Goodbye little friend

We had to put Princess down today.
She was suffering and it was time to let her go.
I miss her. It's so hard to let pets go. She was the best cat ever. It's hard to accept her passing, but I know that at least now she's not suffering. Still so sad though.
I'm giving my other cat extra pets.


Today I consumed: a blueberry muffin, a meat and cheese sandwich, a banana, a doughnut, some pasta, a coffee, 4 cups of tea and 3 glasses of water

Cool video

The beginner class continues to totally amaze me. Mr MacDonald made a video about the charity Malawi Girls on the Move.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu56Gbttoo

If anyone would like to donate, you can do so here:
http://silentriver.org/silentriverbenea.html

Just goes to show you that everyone can make a difference

Today I consumed: a blueberry muffin, half an orange, a meat and cheese sandwich, 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, some stew and 2 buns with butter. I drank 4 glasses of water, 5 cups of tea and 1 coffee.

Sunday....

Taking Princess to the vet tomorow. Hopefully they fix her up.
Thinking about the demo too. Trying to go over the fight sequence in my head so I don't mess up next practice. The last part always gets me. I'll really have to work on it.

Today I consumed: a blueberry muffin, a bacon and eggs breakfast with potatoes and toast, some beef stew with 2 buns and some angel food cake with berries and whip cream. Oh and some bread pudding. I drank a pot of tea and 4 glasses of water.

Saturday training then relaxing

Nothing much to say. Princess is still really sick. Probably going to take her back to the vet on Monday. I hope she makes it through this one. I feel so helpless. I wish I could do more for her.
Had a good training session earlier, now just relaxing a little bit, trying not to think about worse-case scenarios.

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, a hotdog, some toquitos, an orange, some apple slices, 5 glasses of water, 3 cups of tea and 2 beers.

Early rising

This week was awesome rep-wise. Every day this week I managed to get all my form reps done before Julia got up. Doing tai-chi as the sun rises is kinda cool. I've also been able to hear the morning birdsongs too which is so nice. It's been really nice actually. A very calming way to start the day. I also don't feel so frantic about all the stuff I have to get done and I've been able to go to bed early.

Sifu Brinker was right....as usual. This morning stuff is the way to go.

Today I consumed: 2 oranges, 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, some instant noodles with toast and 2 helpings of cassarole. I drank 3 cups of tea, 4 glasses of water and 1 beer.

Great practice session

Tonight we practiced for the demo and it was really fun. We still have a long way to go but I think we're on the right track. I'm excited.

Today I consumed: 2 blueberry muffins, a meat and cheese sandwich, an apple, a candy, some tikka misalla with rice and I drank 3 cups of tea, 4 glasses of water and 1 beer with dinner.

Nothing new

Nothing much to say today.

I consumed: 2 blueberry muffins, some noodles with toast, half a banana and some biscuit cassarole. I drank 4 cups of tea and 4 glasses of water

Self discipline

Our kitty is getting better slowly. Poor thing.
I had another coffee today....kind of rebelled against the whole "no coffee" thing. My thought process was pretty immature....."why shouldn't I have a coffee?....why did I give it up again?....it's almost the end of April anyway so why does it matter?....everyone else is having a coffee!"
Total self-sabatoge.
Disciplining yourself to do or not do something when your the one holding yourself accountable is so hard! At least if you go home and get in trouble from someone, that's a bit of a deterant. But I can't really yell at myself with the same effect.
This is what Kung-Fu has to do with giving up coffee...it's the self-discipline.
Gotta work on that.


Today I consumed: a blueberry muffin, half a banana, an apple, a meat and cheese sandwich, a granola bar, a bagel with cream cheese and a steak dinner. I drank a coffee, a thermos of tea, 2 glasses of water and 1 beer

Happy place

Today was kind of a stressful day. Our cat is sick so this morning I had to rush her to the vet. She's been having ear infections for the past year. At least this time the vet seemed to notice something. She has an abscess in her ear canal. Hopefully the antibiotics will help clear it up. If not...surgery:(

I did manage to get my reps all done...including the tai chi. It is a nice feeling to know that even though today didn't go quite as planned, I still managed to maintain a little bit of control. Doing my reps makes me feel in control of my life. Even if things around me are going crazy, I can still decide to do a set of pushups or do my form. And during that time I can shut the world out for a few minutes and go to my happy place. Who would have thought that pushups would become my happy place? 

Today I consumed: 2 blueberry muffins, a banana, a salami and cheese sandwich, a candy, and I'm going to have a chili n cheese dog. I drank 5 glasses of water and 5 cups of tea.

Oh coffee!

