A new modem

Last week was so hard---my modem died midweek and I was officially cut off from the world. I didnt think I relied on my computer that much, but it sucked not being able to check kwoon talk and read the blogs. I really like being able to keep in touch by reading my team mates blogs; it felt like I hadnt had any contact with them at all!! As the year winds down, and the end of UBBT draws near, I hope we can all stay motivated, stay training together. This team this year was an inspiration; I hope next year will be too.

Finally a HO HO holiday

I've been noticing something different this year as we approach christmas; a lack of stress. Complaining? No way! As I blogged awhile ago, Sean and I are going to Mexico for christmas(kids are gone, so why not?).The kids decided they would rather have something from Mexico than a gift before christmas, so now I have almost no shopping to do, no wrapping, no big dinner to plan. Oh darn! And I really am enjoying being able to just relax, think about things for the trip and do the things I enjoy about the season, like help with hampers, decorate, bake. The frantic pace is gone; the money stress, the scramble to get it all done and done perfectly is gone...I think I may have to make this a new tradition!! Or something close at least--it is sad that the holiday has become that for me. I can only hope I can remember this feeling, and try to make it happen again in following christmases.

Yowza

I have said it many times, and I am going to say again. I love teaching. I love the challenge it provides and how it forces me to think outside the box.

On a daily basis, I have to try to find a balance between all the students, and at the same time try to inspire them. You don't want to sacrifice the whole class for the sake of one student, and you don't want to risk losing a student while you focus on the whole class. That is where it gets tricky, and that is why I depend on my fellow instructors. But even with the extra eyes, ears and intuition, we always run the risk of having a student fall through the cracks.

So that being said, I love what I do.

Working Hard and Having Fun! Really!!!

What an incredible week it has been! I am working harder than ever before in my life and I am loving it. Everything that I do, all day long, is orchestrated so that I can have more time to practice. It was hard at first but I am getting used to the pace and I am enjoying pushing myself as hard as I can.
I made a major break through with my eye for detail this week and it is a giant relief. I have been trying to figure something out about how I move for a long time and I finally get it. I knew that if I kept trying that I would get it, and it was hard to be patient with the process sometimes, but I think I have succeeded.
I am fully enjoying teaching all the different levels and ages that I have an opportunity to. The young people on Saturday mornings are nearly as enthusiastic as I am and they are a great deal of fun. They will try anything once and that makes the class very entertaining. The teen/adult classes that I attend and am lucky to be a part of are very educational. I am learning about how different people learn and how to help them by letting them figure some stuff out for themselves.
I also very blessed to have a great partner to train with, it is always fun and challenging when we get together. We work hard to improve ourselves and to give each other positive feedback.
When I review the week, I can't believe how busy it was and when I look the coming week, I can't wait to get started.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.

A little inspiration for some perspiration!

I almost forgot to blog this week! Time is just flying by these days. Life is a bit of a three ring circus right now, but whose isn't right? I've written and deleted two different posts now, blogging has been more of a challenge lately because I feel like if I write about what is happening in my life I could just copy and paste my post from last week. Life continues to be hectic and my schedule looks the same... wake up, go to school, go to kung fu, sleep and repeat.

I am struggling to find ways to inspire some of my students, how can I make this matter to them, how do I find a connection that means something to them? If there is no connection for you, there is no passion, no interest. The green belts are working on stick for the Chinese new year demo, and I want to light a fire under them, some of them have it, some don't. Sifu Playter has agreed to come into the class and provide a little inspiration with a demo. I hope that having something to aspire to will do the trick for a few of them, if any of you need a little inspiration as far as your stick practice goes your welcome to watch the end of the black dragons class on Monday... Sifu Playter's dedication and skill to weapons will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, which is exactly what I want the green belts to do on Chinese new year. Have a good week everyone!

Andrea Prince

Playoff Time

Hello all,

We are approaching the final month of this year's UBBT challenge, and for some of us the final stretch for our black belt grading, and I equate this to playoff time!  It is time to step up our game to the highest level and finish strong to meet our goals.  The year so far has been rewarding and challenging.  There are many old injuries flaring up, new injuries, and bumps and bruises which are all typicall of playoff time.  This is just how it is and very similar to how the wonderful sport of hockey works, which is my comfort zone to draw from.  It is time to have a winning attitude, suck it up, and put forth our best effort.

