From My Journal

Home training: Last week I crashed and burned, and so this week I had alot of catching up to do. I mentally prepared myself, which seemed to help. When you look ahead and see a mountain, you've got to put yourself in the frame of mind required to ascend. I was required to double the number of nightly round house kicks and squat thrusts this week. Aerobic feats of this nature seem daunting. I made myself rise to the challenge; each night I did 200 round house kicks. So that's out of the way. Squat thrusts didn't do so well. This week is the week for that, and if I can double the round house kicks, then I can easily repeat the task for the squat thrusts.

I'm supposed to do 4 Lao Gars per night, but I can only practice the first part of Lao Gar right now because that's all I can remember. Last week I pledged to fix that problem by finding someone who is willing to work with me on the issue. I approached Sihing Langnor, and she has agreed to work with me on Saturdays. I am excited about this development - it is sure to lead to success. Sihing Langnor KNOWS her stuff, and is very supportive. I wonder if there is anything I can do for her?

Acts of Kindness: We are still journalling. Highlight this week: I've mentioned Jill's badminton coach before. This weekend was the 20th anniversary of the Red Willow badminton club. I decided that I should help with the catering for a couple of hours, and this is why I didn't stay for open training. I learned some more things about Mrs. Folinsbee in the process. I always knew that she was the type of Christian who wore her faith on her sleeve. What I learned was the extent to which the Red Willow Badminton Club was formed on the faith that the endeavor would do good works for the community. It was never about badminton. Badminton was just the vehicle by which the Folinsbee's could help individuals, young and old. Mrs. Folinsbee talked about providing enriching experiences for families and young people. This was God's plan for her and this is what she set out to do by forming the club. My daughter, Jill, has benefited so much as a result. I nearly choked up, so I ran out and got another tray of sandwiches for the buffet. I've also known for a while that the club is up for sale because the Folinsbee's are getting old. They've had several offers from developers who want to tear down the club and build condo's on this prime, prime land. The Folinsbee's WILL NOT sell to these people. They will only sell to someone who is willing, and able to keep the club running. Because of this, the Folinsbee's have continued to run the club several years longer than they really should have. What keeps them going is their faith - that one day, the right coach will present him or herself, and a business plan will be created that will continue the Folinsbee's good works. I had been wondering how the Folinsbees had been able to keep on going this long; today I learned where that tenacity and willpower was coming from. It's weird how each time I've endeavored to give back to the Folinsbee's I've come away feeling like I was the one who benefitted more.

Community Project: Providing opportunities for Physical conditioning for youth in Onoway.
This one is becoming a long and winding road. It has taken me to Morinville and St. Albert. But I believe that I am right on track. Last week I journalled about the lack of opportunities for 14 year old girls who want to play club volleyball. There now exsists a new club volleyball team of 14 14-year old girls. It was started by two mothers, myself and a lady from Morinville. We run under the umbrella club of the Saint Albert Saints. Practices are mostly in Mornville. We have 2 qualified coaches. How can this possibly relate to providing more opportunities to youth in Onoway? What I think will really work for the youth in Onoway, is if a school athletic club was created. Youth would have the opportunity to play recreation league volleyball, and badminton and train for track and field. Physical conditioning would be strongly promoted along with fun and exposure to opportunities such as clinics etc. I can't really plant this in Onoway all at once - its a formidable task. But I can build it bit by bit based on opportunities that present themselves. Through my involvement in the Saints volleyball, I will learn alot about how to make things like this happen, I may even get some certification and experience coaching. Ideas will present themselves, such as tonight. A parent mentioned a teacher in Jasper Place High school who started a "Spring Volleyball League". Forty kids signed up, so 4 teams were formed and they play eachother. There's a start. Anyhow I won't do anything in Onoway for volleyball just yet. I'll just watch, do, and learn in Morinville. Besides, Jill and I have discussed a few things she would like to do for the school badminton team in Jan, Feb, March.