Candidate Journals

Yes, I enjoy Kung Fu movie names. For those who were on the last cycle, good timing. Connor (my son) was on the last cycle and we ran together a lot. I don't remember any 34 degree days in his cycle. He looked at me when I came back from my 2 mile run today, shivering and blue, and asked "what's wrong?" I sent him to his room. Man it was chilly today. I guess I was hoping for a mild North Carolina winter. Even the cows didn't come out to watch this time. Time to toughen up a bit and pop that snot bubble. It's not going to change anytime soon. It seems the majority of hard things I've done in my life were always in the winter. Winter make you appreciate places like Florida or the sun. There's nothing like losing all the feeling in your fingers and toes...

Had a great Weekend in Atlanta for the AdvoNation Event.  Took almost 7 hours to get to Atlanta because of an ver-turned Tractor-Trailer.  But, time went by quickly with good company and conversation.  Seminar was great.  Had a good Sunday.  Birthday party at the school and then spent time with family.  My dad's 70th Birthday is next weekend and making it special for him is on my mind.  

Regular day today, I guess. I'm getting a bit behind in my requirments, which is bad. A bad habit to start. Last midterm tomorrow. I just realized that I missed class tonight. Today is just not going very well at all. It will be better tomorrow. I'll go for a run on the freeway which is quite a few miles. I'll have to get all the bars on green.

School tomorrow. I wish I had off. I have off on Friday instead. I wanted Tuesday thought so I can hangout with my friends. Played some video games with friends. Went out to eat and did my requirements after. Then finished up some homework which took 2 hours and then went to watch some videos. Did a bit of studying and went to a class. Now I am finishing up a movie with my family right now. Hope everyone had a great day! 

MLK Day at the box is always a joy Working off lots of bad eating from Panther Sunday Get back on track with 24 day challenge after a tough weekend.

I was not my 100% last week. I could not do as many requirements as I wanted to. But I could complete two of my essays. Yesterday I did my requirements and could do good number of sit ups and push ups. I hope to keep up the number on pushups and situps. Have a great day all.

We got home from the grocery store we turned on the tv and the panthers were up 31-0. I wasn't surprised the panthers are better than Seattle. They already won their first game against them so i knew they would beat them again. So then I saw the score again  it was 31-7, finally they scored. I was going for the panthers but if they lost 31-0 then i was going to brag. When we were watching the game we had wings,deviled eggs,and some ginger ale it was all so good. I had honey barbecue wing it sounds gross but its really good. We had a big tv so we could see everything. I had fun on sunday and a tasty one too.

I had a great day yesterday. Woke up early to get my requirements done before the Panthers game. Got everything done by noon and my dad and I watched the whole game. What a game by Netwon and the Panthers. Cardinals here we come! Saw the Bronco v Steelers game as well. Helped my dad in the morning when he was vaccuming the home. I dont have school today and tomorrow and my plan is to get most of my requirements done. I also wrote my Mission Statement essay which my dad is going to type in today and upload to dropbox.

It would be nice to make my workouts a Kung Fu movie. Not because my workouts are impressive, but because they fast forward the martial arts scene to make the action better. That way my requirements would only last ten minutes in Hollywood time. Instead, I tackle an item at a time over a two to three hour spans. And that's on a good night. I'm feeling the post sparring / Black Belt class workout today. It was hard sitting still in church today. Muscles kept cramping up. Even though God rested on the seventh day, I don't think I will get that luxury. Of course He's God. He's got the right to rest or kick Brian around for enjoyment. My wife kept giving me the Baptist eye while I was wiggling in my pew. That look usually in tells the "don't do anything stupid that would bring attention to me."...

I can't wait till tomorrow. We have off. So exited. Went to church today and watched the Panthers "destroy" the Seahawks during the first half. It was so hype! Then I did my requirements. Still have a bit to finish. Proably going to do them during the commercials of the Steelers gaming. Hope everyone had a good day!

Yesterday right after we came home from Black Belt Class my parents said we were leaving to Raleigh. Pretty much the entire day there and we came back home at 10.30pm. Luckily i finished all my requirements before i went to BB class and then in BB class Master Knight made us work out a lot. Especially the kicks where we had to hold our one leg out do different kicks each time rechambering them. I am all set for the Pathers v Seahawks game!! Go Cam and team!!!!

Quick weekend in Atlanta for the regional Advocare event. Always a good motivator for goal planning and no excuses work ethic. Almost 11 hours driving really hammered didn't do my body any favors. Got in good workouts Friday before we left, and able to get some pushups and situps in Saturday morning. Eating could have been better. Could have been worse.

