[gallery link="file" columns="4"] Ok, I'm back trying to settle in and get back into some kind of routine, especially with respect to my sleep patterns. It does not help that I'm so excited to see my family, friends, students and staff! I especially missed my dog BlackJack, who was so excited that she had balloons blown up for me :) I got to say thanks to all of the instructors and staff members that helped out while I was AWOL. I especially want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Hector, Dave and Sean. Running the front desk/command center/Kombat Arts as a whole is tough. Thanks so much for stepping up. I could actually hear Dave sweating on the phone when I called long distance. Dave, thanks a lot :) Thanks to Kru Mehdi and Barb for allowing me the run of your beautiful club, allowing me to cause my usual mayhem. Thanks to all of the students and staff of KB-1 that made me feel welcome. I look forward to seeing you guys really soon. Thanks Liz for almost trying to kill me with all of the food we ate in Vancouver. I don't think I can eat for a whole month! Also thanks for sharing your family with me. A lot of life lessons were learned that week. Thanks for this quote: "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:2, 3. Thanks. And Josip, thank you so much for being a great friend to me! Tolerating me in your household must have really tried your patience :) I hope that you have not gained a lot of weight because of me. Thanks for your hospitality and allowing me to store my martial arts gear there until I head back one day. You're the best bro. Uh, and the pik of Papa Smurf is for all you smart Alecs that kept calling me "Papa" while I was absent. Well guys, Papa Smurf is back :) Jd