Candidate Journals

I'm a box of Rice Krispies. I'm all snap, crackle, pop. It takes until midday that I get all soggy and my joints and bones aren't popping and cracking. A sign of age, I suppose. I'm finally over the soreness from push ups. I can tell I'm getting stronger (again). It's so depressing that I know (from experience) that if I were to take two weeks off right now, I'd be back at square one. Sigh. Well, at least I'm making good progress on requirements. I have a short (3 day) business trip coming up the first week of Feb, so I know I'll need to get ahead on a few things anyway.

Well, today started out with a morning set of push ups and sit ups. Then I went to school. When school was out, I went to the barber shop and then home. I then did another set and then I went to Hyper Pro class and had my first mentor session with Inst. Weeks. I also went home and my mom added my sets and I finally reached over one thousand push ups and sit ups. I will NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!

Trying to get in a routine, but with the cold weather and all the other things coming at me at once this week so far it has been a challenge - nothing that I can't master just a little frustrating. Need to find my groove. Being more conscious with my eating habits and water intake.

Well I had to go to the doctor. The doctor was very nice, then I got bojangles and went to school. We had fun at school today, its probably because I missed science, its not my BEST subject. Anyways, I went home on the bus and not to tae kwon do today because the doctor said so. I really wanted to go to tae kwon do today but, oh well.

Today was a makeup day for finals at school. I had woke up at 5 thinking if I should go or not because id didn't need to makeup anything. I decided that I wanted to stay home, so I went back to sleep. then when I woke up I had went for a 2 mile run/walk. it is really cold outside today my goodness.... then I did a couple poomsas at home and other physical requirments. so yeah that is my day so far

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.

Whew! It's been a long day. Started at 6am, worked all day, went to noon class at N Charlotte, went to Ben's basketball game, brought home a few extra kids to feed, went to swim practice, then did some housework, then started working on meet entries for Saturday. I'm ready for bed! Luckily I got most of my requirements in early in the morning and right after noon class. Only had about 20 min worth I had to do late tonight.

Today started out pretty slow. While I was at school I got a balloon for a Gravity and Pressure Project. When I got home, I got my homework done I ran and started my sets. I ran 1.52 miles and got 2 sets done before TKD tonight. I helped Master Knight with the Family Class and my Mom actually took the class. I also took Black Belt Class after that. Tonight I asked Intructor Weeks if he would be my mentor. I think that he felt that I would make a great mentee and I know I can learn a lot from him. I am meeting him tomorrow night at 6 pm. I am still pretty excited about being on the cycle and hope I can keep this up. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!!

Today I went to Tae Kwon Do for the Day Camp. Then I was picked up and we went to get my haircut. Then we went to Best Buy and I saw 3 people who went to my school. We bought a TV and a DVD Player. Then we went to Zaxbys to get some food. Tomorrow I am going to the doctor because I am not feeling well, wish me luck!

Oh my today was so boring didn't do much but watch movies and do my physical requirements besides my run didn't really have the energy to do that today.  I had a pretty healthy lunch, a quesadilla with broccoli, shrimp, onions and cheese it was delish.

Last night Hans and I went for a 2 mile walk/run right at dusk after work. It was odd not having class due to the Martin King Luther Jr. holiday. Yesterday was a great day for nutrition and portion control. I am really looking forward to working with the Little Tigers and Jr. Tigers tonight. Tonight I will get my mentee to sign the agreement form and start working with him. I like working with Mr. Russ because he is a motivated student. I have seen great growth in his journey.

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 feel like I have the energy but my muscles say NO! I am doing 10 pushups and situps at a time. Did Basic forms, Wang Ho forms and self defenses today with the Jolly Girls and my son Dillon. There are a lot of stick and staff forms I need to practice too!

Today I didn't have school and I really wanted to just chill out and play my game. My Mom didn't fuss but she told me how hard it would be if I messed around and got behind in doing my daily stuff. I don't want to have to double up on 140 sit ups and push ups so I got started early in the day. I actually finished a lot earlier and was even able to work on my Pal Chang today and a set of kicks. I'm glad I have the Mommy I have because she always loves me! I will NEVER GIVE UP!!

Today was Monday, but it didn't feel like a Monday since the kids were out of school. I had to work this morning, starting at 6am, then at noon I left to go coach my middle school swim team. The swim meet went well...we took 2nd out of 8 teams. I got home about 6:30pm from the swim meet and did requirements for an hour then went to pick up Ben from baseball practice. Now I need to finish my requirements and head to bed...hopefully by about 10pm!

