13 March, 2008

Fencing Is My Boyfriend (Why I Love Fencing)

Folks, I have a confession to make. I'm in a very serious relationship with an enigma we'll call Fencing. I know we shouldn't have kept our relationship so secret...but it's hard to explain why we're together when people don't understand. Some do, but they're often in similar relationships themselves. Please, allow me to clarify.

Fencing and I started out as something casual. I took to Fencing because it didn't monopolize my weeknights, gave me great coaches and good teammates, and was a good outlet for energy and occasional anger management. We got serious roundabout the time the head coach asked me to be part of his coaching staff. Though we didn't see each other more often, Fencing was on my mind much more than it had been in high school. When Fencing became part of the Recreation department, things got out of control. I now spend about 4 nights per week with fencing--this week it'll be five, and occasionally we'll spend Saturdays together. It's crazy.

Our relationship borders on abusive sometimes. I admit, I've cheated on Fencing before. Usually to go do crazy stuff like driving to see concerts or put on shows, but nothing really serious. Still, Fencing occasionally will beat me up and enjoy it. Tomorrow I'm going to have lots of welts on my right shoulder, and my left calf muscle is going to ache, and it's all Fencing's fault!

So, why don't we just break up? It's not really that simple...see, now that I'm financially dependent on Fencing, breaking up would involve a lot more work. It's just easier to keep things how they are. And honestly, I think our relationship might improve. At least, I've tried harder to not cheat...

Ha! Did I lie well enough to make you think that Fencing was tangible and we were headed toward trouble? Abusive relationships are nothing to joke about, but it struck me as funny when I realized one could see my involvement with fencing as such. Just for the record, I am not in any serious relationship of any kind (see the end of my post). Now, the post I initially wanted to write...

Why I Love Fencing

  • Ever had that feeling of pure happiness brought about after a night of fencing well against challenging opponents? When Rita's Ice fills your belly and replenishes your muscles' supply of carbs? When the cool summer air rushes through the car windows and cools your slick, sweaty head?
  • Ever had that feeling of triumph when you beat an opponent soundly because you've practiced more and sweated gallons and lunged farther and parried efficiently and hit more accurately?
  • Ever had that feeling of gratitude when you realize you've just outrun your old self and it was all because your teammates encouraged you?
  • Ever had that feeling of euphoria when you coach a kid you've trained for his whole career in fencing and he's winning?
  • Ever had that feeling of power when you tell a kid how to change his game to beat the other guy, and your ideas plus his skill win the bout?
  • Ever had that feeling of soreness due to literal wounds inflicted by friends and muscle exhaustion?
There are lots of reasons why I love to fence, and to coach fencing. These are some (minus the last one). Leaving my team will be hard, if God leads me to do so. But I know that, as he has given me the grace to continue in such a pursuit to give him glory, he will give me the grace to leave this pursuit and glorify him in other ways. I'm so glad he's given me this pursuit for now.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What makes me love sword combat (not necessarily fencing) is the thrill I get when I put aside my fear of physical pain, and just charge into the ranks of the enemy, sword spinning. Sure, I usually die, but that moment of courage always makes my day. Let's here it for sparring!

you guessed it said...

Yay for multiple lives!

Great post girl!

pwoeey - the sound a little kid makes when they try to spit!

Fuzzy said...

Abusive relationships are, indeed, nothing to laugh at. Comparing non-romantic activites to abusive relationships is HILARIOUS.

You had those briuses and welts coming when you decided to go to one of your useless concerts in an attempt to try and better yourself. That'll learn ya.

You can't leave Fencing because you are financially dependant on him. Without Fencing, you are NOTHING. Now go make Fencing a sandwich!

Laedelas Greenleaf said...

Darnnit, now Fencing wants sandwiches all the time...thanks a LOT, Fuzzy :-P

I'm glad y'all enjoyed my post. I enjoyed reading your responses! (A, we'll have to bout again, if we can find "safe" equipment)

Annie said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Laedelas Greenleaf said...

That's pretty funny, Annie! I debated giving Fencing a pseudonym, or using only generic pronouns, but...it is what it is. Thanks for reading!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
The Stranger said...

Shananamae! I art on blogspot. BOO!

Chanel Blanc said...

Soooo. . . . When are you going to pick out the china??

DO I get to play bridesmaid? (you mean girl you should've TOLD me that you were serious then I would've been able to gaggle with you!!

Now I've lost the chance. . . .

;-p

Anonymous said...

Wow... if you ever tried fencing while on a horse, it is tough... I did it with a stick(playfully) at my friend and I almost fell off! He sounds great! LOL

Anonymous said...

I think I would fall off a horse even if I weren't fencing. :-P

Laedelas Greenleaf said...

Wow, I haven't tried riding and fencing simultaneously! It'd be fun, though! I fell off a horse once to avoid getting scraped off by the barn roof. It was not fun. Rae, we won't be getting china any time soon...but you can help us pick out the plastic forks :-) Meg, I'm glad you're not confused. Someone could have started some pretty nasty (but funny) rumors about me 'cos of this post... :-P