After last night's workout class at Kuk Sool, I was very perplexed about my flexibility. I understand that it's been over a decade since I've been serious about exercising and getting fit but having once been a "social" gymnast (never competed) and active sports player, I was very disappointed that I could not raise my leg up much higher then my waist for the side stretch. I have no issues with the front kick but this explains why I have such a hard time doing the back and side kicks.
As I am one of those people who just can't accept things as is I did some research to try and understand what has happened to me and if there is anything I can do about it. It turns out that one of the side affects of prednisone, which I was on for nearly two years for my kidney disease, is deterioration of the hip. When I do the side and back kick, I actually have a great deal of pain in my hip joint. Not sure if this is fixable (is that a real word?). I hope it is as I feel a great sense of disappointment in myself.
What I intend to work on...
1. Remembering that I just started Kuk Sool and to set manageable expectations of my progress.
2. To not be deterred by what has happened in the past and let that affect how I perceive the future.
3. To shift focus from weight loss to health, flexibility, life long physical activity (though I'm proud to say it's been nearly a year and I'm 20 pounds down-Yeah!!!).
4. Believe that I can overcome the negative affects left by prednisone.
5. Commit to regular meditation to nourish my soul and spirit.
6. The most important thing I need to work on is remembering that it's impossible to be the best at everything. Choosing to do my best should be the goal.
I included this clip just for fun. It's a demonstration from the tournament. It's a good illustration of the importance of Martial Art for women. Being able to throw a grown man is not about strength. You'll have to excuse the back ground noise. There were a lot of little ones sitting right around me when I took this clip.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Kuk Sool Tournament
Taylor, Ayden and I participated in our first Kuk Sool Tournament this past Saturday. Taylor came home with a first place finish in forms and thrid in cart wheel, Ayden in fourth for the blind find event and I took first place in jump rope. Yeah!!!!
Here are some photos from the event. It was great fun and the girls have already decided that they would like to participate in more events next year.
Here are some photos from the event. It was great fun and the girls have already decided that they would like to participate in more events next year.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's been Weeks!
I am a Girl Scout cookie mom this year so with this being cookie season, it's been quite hectic. Work, along with all of the "stuff" I do outside of it and the possibility of going back to school to study law and starting my own consulting business, life has been just a tad overwhelming. Kong's been busy studying for the CFA and volunteering so we haven't been seeing much of each other. We are working hard at making sure the kids don't get lost within all of the shuffling and change.
On a positive note I have been enjoying my martial art class. I attend three times a week with Taylor and Ayden and I added the work out class on Monday nights to my schedule. With that addition, I'll be spending the majority of my weeks at the Kuk Sool Won Dojang. I attended my first work session yesterday. It was quite the experience. There were four of us in class with Pu Sa Bum Nim Steffen. Everyone was a black belt (or almost a black belt) except for me. I believed that since I had been exercising for the past year that I would probably make out pretty well. Needless to say, I did not. I have never been pushed so hard in my entire life. I felt at one point that I was going to go into cardiac arrest. I am inspired by those who were present during the class and will be returning next Monday. Their positive attitudes and encouragement despite my apparent failure is a big motivator to return and persevere (our word for this week). Oh yeah, I lost two pounds after the Monday night session which is a huge bonus.
The girls will be in their first Martial Arts tournament this weekend. Some of the events are non traditional but it's a nice way to introduce the little ones to tournaments in a fun way. We are also signed up to learn Jool Bong (nunchucks) so that will be fun. We are looking forward to the experience.
On a positive note I have been enjoying my martial art class. I attend three times a week with Taylor and Ayden and I added the work out class on Monday nights to my schedule. With that addition, I'll be spending the majority of my weeks at the Kuk Sool Won Dojang. I attended my first work session yesterday. It was quite the experience. There were four of us in class with Pu Sa Bum Nim Steffen. Everyone was a black belt (or almost a black belt) except for me. I believed that since I had been exercising for the past year that I would probably make out pretty well. Needless to say, I did not. I have never been pushed so hard in my entire life. I felt at one point that I was going to go into cardiac arrest. I am inspired by those who were present during the class and will be returning next Monday. Their positive attitudes and encouragement despite my apparent failure is a big motivator to return and persevere (our word for this week). Oh yeah, I lost two pounds after the Monday night session which is a huge bonus.