Well, the pretest went reasonably well. I did run/walk the 1.5 miles. I now know where I am and I have a goal of where I want to be with regards to my running. We also did the burpees, sit-ups, push-ups, v sit-ups, poomsaes and self defenses. Again, I know where I am and where I want to be in regards to each of those items. I will say this however, even though I have not been as active as I have been in the past, I am still not where I was when I started Tae Kwon Do back in September 2009. So that is great to help me keep things in perspective.On a different note, I am still in pain, not as much as it was on Saturday during the pre-test and the rest of the day. I have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. (That was the earliest I...

Today is Sunday and man, was I tired today. My Mom tried to wake me up for church but I didn't want to get up. She decided to let me sleep, which felt really good. When I woke up, she had already cooked breakfast and after we let it digest, we went to the track at Ridge Road Middle School to do my run. I did 2 miles today. My time was a llittle slower than it has been but I did it! I got an email from Master Chelly Hartle that I passed my pre-test! Woo hoooo!!! I am officially on the cycle! I have to re-do Pal Chang this week but I know I can do it. I worked on Pal Change a lot today and my Mom says I just need to slow down and concentrate. I still have a long way to go but I'LL NEVER GIVE...

The soreness from the pre-test started kicking in this evening. I have a spot on my upper thigh that cramped yesterday which is sore and my arms, shoulders, and back are all really sore. So today I broke my requirements into really small bites. This too shall pass... Scott left for a business trip this morning and will be back late Tuesday night. The next 2 days will be crazy shuttling both kids to basketball, baseball, school, etc. It will definitely take some of my spare time that I normally spend on requirements. I tried to cook a lot today so that I don't have to spend time preparing dinners the next 2 days, so hopefully that helps.

The pre test wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I made a100 on the written and I don't have to redo anything! But I need to take 6 minutes off of my 2.5 miles. I can do it if I run the whole way. I walked a few times on Saturday. I was really sore when I woke up this morning but it has gotten better throughout the day.

I hope I did good enough to make the CYCLE. this is my greatest day ever. Mom had to get on me 2 times, but all is okay. Help me LORD. I need my family's prayer. I had a great day!!!!

I needed to catch up on family stuff today so I got up early and left the house at 7am to go grocery shopping. Then, it was off to the pre-test. I don't think I've run 4miles without stopping in 20 years or more. I need to shave about a minute a mile off my time. I'm so sore from the first few days that I did not do very well on my push ups and v-sit ups. I stayed for sparring class then headed home to tackle the laundry. Tonight I'll finish my requirements while watching the Michigan-Wisconsin basketball game.

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...

I just had the best day ever today. It started out at school like any other friday, then I ran my 1.5 mile run in my neighborhood, ran through my study guide and journaled. I just loved it!!!

I had to go into the office early today and then straight to Ben's basketball game (I was filling in for the scorekeeper). At lunch, I spent an hour with my work mentee and we walked in the business park while we had our mentoring session. So this evening, I had to start from scratch other than my miles. I'm nearly done after just over 2 hrs. With pre-test being tomorrow, I want to get some rest too. Not to mention that our household is already feeling the effects of me being on cycle...laundry is piling up and threes no milk in the house. I'll have to find better balance in the coming weeks.

Good morning. Today is Friday, the day before pretest. I am excited and a little nervous. I always get nervous when I test especially in front of Master Evins. Today I have an appointment to get my hair done so I will be taking off a little early from work which gives me a little extra time to study, practice and get requirements done. Yesterday was a good day.I love working with the Little Tigers and Jr. Tigers. I did not get in as many push ups and sit ups as I had set for my goal but today is a new day, new goals with new possibilities.

Good morning. Today is Friday, the day before pretest. I am excited and a little nervous. I always get nervous when I test especially in front of Master Evins. Today I have an appointment to get my hair done so I will be taking off a little early from work which gives me a little extra time to study, practice and get requirements done. Yesterday was a good day.I love working with the Little Tigers and Jr. Tigers. I did not get in as many push ups and sit ups as I had set for my goal but today is a new day, new goals with new possibilities.

I had an EARLY start. Woke up this morning just to do some push ups and sit ups. Plus I got some meditation minutes in so that is pretty good. I helped the little kids in their class. This one student had the hardest belt to tie. I would tie it and it would keep untying. His name was CJ too! Again I have a LOOOOONG road ahead. I will NEVER GIVE UP.

