Spring 2025 Black Belt Cycle

Candidate Journals

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

Whewwwww

Happy to be back in class tonight however do not know which is more challenging Inst. Hsins red stripe or sparring class- - -whew tired. Lot accomplished today and feeling better, not quite 100% but will take it.

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Tonight in...

Tonight in black belt class we got a LOT of requirements in. It was fun doing them with everyone and helping each out..

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Tuesday

Started moving some more things out of the dojang and into storage unit. Will definitely feel that in the morning. Got a chance to mentor 2 of my mentees today. We worked on basic forms, Bochodan 1 step self defense and special self defense. My new goal for this week: Before the weekend ends, finish all essays except for 1. I'm definitely getting closer...once I finish them I know I can breathe a little more. Still some more work to do on Hapkido (mainly 17-32), and need constant work on Pal Gwe forms because they keep running together! Headed in the right direction, though...

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The leg is...

The leg is feeling ok lately. I still have to be careful with hop steps and pivoting, but is is a lot less sore at the end of the day. I hope I can add falls at the start of next week. May even try a slow jog.

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Today i we...

Today i went to black belt class worked on some hopkedo learned some new stuff

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tuesday

Today i went to school and tested.  Then i came home and went to tad to do requirements and take class

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Today was ...

Today was full of tests and we're also getting ready for our chorus concert that we have in about two weeks.

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Today was ...

Today was full of tests and we're also getting ready for our chorus concert that we have in about two weeks.

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Today was ...

Today was full of tests and we're also getting ready for our chorus concert that we have in about two weeks.

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Today

i went to school and i came home and i did my homework and then did requirements, then i went to class and knocked out some more requirements

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Had a good...

Had a good day in school today. I got a 100 on my Map project. So happy about that. Came home and took and help in 3 classes today at Master Shin's. Got a lot of requirements done.

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Tuesday

Just another average day of school. Nothing too special really. I played basketball in 4th block and i did pretty good against the older kids lol. I might try out next year if i practice more this year. 

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In school

Today we had MAPS testing. It was the longest 2 hours of my life. I am glad I am finished with them though. We also did a reading passage in ELA

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Brrrrr

Well, Master Shin and I disagree on 'favorite times of the year'.. lol I already miss the 80 + degrees. Two days in a row now I've had to leave out in the morning with jacket and long pants on. I am already missing my shorts and tank tops. Needless to say, I think I am a summer gal. The cold weather makes my bones hurt, and I think each year it gets worse. Got my morning workout in, and finished my basic requirements. Yeah! I need to work on poomsaes and self defenses - having the balance issues has put me behind. I am glad to be able to walk a straight line again. (or close). I've got to work on jump ropes too. It is not a pretty sight to see me try to jump rope and my knees hate it. Lots of work to get done today... no...

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I am lovin...

I am loving the fall like weather. The cool crisp air energizes me and want to be outside more. It makes me want to be with family and friends to reconnect and strengthen our bond. I feel refreshed and young. Fall is my season. 2015 is my year!!!

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9/14

Busy day! Feeling great to be sitting down finally. A day well worth the effort...

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American Ninja Warrior!

Tonight I watched the Finals of American Ninja Warrior. No one had ever beaten stage 3 before in all 7 seasons. But tonight it was different. Tonight 2 people got to the end of Stage 3. The two people were the modern day Popeye, Geoff and part of the Wolf Gang, Isaac. Both made it to the top of Mount Midoriama. Geoff was the first to climb and he climbed 75 feet straight in 30 seconds. He had 0.35 seconds to spar. Geoff was the first American to ever beat 'the mountain'. Isaac climbed next and made it in just over 26 seconds. So Isaac was given the title American Ninja warrior and he won $1,000,000. In the beginning ,there were 38 contestants that got to try Stage 2. Then there were 8 that got to try Stage 3. Only two made it to Stage 4 and both of them made...

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Last minut...

Last minute internet breakdown, don't even know if my last entry worked.

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Sup

Today was nice, they split up the guys and girls to talk about dress code, and WHY dress code...all that boorring stuff. Basically, how I interpreted it, the guys are making the girls suffer, we have to wear jeans, full length, because those shorts that we are allowed to wear are just super hideous. Anywho, (hehe, I really wanted to say that), life was nice.TKD was fun, pictures tomorrow! I'm finally getting them because I'm an actual black belt.hope you had a nice day too!

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Today was ...

Today was a okay day. School was longer than it usually is and I didn't get home until 9:30 i am also sick.

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Today

Today I went to school from 9:15 to 4:15. After that I went to Tae Kwon Do. And then I went on a one mile walk with my dad. I had a fun day today.

