Working Hard

I have been working on the door to the "shed" under the stairs, but I didn't get any photos taken before it got dark. I have also been working on the stairs and entryway. I wanted a little POP when you came up the stairs, so this is what I did.

I finished painting everything around the door, as well as the post. It is the same color as the trim but alas, I did not get a photo before dark. I guess you will have to wait until tomorrow for that.

What do you think of the blue?

Finishing Up

I fixed the warped boards on the front steps yesterday. Then I finished trimming behind the bushes so I could paint the outside of the steps. Today is supposed to be not too hot and dry, a perfect day for painting. If I get the steps all done that will make me feel really good.

How is everyone doing?

Getting Started

I got on the treadmill today. I only did 10 minutes, but it was at an incline of 2.0 and a speed of 3.5. I figured I have to start somewhere!

Week One

My Ninjas are going to be very happy today. Today is their first day in the Black Belt class. We will be using escrima sticks today. Those are wooden (often bamboo) sticks about 2-1/2 feet long. I don't think either Ninja has sticks (under ranks use foam) so my son and I will bring both our sets so we can share with them. Heh heh heh. Class is going to be so much fun today.

A Goal Achieved

So here they are, two of the newest Black Belts in our school. For both of them this is a long time coming and was a hard road. But they persevered and kept the faith and now they are both Black Belts. Woo hoo! Congrats Ninja Two and Ninja One! I am so incredibly proud of you both. You two are awesome!


Ninja One told me that the best part of this was actually being able to invite me to her Black Belt ceremony. When I told her I wouldn't have missed it for the world, she told me I was missing the point. Five years ago the idea of inviting me to this ceremony would have been unthinkable, laughable even. Four years ago it was dream. Three years ago it was a possibility. One year ago a probability. Two weeks ago a certainty.

She also told me that she couldn't have done it without the support of myself and my nephew (Mr. Karate). As the studio owner said, "no one achieves a goal without help. It just doesn't happen." He was right. I got help to get to my black belt and 2nd degree. I have passed it on and continue to pass it on with my teaching.

Sometimes the help does not have to be a big thing, it may even be something you might consider inconsequential. But to the person receiving it, it might be the exact thing they needed at that moment. It might have been the catalyst for a life changing event. Remember that, when you are looking at someone trying to achieve something difficult, learn something new, change something bad. Our words can be like nails, leaving permanent damage, or like the helping hand, giving a much needed boost to someone in need.

Projects Getting Done

Painted. Needs a second coat in places and the warped boards repaired.

Giving the house a space between it and the dirt.

Cleaned out the BIG pile of dirt and yard waste as well as putting down the first layer of cement. Getting stuff done. It feels good.