E. T. is becoming a problem

No, I’m not talking about the famous movie where the people in space suits freaked me out as a kid. I’m talking about Enthusiastic Teen whose fervor in our Jiu-Jitsu classes has taken a turn.

I used to see ET sparingly, but he’s been showing up more often than not lately. Because we don’t bring out the best in each other, I try to avoid him. Thankfully, the next class after the scolding was when Jack the Black Belt volunteered to work with me. However, near the end of class, we did a musical chairs-type thing, which led me to interact with ET. I told him what happened after the “Ugh. I got ET” comment. He grabbed both my hands and said, “I am so so sorry you got in trouble.” Then he said more and tried to grab my hands again, but I wouldn’t let him.

ET is becoming a problem.

In the next class, I arrived a bit late and so lined up at the end. ET stuck his head out from farther down the line to look at me, but I averted my eyes. At a pause in instruction, he moved to stand next to me.

ET is becoming a problem.

When instruction was over, ET asked, “Want to work together?” I wasn’t prepared for how to say no, so I felt I had no choice but to agree. He’s sort of difficult to work with in that he messes around too much.

He did, however, teach me (or rather remind me of) a valuable hook technique (I forget the name) that helped me lift his leg, which is probably about half my entire body weight, so I could sneak my leg out from behind his.

“Nice, Betsy. Using the ___ hook,” Instructor said as he walked by on his rounds.

ET is sometimes not a problem.

Then, like the time ET lifted me off the ground upside down while I tried to triangle choke him, he hoisted me up yet again. I had him locked up: my ankles crossed around his back, one arm around his neck, the other trapping his arm. He simply stood, making me hang off him like a koala in a eucalyptus tree. At least all I had to do this time was put my feet down and let go.

After class, a more seasoned student suggested I sweep him so he can’t pick me up like that again. Eager to give it a try, I hooked ET’s arm, steered him onto the mat, and said, “Let’s go.”

His face lit up. “Like on a date?”

ET has become a problem.

I scrunched my face and shook my head. Thankfully, his dad showed up then to take ET home. Too bad I didn’t get a chance to attempt the sweep, though.

Pointing out to ET that I’m likely his mom’s age will hopefully solve the problem. And/or I stand next to Jack as often as possible and ask if he wouldn’t mind working with me before ET gets the chance.

What would you do?

And by the way, as I stood against the wall in my thick gi top, I thought, Man, I’m uncomfortably hot. Maybe I should shirk the shirt.

Then Instructor said, “But first, we have to practice shrimping.”

Nope, the gi top stays. I knew what came next: “Lay on the floor with your feet against the wall. Shrimp from one side of the room to the other and back again.”

On my return trip, Instructor said, “Perfect, Betsy!” and slapped me five. It felt like the good ol’ days of the small, friendly 11 a.m. classes.

So, my shoulders were spared the abuse of the vengeful shrimp.

Under the gi top, I frequently wear a rash guard, as is recommended, though I felt sorta dorky in it the first time I wore it.

Then I heard, “Cool shirt,” from the guy next to me. It was Jack the Black Belt. Now I’m okay with the rash guard. 🙂

The rash guard. Sort of black widowish.

Speaking of shirts!!!!!! The results of your T-shirt votes!

Not surprisingly, this one won by five votes more than the next two:

Art of folding clothes

Tied for second place were these two:

Like a normal girl, but cooler

First lesson free

My apologies to those of you who voted for alternate shirts, but I appreciate your diversity of style.

Now here’s the thing: Though I agree that the winning shirt is very funny, when it came down to purchasing time, I realized I had two problems with it: 1. It has a picture of two guys on it, and, as you know…

“I am no man.” ~Éowyn

2. There’s too much to read. I don’t want anyone staring at my shirt for a long period of time. Weird and awkward.

And so, I hope you’ll forgive me, but I went with…

It’s girl-specific and easy to read quickly. And I went with red because I’ve been told that’s “my color.”

At the end of class, when bidding farewell to Instructor, I said, “What do you think?” then pulled my gi top apart much, though unintentionally, like Clark Kent tearing open his reporter shirt to reveal his Superman suit below.

“Very cool,” Instructor said with a nod and a big smile. “Very cool,” he repeated and gave me a fist bump.

I smiled all the way back to my car.

And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t call your attention to this nice interview at Bossy Babe’s blog. You think of me as a snack-food munching, chicken-raising martial artist, but I’ve also authored or co-authored three books. Want to know more about Author Betsy and other random personal facts never before shared on the internet?

For instance, did you know I’ve been interviewed on television or that I’ve flown to D.C. to speak at the exclusive Congressional Country Club?

Want to know what’s been the craziest event of my author career? Believe it or not, it’s neither of the above. The answer will shock you! (Had to do it.)

Actually, first comment on this post here. Then scroll back up to click on the interview. You can leave a comment there too, if you’d like. That would be nice. 🙂