f4f3 | Foiled Again?

Tonight marks the 10th and final week of my fencing beginner's course, and that's a landmark in a couple of senses. Starting the course at all was a bit of an achievement. Fencing comes into the category of one of those things I've wanted to do for years, but never got around to. I'm starting to realise, gradually, that if I don't make an effort then there are lots of things I want get around to - ever. So it's nice that I did, and I hope that's the start of a good habit.

Secondly, when I signed up I decided to make a big effort to go along every week, no matter what other demands I had on my time. In the past I've been very good at prioritising other things, especially work, over leisure time. Something kind of clicked before I started this, though, and that was just how much importance do I put on keeping promises to myself. I get very upset if I have to cancel something I've arranged with friends, or at work. I hate being late, even by a few minutes. the phrase that springs to mind most easily is "letting someone down". I feel guilty, and will go to incredible lengths to stop it happening. I hate other people being late, but, hey, that's the younger generation for you. On the other hand, I've a tendency to push my own "stuff" to the back of the pile - if someone's having a night out, or a party, or if something needs done at work, I don't think too long before cancelling my own arrangements. This time I decided that I wasn't going to let myself down, and I haven't (well, touch wood - I haven't made it to tonight's session yet).

The other good thing is that I've enjoyed the course immensely, and, if I don't get sliced to ribbons tonight, I may well be in the market for some fencing gear.