Personal Goals

Finally I have some time to think about my goals for next year. It is harder every year to figure out new goals. Most of the time, I just want to continue with the goals I've already set for previous years.

Anyway, while I was thinking about my goals for next year, I was thinking about what I have this year. It is obvious to me that this year, for different reasons was not as successful as previous ones but when reviewing my personal goals, although I did not (yet) meet my expectations, I did make very good progress with it.

Festival of Trees

I was not really into the Festival of Trees demo. I felt sick and tired for few days. My legs were hurting, my shoulder was hurting.

So preparing and waiting for this demo was not easy for me.

But I think the demo was a great personal success. While I was performing my forms, both hand form and weapon form, I was able to make contact with some of the audience. I usually do not do that but this time I did. It was kind of fun looking into someone's eyes while swinging the sword. :-) Also with the dragon - the sequence where we are "attacking" the audience was a lot of fun as I was able to look the audience in the eyes.

I was watching a video of the dragon dance and there was a kid who was clapping like crazy at the end. That also made me happy.

I think that overall it was a great demo, despite of the fact that I was not into it to begin with.

Change

I always liked structure and order in my life. Change was not a welcome thing. I have recently changed the gym I am going to. I have been going to the Tri-Leisure for almost 10 years. I had my routine and I was used to what I do. 2 weeks ago I switched to a different gym in Edmonton. There are lots of challenges when going to a new gym. I was looking around trying to find specific machines and it feels weird in there. I hope that I will get used to this gym but I also hope it will shake me routine and force me to change my exercises. I've been getting out of shape lately. I am trying some new exercises now and I hope I can get my cardio up.

Away.

I was working local for the last 14 years. Yes, I had the odd trip to Denver or Vancouver but it was rare and did not disturb my training.

Today I'm entering a new era. My new project will require me to travel frequently. Sometimes more than once in one month. How will it affect my training I do not know but I'm sure it will have an affect on my presence at the kwoon.