Almost 2014

It's been really nice having all this time off with my family, but it has thrown off the routine which has been hard. Things get back to normal next week. Hard to believe it's almost 2014. Seems like I get used to what year it is and then it changes again. Gotta get geared up for new years pushups and sit-ups. Should be good fun.

Basic numbers: 101 crunches, 204 pushups, 208 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 2 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat treats, played with Julia, made coffee for Mike, made dinner

Today I consumed: a banana, an orange, a bowl of oatmeal, some macaroni with toast, some bread with hummus, ham with salad and baked potato and some chips and salsa. I drank a cup of coffee, 8 glasses of water and a beer.

Blogging

On kwoon talk I've seen the horse team members gearing up for their blogging requirement. I hope they keep up on their blogging. It will be great for them to go back at the end of the year and see how far they've come...how much they've changed. If they are honest and focused on their training, their blogs will be very inspiring and helpful to all of us.

Basic numbers: rest day...3.2 miles, 1 dog walk

Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat, made a snack for Mike, visited a friend

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, a banana, a veggie burger with some fries, a handful of cheezies and some chips and salsa...shouldn't have eaten the cheezies:( Also ate an english muffin. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 8 glasses of water and a beer.

The tango fits

Had fun today at the kwoon tiling. We got a lot done, but we still have a couple days worth of work left. Sure is fun joking around with people. I like the tango music we used for Sifu Rybak's and Sifu Robinson's thing. Totally fits.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 208 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the cat and dogs treats, helped with tiling, made tea for everyone

Today I consumed: an orange, a banana, a boiled egg, half a muffin, one and a half turkey sandwiches, a donair and some onion rings. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 2 cups of herbal tea and 8 glasses of water.

unmotivated

Have a nasty cold...Mike and Julia are sick as well. I have been very unmotivated to train the last few days. Cooked Christmas dinner for the extended family yesterday and today just didn't feel well. I hope I'll feel better tomorrow. Even if I don't I'll have to do some training if I don't want to get to far behind. Only 1 month to go.

Basic numbers: 2 miles

Acts of kindness: let Mike get some extra sleep, cuddled Julia, gave the dog pets, made tea for everyone

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, an orange, half a muffin, half a pastry, 2 turkey sandwiches, a piece of pumpkin pie with whip cream.

Thanks Sihing Donahue!

Thanks for the comment Sihing Donahue...that's good to know. I'll have to start doing some massaging...just feels weird 'cause my arm is numb. What's a rebounder?

Basic numbers: 3 miles

Acts of kindness: made Christmas dinner for everyone, gave the dogs treats, played with Julia, made tea for someone, gave someone a gift

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, some apple slices, half an orange, some chips and salsa, a couple squares, turkey dinner with all the fixin's, 2 glasses of wine, 2 bailey's and coffees and 6 glasses of water

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone, and God bless you and your family too!
Hard to maintain the training routine today. I did do a few pushups though. As weird as it sounds, the pushups seem to help my shoulder when it's bothering me...also when my arm swells up. Seems to get everything moving and brings down the swelling.
Looks like tai chi and pushups will have to be daily activities long after my year is up.

Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 2 miles, a dog walk

Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, helped with dishes after dinner, gave gifts, made Mike some tea

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, 2 muffins, a banana, some turkey dinner (with all the fixins), a cup of coffee with baileys, a cup of tea and 6 glasses of water.

christmas eve

Christmas eve.
Super hectic.
Didn't practice.
Sigh.

Basic numbers: 3.4 miles

Acts of kindness: helped someone pick something up, let someone ahead of me in traffic, gave the pets treats, was kind to a stranger

Today I consumed: 2 cookies, a banana, some instant noodles with toast, a cup of coffee, a cup of hot chocolate and 7 glasses of water.

Mrs. Csillag...I got some pushups and situps for you:)

Got some sparring in during the advanced class tonight. That is one thing I've struggled with this year is to get sparring reps in. If I had advice to give the next year's team it would be to sign up for the San Sou class. Then you would get your reps in no problem. I wish I had done that right off the bat.
The San Sou class is great. I haven't been able to make it very often, but when I have it has been a great learning experience. Everyone there has a great attitude and it is a go-at-your-own-pace class so you don't have to worry about being intimidated by anyone. I think more people should go...especially girls.