Have a great training weekand have fun!

Allan Gamble

Training mindfully.

It finally feels like I am on the road to recovery. The headaches are less frequent and thw dizziness does not comw as often. I have had to change the way I approach my training completely slow things down alot. I still have to be careful on what I do as I have learned certain things still agravate it. You feel good so you try to push yourself and then realize that that was a bad idea. I am at the point where I need to start pushing myself to see where I'm at but to stop before I go to far. Not an easy thing to do as I'm sure everybody in Kung Fu knows.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student Member
UBBT 8
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

What kung fu has done (is doing) for me?

I have thought about this question even more after accepting my black belt than I did during the preparation of that paper.

Oh man... wireless................I had what I thought was a good entry, and it just got wiped out, except for my first sentence.

The short and skinny of the long lost entry, is how I've come to realize how I see and feel kung fu serving me. I don't feel like the individual who started at Silent River with the low self esteem (which still stayed with me for about 4 years into my training). I see the change in how I'm being perceived....and I for the most part feel more confident and in control of my emotions. There are of course moments where the sun doesn't seem as bright, however overall I feel an inner peace, a calming, and I'm going to run with it.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Pipe Dreams

The one thing that I quasi-know, am learning, and is being re-enforced about myself is that I need to be in an environment of continuous learning and growth regardless of the genre. The "same-old, same-old" simply does not work for me. One might think that I totally relish and embrace the learning curve that's placed in front of me. Well when it involves a challenge and possible adjustment of my beliefs, or more accurately, beliefs that I was brought up with it gets uncomfy and I really start to question myself and go off kilter.

For the past while I have had the topic of pipes come into my air/head space far too frequent for me to not take notice. But because of the beliefs I grew up with there was no way I was touching that subject, however the subject kept touching me until finally, a whack upside the proverbial head caught my attention far too much for me to let it go. Enter the doubts of "what will my friends think?","will I lose my friends?", "will I be banned from Kung Fu?", "what will the glass community think of me?" and on it goes. Despite the fear-talk there is one important fact that I cannot deny: I'd be both further developing skills and learning a boatload of new skills that would take both me and my artwork to a whole new level and direction. I'd be an idiot to turn that down based on fear of the unknown that will probably never happen.

Therefore I have resigned myself to the idea that I will be "back in school" learning and refining new skills and frankly, I am excited about that. Just because I will be learning how to make pipes does not mean that a pipe is the definitive end result. A skill is a skill however where it's applied makes the difference. Besides, even if I did make pipes, I cannot control what the person actually does with them as some are used for the purpose, but some are appreciated for the artwork they truly are.

One last twist of coincidence and affirmation. At the show this last weekend a lady came to my booth asking me if I blew the glass myself. Of course my answer was yes. She described an object and asked if I made it because she has been trying to get this particular piece for a long time and has been having difficulty because very few people make it. The object? A cognac (or brandy) pipe that was first introduced in 17th century France and used by the French aristocracy to drink their cognac. I'm now very intrigued and somehow I think that I will once again be learning from a master.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Snow Days!

I think that I discovered one of the great mystery's of my little world. Why do we stay in this crazy cold climate, with long winters and short summers (with lots of rain)?
I had the pleasure of having to run some errands on Thurs. afternoon in the middle of the snow storm. The people that I encountered were friendly and helpful and full of good cheer. The general attitude seemed to be 'No point complaining about, might as well make the best of it.' I observed people helping others with their hard to manage carts in the snow, sharing jokes about snow days and how come grown ups don't get them, and being patient and over all friendly with one another. I think that the snow brought them together, gave them a common ground. Hopefully this good cheer will see us through the holiday season and into the long months while we wait for spring to arrive.
Meanwhile, I am thrilled and exhausted this week as I attempt to push my training to the next level.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Sihing Kichko

We can make a difference

Last week Monday, the kids and I brought the donations they had collected to the Mustard Seed in Edmonton.

It was all their idea to collect donations and therefore my job was to support them. Last Monday, we dropped off 7 bags of donations at the Mustard Seed's distribution centre, and then went over to their main building for a tour. It was very eye opening and made us very thankful for what we have.

