Candidate Journals

Well the vacation is officially over. There is something relieving about that. Fortunately, Trent started feeling better Wednesday morning, so he was able to go out with us and have a good time at Hollywood Studios. We went over to Magic Kingdom Wednesday night so Trent could ride my all time favorite, Space Mountain and a few others. My wife insisted we ride It's a Small World. The boys kept waiting for something cool to happen, it never did. But Space Mountain, that ride and me have some bad history, like oil and vinegar, tofu and southerns, or France and the rest of the world. When I was a kid, I waited in line to ride Space Mountain with my dad and got 3/4 through when the ride broke down. About six years ago, when we took the boys the first time to Disney, I stood in line with Connor to...

here we are, the wait is over and our long waited family vacation has begun. First, Connor starts off being sick (which is incredible rare), with runny nose and feeling miserable. Then yesterday, Trent starts going downhill with bad headaches and tummy aches. This morning, he woke up with a fever. Are you kidding me. Fortunately, Connor is feeling better, so he and I with our friends went to Magic Kingdom. It was fun but I felt so bad for Trent having to stay back at the RV with Katherine. Last time we were here, he was a baby. For those who would, please pray for the boys so we can salvage the last day here. On the bright side, the weather is beautiful, the campground is awesome, and the pool/hot tub is great. Take care out there

After a grueling day of helping the boys with their home study and fixing the motor home, I went to the PMA seminar. It was nice to get away from the house and knock some sticks together. The group was small which was great because we moved quickly. Noah, my sons best friend, was there and it was good to see him getting some weapons experience. Back at home and back to reality, trying to get everything packed out for Disney. Sometimes it can be tricky with a motor home because we literally eat, sleep, and live in it and there seems so much to bring. Yes, I can feel your sympathy, and you're right, it's hard to complain when you have a motor home. I have found that it is the best way to travel and see the states. If I get hungry, the wife can make me a sandwich...

I must admit, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. I cringe every time the instructors tell the kids to give high fives or hugs. Martial arts being a contact sport, it's a challenge for folks like me. Being in King Tiger could be considered an immersion therapy treatment. Still, with the flu running rampid, and us getting ready to do a vacation down at Disney, I'm close to wearing a hazmat suit. That way, I'll be ready for the zombie apocalypse when it comes. It's funny, me and the boys even have ingrained hand signals for, "go wash your hands" or "stop rubbing your eyes." At home, they know to go straight to the bathroom without touching anything in the house to wash their hands. I guess my germaphobia might be rubbing off on them. Then they can make their wives and kids crazy with their germaphobia. Hopefully, they won't be as...

You might get that one if you are around the forty year old and up club. Ahhhh, the famous Saturday morning cartoons with all those little cartoon inserts about "I'm just a bill," "Don't drown your food" and so many more. The funny thing is, I have a terrible memory. I couldn't tell you what I did yesterday, but I can rattle off that "and, but, and or can get you pretty far." Now a days, it's all about log into here, download that, and get the latest this. There I go again, getting all crotchety at these young whipper snappers. Fortunately, I probably have some more time on this planet before I get obsolete. I can still work my iPhone, and that's got to count for something.  Today was a little traumatic for me. During Connor and I's one mile run, he smoked me. I was puffing like a freight...

It's always doing something simple when I get hurt. I had my TKD bag in my hand, and walking to the car, I jumped off the porch (maybe 3 foot drop), and felt a muscle in my scapula twinged. I think it will work itself out quickly (I hope). The class was fun tonight. I worked with Eric and practiced with the knife and first don self defense. Then stayed for Combative with Master Shin and did some more knife drills. If you ever get a chance to work with Master Shin, get ready to laugh a lot and have a ton of fun. I always enjoy working with him. He's such a humble guy and a strong martial artist. That will make it a night. I'm getting so tired and I have to do spell check with every other word. How do you spell kat?

Today, I will ease your pain of my silly antics and pass along some important advice form a doctor who I have really learned to respect and admire for his persistence in real health (verses take these pills). The physician practice comes in all shapes and sizes to fit everyone's agenda. But real health and preventive health is rarely desired. Mr Magryta from Salisbury Pediatrics is one of the few that stand out. He has a monthly newsletter which you can prescribe to and I highly recommend you do at http://www.salisburypediatrics.com/patient-education/dr-magryta-s-newsletter   Because I feel that this newsletter can help with your families health now and in the future, I will copy a small part of today's newsletter. We all know great physicians, like our own Dr. Brandon. So those of you who have children, I think you will find these challenging and interesting. Challenge what you think is true of health...

I was completely checked out of the Superbowl game. I think I watch maybe fifteen minutes of it. We went over to a friends house which we haven't seen in awhile. It was great to catch up. Their kids are getting ready for college soon, and I remember them so well as new born babies. I didn't want anything to do with the half time show. I kept hearing rumors of Lady Gaga (immature name to go with an immature personality) might do some kind of weird protest or just be an idiot. Some day these people will look back on their lives and be truly embarrassed. So, my friend, Dan (figure I would give him a name to let you know I do have friends) and I decided to go to the garage and work on his motorcycle. He told me it wouldn't start. When he tried to start it,...

Catching up on requirements is like going to the dentist office for five root canals. That's one thing about the website that's nice (when it's working) is the tracking color. Red has quickly become my Lex Luthor. Always scheming to take me down when I least expect it. Today I went to the soccer field for Connor's game, and probably lost a finger and a toe from the cold. It didn't look that cold with the sun shining, but man, I felt like I had mucus icicles hanging off my beard. That wind was brutal, and plus, I didn't prepare for it. Poor Connor, I didn't bring him an under shirt to wear under his uniform and he's on the field shaking his hands freezing. Made me look like father of the year. "Who's kid is that turning blue?" As they say, what doesn't kill you....... Had a quick lunch, peanut...

Sleep, what a wonderful concept. You never want to deal with it when younger, you make a comfortable arrangement in you 30's. Then you become best friends with it in your forties. Of course, there always seems to be something in the way when all you want to do is sleep. Like now, I'm down to my last 20 push ups and sit ups, and all I want to do is sleep. But hey, I still need to journal, invoice, and prepare for tomorrow before I can relinquish myself to the blissfulness of sleep. I remember having to do this POW training in the military where they basically kept you up for four days straight, interrogating, beating, playing mind games, and starve you. And I found out that all those other things were so minor compared to getting a little shut eye. We literally became hallucinogenic and we couldn't even form...

One of the ancient American words you don't hear too often, "Groovy." Maybe it's time for a come back? Nah. Loved this day. I just wanted to sit outside and bask in the sun and just let my office assistant take care of my invoicing, billing, and faxing. But wait, I don't have an office assistant. I need to get one of those someday. Paper work reminds me of an great Client Eastwood movie called Heartbreak Ridge. Highly recommend it to anyone over 13. He had an awesome saying while he was thrown in jail for taking on an entire bar of Navy guys. "Beat me, kick me, spit on me, just don't bore me." That's how I view paperwork. It ranks below getting beaten and kicked. And it doesn't matter where I stack it, it doesn't disappear. Actually, I truly believe there are male and female documents. Because when I...

Nice temps today. It made for a really pleasant run. The good weather was comforting on a day like this. I read some disturbing news online and it really hit me hard. I feel that my values, principals, and code of honor, don't belong in the current America. I keep telling myself, it's a phase the country is going through, but we seem to be going deeper into that rabbit hole. People want to redefine what a family is, a marriage is, and what a Christian is. I still believe that your word means something, that a hand shake is a bond, that we confront opposition with a face to face conversation. That we look for ways to help each other, and take responsibility of our actions and the actions of our family. These don't have to be old fashion values, they can be resurrected. Sometimes we have to get knocked...

Hello and good bye to a typical Monday. Dropped off the kids at school, went to Mint Hill to pick up my customers drapes, then off to Myers Park to install them. Arrived at the customers house and the painters are painting in the room where the drapes go. Client looks at me and says, "Is that going to be a problem?" That happens more times than I would like, so income was low today. The price of the self employed. Still, I wouldn't change it for the world. I had this argument with my wife's uncle one time about self employment and being an employee. There are definite pros and cons to each one. My wife's uncle thought I was an idiot for not being employed by a nice large corporation. He was telling me about job security, pensions, paid time off, and so on. I made my points of...

Dr. Seuss anyone? I almost had two or three of his books memorized when Connor was younger. One Fish Two Fish, Sam I am, and many more. I found out it's a good way to practice for public speaking. If you can read Dr. Seuss books out loud and fluidly, than you can keep your self from sounding like an idiot in front of people. I know, it's hard to believe that I actually sounded more like an idiot than I already do, but just ask my wife, she can tell you all my peccadilloes though out our marriage. And it seemed I had the gift of spewing out of my mouth the first thing that came to mind regardless of tact, timing, or appropriateness. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity of spending the night in a Holiday Inn Express, and now I rarely make a fool of myself. I hope...

Man, it's been way too long since I've been to a sparring class, and how I miss it. What a great time! Even though I feel I attack in slow motion, it's just something about moving around and dodging, weaving, and attacking that just makes for a manly day. A cool thing happened to me today. One of the parents of a kids in the sparring class, told his son he was going across the street for a little while. I, in my usually joking matter, said "I'll take a pineapple surf" which is my favorite drink from Smoothie King. Even though he know I was just making a joke, he came back with a pineapple surf, which his son presented to me. That kind of generosity knocks my socks off, and that smoothie felt so good going down after a sparring class. Thank you to the sir that bought that....

Read more, swear less, use your polite words, and always be good to your mama. Fridays are good for two things, eating out and reflection of the week. Though we rarely eat out anymore, we splurged today with some Jim n Nicks. So, it's now time to burn the 1500 plus calories I just gorged myself on down in the Batcave. If only food didn't taste so good, we would never have these issues of eating like a hippo that just got done with a three day fast. Ever wonder how food encompasses every part of our life? If you don't believe me, try telling your wife that your family is going to visit some friends around 5:00. "What do we need to bring?" wife says. I say, "Nothing, they already have food." Now comes the glare of silence, which even blind men feel it's burning effect. "You can't go to...

Still waiting for Connor and I to be added to the 2017 candidates. Poor Master Chelley Hartle, I have to send her another email. Sorry Ma'am, I know it's not you. Great black belt class with Master Cavaso. Worked on my new staff form. Connor is doing soccer on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well and that's turning out to be fun. Fortunately, his coach, Todd Bogess, used to have a kid in King Tiger at Lake Norman and he knew all about the black belt cycle, so he was fine me pulling Connor out before practice was over to run to King Tiger. It's definitely going to add some excitement to the Foster family. Keeping pounding 2017 Spring candidates. We need to work on a team name for our cycle. Throw some ideas out if anyone reads this.

I must have blocked out the soreness of the last cycle when I first started. Man, I'm out of shape, unless you consider pear shape acceptable. Waking up in the morning with that "what happened last night?" feeling. Like I took on an entire platoon of fierce ninjas followed by a herd of crazed wildebeest. The good news is it will get better once I stop whining and get used to the workouts. 

Nice rainy day, but Connor and I got in our run before the deluge came in luckily. Is anyone else having trouble with the website than myself?  Anyway, church was enlightening and then got some work done on the lake house. Called a friend I haven't talked to for years and really enjoyed catching up. It's fun to reconnect and find out that I'm not the only one getting older. Like texting your good friends daughter to babysit the kids. It wasn't that long ago (it seems) that you visited her in the hospital when she was born. Now she's driving and babysitting my kids. Maybe I should have started having kids earlier? Nah. Keep strong out there! Like wood pecker lips

This cycle, I told myself I will not procrastinate and get a jump on everything. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm organized yet. Today, me and the boys showed up for sparring class 30 minutes late. I made the assumption (never a good idea) that sparring class started at 9:30. Wrong! Of course, in my defense, the schedule is not on the website. But I have phone numbers to call or text, so there isn't any good excuse I can give myself. Note to self, stay on top of of things. Like my old favorite saying, "What you got in your pack, is what you got in your pack."  This cycle is really cool for me because I get to do it with my oldest son, Connor. We will be able to keep each other accountable and hopefully motivated. We might also kill each other by the end of this as...

Congratulations guys and gals!! The testing is done, now the work begins. To train like a black belt and become more proficient in Tae Kwon Do. Also, congrats to Jason for getting the best Black Belt Candidate this cycle. Not an easy task and it took dedication and perseverance. Awesome job. A couple of shout outs to others like Master Dege, for getting her fourth Don. That's an incredible amount of work to achieve that goal. Ryan for kicking butt on the requirements and always there to help out. Trent was very grateful to have you as his mentor. I'm sure you were a definite runner up to the best black belt. Tiger, who lets nobody stand in his way of achieving his goals. He is dedicated and is driven. He will someday be on the cover of some magazine. The Hartle's for all their help with this cycle for inspiring...

Cool day for me, watching Trent (my youngest) earning his green belt. I'm usually more critical of their performances, but tonight, he nailed it. He knew his pomsae really well and his kicks looked good. It was a proud dad moment. I'm blessed to have an awesome group of people in my sons lives. Encouraging, respectful, honorable, and kind to say the least of the King Tiger family. It does take a village, but that village can produce an idiot or a great citizen depending on the type of folks we associate with. Find the right village and you get the right individual. Thanks to all who make my job as a dad an easier one. My hat is tipped to you..

