The past couple of weeks have been pretty busy. I am still working on my requirements and especially stepping outside the box and putting myself in what are normally for me, uncomfortable situations. I think I will have to continue with this as a lifetime challenge. It’s made a huge difference for me with my confidence in particular. I attended a Rod and Gun club dinner last Saturday evening. I only knew 2 people out of the 50 that were there. Yet I was happy to introduce myself to total strangers. It made me actually pause at one point and realize what I had just done. I actually said to myself, “Wow! I just introduced myself to a total stranger.” It was so cool. That stranger introduced me to another stranger, and we picked up a wee bit of conversation. It was wonderful!! Felt amazing to do that!
There has been lots going on in the community. They had a curling bonspiel on the lake here in front of the house 2 weekends ago. Last weekend was the fishing derby, and pond hockey tournament, also in front of the house here. The community is great. Hundreds of people come out to support these activities. They go till late in the evening, with campfires all over the beach and the lake, plus fireworks. I went in the fishing derby. Never ever done that before. The only fish that counted were 2 kinds that are invasive to the waters here. It’s the valleys way of cleaning the equatic environment. I came in about 8th place, they said. Not bad out of 150 people. No prize money for 8th though. That’s ok. It was so cool to hang out with the locals, and especially watch the kids get overly excited about catching a fish.
Work is crazy. I entered my second week at my new job. Its soooo fast. I realized a really good thing about it today though. Doing quality control on a production line forces you to be 100% in the moment 100% of the time. There is zero time to let your mind wander. You know exactly where you are and what you are doing. And you work on eye for detail every second. I’m meeting lots of new people and learning all kinds of things. I’m so far out of my comfort zone, I may never find my way back. Nah, it’s been great. And it’s not all that uncomfortable. I’m just doing a ton of things I have never done before. The people are amazing; supportive, friendly, and helpful.
I do find myself counting the days till I return to Alberta to see my family again. My son just came back to Canada after being away for 4 years. I’m looking forward to spending time with him. I’m real excited about Chinese New Year and spending the evening with my Kung fu family. Going to be great!! Nine more days!
Sifu Stoddart
- Sifu Stoddart
- My kids and the strong bond we share, are the most important things to me. Over the years I've done many things. I attained my certification for a fitness instructor and taught in many areas such as kickboxing, circuit training, pilates, African dance, hatha and ashtanga yoga. I have received my certification for a Special Needs Educational assistant. This allowed me to work with a group of wonderful kids in a Positive Development Program at an inner city school in Edmonton. Today, I am an area supervisor for a retail home renovation store. I achieved my certification as a belayer in top rope rock climbing, and also as a lead climber. I attained my black belt in 2004. There is an excitement and feeling of self sustaining when I grow a garden, collect wild berries, then can a whole winters supply of juices, jams, sauces, syrups, fruits, ketchups, and salsas. I am very passionate about the outdoors, and my big dream of all times is to one day live out in the mountains with nothing but the wilderness at my doorstep. I would hike, fish, x country ski, snow shoe, kayak, mountain bike, rock climb, practice kung fu on top of a mountain, and grow a huge garden in the summer.
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