Instructing at the dojo, working on Christmas gifts

Since I got my yellow belt, I'm now required to log volunteer hours as an instructor before I can be eligible for another belt promotion (on top of all the other requirements for a belt promotion).  Am I the only person excited about this?  I really love it.

A few days ago, I had the chance to be an instructor to three young girls who were just starting in karate.  They had just signed up, and were learning the basics.  We went through the basics of class, including some of the terms, etiquette in class, and some of the basic self defense moves.  As we were finishing, one of the girls asked me, "can I earn a belt?"  It totally reminded me of my oldest on her first day of karate.  We had originally signed her up for a month through the local Parks and Rec; kids who sign up through parks and rec aren't required to wear a gi, but if they want to get promoted then they have to invest in a uniform.  The first month killed my daughter  because she wanted to be like the other kids in a uniform working on stuff for their belts.  But I knew it was a big commitment, so I didn't want her to start up and then hate it six months later.  So I explained to the girl that if she really liked it, then she would have to talk to her parents about getting a uniform and formally start pursuing karate with the goal of getting a belt.

I don't know what it was, but I really felt good about being able to give back what has given me so much over the last six months.  Of course a half-year doesn't sound like much time, but I think back to January where I was at my lowest both mentally and physically.  Being a mom isn't easy, and add a full time job to the mix.  I had forgotten how to do anything for "me".  It's the old cliche, really.  But karate has given me a whole new lease on life.  I feel better, I sleep better, I run more, and I am finally able to turn work off at 5.  I think my family benefits from this, too.  And the best part is that I'm reaching a goal that I've had since I was a little girl, living in a town where karate was an exotic past time for boys only.  I remember telling my middle school guidance counselor once that some day, I was going to be a special agent for the FBI with a black belt in karate.  Well, the FBI job probably won't happen, but the black belt sure will!

On the knitting/crocheting front, I'm working on 2 christmas gifts right now.  I'm hoping to finish them soon because I really want to work on Breton Girl for myself.  I'll post pics when they are done.  In the meantime, here's a pic of my putting on my yellow belt for the first time (I have no idea why my head is tilted at such an awkward angle)!