Candidate Journals

Today was a really tough day. Today I did my empathy training and I bound my left arm in a sling. So the day was a challenge in that regard but then we had my Uncle Sonny's memorial service this afternoon. Only "having one arm" was so difficult. One good thing about doing the empathy challenge today was being able to share with my friends at church about why my arm was in a sling and therefore I was able to share more about King Tiger and the Black Belt cycle. After church I met my dad at Uncle Sonny & Aunt Jackie's house along with the rest of the family. While there my dad gave me some pictures of Uncle Sonny and their mom (my step-grandmother). I was not expecting to see a picture of my mom amongst the pictures. It immediately brought tears to my eyes. I don't know...

Today was a very calm day,pretty much i woke up and ate breakfast went outside and tanned. then i finished an essay and a half of another one. then i had calledtwo of my friends to see if they could hang out but both of them were busy sothe rest of my day i just chilled.

Today I focused on essays. I have been writing them throughout the cycle, but as of yesterday I still had the 3rd dan specific essays to write. Well, to be fair, I had written about 7 pages of my Korean history paper, but I still had 3+ to go. The research is what takes the longest. I also needed to help a friend, do some cleaning, go to BJ's, and watch Jess' tennis match today. At this point I still have 1 essay to go. But it's only 7pm...the night is young...

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

I think today was one of the best and most challenging days of this cycle. It started with my 1.5 mile run and I did it in 22:47.82 which just made my morning. I thought yesterday was a fluke but when I broke 23 minutes again today, I knew it wasn't a fluke and I wasn't dreaming. I went to Saturday Black Belt class and stayed for sparring. I always enjoy working with Master Randle and Pam Russ. After class I stopped and got some lunch and when I got home Hans and I went for a 2 mile walk (some jogging) in the awesome weather. After we got home I practiced both staff forms, single stick, bolo, attack & defend, staff attack & defend and some other poomsaes on my patio in the back yard. That was so peaceful and relaxing to be outside practicing. I would take breaks and...

today i went to a audition well i thought i did horrible but it turns out i did pretty good they called and said i was one of the top 5  and that know i haft to sign a contract so i feel proud of my self for accomplishing my goal well know i haft to go tomorrow i haft to go to anther audition at 10 well know i might be on tv! witch makes me happy so HAPPy.

Today Was NOT the best day. I woke up tired and didn't seem like I got any rest. I got to KT and was in a really bad mood. It just wasn't a good day but I did get a lot of work done. I didn't feel like I did too well in sparring class but I know it's just one bad day. I got my fingers kicked and jammed and it really hurt. My Mom told me it was OK and I needed to just get some rest and re-group. That's just what I'm going to do because I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Dear Journal, sometimes I over think things. Had black belt class and I think I left my brain at home. My sparring class was AWESOME! I believe my strength is Sparring. I learned a lot. Just got off work and about to head home. Wish I could go some place quiet to study and rest. Need to get the rest of my requirements in before next weekend. Study, Study Study.

Dear Journal, Woke up and felt much better. Took my workout light today. Did not want to regress. Went to the YMCA and only ran a mile. Had lots to think about. Defnitely to finish the course and need be a little better at time management. I had Bible Talk after work and was encouraged by Spirit of the women I help lead. They are all rooting for me. I cant wait to see what unfolds over the next few weeks.

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

Today is International Women's Day. At work, our company has a Women's Network and we met for lunch to listen to a speaker and celebrate the advances of women. The speaker was full of energy and good stories. One of her suggestions was to travel abroad to broaden your perspective. I totally agree with that. I can really appreciate life in the US after staying in many other countries. We are so fortunate in the US. Our daily complaints are really put in perspective when you think of the air quality in China, women's equality in Saudi Arabia, the violence and theft in Brazil. We really have it good.

So, I bet you think that since it was pouring rain and cold this morning that I didn't run, well, you are wrong. I ran this evening when I got home. It was so different running in the daylight, with my contacts in and with traffic. I really enjoyed the change of scenery even though I ran the same route, just in the daylight. I am so excited that I ran my 1.5 mile loop, the same one that I have been running, (remember that up to now my best time was 23:50) tonight I ran it in 22:46.50 !!!! Well, I am going to go finish up with 45 more push-ups, some sit-ups, etc. I am so happy with my new running habit that whatever happens with the rest of the cycle & test, I have already won.

