Just another day, whatever day it is!

 Hey ya how’s it going? Been a “few days” I suppose since we’ve last spoke. This job is almost done! Super duper close to being all wrapped up. We are like two weeks ahead of schedule and honestly gaining time. 

I haven’t let my foot off the gas on pushing the crew! No, to be honest i have pressed harder on the gas and asked for a little more outta everyone. The crew has responded very well, so far! There’s always one guy whom wants to try to slow the job down for another pay cheque and I’m working on him. Leaning hard on him. I make sure that if this guy is backfilling, I’m watching him! Haha. Willy don’t play games!! 

I haven’t had much time for anything else. My days starts around 5am. Gotta leave by 530. Grab fuel, get my truck loaded with the days materials and then I have a morning meeting with the crew. Now it’s 645-7am. Morning chat, give directions for the days tasks, ask for questions, tell a bad dad joke and off to the races. Typically I’m the first guy on the lease, and so, I do the site walk through, check for vandalism, stolen goods, okay we can start! The boys get to it and my paperwork starts. Safe ditch entries, start cards, steep hill forms to sign, equipment inspections….blah blah blah….okay let’s go already, (730-8ish) I don’t normally stop for morning break (10am) I’ll eat around lunch or if I’m hungry I’ll go get a bite to eat! Most days, I will throw some granola bars in my pocket and a cup of coffee in my back pocket and let’s roll!!! Haha. Noon hits and the days half over! Double check all my paperwork make sure nothing on site has overly changed! Resign and fill out what needs to be updated! Okay get back to work you dogs…afternoon break is at 3pm. Gents have a bite!! Bam! It’s 530-545, and now I’ll cut you loose! But first, we get back to the yard and unload and clean out trucks, throw out the trash, winterized pumps, ensure we get things ready for tmrw! Okay, cuts the boys loose for the day and I’m into the office (630ish) usually my paperwork takes 15-20min, but also the bosses and myself start the plan for tmrw! Sometimes, we leave at 7…sometimes it’s closer to 730….oh gawd I’m beat! Okay, cool, what’s for dinner? Oops forgot, not tonight!! It’s three day old left overs…get it into ya!! 30 min drive to motel, pack a lunch, shower, eat some more food, and most importantly, what I truly look forward to, family phone calls, and then hopefully I go to sleep around 930-10! Lately, it’s odd, I haven’t been sleeping! Nopers, I’m getting 3-4hrs and that’s about it! Staring at walls, and blinds and roofs! Haha.

You wanna hear something odd? I have learnt that, if I’m watching people work, just being a boss and not one of the boys, I get anxious and start to stress out! Yeah for reals! It truly bothers me to not be in the ditches. So what am I gonna do about it? Well, I have to learn to handle this new found “stress”.  Like it really bothers me. Its been pointed out that I’ll slowly move around in large circles or I’ll medium pace pace. Or I just stand there all tense like. A fair bit of the time I do not realize I’m doing these things until I’m knee deep into a hole I just walked!! I have to learn, that’s what the crew gets paid for, that’s literally why they got hired… doesn’t mean I’m not going to get in there and work, but I do have to almost take a step back and let them have at it. This crew we have been together for four and a bit months. We know what to do. We know who does what and when they should do it. Everyone knows their place! 

Even the young 20 year old kid with a mouth on him! He learnt! He learnt the hard way. I tried really hard to remind him that, sure I like to joke about and have a good time, but sometimes, you gotta read the play and not spout off. That didn’t work. So I spoke about if he even knows the verbal and physical ways to tell if someone has had enough. No?!? Weeellllllll, he decided to keep digging a hole with me! He didn’t know his limits, so I taught him some manners! He ran away from interrupting me and some higher ups with his tail between his legs! I not so politely promised him I was not going to hit him, but I am going to head butt him if he spouts off one more time! Now, be a good young man and get out of this ditch and get something done! A few hours later, after keeping a safe distance, he apologized and asked what he did wrong! He truly didn’t understand! I apologized for threatening him, and asked him to really work on learning when enough is enough, because he damn near ate my hard hat! I reminded him that the good lord gave him two ears and one mouth for a reason and he best figure that one out before I sort it out for him! I don’t want your fear, but now, you start back at zero with me. Start earning my respect, not the crews laughter! The crew won’t keep him around, my reports and daily boss talks will keep him around, and yes I have had to have a conversation with the big boss about keeping him on site! He promised he’d change his attitude, and he has! We shake hands and moved on! He’s been gold ever since! Still cracks his jokes, appropriately, he’s still a great hand, and now he’s far better! Hahaha. Since that day, I’ve complimented him a few times on his work ethic and how he’s changed things for the better! 

Anyhow, that’s enough outta me I guess! Not really sure on what else to talk about! Soon I’ll be back training online with everyone! Soon! So close friends. For a few weeks anyhow. Until the next one starts! 

And with that being said

Have a great night and thanks for reading my ramblings 

Mr.Duncan

Catching up

Hey there. Yeah I see you reading this! That’s right on! Thanks. I’m in a really grateful mood lately. Yeah I had a real cool tour of around the little hamlet I’m staying in. I’m actually staying in Wasa, just outside of cranbrook. Yeah, I wrapped up Sparwood and got shipped on!! Made the cut! 

So, yeah, new shiny places! This time it’s different. One of the fellas I work with has lived here his whole life, and we share a lot the same hobbies, like work and shooting and trucks and other stuff. 

I asked for help in finding accommodations. Sparwood was acceptable but way too expensive! So he hooks me up with a sweet deal at the local motel! Yeah and it’s a really nice room to boot! Like I’m paying a month here for a weeks worth there kinda deal! I love small towns! 

Sweet deal!! This dude I working with he’s solid! I’d dare to say I made a friend! Ha!! I asked if he’d show me about! He knows every road in this place, so he takes me to places like the top of an old look out tower built in the early 1950’s!! Of course I climbed the broken stairs and stood on the rotting balcony! You just have too!! Signed the book. That stuffs important. It’s was even creepier because the clouds had settled on the mountain! The trees are all kinda stunted and visibly different from the trees further down the hill! Less oxygen there, so they don’t grow so tall!! What a time yeah!?! Definitely mini trucks for those trails!! 

And bears and more bears and elk and deer! Saw my very first blue grouse!! You only see them at high elevations and they are a beautiful bird. It is blue feathered! Just cool!! 

I did a rep of DMH up on top of the mountain. No I didn’t get pics! I was too busy living in the moment! Just enjoying the whole situation and taking it all in!! 

Anyhow, I’ve been chipping away at this blog for a few days now! My days are getting longer and longer! I have to be on site for 6:30am for meetings, before we have our morning tailgate. And unfortunately, I don’t leave site until 6:30pm at the earliest! Closer to 7. I have got paperwork and time cards and daily reports and blah blah blah…. My foreman has started to really groom me for a foreman seat! I was supposed to take a foreman a few weeks ago, but I did say, if there’s someone with more experience, then, let them have it! I can and will do it, but I feel I don’t have the experience to be pushing a full crew! Especially on this project! 

This job is the literal first of its kind with the repairs dig ups that we are doing! Last time anyone looked at this line was in the 1950’s when it was first installed. The pressure is on and so are the eyes!! Every Tom dick and Harry are out here watching how we are going to expose these lines….ugh! Not fun! The work is, the pressure isn’t. 

Any which way, I have a bit of a slow day today! I’ve been placed to watch the welding crew. It’s funny we had a office dude out here the first day watching these guys and they dropped the ball on getting things done on time. The office guy was… kindly told to not come back out, and now, I am here! Oh I’ll tell you what, we are back on par for hitting the appropriate finish times! I had to straighten out a few poor attitudes and sort out a thought process that this is a place to waste time. As in, I’m really unsure why the welder is not running! Can you mr.welder please explain to me why in the #*^% this is taking so long? No?!? No good reason? You best get back at it….But, we are friends now, and nobody wastes time here anymore….hahahaha!! 

Oh a funny-ish story. We had to unload around 100 sandbags! So we set up a line of hands and started throwing them down the line! And typical pipeliner mentality, we started “gentle” and by the time we are like 5 bags in, we are throwing the sandbags at each other! “Hurry up! Come on catch it!! What is your problem? Can’t catch a 25lb sandbag?? Hahaha  my foreman, big big old farm boy, waited until I had a sandbag in my hands and turned to look at him, ready to toss the next bag, I see him holding the sand bag, so I says, what you need a break big guy? Need a hug for motivation? So he does his small smile and blasted me in the face with this sandbag…hahahaha…so I threw it back!  He throws it back at me, but harder, darn near knocked me over!! Hahaha!! Gotta have fun I say!! All in good fun!! Hahahaha!! Best crew I’ve seen in a long time!! 

Outside of that guys, I don’t know what else! Boot camp looked like a lot of fun! Kind of disappointed I’m missing so much, but, it’s part of the gig! School looks great! Thank you for everyone’s hard work getting the Kwoon looking so nice! Great job everyone! 

I guess that’s pretty much it for now! 

Have a great day 

Thanks for your time 

Mr. Duncan  

Wasa

 Hey there everyone! Yeah hey it’s great! Just plugging along!! I’ve moved towns now, I’m no longer in Sparwood! No we moved down to Cranbrook!! Oh wow what a place this is….like super sarcastically….I’m sure it has its diamonds. 

 I elected to go to this awesome little hamlet called Wasa. An older Swiss couple own it. Honestly, I think the muppets when I hear a Swiss accent!! Hahah. They are real neat to talk with. I enjoy them. I quite enjoy my time here. Loving it!! 

I have started putting thought to make efforts and plant seeds to move out in this general direction…. I dream of places like this! My kinda world. Decent sized lots for an acceptable price!! Holy moly!! Even larger parcels outside of town. 

Anyhow one of the guys I’m working with, his 3x grandfather was a founding member of this town! Ha. How cool is that?!? And then, everything came together with this fella! He scored me the room! Lines everything but the payment up! I got this for ya Will. He’s good people. He knows who and what and where!! Just a gem. 

