So it feels like it’s been a while since I wrote. A few days-ish. Really in the scheme of things it’s not that long. But I feel like a lot has happened.

I do not think Jarrett and his new roommate have finished signing the paper. Kari hasn’t emailed or called me. They have until Sunday, but I hate this waiting game.

I have done my part. I want for it to be over, rather than having to wait, wonder, worry. It sucks, and I can’t fully purge the feelings until it is done with.

So there is still a bit of discord, but not as much as what I felt the other day.

That night I went to the SAL lab. I stitched for most of it, being pretty quiet and introverted. Introspective.

I honestly didn’t want to be there. But it was an easy lab. If the students finished their assignment they were allowed to leave early.

Some how Frank and I got on the topic of martial arts towards the end of lab. He told me about aikido. How it is a defensive type of martial arts. It’s not about strength, but about using your opponent’s energy against them.

One of the quotes I read about it said that, “Hurting your opponent is hurting yourself.”

I like that.

I liked everything that I read about it. A lot of the guiding principles line up with things that I believe.

Frank told me of a dojo that he and Natalie had attended for a little bit, before Frank had surgery last year.

Well, I went home after the SAL lab and poked around online, getting more information about aikido and the dojo Frank had mentioned.

There was a class at 7 in the morning, so I woke up and went there at 7:40.

I got to watch the last part of the class and talk to one of the instructors for a bit.

There was another class at 7pm I could attend if I wanted. The first class was free to let me see if it was something I would like.

I left, thinking over all of the information.

It wasn’t until I got back to the apartment that I realized that I had left my wallet at the dojo.

That settled it for me. I was supposed to go back.

It felt right.

I’ve been wanting to do something combat related.

I’m a warrior. I feel like I’m supposed to know how to fight. To defend.

But I don’t like the idea of roundhouse kicking my opponent in the face. I don’t like the idea of being aggressive. I don’t like the idea that most fighting styles are about inflicting harm to someone.

I don’t want to hurt anyone. And aikido understands that. It is about control, peace, and harmony.

So when I got into work last night I talked to David and asked if he would mind if I went on break a little early and came back a little late so I could go to the class.

He was totally fine with that. The students this month have been doing really well, and he said he wouldn’t have a problem manning the ship on his how for a little while.

He said he hoped I enjoyed the class. I guess he’s done aikido in the past. So that was pretty cool.

At 6:40 I left to go to the dojo.

There were other people there, and I was a little nervous. I didn’t have a uniform so I showed up in sweats and a yoga top.

I was partnered with one of the instructors. He was super nice. His son, about 6 or 7 years old, was on the mat with us as well, practicing with another young boy. There was a girl about 12 or 13. A man in about his mid 30s, and I think two other people.

I had an absolute blast.

I learned how to fall down and get back up. I learned a bit about etiquette in the dojo. Everyone was so nice and kind. And it was a great workout. After I had already gone to the gym that day, too.

I loved every second of it, and once the practice was over I signed the paper work for the beginner program, which included my uniform, or gi (g-ee). It included my membership fee to the dojo. So I can go to literally any class I want.

There is a yoga class that is separate, something like $12. That is today at 6 so I am kicking around the idea of going to that.

I already went to class this morning.

The one I went to last night was a beginner’s class. The one this morning (at 7am after I went to sleep at 2am) was a more advanced class, but I was welcomed and a more senior student helped me.

Currently my big issues are posture and extension.

I need to stay straighter and more balanced rather than leaning forward into the moves. I also need to keep my arms extended rather than allowing the other person so close into my space.

You would think as an introvert I wouldn’t have a problem pushing people out of my hamster ball.

The moves feel awesome when I get them right. I can feel a difference when I preform them correctly. I can feel the energy of the movement, and it is an amazing feeling.

I think this is going to be a really positive thing for me.

It has taken all of the extra money that I saved from last paycheck. But I’m ok with that.

My body is tired and sore, but in a good way. It feels like I’ve been using it rather than sitting in front of a computer.

My deltoids are the worst. Most likely from having to push myself up off the mat so much. Like I said though, I’ve enjoyed every second of it. It feels good.

There is another beginner class tomorrow that I want to go to. There’s also a weapons class.

There’s so much to learn.

Really that’s the main thing that has been going on for me.

Today is payday. I haven’t gotten my raise yet. Booooo.

I’m hoping that it will be around a $30 increase. That’s what it was last year.

I’ve already paid bills. I’m still sitting at my sports bar typing this up. I’m about to run to the bank to pay rent and such. After that I’ll most likely go home and rest more. I did that after the class this morning.

Having gotten so little sleep, and doing so much activity the other day, and then getting up to do it all over again this morning really has me feeling my body. I really want to try this yoga class though.

So I will rest, and stitch some, then at six I will go stretch, which I know will make my shoulders feel better. I’m sure my legs could use it as well. I tried running yesterday, which was an awful idea. I only got two minutes of running in before my shin splints revolted against me.

I’m hoping they’ll be good by Sunday.

I got a message from Clavan saying my vacation in February for my cousin’s wedding is approved. SAL and CRI1 are both going to be AM classes next month, which sucks for me.

I hate having to wake up for AM classes. : /

It will be fine though. I’ll just have to get use to the switch.

I’m sure there’s more that I could write about, but I feel like I’m bouncing around on topics, so I’m going to go for now. Cross stitching awaits.