I went to KT Lake Norman today for Sparring class. It was a lot of fun! We did kick boxing in class, which I really liked. It was raining really hard and we left a litle early to try to get to black belt class. I made it just in time. I also finished my volunteer project essay today too. I'm really tired but I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!!

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

its been raining almost all day, its freezing to. i have been practicing the hole day i had some home work but not a lot, i had a great day at school it was a pretty fun day i did great on my math test i think i made a 100 i know for sure i did after math i went to P.E i had a great time there because i was shooting 3 pointers all day after that i went home did my homework and when i was done with my homework i did a little mine work out for my self i was really fit they workout was only about an 1hr for me it felt like 20 min TIME GOUSE FAST QUIck!!!

I got quite a bit accomplished today with requirements and such. I'm keeping pretty busy at work also. Overall a pretty good day.

Rainy day at school today. Had to take a really long test and it was boring. anyways i hope it snows tomorrow the weather man said it would.

Dear Journal, I remember when we had our initial BB meeting to discuss what "the cycle" would entail. After leaving the meeting I thought about how in the world I would get through this 10 weeks of physical and mental training when both my knees, shoulders, back, right hip and elbow hurt: virtigo episodes; I have one vehicle, 3 jobs. Sometimes I would ask myself "why am I doing this again?" BUT, Most of the times I found myself being grateful that I have not quit, that I'm making history and I'm a part of something great. I wondered what message am I sending to my family and friends and what legacy to I want to leave behnd in my journey as a Black Belt. I know what I dont want (quitter). I know I have to go the distance. If not for self, then for the others that will come...

Very productive day today. I went to school and I had to wear my JROTC uniform:). In second block which is my JROTC class i am platoon leader which is the top person in your class. I led the uniform inspection today because my partner wasn't there, Overall they look nice. then i had to stay after for practice i worked on my hangtime and then simple relay. went home and got ready for sparring class were we were kick boxing. then i had to leave to go to diving practice, i worked pretty hard and i can tell ya'll that im going to be pretty sore tomorrow. so pretty much i was working out all day.

This morning I overslept by 20 minutes but I did get up and ran my 1.5 miles. I don't know what is going on. I think I am getting sick. Today I have felt really bad and wiped out. Plus I didn't get a full lunch hour so I did not get in as many requirements. We had a great class tonight and I got a lot of burpees in along with self-defenses. I always enjoy working with the Little Tigers. My mentee was still out sick. I hope to get to work with him next week.

Ben was my helper today. He asked me questions for the written test while I was taking him to and from school. He also did requirements with me (he did his baseball homework). And he attacked me for self defense. I have to get my essays finished this weekend. And I need to do some deep cleaning in the house!

had trouble logging in today. Really need a computer.. Did lots of review on old ciriculum. worked really hard to stay abreast. Now need to find time to add dropbox items. Not sleeping much. Can one die from a lack of sleep?

had trouble logging in today. Really need a computer.. Did lots of review on old ciriculum. worked really hard to stay abreast. Now need to find time to add dropbox items. Not sleeping much. Can one die from a lack of sleep?

Today went by fast! I hope those who tested today did great! Cant wait to see who got their new belts next week! Cycle is alsmost done. Only a few weeks left. Almost done! Aahhh 3rd dan here I come

Today went by fast! I hope those who tested today did great! Cant wait to see who got their new belts next week! Cycle is alsmost done. Only a few weeks left. Almost done! Aahhh 3rd dan here I come

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

Well I'm getting back to a routine after recuperating from instructiors camp. Getting my sleep back to a more normal amount of hours. Is kind of funny what little sleep can do to you.

today i was maybe a bit tired because of all the classwork i had,i am having a test tomorrow *wish me good luck* well my teacher said the test counts twice so i study all day i am still studying but in between that i was doing requirements i got a lot done now i am working on a work sheet thats due tomorrow i had a great day at band to because i learned a new note! it a b flat this note is a really low note on trumpet and it makes one of the weirdest noise ever well tuba has a double b flat witch is so low you cant hear it well i was to tired in band that i count get the high notes out.  

