Candidate Journals

I saw Dr. Schuster again this morning. I'm already walking better on my sprained ankle and the pain has decreased significantly. The ankle is still very swollen and I'm going to have to be very careful as I move forward through the cycle. Since my foot is elevated most of the time, I have been taking advantage of the idle time and have been focusing on essays. Now my essays are almost done! When I'm up and about again I can get back to my physical requirements.

I sprained my right ankle in class Thursday night. I tore ligaments medially and laterally. I am seeing a doctor that Master Evins recommended who said he could cut my recovery time in half but that his treatments would be painful. The first treatment on Friday proved that he wasn't lying. He attempted to reconnect soft tissue and ligaments manually through the swelling by appplying intense pressure with his hands. I felt like screaming. But I'm determined to heal quickly and make it to the test. The only thing that will stop me is if Master Evins tells me I should wait until April to test. If that is his decision, then I'll honor it and continue training hard until then. Until I hear otherwise from Master Evins, I'm not giving up. Push-ups on my knees and sit-ups everyday until I am more mobile.

The test is 7 WEEKS FROM TOMORROW!!!!! Holy Cow!!!!

I was a beast today! I did a ton of requirements!. I'll be sore tomorrow, but it feels great not to be sick anymore. Last weekend while I was sick I read a book; "The Martian" (GREAT book) and watched 6 movies (Star Trek marathon-live long and prosper). I didn't move around much and I'm surprised I don't have bedsores. So....I need to make a confession.....if anyone has been looking at my pathetic pull up numbers, I want you to know that it's even worse than it appears. I ATTEMPT to do a pull-up occasionally but I have never been successful without my bungee. I can't even do 1. I still add 1 pull up to my online tracker, because dang it, I tried! They are especially hard with my palms facing out. Pull ups are definitely my nemesis. Tonight I practiced poomsaes, self defense and Hapkido 1-32 again and again...

Felt pretty good tonight in class- just coughed a few times. I'm officially on the mend! Master Evins is allowing me to mentor Donna and Jerome and I'm looking forward to meeting them possibly on Mondays and Saturdays! This cycle is flying by.

Didn't get much done today as far as requirements are concerned. Back to work tomorrow.

I have been in bed sick since Thursday night. Today I finally feel much better and I had a mentee session with Instructor Donna. Donna is like the Energizer Bunny. I wish I had half the energy she has! Easing my way back into requirements. Need to stay healthy until test day.

Good day today. Busy at work then home to work on requirements. I practice taking the written exam about twice a week and I'm getting all of my essays in order. Forgot about my creative form, though. Gulp....

Knee is still a bit sore from the pretest. Need to get myself back in a routine.

Thank you Master Evins for the cycle credits we all received for attending Master Hama's sparring seminar!! WoooooHoooooo!!

The pre test has come and gone and I am tired. 4 miles is a LONG run! I actually ran all the way to 485 because I never saw the Pizza Hut! By the time I got back to the dojang I had gone about 5 miles total. When I got home I finished my essay on the Prehistory of Korea. Very productive day! Tomorrow I'll start another essay.

Pre test tomorrow!! I'm ready! Just reviewed poomsaes and self defense one last time and I'm not doing anything else tonight. Going to bed early. See everyone tomorrow!!

My poomsaes and self defense are rattling around in my brain. Tonight was tough. I kept mixing everything together. I know my poomsaes and self defense so I just need to relax and know that I know it!

Busy day today at work. Didn't get as many requirements done as I had planned, but tomorrow is another day. I have been studying my curriculum and I'm ready for the 10 question written exam but still sweating the run.

Great color belt poomsae review tonight at North Charlotte! Pre test is right around the corner. I'm ready for the written test and the color belt self defense and poomsaes, but the run, push-ups and burpees have me shaking in my boots. My knees are getting better, slowly but surely. Every once in a while they get a little weak and I just lose my balance during a poomsae. Everyone else will be statue-still in a stance and there I am wobbling. Hope that doesn't happen Saturday! I'm very proud of how much better my burpees are than they used to be (that doesn't mean they're good.... just better!). I'm slow as molasses when I'm doing them, but I'm trying to keep good form and I'm actually able to bend my knees a little for the squat thrust. Getting back into a squat after the push-up hurts my old body a...

