I participated in a taekwondo tournament in Kendallville, Indiana this past weekend.  It was so much fun.  I earned two trophies, a first in Sparring, and a second in Forms.  Which is neat - I have never received a trophy for a physical feat before.  (I did get a trophy when I worked at McDonald's back in the 80's.  We got first place in the McDonald's Olympics for Drive-Thru.)  But it was nothing like this.

I was nervous, but not terrified.  When we left the house at 6 a.m.  I had already been up for an hour: getting uniforms ready, gear bags packed, food for the drive, things to do for the drive, etc.  It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to Kendallville (just north of Ft. Wayne).  

The morning was taken with opening ceremonies, Tiny Tiger competition (The Divine Miss M competed - she's 5), and waiting.  Finally, at about 3:15 they called White, Orange & Yellow belts 18 & over.  Kim & I were the last to compete - luckily everyone else was engaged when we went on the floor.  Craig was judging, L was scorekeeping for Master Flotka, Haley, Lindsay and Fletch were competing.  M & A were playing in a corner.  (ack - I was a bit concerned about them, but they're good at keeping themselves amused without hurting anyone - or each other!)  

No one else in our ring had ever been to a tournament before - so that was good.  I was told later it looked like the "ring of moms" - I'm not sure how many of us had kids in the tournament - at least 4 out of the 6.  The judge was patient, and kind, and patient.  (he had to be, poor guy)  I enjoyed doing my form - even though I messed up the last move.  I was most nervous about sparring, although at our level it's just one-steps.  One person acts as the attacker - does 2 moves & stops - and the other person goes through 5-8 defensive steps.  Then the players switch.  So, there is no contact - supposedly :) .

Actually, after we were finished, I was ready for more.   

We watched a lot of others compete.  The third degree (and above) black belts did some weapons-fighting  (so much fun - like hitting each other with pool noodles, but with flair!)  And we watched the judges get to compete.  I'm beginning to understand how things work in TKD.  

Afterwards, we ate at Pizza Hut with a couple of other Lansing-area car-loads.  And then, the long drive home.  

The next tournament is in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sept. 12.  I will be a camo-belt then, which means real sparring, not one-steps.  I know what I get to do next!  Lots of sparring practice.  

I cannot wait.

Really, how did it get to be the middle of May?   

and my last post was March??  geezlouise.  Guess it's time for some priority setting.   I've been having fun, enjoying life.  Went to Texas for a b

it to see my mama & spend some time with my dear friend Pam.  It was a wonderful, life-affirming time.  I turned 40 while I was there.  (what's up with that??  I don't feel 40.)  

We went to see the Wall between the US & Mexico while we were there.  I really didn't know that they actually started work on that wall.  Really, 

how many Walls-between-countries have ever worked?  One?  and that one was 3,700 miles long 

and had slave labor build it.  I took a few photos (with my cell) of the parts we saw:

  

My purse was stolen on Saturday.  (I'm not looking for commiseration - it was my own fault - I left it in the unlocked car in my driveway.)  It was definitely a not-so-gentle push to look at my life differently.

So, the obvious things: be more responsible.  Put things away, where they belong.  (I'm sure some people will read that and say "well, duh" :)  )  It did force me to clean up a bit - I wanted to make sure that the police officer didn't slip and fall on my dirty laundry, and I wanted to have a clean place to fill out the paperwork.  I was also so upset with myself right after I found out that I did all the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.  

I will find a central place to write all important info down.  (and I will re-assess what I mean by important!)  It was difficult to get a replacement debit card without a photo ID; it was also difficult to get my Driver's License renewed with only two pieces of ID. However, the lady at the License place let me renew it early, so I don't have to go back in two months.  Hooray!

The other nice thing that was a result of this is that I got to get a brand new checking/savings account.  Things will be so much easier to keep track of now.  I have a starting balance!  

I wasn't that upset about the physical things that were lost - I liked that purse, and the clicky wallet, and the checkbook made of recycled plastic.  But, I have enough.  If I didn't, I have ways/skills/options to make more money legally.   What would it take to steal something?  How much self-respect would I have to lose?   

I am pissed at those who were responsible.  The deputy said that he's following up on more and more robberies.  He said it was the economy.  I thought it was kids - they missed the iPod, didn't mess with the radio.  But hey, they only got a dollar in my purse.  I am horrified that someone had the audacity to walk up to my  house in the middle of the night!  Calm again because the dogs would never let anything happen to us.  Angry because whoever it was had no reason to do this, and yet, I don't know what baggage they were carrying.  They better not come back though.  It is unsettling.  

That is, actually, the best thing probably, about the whole situation.  To be unsettled = less relaxed, more aware, better prepared.  and I did start Tae Kwon Do today!