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Messages - Guide Dog

Pages: 1 ... 13 14 [15] 16 17
701
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 28, 2008, 11:54:46 PM »
Grateful for a positive 1st week at a new job location!   :-D  Too soon to say it's ALL amazing.  It's still the honeymoon phase!

702
Martial Arts Topics / Re: another new guy
« on: August 28, 2008, 11:53:17 PM »
Welcome Ty,

I second califkali's recommendation: You should work on some stick skills and try to get in a few stick fights to go along with your nunchaku fights!  Sounds good to me to explore the reality of fighting against the 'chucks.  Hope to see you at a Gathering soon. Welcome to the boards.

Guide Dog

703
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 27, 2008, 09:23:51 PM »
I recently moved back to teaching high school from the two years at the junior high level. I am grateful for my new position in what seems very nice school.

Today, one of my freshman students came up to my desk after I had given a very easy assignment in which the students needed to interview one another and present their findings to the class in order to get to know one another better.  This student looked a little rattled.  When I asked what was the matter, he began to tell me about his speech impediment.  He very diligently worked through the words as he stuttered.  He asked if he might be excused from the assignment and have an alternative.  I told him that I didn't have any problem if he turned in the information in written form that he would have read aloud.  He looked incredibly relieved and he thanked me.  After he returned to his desk (pardon me for sounding wimpy), I had to force myself from getting a little misty eyed.  I admired the boy's authenticity, and his assertiveness in the face of what is a pretty severe stutter.  I was also moved by how easy it was to help wipe the rattled look of of his face by being a little nice.  Maybe it's just a teacher thing, but I am grateful for the interaction.  It made me feel good to try and help him.

704
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 24, 2008, 11:21:05 PM »
8/24/2008

I recently reconnected with an old high school friend.  We found each other in February and I was able to get together with her for the first time in April.  Her husband, who I met about seven year ago, is dying of cancer.  He has passed the date that the doctors believed that he would die on about three years ago.  He recently made the decision that chemotherapy is not for him and that he wants to try to enjoy the time he has left.  His wife has begun to make plans for his passing.  Today, my wife and son had the chance to met my friend for the first time, and her husband.  I am grateful for a fun day, in a very positive household, that was inspiring to both my wife and myself.  My friend is really an amazing woman, and my wife commented that she was one of the most positive people she had ever met.  I am also grateful to have reconnected with such a good friend, and authentic person.  This was not meant to be a post to bum anyone out.  I am truly grateful for what was a VERY positive day.

705
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 19, 2008, 10:00:48 PM »
Today, I am grateful to have had a nice summer vacation with my family.

706
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 19, 2008, 12:43:02 AM »
8/18/08

Today, I am grateful for a morning of setting up a new classroom, running many errands, attending a kali/Jun Fan class, and then a nice meeting with my training group.  It was a day well spent.

707
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 17, 2008, 08:56:57 PM »
Today, I am grateful for my step-father, who spent the entire day at my home, helping with home repairs.

708
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 16, 2008, 03:58:19 PM »
Today, I am grateful for a nice day outdoors, followed by a nice lunch with family.

709
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 15, 2008, 10:32:19 AM »
Today, I am grateful to have watched the two young, American women win the gold and the silver last night in gymnastics. I will admit being a bit moved and motivated to get to work NOW to prepare for the next Gathering.

710
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 14, 2008, 09:56:01 PM »
Today, I am grateful for a little more time to get organized before life gets back into full swing.

711
Quote
Dean,
  You are an asset.

I second that.

712
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 13, 2008, 03:57:13 PM »
Today, I am grateful to have just a little more summer vacation to spend with my son and my wife, and I am grateful for the promise of getting back on a good family/work/training/grad. school routine when the academic year begins.

713
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 11, 2008, 09:53:11 PM »
Today, I am grateful to have signed my resignation with my old school district and to have signed a contract in a new district that will bring me back to the high school level after two years in junior high. I have five years of work with the old district of which I am proud, but it's time for a change. I am grateful for the opportunity to make the 08-09 academic year the best ever! I hope I can be a more positive, happier Guide Dog!

714
Martial Arts Topics / Re: The Dog Brothers Tribe
« on: August 11, 2008, 09:48:16 PM »
Congratulations to everyone! 

Guro, I believe it was supposed to be Eric "C-Tennessee Dog" Bryant. Can someone else who was there confirm that?

The tribe is strong!

715
Martial Arts Topics / Re: DB Gathering of the Pack August 10th, 2008
« on: August 11, 2008, 09:43:50 PM »
Brian_A,

Sunday was interesting for me because I had two folks from my training group in the crowd, and two fighters that train with my group mixing it up. After the Gathering, I was telling Night Owl and Poi Dog that I felt a MUCH greater sense of accountability to not make a fool out of myself out there. Usually, there's no one there to be accountable to except myself.  :-D

I found it impossible to fight AND watch my guys at all times.  As I fought, got water, got in line, talked to people, and tried to keep an eye on the guys from my group, it turned out that I saw most of your fights for the day. I have to say, again, that for a first Gathering, you had a GREAT day. Truly, I wish I had a 1st Gathering experience that looked more like yours.