Helped with Jr tigers this morning. What a big class! I think it was at least 20 kids. Several new ones too. Then helped with family class. I worked with a group on yi chang and had them do it with their eyes closed. They did quite well. You can really tell who knows their stuff when their eyes are closed. It was a really small black belt class so we worked on a lot of stick forms including double stick 1. We worked on some kicking combinations too. The second black belt class had several more people and we worked on poomsaes with switching spots with your partner. I think that is harder than doing poomsaes by yourself. We also worked on a lot of kicks and some self-defense. Great variety Master Knight! I reviewed study guide flashcards today and did several jump rope rounds. I wanted to get out...

This was a fun day. I finally got to sparring class and black belt class. Sparring is always a good time. It's like being a kid again and you are playing with your buddies, throwing each other around, making up super hero scenarios, and saving the day. And of course, you get to kick people. It's one of those "good sore feelings" when your done with sparring. You know you're going to feel it in the morning, but it was all worth it. It reminds me of the feeling I would get back in my Air Force days. Doing an all night mission, patching up the wounded, covering your buddies six. It's a feeling of comradery that words cannot explain. When your training with someone and suffering with someone, it builds a bond. Yeah, it's a little like that. Spar on Cycleillans!!!

Hello, just saw star wars last night for the second time. It was very good. I got some requirements done today. Well, good night.

Today was mostly about facing the truth. I faced it. I tried getting it of my mind and played some video games with my friends. Went to BB class and did review. I also did my requirements while watching YT because I got pretty bored. Any way about to go out and don't know what to time I am going to be coming back. I am going with my cousins and his parents somewhere while my mom and dad rest. They have had some rough days. Can't wait for Panthers vs Seahawks game either tommorow. Let's go Panthers! 

I am about to head out of the country for a couple days but yesterday was an unexpected day. I felt something weird with one of my teeth and went to the dentist. Turns out I needed a root canal immediately and I had to have one yesterday morning, go to work and then fly to Florida. Was a very long day and I have to leave soon. Going to try to read "The Art of War" on the boat

Finally the long weekend is here. Came back from school early as we had half day. Finished all my assignments so that I can focus on requirements alone this weekend and dont miss the Panthers game tomorrow. Thank you Ms. Evins for the dropbox. My dad typed the essay which i wrote in the December holidays on the "History of Kwans" . He uploaded that to dropbox along with the letters. I am still working on "Mission Statement". My dad asked me to write a few paragraphs which i will do today. Going through my color belt study guide as our Pre-Test is next saturday!!

Core is a little sore today. Not sure if it is the result of sparring class last night, or crud that is causing me to cough, or some of each. I don't have time for this so will fight it off as much as I can. Another long day at work, but a productive one at work so a good thing. Unfortunately it means less time for requirements. Time to rest.

I have to share this story, and the best part is, its got nothing to do with me. So Dr. Brandon and myself went over to help Master Knight with the testing prep class tonight. Dr. Brandon was working with a very young man, probably around 5. At the end of the class, the mom comes up and starts talking to Dr. Brandon. She recognizes her as the doctor who delivered her son that Dr. Brandon was helping in class. What a small world and such a cool connection. Makes me think of the lives we touch and never really realize it. It could be the car in front of you who you might be tail gating because they don't drive fast enough, or the mom bringing her crying kids on a airplane and you get up to help her with her luggage. What we do at that moment may set...

Finished week as a white belt. I liked teaching. It is amazing to work with these little kids. If you can get their attention and keep it, their minds are like sponges. It is fun to let them show you what they know. Small black belt class yesterday. I was grateful. I wasn't on the edge of the mat and we did not have to pause to back up in the middle of the poomsaes. Master Cavazos is a stickler, but I need that right now. I think I know my poomsaes, now I have to work on performance anxiety causing me to lose focus. At this point it is not a matter of knowing the poomsae, it is not getting distracted while performing them. I think I will approach it like a form of meditation.  Helped with the testing preparation class tonight. Teaching is hard work.  I'll have my niece...

Yesterday night we got a call from India. Saying that my uncle was in critical condition and was on life support. That shocked our whole family. My uncle was the one that helped out on everything. He would help whenever somebody need it. He was the one taking care of my grandma in India. He would look over my dad's land and all that in India. Then like 3-4 hours later they called saying he passed away. He spent his whole life helping, now he is enjoying life. He deserves it to. On top of that my dad got surgery on his teeth and cannot talk for a week or so. He would try saying some things but couldn't. It was very hard for me at school today. My uncle was very close to me. Sometimes you just got to face it. If your born, your going to have to die...

Well, I just woke up. Man, my dog gets on my nerves. He keeps on barking so loud to go out side it's like the world loudest fog horn! By far he's the most annoying dog in the world. The other one at the same time got his paw stuck in his collar. He was crying so hard. But fortunately I was there to save him. Well, good bye.