Oh you should have seen the size of this black bear we saw a few days ago at end of shift!! Holy cow, she was big! We slowed down to take a look, but, couldn’t stop as I was heading a convoy of trucks down this logging road…hahaha. Man what a time!! I wish I could have stopped though, just to watch and see her! You could tell it was a sow. The ears are different between boars and sows! Bears are cool! She had no cubs and she was older, getting on in age! The dude I ride with, schooled me with bear knowledge and how to identify sow or boar. Guess age correctly! A better way to identify grizzlies other than just looking at the hump! Learnt a lot today! Good time!! 

Adapting and growing

 Why hello there! How are you? The kids? Dogs? Cats? Cool!! Sounds great!! I’m doing well! Real good still. Yup just got back on shift. I had a good set of days off. Never long enough, but, seems too long at times! 

Soooo, plans. Organizing skills. Setting up the days work. Tomorrow’s work plan as well at this point. Adapting and changing. 

Had a 5am out the door kinda day today and I’ve honestly just stopped! 8pm. I had to be in Cranbrook for 7am and I took the company whip, so, that’s really have to drive nicely…I get rewards for driving properly!! Haha. Ahhh what a place. Seriously my company handed me a 600watt work flood light, for driving properly…mind blown, but thank you! This is great! Anyways, back to the point. Last night we/I had a chat with the crew about today’s work. And we had a plan that was deadly! We would have been off of the lease and near done the second lease, across the street! Cool, I talk to the bosses and lay out the plan! Bosses like it, makes sense! 

I’m finished my reading and have finally made it back to site! Dudes, I roll onto site and nothing has changed! Not one piece of dirt, not a rock, nothing!! What is “tarnations?” That’s not what I said, use your imagination! Not you kids, just the adults. Yeah there’s my operator! Yeah his hoe is not broken, what the front door is happening here!! I’m mad, but, I gotta be calm! That’s the boss I wanna be! Not going to let this ruin my day! Nope! Lead by example! 

Allan, jumps outta his hoe, speed walks over and starts spilling the beans! Dude, you’ll never believe this! Well this morning, in my absence, the boss changed the plan, and told my operator to just kinda take the day and be chill, nap if you want, it doesn’t matter….. Oh I said! Well than! Isn’t that neat! Well, whatever then! Sorry dude but get back in that hoe and let’s get to work I suppose! He does and we do! 

The boss shows up later on and is like, what are the odds you are going to be done tonight will? It’s supposed to rain tmrw! 

I’m pausing, and collecting my thoughts! Oh I’m choosing my words wisely right now! There’s so much I want to say!! I’m staring dead at him and ask, “Pardon? I didn’t hear you properly what did you just say to me?” So he repeats and I’m like, “ya know something here boss, if the plan was left alone today, we would be done, but it wasn’t and because of that we won’t be done tonight, at all!” “Oh well can we make this happen?” “No, not tonight, too much too do!” He says thanks and leaves. 

And you know something team, I put my anger into my task and, by golly, we would have got it done tonight, I truly would have even in such a short period of time, but alas the boss calls and changed the plan, again, and completely sent it all for a ride, again. I was so impressed! Like super happy he did that! 

I had top soil left and that is fast and easy! Two hours no sweat!! Now, abandon this site, loose two hours+travel back and forth and we just lost 3-4 hours and we honestly went and did all the work we could do in the rain for tmrw…

Boss shows back up to drop off stuff we needed tmrw and is like, “yup, I screwed you!” 

Man I stopped dead in my tracks and simply said, yeah, you did! But imma tell you this for free right now! I’ve screwed up on site and you covered for me! Its my turn to cover for you! Don’t worry about it boss! I’ll still make you look good!”

“Okay, good, I though you where gonna beat me up! Okay cool Will, see you later” 

“That’s not off the table yet, but have a nice night, see ya later”

I was pretty proud of myself! I stayed calm, I didn’t even raise my voice! I had impulses, I wanted to just explain things, but, what will I gain? Nothing! He’s covered for me, so that would be rude for me to do. I could have just walked away, not even speak to him, like I first wanted too, but that’s childish! 

What I did do was put myself in his shoes an try to understand his logic! Make sense of his mess, maybe I’m not understanding it! Maybe I just can’t see the play! Maybe he’s still feeling the days off? Man, I don’t know! What I chalked it up too, is he has his reasons why! It’s my job to do as instructed and learn. 

My temper has always been my Achilles’ tendon! I could get mad at my pants forgoing on to easy…. Always, finally, after many many years of slowly working on it, I am starting to calm down! Starting to see more of the grand picture. Especially since the pandemic started! I’ve honestly tried really hard to not jump to conclusions and try so hard to see it from everyone else’s perspective! To lead by example as best I can! Be the boss everyone wants to work for!!

Today team, outside of the actual training itself, my day flopped, it sucked, it was dog poop! Never should have gotten outta bed! Could have thrown a fire extinguisher, I was so pissed!! But today, I stayed in that positive mental attitude! I took breathes!! Deep ones!! I stayed “for real” smiling and kept it cool! Even my partner commented on how calm I took the crap show!! 

Today, I took a victory for myself! Chalking this one up to the higher power and giving thanks for the strength to stay calm! 

Fist pumps and high fives!! 

Anyhow, everyone, I’m starting the head nod, I am gonna shut this down for the night! 

And such, I say good night!

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

All In Good Time

 Well, it’s been a while I’d say. thanks for the poke there, Mr.B! I have honestly lost track of time. And now, its near september. Getting stuff done homies! Just killing things….man mad props from everyone out here! People real pleased with the jobs we as a crew are doing. It’s nice. And we really are doing a bang up job. I mean, it’s pretty cool. 

We had black bears come and check us out wednesday! Two cubs and mom was spotted off in the trees, I’d say they were 80-90 years away, heads just peaking over the tall grass!!! They split a rotten tree stump and they were busy over there. It was cool!! And some people have to stop on the highways to see that, I just go to work!! we watched them split a rotten tree root and start digging. It really looked like the cubs where having a blast. I did not see mama bear, but, honestly, its a black bear. so, do not go poking them and they will leave you alone. its not like it was a grizzely who, will literally bluff rush you, simply because it can. Grizzelies know how big they are, black bears do not, or they just dont care. dont poke the black bear and you get to live!! haha. what a day that was. 

I feel a lot like I getting rewarded for my efforts at work. I giver and I care! It honestly sets me apart from others who don’t carry an attitude like mine. Once I’m committed, I’m all in. No excuses. Ha ha!  I don’t mean to toot my horn… too loudly, but it feels good, for a fella like me, who pours his everything into the project, to get a few atta boys!! 

For example, The head inspector, him and I work closely together. He knows I’m new to integrity digs and management on the pipeline. He’s working with me. Tips, advice, a heads up on how to be more efficient. And actually helping get stuff done. He literally gets i the ditch and gets dirty with us. That is absolutely unheard of. most wont say boo, and most just run and tell on you. Positive reinforcement. Helpful advice. Explains himself,  the whys and how’s. I listen and grow. I pay attention and ask questions. I see what’s going on here. 

He says to me, “ya know will, you’re gonna be a foreman one day here real soon, you’ll see!” I kinda laugh, “sure, sure, I’m like a dog driving a car dude!” He responded  “laugh now and make sure you laugh later when I say I told you so!” 

A few days go by and I get called in to talk to the superintendent about, well, a utility foreman seat! They like my clean up and how I conduct my small crew and leases I do “run”  everyone’s real happy with everything I bring to the table, haha!! Oh I laughed!! my quality of work is very high. I do not leave any garbage, messes and unless you know what to look for, you wouldn't even know we where there. Yeah baby, yeah!!

To be honest with a whole crew of like minded positive people, things are just better! well, this blogg has been in the works for a few days, and a few days ago, i really enjoyed everyone. two people decided to blow two shifts, to basically go get drunk. I want them off my crew, like yesterday! Fired! You're fired, but, the big big boss, has decided for one more chance.....I am floored. Me? I do not have patience for people like that. Absolutely shocked....i told him, this is a terrible exapmle to set. You do realize we will pay for this now and later, when people figure out they can just no-show, whenever they want to. A very dangerous standard to set. How do i know? Because ive seen it all too many times. 

I still like that vast majority of people here, now, i just have to be a little more attentive. All i need is an excuse at this point. Whats the big deal? sure ill tell you. What would happen if my boss decided, naw, im going to get drunk and blow off two shifts? The project will come to a screatching halt. What happens if I blow shift? My truck doesnt move, and no one on my crew gets to site, the plan for the day gets screwed right up. Both fired, these two degenerates......

Anyhow, what about training you say? Its okay. i have kinda dwindled out here. I am beat. I figured it would be easier to get back into full swing once i was used to working again, but after a 14hour day, one of the last things i want to do, is go anywhere and do anything. so, yeah I'm slacking and slacking hard. i know excuses, excuses. Hahahaha. 

Now that im managment, theres extra training and courses, i have to keep up with, and that eats up alot of my spare time. Its all computer work too boot, and we all know how much i suck with computers. Ahh well, welcome to the big leauges. 

the bits of trraining io do do, i try exceptionally hard for clean and precise movements. why am i practising? to get better, so, be better, in my practicing. Lock those stances, before moving on. Get those push up and sit ups in. Come on man, i know im tired, I know its been a hot and dirty long day. But, come on man, lets get rolling. And after a few moments of the body fighting and being stubborn, i start the training again. 

Well, i guess, I dont know what else to talk about. 

Oh, have you seen Peaky Blinders? Man what a great show, BY order of The Peaky Blinders you gotta watch it. Starts in 1919, and follows this street gang, that has huge ambitions!! The guys have razor blades tied into their caps, they make examples and statements with. Oh its my kinda show. 

Okay dokay, now i think that is everything

I will talk at you soon!

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

Touching Base

 Howdy ho there friends!! How’s it going? How’s the week and a bit been? Been good!? Yeah I bet! It’s been well, thanks for asking! Really well! 

