Historical, Economical or Political

Edmonton municipal (city centre) airport closure is a local hot topic. This blog may not have an underlying message but as "Bob Layton" from our local radio station says, it may be a good way to vent and say good bye.

I won't get into the debate about why it should or should not be left open. That has been done and obviously the professional presentation to keep the airport alive has not convinced the people who hold the power. I 'm holding back right now because I can think of about ten good reasons it should stay active off the top of my head....however...

This airport has history, for alot of people, for me personally I was 17 years old when I started working at the Edmonton Flying Club as a dispatcher. The building is still there and still looks the same. When I drive by it, I can glimpse back in time when I was a young teen with my first real job. (Yes, I once was a teenager). I went on to refuel and groom the aircraft and then finally apprentice as a mechanic. At that point I left Edmonton to go to school for my apprenticeship.

I did come back to work at different hangars around the airport periodically over the years. Over those past years I have watched the airport go from a vibrant transportation hub, all different sizes of aircraft from commercial, corporate, flying schools and private recreational to a sad neglected quiet field.

I recall, you could finish a hard days work and walk across the street to the local establishments for a beverage and be sure there would be someone to sit down and chat with from the aviation community. The aviation community is a tight one and this airport was a neighborhood and a mutual meeting ground for everyone all over the provinces and territories. There was and is no other place like it.

Of course this is my history, long before me it was a World War II aircraft training post. A walk through the the museum at the airport is well worth your time. Actually, quite amazing what went on a this little airport.

I guess I am one of those people whom are effected by the closure at the heart of the matter.

Its like watching a loved one die a slow and painful death with all her dignity forcefully taken away. You almost wish they would pull the plug and get it over with because you can't bear to see her it this state anymore when you know the inevitable is coming. May be a little over dramatic to others but it is exactly how I feel about it.

I just wish I lived in Edmonton so I could vote next go around!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

Is it Going to be a Bad Day?

Last night I spent 2 1/2 hours working on my blog. I was trying to paste a table in and every time I posted everything shifted and jumbled. Not happy!
I thought fine, I'll put it to draft and move on, no big deal.
This morning my son woke me up at 5am! Ok, so who needs sleep!
Consequently, I did not work out this morning, I forgot to make a healthy lunch. I missed the bus, so alright, I will just drive in today. I was starting to run a little late, starting to get cranky now. Parked the car only to find the meter wasn't dispensing tickets!!aaahhhh!!
Before I accept that its going to be a bad day, I had just read Sifu Davies Blog and how he pointed out the importance of positive thinking.(thats what I got out of it, he's a complex dude!)
So instead, I will special order something healthy from the food court, I will walk up the stairs twice today(I'm on the 11th floor) and go do pushups at lunch time, and most important, make act of kindness a priority today.
This should turn the table...yes?

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Stop the Press!!..whats a press?

Too much bad news, too much shocking news. Its coming fast and its always trying to be more alarming then the day before. I had to catch myself as of late. I was feeling crappy and dismal. I wasn't sure why then I realized life has become increasingly serious in my head. I seem to have lost my sense of humour and sense of hope. Whats wrong with me...(deep sigh)?

Oh wait...could it be the constant bombardment of information that is unethically reported and announced in such a manner as to shock, anger or panic people ? Is it the smiling faces at 6pm that give you the 45 second blurr on whatever pieces of information they could put together in rapid fire succession, just long enough to raise your eyebrows, they smile and tell you tune into the late news edition "we'll keep you posted" (because we care).

So then you say enough of that, off the TV goes, only to find your favorite radio station is following suite. Forget about the Internet, thats 2 hours worth of surfing trying to get all the facts from so many different sources.

What has got me irritated today, is last weeks unfortunate line up of celebrity deaths. I won't go into detail for unless you live in a cave you know all about it. I am just fed up with the feeding frenzy, the lack of compassion, the medias obvious capitalizing on tragic events and to top it off I hear the radio shows that decide they are going to chat it up about "celebrity death pools" and Internet sites (news based) that have already mocked and joked as far and as tasteless as they could take it.

I am digressing from the main point I am trying to make, the "celebrity " frenzy was just a breaking point, the real political, economic and international events , however, I find are reported in much the same manner, is it time to turn off the garbage? but how will I stay informed.

I went looking for some genuine good news , that is hard to find, or maybe it is not reported in the same manner so it doesn't stick out as much, but it is out there.

I do find the BBC seems to report in more of a objective point of view.

I'll keep looking.

The media can manipulate, sway, influence all facets of our lives.

I guess I have a question... why does the biggest influence in our lives seem to go so unaccounted for?

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

Homeless not Soulless

There has not been a day missed at work where I have not encountered the homeless.

When I drive my car I park east of Boyle Street and walk to Canada Place. I walk right past the Salvation Army, Women's shelter and a myriad of characters.

I haven't been living under a rock, I know major cities have an inner city population of homeless and poverty stricken individuals, however, when you experience it for real everyday, I find it to be a shocking reality.

I am new to the downtown lifestyle and the fast pace busy people that surround me. I notice my seasoned coworkers do not even notice the wandering individuals begging, sitting or mumbling around them. I wonder if it is just a matter of time before I start to numb myself to the obvious as well.

