Brilliant Experiences

Even though I wasn't there for the majority, Bootcamp was pretty awesome. I carry the bruises on my forearms as a testament to the Wing Chung seminar and my wrist still rings from the broadsword seminar. Cool stuff.

It sounds like Sifu Brinkers seminar on Chi Cultivation was a hit. I'm not surprised. Although I'm reminded that it takes much more than one seminar to make use of the knowledge you gain. Something simple and well known but something that took me a long time to figure out nonetheless.

So bootcamp is over for the year. What do you do? I'll tell ya- keep the lessons fresh, keep the memories fresh. That way the experience will continue to carry you through to the next great experience. Perhaps an encounter with a giant beachball?

Boo yeah.

Life's Ruff (Get it?)

Ever since the weather became nice enough to go outside without a snowsuit I've been trying to get multiple project done. So much to do, both around the yard and for kung fu. Seems that no matter how hard a burn the candle I don't seem to make much progress.

I don't want to be that guy who pushes too hard too fast and ends up with a worse injury, but I feel like I'm at the point where I need to start pushing a bit outside the safety zone. And I am well aware that a couple of you are cringing right now. But I feel like I'm getting into a hole that I'm not going to get out of. Unless I start pushing it.

I had grand plans for this year, have made grand promises. I need to see them through. Period.

On the other hand, I'm burning out. I'm trying to be mindful like a good little martial artist, but I find myself running from one commitment to another, trying to find time to be home and help there, all while trying to help those around me with whatever comes up. Yesterday afternoon after spending the day in the city I tried to shake it off and be mindful, if just for a moment. So I saddled up Chloe (i.e. put her collar on) and took her for a walk, trying to appreciate the weather and the birds and the breeze. It worked, until I got home and saw the weeds taking over the garden and the grass that needed cutting and the floor that needed vacuuming and the dishes that needed doing. Mindfulness gone.

I'm not meaning to complain, I enjoy what I'm doing. How many people get to teach their "hobby" daily, or take their dogs to work everyday and hang out with their parents while getting paid?

I'm just... tired.