Camping with 4 Kids

"Are you doing that?"

"NO!!!"

I can't remember the last time I've seen Rachel give such a nervous look. And, a well warranted nervous look. You see, we were being pushed down a muddy hill by a 7,000 pound camping trailer full of atv's, with all 8 wheels locked up and caked with mud and clay. The view ahead was absolutely stunning. It's the turn and drop off that was about 40 yards away that made us nervous.

We were on our way to Lake Owyhee. The bad part was that we took a wrong turn. In fact, several wrong turns, thanks to the Google map that was linked directly to the campsite. Rachel and I used to ALWAYS have an Atlas in the car, especially when travelling. For the past several years, it sat there doing nothing since we have GPS navigation on our phones and step by step directions from Mapquest is so easy to come by. Well, GPS navigation, on your phone, doesn't work so hot when you're out of range. And god forbid Google maps to be wrong! Not just a wrong turn here and there, which they are notorious for, but full on... 100 miles out of the way wrong.

We knew something wasn't right when we entered a dirt road. What the heck, right? We trekked on and on, and on. Probably 20 miles on this dirt road with not a soul to be found. We discovered later, that during thunder storms, you take cover in these parts. The roads get so muddy and slippery that it's impossible to drive. We found out.

It was about 8 pm when we finally maneuvered through some pretty hairy turns and slopes going about 3 miles per hour in 4 wheel low. Then, we found ourselves at the bottom of a hill and

Rachel and I just looked at each other. I said, "There is no way we will get up that hill." We were nervous that we were going to have to park right in the middle of the road and camp until morning.

We decided that I would pull an atv out and ride ahead to see just how far away we were from any civilization. I ended up riding for about 3 or 4 miles and discovered a beautiful campsite called Succor Creek. We thought it was a joke from ReserveAmerica.com for us falling for their bogus directions [Sucker Creek].

There were only 3 groups on the campsite, and spoke to one gentleman who seemed to know the area pretty well and the issues with the road during heavy rainstorms. His suggestion was to leave the atvs on the road to lighten our load, and he would go back with me to help grab them. That's the plan!

I made it back to the trailer and suburban on a mission.

"Rachel, get the kids in their long sleeves and pants. You get ready also, because you, Reese, and

Isaac are each riding an atv back."

"But..."

"And, there is no time to discuss because we only have 30 minutes of daylight to make this work!"

Please understand, I have to take advantage of these "Hollywood" moments of distress since I don't get to experience them often. On the other hand, it was true. We did need to move, and move fast.

Reese rode one atv. Isaac rode a motorcycle. And, Rachel rode the other atv. I thought, if we could not only get the load of the atv's out of the trailer, but also 3 bodies out of the car and a dog, we would have a much better chance of getting up this hill.

Some people say that we are crazy going camping with 4 kids- 7 yrs, 5 yrs, 2 1/2 yrs, and 9 months. I would agree. But... I also know that these moments we experience together as a family are down right priceless.

The photo below is of two of my little troopers, the dog, and Rachel leading the charge up the hill. The last bit of the sun broke through the clouds before it dropped behind the mountain and left a magnificent view that my phone did no justice for. The teamwork that went into this effort will leave a lasting memory for me and my family.

We ended up staying only one night at Succor Creek, even though it was absolutely gorgeous there. We had some irritation knowing that we paid for a trailer site in Lake Owyhee and dog gone it, we're going to use it. So, we hit the road on a beautiful Saturday. As it turns out, everyone else hit the road to come to Succor Creek Saturday, too. See... people in these parts know that you come to Succor Creek only when the road is dry!

The rest of the trip was a ball. This is a perfect shot of Rachel wondering something... not sure what. Perhaps it had something to do with us being stuck at the dump site with the sani-hose stuck (cross threaded) to the trailer.