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Today I di...

Today I didn't feel well so I didn't go to class and laid down I hope I feel better tomorrow because I have a baseball game and it has gotten worse and worse

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Full day

Today was pretty full today I got up got dressed ate breakfast and went out the door when I got to the bus stop the elementary kids were still there and it was like 8:10  it was weird

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never give up

I am finally able to truly work toward getting my miles done. The heat has really made it a tough go.  It is hard but I am determined to make it.

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Today it f...

Today it felt like wet very slow because of lots of review for upcoming tests this week. It has been a lot of studying but I feel I will do well.

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Today, I w...

Today, I went to school and i got to play my electronics! When i came back, i did my requirements and my homework. Then i went to hyper.

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Today I go...

Today I got up early as usual to do requirements then after school I went to two classes and helped them both and got both leadership credits.

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today i we...

today i went to school but Saturday i had a sleep over at my friends house and i went to bed at 4:30 am on Sunday and woke up at 7:00 am. So that threw me off when i went to school. When i went to school i nearly fell asleep in class, i definitely fell asleep on the bus though. Then since it was a Monday i had homework and after i had to go to T.K.D. that was rough.

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I went to ...

I went to school and came home and did requirements then went to the Boy Scout court of honor

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Just got h...

Just got home from taking the Hyper Pro class. Master Evens had us doing a lot of kicking. My ankle is very sore. Dad is filling up a bucket now for me to soak my foot. I'm going to use this time to do my close my eyes and do my meditation.

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Fall, Woo Hoo

Fall temperatures, finally! Love the cooler temperatures and decreased humidity. I went to the Festival of India yesterday. Great food, wonderful performances and art. It was a beautiful day for a outside festival. Got some requirements done tonight. Decided to be silent for a day for my empathy training. I can't do any of it during a work day or a day when I'm doing work at home on the computer. So after great thought, I plan to do it on a Sunday when I go to church. This should be very interesting.

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Today i di...

Today i didn't do much i`ll most likely be going to black belt class tonight.

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So Cold

It was so cold today it wasn't even funny. when i walked out my front door it  felt like walking in a refrigerator. School was ok. I got home and did pull ups and other stuff. Mainly pull ups tho 

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I saw Dr. ...

I saw Dr. Schuster again this morning. I'm already walking better on my sprained ankle and the pain has decreased significantly. The ankle is still very swollen and I'm going to have to be very careful as I move forward through the cycle. Since my foot is elevated most of the time, I have been taking advantage of the idle time and have been focusing on essays. Now my essays are almost done! When I'm up and about again I can get back to my physical requirements.

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Monday

Well today was not so great- - no work- - home all day in bed sick. Finally go up around 5:00 and decided to try a run since the chills and fever were gone. Actually felt good but will not talk about the time or distance. Maybe the sweat will run the crud out of me. Very disappointed had to miss class tonight but know better than going to the dojang sick. Selfish for not wanting to miss class but not fair to the others to spread the germs. Going to make some dinner then off to bed in hopes that tomorrow will be better.

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At school ...

At school today we started playing four square with my friends for recess. I was third in line and was ready to play, when I was first in line I waited for someone to get out. It didn't. Take very long and I even got into king. I served it to a kid named Tony and he served it to Ryan who was in Queen. Ryan got out that round and Tony moved up to Queen. Then he got me out. I stepped into the back of the line and waited to be first again. Before I was hoping to play soccer but instead we started up four square. I wonder what we will do tomorrow.

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At school ...

At school today we started playing four square with my friends for recess. I was third in line and was ready to play, when I was first in line I waited for someone to get out. It didn't. Take very long and I even got into king. I served it to a kid named Tony and he served it to Ryan who was in Queen. Ryan got out that round and Tony moved up to Queen. Then he got me out. I stepped into the back of the line and waited to be first again. Before I was hoping to play soccer but instead we started up four square. I wonder what we will do tomorrow.

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Monday

Today in school I did a virtual lab again. It was super fun. In math we did a review for our test on Thursday. At school we also have MAPS testing tomorrow. I wonder which one is tomorrow.

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Monday, Monday, Monday

A good start, I met with my friend and we worked out... got a good number of my requirements done. From there... well, I'm trying to stay positive ! As the morning proved to be more and more stressful, I ended up needing to give TJ a ride. He headed out at noon to the Army location with his recruiter to take his ASVAB test. I hope he does well. As for me, one hour at a time today...

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Monday

Chilly again this morning! It was actually kind of nice. Warmed up by taking class with some of the other masters and instructors. Got to work on Pal Gwe Oh Jang, staff & short stick forms, NebuJin, and a sword form! Testing is so close though....already starting to get nervous!