The girls will be in their first Martial Arts tournament this weekend. Some of the events are non traditional but it's a nice way to introduce the little ones to tournaments in a fun way. We are also signed up to learn Jool Bong (nunchucks) so that will be fun. We are looking forward to the experience.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
New Beginnings
Taylor and her good friend Nisaa participated in the JJ Hill Talent Show. They've been practicing for months during recess. I am really proud of them as there were a few hundred people at the talent show. Yes, that's me screaming in the background. I couldn't contain myself.
I started Kuk Sool Won today. I learned that Kuk Sool Won is NOT Tae Kwon Do. It's not a martial art style but a system that incorporates the three main groups or branches, namely tribal, Buddhist, and royal court martial arts. These three groups were organized to form a single system known as Kuk Sool by the founder and Grandmaster of Kuk Sool Won. Kuk Sool Won is recognized in the martial arts community as one of the most effective and comprehensive systems of traditional Korean martial arts in existence today. It includes everything from hand techniques, leg techniques, throwing and grappling, to joint locking techniques, falling techniques and acrobatis, body conditioning, animial-style techniques, Traditional Koren weapons, martial art healting methods, meditation and breathing techniques.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I got my dobak today and can't wait for the next class. My philosopy this year is don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There is no day like the present to make changes, try new things, live life fuller and say what needs to be said.
I started Kuk Sool Won today. I learned that Kuk Sool Won is NOT Tae Kwon Do. It's not a martial art style but a system that incorporates the three main groups or branches, namely tribal, Buddhist, and royal court martial arts. These three groups were organized to form a single system known as Kuk Sool by the founder and Grandmaster of Kuk Sool Won. Kuk Sool Won is recognized in the martial arts community as one of the most effective and comprehensive systems of traditional Korean martial arts in existence today. It includes everything from hand techniques, leg techniques, throwing and grappling, to joint locking techniques, falling techniques and acrobatis, body conditioning, animial-style techniques, Traditional Koren weapons, martial art healting methods, meditation and breathing techniques.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I got my dobak today and can't wait for the next class. My philosopy this year is don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There is no day like the present to make changes, try new things, live life fuller and say what needs to be said.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Pluto No Longer a Planet
Ayden told me the other day that she's been learning about the planets. She was able to name most of the planets, she knew how many there were, she even knew which ones were gas planets, and that the green planet is earth. Then she told me that Pluto is no longer a planet. Since Ayden doesn't always have her "facts" straight, I agreed with her but I didn't really give it much thought. To my surprise, I recently learned that Pluto is really no longer categorized as a planet. The next day I video taped her and sure enough, she couldn't tell me anything she had told me the previous day and she claimed that Pluto was no longer a planet because God lives on Pluto. Fun times!
This past week, Taylor tested for her yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do. She did a really good job and passed. Here is a picture of Taylor accepting her yellow stripe and a video of her test. It was 1 1/2 hour test of endurance. I was exhausted just watching them. Each person is in a differnt phase of the test which is why some finish their steps sooner than others.
I had to include this picture because Ayden looks hilarious. Your eyes do not deceive you. Our Christmas tree and garland are still up. The girls love the tree so much that they decided we should keep it up until June. They eventually compromised with us and the tree will be coming down by next weekend.
This past week, Taylor tested for her yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do. She did a really good job and passed. Here is a picture of Taylor accepting her yellow stripe and a video of her test. It was 1 1/2 hour test of endurance. I was exhausted just watching them. Each person is in a differnt phase of the test which is why some finish their steps sooner than others.
My brother Paul and my sister-in-law had their second child this past week. He's adorable.
I had to include this picture because Ayden looks hilarious. Your eyes do not deceive you. Our Christmas tree and garland are still up. The girls love the tree so much that they decided we should keep it up until June. They eventually compromised with us and the tree will be coming down by next weekend.Wednesday, January 16, 2008
JUSTICE!!!!!
We received our decision today and we won our lawsuit. Though we did not get the entire amount we sued for, we did get very close to the original amount we asked the Defendants, Dan Elenbaas and Ann Hackel Elenbaas, to pay prior to suing them.
