Thursday 29 April 2010

Water-Feature


Personally I like being near water.

Lucky enough for me my Mother and Father-In -Law recently gave me a water-feature that they no longer wanted.

Thinking it would be just a short job to insert it into my garden I set about making plans for the forthcoming bank holiday weekend to start work.

After looking ahead to the five-day weather forecast, it predicted colder weather coming in by the end of the week, which is typical for bank holidays in the UK. Realising this I decided to bring my work plans forward.

So yesterday my son Jason and I set about digging a large hole ready to place the water feature in. Little did we know the effort required in placing the item into its designated spot.

The whole point of me mentioning this in my post today, is just to say that I'd forgotten what it was like to do some actual physical manual labour. I think Jason discovered this as well !

When I was younger, I had done plenty of labouring work for builders, plasterers, landscape gardener's and all sorts - however this was back-breaking at its very best.

Eventually I completed the task after about six hours, mainly because of the hard clay soil. I have to say that by the end of it I was completely knackered.

Today the water-feature is working lovely and makes a beautiful addition to the garden, bringing a sense of peace and tranquillity.

If someone was to ask me to do all again today, there would definitely be some unmentionable words used in return.

I send out my respect to all those Labourers who do this kind of work day-in-day out!


Tuesday 27 April 2010

Life Is Good!


During the winter months I follow the laws of nature and tend to hibernate, mind you as soon a Spring comes - I'm up up and away.

I love to exercise as you've probably noticed if you're a regular visitor to my blog and if I get a good sweat on its all the better.

Recently I'm back to running on my treadmill. Every morning I arise at 7.00am, spend approximately 20 minutes meditating and then I head off to my garage and its 30mins running.

It's a fantastic way to start the day. After breakfast and a shower, I usually go off to work- well if you can call it work. I either decide to practice my own martial training, or prepare for classes in the evening.

I don't think that I have much to complain about and I'm truly grateful for all the good things that come my way.

Oh yes and the total icing on the cake is that I get to take my wife out to lunch most day's. I have to say that - Life is Good!!


Wednesday 21 April 2010

Back From Scotland

Like many other people, we had our flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash. The only other option for us was to drive all the way to Aberdeen in Scotland which is 546 miles.

After spending approximately 11 hours behind the wheel we eventually arrived at our destination. The day after that we completed our journey to Thurso, which again took another five hours (211 miles.)

Having just returned home, the only way that I can describe this experience of driving such a long distance is like the equivalent to having 'Jet Lag' (only without the jet.)

Thankfully I have today to recover before returning back to the classes tomorrow.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Thurso - Scotland


Have you ever heard of a town called Thurso ?

Well to inform you a little more, it's the most northly town on the British mainland, approx 25 miles from John O'Groats.

This coming weekend I'm due to visit there with my family to celebrate 20 year of Kuk Sool Won in Caithness.

To be exact, Thurso is around 700 miles away from my home and it will be my 31st visit to this remote location in the Highlands.

Twenty years ago I was encouraged by one of my martial art students to visit and help start the first ever Scottish Kuk Sool there.

After the first initial visit I was hooked by the warmth and friendliness of the locals, and was subsequently made an 'honourary Scotsman' and informed to 'hast ye back'. which I did. (several times)

As a matter of fact, I've worked out that this is my 31st trip to Thurso, Caithness; covering a total of 43,000 miles. That's committment (or madness) for you!!

Anyway it will be an emotional reunion for the family - Thurso has been like our second home and we still have many good friends that we're looking forward to seeing again.

I just know that it will be fantastic and memorable trip.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Friends 50th Birthday


Yesterday it was one of my old school friends 50th birthday, so I decided to surprise him and go to his place of work to wish him a 'Happy Birthday.'

We got to talking about how he actually felt to reach the grand old age of fifty and both came to the conclusion that we thankfully didn't feel (or act) our current age.

My 50th birthday is also fast approaching, in July to be precise, however I have many friends that live locally that will reach this milestone before I do. So maybe there's a chance that I can ease into maturity gently after everyone else, without creating a lot of fuss or attention.

I have to admit though, I'm really looking forward to this significant birthday and want to embrace it fully with vigour, energy and vitality.

Actually - Isn't what this whole blog is about anyway?

Rock On!!

Exercise

Spring is definitely in the air!

I can usually tell when the weather turns for the better as I start to fully exercise again.

I know that it's a poor excuse but I just can't seem to exercise when its cold.

Today I started off first by running two miles, then cycling about 2-3 miles, after that playing football with my son, (even though he's 21 we still enjoying kicking a ball about together) then some light martial art training.

Overall - I feel great!!

Sunday 4 April 2010

Easter - What Does It mean to you?


Although I was born and raised within a Christian environment I do not follow the beliefs of Christianity as such.

This does not mean to say that I don't have my own particular spiritual beliefs or disbelieve in a higher source, I just tend not to not nail my colours to any one particular mast.

Because of my connections with the martial arts I tend to be more attracted to Taoism and Buddhism as a particular way to lead my life, however I also totally respect the beliefs of others at the same time.

So my question to any person that is a follower of Christianity; what does Easter mean to you?

I know that it's an important time for many people, but does Easter have any personal significant meaning in your own life, apart from taking time-out for a long weekend break?

I'm just curious - that's all!