The Optimist

Recognition

goots — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:06:32 +0000

Often we do things because we love doing them. Usually for other people and often it seems with no benefit to ourselves. Over a fair few years I have taught many sports and encouraged children and adults alike to be the best they can be. Although not a proffessional coach, my payment has been the smiles, sense of achievement, the medals for races one(by students),the respect,the growth and confidence all the students show after time has passed. Last night this was also recognised by my peers and mentors at the GKR Wellington end of year dinner. I was awarded “The most improved instructor and The instructor of the year” Wow.

Statistics that I am proud of this year are

Avg student attendance from 8 to 35 a night

90 student gradings during this year

2 mini tournaments held

7 students attending special classes at other dojos

Instructor of the year & most improved instructor

Summer fun

goots — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:26:55 +0000

Winter is over and I am still on the planet. At times you would wonder though.

A quick break down of the past includes a multitude of cake decorating, built some out door furniture, did some radio control sailing, taught some karate, have a new girlfriend(I’ll find a better word to describe her soon),been to the beach.

A girlfriend at 45!!! Yes it does happen and it is meant to be. We connect on all sorts of levels apart from the fact we were born in different countries. We have five children between us and are coping with the challenges that brings. The intimate details aren’t necessary but all seven of us did spend a week in Taupo had fun , caught trout,explored the shops, played games and survived.

Louis won a national web challenge with net guide, Josephine’s netball team came runners up in the local derby. And Hannah performed in “Grease”.

I don’t have a water ski boat yet but today Josephine and I proved we can do without it at the moment.

Look mum no boat

Every one grew a little this year(I’m still the same size) and have made lots of friends.We are looking forward to christmas at home with Jennie,her mum and her kids, my parents. And lots of christmas wrapping , eating and drinking. This year Santa is making most of the presents as he is sick of generic sales flyers. And with only a few days to go he better get a wriggle on.

Do what it takes

goots — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:51:50 +0000

I have floundered a little in the past few months. Bouncing from one event to another ,not in any particular control. Then a week or so ago I pulled out my goal cards and remembered why I had them in the first place. For the times when things get confusing, hectic and over my head I need to focus get back on track to where I want to be. The journey I wish was a straight line ,this would make reaching a few goals a lot quicker and easier. Then again if a goal is worth having then I should earn it . With some of my goals it’s the how that I am working through. An exciting challenge not to be out done by a few false starts. And even though the results are for me I have people around me who I am accountable to. A wee push is all I needed to get back on track. Eagles when they are young and have grown flying feathers stand on the edge of the nest wanting to fly but through fear of the big drop below fail to leave the nest for days. Often it’s the mother who pushes them off so they have to or end up as food for the scavengers themselves. Really it’s all about a little encouragement(not nagging). My friends who are around me and some who are not may not say in as many words, to get off my butt, inspire me to reach for the stars. Providing there is something to reach for it drives me on.

Breaking down the big things in to small bite size pieces is helping me to cross off some of my list. The carpet is going down at the end of the month so must focus on stripping, plastering and painting two more rooms so we can enjoy the new flooring. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew but will do what it takes to finish the job. What started as a small reno has become mammoth . Like the woolly creature will become extinct by the hand of man (me)

Sunny side up

goots — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:40:23 +0000

Should be decorating a cake…later. Just looking out the window at trees that are billowing in the breeze with a haze of rain in the background. Thinking how even though nature throws all sorts of weather at them they keep bouncing back . What an awesome trait. Almost like those old dolls that had a lead weight in the bottom,kick em around and they keep bouncing back up. Us humans need to take on that sort of attitude. You don’t want to be kicked around but when things go wrong ( as they do from time to time) just say next. As they say life goes on. You know the story of Humpty Dumpty. The bottom line is Humpty Dumpty ended up on the ground broken up, busted and totally disgusted. At that point Humpty had a choice to end up scrambled or sunny side up. It really doesn’t matter what happens to you: it only matters what you do about it. Get up and get busy!

Warm fuzzies

goots — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:20:49 +0000

An icy blast is heading our way yet I feel warm inside. This week has been busy. I have dug deep inside to accomplish everything that I need to and a few things I wanted to do. I have helped others by helping myself.

The love of others starts with the love of self. The desire to see others grow and develop starts with our own personal growth and development.If we are not leading a meaningful life, it’s hard to help others find meaning. Spirit and meaning are an inside job. Our soul craves it.

Giving a happy soul to another is so invigorating. Natural endorphines or feelings just bubble over from a compliment, kind word or understanding gesture. It is better than any drug available to man.

I read a story about a four year old whose next-door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said,” Nothing, I just helped him cry”.

Feel good, give good

Raining and pouring

goots — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:19:22 +0000

Another day in paradise. Its raining, cold and grey, so what.

Just spoke to my insurance company who still think Carol is alive. I #$%&$ sorted them out. They lost my notice to them two years ago. Spent most of the weekend in the bathroom…..putting panels up…What were you thinking? Now the room is looking spik with recycled oiled rimu T&G around the bottom 800mm of the walls. Just a couple of finishing touches and the kids can GET OUT OF MY ENSUITE. Jean felt she had to come over. She needs more friends. Anyway I let her do the ironing while I banged and crashed in another room. How can someone enjoy ironing so much?