We were extremely satisfied as it was the principle and not the money. The Defendants counter sued us for a bogus claim which they did not win. For two people who were negligent in their actions, and still felt it was their right to do whatever they pleased, we are thrilled that the judge saw through their lies and justice did prevail.
Thank you to everyone who provided moral support and gave us advice through this process. We could not have done it without everyone. Even though we were truly victims in this situation, it was extremely nerve recking to have to go through this process. When you are going up against people with no morals and low standards of integrity, you just never know what will happen. We feel thankful and blessed for the outcome and look forward to putting all of this behind us.
We were extremely satisfied as it was the principle and not the money. The Defendants counter sued us for a bogus claim which they did not win. For two people who were negligent in their actions, and still felt it was their right to do whatever they pleased, we are thrilled that the judge saw through their lies and justice did prevail.
Thank you to everyone who provided moral support and gave us advice through this process. We could not have done it without everyone. Even though we were truly victims in this situation, it was extremely nerve recking to have to go through this process. When you are going up against people with no morals and low standards of integrity, you just never know what will happen. We feel thankful and blessed for the outcome and look forward to putting all of this behind us.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Ayden Home Sick
Ayden Stayed home sick today. Well, she wasn't really sick. She had a cough but she felt that she was sick enough to stay home. It was funny because Taylor had Girl Scouts tonight and they went on a special field trip so Taylor didn't get home until 8:30pm. Around dinner time, Ayden asked, "Where is TayTay? She's been gone so long and I miss her." When Taylor came home, Ayden was already asleep so I told Taylor about Ayden missing her. Taylor said that she also missed Ayden. She especially missed Ayden when they were doing fun activities at Girl Scouts that she thought Ayden would enjoy. It's nice to know that as much as they fight, they really do love and miss each other.
Taylor will be testing for her yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do this Saturday. She's only been going to class for about a month and a half but has learned a great deal already. Here's a video clip from their class last Saturday. Ayden's the little one in the front row that the instructor eventually comes over and has her kick his hand during the low kick. Taylor is right next to her with the two braids. It's a little dark so you might not be able to see them well.
To end tonight's posting, I wanted to share something from Dr. Chopra's book. Something to think about if you are feeling despondent and unsettled.
"Happiness seems to be the goal of all other goals, and yet most people seek happiness in a roundabout way. We have material goals, such as wanting a better house, a better automobile, or items of luxury. We have goals that deal with relationship. We want to feel that we belong...Some of us might want wealth or power...But if you ask people why they want these things, the ultimate answer remains the same: They believe that if they attain these things, then they will be happy.
...If we make happiness our primary goal instead of our secondary goal, then we easily accomplish everything else we desire...When our life is an expression of the inner state of happiness, we discover an immense reservoir of power within us. This power gives us freedom from fear and limitations, and allows us to realize all the abundance that we aspire to. Even more significantly, this power nurtures all of our relationships and makes them truly fulfilling...even nature responds to our intentions."
Taylor will be testing for her yellow stripe in Tae Kwon Do this Saturday. She's only been going to class for about a month and a half but has learned a great deal already. Here's a video clip from their class last Saturday. Ayden's the little one in the front row that the instructor eventually comes over and has her kick his hand during the low kick. Taylor is right next to her with the two braids. It's a little dark so you might not be able to see them well.
To end tonight's posting, I wanted to share something from Dr. Chopra's book. Something to think about if you are feeling despondent and unsettled.
"Happiness seems to be the goal of all other goals, and yet most people seek happiness in a roundabout way. We have material goals, such as wanting a better house, a better automobile, or items of luxury. We have goals that deal with relationship. We want to feel that we belong...Some of us might want wealth or power...But if you ask people why they want these things, the ultimate answer remains the same: They believe that if they attain these things, then they will be happy.
...If we make happiness our primary goal instead of our secondary goal, then we easily accomplish everything else we desire...When our life is an expression of the inner state of happiness, we discover an immense reservoir of power within us. This power gives us freedom from fear and limitations, and allows us to realize all the abundance that we aspire to. Even more significantly, this power nurtures all of our relationships and makes them truly fulfilling...even nature responds to our intentions."
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