Tonight was fun. i got to be teamed up with Master Richie and we did self defense drills a little different then normal. Master Evins had us do this one drill that seemed pretty easy. Just take a step in, then bring the back foot the opposite direction and face the other way. Well, Master Richie and I ended up looking like a Abbot and Costello show and kept ended up with our backs touching somehow, while everyone in class is facing their partner from a distance looking at two dudes with their backs together looking very unmanly. Needless to say Master Evins, which tried various attempts to correct us, made us change partners. Ahhh, that's what it's supposed to look like. If you were there at the North Charlotte dojung, you probably had a good laugh at our expense. And that's cool. It's one of my secret powers, to baffle...

I hear there are games going on tonight. I for one do not follow much of college sports, but I do enjoy watching them live. I guess thats the west coaster in me. Don't hold it against me too much. I have embraced the southern ways and love it. I just can't get into college sports. Katherine (the Mrs) is supposedly a big Duke fan, passed down by her father. They love their Duke. Though she doesn't follow them or has a clue how they did this season, I would not be allowed to turn on the Carolina game. A long time ago I asked her father who in the family went to Duke. Would have thought I grew a third eye on my head the way he looked at me. "Boy, you don't have to go to heaven to know that you want to go there" was his answer. I...

Hello candidates, Master's, fellow students, and foreign delegates. Wanted to thank you for what looks like a big turn out for the King Tiger service project coming up this Saturday the 9th. Those who are on the cycle, were of course voluntold, but we seem to be getting a lot who just want to help out. Here's a little about this organization. It was established in 1944 by Rev Childers. It was a private place to help abuse, neglected or any child in need. The residents at the ...time, was a mill town, raised $10,000 to make it possible for children to have a safe and loving place to go if needed. The Church of God Children's Home is still a private, non-profit Christian facility and will remain so as long as the generosity of the community deems it so. Most of the children (to my understanding) go home on the...

If there is one part of my life I could just skip, it would be tax season. God Bless accountants because I don't know how they do it. Looking at pages and pages of numbers, forms, rules and whatever else. The stuff makes my large intestine do a yoga position. I remember taking Accounting I and Accounting II in college, and you know what I learned, hire a good accountant. Every year I do an extension because of the dread of completing the 80 page booklet my accountant gives me to fill out. And every year I tell myself I will start earlier and get them done prior to March. When pigs fly. Or how about when pigs own a breakfast bar and fry bacon. Weird but tasty. So, stay healthy cycleillans and be sure to wash behind your ears. You never know when the IRS will want to meet you.

The Air Forces slogan, at least in the past, is Aim High. When different services meet, like the Army and the Air Force work together, we would have fun with their slogans. I always remembered the "Aim High when you shoot low" joke. In retrospect, it makes some sense. You picture yourself succeeding at anything you do. Then you go for it. You might fail miserably, but if the right mind set was in place, you do much better the next time. I like believing that I can conquer anything. Even if the reality is so very different. It's why we continually do the things we do. Not because we are good at it, or were born to do it. We do it because it's something we haven't mastered it yet or even tried yet. Imagine the first guy to climb Mount Everest. I bet he was the butt of every...

Sometimes I forget how the simpler things in life give the greater reward. This weeks been nice and a good time to reflect. Connor is getting that age where he's contemplating how the world works and his place in it. Trent has a friend staying overnight, Mateo, who lives in a apartment complex in Ohio and doesn't have a back yard or a dad. Today was a blast as he and Trent spent the day in the creek in the back with their shovels and rain boots getting soaked from head to foot. Later we made a camp fire and roasted some marshmallows. It's awesome to see the look on his face just from being in the woods and doing what boys do, get dirty, wet and run around like nutty dingoes chasing a plumb rabbit. Tomorrow we'll send him down on our neighbors zip line. No waivers needed. We just...

Hello folks and Happy Easter. I titled this one Hope as that is what Easter is, a new beginning and hope for something more than this world. I really like the part that I will be seeing my family and friends in eternity once I do my final swan dive and kick the bucket. My forever hope is that you will be there too, practicing martial arts with me and kicking some devil butt. Not the Duke kind of course. For those of different faiths, we share similar goals; after life, reunited with loved ones, and a sense of purpose. Without purpose, what's there to do. For example, for the last two days I have been installing a new stereo and speakers in my suburban. It looked real easy on You Tube. So, after much tedious wiring and rigging, because the parts didn't fit right, I finally got it all done....

We made it, spring is here officially. Enjoyed a good day of work, transferred my tools to the new car, and soccer. It definitely feels like spring. Ever wonder why we look forward to spring so much when all we do is increase our work load with yard work, house and car washing, and all the kids sports we run around trying to make. I was going to hop in the hammock for a few minutes when Katherine yelled down from the back deck, "What are you doing?" Apparently, I'm not doing enough. What was I thinking not having a shovel in my hands to provide the earth with much needed azellya shrubs. Those Jone's might get ahead of us with their planting if I close my eyes for a minute. Shutter the thought. That's all for now. Drive fast, take chances.

If you ever have the opportunity to go alpining, I highly recommend it. It's such an inspiration to stand on the highest peak around and look out over the world around you. That's what Saturday felt like as my fellow cyclist turned on the juice and slam dunked it. The effort, sweat, and drive was motivating. Watching little (but fierce) Tiger smoke that run, Jaylen never backing down on the plank, and the rest of the gang kicking butt and taking names. It made for a very manly day, ladies included. Three more weeks and we get to have that sleep over at the North Charlotte Dojang. Don't forget to bring you favorite pillow and your fluffy Ninja Turtle slippers. I hear there will be story telling with some hot cocoa, smores, and a good game of duck duck goose that Master Evins puts on. I heard we might have to...

Well this is a bit strange. I'm down to 47 journals. I guess the more I journal they start removing them instead of added them. That or they aren't very good and they won't be counted, kind of like my hook kicks. I can picture Master Evins reading them and saying out loud, "AGAIN!" then delete. It's all good anyway. I'll just keep on keeping on. Talk about some great weather tonight. I wanted to go jump into my hammock and lay there under the stars. I thought now that I was completing most of my requirements, I would start to take it easy, but Ryan and Tiger are bringing their A game, and I can't let those young whipper snappers beat me. Well, I will at least give them a run for there money.