My kids had a great first day of school. (Whew!). I was able to get a good bit of requirements done although no running today. I'm a little worried about the run during the pretest on Saturday. I'll just do my best and keep working to become better.

Didn't realize I would be this sore from the sparring seminar yesterday. Having trouble getting myself up and out of bed. Kids start school tomorrow so it's back to the grind. Today I need to grocery shop, do laundry, clean, and work on requirements. That ought to work some of the soreness out. I also need to keep working on my essays. Happy Sunday everyone!

The sparring seminar today was GREAT!! I loved watching Master Cann and Master Abdul coach the kids. I learned so much today and I'm so glad I went! I'm exhausted now but it was worth it! Next thing to look forward to..... The pretest!

Helped with testing again tonight at North Charlotte. Home now and already in bed. Gotta rest up for Master Hama. Hope to see everyone at the sparring seminar tomorrow!

Helped with testing tonight at North Charlotte. It's so fun to see the junior tigers test! Worked with Master Cavazos a bit for a mentor session then took PMAA class. Didn't get many requirements done today. Back at it tomorrow!

I had an peacefully uneventful day today. Push-ups are still very difficult with the tendinitis in my right elbow. I'm taking lots of anti-inflammatories but they aren't helping much. I've been reviewing for the written exam quite a bit every day and I'm getting excited about the pretest!

Thought I would start my white belt week this week but totally forgot about no class on Thursday due to color belt testing and no black belt class on Saturday due to Master Hama's sparring seminar. I'll start my white belt week again next week so that I can experience the full week. My tennis elbow has been getting in the way of my push-ups. Time to make an appointment with Dr. Bill.

Worked with Donna and Jerome tonight at South Charlotte dojang on color belt self defense. We're all getting ready for the pre-test on Aug. 29th. Came home and worked on my long essay. Should be done with that essay by the end of this week.

Happy Sunday! I'm on my way to the coffee shop to finish up my big essay on The Prehistory of Korea. I plan to have that essay and at least 3 more completed before the pretest on August 29th. I'm still a little wiped out from yesterday's training, but plan to run and do push-ups and sit-ups this afternoon.

Great day of training at north Charlotte. Started at 9:15 and finished at about 2:00. Boy am I tired. Lots of requirements under my belt today.

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. Junior tiger class at 9:15, family class at 9:45, working with Donna and Jerome at 10:15, 2nd Dan and higher class at 11, black belt class at 11:45 and then sparring class with Master Hama. I'm already tired.

Today I was able to get quite a bit accomplished. Worked with my mentor, took black belt class and then PMAA class. After standing on the mat for 3 hours my back and knees are killing me. I'll get a massage tomorrow and hopefully be ready to train with Master Hama on Saturday. I paid my registration fee for the PMAA beach training and paid for Master Hama's sparring class tonight. I love checking things off my list!

Need some motivation today. Just got home from work and I swear I could go to sleep right now. I'll see if a little Spark can get me up and running. Will log requirements later tonight.

Back in the swing of things. My tennis elbow is causing some problems but at least my knees are better.....one injury at a time, please! It's embarrassing that my most current injury is not even Taekwondo related. It's a repetition injury from my keyboard at work. How wimpy is that? Getting up early tomorrow to get back on the treadmill. Miles to go...

Day 3 of my migraine. Feeling a bit better. Back on it tomorrow.

I have had an awful migraine since Friday night. Haven't been able to do anything this weekend. Hope it's better tomorrow.

Today I spent 10 hours at work in a wheelchair for empathy training. It was quite an experience. I didn't make time for any requirements today and I really could have. Lazy is not good.

Great black belt class and PMAA class tonight. Not much time was set aside for requirements today. Now I'm beat and off to bed.

I'm back at it! Took my first class since vacation tonight. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things at work but it's tough. I want another 2 weeks of vacation!

I had intended to write the better part of my essays while I was on vacation, but that didn't happen. Time to get serious. I cannot believe it is already August!

I love, love, love the beach! I'm having so much fun! Been doing physical requirements, just haven't been logging them. Need to log my numbers on the website later tonight. Getting ready to go kayaking now!

Busy, busy day at work trying to get finished up with documentation before I leave for the beach early tomorrow morning. Today is my son's 14 th birthday. Seems like my kids are growing up too fast.

