If I say "READ ME" a Second Time, Will it Work?

Sadly, I received very few comments on my last post, where I was hoping that it would work to rally the troops and I'd receive a huge "lets go!" from everyone. I did get a couple, plus one "how could I not read your blog with a title like that?", which is exactly why I named it thus. So I'm going to try a different method (yes, still a blog):

Everyone, what can I do to help you all? Not that I'm so far ahead on my numbers that I can afford to pump out push-ups for you, but maybe we can work something where we both benefit? Where we all benefit? I'm willing to nag, encourage, call at any hour, text, meet up with you and sweat with any of you. So, why not take me up on this non-limited time offer? As I said, I need to play some catch up of a few of my own numbers, and I recognize that if I need help I imagine I'm not the only one. So, I'm sending an offer and a plea out to all, ALL, my fellow teammates- anyone wanna play?

I know its summer and many of us have hit either a rut, a wall or just a snag... I've been through enough years of this to know exactly how easy that is. But, after how many rounds I also know that we need to push though whatever is going on if we are to be successful. And don't hesitate to admit if you need help or if your rut is deeper than you would like to admit- I've been in this for what, four years?, and I have yet to successfully achieve my third stripe. But that doesn't mean that I'm giving up or giving in or whatever. That just means it'll be that much sweeter when I do achieve my third degree (because I will!) and the changes this program strives for will be that much more ingrained in me.

If you're afraid to admit your numbers, let me help you. My name is Khona Rybak, a Sifu at SRKF, a second degree blackbelt for the last (wait, I gotta check the archives...) EIGHT years, meaning I've put in my time but not been eligible for 4 years now, and I have yet to successfully* (see note below) complete one round of the I Ho Chuan, formerly known as the UBBT.

So does your lack of mojo seem so bad now?

Yes, everything above is true. *That does NOT mean I believe the last however many years have been wasted or a disappointment or unsuccessful... yes, unsuccessful... because I am moving forward and I will make that next stripe. I've never been one to rush things anyways.

Everyone Read This

I've been a part of Silent River Kung Fu for the vast majority of my life. I've seen how it can change people, or alternatively how some people choose to walk away. Recently, being a part of the UBBT and now the I Ho Chuan, I have seen this first aspect of Kung fu amplified huge, and I see it every day in the people around me.

I know we've been struggling individually and as a team. Sifu Brinker has developed so many ways for us to succeed, and yet some of us, myself whole heartedly included, continue to struggle with things that should become as easy as breathing. And every time this happens, Sifu Brinker works his butt off to help us, and still ends up pulling out his hair (well, you know what I mean).

So, to Sifu Brinker I say this- you are an extraordinary man who has encouraged, inspired, motivated and changed countless of us into better people than we would have been without you. I am truly sorry that we (me) let you down, but I can also say that despite what you may think, it is NOT your fault. As I mentioned, we are all better people because of you. There's a saying about a horse and water that fits right here. You seem to have found yourself a lovely group of stubborn and silly horses.

And now, to my fellow team members and to every single member of SRKF, and to every other person who happens to stumble across this particular blog- what are we waiting for? Why do we continue to struggle with things we know are obtainable, beneficial and extremely important in our own success? So, get on with it! I challenge all of you to end this year the way it should be ended and to show Sifu Brinker that he has achieved what he is trying to achieve with us. I will not let him think that he has somehow let us down. And I do not want any of you ever again considering letting him down! Because that is exactly what we do every time we skip our push ups, miss a class or figure later is a better time. We let him and ourselves down. No more. Not an option. Got it?

Good with the Bad, Eh?

I feel like I'm in dire straights, my foot kills and obviously I've been tracking no miles (unless I can track limping around the office). I tried a couple rounds with the monks spade, very bad idea. Cool thing is that NOW I have bruising, a week after I crushed the thing, on the bottom & side of my foot. And across my toes. But not where the impact was. That tells you something.

This diet tracking is working to inform me about not so much what I eat, but how much I don't drink (besides coffee). I have cut down the coffee, but I take in almost nothing else, some water here, a sip if Nicks Pepsi here... No wonder I'm tired, my poor body is probably going to throw a mutiny soon.

I already miss my Monday & Wednesday classes, however I'm happy to have the time home. Good news- I'm finally going to meet a goal I set a couple years ago- my house is getting done! I've hired out the interior work, and so I'll have not only drywall but paint! yes, paint! on my walls by the end of summer. AND we're doing the shingles AND some windows! I'll have a home instead of a shelter!!

Good with the bad, eh?