Morning,
Yesterday’s karate class was (as always!) quite an eye-opening experience. Ever since last week when our beloved sensei drilled us until exhaustion (but he didn’t break us!), my family has adored going to Wednesday classes. We view it as an Ultimate Challenge - will we survive without asking for a break? […]

Ah, the joys of maintaining standards of excellent and self-pride in one’s work!
This morning my first grader brought to me his homework. Now, he is very much aware that half-buttocked attempts at work will result in mommy ripping up the page and having him do it again. Be that as it may, […]

Wouldn’t it be simply peachy and mango-y if all you needed to do to lose weight is simply eat less and sit like a couch potato?
Alas, life just isn’t fair (if it was, those white chocolate macadamia nuts would burn up 849 calories upon consumption), and to really lose weight effectively, you simply must […]

One of the biggest challenges parents have today is guiding their kids thru the turbulent times of growing up to become a responsible, self-confident member of society.
I vividly remember my extreme lack of confidence in my earlier years…it was soooo bad, it got the point I used to be grateful for any attention (negative […]

Yesterday in karate class I had quite the relevation. Several of our senseis are in their twenties…and as such, Tiananmen Square is the subject of history classes.
Well, back in 1989…I witnessed part of it as much as an American can. I was part of the protest march that marched upon Washington DC […]

Morning,
A few days ago, I experienced one of the most empowering karate sessions in months! Class size was at a minimum (6 kids plus yours truly - many parent teacher conferences), so our beloved sensei decided to drill us in hand techniques until ideally, our arms fell off.
Now, here is some background. […]

One of the unique results that stem from being the all-powerful Earth Mother is that other moms will ask me to tutor their kids.
This morning I was requested to help an 11 year old memorize her 15 Wordly Wise spelling words. I first asked her, how do you study? “Well, I use […]

Morning,
I am really coming close to the end of my rope.
And I’m learning some ‘way useful knots to design so I can hang on!
Every day I’m made more and more aware of my leg problems…and every day, I tell myself, I can DO this. “This”, of course, is anything from […]

One of the toughest things I’ve learned over the past 4 or so months is taking ownership of my own emotions and responsibilities.
You see, back in July, my right leg started giving me some major problems. At that time I was 144 pounds or so, and the melting of the fat on my […]

Morning,
You know, back before the earth’s crust cooled, and when “java” meant “beverage of life” (ie coffee), I was quite the sorry pathetic loser of a person. Zero self-confidence, zero ability to feel good about myself, etc.etc.etc. It never would occur to me to buck any trend and showcase my individuality. […]