Great evening at Master Chin's dojang! Got to work with some great kids and then had a challenging black belt class jam-packed with kicks, poomsaes, jump rope rounds, push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Donna, Jerome and Roger did an AWESOME job teaching tonight!! Tomorrow I will pack up my stuff and then I'm off to the beach for vacation with my family! Can't wait!

Another fun, fun, high energy sparring class with Master Shin at King Tiger Belmont tonight! Love training with my buddy, Instructor Pam! We worked on footwork, worked on some kicking drills, and then finished up with sparring rounds. Came home, ate dinner and now I'm doing push-ups with a full tummy. I might ask Master Osborne if I can join the Leland King Tiger folks for a couple of classes while I'm on vacation in Wilmington next week. Sounds like fun!

I was too exhausted to journal after class last night. Looking forward to my beach vacation next week. I need to remember to tell Master Randle that I will miss 2 Saturday's of junior tigers!

Joined my South Charlotte friends for Black Belt class tonight with Master Evins teaching. Great class! Hard class! Hot and sweaty class and now I'm very pooped. Trying to get in as many classes as I can before going on vacation next week.

I am completely wiped out! Helped Master Randle with Junior Tigers and Family class, then took 2 black belt classes back to back. I couldn't possibly have stayed for sparring class. We did so many poomsaes today. A great review as well as a lot of new stuff. I'm going to save my physical requirements (like push ups and sit-ups) for later today. Master Evins told us about the black belt retreat today. I'm really looking forward to that October weekend!

So, today was an awesome day. Black belt class and PMAA class were both great! I forgot how much I love PMAA! I left PMAA class tonight and had almost made it home when I was hit by a drunk driver. My car is totaled, my back and neck hurt a little, and I scraped my left shin. But I got out of the car and walked over to talk to the witnesses. When the police finally got the other guy out of his truck (it was halfway up a telephone pole), they took him away in handcuffs. So why was it a great day? My son wasn't with me. He almost came to class with me tonight but decided not to come at the last minute. My daughter and husband are in Florida, so my baby boy would have been alone if anything had happened to me. I was able...

Went to Belmont tonight and trained with Instructor Pam, TJ and Master Shin. Had a great time! its so nice to visit different King Tiger schools and meet new people. Looking forward to black belt class and PMAA class tomorrow night. Gotta get back on the push-ups!

Lots of poomsae review in black belt class tonight. Duchess and Master Auerback came to class! So nice to see them! My right elbow is still hurting so I'm not able to get as low as I should with my push-ups, but I'll keep working on them. Need to start staying for PMAA class after black belt class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This Thursday for sure!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Master Evins for the VERY GENEROUS credits we were given for competing in the Kukkiwon Cup and the King Tiger 5K! I've hurt my right elbow somehow, although I have no recollection of when I may have done it…..maybe from doing pushups on my Push-Up Pump. My left knee is slowing but surely getting better. I've stopped wearing my knee brace to encourage the accessory muscles around my knee cap to strengthen. Hope that isn't a mistake. I guess I'll find out…..

Today is the official first day of the pre-cycle! Can't wait to see everyone in class!

Yikes. Haven't journaled in a while. Need to get back at it. Hope everyone had a great July 4th holiday!

Didn't make it to class tonight. Cleaning my house for my sister-in-law's visit this weekend. Long week at work. Feels like it should be Thursday already.

I had planned to go to black belt class tonight at KT South Charlotte with instructor Donna, but I came home from work absolutely wiped out. My legs are sore and I'm feeling like a slug. I'll rest a bit and then try to squeeze in some requirements. Instructor Donna helped me video my kicks for Master Evins. Now I have to figure out how to download them into Dropbox.

Great day of training today. Helped Master Randle with Junior Tigers Class and Family Class, then took both black belt classes. Lots of requirements done and I even started on one of my essays. Tomorrow I need to clean my house!

Long day today. Glad it's over. Looking forward to tomorrow- going to record some video training with Instructor Dege after Junior Tiger Class. Then I get to come home and clean my house after black belt class. I think I should be allowed to buy a new house as soon as the old one gets messy...

Master Randle taught a great black belt class tonight. We worked on poomsaes and self defense and did quite a few kicks. I've had another good day eating healthy foods and I've lost about 3 pounds this week. Still a long way to go!

