So tired

Long day. Worked, then did some cleanup at the kwoon. Had a hard time getting people out today though. That's too bad. Looks like we'll be tiling for the next couple of weekends. 

Didn't get much done as far as numbers.....not doing so great. Really need to get more disciplined.

Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 101 crunches, 52 kicks, 5 miles

Acts of kindness: held the door for someone x 2, gave the dog a treat, let someone ahead of me in traffic

Today I consumed: some eggs with potatoes and sausages, a muffin, a peanut butter and jam sandwich,  some toquitos, a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 9 glasses of water. 

kwoon maintenance fun-ness

I had a great time at the kwoon tonight helping with tiling prep. It's so fun working with everyone...even if Sifu Lindstrum is a slave driver (ha ha!). I am happy to say that I am completely dirty. I've been impressed by Sifu Langer too, she's been there a lot just quietly working...very inspiring to see someone so dedicated and willing to help. Everyone has been doing great. I hope a lot of people come out tomorrow to help with tiling. The way things are working out, we'll have to tile for the next couple of weekends:(

Good day all around. Thanks again for everyone who has been helping to get the kwoon ready for the fall. 

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 208 kicks, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 4 miles

Act of kindness: ran an errand for someone, did extra chores, tickled Julia

Today I consumed: some oatmeal and cheerios, some macaroni with tuna, an apple, some gummies, some toquitos, chicken with rice and veg, a pastry, a coffee, a tea and 7 glasses of water. 

Beginning of a New Era

Monday marked the beginning of a new era for me. You see, I turned 50 on Monday. Now a lot of people dread turning 50 thinking that they are "over the hill" and their life is on a decline to be over. And for them, it soon will be with that attitude. For me, I've climbed up the hill to get a good view of what my new life is going to be like, and what a view it is!!

I'm no longer living according to what other people think, what someone else wants for me, or have someone else make my decisions for me. I've shed people's expectations, judgements, fears, and opinions. The only person I am living for is me and I determine my life. I look inside for the answers and trust a higher power instead of thinking that someone else has the answer. I am my own guiding light.

What is also different is that I'm doing things I've never done before. Mud Heros, being (and living the life of) an artist and an artisan fudge maker, and training in a different way. I look forward to challenging myself in further and different ways, launching my artist self on an international market, and pulling the out the coach in me. May be I can help other people connect with their creative side and shed what's holding them back. It's all new, it's all with a slightly different twist, and it's all fun. After all, I'm on this planet to enjoy life, not be a slave to anything or anyone. Who knows, maybe I can inspire others that life is for truly living and it's only over when it's over.

In light of this, look for my Etsy shop to have a different look and a new name that reflects the real me. The name SherriD Lampwork Glass will be changing to Creative Spirit Glassworks to reflect me as the creative spirit that I am. My new products will include Spirit and witch ball ornaments, essence vessels for essential oils, and wonderstones (think worry stone). And of course, the dragons will make their presence known in more ways than one.

I had an idea as I was scooping out fudge this morning. I wonder how a "Fudge Addicts Loyalty Program" where one buys 12 pounds of fudge and gets the 13th free will go over. What about a "refer a friend" reward system? (and no, the dog, cat, or imaginary friends do not count) Maybe a goodie subscription service where every month there is a new goodie? Ideas to play with and all very exciting.

Kung Fu? Well someone has to show this younger generation what longevity and vitality are all about and what it looks like. Might as well be me.
Sherri Donohue
My Blog

Dragon team looks great!

Come September my schedule will get more hectic as I have to teach labs. I went and invested in a good planner today to help me plan out my days. I'm going to have to not only plan out my days, but stick to the plan. Otherwise I won't be able to accomplish everything.

Dragon practice went great today. We have a core team of guys now and they are doing really well. I think we're going to do good come Sept 8.

Basic numbers: 101 crunches, 204 pushups, 156 kicks, 1 rep broadsword, 7 miles

Acts of kindness: let someone in front of me in traffic x 2, fed fish for someone x 3, gave Julia a treat

Today I consumed: a tims breakfast sandwich and hashbrown, an apple, some soup with a bagel, a chicken strip and some toquitos with mayo. I drank 2 coffees and 8 glasses of water.

breakthrough

hello everyone i am having a pretty breakthrough week. In our requirements we are supposed to mend a relationship. Boy did i ever it was an emotionally exhausting night. I feel so much better now and we have become so much closer because of it. i was not looking for a relationship mend at that moment in my life, if anything it found me. right now i feel like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  also right now i am becoming more and more nervous as my university start date approaches, this will be the biggest thing i have ever done and i am scared of failing. but i know you only fail if you don't try and exhaust every possible option of outside help. i guess i am afraid of walking into a class day and being the only person who is lost. anyways i guess that is all i have for now so see you guys for now and remember stay extraordinary.


228 lbs


sihing Langner

dragon dance practice

Had our dragon dance practice tonight. I think we will be able to pull it off. I just hate how we're in the same crunch mode as last time. I need to get more organized and maybe that will help. This last month has been crazy at work so my focus has shifted there for the time being. It's been hard to coordinate other things at the moment so I have largely been relying on others to step up and make sure things happen planning wise. But I'm hopeful that this performance will go and will go well. The people there tonight are very dedicated and I believe in their ability to pull together.

Tomorrow night will be the deciding time. We'll see how it goes.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword

Acts of kindness: held the door, smiled at 2 different people, took my nieces and Julia to see the university, shared my chocolate cake with Julia.

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, a bagel with cream cheese, a banana, part of a chicken quesidilla with extra veggies, tortilla chips and guacamole and some chocolate cake. I drank a coffee, half a cup of tea and 8 glasses of water and half a rootbeer.

kayaking

We did it! We did an overnighter with the kayaks.. on Jaspers beautiful, pristine Maligne lake. It was a challenge--I wish we'd had more time. Apparently you need to book campsites in January to get what you want. But we paddled out on the Sunday, was nicely sunny but windy, so a hard paddle for the first half. We stopped for lunch and a break at 4 mile point(gotta love woodland thrones..no tp and no walls), and the wind settled down nicely so we enjoyed the second half of the trip. After we got all set up in camp and had supper, the lake was like glass, so we went out and paddled a bit further, around Spirit Island (not so much an island when the waters so low...) The glaciers were so cool! The next day it rained on us at least half the way back...but the lake was still so calm it made for easy paddling. Two days of paddling and believe me my shoulders, hips and wrists were calling me some rather rude names. Totally worth it though. We plan to do it again, but with more time next time. The fun part was our kayaks aren't touring kayaks, they're play boats, so we had to really pack light to make them work for this trip. But we made it work! Next time though, I want a real pillow. And some day a touring kayak with a better spray skirt that doesn't continuously drip water on my lap. The best part was the time spent in the mountains. The rhythm of the strokes, the way it keeps you in the moment. I've been reading some of Thich Nhat Hanh and he really focuses on mindfulness and being present in the moment. It was a perfect place and time to practice that, to unravel thoughts, feelings and emotions that get all jumbled up and stuffed in a back closet when I'm busy. Next year...double the time!

What's Up With My Face

I watched the Forms Seminar video. It's really hard to watch yourself. The first thing I noticed is my weird facial expressions. Seriously?! What's wrong with my face? Watching the video though, I don't think I came across as nervous as I felt which is a good thing. I thought for sure my shakiness and nerves would be amplified times 100 watching it on tape, but it seemed ok, I seemed alot calmer than I thought I would. I'm always told I need flow, with my forms and combinations. I'm not sure how to do that. How do I finish a move and go to the next and be flowy at the same time. Maybe it'll just happen when I'm not such a young grasshopper.

Yay!

Managed to get all of my reps in today. Yay!

A little disappointed with how the dragon dance is turning out. I was really hoping to avoid the frantic crunch, but it seems for now that we have no choice if we want to get it done. Lesson for chinese new year! Don't leave it until the last minute.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 7 miles

Acts of kindness: held the elevator for someone, gave the dog a belly rub, picked someone up a coffee, gave a gift. Yesterday (forgot to record): helped with renos, helped some family members, smiled at someone

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple, a peach, a banana, some chinese food (which was gross!). I drank 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.  Yesterday I ate 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, a bagel with cream cheese, 2 boiled eggs, a piece of bacon, a turkey bacon club sandwich from tims. I drank a cup of coffee, a cappacino and 7 glasses of water. 

Reno Time

It is renovation time at the kwoon and everyone are working hard cleaning, building and cleaning. It is great working side by side with everyone.

The problem I have with this week is that it wrecks my schedule. I usually practice every morning and this week I find it very hard to wake up on time. Today I dragged myself to the Tri-Leisure and I'm glad I did. I was ale to do some reps and felt better. I'm also using this week to give my shoulder a rest. I hope it won interfere with my training in the next few months.

If you did not come to the Kwoon to help out, remember - this is a project the I Ho Chuan is supposed to lead and participate in.

http://csillag-stars.blogspot.ca/2013/08/reno-time.html

Renos night 1

Basic numbers: 2 reps tai chi.

Helped out at renos tonight though. It was really nice to see so many students there. It's a lot of work but it's great spending time with everyone.

Persepctive

I found this video posted on one of my websites I visit frequently and thought it was relevant. I know many might be struggling on the team and feeling like they have failed, remember you haven’t failed as long as you keep trying and keep pushing no matter how tough it may feel. I know I’m ridiculously sore today having played six baseball games in three days (and while doing all of the back catching), yet it’s not hard, I love to play baseball and the weekend was awesome – great weather, friends and ok a little too much sun but hey it’ll be cold sooner or later so enjoy it. I myself was born with a birth defect; my advantage is that no one can see it. No one can judge me at first sight and try to say I can or can’t do the things I want to do. Every day I am thankful that I can do the things I can do and it’s what drives me each and every day to do more. What we have to take stock of is we all have such an advantage over so many in the world, our worries are miniscule compared to others with poverty, disease, access to education you name it. Unfortunately on the weekend my Uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer and it doesn’t look good – he didn’t even smoke over the years. Always keeps things in perspective no matter the where and the what.
Sifu Bryant
My Blog

Don't Ask

Sometimes I hate when people ask me what's wrong. I hate answering that question. My body hurts all the time, sometimes worse than others, but I don't like explaining it to people because I always think that the person asking is thinking..."Here she goes again..." or "What's up with her her now." *Followed by an eye roll* I often feel crazy going to the doctors about things and just handed a prescription for muscle relaxants or some other pill they think will work. I want the problems fixed, not masked. When I injured my arm a few years ago and was going to physio I asked the therapist about some of my other problems and saw her for awhile, but it didn't really help so I just gave up after awhile. Now that I'm trying to get into a training routine, I figured I'd try again, so I researched doctors on my own and found a chiropractor with a good reputation. I have more xrays and body scans this week and I'm hoping between new treatments and a new bed that I will be buying in October, I'll feel better and less like a whiner. I remember my mom going through this before she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She thought she was going crazy while spending years and years going to different doctors before she got her diagnoses. I'm hoping that my issues are fixable and that I've found someone that will actually help me.

