Who Threw Me Back Into Basic Training?!!

Years ago, when I was still naive, shy and stupid, I joined the US Air Force.  Recruiters were so friendly and enthusiastic, as were the moderators of the written tests.  Several other young, naive recruits made the journey to Texas for basic training with me, all of us chatting along the way, oblivious to what was about to hit us.  Once a larger bunch of us were all gathered off assorted planes and put on the bus to the base, an Air Force NCO of some rank or other climbed aboard and life as we knew it instantly changed forever.  He did not have the open, friendly demeanor of the recruiters.  His hair was much shorter than theirs, everything about him was crisp and cold, and he barked at us.  Growled and bared teeth, even.  Woe to those chewing gum. We'd all been happy puppies cavorting in the back yard until that NCO grabbed us by our collars and pulled us up short.  Gacckk!

That's kind of what taking my first green belt tae kwon do class was like.  Here I was thinking I'd been working hard, progressing from belt to belt and getting stronger and more toned, and pretty pleased with myself.  Ha!  Those were just baby steps.  Green belt is aptly colored.  It is the first level of the higher belts and you'd think from our performance last night, we new greenies hadn't ever taken a class before.  The higher belt class is 15 minutes longer, about 5 times more complex, and done at warp speed.  All those lower back muscles and assorted other soft tissue structures I thought were so nicely stretched and limber?  Yeah.  Owwwie. 

And yet... the new form for green belt, Won Hyo, is amazingly fun, almost peaceful.  This guy makes it look easy.  Someday, so will I. 

Comments

[Karen]

The beginning of anything new is tough. You'll get the knack of it in no time I bet. Hang in there!

[vanessa]

holy cow!

[Christine]

Good luck! Woman, I hear you roaring!!

[Laurie]

And he's about 25 years younger. So what's your point?? It's good to have a goal, and good to push yourself. And good to understand the substrate with which you are working. Just sayin'.

[Leslie]

Oh, dear! Still, you'll rise to the challenge!