Aikido is a terrific idea, my girlfriend did it for a long time. It seems to be a little more about the flow of the body and mind as well as strength and self-defence. Very cool!!
I was sports mad when I was 15 and I'm convinced that had a lot to do with me having the confidence to avoid paths that many of my friends chose. Having a place I belonged outside school was salvation sometimes. I didn't have problems with peer groups or anything, but when there is so much going on within your own head (and body!), belting a ball around the court was a great release.

Tajemi isn't it scary?! Just before DD's 12 bday I realized that she had lost the last traces of babygirl (especially in her face). It must be awful for the really early bloomers.

I distinctly remember being teased for not shaving in high school. It just hadn't occurred to me yet. God I'm glad they never noticed my EYEBROW/S!!!