Well rested

I had a nice rest day. Tomorrow it's back to the swing of things. I'll have the chance this week to spend some extra time with Julia this week which will be really nice. 

Acts of kindness: gave someone some flowers, went and visited someones new place, gave my cat belly rubs.

Today I consumed: some bacon with half a piece of toast and some potatoe patties, a peanut butter and jam sandwich, some pizza, 6 glasses of water, a coffee and a pop. 

Intensive Care

It's been a really busy week (as always I guess) but seemed more so this time. It is the season for Parvo puppies at work. I work in at a clinic that serves a lot of rural clients and the incidence of parvo is much higher than other places I've worked. People who choose to treat their dogs pay a lot of money and my job is a lot of intensive care to support their bodies in the struggle to fight off this virus. It's a lot of work and it's hard not to get attached to these little guys for the time they are with us. A few weeks ago someone brought in a bin of 5 pups about 8 weeks old they found on the road, all 5 parvo positive. One died while we examined them and another had no blink reflex left and was euthanized. I put so much hope in to those remaining little guys, I put IV catheters into all 3, gave meds, cleaned up and wrapped in blankets with warm water bottles and left for the night. Anyway- long story short they all slowly drifted away over the next few days despite my best efforts. I know there was nothing more we could do but give supportive care but I still felt so useless and angry too, that someone left them, that they didn't vaccinate the mother, that the only one to care they were gone was me. Really this blog has nothing to do with kung fu, just needed to empty my head somewhere. I know all you SRKF guys are responsible pet owners but pass on the education- spay and neuter your animals, and for heavens sake VACCINATE! If you can't afford at a vet clinic go to G&E pharmacy and do it yourself. Sorry, needed to get that out!

Andrea Prince

Post run thoughts

The Death Race is one of those strange circumstances where the memory of the misery is quickly erased by the memory of the experience.  Why do people come back time and time again and why are longer and more grueling races cropping up every year offering more pain, and more misery than the others.  Thinking more on this my blog is quickly going to deviate from its original content.

The most common question, Why run the Death Race?  One answer may be “because it’s called the Death Race”.  Similarly to Sir Edmund Hillary’s response “ because it’s there” in response to climbing Mt. Everest.  Is there an element of this attitude of self-servitude in all we seek to accomplish? To achieve something others have not, to belong to a club exclusive. While there is a select few of humans that run marathons, there is an even greater few that stick with the martial arts for longer than six months, a blue belt even less, a black belt scant few, never mind a seventh degree. 

Training in the martial arts I understand why I do it.  There is a list of reasons a mile long.  Most important to me, is seeing the positive value it has within my life, including my health, my confidence, my control, and my relationships.  But pondering on the Death Race, and really thinking about why every race coordinator is shooting for the title “toughest ultra-marathon in North America!” I begin to investigate a little further.  I believe that challenges in these forms are filling a void in many humans for the wrong reasons.  There is an ongoing attitude that my accomplishment because it is exclusive diminishes yours.

Why then do I run to the back to pick up a broom from a toiling black belt.  Is this exclusivity, not contradictory to what I just wrote.  No.  Because I am not picking up the broom to save the black belt toil, or because they have earned the right not to do such tasks.  I pick up the broom because it is a training opportunity and the black belt gives me the broom because they recognize there is a far higher value in an accomplishment that is achieved under the dome of humility and respect. 

An accomplishment achieved without arrogance; An achievement valued on its merit as to how it fits into serving me in my life.  This is a good approach and seems to be what I observe more often in Silent River martial artists and less so in other activities. It is probably why it seems so exclusive, (not by choice) because it tends to remove arrogance and fails to fuel many peoples need for recognition and status.  This is ironic because martial arts currently have belt and ranking system, and tends to cause a misnomer that mastery is driven by these negative factors.

This is probably why I enjoyed running on a team with 4 Silent River team mates.  The race never defined us, the experience did.  Thanks to everyone, it was a wonderful experience this year.

On another note, thanks to everyone from the I Ho Chuan that have been checking in on me, and just keeping me in the loop.  I really appreciate that!

Until next week.

 

Vince.

More Determined

Friday night was a humbling class.  Not only did I have to admit to myself that things aren’t going so great but to my fellow students and instructors.  I’ve had shoulder issues now for almost 5 years; I’m not whining about it just stating a fact.   I have found continuous repetition of any kind involving shoulders, or even my arms, is totally working against me.  I have had to modify my repetitions to not include my sword, which really is only going through the motions and is keeping me from any kind of progress.  I’m not going to lie.  It’s frustrating and makes me question whether there is a weapon out there that I could do justice right now. 