There is a company called Lucky Bums. Check them out- http://www.luckybums.com. They have a saying, "Grow outside and play." I love it because it has a couple of meanings. One meaning that I take from it is that you grow in many ways when you play. When you play together as a family, you grow as a father, or a mother, and a team player. Your children grow closer together and to you as parents. You grow as a family.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson

Chief Master Instructor

The Academy of World Taekwondo

90 MPH in the Right Hand Lane

Just last night, I'm literally walking up the stairs to head to bed when I decided that I truly dislike sleep. It's not the first time I've thought of this, but it was the first time I really agreed with it, and discovered why.

Quite frankly, I love so much of what goes on in my life that I want to experience every minute of it. We only have 24 hours in a day. Within that 24 hours, we must love our spouse, love our kids, love ourselves for that matter. We must also work, we must eat, we must exercise, we must socialize, we must learn, and we must teach. Really, there is not a lot of time to do all those things.

In fact, even with 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night, I wish I could commit more time to those things I really enjoy above. I know... we all do! If there is one thing I've learned in life, and I've learned it recently, it's to live in the present. I was told recently that I live my life going 90 mph in the right hand lane. Although, I have managed to master the art of squeezing as much out of my day as possible, I may not have always been present due to the fact that I'm already focused on achieving my next task or goal.

I really enjoy talking about goal setting, self discipline, and focus. These are traits that are huge in martial arts. Well, they are traits that should be huge if you have an instructor that lives by them. I enjoy teaching students about these things because I understand these traits and I'm good at implementing them.

What's equally important as having good goal setting skills, self discipline, and focus is having the ability to enjoy your journey through the process. A goal is purposeless, if there was no journey. I know with 100% certainty, someone who puts in hundreds of hours to achieve a Black Belt will appreciate me tying their belt around their waist more than someone we promotes straight from white belt. It's the journey from white to red belt that was rewarding.

I still will only sleep 5 to 6 hours a night. I still plan on being goal oriented, disciplined, and focused. As a master level martial arts instructor, I may be a little late in learning to enjoy the journey, but at least I'm still alive.

Respectfully,

Master Richardson

Chief Master Instructor

The Academy of World Taekwondo

I'm Starting a New Business

The other day, I asked our Thai-Robics class if they are ready for spring and summer and if they have gotten their lawnmower blades sharpened. The response from one student was, "Why? Are you starting a new business on the side."

Later that day, I thought to myself, "Well... maybe I will start a business on the side." Of course, starting a business on the side will definately have some parameters. I only want to be in business for 1 hour, and I want all of the gross revenues to benefit a small non-profit organization, preferably one that is trying to get started.

So... the day I will be opened for business will be tomorrow (Saturday, April 24), from 10 am until 11 am. I will be sharpening lawn mowing blades for donations. Please, don't bring any other items you would like sharpened, such as your $500 Hinkle knife set, because I will significantly decrease the resale value for you. If you have no clue on how to remove your lawnmower blade, just bring in the whole mower.

The organization we will be donating the funds to will be Destitute Duffel. They are an organization trying to provide hope and shelter for homeless people. They do have a website http://www.destituteduffel.org, but you will be able to learn more about them through their Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/#!/DestituteDuffel.

See you Saturday!

Duncan Richardson

Chief Master Instructor

The Academy of World Taekwondo

Ph: 208.381.0587

http://www.FreeKarateLesson.com

5 Things to help get that summer body

Somebody once asked me a peculiar question, “What is the single most effective thing I could do to lose weight?” Have you ever made too many keystrokes at one time on an old computer? Yeah… I have too! It freezes up, right? Oh wait. Do you have a Mac? I guess Mac users don’t know what I’m talking about here.

Anyhow, I hate that question. To me, it’s like asking, “What is the single most important thing I can do for my child?” Or, “What is the single most important thing I can do for my spouse.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t look at my conditioning this way. I don’t raise my kids this way, and I don’t take this approach with my spouse.

Of course, there are things that are more important and will have a more profound affect, but nothing by itself is enough to be done alone… not with kids, and not with your spouse either.

So, after I was able to reboot my brain from that question, I was able to generate an answer. I said, “Nothing.” He gave me that same look when your dog hears an interesting new sound and cocks his head sideways, with ears perked. I continued, “You’re better off just utilizing that time for something else, such as checking more email or just working a little later, BECAUSE… unless you’re fully committed to changing your lifestyle, you will be unsuccessful.”