I need to go over my numbers again. I have been writing them down more or less but I haven't been adding them up. I think that is a bit of a mistake. I think it would be more motivational if I totalled it every day. I think it would make me feel guilty too if I wanted to slack off.
I bought a watch today with an alarm so that I remember to do my kicks during the day. I've also started doing my forms in the morning before Julia gets up. That's been a life-saver. I want to continue that this week.
I drank a cup of coffee again today. Giving up coffee has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I thought giving up MacDonalds was hard, but you have to drive there to get it. Coffee is everywhere and everyone serves it. I had a cup at my mother-in-laws today for breakfast. It was delicious. But my stomach hurt shortly after....bad sign. Tea doesn't seem to bother me. I'm trying to switch over, but it has been really hard. It's funny because if you would have asked me which was harder before all this started, I totally would have said MacDonalds.

Today I consumed: 3 pancakes, a piece of bacon, some macaroni and cheese, some butternut squash ravioli and some popcorn and a doughnut. I drank 3 glasses of water, 1 cup of coffee and 4 cups of tea.

Out of the comfort zone

Open training was really fun today. Mr. Leung and I are coming up with a fight choreography for the demo. We decided to use weapons so he has two eskrima sticks and I have my broadsword. So far it's turning out really cool I think. And it sounds awesome too which is a bonus. It's interesting working with someone new. Usually for things like this I've always partnered up with the other Sifu Playter. Partnering with someone different for choreography, especially involving weapons is a bit out of my comfort zone. But, I think it's good for me to experience new people. I've already been learning a lot and I'm really enjoying it. It definitely is a different dynamic though. When I work with Sifu Playter, he is the more experienced one and I look to him for guidance a lot. But with Mr. Leung, I'm the more experienced one so it's a bit of a shift that way. But I have to admit, Mr Leung is doing really well. I think back to when I was an orange belt and there would have been no way I would have been able to put together a demo like this. It's inspiring for me to see people who don't have as much experience being willing to put themselves out there like that. It reminds me how important it is to expand our comfort zones.

Today I've consumed: 2 pieces of butter toast, 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, a cheese and tomato sandwich, a candy and I'm going out for dinner tonight. I've drank 4 cups of tea, 2 glasses of orange juice and 2 glasses of water so far.

Smoothies....hmmmmm

Yes, I should try smoothies for sure...even got the blender.

Today I consumed: half a cinnamon bun, some candy, a chicken sandwich, some meat loaf with veggies and potatoes and some nachos. I drank a pot of green tea and 4 glasses of water.

What did I eat today?

Today I ate half a cinnamon bun, a sandwich, 3 carrots, a brownie and some french fries. I drank a pot of tea, 1 coffee and 4 glasses of water.

Not the best of diets I guess....but I did eat some veggies today at least!

Got my numbers in!

Yesterday and today I was right on track! Awesomness!
Although last night at the movies I did have a pop which was part of my no-junk food or MacDonalds thing. Boo!
It didn't even taste that good:(

Today I consumed: a peice of peanut butter and jam toast, some casserole, a bagel with cream cheese and some pasta with sausage and veggies. I drank 3 cups of tea and 4 glasses of water.

Night out!

So tonight I'm going to a movie with my little brother. I'm really excited. It's going to be so nice to get out and de-stress a little. My little brother's pretty cool and it'll be nice to spend some time with him.
I even finished all of my stuff for the day so nothing's waiting for me when I get home.
Ya!

Today I've consumed: some biscuit casserole, a cinnamon bun, some mac n cheese, a bun and 2 gummies. I drank 2 cups of tea and 5 glasses of water. I'm probably gonna have theatre snacks too.

Struggling

I'm falling behind. I've had so much to do at work...some family issues to deal with and just life in general. The only thing I'm keeping up on is my pushups. I always feel like I'm telling myself "tomorrow I'll catch up, I have a day off and I'll get it done" but then life comes along and fills my day with unexpected things.
But then I get to thinking about what I have accomplished. I've been walking Romeo everyday and he loves it. I read to Julia all of the time and it's great. I've also been blogging more now than I ever have. Sure I'm behind, but I'm also ahead in so many ways.
I'm so thankful that I'm doing this. I know I'm stressed out and I feel bad about not setting a good example for others, but I'm still moving forward. Every pushup I do is an accomplishment that I wouldn't have done if I wasn't focused on the I Ho Chuan.

So ya, I need to pull up my socks for sure, but I also realize that I am making progress.

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of peanut butter raison toast, a carrot muffin, a cheese and tomato sandwich, an apple, some bread with hummus and some biscuit casserole. I drank a thermos of tea and 4 glasses of water. Still no coffee....my tummy's been feeling great....sigh...might have to be a permanent thing.