We are working on a small video to document this project and I will post it when it is ready. I feel this project has had a big influence on the girls - they have seen poverty up close and have witnessed how they made a difference.

Their empathy for others has started to shine through - on their own, they also volunteered to shovel a driveway this winter. I am sure this one will be a bigger challenge with our long winter, but I know they will experience the payoff of helping someone in need.

It doesn't take much to make a difference.

Good reading

There was a lot of really great blog posts this week, I always read the journal entries before I blog to see where everyone is at and sometimes for inspiration in my own entry. Even so, I don't have much to say this week, I'm struggling to stay on track in a few aspects of my life as there are a lot of things that are all supposed to be my #1 priority. I don't want to complain, it's just hard to put into words and I'm sure everyone has felt this way at some time or another. I do know that I can do this, I just have to keep on truckin', and sometimes just staying the course is the hardest thing. Today I had a nap for the first time in almost a year and it was pretty wonderful so I can't complain. Have a good week everyone.

Andrea Prince

Tuning In

There are a few things that I learned during the gluten-free stretch however the most important thing that I learned is how important it is to listen to the signs and signals my body is telling me especially when it comes to food. I am gaining a new found awareness of just how food impacts the body and how quickly the balance can be upset when the proper fuel isn't used.

I found that switching out one starch for another or a combination of starches didn't work for my system. I need fresh whole foods and lots of them. It's a good thing that I am finding more recipes that support this way of eating and taste good. Speaking of which, I have a piece of fudge (yes it's raw) calling my name.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

The passing

I don't normally like to talk about things like this but after reading Mr. Repay's latest blog, I decided to go ahead. This past Saturday was my grandfathers funeral and I had to give the eulogy. Even though I did not spend a lot of time visiting him in the last few years (he lived in BC) it was still tough to get through. Family is a very big part of who I am and the loss of my last granparent was not an easy thing. The fact that it was my last connection to my dad who passed away almost 3 years to the day of my grandfather was especially difficult. The one thing that has helped is being able to go to the Kwoon and to continue to train. It brings a sense of peace to me where I can forget about outside troubles and just live in the moment.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT Member
UBBT 8
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

What to say...?

My new job has kicked off, which has pulled me further from home and for the most part, for longer durations, but it is the scheduled days off which I hope will make all the difference from my previous 20 years in the oilfield.

My personal challenge this year is to further my advancement in my kung fu, while being away from the facility for about 60% of the year. My attendance is going to be a wreck, but I will have to shine in other areas to prove my worthiness. Always a challenge to keep me at the forefront of who I am and even more so, who I want to be.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

And life interrupts yet again

Been a bit sidetracked this week, with blogging and my requirements. Got hit with the metaphorical 2x4 again; my youngest daughter has mentioned in the past, she'd like to live with her dad sometime and this long weekend, he took the first steps to see it happen. In a way, it blindsided me, but also not. We had discussed this before. Its not that it wouldnt be ok....I guess....He lives in BC, 8hrs away. So, different school, hard grade to move into, what about her sister, so far away ....and I thought it was hard before I got separated! So much to think about, to make sure of, to plan.If it happens, it will be for next fall, so I do have time. But.. she's my baby. And its hard, so hard, to let go.

13th Post .... Very Very behind So its Nov 15th of 2011 and I am so far behind on this requirement (blogging) its not even funny. However sifu says despite all that may have gone before ... finish strong. I will be putting on my desk (at work) electronic calendar to blog with a reminder set so I expect to do better. Ask me why I haven't done this before? I don't have any sensible response or good excuse. Fortunately I don't suck at everything I have put on my list of things to do. The girls on their blogs made us sound pretty spectacular for when we were visiting but hey we just wanted to spend time with our babies, experience their life a bit and have a good time ... nothing special from us required. I loved being with them and sharing the experience of living and training in china for a little while, they were great hosts and so was the school where they train. I caught up on my kicks and form repetitions while I was there big time ... wholly hannah those guys train hard. I was very sore. Since I got home I have been doing okay at the maintenance of most of my requirements (excluding blogging) and swimming is again being reintroduced into my schedule. However a couple of things have fallen completely off the chart. First is Complete Master Gardner Workbook (Lakeland College)... paid my money ... did not complete. Second was to Achieve (Silver 2) in Ball Room Dancing (Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing) Dean and I worked very hard at it but did not pull it off. As KungFu & family takes priority I am have chosen to accept these losses and revamp for 2012 coming up. Talk to you all next week.

