The Proof is In the Pudding

I've been in the program for years now, but it feels like this was finally the year of change. Some changes for the better, some worse, and some so far from what I originally expected that they don't make a map to place them.

As with every other year, I have to give myself a slap- going over my requirements, the ones I've failed are the ones I need to document. I know I do at least three acts of kindness a day, but you can't see that from my documentation. And I know I've done more push-ups than my spreadsheet stays... although right now I can't do more than ten at a time because of my back...

Physically, I'm all over the map. Several years ago I made it a goal to lose weight, and no I didn't hit my goal but I made a step towards it. As of this week I'm back on the wagon- we'll see where it goes. However, my joints have degraded, and I've failed to take care of myself and now I'm suffering bad because of it. Throughout the year, I did go to see specialists, but one was too far away to be feasible (Leduc) and the other was as busy as I am and the only time we could coordinate was Sunday evenings (which to me is out of the question). I contacted Sifu Cosgrove a couple days ago- I'm hoping since she's in the area anyways I'll be able to see her on a regular basis.

Mentally, I've made a huge leap. I'm engaged, and now that I am I realize that I hadn't been for a long time. I'm at the studio at least six days a week, as well as running the Onoway classes twice a week (mostly, I'll admit Sifu Wiebe has covered for me on more than one occasion. Thanks!). Its been exhausting, but its also been thrilling and amazing. This school is filled with absolutely amazing people and a huge amount of knowledge.

No, I don't feel that my current schedule is maintainable, which is one of the goals of the I Ho Chuan. However, with last year's experiences under my belt and a new team coming in, it shouldn't have to be. I believe the next team will make the connections faster than the last, simply because now we know what we need to do to make it a successful year.

http://dogsthinking.blogspot.ca/