Candidate Journals

I went to King Tiger to help with class and practice my forms with the full mat. Creative form is completely finish! I'm excited to finish testing. 

The physical and written exam is done and I am exhausted. I came home and went back to sleep for a while. I’m really happy with the results I git
Now that the it’s over, and essays are turned it and my book/website are to up today. I feel more prepared to finished the cycle. 
Later today, my partner and I went to Kate skate to and rolled around for a bit.

I hope to do well tomorrow. My friend still has a power outage at her house, so after blackout class I brought her a cooler and a power bank to charge her stuff. I hope she’s OK night. She just says she’s reading because there’s nothing else to do.I think with the essay is done and the physical exam and written exam tomorrow, I feel calmer. I think I was really stressed. We have all the requirements done. But I know I’m ready to advance for the next belt. And I know I’m ready for testing Next Friday. I’m just very nervous.  I also will finish my creative by Sunday. And I will practice it a lot this week at King Tiger to get a feel of the mat

So close to the end. So many things to wrap up and finished.  Updated the website and matched it with my booklet. Now I know what I need to focus on finishing. I have learned all the forms required for my belt, and I feel pretty good with most things. Weapon forms are probably the one thing I can work more on.  Essays are typed and made a cheat sheet of what I need to review on the study guide.  So I still working on my creative form. I have something that complete and prepare, but there's more I want to add.

Review the study guide and finalize my essays. so close to the end of the cycle. One more day of work this week and I can really focus on the rest of the cycle.

So excited for the tiger claw coming up, the demo performance is looking so good! Worked on my pre-history paper in the trip there. My notes look like chicken scratch, but I definitely have enough material. 

I’ve been having consistent problems with squirrels and my plants. Earlier this year when my blueberry bush was growing blueberries, they vandalize the Bush. They snagged branches, and stole almost all the berries. Currently they’ve been digging in the bedding, and pulling leaves off my raspberry bush. Just recently, I planted succulents in the cactus, they destroyed the succulents and the cactus is missing!  I just don’t know what to do with them, my neighbors keep feeding them so they always stay close. My patio is right next to the tree they live in. My poor plants are being vandalize by these scoundrel squirrels. I guess I need to get a netting for them, or we have to enclose the whole patio. I don’t know what to do.

After Black belt class today, My partner and I went to a birthday picnic at the park. He got tons of praises for his jambalaya. Afterwards, we went to a Korean festival at urban District market, tons of good food. They had a taekwondo, demo performance, a K-pop, dance competition, and Korean drums. The demo was really good, they had amazing kicks. But a lot of them missed the board break really just because of aiming and the holder makes you realize how important a good partner is. As the person kicking has to have good aim, A good board holder also adjusted to your aim. And that’s The same for a good self-defense partner too. 

I was able to get most of my essay finished this morning. I went for a run and got most of my requirements done before my friend came over and we went grocery shopping. We almost both got a box of Oreo Cakester from Sam’s, but we decide to split a box. Busy weekend.

Was able to do a mentee session and watch color belt testing. It’s so great to see how far others have progressed. Having dinner and will go home and do me requirements. Tonight I going to work on some essays

So excited that we went over stick and Philippine forms today in class. That was very much needed. I just need to take out more time this week to work on double sticks forms. The kickathon went very fast. I love when we all get together as king tiger community. When I came home I took a nap, and now I’m getting ready for work.

3rd sparring class this week, got to catch up. The sparring at Harrisburg dojang is very intense, I got a May have a few bruises. Master Foster is hoping for Gold at the Tiger Claw.  Im going to go to bed early, to ready for the Saturday black belt class, kick-a-thon, and work tomorrow evening.

Trying some thing I’ve been thinking about for a couple weeks. Class is good. We got a lot of good spars and everybody Got a couple good hits on me.After class, I went to go see my mom who haven’t seen in a while just because of the cycle and work. We did our nails and talked and updated each other on life. I miss her a lot since moving out. See my mom inspired me a bit more but my creative, excited to work on it tonight after dinner

I was able to go to Belmont for sparring tonight. I got there early so I was able to watch Master teach white belt/younger kids sparring before the advanced one. Class was tough, I got tired at warm-ups. Compare to other cycles, this is the most I’ve been to other dojangs. It’s been really nice to experience to watch other Instructors teaching class.

I’ve very tired, I just finished 3days of work, I’ve been asleep all day, then I go back in for two more days. Exhausted.

Good morning and goodnight. Going to bed to prepare for work tonight. I got my requirements done, so that a nice relief off my chest when I wake up. Decided to journal before bed too because I will forget to when I wake up. After finishing my requirements, I worked on continuing education material that was available from work. Evening thou I am done with school for the moment I still want to work on building my knowledge and skill up.

Went to Lake Norman to get some leadership credits, and then I went to North Charlotte to do black belt class. Always has creative ways to challenge kicks. I’m really happy with my tornado. Then a few of my friends wanted to go rollerskating tonight. We just finished that up so now I’m home, and then I’ll probably head to the gym to work on some requirements for Thursday. It’s kind of a tricky thing about Having a night schedule, I’m very limited when I can go running, unless I go do the treadmill (I’m not a big fan of). So sometimes I’ve been running at midnight, but I’ve been told I’m not allowed to do that anymore for my safety. Which is fair.

Ending the the morning with washed hair, sort of clean apartment, and a bit closer finishing my creative form. My goal for today is to work on my essays, and get down belt specials. I also need to go get more leadership one credits. This evening hopefully I’ll be able to go rollerskating downtown. Tonight the group I go with is gonna be going on a really long skate around NODA and uptown. Distance skating has definitely gotten easier with the running, but there are times where I feel my glutes, especially going uphill.  

WAs able to go to 2nd dan and up black belt class. I really like being able to focus on higher belt curriculum in class setting. Often in black belt class we focus on bocho, first dan, or color belt curriculum. I also review the curriculum sheet for the cycle. There are only a few things left I need to review and get down. Plus I need to work on my creative form.  Today, I made potatoes pancakes, because I've been seeing them online, so yummy. 

The first part of my day was dedicated taekwondo. I went to Brookdale and did some requirements in the shade. I worked with my mentees. Then I went to go work on poomsaes.

The day was spent shopping for shoes. Just being on the lookout for new ones. I took my cat for a walk. She was Eager to get out the house,

I woke up very late and miss black belt class, very disappointing way to start the day. 

This was a rough week with work and getting requirement done, but that’s why you get a head early. Plus I have six days off now. I was able to go to sparring class at North Charlotte dojang, very fun and Instructor Max is a great instructor. Tried Korea bbq tonight, it was a good experience and I picked up some sweets to try in the tomorrow.

Went to the Belmont dojang for black belt class, it was very nice. I came home to clean and do some requirements in between. I’ll probably take a quick nap and work on the study guide material. There definitely things I need to refresh on.

I lost my keys at work today. So I had to walk home, but at least I got my miles in. Thankfully when I had a spare at home so my partner drove me back to my ke

I feel really good about my kicks, I think my balance and height are really good. But I can work on my speed, and I can also work on putting my foot behind me because I haven’t been practicing that much.

Got off work later than I expected, Didn’t even really have lunch. Three patients with a bunch of drain output, two patients at electrolyte problems, two patients and pain, an admission, and only one patient who really needed nothing from me. The honestly, they were all really nice/enjoyable patients. I’ll take them again tonight hopefully the interventions I did last night, and then during the day will make for a better night. So I went to bed later than I usually do, and I woke up later than I usually do. I just woke up, I just ate and I’m bout to go back to work about 6:30pm (it 5pm currently). I was about to tell myself that I can’t do anything for the cycle today, but honestly, I have an hour. So I’m gonna make the best of what I got.

I can tell my endurance has increased. I went skating to tonight and I did an advance trail route (long distances with traffic and hills). I’ve done the route before, but I was up in the front keeping a good pace. Maybe next year I’ll do the marathon skate in New York. Sam’s club messed up are delivery and gaves us a free pickup order for the items, but we did find them at one of the neighboring apartments buildings. So we got double of of non perishables home supplies. Going to go to the gym and end the night/morning with requirements before bed.

Because of my sleep cycles, I keep forgetting to journal. I told myself to journal before I went to work last night, Now I’m at work during my lunch break doing requirements and journaling because I know I’ll forget to do it last night. I guess it’s cause it feels like I didn’t do much. I woke up 4pm, took care of my animals, cleaned up a bit and ate. Then I went to work at 6pm. But then I have to remember that I was actually up until I went to bed at 8ams. Before bed I went for a run. I did double my requirements to make up for not doing any Sunday. Anyways I need to remember to journal more. Every day counts.

Last night shift left me very tired. So today I woke up later than I usually do and I’m kind of taking it easier. I wrapped up a series we started watching the Batman series.Will probably finish the series tonight, and then I’ll go work out double time.

Not much happen today, but mostly cause I woke up at 1pm. My boyfriend and I took are cars to get repair/toned up for inspection. We help my cousin take her puppy to the vet. She’s a single mom (dog mom) who works to jobs (job and school internship-unpaid!). I did my requirements. Worked on my pancake/straddle and hip flexor strength.  my cousin’s dog is a pit puppy, she has tons of energy, and a lot of separation anxiety. I definitely see the progress with her behavior, but she still very jumpy and then your face. The sense of annoy people like my aunt, or even my boyfriend, but I think they have to remember that she is young and even if my cousin was the perfect trainer things like this takes time.

Today I worked on cleaning up my email and organizing things. I Was going to go to the dog park today and work on staff, but that was before the rain. I worked my reqs at the gym before the heading to TKD. Sparring was fine, I guess I should work on be more offensive, I think everyone is more defensive. I made protein brownies, to help with my sweet tooth. I’ve removed excess sweets from my diet for the nutrition challenges, but realistically I don’t want to not have sweets for the rest of my life. I want to be able to have good self control. So I also bought ice cream sandwiches cause there portion out. There’s 12 so I told my self I can only have one every two days.

My dog and I went for a two mile walk to the pet store. I bought him new dental treats, but I don’t think he likes them. I cleaned up my patio and did my requirements there. I got to watch all the weather changes. I did a push up variation where I’m in downward dog, it’s difficult, but I like it. I went to Master Evins school for black belt class, but there wasn’t any class due to testing. But I was able to practice things I specifically wanted to work on with motivative people. Then I worked on the gymnastics skills and stretching. I found a stretching video that was so intense I had to take breaks, tough! But that’s good. What challenges you, changes you.

Did my physical req, then went to king tiger.When I got to king tiger, I went for run. My goal was to ruin for 35 (I’ve been doing a run plan with Mike running app). But when I finished, I only had .75 to a full mile, so I pushed myself. Then I did something some stretching and assisted with class.  I was able to get a mentor session in and work on hopkidos, I know 1-3 really well, 4-5 are muscle memory but can use some practiced, 6-7 are tough. I’ve done them, I know bits, but the full form isn’t together. I did some mentee sessions. I worked on 3 Dan Self defense. I stayed late to work on my demo routine as well. I got a lot of things done today. Afterwards I went over to aunts and had dinner with her and my cousin. It was really nice....

I think the thing that made me the happiest today was my cat joining me for a cat nap today before work. She did the kneeling thing and purred, and I just love it. Then she licked my face, which is a weird feeling, never had her do that before. So I had her on one side of me and my dog on the other. So comfortable!

Black belt class with Master Chelley and then I help with class. I with some older girls who were white belts. We worked on hwang on poomsaes, and then broke down how to do two hand preps and blocks. When we were doing the poomsae it look like they were mimicking and trying to do it already, so I asked them if anyone explained to them why/how to do it. They did great. Ran a few errands and went back to do demo practiced. I’m getting closer to doing a back walk over. The kick over is stronger, but my legs still anchor me too back. When I can home this afternoon, I went to sleep, I have to back on my night schedule. Now I’m waking up and will continue my day.

Got back from the beach. It was great, I think I sleep for day and a half. I practiced in the morning before we started any activities. I tried running in the beach … hated it. Swimming is so tiring, probably cause I don’t do it often. Wedding ceremony was lovely and I’m so happy for the couple. When we got back in this afternoon I went to sparring and black belt class at Harrisburg, which was a great way to get re-pump for the cycle again. Master Foster teaches a very energetic class. Today was the last day of me wearing my old sparring gear. I have it since I was a blue belt (years, years+). My new set came in the mail so I be ready for next week!

I woke up early to get my req done before we head to the beach. We spent most of the day there. Something about swimming wears me out, more than most things. I We’re ending the night with movies.

Traveling to beach today, I finished tidying the apartment before we left. I did some stretches and poomsaes and self defense before we left.The ride was nice, I probably played “sweetest love” from the new descendants move. TikTok videos got it stuck in my head. 

I dint make it to black belt class, but I was able to work with my mentees after class. I was going to stay and help with class, but they already had so many people assisting. I went home to sleep. Today was really about sleeping and cleaning. I treated my mom to dinner cause she going to take care of my dog next week. resting, I’m so tired

Finished one of my black belts essays, I was half way finished in the first cycle, so I’m glad I completed it. Especially with the pre-Korean history one I have started in yet. I will probably revamp/edit the others ones I have completed, just because my life has change so much, even from the beginning of the year. I also made a study guide poster of the Korean flag. I worked on my very small garden (two blueberries bushes, and a blackberry) I kind of fell off with consistency taking care of them, so I repotted them and cleaned them up. One of the blueberry bushes looks like a stick in a pot. The other two look much better. I really hope the makeover rejuvenates them.About to go bed, but I’ll wake up an do requirements before I go to work. 

I went to Master Evins school for Wednesday black belt class. It was a great class, and I'm really glad we worked on our jumping kicks.  Besides that, and going to Lake Norman King Tiger to assist with class, I'm kind of tired. After work, my friend wanted to skate for a little bit, so we did. Then I went home to sleep. Then I ran a few errands and prepare for our trip next week. Then Taekwondo. Then I came home and napped some more. I'm a bit more awake now, I think I'm going to clean for a bit. It so easy to get cluttered during the weekday. We moved recently and the bigger space and the decluttering helps alot with not feeling overwhelmed. Just building easier cues that lead to less clutter.  Going to make brownies for my partner when he comes home, I promised to do that...

Finish the physical requirement for today. Cooling off with some stretches, I haven’t been consistent and while I can still do a split, I can definitely feel the difference. I started working on my physical requirements yesterday (7/22) Around 10pm. I finished around midnight, but I took a break and decided to finish some of my physical requirement for today. I’m glad I did, that means I have more time this even to do other things.  I’m worried about progressing, especially as a taekwondo practitioner. A lot of the advancements I want to make or things I have to work on on my own to an extent. I want to have more explosive powers with my jumps, I want to have more strength and control of my kicks. That’s not something that’s easy to get in class, if I’m not really working on it.  It’s in the cycle be panicking about things like thats,...

I guess my day is really just starting. I got off work at 8 AM, You’re so busy last night I didn’t get to work on my requirements. Then I took a quick cat nap and went to witness my friends marriage. Then I went back home I took another cat nap. Then I woke up and went to taekwondo. I work with my mentees on how the properly prep blocks and punches in poomsaes. I remember when Master Natasya and Marcus started drilling on it with adult and higher belts. But I can see that they worked really hard on drilling so that every student works on it. That’s amazing, cause I definitely see the improvement in how strong our students can be. So much potential! I remember when we first started working on them, and my poomsaes improved so much. Then I came home and took another nap. So...

I was able to go skating around Southend today with a group of friends. It was nice and the weather was great too. I'm really happy my boyfriend, Trent, joined us. He only just started skating but was able to handle the streets/outdoors really well.  I caught up with tracking but I'm going to make more of an effort to track daily, it just tough. I usually always on the go, when I finally do stop, it cause I'm sleeping. I've been journaling posting on my phone when I catch a break. Because of the ride to Leland yesterday, I was able to catch up on all the shows I fell behind on. But an effort needs to be made.

I’m satisfied with the pre-test. I did as well or better than I did in the spring. Some of my taekwondo knowledge needing reviewing. It took me so long to remember an answer to a question. After the test, the Charlotte portion of the king tiger demo team headed to Leland. Work a lot on jumps and improving our showmanship with kicks. So excited for demo performance in November. I got to practice my backwalk over and I successfully did one! Heading back to Charlotte. 

I didn’t really do any physical requirement today, I don’t want to be sore today, and really push myself tomorrow! I was also going to do them at for lunch, time got the best of me. I was do ahead of on my work, but there only so much preparing I can do. They’re is only much you can control. So left work a little late, and very tired. I didn’t know if I had enough energy to make it to sparring and black belt class, I wanted to drink an energy drink. But I drank coffee and milk instead and talked to my boyfriend. that helped a lot  Sparring and black belt class was a great. I learned something new from Master Knight. Instructor Foster did a fine job leading the class.  

Sometimes I have to get my requirements done in the afternoon just because that’s when I wake up. So I’ve been working out in the heat and it does make such a difference. I’ve been getting some requirements done during my lunch break too. I might try to get it done after work rather than before work. But my body is adjusting to the challenge.  But now the AC stopped working in our apartment. So all last night and today it was at 84° in the house. I woke up today feeling so sluggish, I turned on a fan and tried to make sure me and the animals had enough water and air circulation. The maintenance guy came and brought us a window unit, so now I feel more comfortable, leaving the pets at home. I kept thinking about going to Chick-fil-A, getting some ice cream or milkshake. Or getting a...

Momentum would be a good word to describe today. I wake up to walk my dog and then I headed the park to work on a few things. Then I went to king tiger and got my class Assistance done. Work on poomsaes to prepare for the pretest. Sometimes I do worry that my technique is slacking since I haven’t practiced consistently. But that’s what the cycle was for. Then I went to work. I’m working as a task nurse tonight so instead of having patient care I just help my teams. I guess for the nutrition challenge I’ll give up process sweets and energy drink. It’s basic, but I feel like my discipline on sweets has been slacking. Taste energy drinks, but I don’t really need them for work.

Very sore today, but pushing through. Had a mentee session at the birkdale which was nice and shaded.

So excited to restart the cycle again. The one for my Master. Different than any other cycle before. I started my career and am not at tkd as often as I use to be. I’m live downtown Charlotte, which can interfere with my time management (traffic!). But I know what is expected and I know if I prioritize the cycle, I will have good results. With the audit cycle, My skating group and developing new Friendships and relationships was also a priority. My new job and the change in my sleeping hours was also a priority. But I feel Establish in my career and with my friendships that I can put a lot more energy towards cycle. I’m excited for the growth!

Good luck to everyone who is testing this weekend. I wish I could attend, but I am working all weekend. I have one more cycle. I made alot of progress in the beginning, and slowed down when I started working. I will continue to train in-between in the cycles. There's a few more things I need to work on/learn. I'm excited for rest of the year.

Went running with my dog, he did so well. I reward him with frozen treat. I put a collar around my cat, and the collar had a feather attached to it further away. So my cat kept trying to get the feathers. My cat and dog were entertaining so I worked on stretches and kicks. Rollerskating tonight and practice some jumps, Because we outdoor skates, we have level skating routes from beginner to advance. I went on the advance route tonight, which was very long routes with hills, going up in big hills going down. It’s tough and it’s hard to keep up sometimes because those people are so fast, I was told that actually come to the advanced skate more and I should psych myself out. 

If I wasn’t done with burpees I would be done with them today. I had to do 75 burpees at CrossFit. 30 secs on, 30 secs off until I got to 75. It didn’t take long 5-6mins, but man was it great warm up. I started working with my dog on leash training, he’s 6yr but I never trained him consistently because of school. So we’re working on it now. A lot of it will be me and my consistenty with it. We only been in two walks, but I can already notice the difference. its amazing what 30 mins of work, or a bit of daily effort can make in progress. With his training, or when I work on tkd, or with crafting and roller skating. 

today was the demo team practice in Leland. Very fun,  very exciting. I’m glad to have this opportunity to work on demonstrations and various stunts and tricks.

I was at the dentist all morning because I was doing a cleaning and filling. The I went to mint hill with my friends to get some plants. They moved to concord almost a full year ago and now they're working on their yard/garden. I picked a blueberry bush because I heard they were good fruit trees to start with and they can stay in pot and be fruitful. I'm not the best with keeping plants alive, partly because I would split my living with my parents, another reason was because I never had much discipline or motivation too. I just potted them and moved them near my front door, so they get great sunlight and I see them everyday.

Today was a lovely wonderful day. The weather was nice. I got done with training today and realize there was nowhere I needed to run too, I didn’t have any task I need to get done, I didn’t need to go anywhere. I just got the bum at my house for a little bit, and that was nice. I watched a few dog training videos, And made some enrichment treats puzzles. I have to work all day tomorrow so I have a bunch of stuff for him that boyfriend can give him while I’m at work. I went rollerskating tonight, the daylight changes and the weather made it so perfect. Starting to get really fast, went down a really steep hill, Need to work on breaking more.

So sometimes I feel like the universe is trying to send me a message or guidance through the topic and discussions I talk about or listen to. Yesterday I kept circling around the topic of me in the present and future me. What I do as the present me to help future me, what I chose not to do because future me will work on it me. It occurs to me that future me will eventually be the current me. And current me is so present, finite. Once I go to sleep today, the me that is writing this will be me in the pass. And went I keep thing about past me, the further I go looking back at my pass self, I can see all these similarities and distinct differences. Most of the discussion of future self was about how you have to do things now as an investment...

Finished with the weekend of instructor camps. It was a great experience as always. I’m always an honor and impress with how large king tiger is, and this camp was only for 13+ instructors. I am truly happy to be part of the king tiger community. And I’m glad excited to see all the younger instructors after me grown and share with there peers and younger students.

Written my journal now rather than later. Im making cereal ice coffee latte. I've been following a barista on youtube and she suggest using the milk from your cereal for an ice latte, to give it a sweeter, or special taste. I'm using cinnamon toast crunch and letting it my milk marinate. I don't know if marinate is the right word, but it feels rights. On Sunday I plan to make a matcha tea with honey drizzle in. Very simple, but I haven't done it yet. I packed a bag for instructors camp this weekend. I am very excited, I haven't gone since I started school. I'm also excited it back in Greenville. I am ready to train my butt off.  I'm a bit worried about the black belt cycle. I have not been as active the past few weeks due to my work schedule. I haven't been able to got...

To master something requires a critical eye of your own work. Critical doesn't mean to point out just the wrong or negative things, but to look at everything, the big things and the little things. Being realistic, but also challenging yourself to be better. 

My dog had a grooming appointment at different Bandfield hospital than the one in Northlake. It was just a general check, but while I was waiting, I started to have a panic that I'm not doing enough to give him a consistent schedule and discipline due to my lack of knowledge and school. The vet tech came in and she listen to concerns. And we talked for a while, I was concern that I was taking too much of her time, but she didn't make me feel that way. She re-affirmed that he looks well and gave some advice. I really appreciate that little time she took to listen to my concerns. When I went to pick up Kodi, the vet came out and spoke to me to address my concern about anxiety and training, and tips about brushing his teeth. Being heard and listening well is so important. I've especially...

I feel good about today. I got some cleaning done; my calendar is up to date (hopefully). I set up health appointments for me and dog/grooming appointments for Kodi. He's a healthy dog, but I have to brush his teeth more consistently. The weather been warming up, and he has a ton of energy, maybe after work tomorrow, we'll go for a brisk walk/jog.  My boyfriend and I had a serious conversation about selling his motorcycle. He said he doesn't know if he'll ever feel comfortable riding in charlotte. It was a big concern for me when he moved down, but I trusted that 12yrs of riding would make him more prepare.   CrossFit was a difficult aerobic workout, assault bike and wall balls. my legs were jelly afterwards, but that just means it was easy to stretch afterwards. I also did some extra requirements, so I don't have to do as...

I'm so ready for a day off, but I'll be excited to go back. I been working hard on improving at work. It's important to challenge yourself, sometimes I don't do things because I don't know how or don't feel confident. But stopping myself won't help me growth and develop. I should know my limits realistically, but I should also seek out opportunities to learn things I'm unfamiliar with, or work on things my own.  Also trying not to multi-task. Sometimes I need to focus on one thing at a time. 

Worked to 12 hour shift. I’m Feeling more confident and comfortable with my roles and responsibilities. In the morning I’ve been getting up and will do 10 to 15 minutes mix of push-ups, sit-ups and burpees. I just have to settle with doing more in days I don’t work. And be very organized with my scheduling. Because realistically, I’m way to exhausted post shift to do much. And there’s only so early I can wake up and get req done. Watching avatar tonight and eating leftover!

Today was probably the busy day I've had at work. I had patients that required alot of care. I was pretty much running back and forth with running meds, answering questions, checking and assessing. My preceptor gave me the opportunity to work on my own and handle task by myself. But even with how busy it got today, I rather do it now than when I'm on my own as a nurse. 

I'm glad I was able to train under Grandmaster Lee, excited to see him at Instructors Camp soon. He really good at explaining practical principles and techniques. Got my Invisalign taken out today. Official done with them. The dentist and assistant asked me how I felt about my treatment and my teeth. I wasn't always the most consistent at wearing them, but the effort I did do has greatly improve my smile and confidence. It also made me more discipline with my dental care and routine. So while there may be thoughts of if my teeth can be straighter or whiter, I'm happy with what I have. And I accept that there will be things I can't change, and I what my effort put in.   Decided to go running with my dog. The goal was to run 30 minutes, he got tuckered out at 20 minutes, so I took him home...

Thank you Master Foster and Master Knight for a great class tonight. It was great to go to another King Tiger and work with others. Today I worked in something that I’m not very knowledgeable about, insurance & benefits It was frustrating and I felt overwhelmed and I didn’t want to work on it. But I keep reading, and re-reading very slowly. I looked up videos and I called my dad for assistance. He also gave me some advice. That I can look into and make the best derision I can, but when I learn more, I can go back and change my decision next year. Ive grown so much I forget that I let fear of the unknown gets me like that.

This week has been an adjustment. I have to be more intentional with planning my day due to my work schedule being inconsistent. I have been doing my requirements but as tough as I would usually go. I have to find a good balance. On workdays, get down however I need to. On days I don't work, challenge myself and maybe get extra minutes done. But the nice thing about taking it slow this week, it I feel pretty fresh and recover. Today I went running and I felt pretty good.  There still things I haven't learned and things I need to improve.  I made a plan for work this week and I hope to follow it. 

Today was my birthday and I appreciate all the warm wishes I received. I really need to thank Peyton for encouraging me to do my back walk over, I was finally able to get it! After I did it one time, it got easier. Went to a food truck festival. Tried to many things, it was great.

I had a vascular access class for work today. Reviewing the proper way to put an IV in someone. It's an intimidating task that a lot of nurses ask the IV team to do. But you have to learn and try. Not every hospital has an IV team, and you can always wait. I have successfully got an IV on 3/5 patients.   I used today as a big clean up day. I was supposed to have a hair appointment today, but it got cancelled. I tried not to be rude in my responses, but the stylist was taking a long time to response to rescheduling. But she was nice enough to give me discount when I rebook with her. Still working on getting into the swing of balancing work, black belt cycle, and general life.  

2nd day of work, today I got to care for a patient. There’s things that feel familiar to when I was in school, but other things that I was responsible for that I am now. It’s going to be a long transition into nursing, and I’m never going to know everything. But the key is to keep asking questions and working on learning and improving more. The people I’ve been working are great, having a supportive team is helpful. Another big aspect is to take care of yourself and find a routine. Something I’ve been reading a lot about with atomic habit. Today I did my physical reqs. before work, when I get off I going to attempt to go to a run.  

Today was my first nurse shift on the unit. I saw some very interesting patients and medical interventions. I will be under the guidance of a preceptor for about a few months, building to be more comfortable with patients on my own. Each shift I need to work on being more comfortable and competent in my skills. I also have to manage the black belt cycle with doing 12 hr shifts. Good thing I been working really hard in January to stay on track. 

I am wiped out from demo camp today. It was a great opportunity. Even if I didn't make the team, I feel much stronger with the kicks and tricks I attempted and practiced. I think everyone who showed up saw some improvement. It's also nice to see that even if we all go different dojangs, we still encourage and help each other. I should continue to practice some the movements; I can only get better if I try and work on them. Other than demo, I've worked on my book essay and found a follow-along stretching video on YouTube to do for my middle splits. There are tons of videos on YouTube, the main thing is to be consistent in stretching; however, this video's drills made me much more comfortable pushing further into my split.  

Leadership two is done.  Stretching is going well, but now I also need to add more of a mix of strengthening kick drills and color belt kicks. I still need to learn staff form #4 & #5, Anyo Isa, and double sticks #1 & #2. And I need to review all the new things I've learned. Finished atomic habits and I need to start the essay. I can start looking at more information for the 7 hand technique essay. And I need to review the study guide for the written exam. Overall making progress, but I need to continue with the progress and push myself to reach my ambitions. Making it achievable and finding time to rest. 

I went running before sparring class, it was a guided interval speed training run. So had to run different paces for 80 secs with 80 sec rest.  The guided run voice on my app said to fully take the rest, don't try to keep running in-between rounds. You have to fully rest before you can give it your all. Especially this week with on the orientation modules for work, I feel like I keep running, and moving, and doing something. There always something to do.  But I can keep moving and moving and moving, trying to give my all all the time. I really have to almost force myself to stop and slow down, recover. There so much I want to do, but if I don't stop to recover, I can't give it my all.  

Lots of desk work today. I did end the evening with a workout and taekwondo. Probably will go to bed now so I can wake up early and finish some more work. 

A very active day. I told myself to go to CrossFit today because it was alot of jump rope, running, handstand pushups, burpees, and sit ups. I came home and did some training modules. Then I went to King Tiger and ran. I ran a 5K because I've been following a training app, but man, the running time and distance has been increasing. During some down town at KT, I had a rolling race and a cartwheel with some of the kids. Later this in the evening I went roller skating, I've been working on a couple moves, I fell a couple times, I adding it to my fall times.

Today can be describe a progressing. I progressed further in my career with orientation today. I finished Atomic Habit today. I went for a recovery run and my relax pace has gotten faster. Braxton and I have been running together, and he's improved a lot. And I made the best matcha latte this morning.  Today was a good day. I'm about to go out and celebrate the new job with a few people.  

Worked a lot on kicks at poomsae class today. I really want to prioritize my kicks now, even with the increase in physical requirements. As always on Sunday I prepared for the week. I made Salmon in the air frier for the first time. Excited for orientation day tomorrow!

I'm dog-sitting this weekend, but in between that I've been prepping for my first day of work this upcoming Monday! I've also been reflecting on what went well during January and what I want to improve on. How will I keep up with my black belt requirements while transitioning to this job. What do I need to get down this week to be successful.  But the nice thing about dog sitting is I used it as a weekend to enjoy some puppy love and watch movies I never seen before.

Today I donated blood at Red Cross today. I'm glad I did my requirements before because I not supposed to do any heavy or excessive exercise for 24hrs. Honeysuckle, the outdoor rat we found was unable to really socialize with the baby rats we got (two more since I last update, so four babies). She was getting overstimulate, in a state of fight or flight. She would hide in the corner of the bin when we introduced her to the others. When we tried to put her back in her separate cage, she started biting and we were unable touch her. We discussed re-releasing her. We can't keep her if she is getting overstimulated, and we have enough animals in our apartment. It's a tough decision.  We started introducing the 4 babies with our 4 original rats and looks like things are going well. Going to end the night with a...

I have moments where I feel like I'm not improving. I ran four miles today not even close to my pre-test run and I still struggle to do 10 push-ups in a row.  But that's only because I am looking at the numerical improvement. I've improving because I've been consistent. My push-up form is better and I've run more than I've ever done previously. And later this same day, I've gotten further in my pull-up. I know I've gotten stronger, and I just need to keep it moving. The progress will come. Have I rested enough? Have I properly replenished with food and water? Am I practicing in a way that will produce the outcome I want? These are all questions I should ask myself if I feel fatigue and struggling, but I also have to look at the other aspect where I have improved. I also took a really long...

Thank you, Master Llyod for helping me with the staff forms today. Slowly but surely, I am checking that curriculum list off.  I worked on the Personal Development essay and finished it. Finished meaning that I have it all written down, so now I can just work on editing it. That was my biggest goal this week, so I am pleased. That what most of my day was spent on besides some chores and the physical requirements. I worked on my over splits today. What I really need to work as well is kicking drills with the wall or chair, strengthen my muscles, but I didn't have time today. Ending the night watching cleaning and watching TV. I might watch a few kukkiwon videos as I fold laundry.

I started today sleeping in. Its nice not having to get up and go anywhere first thing in the morning, but only sometimes. Monday I had a lot of high, do it, energy. Today I still have energy, but its a bit slower if that makes any sense. I'm still motivated, I feel good, I feel excited for the day; but I don't feel like I need to rush and get a lot of things done. I know what I need to do today, and it will get done. I probably really start my day and black belt requirements after I have lunch with my friend. Then later if I have the energy, I will go roller skating.  Because I have such so much to do this evening, it good I slept in, or at least that what I will tell myself.

I am feeling productive and fresh. I love beginning of the week. Got further into the required book reading. Preparing for the job next week and cleaning through mail and computer. I worked on some kicking drills, stretching, using a chair and holding/pulsing my kicks. I spent most of the afternoon at Lake Norman king tiger today. Got leadership, mentor and mentee session, and I worked alot on poomsaes and self-defense. Teaching and working with other is so beneficial to improving. I know all the stick forms and I am pleased with the high and balance my kicks. Sometimes I can kick high, but my knee doesn't straighten. But I been trying really hard to fix it.  I need to pack more snacks, my energy started to dip and I could fill it- going to go fix it now!

Getting ready for the next week! I got my scrubs for my job next week. My boyfriend and I cleaned the apartment yesterday, so today we got to sit and bum around watching movies. This week is about progressing. I recognized what the habits I've been forming and working on the big or small changes to improve. Pet updates: Were getting 3 more rats, two babies and a momma. We're going to introduce them to honeysuckle (the skittish outdoor rat we found). Spending the evening preparing the cage while by boyfriend picks them up. So now have a total of 8 lady rats: Original Cage: Sweet pea, Poppy, Rose, Indigo,                                                   New Cage: Honeysuckle, Witch-hazel, Nightshade, and Cosmos 

Alright, week 4 in the cycle. Because I was focused on the state exam, I haven't been writing my essays and I'm only a few chapters into the required book. This week I need to step up and work on that. Class requirements and leadership requirements are progressing as they should. Leadership can be hard to get, we have so many people asking to lead for the cycle. But I just need to either show up early enough to ask.  Mentor and mentee sessions was another challenge to get done. I'm used to always being at King Tiger and having so much time, but now I have to make more of an effort to be there and be there when they have ability to have a session. I'm not behind so I don't need to stress, but I definitely need to emphasize getting it done.  There is a lot of things...

Tonight I went to a vision board event, where we shared goals (and s’mores) for the year.  it was nice of it because I’ve been thinking about what I’ve done in January and what I wanna do moving forward. Similarly tomorrow I need to look at where I’m at with Cycle and see where I can improve And what I’ve accomplished. Went running this morning and listen to different songs to use for my demo.

I was feeling unmotivated to do any of my requirements today. I slept til noon, caught up with few shows. I had to run interval runs today on my training app, but it was raining and I was tired, but I got up and just started moving, even if it was slow or not my best. I did so push-ups, sit-ups and jump rope, then went outside to run. I didnt wan to run, but after starting and getting mid-way, I felt really good. I was motivated and I finished 2.5 miles and felt energized to go to sparring. Sometimes you really just have to do it and give it over with. 

Re-thinking the Cartwheel (Movement Exploration) (youtube.com) A video popped up in my YouTube feed about how to do a cartwheel. But demonstrator talked about how its beginner movement for people looking to get into acrobatics and gymnastic skills.  He talked about the movement can be broken down into 4 parts: the entry, exit, and mid-movement. He challenger me, the viewer, to explore variations with my cartwheel. Changing the distance of my where my hands start, landing/starting at different levels (low to ground vs. standing), slowing down or exploding in/out of it, landing on other foot. He suggested taking time out of day and just practicing cartwheels, taking time to breakdown, explore, and get comfortable with trying different variations of a cartwheel. The final exploration is the essence, which explores the other tricking and motions that may not look like a cartwheel but has the foundational movements of a cartwheel. He demonstrated...

