Just say no!

Approximately 3 weeks or so ago, my youngest daughter decided to make a challenge for herself. Of course I volunteered my other daughter and myself as its better to do it together. So what is this challenge? No junk food for a month. I was impressed that a challenge such as this came out of a 10 year old, and it makes me proud because it reaffirms that we are doing something right.

It is going to be hard to go a whole month without chocolate. The rest won't be too difficult for me, but I have a weakness for chocolate and usually have a stash in my desk at work. Guess ill have to find something else to de-stress.

It's challenge also starts the day after the Easter bunny visited. However, the Easter bunny being as smart as he is, only hid a few big eggs and gave the girls each a small bunny. So what doesn't get eaten today, will be a wonderful treat on May 1st.

 

So as of tomorrow, the challenge is on. And if I am crabby, please note, it's due to chocolate deprivation!

 

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Spring Break

I almost didn't blog today. I have had many things I could blog about, and I am really not sure where to go. I have been thinking lately about the things I am grateful for and it was/ is a way to keep things in perspective. My girls and I went skating today, and it was really great. It was so nice to spend time with them, and to be doing something that we don't do very often. It was great to let everything go, and just be.

On another note, actually a kung fu note, I have been working on a couple of forms and they are starting to feel better. I have had issues with my hips and the six harmonies, and lately that is starting to feel better. Far from perfect, but better.

And on a third note, it's going to feel odd this week without the Black Dragons classes. I hope the kids have a great spring break and that they are raring to go again next week.

Nerf Ninja

Yup, that's what I have become. Over the Christmas break, I started to re-learn the Tai Chi Broadsword form, but because of the chronic tendinitis, I couldn't use a "real" sword. So I borrowed one of the girls' nerf swords. Totally awesome! And yesterday, after Sifu Wetter graciously helped me dig out the Bokken form from the depths of my brain, I came home home to my nerf sword to help keep the form intact.

 

The key to overcoming your weaknesses or injuries, is to find another way. So I have embraced the nerf company, and have also been focusing on my hand forms.

 

Nerf Ninja!

 

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Pink Shirt Day

The longer I teach the kids classes, and the more my kids grow up, the more passionate I become about bullying. I'm no expert, but it is something that I continue to educate myself about, and I try to keep a dialogue going with my students. It is something serious, and no one should have to deal with it. However, it's a reality. There's an old phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." My parents told me that, and while I know what they were trying to do, names do hurt. And nowadays, there are so many more places (public) that bullying can take place. And it isn't limited to kids either. I could go on and on, but I am not.

This Wednesday February 27, 2013 is Pink Shirt Day. It started a number of years ago in Nova Scotia, where a grade nine boy was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. So in response, his peers stood up to the bully by showing up in pink shirts also. I am attaching a link the the Pink Shirt Day website, and I encourage you to check it out. There is also a bullying website that is hosted by the Alberta Government as well that has some good information.

This Wednesday, I am going to talk to my Advanced Black Dragons, and have invited anyone from the other classes that wishes to sit in. I plan on starting our talk around 6 pm. It isn't formal, but it is something to help keep us connected. Silent River Kung Fu is a safe place, and I hope that together, we can make a difference.

http://www.pinkshirtday.ca

There's a blog in here somewhere

Well, I have been thinking of this blog for most of the day. Not in an every second kind of way, but it's been in the back of my mind. And really, the main thought has been, what do I write about today? I have so many things going on in my head right now, it's hard to know where to start, or where to go. Last night was amazing - I am proud to be a part of this fantastic school and surrounded by so many incredible people. I am especially proud of the kids - they all looked, well, amazing! I have been reflecting on my training, and where it is going. And now that the banquet is behind us for another 8 months or so, I can now focus on some of my other projects that have been put on hold. Just a matter of finding a starting point...

A brand new year

This year, I made each of the Lil Leopards an origami snake to bring in the new year. I left it to the last minute, and while I am not proud of that, I did manage to make enough. I would have liked to have spent more time mastering the process - and while yes, it's a paper snake, the folding is still something that takes practice.

Folding origami is something that I find meditative. A lot of the time, I will fold cranes to unwind and while I doubt I have folded 1000 over the last couple of years, I know I have folded a lot. However, I am still not as good at them as I would like. Which maybe is good, as I know I will be folding many more over the years.

This brings to mind the 100 times theory. I am not going to explain it though. If you are curious, find an instructor or fellow student and find out. It really, truly applies to everything we do in life.

Some days

I have been reading the blogs from my fellow training mates/ students and am inspired and humbled by their journeys. Watching the I Ho Chuan team over this past year has been a reminder that while we are each on our own path, we have this great potential together.

This brings to mind what I experience with the Lion Dance every year. And like last year, we have the addition of the Dragon. There is a sense of camaraderie that I miss during the year. But I don't usually notice it much until we start preparing for the Chinese New Year Banquet. This is a busy time of year, but it brings me a huge sense of purpose and a sense of accomplishment.

I am excited about this year's performance. A wee bit nervous as well, but that will keep me on my toes.