Pandamonium

Pandamonium was this past weekend and I was able to attend in the midst of a crazy work schedule.  Being there and being in the middle of all of those amazing people helped recharge my batteries so to speak.  I have written about how the kwoon is that place where one can come and get a jolt of positivity.  I needed that jolt as I haven't been feeling all that positive. 

The reason for this is that I have gained more weight than I would have liked over the past while.  Its affecting my mental state as I have never been overweight in my life before. I realize that poor diet choices along with sitting way to long all day in meetings has caught up with me. Also the lack of training in any form doesn't help the situation.   At the end of the day I'm mentally exhausted and all I want to do is unplug mentally and physically.  My kung fu, which has served me through tough times in the past has taken a back seat of late.

I know what I have to do.  I know I need to get back to making the proper diet choices straight off.  Easier said than done while living on the road.  However an improvement is and improvement and a step in the right direction.  Next I need to start doing my basic requirements in the morning when I'm rested.  I have tried this before and it works.  I just have never been able to make it a habit.  Lastly I need to be accountable or nothing will change. The solution for accountability is to be visible to my teammates online.  I need to start posting what I have and haven't done each day. 

It was great seeing everyone this weekend and I look forward to getting back to the kwoon as soon as I can.

Mr. Ian Repay

To my Mom.

Today is Mother's day and today I'm reflecting on the years that have past.  Some of my fondest memories are the ones where just you and I spent time together.  I remember the drives we would take to Baba's on a bright summer day either to Theodore, Insinger or Sheho.  I remember the sun shinning, the warmth of the sun and of us in the car.  Those days were some of my favorite days and I can vividly remember them to this day.

I never could quite appreciate the relationship between parent and child until I had my own children, of which you reminded me of many times :). Now that my children are almost grown into adults I find myself reflecting on those special days just like we had.  I know you told me many times "enjoy every moment with your children as they grow up fast".  I never thought that would happen but here I am, children that were so little once now almost adults. 

You love my sister I unconditionally through the good times and the rough patches.  You guided me through some really difficult times and when I thought there was no way you would call me your son, you always did.  Your love never wavered and I love you so much for being the best mom in the world.

Happy Mothers Day to the very best mom a son could ever have.

Ian Repay
Student of Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta

Where to start?

Its been a long time since I wrote last.  I have had a lot changes happen in my life again this year.  However they are good changes in a way.  I have been promoted to a regional sales manager position within Michelin.  I really happy about the position and all of the new challenges that are in front of me.  My family is very supportive and I'm really looking forward to working with my new team. 

My kung fu has fallen off a cliff, like a full on nose dive straight into the abyss.  I have been so wrapped up in the changes at work that when I'm not traveling I'm enjoying just being at home.  The next two to six months are going to be a blur of traveling and working within my new region. 

I struggle sooooo much when I'm away from the kwoon.  I can't seem to want to motivate myself to train and stay disciplined.  I have all the beat intentions but they rarely translate to action.  The one thing that has kept me in touch with the team are the blogs.  They are to me the only "life line" to the kwoon and the team.  I really appreciate everyone writing and sharing their journey.  Its not always easy and pretty much its a difficult path but in the end the reward is worth it.

Thanks everyone for writing and keeping me up-to-date with what's happening in your lives and in the kwoon.  I hope to get back to the kwoon as much as I can over the next few months.