Work has been great. Quite rewarding!! I’m made it through the break in period of being a mini boss, and tomorrow I start my journey on my own! It’s honestly something I’ve done a lot on the pipeline and it was my break through gig on the line! Oh, I didn’t say, you say. It’s the shading end of things. So the jobs done and inspected and crates and everything is flowing and all that’s left is covering the pipe up. There’s far more to it than just dumping some dirt on it and walking away!! I wish! 

No, there’s a lot of sand needed to lay the pipe on and we need 300mm of coverage all over the pipe, compacted to an inspectors liking and then layer by layer we cover and compact! It’s about a 16hour gig to do properly! Rules about when the compactor can go on pipe and which compactor and at what height are we to change the directions! 

Ya know and it made me wonder, if we make new rules by learning the hard way, then that’s must of sucked learning that lesson….

Anyhow, I just finished my few days off and spent them really crushing time with the family. Busy busy, seems I need to be at work to relax!! Hahaha. I’m just kidding.

The other day I was working some DMH and I’m not sure if I was looking the best or what, but man I was having fun. Snapping the body into stance, finding that ground! I was really feeling the forms. 

Dragon felt good, I’m positive I’m mixing something up, but that’s cool. Maybe I’m really not and just second guessing myself too much! I really enjoy that form. Just the power and flow, when I do find it, it’s just incredible! Like, the second last technique I keep having this feeling of face palming someone!! Hahaha! I like that even more! 

I wanna tell ya about this chat I had this a real old friend! This is the second guy in the last few weeks frond the past that has reached out to me! It’s a cool feeling, tell ya what! 

So anybow, we rolled together in high school and a bit in adult life, but, parted ways long time ago! I honestly half thought he was passed away until I saw him on the book of faces! It is funny how things work out, after the typical, how are you what are you doing babble, he opened up! He’s looking for someone to help, with different symptoms, but is at that stage of ready to accept, but doesn’t wanna take that plunge yet! And he’s happy with what he’s got!! And that’s just fine I say! Atleast he’s out there getting in touch with the good people and asking the good questions!! 

He asked about getting happier and how to try to beat these bouts of depression. I’m no expert but, I know what I know! I said, finding gratitude in what is in front of me, in my family and home, and just being grateful that it’s not worse, because it could be. The universe gives you exactly what you can handle, it’s gratitude for “the opportunity to get to work on this problem” that makes me smile! 

…from what I’ve heard…from people I really admire…and from what I’ve experienced first hand…

But I digress, I’m tired and fear I’ll start rambling about wrestling and how it’s made me mad!! Like, Getting rid of Bray Wyatt…like who does that???!? Why in gods green earth would you let go one of the hottest names in wrestling today??? Like some of the other talent I can live with, fine…but bray Wyatt?? And then you put Goldberg in the title picture? Goldberg?? Don’t ya mean Oldberg man alive! What is this? The Golden Girls?? Oldberg gave himself a concussion on the last match he was in by smashing his own head against a steel door to get amped up?? Who does that? He practically fell over in his entrance… And then you just about break the undertakers neck, not once but twice!! In the same bloody match! Literally booed outta the ring and a like 18 months later, have another title shot while we lay off the real talent!!! It’s okay to retire with grace and be the literal unstoppable machine from 20 years ago, but this is just trying to light a fart in a tornado….ahhh! That’s right! A fart in a tornado! It stinks and it blows!! And then…

Haha oh well…

Okay dokay! I’ll talk to you later

Mr.Duncan

Hi!

 Howdy do there everyone!! Well another one down and another group of wins!! Good days indeed. 

I wanna try to paint a picture. We, the crew, were down at this one site we have. There’s a few streams coming into a larger stream, just over there!! I can hear it! So, we had to dig in some enviro fencing! Alot of it! Like 25m worth. It’s a woven fabric that only allows water to flow through, not dirt, not grass, just water! So, it’s gotta be installed underground!  Why, because that’s not where we found the dirt!!! Anyhow, we hear this creek! We all hear the water, we all smell the change in the air, alas all stopped to take a look! We all smiled at each other, nodded and buckled down!! It was last shift of the week, and the days almost over…well, the four of us just buckled down and went to work! We all wanted to go check out the creeks! We worked hard got done early and we all just dropped our shovels where we stood and found a path! 

Oh people, we are all excited and for our little treat. Paths are found and the best thing is, is we all have a great relationship with each other and we say things like, are you skipping rocks or throwing submarines? Our foreman who is the “this is a pipeline not a playground” kinda guy! Smiles when he’s ripping on ya!!  He’s stripped of his boots and socks, pants rolled up and ear to ear grin! The other two are playing about in the woods next to this creek!! I’m squatting by this creek side soaking myself with my hands, ah the cool water soaking into my face and head!! Cooling off from a dog days worth of work! Washing away the caked on sweat!! As I continue to splash water Gord Downie came to mind, 

… I had my hands in the river, my feet back up on the banks 
Looked up to the Lord above and said, "Hey, man thanks" 
Sometimes I feel so good, I gotta scream 

and I did…all of it!  More like a Rick flair Woooo!! Yeah you know it!! Oh it felt so good!! 

Any which way, we hung out for a few more minutes before boss calls it! One more face scrubbing and off we go! 

It’s the little experiences like this, that make the gig even more worth it! 

Kung fu and school I’m having a time maintaining both, and it’s something I’m working on. I’m keeping up with my studies more than anything, so honestly, maintains my Kung fu has become a struggle at times. Not that I do t want to, it’s, just not very committed all the time. Im tired at night! Some nights, it feels like a motion. No commitment. I’m doing this and then this, oh now I’m kicking, blah blah blah. A few nights it’s been solid, not so many, yet! 

After I’ve got time, I’m pretty beat up for the day. So, yeah some nights it’s ready for work and eat and read a few chapters and then it’s tomorrow! Repeat! Ha! I gotta remember Im still getting into the work swing again! 10 months at home! Pfft, got soft! Still sharpening up some of my skills! In good time, I’m confident, I can carve a new  schedule! Re-structure my time into something more efficient! Kinda just winging it, seat o’ my pants! 

Anyhow! I’ll let ya go for now! 

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

How long? Oops!!

 Hey yo!! It’s finally mr.D!! Well, my time here has been, life changing. Just from spending this much time here, it’s only been a few weeks, I’ve managed to near quit smoking, I only feel the urges and temptations at night, and it’s truly getting easier and easier to say no! I really don’t want it anymore! 

School is not so bad! I’ve been reading and studying still at night, for the small amounts of time I have! I’m pounding the hours and working like a dog! I know I was really hoping that school would be done and I’d be a certified inspector and stuff, but it’s not exactly how things are supposed to roll I suppose! 

When I made the decision to go back to work, I talked with sifu about it, and he really emphasized that not always do our dreams work out exactly how we want the first go at things!! I’ve really held onto that advice and have tried to just take things as they come and adapt, advance, attack, annihilate!! And then Sifu Cosgrove’s post, yeah that’s been my pathway too it seems! Nailed it! 

Honestly, so far so good! I think. The work itself is all integrity, inspecting, and revamping the pipeline! Which is exactly what we should be doing! No more new lines, but let’s fix up and upgrade what we have!! It’s the only logical step! Or we can have disasters everywhere….

I wasn’t sure of where on the site I would fit, being I’m one of the first here! It turns out I’ve been bumped into the digging crew, which is perfect! Simply because, I do want to be apart of the digging and integrity work! My foreman is one of the finest in the buisness! So, I’m sticking with him. The work we are doing requires, absolute spot on pipelining skills! The lines are all hot and pushing a lot of product…hahaha….it’s only sour gas, no worries!! Ha ha ha! Oh that line over there, that’s the towns natural gas! Yeah that’s right! 

I’m enjoying the work! I’m literally digging ditches by hand! We do have a hoe, but he’s not allowed within 1M of the pipe…so, that’s why I am here!! Oh it feels good to work like this! Head down, sweat spraying with your breath, blistering heat, ahhh I’m loving it!! How couldn’t I? I stop to catch my breath between shovels and man, it’s the mountains!! Pfft, BIG ol smile and start shovelling again!! 

Oh, and those fellas that replaced me before I was even there? They did not study enough for their exam, they couldn’t even get on site! Haha oh my god! My lead hand is going to take the foreman position on coating crew and I, by default, have be given the lead hand position under my foreman!

And just like that things change and change again!! 

Adapt, advance, attack, annihilite! 

Teammies, you should see some of the spots I have found to practice Kung fu!! Hahaha! Hopefully I remember to take pics! 

Okay, I’ll talk at ya later! Thanks for your time!

Mr.Duncan. 

July 2, 2011

 Normally I write on sundays! But I knew this day was coming, so Ive waited patiently to write this blog! 

Well, for myself today is a very powerful day! This day exactly 10years and 4hours ago, 3650 one day at a times ago,I chose to change my life. I’m going to take a trip down memory lane! It’s not that I want to live in the past nor do I envy or miss the past! Today’s post is all about remembering where I came from and remembering where I can go, if I decide to go back to my old ways! Remembering why I have a sociopath tattooed on my foreman…remembering who I become if I don’t pay attention to me! 

Ten years ago, wow, how time has passed ever so quickly it seems. Ten years ago, I had to change. I was walking that razors edge of suicide and “living”. Every day I’d purposely play with death. I think it was because I didn’t know how fortunate and lucky of a guy I truly was. I had given up on myself at a really young age and resorted to alcohol to deal with life. Alcohol was to only thing I could count on back then. I had no friends, my wife and kids had their bags packed. I was destined to be a loser, so I thought. All I had, at that point in time in my life was a bottle of whiskey or a flat of road pops! Man what a disaster!! How I never killed myself or anyone else, I can only thank my creator for watching out for me! 

I grew up in a home where love wasn’t really a thing and so I never learnt how to express myself without bouts of terrible words, and then I’d go bust someone’s face in the streets, or get beat up! Didn’t matter as long as it was going down!! I was on a path to an implosion! A self run tornado of absolute destruction of anything in my life! I learnt at a very young age, that violence solves almost anything, I still indeed struggle with that as an adult, and there’s times I want to melt someone’s noodle for them, but I work at it! And it’s easier to remove those thoughts today!! Years of practice though!! 

