This past Saturday, I spent much of the time clutching my phone, awaiting updates from my dear friend, Larry. He was with several of our Jade Mountain students at a Houston grappling tournament, their first. Although we really enjoy grappling, it's not our main focus, but our guys were still eager to get out and compete, gain some experience, and have some fun.
From what I hear, everyone gave a good account of themselves, and a couple managed to win their divisions!
Shaun Lawler won 1st in Master's Gi, Heavyweight
Mark Dong won 1st in Master's No-Gi, Lightweight
Other competitors were Kevin Hall, Daniel Loree, and David Mordente, and they all fought their tails off. Several matches went to the scorecards, and we're looking for these guys to bring home some medals in the near future.
Not bad for a bunch of Kung Fu guys! I'm quite proud of all of them.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Firsts, and Traveling.
We are currently on vacation. I've never taken a real vacation before. We made travel plans, reservations, rented a car, packed it near to bursting, and hit the road. That was last Saturday. Since then, I've experienced many firsts. For simplicity, I'll just list a few.
I can now say that I've done the following:
1. visited Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
2. taken the subway in Hollywood.
3. walked along Hollywood Blvd, and the Walk of Fame.
4. seen Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
5. stumbled across the premiere of the new X-Files movie, and saw David Duchovny walk the red carpet.
6. got lost in Hollywood.
7. visited Legends MMA Gym.
8. seen many kinds of cactus.
9. climbed a small mountain in Arizona.
10. seen "The Thing".
11. visited Hurricane Harbor.
12. spent some training time with Scott Epstein, a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt.
13. completed Halo 3.
...and we're not quite finished yet. We're in Carlsbad, NM, tonight, and we're hitting Carlsbad Caverns in the morning before heading home. I've never been there either. If you think that I haven't done much traveling, you're absolutely right.
Of course, we have had the pleasure of staying with family along the way, and that was fabulous. Gordon and Jen put us up in Hollywood, and it was wonderful to see them and their little nugget, Harrison. Cute baby, that one. And then we saw Doug and Julie, and Kim and Gayla in Arizona, and were treated to some good times there, as well.
This trip has been an eye-opener for me. Most of my life, I've stayed very close to home, and been leery of travel. "It costs too much," I used to say. "I don't need to see that stuff," or "I'm doing just fine where I am." Well, I've discovered that I love seeing different parts of the country. It's something that I want to do again, and again. "Without change, something sleeps inside us. The sleeper must awaken." That quote from Frank Herbert's Dune really fits right now. The wonderful, fabulous feeling I experienced on the side of that mountain in Arizona, that's something I'd never have felt if I had never left Katy, TX.
I didn't make it all the way to the top. The footing was a bit tricky, and it was somewhat steep. As I got higher, I could see the rain and lightning that was approaching from the west, and I figured that it might be prudent to get back to Kim and Gayla's house before that stuff got any closer. But before I started back down, I treated myself to a nice, long look around. I could see Phoenix, AZ in the distance, and other mountains all around me. The wind was picking up, but otherwise, there was a wonderful sense of peace and silence, and also a sense of vastness, of wide open space. I loved that. I want more of it. I feel different having experienced it, and it's good.
As I've said, we visit the Caverns tomorrow. I've seen pictures, but I know that they don't do much to depict the true majesty of what's down there. This will be another awe-inspiring event for me, and I'm looking forward to it.
Honestly, this trip wasn't cheap, but it also wasn't crazy-expensive. We packed snacks and sandwiches in a cooler, and ate from it each day rather than stopping to eat at fast-food places, or other restaurants. That saved us a ton of time and money. Special thanks to those relatives who let us crash at their homes for days on end...that saved us a ton as well. It showed me that you most certainly can enjoy seeing new things and new places if you just budget for the trip, and plan carefully.
So I'm already looking forward to another trip, even though this one's not even finished. I've been inspired, refreshed, renewed, and I'm ready to get home and barrel back into my everyday life with fresh enthusiasm.
I can now say that I've done the following:
1. visited Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
2. taken the subway in Hollywood.
3. walked along Hollywood Blvd, and the Walk of Fame.
4. seen Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
5. stumbled across the premiere of the new X-Files movie, and saw David Duchovny walk the red carpet.
6. got lost in Hollywood.
7. visited Legends MMA Gym.
8. seen many kinds of cactus.
9. climbed a small mountain in Arizona.
10. seen "The Thing".
11. visited Hurricane Harbor.
12. spent some training time with Scott Epstein, a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt.
13. completed Halo 3.
...and we're not quite finished yet. We're in Carlsbad, NM, tonight, and we're hitting Carlsbad Caverns in the morning before heading home. I've never been there either. If you think that I haven't done much traveling, you're absolutely right.
Of course, we have had the pleasure of staying with family along the way, and that was fabulous. Gordon and Jen put us up in Hollywood, and it was wonderful to see them and their little nugget, Harrison. Cute baby, that one. And then we saw Doug and Julie, and Kim and Gayla in Arizona, and were treated to some good times there, as well.
This trip has been an eye-opener for me. Most of my life, I've stayed very close to home, and been leery of travel. "It costs too much," I used to say. "I don't need to see that stuff," or "I'm doing just fine where I am." Well, I've discovered that I love seeing different parts of the country. It's something that I want to do again, and again. "Without change, something sleeps inside us. The sleeper must awaken." That quote from Frank Herbert's Dune really fits right now. The wonderful, fabulous feeling I experienced on the side of that mountain in Arizona, that's something I'd never have felt if I had never left Katy, TX.
I didn't make it all the way to the top. The footing was a bit tricky, and it was somewhat steep. As I got higher, I could see the rain and lightning that was approaching from the west, and I figured that it might be prudent to get back to Kim and Gayla's house before that stuff got any closer. But before I started back down, I treated myself to a nice, long look around. I could see Phoenix, AZ in the distance, and other mountains all around me. The wind was picking up, but otherwise, there was a wonderful sense of peace and silence, and also a sense of vastness, of wide open space. I loved that. I want more of it. I feel different having experienced it, and it's good.
As I've said, we visit the Caverns tomorrow. I've seen pictures, but I know that they don't do much to depict the true majesty of what's down there. This will be another awe-inspiring event for me, and I'm looking forward to it.
Honestly, this trip wasn't cheap, but it also wasn't crazy-expensive. We packed snacks and sandwiches in a cooler, and ate from it each day rather than stopping to eat at fast-food places, or other restaurants. That saved us a ton of time and money. Special thanks to those relatives who let us crash at their homes for days on end...that saved us a ton as well. It showed me that you most certainly can enjoy seeing new things and new places if you just budget for the trip, and plan carefully.
So I'm already looking forward to another trip, even though this one's not even finished. I've been inspired, refreshed, renewed, and I'm ready to get home and barrel back into my everyday life with fresh enthusiasm.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Two Surveys
A = Age: 38
B = Bed size: King
C = Chores you hate: Painting. I don’t like painting.
D = Dessert you love: Chocolate pie!
E = Essential start your day item: uh…several bathroom items, I suppose
F = Favorite actor(s): I love movies, but don’t really have a favorite actor.
G = Gold or Silver: silver
H = Height: 5'-8ish"
I = Instruments you play: clarinet
J = Job title: Sifu (teacher of Chinese martial arts)
L = Living arrangements: House in Katy with Christina and Monkey.
M= My name is: William W. McClendon III
N = Nicknames: Whit
O = Overnight hospital stay: None I can recall, though I was burned badly as a toddler.
P = Favorite quote: "What the French, Toast?”
R = Right or left handed: Right
S = Siblings: 1 brother
T = Time you woke up today: 9:30
U = Unique about you: You've never met another like me, that’s for sure.
V = Vegetable you hate: eggplant can be a bit yucky
W = Worst habit: probably drinking Monster. Not into bad habits much.
X = X-Rays you've had: Just a few…ankle, knee, wrist
Y = Yummy food you make: I’m a whiz with eggs.
Z = ZODIAC SIGN. Scorpio.
------------------------------------
What is a difference between the last two people you kissed?
size, age, and sex. (Wife and son, silly!)
Who was the last person you were under the covers with?
My wife. No wait, there was a huge, laughing tickle fight between my son and me this afternoon, so I think that might count.
Has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes?
Much to everyone’s shock…yes. If you feel compelled to do so as well, please be my guest.
Do you ever keep arguing when you know you're wrong?
Now, why would I want to do that? I don’t even like to argue!
How is your hair?