The next few moments reminded me of an old Clint Eastwood movie where Clint and the villain are staring eye to eye. I seriously thought, the gentleman that just walked through the door for information regarding his kids and martial arts, was about to do an about-face and walk out the door. He wasn’t even there for information on himself! Instead, he signed up for 20 private training sessions, and he and his wife were great clients for the next 3 years.

Without risking you saying to me right now, “Are you feeling lucky… PUNK?” (Clint Eastwood line) I will list several things you can do over the course of the next 3 months to drop fat and inches.

1. Follow the 80/20 rule with activity throughout the day. Be moving for 80% of your day, and either sitting or relaxing for 20%. You desk job folks… sit on an exercise ball. It will work your core and improve your posture while a chair actually allows you to literally decompose* into the fabric (*not really, but close). I guarantee, if you have been struggling with fat loss, you can find a direct correlation to your activity level.

2. Eat often! In fact, make it 5 or even 6 times per day. The more often you eat, the more you program your system to understand that food is in abundance, therefore kicking your metabolism into high gear.

3. Eat your palm. Well, not really your palm, but actually a palm sized portion. Yes, you ought to eat 5 or even 6 times per day, but your meals should be really small. We’re talking palm sized. Now, you have two palms. This means, one palm contains your protein, and the other palm contains your carbs. New to all this? Proteins are found in- fish, chicken, pork, beef, etc. Carbs are found in- fruits, vegetables, breads, grain, pasta, etc. One important note on carbs- don’t slip up and over eat them if you opt for breads and pasta. If you want the best improvement, stick with vegetables and limit your breads and pasta.

4. Drink, a lot! I’m not talking beer or wine, either. I mean water! Take your weight, and then call it ounces. Then, divide that number by 2. That is how many ounces you should drink throughout the day. In other words, if you weigh 150, then you would drink 75 ounces of water a day.

5. Pursue your goals with like minded individuals. Successful business people attend meetings with other business people. Alcoholics trying to recover, join AA. My point is, when everyone has similar goals, the group tends to be more successful. For our students, we have The Ultimate Body Challenge- http://www.FreeKarateLesson.com/weight-loss.html

This is not an exhaustive list. In fact, it’s the tip of the iceburg. On the other hand, it’s five items that would make a considerable impact on your life.

If you have any questions about some of the things you could be doing to reach your fitness goals, send me an email or call me at 208.381.0587.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
Ph: 208.381.0587
http://www.FreeKarateLesson.com/weight-loss.html

Jens Pulver: Driven

One of our students, Jason Appelman, has been working on a film project. He is a film writer, amongst other types of writing. He wrote and starred in the movie you may have seen this past fall at the Egyptian- Person of Interest.

Now Jason and his partner, Gregory Bayne, are working on a new and exciting documentary about a well known mixed martial artist. If you've followed the Ulimate Fighting Challenge, then you definately know who he is. The exciting part is that he lives here in Idaho.

I am going to turn it over to Jason & Gregory and allow them to have a few words...


My Dear Friends,

I am writing you as I am in the final hours of a campaign to raise funds for my feature documentary film, DRIVEN, at Kickstarter.com. Since launching it just 17 days ago I have raised (at this moment) $17,350 from 279 gracious backers, including a 12 year old who contributed his allowance because of how much he loves the subject of my film, Jens Pulver.

Jens, for those of you that don't know, is a former 3 time world champion in the UFC, and a true legend in the sport. He was raised in the worst of situations with an incredibly abusive father who, when Jens was just 7 years old, decided he didn't want to have children anymore and lined up Jens, and his siblings in front of the fireplace holding a shotgun in Jens's mouth until he finally decided that they weren't, "worth the bullets." From that tragedy, saved by a drive forged through athletics, Jens escaped the demons of his childhood to become on of the most beloved fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.