And to be honest, I tried to quit drinking on my own! I switched brands, I only drank whiskey on saturdays, then only on fridays! Or I’d only drink 6 on the way home from work and then float for the rest of the night! Or id only drink rum, or only beers, man I “tried to change on my own” so many times. 

And my life just kept doing downhill. My younger cousin Chad, he gave his life as an example for the rest of us! My family struggles with personal demons, it’s literally ripped my family to shreds! Chad, man, I love you so much cousin! I stay sober for you my friend! I hope you can see me from heaven, I havnt stopped working for us cousin. And I won’t Chad. I promised you at your funeral I was going to do something about it! But I kept drinking. I really sank deeper and deeper into depression! 

Chad was my only friend! He was the only person who ever gave a shit about me. He was the only person who called to talk to me. Or just pop by and visit! The ONLY person I had in my life that didn’t hate me…and then, he took his life… I was left alone and depressed! I went dark! 

I was technically broken and severely confused! I took the blame of his suicide and carried it! I was supposed to have called him that very night! We always called each other just to see how we where! We as a family knew we where nuts and back then, we took care of each other! But that night, I did not call, and Chad passed…I carried that burden. It wasn’t right I took the blame, but that was then!  A few more months of escalated antics and increasing the amounts of insanity I craved in my life, Canada Day 2011 finally hit! (There’s a specific reason the joker is tattooed where he is on my arm! So every morning when I brush my teeth first thing, I make direct eye contact with him and I have to make a clear decision every morning, do I stay sober or do I go get blasted and torment good people?) 

Canada Day of 2011 came and I went WILD that night! As wild and crazy and absolutely insane as it was, this night had to happen EXACTLY how it happened! Shudder shudder…And as a black-out drunk, for some reason I vividly remember this night!!! Party on the beach in Regina! Running from the cops, hiding from heavy drug dealers, near getting stabbed to death! I got into some serious trouble that night, that was exponentially worse with alcohol and drugs!!  Long story short, I just about died that night. Me and my “friend” got cornered in a public bathroom over a drug debt…knives got pulled and fists went flying, there was all sorts of wow!! We literally fought for our lives that night…and the night did not end there; oh no, of course it didn’t! I was on a path to destruction and by god I was gonna hit it! Onto the harder and harder drugs…cocaine isn’t doing anything and neither is the booze, ahhhh screaming at the moon wild!!!  so onto more and more and harder and harder….

And at some point the next day I passed out! When I finally did I kept having these nightmares. I couldn’t sleep! My dead cousin came to me in my dream and absolutely scared the heck outta me! I woke up crying and shaking! So fearful of my life! All such new and crazy feelings. I knew I needed help! I was so messed up, didn’t know what way was left or left? On and off I dozed in broken tent in this flippen farmers field, sweltering heat and coming down and nightmares! That darned devil showed up in my nightmares! I will never forget what it said to me! “You’re soul is mine! You’re mine boy!” And I woke up terrified crying and so lost! Just a broken scared individual! So much so I basically packed up my stuff and left for home! Left half my camp set up! I just needed to leave! 

I had four options given to me! 1.Go to a treatment center 2. Go to an insane asylum 3. Go to AA and get some help! 4. Beat it and don’t come back. 

I went to AA. I thought it would be easy!! Hahaha. Ahh. So nieve, but so worth the every second of it!! My very first meeting, the first things anyone said to me those rooms as this! “Kid if you want to get sober, you get honest and get honest right fn now! Because whatever you’re ashamed of, whatever you’ve done and whatever you’ve said, so have all of us! So get honest and honest right f’n now!” Ive never seen that man since that day! Bless you good sir, saved my life.  I really wish I knew who he was so I could thank him for his words! 

Regardless, that man changed my life with those few sentences! No longer was I alone in this world! No longer did I have to carry these burdens, no more! I have friends that do care! People from the mtgs would call! “Will, what are you doing? Are you coming to the mtg tonight? Can’t wait to see you” I’d be half nuts loosing it on the wind and they’d say, keep coming back Will! We love you!!” “Wtf you just say to me?” “Okay just keep coming back will!!” They taught me love when I I knew was anger! They showed me kindness when I didn’t know how to! They showed me purpose and gave me a path to get there! 

I’d just think to myself, they are happy to see me? What kind of a trick is this? Seriously, are you messing with me? It took a little bit, but, after listening to the laughter and getting the hugs and actually learning to believe that strangers do give a crap about me, I started to come around! Once the desire to drink was lifted from me, through pray and believing in myself and doing the actual work out in front of me, it finally was gone! Then I could forgive myself! Then I started to not only believe that I deserved to live, that I deserved a decent life! That I did not have to be a loser! In fact I never was a loser!  I started to believe that I was worth more than farts in the wind. Today, not only do I believe I deserve a decent life, I want other people to have amazing lives today! Everyone deserves to be happy!! 

Now, I worked and worked for my sobriety! I fought tooth and nail to stay sober! I would lay there at night, terrified to sleep, because that damn devil was gonna show up and torment me…that scared me so much, I just did not sleep! I couldn’t! Scared me so much! Than one day a good friend of mine was listening to me talk about this demon in my dreams! And he volunteered his time to help get rid of the devil! We prepared for war! I told him, he’s not letting go man! I suffocate at night! He said good! Let’s go to war for your soul will! And by god war we brought to the devil! By the time we were done, the devil was in the corner crying for help! The devil was begging me to stop, but I didn’t and I still don’t! Today I lean on him hard! Harder than when I started! And well, needless to say, I stand before you my friends,  not him!!

My buddy showed my the power of the creator! He led me into a faithfulness where He is greater than I! And I am merely a tool for his greater good! I learnt I have the power in my mind, and by the creators will, I fought that demon every single bloody night, until, one night! I said no more! You do not scare me anymore! I am Will Fuxking Duncan! You do not control me you mfer! Stay outta my head! You no longer have power over me! And that was honestly the end of that! Not to say the devil hasn’t reared his ugly face and tried to come back! I mean he did own me a really long time, but, he keeps failing and his voice gets quieter and quieter each time! I laugh in his face today! To be brutally honest! Laugh!! I try to not get complacent, he’s always around!

But I still make mistakes! 

That’s cool! I take ownership and make amends and carry on in life! I just try my best! 

And even still, I had something missing! I poured everything I had into sobriety, and still there was just a tiny piece missing! One day I fell into SRKF in Onoway! And here’s Sifu Ryback and Sifu Wiebe! Two people who where very important in my early sobriety, and I don’t know, if they knew how powerful they were for me! Listen, for me, I saw two highly functioning adults, adulting and doing some awesome Kung fu, and I thought, i should be able to do that! So yes, Sifu Wiebe, I will join your class! That night changed my life every so drastically!! 

I didn’t know much about the stony plain school! The tournament time was upon us and I’ll never ever forget! Sifu Wiebe convinced me to participate! I said okay, if that’s what you feel is best! So I walked into the stony school, not knowing who anyone really is! I competed and I guess I did well that year! I’ll never forget, Sifu Brinker comes up to me after the tourney, and complimented me on well! Sifu Wiebe was like, dude, that’s master Sifu! He just complimented your Kung fu! That’s pretty awesome! You should be proud of yourself! That doesn’t happen as much as you may think! 

It was the second time in my life I felt like I belonged! I don’t know if Sifu Brinker meant it, or what! But I didn’t care! The fact that this dude just paid attention to me, when he didn’t have to, was pretty powerful to me! Nobody ever gave a crap about me, and here’s this master instructor who took the time to compliment me?!? Wow okay!!! Honestly, it gave me a serious confidence boost! A boost in belonging! I’ve always carried that convo with me! It still gives me goosebumps! 

Slowly, but with hesitation, I felt safer and safer at the Kwoon! I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere in life! But here in this school, with these people, I felt like I mattered! It felt like these people, actually cared about me! Why? I’m a stranger! No one knows me! Why do you care about me? People would stop doing stuff to come help me?!?!? I would ask a question and here’s Sifu Vantuil literally taking things out of her hands to give me her absolute full attention…. absolutely blown away!!! What do you mean you care about everyone? What? I ain’t never heard that before! I wanted to believe, but I ain’t never seen it, outside of the rooms! 

You may think I’m kidding, but I never saw kindness like I’ve seen in this school, just given away so freely! And respect for everyone… that was unheard of for myself! Ha really kinda set me back a bit! I’ve learned to embrace it and it’s actually really cool, just being kind and stuff like that! 

What I learnt in just watching my instructors, is that, you can completely weaponize your body and mind, but now it’s my responsibility to not harm others!! In fact, you should care about people! Even if someone is running off at the mouth, and the old me would have parked my fist in that face, I should not do that?!? Oh that’s news!!  I would take what I learnt in kung fu and conform it to what I learnt in AA! Holy, the words are different, but you speak the same message! Okay, so after a while I put absolute faith in my instructors and complete trust in my creator! I’m supposed to be here! I’m supposed to be with SRKF! Funny enough, every instructor I’ve ever worked with, is simply there to help and build… holy crap…you’re gonna teach me how to destroy someone, but, I don’t actually want to harm anyone anymore… what kind of magic is this?!? Oh it’s martial arts mastery oh….

Through all my journeys and places I’ve gone and things I’ve done, the Kwoon has always been my safe place! Everyone’s chill, everyone’s nice, train hard play hard! Sweet!! 

Silent River Kung Fu gave me a place to belong! SRKF gave me a sense of community, making me do demos and putting myself out there! SRKF gave me methods to dismantle my anger and build confidence! SRKF, in combination with AA, gave me a second chance at life! Silent River has simply help save my life! For that I’m eternally grateful! If there’s ever a time where the tkd or karate schools are throwing shade….no sweat , give the order bosses and I will have a chat! I owe my life and my sobriety to this school, something I won’t forget! Besides once you got my loyalty, no sweat!!

SRKF is not just a school or a building to me! Truly it’s more than a Kwoon as well! Like for others, it’s home! Ive had many of powerful memories in the Kwoon that I hold dear! 

