Candidate Journals

I had an awesome day today and I hope everyone else did. I got the chance to sleep in today which is rare for me so I took the opportunity as I didn't have a very restful nights sleep. After I got my late morning coffee I decided I wanted to tour around the downtown of Gaffney some more to get more acquainted with my local surroundings. I go the pleasure of  walking around enjoying the bright beautiful sunshine and the scenery of the town. As I was heading back my little sister Aly called me. We talked for hours even after I got back about any number of things. It had been almost 3 or 4 days since last caught up so it was nice to be able to talk with her for a long time. She always takes care and listens to me. She is one of the most...

I had an awesome day today. I woke up earlier and brewed my coffee so that I can function properly. I had a little time before needing to return the rental vehicle I was using this week. I used the remaining time to run some errand gas up the vehicle and then return it to the business. After I got done there I went to the thrift store nearby to browse before starting back towards the apartment. It was a beautiful day today so I had a very pleasant walk. I got to enjoy the sunshine a nice breeze and all of the fresh air. I played on my gameboy while walking back since I've gotten so used to my path back to my place. When I got back I relaxed for a bit in my room. I then went to the kitchen to tackle the breading and frying of my...

Just got home and started myself some supper after an awesome day at the Dojang. I woke up guzzled down my morning coffee while catching up on the NBA Play-in game. I caught the late game but had to catch up on the earlier one. After that I got in a good stretching session. I was playing my video games so time evaporated before I realized it was time to head out to Charlotte. My drive went really smooth and I got into to Dojang without any issue. I got to help out Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. All of the students I worked with today did really well giving their best effort during review week in preparation for testing next week. It's always nice to help in class because I feel it requires you to grow your practice exponentially to rise to the high stander the...

I had an awesome day today at the Dojang. I had something to do in the morning where I live so I drove home last night. I relax most of my morning besides yoga coffee and stretching. I was definitely still shiny hunting the entire time since I just got a new Pokemon game and I need a shiny starter! My drive to Dojang was pleasant and I enjoyed helping in Instructor Garrett's classes today inversely he also helped and assisted me greatly in my classes. I had an awesome time in sparring class we continued building on our blocks and our cut kick and added new dimension into the drills by utilizing the cut kick and everyone's favorite kick the hook kick of course. I really found the instruction beneficial and will be looking to implement these changes into my fighting immediately. I then got to enjoy a great class...

I had an awesome day today. I was very grateful just to be able to be back on the mats. Although I was able to accomplish a lot of things in my time off last week. I still had an uncomfortable lingering feeling that I wasn't in my habitat. Still all and all I tried my best to work hard all last week so that I could see some progress when I returned in a least a couple of areas. I got to assist Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. I writing this from the Front Desk so that I'm certain to accomplish my task for the evening before I get distracted later on. Part of the challenge of this cycle has been working towards staying consistent and persistent when working towards a task. Having to make the extra effort to ensure that I have the energy and...

I had an awesome day today. I brewed my coffee early in the morning and walked around my neighborhood for a bit to enjoy the morning air and sunshine. I walked to the store to run some errands for my Pops and went to go pick up some groceries. As I was making my way back into the apartment my Pops text me and let me know that he needed a few more things from the store. I made a pit stop at the house relaxed for a little while to rest up. I left out an hour or so later to get the last few things we needed from the store. Well on the way back from the store bag in tow I had an experience I haven't had in quite some time. I was casually walking and happened to turn my perihelia vision just in time to see an...

Today was an awesome day. I spoke with my brother and we came up with a plan to try to meet up with one another soon. I brewed my coffee and walked around working on my balance on different ledges in my apartment community. I worked on moving on these ledges with limited space. I tried to work on my fast twitch muscle and switching my stance quickly without much room for foot placement. I then worked on stretching like I've been doing. I can notice the difference in my mobility in just a couple of weeks of really dedicating the necessary time to the task. My Pops and I watched there last of the regular season NBA games today. Now we are catching up on Last of Us. I'm going to spend the rest of my evening playing video games and relaxing. Hope everyones week gets off to a great...

