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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Busy and tired

Tired. Work is crazy busy. Trying to keep up with my numbers.
Time for bed.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 102 pushups, 104 kicks, 2 reps tai chi, 2 reps broadsword, 8 miles

Acts of kindness: held the door for someone, brought cookies for someone, said thank you to 2 people

Today I consumed: a pastry, a banana, some snap peas and carrots, a turkey and cheese sandwich, some chicken with mixed veg, macaroni with tuna, olives and tomatos. I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 7 glasses of water.

Struggling

I've been struggling this last week or 2 to get my stuff done everyday. It seems like one week I'm right on top of things and things go so smoothly and then the next week I'm dragging my butt.
I'm sure it's the same for everyone. Gotta stay motivated!

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 8 miles

Acts of kindness: said thank you to someone, made small talk with a stranger on our dog walk, gave the dog a treat

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, a cheese and turkey sandwich, an apple, some carrots and sweet peas, a granola bar, some chicken strips with mixed veg and cottage cheese. I drank a cup of tea, a cup of coffee and 7 glasses of water.

lifetime ago

How did I ever have time to watch tv?
Seems like a lifetime ago now. I guess, really living in the moment for a whole year is kind of like a lifetime compared to couch-potatoeness

Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 156 kicks, 4 reps tai chi, 10 miles

Acts of kindness: chatted with the checkout lady, bought someone coffee, bought someone lunch, gave my cat and dog treats

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, a bowl of soup, 2 cookies, some macaroni with cheese and half a quisidilla with fries. I drank 2 coffees, 1 tea and 6 glasses of water.

Applicability of Kung-Fu

Super tired. Started a batch of experiments at work. This next month is going to be crazy busy with extra work stuff. I hope I manage to keep balance. I am really excited though too. We are working on some interesting stuff right now and I hope the experiments turn out as expected. Kung-Fu has totally helped my work, the discipline, the practicing, the eye for detail. Everything we learn at the kwoon is applicable to the rest of our lives outside of the kwoon. Mr Repay had some very inspiring things to say in this regard at the last meeting. Too bad so many people couldn't be there to hear it first hand. Guess you'll have to read his journal this month instead.

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

Acts of kindness: thanked a serving lady, bought a coffee for someone, made Mike lunch, gave the cat and dog treats, took Julia to see the cows.

Today I consumed: some oatmeal with raisons, cinnamon and sugar, some chilli, an apple, a granola bar, half a brownie, some chicken with broccoli and some rice crackers with cream cheese. I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 8 glasses of water.

Sunday August11

Totally forgot to post.

Basic numbers: Rest day, 2 miles

Acts of kindness: gave cat and dog treats, took Julia to church, got breakfast for Mike

Today I consumed: a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal with raisons, milk and sugar, some apple slices, a granola bar, 2 cookies, a breakfast sandwich from tims with a hash brown, some stew with bread, half a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and 7 glasses of water.

Bad week for numbers

Man, it's been hard to stay motivated this week in regards to numbers. Mike had the week off so my routine this week has changed. Not that that's an excuse, but it's thrown off my rhythm. The longer I'm in the I Ho Chuan, the more I realize that structure is the key. Now all I need is to work on my discipline so I stick to a routine!

We had our meeting today. Barely anyone was there but it was still a great meeting. I felt really good when I left. The main message was that we need to hold each other accountable, our personal successes and failures affect each member of the team so we need to be aware of the consequences of our actions or lack of action.

Renos are coming up too. I always have a good time. It's great to rub elbows with the rest of the school and the kwoon always looks great after.

Basic numbers: 4 reps tai chi, 153 pushups, 202 crunches, 156 kicks, 2 miles

Acts of kindness: gave some baby stuff away, gave the dog and cat treats, cuddled Julia when she was sad

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with raisons, milk, cinnamon and sugar, some mushroom soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, some saskatoon berries, a hotdog and bun, a granola bar and 3 cookies. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 2 cups of tea and 8 glasses of water

Sept 8!

Attendance at practices is starting to wane. I see the future of our double dragon dance slipping away. I thought having practices on Fridays would make it easier for everyone...but it's still hard to get enough people. I myself missed last weeks practice. We need to start stepping it up. We have the dance on Sept 8 and we need to look good. We need to start practicing for it. It's been in the back of my mind, but we've never had enough people/lion dancers it seems. Sihing Csillag did point out an issue though....we really need to get on this. I think, no matter who we have on Friday, we need to get something together. I originally thought we'd just do our Canada Day thing, but if we don't have the people, we'll have to modify it. Otherwise it will be a last minute scramble.