When my wife went to get her massage therapy license, I thought, great, now I have to be a ginny pig. And I was, a lot, and believe this or not, I really didn't like massages in the past. But, after some sore back pain, bad shoulder pain and leg pain, I started really appreciating the free massages. I started thinking, this isn't bad, I can go play rough and tumble and she can fix me. It was redefining our relationship. Until she caught on. Drat!! Now when I come home with a bad shoulder or something, she looks at me and says, "I'm tired, maybe tomorrow I'll take care of your shoulder." Next thing you know, I will have to go her website and schedule a massage. Not to mention pay her. Well, like all things in life, enjoy the good stuff while it lasts. I'm going to stand under...

We are nearing the final lap and that light at the end of the tunnel is not a train. It's looking like Mr. Ryan is pushing hard with his numbers, throwing down the gauntlet and letting the others smell his exhaust. Well Mr. Ryan, let us commence with the game. There's nothing better than a good competition. There's an old military saying, "What you got in your pack, is what you got in your pack." You might need to let that one marinate a little. It basically means what you bring to the fight or game with you, is what you got. Simple but effective. Can't wait to see you all on Saturday. Let's do this thing!!!

Hello my fellow Cyclists, If you missed the Facebook post, I'm sending it here as well. We have a service project. It will be on April 9th starting at 9 am and ending at 12 pm. Location: Church of God Children's Home 3485 Orphanage Cir Concord, NC 28027 Anyone can attend. We will be performing yard work and doing some painting. Please bring gloves and some garden tools if you have them. Please wear your King Tiger t-shirt but bring a spare work shirt as well in case you are painting. Also bring a lunch. This is a home for children whose families cannot care for them full time. The kids are usually home on the weekend. They are an awesome group of people who work there. I will be your POC if you have any questions. My contact info is below. Thanks Brian Foster 704-577-3140 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hello my fellow Cycleillians, Master and Instructors, Break out the the flip flops and thongs, spring is upon us. What a great day to be still kicking. Had a opportunity to work on the new vehicle, well new to me. It's a 2001 Suburban that I bought from a guy who could have been an arms dealer. This vehicle has some history with the law, so the former owner went to jail and I got a Suburban for the price I wanted. As soon as I get the blood stains out, that babies going to be booming. It must have been a challenge to draw the chalk lines on the drivers seat. Instructors camp was a trip. It's still a blur in my head, but it is soo much fun getting around a group of people like the people you find at instructors camp. If you haven't been, I highly recommend...

There's a big yellow ball in the sky that I am trying to identify. Yes folks, I think the sun is making an appearance. I don't know about you all, but I'm tired of running in the cold. There's always someone who tells me to try a treadmill. I rather poke dull objects into my eye. Talk about boring. Spring running is awesome. Something about the warm sun on your face, music going, the wind is blowing through the trees, and the cows are staring at you. Today, a little chiwawa (obvious little) came sneaking up behind me when I was running. My spidey senses were tingling and I turned around when he was about five feet away with his little fur sticking up and teeth bared. He immediately stopped and turned away like he was just looking for his lost contact or something. All I could do was laugh which...

I like Ryan's idea of packing food for the homeless. Ryan, I think you so look into what available dates they have and check back in. Excellent idea. Hopefully, that will work for everyone. Foster

Returned home Sunday from a marriage retreat. Hopefully I'm working better now. There is nothing more uncertain than walking in a marriage retreat. You don't know if your wife is going to get up out of her chair and start crying yelling, "You ruined my life!" Or, if a group of people that you don't too well are going to encircle you for a group embrace session. You just don't know. Fortunately, it turned out to be a lot of fun and every educational. Nobody fought, no fingers were pointed or directed upward, we just learned that our relationship with God is the determining factor of having a great marriage. For those who are old enough to marry, I highly recommend one. For those who are younger, get ready, challenge is coming your way. But like every challenge in your life, meet it with a smile and a clean pair of...

I did the double dojang workout yesterday. I joined the Master Hartle's sparring class at Lake Norman. Then went over to North Charlotte for some, Dynamic Combative. I wanted to see how the other side lived. Actually, my wife wanted to put a desk into her new office space which is right next door to the Lake Norman King Tiger. It was one of those moments where all husbands are tested to see if we will say the right thing. I was getting ready to hit my two mile run, when she ask if I could help her with her desk. Which translates into, no run, no black belt class, and no immediate dinner due to the fact that it was commuter time and it's a 35 minute drive to the Birkdale area. I stood there really still hoping she would forget I was in front of her, didn't work. So,...

She saved my soul, she save my appetite, always with me, usually without a fight. She gave me her best, she shared with me her worst, never doubting that our love will stand the test. She went through the pain, of giving me the gift, of two wild orangutans, that never rest. She stood by me, when times were tough, when I couldn't come home, cause duty was a must. She never wavered, she never faltered, her love burn bright, like a lighthouse that I entrust. So here's to her, my wife, my love, for all the years, until I turn to dust.   I'm not a big Valentines guy, but I wanted to tell the world or at least my friends, that my Katherine is one awesome woman. So hopefully I cherish her more than one day a year. I remember the days when she sat at home alone when...

That was supposed to be my teeth chattering as I did my run. The first mile is always the "why am I out here?" mile. The second mile is usually, ______________________________. Brain freeze, the cerebrum does the Dish Network thing on a rainy day and flicks off and on. At least cold Sunday's are a good way to get some requirements in. Hopefully my fellow cycleilllians are knocking some out as well. Keep up the good work, because tomorrow is promised to no one.

For my last required journal entry, I shall give some deep insight on humor: "I told my son that we were going to go to the amusement park and ride roller coasters, bumper cars, and have a blast. Excitedly, he hopped into the car with a huge grin. I drove for awhile until we came upon an old burnt down building. I said to him, Oh look, it seems the amusement park must have burnt down! He cried and cried but deep down, he thought it was funny." Of course, I have never done that with my sons. It wouldn't be safe at home for me. It just reminds me of how different generations of looked at humor. When I was a kid, my uncle took me and some of his friends hiking in the Sierra Mountains. We hike a good way, then we stopped for lunch. He asked during lunch...

Pretty cold run today. One of those that you start with so many layers on hoping you won't over heat half way through the run. I will take on the cold weather running any day verses the hot steaming summer running. Tonight we meet up with Connor's Boy Scout Troop who were doing a little cold weather camping in Concord. We stayed and cooked dinner with them but didn't spend the night out there. Too cold and I can't afford too many bad nights being on the cycle. Need to stay healthy. Not to mention it was dang cold out there (did I mention that yet?). Hope to see my friends at sparring and black belt class. That's always a good time. Take care and stay warm and classy.  

I just realize that I have only 3 journals left for the cycle. Man, this is when the days start to fly by and I still need to learn a new skill. Katherine tells me picking my clothes off the floor is not really a new skill. Huh, go figure. Well, there's always that thing where you put dirty dishes into a large box and hit a couple buttons. I'm sure I can do that. I will probably keep posting journals. I'm starting to enjoy it. It gives me a platform to tell the world of all of the Fosterisms out there to enrich lives and shape young minds. Or something like that. Maybe its the other way around. I truly wonder if anyone is really reading these. Maybe if they are having trouble falling asleep. That's it! My new skill is to bludgeon people to sleep while reading my monotonous...

The key is to stay healthy. One day at a time and stay healthy. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get a little skittish being put into arm bars or wrist locks. I can see how one wrong move can make all the push ups left very difficult. But I don't want to be a snot popping sissy boy as well, so I will I must focus on tapping out earlier without worrying about getting injured. Worrying leads to cautiousness, cautiousness leads to sloppiness, sloppiness leads to sniveling, and sniveling leads to the dark side. Live long and prosper. Yes, I know, different trilogies, but same geek.

That was something I just made up and I thought I would try it on for size. Not sure what it means. Fun night tonight with my friend Dr. Brandon. We did a round robin of exercises and pomsaes that changed things up. She motivates me with this strong perseverance she has. If it wasn't right, she did it again. When she got tired, she kept on going. That's the motivation I was needing tonight. Class was good. We covered some basics which I really needed to work on. I will admit that sometimes I think I got something and I just want to move on. But then I realize that I really don't have it correctly, and it brings me down the earth again. One of the things I don't want said at my eulogy is, "that guy was arrogant and drove an ugly car." Hopefully I will live long...

Tonight the Panthers were the bug. It was a really awesome game but we definitely didn't have that confidence like the previous games. Just my point of view from a guy who has the privilege of watching the game on my lower brain stem, but I would conclude that we lost because Panther's lost the love of playing football. I think they wanted to win the Superbowl so badly they forgot to enjoy themselves on the field. Anyway, my two cents, which doesn't buy anything these days. It is a good lesson to take away. If you want to improve on something, you got to learn to love it. I tell my boys that when it comes to sparring. To become a good sparer, you need to really enjoy the game of sparring. Then it is no longer a task, but a fun time with friends who want to kick you....

Any guesses on who said that quote? That one is dedicated to my dad who was the biggest John Wayne fan ever. The quote was from "In Harms Way" filmed in 1965. I met a war hero once during my days in the military. Not the typical hero who was serving our country and fighting for it, no disrespect to them, but a man who frequently was shot trying to save another man's life on a daily basis. Someone who fought in the Korean War, then in the Vietnam conflict and refused to be behind a desk. One of those guys who entered a room and needed no introduction of being a fierce SOB. He told a group of us what made the difference in his life was simply having a hero to focus on and look up to. His hero was John Wayne. The legacy John Wayne left changed many...

Hello my fellow Cycleillians, Masters, and anyone else. Happy Friday to you. The journey continues. The title of this journal is from a famous song from the The Byrds, but they weren't the originators of the lyrics. It's actually taken out of the Bible. There's your trivia for the night. The passage is a good reality check for everyone, believers and nonbelievers. "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planed; a time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down, and a time to build up." Ecclesiastes 3:2-3 For those who are on the cycle, we are in the time to breakdown, but soon we will be rebuilt. The old saying is true, was doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but it also should make you laugh more as well. Laughter will...

I think AC/DC would be the perfect music during PMAA class. Tonight was fun, as we did some grappling with the knife. I love those scenarios that make you think fast on how to get out of a bad situation. I can hear Thunderstruck playing in my head as I'm throwing Master Richie off of me and stabbing him with the knife. That sounded a little weird, didn't it? Poor Master Richie, he's injured from head to foot, but man he's out there rolling around and hitting the mat with the rest of us. One tough dude. Not to mention good hair. The pretesting for the forms went well for everybody. Everyone had their A game on. This is going to be an awesome class this cycle. No, let me rephrase that, this will be the best class ever in the history of black belt cycles. There, now it has to...

Not a movie quote, just a thought as I watched my youngest, Trent, get his high yellow belt. He always has a way of making everything he does as the best day of his life. The grin on that mug after his belt makes me remember that it's those snapshot moments that make all the difference in his little world. I'm going to really enjoy earning that black belt, but it's the journey to this point that has made the biggest impact. The friends, the comradery, the injuries, the accomplishments. Trent reminded me of that tonight. I could stay at Bocho Dan for the rest of my life, and I would still gain so much with being apart of something. To be honest, the main reason I'm looking forward to that black belt is when I help at in class, it gives others confidence that I know what I'm talking about....

14.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} One of my favorite movie lines. Tombstone may have deviated from the true story a bit, but it was darn right entertaining. It's even more fun to let the boys watch the movie, then listen to them repeat some of the lines around their mother. Whack! Whoops. The one who got the whack was me. I guess she knows me too well. Let's see, ever get to the end of the day and you have no idea what you did? You would be amazed how long it took to write this line because I am racking my brain trying to think what happened today. I went to work, and that was very non-eventful. Oh...

I always liked that line from an old movie that I can't recall the title. It was John Ritter (Threes Company) who said it as he was dating a female body builder. Of course, John Ritter's dead and I'm sure Arnold is probably divorced, so it's a little out of context, but I can relate when I'm to tired to lift my arms. Anyway, today was a great day. We went to church, found out Katherine (wife) is a shoe in for heaven because she married me and brought me out of my wicked ways, mostly just being from the west coast. The juries still out for me. Hopefully she can put in a good word. Got home and went for a two miler. Played with the boys. Spent the whole afternoon outside because it was so awesome out today. Went zip-lining over at the neighbors house, which we built a...

Fantastic sparring class. Even though I was the only adult in class, which worked out to my benefit because I got to spar Instructor Marcus. He's fast, quick, powerful and really knows his stuff. It's always a pleasure spar someone like him. It makes me get out of my comfort zone and step it up a notch. I hope it improves my skills as well. Of course I had a leg crash with one of the rounds with my fellow classmates. I'll be gimping for a little while, but it's a good pain. For those who saw Kung Fu Panda 3, that was awesome! That is my favorite animated movie series. Even at age 45, I can really enjoy a good cartoon. And if you don't think they are made for adults, watch the old Warner Brothers. I laugh more than the kids. I wonder when we get to master our...

Rochelle, hopefully you might read this. It takes an incredibly strong person to be a physician, and you are one in a million. I don't know how you manage running a clinic and doing all you do, but you have always impressed me. Your "can do" attitude has inspired me many times over. I take for granted the spare time in my life too often and I want to let you know we are here, and we believe you can do this. God Bless and drive on!!!