GD

P.S. Again, NICE head shot!



716
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 10, 2008, 09:28:35 PM »
Today, I am grateful for a fine day of stickfighting amongst good, friendly, authentic people.

717
Martial Arts Topics / Re: DB Gathering of the Pack August 10th, 2008
« on: August 10, 2008, 09:27:46 PM »
Congratulations to all those today with tribe ascensions. A good day with good, hard energy. I double the thanks to Guro Crafty and Pretty Kitty. It was a good venue and a good crowd of fighters and spectators. Congrats to all on a fine day!

718
Martial Arts Topics / Re: DB Gathering of the Pack August 10th, 2008
« on: August 09, 2008, 10:21:13 PM »
I keep a ton of gear in the back of my car on a regular basis. I just got back inside from setting up a smaller bag for tomorrow. I have a pair of gloves that I have been fighting in since my second Gathering. I swear they were pulsing/humming/vibrating a little bit as I set them into the smaller bag.

For the newbies fighting tomorrow, you are about to do something that most people would go out of their way to avoid, and you will be changed for the better when you come out on the other side. As for the friends that I have made through DBMA, I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. As usual, it is going to be an amazing day!

Let's get out there tomorrow and have a great time!   :-D 8-) :lol: :mrgreen:

719
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 09, 2008, 02:01:47 PM »
Today, I am grateful for the good friends in my life.

720
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 08, 2008, 10:01:38 AM »
8/8/08

Today, I am grateful for an important decision regarding the next academic year that was made this morning. A weight has been lifted and all anxiety is gone.

721
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 07, 2008, 12:10:58 AM »
8/6/2008
.
I am grateful for getting a little dressed up, having my sister-in-law be a baby sitter, a nice dinner, and a good show out among friends and my wife.

722
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 05, 2008, 09:55:42 PM »
Today, I am grateful for a few minutes of play with my son that just took place a few minutes before we began to calm him down for bed.

723
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 04, 2008, 05:00:19 PM »
Today, I am grateful for the reemergence of multiple professional opportunities that I frankly had forgotten about. I also remain grateful that the Gathering looms in the near future. A fine day of hurting and getting hurt a little bit seems like a good way to spend this Sunday!

724
Martial Arts Topics / Re: DB Gathering of the Pack August 10th, 2008
« on: August 03, 2008, 06:46:05 PM »
I publicly bow my head in respect to "Dog" Randall. He's a good fighter, and more importantly a good person with a lot of wisdom. Be safe, Randall.

725
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 03, 2008, 06:43:15 PM »
califkali,

Today, I am grateful that you do not have a tragedy to report. Best wishes to her and yourself.

726
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 02, 2008, 06:13:13 PM »
Today is Saturday. I am grateful for the promise that Monday holds for some positive news of a professional nature.  :)

727
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: August 01, 2008, 08:26:24 PM »
Mr. Torre,

Congrats to your son and to you as his proud pa pa!  :-D

Today, I am thankful for a good time teaching and training in the morning, followed by a nice meal with my wife, son, mother, and grandmother in the evening time.

728
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 31, 2008, 12:02:24 PM »
Today, I am grateful that the sore throat that I developed yesterday seems to be going away quickly.  The Gathering is right around the corner, and I can't lose training time!

729
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 30, 2008, 09:23:03 PM »
7/30/08

Today, I am grateful for a number of new professional opportunities that have opened up in the last few days.

730
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 30, 2008, 12:05:22 AM »
7/29/08

As a resident of Chino Hills, California, with the majority of my family living in Diamond Bar, today I am grateful that the earthquake that took place did not harm any of my family members and that there seems to me mostly superficial damage to our possessions and our property. I am also grateful that today's (relatively small) earthquake will hopefully remind California residents that earthquake preparation is very important.

731
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 29, 2008, 12:23:46 AM »
7/28/08

Today/tonight, I am grateful to have led the first meeting of my training group since I fractured my foot in May. I am supposed to be ALL cleared on Wednesday, but I led a two-hour class tonight. It was great fun. I am grateful for the folks who made it to my home, and to have been left with a very positive feeling afterward.

732
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 27, 2008, 07:36:16 PM »
Today, my family and I drove back home to southern California from a trip to Arizona. We came home to find that the house was in the same condition that we left it. We are now unpacking and doing laundry. No one broke in. Nothing flooded. A tree did not fall on our roof. I am grateful to be home, and for us to have been away for most of the week, with nothing going wrong here at home.

733
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 26, 2008, 10:35:18 AM »
Today, I am grateful that the news during breakfast was filled with less acts of violence than yesterday's news.

