Winter Blues

Now that the weather is turning, I'm realizing more and more that I am soooo ready for spring. Normally, I don't feel like winter affects me, I rather like it, but for some reason this year I'm getting the winter blues. Considering that its February, supposedly one of the coldest months, and we're hitting plus 6, you'd think that I'd be skipping in joy and enjoying the break in the weather. Instead, I'm dragging my feet, feeling overly tired, getting grumpy and wishing for a change in pace or something. I have brief moments when I walk outside, take a deep breath and really enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the nothing. But they're not lasting like they usually do. Bugger.

So, I'm waiting for the day that I don't have to put on a jacket when I leave. Mind you, today I actually had the sun in my eyes on the way to work today. That hasn't happened for months. Maybe its a turning point.

I've Never Seen Such a Playful Buddha...

I've been spending all my free time today staring at this blank page, wondering what I could write that would be of interest and of use to others. Several topics have breezed through my head- the family feeling or SRKF and how its been obvious as of late, updating the status of my beloved car (now named Heika- she's a tough German girl) and her recovery, praising my lion dancers for their effort and creativity, applauding my boss for the lunch he just bought me (thanks Dean!), describing my utter discust with some contractors, or mentioning the heartfelt words at a memorial service I attended this last Sunday.

So with all that in mind, I guess I'll just do a few brief mentions.

My car is still in shambles, although you'd never know looking at her. Again, she's a tough girl. The damage is estimated at over $1100.00, with more to come once they open her up. The lady that hit me has not contacted anybody, police, insurance or otherwise, so the police said if they have to they will report it as a hit & run. Come on lady! You don't need criminal charges on top of everything! Please, just do your part!!

Its a great feeling to know that if I need them, SRKF is there for me. Last Wednesday I was in Calgary, and wasn't sure if I was going to make it back in time for my first class. Ended up that the meeting we had scheduled 3 hrs for took twenty minutes. I had lots of time. Regardless, SRKF members in Stony had already stepped up to find someone and to cover for me if I needed it. Thanks you guys.

Last thing- why can't people show up when they say they will, and do what they say they'll do? Geez...

Get Well Soon, My Girl

So, I got rear-ended on Monday. It was the first accident I've been in that has involved another vehicle (backing into Nicks truck with Nicks car in Nicks driveway sooo doesn't count)(okay, quit laughing). The very first thing I did was reassure my car that she would be alright, that she'll make it through this, that I'll be there for her. Is this odd? It worked to keep my head straight, which I really needed since out of the three of us I was the only one not in the wrong and the only one who was calm. I've always felt that if I ever got into an accident, whether not I'm in the wrong or right, why get upset or mad or panicky? Its called an accident because no one meant any harm, so relax, crap happens. All in all, I had a really good day yesterday. My car has mostly survived, little visible damage (although I can't say that about the Mercedes that hit me, and got hit, ouch), the police officer that helped me with my statement was a really nice guy, the auto mechanic guy was uber friendly, and I got a free coffee at the gas station! Really, why do people assume I didn't have a good day? Its my car that had the bad day.

Lesson- relax! Things always go better if you don't get grumpy.

Thanks, Dude

Just a quick word to thank the tall, young, lightly bearded, kind fellow at the Petro station near the studio in Stony on Tuesday. If anyone knows who I'm talking about, tell him thanks from the dark haired girl with the washer fluid and coffee. I was already gone when I noticed. He earned a gold star for the act of kindness towards me...

Long List of Stuff

I never really make any formal New Years resolutions, just continue on in my days as I normally do, but here are some things, relevant and otherwise, that I'm hoping to accomplish.

- drink less coffee and more water
- master tai chi and cane
- get regular haircuts (its been 6 months...)
- read some different kinds of books
- become better educated in good music
- learn sign language
- put my chunky dog and chubby cat on a diet
- get my students to black
- change my last name
- create a new lion dance
- keep up with the laundry (and dishes, and vacuuming, and the grass, and my dogs...)
- cook more, eat less
- practice my flying kicks more
- buy some RRSP's
- get my environmental practitioners certification
- get my AMRT and eventually AMRS certification
- jump out of a perfectly good plane
- go back to Castle Mountain
- find homes for strays
- catch the strays first
- remember to water my plants before they wilt
- complete an anger management course
- finish the renovations
- pay off my quad, car, cards
- spend more time with my dogs playing fetch
- spend more time with my friends and family


Well, these are some things just off the top of my head. Not everything, to be sure, but some things.

UBBT 7

So, I went and did something I was not planning on doing. I played the little birdy on Wednesday, and Sifu Brinker managed to convince me to join UBBT 7, which I had no intention of doing. But, now that I have, I'm happy about it. No quitting and no going back, right? So, wish me luck and sweat. Sifu Brinker, you're gooood.

Work in Progress

So, I do believe I can claim the title of worst Body-For-Life participant. I don't think I've hit 6 meals yet this week, or even last week now that I think about it. Still, I've been paying attention to what I eat, focusing on protein and carbs as required, and throwing in as many veggies as I can. I'm out of cottage cheese- this is a crisis as I have been relying on it to be a quick straight-from-the-container meal. I'm out of the shakes, which means I haven't been getting in the first meal of the day. I haven't had breakfast during the week for the last how many years, so getting into the habit now is a work in progress. I'm slowly getting better with the entire routine, so I figure that if I keep at it I'll get it down eventually and can write something a little more inspiring for everybody.

And living with a skinny Ukrainian isn't helping...
That should be an oxymoron.