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 :-)

I am very motivated today. I am proud to say that I prepared only one serving of grits today for breakfast (working on portion control). I had 2 veggie dogs (for protein) cut up with my grits & some nutritional yeast instead of butter or margarine. It was really good. Lunch was Lentil soup and a banana with some sit ups, push ups, and color belt self defenses for dessert. :-)I am very proud because I have done 15 burpees already today. I am not the best at them because of my tummy but I will get better. I am very thankful to Master Thamm for sharing with me about My fitness pal app for my iPhone. I am using it to log my food and exercise.

Day 2 and I'm sore already. I wish I could say I welcome it like an old friend. But truthfully, I'm not feeling that way. It's more like welcoming a necessary, but not enjoyable relative. I have more of a grin and bear it attitude about it now. I'm crazy busy with the kids in the heart of basketball season, I'm coaching the Pine Lake middle school swim team, cycle, and 40-50 hr work weeks. Maybe it'll be better once swim team is over on the 25th.

Wow! What a day. I ran 1.53 miles today. I also did 150 basic kicks, and a lot of push ups, sit ups, and burpees. I even made my momma walk while I ran. It may seem like a lot, but I know I've got a lot more to go. Wish me lots of luck. I'll never give up.

It seems strange that when if finish this cycle I will be a master. I don't feel worthy of a master. There's also ways been a "wow-factor" with the people I've known who are masters and I don't feel I really have that kind of "wow-factor". On the other hand, my work sensei (kaizen coach) used to tell me that I will master a skill once I've done it 10,000 times. Trust me, a lot of the color belt techniques, I know I've done at least 10,000 times! And each cycle adds a 1,000 or more...

The first day is done! I started my day by jogging. My lungs really don't like the cold! I weased for about an hour afterwards. My legs feel noodley now. Then I took class with my Sister and Inst. Schneider. Worked on Black Belt self defenses and basic forms. I also filled in the written test. That was the easiest part of my day. I am not looking forward to the physical test on Saturday. Mostly the run!!! I barely made a mile today! The self defenses and poomsaes I could do in my sleep.

Well, we had our Black Belt cycle meeting last night. The Spring 2014 Black Belt cycle has officially begun. I am excited to be back. I audited the Fall 2013 cycle. I am ready to finish what I stared last year. I am thankful that Master Evins permits people that audit a cycle to carry over 1/3 of the requirements that we did to the next cycle. However, that said, I intend on giving my all during this cycle. I have something to prove, to myself. Last year was an extremely difficult and challenging year but I survived it. I want to prove to myself that I can accomplish this. I believe that earning my 1st Dan Black Belt helped prepare me for the challenges of last year and the challenges of last year have prepared me for this Black Belt cycle. So LET'S DO THIS!!!!

I am on the plane to go to L.A. So far it has been boring. All Ive done was play game on my iPad with my cousin and eat bojangles.

I am getting ready to go to LA so I wont be at TKD tomorrow. I leave at 4:30 so we have to get going. I just need my mentee to sign the stuff and I will be done with my mentee from.

 I just finished hoot, shocker right! Then I wrote my essay and uploaded it to dropbox. I thought it was a very interesting book and that will be one of the books I will read again when I am older and I get bored one day and don't have another book to read

Yesterday I could not post anything, I actually don't remeber much what happened last night. All I remember is that I woke up in my bed then I went back to sleep. It really is.

Today I had a quiz. it was pretty easy because I got to work with my partners. I also got an A+ on it. I also learned that I got an A in Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Math. I dont know what I got in my Electives though.

It seems like our old math teacher is never coming back. He has been away for 2 months now. And our sub for the class has been here for 3 weeks. usually they change subs every 2 days. but if they don't this might mean our sub might be our permanent teacher. 

I had my last sparring credit tonight. We were getting people ready for the competition. Coaching, how the competition will go and other fundamentals of competitions 

finalizing my apps for next year, i wont be able to go till spring semester so i have longer than most other kids but i dont want to fall behind

 I am so sad because I cant go to the Lee Brothers Cup and I was so exited and now I am sad. My mom says it is basketball or Lee Brothers and I chose basketball.:( :( :(

I got an email from Florida state today about AFROTC, i would love to go to the same college my dad went to!

today I got to practice basketball with my dad. It was not very fun but it was worth it. I CANT WAIT FOR BASKETBALL TO START!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, it was ok. Short flight.. We went to Bens Chili bowl too. Bens Chili Bowl is good!  

I did not go tricker treating. I just stayed in my house. I am also getting good grades in school. When I mean good grades I mean A's, in honors. It actually was not that hard. Just work hard. Just like I need to work hard for the black belt cycle

today im going to get alot of candy happy halloween o all.

