Festive

At the last TKD class before Christmas, things were festive.

I gave presents to the teachers, Justin and Master Hughes. I also gave consultation to Justin about how to get a good night's sleep. Melatonin and lavender, not to mention turn off the cell phone and computer a good half hour before bedtime--for anyone who wants to know! Having had occasional insomnia myself, I know what it's like not to be able to sleep well. I know the tricks, too, or at least what works for me.

Stephanie and Matthew's grandmother was there. Master Hughes had Stephanie lead warm ups (she did a great job) and Matthew used a jump reverse kick to break two boards like a graham cracker.

We worked on our forms; it seemed to be my job to help Aimee and Brian get the beginning of the form. That scissors block is tricky. Master Hughes showed us how to put our shoulders into it so it looks really powerful. I liked that.

Sparring began with me matched up with Gage, who's about 7. I showed him some moves for small people; then I sparred his dad, Christian and jammed the middle toes on my left foot. ouch. It ended up with a quick match between me and Brian, always fun, and always exhausting. Still, I don't think either of us scored, so that means we're evenly matched, I think.

"So are we evenly matched, do you think," I asked Brian as we stood in line for hand shaking at the end. "You're not going easy on me, are you?"

He looked at me funny. "Well, no!"

Good.

Everyone enjoyed the Swedish gingerbread I brought. The night ended with me forgetting Justin's AIM name (he thinks I need to get instant messaging; what he doesn't know is that I have a dial-up connection and rarely have it connected!)

I walked out with Brian, Matthew, and Brian's new cell phone. We wished each other a Merry Christmas--it'll be about 10 days before I'm back at the dojang. I'm sure I'll have things to write, meantime, though!