I believe whole heartedly in this film, and in Jens, who is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met in my entire life. He reflects the fight in us all, and reminds us that no matter what our circumstance, if we hold onto, and pursue our dreams, we can accomplish anything.
My total goal on Kickstarter to make this film is $25,000. If I don't reach it by Monday at 3pm, all the pledges are cancelled, and I don't receive the funding. I sincerely thank those of you whom have contributed already, if you have not, I humbly ask that you take a look at my campaign, and if you can, please contribute. (there are rewards for doing so)

I understand that not everyone can contribute financially, I know times are tough on us all. If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate you simply passing this on.
I can say, in all seriousness, this is the most important project I have ever worked on, and a story that I believe must be told. I think Jens has stated it best:

"To me, if this film can reach just one kid, who is living through abuse, and it can open his or her eyes to the fact that there is more to this life, prompting them to put on some wrestling shoes, or pick up a football, or basketball, or to write a song, or paint a picture, whatever it is that is their thing...if it can help them recognize that their dreams are worthwhile, should be held onto, and with perseverance, dedication, and hard work, can absolutely be achieved, well, that's what it's all about."

I share this sentiment, and this hope for the film. I would be deeply grateful if you would join in, and help make this happen.

With Warm Regards,

Gregory Bayne

Here is the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gregorybayne/jens-pulver-driven-a-documentary-film-about-a-le

Can't afford the Ultimate Body Challenge? No problem...

I have been getting a ton of emails from people expressing their interest in doing the UBC, but have one major conflict- DINERO (money). Believe me, I understand this conflict. Years ago, we used to require payment up front, but since the economy took a left handed turn and seems to be having a hard time finding it's way back, we've added some relief to students who really, really want to do the UBC.

So, if you really, really want to do the UBC, we will allow you to make payments on the UBC. Just send me an email, stating why you really want to do the UBC, and we'll work up a doable payment plan for you.

Secondly, we've found that people don't mind investing in something if they know 100% that they will receive a return. It's called an ROI (return on investment). If you had invested money in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD) 3 years ago, you would realize an ROI of -500% today. Not a wise investment. You cannot call Krispy Kreme to ask for your money back either.

What I'm trying to say is, students don't mind paying if they're going to improve their body. If we don't improve your body, we will refund your tuition 100%. AND... not only will we refund your tuition, we will double the refund amount. That's a 100% ROI if we don't improve your body. Now that's being a savvy investor.

Hurry, because the UBC starts January 6th. Go to http://www.freekaratelesson.com/weight-loss.html for more info.

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
Ph: 208.381.0587
http://www.FreeKarateLesson.com

How to Set Goals

I have never had to shield myself from so much snow fall. My body was completely covered. I was hoping to be through it before my jacket and gear become no match for this massive snow dump. Every step literally piled another half inch on my shoulders. My hat, normally blue, was completely white.

My cheeks were freezing, but fortunately, frost bite was not imminent. Instead the snow that landed on the mere inch of exposed face, melted and ran down into my collar. The visibility was literally only 2 feet in front of me. I didn’t have that far to go, but unfortunately, I didn’t know which direction to go. It was time to give up.

I have talked about this dang snow blower before! I trudged on, stupidly, with the spout on the blower pointed straight up. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I knew that I could point the spout on the blower right or left… I just forgot that it had an elbow on it that allowed the snow storm to shoot towards the ground or in the air. I apparently chose the air while my family watched me and my self inflicted blizzard attempt to clear the driveway.

Believe it or not, there is a moral to this story. Right now, millions of people are setting goals for themselves. Millions of people are also saying, “I don’t set goals at the first of the year, I set them year round.” Most of those people are full of bologna, but that’s beside the point. Because I am a huge goal setter, I just happen to be thinking about everything and anything metaphorically to goal setting.

I had a goal to remove the snow from the driveway. I had an action plan on how I was going to do it. I had a timeline in which I was going to achieve my goal. I did NOT identify all the obstacles that would hinder my process. Seriously, ice in the driveway was my only obstacle.

“Okay, whatever! What’s the point Duncan?”

The point is this, very few people understand how to systematically create goals. The snow in the driveway just got me thinking about this process. Everyone can dream. Which by the way is step 1 in the goal setting process, but few know steps 2, 3, 4 and so on. Goals have plans, or as I like to call them, blueprints for success.

