Tournament time

The tournament is only a week away and I'm really excited. I always love seeing what everyone has been working on over the year in the I Ho Chuan. There is always some new cool weapon form to see or an awesome fight choreography. The Becketts are back from China too, and I can't wait to see what they will be doing. I've seen a few people at open training and the stuff looks great. I think creative musical is going to be the division to watch this year.
The best entry I ever saw for creative musical was from a tai chi guy at an open tournament years ago. He started off slow with his tai chi sword to this slow music, but the music got faster and faster and he got faster and faster with it. By the end he was leaping around at top speed and blew everyone away. Coolest thing I've ever seen.
That's why creative musical is so difficult...not only do you have to have a great form with solid technique, but you have to marry it to music. But, when done well, it is by far the coolest thing ever.

Can't wait!

Hey! Just like I Ho Chuan....

           So lately I haven't been practicing as much as I'd like. The focus has been on my candidacy exam, an oral examination by a panel of professors to determine if I can continue on in my PhD program. Everyone doing a PhD has to do one. But preparing is difficult. I'm totally worried about failing. I can never seem to find enough time to study....work all day, come home and hang out with Julia then study before bed.
          This has reminded me about my I Ho Chuan year last year. It was a struggle to find time for everything. You had to make the time. I'm trying to apply the same principles. I may not have 2 hours to sit and study every day, but I have 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there to read my flashcards. Same as finding practice time. It will be nice when the test is over!

Been a while....

I haven't blogged in a bit. Weird considering I used to blog every day.
My job is going well. Starting to get into a routine. The nice part is that I have an office with a door so I can work out as long as I'm quiet. I've also started running.
Tonight I ran 3 times around the block with my dog. I was pretty proud of myself for not dying. I actually enjoyed it. Strange.
I'm actually looking forward to running tomorrow. Hopefully it won't bother my back too much.

Today I: did 62 pushups, 51 situps, ran 3 times around the block
Acts of kindness: held the door for someone x2, helped carry some bottles, made someone laugh
Today I consumed: 2 oranges, 3 peices of peanut butter toast, some nuts, a granola bar, some macaroni with chicken and a sandwich. I drank 3 cups of coffee and 9 glasses of water.

Thanks guys

Thanks for the comments guys!
Ya, it's been hard getting used to everything. I'll get into the groove.

Basic numbers: 153 pushups, 26 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 3

Acts of kindness: gave the cat treats, brought Romeo to Kung-Fu, gave Julia a hug

Today I consumed: a granola bar, 2 hard boiled eggs, a banana, 2 chicken burgers and some ice-cream. I drank 2 cups of coffee, a cup of tea and 8 glasses of water.

Slumping

Haven't blogged very regularly lately. It's funny because last year I blogged every day without missing a beat...now that I don't have to it's hard to keep it up. My training has been reflecting my blogging. Now that I don't have to do all the practicing, it's hard to stay on top of things. It's funny because I didn't think I would have much of a problem keeping things up, but as I shift my focus to other things in my life (like my job), it's easy to be lazy. I guess that's what it comes down to really. A constant battle against normality.....ahhhh Stuart Embery...you were so right. Mastery, as he says, is a constant struggle to produce results beyond the ordinary. The problem is that ordinariness is easy...extraordinariness is hard. Case and point...my coffee struggle. I've pretty much given it up...but that's because it's hard. It's so easy to fall back into old habits and established crutches. Am I really serving myself by just giving up...obviously not and I know that. But it takes effort.
I just need to find some good old self-motivation.

Got to buckle down. Let's see if I can go a week no coffee. Starting tomorrow, the saga continues.

Basic numbers: 51 pushups, 51 situps, 52 kicks, 3 reps tai chi part 2, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the cat and dog treats, took Julia and the dog for a walk, complimented someone.

Today I consumed: a bowl of cheerios, 2 bananas, half an apple, a boiled egg, a cucumber and cheese sandwich, a cookie, a granola bar, 2 hotdogs, 4 cups of coffee (stupid daylight savings time!) and 8 glasses of water.

first day down!

Survived my first day at work. Everyone was really nice and I think it will be a great gig once I get settled.
Training took a back seat today though, got some pushups and situps in, but no form reps or kicks. Gotta get back in the game.

Basic numbers: 102 sit-ups/crunches, 102 pushups, 3 miles

Acts of kindness: gave the cat pets, played with Julia, complimented someone

Today I consumed: a bowl of oatmeal, a banana, an apple, a sandwich, a piece of pizza, half a hotdog, a cup of coffee, 2 cups of tea and 7 glasses of water.

Last day:(

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.