Mrs Csillag, for your birthday I did 208 pushups and 202 crunches. I know it's not 1000, but I hope it helps! Happy birthday!

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 208 kicks, 30 minutes sparring, 3.3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave away some pushups and situps, gave the cat and dogs treats, helped make dinner, took Julia to see Santa, gave out some Christmas cards

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, some macaroni with beans and corn, some instant noodles with toast and some pork roast with potatoes and gravy. I drank a cup of coffee, 8 glasses of water and a beer.

training by eating

Rested today and took a break from training. One thing I've been thinking about is changing my diet some more. I remember Sifu Prince mentioning a book....the fighter's body or something. I think I might look it up. I don't think my body has been getting everything that it needs. Part of the issue is a lack of knowledge on my part. I should start figuring this stuff out. I'm going to start with that book I think. Try and start training by eating as well as training by doing.  If that makes sense.

Basic numbers: 2 miles

Acts of kindness: helped my sister, helped a friend, gave some people some gifts

Today I consumed: some perogies with sausage, an egg on toast, some onion, some chips and salsa with chicken fingers and some spring rolls. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 8 glasses of water and 2 eggnogs with baileys. 

hope

We had a really great practice today. We got a lot accomplished for the dance and it was a great way to leave off until the holidays. Everyone worked really hard and we had a great turnout, it was nice to see. It gave me hope that the dance will be really cool and have a dragon in it. Thanks to everyone who came out today and made it such a great practice.
Now you all better be there next practice ready to go!
And don't eat too much turkey between now and then:)

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 204 pushups, 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 4 miles

Acts of kindness: brought Mike a snack, made tea, danced with Julia, gave the dog a treat, cuddled the cat

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, some buns with cheese on top, a couple pieces of chocolate, a small cinnamon bun and cookie, an egg with a piece of bacon, a sausage, a potato patty and piece of toast. I drank 3 cups of coffee, 3 cups camomile tea and 7 glasses of water.

death throws of a dragon

So tonight we didn't have enough people again for the dragon. We had to get subs. Sifu Brinker said we might not have a dragon dance anymore and I see why.
Trying to get everyone to commit to the practices is like pulling teeth. I find it frustrating because there are a few hard core guys and when Sifu Brinker mentioned cutting the dragon, I saw how devastated they looked. The dragon is important. Not just because it looks cool, but because it brings people together.
I just wish people would say a straight up yay or nay. If you can't commit to the practices, fine...but then you say nay when we are putting together the team. If you say yay...you can't add any buts on there. It's all or nothing at this point.
We have about a month to get things together and we are sucking at it. We haven't even been able to run through the demo in it's entirety yet because no one is around.
This is our last month and this month defines our year because the Chinese new year banquet is what everyone sees in the end. That is what the school judges us by.

I hope our demo will be something we can all be proud of.

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 215 kicks, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat pets, made Mike lunch, helped my brother, organized Julia's toys for her

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, an apple, an orange, half a hard boiled egg, some macaroni with chickpeas and corn, a few toquitos and some pork roast with beans and potatoes. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 2 cups of tea, a cup of hot chocolate and 7 glasses of water.

Practice

It was disappointing that we almost didn't have enough people for dragon/lion practice tonight. I hope tomorrow we don't have to wait. It's hard to coordinate this many people and I know it's hard, especially around the holidays too. But it will be worth it. It's going to look awesome.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches/situps, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 97 laps rollerblading, a dog walk, 4 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat, took Julia for a sleigh ride with the dog, made Mike lunch

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, a boiled egg, an orange, an apple, some macaroni with chickpeas, some pork roast with gravy and green beans and a small donair. I drank 2 cups of coffee, a can of Dr. Pepper and 8 glasses of water.

Keep on going

So I'm trying to go hard and push for the last month, but some days, like today I just feel so sore and lazy. I don't feel like doing anything.
Almost took ibuprofen...haven't taken any for over  half a year now. I used to take it everyday for my back. I haven't needed it lately but since I started doing a lot of shoulder rolls with breakfalls and flying kicks, my back's been acting up. I think if I do better stretching that might help. I usually neglect that part of things and it's important.
Working on memorizing Mastery too. It's a good philosophy, I can see why Sifu Brinker wants us to take it to heart.