Goals

Goal setting is important in all areas of our lives. Whether you are setting fitness goals, weight loss goals, how to get a promotion goals or how to be a better person goals, it is important that you write them down, recite them often and remind yourself throughout the day. When I set a major, long term goal, the steps that I take to get there are many and keep me involved throughout each day. Every part of my being needs to be involved in working towards that goal. When I set getting a black belt as a major goal several years ago, I don't think that I understood the process that it would take to get anywhere near there. I could imagine (sort of) dedicating myself daily to working towards a goal but I didn't understand the transformation and how it would impact all aspects of my life. I have changed how I eat, always keeping in mind the energy that I will get from the food I eat and how long I can train before I have to eat again. I don't always make the right choices but I always consider the impact of what I am doing. I have changed how I treat people, I try to hold myself to higher standard than before, I want to be that person that it always kind and considerate. I will always strive to be that person. I have changed who I spend my time with, my free time has decreased quite a bit, so it is important that I spend time with people that I care about and that have the same goal-oriented principles that I have. A few years ago, I met someone and we started to be friends, when the opportunity to do 1000 push ups in a day came up, I was very excited at the prospect of learning something about myself. This new person in my life suggested that I lie and tell everyone that I had done the push ups when I had not. That person is no longer part of my life. It wasn't a hard choice to make, we were just so fundamentally different, it wouldn't have made sense for us to remain friends. I made that choice because my goal is always in front of me and I can't allow for any part of my life to not be affected by it.
So all day long, about a thousand times, I am thinking about my goal and choosing to do things that put me closer to that goal. I no longer think that it is just about the goal, I now know that it is about the process, it is all about the process. I am fully enjoying the process and I know that I have learned some life-long lessons throughout it.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Sihing Kichko

time

It's a long weekend and it feels like early Christmas. Free time is hard to come by these days. For awhile I was resenting other people's free time and what they did in it, or rather the lack of what they did in it. Fellow students at school would talk about how they watched T.V. instead of studying or went to the bar and I would get so exasperated, thinking you are absolutely squandering all that free time! What I wouldn't give for that time! But I do have free time, I just have less than some, but still more than others and maybe it's in smaller pockets rather than hours at a time. Being very busy has made me appreciate the moments I have more than I used to. If traffic is good and I get home 15 minutes early I can have a tea with Adrien before I leave for kung fu and he leaves for work... 15 minutes didn't used to seem like much but now it's like a little oasis in the desert. Taking an extra 10 minutes to say goodnight to the kids and talk about their concerns at the end of the day allows us to reconnect and feel close, and I feel recharged enough to keep my nose in the books a little longer. Losing most of my leisure time has improved the quality of the time I do have, so no matter how busy we get, because it seems like we're all running all the time, take your 5 minutes and really enjoy it and don't think about what is going to happen after that 5 minutes- take it and get the most out of it because you've earned it.

Andrea Prince

Sharing Information and Learning

As I am in the process of a black belt grading year I would like to share some information for those who may be grading for their black belt next year and considering their individual I Ho Chuan goals for 2012.  I am content with the goals and training preparation I comitted to, but there is always learning that can be passed on to others. 

Specifically, these goals listed below focus your training directly towards kung fu to make you a better martial artist, and not directly geared towards making you a better athlete.  Someone, Sifu Brinker, told us this a number of months ago and it is very wise advice.

40 events - practice timed kicks. (one minute kick and one minute rest) front thrust, side heel thrust, round house, and spinning back kicks. (practice with a partner and provide technique "eye for detail" feedback)  Record your results each week.

1,500 forms - practice all forms mindfully.

40 events - full cirriculum review. (ask two questions each class for clarification and document)

40 events - practice cirriculum techniques from all belt levels at open training with a partner or group.  Choose a section of the cirriculum each week.

40 events - develop and practice your five individual techniques with a partner.

1 event - family vacation.
   