I may not be the best teammate, nor am I often around, but I promise all of you, you are my family! Im like the 3rd cousin twice removed, somehow always still around…hahaha! I’m so proud to be apart of Silent River. I’m even prouder to celebrate 10years of sobriety with everyone here! 

This has been a wild 10 year ride and I’m so happy to be apart of Silent River! Thanks to everyone for helping me and listening to me and being apart of my journey in sobriety! 

What a gift I have! 

Thanks for reading my blog today! 

 July 2, 2011

Forever the worst day, that forever positively changed my life. So it’s actually the best day ever! 

3, 650 days of I can do this, if only for today! 

Thanks for your time! 

Mr.Duncan 

Forced Down Time

 Hey teammates. A real quick update. This has been a good week! Rough but making progress! 

I haven’t been about much, simply because two things. 

One, I received the vaccine earlier in the week, and the only drawback to that was I was exhausted for 36ish hours. 

Secondly I had a small, nothing serious, operation done later in the week! The dr told me all I am allowed to be is a couch potatoe for the next few days or so! 

So, there we go, I’ve been recovering and sleeping and feeling sore and beat up for the last few days! 

Honestly, I’m happy everything has worked out the way it has! My boss wanted me to go to work on Sunday….drs orders boss! Sorry. I told you about this! These operations is very important and I’m not skipping out on them. Near 7months of waiting to get this done! Mostly because of Covid messing stuff up for now!! 

On that note, I’m going to go watch Young Guns I and II! Man I love that show!! And watch Shane later today! That story makes me tear up every single time, and I’ve read that book so many times….We, as a family, watched Tombstone last weekend! My yongests sons name is Wyatt. And I honestly named him after Wyatt Earp. My oldest son Alexander is named after Alexander the Great! Legit! Anyhow, I wanted to “show” Wyatt who he’s named after….dad, I don’t want to be a cowboy, but I really like Wyatt Earp! Me too buddy. Me too. 

I was born in the wrong time era! 

Anyhow team, I’m getting tired here, I know, I just woke up!! But I’m beat.

Thanks for your time and listening to me!! 

Have a solid day teammates!

Mr.Duncan

Being in the kwoon

 The Kwoon is honestly one of the first places I’ve felt accepted and safe. I truly love the Kwoon. I feel like I can crush the world when I hang in the Kwoon. So many laughs. So many positive struggles so many good people. I really am grateful for all the work that been put into the Kwoon. I certainly feel the love when I step in there. 

Favourite spot in the home

 I like my garage. It’s quiet. It’s my training hall. Buckets of sweat and blood on the concrete. Concretes broken and flaking, but it serves me well! It’s not the prettiest nor the warmest, but it’s what I have and I’m very grateful for it. Pushing iron, pushing limits or teaching how bikes work. The garage does it all

Bucket lists.

There’s a forest out there calling me. When I find it. I’ll be gone. I care for the wild and wilderness too much. My spirit and soul cry for the wild. There’s very little that interests me in this world anymore, outside of stepping into the dark warmth of a Forrest and not coming out….one day…

Whirlwinds and Tornados

Well, just like the title suggested wow, what a week. So, I’ve been really focused on this job, for the summer and fall. I’m pumped about it. I was looking a crappy little rv unit, so I can “go live in a van; down by the river!!” Hey, some Chris Farley for ya!! Oh I say it like Farley does that but every time!! 

Stay in school or you’ll be living in a van down by the river!!

So anyways, yo, I’m calling people, putting out feelers, I even contacted someone in the school about any leads for a place to stay! So, I called the boss, to double check start dates, and it turns out, he had hired someone else and an entire crew, and simply replaced me, I don’t know if he was gonna say anything! And he responds, Did you even want a job here!” Like he giving his act finishing joke! Yeah, like I was just kidding! Haha. Just kidding. I was just re-arranging my entire life, school, family, summer plans, just for fun for practice, to see how far I can push Nait’s willingness to understand and help me…oh I was vibrating; absolutely seething, fuming, I was ready to drive down to Fernie and see him face to face and…..

Anyhow, I didn’t really do much! Meditate. Ask for help! Yeah asking for help got me here! I’ll figure this out on my own. I thought, how can you sleep at night? How can you willingly call someone one, hey want a job? Yeah okay you’re hired, then sneak behind them and hire someone else for the exact same position. I was pissed. 

So I sat on it! I knew from the get go, I was not okay with this. I knew from the start I needed to stand up and say no, this is wrong! So I waited! I cooled down! I didn’t know what to do! Feeling like a chump, I texted with sifu! What would Sifu Brinker do? 

We spoke about karma and how people reap what they sow. We spoke about staying true to ones self and having pride I don’t conduct myself like that! And yes it all made sense to me. And you know, I could have just let go and said, I guess it’s the way it is… Let karma deal with this fella! No, I don’t think even I understand. Let’s try again! 

Hi, my name is Will Duncan! I will not be pushed about! No, this world is changing and I won’t tolerate this crap anymore! And you know what?!? It’s true! You want to see change, be that change! I was unwilling to just beat it! I was unwilling to watch that happen and not atleast vocalize my displeasure! 

Be the change will! So I had another chat with myself! If I am going to get called on my bs, I’d rather have a conversation than a yelling match! Okay, so, as much as I wanted to split his wig, I want a job site built on respect and honesty! And I wasn’t done with this job! 

And then I thought to myself, you know what!?! No. Forget him and his feelings. If he feels it’s okay to push me around, what will he do to others? If he’s willing to do this and smile about it, make some stupid little joke about me; has anyone called him on his bullshit? If it’s okay for him to speak and treat people like such, oh it’s gonna be just fine if I give him a piece of my mind! 

So I called him Thursday night, and as respectfully as I could! So much patience and calmness, I scared myself!! Oh you and I are going to have a chat! I said to him you offered me a position on the coating crew and I accepted it; now I do expect to be on the coating crew when this project starts! Let us remember here, I did not call you looking for work, YOU called ME, friend!  You praised me. You offered me the position! The foreman, I can understand, more experience, more qualifications! But to lead me on and dupe me into a financial situation like you did, from me simply accepting your position you offered to me! Not cool. You knew I was in school and had to rearrange my entire schedule! You knew these things. I’ve spent money I hardly have, getting things insured and road worthy, for what, practice? To spend money because I was bored? No, I will not accept this! This is not right! 

So I got the blah blah blah excuses, so many people calling for work, and trying to get a job organized and blah blah blah…. That’s really neat I said. I get it! I’ve never stuck someone like that! When I run jobs and I hire people I write that down in my book, so I know whom I’ve hired! You already hired me! That is a new level of dirty! So he apologized and offered more “explanations” I wrapped up by saying I’ve said my peace and am now done with this conversation now! Have a nice night. That was Thursday night! Blew class off to re arrange an old man…..

So shortly after 7am on Friday morning I got an email for the company for a hire on package! The boss texted me shortly after and said, listen, what I did wasn’t right and he’s sorry for doing that to me. If I want there’s a position on the coating crew; if not he understands why I’d tell him to beat it! Let’s note he’s only sorry because I called his old arse out on his old arse mentality…

Personally, and sadistically, I wanted to tell him yeah I’ll take it and then the literal day before we start, telling him oh, I found another job… blah blah blah…. but out of good conscience, having pride and respect for myself, I said “thank you for the position. You won’t regret hiring me.”

So yes, finally after all of that pile of dog crap, I’m off to Sparwood, BC more specifically, should be the first Tuesday after the long weekend! My work schedule will be 6-1 with travelling home on long weekends! So it’s going to be a busy hot summer! I look forward to working in the mountains. I look forward to watching the eagles soar and feeling the elements in my bones! It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally getting to hang in the mountains. 

Moral of the story? 

No more just accepting things for what they “are”. No more. I have to not count on anyone one else and keep carving my own path. I’ve learnt, now matter what, when that message comes from the universe, fight for it! Fight tooth and nail! The universe laid this out for me, I have to fight for this and I did and I will continue to do so on this project. 

There’s a couple of lessons at hand, and I’m very happy I have received them. Have I learnt everything about what I’m supposed to learn here? Far from it! Still learning! If I pay attention!! 

Better keep training

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

You know what’s wild??

Sooo, then this happened....and it’s kinda long so....

This morning I’m off to a great start. Last little bit of review. Re do the assignments, and okay exam time. And I was taking my time, but I didn’t realize just how long I was taking. And I’m going to re-read the question and boom...it’s over! Tests done! Times up! Umm no, I wasn’t done man! Like no, no. Go back. I’m only on question 34/50....flying front kicking doors...okay no meltdowns! Nope not today! 

So I went for a walk and I was out by the lake and to be honest I’m really down on myself. Just over thinking the too sweet outta things!   I’m like “okay! Like what is that about universe? I have legit worked my bag off and I run outta time on a test? Like that really hurt! throw me a frickin bone here? Can you atleast give me a sign or something? Please help me? 

I turn and walk straightaway home. And I pick up my phone and there’s a text from my old boss. Will can you call me please...I’m like oh..oh well, I guess there’s a sign.... I pipelined directly under this guy for two years, he knew the whys and how’s to my “firing/layoff” from last fall, the one that drove me into a pretty reckless depression. I was his go to guy. I earned that... So he offers me a job! And I was taken aback, I was. I replied in complete honesty, that I really appreciated him thinking of me, and I am currently doing my home inspection at nait! “Oh well, it’s only until oct and I understand if you want out of pipelining! I get it! But, this is here for you!!” I’m like solid man! That’s solid! I’d really like a few days to think about this, if that’s okay!” “Yeah no later than Friday otherwise, I gotta move on!” Oh no worries! I’ll defiantly let you know! 

Wow! I mean, I’ve turned down two pipelines, and an iron type gig for my schooling! Those where short term, big invest, smaller return... no thank you! This is far different! 

When I took my layoff last year, as some of you may have read, I didn’t like that layoff one bit! What got me was the why I was laid off....it was due to personal office politics so far outta my control it’s disgusting.... honestly, it’s not worth my time anymore outside of; I wasn’t able to shut the door how I wanted to! That was taken from me, and I didn’t stand for it! I waited a small while and called my boss back. I squared up, owned my part, explained that I did not want to go like that! He said, we have to wait atleast six months man. But will, thanks for being straight with me! I’ll keep you in mind, just, not right now! 

