Yeah, it’s been awhile. I have much to write about, but don’t seem to get to it. I equate writing to chanting: it’s easy, yet difficult. We all know we should chant, but sometimes it is just difficult to make yourself do it. OK, that is a generalization based on me and some other Buddhists I know. But you get the picture.

I am still a Chapter Leader. I was going to go to the area leaders meeting and submit my resignation, but the meetings were never held on the scheduled day. Then I was asked not to resign by a young man I have watched grow from a confused teenager to a wonderful man. I couldn’t say “No” to him. So I took the middle way, I just stopped doing any chapter duties. My plan was that the chapter function would degrade to the point that upper management would step in and help us. During these 3 months, I continued to dialog with members of all levels. I was encouraged by many leaders to hang in there because the leaders were going to come into the area to help. Well, that really hasn’t happened, but we had a meeting with the General Director and Vice General Director (Danny and Cliff) a couple of months ago. That was a good meeting. Cliff talked about growing up in this city and his mother’s early practice. It was humorous and nostalgic. He then talked about Buddhism and some SGI. Then Danny talked about Buddhism and a little SGI. I was very encouraged to here both of them talk about Buddhism, quote from the gosho and explain it. Very refreshing. It was also great to see Danny and Cliff.

Last week I finally decided that my plan is not working. The bonds between the districts and members of this chapter continue to dissolve and no one seems to care or even take notice. I contacted the are and asked to have a few minutes at the scheduled area leaders meeting. It was move to the previous week. There is some karma at work here. Every time I try to talk to the area leaders, they have already met for the month. Through the area, we have scheduled the first chapter meeting in several years. I chanted almost an hour this morning for it’s success and plan to leave work early to chant another hour before the meeting. Mainly, I have to chant to be … not bitchy. I don’t feel bitchy, but 3,00 realm in a single moment, I could just become bitchy. That is my goal, to have a successful chapter leader meeting.

Last month I redecorated my altar. My goal is to get rid of all my SGI stuff and make the altar my own. I never really liked the sets Greg bought. I now have 2 complete sets - a smaller and a larger. For less than $25. I bought 2 new vases, some dried grasses to put in them, a new candle and an incense oil thing. I tried to get the long rectangular incense burner off, but my kids didn’t like the Fung Shui of it. So it stays for now. Greg and I always put some of ourselves into the altar, but now it has a mush more personal look.

That is the update for now. I already know what the next 2 subjects will be, I just have to write!