Ahhh! It's good to breath again. I'm finally getting rid of this head cold and what a difference it makes doing requirements. For those who are still suffering with a cold, I will be praying for you. It's been a nice day even though I was stuck at home with the boys for school. There's no better way to test a dads patience than schooling his boys and spending all day with them. There great boys but sometimes I get this urge to leave out a bowl of water and a bag of chips and drive off into the horizon. But, what fun would that be. I'm sure I would get bored soon enough. Hope to see a lot of you at the Kung Fu Panda movie. We are bringing some friends of ours as well and maybe we can hook them up with some King Tiger mojo. I think it's...

I figured it would be wise to skip class tonight since I'm hacking like a thirty year smoker. I found the challenge on Facebook and had a good time with that one. Those pistons are tough. I was really working hard on doing the double unders. Those look cool, but I haven't learn the technique yet. Maybe next challenge. Master Hartle was flying with that jump rope. Clarify, Master Chelley Hartle. I'm sure Master Conrad Hartle was doing his best:) I would have loved to get up to Lake Norman King Tiger for there sparring, rolls, and everything else they were offering. Hopefully I will kick this cold soon and get in on the fun. Stay classy King Tiger!!

Unfortunately today was the boys' home study day so I was able to suffer at home. Head colds can really take it out of you. This afternoon I went to lay down for a short time. Woke up 3 1/2 hours later. Felt good. I think that should be one of our requirements, Nap time. I felt so good I went for a run before we headed out to see the circus down at Time Warner Cable Arena. Great show, the boys loved it. I know there's a lot of controversy with circus', but a kids has to experience it at least once. Disappointed with the clowns. They were more dancers than clowns. I remember clowns being funny, not all this choreography stuff. Well, that's my old school talking again. "Back in my days clowns were funny!" and everything was uphill right? Take care out there my fellow Cycleillians. To obtain...

This will be short and something due to my head about to explode. Great day, but went down hill after class. Grateful to Master Evins for his Facebook challenge. I terrible about checking Facebook, in fact, I'm not a fan of Facebook. But, this was fun and some good extra credit, so maybe there are some good things about Facebook. Ok, my head is spinning. going to bed now. Take care out there.

Finally got a 3 miler in today. Weather temperature was perfect for it. The only problem was it was like running through a 7-11 Slushie. Spent most of the morning trying to get my piece of junk car out of the driveway. Chevy makers must be having a good laugh at my expense when they made the traction control on my car. It basically doesn't allow the wheel to move any further if the car feels it's slipping. So, the piece of junk was just sitting in my driveway making that annoying thudding sound and I wasn't going anywhere. Good times. For those who are or will be driving soon, take the no text when driving seriously. During my run, I always face traffic just in case, and here comes this teenager girl, car wandering into the shoulder of the road where I was running. I watched in amazement as she...

Wiped out today for some reason. I need to get my throttle revving again. Probably need to change up the pattern I do my requirements so it doesn't get repetitive. It was fun doing my one mile in the snow. It was like running on a slip and slide. Adds a little adventure to the run. I reminding me of that dream I get some times, when your being chased by something down a long hallway and you start running as fast as you can, but you end up doing the bionic man slowmo run. Our school cancelled for tomorrow. Something about the possibility of a random snowflake making it's way to my cars interior, causing a slight discomfort in temperature.

Reality doesn't always become me. In fact, I'm not a big fan of it. But sometimes reality can be pretty amusing. Like when you show your kids how to ride a sled down a steep snowy hill standing up. In my head, I see this awesome surfing maneuver cruising down that hill and bringing the sled to a stop by turning it sideways and spraying all this snow at the bottom. In reality, I go about ten feet, then I'm airborne, as I see earth, sky, earth, sky in repeating order. Only to find me sprawled spread eagle at the bottom of the hill with a roar of laughter proceeding my demise. Needless to say, my kids were smart enough to stay in the seated position on the sled for the rest of the morning, not following their fathers phenomenal example. Following my spectacular performance, I came home, cleaned up, did...

I guess we are now the new owners of a cat it seems. This cat came out of the woods yesterday, meowing like crazy at me, like I was the focal point of all it's problems. I went inside the house hoping it would go away, but instead came to the front door and kept meowing. Katherine and the boys heard it and instantly wanted to feed it. I refused. That lasted for all about three minutes as I was quickly out voted, and next thing we know, my wife's friend is bringing over cat food. So, knowing I was defeated, I built it a box and put some blankets inside so it would stay warm. We fed it some left over scrapes from our pot roast and then some cat food. It ate as if it hadn't eaten in weeks. Now, the thing has me waiting on it hand and...

Don't you just love it when we get a snow system? Every reporters dream. They got every weather expert, road crew guys, government officials, and some guy missing half his teeth chatting up the TV screen. The world is going to end, details at 11. I better get to the store and buy up what ever bread and milk that's left. Or, we can just lay back, do school, and watch the madness unfold. The reality is tomorrow will come, and then the next tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that. But just in case, you guys can have my Chevy Uplander. What a thing of beauty.

That was a nice little frosting of snow today. Just enough for the kids to get excited, then nothing. I think nature is saving it up for Saturday morning when we do our precycle test. That will make it so much more fun. I'm looking forward to the test, but I know I need to pull out the books here tonight and start studying. A little procrastination on my part. Though I never have been a big reader. I wish I did get into books more often. I always have a hard time keeping with the story and my mind wonders off and I have no idea what I just read. My oldest, Connor, loves to read. I'm not sure where he got it from because my wife nor myself never sit down with a book. It makes me happy to see him read. I think it's a different outlet for...

Not sure why I titled it that, just one of my favorite movies I guess. The good would be getting in another couple of miles and good amount of requirements. The bad would be I have to relearn some pomsaes, but I'm sure it's not a big deal. The ugly would be my hook kicks. They are still my Achilles heel. I enjoyed the PMAA class tonight. It was action packed and we did some real eye opening drills with the knife. If I didn't know better, I would have thought Master Evins was trying to kill me. It's amazing how I can practice knife drills and self defense, but when someone is really coming at you hard and heavy with a knife, survival kicks in and you do what ever it takes not to get stabbed (much). It was a good wake up call. My kind of night. The good...

Yes, I enjoy Kung Fu movie names. For those who were on the last cycle, good timing. Connor (my son) was on the last cycle and we ran together a lot. I don't remember any 34 degree days in his cycle. He looked at me when I came back from my 2 mile run today, shivering and blue, and asked "what's wrong?" I sent him to his room. Man it was chilly today. I guess I was hoping for a mild North Carolina winter. Even the cows didn't come out to watch this time. Time to toughen up a bit and pop that snot bubble. It's not going to change anytime soon. It seems the majority of hard things I've done in my life were always in the winter. Winter make you appreciate places like Florida or the sun. There's nothing like losing all the feeling in your fingers and toes...

