Teenage Daughters

I got back on the mats today after more than a week of not training.  My pity party is officially over.  Things are slowly getting better with my son and I am confident that he (and I) will make it through the sixth grade.  I had my teenage daughter on the mats with me tonight.  It felt good to have her there.  I had missed her.  She grounds me like no one else can.  She pushes me like no one else can.  She doesn't let me give up.  Maybe it's our shared DNA.  Maybe it's our shared love of jiu jitsu.  It's probably both.  It just felt right.  It's where she belongs.  On the mats.  Paving the way for little girls not even born yet.  I'm proud of her.  She juggles a high school schedule, lots of homework, plus she's a member of our local high school marching band.  She hasn't had the time in her schedule to train a lot since school started, just an occasional class here and there and two Girls in Gis events.  It has to be enough for right now.  We're scheduled to attend another Girls in Gis on Sunday, October 16th in Katy.  It's the day before her 15th birthday and she has a full schedule (football game on Friday and then UIL marching band contest on Saturday and then Girls in Gis on Sunday).  We will take a breather and celebrate on Monday the 17th with a small birthday party.  We will eat lots of pizza and cake and just have some good old-fashioned family fun.  The football season will be over soon and she won't have such a hectic practice schedule for band.  This should free her up to train a little more regular.  She's got some pretty lofty goals (orange belt and then green belt before she turns 16).  I think she can do it.  She's stubborn and got just enough fire in her belly to get it done.  I will do everything in my power to help her accomplish those goals.  She's proud of the fact that she trains BJJ.  Her face lights up when people ask her about it.  It's those moments that I live for.  In the end, it won't be me (an old lady who started BJJ at 43), it will be those little girls who started when they were young and didn't give up on the sport that will make the most difference.  Can't you just see it...a room full of girls with black belts...teaching future generations of little girls.  I pray that one day I will be on the mat with my daughter and my granddaughter.  Wow...now that's something to look forward to.  So I guess I better get busy and get training, I've got my future grandchildren to think of.  

Side note:  I'm taking my eating habits one day at a time.  Today was a good day.  Those wonderful 23 flavors did not touch my lips today.  I ate vegetables today.  I controlled the urge to eat chocolate today.  I drank tons and tons of water today.  Yes, today was a pretty good day! :D