Candidate Journals

While shooting this morning I received an email requesting changes on the video I have due for Thursday's job. I only had time today to help with the MID class. In order to get the changes complete and ready for delivery in the morning I had to completely change my evening schedule. I wasn't able to attend classes as I had planned. and now I need to try and do some requirements before calling it a night. Wow.. I'm only in day two of the week and I'm already so far behind. Hang on!

today has not been long enough. I still have so much to do. Since early today my time schedule has been off. I need to do some more requirements and haven't even had a chance to do more than unload what I shot today. Not a good start on my week. Here's hoping the rest of the week is not so out of whack. I've got to stay on top of things. I keep telling myself to not fall apart now.

I spent a good portion of the day trying to finish up essays and as of tonight I have finished all of my essays excluding the one for our community service project.  Done! I have an extremely busy work week ahead of me and wanted to get as much off my plate as possible.  This feels like a bunch of weight off of my shoulders. Today was like most Sundays have been after taking a black belt class and a sparring class I have struggled with requirements.  I still find I am always more sore after taking two classes back to back.Next weekend is the written and physical test. I have been studying, again I know I have a crazy work week too I think I am prepared and hope I dont panic.  On the physical side, this has been a tough process and to be honest my body feels tired....

"Running water never goes stale, so you gotta be like water and keep on flowing..." Bruce LeeMore aches and pains today.. I am still recouping from Thursday night's sparring class.  Ha.Even still I had a good day and I did get two classes in and was able to get a good bit of requirements done. I was also able to make up some miles thanks to the weather and managed to shave a few seconds off my time. Still not able to run an entire mile but am working on a run/walk program. I did some pull ups yesterday and today that I have never been able to do before without the assistance of a band. I'm Still not able to do the required pull up but I feel like I have made some improvement.  Since the weather was so nice I spent some more time outside working on my punching...

Tonight I went to Black Belt class. It was a Small Class ... only 3 of Us students,I like it when I get to attend a "little'' class, it gives opportunity for more personal critiquing:  We worked on our Poomsaes and Self defenses. ...Tomorrow, Saturday Black Belt class and another Sparring class, My body is running tired. I am calling its night,. Need the rest.

I have a torn meniscus in my left knee and always wear a brace when training. Since starting the cycle my right knee has started troubling me so now I wear a bandage on it.  I have hurt my right hand, I am wearing a bandage on my hand to assist and make pushups more bearable.  My back is an on going problem and many days I am wearing a back brace.  Tonight at sparring class during warm ups I felt my ankle twist... Tried not to pay it too much attention, I have enough body parts screaming so one more really didnt seem like much, but, as I was leaving The pain began to increase.  Tonight I am icing my ankle.  Looks like I may be adding another brace to my lineup.   Whew, I keep this up and I may need a one big full body brace.  The only...

I did my empathy training today.  I can only say I am glad it is over. Having failed at my first attempt this was my second.  I found the day to be exausting. I tried to do things as I normally would on a Wednesday but found I was constantly having to come up with new methods to do somethings that On a normal day I would have put no thought to at all.  I have had to ask more people to help me today too than I probably would have in a week... Maybe longer, and to boot it was for simple tasks, like tying my belt or opening a snack bar.  Now to finish my essay.Thank You Master Evins !!! For the generous credits from Instructor's camp.. I really did enjoy myself too! I have collected a good number of things for our community service project. Thank you to eveyone who...

Its been a long day.. I was up early trying to finish uploading an order that shows tomorrow.  Its a slow process but I finished and jumped straight into requirements. I wasnt able to finish the requirements and had to head out to help with the early afternoon class, from there I headed across town hoping to be a little ahead of rush hour traffic. Time enough for a quick and light bite then I did sparring class in Mint Hill.  We did alot of foot work drills. I liked the class and think I did ok but may find I dont walk so good tomorrow after all of the bouncing we did.  After sparring I changed and ran back across town to catch the PMAA class tonight at Master Evin's.. Afterwards I had to make a quick stop at the store and am just getting in.  I still have a...

I'm behind on everything from my house to my physical requirements ... I still have so much to do before I call it a night.

I am on the road Traveling Home from Instructor's Camp... I do love that My Son Can drive now,Im sore, Im Tired but feel rejuvenated at the Same time:. Ive really enjoyed the Conversation with my Son on this morning trip,. what a good Kid he is I am So proud of him. It thrills me that I get to hang out with him during events like this past weekend.... TKD has been Such a bonding agent for us. oh and the memories We are making . We have giggled about the black eye he gave me this weekend. There is a story he will get to tell for years . As for Me, I need to learn to get out of the way after disarming someone: HA, but I will Wear this Shiner with pride ....and what do they Say- " You are not training hard enough if you have...

I'm looking forward to Instructor's Camp. There is a buzz in the air. I still have a lot to do, and the day is almost gone. Be safe ... See everyone in Greenville!

