New Gym Space

It's taken a little while to come to enjoy the new space, likely b/c my first several interactions with it involved quite a bit of tedious, not-very-fun-work. During the first couple of classes, the new puzzle mats were so slippery that trying shrimp down the mats was nearly an exercise in futility. The entrance and parking is in the back, and there's sortof a way to get from the back entrance to the locker-room without taking your shoes off if you're comfortable hugging a pole. The door in the back has two deadbolt locks but no handle on either side.

After a couple of weeks of classes, I've gotten used to the changes and I love the space. The high ceilings alone make it feel much more open. The additional mat space means that everyone can roll simultaneously, with no more folks waiting on the wall. It cleaned up pretty nice, and we have two changing areas and a decent bathroom. Having the big door up to let fresh air in when it's hot feels divine. All in all I'm pretty happy with it and am proud of James and Sarah for taking the risk to make the move.

I've been feeling better about my rolling lately. I'm trying very hard to let go of my fear of not being respected by lower belts (and subsequently reflect poorly on James) b/c they can beat me in rolls. It still stings and I don't feel like I'm a good representative of brown belts, but I'm not as upset about it as I was a month ago. 

I'm back to weight training and have so far integrated it ok with 6 days a week of jiu jitsu. I'm eating everything in sight which is reflected on the scale, so I'm not sure how that's going to work out for me during Master Worlds. Will cross that bridge in August. If I'm feeling strong and in shape I may stick with Heavy. I'd be at the top of that weight class right now anyway. 

I'm surprisingly enjoying the wrestling class on Thursday mornings. I've started to drill the techniques on Sundays as well. I'm also back to taking notes after class to help me feel like it's not all in one ear and out the other. 

Making small improvements in activity and mentality...