the way of harmonious spirit

I think I finally have my Chicago life figured out (the parts I can control, anyway). Work was my constant; I just needed new hobbies and new friends. I’ve found a few of each, I think.

I have great roommates, and we throw the occasional great party. I found a church, joined the choir and got conscripted onto the organ fund-raising committee. I attended the first of what I hope will be multiple poetry and martini nights. I found various places around the neighborhood to indulge the hymn-loving church-geek inside of me.

And I am taking up Aikido. I have wanted to try a martial art ever since my college roommate took up Tae Kwon Do, but I've always been too chicken. My body just doesn't do stuff that requires coordination and moving body parts independently of one another. But those sneaky Aikido folks, they went and scheduled a free "self-defense" class and invited me to it… and then there was weapons practice craftily disguised as a barbecue party. Halfway into the second lesson, I was hooked. We’ll see how it goes – so far, at least, I think I can do this.