Take for instance, the Boise State Broncos. The Broncos did not make it to two Fiesta Bowls in 3 years because of several guys that can run 57 mph, jump 9 feet in the air, and make one handed catches while stretched out like Inspector Gadget. They have a beautifully constructed plan that encompasses marketing to high school all stars on ESPN, a stellar strength and conditioning plan, a regimented practice curriculum that builds discipline, confidence, and teamwork, and the list goes on.

A few goals that many people have every year is to:
1. Quit smoking
2. Become more organized
3. Become lean & fit

I definitely cannot help with #1, and can help with #2, but don’t want to because I would be bored. I can absolutely help with #3, and would love every minute of it, including the entire time it takes you to achieve that goal.

This blog post is not meant to be a promotion for our Ultimate Body Challenge, but if you have been searching for a proven, systemized goal setting process that will help you achieve this goal, then perhaps it’s a small promotion for you.

Right now is the time to think about your dreams for 2010. Put those dreams onto paper with a plan, and you’ve got yourself a goal. Many people know that I used to be a representative for Zig Ziglar and would put on workshops that taught people how to do this.

Here is a quick and dirty goal setting process. Use this format for every single one of your goals.

Step 1

Consider some things you are truly passionate about. Then write them down.

Step 2

Consider some important questions before you settle on your goals.
Will this goal improve your relationship with your children?
Will this goal improve your relationship with your spouse?
Will this goal improve your life longevity?
Will this goal impact colleagues, friends, and family members in a positive way?
Will achieving your goal be at the expense of someone else?
Is your goal simply frivolous or materialistic?
Is your goal ethical?

Step 3

Decide if your goal is SMART.

S- Specific
M- Measurable
A- Attainable
R- Realistic
T- Time Sensitive

Step 4

Did your goal get through steps 2 and 3? Then, proceed into step 4 by completing the goal setting worksheet.

Goal:
[Place your goal here]

Date:
[Spend time thinking about a realistic time line to accomplish this goal. If your goal is large, then create milestones with dates on those as well.]

Benefits:
[List as many benefits as possible. Ask other people what they think would be a benefit as well. When you think you are finished, spend more time and come up with a few more benefits. Continue that process until you can no longer think of another single benefit. This is a crucial part of the process that empowers you mentally and builds enthusiasm for your success. Skipping this step is like getting in your car with only a quarter tank of gas before you go on a trip.]

Obstacles:
[List all of the items that will hinder your process. Know what you are going to have to face. Once you’ve identified the hurdles, will you then be able to create the means to leap over them. The obstacles you list will contribute to your action steps below.]

Who’s Involved:
[List any individuals, organizations, etc. that will play a roll in the success of your goal. You may benefit by having some of these key individuals know what your goal is. They will either help hold you accountable or can help with your process.]

Action Steps:
[Skipping this step is like taking a trip in your car without a map. Wait! I mean without a GPS navigation system. List every single step that is required in achieving your goal. Think of this process as steps in an assembly manual for your daughter’s 3 Story Barbie Dream Doll House, or your son’s 1120 Piece Star Wars Lego Attack Cruiser. Each step is very concise.

This is not only a mental exercise for you to know your steps, but also a means for you to quickly take action everyday you’re working on your goal. If your action steps are vague, you will most likely skip over it, ignore it, or flat out won’t remember the details, thus resulting in the whole process coming to a screeching halt.

Take your action steps and place them in your planner, your PDA, or a calendar.]


___________________________________________________________
Signature

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Witness Signature


Now, take this goal setting worksheet and place it somewhere that you can see it every single day.

If you found this goal setting blog post helpful, share the wealth. Pass it onto a friend and vow to hold each other accountable in attaining your goals. I would say that for every person you pass this onto, you’ll lose 1 pound, but that simply won’t happen. Not because it’s not true, but because you haven’t even gone through the goal setting process to lose weight:).

Respectfully,

Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
Ph: 208.381.0587
Get a New Physique in 2010- The Ultimate Body Challenge