Week 35

So the tournament has come and gone again.  This is the first year I have competed in our tournament.  Normally I take an admin roll, but as an IHC member, it is a requirement to compete.  So I competed.

In spite of the lung infection I have been battling, I took part in the pool noodle sword fight.  I knew I would pay for it but it was worth it and a lot of fun.  Thanks to everyone for showing up and contributing your time, expertise and smiles. 

Week 34

So a quick apology for the late blog.  I've been battling a lung infection (yes I went to the Dr) and I'm hoping this will be my first full day back at work.  We'll see.  The last time I had this much sick time was when I had H1N1 and I was really hoping it would just kill me and get it over with.  But I have to get back to work, the bills won't pay themselves (more is the pity).

But is hasn't all been lounging on the couch coughing my brains out, other things have been happening with or without me.  Such is the nature of life.

Remember if you will the opening to 60 minutes, with the image of the stop watch ticking away.  I've always found that ominous.  Yet that is the image that keeps playing over and over in my head.  This weekend I found out that my Aunt Audrey died on Saturday, and my Uncle George is suffering from kidney failure and has been shuttled off to the hospital 3 times a week for dialysis. 

Makes you realize that the people who you grew up with are becoming so fragile.  Somehow when you think of them, you see them as frozen in time as they were when you were little.  That you get older but nothing else changes outside your immediate sphere of influence.  My Grandfather used to say, the older you get, the faster time goes.  He wasn't just whistling Dixy.

Anyway, my lounges are killing me and I have to get my head in the game.

Week 33

Mastery is not the absence of failure.  Mastery is understanding that failure is the symptom of a problem.  Mastery is understanding the problem and creating resolution.  Mastery is knowing when to differ to others.  Mastery is knowing when to lead.  Mastery is knowing when to ask for help.  Mastery is knowing when others need help.  Mastery is understanding your abilities and using them to grow beyond your own expectations.  I believe the true test of Mastery is standing in front of a mirror, looking yourself in the eye and being able to say "I like and am proud of that person".

Week 32

Here I sit, trying to think of something to write.  Blogging every week is important, but it does deplete the creativity.  Talk about the journey, be meaningful, and so on.  The journey for self awareness is a tricky one. 

It's interesting the things you remember when you sit in deep reflection.  Things from years past that have been long forgotten.  Some relevant, some not.  It takes time to sort them out, find context either original or current. 

I had a discussion with Sifu Hayes some time back about the evolution of the mind and brain.  How as a person ages there are physical changes to the brain and how that can potentially affect perspective. 

This is something I had noticed in practicum over Christmas one year when my nephews were talking about how the world works, and how they have it all figured out.  Listening to a 17 and two 20 somethings, my sister and I just looked at each other and giggled.  Were we ever so young?

Again, reflection proves that once I was so young and foolish.  Hopefully now I am not simply older and foolish.  Changes in the brain and perspective doesn't always equate to increased maturity or wisdom.

Week 31

I keep feeling like I'm going under.  Like I keep getting further and further behind.  When you lead the lifestyle that we do, I would think I'm only one in the chorus for those thoughts.  But just keep slogging through, making choices, breaking trail.

Work is busy, home is busy, here is busy, life is busy.  Slow the mind, reorganize, breathe.  It will all work out in the wash.