Gwar!! And I don't mean the band.

Tax day came and went. In theory, my taxes went in on time. I say 'in theory' because I didn't do them. Instead, I did a friends' taxes online. The process was mostly straight forward. He ended up owing nothing and getting nothing in return, but at least they were done on time.

Friday I awoke to find myself ill. I slept in far later than I had intended which may or may not have helped. It's hard to say. Saturday was also a real downer as far as health was concerned. Today (Sunday, actually), I felt far worse when I awoke but forced myself to go to belt promotion testing, anyway. I didn't feel well physically, but I did feel well emotionally. I saw my students test, one of which received a 2nd place trophy too long deserved. I was very pleased with the fact that she had been selected and I think she was, too based on her smile, etc. Another "new" student tested whom I have a vested interest in. She also did well in my opinion and although she did not receive a trophy, her performance was excellent none-the-less.

I also felt good (emotionally) about going because I was able to help several youngsters break their boards whom I do not think would have otherwise broken. I think that's good, especially after they try and try and cannot break the board while it is held by someone else. At the same time, I let several people hold a few times longer than I usually would have. Not only did the student break the board and build confidence in themselves but also in the holder. So, it really comes down to balance. If one doesn't help at all, then many may go away frustrated and unhappy. Yet, if you one helps too soon, then opportunities to learn and grow (opportunities to create one's own reality) are denied.

Finally, I felt good about going to testing because I had a short dialogue with an old friend. She thanked my for helping her with her most recent testing (many months ago now) and told me that she doesn't have any hard feelings toward me anymore. She was a good friend of my ex-wife so she got hit fairly hard when I broke the relationship a year and four months ago.

Once in a while, I still feel "bad" about making that decision, but more and more often, I can see the necessity for it. I wonder if it will be necessary again in this life time.

I'm reading "Conversations With God - An Uncommon Dialog" at the moment. Thus far, I really enjoy the book. It says many many things which coincide with my own beliefs. I'm not sure if I hold with it 100% but then that's okay, too. It may just be a slightly different way of looking at things. No matter; as I said, I like it.

Well, I'd best grab some sleep while the grabbing is good. To those friends who read this, I love you. To those "old" friends who may or may not read this, please know that I love you, too. I hold no ill-will for you and have long since forgiven any slights or hurts, real or imagined on my part. May peace be within your hearts, wisdom in your minds and courage through and through to face what you co-create around you.