I always seem to oversleep the mornings after sparring classes. Also practiced a lot of jump turning kicks yesterday, so body must have needed extra rest. Nice to see students from other schools come in for class (Inst Dege :-) )

Today is half day and school is closed on monday and tuesday. Looong weekened.. Yesterday I had swimming class and i did a lot of laps. My instructor made us to the flip turns and I am now very good in that. After every lap i now flip turn to do the next lap. Kind of mastered it. At one point i was really struggling but i am very happy to have worked on it and learnt it. We had PE in school yesterday and got my requirements done pretty much in school. Bus comes at 7am and i need to get going. Got in a few sets of push ups and situps. Its an Indian festival today and my parents woke me up at 4.45am. 

Watched the movie The Revenant tonight. It's a good reminder how tough men and women were back then. Constantly dealing with freezing temperatures and doing what you must to survive. The movie was waaaaay to long but the story line was fascinating. And since it's based on a true story, it's really humbling. Unfortunately, it also meant not doing some of my requirements I wanted to do. But at least I can get this still in before it turns midnight. Watching that movie reminded me of the title I gave to this journal entry, "Hard like woodpecker lips." Now, I can say I have never kissed a woodpecker before, but we can imagine that they must be pretty tough lips to do all that pounding into the tree. I pray my fellow Cycleillians got more of your requirements than I did today. I was happy to go for a good three...

Feeling less that 100% today. Woke up stuffy.  Still did stuff,  still worked, just felt pouty about it.  Did a little of sparring class.  Gotta start checking out my competition....

Small class today for BBC. Only 5 people. We did poomsae and self- defense. Had a pretty chill day today. Did a test and then did worksheets and notes for the rest of the day for my other classes. Had to finish up some homework as well. Got my daily requirements done and I am also posting my extra credit for the Combative Seminar on Saturday. Had a great day! Hope everyone else had a great day!

Today i went to tkd and i learned I need to start working.  I still have homework and had a good day at school.

Good day at school yesterday. I finished all my homework in school except for 3 questions which I did this morning. Did 35 push ups and situps now. Yesterday we had a great class with Master Knight. I did leadership after that and mostly worked on the sticks with Instructor Weeks. He is a really funny guy but very focused to get the things done. I did sparring in Hyper and it was fun

A little better on requirements today, but still not everything. Today was a day of meetings at work. Unfortunately that kind of day never gives me a good feeling of accomplishment. I am trying to be more organized at work and so far it only lasts for a day or two. Thank you Neelima for posting the pushups video. I have started putting one foot on top of the other and I find it to be better for the core and lower back, but no better for the arms or wrists. I watched a different video that suggests turning your hands slightly in. That does help the wrists a little, but my arms tend to get wider apart with each pushup and that makes it worse after a few. I will probably always struggle with pushups.

Cold can be a motivator once your in it. The cold can also be a barrier to entry as your looking out the window from your nice warm house. I used to call myself a runner. That was only a year ago. Now I call myself a runaphobic. Yes, today's new made up word. There something about taking that first deep breathe in the 30 degree cold that make every part of your body say, "what the heck was that!" So, it's time to pop that snot bubble and get my south side out there and start putting on some miles. I think that's the only thing I miss living in a community like Highland Creek was the nice sidewalks all through the community as well as golf trails. Out where I live now, I have to run right on a busy road if I want to go more than a...

Took a few days but I can finally post in the journals and update my stuff! An outlet that I have to write about myself and/or what I did for the day? Oh this is going to be fun! I think the last time I actually wrote something that wasn't "work" related in a blog it was a few years ago, the topic? Is a Lepton matter or not? I can copy it here if anyone really really wants to be bored!  On a lighter side, I finally got to go to a regular class again. Has been a month and a half since the last time and I have significantly lost muscle mass (getting sick isn't fun, I wouldn't recommend anyone try it!) I got to break out my old white belt! It has been very long since I got to wear that! I guess no one outside Lake Norman...

Enjoyed being a white belt in the adult class tonight. Found a mentee. I think I will try to assist with the Wed adult class. I like teaching. Found my self giving the same pointers I've been given. Daddy always said, "You don't really know something until you can teach it" Working on perfecting my poomsaes. Ive got to study my my study guides. I won't get much done this weekend because I have my niece for the holiday weekend. 

2 more days till the weekend comes. I can't wait. I really need a break from school. Just finished a test today and have another one tommrow. Studying for that one right now as well. Finished up my readily requirements as well. Had a great day! Hope everyone else had a great day as well!

Man hitting yourself in the feet with a fast jumprope really hurts! Well, i'll get over it. But doing back rolls hurts my neck! Aye aye aye! Well, about to eat dinner soon. Bye!