Uh…short. And silly. It ignores most of my attempts at style.
Do you like your first name?
I go by my nickname, but I like my first name quite a bit.
Does the person you like like you back ?
Oh, how cute. I would hope that my wife ‘likes’ me back. I’ll ask her.
Have you ever met someone who is amazing?
Oh, yes. I take inspiration from quite a few amazing folks.
How many different people of the opposite sex have you ever really cried to?
Recently? Just my wife. Over the years (especially in high school), probably quite a few.
Who was the last person's voice you heard?
My wife’s.
Do you like your life as of now?
Wow, yes I do!
Regret doing anything in the past week?
There were some chocolate bars that went missing, and I’m pretty sure that I had something to do with that.
How many kids do you want?
We’ve got one…maybe one more. But that’s it!!!
When did you last cry?
I’ve got a blog post about this…probably within the last few days.
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with M?
Lemme think….uh…...no?
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with H?
Yes.
Do you drink coffee?
That would be a ‘no’.
Do you crack your knuckles?
Nope.
Last thing you drank?
Water
When is your birthday?
October 31…I’m a Boo-Baby!!
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
Yep.
Ever told someone you loved them and meant it?
Yes, absolutely.
Ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
Nope.
Have you ever broken a bone?
For a guy with my job and hobbies, I’ve been extremely fortunate thus far. Just my pinky toes have been broken.
Who are you talking to right now?
My wife just came home.
Have your parents ever smoked?
Unfortunately, yes. For decades.
Do you want someone back in your life?
Um…sure?
What did you last eat?
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Made it myself!
Has anyone told you they missed you lately?
Yep…a friend just did on Myspace.
Are you wearing any clothes that don't belong to you?
I’m pretty sure these underwear are mine.
If you could seek revenge on someone would you?
In my younger days, maybe, but certainly not now.
Is there anyone who holds your heart at the moment?
Yup.
What is your all time favorite memory?
Geez, I have quite a few.
How many grandmas do you have living?
Sadly, both are elsewhere.
Do you prefer saying 'f#ck' or 'fudge'?
Um…as much as I might enjoy fudge, its effectiveness as a curse word is somewhat limited.
Have you ever kissed anyone with the name starting with A, B, C, D, E, F, or G?
Yes. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.
What did you do today?
Amazingly, I did a whole bunch of nuthin’. I get to do that one day a week, and I excel at it.
Had any interesting conversations today?
A few, both verbal and written.
When was the last time you had a sleepover?
BB visited to watch the UFC fights during the weekend of the 4th of July, and we stayed up ‘til 3am or so.
Have you ever loved someone so much it made you cry?
Oh, yes.
Whats the first things you notice about the opposite sex?
Smile, body, and style of movement.
Hugs or kisses?
I’ll take both, please.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two.
Do you think (any of) your ex(s) miss you?
My only real ex has passed away.
You know, I think I’m going to sit around one day soon and make up my own survey. Just for fun. I’ll keep you posted.
B = Bed size: King
C = Chores you hate: Painting. I don’t like painting.
D = Dessert you love: Chocolate pie!
E = Essential start your day item: uh…several bathroom items, I suppose
F = Favorite actor(s): I love movies, but don’t really have a favorite actor.
G = Gold or Silver: silver
H = Height: 5'-8ish"
I = Instruments you play: clarinet
J = Job title: Sifu (teacher of Chinese martial arts)
L = Living arrangements: House in Katy with Christina and Monkey.
M= My name is: William W. McClendon III
N = Nicknames: Whit
O = Overnight hospital stay: None I can recall, though I was burned badly as a toddler.
P = Favorite quote: "What the French, Toast?”
R = Right or left handed: Right
S = Siblings: 1 brother
T = Time you woke up today: 9:30
U = Unique about you: You've never met another like me, that’s for sure.
V = Vegetable you hate: eggplant can be a bit yucky
W = Worst habit: probably drinking Monster. Not into bad habits much.
X = X-Rays you've had: Just a few…ankle, knee, wrist
Y = Yummy food you make: I’m a whiz with eggs.
Z = ZODIAC SIGN. Scorpio.
------------------------------------
What is a difference between the last two people you kissed?
size, age, and sex. (Wife and son, silly!)
Who was the last person you were under the covers with?
My wife. No wait, there was a huge, laughing tickle fight between my son and me this afternoon, so I think that might count.