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Mondays ar...

Mondays are always exciting because you get to set the tone for the rest of the week. Today, I started my morning with training with Master Evins and some of the other school owners. Only a few more weeks before testing in October. I'm still motivated and excited to test again.

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My day

today was a pretty easy day my friend and I played Xbox in the morning.  The we ate breakfast, we had eggs it was good.  Then my dad picked my sister and I up and went to a church picnic.  They gave us ice cream it was really good.  We went back home after that and then watched a movie, mall cop 2

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September 13, 2015

Today I woke up early even though I slept really late. Every year there is a festival in downtown Charlotte called the Festival of India. There is dancing, singing, food, and clothes. It is from Sept 12-13 every year. On Saturday, I went there at 10 am and didn't leave until 7 pm. Today was better since I got there at 12 pm and left at 6 pm. Today I went with a friend since my parents didn't want to take me. I ate a lot and talk with my peeps. That all I did today and yesterday.

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9/13

What a glorious day! Beautiful weather while getting a lot completed around the house with some exercising in between. Looking forward to a great week!  

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Today didn...

Today didnt go as i would have liked it to go. We went to someones house to eat lunch. When i came back, we went to the tiles shop. Then i did some requirements and then went for a run. When i came back, i ate dinner and i am going to sleep now

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Sleepover

Last night I had a sleepover with my best friend Carter. We got to stay up really late and had a whole bottle of root beer each. We stayed at Carter's house. It was really fun because we played MineCraft. On the second day Of the sleep over we were going to the Nether (in MineCraft!). Carter was kind of always messing up. He died over ten times within two hours. We made it to the Nether and I got to experience level ten. We had root beer tonight but I liked Carter's better. I'll have to ask him which one he buys. That is why I enjoyed my sleepover with my friend.

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Today when...

Today when I woke up I got that 5 page essay near finished I have about a paragraph left then later we went to my uncles house and we watched football and then I came home and I am watching more football

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Today the ...

Today the weather was absolutely beautiful with a great breeze. It was perfect running and basketball weather and to top it off with great Sunday nght football.

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My day wen...

My day went like this: I slept in, got two essays done. I took a break from requirements today and watched Television for the rest of the day.

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My day wen...

My day went like this: I slept in, got two essays done. I took a break from requirements today and watched Television for the rest of the day.

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My day wen...

My day went like this: I slept in, got two essays done. I took a break from requirements today and watched Television for the rest of the day.

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today

I came home from my trip and i worked on my homework

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Sunday

Very unproductive day, still feeling under the weather, so took it very easy. No idea what I was thinking heading to the grocery store a little after noon, yikes- - - zoo was and understatement. Between after church crowd and everyone under the sun getting last minute beverages and snacks for the game my cart ended up with a hap hazzard mess. Just happy I made it out in one piece. Lesson learned - - - dont do that again.

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Football i...

Football is finally here. Pretty good day today. Cooked up some wings with my brother and his family and watched the Panthers win. I is always nice to share a win with family. Still some more football to go. It should be a great night!

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Chasing Maddie

Today Logan Callie and I were running when a dog named Maddie started following us and she was still there when we got back to Logan, Parker, and Callie's house. We decided to play four square but Maddie stole the ball and deflated it. We started to chase her to get the ball and put it in the chicken coop. After that I went home to eat dinner.

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I sprained...

I sprained my right ankle in class Thursday night. I tore ligaments medially and laterally. I am seeing a doctor that Master Evins recommended who said he could cut my recovery time in half but that his treatments would be painful. The first treatment on Friday proved that he wasn't lying. He attempted to reconnect soft tissue and ligaments manually through the swelling by appplying intense pressure with his hands. I felt like screaming. But I'm determined to heal quickly and make it to the test. The only thing that will stop me is if Master Evins tells me I should wait until April to test. If that is his decision, then I'll honor it and continue training hard until then. Until I hear otherwise from Master Evins, I'm not giving up. Push-ups on my knees and sit-ups everyday until I am more mobile.

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9/12

yesterday i had no internet connection so today i will make a journal for yesterday. i went whitewater rafting and it was fun

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Journaling.

So I keep on forgetting to journal. Bad. Today was gud. The weather was really nice I hope it's like this for my b day. Nice and cool. I can finally wear jogging a without feeling hot! Or scarfs (the pretty kind)!

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Sunday

Got up early this morning and discovered it was actually cold outside! Did not expect that. Doing some research today for an essay learning about Wharang Do. Hopefully I'll also have some time to start organizing part of the garage. Man...you never realize how much stuff you accumulate until you move. It's been 3 months since I moved into my house, but of course I still have things to either find a spot for, donate, or organize, etc...

