I don't often dream about writing

[ksmith]

...except when I do.

Strange dream last night. I know I hadn't had contact with my editor for a while, but had turned in a Jani book some time before. I forget if I was in a store or what, but someone shows me the latest Jani book, and the cover...looked like something from chick lit hell--peppermint stripe, swirly lettering, spindly-legged partial figures.

To make matters worse, they had split the book in two, so I had two Chick Lit Hell covers to deal with.

In other news, had the last of three self-defense classes today. They were offered by the day job, and run by the Tae Kwan Do club. I did learn a few things. Today, we practiced what to do if grabbed from behind, and I will say that the sensation of an arm in a stranglehold around your neck stays with you.

Comments

[torrilin.livejournal.com]

Have never gotten to a point in my martial arts classes where they covered strangleholds from behind... it does vividly remind me of the scene in Gaudy Night where Peter teaches Harriet what to do. That scene left me with the strong impression that I never wanted to be strangled. Ever. Not even with a really cool dog collar :P.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

If someone gets their arm around your neck and knows what they're doing...it's not good. You have 6-8 seconds before you black out. You try to wedge the point of your chin so that it's between your neck and their arm. Then you start finger twisting, elbowing, and foot stomping like crazy. Or do what Dave mentioned, if you know where to squeeze.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

Grabbing and twisting, good. A friend trained in martial arts assured me that only a rough brush is uncomfortable. It doesn't take a lot to have a man squeaking. Also, slamming heel of shoe on instep--you can break an instep doing that. Snapping back a finger, also effective.

The worst, and hence best...go for the eyes. Rare is the individual who will not try to break free of a screaming banshee going for his eyes. (You must be wiling to go to the mat on this one. Throw up later.)

Probably best to decide on one-two and don't plan on having air for three. I realized in the last five years if I ever get jumped again, I will get hurt--but so will whomever jumped me. I want them having nightmares for years about it...