My introductory karate lesson went fine last week. Laura and I had a private session with Sensei Lopez in a small room in the basement of the Tiger Schulmann studio in Manhattan. I think we both did pretty well, although after rehearsing our kicks I was tired enough that spots were swimming in front of my eyes and I thought I might black out.

I was proud of myself for getting through the lesson, but I didn't deal all that well with the locker room. I hate locker rooms. Takes me right back to junior high. I don't want anyone to see me naked, even people studiously minding their own business.

I've got to suck up my discomfort and deal with it, though. Tonight is our first lesson with a full class—about 75 minutes from now, in fact. Now I will see how badly gym class still haunts me.