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