Listening to Sifu Brinker remind our team of what we signed up for and the potential we have was encouraging to push on and to push a little harder.  The summer months have been hard but are in no way a legitimate excuse for falling behind.  I committed myself to this year and have every intention of growing from where I am.

I’m not a huge fan of performing in front of an audience.  However, I want to be at the level where I am ready at the drop of a hat to get up and dazzle.  Maybe I need to focus more on my hand forms?  Or maybe I need to stop being afraid of bothering anyone and reach out for some one on one help?

I may not look like the most graceful swordsman at the end of this year, but I am more determined to at least be a step closer.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Now

Feeling refocused.

Loved the forms seminar last weekend! Used my 15K race yesterday to finally stretch out my aching thighs. Felt good to be back on the trails too. Summer has been busy with not enough Kung Fu or trail runs.

Using a quote from Master Brinker’s Friday night class to focus me on the now:

It doesn't matter what you were doing last week or what you are doing next week, what matters is what you are doing right now.

So ridding myself of past guilt, and ignoring all future stress, I am off to do some Kung Fu.

http://sharidactyl.wordpress.com

Gibbled

Spell check says that “Gibbled” is not a word, but it is how I feel. Last weekend was the forms seminar, 4 hours of slightly different uses of my muscles. On Monday night, it was another forms class, but with now sore muscles. Monday night after class I helped our neighbour with a goat that had been hit by a car. Only an hour or so, but unfamiliar work on uneven, wet ground with sore muscles. Tuesday morning I woke up with my left side lower back in spasm. Muscle relaxants and rest helped, Wednesday I went to work feeling OK, but by the end of the day I was in no way able to go to class. Thursday was similar, but I was mending each day. Friday morning we had arranged to go back to the neighbour’s and cut up the goat carcass. While doing so, I needed to sneeze, but my hands were into the meat, so I turned so the sneeze would go behind me, avoiding contaminating the food. It turns out that sneezing in this position is not a good thing, and I felt something give in my previously aggravated lower back. Of course, my chiropractor closes early on Friday’s, so I am not able to see him now until Monday. With more relaxants and rest, I am able to hobble about the house, but Friday’s I Ho Chuan class was out, and Saturday’s Ti Chi class was also missed. I have had similar injuries in the past, and usually three or so chiro adjustments will put me back, and this is a reminder that I need more core work (which I dislike for some reason, and unconsciously avoid doing).
Dennis Donohue   

Hard day

Had to go into work today. Wasn't able to go to open training. Didn't even get my numbers done. I feel like these past couple of weeks I've been on the downslide training wise. I know the I Ho Chuan year is all about trying to manage ups and downs, but it sucks being in the slump. Tomorrow is my rest day so I'll reset and hit it hard again on Monday. Come September I should be back to a normal work schedule again so things should get back to normal. Gotta keep going. 

Basic numbers: 1 tai chi reps, 51 pushups, 45 kicks

Acts of kindness: took Julia to see the cows, picked her some berries, read her a extra bedtime story

Today I consumed: some cheerios with milk, 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, a turkey and cheese sandwich, 2 packs of fruit snacks, a peanut butter cookie, some lamb stew and 2 chocolate mini eggs. I drank 8 glasses of water, a cup and a half of coffee.

Wonderstorm

I wonder.....
I wonder what miracle surprise waits for me today?
I wonder how to renovate and promote my Etsy shop.
I wonder how to fit GSP rushfit into my day.
I wonder if there is a way to put the portion of my fan form I left out on Friday into my form without having the walking fan trick.
I wonder how I can jumpstart my income.
I wonder where to record my next video assignment.
I wonder .......

A wonderstorm opens up to an intelligence far greater than me, a source that knows all the answers for the brain is very limited in answers and knowingness. However for wonderstorming to work, I must be open to receive. It is much easier to pour gold into a vessel that is open than one that is welded shut.

I wonder.....
Sherri Donohue
My Blog

vacation #2

Its been a rough week getting used to being home again. Even the dogs moping, misses his 3 swims a day. I miss the mountains. We went to Canmore after Mudheros and it was awesome. Took the kids white water rafting (even Sean with his broken ankle), did a few very small hikes and enjoyed the scenery. It was amazing the amount of rock piled everywhere, and evidence of the destruction here and there with culverts twisted like paper, a motor home in some trees looking like it got thrown like a toy. Its humbling to see what Mother Nature can do. This weekend we're going to do a kayak trip on Maligne Lake in Jasper, overnighting on the lake. We've been putting together equipment for months it seems, hard to believe we're finally going!Hopefully the first of many such trips on the boats. So sorry I have to go....the mountains are calling:)

Evaluation day

We had our evaluation at class today. It's really stressful performing for my instructors. I get so nervous. I find myself babbling afterwards when I should just be quiet and listen to their feedback.

Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 104 kicks, 4 reps tai chi, 7 reps broadsword

Acts of kindness: let a car in front of me, held the door for someone, bought a friend a coffee

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, some oatmeal, a turkey and cheese sandwich, some mini pizzas, some lamb stew, a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, 8 glasses of water and a glass of wine.

Sigh!

Long day. Didn't manage to get my numbers done. Disappointed. Should have managed my time better.