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword

Acts of kindness: made MIke lunch and breakfast, set up the Christmas tree, started knitting Julia a scarf

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, an orange, half an apple, some macaroni with green beans, some toquitos and nachos, 3 chocolates, 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.

Resting

Gave my back a rest tonight. The shoulder rolls and flying kicks were bugging it. I should be able to do some tomorrow.

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 202 crunches, 71 laps rollerblading, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword

Acts of kindness: let someone ahead of me in traffic, gave the cat treats, gave the dogs treats, made Mike lunch and breakfast

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, some apple slices, some macaroni with tuna and olives, some noodles with a bagel, some spaghetti with meat sauce. I drank 2 cups of coffee, a beer and 7 glasses of water.

awesome bruises

Went over my numbers on the weekend. If I push hard, I'll get most stuff done by the end of January.
I've got to stay focused though.
Wore through the skin on my ankle rollerblading so today I couldn't do as much, but I still did some.
One of the hardest things to get accomplished will be the sparring. Luckily Mike's agreed to go a few rounds with me. We sparred on Saturday. I lasted 5 minutes before he blasted my shin. Got a wicked awesome bruise.
Hopefully tomorrow I'll be healed enough so that he can lay another licken' on me:)

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 202 crunches, 1km rollerblading, 24 flying spinning back kicks, 24 flying side kicks, 36 shoulder rolls, 3.2 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dogs treats, pet the cat, played with Julia, helped my brother, made Mike lunch and breakfast

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, half a bagel sandwich with turkey and cheese, some taquitos, 2 coffees, a beer and 7 glasses of water.

Minimalism

I read Sifu Brinker's blog about minimalism...trying to eliminate his belonging to 100 things.
It's funny, when I first moved out on my own, everything I owned could fit in the back of a pickup truck. But the last time we moved, it took a lot of truck loads.
We do live in a consumerist culture for sure. It's hard not to get wrapped up in it.
I'll have to think about this more.

Basic numbers: rest day

Acts of kindness: gave the dogs and cat extra pets, played with Julia, visited a relative,

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some macaroni with tuna and olives, some strawberry rhubarb pie with ice cream, a couple of chocolates, 2 cups of coffee, 7 glasses of water and a beer.

Roller blading

Today I started roller blading around my house. Mike measured it out for me how many laps I have to do for a km. One of my goals this year was to rollerblade 100km. I tried rollerblading years ago but had a bad fall and was scared to try it again. Today was the first time I've tried it again. I survived! It helped having the walls and furniture to hold onto. Julia liked it too, she ran around the house behind me. So cute.

Basic numbers: 212 crunches, 215 kicks, 204 pushups, 12 shoulder rolls, 24 flying spinning back kicks, 24 flying sidekicks, 5 minutes sparring, 2km rollerblading,

Acts of kindness: gave the dogs treats, gave the cat treats, played with Julia, gave the dogs pets

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, some leftover pizza, some chicken with kiech. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 7 glasses of water and 2 beers.

form rep extravaganza!

I think this weekend I'm going to go hard on form reps. I want to try and get 100 done over the weekend. The tai chi broadsword will be doable, the tai chi though takes a long time.
 Maybe I'll mix it up, some fast and some slow. The tai chi is really fun to do fast sometimes. I know you're supposed to do it slow but it feels so good to power through it too. At any rate, my goal this weekend is to get in extra form reps.

Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 101 crunches, 51 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3.4 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the cat treats, gave the dogs treats, made MIke lunch, helped a lady at work, let a car in front of me

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, a pastry, a piece of banana bread, an orange, some blueberries, a pastrami and cheese sandwich, 4 pieces of pizza, 2 coffees and 8 glasses of water.

Exciting

Every year when Chinese new years rolls around (usually about Novemberish), things go into high gear and I feel like I live at the kwoon. Practice, practice, practice.
It's a really exiting time though. There is a buzz in the air around the candidates and the lion/dragon dance. I love being involved in it all. It does take a huge commitment though. I hope people realize that it's so worth the effort. The feeling you have after the night is over at the banquet is just incredible.

