Discouraged

Here I am pretty discouragedL. My shoulder has decided to start causing me more grief than usual. I’ve found myself back to a point where the simplest things are causing me pain and/or numbness. Holding a coffee cup (I know it’s not good for me anyway) and even vacuuming are proving to be a challenge (I’d say too bad on the vacuuming, but I like a clean house). This weekend our family took off for some quading, one of my favorite things to do, and even the steering and slight vibration were enough to cause numbness and suck all the strength in my arms. I have found myself getting little rest and even less sleep than usual and my body is starting to revolt.

I’m finding it pretty hard to and very discouraging to keep up with where I want to be with my challenges and my training. I’m finding things that worked at one time to relieve pain and increase strength are getting to be less effective, so I’m not sure where to go from here??? I am to a point where I have decided I may have to adjust some of my challenges a bit to keep them realistic and attainable and at the same time work to getting my body up to snuff. Quitting is not an option, just need to learn where I may need to step back and where I need to change my training and hopefully work on being able to get a good nights sleep.

Off to see if I can get in a little nap.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

A Great Way to Turn 40!

Start with a trip to Mexico and end with a surprise birthday party with family and friends.   Throw in the ultimate treasure hunt (which included a pellet gun, water balloons, metal detector, sling shot and a search for a troll under a bridge – all leading to the most awesome nunchucks ever) and you have the makings of a great way to turn 40!

Saturday was the big 40 for me and I can honestly say, it’s just a number.  I’m happy with who and where I am in my life.  I have been abundantly blessed with family and friends who mean more to me than I could ever say.  At this point in my life, I have found myself on a path that is surprising me with opportunities every day.  Life is good!

As I looked around at the faces who shared Saturday with me, I realized that many were people I originally met at Silent River.  They were fellow students who I have sweated, laughed and cried with.  They were fellow students who have become great friends and an important part of my life. We shouldn’t underestimate the potential of the relationships we are making when we come together working as a team.  The people we surround ourselves with will have a bigger impact in our lives than we may think.  Thanks to everyone who helped make Saturday so special.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Missing Demo :(

After missing 3 Fridays in a row, I was finally able to make it for the I Ho Chuan practice Friday night.  It was really great to see the demo the team has been working on for the last couple of weeks.  The crumby part is not being a part of this one.  I feel kind of left out, I know, what a baby.  The time spent preparing for demos last year was not only a lot of fun but was a great way to get to know other team members outside of normal classes.  Unfortunately this last month has been one in which I have been unable to make Thursday night practices and have been cutting it close to even get to black belt classes (have even missed a couple of those).  I very much understand the importance of attendance in order to be a part of a demo and really hope that life allows me the time to put to being a part of the next one.  It looks great guys!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

I Survived!

Well I am back with both feet on the ground (what a wonderful feeling).  I accomplished my goal of getting and staying on a plane without any crash landings or emergency stops because of the crazy lady pulling on the door handle trying to get out.  Although I can’t say that I loved the ride,  I did get an amazing view going over the Grand Canyon that will stay with me forever.  Our destination made it all worth it.  To leave 2 feet of snow still on the ground and go to 33 above with green grass and colors, smells and sounds that were beyond beautiful would force pretty much anyone to get on a plane.  Man have I been missing out! 

I have to admit I got a little behind on some requirements.  I’m playing catch up on some push ups and sit ups.  I found out that although a beautiful and peaceful place to do forms, the beach sand also is really hard to keep ones balance.  I decided against taking my broadsword in my luggage, may have raised some eyebrows and got me escorted to the back room.  Kilometers were awesome!   One day alone we put on 25km.  At the resort we were staying at, they were holding a National Karate Tournament with teams from Canada, US and Mexico.  Unfortunately they started as we were getting in a cab for the airport, but we did get to watch some of the practicing.  Very cool!  We had an absolutely great time!  We did decide that next time it would be a good idea to brush up on the Spanish (good idea to know more than where is the bathroom?).  Maybe start watching Dora the Explorer or better yet beg my sister in law for lessons. Oh Steph……

So now I am back to reality.  April was full of courses, got to go on a great holiday and now we are hitting the ground running with work.  I think it’s going to be a busy summer!

Adios for now,

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

 

Meeting Challenge #4

For 40 years I have made excuse after excuse to avoid getting on a plane.  I have missed out on how many opportunities because of a ridiculous fear of something I have never even tried.  Well very early tomorrow morning I am biting the bullet and getting on my first plane ever.  I had actually put this down as one of my personal I Ho Chuan Challenges, but quite confidently thought to myself that I could get out of it easy with a very legitimate excuse (have to work, no babysitter, $...).  Up to this point I have stuck with holidays that I could drive to (or if need be, could have swam).  I have held back not only myself but my entire family from some great opportunities and experiences because I couldn’t go past my own back yard. 

Enough is enough!  I have finally decided that there are things I want to do, things I want to see, things I want to be a part of that are going to require me to get past this fear.  So I write this now when I should be sleeping.  We have to be at the airport for three in the morning but I can’t sleep, getting a little nervous the closer it gets! 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

How much information is too much?

Since my first I Ho Chuan meeting last year I have struggled with the question, how much is too much information? I'm not one who likes to talk a lot in front of others anyway, but when asked the question "how are you doing?", I have found it difficult to answer completely without revealing too much personal stuff going on in my life. I say the bare minimum. Like most people, I have personal things going on that either I don't feel comfortable sharing or that I doubt what is an appropriate time or place to share and with some things I'm just plain scared I may break down. The funny thing is, a lot of times its these personal struggles and distractions that hold us back from moving forward towards some great things. There is great comfort in being able to share with others who may have or may be going through similar struggles. What better place to reach out than with a group who cares, understands and may possibly be able to help?

I'd like to thank everyone who has had the courage to open up and been so honest as to the struggles they are having, trusting the rest of the team and allowing others the opportunity to learn and help. How can anyone help unless they are aware that someone needs it?

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Habits

Five days without coffee!  This is turning out to be a bit harder than I thought.  I miss the sound of my grinder with the feel of my ear muffs on my head (it’s a loud grinder) and waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.  I’ve caught myself a couple of times, ready to order a coffee or grind some beans and with disappointment, reach for the tea bags or ask for a hot chocolate instead (definitely with a pout on my face). 

 It’s amazing how easy something can become a habit.  A person continues to repeatedly do something over and over until it becomes routine and part of their life.  When a person steps out of routine it’s easy to feel lost, like something is missing and incomplete.  Like having a cup (or 2) of coffee in the morning, when a person makes their training a part of their daily routine,  it becomes something you look forward to, something you enjoy and something you need to complete your day.  Plain and simple, it becomes a way of life and part of who you are. 

Making wise choices as to the things we decide to make habit and routine in our lives should be a priority. Everything from what we choose to eat, the words that we speak, how we spend our time, the time given to our training, and the list goes on, all help develop us into the people we become. 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca