Boaty McBoatface

"The Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) new polar research vessel will be the UK's largest and most advanced research ship yet. She will allow scientists to carry out research safely and efficiently, even through the harshest of winters, in both Antarctica and the Arctic."

I heard about this today, where the public can submit and vote on what this new ship should be named. And oh my gosh, I think we have a winner! Boaty McBoatface. I love it! Simply because of its whimsy. Why does it have be serious? And does it have to be named after some famous explorer? (I do understand wanting to get taken seriously though).

I laughed a lot tonight, as we read through all of the submissions (and yes, we voted for this one!). In this world, where there isn't really much for good things in the news, and when it is so easy to be disappointed in how we treat each other, this was a nice treat. The only thing missing on this boat is a smiley face. I would totally ride this boat!

We should try to put smiles on each other's faces, and we should try to spread as much kindness as we can. Starting now.

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Today and tomorrow

Today, I am going to drink my cranberry juice out of a wine glass, because I can.

Today, I am going to burn some incense to soothe my soul, because I can.

Today, I am going to read a book to escape for a little, because I can.

Today, I am going to hug my children to feel their love, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will get up and go to work, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will smile even if I don't feel like it, because I can.

Tomorrow, I will teach Kung Fu with passion, because I can.

 

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Balance

There is a constant battle when it comes to the balance between being a Kung Fu parent and an instructor. I know I have high expectations of my girls as martial artists, so knowing when to push them and when to back off can be difficult.

As an instructor, it's my job to challenge our students to be more than they thought they could be. To find ways that work for each individual as we are all different and have different needs. And to find creative ways of doing so that staying engaged isn't too hard.

I don't always know when I am pushing my daughters when maybe I should be relaxing and giving them a little space to grow. Or vice versa. But now that I write this, I see that I have to try to take how I treat myself - when do I recognize that I need to push harder, when I need to back off a little and then how to apply it.

I want to do what's right for my kids, and what is right for my students. I know it's something that exists with give and take, and I think that by simply taking a step back every so often, I should be able to stay aware.

I don't always know what the best path is, for my kids, myself or my students. But I will always try, and will always ask for help when I need it. Because the way isn't always clear, I need to trust my instincts, and keep moving forward.

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Different

A question that Sifu Brinker asks all of the newly promoted black dragons is "do you feel different?" I know now what that feeling is. Not so much that I was promoted, but more that this coming year will be different. I still plan on coaching, so the I Ho Chuan will still play a big part of my life, but today I do feel different. My goals for the year are perhaps a little more flexible, but some things will not change.

Part of the IHC program is sustainability. Once a goal is broken down and done consistently for a year, it becomes a lifestyle change and is therefore just what we do. I will still challenge myself though, and will keep on learning.

Last night was a great night. It was a bit exhausting, and the migraine I developed during the early evening didn't help, but it was still a night to remember.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as too self serving but I have to share. I feel blessed for a couple of reasons about the IHC performance last night. I wasn't able to do a live performance the night I was promoted to black belt, due to a broken ankle. And then for my second promotion, the current structure wasn't in place, so not performing wasn't a huge deal for me. It was simply the accomplishment. However, last night I was able to perform on the night I was promoted. Maybe it isn't such a big deal, but it made the night more special to me.

I am so proud of the new black belts. Two of you I have had the pleasure of watching from the time you were 3 years old. I am so happy to welcome all 4 of you! And a big congrats to Sifu D. Regier!

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Lions

It's the time of year where I get to do a little sewing on the new lion, and it makes me smile every time. Well, I get to sew the lions cloth anyway. The ties that the manufacturer uses never last very long as they fray, and the last thing we need is for the cloth to start to come off during the most important dance of the year.

I truly enjoy working on the lions. Almost as much as I used to dance with them. I have had many opportunities in the past to re-glue and repaint and touch up as they are really only meant to last a year and I love it. However we usually get more than that out of them.

One day, I would like to build one from the ground up. Or at least start with the frame and go from there...guess I'll have to buy a lion from the auction???

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Beginning Anew

Everyday we are afforded the opportunity to begin anew. Every morning when I open my eyes I am blessed with 24 brand new hours with which I can start fresh. Maybe yesterday wasn't as good as it could've been, so now today, I can try again.

Tomorrow is a whole new lunar year. It's exciting as its new, fresh and untainted. The possibilities are endless! I am not on the monkey team, but right now I am having second thoughts. I really enjoyed this past year with the sheep team, and I learned a lot. However I do recognize that I don't have to be on the team in order to benefit from as team has the power to feed the whole school. If we are engaged in our training, then our actions are noticed and inspiration follows.

So, here's to a new year, and new possibilities. Cheers!

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One sided shoulder rolls

I have something that I need to fix. Well, there is lots that I need to fix, but that's why this is a life long journey right? I have to address my left shoulder rolls. It started as a blue belt, and for years I was just unable to do them due to an injury that plagued me for many years. However, that injury has dissipated and now the only reason I have is mental.

I have challenged myself and the advanced black dragons to improve our shoulder rolls. I feel very confident on my right side, but at this point I can barely do them from a kneeling position on my left never mind from standing up. It's hard. But I am going to do this.

I am logging how many I can do, and hopefully the results will show themselves soon. Hopefully before too long, they will be second nature!

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