Fridays are pretty predictable in our family.  Usually it involves me working my ass off to get out of work before 4pm, so I can meet the family at the taekwondo school.  DJ is a member of Black Belt Club (kids focused on getting their black belt), and she has weapons training class.  They are still on swords, but that is a topic left for another post.

After Black Belt Club, the girls participate in the sparring class.  DJ lives for sparring class.  Indigo likes the idea more than the practice.  She is getting better though.  There is a lot of waiting between matches which usually results in Indigo losing interest.  But, she’s 6.

Usually while they spar, Garbanzo and I will take the opportunity to walk to Starbucks for a coffee and a quick discussion about our days.  It’s nice having those few minutes alone.

Today was just like the other days.

Garbanzo gave me weird looks.  Yes, he is a foot taller than me.  If he wasn’t, I would have had to take this picture on my knees.  (Get your mind out of the gutter – I know at least one of you who went there!)  You know, due the distance required between the camera and my subject.  Have I mentioned I need a new lens?  My birthday is coming, Garbanzo.  (Okay – no more hints needed.  He was reading over my shoulder and just handed me a box….with my lens in it!! Woo-hoo!!)

Both girls were matched up next to each other.  They bow to their partners before the start beating each other up.  You know – because it’s polite.

Then, especially if you are DJ, you start beating up the black belt you have been paired to fight.  Poor DJ – she sparred every round without rest.  I shouldn’t say “poor DJ” – she was a big sweaty mess afterwards, but grinning ear-to-ear.  Guess she wasn’t too upset by it.

Then afterwards, if we don’t feel like cooking – we get take out from either the Vegan Thai Restaurant or the Bento/Sushi Place.  I don’t think of it as being lazy.  I think of it as supporting the local economy during these rough times.