Hectic Times

Wow, it has been hectic.  Nice to get a few minutes to breathe and of course update the blog.

A couple of weeks ago I taught on Saturday, then on Sunday took a few of our Karate kids to a tournament. They did very well and I was so proud of them. Its so great to see these kids improve, do well, and earn their achievements.

I also participated.  In weapons forms it was just the guys, and they combined it.  Another guy was intermediate like myself and decided to compete advanced (brown belt). So I did as well. If he can do it, so should I.

I ended up in a 2nd place tie, with the brown belt and had to do the form again.  Made an error and was bumped the 3rd. AH!

As for the hand kata there were 5 women so it was just us ladies.  I did my thing, and landed 3rd place.  I really wish I did better like I know I can. 

I couldn't believe how nervous I felt, it was almost as bad as when I had to fight.  It think it was because the parents were there....

Jeff asked how I felt, and I was indifferent. I know I can do better and I know I should have done better. Hopefully it sets a fire for me for the fall.

Work has been insane, with working long hours for various deadlines.  I've had to miss a couple of classes and it bums me out.  I am really hoping all this hard work pays off come 'salary talk time'

Meanwhile we have firmed up our plans for the summer for the school. Now we have to get our marketing underway and hope for the best.

It'd be so great to get in more people over the summer.  I want the decision to stay at 6 days a week to be and easy one.

With working so much my body crashed over the weekend and its be telling me to be careful. So I made sure to have some down time and will this weekend after I teach on Saturday

Just a few more classes to teach at the Eliot, then our Summer Schedule starts in Peabody. Big times ahead!

Forever Ago

Seems like forever ago since posting. Kept telling myself, ah later. Well maybe now is a good time with a day off.

Here are some updates:

Work has been up and down with busy stuff. Nothing too crazy. I've had my reviews and they seemed to go ok. I've been trying to take on more, and do more.  I've also considered testing once and for all. I started last month, had a huge burst of study in me and then lost it.  I kind of thought I would with all that has been going on. I need to somehow make it a priority.

Teaching ups and downs. The after-school program is incredibly challenging.  Our dojo however has been doing really great. The kids are doing good and I've seen so much growth in them. Last Saturday I burst into tears watching them. They make me so proud.  We have some big things coming up with the kids and the school. Its nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time.  

First, next weekend I teach again and then on Sunday we have tournament. I am taking the kids solo, and competing.  Its been awhile since I have competed, and I've not done it as an Intermediate.  I know its going to be a crazy day, and I'm hopeful that it goes smoothly.  Next up, is promotions in June.  My testing is pretty flexible, since I am the only adult. But, I've got my sights set on testing with the kids, and doing well.  I'm working on what I've termed "Black Belt hands". I want it so that if someone looks at just my hands it will be undeniably 'Black Belt material'  The kicks are further behind, they are getting better, and its just a matter of time.  Right now I'm trying to catch them up to 'Blue Belt material'. 

As I set my sights on 'Black Belt', it's great to have the advantage that due to other training, I already know the rank. Its just getting them to be 'Black Belt' sharp. Goal: Black Belt by 35.  Its going to be close.

In June we also go to 6 days a week. Right now we are working on our strategy and hopefully it goes well.

When June hits I also will try to get my studying into higher gear, as well as work on getting stronger. I'm going to keep working on my other stuff, and keep them sharp. Maybe (and that is  a BIG maybe) I will fight once more at the end of this year.  It's not a huge priority, but I want to keep up the work so that if I want to, I can.

Other than that I got to meet my precious niece  and visit family last month. That was a good time.  Spending time with them is always worth the trip. I am not sure when I'll be back, but I am hoping soon..

Anyway, that is the five minute update in the past few months. 

I'm going to try to post more.... 

When I start my journey on getting stronger I really want to post more, and post on progress. Maybe even pics. I know I will be unhappy with the ones as first, but need them to have a reference for later...

PS. Next Monday is my 4 year anniversary with taking back my life, and getting rid of soda and sugar. =)

Seminar

This weekend I participated in a 6 hour Seminar with 4 time World Champion Chantel Ughi.

Still incredibly sore, but I had a good time.  Only have a couple of pics, but here you go.

Me and Chantel

Group Photo
(which one is different from the rest?)

"IF"

"VIDEO"

IF you can keep your head when all about you 

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, 

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, 

But make allowance for their doubting too; 

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, 

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, 

Or being hated, don't give way to hating, 

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: 

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; 

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; 

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster 

And treat those two impostors just the same; 

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken 

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, 

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, 

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools: 

If you can make one heap of all your winnings 

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, 

And lose, and start again at your beginnings 

And never breathe a word about your loss; 

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew 

To serve your turn long after they are gone, 

And so hold on when there is nothing in you 

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!' 

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, 

' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, 

if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, 

If all men count with you, but none too much; 

If you can fill the unforgiving minute 

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, 

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, 

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Pressure

After the fight, the first question was 'did you win?" followed by "can i see it?". even worse was "can't wait to see it". Then it was the 'are you going to do it again?"

I know people don't mean anything by it. Feel like my go to response is "let me try to process what I just did for a moment"

At first I felt like I wanted to walk away from it all. Then I went back to classes and even hit mitts.

Now what?

It feels like a little pressure to answer that.
I could fight again, I can teach, I can study for my exams, I can...
Its all a blessing for sure that I have choices.

Right now, it just kind of feels like purgatory.

Feel like a quitter no matter what I choose.

I've asked for pics/video from the fight.  I think I'm about ready to just see it so I can put it to bed.

Finally

I know I didn't really post much before the fight. Guess I was just SO sick of talking and thinking about it.
Hard enough to remember to breathe. Anyway...although I do have more thought and analysis just not sure what or how to write them yet.

For now, I want to post an email on got just after the fights. So poignant.

"Winners get winners speeches... losers get losers speeches... and you know I'm weird and unorthodox... so since I know you won... let me give you the loser speech... because its true... and you should more easily be able to believe... as you won. Here it Goes.

Getting in the ring was the first victory, staying in the ring was the second victory, throwing a punch after you've been hit was the functional personal victory. You are born again tonight. Winning or losing doesn't matter You were victorious the moment you "fought back" Great job."

Single Digits

Last night was a much better night for me with sparring.  Training also went good. The running/sprinting is feeling strong and good.  Nothing too crazy for the next 9 days.

Looking forward to this adventure.