june 30, 12

One demo down and 2 to go. I almost made it to complete all 3 demos today. We did one demo at the Stony plain Canada day celebration, and they had requested that we do 2 more. As it turned out most of the people left after the demo and so there was no one to watch us, so we left too. I was still so happy to get one done. As usual I was a wreck before the demo. My legs were so shaky they started to feel like rubber. My hands weren't much better. As I practiced on the side, I made lots of small errors. This did not help. Then I did it a couple of times perfect, so left it at that. The whole time just prior to the going on to perform, I talked to myself the whole time, "don't be nervous, just relax". "Just focus, focus, focus". Then when it came time to go on and perform, I did just that. I focused on what I was doing, not on where I was. I talked to myself in my head the whole time I performed. I tried to do my best and throw my dart real fast. I did it. I made it through without any mistakes. Then right after, I felt great and relaxed. I couldn't believe it. I wondered why I couldn't just relax and feel like this while doing the demo- just act like it's no big deal. Funny how that is. When I do a demo, it completely stresses me out, and I have to really push myself to stay focused and not worry about the people watching. I have to also add that everyone did a great job today. So there it is, one demo down and 2 more to go. It feels great to have one under my belt. Just like the lion dance. I participated in the class at boot camp which taught me how to do a lion dance. I had attended the classes a few years ago, but it all seemed so confusing. This time it made so much more sense. I am sure that seeing the lion dance done so many times helped too. I know the routine. I did however, find it real hard on my back being in the lion costume. I have also been working hard on memorizing 'Mastery'. So far I have the first 2 paragraphs down. I feel pretty good about my requirements and where I am with them, No, I should say, I feel REAL good about it. I do need to pick up on recording my acts of kindness. I make sure to do at least 3 every day, but I am a bit lacking in recording them. As an added note, I would like to say farewell to one of our members, and one of my dearest friends. Sifu Shipalesky will be missed, but I hope she enjoys her new lifes adventure in Florida. Sifu Shipalesky and I have a history. We started as white belts together, and graded as black belts together. We taught the beginner class for about 4 or 5 years, and those were some memorable times. I wish her and Randy and Lacie the very best!