Josephine was busy with netball (in the rain) and her team came third in tournament in U/Hutt. Hannah was away also at friend Julia’s, who is off to Italy for a month. Not a bad idea… that’s right I have to earn a living. No worries my time will come. Come on kids- grow up and earn a living too. Meanwhile dancing to my own rhythym

“We should seek to dance with life rather than wrestle with it”

It’s a great day

goots — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:34:15 +0000

It’s another great day. I’m excited about today like I am every day. Why? because it is. When I wake and it’s pouring, snowing or otherwise , I’m glad I woke up to see it. Some people think thats silly. It’s all about attitude. There is no wrong side to my bed. Though I may be sore, worn out or got lots to do, it’s all about attitude. I feel like an ancient Knight who wakes up and has another chance to slay some more dragons and make a difference. Because I have that opportunity IT’S A GREAT DAY. Did you wake up without a chalk line around your body. Fantastic!! What a great day it is then.

Life is what you make it

goots — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:35:49 +0000

Today I am soaking up the sun , taking deep breaths, and glad to be alive. Two years ago I played the sax at my wife’s funeral. Sad as it was, I am thankful that my life hasn’t come to a screaming holt. The kids and I remember the day as if it was yesterday and look forward to what will be tomorrow which will become yesterday. Some of my memories have been captured on film others I live with in the hearts of my children. I am so privledged.

I have walked a few miles of beach in past weeks and meditated to find my lifes purpose. Nup nothing yet. For now I keep decorating cakes meeting new people. Isn’t the internet amazing. Originally thought a bit weird to meet strangers on the computer. But have found it easy, non confrontational and relaxing. Some strangers have become friends and we have met. Others are still in the virtual world. I didn’t have to break out in a sweat or get dressed up(was clothed though, that would be weird).

Back into renovating, just a few things to do before the inspectors do final inspection …again. With the kids bathroom almost finished I might get my ensuite to myself. Yeah right. They like all the bells and whistles my shower has to offer. It doesn’t make coffee though. I have decided to make time to get it finished so the carpet can be laid in July or August. No pressure. I ‘ll be glad when the plaster dust has gone so the vac doesn’t choke when you fire it up.

Young as my heart is , old are my muscles. Been to physio several times to sort out my right arm,pulled hamstring and medial ligament damage. Karate has a bit to do with it,but mostly going past my limit . Three hours sweating,stretching, kicking,punching,blocking,kata,kumite does play a toll on an old body. Any way I graded so I guess it was worth it.Look out black belt here I come. Like the six million dollar man we can rebuild him.Not paying six mill though.

This week I’ve discovered that happiness is an inside job. If it is to be it is up to me.

YeeHaaaaa!!!!

Believe in miracles

goots — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:01:58 +0000

When the sun goes down , it’s cold and wet outside, everyone retreats to their warm cosy homes. Except my cat who insists on going hunting. Doesn’t she know all the rats are locked up and cosy too. Probably amongst the hay, under the floorboards,in the walls, some even making dinner.

Me….. well I get thinking(in between interruptions from the kids). There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Look through the magic in everyday. See everything for the first time, as though you are a child who is being introduced to the wonders of everyday life. Think back to the experience of being seven years old, and waking up on a saturday morning in the in the first day of your holidays. You jumped out of bed, ready to make the most of every moment. Yes, you may now be a sensible adult, but you can still feel this. Trust yourself. Let go.In such a state of being, you will create truly special ripples.

I don’t jump out of bed any more for fear of injury. But my mind does. This morning I went for a quick walk in the sand, with bare feet. Not only invigerating(temp about 8deg)but also stimulating. Voices all around telling me what could be if only you take action. No pen or paper so rushed home to put action to my thought. Had to move quick because there was rain moving up the coast at a rapid rate. The children were surprised I was home so quick. At least I wasn’t wet. Wrote a letter to a dear friend( will post it tommorrow), made a list of all to be done for the building permit, then got to work on it. Louis occupied most his day on the computer, Hannah went to the pictures to see “Second hand wedding”(made in Raumati) with her friend Chelsea. Finally Josephine was bored all day,well thats what she kept telling me. In between she rearranged her bedroom, made a menu for the Gutry cafe (what’s for dinner), built a hut out of boxes and blankets, watched TV and played blackjack with Louis.

And the phone didn’t ring once. Now that’s a miracle

Keeping busy

goots — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:49:03 +0000

Well it’s not been long since I was last here, It seems like ages when you fill your day and achieve things. As I’m here by myself(except the kids, who are asleep) and don’t have a dog to listen to me(the cat has gone hunting in the rain). So I take to the PC.

Louis, Hannah and Josephine occupied themselves with blackjack all morning until Josephine won all the chips and Hannah had to got dance practice. As they were entertaining themselves( not quietly I might add) I got busy outside. Installed a grab rail on the staircase,put spacers between the risers,put architraves back up in the kitchen and installed smoke detectors in the bedrooms. All so I can get a final cert of compliance from the council. There are more jobs to do but at least I’m back in the swing of things.

Josephine decided we should have sushi for tea. Fantastic except I got distracted and burnt the rice. The second attempt was a resounding success though. Just goes to show that every mistake you make gets you closer to the desired result. Funny that. There are always exceptions of course.

My goodness that was all yesterday already. I better get some rest. You never know what the day will bring and I need to be alive so I don’t miss out. Imagine if an opportunity came by, a phone call or special visitor and I wasn’t ready I would be gutted. A friend once told me” When opportunity and preparedness meet amazing things can happen” .