My Stomach is Growling

Today was mediocre. It started off with a lacklustre weight session. They can't all be great, but this morning's was particularly sad because I'm still aching from last night's kung fu. But I did manage to up my shoulder press. Go team me!

The ring I planned on finishing today is a bust. Somehow, I didn't measure the bezel properly, and what I'd been certain would fit around a 5mm white topaz instead fits around none of my stones. I need a stone around 5.5 mm. I have a bunch of 6 mms, but that's too big! Once upon a time, I used to think a millimetre was a very small unit of measurement. Now I see it's practically an astronomical unit in terms of jewellery.

I disassembled part of my chainmaille bracelet. I didn't like the way it was hanging. I'm going instead with a simple doubled chain with strawberry quartz and banded agate dangles. I'll throw the bracelet in the tumbler tomorrow and get it all prettied up before I attach the stones.

The day wasn't a total bust, though. I got in some training with Noa, one of my employees. She studies aikido, and this afternoon she showed me part of a jo kata, and also practiced some throws on me. I'm easy to toss around, and I land easily, which makes me a good partner. She also practiced several wrist locks on me, and discovered they don't work the same way on me that they do on everyone else. My wrists are extremely flexible, and what would have most people lying on their backs patting the ground desperately while tears burst from their eyes just makes me say, "Yeah, that's a bit uncomfortable. You might want to try angling my pinkie finger upwards a bit." I guess this makes me a good lock partner, too.

While she practiced her kata, I went through my forms. It was excessively hot, and my shirt was soon drenched with sweat. We'll probably do more training together tomorrow.

Our tussling and clacking of staves drew a lot of attention, and onlookers gathered around. It's not every day window shoppers get to see fighting women tossing one another around on the grass. I also discovered a woman who does fire dancing, and she's inspired to come and train (unlit) with us. She'll show me how to use poi, and I'll show her how to use a fire staff.

Does this job rock, or what?

And now for more linkage:

Godzilla Attacks!: Speaking of aikido, did you know it's Godzilla's martial art of choice?

Chloe Bruce: I think I linked to her a while back, but nymphie made me think of her, again. Check out the video section. Chloe's strength and flexibility are simply fantastic!

Cutters for Christ: "This site is dedicated to those of you who wish to become a Cutter for Christ, or those of you who wish to learn about us. I hope you come to understand and accept our practices. There are currently around 13 people in our organization who practice cutting themselves for the sake of growing closer to God. We wish for these numbers to grow as we believe this is the only way to truely learn to love God and to follow the right path to Heaven." Flagellants, NIN-style.

Wait! It's a ... : Unidentified creature stumps experts: Could it be a fox with male pattern baldness? Or might it be an escaped exotic something-or-another? I don't know, but I think I want one. It's a pretty cute critter!

Stroke My Giant Hairy Armpit Massive, furry sweat glands, and the hot babes who want to have sex with them. Dry pits win!: And speaking of hairy critters, what the hell is up with this bizarre advertising campaign? For extra WTFness, click on the thumbnail images.

Grape Stomping May Be Hazardous for Your Health: Ouchies! I hope reporter Melissa Sander didn't get seriously hurt, but still, I'm amazed the news anchors were able to keep their composure. I'd have been partly giggling, and partly ouching in compassion. What an odd series of pain cries, though! I had a dog that sounded like that. I guess everyone sounds a little different when the wind has been knocked out of 'em. Take a listen to the techno remix.

By the way, I'm making roast chicken right now, and it smells goooooood. I stuffed it with grapefruit, and also used hot peppers, coriander, paprika, ginger, and salt. I'm salivating like a Pavlovian poodle....