Merry Christmas

 It’s the season of joy, and merry. Watching and feeling the excitement of the holidays. The hustle and bustle of trying to get everything done. The excitement of children for that magical day to arrive. I love Christmas. I grew up in a home that celebrated this time of year with a big extended family, many gifts all around, and always too much food. So much laughter, and cheer. I have carried on the traditions with my children, and now grandchildren. 

It is also a time of year of some sadness. Remembering those no longer with us. Cherishing the memories. I wasn’t in class tonight, as I spent the night with my mom. They had a family Christmas celebration for the residents. Singing Christmas carols, and songs from the olden days. Many smiling, and singing along. Also many alone. Maybe a dozen of 60 or 70 residents had family there with them to celebrate. It brought me sadness. I don’t know their situations, but it still made me feel for them. Spending this kind of night with my mom also brings some sadness. She loved Christmas. She loved to sing, and cook, shop and wrap, and always so much baking. It is hard to watch her now, a shell of the person she was. I still sang to her, and jingled with her hand. I tried to bring some joy to a tough situation.. I always will. I remember the good times, and tell her the stories of all of the great memories. I talk about all of the fun she used to have, and the love and laughter she shared with everyone she met. So much love and life. 

I hope everyone has safe and happy holidays. Cherish all of the moments. Spread cheer, and laughter. It may make a world of difference to someone. 

Merry Christmas team. I am thankful for each and every one of you. 

Dec 4th, 2022

Grading day Dec 3rd, 2022, an amazing day, never to be forgotten. So much learned, which will take time to process. Most of all, I learned a lot about myself. You’d think at 50 years old, I would be at a place that I know myself well. But there is always more to learn, and ways to grow no matter your age. This is what Kung Fu does for me, and brings to my life. 

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that were a part of this day. Thank you to the grading board, your passion for this Art is second to none. All of the hard work you put in to make this day happen, and your time and dedication to help make us all be successful is truly amazing. Words do not justify how thankful and grateful I am to all of you. 

My fellow candidates, thank you for everything you have provided for me this year. Learning from, and training with you has been such a great experience. An amazing group of individuals to be a part of. 

My applications parter Todai Lee. Thank you so very much for your partnership, and dedication to help, and train with me. You truly are a great martial artist, and a wonderful partner. 

To all that wished me well, you have all been a part of my journey, and I couldn’t do it without you. 

The bruises will heal, the sore muscles will subside. Grading day will be one that I will always be grateful for, and learn from for the rest of my journey. 

36….

 In the Spirit of the Birthday challenge this year,    Todai Bauer requested to post 36 things I like about myself and 36 things that I am grateful for. Here goes….

Things I like about myself - honest, empathetic, caring, being a mom, being a wife, good daughter, friend, true to myself, the children I have raised, no quitting, my Kung Fu, hard worker, my priorities, my attitude, taking a joke, my eyes, my hair, my favorite color.

Things I am grateful for - my life, my parents, my children, my grandchildren, my husband, my dog, my extended family, Kung Fu, the Kwoon, my friends, my instructors, my mentors, my SRKF teammates, my work teammates, my career, my home, my gardens, my province, my country, my attitude, opportunities to learn, opportunities to grow, opportunities to make mistakes. 

It is Very hard to come up with 36!! I’ll have to come back to this!! I’m more than halfway there!