Not much time to journal tonight...Had a busy morning... Did a sesssion with almost 60 kids. I finished up and made it home with just enough time to grab a quick bite and head out to help with the afternoon class then on to the red belt plus class. .. "Wacky Wednesday". I'm experiencing back spasms, I think the leg throws last night did not do much for me... Class was a bit tough. My Mentor came to Belmont tonight to work with me. She rocks! We covered the attack and defend forms with and without the staff along with some other things. I really appreciate that she was able to take time out tonight. As it normally is I get home late on Wed.. Now I need to finish up my requirements and get eveything unloaded and the order processed for what I shot today. It doesnt take long to...

I Found a confused puppy running around between cars in rush hour traffic today. I Rescued her from the middle of the road and the chaos she had created and I found where she belonged. Best part was the wagging tail and the kiss she gave me up the side of my cheek. I spoke to some people about donations for our community service project and went to Black Belt class and PMAA class today. At the start of this cycle it seemed like forever. Now I have this feeling of there is not enough time.

Its been a long day. I am still a little sore from the weekend. What a beautiful day weather wise. I really enjoyed being able to run/walk outside. I wish I had been able to spend more time outside than I did but my day was busy- i had alot to do preparing equipment and sets for work...My Spring schedule Starts this week...My calendar is jam packed through May... I am always grateful for any work I have, I know however for the next two months the challenges of the cycle are about to become even more intense.   I had a Mentee Session today, He did much better. I could tell he had practiced.. He is such a neat kid.  I enjoy working with him.

The first words out of my mouth this morning were "oH... ouch"...ouch is a normal first word but not usually until after I put my feet on the floor. This morning it started as I tried to roll over to step out of bed.  The two classes, black belt and sparring back to back do take a toll on my body.  I wonder if that will ever change. During my run/walk today I have cut my time a little bit since the pre-test. Yeah!  To many it may not seem like much, but to me just the fact that I am doing any kind of jog is a real thrill.  It has been eight years now...I was a two pack a day smoker.  The june before my forty first birthday I decided it had been long enough and that not being able to breathe was not the path I cared to travel...

I have missed a few days of journaling. My days just literally ran together and slipped by too quickly. Before I knew it, each night the time was past midnight and I had missed a journal day. Then told myself, I would do better... tomorrow. Well, now it is four days past tomorrow. All in all, it was a good week. I am still in catch up mode. I am trying so hard to keep up the pace.I trained this week as a white belt. I've made notes through the week and hope to finish up the essay before the weekend ends. I did Black belt classes on Tue, Fri and Sat. this week, a sparring class on Thu and Today and helped in class on Mon, Tue & Wed. I finished the week helping out with Parent's Night Out, Nerf War. We had a great turnout. Black belt class was...

It felt good to get back to class today.  I started my white belt challenge week.  Some of the higher belt students immediately recognized what I was doing and made some jokes about the new kid in class... some of the lower belts looks at me bewildered and asked why I was wearing a white belt.  I explained.  Lining up in the back of the room I realize how bad my eye sight and hearing are.  I may have to wear my glasses during class this week.  Being a bochodan at a Black Belt class is similar.  I have a hard time seeing and hearing there too.  I worked on the single stick poomsae tonight. I really should know this, I do not understand why I have such a difficult time remembering this form. Something about having a stick in my hand, my brain is not catching on.... Another task I need...

A new day but I woke up this morning feeling blue...  The emotional drain from yesterday is lingering. It was nice to  see the sun shining and being able to get outside.  Still a Little cool I think but much better than it has been.  I was surprised to find an area towards the end of our road that is still completely covered in snow/ice/sludge.  It stays shaded all day so it may be a day or two before it is all gone.  My dog and I trudged through.  She was very happy to be outside today too.  It will be good to go to TKD class tomorrow. With all the weather and illness it feels like such a long time since we've been. No holiday as originally planned for school, they have a makeup day.  I have to go uptown to renew my Notary Oath.  I never enjoy having to go...

Never thought I would know a day when I would have rather that I had spent the day at sparring class...I wish I was so tired because of a super physical workout.  My exaustion is not physical though, Its mental, its emotional.  I spent my day at the funeral home, and grave sight, with family and friends at the church, and gathering in the home with family.  A long day, Such a sad day.  My heart is heavy.  Parents should not bury their children.  I did some requirements this morning before heading out.  I found I was distracted.  I did some more when I got home late tonight but now I'm so tired...and still distrracted.  In a way it has helped though, it felt good to be doing something physical.    Tomorrow i hope to get alot of catching up done.  Our road is clear...I think it will be good to...

