So Awesome

Apologies to everyone, we had a practice last night and only a few people were there. I'm guessing it was because I didn't post a reminder. Regardless, we had a good practice. It was nice to get back not the kwoon, it feels like its been too long even though its been less than a week.

I'm realizing how much time we don't have left. We're into te final push. And added to that, we all need to spend some time getting ready for the tournament. The process really does take a full year, for a good reason.

I thought it was just me, but after talking to a couple other black belts I realized how much this process really affects a person. I've been feeling a gap between myself and many of my non SRKF friends, a gap that widens every time they ask why I spend so much time at the studio, so much time being injured and so much time away from home when I wouldn't have to if I choose not to. They will never get it, and I can't explain why without sounding like a fanatic masicist. It kinda sucks, but I cannot change it without giving up a part of myself. And I'm not willing to do that. This is way too awesome for that.

Oh, I got The Journal of Awesome too!

After the events of last Friday, everything I was planning on writing seems very insignificant in comparison. My thoughts and love go out to those now grieving.

I hugged my niece and nephew a bit tighter yesterday.

If You Join Next Year, the End is NOT Nigh!

The last few blogs posted by fellow teammates seem to be about finishing up the year of the dragon and reviewed goals and all those related topics that arise toward the end of the year. I don't wanna post about that, its all too "end is nigh" for me, and I'm enjoying this way too much to think about it being almost over. So I'm going to happily stay in Never Never Land for a while longer.

I've never not enjoyed going to classes and practices, but I will admit that its been a while since I've actually willed time to move faster so that I can go to the next class or practice or dance. No matter how crummy my days have been, my evenings completely wipe out any negativity and I just have fun, doing something I enjoy with people I enjoy. I can see the progress in everyone, and I think "wow, if one year of focus can lead to this, what can a lifetime do?". Ooohh...click. Now I understand the mastery bit...

Weekend-of-Awesome

I took this last weekend for myself. I didn't do anything I didn't want to do, I didn't stress about the things I had to do, and I didn't feel guilty when I decided to sit down and read a book. Literally, one full book. Haven't done that in a while. I'm always worried that if I took a weekend like this, I'd fall further behind or I'd feel guilty. But I feel better now. I cranked Frank Sinatra and finished the insulation in our dining room. I then cranked some classical and cleaned the bathroom and actually had fun doing it (weird). I then cranked some Muse and Aerosmith and did laundry.

I practiced because I wanted to, not because I had to. I feel better about Lao Gar because I think I have my fixes in place. My ma came over and we helped each other with Tai Chi; I guided her through the beginning of Part I and I went through the whole thing, saying the moves as I did them and she followed the sheets to make sure I was right. We've been doing this at least once a week for the last while, and I like finally having someone at home who can help me, and who's interested. We sat, drank coffee, watched my bird outwit the dog and set up my cats' new tower-of-awesome scratch post (Costco special!).

There are things going on in my life that I'm not fond of, at work, in my training and in my personal life. But right now, I don't care. I'm happy, the day is beautiful and my iPod is cranked again, sitting beside me on my desk, as I type this. Frank is singing "The Best is Yet to Come"- I think he's right!