Pullups and hollow rock/ superman.  30 Thrusters 180 Jump Rope 20 Thrusters 120 Jump Rope 10 Thrusters 60 Jump Rope Resumed a morning smoothie regimen today. Hadn't had one for months before today.

Cold and freezing day today. Thank you so much Master Chelley and Master Evins for the credits from the Kukkiwon cup last year. I helped out Junior Tigers yesterday and worked with Master Randle in my mentor session. I worked with Gregg who is my mentee and he is doing a great job. I am super excited for him to test for his Bo Cho Dan. Master Randle asked me to help a new Junior Tiger yesterday and it was fun. I still remember my first day with Master Randle.

I have much to be thankful for, and need to remember that more often. My glass is often half empty rather than half full. It is up to me to fill it up. I enjoyed spending some time with Matthew today and he even offered to attack for self-defense. I will take him up on that as often as he offers. He used to like red belt #1. Now that he is about my size, he doesn't like it as much, but I think he's perfect for me to practice self-defense with. Not to mention it beats the vacuum cleaner. I used to practice self-defense in front of the vacuum cleaner as my pretend partner. It helped me with distance and it doesn't flinch. Thank you Master Tucker for working with me before class. I enjoyed working with Dr Rochelle after class. Not as much requirements done today, but a good...

Yes, I was a former Trekie. But I think I'm cured as I haven't seen a Star Trek show in about four years. I guess I finally seen all the episodes and they all looked the same after awhile. Here's the thing that always amazed me. Your out in space stuck on a Federal Vessel which is a strict military, and there's no way to escape it. Someone is always giving you orders and there's nothing you can do about it unless you high jack a shuttle and go hide out at the nearest habitable planet where everything is trying to eat you or there's a bunch of dudes who don't show emotions. When I was in the military, during the day, someone was always giving us orders and we had to follow them. But then I got to go home and get away from that until the next day. On...

I have been studying so much today for my science test tomorrow. I really want to do good on it. I have had a pretty good day today. We had a pretty easy day at school except science because I was excepting a review for the test we have tomorrow but we did a lab instead. I did have a good amount of homework though. Manged to get my requirements done though, mostly. Went to BB class and had a Mentor session has well. Hope everyone has a good day!

I kind of like being a white belt. I needed a break down of the turning kicks and today as a white belt helped tremendously. I still struggle over left and right like the kids. In fact, I need to be taught like the little kids, because I am a child to Taekwondo.  Appreciated the mentoring session with Instructor Dege. Working on nailing down these turning kicks. My back and knees are complaining a lot today. Well, off to catch the rest of President Obama's State of the Union Address, then to bed. So proud of our country 

Today I started my white belt challenge. Only have to do it for a few more days. I miss being a Bo Cho Dan.I will be there again soon though. So, nothing to worry about there. My moms not feeling as bad today so hopefully this is a good sign. Well, good night.  

Hello. I kinda jumbled my stuff from yesterday and today, so today I didn't do leadership II, I did it yesterday. Anyhow, I guess I'll be doing kicks, poomsaes and self defenses right now. Gotta study for my midterms.

I could not do much on Sunday except for the run/walk. I was resting the whole day. The rest helped me recover from cold faster and Monday was very good as far as requirements was concerned. I am happy that I could do 160+ situps and progressing on my push ups. I plan on reaching 200 on each of them before next Monday. The rest of the day yesterday I spent with my kids who missed school because they both are still sick. We did a lot of Math and reading together and played some games on Wii. Have a great day all.

Yesterday was pretty good. Master Evins made us sweat a lot in Hyper. I was really tired and hit bed right after I came home. Did a little requirements in the morning and heading to school now. We have Fit Lab in school today and I will get most of my requirements done in school. I have my mentor and mentee session in the evening and then Black Belt class.

Or too much? Not satisfied with my eating at this time. Generally clean and healthy, but I think I am still eating too much. Got to start weighing portions again for a while, until I get a better visual idea of proper portion size. Want to get some more runs in this week.

The weekend went by fast, although no faster than any other weekend. When I left work on Friday I was feeling frustrated because something that should have been simple and straightforward was not. I left with that task unfinished. When I went in this morning and started back on my unfinished task, I was able to complete it pretty quickly. Sometimes getting a fresh perspective is enough to make a difference. I also realized that my extra long days seem to be the norm rather than the exception lately. I need to work more on the balance. I picked a book today so need to find time to read it and practice some of the ideas. I also need to brush up on the study guides

I'm not sure if the late night workouts are the best time-frame, but it is quiet and I seem to get more done. This will be a short one as I am ready to hit the rack here soon. I'm loving the new Do Jung. Having those two sides to workout on is nice and spacious. It was all well worth the Corvian place and the moving hassle. There is a lot of room for growth and the open atmosphere is great. It's especially nice because the temperature has been in the upper 60's instead of the 70's. Ok, I'm having to respell everything twice, which isn't completely unusual for me, but this time it's exhaustion setting in. Good night my fellow Cycleillians!!

Today starts the 2nd week of my 24 Day Challenge.  Lost 5.5 lbs in the 1st week...very happy with that!  Will be even happier if I lose another 5 in the 2nd week.  Crossfit this morning, but didn't get much done after that...will have to make up for it tomorrow.  Tired now and still have to write some Girl Scout emails.....

Woo hoo, I got to 100 sit up and 100 push ups in one day. There is no going back. On Mondays, I don't get home until 6:30 pm. Too dark to run outside, so I ran in the house. Whatever it takes....I want that black belt! This is something I'm doing for myself. Five years ago, I was on 5 different inhalers and steroids (inhaled, orally and IM) and still wheezing. My pulmonologist was taking about surgery on my lungs. That was my big wake up call. I made a lot of change and King Tiger Tae Kwon Do has helped me keep my promises to myself. No turning back...that path leads to no place good. Keep the faith folks...good night

I had a pretty easy day at school today. Didn't have much to do except study for test on Wenesday and Thursday. Did my requirements after school, well at least most of it. Then went to Hyper. Came back did some requirements and had a class to attend to. Then came and writing down this journal. About to finish up my requirements and read a good book. Hope everyone had a great day!

I can't believe today! It's very sad... Both of my parents are sick. I don't know who is going to take me to king tiger for classes! I really wish they weren't sick. Hopefully they get well soon. Well, good night.

Today is Monday, obviously. I would like to train for crew (rowing) so that I may join the team when I get to college. I'll have to fix my erg at home first. Midterms are 3/7ths done. The 5 to go are probably the hardest, so I better study even more. I hope everyone else is doing fairly well. Sam

Lots of snatches in today's workout. Shoulder was really tight to start, but loosened up. No real pain during workout. Starting week two of 24 day challenge. Hang Power Snatch Progression - 85lb-110lb 5 sets of 5 WOD 25 Wall Balls       x3 (20lbs) 20 T2B              x3 15 Power Snatch x3 (95lbs)

Yesterday was a good day. I finished all my requirements by lunch. Then my dad and I watched the NFL Wild Card for a while. I went through my study guides in the evening and then we had family time together. We watched The Worst Cooks in America and it was hilarious to see one lady who was scared of turning on the stove to cook. This morning I did a few of my requirements and now heading out to school.

Hello Cycleillians, For those of us who have kids, you can probably relate to this journal. Lately, I am becoming aware that my oldest son is coming to an age where he is able to beat me in certain things, and I don't know if my pride is ready for that. I played Connor in chess yesterday and he had me on the ropes for a good while. I had to resort to psychological trickery to change the outcome to my favor, but it was close. Not cheating, just commits to make him second guess himself. I'm sure that strategy will quickly be discovered and he will be poncing on me like a leopard on a three legged gazelle. He's already a much better speller than me and can remember any number he practically sees. I'm starting to use him like the reference section from the library. Since we do home...

The weekend is already over! It went by so quick. It feels like a Friday still. Can't believe it. Went to to church today then did some requirements. Ate lunch. Then went to a YFC meeting from 2:30- 5:00. Came back and finished my daily requirements. Watching a movie right now with my family about to go eat dinner. Hope everyone had a great day. Good luck to anyone with Finals this week. (I finished mine before break :) )

Well, hello. Yesterday I went to both of the PMAA classes. I learned how to do the normal Rotunda.(Really fun). In a few weeks I will know if I get to play the saxophone or not. I went on a run today. Then I went on a walk with my dog. As of now my parents are watching the GreenBay@Washington game. So far the score is 32(GB) to 18(WAS)Well, good night.  

The PMAA class was good yesterday. I'm just trying to learn my basic stick forms. The rotunda and that advanced stuff is beyond me right now. I love how working with the sticks makes you stay in the moment. If you just pause and think, "hey, think I got this," then you miss a beat and mess up. Loved working with the knife. Disarming and taking them down is my favorite part. Wanted run, planned to run yesterday, but the cold wet air was not great for my lungs. The puppy and I walk/ran today. Breaking in my new shoes. They feel different. they have changed my stride, for the better, I hope. Walked more than I ran because Nala kept wanting to sniff things and we kept seeing neighbors and other dogs Nala wanted to greet. I might have to leave Nala home next time. I thought running would be...

Well, I started the cycle yesterday and I have been doing my requirements regularly. I can't seem to log them into the website yet. I registered myself as payed at the Charlotte dojang, yesterday. Maybe it needs a little more time to process.