Today I took a basic life support class to refresh my skills before I start my job. It went really well; I've done one almost every year for nursing school. My chest compressions have gotten better depth wise and rhythm. Hopefully later this year or next year, I can get my Advance life support certification, which teaches more medical interventions to recover from cardiac arrest or respiratory problems. I've been running with Braxton in the afternoon, it's been a nice way to make sure I get runs in. I practice my jump and hurricane kicks. My mentee and a few other kids are doing a demo for a school competition. So we gave them critics and started working with them on doing Koryo in sync.   

Went to Cajun Queen to celebrate my nursing license. Never been, but I love trying new places. Today I got my requirements done and ran 3 miles.  I probably should plan my week out, but I am processing my food coma right now, so I will plan later or tomorrow. 

I am licensed to be nurse in North Carolina (and other states). Thats the biggest news of the day, but I just got those result 30 minutes ago.  The morning was mostly requirements: black belt class, physical req, and I did some middle split stretching. The afternoon was spent playing video games. For dinner, I went to an all you can eat sushi and Japanese restaurant called Sushi Hana, 10/10 worth the money.  Now that I completed my schooling for now, I have decided how I want to forward. My nurse residency at Atrium starts Feb 5th, but what else do I want to accomplish.

Today is when I pull all my weekly requirements in; so on Fridays, I will review my progress. I'm using a running app to complete runs. I'm also try to do a mile run when I'm at King Tiger. The runs feel good, but I'm also still feeling very fatigue afterwords, and I'm do not feel like I'm running fast.  The other physical requirements are getting easier to do, and I feel stronger. Taking rest days have help, even if that means I load other days a bit heavier. I do need to work on my pull-ups, specifically holding the top part more, I've been doing banded or rows. I want to go over my form and technique more this week with Poomsae's. I also have to go over weapons because I have not done them in a while. Progress well with self-defense. I've learned all the hopikidos require, and I'm...

I don't have much to say today. I took my state exam and I'm very nervous to get the results back, which take up to 48 hours. I'm going to finish my requirement and shut my brain off. There not much I can do but wait.  Things I'm grateful for today: My kitten greeted me this morning with cuddles and affection.I went to my favorite boba spot.I feel stronger after taking a break on requirements.

Today I made matcha tea for the first time. I'm excited to keep working on it and trying different recipes. I really want to work on enhancing my drink making skills (coffee, tea, etc.). While I was drinking it, I find a few videos on YouTube on how improve the flavor and different add-ons.  I worked on poomsaes using the Kukkiwon Youtube. I only review Il, Eh, and Sam.  Ms. Suzanne and I worked on hopkido 4 last Saturday with guidance from the Grandmaster Lees demo video and in person guidance from Instructor Jen. I didn't think I could learn hopkido from reviewing videos, but after watching hopkido 5 today, multiple times, I feel comfortable with the steps. I'll still need to practice it in person and with an instructor for technique, but at least I'm more familiar about it. Hopikdo it not my favorite thing to practice, so learning it...

Very sore, will probably take it easy tomorrow with physical requirements. Even though I'm sore, I feel like I can see improvement with my push-ups. Today was a nice day with my cousin, we watched Hobbs and Shaw and Deadpool II. I got my car fixed and did some light studying. I had a mentor session with Master Nastasya today, we went through the color belt Poomsae. She gave me very specific critiques that I'm excited to work on. New hand positions, places I can improve my preps, keeping my head level with transition to different directions. I'm excited to work on the improvements. I really love Poomsae work.     I'll work on them this week, and probably video tape myself doing them this weekend. I like reviewing them and seeing what I can do well and what I can do better. My Instagram page had become mostly martial arts content...

Setting my intentions this week to prioritize study and rest. This Thursday is my state exam to get my Nursing license. It a tough exam, but I’ve been studying and school had prepare my class really well. I have fate that I’ll pass, but I still need to continue studying and review material. I also need to rest, so I’m mentally fresh for it. That means I need to prioritize getting requirements done for the cycle effectively. I might limit my other workouts or fun activities this week (CrossFit and Rollar skating if it doesn’t help me get requirements done). I may try to get ahead, so just do them after the exam, so I can rest Wed/Thur. Tonight, my father and I had dinner, it was nice. 

I feel like I finally recovered from the pre-test run. I am so please with my run time. My first four miles run and at a really consistent pace of 8:30. One of my goals this year was to run 4 miles under 40mins. Now that I reach that goal, I guess I’ll train to run a 10k. I have the Nike training app and using it to pace/train myself. Honestly running your first mile is hard, then running two or three is tough too, but now that I can comfortably run 3 miles, what’s an extra mile or two. Learn how to pace yourself. “Run slow to run fast” is a big tip in the running groups.

This is the first cycle I'm not working at King Tiger. It's different and it brings a new set of benefits and challenges.  I have to work harder to make time to assist in class, and meeting with my mentee and mentor.  Today my boyfriend and I took the rat we found outside to the vet. It been more confirmed that she's not a wild one and someone most likely abandon her. She got a clean bill of health, so now we have to decide what to do, keep her and slowly introduce her to ours or find someone else who's able rehabilitate her.  Today I took it easy with physical req. because I want to save my energy for tomorrow runs.