So, one of our IHC requirements, is to make amends and repair relationships!  It may be a fault by some, but, I take pride in my legacy and reputations! I truly do. One of my mottos is  two things that matter, your word and your name! Without both neither are worth nothing... I still have un-finished buisness there! 

And, I mean, I am man! Don’t worry I’ll pay the bills! I’ll go to work! I’ll cover that! And it’s all good, until you can’t...and even though my wife is making miracles happen, it’s taxing and it’s hard on her! And I feel like a chump, yeah! Don’t worry, I know the we are a team, and all that jazz! She’s always there for me as am I for her! It’s always been her and I, solid team we are!! But, until last fall, my don’t worry, I got this, has turned into nothing! I got nothing! Just seems like groin shot to groin shot And things are weighing hard and heavy! I have faith it’s going to work out for me! I’m faithful my Kung fu will serve me and I’m solid that the universe has my back!! But this morning it sure didn’t feel like that...

But all of that is great, but, what about school? 

Well, to be honest, I need more time in these mods than planned, I guess? I’m studying, I am talking to the people in parts of the industries, I’m studying some more! I even blew off a one on one! Why, so I could get a 58 on that unit exam this morning?? Hey?!? Great decision there...ffs!! Don’t get me wrong! I’m no dummy! No I am not! I just need some more time! Or some breathing room. Or some help. Or something. Man alive! 

And I’m not quitting! No, I’ve come too far! I can’t quit. I won’t quit! What would that show my boys? Well when it’s tough just throw your hands up and say ahh this is hard! I’m quitting! 

  I just, I don’t know, just a break maybe? My marks are consistently dropping and, maybe it honestly is too much all at once to try to smash together! So, maybe asking nait, if I can “post-pone” a few of the course until next intake, I can just relive some stress and get my marks back to proper grades! Sure I’ll pay a “restocking fee” but I’m still investing in me! 

 I’m okay with 80’s...I am learning a brand new world outta a text book! I have to expect slip ups and small disasters, but, I am not satisfied with 80’s. I want high 90’s.....that benchmark is not coming down! So my grades have to go up....And I don’t have time to slow down any more! In fact, I really needed to fail today’s exam last week so can bomb the next exam this week.... my head feels like it’s gonna explode!

If I stay steady on this path I’m currently on and not take this job! I can hopefully hit home runs from here on out and have no more surprises or anything until I have to be working by early to mid summer! Oh good more pressure please! Or I take this job, make some serious bank. I can fix and rebuild relationships that where stolen from me, while still studying and moving forward in school, just slower and probably more efficient. I can get some breathing room, fulfill my man duties, while still nerding it up!!

Yeah, I’d be back to 12-14hr days! I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t miss pipelining....or just being able to like pay my mortgage without worry. I’m cool, we are cool, it’s just getting there. Ties getting a little short...

Holy crap is this long....ha! Told ya! 

So I asked the universe for help! Please help me! 

And this man calls. Hey dude. Wanna job that’s not gonna cost you a bunch of money? And hopefully you can make enough bank to get that buisness of yours atleast half started and still just pay your bills? 

Did I mention this job is in and around Fernie? In the mountains!! In the wild!! Right exactly where I am at home! I’ve missed the last 5 years worth of family vacations to bc because of work.... universe just gonna sort that one out for me! Man, I’m so very grateful!! 

What a message! Okay universe.... I’ll see you on the slopes! I literally have been given a solution to every single ailment of mine right now! I only have to ask for help, re-adjust my perception, say thank you, and seize my opportunity! 

I’m honestly very grateful to have asked for help today! 

Okay good bye

Thanks for listening 

Mr.Duncan

Tiger challenge! Good times!!

 Well there it is. Tiger challenge 2021!! Wowie. That was really cool. First tournament in a few years that I’ve been too!! Fantastic. 

Ya know, I had a great time at the tournament on Saturday with everyone! It really was a highlight of my year so far. I really needed the boost! So thanks teamies!! 

It was nice watching everyone preform and give what they got! Bravo to all!! That video eh!?! Really cool indeed! 

Well I haven’t been around much been to class and such. But I really haven’t been keeping my schedule front and center like I should be! No I’m slacking. Not so much later in my week. I made serious headway in my studies. I learnt more about boiler systems than I truly thought I’d ever know, but hey; why not!?! Good stuff!! So! That’s a big positive forwards motion. 

I’m much more productive, as many are with schedules, I don’t know?!? I just get sidetracked outside and as much as I am enjoying my studies, I truly am, I want to be outside right now. Why you think I did so well as a pipe liner? I love the elements and being outside and such and what not! 

Anyhow, I have a lot of opportunities to go outside when I finish studying! Haha. Stay on track man! Maybe that’s why me and my dog get along so well....wait shiny objects.....

Okay tournament is over, and I have got to seriously, SERIOUSLY start studying!! Tomorrow.... he he he. 

And then....well ya know that’s about it for now. It’s gonna be another solid week!! Talk at ya soon!! 

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

Gramps!!

 Well shucks...my grandfather has just spoken with his doctor. Things they don’t look very good right now. Hopefully he can see his next birthday. He’s lived a life, imma tell you that. There was not one person who told Gramps what to do... and that’s the end of that! 

Farm kid. Grew up in sask. Neville I think is the place! Anyhow a heck of a farming community. I’ve been there once and wow what a blast into last century. A gas station in the middle of town. General store in the same little building. Everyone’s homes where all on the same horseshoe road into and out of town. Had a hockey rink though!! That was what everyone did was play hockey and farm!! 

Big strong man! As a kid he towered over me.  As an adult I still had to look up to his eyes. Not so much today, but that’s okay. I’ll always look up to my Gramps. 

A man of few words he was. He told you straight and once. If you didn’t hear him then that was on you! Some days he’d speak so quietly you think he’s whispering. But, you were paying attention weren’t ya! You had to in order to carry on in the conversation. Otherwise he was content to sit awkwardly quiet with you... what a gem! He’s just look over at you! Give ya a smile and a nod and keep sitting quietly! That’s when you knew you where doing solid! The small smile!

Picking rocks with him, oh my gawd, tractors in 4th gear and you’re 8! Getting hollared at. Trying not to cry from whatever my problem is!! Hahaha. Man. What a time we had. I learnt how to drive with grandpa Irv. I’ll tell you this one. I’m like 12. Me and Gramps we are fencing. Just him and I. Happy days. I’d hold the fence post and he’d run the pounder on the tractor. So I run outta fence posts and we had to go get the pickup. So we get to the truck! Grandpa says “you’re driving. Get in don’t spill my drink.” He always had a whiskey with him. No questions needed. So we get back to the tractor  and I slammed on the brakes, not knowing about easing into the brakes...I honestly didn’t know. But I knew after that....so at the age of 16, I’m getting my license doing my drivers exam and no kidding the instructor complimented me on easing into the brakes! Boom! Old man lessons paid off!! 

Anyhow. Gramps he’s still with his. He’s got a pile of hard work to do like right now. He will get through this. I mean. It’s Gramps, muther fucker is gonna tell the reaper to come back when he’s told to! I could see the chat with reaper too! Grandpa, jut says nope, not going today, try again you....I’ll decide and it’s not today. 

Yeah good old Gramps. Whenever I think of or envision him I always picture him with his cowboy hat and his jean jackets of sorts. The day defined the denim!! He always did define the last of the old school farmers! I’m sure there’s still many out there, but there won’t be another Irv Duncan I’ll tell you that much for free friends! 

I wish you the best Gramps! 

Here’s to tomorrow’s cup of coffee!! 

Fencing and trees

 It’s Sunday. Oh boy was it ever a great day. Just actually a bunch of real good days. Myself and my boys jumped in the car and off to the farm. The youngest drives the tractors and talks..non-stop! He’s the radio!! The oldest boy, of he’s doing his thing. Jumping and laughing and just being silly. He comes and helps me; stares off into the trees and bushes and, swings hammers...wildly, I know that look!  Off you go kiddo.  He’s a great kid and he tries hard, but he’s a lot like me. He loves exploring!! But, they wanted to go touring and hang with the grandparents. So, I got some solid time to myself.

Like I’ve got my methods when I go fencing and if I’m prepared all I need is a chainsaw, a hammer and a few pockets full of nails. Ha. I just walk the line, literally.  “Okay, Leave me here boys and no crashing.” I just walk back and forth fixing the fence. It’s nice to carry a length of wire with you too! Just in case you get a snapped fence. A couple of quick twists in the barbed wire and boom new fence! My methods aren’t a always efficient, but, that’s not the point! I don’t care if it takes three days to fix fence. 

It’s hearing that winds, and feeling the winds change, and watching the clouds dance, if you’re paying attention. It’s watching that hawk circle it’s dinner about 60 yards over there, and seeing the crow about 100yards watching the hawk, that’s watching the mouse, and I wonder, does the mouse even know, the attention it’s attracted just here and now? Anyhow, that’s the chatter of the trees! They’ll tell ya a story; if you pay attention. They chatter! Step in about twenty yards into the trees and listen....the winds die, the forest is quieter, it’s easier to hear and track, fresh tracks, few hours, probably that morning! Keep scanning, tall grass flat in a few places, doesn’t noticeably look different, unless you’re paying attention. I stumbled across a deer bedding! Beaut! I don’t venture too far, too much of my scent and they won’t come back, so I stay put and just take it in! Look at the tracks! Find the trails, make notes! Look at the markings on trees! That’ll tell you a lot! I found little to no markings, probably a bunch of yougings, or I haven’t found the squating tree... Besides the hoof prints are smaller than my palm and look “dainty”! Like how a deer moves! Even in the tall grass deer step different than other ungulates! Gotta pay attention! Lots of turds around, means a bed is clos-ish! They don’t poop where they sleep! That draws predators! Look at the saplings and the grass! They paint the picture of the animals movements! Usually there’s markings on the trees. Look about eye level and up a touch! More of a fall thing anyways!! The bucks scratch their antlers on trees to relieve the itchy ness of growing horns. Especially and mostly elk but deer as well! Marks at 6-8ft, you got a big boy around you! Man I love nature!  

