grand gestures

Last night I started learning the sword form in karate. Swords are glamorous weapons. Seriously. They reek of danger and thrilling adventure. Swords are also heavy and awkward to learn. But once you get the moves right, everyone, from ninjas to pirates to knights to vampires look wicked cool wielding them. The very first movement in our sword form is to unsheath your weapon from your side and raise it high above your head. Talk about a grand gesture!

and from that point on

it's all about thrusting and stabbing

spinning and slicing

jabbing and chopping

and cutting your opponent in half.

In a few hours I'm off to the Twin Cities with Team Testosterone to visit my sister, which is something I haven't done in a loooooong time. Our relationship has been fraught with complications since childhood, but she's in a good place now and going to see her is probably the best gift I can give her. This weekend together is all about her, the boys will smother her with affection, well as much as boys their age are wont to do, and we can bond over something other than a cell phone. Her new apartment has an indoor pool, a major perk for my gang. The Momvan is packed with sleeping bags, books on tape, markers, paper, overnight gear and snacks & gifts--including cheese curds made fresh this morning at the cheese factory up the road. The forecast is balmy, adding to our excitement.

My plans also include meeting up with a bloggy pal--I'm SO anxious because I've never done this before. It's like meeting a penpal! We agreed on the time and location this morning. I think I might wear my green sneakers so she recognizes me right off the bat. They are my avatar, after all. I know this will be an amazing experience--I can't wait to share it with you on Monday!

I'm picking a lucky winner for Saucy's Grand Gesture and ipod earrings on Sunday night, so don't forget to leave your comments. Spill it, reader, what grand gesture have you got planned for a loved one?

Posted in: bloggy love, contentment, karate is a combat sport