Candidate Journals

Well, the cycle is one week and one day from full completion. Tomorrow night is our Overnight Test; Saturday is our Demo Test and then our Tea Ceremony is scheduled for the 17th. While the past several weeks have been a major part of the journey, the cycle truly includes all of the hours and sweat that have gone into my 2nd Don Black Belt these past 2 years. I have enjoyed all of it and I am looking forward to the next leg of the journey. See you all tomorrow night! We are ready!

Tomorrow is the final test. I am so nervous and excited! (Can that happen?) I know I can do it because I practiced and I am ready! :)

Starting to feel better about my Boston presentations. I'm about half done with both power points! Now I just want May 13th and 16th to come and go so that I can take a deep breath and get back to work on my TKD essays. My left knee is hurting again. It's very frustrating not be able to do what I want to do physically. Can't even kneel on the knee anymore. Will just have to take it one day at a time. Looking forward to the Kukkiwon Cup!

This is the last journal that I need. Yes. Oh yeah. Still got to hone my skill. SO allsons-y!! ( that's french for let's go.)

This is the last journal that I need. Yes. Oh yeah. Still got to hone my skill. SO allsons-y!!

All of a sudden i have become very nervous. I have been practicing all my stuff and trying to make it clean. 2 more days!!!

There is 2 days left until testing. Are you ready. Comment if you are or not.

Man, I am very excited for this cycle of black belt testers. Testing is only a few short days away! A lot of people have stepped up, and come a very long way. This gives me motivation for the next cycle I am honored to be attacking Master Cavazos for his testing, I just hope he doesn't clean my clock too bad!Go Black Belts!

So I'm really nervous / super excited about this Saturday is been 2 long years for me to get my black belt so ready for it

Soon, so soon. I am going to test for my Black belt. YEAH! Hard work pays off.

My da was good. I went long boarding today. That is really all.

Had a good day at school. We had pizza party and we loved every bit of it. Saw Master Chelley's email on the Friday night testing and just got nervous... I hope we all do good and get through the night on Friday. 2 more days!!!!

I've noticed as I've gotten older that the body needs a bit more time to bounce back between workouts. When I tested for first dan (around 34 or so) I was quite proud that I could keep up with the youngsters. 13 years later and I have had to accept that while I can still do most things, it just takes a smidge longer to do them. It makes me realize that martial arts may be the best way to stay in tune with your body. The body is the best indicator of all things from physical health to emotional well being. I pledge never to stop my martial arts training. Weight lifting may be beneficial but the physical training of martial arts just keeps you in balance and in tune much better.

After visiting Charlotte and Master Evins I now have added AM and PM workouts. Staff form #2 is a bit of a problem but nothing I can't handle. Feeling more confident every day now.

My day was good. I went shopping all day. And my feet are killing me.

I am sick with a stomach bug or something, I don't know. GRR THIS!!!!

Enjoyed this weekend was able to get my garden ready for planning. And was able to let my mind have a rest ,there is nothing like working in the dirt with your hands and taking your mind off everything else. But today it was back to business and for the next few days.

This is becoming real now. Final week is here. I am super excited for the testing. Heading out to school now and will be practicing all evening today.

Just spent 3 days with Master Evins. Feel like a martial artist (albeit a sloppy one) again. Looking forward to pushing on through.

Still thinking about this upcoming weekend getting nervous / excited can't wait

Today I got back home from Florida. It was awesome bye  

My day was good. My nana and papa came to my hour today. I happy Easter .

Happy Easter! It's Easter YEAH!! And we got 5 more days 'till testing. Yup, fun week ahead.

This weekend i registered for the Kukkiwon Cup. so, the training ramps up.

Yesterday was just a boring day. Nothing much to do. Helped my parents clean the house. Today is the last day of spring break and school from tomorrow. Final 5 days before testing!!!

Psychologically preparing myself for this up coming weekend, can't wait !!

My day was good. I went to the store with my mom to day.

Today I woke up and did a lot o playing around and then I hang out with our grandma and grampa to show what I learned at tae kwon do. Next they left to the temple and then we where stuck with our uncle we went to get pizza and we ate it next we watch a movie it was so fun. Then I went home to my real home it was fun today.

I can't sleep and it is almost 11:00 at night and i am not at all tired. tomorrow I will be though.

Had a lazy Friday yesterday. We stayed up a little late watching TV. I finished my daily requirements and we went to Ikea. It was real fun going to Ikea and writing down all the details to pick up from the self service. Then I helped my dad assemble his stuff.

Today this morning I went to my grandma's house and went to the mall I went to play with some other kids and I had fun a lot then I went to Tokyo a bufay place and I'm going to sleep.

My day was good. In tea know do to day we saw what we know and evident know.

I am going to a 2 hour BB class at 5:30. Gosh this is going to be exhausting.

Next Friday is our final test.... Its getting real... My spring break is over this weekend and back to school from next week. I made sure that I caught up on a lot of sleep and rest... Have a good day

MY day was good. We really did nothing in power class today but it was a fun day. I had a test in math class.

I am so sore again and very tired. That's it. I've got nothing else. :)

Today is a new day and a new beginning so live it to the fullest.

Long day today and super ready for next saturday. Reviewing things that I need to work on still

Today at school I finaly got fun today I went to school did math first than did a lot of running around. Next I went back to the class room and watch magic school bus. Then it was lunch it was so good then we had specials and we did computers and picking the best book to put in our class reading section. Finaly I did a lot of tae kwon do.

Yesterday was good. My sister and i went to our friends house to play. We had great fun there. The weather was very good too. In the evening went to Tae Kwon Do. It was Whacky Wednesday and Master Knight made us sweat a lot.... Got all my requirements done for yesterday. Heading to the library now.

My day was good. I am going to the Whitewater Center for a school field trip and it was very fun I hope that I can go there again.

Really tired tonight had a super long but fun day today now I have a have and going to bed early goodnight

Not liking push-ups at all today. Would rather do sit-ups all day long. Hoping my knee starts feeling better soon. Geumgang under the noodle last Saturday made my knee very angry. Very, very angry.

Today I had to take the math EOG it was easy but took long to do I hated the last three days of being silent today and the other days. Today at tae kwon do I got a sweaty workout like doing push ups punches and doing squat thrust.

2 field trips in one week. I was up so early. UGH!!!!

Wow, what a beautiful day! Had a great workout at CrossFit this morning. These requirements are eroding away...slowly but surely.... I'm glad to have some days off on this long weekend. Even though we are closed Friday, still planning on getting in a good class at the gym in the morning. Hopefully, the weather will be nice and I can get outside for awhile this weekend!

Headed to CLT to get some real TKD training over three days. So looking forward to training with other students and seeing old friends.

Yesterday was a good tuesday. Did my requirements and assignments in the day. Master Randle and I spent some time together again in the evening going through all my stuff. We had a good Black Belt class as well. It is getting real. Just 8 more days after today.

Had a nice day at work and then a terrific evening at King Tiger North Charlotte. Had a nice 4 mile run in 36 minutes, lots of kicks in BB class and good PMAA class. Looking forward to my drive to Raleigh tomorrow to visit my folks. My father will be 87 on Thursday. The icing on the venture is that Jack will be meeting me there and then coming home with me on Thursday. Have a great week everyone!

Today was a decent day today. The black belt most of the black belt family ran with Marcus, which was fun. Then we did class and that's all what happened.

My bay was good.I felt good on my as test today. Tomorrow I am going on a field trip it going to be fun.

Did grappling, at Belmont tonight I really enjoyed it.. note just really tired.. going to bed really early tonight

Today at school there was cheese sticks for breakfast and a fiber bar. Today at school we did the MOK EOG which is a practice EOG it was long it took everybody the whole day to do it. Today at tae kwon I did a lot of things today I thinks it would be fun if I got to do fun things at school.

Today at school there was cheese sticks for breakfast and a fiber bar. Today at school we did the MOK EOG which is a practice EOG it was long it took everybody the whole day to do it. Today at tae kwon I did a lot of things today it was fun and I thought it would be fun if I got a lot of fun things at school.

I AM SO SORE AGAIN! Only this time in one leg. Why universe, WHY?!

Yesterday was a relaxing day. Nothing much. Did my requirements and then took my regular class and Hyper Pro. We did sword training at Hyper. Its really cool. 9 more days until testing!!

Still pushing out requirements, only a few more days left !!

Monday's are still awesome. Unfortunately my schedule change for Spring Quarter has me working 1230 to 2245 on Monday & Tuesday for the next 11 weeks. Today was fun at the LKN Dojang due to it being Fitness Day. Had a lot of fun with my two classes. Thanks to Masters Conrad & Chelley for allowing me to teach these classes during this cycle. It has been awesome.

Today had a breakfast it was bad. I had to do a test and I took another test. When it was time to play I met with friends and played tag it was fun then I went inside and took another test and then went to lunch it was good and then went to specials it was art we did leaf rubbing and did clay with we made birds and it looks awesome. Then we did math it was fractions how to compare fractions and which one is bigger and which one is smaller. Today at tae kwon do we did sword training for Hyper pro it is a program that does different weapon training and then helped my brother in his regalar class it was super fun.

My day was good. I study for my ss test to tomorrow. I think that I will go good on my test tomorrow.

Exhausting day for me today. I have a bunch of homework and drove home. Then I went to 2 and 1/2 Tae Kwon Do classes. I felt like falling asleep in the third, because i was so tired

Spent the past 3 days in Athens GA for work. Was able to get in one session of training at my old training room when I was in school there. It felt good. I also just found the King Tiger You Tube channel with all the self defenses. Not sure where my brain was at but I am glad I finally found them.

I'm jumping back into my training and the push-ups are killing me, even when I use my nifty "push up pump" that helps me keep my body in the correct form. I have been very preoccupied with work. I have to give two lectures at the Heart Rhythm Society's annual International convention this May and I'm scared out of my mind. I am extremely nervous. You would think after 20 years as an Electrophysiology nurse I would be a little more confident.

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

Its spring break this week for us. Been working on my Kumon assignments and getting my poomsae and self defense done in the morning. Just came back from library - Monday's we have "paws for reading". Been going every week with my sister. We both love to read books and we do a lot of reading in the summer too in the library and at home. I have my Tae Kwon Do class at 5.25pm and then Hyper Pro. Just 10 more days before our final test.....

Had a good weekend camping, I reviewed a little bit then, had fun camping. Then that my 2 year old niece came over.We had fun today

Today I did more requirements. I spent the whole day inside doing school work. I'm planning to get everything 0 by end of this week and just review the last week.

My bay is good. I study for my ss test. And I had to do index cards. But so far to day was good.

2 weeks until the BB test and I am so excited! I can not wait until the test! YEAH!!!!

Had a relaxing Saturday yesterday. Working on my details now and taking time in my poomsae and self defense. I have also been working on my pull up bar as well. I played wii games yesterday with my dad and had fun.

We had a really good Saturday at King Tiger. We had our community service project, black belt class & sparring. Un fortunately I had to leave sparring early. It was for a good reason though.

Going camping tonight. Then gonna do requirements as well

I had a pretty decent day because my computer kept bugging out when I was on the black belt web page. And the good part is that I finished all my black belt requirements.

Today was fun I did hyper pro and black belt it was super fun beacuse we went over stuff that we need to know for testing. Today for lunch I ate chil dog and whopper jr it was good today I felt good going to tae kwon do to do my community project today.

Today I finished my physical requirements. Did you finish? 

I had a good day yesterday at school. Yay!!! Its spring break next week. I get to take rest and make sure i work on the finer details on my poomsaes and self defense. Two more weeks before the final test. We did our community service project today and I felt really bad for the kids. They really need support and I will do my best to give my share. Going to be a lazy saturday afternoon

My day is going good so far. I woke up recently. I hope that every one is having a good day today.

This was supposed to be for last night but I forgot haha, everything has been finished as my requirements go and even though I am finished that doesn't mean I will quit working out. BLACK BELT STRONG !!!

My dad is making me write a very long paper........... yay.

Hi I really hope this is not too late. Tomorrow I'm going to spend all morning with Master Chelly because my mom hates me (just kidding, she'll just be busy) but I'm sure it's going to be fun and extremely productive. I can expect most requirements to be done by tomorrow.

My day was good. I Really didn't do much today. We had in door pa to da because it was raining .

14 MORE DAYS TILL TESTING. PRACTICING REALLY HARD AND I AM REALLLY NERVOUS. I had a good day and I cannot wait till tomorrow for BBC. See you guys tomorrow.

I had a great day at king tiger and school. I also had fun at recess.

Today I am trying to finish my cycle by doing everything now while I still have the time.

Spent most of last week and the weekend in Washington, DC visiting some family (wife's side). Honestly didn't get too many requirements done on this trip. The hotel did have a gym, which I used twice to do some things. We stayed in downtown DC, so the miles were very easy to get in. It was fun, and a great change of scenery for a bit. I need to make sure I am journaling more frequently...it is very hard to get caught back up if I get behind on those!

Had a very productive two days. Finding got my old truck fixed , yes it may have cost me around 150.00. But it save me in the long run. Now if I can get another 27 years out it ,OK may be 7 I will be happy. The most enjoyable day was yesterday , went from ONE password at work to 5 passwords. How I remember the days when we never had any. The good old days.

Yesterday in my swim class my master asked if i was ready for a challenge. The competition was to do the racing dive and then streamline across the 25 mts and reach the wall the other side without coming up. I did the challenge twice and won... I took the day off from requirements yesterday; however back to schedule from today onwards. I have collected few stuff for the community service project and excited to be part of this project.

I am so sore! I can hardly move my legs. It doesn't matter though, I'll live. :)

I have quite the busy weekend ahead, but it is a very good thing. Every morning I thank the Lord that I am able to rise and accomplish whatever the day presents. My morning prayer is that I glorify the Lord as I do them. I look forward to seeing everyone for our community service effort tomorrow. Let's share our gifts.

Assisted in testing tonight. Need to do this more often. So much fun to watch these kids earn their next belt!

Good night at class tonight, going through some hard times in my life right now trying to figure out what to do... but still working hard to get my black belt

my day was good. I did my reading map testing today and it was good.

my day was good. I did my reading map testing today and it was good.

I had a great day at Tae Kwon Do and school. I also ran 4 and a half miles.

Today was ok. I have to remember to go out and buy a cup this weekend though. I feel like i'm doing fine on my requirements.

This has been an awesome cycle. I cannot thank everyone enough for every part they have played. I would like to give a shout out to Masters Chelley for all their efforts in keeping us all on track. I would also like to give a shout out to Masters Hartle & Cavazos for working with me on Hapkido and PMAA. 16 days until testing!

I have got some stuff left to do. I will finish and become a BLACK BELT!