Oh yeah there’s the boys, bringing a pop at full tilt in a side by side...perfectly shaken and stirred...well, Grandma says it’s time to come up the house anyhow!! Perfect! Haha 

It was nice. Really nice to get out with my boys and show them a little of what I know! How to pick a tree to fall! How to spot good fallen wood and how to prep it for next time. How to spot the bug infested trees! Ha, they couldn’t care less! Haha! Not yet anyhow. okay boys go on your adventure! 

Kung fu is great. Good solid reps and trying to really focus on where I’m going in the forms. Forms are feeling strong! I think anyways! Feels good! Getting good snaps and I think  the engagement is there. Probably needs work to be honest. Probably a lot! 

Escrima form I feel a solid base with what I have! It’s nothing special, but it’s got a lot of flow and it feels good!! There’s a few things I have to continue to pay attention and it’s crossing my arms and watching my cross steps. I kept reversing which I foot I was supposed to step with and just basic things! Overall I’m a happy guy! 

So this week; I have a few things on the go, but, fortunately I don’t have to leave the house...again! I have a fair bit of time at home, I honestly loose track of time when I am gardening and working in my yard! Today I spent, three hours in the gardens just doing stuff, and planting and stuff, pulling weeds! Just happy to be dirty! I really felt like just lying in the garden bed, but that’s weird! 

Any which direction, it leads me back to my point I was going to make up there; which is getting back to my schedule  I’m slacking and it’s because I’m not following the schedule! It’s a good one! Worked well last time and I’ve tweaked it a bit to ease the learning process, so just gotta do it!! Seriously we only get 6 weeks of decent weather! The rest it’s cold and stupid outside or it’s screaming hot! So, yeah, I’m off to go do stuff in the sunshine; while it’s here!! 

Little birdies and bees and flowers and more of that stuff! Like, it’s awesome out here! Any how I gotta go! 

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

A day behind

 Well, if anything, I’ve learnt my time management sucks! Hahaha. Yo it’s Monday today...so I am a day behind. 

And what to do? I have this immense feeling of anxiety! I didn’t book my one on one for first thing this morning! I really enjoy the Monday morning meet, simply because it helps ground me for the week! Oops...just been distant lately. 

I’m off in my own little world, having these implosions in my mind, watching some very selfish people doing extremely selfish things, for my good, for my freedoms, just stop. I really wish people would listen to their own words

This is a free country, you bet your arse it is. With freedoms, come responsibilities, and these responsibilities are bigger than your truck and your freedom! Like no ones taking your freedom to begin with, we’ve never had mass freedoms like everyone claims to have! We, as Canadians, are extremely fortunate to pretty well do what we want! 

I can do almost whatever I want, except incite violence, and cause harm; so what are these freedom fighters doing? 

Just imagine, if these freedom fighters where able to contain their thoughts and their fear mongering when we first walked into this pandemic; it would be over now! All done, no masks, shops opened back up, if only we could be responsible and accepting and most importantly, if we could be responsible for our freedoms.... I could go out and have coffee at the local coffee shop...

....just imagine if we acted like adults...

Well, in any event, just a short quick rant! Kung fu is still moving along! Classes are going great so far! Today or tomorrow I play on writing my second exam and hopefully by Friday, I can put to rest my first mod in the second semester! 

I’m really excited guys, I’m almost there, to a whole new way of life! Oh my goodness, thanks for hanging with me!!

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

Okay!!

 Well, it’s gonna be short and sweet today. I have a lot to do! School starts again on Monday for me! Four more months of heavy school and studying! No sweat. I just finished doing this! The time of my life 🙄

I’ve made mistakes along the way, trying to learn a whole industry out of a book on my own. So, this course, or semester, whatever you may call it, I am going to try to slow down some more! Lots of lessons to apply and show growth! I’m excited, let’s get ready to schooooool!!! 

I did well in school, beat marks I’ve ever gotten, ever! But, I want to do better! I really do! I passed and broke my personal records, but, like I just said, I can do better! And so I will! Keep doing my thing, stick to getting classes done, take my breaks and rest when I need it and simply one day at a time!! 

I’m super duper excited to get going here!! 

Kung fu has been getting better and better! Slowing the forms down, and slowing down some more! I really want to get the forms I do know better and start cooking on the forms I have let slip! This month past, I did some training, not near as much as I wanted! That’s okay! I really wanted to get the yard and garden ready so, really, it’s a matter of maintaining when school starts! 

This hip feels great, it’s not fond of spinning kicks and I truly thought I was messing up the spinning kick by pulling my foot back after rotation, thankfully sifu addressed this and I’m not far off! Continued training!! 

The thing I like about Kung fu so much, is everything is so relative to you and your efforts! There’s no gifts, besides our instructors knowledge! Nothing is given to us and everything is through hard work, having movements and forms torn apart and continued focus and training  I for one am exceptionally happy I’m a part of SRKF! I just don’t know where in life I’d be without Silent River! I truly cannot envision my life without you folks! It would be bleak! 

Spring time is my favourite time of the year! Hands down. No other time can compare to spring...you’re arguments are invalid... So, staying on task and keeping focus.... well, that’ll be a challenge! Again though, hone inspection is what I want to do! It’s where I want to move into and city inspection sounds like a great time to simply make some cash and get through the rest of this working career of mine!! Almost there, then I can play as much as I want!! Almost there!!!!

I look forward to the day I receive my certificate, but, I’m trying to keep the process front and center! The journey is what’s important, I’ll still get my goal!!!

Okay dokay, I will talk to you later

Thanks for your time

Mr.Duncan

One of those weeks!!

 Well, howdy do there folks! How’s it today? Mine is great thanks!! 

So, I’ve been studying the dragon technique for literally years, some times more intense than others. The way I learnt the form, it felt odd, but I truly accepted it for what’s it was! Total faith in my teachers... only to find the message was “lost in translation over the years! So, if anyone needs helps moving like an old man with bad knees, I’m here for you! I’m we can crush this together!! Hahaha.  

Oh boy, when sifu Ryback told me the story as to just how things got so convoluted, I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing! Ah what a gem!! After we talked and laughed about the technique, we starting making progress as to learning the form, how it’s supposed to be, now that we have some new information!! 

That made my day!! I mean, if anything, I have a solid base for when I do get older and arthritis is running rampant in my body!!! Hahahaha! Ahhh what a time!! I already know how to move when I’m broke!! 

Anyhow, so, continued training and progress this week! I feel good about my numbers and what I have accomplished this week!

 I did do to much without stopping to respect my body these last few days! I felt it yesterday, but I’m a man so I pushed through the pains and kept working! Well today, I’m in pain and things are tender! It’s funny, because, when I train it’s, not even a question that I need to stretch before during and after training time.... when I’m working and giving ‘er, it’s not even a thought about stretching! I thought about it today, laying in pain this morning!! Hahaha. 

Anyhow, more attention needs to be paid to my morning routines and wake ups. Gotta stop being SuperWill all the time!! 

I did get all my chores plus more done, so I’m happy! 

Training was another good week! Like I say the dragon needed some serious help and it’s coming!! Actually super duper happy I finally have the technique, thank you the sifus for doing the research and figuring this form out with me! Really appreciate it! I’ll do it justice! Watch this!! 

The kick combos that came up earlier, that was a nice touch! Forced me to start using my feet more and more! My confidence in myself, where I’m not going to cave my hips is almost back. Subconsciously holding back on my kicks, and that okayish! It’ll take time to get my body to completely trust me again, and sifu Brinker has been telling us how to limit a lot of these injuries, so, more time and patience! I still don’t like jumping from lead to lead, still a lot of hesitation there, but again, it’s coming!! 

I did start to work weights back in, but, my hips after a few sets was not feeling good....cool....back to body weights! I try every week to get my weighted squats and presses back! It felt like it wanted to injure again, so, just stop! 

I will straight up admit, I am a little frustrated and disheartened, about my physical goals! I declared I wanted to enrol in a wrestling school next year, 2022! That goal hasn’t changed, it’s, just being pushed back, I guess! It almost feels like I should just let go of that dream. It really does! Just let go and do something else.... but I don’t want to. And personally, I’m not crippled yet, soooooo, I don’t see why I should stop in that direction. My brain and logic tells me, no matter what I’m too old and my time came and went, and just focus on Kung fu! My heart tells me to not stop. Don’t listen to the negative voices, but the body limits what I can physically do...  man I used to be very very strong! 200lbs person or item, I’d move it I didn’t care. By hand with a crane, zoom boom, I don’t care I’ll muscle that piece of crap outta here!! I without the shadow of a doubt can literally move 10,000lbs with my sleaver bar, now I’m just strain over a tree stump. That’s disheartening for me. My whole life I valued my physical strength, it’s all I thought I used to have! And now that’s it’s kinda of slipped away, it sucks not having it anymore. 

...... actually......No! All that is wrong!!! 

Forget that pile of self pity crap!! What in the am I even talking about?!? I will get back there. I will pick and carry 200lbs again. No, actually, now, because of my poor attitude, it’s gonna be 225lbs of clean pick and carry!! Your gosh darn rights! By late summer. I literally just decided, while writing this out, how much of a wimp I sounded like in that last paragraph. And I’m not editing it out, nor this! No! I will not quit on myself! Hurt hip or not, I didn’t sign up for IHC just to find the weakest excuse I could to quit on myself..... forget that!! Let my strength go, pfft for why??

 In a few weeks, I’ll look back at this blog and say, ha, I wanted defeat myself before I even tried....

Don’t be a wimp!!

Okay thanks for your time!! 

Mr.Duncan

Soaring with the Eagles

 Ohhhh hey there friendos!! How is your day today? Mine? It’s fantastic thank you oh so very much!! 

Let’s just jump to in! I have been putting my training back together for some higher intensity training!! Getting my confidence in stances and strength back. I would like to say I’m near 100% again, but, I don’t wanna jinx things! 

