Today was my last day at the university. Monday I start my new job. I'm still doing my PhD, but now I'll be doing it through work at the geological survey. The lab group I work with threw a little pizza party for me which was really nice. It's nice to know I'll be missed.
I'm looking forward to next week, but I'm nervous too. I wonder how the schedule will be for my training.
No longer just a grad student....now I've got a big person job:)
Basic numbers: 51 pushups (yesterday), 102 pushups today, 102 crunches, 3 reps tai chi part 2 1 rep broadsword right, 3 miles
Acts of kindness: complimented someone, held the door for someone, played with Julia
Today I consumed: 3 pieces of buttered toast, a cucumber and ham sandwich, 2 pieces of pizza, 3 cupcakes, some leftover casserole with broccoli and some blueberries. I drank 3 coffees and 8 glasses of water.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Fiddle time!
Got some practicing in today which was good. I didn't get any practice in yesterday and ended up not blogging too. I find that now, since I'm not in the I Ho Chuan, if I don't get any practicing in then I don't blog bad habit.
On a plus side though, tonight I made a breakthrough with my fiddle playing. I was able to play the whole song and it sounded like a song! Making some progress.
Basic numbers: 51 sit-ups, 102 pushups, 52 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 1 dog walk, 5 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, gave the cat a treat, gave the dog a new toy, made MIke lunch and coffee
Today I consumed: 3 coffees, 8 glasses of water, a piece of peanut butter and jam toast with fruit, a ham and cheese sandwich, a banana, 2 peanut butter cookies, some pasta with chicken and 2 pieces of toast.
On a plus side though, tonight I made a breakthrough with my fiddle playing. I was able to play the whole song and it sounded like a song! Making some progress.
Basic numbers: 51 sit-ups, 102 pushups, 52 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 1 dog walk, 5 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, gave the cat a treat, gave the dog a new toy, made MIke lunch and coffee
Today I consumed: 3 coffees, 8 glasses of water, a piece of peanut butter and jam toast with fruit, a ham and cheese sandwich, a banana, 2 peanut butter cookies, some pasta with chicken and 2 pieces of toast.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Progress
Long day. Got some practicing in though so that was good. Haven't had time to get some tea, but today I had tea at work instead of coffee which was good. Making progress slowly I guess.
Basic numbers: 102 pushups, 153 sit-ups, 3 reps tai chi part 1, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 3 miles, 1 dog walk
Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me, gave the dog and cat treats x 2, played with Julia, did some chores
Today I consumed: a piece of peanut butter and jam toast, some blueberries, 2 bananas, a ham and cheese sandwich, half a brownie, some sausages and perogies with veggies. I drank 1 cup of coffee, 2 teas and 7 glasses of water.
Basic numbers: 102 pushups, 153 sit-ups, 3 reps tai chi part 1, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 3 miles, 1 dog walk
Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me, gave the dog and cat treats x 2, played with Julia, did some chores
Today I consumed: a piece of peanut butter and jam toast, some blueberries, 2 bananas, a ham and cheese sandwich, half a brownie, some sausages and perogies with veggies. I drank 1 cup of coffee, 2 teas and 7 glasses of water.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Thanks Miss Gibbons!
Thanks for the heads up Miss Gibbons! I will check that out. I think your right that I just need to find a replacement for coffee.
I got back from out of town and had a nice weekend with the family. Time to get back into the swing of things practice wise tomorrow though. It's crazy, but I start my new job a week from now. I'm pretty nervous. I even had to go buy some new clothes....
That will certainly throw a wrench in my routine, but in the long run I think it will be better because I will have a consistent schedule. It is sure going to be a big change though.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat treats, took the dog for a car ride, made pancakes
Today I consumed: 2 pieces of toast and and egg with a banana, some popcorn, some sausages with perogies and veggies, 2 cups of coffee, 9 glasses of water
I got back from out of town and had a nice weekend with the family. Time to get back into the swing of things practice wise tomorrow though. It's crazy, but I start my new job a week from now. I'm pretty nervous. I even had to go buy some new clothes....
That will certainly throw a wrench in my routine, but in the long run I think it will be better because I will have a consistent schedule. It is sure going to be a big change though.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat treats, took the dog for a car ride, made pancakes
Today I consumed: 2 pieces of toast and and egg with a banana, some popcorn, some sausages with perogies and veggies, 2 cups of coffee, 9 glasses of water
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Out of town hard on the practicing
I didn't get any practice done tonight. I was just so wiped after the day. Worked all day, grabbed a quick bite and then more work. How do the regular out of towners do it? It must be so hard.
Basic numbers: 3 miles
Acts of kindness: drove, made the lunches, brought the warehouse guys doughnuts
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, 2 oranges, a ham and cheese sandwich, a yogurt, some carrots and peas, some cottage cheese with blueberries, 2 hotdogs and some more peas. I drank 3 coffees and 8 glasses of water.
Basic numbers: 3 miles
Acts of kindness: drove, made the lunches, brought the warehouse guys doughnuts
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, 2 oranges, a ham and cheese sandwich, a yogurt, some carrots and peas, some cottage cheese with blueberries, 2 hotdogs and some more peas. I drank 3 coffees and 8 glasses of water.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Thanks for the advice everyone!
First night in Ft. St John, B.C. now begins a long week of work. Yay.
I hope I get everything done that I'd like to. It would take some pressure off.
I think I'll take Sifu Prince's advice and go to David's tea when I get back.
Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 51 situps, 3 reps tai chi part 1
Acts of kindness: did some driving, paid for food, helped someone
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, a chicken wrap with soup, some carrots with peas, cottage cheese and pepperoni. I drank 3 coffees and 9 glasses of water.
I hope I get everything done that I'd like to. It would take some pressure off.
I think I'll take Sifu Prince's advice and go to David's tea when I get back.
Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 51 situps, 3 reps tai chi part 1
Acts of kindness: did some driving, paid for food, helped someone
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, a chicken wrap with soup, some carrots with peas, cottage cheese and pepperoni. I drank 3 coffees and 9 glasses of water.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
heading out
Had a nice weekend with the family. Tomorrow I have to head out of town for a bit so that sucks. I'll be doing my practising in a hotel room.
It was nice just to kick back for a bit. Now I have to hit it hard though. I have A LOT of work to get done this week.
Time to go.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat and pets, played with Julia, did some chores
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with raisons, some macaroni with cheese, a chocolate, some pizza with carrots and chicken wings. I drank 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
It was nice just to kick back for a bit. Now I have to hit it hard though. I have A LOT of work to get done this week.
Time to go.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: gave the dog a treat and pets, played with Julia, did some chores
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with raisons, some macaroni with cheese, a chocolate, some pizza with carrots and chicken wings. I drank 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
work in progress
Trying to work on my roundhouses....I'm trying to get them high so I can kick people in the head...or at least higher than their thigh:) Being small, I need to kick higher.
Work in progress.
Basic numbers: 102 situps, 104 pushups, 102 roundhouses, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 3 reps tai chi part 4, 1 dog walk, some stretching and a lot of school work
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat a treat, made Mike lunch and coffee, helped a coworker, took the dog for a walk
Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, half a doughnut, some instant noodles, some leftover spaghetti with meat sauce, 2 pieces of bread and 2 chocolates. I drank 2 coffees:( a tea and 8 glasses of water.
Work in progress.
Basic numbers: 102 situps, 104 pushups, 102 roundhouses, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 left, 3 reps tai chi part 4, 1 dog walk, some stretching and a lot of school work
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat a treat, made Mike lunch and coffee, helped a coworker, took the dog for a walk
Today I consumed: a bagel with cream cheese, half a doughnut, some instant noodles, some leftover spaghetti with meat sauce, 2 pieces of bread and 2 chocolates. I drank 2 coffees:( a tea and 8 glasses of water.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
bedtime
Time for bed.
Coffee thing still a struggle. I need to go buy some tea I actually like. That will probably make things easier.
Stretched, studied and practiced though which was good.
Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 101 crunches, 3 reps tai chi part 3, 2 reps broadsword right, 2 left, 3 miles, 5 minutes stretching, 2.5 hours studying.
Acts of kindness: gave the cat and dog treats, made Mike lunch and coffee, made dinner
Today I consumed: a boiled egg with some grapefruit and cheese, a ham and cheese sandwich with a bunch of fruit, some spaghetti with meat sauce and toast and an icecream sundae. I drank 3 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
Coffee thing still a struggle. I need to go buy some tea I actually like. That will probably make things easier.
Stretched, studied and practiced though which was good.
Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 101 crunches, 3 reps tai chi part 3, 2 reps broadsword right, 2 left, 3 miles, 5 minutes stretching, 2.5 hours studying.
Acts of kindness: gave the cat and dog treats, made Mike lunch and coffee, made dinner
Today I consumed: a boiled egg with some grapefruit and cheese, a ham and cheese sandwich with a bunch of fruit, some spaghetti with meat sauce and toast and an icecream sundae. I drank 3 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
bah!
Bah! Coffee is the devil!
Tomorrow no coffee! Absolutely none! You'd think I could make it through one day. I'll make it through tomorrow then we'll go from there.
Who would have thought something like this would be so difficult.
Bah!
Didn't get any training done today either. Bah all around!
Basic numbers: 2.5 miles
Acts of kindness: took Julia swimming, did the chores, gave the dogs pets, gave the cat some loving
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some toast with butter, some mushroom soup with grilled cheese, a hotdog with potato salad and some mashed potatoes with carrots and a tiny piece of meat. I drank 2 coffees:(, a beer and 8 glasses of water.
Tomorrow no coffee! Absolutely none! You'd think I could make it through one day. I'll make it through tomorrow then we'll go from there.
Who would have thought something like this would be so difficult.
Bah!
Didn't get any training done today either. Bah all around!
Basic numbers: 2.5 miles
Acts of kindness: took Julia swimming, did the chores, gave the dogs pets, gave the cat some loving
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some toast with butter, some mushroom soup with grilled cheese, a hotdog with potato salad and some mashed potatoes with carrots and a tiny piece of meat. I drank 2 coffees:(, a beer and 8 glasses of water.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Thanks Miss Gibbons for the comment...stupid coffee!
Today was fun in regards to training. I did my usual routine, but added in some stretching and violin playing too. I really want to learn that polka! Still sounds terrible, but I figure if I try every day, I'll eventually get it. The stretching thing is good too. This year I really want to improve my roundhouses and a big part of that is my flexibility. I want to be able to do the splits which will take some work but will sure help my kicks.
On the studying front, not as much success. I need to try and manage my time better. Same old issue:)
I've really been enjoying reading the other blogs. I think reading those will be a big motivation for me to reach my goals this year too.
SIfu Rybak, I feel your pain in regards to the no-coffee-thing. Terrible it is.
Basic numbers: 152 situps, 153 pushups, 30 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 reps broadsword left, 10 minutes stretching, 15 minutes with the fiddle, didn't keep track of study time:(
Acts of kindness: gave the dogs pets, complimented someone, helped 2 people
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, half a muffin, 2 cookies, a piece of pepperoni, 2 chili cheese dogs, some broccoli and potato salad, half a hamburger with some fries. I drank 2 cups of coffee (sigh!) and 8 glasses of water.
On the studying front, not as much success. I need to try and manage my time better. Same old issue:)
I've really been enjoying reading the other blogs. I think reading those will be a big motivation for me to reach my goals this year too.
SIfu Rybak, I feel your pain in regards to the no-coffee-thing. Terrible it is.
Basic numbers: 152 situps, 153 pushups, 30 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 rep broadsword right, 2 reps broadsword left, 10 minutes stretching, 15 minutes with the fiddle, didn't keep track of study time:(
Acts of kindness: gave the dogs pets, complimented someone, helped 2 people
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, half a muffin, 2 cookies, a piece of pepperoni, 2 chili cheese dogs, some broccoli and potato salad, half a hamburger with some fries. I drank 2 cups of coffee (sigh!) and 8 glasses of water.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
thanks Miss Gibbons!
That would be cool to compare numbers!
Today was a good reset day. Got to get focused for the next week.
Some goals I want to accomplish: stretch everyday (10 minutes), 150 pushups/situps/kicks a day, 1 dog walk a day, 2 hours studying a day, 10 minutes practicing the fiddle a day, go to church on sundays, learn broadsword lefthanded (2 reps left, 1 right), slow down my tai chi (do one part daily 3 times), blog every day.
I've been torn about the coffee thing since I started. I originally wanted to go no coffee, but I think instead I'll just limit it to 2 cups a day.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: did some chores, played with Julia, congratulated someone
Today I consumed: 2 breakfast sandwiches with hash browns, a chili dog with potato salad, broccoli and potato patties. I drank 2 coffees and 8 glasses of water.
Today was a good reset day. Got to get focused for the next week.
Some goals I want to accomplish: stretch everyday (10 minutes), 150 pushups/situps/kicks a day, 1 dog walk a day, 2 hours studying a day, 10 minutes practicing the fiddle a day, go to church on sundays, learn broadsword lefthanded (2 reps left, 1 right), slow down my tai chi (do one part daily 3 times), blog every day.
I've been torn about the coffee thing since I started. I originally wanted to go no coffee, but I think instead I'll just limit it to 2 cups a day.
Basic numbers: rest day
Acts of kindness: did some chores, played with Julia, congratulated someone
Today I consumed: 2 breakfast sandwiches with hash browns, a chili dog with potato salad, broccoli and potato patties. I drank 2 coffees and 8 glasses of water.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Arg. Didn't get any training done today. I'm just feeling really tired today. I am scared thought that I'll fall out of the practicing habit now that I don't feel the pressure.
Had 2 cups of coffee today too. Arg.
Basic numbers: 2 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat pets, made MIke lunch and coffee, bought dinner for someone
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some grapes, some toast with butter and nutella, some mushroom soup with grilled cheese, a shrimp taco, 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
Had 2 cups of coffee today too. Arg.
Basic numbers: 2 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog and cat pets, made MIke lunch and coffee, bought dinner for someone
Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, some grapes, some toast with butter and nutella, some mushroom soup with grilled cheese, a shrimp taco, 2 cups of coffee and 8 glasses of water.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Left hand is tricksy
Had another coffee today, this morning. But, I didn't have coffee when I went to time today with a friend. I ordered tea instead. Making progress:)
Left handed broadsword is tricksy. Trying to get the basic moves down.
I've been reading the blogs for the i ho chuan guys and its neat to hear their stories. Everyone has different things they want to change and achieve. I look forward to watching their progress.
Basic numbers: 3 reps tai chi part 3, 3 reps lefty broadsword, 153 pushups, 156 kicks, 153 crunches, 51 sit-ups, 5 miles and I'm going to sit down now and do some studying.
Acts of kindness: visited a friend, made Mike lunch and coffee, made dinner
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with raisons, 2 pieces of garlic toast, some fish and chips with veggies, some tuna casserole, a coffee, a tea and 8 glasses of water.
Left handed broadsword is tricksy. Trying to get the basic moves down.
I've been reading the blogs for the i ho chuan guys and its neat to hear their stories. Everyone has different things they want to change and achieve. I look forward to watching their progress.
Basic numbers: 3 reps tai chi part 3, 3 reps lefty broadsword, 153 pushups, 156 kicks, 153 crunches, 51 sit-ups, 5 miles and I'm going to sit down now and do some studying.
Acts of kindness: visited a friend, made Mike lunch and coffee, made dinner
Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal with raisons, 2 pieces of garlic toast, some fish and chips with veggies, some tuna casserole, a coffee, a tea and 8 glasses of water.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
This coffee thing isn't easy
Didn't blog yesterday...computer died and the charger was at work:(
Anyway, this whole not drinking coffee thing is hard! Yesterday and today I broke down and had a cup. Everyone keeps asking me why I'm giving it up and it's getting harder and harder to argue. I need to remind myself why I want to stop drinking it, or at least vastly reduce my consumption. The caffein is not good for me, nor is the acidity. Need to stay focused.
On another note, I've started working on the tai chi broadsword with my left hand. If I get it mastered with my left hand that will open a whole new door. I will be able to pursue a fan/broadsword form or even double broadsword. Gotta get my left side up to speed first. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. It was still hard, but I made it through. Still a lot of practice ahead of me though.
I'm still doing tai chi too, but only one part a day (x3) as opposed to all 4 parts (x3). I'm concentrating on slowing things down now.
The biggest push this coming year for me will be studying for my candidacy exam. My goal is to do 2 hours of studying a night...so far the last couple of days I've only managed 30 - 40 minutes, but I'm starting to build the habit. Gotta study hard. I'm terrified.
Basic numbers: yesterday: 51 situps, 152 crunches, 156 kicks, 153 pushups, 3 reps tai chi part 1 and 3 reps broadsword, 30 minutes studying. today: 153 pushups, 202 crunches, 156 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 mangily rep of tai chi broadsword lefty style, 40 minutes studying
Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me in traffic x2, made MIke lunch and coffee, complimented someone
Today I consumed: a piece of peanut butter and honey toast with blueberries and banana, a cheese sandwich, an apple, 2 mini doughnuts, half a blueberry muffin, some ham with noodles, corn and salad, 1 cup of coffee, 8 glasses of water
Anyway, this whole not drinking coffee thing is hard! Yesterday and today I broke down and had a cup. Everyone keeps asking me why I'm giving it up and it's getting harder and harder to argue. I need to remind myself why I want to stop drinking it, or at least vastly reduce my consumption. The caffein is not good for me, nor is the acidity. Need to stay focused.
On another note, I've started working on the tai chi broadsword with my left hand. If I get it mastered with my left hand that will open a whole new door. I will be able to pursue a fan/broadsword form or even double broadsword. Gotta get my left side up to speed first. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. It was still hard, but I made it through. Still a lot of practice ahead of me though.
I'm still doing tai chi too, but only one part a day (x3) as opposed to all 4 parts (x3). I'm concentrating on slowing things down now.
The biggest push this coming year for me will be studying for my candidacy exam. My goal is to do 2 hours of studying a night...so far the last couple of days I've only managed 30 - 40 minutes, but I'm starting to build the habit. Gotta study hard. I'm terrified.
Basic numbers: yesterday: 51 situps, 152 crunches, 156 kicks, 153 pushups, 3 reps tai chi part 1 and 3 reps broadsword, 30 minutes studying. today: 153 pushups, 202 crunches, 156 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 1 mangily rep of tai chi broadsword lefty style, 40 minutes studying
Acts of kindness: let a car ahead of me in traffic x2, made MIke lunch and coffee, complimented someone
Today I consumed: a piece of peanut butter and honey toast with blueberries and banana, a cheese sandwich, an apple, 2 mini doughnuts, half a blueberry muffin, some ham with noodles, corn and salad, 1 cup of coffee, 8 glasses of water
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Day 1 no coffee
Today was a nice relaxing day.
But it was day 1 no coffee:(
It was really hard not to partake when we had a big breakfast and everyone was drinking coffee. I'm regretting my decision not to drink coffee even though I know it will be good for me. I miss it already and it's only the first day:(
Tomorrow I'm going to go through and post my final numbers from this last year. I also have to post my goals for this year as well.
This year will be challenging in that I'm not doing the program so meeting my goals is completely up to me. On the good side, no pressure but on the bad side....no pressure. I'll have to motivate myself. We'll see how it goes.
Basic numbers: 2 miles, rest day
Acts of kindness: gave Julia cuddles, pet the dog, complimented someone
Today I consumed: 2 tea biscuits, half a banana, some blueberries, a bowl of cheerios, a croissant with egg, cheese, bacon and a potato patty, half a cookie, 2 cups of tea and 7 glasses of water.
But it was day 1 no coffee:(
It was really hard not to partake when we had a big breakfast and everyone was drinking coffee. I'm regretting my decision not to drink coffee even though I know it will be good for me. I miss it already and it's only the first day:(
Tomorrow I'm going to go through and post my final numbers from this last year. I also have to post my goals for this year as well.
This year will be challenging in that I'm not doing the program so meeting my goals is completely up to me. On the good side, no pressure but on the bad side....no pressure. I'll have to motivate myself. We'll see how it goes.
Basic numbers: 2 miles, rest day
Acts of kindness: gave Julia cuddles, pet the dog, complimented someone
Today I consumed: 2 tea biscuits, half a banana, some blueberries, a bowl of cheerios, a croissant with egg, cheese, bacon and a potato patty, half a cookie, 2 cups of tea and 7 glasses of water.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Congrats everyone!
So tonight was the big show. It went really well and everyone did great. Congrats to Sifu Beckett, Sifu Bryant and Sifu Wetter on your promotions.
So many people helped out...thanks especially to the little Prince girls. They went around cleaning tables and dishes the whole night. They were awesome.
Tonight is my last post on the I Ho Chuan blog as well. Good luck everyone!
Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 3 reps broadsword, 3 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, helped pack stuff up and take it back to the kwoon, complimented someone
Today I consumed: a tea biscuit, a bowl of cheerios, some pineapple, a banana, some veggies, 2 pieces of leftover pizza, some chinese food and a little piece of cheesecake. I drank a beer, 3 coffees and 7 glasses of water.
So many people helped out...thanks especially to the little Prince girls. They went around cleaning tables and dishes the whole night. They were awesome.
Tonight is my last post on the I Ho Chuan blog as well. Good luck everyone!
Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 3 reps broadsword, 3 miles
Acts of kindness: gave the dog treats, helped pack stuff up and take it back to the kwoon, complimented someone
Today I consumed: a tea biscuit, a bowl of cheerios, some pineapple, a banana, some veggies, 2 pieces of leftover pizza, some chinese food and a little piece of cheesecake. I drank a beer, 3 coffees and 7 glasses of water.