My day was alright, found out i have an A in Spanish which made me happy. I looked at cheek cells and onion cell under a microscope. then i watched a bullying play at school about cyber bullying. then i took a test in civics i feel like i passed it, and hopefully i did. then i stayed after school for feild day, there were only like 10 people there and me and my friend were the only people actually doing something. we both did flexed arm hang then a whole bunch of diffrent kinds of crunches and then some pushup to help our strength. i also ran my 2 miles around the track. my mom and i helped out at family class and afterward we went to teach our mentees. mine loves me alot but i put my foot down when i have to. after that session we went to...

Whoo! I did a lot of stuff today, and I am almost done with my essays. I just need to get my volunteer and my role model essays done. It is a lot of stuff but I don't think I have a choice if I want to be a 1st degree black belt. I am a little bit tired, but I can see it in my future. Me becoming a 1st degree black belt. Wow! I WILL NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP!!!

Instructor's camp was awesome. And the credits Master Evins allocated to us for participating made it super-duper awesome! Thank you, sir! Today I got a noon class in at LKN, then taught family class this evening. I got about half of my push ups and sit ups in and some poomsaes during classes, but now I need to hit the rest of my physical requirements. Oh, I also reviewed my test questions today...went through them all twice. I also asked my peoples for my letters of recommendation late last night. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Good morning. Last night I worked with Kate and Master Chin with our Little Tigers class. We worked on some self defense moves. The little tigers don't understand how important those moves that we are teaching them may be to them someday. I pray they never get grabbed but hopefully they will remember what to do if they do get grabbed. We also worked on self defense in our Senior Wang Ho class. I am getting a little frustrated. Russ, my mentee, has been in class twice in 3 weeks. One week he was out of town, the next week he was sick. The one week he was in class on both Tuesday and Thursday he said he couldn't stay for mentoring after class on Thursday. I was hoping we could work together both days so I could catch up on my number of sessions. Last night he wasn't there someone...

Dear Journal, Wow!! What a day. Jumped right out the gate and hit the ground running. Went through the ritual of going to the Y, went to adult am class; worked with my mentee before assisting in class; stayed for BB and PMAA class tonight, which was very humbling. Again felt like a White belt. Apparently been only practing new ciriculum so i can build a memory forbut found out its best to practice the old belt cirriculum as well. OMG!! Gotta get on the grind.

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

today i had the ACT. in my opinion it went fairly easy :) i know i got atleast a 28 or higher. had a half day too so came home at 12:30. got a good workout in before black belt and sticks class.only 4 more weeks till cycle ends! cant wait!!

I had to be in the office early today. I had several meetings and then when I was trying to get some work done, I kept getting interrupted. So I didn't get as much done as I needed to. After getting the kids to baseball and softball practices, it was nothing but requirements. Had a good PMAA class tonight. Now if my beloved Wolverines could beat Illinois to clinch the Big Ten Championship, it'll make up for my slow morning. :)

today i felt sick every were it all happened when i was waiting outside in the cold well i started to cough and then my nose got all stuffed after that my head started to hurt i had the worst day ever well school was ok i didn't like going to P.E today because my stomach started to hurt when we were running i am glade i never throw up well after school i went home and had a nice nap well until my mom woke me up to do my homework i was still sick but i didn't give UP!!! 

today i finally turned in my voluneer stuff, but there may be more to come. i told people at school and at church, so this is going to be fun. but i have a lot to go with requirements and essays. I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!

I had so much homework today. i had to do 3 pages in LA that were super hard. Also had science homework and extra credit. And i got a paper to type for social studies tomorrow. Good thing our gym teacher made us run all class today because now i'm 1 day ahead of my running :)  now the other things... I think i will start to do a lot of 1 thing to get it wiped out. i will try it next week.

I had a really good day today. i had gone to school today and we went to homeroom and watched movies while the juniors had to take the ACT test. then we had lunch and left school early now i am at home eating lunch and studying for school and the tkd written test.

Well, I surprised even myself today. I got up at 4:45 (nothing unusual there) did 30 sit-ups and yes, went for my run. It was 22 degrees outside when I started. Yes, I said 22 degrees, that was not a typo. I had double layers, including my silk long johns, glove and 2 hats. The wind was bitter and cut like a knife, however, I did not quit. I had to even pass my house in the loop at the 3/4 of a mile mark and kept running. Oh, I also did my run in less time than yesterday!!! Then I came home did 30 more sit-ups and 10 inclined pull-ups with my "Perfect Pull-up bar". Fed the cat & dog and after this journal entry I need to get in shower.

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

Today went by great. Having login issues and the website wont accept my journals or inputs :( emails master hartle so hopefully I get that fixed. Today was a great day. Not mervous at all for my ACT tomorrow. Got a 34 out of 36 the first time I took it. This time shouldnt be hard at all :) not feeling over confident or under confident. I got this.

My best friend got some shocking, bad news today. It was so painful to watch her because she was hurting so badly. Today I had to remind myself that everything happens for a reason, and that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. She's a strong wonderful person and after this experience she will be even stronger. I only hope that 6 months from now, she will be able to look back be be thankful for this incident. Today, my bumps, bruises, and soreness was nothing compared to the pain in her soul. Life is all about perspective.

today i had a lot of homework and i went to a soccer game i got mad mad because i got a yellow card the ref said i kicked the guy from the back so i moved on with my life and kept  playing well i scored 3 goals witch is pretty good and when that was over i went back home and ate a big salad thats all about my day!! 

Today was a normal day. I didn't really do much of anything. All I did was take a vocabulary test and do math. Tonight I think I am going to turn in my volunteer stuff so that I can go ahead and type up my essay for it. I am also pretty much done with a few of my requirements. But I have a long way to go, but I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!!!

I went to instructor's camp and had a great time. It was a long weekend and full of hard work but so much fun. I got a call from my step-dad (who has been my step-dad since I was a senior in high school) that his brother, Sonny, has died unexpectedly yesterday around noon. I was/am devastated. Yesterday was a great day turn bad. I did not get much done as far as requirements go due to that news. However, I did get up at 4:30 and run in 57 degrees. I ran my 1.5 miles in 25 minutes. You may ask me if I am disappointed that it took me longer this time than it has in a while. I would tell you a firm NO. I am proud that I ran, especially after having missed several days due to instructors camp. I am also proud that I got up...

Dear Journal, played catch up today on my physical and writen requirements. It was intense.I went to church. Dinner was on the stove and went to work for a few hours. Tomorrow starts the day where I have to start doubling up on my classes. Wish me luck

We are back from instructors camp in Greenville NC. Wow am I exhausted!!!! Very little sleep, in two nights just over 10 hours all together. I did enjoyed learning different technics that are taught in the other schools. It was a jam packed Friday from 6:30PM to midnight and a full day the next day that started at around 9 AM (when I mean a full day I mean a full day). We started Saturday by eating breakfast and then going to the pool at ECU, then we went to a school gym and had the majority of a sessions there, had lunch in between sessions. We then went out for dinner. After dinner was done went to the Grand Master Lee's dojang and did some more sessions. The day ended at 12:30 AM. Left Greenville on Sunday 9AM, got home around 1:30 PM and I just crashed for a few...

I had a lot of donations today from my mom's friends. I'm sure that I have a lot of donations to last the hospital a years worth. I am seriously tired of the non stop requirements and they are all almost done. I WILL NEVER EVER EVER EVER GIVE UP!!!!

