Spring 2024 Black Belt Cycle

Candidate Journals

King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Black Belt candidates blog daily about their journey: their thoughts and feelings, their struggles and successes; their pain and their encouragement. Follow along on their journey; words of encouragement are always welcome!

I am a 71yr. old who loves practicing TKD. I accept the challenge and i'm highly motivated in trying to make it to the next level.

Soon:

My morning began very well.   I had breakfast, watched a little tv and had an enjoyable time visiting the auto store.   Looking forward to our Black Belt class tonight!  

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Two more:

I decided to change my routine just a little this morning.   Istarted by doing some pullups.   I guess my wife thought because I fixed breakfast all week for myself that she would allow me to every other day.  What a bummer!  I played a few games of Pickleball and I have good intentions to do some requirements.  Two more weeks before testing.  Wow!!

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Halfway:

Well having completed the physical and written part of our test is a relief.  Now to focus on trying to get back into working hard on requirements.   It's tough but it's fair.

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Pickleball:

I started this morning on a very good note!  I was thinking of how much better my meals are going to be when my wife returns home.  I'm hoping my energy level is high enough to take me through the physical part of our test tomorrow also.  I had a very good day at Pickleball.  My shoulder is doing very well, I feel I'm almost back to my fair play on the Pickleball court.  I look forward to seeing everyone at testing tomorrow.  Much success!!

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Tired:

I will begin by saying I am truly fatigued!  It was great seeing everyone at testing today.  Thanks to Master Tucker for a great presentation along with her associates.  I'm very appreciative,  I learned some things I didn't know. 

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Good morning:

I'm having fun fixing my own meals this.  Some are good and others we won't talk about.   Today I will make an attempt to get more out of this body than normal.  The closer we the more difficult the task.  But I haven't given up.  

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Picking up my paddle:

I don't believe that I actually awaken and got out bed as early as 8:30 this morning.   Had an English muffin and mug of coffee and I went to play Pickleball.   I will have my ibuprofen .

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Another day

l'm single once again!  This time for a week.   I should be a chef when my wife returns home this time. I had light breakfast,  English muffin with peanut butter and coffee.   

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Another day:

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It is a slow day:

Today I tried a different routine in how I approached doing my requirements.   So far it doesn't seem to be working all that well.   I guess I'll just stay focused and do what I have to.  I believe the Dallas Cowboys will win today.

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Rainy day:

Today began really slow!  Anytime it is a cloudy or dreary day it seems every move I make is related to the weather.  Even a good tme to sleep.   October is fast approaching; 

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Getting Started:

I began my morning with a hearty breakfast.   I thought Pickleball was going to be on my agenda but my body sid emphatically no!  Hopefully I will be able to do some requirements.   At some point I will have to put mind over body and push forward.  

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Closer:

I began my morning knowing we're getting closer to testing.   Thinking about doing more requirements!  I'm very sore but giving my best! WOW!!

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Hurting:

I haven't done to much of anything today.   I am feeling better than yesterday; not hurting as badly.   I don't plan to   do any requirements .                                                                                       

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Body reset:

I really appreciate the moving of the physical test.  It gives my body a chance to reset..  Legs sometimes feel very spongy like.   I will attempt to do some requirements today!  Tough, won't quit. 

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Monday:

it is good to awaken this morning to some cooler weather.   Not complaining, but it does feel better than 90.  Trying to do more requirements even though it's tough!  My wife will be home this evening so I won't have to cook my own meals.  

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I began my morning with positive thinking.   Got out of bed normal time, eat light breakfast of course my mug of coffee and jump right into doing my requirements.   Everything was working well until pain got in the picture.  

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Counting?

Today began very well.   I got out of bed at 10:30(normal time) with great attitude.   I had light breakfast with large mug of coffee and jumped right into doing requirements.   Things were going great until my my body began to ache.   I am enjoying this cycle but I will be glad when its over.   I going to need recovery time. 

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Aches:

I had a slow moving day.  First of all I fixed breakfast!  I normally just get to the table and there it is.  I do believe that all of this exercise keeps me sore, seems as though I have muscle aches everywhere on my body.  Trying to to some requirements! PAIN!!!

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Yard Work

I started my morning my normal time(10:00) very nicely!  Of course that is when I got out of bed.  I got dressed went down stairs and breakfast was waiting.  Then the yard work began along with the heat. Sometimes it seems as though the lawn gets bigger because of the humidity, you began to sweat before you go outside!  But no one is going to do it for me!  I will wait until tonight to get some requirements done. Hope to see all in BB class .

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Relaxing:

Today was very relaxing I didn't too much of anything!  I did drive out to the store, the most exciting thing I that happened.   I was glad to be back in class after our long weekend.  Trying to get some requirements done. 

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Normal again:

Finally back to my normal wakeup.   I had late breakfast and then to my surprise an all day visit with my Greatgrand  daughter! I didn't do too much of anything else today!  Not even any requirements. 

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Moving right along:

Today will be my last morning having to get out of bed so early.   I'll break out into a happy dance!  I am so grateful for the credits received from Grandmaster Evins ,for the two Saturdays, on assisting and 5k.  Once again sir a big thanks for Dr Schuster!  Time to do some requirements now!!

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Not normal:

I had a very good breakfast this morning,  whole wheat English muffin,  eggs and sausage along with a mug of coffee.   This early morning continues to haunt me,  difficult to think.  I will push myself to get some requirements in today!  My shoulder continues to strengthen having better movements and more power.  

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Early Bird:

This is a difficult week for me having to abandon my bed very early in morning.   The price you pay for having work done on your house!   I guess I can get some requirements in today.   My body also realizes it hasn't done a normal workout until BB class last night. 

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Home:

It was great waking up in my own bed.   I slept very well.  I also paid a visit to Dr. Schuster and my shoulder continues to improve.   Strength isn't where I need it to be but I 'll gladly accept my condition!  Miss everyone,  be glad to get in class. 

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Headed Home:

I awaken this morning had a very good breakfast,  said our goodbyes to everyone and got on the highway returning home .  After driving over 500 miles I was asked to get off the road, hotel room and resume tomorrow.   We should be home tomorrow sometime.  

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Meetings:

This morning I was involved in a very long meeting!  As it normally goes what was established could have been done in a matter of minutes.   But I guess that's life.  Maybe I can get some requirements in today now that I've given my body a rest.

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A good day:

I began my day eating a little more than needed.   My wife also talked me into going shopping (something that I really love).????????We had a very nice riverboat dinner cruise on the Mississippi river that began at 6:00pm and ended at night.  Back to hotel, ready for bed.  

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Late day:

I had 

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I began the morning with a big breakfast.  Welcomed a lot of people still arriving for our Wolfhound reunion.  

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Arrived:

Today, we completed our trip to Davenport.   It was even a fun trip.  I was very tired when we arrived though.   Checked in to hotel, went to a restaurant to eat and then back to the room for rest.  

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Today, we arrived in Iowa.  It was a fun trip.  Now is the time to embellish war stories with the rest of our vets here.

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Iowa Bound:

This morning started the drive to Davenport,  Iowa.   During the long drive I decided to listen to my wife, drive 2 thirds of way stop and get a hotel room for the night and finish the next day.   It worked well I even was able to do some requirements. 

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A little closer:

Today I awaken with the thought, the cycle is futher along, of being done.   I'm going to get a lot of requirements in also.  I must do this before my body reacts!!  Fatigue will set in..

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At it again:

We had quite a time this morning    A lot of physical fitness , self defense did I mention sparring class.  Itt was all good.  Requirements on the other hand moving a little slow.  

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Practice:

I began this morning with a hearty breakfast.   Then I was off to play Pickleball.   I even think that I'm getting better at this game.  Later today I will push to get some requirements done.  

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Another day:

Today began with a visit to the Dr.  Things went well,  he even cranked up the voltage and I didn't cry.  Returned home and had my egg whites, beacon and 

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Stiff:

I awaken this morning with my body a little stiffer than what i'm used to.   I hope I make a quick adjustment today having to get some extra things done around the house.   Plus I will do some requirements.   

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Good day:

I had a very good day at Pickleball.  I played the game using my right hand and I did great.  I was able to play with a lot less pain than I anticipated.   Treatments from Dr Schuster has been very helpful.   Thanks goes out to Grandmaster Evins and Instructor Foster tonight for keeping me grounded in class tonight,  and  Master Cavazos for the attention when I get a little crazy. 

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I had a very good day at Pickleball.  To my surprise I played very well with my right shoulder feeling just a little aore.  Thank goes out to Grandmaster Evins and Instructor Foster for keeping me grounded , so I wouldn't over do it in class tonight.  I was able to do a few requirements!

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Tough:

I got up this morning with a great attitude!  Mentally I am ready to seem like take on anything but my body is speaking another language.   To get any requirements in today requires a lot of determination.  This weekend has been different for me having to cook and fix my own meals; I didn't even go to a fast food restaurant.   I even washed the dishes and made sure cleaned!

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Long

I had to get out of bed very early this morning.  So I decided to make the best of it and do a 31/2 mile hike .  Today's breakfast was very light, milk and cereal and I did have my coffee.  One more thing I must do this weekend is revisit my cooking skill. Wife  left and I have take care of me!!

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Tired:

Today was a wonderful day!  Our King Tiger family showed up at Wendy's to really work.   It was hot and humid, reminded me of having had a good workout in the gym.   I returned home took care of my yard as well! I thought I would be able to use my riding mower but to my dismay I couldn't.   My body is telling to do requirements tomorrow and this time I am going to listen!  Oh! did I mention that I am still sore from classes last week?

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Electrifying morning:

Another visit with Dr. Schuster, shocking if I must say so.  Even though I could feel the treatment I was receiving it is making things much better with my shoulder.  I will be able to do some light punching on pads next week.  I also noticed that my strength has increased.  Maybe i'll back to form sooner than I thought! ????

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Busy:

I'm hanging out at the DMV with my son trying to get his vehicle registered.   What a morning!  Without having my normal mug of coffee and breakfast upset isn't the word.   I know it can only get better.   Today my body doesn't really want to exercise, but I need to work on requirements.  I will push to do something today even though it hurts. 

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Another day:

This morning was an early start having to get over to the VA to have blood work done. I had a rather large breakfast with a large mug of coffee!  Later work some requirements .

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Tired from Sat.:

I believe that I literally drained my energy yesterday because I could barely move this morning.   After class I came home and and took care of all my yard work plus helped my neighbor!  The act of kindness! ????

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Sweat:

Today at sparring class was a lot sweat and work.   Glad to see as many on the cycle at Black Belt class also.  Thank you Master Chellye.  

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Late morning:

I decided last night before I fell asleep that today I was going to get out of bed late.  Great start though,  my egg whites,  bacon and coffee.   Then got right into requirements. 

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Morning:

I had an early start this morning.   Breakfast and then off to see the Dr.  Good visit a lot work on the shoulder.   I returned home , the dog and I went for a two mile hike.  I also worked on requirements. 

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Another day thinking how blessed I am.  My day began with a light breakfast, peanut butter on an English muffin and of course a nice mug of coffee.  I later got in a few requirements done and watched a little tv.

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Assisting:

Having a busy afternoon running errands and not for myself.  Maybe once I'm done I will be able to get some of my requirements in!  

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Monday:

Today has begun very well for me; I remembered to say happy birthday to my wife.   I will also work on requirements,  two consecutive days seems crazy!  That's a good sign though.

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I can't believe:

I cannot believe I've had to get up and get going two successive days as early as 7:30 in the morning.   It's not normal!   I will push myself and try.

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Tired:

I enjoyed our Black Belt class today.  Much needed work on stick training.   Thank you  Grandmaster Evins!

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Slow and Easy

My day is starting a little better than yesterday.   Not as stiff and sore, but I know something will happen to change the feeling.   My fingers are crossed!!

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Staying focused:

I awaken this morning feeling better today than I have been the last couple of days.  Pain is a great reminder when attempting to move your body.  Even though things are a little slow I plan on meeting my goal. 

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The beginning of a new BB cycle:

 Well, here we go again!  It seems I am starting my requirements a little slower than before.  But the one thing I'm sure of I will be giving my best.  

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To my surprise I got out of bed early to what I call early (9:00) this morning anyway.  My big breakfast of English muffin with peanut butter and of course a big mug of coffee!  I am still limited in doing much physical movement.  I continue to look forward to tomorrow, where I 

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Just as my recovery was going so well with my shoulder, what I do something stupid with our dog like causing myself to be bitten.  I will never make the mistake again 

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My yesterday was different.   I drove a moving van to Raleigh for my granddaughter , of course I drove with hand most of the way.  It was a crazy wild day.  It was snowing on the ride back terrible ride when you're not in control of the vehicle.  I slept later than usual this morning in order for my body to rest up.

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Today was a pretty fun day!  I started out with a great breakfast.  I played pickleball and Iearning to play ok with left hand.  I finally got to be in class with the Jr. Tigers this afternoon and was great.  Very happy t

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I awaken this morning ,of course some call it later than morning, to my delight of sunshine!  I had a very good breakfast and had some meditation time.  I could feel shoulder is improving from the

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What a not so fun day.  Rainy , cool and  dreary..  I  wanted to walk/run a few miles but weather would not allow it.  

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Today started with my favorite breakfast of egg whites,  sausage and big mug of coffee.   My shoulder is still very sore but I  reconize it is getting better.  Since I am not able to do most exercises 

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I had a great weekend.   My wife and I droved over to Georgia to visit my uncle who is 95 years old and his mind is as sharp as ever.  I was really glad to get away from watching these four walls .   Another few weeks 

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it was really good to see everyone this evening.   I also wanted the more to be back in class working!  It seems as though I'm going to be in a beginner's stage when I return with the new things that I witnessed tonight.  

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I began today with eating a hardy breakfast.   Afterwards I don't know what happened energy seems to have vanished!  It's not suppose to be this way.  Atleast I can journal.  

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It has been a rainy today.  I did awaken today in a good frame of mind.  I had a great breakfast and went to church.  I tried doing poomsae but my shoulder said no.  So tomorrow is another day.

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Things are taking shape a little slower today.   Cloudy lazy looking day that makes me feel like not doing very much.  Instead of being motivated it's just the opposite .  I will 

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I began today with good attitude .  My best  breakfast egg whites , sausage and big mug of coffee   Helping people move things by driving the vehicle.   And yes I reconize my shoulder is improving from thearpy sessions.  who knows maybe I can get back to training 

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This morning I was able get back to my regular routine.   Got out of bed late, had late breakfast therefore everything else is moving well.  The dr. expressed things are looking good but I have atleast 4 more weeks of recovery on my shoulder.  Unable to lift arm to just 45 degree a

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It seems as though I was all over the place today.  Dr appointments, physical therapy and taking my car to be serviced.   It was a crazy day.   I was able to do 

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Today I slept even later than my normal.  I had a great breakfast and wanted to go for a nice hike but the rain nixed that out.  So I will meditate and try to het some kicks done.

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It has been a few days since I have journal.  Not being able to go to instructor's camp was a disappointment and also couldn't get any physical requirements done.  My thought process must change realizing that I am not the only one that has had an in

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Today has been a week since my surgery and the medical professionals say I'm doing great .  They haven't convinced me of that yet!  I am following instructions .  Atleast 

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I am not going to blame my shoulder for things being as they are but I will say it hurts .  Instead I should say self tomorrow is on the way.  Be happy everyone including me

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I began my day with a good breakfast and thought about what I could possibly do that would be exciting . Of course anything is better than just looking at the walls all day. I  had my first session physical therapy!  I 'm on the road to recovery, ha.

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Today I truly did not want to go  to the Dr for my appointment, 6:20 am, this morning.  And along with the early rising this morning the feelings and the pain  was right there too.  I can't get back to traing soon enough.  I miss train king ng 

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I had fair day yesterday.   Some aspects I could say great day because I saw Master Dege and Master Tucker whom I haven't seen in a little while.  I even did a six mile hike and felt good doing.  I will be out for a few but will get back in as soon as I can. 

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What a great way to began my Sunday.  I woke up to bright sunshine, fantastic breakfast and off to church services.  Maybe a little cooler than I care for: but am I still complaining?  I do believe I will focus on my requirements and get some 

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What a gloomy day it looks like starting out.  I guess it could be worse ,just the weak side of me voicing my opinion.   I'm letting the weather somewhat dictate to me!  I must push myself to get

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Today was a beautiful day.   I didn't get in any requirements my body was a little sore; but I did have fun at the dojang though assisting Master Knight with the Jr Tigers.   Maybe tomorrow will ok for me I will have gotten a bit more rest.

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Today I decided to play pickleball.  I played well with minimal use of my right arm.  Later I will be able to get a

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Today was interesting getting the MRI done on my shoulder area.  The noise the machine creates while its taking detailed pics is phenomenal!  Just like if you were on a big construction site.  I'm still able to do a few requirements.

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I began today with my favourite breakfast egg whites and beacon of course  coffee.   I played pickleball today also to my disappointment having to play left-handed.  I don't have the control w

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It has been a littledifficult in working my requirements but I haven't given up just yet.  I'm moving a lot slower than I care to but I continue to plug at it.

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I went to the doctor today concerning my injury.  I was hoping the news would be take a few days off, it will clear up.  I was given a cortisone shot and I will get an MRI on the 13th and we will go from there.  Ha

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I was awakened this morning by pain in my shoulder area.  I am not surprised ;  I keep putting it off but I know it's inevitable that I pay the Dr a visit.  So I guess I will toughen up go see him.  Regardless I'll try and do what requirements I'm able to do.

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I had an awesome time with King Tiger family and the many others doing our community service event.  I also failed to listen to my favorite boss advising me not to try and do too much!  Now I feel more pain.  I'm hoping I can quickly recuperate and finish my pre-cycle. 

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