JOY

"Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, 'Did you bring joy?' The second was, 'Did you find joy?" Leo Buscaglia

So, today, did you?

BOYS AND GUNS

Boys and guns. What is the fascination? I expected the boys visit to navy frigate Te Kaha today to be a good chance for them to look inside a real live warship and see how navy personnel live. Perhaps they would look at communication equipment and see the cramped sleeping quarters? Instead they came home with photos ... Elliot holding a real light machine gun. Hmmm...

BLUE RIBBON DAY

Blue ribbons today. North Island Karate Tournament in Wellington this past weekend.

Cait competed in the Open (adult) Grade team kata event on Saturday and they came third. One bronze medal.

Sunday saw her competing in the youth events. Another bronze medal in, wait for it, sumo wrestling!!!

And then there was the Randori event (tag sparring). According to wikipedia some karate schools employ the term randori with regard to "mock-combat" in which both competitors move very fast, parrying and attempting acts of extreme violence with all four limbs (including knees, elbows, etc.) yet only ever making the slightest contact. Total control of the body is necessary. Result? One silver medal (After winning 4 fights.)

She's a dark horse sometimes, our Miss 13. We didn't even know she was entering the Randori event until today! One of my friends said today "At least you won't have to worry about her in a dark alley." Ah, but I'm her mother - I'll always worry.

Not a bad haul. Hope the Kiwis in Beijing can do as well!