All of these will make you a better martial artist and they will provide you with an abundance of physical training.  I would suggest focusing on these types of activities versus an abundance of running, biking, circuit training such as p90x, and others.  Mindully practicing forms is physically as intense as any type of physical training in my experience, and all of the goals above have mental training along with kung fu training.

This is just my two cents but I wanted to share.

Have a great training week and big push towards the end of our 2011 UBBT year!

Allan Gamble

Every Day is a Good Day

I have chosen to write this blog because I have heard many times in my career, family, and kung fu that I am a very hard person to read.  So here goes; I will provide some information about myself which is going to take me out of my comfort zone, just a little bit, but not too much.

I am a very happy and positive person because this is how I consiously choose to be.  I like to put everything in overall perspective and this helps me maintain a positive attitude, even when I struggle, which we all do from time to time.  I believe that every day is a gift and we are all very fortunate to be located where we are.  Most people in the world do not have the same opportunities that we as Canadians do.  We live in the best country in the world and in my opinion, the province offering the most opportunity.

I am very fortunate as I had a tremendous "farm life" upbringing and also have a great family life, surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and teammates.  I am grateful to have a supportive kung fu family of sifus and teammates who are willing to help us down the final stretch of this grading year, offering a wealth of infomation, honest and clear feedback, and expertise.  I tend to gravitate towards other positive people and I am someone who will help anyone who needs it.  I respect and admire people who are "doers" versus "talkers".  Negativity bothers me a lot.  This is because most people who have negative opinions and outlooks typically are in a position to do something to change their destiny or outcome, but refuse to do so.  I believe that we can all change out outcomes if we really want to.  We all start with a blank page and can draw whatever picture we want.

I have had the opportunity to work in another country where basic needs are met only sometimes and freedom is non-existent.  This provides me with constant perspective, compassion, and clarity.  My family is consistently and quietly active in helping those in need within our community and internationally.

I am a very private and quiet person with my emotions.  When I have a problem I will seek information and advice and gather all information that I need to correct a problem.  I rarely will ask for help directly.  I carry my struggles internally and will rarely involve others.  I am a critical thinker and will analyze all information over and over following every available path to an eventual solution.  I will do this in private until a solution is attained and then will approach the solution with passion and excitement.  This process works for me.

I am a hard worker when it comes to anything I pursue.  I will be successful because I am confident that I will work as hard as anyone I know.  This is why I gravitated to kung fu, as the system is sound.  I will take advice and critique and work on specific elements, usually privately at home, until I am ready to move to another area.  I will always tend to hide and mask my injuries, this is a 40 years of hockey thing, and will privately work very hard on my weaknesses, which I do not like to discuss publicly. 

I am just starting to delve into the philosophical aspect of kung fu and look foward to this.

I am excited for the future and the final stretch of 2011 and look forward to 2012.

Wow, that is a lot for Gamble to share!  I am very happy!

Have a great training week!

Allan Gamble

Cosmic 2x4

I have been both headache and migraine free for about 6 months and pretty darned proud of that accomplishment. However Thursday I had a headache and summed it up to weather change, hormonal, and possible gluten detoxing. Luckily I was able to combat this headache with a nap, rest, and peppermint essential oil on my temple. Life is good.

Yesterday (Sunday) at the show where I was a vendor all of a sudden my eyesight got funky and an aura set in. Hello migraine and this one is a "good one." Luckily my friend had migraine meds with her and she gave me one so I could function the rest of the day, however I may feel symptoms later. I did and that was my day today. So what was the migraine trigger? Weather change? Hormonal? Sleep disruption from time change? Almost full moon? All of the above? There is one more possible answer and that is "none of the above."

Since August 2010 I have been resisting a direction in my glass art even though I am both supported and encouraged to take this direction. Signs have shown up to give me hints that this is a direction for me to go if I want to play in the big sandbox. Sure I have noticed the signs, but have slinked away because I'm "not sure" if that's the sandbox for me. However the Universe and my angels have given me even more signs that this is the way to go and still I am playing the resistance game despite the signs, support, and encouragement.

Saturday when I came home there was on my chair one of my glass art magazines hosting a picture and publication of the very thing I am resisting. I read the article and it seemed like it was written specifically for me to read. Sunday morning there was a letter on my table stating that the show I am at is the last show this committee is doing. This show will be no more unless someone takes over. Considering that this is a good show for me, the "what will I do now?" lept into existence. A couple of hours later I had the migraine and today it was clear as to why I had that annoying and painful visitor.

