When you don't give up, good things happen

Well after an emotional and deep thinking day, Rob convinced me that I needed my karate. So I started the 45 minute trek to Appleton. At the end of my driveway going onto Brule, two twits in two separate cars decided they were going to have a conversation in the middle of the street. So of course, I waited for them to end their conversation. Proceeding down the road some more, I turned onto Charles Street, and was behind a van that was going to go straight through the intersection but every time she tried to go, another car would come, and since she decided to hog the road, I had no luck in going around her to make my right turn. So there I sat. At this point I was thinking, maybe I should just stay home, the whole day was a huge frustration and it didn't seem like it was getting any better. Finally there was a break, she was able to go forward and through the intersection and I made my right turn onto Webster Avenue. Another intersection ahead I needed to make a left onto George Street, so I can go through the roundabout then over the bridge. A bus is making a left turn at the next intersection on George and Erie. I dove around on the right and got through the intersection. At this point, I was really thinking I was just going to turn around, screw it, people are just annoying me and it felt like the world was just trying to piss me off. Driving down the rest of George Street, I had no problems, down Main Street De Pere and over the bridge, no problems, getting onto Hwy 41 S, no problem. I was on cruise control now.. heading to Appleton. Well I got to the dojo at 5:30. I thought it very strange that Sensei's vehicle wasn't outside, or anyone else's for that matter. I parked, and got out and walked to the door. I called the Dojo, knowing no one was in there but leaving a message for Sensei letting him know I came and left. I went back to my car, and called home letting Rob know I was coming home... Rob suggested I wait until the start time of class just in case, I didn't receive an email or call from Sensei and knew it wasn't like him not to let me know of NO CLASS. So I sat and waited until 5:45. At 5:42, I see Tom driving towards me and park. He looks just as confused as I was. We discuss the possibilities of why Sensei's not there. He did have that seminar in South Carolina over the weekend. But still doesn't explain why Sensei wouldn't have called all of us. Tom leaves. I'm calling Rob to let him know I'm leaving Appleton, and while talking to Rob, Sensei shows up... I tell Rob that class is on. Any normal person would be annoyed. I was more concerned. This is not Sensei's way.

Dawning my gei and stepping out onto the mat, I realized I had Sensei all to myself tonight. This was going to be a good night. Get all my questions answered even the simpler ones I have. Sensei asked me what I wanted to work on tonight. I said Wunsu... he said good, then we will go through the kata, and dissect it... I was in my glory... he also said we were going to do Bunkai, which is the last thing I need for my promotion. I have 5 Ippon, 5 Kihon, 5 self defence moves, 3 Tae Kyo Ku, Wansu Kata and the last piece to the puzzle, the Bunkai (meaning interpretation and application - what the attacker is doing while you perform kata). We worked on this for the whole class, dissecting each move, applying theory, and performing... I was definitely in my element.

One thing I noticed though, doing the defending portion (the kata I've practiced over 100 times now) seemed to have flown out the window. It reminded me how I was when I was trying to learn how to drive a standard vehicle years ago with Crystal. At that time, I already knew how to drive a car, but getting the shifting and clutch thing added into the mix, made me forget how to steer the car. Crystal can attest how uncoordinated I was that day driving her mom's little Geo. I was glad I only had Sensei to watch my struggling. I must say he's a very patient man, and I love him for that. The hour class flew by. It was time to bow out and go home. Sensei and I talked about my future plans on going to Canada at least two more times by Christmas. I told him I wasn't too concerned about when I was getting promoted but had some questions about my daughters and husband coming to watch me when I get promoted. He said he didn't have a problem with it, but wanted me to feel comfortable and not distracted by their presence. He did suggest that they come to some classes prior to my promotion just to get them acclimated to the Dojo environment so that when and if they came to my promotion I wouldn't be distracted. So this upcoming Thursday, Rob and my little future karateka will be coming to watch me. Yes, I'm nervous. I haven't really performed for any of them. I can feel the self consciousness move in and the insecurities. I'm sure that will all dissipate once we all get there and class starts. It will be an eye opener for everyone I think. The girls haven't seen this side of Mommy, and it will show me if they will have an interest in it and maybe even the beginnings of love for the sport.