Day 23 - Off to China

I'm off to China tomorrow morning on business and with a 15 hour flight I'll be out of communication for a few days. I've packed my essentials, jump rope, work out wear and some food for travel. Sometimes they confiscate my food depending on what it is and how is it packaged - we'll see. I'm not sure the other passengers will appreciate me doing a jump kick in the aisle but I will go through some of the motions. With travelling long distance I will do a load of stretching and exercises to increase circulation.

I felt like a spaz starting the blocking today. At first I couldn't get the coordination of it, but then slowly I got into the groove of it. kinda neat and obviously useful when blocking strikes.

I was running around today getting ready for my trip but I still found time for KFB meals and workout. I've been looking at my trip schedule and worried about a few days but I think it should be alright for meals and workouts with a little planning.

I'll post as soon as I can.

See you soon.

Day 22 - Gardening

I was out gardening today with the whole family and relishing every minute of it. Gardening is a great way to burn off the calories and get some vitamin D all while spending quality time with those you love. I do the digging, planting, hauling, raking etc. while my kids marvel at the insects and my wife sprays me with the hose... tomorrow will be much of the same thank God.

Workout was fairly good - I love the the elbow strike and I'm getting better at the jumping straight kick. I think I've got to hold my jump rope a little differently cause I'm getting a blister on my finger - I don't remember having this during the PCP. And I think I'll post a picture of me stretching - sorry, trying to stretch...It must look funny when I half fumble into a knot.

See you soon.

Day 21 - Stretch

I think maybe I might kinda be getting better at my flexibility. This past week I spent a lot more time focusing on my stretching and did a lot more of it too. It wasn't easy, I've got to admit that I don't find it much fun and it can be painful when I'm trying to get close to what the true stretch should be, but I guess that's a big reason why I'm so inflexible right now.

I did do my wide angle bend today and I felt I'm getting a little bit better with it - still difficult and I won't improve as quick as I thought I might but I'm okay with that. I'll keep working on it and improve gradually.

See you soon.

Day 20 - Feeling good!

I'm feeling really good - starting to notice the pounds coming off and loving that pure sensation of not being loaded down with junk in its many forms. I remember this feeling with the PCP, probably around this time where I was seeing results and getting excited. I feel it here too but my focus is a little broader with the agility and meditation components added.

I find that the KFB is a little more challenging than the PCP and I'm sure that the mental effort for me in dealing with the meditation and, god help me,the stretches will be a struggle at times. Like many of my compadres in the KFB, some days are good and other days suck - the important thing is to stick it out and finish the work out.

So diet's in line, workouts are good, stretching is a pain literally but I'm pushing through and mediation is a pleasant exercise.

I'll be waiting for the other shoe to drop and I'll have to heed my words when I'm not feeling so positive.

See you soon.

Day 19 - Punchy Punch Punch

I've gotta say I'm enjoying the cathartic act of punching and kicking. I'm not saying I like hitting people, I just find the agility training of the KFB a lot of fun.

In high school my Mother bought me a punching bag so I could release my teenage angst - it seemed to work well. Today I kind wish I had the heavy bag but I'm still getting a real high out of punching and kicking and doing combos of different types. There is something self investing and powerful about throwing a good punch - I dare you to walk by an idle punching bag and not have an urge to lay into it! What is it that gives that rush when throwing a quick jab? I'm really not sure but but I know it's a great work out, building coordination, stamina and reflexes.

Like anything practiced well, I'm getting proficient at throwing a hit and kicking. It seems enjoyable and my skills are improving day by day.

See you soon.

Day 18 - Am I One Those Angry Soccer Parents?

My little Man was playing soccer again tonight and lagging a little behind, not showing much enthusiasm so I urged him on, politely and positively at first and then when he was knocked down by a kid larger than him I called out for some help from the referee. As I said it I knew I shouldn't have since it's a casual and low pressure environment, and besides its part of the game. One of the other parents came over and made a joke, bandaiding my pride and I cooled down from then on in.

What makes us so aggressive to see our kids do well and win, apart from our biological aggressiveness? We're human and as I've said before really just cavemen/women, but get a bunch of parents together watching their kids play a competitive sport and interesting things happen. I don't want to be one of those overly aggressive, flag waving Fathers that cheers and boasts for his child and acts like a moron - I really know I won't be but with your little Man on the field sometimes its hard to just sit there.

Thats sort of the beauty of parenthood - you can't control your children and motivate them with a stick unless you want a bully or worse for a child - its best to watch, on the sidelines and give them encouragement, praise and guidance and then when its all done give them a big hug and tell them they did great (ice cream doesn't hurt either).

I find that when I'm too tough on my employees, my spouse or myself, I think back to my usual way of guiding my children and it puts it all in perspective.

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I cut a few corners on the workout tonight as it was a late game, but really concentrated on the jumping side kick - what a workout. Stretching is going well too - I'm doing a bunch in the morning(super tight) and also before I go to bed.

See you soon.

Day 17 - Meditation

I had my workout yesterday and it went well - then things got a little weird with meditation...

I started like I have found works best, concentrating on my breathing and fully relaxing. I felt really good, happy, comfortable and positive. The next thing I knew it was a little darker outside and it was about 15 minutes later. Now at first it didn't seem all that strange - I just fell asleep, but when I think back It wasn't at all like sleeping more like a really relaxed state or something like a trance. I don't want to put a fine point on it but it was altogether good. whatever happened I felt refreshed and profoundly positive when I finished. I'm looking forward to more meditation...

How is your meditation going?

See you soon.