Neil Hamilton
Hi, I am a student of Silent River Kung Fu, and this is my journey to mastery in kung fu. I am in my second year of the UBBT challenge or as it is being called this year. The I Ho Chuan , year of the dragon.
Neil hamilton's UBBT8 challenge
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Posts
- May 29, 12
Sorry to have been absent. Two nasty computer viruses and many weeks have passed. Fortunately I believe everything is fixed on my computer now. I wasn't able to blog here, but I did keep a written log so I could more easily catch up. May 7th. Pandamonium was awesome. It was great to see it all come together and I believe the day was a grerat success. No matter how much money was raised, what was accomplished and started with the first pandamonium is truly inspiring. For me personally it was a day of laughter, sweat and alot of thinking. I love how Silent River gets invloved in the community and the empathy that is taught. The kids I see in the school are on their way to becoming very well rounded and thoughtful human beings. May 14th. This week was just another blur as time seems to be passing at warp speed. Spring is here and being able to get outside more and more is awesome. Even if there is a ton of yardwork to do, I still love being outside in the fresh air. With my mother in law being in her final few weeks of chemo tharapy at the cross cancer I have had to pick up a bit more of the household workload and parenting, as Kyla(my wife) has been spending alot of time visiting her mom and encouraging her on her recovery. I think I am seeing a little glimpse of what Sifu Brinker calls organized chaos. I am keeping up my numbers with spurts of push-ups and sit-ups here and there, where I can fit them in. Getting a little less sleep, but thats okay as well. May 21st. Finally broke the 205 pound mark. I have been hovering between 205 and 207 for the last few months. I think the fact that I am running 3 or more days a week is really helping. I have hit approx. 1 1/2 kms without stopping now. I'm wheezing a bit at times which concerns me a bit. I have a physical coming up soon and will have to mention that then. Just making progress in my running is awesome after lasts years mess. My next goal in my kung fu is to achieve my green belt. I have two stripes to go. I like the approach Sifu Prince is taking with our class and I know with consistent practise I'll achieve my goal no problem. May 28th. This past week has really gone by fast. My crew is doing amazing at work and we are getting close to completion of the pod I'm in charge of. Light fixtures and receptacles are being installed and its nice to be able to start turning things on. It's still a little crazy at times, but that just seems to be the nature of this job site. I have been able to start working on my stick forms outside and I'm feeling more comfortable with my weapon. I know I have a long ways to go yet but that is to be expected. This past saturday was truly inspiring to see how well everyone worked together to install the new mats. It went very smoothly and everyone was having a good time while working hard. When I take part in events like that in the kwoon, it really connects me to it. I feel very at home there and find it easy to leave the tensions and demands of the world at the door when I enter. It helps me focus so much more on becoming a better martial artist.
- May 02, 12
This last week has been busy as all can be. Between my daughters final dance festival and kids dentist appointments etc. I have been kept extremely busy this week. I haven't hit the frazzled point yet. But I definately felt like the week flew by. The Kwoon is looking awesome and I'm excited for Pandamonium. It should be a very fun day. My training is continueing on pace and my flexibility is slowly improving (yay). I am able to run a little further each weekend and that's encouraging. I'll always be happy with sideways or forwards progression, as long as I progress wisely.
- Apr 22, 12
This week has been very energizing for me. I have been able to participate and watch some amazing events. First off I got to take my daughter to her dance competition in Fort Saskatchewan this thursday. Her group received a gold and they won the coriography(spelling police check please) award. I know how hard she has been working and practicing and to see the smile on her face was priceless. Next I got to be there when the wall came down at the kwoon. Wow, my hats off the Sifu Lingstrom for having a vision and seeing it through. Totally awesome and very cool to be a part of it. Being able to put a part of myself into the kwoon energizes me and humbles me all at the same time. I get so much from my second home, it's nice to be able to give something back. Spring is here and it is so nice to be able to get outside and do yardwork and forms. My new neighbours are probably wondering who the nut is outside sweating up a storm. All I can say is wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I love spring.
- Apr 18, 12
The last week has been challenging but also rewarding for me. Work is progressing at an amazing pace and my crew is doing an outstanding job. The spectre of layoffs is always looming, but so far it has just been peeking around the corners afraid to show itself.
I have come out of a fog lately and find myself much more mindful of everything I'm doing and everyone and everything I'm interacting with lately. As an example, shopping for groceries the other day I was able to do 14 acts of kindness by just paying attention to all the other shoppers around me. They were simple things from helping reach items on high shelves for a few people to helping an elderly lady transfer her groceries from the cart to her car. I took my time as I shopped and realized how in the past I would just rush through getting what I needed and not pay attention to my surroundings. I meet some very nice people and totally enjoyed my shopping experience instead of missing out.
I honestly can't say what has changed for me, except a desire to want to better myself and my life. But I have opened my eyes to the world in a way I have never looked at it before. My stress level has dropped enormously and I am much more relaxed.
I have also started setting much more finite goals and challenges for myself. For example I have achieving my green belt in my sights now. I felt stagnated in my progress even though I was getting in my numbers etc. Now I'm feeling energized and motivated.(maybe it's the kwoon expansion, it's awesome working on the tools after so long) Also something else that really has stuck with me was when Sifu Brinker talked about how we can push ourselves harder and more then we realize, its all mental. That really hit a cord with me and I find myself pushing harder in warmup and class and holding stances longer even though my legs are screaming at me to just stand up. My mind set is changing in a good way and I'm definately seeing the results, yay. - Apr 02, 12
This last week has been not bad. My own classes are going well and I love the challenges of learning to grapple and spar better. But I felt like there was something missing all week. Then it dawned on me, no kids classes. I truly enjoy helping out in the kids classes and not having any classes this week left a void. I look forward to working with the kids and trying to connect with them all. I also learn so much from just observing the instructors of the kids classes. I have so much more to learn when it comes to an eye for detail, understanding and patience. But I believe with time that will grow. I think because I'm a kid at heart is why I enjoy the company of kids as much as I do adults. Kids can teach you so much about yourself because they see and tell things as they see them, without sugar coating or editing the things they say or do. I'm thankful everyday that I followed through and asked Sifu Brinker if it was okay to help out. I am definately becoming a better person and growing in ways I never would have imagined.
- Mar 26, 12
Now that we have a new family member it has become my job to walk him each saturday and sunday morning(not sure when I agreed to that but oh well). Last year one of my goals I failed at miserably was my running. I used to love running everyday up until I was about 22. Then I made the idiotic choice of becoming a smoker, which I did til I was about 35. When my wife became pregnant with my daughter we both made the smart choice and quit smoking. At the time we were dancing 4 days a week and were quite active. But from age 38 til when I started kung fu in november of 2010 I only played a little softball(which is short sprints) or walked occasionally. The inactivity had hit harder and deeper then I realized. When I started running last year it was with way too high an expectation and no idea just how much work it was going to take. The last 2 weekends I have started running approximately 1/2 km, walking 1/2 km as I take Dougle(our new dog) for his walk in the mornings. This much more practical and realistic approach is working well so far. My endurance is getting better slow but sure. Fitness class helps a ton, but I still need to actually run longer distance to improve my endurance and breathing. I have put alot of effort and time into working on good form and technique(which I will continue to do each day). But I need better endurance and flexibilty as well if I want to grow as a martial artist. Both of which are goals this year and are both progressing bit by bit. Fortunately I have the young dog to pull this old dog along. Hopefully if I fall flat on my face, he won't drag me to far before he stops hehe.
- Mar 24, 12
Sorry I'm late getting this out, had some internet problems this week and it took shaw a bit to figure out the problem. Hopefully no more internet connection problems. I have been feeling a bit blah last week. I'm still doing my routine each day but mentally I'm not as sharp as I should be. I think this is partly due to my work load and also that I am so looking forward to spring. I haven't been able to practise stick as much as I would like due to the fact we got a new dog on the 10th. He's an amazingly good pup(8 months old), but as soon I pull out my staff he thinks its play time. It will be so nice to be able to just go out in the back yard or the park behind my house when the snow all melts. It will also work well for forms as I will have tons of rooms to do them and not have to stop and shift all the time. I have been trying Sifu Prince's idea of doing a form in a 3x3 foot square at times, it is definately a challenge.
Here's looking forward to warmer, snow free weather soon. - Mar 24, 12
Sorry I'm late getting this out, had some internet problems this week and it took shaw a bit to figure out the problem. Hopefully no more internet connection problems. I have been feeling a bit blah last week. I'm still doing my routine each day but mentally I'm not as sharp as I should be. I think this is partly due to my work load and also that I am so looking forward to spring. I haven't been able to practise stick as much as I would like due to the fact we got a new dog on the 10th. He's an amazingly good pup(8 months old), but as soon I pull out my staff he thinks its play time. It will be so nice to be able to just go out in the back yard or the park behind my house when the snow all melts. It will also work well for forms as I will have tons of rooms to do them and not have to stop and shift all the time. I have been trying Sifu Prince's idea of doing a form in a 3x3 foot square at times, it is definately a challenge.
Here's looking forward to warmer, snow free weather soon. - Mar 12, 12
This year is going so much better for me then it did all last year. I have finally started to get a set routine of push-ups/ situps each day. Plus being more aware of my time and doing 5 and 10 mintue segments of various parts of my training when and where I can fit it in, is working well for me. Even though the stress level at my jobsite is growing, and so to is my work load. I find I'm not stressing out like I used to in the past. I still hate having to lay a good worker off just due to the fact we are short of work. But I no longer allow the negative feelings that creates, dominate my thoughts. Being in the kwoon as much as I am definately helps me. I find I leave the outside world behind when I enter the door. I focus, work hard, learn, get corrected and relearn over and over with no stress or negativity. Then when I leave the kwoon and head home each nite the stress I left behind at the door is no longer as pressing as it was. I still have miles to go, but I finally feel like I'm moving forward again. I know I have been on a long plateau for some time. Now I feel like I'm moving uphill and that feels great because I'm making progress again. It sometimes feels like I'm trying to fill a tanker truck with a thimble when I look at all that there is to learn. But then a calm voice enters my head and says of course its gonna take time, enjoy it. That's what I can say has really clicked for me the most. No matter how hard the workout or form or technique I'm trying to learn, I'm thoroughly enjoying kung fu on a level I haven't before. As Sifu Brinker says ( and I truly get it finally), there are just things you can't do YET.
- Mar 03, 12
This week I started out being sick with the brutal flu that has been going around. I went through the worst of it monday and tuesday. I was finally able to eat something late tuesday nite and keep it down. Then being the stubborn guy I am I went to kung fu class on wedsnesday nite. I took something for the sniffles and headache I still had and figured I would just do what I could. We ended up testing for our blue and yellow stripes that nite. I already had both, but have always believed that just because you have a stripe doesn't mean you can slack on it. Blue stripe testing was not bad. I didn't have as much power as I usually do, but my I don't think my form was totally sucky. Then we hit the fitness test. Push-ups went better then I thought they would, sit-ups ok. Then we hit roundhouses and I started to run out of gas. I didn't go full speed, instead I tried to concentrate on good form and technique and got through the kicks. Then burpies began. Oh my did I hit rock bottom. By 10 I was completely gassed and struggling. Even Sifu Lietz came over to see if I was ok. Some how I got all 20 done, but it took everything I had to complete. It wasn't til well after class that I realized the change that has occured in me. A year ago, I would have just stayed home, thought I'm sick I don't need to go to class. My mindset has changed dramatically from then. Now I want to go to class and do the best I can no matter how I feel. I am no longer satisfied with just doing enough. I want to do the best I can and push my limits whenever possible. I like the drive I am developing and I look forward to where it is going to take me as I continue my journey in kung fu.
Now for my blown away part this week. I help out with the kids classes on tuesdays and thursdays. I really enjoy doing it and I learn so much from the kids each and everyday. It is very rewarding to be able to give something back to the school and I look forward to it each and every day. This last thursday, one of the yellow belts gave me a hand drawn thank you card. She said it was for helping her so much with her kung fu. I was completely floored and I really didn't know how to respond at first. I did tell her that I should thank her, because I get so much enjoyment from helping all the kids in the classes. It dawned on me that I don't thank those that teach me as much as I should. So here is a start to that, "Thank You" everyone in my classes and to all the Sihings and Sifus that teach and inspire me each and every day. I am truly lucky that I didn't let the opportunity pass me by when my son challenged me to start kung fu. I am also lucky to be part of such an amazing, inspiring, caring and motivating family that is Silent River Kung Fu. - Feb 27, 12
I don't know if its good or bad that I seemed to be in cruise mode this past week. I'm still geting up early getting in my push-ups and sit-ups. Even when I goofed tuesday and set my alarm for pm and got up late at 5:20 I still got ready and got my push-ups in with no fuss or panic( amazed my wife and myself). Having the monday off was odd. You would think the week would fly by but I always feel like I missed something during short work weeks. I'm getting alot of 5 or 10 minutes or practise in all over the place and it is definately working for me. No set times to worry about meeting, just do what I can when I can. Even when making supper the other nite I found I had time to do a couple reps of kempo 1 and 2 and work on my stances and how I move in the form.
I'm am not anywhere near effortless effort but I am finding myself much more aware of my time and what I am doing during the day. I have even managed to be close to completing my first book. It is "How to be Compassionate" by the Dalai Lama. It is not an easy read as I find myself rereading alot of the chapters trying to truly understand the concepts and ideas in the book. For all he has been through in his life, the Dalai Lama is truly an inspiring man. I thought I was a fairly compasionate person before I started reading, but now realize I have a long ways to go to achieve true compaasion for everyone I meet and encounter in my life. - Feb 20, 12
This past week was my second round of sparring with members of the I Ho Chuan. I will admitt I was very nervous when I realized that all the people that had shown up were Sihings and Sifus. I have to thank everyone for making it a great learning opportunity. Everything I have done in sparring has been with as much control and limited contact as I could manage. I'm not afraid to spar, its more I know that I have limits on my control and reactions in sparring. The first rounds two thursdays ago were me basically trying to see when my opponent was moving and just trying to react to them, with an occasional front thrust kick or a couple jabs thrown by me. This last thursday I was finally seeing more and trying to counter and flow more. I know I have a long ways to go, but I am happy that I am growing more comfortable and gaining a better understanding of how people move. I see better now when and how my opponent is moving but I still have a long ways to go when it comes to my reactions. I know I tend to use the wrong block or really big movements that put me in unbalanced positions or open me up. I had so many aha moments as each of my opponents showed me different ways to counter, block or even attack with flow. Thanks to everyone that "schooled" me as the saying goes. With alot more practise and time I hope I can help someone in the future as much as I have been helped the last few weeks.
- Feb 12, 12
Finally got back into the fitness class this week. It is definately one of the hardest but also for me one of my favorite classes. I am challenged every week to complete the class but I look forward to that challenge. This weeks workout pushed me further then I ever thought I could go. Thanks Sihing Robinson for encouraging and exhorting me to exceed what I thought were my limits. I always drag my but for half an hour after class, but it is so worth it. I just wish I could convey better to everyone at my belt level how beneficial this class is. It helps me in strength, endurance, balance and also mentally as well.Then to follow it up with open training makes for me a complete day.
It was awesome to see so many people out this saturday taking advantage of the open training. There were all belt levels and activities going on and everyone was working and helping each other out. Thats one of the many things I like about Silent River, is the sense of family and the working together as a team. It's nice to know that there is always someone available to ask for help with even the smallest aspects of my kung fu. I am going to make a bigger and better attempt to encourage and maybe inspire more people to come out for the fitness class and open training. I can't completely put into words how strongly I believe going too both, has helped me grow as a martial artist and as a person. But hopefully my euthusiam and positive attitude will spill over just a little and give someone a spark to want to grow and learn from so many amazing examples that we have in the kwoon. - Feb 03, 12
This has been an extremely trying week for me mentally. Work has started to affect me on levels that I'm not very comfortable with. Last week we had some layoffs on our site. Sadly my site is the only big project going at the moment for my company and we no longer require 220 electricians and data technicians to complete the job. So 25 men and ladies were laid off at the end of the day last thursday. One of those individuals must have felt that I had something to do with their layoff and decided to get even. My company has a whistle blower program that just came out in december. The disgruntled employee proceeded to send in a complaint about me that was rambling, vague and untrue. But because it was put in anonumously and had my full name I had to proceed to prove my innocence. I thought about how to respond to the accusations politely and without malice or getting my hackles up as they say. What got me down in the dumps was that even though there was no proof of wrongdoing and I was even told that the job I was doing was exemplary, my project supervisor wrote me up for the complaint to do his due diligence as he called it. I have never been in this situation and was both stunned and taken aback. I felt that my reputation and character had been thrown out the window and it has taken a few days to get over second guessing everything I do or say at work. I have always been proud to work for the company I do and to do the best job I can at all times. But I feel now like I have been betrayed in a way. I have come to realize that my project manager is only doing his job as he sees it, and in the that light I am not angy or bitter. I feel more let down then anything as I always believed that my company would back up a good worker to the best of their ability. Not so it would now appear. So now I need to reassess my future and where I want to be in the next few years in my career. All in all this may turn out much more positive then the small picture I am seeing in front of me at this time, time will tell.
On a very positive note I responded to Sifu Brinker's challenge and I have been getting up a little earlier each day and getting in at least 90 to 120 pushups each morning(sets of 30). My shoulder is doing well so far with no inflamation or tenderness so far, knock on wood(aka own head). I thought of a lot of excuses about why it would be hard to get up earlier and do this, but I finally realized I was just procastinating. Finishing off the rest in the evening is a breeze in either my own classes or when I'm helping with the kids classes. It only took a year but I finally got it. Situps I get in the evening as I normally due crunchs, plank or variations and get my numbers no problem.
one good step forward along the road the mastery, I'm sure there will be stumbles along the way, but with the teams help and inspiration I know I can right myself.
Mr. Hamilton - Jan 28, 12
First blog of the new year. I am so excited about this year, alot of changes but still the same in many ways. There are alot more requirements for me this year compared to last year, but I am going into this year with a much greater awareness of what I am facing. There are alot of new faces and names that I don't know very well at the moment. Names for some reason always give me trouble, yet faces I can remember for ages.
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
It's going to be a big learning curve to start, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Mr. Hamilton
First blog of the new year. I am so excited about this year, alot of changes but still the same in many ways. There are alot more requirements for me this year compared to last year, but I am going into this year with a much greater awareness of what I am facing. There are alot of new faces and names that I don't know very well at the moment. Names for some reason always give me trouble, yet faces I can remember for ages.
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta - Jan 09, 12
I have been nursing toe and shoulder injuries this last week. I jammed my toe while slipping on the ice christmas week. I sure have been hard on my feet this year. I expect that is quite normal in martial arts. My shoulder I hurt skiing. A young girl came out of the trees directly in front of me. I'm still not sure how I missed her but I managed a spectacular crash onto my right shoulder and hip. It has made doing push-ups a bit tougher but I find by doing the so called ladies pushups, the strain doesn't hurt to much to do them. I'm just glad I didn't run over her. 200 pounds crashing into a little 40 pound munchkin would not have been good.
It feels so good to be back in the kwoon. I like practises at home, but I find I am more focused and at ease in the kwoon. It has become a second home. There is an excitement and anticipation growing as the chinese new year banquet looms ever closer. I am really proud and honoured to be a part of the dragon dance team this year. To be able to give back to the school and everyone there is so amazing. Today I was thinking about how long Silent River has been teaching Kung Fu in the area and all the people that have come before me. I can see why so many people who achieve their black belt stay to teach and help out as they can at the school. The sense of family, tradition and of being part of something larger then oneself is very moving and humbling to me.
I am slowly working out a better training schedule, so that I make better and more productive use of my time. It is definately something I need to work on and refine more.
Here are my personal goals that i wish to achieve on top of the I Ho Chuan ones.
1) Read at least 12 books like "Peace Is Every Step"
2) Work on gaining flexibility and more movement in my joints and body.
3) Continue to be more aware of what and how I eat. I will Track my food intake every second month.
4) Complete 10 minutes of walking meditation a day through Tai Chi or simular movement.
5) Work on a better training schedule and give myself one day off a week for my body to recover from the stresses I am putting it through.
I turned 46 this past summer and some days I feel it more then others. I was very active and fit during high school put when I graduated I started smoking which I did for 12 years and I havent been nearly active enough the last 6 years since I stopped dancing competively. I have definately struggled at times to train every day and get my pushups and situps in daily. I have a pretty good base started now I need to continue to build upon it and try to achieve the effortless effort that Sifu Brinker has talked about. - Jan 02, 12
First off I want to apologize for not completing my blogs on a strong note for UBBT 8. Alot of crazy life issues and work issues, then my old computer crashing all deverted my attention from blogging. No matter what is going on in my life I know I need to make time to get my blogs in. 10 minutes less sleep is never going to kill me.
Sifu Brinker asked us to talk about what we learned from our successes and especially from our failures this year. It is something I have been thinking about alot the last month. When I first got into the UBBT 8 last year I had no idea what I was getting myself truly into. For someone who had become basically a couch potatoe and was very inactive as opposed to active I had my work cut out for me. I remember vividly struggling to do 10 pushups or situps when I first started kung fu in november of 2010. Bending down to stretch was truly sad to see me barely touch my knees. But I learned to keep trying even on the days I hurt like heck and could barely catch my breath in warmup.
I can't thank everyone in the fitness class enough for incouraging me and most definately inspiring me in becoming a less round person and more in shape. The class was never brought down to my level, I had to work hard to achieve a level where I could keep up with the rest of the class. Somedays I felt great some not so much. But I learned to keep going even if it was at half speed. I still have a long ways to go to be truly fit but I get better bit by bit, day by day.
The one thing this year I didnt accomplish was to get my 5k run in. I ran every day in high school and somehow had myself convinced that getting back into running shape would be a piece of cake. Man was I disheartened when I started running in the spring. 11 years of smoking and another 15 of no where near an active enough lifestyle have put me alot further behind the old 8 ball as the saying goes then I wanted to realize. I lose my breath and find it very difficult to get back when I'm running. I am going to have to really work on a more gradual aproach to my running and see if I cant do a whole lot better this year then last.
I am so happy that my son convinced me to start kung fu. I have become part of something so much bigger then just myself. I'm part of a group of people who are trying to better themselves and the world around them. I am constantly amazed at what a truly fortunate person I am. I get inspiration from Sifu Brinker right down to the smallest of the tiny tigers everyday that I am in the kwoon. A year ago I was a negative, sarcastic thinker. Now my crew at work says I'm more relaxed, and positive. I look forward to the challenges each day instead of with dread. I just do the best I can. There is no such thing as perfect, just the road to mastery and hopefully discovery that life is truly incredible along the way.
I am by no means the best father, husband, colleage or human being that I can be. There is alot of work to do and old habits to correct before I can even say I'm pretty good. But at least now there is a small light at the end of the tunnel and a path to start on to get me there. The path is gonna have lots of branches and twists and turns on it and most likely some fallbacks. But if I can just keep focused on the outcome then I know the journey will be well worth it.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to fail Sifu Brinker. It has taught me more about myself then I am probably even aware of. But I will work on becoming more aware, so that I can grow and learn even more. - Oct 24, 11
A little while back we got a letter from my daughters school informing us that they were changing the way the kids were being graded. They were switching from a grade system to a new system that confused the heck out of me. Basically the teachers are trying to engage the students thought processes more and determine if they are understanding and thinking about the information presented to them. For example they may read a news headline or watch a short newsclip on something like women trying to attain the right to vote in Saudi Arabia. Then they discuss various themes and ideas that were presented to them. The kids are then assessed on whether they understood the material and how it got them thinking. They write down in there own words answers to various questions that gauge how much the student understood the material and can give examples and conparisons to say, how different it is between life for women in Canada as opposed to Saudi Arabia. There are no perfectly right or wrong answers. It is more a question of how it got the student thinking and how they relate it to what they already know.
I like that they are getting the students thinking more. Not just doing the straight memorization of facts and figures or places on a map. There is so much information out there that kids can so easily access. They need to be able to look at this information critically and not just accept things at face value. Alot of so called factual information is presented from the angle that the writer wants the reader to reach. Kids today have to be able to be much more discerning of what is screaming loudly at them for their attention nowadays.
I am still old fashioned in that I can understand what 90% means as opposed to "meets the standard". But the information age is upon us and technology and the world wide web have shrunk the world to the point where everything is so close to home now. I just hope I can keep up with the changes and contribute in a positive way to my kids growth, both mentally and spiritually. By trying to be a positive role model and someone they can talk to about anything, I think I'm doing ok. The world is a much more complicated place then when I was a kid. I can't even imagine what the future holds for my childrens children and their children after that. - Oct 17, 11
Still busier then all can be with various work projects and family life. I have missed anymber of classes lately and that is bugging me alot. I don't like missing classes but have had to sacrifice a few for family and work reasons. I am definately looking forward to November when things settle down abit again and I can get back to my normal routine. I realized the other day in the kids class that I am not reviewing all my technigues as much as I should be. That is something I can and will add into my home training.
This past week I have been thinking about all the Sihings testing for black belt. My best wishes have been with them all as the test day approached. We have such a strong group this year and they are all a constant source of inspiration and amazement to me. I am sure that someday I'll be nervous as all can be as test day approaches. I just hope i can be as good an example to the Kwoon as they have been to me this year.
On an dang it note, my computer is starting to act up in little ways lately. It may be a sign that its time for a new computer. This one is 5 years old now and it does get alot of use. Hopefully I can get a bit more time out of it before the point of no return. Technology is advancing so fast nowadays that I'm not even sure what is good and what isn't in the world of computers. Time to do some research I guess. - Oct 04, 11
This last week I messed up my whole routine. My schedule had to adjust somewhat for the activities my kids and my wife have undertaken. Shelby is back in dance this year and going 2 nites a week this year. Jordan is still in Kung Fu, plus running club in school and my wife is on the commitee for The Parkland County Santa's Anonymous party again this year. I was expecting it, I just got so used to my routine that it was hard to rearrange it. I was surprised that it was such a fight to get myself moving at different times than I'm used to. I know I can adjust, I just have to look at my goals again and retailor them as needed and realize I wont be able to put in as much time as I was before. I still have to be a father and a husband, and just because I am so into my Kung Fu doesn't mean I can just forget that I have other responsibilities. My Kung Fu is very important to me, the journey I am on, I know I had no idea when I first started that it would have so much meaning for me and on such a deep level. As the saying goes, a journey of a thoasand miles begins with one step. I'm about 1000 steps in with 100000 more to go, but I am so looking forward to and enjoying the journey.
- Sep 26, 11
This past month my wife Kyla has had the urge to move into a bigger place. A nice house out in Spring Lake came up for sale and she soooo wanted to buy it. So we started the ball rolling by putting in an offer. Unfortunately what the present owner wants for the house is just not realistic in my mind for the amount of work that would be needed to be done. I.E. new shingles, the garage floor jacked up and insulation gutted(moldy), plus fixing all the sidewalk blocks that have sunk everywhere. And that was just what we could see right away. I have feeling the inspection would have reveled even more things.
We also realized the amount of work required to finish off our own house to be sale ready. Nothing major, alot of minor paint and trim details and decluttering. It kind of made me appreciate where we are and what we have. Our house isnt huge but it is comfortable and I'm proud of the changes we have made in the five years we have been here.
This whole experience has kind of regrounded me in a way. Yes a larger home would be nice, but it's not a necessity by any means. It's kind of funny how you have to change how you look at things to truly appreciate them. - Sep 21, 11
Lately I have been finding that more stress and pressure have been occuring at work. My crew is getting larger and that requires more time to organize them and keep up with the materials and information they need to complete their work. At first I thought that this may start to overwhelm me more and more. But I'm finding that my routine for kung fu is very much helping to keep me grounded and focused. I am by no means at effortless effort as Sifu Brinker describes it. But I am keeping my focus on my goals and training as is and I actually find I'm looking forward to my sit ups and push-ups each day.
I realize more and more just how much there is to yet learn, but I firmly believe that if I can focus on the basics, that the rest will come. Form and technique are like mantras in my head when I'm working on different combos or forms. I know I have details that will need to be worked on in my forms, mastery is a life time pursuit after all. I just dont want to sacrifice form or technique for power and realism before I'm ready for them. When that is I don't honestly know at the moment. That I leave to the Sifus to point out to me.
This week I have been giving alot of thought to the next UBBT. Have I put in an honest and true effort to this UBBT. Am I ready to make the commitment to next year. I can honestly say that I didn't know exactly what I was in for, for this year. But I do know it has helped me grow in ways I can't even describe in words. Next years requirements are very serious and intense when I compare them to this year. But I believe that if I can grow as much as I have this year, next year can be even more amazing. I know in my heart that there were times when I was sick or tired this year that I didn't do as much in my training as I could have. That is something I have accepted and never want to allow myself to do again. I know that I don't have to go full out all the time, but be more flexible in my training when life's obstacles pop up. It's something I'm still learning, but it has stuck in my head ever since Sifu Brinker talked about it at our UBBT meeting a few months back. I am determined to finish out this year stronger then when I began it. This includes physically and mentally. I am going to apply for next years team and hope I can give back as much as I get from what I know will be a challenging but rewarding experience. - Sep 12, 11
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of 9/11. As the news unfolded and the pictures were broadcast around the world it all seemed so surreal. It truly saddens my heart to witness what man is capable of at times. Everyone always remembers where and what they were doing when various things of this nature occur. Whether it's big events like 9/11 or the day the space shuttle Columbia blew up, or when people are assasinated by others like John Lennon or even the day Elvis died.
I wish we could remember more positive things in our lifes instead of all the negative. Media these days bombards us with so many negative images and events. Instant news, all day, everywhere, all the time. When Kyla(my wife ) and I disconnected our cable over a year ago, I thought but how am I gonna know whats going on out there. But as time has gone by I truly haven't missed it at all. I can get the news on the computer or in a newspaper if I want. There is so much information available through the net these days that it can be quite overwhelming at times. Of course alot of what is out there has to be taken with a grain of salt as everyone tries to put their slant on the issues they are presenting(only human nature).
I like to try and find at least one good news story a day to read about. It gives me hope for the future when I see the positive things mankind can achieve for all, instead of the petty things we sometimes do only for ourselves. I know that one of the things that drew me so strongly into the Silent River community was seeing the many positive things everyone does for the local area and the world at large. If only more people could embrace that sense of being a part of something much larger then themselves, this world could become an even more amazing place to live then it already is.
I realize that we have to acknowledge that bad things are happening in the world today. But I hope that instead of it creating or causing a negative emotion to fester in our minds and souls, that we can get past the negative and instead try to find the positive in the world that's trying to poke its head up above the deep pile thats on top. I believe that if more problems were tackled with a positive attitude instead of a negative one, that so much could be done to rid the world of poverty, disease, and especially prejudice. - Sep 06, 11
This past week saw what I'm told is the biggest reno undertaken at the kwoon so far. It was definately alot of work but oh so worth it. I have to tip my hat to Sihing Lingstrom for his outstanding leadership and drive to complete all the work that was undertaken. I know I enjoyed helping out. It gave me a enormous sense of pride in our Kwoon and also gave me a chance to meet and socialize with more members of the school in a non kung fu setting. I must admit there were times I was confused as to how to address different individuals as the work was being done. But it was a truly positive and enjoyable experience for me.
I love building things, no doubt a big factor why I became an electrician. Seeing things take shape and become functional buildings for various purposes truly intriques me.
The Kwoon looks awesome. Koodos to all that helped get so much work done, so smoothly.