I had an awesome day today. I got up and got my coffee brewing earlier sat down and enjoyed some ESPN highlights to start my day. Afterwards I decided to head to the store so I could make myself some dinner and run a few errands for my Dad. It seemed as though it was going to rain so I decided to Uber there and back. When I got back and put everything away I relaxed for a bit and called to check on my older brother. He seemed to be doing well and asked if he could come visit tomorrow potentially. I then took some time to write up my Black Belt essay for the book Atomic Habits that I listened to on Audible. When I finished I decided to watch some of the UFC card with my Pops. I'm going to relax and play some video games and then...

I had an awesome day today. I spent my morning working out and enjoying the sunshine early today before the rain took back over. The air was so clean from the rain before and the sun was working overtime to make up for barely arriving yesterday. After I got my coffee and sat down to watch ESPN; my brother called and said he wants to come visit tomorrow. I'm definitely hoping he is able to make the trip. I've been to see him a couple of times since moving back but it's been a couple of months now and I can't wait to see my bro. Hopefully we will have a great time tomorrow and be able to make some new memories together. I'm going to relax the for the rest of the evening. I'm watching Daredevil on Disney plus and the fight sequences are amazing. Matt Murdoch is one of...

I had an awesome day today. I talked with my Pops this morning about making plans to be more organized and he said he would help me stay accountable. I needed to run some errands for the house but Uber wasn't cooperating(go fig). I was determined to go on my trip anyway but my Father was insistent that I waited for a potential ride. He gave many reasons that it might rain, it was a long trip, the amount of things I would need to be able to carry. I decided to listen to his advice and wait a couple more hours until someone was available. In the meantime my Dad and I started a new show with Brian Tyree Henry. as the lead on Apple TV. While we watched I stretched out my legs like never before. Since I had a rather intense workout yesterday I decided to take it...

I made the most of my day and by the end of it as I type my daily log I can say it was still awesome day. I made sure I worked out hard today I walked and did road work shadow boxing as I walked on the backroad towards the store. On my way back after securing the things I needed for dinner I went back towards my apt complex from the grocery store. I shadow box and practice footwork and the new blocking we have previously been implementing in sparring. I got back put away my things I got from the store and freshened up. I then started working on my single stick weapon. Weapons are at times a bit of a challenge for me they can make me feel clumsy.That being said I have a lot of practice overtime from King Tiger since I've had my high red...

I made the best of my day despite some unexpected adversity. I still had an awesome day. I tried to get my rental to head towards the Dojang early this morning but when I arrived they informed me and my Father that they had overbooked the reservation and the car that we had confirmed was no longer available to us. I tried to work around the issue but it wasn't in my favor today. There days like this from time to time in life. A lot of other people experience them more often than myself so I decided to just be grateful and enjoy my day regardless of how my morning began. I meditated after my phone call with the car rental company. I then proceeded to get my workout in. It was definitely a shadow boxing session today. After a hard workout and shower I walked to the store to...

My day started with an outdoor workout and ended up getting rained on the majority of the time. It was coming down very intensely. I really enjoyed the ability to be able to enjoy nature in a way that rarely occurs spontaneously. After another shower I relaxed and enjoyed my morning coffee while catching up on the news and sports. I then proceeded to watch cartoons and decompress for a bit. I then walked to the store to get some general items for the apartment. The ground was super saturated so it was like playing the entirety Pitfall while trying to get to and fro. I made sure to get my shoes cleaner than I thought was possible considering they were white and turned orange. Im now chilling and watching White Lotus with my Pops. I'm sure we will have a good time watching the NCAA mens finals when we get...

I started out my day working out at the pond behind my apartment complex. I did mostly just shadow boxing for the first time in quire a while and was able to keep a good pace well past 5 rounds. I then ate my leftover pizza guzzled a pot of coffee and watched SportsCenter with my Pops. I talked to my brother he had an awesome weekend he got to preform with some friends and got himself a new gaming system. After I talked with my brother my Pops and I watch UConn v South Carolina. Almost immediately afterwards my lil sister Aly called me. She wanted to check on the status of the packages being delivered to the apartment for Sharis's baby shower. I let her know I had everything here and since we were already on FaceTime I did a mock unboxing video for her. Then we proceeded to...

I had an awesome workout early this morning. I got to work on my poomsaes stances strikes and blocks. After working out I took a walk to town because I was bored and wanted to explore an area of Gaffney I haven't yet ventured. I talked to my lil sister on the way back home she let me know that the package I ordered ended up in California instead of South Carolina. I just love following up with a company to have them tell you they will do something on your behalf as a customer and then just absolutely do whatever they want to do despite your wishes. It was nice to speak with my lil sister she is putting the finishing touches on our twin sisters baby shower. I'm really looking forward to being able to celebrate Brian and Sharis's special day together with support of friends and family. Trust...

I woke up early so I could return my rental on time. I then walked back to my house. I was thankful the weather held off and the weather stayed nice the whole way. I got one of the packages I've recently lost in the mail so only like 12 more things missing. I spent my evening napping and then I got to enjoy Smackdown for the first time in a couple of weeks. Wrestlemania is coming up so that's exciting. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to engage with Pro Wrestling. It's one of my favorite outlets to enjoy myself in my free time. I'm now watching AEW while finishing this up so hopefully Swerve can whoop Mox. I hope everyone is having a good weekend and enjoys themselves take care. 

I had an awesome day today. I got to help out in after school class today and help Master Randle and Instructor Garrett with their classes. After classes this evening I visited with my twin sister. She is doing well and so is Pancake on his new diet. We watched an outdoor show where some gentlemen attempted to save their family land by undercutting the land developers and purchasing the property surrounding their own. They needed to get some quick cash by selling some of the many ancient machines that he had to repair after finding. One of the other outdoorsmen used his 3 sporting dogs to tree mountain lions for the tags. The mountain lion seems like a big kitty so it appears very safe but I don't know something just feels off. We really enjoyed the show together I dropped off a jacket I thrifted for her and then...

I had an awesome day today. I enjoyed my morning coffee and watched ESPN with my dad. I then did my morning workout at the lake at the edge of my community. I relaxed for a bit until it was time for me to head into the Dojang for the day. I got to King Tiger and enjoyed my lunch while the kids watched the minions movie and played Mario kart. I got some time to stretch out properly today as I know that my mentor Master Oppy is teaching sparring class this evening and he like any other instructor does not play. I got the privilege of helping out Instructor Garrett with his classes and then got to teach the Junior Tigers class afterwards. It makes it so much easier to transition smoothly to a good class when you have great examples to follow. I really enjoyed teaching the black...

I had an awful day today April Fools it was really an awesome day. I went to get my rental today and then helped my Pops run some errands for a bit before making my way to North Carolina. I stopped in to see Fin the world's best kitty and he was very appreciative for the excessive pets. I got to help Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. It's always a positive learning experience to be able to observe and learn from someone with more knowledge and expertise. I'm always humbled by their ability to lead and instruct without breaking a sweat. It makes it much easier to learn and teach when you have someone who sets such an exemplary standard. I got the pleasure of being able to enjoy my class this evening and got to practice my poomsae work on my stances and focus on honing...

I started my week off well and worked out this morning. I then got a peek at the weather and had to cancel a date so boo. I then took care of some errands and walked around in the rain storms. I know I got a lot of stares walking around but it was really fun and it allowed me to get in some extra working out without really having to feel like a chore. I came home got my things gathered for my day tomorrow then my lil sister Aly called. She is really bogged down with her current work schedule and needed to vent a bit so I tried my best to be receptive and listen to her issues. It didn't take long before we were both laughing and enjoying our normal conversation. I told her that she was justified in her feeling and since I was recently in...

Stayed up late last night until the early morning because it's my Maw's Birthday. I always make sure to call her every year and seranade her because she always tries to do the same for me and my siblings Birthdays. She works really hard so I don't always have a lot of time to speak with her. I miss being able to see her often but I understand she is following her passion. She always encourages me to work hard and strive for my dreams. I have her to thank for fantastic looks, taste in music and fashion and overall radical nature. We don't always get along perfectly due to both of us being so similar to one another. Even when the relationship is strained I know the friction comes with love. I'm going to do laundry and run errands tomorrow since it's dark outside and I haven't done it yet. 

I took the day off from working out and worked on finding out some more things regarding my vehicle situation. I walked around to meet with some mechanics. I went thrifting and found some knickknacks and some clothes I needed for my Twiin Sisters' baby shower. I don't have much formal wear so it's important I do my best to look nice for her event. I still need to get my hair done before then and I'm anxious because it will have to be someone new. Wish me luck with my car and my hair. Hope everyone has been enjoying their weekend. I'm going to spend some time with my Pops watching Duke play Bama. Take Care!

I thoroughly enjoyed my Friday evening went to downtown Gaffney as I haven't really had the opportunity to explore much of this area since I've moved in with my Dad. It was fun to listen live music the singer was really talented. I ended up tipping her so that she would play some Heart. I walked back home and played video games until I fell asleep on my laptop.

I tried to work on getting my car situation figured out. Called a lot of auto shops to try to get the lowest price possible. I went and ran some errands for my Father then I headed back to Charlotte for the day. I got into the city a little earlier so I went thrifting and found some useful trinkets and knickknacks that I had to obtain for the low price (its was a bargain). I then went to the Dojang a bit early. I worked on my stretching and poomsae. I got to help out Master Randle in her classes today we had several new students and they all did their best and enjoyed classes this evening. I also got to help out Instructor Garrett in his classes. It was a great evening at the Dojang. I dropped into my Twin's house for a bit so I could give her...

I spent the evening at my twin sisters house. It was very nice to spend time with her play her video games eat her food and pet Fin while she worked hard teaching children at school. I got to the Dojang and enjoyed my lunch before classes got started for the evening. I got to help out Instructor Garrett with classes and then I got to help teach the kids class and help them work on earning their yellow stripe for teamwork. Then I had sparring class and black belt class which both went excellent its always great to learn from a newer different perspective. Master Opey has been my mentor throughout the black belt cycle and it's been great getting to know him. He still surprises me with new ways to learn and improve my taekwondo with stretching and specific techniques designed for TKD sparring. He always make thing enjoyable...

I spent most of my day struggling with the very capable and efficient people over at Enterprise Rentals. I have to consider that I am grateful to be able to afford the ability of this inconvenience. I finally got on my way towards Charlotte. I am so glad to be back in class its absolutely comfort zone/safe space, even a week away seems way too long. I had a great day at King Tiger I enjoyed being able to help assist Master Randle in her class and help to guide several new students in the start of their journey. I then took class this evening with Master Cavasos he is always a great instructor to have lead because he is very strong knowledgeable and is very strict and very kind. He has always looked out for me while I've been here and has always supported me in everyway he could. Now I'm leaving the Dojang for the evening to go see my twin Brian Pancake and Fin. Yall have a great night congrats to everyone who went through the Black Belt cycle this past weekend it was an honor to participate and everyone gave their all. Peace out goodnig

I've been working on trying to turn my lemon into lemon meringue pie. I think I found a place that will be able to make the necescarry repairs on this vehicle. In the meantime I've been resting and relaxing after a strenuous and fun black belt testing. It was a very rewarding experience and I was grateful to be able to participate. I'm feeling much more revitalized after a weekend of watching march madness with my Pops. I'm going to start dedicating the proper focus and time to work on accomplishing my daily logs and other requirements soon so I can keep working towards my goals.