Yesterday was not a bad day at all, except that I missed the combatives seminar. I was away from home the whole day, took my elder one to hospital and she has a strep throat. We had to have our lunch outside which I do not like at all. I believe that "one should only eat what one can cook with their own hands" (Gandhi). Then did my regular grocery shopping for the week ahead. Came back home and worked on my thesis for some time and read some related articles. My husband and girls went to bed early, but I was awake to finish my requirements in the silence of the night. I am going to start my requirements for today early and hopefully get a nap in the afternoon. I have this burning in the throat that won't go away. HAppy sunday all. 

We need to have more of these seminars. Fun stuff. Got alot of requirements in, got my BB booklet, ready to roll.

I missed the stick seminar yesterday. My dad had yesterday's plan booked a month back and I had to go to. My mom showed the pictures in FB and i feel sad to have missed it. I could not do much yesterday given we were out pretty much all day. I am done with my assignments and just finished my push ups and situps. Want to finish most of my requirements before my friends come and we go to D&B

First official day of the Spring 2016 black belt cycle! That in itself is a little overwhelming. There is so much to do and still things to learn and then for the new to not be as if it is new. The time will go by fast and testing will be here before we know it. Enjoyed a great Phillipine Combatives seminar today. 

Hello my fellow Cycleillian's, Great action guy day today at King Tiger. Had a ton of fun doing and helping with the PMAA seminar today. Mr. Weeks and I always have a blast pointing out each others short falls in life. And if you ever wonder what your short falls are gentlemen, ask your wife. She has a list. Guys, I wouldn't return the favor if your wife ask you what hers are. She's perfect in every way. Practice that. And if your not married yet, enjoy living in ignorant bliss for the time being. Anyway, that was a fun time and some great training with the sticks and knifes. It's always good to walk away from a class with something to show for it. I particularly enjoyed the reverse retunda. Talk about stepping into the deep end, that was awesome. Nice job Sir. Action days are important. It adds adventure...

Great Seminar today.  Fun with the kids and the adults!  Love hanging with Foster and Weeks...they make me laugh! Glad to see Mr. Eric today, who has been out for a couple of months and Captain Awesome (Mr. Gould), who has been out for a couple of years!  Good start to the actual cycle!  Mabuhay!

I did so much today. I went to an awesome Combatives Seminar at King Tiger Tae Kwon Do. Did a lot of requirements as well. Then went to guitar lessons. After that my family freinds left back to Raliegh, about to take a bath and go over to a freinds house. That's why this journal is a little early. 

I could not do any requirements yesterday. I am having a sore throat since yesterday afternoon and a cold since night. I have been gulping Apple cider vinegar with honey and garlic since last night. I am going to miss today's seminar and I hate to lose this opportunity to get some credits, which I need the most. I hope to feel better before evening so that I can work on today's requirements. Have a great weekend all.

Finally its weekend today. Got up late from bed as my dad was tired to do the run in the morning. I am finishing my assignments and then need to start working on my requirements for the day. I could not do my full daily requirements for the last 2 days and will try to catchup this weekend. Tomorrow our friends Nate, Jessie and Lexi are coming to visit us and we will be going to D&B. They live in Belmont.

Really long day at work today. I left frustrated from trying to figure something out. Maybe taking a look with fresh eyes will help. I sure hope so. Looking forward to the sticks class tomorrow. 

It's amazing that over thirty years, one movie still captures the kid in everyone. Of course I'm talking about Star Wars. The very first three movies are still the cherry on any cake, but they did a good job with this last one. Keeping the story line and some of the original characters was a big hit. Trent went to the Parents Night Out at the North King Tiger location and had a blast. Of course, Katherine and I didn't go out, we went separate directions to do some needed resupplying. I'm calling it resupplying because guys don't shop. We track down what we need and kill it to bring it home. I'm old fashion that way. Anyway, Connor and myself went to Target to hunt down some deodorant (much needed) and a couple of books to keep him happy and occupied since he rarely is allowed to play video games....

Had a great day today. Finished all my quizzes and they were easy. I am sure I did great on all of them. Got report cards back and got straight A's which I am happy about. Then came home and played video games with my friends and had to get ready for some freinds coming over form Raliegh. We hare having a fun time right know. Just finished my dinner. About to watch a movie. Hope everyone had a great day!

Just reading the Journals from yesterday...read about Inst Dege not being able to get into a good schedule...I am feeling the same way.  Every day is very different and there isn't a "same time" that is good daily!  I am sure that many of you are having this issue.  So I have just been looking at my requirements and seeing what I need to do "most" today.  Today,We  I have been alternating between jump ropes and kicks, with an a poom sae thrown in here and there.  I have to do a certain number of push ups and sit ups a day, because there is no "making up" for those.  I seriously don't think I can do more that 150 push ups in one day and still be able to move my arms the next day.  Black Belt class tonight at Lake Norman....want to work on some staff training.  

Yesterday night my dad came back home very late. He came to my room before he went to bed. I woke up all of a sudden and asked him "Who are you and why are you in my room"?? He told I was sleep walking too. Now my dad is thinking if he is really traveling too much :). Heading to school and will have all my requirements done before I hit bed

Just getting some pushups done during the day means I can work on other things before calling it a day. Thanks again to Master Tucker for working on self-defense with me after class. Still struggling to find a routine. 

Here's an odd thought, what if those guys in the Bible practiced Martial Arts? What if Moses went up and side kicked Pharaoh in the head to emphasize, "Let my people go!" Now, of course, that's not the Christan way, but since Martial Arts has been around for thousands of years, and Biblical stories are thousands of years old, someone from the line of Abraham had to have been able to do a wicked flying tornado kick?  I'm a big fan of the concept of mind, body and soul. It sounds a little cliche, but I think most miss the soul part of the phrase. Faith and Martial Arts are quite synonymous. Martial Arts is training your mind to believe that your body can do amazing things. Faith is the belief that there are amazing things out there beyond our imagination. When we witness an incredible demonstration that completely blows you...

I had a great day today. We had a field trip to UNCC to watch the 49ers and they won. We had a lot of popcorn and cotton candy. I loved the game. Did most of my requirements for the day. I had a great swimming class as well. Worked on perfecting my strokes. My teacher made us do a lot of laps in each of the stroke. I helped my mom after coming back from swimming class as she was sick and my dad is coming back from Texas late tonight.

Nice to have another restful day to recover from sparring and lots of jump roping. Wish I had had time to get a run in though. Need more conditioning. 24 Day challenge day 4. Doing a pretty good job with the consumption

I have been so much studying for my quizzes tommorow. I have a French Quiz and also a Math Quiz. I have been trying really hard for my Frencg because that is proably going to be that hard one. I have been having a pretty good though. About to go to sleep. Did a mentee session and also a mentor session today. Did a a lot of requirements as well. Had a pretty good day!

Such an excellent day! Had a break at work mid day and took advantage of open mat. There was a returning black belt (forgot his name) and we reviewed all the color belt poomsaes and solid color self defenses. It was a good review in the dojang without an audience. I'm still getting adjusted to the space (especially when we are facing different ways during the poomsaes).  Bought a new pair of sneakers. Although it seems old fashioned to call them sneakers these days. The technology that goes into running shoes is no joke. My old shoes have practically fallen apart (the soles have worn down to the secondary color). They were about five years old, well past their prime. Plus after being properly fitted, they were probably all wrong for me. These new shoes feel great. They have some cushion and may help my knees and back.  Class was awesome,...

Hello, just got done with sparring class. I think I hit my leg. Can barely walk on it. Instructor Marcus says I should put a lot of my weight on that leg so it will heal quicker.(Really hurts!!) Good night.

Yesterday was a good day. I could feel some improvement in my push ups and sit ups. Also I am finally able to do Pal Jang with confidence. Some how Pal jang always intimidated me, but not any more. I am able to do with out referring to the video or making as many mistakes as I did earlier. 

I am not doing a good job journaling at night.  I get home and get busy....So, I am going to try to journal in the morning about the previous day.  Good day yesterday. Meeting and work out with the other school owners.  Had prepped all my food again for the day and that really helps me stay on track. Challenging part is getting in all my water. Today I need to do some jump ropes. 

I will have to find a way to fit in some pushups during the day. My wrists do not like the attempts to do them all in a short period of time, mostly right before bedtime. I also need to make better use of weekends. Right now I need to make the most of sleep time. To some sleep may be over rated, but I can tell if I don't get enough sleep. Lately it has been most obvious with my eyes. 

Even when it's not a great day it's still great to be alive in a place where I can come home and have the freedom to dislike my day and make the next one a better one. That's true freedom. The ability to dislike something and having the power to change it. Sometimes we forget how valuable it is to change something in our lives. There are millions of other people around the world who may never know the feeling of changing their lot in life. So, when your boss chews a nice chunk out of the south side, remember, that you are choosing to stand there and allowing him or her to chew on you. The alternative may not be pleasant or lucrative, but you still have an alternative, and that's a great gift. Go home and make the next day a better one. Just don't do anything illegal to...

Well, today I gave my first mentee session. I now need 4 more mentor and mentee sessions. Gotta act quick. Well, theres not much to talk about so, goodnight.

It has been really cold the last couple of days. I try to do my running during recess. I don't think I get the same number of miles like what I get when running with my dad. Just finished my regular class and we did sparring in Hyper. It is Miss Melissa's birthday today and we wacked her with the noodles. It was fun. Tomorrow we have a field trip and we are going to UNCC and see the 49ers.

