Time flies!

Another summer is almost over. Where has the time gone? I'm always amazed at how quickly the  days go by. All the more reason to make the most of life and any opportunities that come our way. I think it is also important to sometimes create opportunity instead of just waiting for something to happen. For me it is important to incorporate rest and relaxation into my day, which normally isn't too hard as I do enjoy my down time. Sometimes too much. I look back over the summer and ask myself did I make the most of my time off work, what did I accomplish, did I get rest and relaxation, and did I enjoy those warm summer days? Am I happy with the results? When I think about the answer to that question, it is not a simple yes or no. I would have liked to accomplish a whole lot more as I have not worked since June 10th, but I need to remind myself that rest and relaxation were a necessity. My numbers for the I Ho Chuan requirements are not where they need to be and I know that I can do better, so I need to fix that. I also wanted to get more projects done around the house. If I take a look at what I did accomplish then I would answer yes. I also know that I can't go back and change anything. 

My summer months were spent dealing with the complaint process that is still ongoing with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. I also made some big decisions in regards to work (as of August 17th I am no longer employed) and I have decided to go back to school as a full time student. On September 1st I will start the on- line travel certificate program which will take the better part of a year to complete. Logan and I have been able to get some camping in and had a wonderful vacation in BC with extended family. I've also been able to get together with friends on numerous occasions and Logan has had lots of fun volunteering with the Town of Stony Plain for most of the summer. 

I finally had my thyroid biopsy on August 4th and received results last week. I'm happy to report that there were no cancer cells present. I can finally clear that worry from my mind. 

As a team we have had the opportunity to be a part of some amazing demos, which I have been able to participate in 3 of the 4 events over the summer months. I have also been fortunate to be able to attend all the monthly meetings (one on face time) and most of the Friday classes. The shaolin fitness class has been very enjoyable and I would have participated in more classes if I had been feeling up to them. Thank you again Sifu Brinker for making these classes available to the I Ho Chuan team members and thank you to Sifu Masterson for your amazing instruction.  I have really enjoyed these classes even if it has been hard on the body.

So even though the summer goes way too quickly, all in all if I focus on what was accomplished and everything I was able to do and experience, again the answer would be a resounding yes! I am happy with the results! Reality is that every day, week, month, and year can become a blur. There is a balance between doing to much and spending too much time doing nothing. (relaxation or lazy time) The key is to have balance and remember to stay positive and focus on the successes. At the same time identify what needs to be changed and fix what you have power to,  and let go of what you don't.

Numbers

sit ups           1080 (29,305)

push ups        855 (19,955)

walking         33.24 (874.23)

sparring         45 (156)

kempo            0 (156)

nunchuks       4 (376)

Aok's             39 (513)

Michele Ward