Another instructor' camp is in the books. It was a great camp, great to interact with all the school owners and masters, and see some familiar faces as well as some new ones. The sessions with Master Lee were my favorite...especially the pool session. On the way to and from Greenville, I studied for my written test, too. And the long nights are training for the overnight test! So it was a very productive weekend. I like productive. :)

Today i woke up around 7:30 got ready to go home, but boy was i tired. my mom said that i looked chinese because my eyes look so tired. My mom and i got home around 2. We unpacked first then i got to eat because i was starving. then i got settled at my house and went out side to read and enjoy the nice day in my swim suit. my dad made some wings and i ate abot maybe 15. they are delicious:) now my parents and i watching cowboys and aliens its a pretty good movie.

today i played soccer i scored no goals but i stool the ball a lot i had a fun time my team won 10 to 0 the team was ok they just didn't have a great defense i played midfielder witch is a hard position after the game i went back home and stared doing some requirements  i did A LOT 0f push ups and sit ups witch made me proud i am really tired from all the work i did well i aways say thats how life is if u don't put any effort then you wont make it,well after that i played some video games and know i am writing this.  

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

Dear Journal, Today was a day to take it easy, reflect on my accomplshments and to be still. Its so easy to loose sight and fall into a state of self-pity. Got to spend some quality time with the family. Cut my workout in half today so not to over do things. Need to pray for God to put on my heart what direction to go. I know ths weekend was a learning leasson, but I still don't know what lesson I'm to learn.

today i had a great day it stared out with a great work out witch was awesome i did 300 push ups and 489sit ups and i ran a lot i am having some difficulties on some of my self defense's it was on blue but i looked it up on youtube and it work i was nervous that i didn't know it.i got new shoes witch were cool i got nikes 7.0 there red and black after this i am going try them on again  

This Saturday i didn't have anything to do so i just did requirements for a good part of the day. I'm sore right now but i got ALOT done! im so proud im gonna take tomorrow off because i can afford to :) i might do this every saterday from now on. of course i have to do all my hoework on fridays but That means sundays will be free :)

Dear Journal, Came to realize that if I slow down enough God's will will be done. I guess I'm not really supposed to go to Greenville, and no matter how much I want to go I cant let water flow from a rock. I'm really exhausted and keep pushing myself and now its catching up to me. THe light-headedness is coming back, which is one of the first symtom of Virtigo. My left shoulder is strained from excessive assisted pull-ups. Plan on taking it easy tomorrow, by being still and listen. But Im not quitting. Hope you guys are enjoying Instuctors' Camp. I'm there in spirit.

Today was a very tired day. I just couldn't do much of anything. I did manage to get some running I'm but nothing else. I know I'm going to have to make up what I didn't do but it felt good to rest. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Too much school and work to handle. Aaahhhh mp break at all! If im not doing school im working. If im not working im doing tkd. If im not doing tkd Im doing doing school or work. Ugh. Help!

today i had a wonderful day, school was ok i had homework i feel bad for my teachers for still working it we had the snow storm, i went to PE had to run for 6 min witch is 1.5 miles and we played a game i scored 9 points straight well i was like the only one who new how to play soccer i was scared my team would all get red cards,i had one yellow because i tripped the other guy well my coach said it was a great sacrifice i am glade i didn't get a red card. i did a lot of sit ups and push ups today and i practiced koroy 10 times   

Yesterday did sparring class. Kept on going with anything that I could get caught up with with requirements. I'm getting ready to go to instructors camp. Hopefully I'll have time to update things this weekend. I have a feeling that we will be so busy and tired at the end of the day that the last thing in my mind will be to enter information on the computer. Well I'll keep up with things in writing and then get caught up with the entries. See you on the other side of the Moon!

Dear Journal, Went to get a cupping session today. Really drained me. I have huge, puffy, purplish circles alll over. Went to the Y at 5;30am to get my requirements in. Ran 1.5 miles without walking!! Yessss!!! Helped out in class today and it was rewarding. I was, still am, very psyched about going to Instructors Camp, but dont have a ride up. I get off work at 3:30pm and almost everyone will be gone by then. I really have faith that everything will work out. Everything is in place with someone coming over to help Bobbi with the Twins. I'll get there. I'll hitch hike if I have to!!

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

today i had an epic day, first i went to school then i went to tae kwon do class i went to family class and i helped in one class i couldn't go to a bb class because i had a mentor session and i had a Buch of homework to do i had i realy great tim at king tiger today i did great on koroy and my high red belt self defense will i had a great day today. 