It would be nice to make my workouts a Kung Fu movie. Not because my workouts are impressive, but because they fast forward the martial arts scene to make the action better. That way my requirements would only last ten minutes in Hollywood time. Instead, I tackle an item at a time over a two to three hour spans. And that's on a good night. I'm feeling the post sparring / Black Belt class workout today. It was hard sitting still in church today. Muscles kept cramping up. Even though God rested on the seventh day, I don't think I will get that luxury. Of course He's God. He's got the right to rest or kick Brian around for enjoyment. My wife kept giving me the Baptist eye while I was wiggling in my pew. That look usually in tells the "don't do anything stupid that would bring attention to me."...

This was a fun day. I finally got to sparring class and black belt class. Sparring is always a good time. It's like being a kid again and you are playing with your buddies, throwing each other around, making up super hero scenarios, and saving the day. And of course, you get to kick people. It's one of those "good sore feelings" when your done with sparring. You know you're going to feel it in the morning, but it was all worth it. It reminds me of the feeling I would get back in my Air Force days. Doing an all night mission, patching up the wounded, covering your buddies six. It's a feeling of comradery that words cannot explain. When your training with someone and suffering with someone, it builds a bond. Yeah, it's a little like that. Spar on Cycleillans!!!

I have to share this story, and the best part is, its got nothing to do with me. So Dr. Brandon and myself went over to help Master Knight with the testing prep class tonight. Dr. Brandon was working with a very young man, probably around 5. At the end of the class, the mom comes up and starts talking to Dr. Brandon. She recognizes her as the doctor who delivered her son that Dr. Brandon was helping in class. What a small world and such a cool connection. Makes me think of the lives we touch and never really realize it. It could be the car in front of you who you might be tail gating because they don't drive fast enough, or the mom bringing her crying kids on a airplane and you get up to help her with her luggage. What we do at that moment may set...

Watched the movie The Revenant tonight. It's a good reminder how tough men and women were back then. Constantly dealing with freezing temperatures and doing what you must to survive. The movie was waaaaay to long but the story line was fascinating. And since it's based on a true story, it's really humbling. Unfortunately, it also meant not doing some of my requirements I wanted to do. But at least I can get this still in before it turns midnight. Watching that movie reminded me of the title I gave to this journal entry, "Hard like woodpecker lips." Now, I can say I have never kissed a woodpecker before, but we can imagine that they must be pretty tough lips to do all that pounding into the tree. I pray my fellow Cycleillians got more of your requirements than I did today. I was happy to go for a good three...

Cold can be a motivator once your in it. The cold can also be a barrier to entry as your looking out the window from your nice warm house. I used to call myself a runner. That was only a year ago. Now I call myself a runaphobic. Yes, today's new made up word. There something about taking that first deep breathe in the 30 degree cold that make every part of your body say, "what the heck was that!" So, it's time to pop that snot bubble and get my south side out there and start putting on some miles. I think that's the only thing I miss living in a community like Highland Creek was the nice sidewalks all through the community as well as golf trails. Out where I live now, I have to run right on a busy road if I want to go more than a...

Yes, I was a former Trekie. But I think I'm cured as I haven't seen a Star Trek show in about four years. I guess I finally seen all the episodes and they all looked the same after awhile. Here's the thing that always amazed me. Your out in space stuck on a Federal Vessel which is a strict military, and there's no way to escape it. Someone is always giving you orders and there's nothing you can do about it unless you high jack a shuttle and go hide out at the nearest habitable planet where everything is trying to eat you or there's a bunch of dudes who don't show emotions. When I was in the military, during the day, someone was always giving us orders and we had to follow them. But then I got to go home and get away from that until the next day. On...

I'm not sure if the late night workouts are the best time-frame, but it is quiet and I seem to get more done. This will be a short one as I am ready to hit the rack here soon. I'm loving the new Do Jung. Having those two sides to workout on is nice and spacious. It was all well worth the Corvian place and the moving hassle. There is a lot of room for growth and the open atmosphere is great. It's especially nice because the temperature has been in the upper 60's instead of the 70's. Ok, I'm having to respell everything twice, which isn't completely unusual for me, but this time it's exhaustion setting in. Good night my fellow Cycleillians!!

Hello Cycleillians, For those of us who have kids, you can probably relate to this journal. Lately, I am becoming aware that my oldest son is coming to an age where he is able to beat me in certain things, and I don't know if my pride is ready for that. I played Connor in chess yesterday and he had me on the ropes for a good while. I had to resort to psychological trickery to change the outcome to my favor, but it was close. Not cheating, just commits to make him second guess himself. I'm sure that strategy will quickly be discovered and he will be poncing on me like a leopard on a three legged gazelle. He's already a much better speller than me and can remember any number he practically sees. I'm starting to use him like the reference section from the library. Since we do home...

Hello my fellow Cycleillian's, Great action guy day today at King Tiger. Had a ton of fun doing and helping with the PMAA seminar today. Mr. Weeks and I always have a blast pointing out each others short falls in life. And if you ever wonder what your short falls are gentlemen, ask your wife. She has a list. Guys, I wouldn't return the favor if your wife ask you what hers are. She's perfect in every way. Practice that. And if your not married yet, enjoy living in ignorant bliss for the time being. Anyway, that was a fun time and some great training with the sticks and knifes. It's always good to walk away from a class with something to show for it. I particularly enjoyed the reverse retunda. Talk about stepping into the deep end, that was awesome. Nice job Sir. Action days are important. It adds adventure...

It's amazing that over thirty years, one movie still captures the kid in everyone. Of course I'm talking about Star Wars. The very first three movies are still the cherry on any cake, but they did a good job with this last one. Keeping the story line and some of the original characters was a big hit. Trent went to the Parents Night Out at the North King Tiger location and had a blast. Of course, Katherine and I didn't go out, we went separate directions to do some needed resupplying. I'm calling it resupplying because guys don't shop. We track down what we need and kill it to bring it home. I'm old fashion that way. Anyway, Connor and myself went to Target to hunt down some deodorant (much needed) and a couple of books to keep him happy and occupied since he rarely is allowed to play video games....

Here's an odd thought, what if those guys in the Bible practiced Martial Arts? What if Moses went up and side kicked Pharaoh in the head to emphasize, "Let my people go!" Now, of course, that's not the Christan way, but since Martial Arts has been around for thousands of years, and Biblical stories are thousands of years old, someone from the line of Abraham had to have been able to do a wicked flying tornado kick?  I'm a big fan of the concept of mind, body and soul. It sounds a little cliche, but I think most miss the soul part of the phrase. Faith and Martial Arts are quite synonymous. Martial Arts is training your mind to believe that your body can do amazing things. Faith is the belief that there are amazing things out there beyond our imagination. When we witness an incredible demonstration that completely blows you...

