Sunday, August 25, 2019

Holiday or Vacation or Marathon

   Hi there fellow teammates, I am going to go in a little different direction here. I am looking for some ideas, advise or recommendations. The Bjorkquist clan is looking to go on a winter holiday and I am wondering if any of you might have a destination that was absolutely amazing or memorable. It must be warm, it must be beachy, and it must be a place that we can explore the local customs without being in danger if we leave the resort. I'm sure most of us have had a holiday/vacation that we still think about today, please share. We are talking about Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Bahamas etc... I guess on the flip side of that, if there is a place that was not good, please help steer us away from that.

   I do not want a tourist trap, I want to experience the local customs without being bugged to buy trinkets that I don't want or need. I want my family and myself to be safe and not to worry about gangs or be afraid to leave the resort. I want relaxation and at the same time I want adventure. It MUST be family friendly, Kody is only 13 you know.

   Enough of that.


   Reno Week

   It is finally here, reno week! Lets get together and make the Kwoon sparkle. Be part of the team and come on by ready to work. We have limited supplies but lots that needs to be done. There is lots of weeds that need attending, windows to wash, mats to clean, equipment, walls, bathrooms, you get the point. Even if you can only show up for a little bit, STILL SHOW UP! The more the merrier, many hands make light work, all for one and one for all, there is no I in team, etc........




Number time

Sit ups   32606

Push ups   32338

Sparring   300

1609KM   1708.96KM

AOK   870

Hand Form   246

Weapon Form   339


Sunday, August 18, 2019

Over 1/2 way! Focus Focus

   So we are just over 1/2 way through the Year of the Pig. Where did the time go? But the more important question is, am I where I thought/hoped I would by by now. I can give that a resounding yes/no.  My mandatory numbers are ever so steadily moving along, in fact, my 1609Km is technically achieved. But on the other hand, my hand form, weapon form and rounds of sparring are no where near where they should be. But on the other hand, 1000 AOK is almost achieved, but but but.....

   I guess it is time to shift my focus to get rid of the "buts" and turn them into "achieved". Only I can make that switch in focus, so "click", focus re-focused, I hope. So instead of a long winded blog, I'm heading downstairs to "the room" and get my Kung Fu on.

Chow for now

Go Team Pig!!!!




Numbers

Sit ups   31551

Push ups   31393

Sparring   280

1609Km   1652.09Km!!!

AOK   845

Hand Form   236

Weapon Form   327


Sunday, August 11, 2019

Share

   The meeting yesterday started some of my "wheels" turning a little differently. It has helped me to re-evaluate some of my personal requirements that I set for myself way back in December of last year. I made 7 choices on things that I wanted to change or improve in my life. I chose these things because I felt they would improve my health and quality of life. But have they?

#1   Learn to juggle.
   This one may sound silly and seem fruitless but I am really enjoying it. Juggling and Jugglers have always amazed me. I could watch this for hours and be amazed all the way through their performance. So why not try it for myself? The enjoyment I get from this simple act is really quite pure. I will never be in the circus or work a street corner at the "Fringe", but that wasn't my objective. It is simple, fun and I get enjoyment from it. What else could I ask for!

#2   Get back to a 36" waist, maybe more ( less actually )
   Eating habits, sleeping habits and general fitness habits. Sounds easy enough. 3 Simple things. 3 mountains actually. It is that 1 word, HABITS. Tough word, strong and really hard to change. I am doing my best to make a deal with this devil of a word, I have actually lost 10 pounds since joining the team so my goal is within reach. Pretty proud of that.

#3   2nd Language ( Spanish )
   Old dog, new tricks. This one is being a real snot. My ears are hearing the words, my eyes are seeing the words, my brain is asleep at the wheel. I thought this would be more fun, I can't see myself ever succeeding at this one in the time frame I have given myself. This will take years and a few "aha" moments. Maybe a few trips to Mexico would help me out ( Cerveza anyone? ). Baby steps on this one.

#4   Major home projects
   This is one that I am tickled pink on. Even though my original plans and projects have changed over the past 6 months, my progress on others has stunned even me! Just get it done! Stop thinking and act! This one has made me proud of myself. Now if only I could relate this to my Kung Fu.......

#5   Neatness
   Back to that dirty word, habits. My biggest need for a neatness overhaul is in my hand writing. Problem is almost everything I do is on a computer ( insert Blog here ), not much time being spent doing handwriting. When I am writing stuff down, I need to SLOW DOWN! Tough to do when everything is go go go.

#6  Learn to swim   ( yikes )
   I am not a water fan and this one terrifies me. I have been saving it till fall/winter and I guess that that time is getting awfully close. Even writing about this gives me the creeps. Maybe I will enjoy it but I really really doubt it. Something about "taking the plunge" or "jumping in with both feet" could be said here but I am and always will be a land lover, not gills or fins on me.

#7   Run 2km
   I am not a runner, not built for that type of grace and flow. I have cement feet, old hips and crap for lungs (thanks Asthma!). But I do agree with people who do run, the best part of running is when you stop running, the euphoria is amazing. 2km is a epic journey for me to run but I can do it in a decent jog/fast walk so my tunnel is long and dark but I see a little light wayyyyy down at the end.

  How many of these relate to Kung Fu? All! Every one of these personal requirements has made adjust my thinking and habits. Each one has a "Harmony" with something in Kung Fu.But this blog is getting a little long so I'll ponder that for another time.


  Just thought I would share these with the team, maybe start a discussion on other members journey this year. I am an open book, ask my anything and I will answer, sometimes a little to honestly.  Need an opinion, trust me, I have many opinions on just about everything, if not, I'll make something up. Need a shoulder or sounding board, my "door" is always open.




Numbers

Sit ups   30471

Push ups   30463

Sparring   280 rounds

1609km   1595.22km

AOK   821

Hand form   226

Weapon form   318


Monday, August 5, 2019

Family Time

   So Deb, Kody and I just spent the last few days in Jasper. A simple little family road trip to a place very dear to me. It was simple, it was awesome, it was golden. We laughed, we visited family and friends, we ate good food, we saw some amazing sights, we relaxed, we walked, we talked, we enjoyed. Getting time like this with the ones you love is absolutely the most precious thing you will ever get.

   I can credit a lot of my state of mind and well being to the art of Kung Fu. It has brought me the confidence and peace of mind I need to actually be able to appreciate life and the joys it can offer. I find myself stepping out of my "comfort zone" far more often that I used to. I try new things, I take advantage of opportunities more than I used to because I know that life is to short not to. It has given me a ever increasing level of fitness and awareness that you don't get sitting on your hands watching moments pass you by. Thank you Master Brinker for improving my life with your teachings and energy.