Today was another busy day. I finished my book for the cycle and have to get my essay done for that. I also had to go to King Tiger Lake Norman for a Sparring class tonight. It was a lot of energy and fun. We got to do a lot of sparring and now I think I'm pretty caught up on those classes. I'll work on my essay and requirements this weekend. I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!

Today was a great day went to school got alot of complements in 2nd block for wearing a dress. then i ha to stay after for Feild day practice. when i got home i had to get working on my spanish project because i just found out it was due tomorrrow. then i had dinner which was pretty good:) then went to sparring class and i got to spare marcus it was weird sparring someone with out a hogal

Time to pack for instructor's camp! I'm looking forward to Grandmaster Lee's poomsae session. In the past, it's always been my favorite. Although I loved the pool session last year too. I'm glad we are doing that again. The first few times I went to instructor's camp, we didn't have a pool session. I love the water and in love TKD so it's an awesome combination. Last cycle, I did some of my daily training in my pool at home...it's different and the water resistance helps see if your form is correct.

Dear Journal, What a day..Started off early. Went to the Y to run, work on sone poomsaes and physical requirements. Seems like no matter how many times I do them it doesn't seem enough because everything goes out the window when push comes to shove. I need to pick up some KTape for Instructors Camp. My mind was willing but my body wouldnt cooperate. After doing collectively 8.5 hours of massage, I was done. Came home, took a shower; helped with the grandbabies. set my alarm for 11pm finished the rest of my physical requirements and came on the computer. Need to check emails. I have close to 5 thousand unopened emaills. Good Night!

Well it looks like the cycle is half way done. Cany believe that im already testing for my 3rd dan. I feel proud of myself. Even though I started a week amd a half later than everyone else I was still able to get caught up. I cant wait till the actual testing. I feel prepared.

I am really sore from tryouts and my elbow is hurting for no reason. I am good at passing and defending but offence I'm still working on it. if i don't make the team i might tryout for track so i can get rid of my running requirement. anyways we ran 5 miles at tryouts then did scrimmaging. 

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

In my session with my mentor today I went through my creative form. She said it looked ok...no strange or awkward moves...so now I just need to practice it about a 1000 times in the next few weeks! We also had a good family class tonight and I finished up my requirements while watching Michigan play Purdue. They won with a buzzer beater...very exciting game!

Getting to learn Wang Ho 5 will be quite interesting as you have to do a 360 degree turn usig left leg as the anchor and this is the leg that my ankle that I strained. I will need to find a way to make it work. Other than that a pretty usual Black Belt cycle day.

today i had i fun time at school i got to play mat-ball today its a combination of kick ball and dogeball and its a great game but the bad part is thats there to many people and when somebody kicks it somebody caches it  i don't get there's is 4 bases you haft to go around twice to get a point JUST 1 POINT WHY NOT 2 well i had a fun time in P.E i guess?!. in math i had tones of homework but i am glade that my teacher said i could just do half because i know everything else and i am in scholars math witch is good today i heard a good quote it came from *Albert Einstein* quote of the day:"imagination is more important then knowledge" -Albert Einstein        

Good morning!!! I can not believe what a morning it has already been and it is only 5:50 a.m. I got up at 4:30 (nothing new there) and hit the floor running, almost literally. A while back if you had told me that I would wake up at 4:30, do 10 burpees, 10 inclined pull-ups, 20 sit-ups before running, I repeat, RUNNING 1.5 miles, I would have wondered what kind of nut you were. But that is what I did this morning. The best thing of the morning was that I beat my best time. Up to now my best time for this loop has been 24:17 but I set a goal for less than 24 minutes. TODAY I DID MY RUN IN 23:50.88 !!!!!!!! On January 18th when we took the pretest at Master Evins school I could not run the 1.5 miles so I did a walk/run. As a...