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3.3 miles, 1 doggy walk

Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me x2, made Mike lunch, gave the cat treats, gave the dogs treats x2, picked the dogs up some toys

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, a slice of banana bread, an orange, a cheese burger with fries and gravy, 3 chocolates, a slice and a half of chicken pot pie, 3 cups of coffee and 9 glasses of water.

Lost time

The last two classes in the beginner class we've been working on increasing and decreasing distance in a horse stance. We've specifically been working on getting our open-x stances low to the ground. I have to say that the white belts are starting to look pretty good. If they can get this down now, then they will have phenomenal stances later on. I sometimes wish I could turn back the clock. I remember how much time I wasted during my early training. If I had developed good practicing habits early on, I would have been a lot further ahead.
No crying over spilled milk though. Instead I'm trying to warn the next generation of Kung-Fu-ers about making the same mistakes I did and trying to make up for lost time myself.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 208 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3.2 miles, 1 doggy walk.

Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me x3, gave the cat and dogs treats, made Mike lunch

Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, a bowl of cheerios, a ham and cheese sandwich, an orange, a pastry, some perigees with bacon, 2 coffees and 8 glasses of water.

Dogs!

Bah! I hate it when our dog pees on the floor when we're gone. It's seems like we've tried everything and he still does it. So sick of cleaning up after him and having to toss stuff he's ruined. He's a good dog, just a messy one I guess.
I have been neglecting his walks this month which isn't good. One of my goals was to walk him once every day and I was doing great until this last little while. Life just got in the way and I fell out of the habit. Got to get back into it. He loves going for walks.
Time for a dog walk.

Basic numbers: 202 crunches, 156 kicks, 153 pushups, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me, helped someone at work, gave the dogs treats.

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, a brownie, a cookie, a ham and cheese sandwich, some chicken with potatoes and beets, 2 coffees, a beer and 8 glasses of water.

back on track...for now

Got back on track today.
Did some practice this morning before work and that really helped. Had fun shovelling with Mr. Wyndham after the beginner class too. It's so inspiring to see those guys get involved with the school so much. They are definitely on the right track. The blackbelt track.

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 208 kicks, 202 crunches, 204 pushups, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: pet the dogs, made MIke lunch, made my brother coffee, helped someone

Today I consumed: a boiled egg, a banana, an apple, a ham and cheese sandwich, some perogies with sausage and nachos with cheese. I drank 2 cups of coffee, 8 glasses of water and a beer.

why so early!?!

Bah!
Was totally lazy today.
Sigh.
On the plus side, I went to church today with Julia. One of my goals this year was to go to church every sunday. While I have missed quite a few sundays, this goal has reminded me how important it is. I think it's really important to bring Julia there. I want her to grow up with a knowledge of Christ like I did. That's something that's really important to me.
Unfortunately, sometimes sleep has taken priority. Why does church have to be so early!?!

Basic numbers: 1.5 miles

Acts of kindness: got breakfast for Mike, took Julia to church, complimented someone, congratulated someone,

today I consumed: a tims breakfast sandwich and hash brown, a grilled cheese sandwich with mushroom soup, an apple and a piece of chocolate and some green beans. I drank a cup of coffee, a beer and 7 glasses of water.

meeting

Had the monthly meeting today. It was neat to see some of the Horse Team members there. I wonder what they thought of the whole thing. I know many of them are returning members but some are completely new. I think they will brig a great perspective to the whole thing in the coming year.

Basic numbers: rested

Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, pet the cat, gave the dogs belly rubs

Today I consumed: a tims breakfast sandwich and hash brown, a bowl of tomato soup and some chicken with cabbage and pasta. I also had a piece of chocolate cake. I drank 4 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.

Kempo-fying

This week has seemed so long. Need more sleep.
So much stuff to get done before the year is over. People's stuff is coming along. I saw some neat tricks today and Sifu's Rybak and Robinson's thing is looking pretty cool.
My broadsword isn't feeling so great though. It's really hard to do a tai chi form fast. I've been to kempofy it, but so far it's been challenging. Need to get it sorted out before chinese new year.