Today was my 49th birthday and I had a great day! I didn't use the day as an excuse to eat cake or to be lazy! I ate healthy food all day, went to black belt class and worked out hard, and drank tons of water. I was kind to myself and I feel really good about that! Stocked up on Spark and meal replacement shakes tonight so I'm ready for tomorrow.

I had a great 'diet' and exercise day today. Protein shake for breakfast, blackened chicken salad for lunch, Apple for snack and 2 eggs for dinner. I drank my body weight in water (ok, not really) and did not have any diet sodas today. I trained with my South Charlotte King Tiger peeps tonight and we did a million kicks (ok, not really) and went over some Palgwe forms. Looking forward to class at North Charlotte tomorrow.

I am truly exhausted today. Woke up and ran/walked the King Tiger 5K, helped Master Randle and Instructor Dege with Junior Tigers class, went home, showered, raced off to Philip O'Berry high school to teach CPR during halftime at the Heart-of-Gold celebrity basketball game to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and now my left knee is screaming under the ice I have propped up on it. Other than the run, I didn't get many requirements done today. Back at it tomorrow.

Lots of poomsaes and kicks tonight in class. I am SO thankful for the support I receive from Master Randle, Instructor Dege and Instructor Donna Harris. Their support and encouragement make me stronger! I couldn't keep going without my King Tiger family. I picked up my 5K T-Shirt and race number today after work. Hope to see everyone Saturday!

Really fun class at North Charlotte tonight! Master Evins exercised our brains as much as our bodies and it wasn't pretty! I had a little emotional breakdown in my car on the way home from class, though. Ended up crying and talking to my husband on the phone for the entire 30 minute drive. I'm very unhappy with myself and my lack of commitment to my health. I'm so uncomfortable in my own skin. I'm frustrated with requirements because I am not fit enough to even make a dent in my numbers. The thing is, I know exactly what I need to do to fix this problem. So why won't I just do it?

Under the weather this weekend with a slow start back to doing requirements. I'm reading a book on the prehistory of Korea and should be ready to get started on at least one essay this week. King Tiger 5K is right around the corner!

I worked on the Palgwe forms quite a bit tonight. Still can't do more than one or two pull-ups even when I use my bungee cord to help. Pull-ups are very frustrating for me because it just never gets any easier. I think I'm getting stronger with my push-ups, though. I can do about 20 at a time now as long as I don't break the plane and stress my shoulders. If I keep my elbows at 90 degrees then all is well. My daughter is going to record my first video this weekend. If I do one video per month until my test, I'll complete all 5 video requirements!!

Today I have been in a funk. Not feeling positive at all and just plain old tired. Signed up for the King Tiger 5K last night. Hopefully I will have a better day tomorrow.

145 days until the overnight test. I have been walking my mile requirements since I started the Masters Journey, but today I began to incorporate jogging into my daily routine. Right now I'm running 60 seconds, walking 90 seconds, running 60 seconds, walking 90 seconds, etc. and I'll hopefully build up my endurance a little each day. I was a little worried about my knees, but so far so good. Now it's time to do some pushups.

Beautiful day today. Sparring combinations, kicks and jump rope outside, then inside for push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups. My plan was to start on my essays this weekend but I didn't quite get there. Next weekend for sure!

Today was a busy day! Assisted in 2 classes with Master Randall, took class for 2nd dans and higher, then took black belt class. Came home and worked on some more requirements. Now I'm totally exhausted and laying in bed at 6pm. So Sad! Corrected my leadership numbers on the website. Still so far to go.

I had a great time with my friends at the Zac Brown concert last night but I'm a little tired from the late night. Looking forward to class tomorrow and getting some work done on my essays. I'm learning a little about Lectin which is a fat burning hormone that is really important for female weight loss. More research to be done.

Just finished answering all the questions on the written exam! Now I will just have to review the questions and answers often. Push ups and pull ups are still really tough for me, but I'm doing them consistently every day now. Hopefully it will get a little easier as I get my body and mind back into shape. I have to miss class tomorrow night because a friend bought me a ticket to the Zac Brown concert. I'm not much of a "concert-goer", but it should be a fun evening with friends. I'll fit my training in somewhere..... Maybe on the lawn at the concert!

Great class tonight. Lots of kicking! I'm getting up before work to do 50 push-ups and 50 Sit-ups then my goal is to repeat that 4 times during the day. Today I only did one set of 50.

Not feeling great today. Gonna power through some requirements anyway. Have started getting some resources together for my essays and then I'll be ready to get started. October is right around the corner!

The Kukkiwon Cup was amazing! I'm so glad I was part of such an historic event. It's always so good to see King Tiger family from other schools. It's like seeing a favorite cousin that you haven't seen since the last time the family got together. And King Tiger is definitely a big, happy family! I'm going to get started on my essays this week and will continue to amp up my training. My goal is to be at least 10 pounds lighter before 7/11/15.

The black belt cycle meeting last night made everything seem very real all of a sudden. I have a lot of work to do! I'm really looking forward to the Kukkiwon Cup this weekend! See everyone there!

Pulled an abdominal muscle in class on Tuesday. Makes push-ups and sit-ups very painful so I'm taking a break from them for now. Black belt cycle meeting is today!

I am back! Finished with my presentations in Boston and I think everything went really well. No one saw me shaking behind the podium. Great black belt class tonight at North Charlotte. I am going to refocus on Taekwondo now that my work stressors are in the past. I'm especially getting myself back into physical condition so that I can do well during this black belt cycle.

Trained at the South Charlotte school tonight. Class was great and I enjoyed seeing my old friends again.

I've been very inconsistent lately with logging my requirements (of which I have done few) and journaling. I'm in the home stretch with my presentations. I go to Boston the week of May 11-May 17 and my presentations are on 5/13 and again on 5/16. I hate to wish my life away, but I can't wait until I've done the presentations and I can focus on TaeKwonDo.

Lots of requirements done today. My arms are quite tired from the push-ups. I finally registered for the Kukkiwon Cup and will be competing in forms. No sparring for me!

I love North Carolina, but my allergies are killing me. I'm thankful for Claritin. Looking forward to class tonight. I'm very stressed about these presentations I have to give in May and the only place I'm not thinking (obsessing) about them is in the dojang!

Using my Fitbit flex to help me keep track of my miles. Push-ups are still killing me. Tomorrow I'll begin another week. Hope to lose a pound or two by the weekend. My knee will thank me.

The black belt candidates had an awesome test today! The whole group did really well. I came home motivated to work on requirements after their performance. The next black belt test is right around the corner. (Gulp.)

Wishing all the black belt candidates a GREAT night tomorrow when they begin their test at 9p. Work hard and finish strong!

Starting to feel better about my Boston presentations. I'm about half done with both power points! Now I just want May 13th and 16th to come and go so that I can take a deep breath and get back to work on my TKD essays. My left knee is hurting again. It's very frustrating not be able to do what I want to do physically. Can't even kneel on the knee anymore. Will just have to take it one day at a time. Looking forward to the Kukkiwon Cup!

Not liking push-ups at all today. Would rather do sit-ups all day long. Hoping my knee starts feeling better soon. Geumgang under the noodle last Saturday made my knee very angry. Very, very angry.

I'm jumping back into my training and the push-ups are killing me, even when I use my nifty "push up pump" that helps me keep my body in the correct form. I have been very preoccupied with work. I have to give two lectures at the Heart Rhythm Society's annual International convention this May and I'm scared out of my mind. I am extremely nervous. You would think after 20 years as an Electrophysiology nurse I would be a little more confident.

Assisted in testing tonight. Need to do this more often. So much fun to watch these kids earn their next belt!

I get off track and then I have to play catch up. Not a good plan. Still coughing all day and night but I shouldn't let it get in the way of training. I can find an excuse anywhere......

Tonight in class my knee felt better than it has in about 8 months! Very exciting! I need to get re-focused on my training and get my physical self shaped up.

Instructor Camp was awesome! I'm a bit tired, but I'm still moving and I'm grateful for that! No new injuries and the old injuries aren't any worse. I love the pool training (with the exception of that pesky bathing suit part). If I could take my 4th Dan test in the ECU pool, my kicks would be amazing! Thank you Master Evins for the generous credits!

My husband bought me a Fitbit bracelet so I can keep up with all my miles walked and calories burned. Love it! Looking forward to Instructor Camp this weekend.

Trying to get back into my requirement routine after sickness, being with my friend, and snow days. Had to work today for 9 hours, but I'll be working on requirements after dinner.

I am now very behind with my journals and requirements after taking a week off to be with my friend when her father died. I didn't focus on requirements or journaling at all during this time. When I started doing pushups and sit-ups again after taking that time off, I realized how hard it is to get in shape, but how very easy it is to get out of shape and to lose your momentum. I plan send quite a few videos to Master Evins this week and will try to catch up some with requirements. I did walk just slightly under 5 miles by the end of the day on Saturday at the Cupid's Cup 5K. Our team (The Sanger Pacing Panthers) earned about $900.00 for CHS Cardiac Rehabilitation programs here in Charlotte. Now I will turn my focus back to Tae Kwon Do.

Tough black belt class last night. Hard to work out when you're sick. Got some bad news today- my best friend's father had an elective surgery and there were some complications. He was taken off the ventilator today and is not expected to recover. I'm heading to Jacksonville, NC tomorrow and will likely be there for a while. Melissa has been my best friend since we were both 11 years old. My heart breaks for her.

Still recovering from a cold and haven't trained this past week at all. Tomorrow I will start slowly and see how my body feels.

The Pretest is over for the audit portion of my cycle, but my left knee is still screaming. Wasn't able to get any requirements done today but did get quite a bit done yesterday. How can the weekend be over already?

I really dislike stressful days at work. They make me want to come home and stuff my face with all sorts of horrible, cheesy, fattening Mexican foods. I'm working on requirements now hoping it will take away my urge to binge. Dr. Bill fixed my knee up yesterday and now I'm just hoping the soreness will subside before the pre-test on Friday. I'm very concerned about the run on Saturday morning. A HUGE thanks to Master Evins for the very generous sparring class credits we received for attending Master Shane's sparring seminar! Back to requirements now because I still want a big taco.

Great sparring seminar today! I loved everything... the kicking drills, the footwork, the instruction, my wonderful partner Ms. Pam.... but my FAVORITE part was when Master Shane said we were the most respectful school he has worked with. It made me very proud! My knees are swollen and hurting, but I'm so glad I went! Today is the first day of the max phase and my belly is full of water, supplements and Advil. Now I'm in bed... Ice on the knees.... Will probably be here until Monday. I'll lay here and study curriculum!

Tough (but great!) Black Belt class tonight. Felt a little weakish so I might need to drink some extra spark on class days. In retrospect, edamame, celery and tomatoes for lunch probably didn't give me quite enough energy..... Tomorrow is day 10 of the 24 day challenge! Looking forward to the Max Phase!

Great Black belt class tonight with my trusty sidekicks Instructor Dege and Master Randle. They are tag-teaming to make sure I stay on the right path and I love them for it! A shout out goes to Instructor Donna Harris as well for sending me frequent 'Go Tucker' texts! I'm very thankful for the support I receive from my King Tiger family!

Long, stressful day at work. Came home full of good reasons not to work out, but ended up pushing myself to do it anyway and felt better afterwards. Found my pull up bar and bungee! This is very exciting! Now I need to stop admiring it and actually use it. I've been thinking about trying to find a band of some sort to wear on the balls of my feet to help me with pivoting (my poor knees die a little every time I try to do a back leg kick). Socks work well at home but I would break something vitally important if I wore them on the mat. If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears! Down 3 pounds so far on the 24 day challenge and this morning I think I saw a tiny indentation where my waist used to be! Things are looking up!

I focused on the Palgwe forms and self defense today. Today is day 3 of the 24 day challenge and I already feel better. Still have a long way to go, but I've lost 2 pounds. Might seem like a tiny amount, but it's the first time in a long time that those numbers on the scale have been getting smaller. I'm encouraged and looking forward to more success. Need to start thinking about getting my essays and videos started.

Great first day of the 24 day challenge! Took all my supplements, drank 90 ounces of water, came home and made cauliflower cous cous to have with chicken, shrimp and vegetables, and then tackled some requirements. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Great black belt class tonight! Advocare 24 day challenge starts tomorrow and I am sooooooo ready to be successful and feel better! Going to bed now....date with the treadmill at 5am.