Dear Journal, Im pooped. I had class earlier today, worked, then BB Class and PMAA Class. I realized that there is still so much I dont know. Had a heart to heart with my Mentor.I think we are on the same page now. Also met with my Mentee. Trying to help her prep for testing. This is the week I chose to be a whiite belt. Now I know why its a white belt. Looking forward to this weekend. Instructors Camp here I come.

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

Pretty good day overall. Staying busy at work. PMAA class today was challenging.

had a great day at school and got to play team 4 square witch is really awesome, i had a lot of homework today in all my classes this is why i couldn't  go to bb class i am still stuck on a question on my homework  i think i am on question #30 on math  and i got 20 more to go but i still have a lot more work to do then just that i still got science and health i am tierd i wish i could freeze the world  and sleep and then keep doing my homework.   Quote: Life is like a trumpet if you don't put anything in it nothing comes out  

PMAA class! I love that stuff! But I need a lot more practice! I think this is the only section I haven't done! Hopefully we will do it at Instructor Camp!

I had a very good day today i went to school and was actually awake till i got to 4th block i started to get really tired but i didnt fall asleep. i had to stay after school for feild day practice. id dint do so well on the hang time today because i was so sore from yesterday. after school i saw one of my friends and she told me that she likes being around me when im alone because i act like myself like i actually talk to her. normaly i am really shy when it comes to a group of people i barley know, but when i with someone that i know i talk to them. them i got home and did homework and ate dinner. finally i had gone to PMAA class where we went over class c sticks stuff. and now i am at home about...

This double stick section C is kicking my behind! I need to practice it earlier in the day, I think. Going to class after a full day when my brain is ready for a rest may not be the best time for me to try to work on this. I'll keep plugging away and eventually I will get it. Today was a frustrating day at work. I wish I could have come to noon class at Master Evins', it would have been the perfect way to de-stress. But I had a meeting until 11:15 and it takes me 30 min to get there. Plus I needed a full hour at lunch to work on requirements. As soon as cycle is over I can get back to Tues/Thurs noon classes over there again. Ok, gotta finish up my requirements...

Today I'm going to Mint Hill so I can make sure I am on track with my sparring classes. I've never been there before so I'm pretty excited about the experience. I am pretty caught up on my other requirements so I'll be able to spend time catching up on running (eewww). I want to just sit down now and watch TV but I still have work to do so.....I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!

I had an appointment to see Dr. Bill at Advanced Health and Pain Relief this morning at 8:30. My left elbow is really bothering me, painful, not just discomfort. He manipulated my left elbow and wrist and checked my left knee & right shoulder. Ironically my knee cap and knee are doing quite well in spite of my running and everything. Nothing like my 1st Dan cycle. However, my left side has been hurting and I was afraid I had pneumonia again like last year before Instructor's camp. I also wondered if I might have a rib out again. Dr. Bill checked it out and said "Good call, you do have a rib out." He manipulated it and now it doesn't hurt to breath and move. I can't help but think my running and everything else will probably benefit from getting that back where it belongs since it affected my breathing...

Last night was a great night in our South Charlotte Black Belt class. We worked on poomsae with Master Chin for 1st half then Instructor Hsin gave us a great challenging work out. I met with my most awesome Mentor Amy Tucker. We worked on Staff attack/defend. I needed to refresh myself on it and I always enjoy performing that with a person instead of just by myself. I hope to meet with my mentee, Russ Castilow, tonight. We are behind on meetings because he was out of town one week then out sick the next week. We will need to double up this week but that keeps me from being able to go to North Charlotte for BB class and PMAA because he and I work out after our Wang Ho class that runs to about 7:30. Ugh, I was really wanted to go to NC for more sticks. Well,...

Ive been up for the past two ours trying to get into my account. But it says it expired!! Ugh help!!

Ive been up for the past two ours trying to get into my account. But it says it expired!! Ugh help!!

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

Dear Journal, God and the power of prayer is Awesome! I went into work today and my Boss decided to reconsider me taking off this weekend. I think I may be going to Instructor Camp! I wont know definitely until tomorrow. Didn't have much of a productive day today. Playing catch up on sleep. Looking forward to go to the YMCA tomorrow. Decided to try and learn how to sign language for my new skill. It is quite interesting. It made me think how fortunate I am to have my sense of speak and hearing.