Basic numbers: 2 reps tai chi, 3 reps broadsword, 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 miles

Acts of kindness: smiled at a stranger, bought my boss a doughnut, helped a coworker

Today I consumed: an egg and a half with brown toast, an orange and a half, an apple, a peanut butter and jam sandwich, a doughnut, a personal size pizza, 1 coffee, 1 tea, half a glass of beer and 7 glasses of water.

Motorcycles and Kung-Fu

Got to ride on my brothers motorcycle tonight. Super fun. I haven't been on a bike in years. Makes me want to get one. Getting my bike licence is on my list of life goals....maybe I'll do it next summer.
I've noticed a lot of people at the kwoon drive bikes, maybe it's the type of people...a little bit out of the mainstream, a little bit into adrenaline too. Reminds me of that book "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance."I think motorcycles and Kung-Fu go together.

Basic numbers: 204 pushups, 156 kicks, 3.5 miles

Acts of kindness: made small talk with a stranger, let someone ahead of me in traffic, helped a coworker

Today I consumed: 2 bagels with cream cheese, an apple, an orange, some grapes, pinapple, honey dew mellon, a brownie, a turkey and cheese sandwich, 2 cookies, 1 cup of coffee, a cup of tea and 7 glasses of water.

Corporations

Watching an interesting canadian documentary on youtube. It's called "The Corporation". It examines the concept of corporations as being separate entities, like people almost. It's interesting. Such a crazy time we live in...so much consumption, people always wanting more. It can be hard to step back.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 3.5 miles

Acts of kindness: said thank you to the coffee lady, held the door for someone, bought a coffee for a lab-mate, let someone ahead of me in traffic.

Today I consumed: an apple, a piece of banana bread, a turkey and cheese sandwich, some tuna casserole and a bran muffin. I drank a cup of coffee, 2 cups of tea and 6 glasses of water.

Where is my pedometer?

Haven't been very great about recording my miles...have to get on that.

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 102 pushups, 101 crunches, 4 reps tai chi, 4 reps broadsword, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: held the door for someone, said thank you and chatted with the waitress, made Julia a nice breakfast, gave the cat extra lovins

Today I consumed: half an egg, half a piece of brown toast, half a bowl of cinimun raison oatmeal, a bowl of mushroom soup with a turkey and cheese sandwich, half an orange, some primerib with potatoe and half a piece of cheesecake. I drank 8 glasses of water, 3 cups of tea, a glass of wine and half a cup of bailey's with coffee.

Numbers over the last 3 days

Back from vacation. Really great, but now I can't find my phone....sucky.
Not so great for numbers...only got 4 reps of tai chi done over the weekend in total.
Back on the wagon tomorrow. It was cool doing my tai chi outside in the trees though.

Acts of kindness: took Julia to the park x5, carried the supplies for the hikes in my backpack, gave Romeo and Puck treats, said hi to a stranger x2, let Mike sleep in, made dinner, helped unload, got Romeo and Julia a timbit each

What I consumed: 2 smokies, 3 hotdogs (all with buns), some blueberries, an apple, 3 bowls of luckycharms and milk, 3 bagels with cream cheese, some bean goulash, a smore, some snack crackers, some chips (broke my no chip streak...sigh), some tuna pasta with olives and vegetables, 3 coffees, 1 cup of tea, 2 beer, 1 glass of wine and 28 glasses of water (it was hot!).

No internet..stay tuned

Won't have internet.
I'll post my blogs when I return.

Camping!

So busy these last few days preparing for our vacation. We are going camping for the long weekend in Drumheller. It will be Julia's first camping trip. We haven't taken a vacation in years so this will be so nice. Can't wait to get away.
Been hard trying to get my numbers in though...my routine has fallen apart and so I'm off track. I'll have to keep up on things while camping. Tai chi in the great outdoors!

Basic numbers: tai chi reps: 2, miles: 3

Acts of kindness: made Mike's breakfast and lunch, shared my food, helped load camping gear

Today I consumed: a bran muffin, a banana, a chocolate chip cookie, a pastry, some macaroni with olives and tuna, some stew with a couple of buns. I drank 2 cups of tea, half a cup of coffee, 6 glasses of water and a beer.