Basic numbers: 4 reps tai chi, 102 pushups, 202 crunches, 104 kicks, 7 miles

Acts of kindness: looked someone in the eye and said thank you, helped clean up a mess, brought someone breakfast at work x2, gave the dog a treat

Today I consumed: a piece of peanut butter and jam toast, a banana and a half, a bagel with cream cheese, 2 turkey and cheese sandwiches and a cookie. I drank 7 glasses of water, 2 cups of coffee and half a beer.

Booster shots

Julia had her booster shot today. Poor babe. Took it like a trooper though!

She's tough for sure! Definitely Kung-Fu material:)

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 202 crunches, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword 2 miles

Acts of kindness: smiled at a stranger, talked to some people on our dog walk, chatted with a stranger at the clinic

Today I consumed: some cheerios with milk and sugar, a ham and cheese sandwich, some peas and carrots, some banana loaf, a few bite-sized pizza snacks, some lamb stew with a bun. I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 9 glasses of water and a glass of wine.

I just sat down and stared at stuff

Going into this year I had it all planned out. I could see the next leg of my journey on the road to mastery and many landmarks along the way to guide me through the cliffs that would need scaling, the deep valleys, raging rivers, and the thickest jungle man has ever endured. I was creating a single path with my family, my work, and my Kung Fu all in tow. This was going to be the greatest evolution of all aspects of my life. I was challenged with the constant pulling in all directions at work and pulling through with confidence and grace. My girls were are all doing awesome and I couldn't be more proud. Kung Fu was really coming together on all fronts and I couldn't wait to make that escape and train to whatever I wanted to do with a seemingly endless supply of details I had missed along the way and new discoveries. I just said bring it on and I will fight it to exhaustion. Careful what you wish for.

This year has been a fight. It probably wouldn't have ended up that way, but I let things take the wheel of my ride. Something that I never let happen. I became so obsessed with the challenge of work and my ethics of nothing is ever too much and I will take on anything that is thrown at me. My days got longer and I was working with people that expected more from me. Okay cool I am practicing mastery in my trade so this is my Kung Fu serving me. Not really noticing I was putting in the work of three people. Up at 5:00 in the morning and dragging my sorry ass in the house at  8:00 at night, everyday and all day. Giving my little one a smooch and tucking her in. Visiting with Erica for an hour and heading out to the garage or catching up on whatever I could, when I could. Doing whatever training I could and crashing. After being on this routine for months on end, it was starting to grind on me. Usually asleep before my head hit the pillow or not even making it to bed if I stopped to sit down for a minute. Seeing the absence of my presence in my youngest daughters eyes and the face of frustration in my wifes, was not helping. Although my girls supported me the whole time, I wasn't feeling to good about it. Leaving my team to carry my absence and having more difficulty to even show up to class. Any classes for that matter. Falling further and further behind in my numbers and growing more and more negative as the days go by. Trying to find the landmarks to guide me through have now disappeared. Blinded by the thickest brush, I could no longer rip them out. Looking behind me I could plainly see that I was now creating three paths instead of one. Everything that is close to me is now segregated. Looking at the hours I put in this year so far is somewhere around the 2500 mark, so even daily training was becoming very little. I did always accomplish something, but stopped recording it on my blog or writing it down. As people when we start to become overwhelmed, we look for sources to lay blame. I started to dislike work and the people I work under. I wanted my girls to take a trip some where. I have been guilty of shooting my mouth off outside the kwoon, blaming the I Ho Chuan program and installing the mindset of this is unreasonable and how the hell can anyone pull this off successfully and still maintain. My journaling went to the wayside, AGAIN. Shortly after my last blog I had enough. I just sat down and stared. Mentally and physically exhausted. I wanted to quit my job, step down from the I Ho Chuan program and do.... I didn't know. So what ended up happening is I went on a trip with my family through southern Alberta into B.C, and back through Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House. It gave me a lot of time to look at things and just chill. One night staring into a fire I built that the gods could see, I sorted it all out. I went back to my roots and devised a plan to get back on track and grab the drivers seat back. Quiting is for sheeple, not the driven.  I was sick and tired of letting life take the wheel. You have to handle your life, not let your life handle you. Regretting ever verbally bitching about the I Ho Chuan program and putting my negativity on others. I felt foolish. I am sorry to anyone I may have had this effect on and I meant no disrespect to anyone. Just selfish venting I guess.I have no intention of being a career Sihing and as I have said before, the longer you stay away from the kwoon, the more of a damaging effect it has once you have placed it into your soul. It's time to come home. So after all of that I am now traveling as one again, one path with all I hold close. Changing my priorities to Family, Kung Fu, and work. I have started to train again on a daily basis and my love for the I Ho Chuan is restored. It is not a sentence, but an enhancement. Work is work. I have tons of experience and am highly skilled enough to always find work. I will carry on as I always have. Bring it on. Sorry for the book I just wrote but I felt it was necessary out of respect for the team and to share a challenge I had to get through. See you at the kwoon.
Brian Chervenka

Batman Sound Effects

A few days after the forms seminar and I'm still pumped about how it went. No one can really say they know their stuff until they can teach it in a clear, through way. After all these years teaching, I'm still strugging with clairity, but I think the forms seminar took me a bit further. I hope the guys I was with understood half of what I was trying to say- as the Sifu's who instruct with me can attest, I have developed my own language when it comes to teaching. Half of my volcabulary changes to grunts and sound effects. But I found small pearls of wisdom falling out of my mouth while teaching Saturday- they may not have been pearls to the students (I hope they caught them) but there were a few things that made other things click for me in my own training. Teaching others is the absolute best way to progress yourself. There may be those who would argue, but those are people who don't teach. I just wish I had Sifu Brinker's eloquent speech.

No, I didn't intend to rhyme there...

Sparring

You guys might look at me and say - he is a big guy, he has no problem with sparring. He loves sparring and that is why he is in sparring class.

Is that true? No.

I shy away from confrontations. Sparring is not my thing. It took me a long time to minimize the fear involved with sparring.

Why do I keep coming to the sparring class? I need to improve. I want to feel more comfortable with it. I want to look at myself in the mirror and say - "you did it".

Today we had a class with 7 sifus and only 3 students. This is a ratio of 2 to 1. What a great opportunity. I want to encourage all of the I Ho Chuan members to come to this class. Starting in September, commit to come for a class. Give a try. I'm pretty sure you will not regret it.

http://csillag-stars.blogspot.ca/2013/08/sparring.html

Where has the summer gone?

Can't believe it's Wednesday already tomorrow. This month is flying by in one sense (summers almost gone!) but in the other sense it's dragging by (work has been intense). At least I seem to be back on the horse as far as numbers go. Hopefully I can keep it up for the rest of this week!

Basic numbers: 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 208 kicks, 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 7 miles

Acts of kindness: let someone ahead of me in traffic, held the door for someone, looked someone in the eye and said thank you and have a nice day

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with sugar, a turkey and cheese sandwich, an orange, a banana, some peas and carrots, a doughnut, half a sub with chicken noodle soup. I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, 7 glasses of water and 1 beer.

Post Forms Seminar

I'm not going to lie, I woke up the day of the Forms Seminar and considered eating a raw chicken so I could call in with samonella. It took all my will power to get ready and into the car to go. Yep, I was that afraid of doing a form in front of everyone. The thing that made me go was that I told Ms. Tomie I would and it would've been super crappy of me to not show up knowing she's just as afraid of the same thing I am. Plus, I also told Sifu Lindstrom I would do it and I could almost picture an evil glint in his eye as he made me do 6 months worth of consecutive warm ups for not upholding my end of the deal. So, I went. It took me awhile to relax as the nerves ravaged my stomach. I did end up calming down a bit and learned alot from Sifu Freitag. It amazes my how Sifus can see how your body is moving and immediately correct it. I didn't know I had been doing a bowstance wrong this whole time and I can definitely feel the difference. I also learned how to do a dragons whip alot better. I also got some really good advice on how to try to control my brain from messing with me so I can just let my body do its thing. I'm definitely going to be working on that. I really enjoyed learning more about Da Mu Hsing and what I can do better. But then the time came, I had to do my form in front of the judges. My stomach flipped as I heard my name called and I turned really hot and my legs became rubber. All I could do is look at the door and wonder if I could escape without anyone noticing. I did it, and it took quite awhile for my heart to finally slow down. I understand why doing these things are important. If you were attacked you'd have the same sort of adrenelin rush and you need to teach your body to react in spite of it. What's the point of all this training if your just going to stay frozen if given that real life situation. Still...knowing that...doesn't make it easier. The only thing I can advise so far, if you feel the same way as I do about these things is; First, Join something like the I Ho Chaun or volunteer with things around the kwoon. It helps to turn Sifu faces into friendly ones and not intimidating ones, and these things are the way to do that. Second, try to partner up with someone who also feel the same way and be accountable for helping and encouraging each other. Knowing I'm going to disappoint someone if I don't do something makes it harder to just not show up. If I always tell Sifu Lindstrom and Ms. Tomie that I'll be somewhere, if I'm not there, I have some 'splaining to do. Anyway, I'll keep trying and hopefully figure out some more things that work for me, and maybe you too, when and if you're in a similar situation.

mudheros

Mud heros...yes its my turn to ruminate:) It was a blast! WAY harder this year--you'd think being at Kananaskis last year would have been killer, but no, it was the ski hill in Red Deer that took the prize. Tons more mud this year (yay) and climbing the ski hill SUCKED. Again it was really organized, all the other runners were having fun, helping each other, and enjoying the day. What made it even more fun this year was having so many fellow kungfu'ers there. Camping together and running together made it a great weekend--even my kids want to do it again. I was really proud of my daughter for running in it and doing quite well--and even more proud that she wants to g.o again next year. Perhaps it will inspire her to be active for life..or at least motivate her to exercise,lol. Sean was really bummed he didn't get to run officially--Sifu Mastersons husband turned in a great time under his name though:) We did get some great photos of the mud pit--we definitely need our own photographer at these events--didn't see that many photos on the website of our team. Only other comment---lets not do cotton shirts next year.....mine was a dress by the time we were done:)

rest days are important

Today I'm back on track as far as numbers go. That's why I like having a rest day on sunday. It's like a reset button every week. I don't get bogged down in the all the self-criticism that comes with not fulfilling my numbers. I got up early and got my form reps done. Sure makes a difference doing things early as opposed to leaving them until you're late and tired.

Basic numbers: 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 miles

Acts of kindness: complimented a stranger, held the door for someone, helped someone who wasn't feeling well

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, an apple, a turkey and cheese sandwich, 2 mini brownies, and a doughnut. I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 7 glasses of water. I will probably have some seafood stew before bed too.

Forms seminar, sore muscles and memory loss

I am still recovering from Saturday’s Forms seminar, where I was learning Lao Gar for the first time (Thank you Sifu Wiebe). I was doing very well for learning the first portion and was fairly confident going into the evaluation. However, a funny thing happened once I actually started the form. I had been having problems learning the hand portion of the sequence, and was thinking of how to do it correctly. I remember turning into the second sequence, the double foot movement to cat stance, which is sometimes referred to (incorrectly) as the “Hippity-hop”, along with panther fist and check. I remember watching my hands and going “Hey, it worked, they went were they were supposed to”, then I thought about my feet. I had to check where they were, then I couldn’t remember whether I had moved them, or where they were actually supposed to be at that moment in time. I think that at the time my feet had gone to the correct position without conscious thought, but was unnerving because I then had to stop and figure out what I was to do next, which meant I was temporarily paralyzed as my conscious mind played catch up. I would like to think this is an anomaly, but is all too common when I first learn a form, then have to demonstrate it under stress. I know that I eventually will have my body learn it well enough that my conscious mind won’t mess me up, but it will take a lot of reps before that happens. So there is a brief glimpse into my mind.

Dennis Donohue   

Standing Up

I see myself as a quiet and reserved person most times.  When confrontation is in front of me I would much rather settle it quietly (or sometimes run in the other direction).  I don’t believe that everything has to be met with force or that there is only one side and believe that compromise of some sort is most times the best solution.  However, I also believe that there are those moments where a person has to stand up for what they believe and will do whatever necessary to protect those that they care about.

This past Saturday my son, our dog and myself were out for our morning walk when a neighbor’s dog flew out of the ditch and came at us.  This dog came so aggressively, crouched and ready to attack with the hair on the back of its neck standing straight up, ears flat and teeth out.  I pushed my son with our dog behind me and yelled at him to quickly move away while this dog continued to try to get around me and grab my leg.  This thing stayed 6 inches from the end of my kick and pushed me back almost 2 blocks before it reluctantly headed back to its own yard.  Why is a dog like this loose in a neighborhood?  What if my kids had been walking by themselves that morning?

After rushing home and a call to the County Emergency line (only to be greeted by a machine), I left my adrenaline sounding message and went back with my car.  Along the way I ran into a fellow neighbor walking and warned her, only to find out that this has happened before to herself and that there have been several complaints by those who live next door.  When the complaints were made, the couple were told they needed video footage to prove their case.  Really?  Who is going to think to first video an attack and then worrying about getting to safety later?  Why has something not been done?   What purpose do these bylaws serve if they don’t keep the community safe?  Where are the owners and why are they not being held responsible?

I’m afraid that this is not something I’m willing to just ‘let go.’  I could decide to just avoid that road and not officially make a complaint (which I will have to sign my name to and possibly make myself a target), but what about the next unsuspecting person who takes that path on their walk, run or bike?  How can I just turn a blind eye in order to avoid getting involved when someone may potentially get hurt?

So here I STILL wait for the call back from the County!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goals

     I try to re-read my goals for the year each week as a way to help me stay focused. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it slightly changes the direction I'm heading. Either way it helps. A bigger question now is "Will I accomplish what I said I would?"  To be on the positive side , I have not given up yet on any of my goals , I  just have to attack them in a different manner.
     Small deliberate steps are most likely the way to start , they should keep you from feeling overwhelmed at the beginning. Follow it with a plan that keeps you focused with a forward momentum and my list would gradually get smaller.
     I said this when I started and I say it now , but why is it so hard to do? Next year I think I will give myself a timeline to accomplish specific goals , that way with over half the year gone I won't be wondering if its all possible. The path to mastery for me is not an overnight trip with a final destination , it is a journey with no ending.

Scott Fuhr

Be Kind

Ahhh!    I hate mental illness. 

Make sure you're kind people, you don't know what battles they're dealing with. 

Everyone can see and understand a physical disability.  We tend to go out of our way to help them, such getting to door,  letting them go first, we feel sorry for their circumstance, etc. 

Not many people can see a mental disability, even fewer people understand it.  Hence we do very little or give two thoughts about why they are acting the way they are. Many times we pass judgement, they're a bad parent, why don't they discipline him, I wouldn't do that, if he can just control himself and so forth. 

Just because someone looks all right on the outside, it doesn't mean that they're alright on the inside. Make it a habit to be kind to everyone. 

http://wchoy74.blogspot.ca/2013/08/be-kind.html?m=1

vacation...#1

Its been awhile since I've blogged...and its midnight to boot, so this will be just a quick Hi I'm alive post. Lots of thoughts and things that have gone through my mind in the past few weeks, and I'll try to post on each separately. I kept up with pushups on my vacation...unwillingly I admit,since I plan my numbers to have the 2 weeks off, but being sihing and needing 26,000 in a short period kinda changed that. Just ask Sean when I jumped out of bed one night cause I forgot my last set before bed.... But I really enjoyed the break and I'm not looking forward to Sept--seems like summer just started and I just started having fun! Cant be fall already!! I really enjoyed having my daughter home from her dads (she lived with him this year in BC) and it was nice to see my parents when they all came up from BC..in the middle of boot camp. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Like realizing on sunday that we're leaving Monday for camping, not Wednesday.Like realizing today that we have another trip coming up this weekend that I thought I had a couple weeks to plan for. The summer is going wayyyy to fast!

fun weekend

hello everyone what a great weekend for me this week. I got to go to form seminar and learned a lot about myself and about a form i have been doing for awhile. I think that is one of the things that is so cool about martial art is that no matter how many time you can do a particular form you can always learn something new from it and about yourself. This time at the end when we all had to perform in front of everyone i felt like i was able to calm myself down way faster than before. i was still scared of doing, but i felt like  i was more in control than usual. Also i saw some other people do there forms in front of others for the first time. For me it was thinking how far i have come since i used to be like that, but at the same time giving me the inspiration to continue to moving forward and excited that there are people like me trying to conquer the same fear i have. And they have started there journey to more confidence. for me that is so awesome.

   The next day i just spent the whole day with my family and how good that was. we did not do much but we had fun together, and i would not trade that for anything in the world. anyways remember stay extraordinary.


228 Lbs


Sihing Langner

Forms seminar

The form seminar yesterday was really cool. I find it exhausting but I always learn new things. This year, even though I was instructing broadsword, I learned 2 new things about kempo. Just goes to show you that you always have things to learn about your forms. We had a really good student turn out. It was nice to see everyone. I know it's a long day, but it is so worth it. I was impressed by how many people came and pushed out of their comfort zones...very inspiring. I hope next year we have a good turn out as well. 

Today:

Basic numbers: rest day

Acts of kindness: fed a stray cat, looked around for lost-cat posters, watched Julia so Mike could have some down time.

I consumed: some banana bread french toast with potatoes and toast, some carrots and snap peas, fried fish with pineapple and a mint pea salad. I drank 7 glasses of water and 2 cups of coffee.

Yesterday: 

Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 101 crunches

Acts of kindness: made some snacks for others, helped at the forms seminar, let my brother sleep on my couch

I consumed: 2 cheese and cucumber sandwiches, a bagel with cream cheese, some grapes, carrots and snap peas, some noodles with brown toast and some pop chips (a chip alternative). I drank 7 glasses of water, 1 coffee, 2 glasses of wine and a beer.

Recompute

Another weekend winding down for me back to work after my holidays have come to an end. I had a very fun and relaxing time off and got a lot of things off of my long list of to do’s around the house. I for the most part just enjoyed hanging out with Judi and my boys each day. They really love having us both around together and the fun we had at the parks and in the backyard was something that I enjoyed the most. Each year by year we evolve, we make small or big changes in our life and for Judi and me each year is a big new adventure with so much going on. Last summer was great and this one was even a step beyond only because of our family and the fun we have. I constantly have been using the term recompute with Judi, since each day I still have to plan my training time and our family time out each day. I always like to be prepared so am always figuring if we do this then later I can do that and so on. Darn brain just never shuts down it seems. I’m not back to work yet and am already planning my next two weeks due to the massive amounts of things I want to accomplish before our school year begins. I know that yes if all is not done there is always later except but that never sits well with me. I’m always a lets work and get it done kind of guy instead of a lets work and see what happens person. I hear too much of that old phrase good enough and it makes me twitch. On Friday we started going over the Dragon dance once again for the Rotary Run for Life performance and should be nice to have everyone up to speed in the next couple weeks, not much time left I’m afraid. I also saw this past week Sifu Laurie posted on her Facebook page about putting together a team to run in the race. I think that would be great, even better if we could have some of our team to run together in it this year which would be fun, maybe something to discuss one day over our painting and cleaning week.

Sifu Bryant

My Blog

Before and After

I'm late! I forgot to post before we left on vacation! It was good to get out of the city and go to the mountains with the kids. The highlight of the trip was definitely Mud Heroes, we had a blast. Watching some team mates come through the final obstacle looking like a bog monster (Sifu Prince, Sihing Csillag and Mr. Donahue especially!) was something I will never forget.  It was challenging but really fun, especially if you like to get dirty, which I happen to love. We had a great group and I would love to see even more students from SRKF go next year. I'm pretty sure we have a 100% yes from everyone who went this time. Congrats to Sifu Darcy Regier and Brandon Regier for placing 126th and 128th (or somewhere very close to there) out of roughly nine thousand participants, and Brandon is 15! It was great to hang out with everyone casually as well, we really have a great group of people at Silent River.
      Back to school is right around the corner and I'm back to work Monday. It feels like I haven't been at the kwoon forever. I apologize for the missed practices, but I'm excited to get going on Dragon Dance again. Summer can be tough when everyone comes and goes, trying to take advantage of such a short season, when we need every team member to fulfill the dream of 2 dragons. I know that we will get back into our routine and pull together as a team as we always do... how can we not with such a great group.

Andrea Prince

Basic numbers

Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 74 kicks, 2 reps tai chi, 10 miles

Acts of kindness: held the door for someone x2, gave the dog a treat, let someone ahead of me in traffic

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, an apple, half a banana, some peas and carrots, a turkey and cheese sandwich, a bran muffin, some chicken with macaroni and tuna and some pop "chips" (chip alternatives). I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 7 glasses of water