Pretty common day today. Working on the answers to the test. Sorry not much to say today.

I need to do more staff forms and Hapkido! #1-12 easy. But #12-32 I'm still working on! I know them but my brain won't put them in a numbered order! My foot still hurts and Instructor Camp is almost here! I came home with a broken wrist last year! I AM NOT GETTING HURT THIS YEAR! I want to finish this Black Belt Cycle without any injuries that require surgery!

Had soccer try outs today. i did pretty good but it was really intense and I'm really tired and sore. there was a fight there and i had to hold the 8th grader back from the puny 7th grader with a big mouth. 3 of my friends were helping but the  kid still got punched in the face so i guess it was all for nothing haha. anyways a stray elbow struck me on my windpipe REALLY HARD so now my voice is a little weird for the time being and it hurts 24/7. I dont know if i will make it but the other people couldnt dribble the ball so i think i have a pretty good chance but then agian if its only me and a cople other guys that are good then our team will be demolished every match. If that happens I'll... idk what i willl do...

i had a great day today i first i went to school it was rough i had a lot of homework today right know this is my 20 min break i still got more to go. today i ran a lot more than any other day we ran more because the girls were listening to wrecking ball they said they still wanted to run because it was every ladies  favorite the only thing i herd from the girls is *I CAME IN LIKE WRECKING BALL* (IT WAS ANNOYING) and then *WHAT DOUSE THE FOX SAY *DING DING DING DING * so we eventually ran the whole entire day. well that was kinda helpful for me because i can get some running in. but i was mad at the same time. Then i went to all my regular classes witch i felt sleepy in every single class i don't know why i...

I got tons of poomsaes and self defenses in today. I did some poomsaes this morning during a boring section of a conference call, more at noon class, then several in family class. And Instr Lloyd was my ukie before family class...we went through tons of self-defenses. Rick and I did our 10th mentee session today too. I got 2 miles in at noon and then another 2.8 miles this afternoon with my mentee (work mentee, not TKD). Only 2 weeks before the physical and written test...yikes.

Overall had a good day, didnt get much sleep last night though. This morning i couldnt find the normal mascara that i use so i had to try other ones i was having girl probs. went to school and had gone to all my blocks, then stayed after school for feild day practice. i am getting better at flexed arm hang. but before i went to practice i had to go talk to one of my friends and standing right in front of her was one of my other friends that i had to ignore the whole day for a specific reason but then she all of a sudden had asked me if i was gong to give her a hug but i was like but im not supposed to talk to you and shes like well i dont care and she actually said to me that she missed me. those...

Good morning! This morning I did my 1.5 run and in spite of my calves feeling like they were on fire, I persevered and ran the whole time!! It took me about, I think 17 seconds longer but I still ran the whole thing. I am so proud of myself for that part of it that I can't get down about the time. I think part of the reason was I had a restless night last night and did not sleep well. I don't believe my body got properly rested. Plus last night at church we had pizza for dinner during Jr. Youth. I work with the Jr. Youth at St. Andrews UMC and I don't think the pizza set well with my tummy, too spicy & greasy. I love working with the Jr. Youth. They are like my children that I work with at South Charlotte, they are my "adopted...

Oh Happy Day..Dear Journal, found out a few hours ago that my grandson, Cade, gets to come home tomorrow. Yeaaah!! And just in time. Amazing how God puts everything in place, first the car, then the crib and you know the rest. I know I cant give up. Had a staff meeting at my job today. Asked management if they could please adjust my schedule so i can attend Instructor's Camp for this upcoming weekend and got a negative. Not sure how I'm going to fulfill all my requirements to become a BB but I have faith that Giod will pull me through that journey as well. Phillipians 4:21. I guess I'ma have to thug it out! Lord Please be with me..

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

Almost full functiom of my knee. Hurts a bit tho but the pain is bearable.  Got a good workout in today since ny knee didnt let me do much the past week :/ cant wait till class tomorrow! Back to a white belt ;)