Even when it's not a great day it's still great to be alive in a place where I can come home and have the freedom to dislike my day and make the next one a better one. That's true freedom. The ability to dislike something and having the power to change it. Sometimes we forget how valuable it is to change something in our lives. There are millions of other people around the world who may never know the feeling of changing their lot in life. So, when your boss chews a nice chunk out of the south side, remember, that you are choosing to stand there and allowing him or her to chew on you. The alternative may not be pleasant or lucrative, but you still have an alternative, and that's a great gift. Go home and make the next day a better one. Just don't do anything illegal to...

That's one of my dad's favorite sayings, "The more it hurts now the better it feels later." And it's so true, that temporary discomfort gives a great feeling of accomplishment later on. We usually just never realize it at the time of the discomfort. Let me first say that I have no pain or discomfort compared with some folks. There is always someone out there who has it harder than I do, whether it's dealing with a chronic illness, and disability, or a mental deficiency, I try to remind myself that I have it pretty good. This journal is a reminder to myself not to take self pity or worry about the little things in my life. It's a reminder that God has given me much to be grateful for and I am truly blessed with a awesome family, great friends, and a phenomenal country. Take care and God Bless

For those who joined some of us at boot camp, you will know who Sally is and why she has very few friends. Sally is especially thought of after day two from boot camp. That's when the real fun begins and you look at your stairs to the upper part of your house as a medieval concentration camp. My normal day usually has me going up and down a ladder, and today I received some interesting stares as undesirable noises (from my mouth) came out every time I went up or down the ladder. And, because Master Evins is a benevolent torturer, it was red strip day in class. What growns you makes you stronger right? It was a really fun class and probably good to get the things I used to call legs, moving again. Hope everyone had a good return to school. I know I did, as the boys...

Fantastic Boot camp!! Almost forgot to add a journal entry for today. take care out there!

My New Years resolution is I don't do New Years resolutions. I like playing the short game, minute by minute. My long term goals don't change with the turn of the calendar year, so I try to set my focus on what I want before the mind and body goes out on me. Before the mind and body go out on me. Where am I? It's like going into the pantry. You're hungry and the goal is to cure that hunger with something tasty, so you head into the pantry and totally forget why the heck you are there. You are in there for a long time hoping that thought will come back to you or until your significant other thinks you are a complete idiot, so you emerge out of the pantry with cake mix in your hand. You have no idea how to bake a cake, but you do...

I finally got my basement set up. I think it would make Tim the toolman Taylor proud, with mucho testosterone toys. Like pucnching/kicking bag, kicking targets, workout mat, push up bras, sorry, bars, got me thinking of something else. And of course the 60 inch screen TV. What more can a guy want. Of course the wife wants to decorate it now, taking some of the guyizms away. We shall see. "What's that honey? Oh, nothing, just thinking about you." Where were we, oh yeah, my ultimate guyville barrio. That's Spanish for neighborhood Master Cavassos. Anyway, it almost time to relax and enjoy a frosty adult beverage (yes, it hasn't started yet) and start watching all the places far, far away celebrate New Years. Enjoy and stay off the roads if you can. Be safe, be good, and shake what your mama gave you. Just don't let her see it, that's...

  Talk about some rain. Isn't it amazing that we went from a drought over the summer to a monsoon season over the winter. The river in our back yard, which is normally a trickle, had mobile homes floating down it. Well, I guess it will make the start of a new year memorable. I guess it's true what they say, What doesn't drown you, keeps your hair looking good. Something like that. So blow up your GI Joe arm floaties and enjoy your wet Wednesday.  

Oh, what to be when I grow up. So many choices, so many directions. From the guy who takes your call, to the guy in Hollywood who takes a fall. Will I be rich or will I struggle, when taxes come, what will be, the bug or the windshield, nobody can see. Anyway, I'm not much of a poet, don't I know it, but I was in the flow. But when I do grow up, I want many things: dedication like Mr. Weeks, a cheerful disposition like Master Knight, a lover of life like Dr. Brandon, a hard liner like Master Cavasso, a phenomenal leader like Master Evins, and a great organizer like Mrs. Evins. My word of advise for tonight, don't let age be the precursor of being the person you can become. Dream big, Do big. And when you fall and can get up, give fate the bird and go...

It is quickly becoming clear to me that gravity is definitely stronger now than when I was in my twenties. 15 push ups come along and I am looking at the ground like it's a nice soft bed to take a nap on. So it must be stronger gravity, it sure as heck know it's not me. There's an old saying about looking ahead to see when we are done. When you see the light at the end of the tunnel, make sure it's not a train. As I have discovered in my more uncomfortable years, it's best to live one minute at a time. Looking ahead can cause discouragement or despair. Live moment by moment, and enjoy the ride.

Wow! What a great day. Got some workouts done. I have to keep kicking myself to get going on my requirements. I guess it's Connor's turn to keep me on track. Ha. Take care out there. Brian

Just got back from watching the new Star Wars. Impressive and fun. Didn't have the wow effect the first one had back in 1975, but it was cool. They actually have a story line and a good set of characters. Maybe that's the real sign of getting older, knowing most things were cooler in the past. I finally got out there and went for a run. I'm glad we live out in the country because it was embarrassing. Fortunately, the only ones watching me huffing and puffing like a cheap steam engine were a bunch of cows, and they look very unimpressed.

Merry Christmas: The presents are unwrapped, the cookies are gone. Life is getting back to normal. Christmas always reminds me of how darn lucky we are here in America. The biggest worry we had today was if one of the many toys the boys got wouldn't work. While at this very moment, there are children looking through a dumpster trying to get enough to eat. I pray my boys grow to know of struggling and discomfort so they can relate to people in different parts of the world whose goal is to survive one day at a time. So, hug your kids, wife, parents and grandparents, and remind them how lucky we are to live in such a great country. Remember the order of priorities: God, Family, Country   God Bless

Happy Christmas Eve folks! It's time to work out so I can stuff myself until I can't walk straight. Eat, drink and be fat and drunk, and don't bring up politics at the family get together. B

I haven't gotten into the habit yet of journaling everyday. Something I need to change. On a happy note, I finally finished putting in the new floor in the basement, so the wife is happy again. On the other note, I now need to trim out the doors, add baseboards, and crown molding. The fun never ends. Hope everyone out there built their ark. That was a lot of rain. Did the worms come aboard the ark two by two? Aren't they A sexual? Food for thought. B

Life is just a line up of challenges. Some small, some large, some meaningful, some unknowing. With every challenge is a new outcome and a better beginning to the next. Savor every one and walk away knowing you left it better than when you started. To my fellow candidates, let's do this thing! In the words of the great Client Eastwood, "Beat me, kick me, spit on me. Just don't bore me."