I believe that the migraine served as a cosmic 2x4 across the head (believe me, softwood lumber was NOT used) to get me to slow down and pay attention to the signs that I have been given. A migraine puts me into a different angle of consciousness where my brain slows down and I can very much reflect and think. As dopey as what I am in this state, it can be a very reflective place and today I have been doing a lot of reflecting and thinking. I have the skills, have access to more skills, have the tools, have the access to the one tool I need, I have the encouragement and the support so who am I not to step towards that big sandbox?

I know this kind of sounds "out there" and "woo-woo" but I believe that I have been given a very clear sign that it's time for me to step into the unknown and make a cross to the dark side for that is where the light will be.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Tithing....and chi

I happened to read this just before Sihing Prince posted about her gift, and it twigged that I should write about it. In kungfu we talk about chi, releasing it, moving it, feeling it. Here is another look at energy..in a different form.
"Understanding how tithing works metaphysically helps skeptics become more open to the ways in which its practice can enrich our lives. Spiritual law, no matter which path, tells us as we give, so shall we receive. We realize that money is a form of energy. Energy does not increase if it's hoarded. Energy must circulate freely for power to be released. When we receive an increase of money in our lives, giving away a portion of that money keeps the channels of abundance circulating freely, as Spirit intended.
On a practical level, tithing allows us to express our thanksgiving with action. Returning some of the material good we receive is a tangible demonstration of trust. But also, tithing changes our attitudes about money. We become expectant, anticipating the best.
Some people say if yo don't have much money to spare, its just as good to tithe your time or goods. Its been my discovery that when I tithe time, I receive more time. When I tithe goods, I receive gifts."
Master Brinker has always encouraged us to give, to take our kung fu out of the kwoon; its interesting to think of our chi, our energy, doesnt decrease when we give of our time, money and things....rather it releases power, just like a kick or punch, only in a positive way. So everytime we give, we release energy for good! Makes the idea of tithing much more appealing when I think of it like that....can I afford NOT to?

My truth

I have been thinking lately about what defines me as a person. I have asked myself if it’s my hopes and dreams that define me or if it’s simply the things that make me happy in this moment?

I think when we get lost in our dreams, it becomes really easy to be disappointed when the reality is different. It is good to dream, and have goals though, so we have something to work towards, but we need to be cognizant to keep from getting blinded by them.

There are specifics that define me, and I think that to be able to continue to grow as a person it’s important for me to keep them front and center.

I am doing what I love, and loving what I am doing.

Just Checking In.

Highlights of the week:
- spending tons of time with Sifu during class on Monday night thanks to Halloween.
- dragon dancing, it just doesn't get any cooler than that.
- planning our next renovation project, it always seems bigger at the beginning!
- bought new shovels in preparation for the snow shoveling team. One of the great things about winter is being involved with shoveling for seniors, it's not just about the amazing baked goods.
- brainstorming ways to raise money for pandemonium, I am not an idea person but give me an idea and I will run with it full force. I am hoping that we will have a successful year and more students will understand the reason for creating awareness and helping others.
That is my week in a nutshell. I am feeling good about my training and it feels like I might be making some progress in the way I move. I had a major break through at Tai Chi yesterday, I think that I can apply it to my other forms. I am definitely going to spend this week trying.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.

Law of attraction......desire.....persistence...

This last couple weeks has been a God send.

Last week I received confirmation of employment with a different company. The major bonus which this job is a scheduled work rotation and hopefully consistency in our house. This is huge for me, because I have basically lived on-call for the last 19 years. Our family has followed through on a couple events which were planned, but for the most part we flew by the seat our pants, very seldom being able to commit 100% to anything. This long awaited and I feel deserved opportunity, is one that I have been working towards for a very long time.

So, this week I've been tieing up all the loose ends for my business month end, wrapping up all the outside stuff in preparation for winter, and just overall personal preparation for my new job. A lot has been accomplished in the past 7 days, along with becoming more attached to and committed to my personal needs. Kung fu and family have been a lot more in the forefront, which really has a calming affect on my mental being...such a great place to be!