I'm typing up somewhat early this evening at least for me. I'm hoping to get a good nights rest. I spent the morning studying and practicing. Then I went outside to give myself a break and clear my head to make sure that I actually remembered anything at all. I remembered more than I expected and I can tell that the practice has been paying off for sure especially with blocks and stances. Still if anyone knows me they understand I'm just as nervous as everyone else. I think more I have no real problem fighting in a cage but poomsae is terrifying to me. I'm much more comfortable with doing it so much throughout the cycle so I'm hoping to notice improvements. I'm excited to make the journey tomorrow and look forward to working hard with all of my peers to reach our goals for the day. I know everyone...

I spent the majority of my day taking care of my father as he wasn't feeling well. I just took some extra time to take care of him, he has a health history that requires him to get extensive rest. He's been frustrated because he has new things to look forward going to but his health can be a factor in whether or not he can safely participate. I found time to still workout for myself. I also found time to study up on all my curriculum watching videos practicing drawing out steps etc to gain a better grasp of the concepts. In my downtime I've been walking to store daily and re-watching Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Hope everyone is well. Stay positive and strong y'all. 

Spent most of my day yesterday attempting to figure out the issue with my car. I'm fairly certain that I'm gonna need a new motor. Either get a new used car and hope it doesn't do a similar move or repair this car and hope that nothing else major occurs (decisions decisions). Still honestly just fortunate to be in good health. I spent time working on my blocks stances and working on my balance. I've been watching Are You Being Served? and playing my Gamecube. I will probably attempt to source some motors and or junk my car ASAP so I can get things back on the right track. 

Welp, all things considered I still had a great day. I woke up heading towards Charlotte for the day normal drive abnormal but ordinary carpool karaoke ensues. I make it right up to my exit to 5 mins from the Dojang and wouldn't you know it's the used car sputter, stall, all of the lights on the dashboard emote and then the wheel locks up (yippee). Thankfully I am a okay and that's all that matters I was able to get myself to shoulder of the exit safely and start looking for a tow home. Everything else was actually very smooth the tow ride home was more pleasant than expected and the tow was relatively inexpensive tbh on the lemon. Hope that class went well I certainly missed everyone and all the fun. Once I got home I Uber'd to the store so I could make dinner and then walked back...

Had a great Thursday of classes got to teach and help out with class instruction. I then got enjoy my Muay Thai class. It's a different experience so as always I feel like a complete novice but that part of the fun. I always work up an appetite after doing all of my classes for the evening so after driving straight home and taking a frigidly cold shower I was desperate for something extremely delicious. I made myself an exquisite mushroom risotto and promptly passed out for the evening. I started my Friday morning off with some MMA training, yoga , then meditation. It's my lazy day so back to bed until I wake up naturally. Woke up in the late afternoon and decided I would get my second coffee and try to work on somethings I know I need to practice for repetition after going over it in class previously...

Spent my morning studying for my written test, watching Kitchen Nightmares and consuming an outlandish amount of coffee. I went over to my sisters early to study there and to play with the cats while they were at work. I had to give Finn a salmon pate so he would be shut up he was meowing so loud it disrupting Brian's meeting. I had to be far and give Pancake one but he won't eat it from the plastic tray it comes in because you know class so I put it into his feeding dish. I get back in the living room from washing my hand only to find Finn caught red paw'd greedily consuming Pancake's treat. I promised Pancake I would bring him a special treat later; Finn is a jerk but we love him for it. Finally made it to the Dojang set myself up to be a little...

I worked most of this weekend and Monday studying re-take the written Black Belt test. I found all the answers and wrote them down then recorded myself saying all the q and a's. I've been studying the sheet while listen to the recording and found that a very helpful method. Im looking forward to going into the Dojang today teaching helping and learning with the other students. I'm also looking forward to seeing my twin sister for the first time in awhile since we've both been busy as of late. Typically when I'm working in Charlotte through the weekdays I stay over at her place. However since I have to study and practice all the time and she is pregnant its best if I'm not always cramping her and her husbands style. It going to be awesome to see her Brian, Pancake(Brian's cat) and Finn(Sharis' cat). Plus my Gran Gran made...