Bah Humbug (Again)

By Friday of last week, I was ready to run to the hills and start making a living off the land with a bow and arrow and a wooden spoon. I was stressing over so many issues, pretty well every area you can think of- home, personal, work, school, health... I found my first gray hair on Friday. And it wasn't even gray, its white. Bah.

I was not in a happy place. I was affected after dealing with people who showed no qualms about dragging the world through the mud for their own benefit. I was in so much discomfort, and so stressed out about my health and how it might now impact my future. I had intented on attending the black belt class just to watch- ends up that my ride to my car ignored the fact that I had to be gone and thus I walked in for the last ten minutes only. I was already crabby- now I was grumpy. Yes, there is a difference between the two.

I walked in grumpy. I sat down grumpy. I smiled at everyone, but I was still grumpy. Finally I tuned into the conversation going on in class, and I began to ignore my grumpiness. Then, when we started to actually talk about the Benevolent Foundation, and I was physically and emotionally surrounded by everyone in the room, I finally destressed, calmed down, thought rationally and felt better. You can't help but feel better when surrounded by people you know, who hold the same values and ideals as you.

Long story short- thanks everybody for making me feel better on Friday. I'm sure no one was aware that they did anything, but you did, and I needed it. Thanks.

Kason is His Name

I've officially ended my vegetarian time. I initially planned to try for one month, and I managed 33 days. I'm happy that I tried that challenge, but I'll admit I was uber happy when I had my first piece of steak. Soooo tasty. I have a new found respect for vegetarians, but from now on, you guys are on your own.

On another note, my brother is now a daddy. Introducing Kason Aurthur LaRocque. I've had nieces and nephews for as long as I could remember, but I have never been as close to my half siblings as I am with Rene. So, this is something new and exciting for us all. And my mom is now officially an oma (you hear that, ma?).

I get to meet Kason for the first time tonight. I was getting a little misty eyed just talking to Rene last night, so we'll see how I do tonight. I could hear the difference the little guy has made in my brother over the phone.

And, now we have another name that catches the spell check!

Drool...

I had a dream. It was about steak. It was the most delicious, tender steak, seasoned perfectly, cooked perfectly. When I realized what I was eating, while dreaming, I had a panic attack. It was just so normal for me to have that steak that I hadn't noticed what I was doing. I cheated at the vegetarian challenge without knowing it.

When I woke up and realized it was a dream, three things happened in my head. I was happy I was still on track with the challenge, I had a major craving for streak, and somehow I felt satisfied that I had gotten to have a steak after so long. So what if it was a dream steak. I still enjoyed it hugely and remember enjoying it. No difference than if I had really had a steak and then remembered enjoying it. Both memories are in my head. And I bet my dream steak will never be matched by any restaurant. Or even Nick.

Soon. I can have one soon.

Thank You Guys, It Looks Great

Its great to see people come out and lend a hand. Last week was the annual reno's at the kwoon, and I have to say the place looks good. Its understandable, with school starting and the long weekend, that we might have been running lean. However, echoing Sifu T. Playter, we were lacking volunteers, and missed some from those who signed up. I left work one day to help Sifu Playter, since no one who was signed up showed up. One night I had help from two who were scheduled and from two who were not (thanks guys). Please note- this is not for anyone who let us know beforehand that they could not make the scheduled times. Thank you for letting us know.

Leaving on a good note- to everyone who helped, you guys were amazing. Sifu Brinker was right on the mark when he said that though the crew was small, they were incredible. And the enthusiasm! It didn't seem to matter when I gave you guys horrid little jobs like scraping the paint from the mirrors and windows, scrubbing the baseboards with a toothbrush or edging the ceiling- you guys still made me smile with your attitudes.