4 little letters

At work we have the power to allow a registration for an aircraft or not, if we deem it to be embarrassing or unseemly.(kinda like customized licence plates).
Well, this week one came in that clearly is an obscenity in my opinion and it started a whole conversation about morales.
The 4 letters chosen spell a swear, when I asked why we were allowing it, I was told ...'who are we to make that call? it is subjective and those suggested letters can be found on T- shirts now-a-days"

ok?...

I argue, as a society we become more and more tolerant of suggestive messages based on freedoms and rights. and basically what the public will allow without outrage. this happens in a slow but steady increase as not to push the extreme too far.
The "grey"area becomes broader and larger and no one wants to make issue of something for fear of offending or stepping into the argument of morale consciousness and responsibility.
Desensitising ourselves is easier than challenging ourselves to keep society on a path of morale example for our next generation.
 I argued the point of disallowing the letters of choice for the aircraft ...I stand behind the challenge to make a call on something. Don't be afraid to make a stand based on right and wrong.
I believe people know right from wrong, some choose to ignore that little gut feeling for sake of not wanting the backlash. it would mean supporting your position. One you may not be sure about, but i'd much rather put it out there then quietly accept what I find uncomfortable.
Sometimes you have to think that the wrong action is better than the inaction. At least you have a chance to learn from your mistakes.
Clearly  I am talking about more than 4 letters on an aircraft but this was where the conversation led.
Did I get my way...No.
But I am working on being Queen of the Universe...then look out!


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Inactivity Aches

The past 2 weeks I have noticed various muscles that are sore. No rhyme or reason. An ankle, wrist, left side of neck,lower back,etc..seemingly rotating to different areas. Something new aches each morning.
This month has been particularly hard to get enough training time in so I can only blame the aching muscles from inactivity. Too much sitting, talking on phones ,emails, meetings ..blah blah blah.

Conclusion; I would rather have a sore, aching body from too much physical activity then too little.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Mental Wellness

I was going to post about something else until I read Sihing Langners post.
It made me think of the turmoil that some people hide within themselves. What leads them to a point of despair and how did we lose them along the way?

I think about mental wellness everyday, I am pretty sure I see victims of an unwanted issue when I pass the wandering souls in the downtown core. Some of them are regulars down there,
I say "good morning " to three of them just as I would my co-workers. One fellow has a routine and I usually pass him every morning.
He was someones child at one time,...I wonder what his story is.

What happens to our fellow human beings, I believe depression and instability can develop over time and people find themselves spiralling slowly downwards. It can effect families, it effects society and its sad.
I have no answers, I cant answer Sihing Langners question of "what to do".
Except, try to help but most importantly care.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta,Canada

The remainder of this month has been and will be consumed by a work project I am managing and the wind up of Raymonds lacrosse. I have been getting up early in the morning to train but it isnt enough time to cover everything I need to do.
I am looking forward to June, I want to take back some of my time and focus in on grappling and my Sais, maybe some sleep too.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Bring the Rain

The weather was not on our side Saturday.
I was more so annoyed by it, since Fridays forecast boasted a sunny day with warm temperatures.
However, not even mother nature could dampen the spirits of Panadamonium!
I was impressed by the energy level inside the hall and outside. no shortage of help and happiness.
My hats off to the tent crew for enduring the wind/rain at their backs during the morning pancakes, Sifu Shipalesky and Mr. Chervenka looked more like bank robbers with their hoodies tied up over their heads, then pancake makers!
Thankfully it cleared up  in time for a fantastic Dragon/Lion dance ,loads of kid fun and polished off by some hardcore kung fu into the late hours.

What a great group of people to be associated with, ..so Mother Nature Bring it!
Bring the Rain, you are no match for the Silent River Kung Fu crew!

PS: just a note of thanks to Sifu Wetter and Mr. Brady Young whose company donations will help greatly with the food costs.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Rally up for the Pandamonium

This weekend I completed one of my personal requirements. I am glad to get that off the list but it unfortunately took all my time this weekend and I was not able to help with the expansion.
I know I missed out. I recognize the hard work that Sifu Lindstrom and his crew have put in. My contribution has been small by comparison and for that I will have to make up else where.
Next project to tackle is a BBQ event. In particular the Pandamonium outdoor BBQ.
Its going to be challenging as with any of event of this nature, its purely a guess as to how many people will show up for pancakes and what not.
I already have a great group of individuals whom have donated equipment and time but I know I will need more help.
Soon I will have to post on "Kwoon talk" to rally up volunteers who would like to show off their Pancake and Hotdog cooking skills!
I know we may be tapping into the student body volunteer reserve that is probably stretched to the limits already but I am hoping the school will dig deep and make this a great Pandamonium event!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Evolution

I sit here thinking about the past week and I have decided not to go there. It was crappy, stressful and full of negative outcome.
However, I come out the other end with more determination, I want change. More specifically I want change in myself.
Changing should be a daily pursuit. If you strive to change for the better and learn from your mistakes and your triumphs , shortfalls and your successes you are moving forward.
 If you think you don't need to change, you have arrived...then you really need to change!
I like to think of the human spirit as an internal evolution.
We may stop growing after our teen years but we should continue to grow in our hearts and minds till our last days. The day you have decided not to evolve is the day you have decided not to live.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada