 6:00 or later … so, I just can’t see where I’d have time to make any classes. I thought I might be able to comit to Friday classes, but I’m not sure yet if I want to make that kind of commitment.

Plus, I’d have to get one of those outfits … and who needs more gear? Especially when I can’t stop buying bikes …

Buying bikes …. Yeah, last night, I committed to buying a road bike. My good friend Shirlee is selling her Giant OCR3 for a good price. Its got real low miles on it, and she treats her stuff really well. John says its a good bike and a good price (I know NOTHING about road bikes, so I had to consult the experts ) … So I told Shirlee I’ll take it!

And this is Shirlee, this is why I love her so much:

this other chick was wanting photos and wanting to drive up here from Detroit…I’m like, back off STALKER–I’m waiting to hear from Marty!!

Ahh friends … they’re just great 🙂