I could not log my requirements yesterday and could not do the journal entry, so doing it in the morning today. Yesterday was a long day.  I could work only a little on my requirements. My girls were coming down with cold and cough. As my husband is travelling this week, I had to take them to class nevertheless. I had a very good mentoring session with Master Randle. Thank you so much ma'am. Then attended the black belt class. Girls and I came home and had dinner. It was difficult to put them to bed and i know they did not get enough sleep. At least one of them woke up every hour the whole night. I wanted Aditi to take rest at home today, but she just would not heed to my advice. In a way I like it that she loves her school and does not want to...

Long day at work today. I was not expecting to have to work more after going to class tonight,  but sometimes I don't get the option. Thank you Master Tucker for working on self-defense with me. Thank you Master Evins for the credits for Boot Camp. To my fun sparring partner, thank you too. We will do that again soon. Now it is time for rejuvenation so I can do it again and more tomorrow. 

That's one of my dad's favorite sayings, "The more it hurts now the better it feels later." And it's so true, that temporary discomfort gives a great feeling of accomplishment later on. We usually just never realize it at the time of the discomfort. Let me first say that I have no pain or discomfort compared with some folks. There is always someone out there who has it harder than I do, whether it's dealing with a chronic illness, and disability, or a mental deficiency, I try to remind myself that I have it pretty good. This journal is a reminder to myself not to take self pity or worry about the little things in my life. It's a reminder that God has given me much to be grateful for and I am truly blessed with a awesome family, great friends, and a phenomenal country. Take care and God Bless

Worked out with my Burn Boot Camp ladies today...10 exercises, 50 reps each...best part about it was getting the burpees in!  Had another good food day.  Was able to prep my meals and snacks this morning and that helps.  Wanted to run both yesterday and today, but it was too cold and I kept finding other things to do.  I hope it warms up for the Pre-Test! 

It has been a very long and tiring day today. Could not run in the morning; however managed to run a lot in school during recess. I had a great mentor session with Master Randle and I also did my first mentee session today. I helped Junior Tigers as well to get my leadership credit and i had a great BB class. Did all my requirements for the day and getting ready to crash

Getting back in the groove for the new year. I've been spoiled by our small Tuesday/Thursday morning adult class. I realize that I get performance anxiety in the big black belt class. I get really frustrated when I fumble through poomsaes and self defenses that I know I know. I practice them alone at home and I feel good about them and I know them. Put me in a class with a lot of people and I get flustered. Not only that, the frustration shows on my face. This does not happen to me in any other area of life. I guess I've been doing everything else for many years. As adults we are rarely asked to learn new physical skills or a new language or memorize body techniques. Children do it all the time and they take it in stride. But when is the last time most adults have done...

Brrrrrrrr.......  It has been freezing today. These last two days it was freezing actually. If it only it rained so it would be snow. That would be great. Today I had a good. Woke up at 6 did some requirements, not a lot. Then went to school did my jogging on the track during PA. Then came back home did my homework which took an 1 hour. Then went to Tae Kwon Do did my helping and took BB class. Came home and writing this journal right now. About to go study for my Science Quiz I have tommorow. Hope everyone had a great day!!!!!

I finish a set of 25 pushups through pain, then have to wait for about a minute for the burning in my shoulder to subside. Something definitely not right there :-( First sparring class in a while. I'm exhausted.

Work has been really busy lately, so busy that the weekend even included several more hours than I expected. Hopefully this means that next month will be not be as crazy as last year. The next few months will require serious time. management and major multitasking all around success. It would have been nice to come home from work tonight and just go to sleep, but that won't be an option for a while. 

For those who joined some of us at boot camp, you will know who Sally is and why she has very few friends. Sally is especially thought of after day two from boot camp. That's when the real fun begins and you look at your stairs to the upper part of your house as a medieval concentration camp. My normal day usually has me going up and down a ladder, and today I received some interesting stares as undesirable noises (from my mouth) came out every time I went up or down the ladder. And, because Master Evins is a benevolent torturer, it was red strip day in class. What growns you makes you stronger right? It was a really fun class and probably good to get the things I used to call legs, moving again. Hope everyone had a good return to school. I know I did, as the boys...

First day of the 24 day challenge. Good food day and stayed well hydrated.  Good work out this morning at Cross fit.  I like it when there are Burpees in the work out....well, really I hate it...but it forces me to do them!  Then worked at the school, which was freezing, so I had no problem getting my push ups and sit ups in because I was trying to get warm. Also very happy that I got my computer back!   

Good evening people of the cycle. My parents are watching top chef again. I reached my daily goal of 10,000 steps today. I track with my fitbit. Not all of my steps, just the ones where I am running. I will run tomorrow with my friend Jaylen. Well, good night people of the 2016 spring cycle.