Something that I have really identified this last while is how my stress has impacts not just on my wife but my oldest son. My son seems to mimic my feelings, which is terrible knowing that he is dealing with virtually the same things as my wife and I. With this major change in my career, I hope that it will be something which will be for the betterment of my entire family....I'm sure it will and in so many awesome ways. I'm so looking forward to the change that this could have on our home and the emotional state of my family.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu - UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Continuing On

As the end UBBT 8 draws closer I am finding it harder and harder to be able to put down in words how my journey is going. I am beginning to sound like a broken record, about injuries or aliments, triumphs, setbacks, and most of all the progress that I have made.

There has been so much going on lately (mentally, physically, and emotionally) that I have not posted a journal lately and I must apologize for this.

Journaling is such a great tool to help organize and sort thru issues and conflicts that are going on in a person’s life.

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Lucky

I've been thinking lately about how lucky I am. I would like to say that I think some people's idea of "luck" is a little skewed before I continue. There is a big difference between working hard for something and luck. I've had people say "oh your so lucky" about something that I've worked really hard for and I kind of resent it a little. Luck had nothing to do with us buying a house for example, we had to work hard and save the money, and we continue to work hard to keep it!

Some things are "luck" if you will. I am very lucky to have been born in Canada, especially as a woman. I try to imagine what it would be like what it would be like to have been born into a society that considered me a second class citizen, a possession even, based on my gender- I can't imagine it. I am lucky to have the opportunity to go back to school so I can have a career I love. Last year I upgraded and I worded hard and got good grades (something else that some consider luck when it's plain hard work) and I got a small scholarship, nothing crazy, $500. I have been waiting for my cheque in the mail, thinking of all the things I couldn't wait to get with my hard earned cash. I realized I am lucky to have the luxury to spend money on things I don't really need. I started to think about the girls in Malawi who have so little control over what happens in their lives, how unattainable education is for most of them, based on the place they were born and their gender. I realized that $500 would mean a heck of a lot more to one of them than it will to me. Do I really care more about the boots I wanted than changing a life? No, I really don't. So, I will be happily sending my scholarship on to one of the Malawi girls, it just seems right.

Andrea Prince

Gluten Free For November

Both Sihing Lowery and I, along with our families, are going gluten free for November. Dennis and I decided that we would go gluten free and when I found out that Sihing Lowery was looking at doing the same, we joined forces. More fun in a group. The reason I am going gluten free is mainly to support Dennis as it's more of a trial for him, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I might just have some sensitivity as well. Good time to find out and do something about it.

At first thought of eliminating a food "group" is the fear-filled, knee-jerk reaction of "I'LL STARVE!!!!" However that's not true as one does eat more than one food group. What it does take is an open mind to explore what the possibilities are and the willingness to try them. For me this is like an exploration journey and I get to practice one of my favoritest things in the whole wide world: playing with new recipes. If the recipes make something that tastes yummy AND is good for you: SCORE!!

What I have discovered from eliminating dairy from my diet was instead of looking for foods or ingredients to replace, look for good tasting foods. That outlook really helped with modifying my diet and not starving in the mean time. From experience, cheese has no direct replacement and some of it is just down right horrid so let's take another direction. I have a feeling the same just might be true for the gluten. Some things can be easily substituted, some with imagination, and some let's just leave where they are.

Both Sihing Lowery and I have been on the hunt for recipes to replace bread and a few other things. Today I baked my first loaf of gluten free bread that uses a combination of brown rice, tapioca, and sorghum flours instead of wheat. Let me say that it's a different dough to work with!! It does not rise and stretch like wheat dough and is more wet so it took some getting used to. As for the taste: decent!! Worth baking again. Actually I have to as I have more dough but I know what to expect next time.

In my recipe hunt I have discovered a recipe for a vegan, gluten free twix cookie bar that I can tweak to make even more healthy so let's say that recipe is worth trying out. Besides, it's not a cheat if it's a healthy treat. My philosophy and I'm sticking to it. :)

As I see it, November is going to be a month of discovery not only in the kitchen, but in our bodies and minds as well as we discover what symptoms are relieved and what symptoms we discover that we didn't know were there until they are gone. Here's to the journey!

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta