The Little Things

I'm finding it very difficult to document all of my Acts of Kindness throughout the day. For one, I have realized I can hardly remember the details of my day. I have noticed that when I do the 'breathe in, breathe out' routine, I remember very specifically where I am and what I am doing. I need to find a way to keep that kind of focus throughout the day.

Number two, I have noticed I have a tendency to forget the little things. I know I've had this habit for a very long time, and I think its my brain being in study gear. I sort through my 'school files' throughout the day, and disregard, for lack of a better word, things that won't affect me later. Another bad habit I need to break.

This is not meant to be another negative post. So, I'm going to focus on the positive. People smile alot when you surprise them. And, they smile back when you smile at them. Try it. Next time you are sitting at a red light and glance beside you, flash your pearlys. I know this doesn't qualify as an act of kindness, but it has the same result. People walk away from it feeling better about their day. Isn't that part of it?

Also, people love their coffee. Me included. Buy a grumpy person a coffee (or tea, or whatever) and they forget why they are grumpy. I've made this a habit (finally, a good one!) and even my days get better. Expecially on cold days.

I now have a confession. I don't really know how many Acts of Kindness I've done. I know when I make a consious effort, I can usually think of four or five a day. So, I think if I pull my socks up and document everything properly, I'll surpass my goal.

So, now an update.

Since October 2:

Push-ups: 2195

Sit-ups: 2570

Miles: 27.9

Forms- 18.5 reps

Yeah, I still have catch-up to do. Thats the point of this blog, right? To stay accountable?

I Wanted the Post Short, But That Doesn't Mean the Title Can't Be Long!

Okay, I'm hoping this stays brief. I'm back! Actually, I never left. My last post was just my rant about how disappointed I was in myself that I let a bug, no matter how many legs it had, get to me. I wanted it public so people will realize to err is human, and we are all human. Some are just more extraordinary than others, in my opinion.

So now, I'm looking forward to the task of making up for those days I lost. Isn't that what this is about? Never quitting? I think that is my favorite requirement. Its good stuff, no?

Hey, it did stay brief!

Bah Humbug

So I've already hit a snag. The last week has been a complete write off. Last Wednesday I came down with some kind of killer cold, and nearly lost my lunch when I did my first 20 push-ups. Thursday I never moved from the bed (except to adjust the heat according to my hot flashes) and Friday I dragged my butt and probably caused more headaches than I attempted to solve. I was not over my cold on the weekend, but at least I was mobile. So, in short, the last few days I haven't done a single physical task. The only thing I've kept up with is the Acts of Kindness, followed with a sniffle. Today, I'm feeling better, still sniffling but capable. And now, I'm lacking the motivation I had at the beginning of the month. I remember feeling great, but I feel craptastic now. Geez, its only the 14th and I need a boost.

Any time I get into these moods, I always relied on my classes in Onoway to get me back on track. I don't have that now, since I'm sitting in a motel in Wainwright, and won't make it back tomorrow. Yeah, I know I'm wining, but this is my online journal, and its my birthday and I'll cry if I want to (kidding, my birthday is in May). I'll give you five bucks if you can tell me the exact mileage from Edmonton to Wainwright. I'm kidding again.

The only things that are working for me, as I sit here thinking about it, are the comments I have been receiving from those closest to me about how insane I am for agreeing to the UBBT, and more specifically the look on their faces when I answer no to the question "do you have to do this?". Ha. I think only my fellow fanatics understand.

So, my fellow fanatics, this is the first of many pleas you'll get from me. I'm writing this publicly so everyone knows this isn't all sunshine and lollipops, that there is a lot of backaches and kleenex involved sometimes.

Hey, I think this worked somewhat. I'm back in the game, fellow fanatics! (cough)

The First 7 Days

So like many others, I've completed the first week if the UBBT. My brain has been on overdrive trying to juggle work, school, classes and now this. Its been a hard week, but a great week. Already it seems like I've fallen in to a routine of relaxing slightly one day, then going hard to make up for it the next. I don't know if this it the best way to go about it, but I feel it gives me breaks and challenges at the same time.

Master Brinker is right about this giving us an opportunity, or excuse, to finally train as much as we want, without feeling guilty about pushing other things off for the moment. I finally get to say, "I really ought to do the dishes, but they'll have to wait until I get another 50 push ups done" instead of the other way around. Don't worry, the dishes are getting done too.

The running and the biking are doing wonders for me. I'm not saying that I see any physical differences so soon, but I feel better everytime I pull out my bike. Again, it gives me an excuse to do these things that I enjoy without the guilt of making some other task wait. Jill, one of my dogs, is enjoying it too. We have good talks whenever she comes with me :)

I'm aware that there will be a time where I need a kick in the pants. I'm just glad I have over a dozen other blackbelts to do it for me when the time comes. And, I can kick them back when they need it. I love this family.