I know! I'm supposed to be sleeping now for my 1:30 pm karate class later but insomnia is kicking in again. I think I'm becoming nocturnal.

Yes! I just recently engage myself in karate. In fact, It'll be my second session later. A housemate of mine invited me to join with her. Although I was hesitant at first because I am too girly for such combative sport, I was convinced eventually for self-defense purposes.

In preparation, I looked up online and researched some infos about karate.

Here's what I've learned:

Karate, as defined by wikipedia, is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called te, literally "hand"; ti in Okinawan) and Chinese kenpo. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands (karate chop). Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught in some styles. A karate practitioner is called a karateka.

It sounds extreme but If I am going to engage in martial arts I prefer it be something that features overall combat techniques from punching to knee/elbow strikes and kicking unlike with some other forms - taekwando, for example, that emphasizes only on kicking.

So, we met up with sensei Rommel @ beefit gym and introduced us to the class. We're actually the oldest among the karatekas. The students we're mostly in their teenage years but who cares, we're never too old to learn something new. ^^

Eva, a rokyu karateka introduced me the shotokan or the basics namely Gedan barai, Age Uke and Soto Uke.

A gedan barai is a karate technique mainly used for blocking an attack. The approximate English meaning is "downward block." A vulnerable spot called the "solar plexus" is protected using this technique by basically deflecting an incoming strike.

Age Uke or Rising Block is used to stiffly block or deflect an incoming high attack. Alternately, it can also be used to receive an incoming attack, sweeping it overhead while maintaining contact with the attacking instrument (limb or weapon).

A soto uke is a karate blocking technique used for blocking mid-level incoming attacks. It is translated as "From outside block".

So, how do i find karate? It was very exhausting. It is more intense than a workout but I think I am going to carry on this activity as my past time. Good luck to me! ^^

I played this song a number of times today. Honestly, I would never get to appreciate this song if not for this revision. I was simply moved by the lyrics especially on this part:

Did you try to live on your own

When you burned down the house and home?

Did you stand too close to the fire

Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone?

Hope you like the song as much as I do. ^^

Ten of Wands: Overburdened. Load too much to bear for one person.

Everything now settled and in place. Cycle complete and order can be maintained.

A gathering of all pieces and putting them away in completion.

No more discussion, it is done and finalized.

A monument to hard work materializes and stands testament to perseverance.

What was begun is now done.

It's been five days since my last post. I was busy doing my task - article spinning. Actually, the last five days was just plain ordinary. So, I didn't have anything interesting to write about.

Earlier today, I've invited mom to come over and watched with me this movie entitled "Here Comes the Bride." Kuya happen to dropped by my place after doing his errand and so the three of us watched movie together. The movie was totally hilarious! A must-see, I must say.. ^^

Then after, we shop some stuff and dined.. but of course, I never missed to capture the moment.. ^^

mamako & kuyako ^^

mamako & me ^^

It's my first time to vote. Finally, i have

a say on what will be the outcome of this

new leadership. Too bad I lost my French tip!

^_^

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.

~Honoré de Balzac~

I actually never get to bond with my mom very often and it's not like we get to see each other on a daily basis. It's because I've been living on my own for more than two years now. Ha!

So, this Mother's day i made sure that I could spend quality time with her. And i really did! We went out shopping earlier today. I bought her stuffs she wants. Basically, I became her Genie for a day (well, as always!) "Your wish is my command, mah!" ^_^

But I know that you've wanted more than those stuffs and I'm sorry if I couldn't grant it.. perhaps in time.. as TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS.

Featured here are some of the photos I've taken as we dined @ Greenwhich.

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."