Candidate Journals

Today we did sparring class in Tae Kwon Do. After we did that I did some mentoring for kicks, poomsaes and self defense. I then went home to work on some more requirements a bit more then rest.

Long day today.   A beloved patient passed away and I found out that one of my colleagues has Cancer.  Life happens whether we are ready for it or not.  I crashed Master Cavazos's Mentor session tonight after class because I'm falling a little behind after missing class the day my son's car broke down.  Working on the Jidokwan staff forms makes me miss Grandmaster Jung.  It was amazing to be able to learn from him.  I'm having flight of ideas!  And, it's so late, I don't think I'm going to get any additional requirements done tonight.  

Today was a good day. I worked from home and got some work done on my requirements. When the boys came home from school Erik and I went for a good run around the neighborhood. After dinner we went up to the dojang. Erik is doing his white belt challenge so he was in class as a white belt while I did a mentor session with Master Knight. We worked on staff, stick, and bolo forms along with knife special. Still working out a few kinks.

We finally had soccer practice. It’s been a while due to rain but besides that today was fun, I did a mentor session and learned my 3rd staff form. Good day ????????

Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, one step at a time.????‍♂️????‍♂️????‍♂️

Today was a busy day!  I had school, soccer practice, and black belt class.  I’m tired and ready for bed!

My grandparents are here this weekend! I was super excited and got to hang out with them on Sunday. The other thing I did was go for a six-mile run. I went with my dad and we split it into two parts running 3.25 twice. I really enjoyed talking with him and I'm really happy that he is running again. I have to go to bed now so I'll be back in class tomorrow.

Hey guys! Today was a good day- but like you guys already know- school, homework, requirements. I’m going to TKD to get credits and take class. Well that’s about it! Bye!! 

It's a good thing I am good at Project Management! I had so much going on today with my trades, moving, and budgets. Tomorrow is the big day, the official move! We have most of the apartment ready to go, just have to clean up lose ends to get things out of the way. We are all more than ready to get moved in. I wasn't able to get all of my requirements in, but I still have a sparring class to go to tonight and I teach my students in about an hour so Im sure I can get the rest of them hammered out. In February I plan on going back and concentrating on my time for running. Since I've been having to deal with moving and everything, I've just been running just to run, not really trying to get faster. In Feb, that changes and hopefully I can...

Had a quick morning and breakfast with my mother. Went to the little gym for 2 hours. I wasn’t very efficient but got everything done. Working on making my poomsaes smoother but now I think I am moving tooooo slow. Need to speed them up a little. Treadmill running is the absolute worst. And it is 72 degrees in the little room. Blah. Flying back home tomorrow early. Looking forward to running outside tomorrow.

Today I had a bunch of math due but i turned it all in and i had a soccer workout and it was so hard and im sore

Good Morning. Yesterday was a good day. I went to class and got my credits. Came back home and went to bed. Waiting at the bus stop for my bus. Have a good day.

Today, I had no school. I got to do my homework for the next couple of days and then I went to TKD t get dome leadership credits done. I also got my mentee and mentor session done. I am excited for the school dance that I am a part of. I am in the student council and I am a secretary! This year will be really fun! 

Today I went to black belt at master chins school in Belmont. It was really fun and I got one on one training with him. I practiced lots of things. Good Monday 

This is my first full  week back at school and i have like 5 tests!but i am ready for all of them and i got a 92 on pysch

I've been sweating it through the last few days about getting a truck inspected, I  Had till the end of the month To get it done. I get to the place and they tell me my truck is old and it doesn't need inspection anymore.????‍♂️

Everyone got up as usual this morning and we got the day going. I had a full day of work training but before we got started I got a call to come pick up a kid from school. Luckily Angel called around and one of our friends could step in and help us out, After my training I came home and worked on my requirements. Tomorrow we will be going back to the dojang.

Flew to Salem NH after black belt class of Saturday. Here to help my Mom out with somethings. Took yesterday off all together which was not planned but nice. Today I went to the gym at my mother place, very tiny however no one goes to it and there was a mirror which I find helpful doing poomsaes. Went over there this morning, then again in the this afternoon to catch up. Got a bunch of things done that my mom wanted to do and then we made dinner for 3 of my sisters and their family’s so that was fun.

