That's Better

Good morning, Readers!

I'm feeling a lot less angry at the fringe elements of self-publishing today.  I had training last night, and I was able to release all my rage on a kicking shield.  I still stand by everything I said yesterday, but I'm a lot more chill today.

I've said it before, but my martial arts training is one of the major reasons I'm still around.  Not only is it a great way to get some exercise that isn't just mindless (I really hate gyms), but it's fun and the people there are awesome.  Most importantly, it keeps me sane.  I have an outlet for all the frustration, disappointment and grief that comes with trying to make a successful career out of writing fiction.

You may think I'm exaggerating.  I'm not.  It's not an easy road to travel.  I question why I bothered in the first place almost twice a day.  The truth is a don't have a good answer.  I just keep plodding along.  It's all I know how to do.

In any case, training helps me keep my head.  Martial arts might not be for everyone, but I cannot reccommend finding 'your' exercise enough.  Perhaps you will find running really awesome, or have knack for tennis (or don't have a knack, but love playing it regardless).  Hiking might prove to be the cure you need to get out of your own problems for a while.  There is usually something for everyone.

Speaking of martial arts training, I received quite the surprise last night.  A red sash.

Strictly speaking, Kung Fu doesn't really have a belt system the way that Karate does.  However, many schools have adopted and adapted a belt system for Western patrons because a) it's expected for some reason and b) it's not a bad way to keep track of knowledge and provides some short term goals to aspire towards.  Apparently we need that.  I'll also note that the belt system is not without its problems, most of them political; petty jealousies and rivalries and the like.  It's still not a bad way to run a school.

Wutan Canada has eight levels:

No sash

Yellow

Orange

Red

Green

Blue

Brown

Black

I have been at orange since I can remember - years and years.  It didn't really matter to me, to be honest.  I don't particularly care about the colour of one's belt, or my own.  As long as I'm continually learning and having fun, I'm good.

I also despise sash exams.  I hate performing in front of people, and I feel judged enough in my daily life... I don't need to spend an evening actually being judged.  It's one of the reasons why I refuse to compete.

As it happens, I didn't need to take the sash exam at all this time around.  The sash was just randomly handed to me at the beginning of class.  I'm pleased about that.  I'm also flattered that my Sifu believes me worthy enough to upgrade me.  That said, I also feel like I cheated - that I'm wearing a sash I didn't earn.  Earning my way matters enough to me that I feel a little uncomfortable wearing it.  I'm sure I'll get used to it.

I won't lie.  I celebrated a little bit last night.  I had a glass of wine with dinner.  I felt like spoiling myself.

Right, so this was a long rambling post about nothing much in particular.  Hope I didn't bore you to tears.  I have more of that stage play to write up, so I should stop muttering about martial arts and get on with life.

Ciao!