Tiger Challenge

I posted a high five on kwoon talk yesterday, but wanted to do that here too. I love being a part of this event, and seeing the efforts of everyone pay off. I kind of feel like a "parent" when it comes to the kids I teach competing. Actually, Sihing Csillag said the same thing. But I was proud of all them for pushing themselves. I love the engagement of the student body and seeing us all come together as one family. I competed yesterday, and I didn't realize how much anxiety I had until I crashed after. I hate that. But it's over, and I did what I said I would, even though I was temped to pull out and not compete.

 

Anyway, congrats to everyone (medal or not) for being there and showing us how hard you worked.

 

 

 

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Meet Tazzy

Here is the newest member of our family. Sifu Rybak found her a just over a week ago, and after a lot of thought, I decided to adopt her. Our cat Molly was adopted as an adult, and I always swore that I would only take in older cats because they are calmer and aren't as high energy as a kitten. Well, this sweet little thing has changed my mind. Or rather melted my heart. It is going to take a little bit for all of us to adapt, but we will I'm sure.

Sorry for the rant

This is a rant. Not necessarily raving, but a rant nonetheless. The following is how I feel, and and I am by no means saying I am better than anyone else.

 

Every year at this time, the Government of Canada does it's United Way campaign. Now I am not a fan of this one, as I don't know where the donations actually go. How much of this is administration fees? This year, one of our units did a "stuff a truck" food bank drive. I guess they did pretty good. So there are benefits to it. However.

 

My issue lies not only with where the donations may or may not go, why is there an advertised need once a year? Or I suppose it could be twice a year as there is usually a food drive at Christmas. My eyes were opened a couple of years ago, when my daughters collected donations for the Mustard Seed foundation in edmonton. They collected coats, hats, mittens, and toiletries for the homeless. We were given a tour when we arrived, and part of this tour included the food bank donation pick up, where a family gets 1 bag of groceries per week. (That bag consisted of maybe 2 or 3 meals). We also saw the crap the people donate - donations that the previous owner wouldn't eat because it was old. That angers me. Why is it that it's not good enough for you, but good enough for someone less fortunate? It frustrates me to no end.

 

So I am not here to preach, or to make my family sound above all that. But ever since then, I pick up extra food every time I get groceries. Not a lot, like $5 - $10 worth, but we donate every week. Those less fortunate need to eat all year round, not just at specific times of the year and my little contribution each week doesn't cause me any hardship and I hope that it makes a difference, even if it's small.

 

I would like to encourage everyone to see if you can make a difference somehow, and in something you are passionate about. We are fortunate to have Kung Fu, each other, and the freedoms that we have. I am passionate about the charities we donate to, and my hope is that we can make a difference.

 

p.s. All the money from the Tiger Challenge goes to the five charities we support: The Children's Ability Fund, S.C.A.R.S., Malawi Girls, Feeding he homeless in Kathmandu, and the Simon Poultney Foundation.

 

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Silent leaders

 

Being a leader doesn't mean you have to be in the forefront of things, nor does being inspiring by being in someone's face. Sometimes, the leaders are the quiet ones that continue to be there, in the background. I think it's important to do what feels right, and not what you perceive is right or expected.

I know where my passion lies, at least most of the time. And for the most part, I know what I am about. But is my way enough to reach everyone? Probably not, and so I try to see where others can compliment me. And when I say compliment I don't mean saying something nice. It's recognizing my weaknesses and using their strengths to counteract them.

Not only am I filling a void that I cannot fill yet, I get to learn too.

 

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Oh, it's happening alright

I am going to compete in the tournament. There, it's out in the open and I will now have to follow through or eat dirt. Well, maybe I won't have to eat dirt, but....

 

I am actually going to compete for two reasons, and they aren't really for myself, although in the long run, it will do me a whole lot of good. Reason 1. My youngest had a huge anxiety attack at last years tournament, so when she said she wanted to try again, I thought it best that we do it together. Maybe she can do it this time, or maybe not, but I will be there with her. And 2. I need to inspire the Advanced Black Dragons. I feel I do anyway, so I am going to walk the walk and talk the talk. It is so happening.

 

Am I nervous? You betcha. But it will feel amazing when I get throug it, this I know.

 

See you all there!

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Family

I missed writing my blog last week. I haven't been in the best place mentally lately, so I am not sure how positive this one will be. But it needs to be done.

This weekend I went on a mini family vacation. A cousin was getting married in Fort MacLeod, so we took a 2 day trip. I have never met any of my cousin's on my mom's side. This particular set of cousin's/ Aunt/ Uncle live in Michigan, and my cousin happened to be marrying a girl from here. I decided we had to go, as I will probably never have the chance to meet them again, and they were practically in my back yard. The last time I saw my aunt was last year, just before my mom passed away, so it was nice to see her again under better circumstances. It was an interesting trip, as my dad came with us, and the last time I went on vacation with him was 22 years ago. We did have fun though. I had a fair bit of anxiety leading up to this trip, for multiple reasons, but I came out okay. Seeing the similarities in my Aunt that I saw in my mom was hard. But it also made me appreciate the family that I do have. While my family here in Alberta is small, I also have a Kung Fu family. One I hope to cherish for a long time.

(The picture is of my aunt, uncle dad, and oldest daughter. My youngest was off being bored somewhere.)

And we're back

To school that is. I find it hard to believe that school starts up again this week. It seems like the kids just got out of school and here we are heading back again. But it will be good to back into that routine.

I did miss kung fu this week, but it was good to be surrounded by other students while we freshened up the kwoon. Good job guys.

 

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