Has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes?
Much to everyone’s shock…yes. If you feel compelled to do so as well, please be my guest.
Do you ever keep arguing when you know you're wrong?
Now, why would I want to do that? I don’t even like to argue!
How is your hair?
Uh…short. And silly. It ignores most of my attempts at style.
Do you like your first name?
I go by my nickname, but I like my first name quite a bit.
Does the person you like like you back ?
Oh, how cute. I would hope that my wife ‘likes’ me back. I’ll ask her.
Have you ever met someone who is amazing?
Oh, yes. I take inspiration from quite a few amazing folks.
How many different people of the opposite sex have you ever really cried to?
Recently? Just my wife. Over the years (especially in high school), probably quite a few.
Who was the last person's voice you heard?
My wife’s.
Do you like your life as of now?
Wow, yes I do!
Regret doing anything in the past week?
There were some chocolate bars that went missing, and I’m pretty sure that I had something to do with that.
How many kids do you want?
We’ve got one…maybe one more. But that’s it!!!
When did you last cry?
I’ve got a blog post about this…probably within the last few days.
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with M?
Lemme think….uh…...no?
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with H?
Yes.
Do you drink coffee?
That would be a ‘no’.
Do you crack your knuckles?
Nope.
Last thing you drank?
Water
When is your birthday?
October 31…I’m a Boo-Baby!!
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
Yep.
Ever told someone you loved them and meant it?
Yes, absolutely.
Ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
Nope.
Have you ever broken a bone?
For a guy with my job and hobbies, I’ve been extremely fortunate thus far. Just my pinky toes have been broken.
Who are you talking to right now?
My wife just came home.
Have your parents ever smoked?
Unfortunately, yes. For decades.
Do you want someone back in your life?
Um…sure?
What did you last eat?
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Made it myself!
Has anyone told you they missed you lately?
Yep…a friend just did on Myspace.
Are you wearing any clothes that don't belong to you?
I’m pretty sure these underwear are mine.
If you could seek revenge on someone would you?
In my younger days, maybe, but certainly not now.
Is there anyone who holds your heart at the moment?
Yup.
What is your all time favorite memory?
Geez, I have quite a few.
How many grandmas do you have living?
Sadly, both are elsewhere.
Do you prefer saying 'f#ck' or 'fudge'?
Um…as much as I might enjoy fudge, its effectiveness as a curse word is somewhat limited.
Have you ever kissed anyone with the name starting with A, B, C, D, E, F, or G?
Yes. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.
What did you do today?
Amazingly, I did a whole bunch of nuthin’. I get to do that one day a week, and I excel at it.
Had any interesting conversations today?
A few, both verbal and written.
When was the last time you had a sleepover?
BB visited to watch the UFC fights during the weekend of the 4th of July, and we stayed up ‘til 3am or so.
Have you ever loved someone so much it made you cry?
Oh, yes.
Whats the first things you notice about the opposite sex?
Smile, body, and style of movement.
Hugs or kisses?
I’ll take both, please.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two.
Do you think (any of) your ex(s) miss you?
My only real ex has passed away.
You know, I think I’m going to sit around one day soon and make up my own survey. Just for fun. I’ll keep you posted.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Swimming, Car Trouble, and Grappling
So we've enrolled our 6.5 yr-old Monkey in a 2 week intensive swim program. The first day did NOT go well. When asked if he liked the teacher, Monkey replied "Yeah...I'll miss him, 'cause I'm NEVER going back." We did our best to simply listen to his complaints and acknowledge his feelings of frustration, nervousness, and anxiety. And we quietly planned to take him back the next day, regardless.
Day two started better than we expected. He still had a bit of trouble, but by the end of class, he was 'gliding' with his arms outstretched and his face underwater. And he even managed to pull a ring from the bottom of the pool (with his teachers judicious assistance)! He was so proud! He even decided to accept the token sucker offered to all the kids upon completion of each class (he had loudly refused any such treat the day before).
Today, the boy decided he's destined to follow in the wake of world champion swimmer Michael Phelps. He's got some snazzy new goggles, and he's swimming his fool head off. He went down the big slide, and swam freestyle all the way to the instructor. The Houston Swim Club is just awesome, folks. If you need to teach your kid to swim, I'd say to take them there for sure. We are soooooo proud of our little Monkey. Once he's finished with his two weeks of daily training, we're planning a trip to a Waterpark to celebrate...which means I might need to get in the sun a bit beforehand so that my pasty whiteness doesn't frighten the locals.
