I’ve been thinking for a while that I want to take classes in something that would be really different. Now, I have certain life goals I’d like to meet, like learning how to play the piano. But I’d also like to know something very different from anything any of my friends have studied.
I started researching some different things on the Internet tonight; things that are aligned with my current goals of 1) getting out of the house at least once a week and 2) getting some exercise. I’ve decided I’m going to go check out a local kung fu place tomorrow night!
Am I crazy?
Well, I’ll find out tomorrow, I suppose! I don’t know if kung fu or martial arts would be the right thing for me, but it surely can’t hurt to go once and check it out. If it seems cool, I can enroll for a month ($80.) Kung fu requires a somewhat larger commitment than most programs, but it also teaches self-discipline, self-defense, and higher goals of being one with everything else in the world. Who knows whether this will go any farther than tomorrow night. If it doesn’t, I’ll continue to search for something that’s right for me. If it does, I’ve found a new hobby! 
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2. December 2004 at 5:27 am
Go for it! Try as many things as you can. You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and the journey is the reward. Sorry for the cliches, but it’s true!
2. December 2004 at 7:23 am
When I wanted to learn something new, I took up cooking. I guess it’d be opposite of your rules that are getting out and getting exercise, however, the more you know about cooking the more you want fresh ingredients and the more you’ll want to go to specialty shops instead of the supermarket… which means more getting out.
2. December 2004 at 7:55 am
Hardly crazy. Witness my welding classes. You’d be surprised at the number of people who drop $200 for my MC classes on a whim.
2. December 2004 at 10:14 am
Sounds cool There are a lot of different martial arts, besides king fu, but I don’t know wanyone who’s mentioned studying kung-fu in a long time. It’s also very useful in self defense
a little kung fu and you could have a would be mugger or rapist lying on the ground wishing they hadn’t gotten out of bed that morning.
2. December 2004 at 2:25 pm
Hi FK… well, cooking is one thing when you live with a wife and kids, but cooking for one person is a bitch! I totally respect that decision, tho. Maybe once I live with other people again! (There is a Lunardi’s nearby, which has great food, and a Fresh Choice is not far away either.) Sad to say, since I moved here in 9/2004 I have yet to use the (brand-new) stove or oven. I just use the convection oven I own when I want to cook something.
George, I totally know like 20 people who would take your motorcycle classes if you lived out here in the Bay Area. It’s a very common thing here; most of the guys I know ride (and a few girls too.) Must be Highway 1 that tempts them. I know it’s beautiful in a Miata, and I’ve heard it’s even better in a motorcycle.
Kung fu should be interesting. I go in a few hours; I’ll update with a new entry when I get back!