How do you get to 8

When we try to do something right, there is always your "right" and my "right". Sometimes they are not the same and most of the time it is OK.

When trying to get to the number 8, you can add 4+4 or you can add 5+3. Both give you the right result but the way to get there is different. You can also find completely different methods to get to the same results. For example use multiplication, or subtraction...

My point is that we should not jump into judging others when their way is different from our way. Both might be the right way.

We should all grow lettuce!

Instead of blaming, judging and resenting we need to focus on growing, leading and guiding. Taking care of each other.

Out again

After being away for one week, I'm off again. It is working OK so far with my requirements as I am making an effort to go to the gym every day. Food is a different matter. We are hitting restaurants for all meals and that is not that healthy. At the end of the I was making an effort to choose healthier choices.

The one thing that I miss the most is training with my family. Missing the kids classes and the black belt class. This has been on my radar for a while anyway. Trying to figure out how to train more with the girls.

Well, I have another week to figure it out.

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.