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Today i di...

Today i didn't really do anything but I'm getting really close to being done with my requirements

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Life

Life's nice. The temperature is changing, and that is really nice. I love coldish weather. So nice. I love fall. By class was fun yesterday, I practiced first Dan knife specials, and that's really fun, and one step first Dan, that ones just really confusing.

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Today

today has been good to me so far. My legs are getting really sore from all these requirements, especially kicks. I am almost done with all my requirements though.

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My day

Today was pretty easy I just got up then I went to tae Kwon do and car pulled with Leo.  After tae Kwon do Leo and I went to smoothie king it was good.  Then we just went home and went bowling then had a sleep over with my friend

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Happy Saturday

Went to Black Belt Class today. I felt better than I have in a very long time. I still have ALOT to learn and complete to make it through this cycle. I wish so badly that it came easier to me.

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today was ...

today was horrible I am sick and I don't feel good and I want this day to be over with

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Today afte...

Today after sparring class I went to go see the Pee Wee football game and then went to go see the movie The Visit and it was great.

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My day was...

My day was so busy, i was fundraising for Dance all morning, then i went to the park with my cuz and my dad, super fun, i overall won against both of them, and my serve has gotting faster

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Today, i w...

Today, i went to black belt class and we did some pomsaes and stick and staff forms. After that, i took sparring class. We did some kicks and sparring. When i came back, i went to a birthday party at a place i have never been before. We did laser tag. Then when i came back, i went to my friends house.

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Today

Today I did some of my requirements and then I went to Tae Kwon Do for my Mentor Sessions. After that i did black belt class and the went home to do some requirements.

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Better Day

Despite feeling sore all over, I went to Black Belt class and Sparring class. Learned a lot. I like working with the staff. New forms to learn (was not quite aware of them). Feeling behind, but liked the fast pace of black belt class. We have such a good community of people at our school. Everyone is so encouraging and everyone looks out after everyone else. Being the slow one in the class, I really benefit from everyone being willing to teach. I was able to get the oil changed in my car at AAA while I was in class (which was awesome because I do not have time to do it next week). Master Knight is so sweet. He saw someone driving my car and was concerned that it was being stolen. I appreciate him watching out for me. I've had 2 cars stolen from me in the past and it...

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Hiding in the woods

Today my friends and I were playing hide and go seek in the backyard, Trent and I were on a team and we had to count first while Logan and Parker hid. I counted to 60 with my brother. after that we tried to find Logan and Parker. We played two rounds of hide and go seek. Then we went to the creek for a while. Next we went home I can't wait to go to the creek again.

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Productive Saturday

Out of the house before 7 for my run, home to requirements, off to North Charlotte for mentor session, black belt class and sparring. Topping it all off did not feel good but I survived. Had to lay down for a little bit when I got home - - - really it was because Rosie wanted snuggle time. No more tkd for the day, have to get ready as we have an event to attend tonight.

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I finished...

I finished everything early this morning.Then went to black belt class and sparring class and got more requirements. After class we went to my favorite store Trader Joe's!

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Today

Today I did some requirements. I am going to go run in a little bit. After that I will work on my pull ups and poomsaes. I am also going to do some sparring later on.

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Flowers

I decided to have a relaxing day working in my flowers.  It is another outlet I use that helps to keep me calm.  When I'm working  with my flowers I have no other thoughts of anything else.  I be in my own little world.  I did a few requirements and call it a day.

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Today was ...

Today was a great day with the red, white and blue american theme at friday night football. But sadly it was canceled because of the storm but we had a great time while it lasted.

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9/11

Friday, Funday! it's always a great feeling to get a four year old to really focus and get a handle on their techniques. Awesome way to start today!

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Today i we...

Today i went to school and we had no homework! Then i did my essay for the white belt challenge. Then i went for a run. We got pizza on our way back.

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Friday

Wow...September 11th. I can't believe it was 14 years ago. Sometimes it does feel like it was just the other day. I wonder what the world would be like if everyone did martial arts. I mean everyone. Everyone learned about respect for each other, trained with each other, sweated and laughed with each other. Man...that is definitely a world I would want to live in!

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Today's fr...

Today's friday!! Yay!!! Had a pretty good day. Did a lot of requirements today after school. Feeling tired tonight. Can't wait for tomorrow's Saturday black belt class and sparring class!