An apple a day.......

Julia ate an apple today. It was her first time eating a whole one. She really liked it. She got a big smile on her face and had juice all over her chin. It's so much fun seeing her try knew things. I really enjoy seeing her progress. I have to say she is one of the greatest joys of my life! She inspires me to be a better person and when I see her running about with boundless energy, it makes me want to be active too. Man to have all that energy again!

Today I consumed: half a waffle, a fish stick with some fries and some cheese and crackers. I drank 7 cups of tea and 3 glasses of water.

Great Meeting

Today we had our I Ho Chuan meeting. A few people really opened up about what they're going through. One person is really struggling with an illness in the family. I feel terrible for them. I know that when I was really sick, it was so hard not to be stressed out all the time. I think it was a lot harder on my parents and family though. It was harder for them because there was nothing they could do about it. I felt like at least by doing treatments I was doing something about it. If your the caregiver, you can't really. You have no control over the situation. So while you watch your loved one suffering, you feel powerless. That's a difficult thing to go through. I feel bad so bad for them.
I wish there was something I could do.

Today I consumed: a cheese and tomato sandwich, a muffin, half a pastry and I'm oin to a birthday party so I'l probably eat more there. I drank 3 cups of tea and 3 glasses of water.

Assignment done!

All finished and handed in! Even managed to sqeeze in my I Ho Chuan class. I totally needed the break! I felt great after...so revitalized. It gave me the energy I needed for the final push. I always find that class so inspiring. Everyone is starting to look so cool!
Thanks guys for brightening my day!

Today I consumed: a blueberry muffin, a cheese and tomato sandwich, some macaroni with peas and some noodles with veggies and chicken. Oh and a couple of small cheese pastries. I drank 2 pots of tea and 6 glasses of water.

Up late...already the next day

So, I procrastinated on a big assignment. I was up late last night (I guess this morning now) working on it. Had a bit of a nap too. So tired, but it's almost done. Why do I do this to myself? Argh!
But, still no coffee! Just lots and lots of green tea.


Today I consumed: a peice of peanut butter raison toast, a cheese sandwich, a banana, a muffin, some gummies, some noodles with veggies and some butter chicken with rice. I drank probably 3 pots of tea, 6 glasses of water.

Nothing much to say

Today I consumed: 2 peices of peanut butter raison toast, a large ham and cheese sandwich from Tims with some soup, 2 gummies, some beans with toast and some cheese pastries. I drank 4 cups of tea and 3 glasses of water.

feeling good

I have to say, I feel in pretty good shape right now. I mean I'm not going to win the iron man or anything, but considering where I was a year ago, I feel fantastic. The fall I had on the weekend did hurt, but I was able to bounce back pretty quick. The pushups have really been helping my shoulder too. It's not so much the strength part that they have been helping with, but the flexibility. Every time I do a pushup, I stretch out that shoulder. I have way more mobility and far less pain now than I did a year ago. I think about the doctor at the cross cancer who said I shouldn't even stir soup with that arm anymore. She was concerned I would develop lymphodema. I understand her concerns, but I think I've been far better off trying to strengthen it up.
So while I may be behind in a lot of aspects, my body has benefited greatly from doing this stuff. As much as I hate to admit it I think the tai chi has been helping too. I've noticed my back doesn't hurt nearly as much as it used to. I used to take ibuprofen at least once a day, but now I barely ever have to. I think that's from all the tai chi.
I feel depressed about some of my numbers, but then I think about how much better I feel now and how strong I'm getting and I just want to push on. Thanks I Ho Chuan!

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of raison peanut butter toast, a cheese sandwich, a banana, a handful of graham cookies, a ham and cheese tea biscuit, some shrimp pasta with veggies, a pot of tea, 1 COFFEE  (sigh) and maybe 4 glasses of water.

Form rep woes

I'm finding it very difficult to get my form reps in. I really have to try and get on this.


Today I consumed: half a cinnamon bun, a bacon and eggs breakfast with half a waffle, a banana, an orange, 2 pieces of raison bread toast with peanut butter and some past with shrimp and veggies. I drank a pot of tea and 4 glasses of water.

Totally biffed

Took Romeo to the dog park today with my brother and my nieces. My brother has a beautiful English Mastif. She'd huge. When Rom and her get to playing though it can be dangerous. They get running and it's like a freight train. The took my brother out and then me. They got me from behind and took me out at the knees. Did the whole splat thing on the ground. I don't even know if I did a breakfall. Probably would have made a funny video.

Today I consumed: a cinnamon bun, 2 pieces of peanut butter raison toast,  bacon and eggs with toast and hash browns, some shepards pie, 4 glasses of water, 3 cups of tea, 1 beer and NO COFFEE!

Stupid coffee

Today wasn't the best day. Ended up having coffee without even realizing it at first. Went to the coffee shop to meet with family...got coffee out of habit. Drank a cup before I realized what I was drinking. Have to start being more mindful.

Today I consumed: a bran muffin, a candy, some chocolate eggs, some macaroni and cheese, a little poutine, some chicken rice and peas, 2 cups of coffee, a cup of tea and 4 glasses of water.

Pandamonium coming soon

Tonight we had a meeting to discuss the pandamonium stuff. I have to say I find the event a little overwhelming. Our team is blessed to have so many skilled people committed to making this year a success. I agree with Sifu Brinker though about trying to get the students involved to.
This is an empathy project, not a fundraising project. I find it hard sometimes not to focus on the money. After all, we need to raise a significant sum to support things like the Malawi girls going to school. But I'm glad that we were reminded about the true purpose behind it. Learning to relate to others and see things from their point of view is important, not just for touchy-feely reasons, but for  Kung-Fu reasons too. In Kung-Fu you need to be able to relate to your opponent if you are going to read them properly and predict their behaviour. Empathy has a real in-your-face importance when it comes to self-defense.
I think it's important too that we teach our student's to get involved in projects they are passionate about.   These charities are causes that we as a school believe in. We believe that everyone should get a chance to go to school. We think animals should be treated with dignity and respect. We want everyone to have a full tummy when they go to sleep. We believe that all children should be able to get around with ease and not be held back by a disability.
I think Sifu Brinker is right though, the passion has to start with us as instructors. If we are passionate, we can inspire others through that passion. If we let our passion for these causes wane, then no one is going to take notice. If no one notices, nothing will ever change.


Today I consumed: a bran muffin, 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches, some tuna with crackers, half a chicken quesidilla with fries and veggies, 3 cups of tea, 5 cups of water and NO COFFEE!

Fail #2

So I broke down and bought an ice-cap at work today. I had to work late so I told myself it was justified. Kicking the coffee thing is proving difficult.
I'll have to try harder tomorrow.
On the plus side, tonight is the last night I have to work late so I should be able to start coming to the Thursday practices with everyone.
On the negative side, I have a big project due next week so this weekend is looking like a work weekend:(

Time to go do a set of pushups....it's  been so hard getting my stuff done on Thursdays. Hopefully now that will change.

Today I consumed: 2 peices of peanut butter and jam toast, 3 carrots, a cucumber, some kiwi, half a bunwich, half a pita wrap, some little snack veggies, a half a muffin, 4 toquitos, 6 mugs of water, 1 ice-cap and 1 beer.

Made it!

So I managed to go an entire day without coffee! I have to say my tummy feels a lot better. I drank hot water and it actually was ok.
Tomorrow I'm back at work though so it will be harder not to drink coffee. There is a bit of a coffee culture at the university so it will be a challenge. Mrs Donahue showed me that dandilion-coffee-substitute stuff and it actually tasted all right. I might have to give it a try.

Today I consumed: 1 and a half bran muffins, a cheese burger (home bbqd!), some mac and cheese (organic too!), half a banana, some chocolate mini eggs, a tomato and cheese sandwich and some graham crackers (organic!). I drank 8? glasses of water....didn't keep track very well but I drank a lot!

Fail!

I made it until this afternoon and then I broke down and bought a cup of coffee.
It was delicious.
Back on the wagon tomorrow.

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, 2 peices of leftover pizza, an apple, a doughnut, some mini-eggs, half a granola bar, half a cheeseburger (Mike bbqd!), some strawberries with a little cake, and I'm having some shepard's pie before bed. I drank 2 mugs of tea, 1 cup of coffee (sigh) and about 5 glasses of water.

Diet challenge

So I'm going to do the diet challenge this month in response to Mrs Donahue posting about the diet blog site. I've decided for this month I'm going to give up coffee. I love coffee, but lately it's been upsetting my stomach. I think all the medication has finally worn my tummy out and I can no longer just eat or drink whatever I want. I think it's going to be hard though. I look forward to my mug on the way to work.
Giving up MacDonalds has shown me that I can change my diet, it's just a matter of sticking to what you believe in. If you truly want to change something, you can.
Guess I'll see how this goes.....

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of peanut butter and jam toast, one and a half bananas, half a roast beef sandwich, a granola bar, 2 cookies, some chocolate, a slice of pizza and some shepards pie with a bun. I drank two big mugs of coffee, four glasses of water and I'm having a beer with my shepards pie.