Week before last we had bad weather and missed classes. Then I became ill and missed classes, now more bad weather and more missed classes.   I've had an unfortunate event in my family and we have lost two young family members so I have a visitation and a funeral to attend on Saturday so even though the weather will probably permit and I do feel better I am still going to have to miss classes.  It all feels a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how is it going to be possible to reach the required numbers now.While I'm not a big fan of the snow, I did get out in it a little bit.  Took a few photos for memories sake.  I've been working on my requirements, trying to catch up on some things. I can tell there are some positive changes. After too many temper tantrums and frustrated...

Thank Goodness For Antibiotics!!!  I am finally beginning to feel like a person again.  i managed to get through requirements today and Not feel like I was going to die.  There is still some remnants of the illness but by far I am better. 

I havent felt this bad in a long time... I knew this morning that this has gone on too long and Instead of better I feel like Im getting worse. My son has joined the ranks with me and now feels as bad. So, first thing I called the doctor and made us both appointments... We have strep. (I've had it two other times in my adult life and it about killed me. I am so paranoid about it that all you need to do is mention the word and I will leave the room) ... Anyhow, the only thing productive Ive managed today was starting my rounds of antibiotics. I need to stay away from folks for a day but hopefully we are on the mend now.

So maybe I ventured out too soon yesterday... Today I feel like Ive started completely over with this bug I have. More missed classes. I am SO frustrated. Despite the pounding in my head, I have worked on an essay ... And thats it for me today. Night all. Stay healthy.

Well, whatever it is/was that was working on me Sunday Night... jumped head on by Monday morning. I've been SO sick. Monday I tried to do my requirements, and made it through a good many, by Tuesday my head didn't come off the pillow much. I managed only some sit-ups and push-ups and a few poomsaes and self defenses. I decided that not only did I feel like dirt but I thought it would be best to not share my fortune with others and skipped classes Monday and Tuesday. It never fails too, whenever I catch a cold or such, my pancreas decides we are having a party and joins in... I get hit with double punches. Yesterday was the worst. Today, I've mustered myself out of bed and managed to get through quite a few requirements. I haven't ventured outdoors to do any run/walking... I'm behind now. I did though...

Went to Black Belt class yesterday. I am so glad I had done a good number of my requirements before class because my body was exausted afterwards. Today I started on my requirements early... I've tried to stay away from sick family members but it is still in the house, now I feel like I'm catching whatever it is so I wanted to finish up and rest the remainder of the day.   My husband has been hacking, coughing and had a runny nose for about a week now.  i certainly hope it doesnt jump on me so bad.  I've been taking my vitamins too hoping they will help ward the sickness off. I am still struggling with push-ups... I do them in sets of 10s... I'm hoping the popping and grinding is just sounds of age. I did hold myself a little longer in pull-up position, that's improvement, And it does excite...

Boy Scout BBQ today so my morning was spent taking care of BBQ orders. I was able to spend the remainder of the day trying to concentrate on requirements.I guess it was warmer outside today ... Warmer than it has been but I still thought it was quite chilly during my walk/run.   I feel like Rocky when I'm working on my miles.. Toboggan on and hoodie up..And you know I have to play at least once "The Eye of the Tiger".   I've not done the dance at the top of the steps (yet), I will save that for the end of my mile during the physical test in March.  In hopes I am able to better my time from my pretest.I went to Black Belt class tonight.  I found out that I have been practicing a poomsae wrong.. My stances are not right.  I'm frustrated mostly because as slow...

It has been a long and busy day.  House work first thing. I'm trying to stay on top of things so my house doesnt turn into total chaos while I am trying to make it through this cycle.  Then I began working on requirements.  Push ups today seemed hard to do.  I have some new grinding and popping sounds radiating from my shoulders.  Oh joy, new sounds, I have so many I could probably start a musical.I had to take a break and move on to office work that needed to be done and some bill paying.  I always dislike bills due day... From there I had to run errands and go by the studio to take care of a few things and then visit a few client accounts.  The afternoon slipped by rather quickly.  I went to Belmont and helped with both classes today... Since the weather caused closings yesterday we...

Everyone was home today. They would have been without the snow since they are sick. I spent a good portion of the day in my office (trying to stay away from the sick folks) and worked on my requirements along with essays. I also was able to spend some time working on a batch from my new skill and got a chapter read in my book. All in all a productive day. I did not get a run/walk done... Not a fan of this weather.

I am SO over this winter weather.  Sickness in the house now too. My son stayed home from school sick. Ive quarantined him in his bedroom. Then my husband came home with the same.  I'm trying my best to stay away from both of them... Lots of hand washing and lysol going on around here. Tonights weather has also effected classes and closing.  Looks like my schedule for the week is going to be changed.  Good ole Mother nature.. BRING SUMMER PLEASE !!!  

