For those who answered my boxing questions yesterday -- thanks

[LostinVA]

I have a session scheduled next weekend at a boxing gym an acceptable drive time from home. At an acceptable rate for the session. I figure I should learn how to punch a bag right, and not act like a Billy Blanks groupie.

I am a bit scared-ed-ed... it's a real boxing gym.... not a sissy health club...

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

1. Just watch...

you'll end up sparring in the ring eventually, with your pink gloves.

[LostinVA]

2. Shut up, B-word

My dental insurance sucks. I am so not sparring. Plus, I couldn't stand to have anyone actually hit me in the face. I would have to borrow your 45mm gun and shoot them.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

3. Uh...I don't have a 45mm gun.

I mean, that's a bit big for me, don't you think?

You get used to getting hit and I never got knocked any teeth out.

[LostinVA]

4. Didn't you see the thread earlier?

Newspaper said some dude had a 45mm un instead of a 45 caliber.

Will you put ice on my bruises after I spar in my pink gloves?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

5. Oh yeah, I was in one of those threads.

It was stupid.

Yes, I will tend to your bruises and make you feel better.

[LostinVA]

7. I was hoping for something

pervy before I go to bed. I've been sick most of the week, and need my healing sleep....

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

9. Oh that sucks. I didn't know you've been sick.

I hope you feel better soon.

:hug:

Anyway, I'm trying to be on good behavior right now.

[LostinVA]

10. Oh -- I get it -- sorry

I've had an intestinal thing. I stupidly went running today. Three of the girls from the local HS cross country team found me crawling down some single track about two miles into the woods... I was having intestinal cramps from hell. I waved them on... but, they're nice kids, because when I got back to the trailhead, the team was waiting to make sure I was okay before I left.

My Mom yelled at me on the phone for doing it.

Runners often do stupid things.

Hugs back. Thanks!

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

11. I've done stupid things like that.

I once sparred in a tournament before I had full medical clearance. I still had a slight chance of rupturing my spleen, but I ended up not rupturing a spleen (or getting hurt at all).

[LostinVA]

12. It was totally embarrassing

These nice kids were like, "Are you okay, ma'am?" (MA'AM!!!) I was controlling myself from screaming, "Just get the fuck away from me before I start yowling like an animal!!!!" Instead I was like, "I'm fine kids, just some cramps from being sick!"

They see me all the time out there, so luckily they didn't think I was freaking out on drugs or anything.

I sent you a PM a while ago. I'm off to bed to read my Harper Lee bio.

Be good, Punkmallow.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

13. I get ma'am sometimes when I'm shopping by HS aged cashiers & such.

It weirds me the fuck out.

Oh and I replied to your PM.

[Book Lover]

6. Hey, good on ya!

It's a good set of skills to learn. Good for you!

[LostinVA]

8. Thanks!

[Downtown Hound]

14. Hey, you took my advice. Cool!

You don't have to be scared. I was scared the first time I went into a boxing gym too. There I was, as white as a snowflake, 16 years old, and I walked into this gym filled with some big burly Mexican gang members, buffed out cops, and tattooed bald guys that looked like they ate steel for breakfast. But they were all so kind and helpful too me. They always treated me with respect. There's a respect and a bond between fighters, and they will respect you for having the guts to come in and try it. Just wait, in a short time you'll see what I mean. The thing about boxing is that there's no need to be mean to anyone, because any aggression you have is going to get worked out of you in no time. And when that's all done, all that's left is the respect.

[LostinVA]

15. I almost always take intelligent and knowledgeable advice

Thanks for your help! The guy who owns the gym is really nice, and he has a "stable" of quite a few female fighters -- including his daughter. So, I suspect the atmosphere won't be too menacing for a scared-ed-ed, very white librarian.

TAgain -- thanks for your help!

[Downtown Hound]

16. Female fighters are definitely more popular now than when I did it

which was back in 1993-1995. Like I said earlier, there were a few that eventually did join to get the workout, but it was still a very new thing back then. Now, I'd imagine it's quite common.