catching up

Lack of judgement.
Sucking up.
Gone over the dark side.
Stating untruths about coworkers (ha!! not 'untruths' - more like silent truths!)

All phrases I have heard in the last 2 weeks from members of my working environment. Along with general comments, incidents and reactions in the last month or so, I'm truly beginning to question my work environment. I feel like I have to be looking over my shoulder at all corners, having to be very aware of what comes out of my mouth and apparently even who I talk or laugh with. I've decided that any friendly working relationship has to be turned back into a professional one and not a cross-breed. I have an inner sanctum of safety amongst like-minded individuals, and I believe that this group is the only one with which I can be myself and talk freely. Becoming a science communicator takes you out of your own little publishing-based bubble and throws you into the gladiator arena where politics and hierarchy rules. It's a bit strange. I'm very aware of how isolated scientists and researchers are in their normal day-to-day lives.

Anyway... calm, calm, calm.

I've also become very, VERY possessive of my time away from the arena. In the evenings, I head to my own sanctum - the academy, and beat the crap out of heavy bags and pads. It's definitely worthwhile, takes out all extra energy and frustration. But even that has been invaded to a point, but I think I can deal with that.

I bought the Lonely Planet Guide to Cambodia over the weekend. I figure I'll leave Ottawa just before Christmas and go to Thailand for 2 weeks, then head to Vietnam, and finish in Cambodia, house building for the Tabitha Foundation and then spending a few days touring around the country.

2 hours of Muay Thai tonight, and then an hour of Kali. Can't wait. I've signed up for a 2 day workshop on Jeet Kune Do and Kali in a few weeks. It's going to be great!!

continued later...

Wow, a triple-header tonight at the academy. Woo hoo!! I'm exhausted though. Need sleep.

I got offered a Filipino sword to buy, one of Bob's Damascus swords, REALLY cool! We need to haggle out a price, but I'm seriously considering it. Beautiful sword. We'll see. :) I'm thinking of asking him to make me a really good butcher knife as well.

Sore. Tired. But it felt good to get the day's tension out of my body. I have a big bruise on the top of my right foot, but I'm not entirely sure where it came from . Sparring on Friday night? Dunno.

I think I need food. Although I don't think I'll do that as my weight hasn't been dropping all that fast lately. Down to 167 lbs which is great, but still a long ways to go. Need to start doing a bit more cardio, but getting up early in the morning to hop on the bike trainer? Nope. Can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit more.