This week, I’m going to reintroduce weights to my training regime and start getting stronger again! My body has been craving weights, but, I am cautious with things still! This week past, I really focused on flexibility and opening my hips! The stretching videos, I found very helpful, mixed with body weight training, I’m progressing quickly! 

With everything that has happened in the last week, shut down wise, it’s time to re-arrange the schedule, again! It’s no bog deal, it’s basically the same plan I had one month ago!! It worked incredibly well, then, so I don’t see much of a reason why my old plan will not serve me well, this time around! 

Kicks?!? Oh my, they are so much better! I have almost complete movement again! Not quiet as high as I want, but, I’m pretty sure that why I train! To get higher kicks! 

Weapon form, is more of numerous techniques I’ve tried to put together lately! It’s coming, but, honestly, I am struggling with the escrimas right now. I’m having a heck of a time finding flow with them and it’s kinda frustrating! I get moving in a direction and want to spin or turn and things just don’t make sense! Sooooo, I guess, I’ll keep training the escrimas and continue to develope a form! I remember my stuck form from years ago, and it literally sucked for months, than all of a sudden, things just started working out for me! Once the flow started to form, the form itself almost wrote itself! I was just the conduit!

 Anyhow, keep pushing through these arbitrary limits I have placed in front of myself!! 

Oh there was one more thing..... yeah, shoot what was it??? Oh yeah, I flipped passed my exam. Hahaha. I passed! I have been patting myself on the back pretty hard! I am so proud of myself! I know that my mark in the class isn’t the best, nor as high as I was shooting for, but, like I’ve said so many times, I earned that mark. Me! I fought for it! Frustrated, confused, and sometimes angry that I just don’t get things.... it all worked out for me! I poured the time in, ignored phone calls and emails! Turned off the outside world and just studied! 

I asked for help from the big guy upstairs laid out all my fears and shortcomings and asked for serenity in my exam!! I’ll tell you something, when I walked into that testing room, boy, it started to happen! The panic, the self-doubt, the unable to concentrate, to the point I literally started to stutter my words.... I haven’t stuttered my words since I quit drinking, mumbling fool I was! I remember staring at the individual in the test center, going on repeat, I , I , I , uhh, t t t the...ummm, oh oh oh oh, dropped my id, trembling, shaking, gosh darn it calm down will!! She was so kind to me! “She says, it’s okay, I understand! It’s been a long time since you’ve written a test huh?!? Y-y-y-yup! 

Go get a drink of water, I’ll set up your exam, and I bet you’re going to do great Will! I have faith you’ll do great! 

I don’t even know this person, but she has faith in me, and I have faith in me, and all my friends have faith in me!! Okay! I got my drink I said my little mantra! We got this will! This is nothing man, we have done far more stressful things for entertainment! This is what we studied for, this is why I train! Now, get in that exam and show the world you’re more than some dummy on a shovel! Go prove to yourself you deserve more in life than grunt work! We are smart and we are strong!! 

Then I walked into that exam like Karrion Kross and dropped that test and my fears and those stupid little nay-sayers in my mind, right on their weak egos!! Just destroyed that test! No sweat man! We got this ahhhh! 

I knew I passed when I finished the exam, knew it!! I just needed that mark....36hrs later.... 36hours man!!! I got my exam mark back! It was obviously a pass, but I had to see! There was no calmness in that 36 hours!! Hahaha  but I passed!!! 

So, here we go on part two, I unfortuanatly can not start my next block of classes until May 1, and I’m super okay with that! I have Kung fu to catch up on! It’s spring time, so it’s off the farm to get things cleaned up for the season! Cut lines to clean up! Fences to put back up! And I’ve got guns to shoot!!! I love shooting guns! 

Lastly, my grandparents have a couple of horses! One is a gorgeous painted horse! You know, it has the brown and white colour schemes on her! She is beautiful! Painted horses are just simply my favourite! I find they are a better temperament that say, a solid colour horse, I’m not sure, maybe it’s just the horses I have been around and broke in! Not sure. In any event, Gramps bought this horse some time ago, she was trained and broke for riding, but Gramps is old and can not climb on horses anymore! But I can! And I will! So she’s gone wild, this horse, it happens when you leave them to their devices! But I want to retrain this horse and build a relationship with her, both horses if possible, but, I’m not fond of the second horse out there, he’s a straight jerk! Whomever originally broke that horse, I can tell, they weren’t focused on trust, they were focused on effiecncy of breaking him in, and it’s caused more damage than good in that pony! It makes me mad! I can tell they used intimidation and pain and a tool for that horse, and that’s doing it all wrong! Hit that horse one more time with that stick and I’m gonna break that blessed cane on you’re arse!! 

The way I learnt, was using your voice, and your figure! The stick is merely an extension of your arm, so when that stick goes in front of the horse in the pen, he should see it, understand there’s a message to why it’s in front of him, but never fear that stick! It’s their guide to our language, so speak to the horse, do not whip him! Whoa! Stick goes in front, my belt buckle stays at the horses shoulder always! I guide, he repsondes! If he jumps, my message sucked! So keep training! 

I remember brand new colt! Jumping, bucking, nothing crazy, but he wanted to be a horse! We got him to the pen, I entered, he did his skimping and neighing and so on! I watch him, spoke quietly and calmly! I assured I was there to help and teach, and that we can be friends! He literally stared at me while I spoke! He did his chewing of the lips( that’s how you tell they are processing your directions! Gotta stop, let the horse chew it out before moving on). Finally after three hours of leading and directions, I’m able to place my hand on his shoulder! It’s takes time for that level of trust, and him and I, right out the gates, buddies! My buddy jack, once I leave the pen and give pats and treats and compliments, he says, it’s been a long a time since I’ve seen two become one that quickly!! Incredible work Will. That colt, I got to hang out with him only one other time after, before he went up his home, but he remembered me! He did his jump and wild buck for me! Stopped looked dead at me! Kinda neighed with excitement and cam and hung out with me at the fence! He was in more intense training, so I wasn’t allowed to work him anymore! That’s cool. I watched and applauded the colt, he was proud of himself!! You could see it! It was an amazing time! 

So, I hope to try to recreate that connection! We shall see! It’ll be a heck of a challenge, because, both of Gramps horses are a few years old now, and older horses are a heck of a challenge to work! They are stubborn.... that’s cool. Lots of patience and a positive mental attitude! 

Anyhow folks, that went on for much longer than I expected!! 3min read?? See ya in an hour!! Hahaha. 

Okay thanks for your time friends!! 

Mr.Duncan

Mid term time!!!!

 Well another good week down! Made progress, huge steps in flexibility and mobility. I have hit that recovery plateau and have pushed through it. Sore and tender some days, but it’s much healthier than before. It’s not so plataeuish anymore! Onwards mighty steed!!  

Respecting the 6 week rule about recovery time, nothing crazy, but I’ve got my kicks coming back quite well. Doing squats used to really suck, but patience has paid off and that strength is moving quickly. Almost all the way down with no pains!! Hey!! Shoot two weeks ago I wasn’t squatting for nothing!! Hahahaha! Stupid body, hurry up! We got stuff to do!!! 

I’m real happy I took that time off and just rested and did easy workouts! Still, don’t want to rush into another injury, but shoot yeah, I’d say I’m around 80-90% of where I was!! Soon I’ll be beyond where I was and moving at a fast speed again. 

I appreciate your patience in my lacking of being about, team!! 

Let’s see, and really, my mid-term is Tuesday morning! I will tell ya this for free, I am not stressing like I used to! I pushed my exam back a week, and just geeked out!! I wore through my pocket protector.....I went through and looked at all my exams, found where I was lacking in the exam, which to be honest, is still heavy in the language and the silly “non-trick” questions they throw at you...no trick questions, but if you don’t see one word, throw that mark away! 

I used the analogy with sifu this week, the book teaches 2+2=4, and on the test they ask which is the more efficient way to getting a sum of 4? Actually, it’s not 2+2, it’s this over here 4+0.... so figure that one out... reviewing and reading and thinking and, oh, okay, I see the perspective now! Maybe just teach that in the book! This is a memorization course, not free thinking! There’s no thought process, it’s either rotten wood or it’s not!!  I don’t get to write about my feelings, it’s either a b c or d! That’s it! Don’t overthink nothing!! Gotta keep that in mind when I write the exam! I like to do the old, yeah well, what about this or that?? No, calm down and simply answer the question!!  

I have made steps! I identified where I’m lacking in school! The comprehension! So I broke out and studied their wording and how they ask their questions! The material itself, I’m very strong with! I know my stuff. I truly do! It’s just getting through that test! 

If a quart ion didn’t make sense in my exam, I went to the textbook. Re-read everything! Went back to the exam, and wrote notes as to WHY that was the correct answer! multiple choice tests! There’s almost always two right answers, it’s a matter of which one is a better answer! And that right there has stumped me in this course! 

I’m learning and pushing forwards! I’m really excited! I look forward to completing this step in my journey! Oh I’ve worked for this moment, and it hasn’t come yet! Still have to maintain my diligence, keep reviewing, keep a strong positive mental approach!! 

With all the studying I’ve been doing, I turned hermit and have just focused on my books! I gotta get this done right, the first time! 

So, honestly, I’ll say this, I haven’t made as much progress in Kung fu as I have wanted to, but, I had to turn off the distractions and just study! I did my stretching, getting my kicks and stances back, but I had to spend my time in my books! I’m glad I’ve taken this time to just study with little to no interference! 

No worrying about if I got this done, or that done, or oh man, I fell hard on my numbers.....yuppers I did! And I’ve embraced that and owned it and had to focus on my books! I can spend so much time in Kung fu mode, I will loose track of my priorities, and get flustered and start getting resentful towards myself! 

Take my time, Kung fu and all you awesome people will be in my corner today and on Wednesday, so I can focus on Tuesday!! 

Okay, I gotta get rolling! I’m have a few topics to cover today, before anything else happens!! 

I will see everyone very soon! Keep kicking butt out there team!! 

Thanks for your time!

Mr.Duncan