Falling...with style (I am Buzz Lightyear.)

I think Im in some sort of odd transition phase, and I know there is a lot that has to take place in the next three years, decision making and that sort of thing, but right now, I like this place. The other day, when it was very snowy and everything was getting cancelled, I saw "East Side Turners" flash up accross the screen. I decided that I really missed gymnastics, so the next thursday night I would drive out to the gym and visit my old coach. Ive joined a class, mostly middle aged women, but about two college students, and Im learning a lot. Not just about gymnastics, but about who I am, and about life.

Today we vaulted, something I hadnt done in about four years. I was a decent vaulter, John (the coach) said, and then he said the words i dreaded the most. "Front hand spring" he said. "What? Squat Over?" I replied, "No no, just hit the board and go over, you used to do this without a thought." So I did one, horrible front hand spring vault. I hit the board, put my hands down, and gracefully (yeah right) let John push my ribs over the horse. The second one was worse, this time there was no hands on the horse, and no going over; I hit the board and crash ribs into the horse. "I forgot," he said, "You have fear." "Well something hasnt changed," I said. He asked me if i had one more in me, of course no was my reply. John is one of those people who will just ask the question over and over until he gets the appropriate response, so rather than go through all that redundancy I replied "I guess" the second time he asked. So I run, hit the board, and go over easily with little help. "Im glad you did that last one," he told me. And it made me think, that sometimes you just need someone, someplace, to catch you. to give you that little (or huge...) boost. Gymnastics is catching me right now. It's a familiar place, that honestly hasnt changed a whole heck of a lot since i left. like home or something like that.

Ive been giving Laura a ride home from the gym. Laura is a first grade teacher at Divine Mercy school over by lake drive. She is a wonderful person. We have the sweetest little conversations about how I want to go into the Peace Corps, and how she thinks its important to realize that there is something about humanity that connects us all, and the places weve gone and the people we've met. Gymnastics is worth it just for the chance to give her a ride home.

There's so much thinking to be done in life right now. and reflecting. and dancing.

and flying. or falling with style, and a lot of Grace.