---------------------------
Today wasn't the best day for my car. I knew something was up a day or so ago when the power steering went out. The power steering reservoir was full, so I called our trusty mechanic to schedule a checkup. Thursday morning was the soonest we could come in, so I kept driving. Then the A/C went out. And the battery light came on. And then today, right in the middle of Mason Road, the poor thing just died. Happily, it's just the serpentine belt (that's what you call it, right?) that's blown. Several years ago, I'd have found that problem a lot sooner, but when I popped the hood to check, I just plain missed the fact that the belt was looking pretty bad. It apparently disintegrated, the A/C and alternator stopped working, and the car sucked the battery dry. Result: a dead car that should be pretty easy to fix. Let's hope it won't cost an arm and a leg.
---------------------------
Classes have been wonderful lately. Attendance is up, and we're covering a lot of fun stuff. I have some folks competing in an upcoming Kung Fu tournament, and some are even going to a local Grappling tournament. I know that it might seem odd to some that a traditional Kung Fu guy like me would enjoy the grappling arts, but I feel that they are a perfect compliment to the stand-up fighting arts in which I've trained. Plus, grappling is a ton of fun. I like the fact that you can train full power with respectful partners and not end up with black eyes, broken noses, and various other impact injuries. It's rough, but so extremely tactical at the same time that it appeals to my intellectual side even as I'm trying to strangle someone. It's often likened to an extremely physical chess game, and certainly agree with that comparison. So I practice my taiji, and also work to perfect my half-guard game. Diversity is good.
---------------------------
It's getting late, so I'm off to bed. Have a fabulous day.
Day two started better than we expected. He still had a bit of trouble, but by the end of class, he was 'gliding' with his arms outstretched and his face underwater. And he even managed to pull a ring from the bottom of the pool (with his teachers judicious assistance)! He was so proud! He even decided to accept the token sucker offered to all the kids upon completion of each class (he had loudly refused any such treat the day before).
Today, the boy decided he's destined to follow in the wake of world champion swimmer Michael Phelps. He's got some snazzy new goggles, and he's swimming his fool head off. He went down the big slide, and swam freestyle all the way to the instructor. The Houston Swim Club is just awesome, folks. If you need to teach your kid to swim, I'd say to take them there for sure. We are soooooo proud of our little Monkey. Once he's finished with his two weeks of daily training, we're planning a trip to a Waterpark to celebrate...which means I might need to get in the sun a bit beforehand so that my pasty whiteness doesn't frighten the locals.
---------------------------
Today wasn't the best day for my car. I knew something was up a day or so ago when the power steering went out. The power steering reservoir was full, so I called our trusty mechanic to schedule a checkup. Thursday morning was the soonest we could come in, so I kept driving. Then the A/C went out. And the battery light came on. And then today, right in the middle of Mason Road, the poor thing just died. Happily, it's just the serpentine belt (that's what you call it, right?) that's blown. Several years ago, I'd have found that problem a lot sooner, but when I popped the hood to check, I just plain missed the fact that the belt was looking pretty bad. It apparently disintegrated, the A/C and alternator stopped working, and the car sucked the battery dry. Result: a dead car that should be pretty easy to fix. Let's hope it won't cost an arm and a leg.
---------------------------
Classes have been wonderful lately. Attendance is up, and we're covering a lot of fun stuff. I have some folks competing in an upcoming Kung Fu tournament, and some are even going to a local Grappling tournament. I know that it might seem odd to some that a traditional Kung Fu guy like me would enjoy the grappling arts, but I feel that they are a perfect compliment to the stand-up fighting arts in which I've trained. Plus, grappling is a ton of fun. I like the fact that you can train full power with respectful partners and not end up with black eyes, broken noses, and various other impact injuries. It's rough, but so extremely tactical at the same time that it appeals to my intellectual side even as I'm trying to strangle someone. It's often likened to an extremely physical chess game, and certainly agree with that comparison. So I practice my taiji, and also work to perfect my half-guard game. Diversity is good.
---------------------------
It's getting late, so I'm off to bed. Have a fabulous day.
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