Today, like last Sunday I woke up very sore. Two classes back to back on Saturday do take a bit of a toll. A good day though once I was able to get the ole joints moving.  Glad it was a little warmer out, I was able to do my miles outside.  My son worked with me on all of my requirements today. I really enjoyed spending the time with him...being a teenager I'm truly grateful he doesnt mind spending time with me and I doubt he really knows how special it is.  Since beginning our training in TKD it has been great to see him grow.  He is becoming quite a confident young man.  It felt good to get the requirements done earlier today. More time to rest the muscles before starting another long week. So off to bed early I go tonight in hopes of some peaceful sleep.  

First order of business yesterday was a visit to the Doctor to try and correct whatever it was I did to my back Thursday night.  I have him on speed dial now.   Last night after finishing my run, poomsaes, and self defenses I suddenly had a feeling I had been hit by a truck and we hit a brick wall.  ...  I woke up this morning feeling edgy.  I met with my mentor first this morning.  She is really awesome and vey patient.  I'm so thankful because I can be a real slow learner.  We worked on Wang Ho material and Staff attack and defenses.   And went over some questions I had on forms.  I'm in good hands.    My back was extremely sore and tight today but I made it through Black Belt class.  We worked more on Wang Ho material.  I am so glad because I think I may...

Tonight I went to sparring class... First of 15.  Sparring is so tough for me.  I really hope over the next ten weeks I manage to get at least a little better... Tonight during round two I think i twisted too much, the ole back almost sent me to my knees.  It is so painful when it does that... the only description that comes to mind is someone hitting me in the back with a 2x4 loaded with electricity.  I could feel my eyes well up.  Its moments like that when I do have to admit I have doubts about what Im doing, but then I remind myself that I can experience the exact same kind of pain getting up from the couch... And that is not near as much fun. I did actually do my walk/run outside after all today.  I really want summer to hurry up and get here. I timed,...

I was SO excited today... Doing a negative pull-up My length of time in pull-up position increased 3 seconds. Party at my house! I was also able to do a few more pushups before my arms totally gave out. I feel like Im making some progress. I did not run today, its so cold and my shins have been really sore so I thought I might give them a chance to recoup. Considering the temp is notgoing up tomorrow I will probably have to get my run/walk in on the treadmill. Not near as much fun as outdoors. I had a Mentee session today. The young man I am working with has been very attentive. I think he is doing good. By rank he is ready to begin attending our advanced classes. He however has been very nervous about doing so and continues to come to lower belt classes. Before starting...

I didnt sleep well last night so I was up earlier than normal and began my requirements. Im having difficulty with my pushps, my arms are very sore. Im hoping that soon they just give in to the program and i will get better. I walk/ran 2 miles today with my youngest pup. Ive been working on leash training with him so the miles have been good for him too. I worked with my Mentor tonight. And then went to Black Belt class and PMAA. There is so much to learn. It normally Takes me a while to learn new forms, etc. Still sore! Im going to call it a night.

That's it ! .. at least for today. I can't do anymore. Every muscle I have hurts. My back is starting to act real ugly too, so I don't think I should push any further. I really hate that I have to 'listen to my body'. Or maybe I hate more that my body talks so often and so loudly. Even still, I'm doing this! I found out yesterday I passed the pre-test. Woo Hoo! I really was terrified about the whole thing. The mile was freezing. My time was actually better than I had expected. I'm sure wanting to get out of the cold helped my motivation. That and I kept telling myself, "it's black and has one gold bar". Visualize your goal. ...I found out areas I need to work on too; the form I scored the lowest on is probably my least favorite, it must show. I also...

I am unbelievable sore already! Man, I thought I worked out. Whew. I’m okay with muscle soreness… I get very aggravated with my back and knees. Both are going to make sure I keep them in mind during this cycle. I see my Doc again next week and until then I’m continuing to stretch my hamstrings. Working on my requirements to start, my pace might be compared to the pace of a turtle. Fast movements aren’t always so pleasant so I figure slow and sure will have to work. My sit-ups and push-ups have all been in slow sets of 10. I enjoy doing poomsaes and normally try to do whichever I am doing twice. It amazes me though no matter how well I think I know, my mind still goes blank or I catch myself mixing two different poomsaes together. Jump roping.. Oh no ! My shins. Surprising that anyone...

So The meeting to kick off the spring black belt cycle was Tuesday night. It all seemed a bit surreal. I'm actually "on the cycle". As I listened to Master Evins read 'out-loud' all of the requirements, I could feel my stomach getting tighter and tighter. I've made a lot of positive changes in my life in the last 10 years. Some of those changes were not easy. I've made it through challenges in the past. My experience with TKD have been positive. I've learned a lot about myself and just what my capabilities are. The requirements seem daunting though. I came home Tuesday night and began. I wanted to get started. I've decided I don't have to be fast, just sure. I'm already sore !! ... Oh it could be a looong 10 weeks. I'm going to go to my first black belt class tonight :-)