734
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 25, 2008, 08:25:58 PM »
Today, my wife's car battery died while we were far from home. She has a hybrid, and when we called the Automobile Club, they told us over the phone that there was no way to jump the battery. When the tow truck finally arrived, the driver had looked up a way to jump the car on the Web. I am grateful for the kind man's help, and to be able to drive away from the experience!

735
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 24, 2008, 09:06:22 PM »
Today, I am grateful for all of the amazing sights nature has to offer.

736
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 23, 2008, 10:14:02 PM »
Today, after traveling in a car for most of the day at high altitudes, my 15 month old son became sick and threw up in the back of the car. Neither my wife or myself expressed any anger or disappointment. Rather, I asked her if she wanted to carry in the baby or clean up the car. She opted for taking the baby inside. We set about our task of cleaning my boy, checking to make sure he was okay, and cleaning dirty clothes and automobile upholstery. While I was washing some very soiled clothes in a sink to get them ready for a journey to the washing machine, it occurred to me how grateful I am to be a father to a wonderful little boy and a husband to a great woman. If that means I have to clean up a little yuck once in a while, it's very worth it.  :-D

737
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 22, 2008, 10:38:32 AM »
I'm pleased that you think the thread is worthwhile, Guro.

Today I am grateful for my memories. I am transferring files from a very old computer onto a portable hard drive. When The transfer is done, I will wipe the hard drive with some software, and give the computer away. I have had the computer for about 10 years and it is filled with audio and video that is irreplaceable. I have a lot of good memories invested in that computer. It will be a little hard to see it go.

738
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 21, 2008, 12:29:47 PM »
I am grateful for a new indoor fencing system, in which my 15 month old son can practice his walking.

739
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 20, 2008, 03:40:25 PM »
Today, I am grateful that a major home organization project is starting to find an ending.

740
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 19, 2008, 12:43:25 AM »
Today, I am grateful for my wife. She stayed home with the baby last night so that I could go out and see a midnight showing of The Dark Night, with some friends. I really enjoyed the film, but I don't see a lot of midnight showings in my future. I was wrecked for a good part of the day.

741
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 17, 2008, 03:58:27 PM »
Today, I am grateful for some time in which I can get my home more organized. I am also grateful that my family has been helping in the home organization project.

742
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 16, 2008, 01:57:57 PM »
Today, I am grateful for my grandfather. He passed away in 99. Yesterday would have been his 84th birthday. I am grateful for my grandmother as well.

My grandmother is still with us, but she would never attend a Gathering. About a year ago, she had her opinions about the martial arts rocked by an article in the LA Times about MMA. She is a very supporting, loving women, but she will never "get" what it means to me to be "Guide Dog". My grandfather would have been up front, cheering for the tribe, very much in a state of understanding of why we were all there. He was also a cantor at a synagogue in Orange County, so he would have doubly appreciated that we would all be gathered together because of the life's work of a nice, Jewish boy: Guro Crafty.  :-D

743
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 15, 2008, 12:37:10 PM »
Today, I am grateful to be living in this age of technology. Last night, I took several idle hours to download some really obscure music. Today, I put the music on my I-pod and was blasting it as I drove to have lunch with some of my family.

Computers allow us to have this forum and interact with and learn from people all over the world. It also seems to me that we are starting to use some of this new technology to make the world a better place. The world is far from perfect, but this is an exciting time in which to be alive!

My son is just about 15 months old. I can hardly imagine all of the things he will see in his lifetime!

744
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 14, 2008, 10:49:55 PM »
Today, I am grateful for new beginnings.

745
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 13, 2008, 11:42:11 PM »
Today, I am grateful for my in-laws.  They really are a second family to me.

746
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 05, 2008, 10:32:51 PM »
Yesterday: I could not get to a computer so, yesterday I was grateful for the amazing men and women who have served and who serve our country in the armed forces.  I was also grateful for all of those folks in law enforcement.

Today, I am grateful for my 20's, the whole decade, good and bad, as it comes to an end in about an hour and a half.

747
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 03, 2008, 12:51:42 PM »
Today, I am grateful that it is the last (full) day of a week-long research seminar for some graduate work I am doing.  I have about two and a half pages to go on a paper, and I will be happy to turn it in and move on!  Tomorrow we debrief for a few hours in the morning, and then I am off for 4th of July fun with the family.

748
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 02, 2008, 02:01:12 PM »
Today, I am grateful for the challenges in my life.

749
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: July 01, 2008, 02:34:39 PM »
Today, I am grateful for the experiences of my life that have allowed me to be who I am.  I had an experience today that made me sit back and say to myself, "You know, I'm a fairly interesting person."  I mean that with no arrogance.  It's nice to like who you are, and I am grateful for the experiences, good and bad, that have made me who I am.

750
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Daily Expression of Gratitude
« on: June 29, 2008, 05:30:33 PM »
Today, I am grateful for all of the opportunities in my life, particularly my education.  If I have expressed any disappointment about money recently, I take it back.  I am very lucky in many ways, and I need to appreciate all that I have.

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