jojo-mama

I am a new stay at home mom who used to have the instant gratification of working at newspapers for more than 15 years. some days i miss seeing my name in print. maybe this will help.

Thursday, March 15, 2007













Wait, I thought "Peter Pan" was a nice story?

I don't remember ever watching the Disney classic as a child so now I watch it here and there with my kids. I was surprised by these things:

1. Peter Pan is a narcissistic clueless boy who all the girls have a crush on and he only cares about himself and playing... and hurting Capt. Hook
2. Tinker Bell is just mean:
a. she is jealous of everyone especially Wendy
b. she is so angry that she turns red and burns through leaves
c. She tries to hurt Wendy
d. She betrays Pan to Capt. Hook
3. A dog named Nana is who takes care of the children and all that the baby remembers when asked about his "real mother"


what else am I missing? I guess I should just be happy the parents are alive unlike "Cinderella", "Snow White" and the mother in "Beauty and the Beast"




Krav Maga

Husband thought it was a good idea to mix up date night a little with a self-defense class so we can get some exercise and spend time together. Yes, its great exercise but its also a very humbling experience.

"Krav Maga is the official self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, and has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians in the United States. Krav Maga is a simple, effective self defense system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios."

Lass night was our second night in the Dojo. We take it at night with all of the high schoolers who never seem to tire. Sasha was my partner again.

(Yes, you would think that Husband and I should be partners on date night but the Sensi separated us so he can get a better workout. I think it was the sheer fear on my face as he came at me punching (the hand-held pads). Holding the bags even hurts!

Partner Sasha (nobody wants to be my partner) is one of those girls that I always wanted to be in high school: pretty (she wears full makeup to class), high-pitched voice, and perfect skin. The braces might trick you into thinking she can't pack a punch or a kick. (see picture of my right thigh) Its a bit surprising since she sqeaks like a mouse. Oh, by the way, she takes the Krav Maga level 2 class before the class I take. She does take a break and run to the gym across the street for a quick workout while we warm up.


She had me a choke hold for part of the night and I had to hit her in the groin and pull back her head by the nose "like a Pez dispenser" says the Sensi.


All of this after we run in a circle around the mats tossing a medicine ball person to person for about 10 minutes -- or until I hyperventilate. If you drop the ball, which I did twice on the first night, everyone has to drop to the floor and do 10 push-ups. I felt very... welcomed there.


Oh, and at anytime in the 60 minute class one of the Sensis yells "sprawl" you have to drop down to the floor and do one BOY push-up. By the time I get on the floor people are back up and punching each other again.



After the running in circles we learned roundhouse kicks and practiced punches.


I am so sore today I just ache. I do love the peer pressure of group classes like this. They make me keep up.


Funny thing: I wish we could take it three times a week. I really like the punching part!