In my previous one I just men't to write Today

Today I am turning in my essays, recommendations and other things. I hope I pass because I actually kind of believe I can do this. Just need to practice and work harder. Black Belt Tea Ceremony is in 2 days so wish me good luck.

today our teachers made us to push ups with a bag of candy on our backs and whoever does 30 with the bag till on got the bag. i got to 24. it didn't matter because the guy who won was allergic to it so we threw a candy party in the locker room. which he had to clean up.

the test was very exiting because I got to break my brick. I broke it on my first try so I WAS VERY HAPPY.

today I have to go to king tiger to retake my red and high red belt. I also have singing lesson to.

We havent had internet for the last couple days so i havent been able to journal. I am about to go back to the recruiting office and if I like what i hear, i will be signing today

today i got my Halloween costume for school. im going to be a  nerd. so exited

Today our team in gym lost the championship. It was unexpected because we already beat that team twice before. anyways they won a 32 oz Gatorade. and since 1 of our teammates was prepared for the worst he brought 5 dollars and bought us 5 Gatorades from the vending machines.  

im almost done with journals and ill be done with everything yahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

today i got to meet my new baby cousin he is so cute.

we just got done with testing and i got about 4 hours of sleep the 2 half is here already

 So it’s finally testing day!  I’ve been doing every poomsae and self-defense I know and trying to work on the details.  It seems the more I practice, the more mistakes I make and the more nervous I get.  I have to keep telling myself that I’ve worked hard, I know my stuff, and I wouldn’t be testing if I wasn’t ready.  (I wonder if they’ve done any studies on practicing/studying too much??)   I’ve also been reflecting on my journey to this level.  I have so many people that have helped me on the way.  Obviously, I wouldn’t be here if not for Master Evins – his patience and encouragement kept me coming back to class!  Master Chin, she convinced me that Tae Kwon Do was something I should do with my kids.  My first instructor was Master Chelley, she helped me believe that I could do it.  Master Burkart – he...

Wow i feel like i gotta give a speech for 200 people. anyways i'm gonna leave 7 because my dad has to go to a meeting so its time to stock up on them 5 hour energy drinks. ;)

I am very excited for tonight! My dad looked at all my stuff last night and this morning before school and i had everything down. then again, there was no pressure then...and i wasnt tired..BUT! I know ill do great!

today is testing and im so scared. i also cant waste for tomorrow my hole family is goimg and friends.  

So it’s finally testing day!  I’ve been doing every poomsae and self-defense I know and trying to work on the details.  It seems the more I practice, the more mistakes I make and the more nervous I get.  I have to keep telling myself that I’ve worked hard, I know my stuff, and I wouldn’t be testing if I wasn’t ready.  (I wonder if they’ve done any studies on practicing/studying too much??)  I’ve also been reflecting on my journey to this level.  I have so many people that have helped me on the way.  Obviously, I wouldn’t be here if not for Master Evins – his patience and encouragement kept me coming back to class!  Master Chin, she convinced me that Tae Kwon Do was something I should do with my kids.  My first instructor was Master Chelley, she helped me believe that I could do it.  Master Burkart – he...

This is my final jurnal so I must make it good.  Thank you all for helping us Bo Cho Dans through our first cycle.  Although it has been hard and somtimes you just want to give up all of us passed from the youngest Bo Cho Dan to the 5th degree Black Belt we all worked we all complited and we all made the final stand to get our belt and for the pooms out there like me when we turn 13 we to will get a solid blackbelt and we to will have a blacked striped top and we all will be able to say I AM A BLACK BELT!!!!!  thank tou at mint hill who brought me back up when I fell behined.  But most of all...   Thank YOU black belts for setting a example to me thats gonna be hard to beat.   --KAP

less than 24 hours left. i went to the doctor yesterday and they showed me how to take care of my knee so hopefully itll be ok tomorrow night. LETS GOOOO!!

This is my last journal!!!  I am truly done with all the requirements.  I hope I will be able to take a nap tomorrow afternoon.  

Today I got to work with Master Chelley to make sure that I know all of my stuff for testing tomorrow I am so exited for tomorrow. It is my first time testing for a black belt and I am so nervous.

today i rode to king tiger and when i got here i started working with Megan to get our requirements in and we did yahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 

To day I practised all my forms and self defence and falls to get ready I hope everyone does good

So I woke up today at 4:00 and I said oh yeah I need to jurnal so I picked up my phone and did a small jurnal I hope I can still do the jurnals on friday if not then I am gone.