Its strange, there is a regular group of homeless ( I say homeless but honestly I do not know if that in fact is true, I know its not fair to label someone like that without really knowing but I will go with it for the sake of discussion) Anyways, I see some these individuals the same I would see my co-workers , everyday, around the same time.

There is "sidewalk" guy he sits just outside the Salvation Army and uses the same line all the time "Excuse me ma'am, I'm hungry, some change, money for a cup a coffee?'...I gave him my banana once but I think he was disappointed and put it to the side. There is "pizza guy" he gets himself in trouble at the food court going from table to table(manages to get someone to buy him a piece of pizza the odd time). There is "grandma" lady, she has her cigarette outside the Salvation Army building. She doesn't say much but she always makes a big spit in the road standing from the sidewalk. Finally there is "can of coke guy" , he buys one can of coke and around 10 am everyday sits in the same place and drinks his can of coke while looking like he is deep in thought. I have to say he catches my attention the most. He looks very sad,his hair is long and gray and matches is beard and mustache. He wears a winter jean jacket and jeans. He keeps to himself and seems to be looking out past the crowd of people thinking about something.

I sit and wonder what his story is, actually I wonder what all of their stories are? What happened? Are they happy? Do they have family ?

It bothers me, alot.

These people are or were somebodies child at one time. Did things go bad that long ago. Could you imagine your child growing up and ending up a lost soul. How do these people slip through the cracks?

The irony is, I work in a government building, people come and go in such a mad rush and most times don't even notice the guy on the sidewalk.

Its just like the Christmas commercial where the people in poverty blend into the wall as shoppers hurriedly rush by.

Is it just a matter of time when I won't notice them either? Will I become complacent? The problem with complacency is it sneaks up on you.

I offer eye contact, a smile and above all respect, I don't want to loose that . I believe you cannot pass judgement until you walk a mile in someones shoes.

These people are homeless not soulless.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

Its June and almost the half way point to the end of February.
I looked over my log book of stuff and for the most part I thought I was on track, until I turned to the page of Forms.
I have not even cracked 200 reps and that spells trouble. I estimate I will need to do about 3 or 4 reps per day to meet the goal by February. I am not sure what happened, I think half the time I practice in class and forget to log what I have done.
So starting this morning I include repetitions of Kempo at the gym as part of my routine.
I get some funny stares and one older gentlemen said to me afterwards "You have some interesting moves!"
"Moves" or "Forms" its just terminology. He did continue to say that I kept his work out more interesting because he had something different to watch.
Hmmm, could I log that as an act of kindness?..Ok maybe I am stretching that one.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Cananda

Humble Guy versus Ego Guy

People have so many characteristics and different personalities and this is a good thing. We all fit together like a puzzle adding our own color to the big picture.

My favorite character trait has always been the humble personality. These are the people I am fascinated by the most. There is only a handful of people I know who are cut from this cloth and they have and still do make a lasting life time impression on me.

There is difference between acts of humility and an individual who truly possesses a humble spirit in who they are.I can't help but wonder and admire how they conduct themselves.

The six people I know who are like this all seem to have alot in common.

They are quiet yet assertive when required. They are highly skilled in the areas of their occupations and their hobby. They are not as you would say "a jack of all trades" rather specialized in a few. They completely lead by example. They are so calm they have a peace within themselves or a least that is how they appear to me. Lastly, but for me the most important is how approachable they are, maybe thats why I find myself migrating to them in the first place.

I think if a person could master their Ego ( kill it all together, for that matter) and just leave self -esteem and assertiveness in tact, could you wake up tomorrow and start living your life with clarity.

I find..., actually, I know when I have let my Ego and pride step into my conversation and conduct the outcome is biased and favoured. A humble person leaves their ego at the door and is receptive to all possibilities and is better able to judge their decisions with clarity, compassion and right thought.

There is more to the "Humble Guy" then meets the eye. Its like they have figured it out. They answer questions but only if you ask. They have an opinion but want to know yours too. They are always busy perfecting but they have time to share with you.

Who are these people?? Where did they come from??

They are Great!! ...but they will never tell you that.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

The Adaptable Routine

Early mornings have become a way of life for me now.
In order for me to keep up with everything... pushups, situps, mileage weight lifting, forms, kicks, etc the best time for me is before work.
What I mean by best time, is the likelyhood of stuff getting done is early morning, it does not mean its the best time in an affectionate way....4:30 in the morning is the best time to stay in bed!
I have found trying to find and stick to a new routine has been difficult but something worth pursuing. That being said, I strongly believe your routine has to be adaptable for things that come up in life on a daily basis or an event that is coming up that is planned ahead.
For instance, lets say I slept in today , OK...actually I did sleep in today.
Now what? Does that mean my workout is scratched for today?
What I like to do is stay positive and before I tackle any thing in the morning is set up a new game plan for the day. I know what I need to get done, now I just have to be creative and adapt my time accordingly.
Routine is important, however, if the routine is so set in stone that even a minor disruption can upset it, the routine is not healthy.
You can easily find you fall into a negative state of mind and stress yourself out if things do not go according to your plan.
As much as routine is important to accomplish ones goals just as important is the ability to adapt through flexibility and versatility.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada