We put the LABOR into this labor day weekend

Whew, what a great weekend. On Friday we set out to accomplish a mighty goal... move a dojo 2.5 miles to a new location. We were blessed with the help of Allen Groh's truck, muscles, and intense work ethic (that guy is an animal), Andrea Newcomb's truck, muscles, and dedication (is 8 hours of working on the new dojo dedication?), Devon and Jordan's ant-like ability to carry objects three times their size long distances without stopping to rest (not to mention their ability to climb the cool new dojo rope and pullups bars), Wendie's mad painting and cleaning skills (not to mention singing and dancing skills... we need to have a karateoke night) and the very impressive heavy-lifting skills of the entire Neumann family. We had backup support from the Kasari family who were on Jamba Juice duty. And we had many well-wishers stopping by to wish us the best and to catch of glimpse of the dojo's new look.

I can't say enough to the people who helped, thank you all so very much. But of course you all helped, you are all responsible for making the dojo what it is, a beautiful place to learn and grow among friends through the awesome power of the martial arts. Thank you all, for everything.

And of course, there is no way to end the list of thank yous without mentioning the work ethic of the most amazing dojo entity of all... me, your Sensei.

And that is a joke. Ha

I'm actually talking about Kristina, the brains and brawns and bright shiny star behind this whole operation. She was a sight to behold this weekend, I am constantly amazed by her tenacity and determination. Whether it was helping me hoist large sharp dangerous objects up the 15 foot ladder and onto the dojo's new "loft," or carrying the multi-hundreds of pounds of bleachers we built, or executing the thousands of karate kid sand the floor motions to get the mats and floors clean after all of our construction, she always holds that steady stare toward the goal in sight. She is the sweetest little pittbull in the world. Thank you, hon.

Dust filled our eyes and noses, hammers pounded nails and fingers, our saws were steady, our screwdrivers were true, and now, on Tuesday, I think everyone will agree we have a beautiful new dojo to help us on our journey of discovery. Coming from the Radio Shack closet, through the Radio Shack remodel, now to this, I couldn't be happier with our progress. Again, thank you all for all that you do to make the dojo such an amazing place to be a part of.

Oss!!