Basic numbers: 5 reps tai chi, 3 reps broadsword, 202 crunches, 153 pushups, 208 kicks, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: let a car in front of me, gave the dogs a treat, made Mike's lunch

Today I consumed: a breakfast sandwich, a turkey and cheese sandwich, some instant noodles with toast, 3 pieces of leftover pizza, I drank a cup of coffee, a glass of pop, a beer and 7 glasses of water.

tai chi

One of the great things I've gotten out of tai chi this year is feeling my chi more. When I do my form now my hands get all tingly and I feel my body moving as one fluid unit. It's so cool. This doesn't happen all the time, but I get glimpses of it once in a while and those glimpses inspire me to keep practicing so I can feel that feeling again. That's what drives me to keep practicing tai chi, that and the whole no-more-aches-and-pains thing.

Basic numbers: 208 kicks, 204 pushups, 202 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dogs treats, gave the dogs extra pets, helped my brother, made Mike lunch

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, a tomato and cheese sandwich, a chocolate, a bite of sausage, some pizza with a wing and a slice of chocolate cake and some noodles and toast. I drank 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.

Time is going fast

Long day. Car trouble.
Oh well, life goes on I guess.
I can't believe it's December already. I remember thinking, "man, I still have so far to go." And now it's like "BAM!" your already on the home stretch. It is a relief but sad too. I'm running out of time.

Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 101 crunches, 102 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 2 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat, made MIke's lunch, helped a family member, played with Julia

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some noodles with sausage and olives and some spaghetti with meat sauce and 2 chocolates. I drank 2 cups of coffee, a beer and 9 glasses of water.

Basic numbers

Last day of working late! Hopefully for a long time.
Got some practice in tho: consumedugh which was nice.

Basic numbers: 101 crunches, 204 pushups, 208 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword

Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat, made Mike lunch, pet the dog, gave Julia a treat

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of carrot cake, some perigees with chicken sticks and corn, some instant noodles with toast and a cookie. I drank 2 cups of coffee, a beer and 8 glasses of water.

Practiced hard

Practiced hard tonight. It was fun. Threw on some music after Julia went to bed and got to work. I feel really pumped now. I think yesterday was a good reset for me. Having a rest day is really important. It gives you a day to rest your muscles and to do other things that you don't have time for during the week (like fiddlin'!). The trick is that you have to keep it the same day every week; I picked Sundays.
 It gives me a day to reset before going hard for the rest of the week.

Basic numbers: 204 pushups, 202 crunches, 208 kicks, 5 reps tai chi, 5 reps broadsword, 3 reps of chucks, 4 reps of cane (striking and blocking sequences), a dog walk and 3.5 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the cat and dog treats, made Mike lunch, gave Julia a treat, helped some people in lab

Today I consumed: a piece of carrot cake, a breakfast sandwich and hashbrown from tims, an apple, some spaghetti with meat sauce, 2 coffees, 9 glasses of water

still strummin'

Still practicing the violin. I've been learning a polka. I can't play it very fast yet, but it's coming. Not watching T.V anymore has definitely given me more time for other things.
It's neat doing things you always thought of doing but never actually did. I wonder what kind of things the Horse team members are going to accomplish next year. From what I've heard, some of the goals are pretty amazing.

Basic numbers: rest day

Acts of kindness: helped someone move something, did some cleaning for someone, made a nice dinner

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, a piece of carrot cake, some macaroni with green beens and olives and some spaghetti with meat sauce. I drank a cup of coffee, a beer and 7 glasses of water.

sword fun

I've been learning some new tricks with my broadsword. Trying to do more floppy type stuff. It's fun playing around with it. It gives you new inspiration to keep practicing. I'm working on around the neck and also over the shoulder. It's difficult but looks cool. Next I want to work on the behind the back toss.  Hopefully I don't kill my self....maybe it's time to break out the old wooden practice sword for a bit.

Basic numbers: 1 rep tai chi, 153 pushups, 3.5 miles, 15 kicks

Acts of kindness: complimented someone, helped someone, made Mike's lunch, gave the cat some snuggles

Today I consumed: 2 pieces of nuttella toast, 2 oranges, some beans with toast, a saigon sub with veg and fries, a handful of popcorn and a few skittles. I drank a cup of coffee, 7 glasses of water and 2 beer.