One day m9 r e till bb testing we are I n the final hours

My school is so little now that Grand Oak is open and half the kids are there and not at my school... YYYYAAAAYYYY. I am very happy because the halls aren't packed anymore.

Today I went to the class were Grand master Lee was teaching the class.  It was really fun, especially when Grand master Lee had me help him with demonstrations. 

today i round the bus to king tiger. when i got there i worked with ,Megan and Mrs Shelly. when we were working i hit my foot and brook my toe nail. i heart for a wile. also at school i ran into a door it didn't  really heart that much.that was my day.   

Today I took class with Grandmaster Lee.  It was a great class and we did some fun exercises.  I got my last mentor session and all my requirements are done, except for 2 more journals after this one.  

only a few more days till testing I am very exited but not at all nervase I am prepared and ready I have trained for 10 months and I am ready to crack my goal of getting a blackbelt.

my knee is still bad and maybe even worse. i am going to the doctor tomorrow so hopefully ill get a brace or something for Friday night

i had class with grandmaster  lee  today it was so much fun to work with him.

Today I finished my last Mentor session with Master Richie.  I reviewed Self Defense.  Can't wait till Friday.  I need lots of sleep.  Tomorrow is Hump Day!!!

well after a week of ice and heat, my knee is still messed up. i am going to the doctor tomorrow to look at it. hopefully it wont be too bad at testing. i really dont want it to affect my performance.

At home and watching tv 

I just got my shrub for black belt and my dad and I cut it in a spiral shape. It was very cool. My dad got an already cut one as an example so he could cut it easily.

lately ive been worried about testing its the only thing i can worry about besides school and im stressed out i really hope i pass

I had fun at the kicks for kids yesterday.  5 more days until the belt test

im going to behind on jurnals at the end of testing.

today has been a great day! we had a great black belt class. then went over to Mint hill for kicks for kids festival and got to take my girlfriend tiffany along and she had a great time as well! we had popcorn, cotton candy, hotdogs and candy. we got a pumpkin and painted it. after that we went to her house and had dinner and went to michaels and bought some arts and crafts stuff for her project. now im relaxing in the recliner watching florida state pumble clemson! great saturday! GO NOLES!  

Today is the last day of the cycle! After saturday BB class we have the Fall Festival and everyone is getting excited for it! Im so relieved that I have it all behind me and now its time to buckle down for next Friday/Saturday. 

Well it's day 70 and I am alive so I am a happy camper!!  It has been a challenging journey but all is good.  All I can say it is up to you what you make of a journey.  Looking forward to the next one.

Well there is one week left till testing. i am done with all physical requirements as of today. my ham string is feeling much better but now its my knee. we will see how it fairs during tomorrow. i hope it isnt too bad and i hope it will heal before testing. i am still behind on classes from when i didnt have a car, i am planning to make those up. I can not wait to be done and test! i am feeling great!

Today I have finished all my push ups sit ups and pull ups. Also random acts of kindness today. I am so glad I don't have to do all those requirements every day. :-)) Now I am another step closer to getting my new belt! WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

today I went to school and we had the td teacher come in. also when I got to king tiger I finished everything for the day.

today i ran my last 2.58 miles before school when i got back there was these huge peppers and i said where'd you get those and my dad said there the ones that we grew and i said wow

Right after I got home from school. Donna and I went straight to South Charlotte to work with Master Chin. Master Evins stopped by and it was great to see him after all this time! Tomorrow is the Fall Festival and I am so excited! Every year we have great success and its always good to raise money for such a good cause. Although I will not be able to finish my journals in time (Ill have one extra...) Im extremely proud in how far I have come and how much progress I have made since the beginning of the cycle. 

after school i went to the park to play.We are almost there.  

Today we went on the bobcats cool school trip and it was pretty fun. and we got back they gave us water bottles and we started to soak each other but in the end the teacher told us to stop after some kid fell in an anthill. (it was a fire ant hill) 

Today I went to 3 classes and I'm really tired.  I'm also really happy that the cycle is almost over.

today i went to help out with class and took class we did some poomsaes and a lot of self defense also went on a field trip at school 

I helped out with testing yesterday. today I went to sparring at master burkharsts school. it was so much fun

I am done with every thing. I finished all my requirements I passed my jump rope I only have 4 more jurnals  my tree stuff and my community servace esay I am so glad that I did all the work to pass.  I had to practise 2 hours straight but it was all worth it.