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Struggles

Feel like I've spent all week getting over the Labor Day weekend. Just one long weekend and I've gotten out of step. The days are getting shorter and it seems like a struggle to get everything done each day. Amazed that I average about 3 miles of walking with work alone. After work, I did my 3.5 mile greenway walk with Nala, my dog. I was so sore. Every step hurt my hips, back and thighs.  I thought the hard part would be the 105 miles walk/run, but these sit ups and push ups  kick every morning. Despite my plans to build up my numbers each day, I can't get beyond 20 of each each day. And I still struggle to get those done.  I've got a long way to go. Just keep going, put one foot in front of the other.......

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Took a sci...

Took a science test today and I think I did pretty good. I soak my ankle almost every day but it hurts all the time. I hope it gets better by test time. Went down to the dojang after school today and worked on my requirements with Cheyenne and Leah, I think I over did it again.

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Today i ha...

Today i had a mentor session with master Cavasoss. Lois Matthew and Joshua Were there for it to

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Friday

Always thankful for my Friday private lesson with Master Chin - -yup she rocks!!! Got a lot accomplished but still so much to learn and make look better what I do think I have down- - -grace I am not. Requirements were on the downside today but that is ok.

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I went to ...

I went to school and I'm going on a camping trip this weekend with the scouts. We are going whitewater rafting.

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We leave f...

We leave for Washington DC this afternoon to say farewell to Shirley. She's one of the kindest, most genuine and sweetest person you will ever meet. Rest in peace Shirley. You'll be missed by all.

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My confide...

My confidence in knowing the insurmountable knowledge is overwhelming at times. At times, I feel like I have a handle on the material, and then you realize you don't remember another part. There's still time to learn my material. Just need to stay focus and have faith in my instructors and myself. Failure is not an option.

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9/10

Busy day! I've been grappling with these two quotes recently and looking forward to some luck. “A lack of planning on your part doesn’t constitute an emergency on mine.” & “Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity."

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My day

Today was pretty much the same thing except today I had to go to the dentist.  No cavities ya

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8bithero on Etsy

Today my dad got a really cool sticker in the mail. It was a super hero sticker of the Justice League but they were done in 8 bit style. Dad found the sticker on Etsy which is a place where people sell things they have made. I want to search Etsy sometime to see what else is on there. Here are the heros that are on the sticker: Black Canary, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Plastic Man, Zatana, Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Hawkman, The Atom, Red Tornado, Aquaman, and Firestorm. Out of all of these my favorite is Flash, Atom, Firestorm, Green Arrow, and Batman. Don't forget Green Lantern. That is why I asked dad if I could get one of my own. This is also why I like 8bithero.

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This has b...

This has been a good day for me and my friends and I love the stars here

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Because of...

Because of color belt testing I got to stay home from tae kwon do and get some requirements done and study for some tests that I have to take tomorrow...School is rough

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Today went...

Today went by very quickly, because of the review we did in school for the tests I have tomorrow. I am enjoying my Spanish and Chorus classes the most. We started a fundraiser to sale cookie dough for our chorus trip to San Fran over Spring Break. So if anyone wants cookie dough, let me know;)

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Today i we...

Today i went to school and we had lunch outside. When i came back, i did my homework and my requirements. Then i went to black belt class. i have to go, because we have guests, so bye.

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First Black Belt Class

Long day. I started work at 6:30AM. On the elevator from the 5 th to the 3 rd floor, I got 10 kicks in. Lol! I had to stop when someone got on the elevator. I'm sure I could have gotten in the full set of 25 if no one got on. Office was crazy busy, which is a good thing from 7:30AM to 1 PM. Then a lunch meeting and afternoon volunteering at the free clinic (it's not actually free, but the name has stuck). Then home to cook and care for the Max and Nala. I went to my first black belt class tonight. And I must admit, I was beat before the class. That mean little voice that keeps telling me to quit was trying to get me not to go to class tonight "I'm too tired, it's raining, it's lightening, my back hurts, this dobok is too...

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My legs ar...

My legs are sore from yesterdays class at 4:30. I didn't feel sore then but today it definitely begun to hurt. Helping all the class was fun and I also got some requirements in while i was helping with all the classes.

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Thursday

Today, for the most part, went well. Work crazy, but that's normal, then off to the dojang. My mentee had an event at school so was not able to meet with her. Knocked out quite a few requirements, helped in junior class then took the adult class. The night did not end on a high note but it is what it is. All I can keep doing is trying my best.

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Today i we...

Today i went to black belt class glad i have no more pmaa to do. now i can get home earlier

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I went to ...

I went to school then i came home and i had a bad day

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Had a good...

Had a good day in school. Finished my Map project and turned it in today. It looks good. I used Korean King Tiger words as the name for my islands. My teacher thought it was great. Took 2 class at Master Shin's today. Got to work on some of my requirements. Now I need to study for my Science test tomorrow.

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