Defining Defense, De Fence.

Defense: What happens when the other team has the ball, as in Friday Night Football, which, for us began last night.
Yes, the season of Bleacher Butt 2011 has begun. We have season tickets to the high school football games. We are season ticket holders. Stunning. This is so we can proudly watch our Eldest command the marching band as the Assistant Drum Major. We also, incidentally, clap and yell and whoop for the football team whilst we are in our seats and that part is on the field.
But this year, since Eldest is in the front of the band, it is easier to identify her, as she's not marching all over the field. On the other hand, we mostly see the back of her head so....

The end of her Pre-Game Salute.

 The band is not in their dress uniforms yet. This is mainly because it is hot, and also because the unitards for the color guard have apparently not yet arrived. So, everyone is in their casual shorts and matching tee shirt uniform. Personally, I think it should require a belt. But at least they tuck.

Eldest is in the podium, conducting the high school Alma Mater and Fight Song. Did I have a Alma Mater in High School? A fight song? Hello!? Any Old Barlow Grads have knowledge here? We didn't have a band so... I'm guessing "no."

 I always am bemused by a high school football game in the Ohio countryside. It is big doin's. People show. It is THE place to be on Friday night from 8 -80. Serious stuff.

The Rah's hold up a paper for the football team to burst through. There is fog machines, music, hoos, WAY more production than a Joel Barlow Football Game in Connecticut circa 1985.

And the beautiful Drum Major!

Okay, definition 2 :
Defense: actions taken to avoid attack or keep your person safe. As in self- defense.  This is something many of us have no clue about. I have handled enough animals over 1000 lbs with small brains to learn how to defend myself against their bodies, well, mostly. I still get bruised, but the kind of self-defense I'm speaking of is the kind you'd like to avoid all together, but when you can't avoid, maybe it's best to have a plan.
So, today I took my daughters, and one daughter-for-the-day to my friend Shawn Baird's gym. It's called Fusion Fitness and Krav Maga. Located on Coonpath Rd. in Lancaster, it is as close to my home as a gym gets, but even better, it is good stuff. It is also a dance studio, Fusion Dance, for Shawn's strikingly beautiful wife teaches dance and ballet, but today was less about grace and more about striking. Krav Maga is the Israeli Special Forces defense system put together in the 1930's and 1940's mostly by a fellow called Imi. Imi Lichtenfeld or somesuch. I'm sure it's googleable. In any case it is about hand to hand combat and aggressive techniques to be used in defense. Now, when you think about it, the Israelis aren't known for their formidable size or strength. And, in Israel, both men and women all serve in the military, and everyone is taught Krav Maga. So, the techniques aren't about size or strength, but effieciently causing the most damage possible, quickly. Wouldn't want to try and mug someone in Tel Aviv. Think about it. Everyone since the 40's has been taught Krav. Even the little old lady, ninety and tottering down the street could probably break your neck if you aren't careful. And, for women, the key to self defense shouldn't be in being stronger than the person trying to do you harm. Smarter, faster, meaner. Works better. So, my two, sweet young girls and friend (who is a pipsqueak, but man, she's not afraid to get aggressive!) worked on what to do, how to get physical. I think it was particularly good for Middlest, who is strong, but soooooo nice and calm. She needs to know how to access her inner kick-butt.
Many thanks to Shawn and his willing assistants who took our knees, elbows, fists and encouraged us to use them efficiently. Sure wish somewhere in this divine schedule of mine I could work in a evening of Krav for me and the girls. It would be excellent for my boys, too, of course. Knowledge is power, and power is powerful.

This isn't me. It's a picture from google, and the Jett Garner Fighting Club, but this gal is demo-ing a little Krav Maga. And, if what I learned today is any indication, after this fellow steps back, he gets a hefty shot to the boy parts and then a few less continuous ribs, a missing ear and ankle rubble.

Definition 3:

De-Fence: As in, we have been painting de fence today, and are really making strides. It looks excellent (will photo when finally all done) but we finished the front pasture, both sides of de fence before the sun set. YIPP!

And, admittedly, this one is a stretch,  but....
No longer on de fence is Middlest, who ran for President of National Junior Honor Society in her school this week, and won the position. Madame President, congratulations!