OCT 23

So October is here and almost gone and I don't think I've mentioned what my October resolution is.....so this is another struggle for me. I have chosen knitting!!  Looked easy.  I've always wanted to know how to knit.  Maybe my brain is on overload.  Maybe a person can only retain so much and then the cranium is full and cannot accept any more of anything!!  I feel I'm close to that point.  Even simple instructions are like rocket science to me...tie a knot....what?  A what?  How do I do that???  My poor dog thinks the ball of yarn, that I rolled, is a toy.  I feel like I have two left hands when it comes to holding the needles. So even though this is my October resolution, my scarf (if that's what it turns out to be) may not be complete until Christmas.  If all else fails, I guess the dog can have the ball of yarn, at least it won't go to waste.

SEPT 28

So I survived my first boot camp.  Well, if I'm honest, I only survived because I cheated just a bit. (You know, when the teacher's not looking, you take a quick breather) That was about the hardest physical activity I've done in a long time.  One hour of non-stop high intensity training.  We couldn't even break for water!  "If you need a drink, march yourself there an back...DON'T STOP MOVING!"...Yes drill sergeant!  I even asked as I signed in if this was a beginner's camp.  Oh, yea, I was reassured.  You can go at your own pace, they told me.  (Someone needs to tell Sergeant Carter)

You think you're in some kind of physical condition until you test yourself with something like this.  I walked into the building with a perky step in my walk and crawled out with rubber band legs and arms.  

SEPT 24

Ok, so it's already Sept 24th...did you think I was bailing on my resolution?  No way!  September is getting a late start because the class I'm taking doesn't start until Sept 28th.  It goes into Oct but it's my Sept resolution.  What is it you ask???  If my body holds out, I'll be in BOOT CAMP in a few days.  UGH!!!  What was I thinking?  (I wasn't)  I saw some painting classes and some cooking classes and even a cake decorating class but just wasn't getting excited about those and then I saw the boot camp and said yes, that's it!  Now I'm beginning to regret my decision.  We'll see.  My mind says yes....the body is saying leave me alone!!!!!

AUG 21

I passed!  Self defense class is over and yes, I passed.  I have to say, the last day was not easy.  They put us in "situations" and were not easy on us.  My only complaint (even though it was for my own good)  was that I did not train to be "attacked" by two people at the same time!  I actually took this very serious and tried to use the techniques during our situation training.  It's amazing what goes right out the window when the need is there.  Similar to natural child birth...what breathing???  I made some crucial mistakes on my last day.  They are clear to teach us to yell certain commands and it's not just to be having small chat with your attacker, but it's for your own breathing.  I put myself in a frame of mind,  I was screaming the whole time and of course was very quickly out of breath.  (My instructor thought I was asthmatic)  Hoping I am never in a situation where I have to use these things I learned but am glad it's in my subconscience and feel I could use them if needed.  Ladies, I highly recommend a self defense course like R.A.D...you WILL learn things.  It's actually recommended to take the class a few times to keep the techniques fresh in your mind.  Here's to empowerment....NO...STAY BACK....STRIKE!

AUG 8

So I've had two classes in self defense and I'm ready to do some damage! Actually, this is a completely new world for me...I can say I have never been in a physical fight in my life and hope I never have to.  Just listening to the description of what some of our "techniques" can do to another person is scary.  Officer Leising is very graphic in her descriptions and she doesn't hold back.  A huge part of self defense is awareness.  We are told over and over again to be aware of your surroundings.  Really love this class and have learned so much in just a couple of lessons.  We have learned many different "strikes" this past week and next week we get to practice them on Officer Carpenter!  This will give me much joy as I pointed out to Officer Carpenter that he got me TWICE for expired tags. STAY BACK!!...NO!!....STRIKE!!

AUG 1, 2014

The saying time flies is not an old wives tale...here we are in August and I'm ready for the August resolution.  My pick for this month is something again that I have never done but have always wanted to.  On August 6th, I take my first self defense class!  My hometown police department is having classes for the month of August and I am signed up ready to learn the proper way to kick the jelly beans out of someone!  It seems a bit ironical that my community is offering these classes...we were just named 3rd safest city in the state of KY.  (or maybe that's why they are giving the classes, people here know how to defend themseves)  I hope I learn some really cool stuff like poking out eyeballs or twisting the thumb of the assailant until he/she cries mercy.  (and even then it will be up to my discretion to let go)  Here's to empowerment!!  Wow, that sounded rather violent....

JULY 17

Oh my oh my...this summer is flying by!  What a fun July so far.  I hadn't selected my "resolution" for July because I saw my calendar!  Temp assignments, family outings and extra curricular activities!  But before this month gets away from me, I have made my July resolution.  I have decided to read UNCLE TOM'S CABIN...by Harriet Beecher Stowe.  Now look, I read books all the time.  I love reading.  That is not new, I get it.  Having said that, I have NEVER read this book!  I am ashamed to admit that, but it was not a required reading in school and I just never picked it up until now.  I have always had on my short bucket list some of the classics that I have never read and this was one of them.  So, here's to my rocking chair and back deck and a good  book!