Today I went to school and got loads of homework. When I came home I ate pizza then went to King Tiger TKD to help out with class. I got in leadership 1&2 after 3 classes. It was really fun! After I came home I started on my homework and finished around 8:30pm. And now I eat!

Not a bad Monday!  Got a chance to work with Grandmaster Evins and Master Cavazos this morning.  Worked on sticks curriculum, as well as Double Stick Form #1.  Also had a chance to practice TaeKwon Il, Yi, AND Sam.  Feeling a lot better about those.  I just found out what essays I have to do, so I will get cracking on that ASAP.

It's 8:00 pm and I haven't started working on requirements yet (except the mile walk which I did at lunch).  It's going to be a late night.  I was up early but couldn't do my usual pushups, situps and burpees because I had to be at work early, so that threw my routine out of whack.  I'll stay at work tomorrow until Black Belt Class because I just can't face the 45 min-1 hr drive home from work in traffic and then the 40 minute drive to class and then the 40 minute drive back home.  I know I complain about the drive a lot, but it's just no fun.    

Today I went to school and it wasn't half bad. After school I came home and got to do another mentor session with Gabriel. I helped with some small things for dinner. After I worked some on my homework for this week. And am working on some requirements before bed.

Dear John    Have you ever watched Naked and Afraid I have and it scares the heck out of me. Would you go 21 days naked and living primative off the land.  I know I would not but that is crazy how these people live and do not tap out.  I would tap out the first few hours especially with bugs. So I think I would be with you and live at Harris Teeter. LOL  Until next time John   Out 

I worked on my project in my visual arts class today. It was a regular school day.  I did some requirements this afternoon. I'm heading out to family class.

Hey guys! You  already know it- school, homework, requirements. Today I’m planning to go to TKD to get some credits in and maybe a mentee session. Well that’s really it. Hope everyone had a good day so far! Bye!!

Yesterday I went to Defy Gravity and I got a lot of my falls and rolls completed.  It was s fun way to work out!  Today it’s raining so no run.  I had school and then I am meeting with my mentor and mentee.

Today is a great day so far. In the morning I woke up late, no school teacher workday. I did some homework and worked on my requirements. My mom took me for a hair cut. Right now I just finished it I am having lunch. In the evening I plan to finish my requirements. Hope you have a great rest of your day!!!

Good Morning. Woke up a little late today as there is no school. Finishing my assignments and will start working on my requirements soon. I look forward to seeing everyone in class this evening. Have a good day.

Had a great training session at the park today with Master Tucker and Master Burkart! We worked on many poomsaes. I was worried that it would be too cold, but I had enough layers and even had to shed some before we finished. After Master Burkart had to leave, Master Tucker and I worked on double stick 2 many times and our creative poomsae. I am really excited about how our creative poomsae is turning out. Now we have to learn it as if we have practiced it for a long time.

I went for a 2 mile run in the afternoon.  After that I did my push ups, sit ups, burpees and other requirements. I was surprised how sore I was from black belt class yesterday.  I took some time with my Playstation. It was fun and a good day.

I am so tired today! We have been moving our stuff into our new house the whole weekend and we aren't done yet. We have a lot of stuff! My room was painted yesterday and I got to choose the color in my bathroom. I am doing a beach theme so I did a sky blue color. My mom is working real hard to get the house done before our super bowl party. I like watching the puppy bowl and kitten half time show, they are so cute! My mom and I have been doing our requirements in between moving our stuff. It is so hard! I will be glad when the movers come. 

Today was a good day. In the morning I was not able to do anything except for homework. Then I had lunch. After lunch I worked on my requirements for the rest of the time. Then I had dinner and went to bed.

Today was day #3 of moving stuff into the new house while avoiding getting in the way of the paint crew. I think we are at the point now that we can't move anything without the help of the movers. The painting process has come along really well. I chose colors that I was nervous about but they came out really nice! I changed the mater bathroom color though, but I think it'll work out. Hopefully the painting will be done tomorrow, im ready to start putting things up on the walls and getting a head start on that. I still need to buy fans....My pavers guys start tomorrow, I am very excited to see how that looks! During all this craziness this week, I was still able to stay on top of my requirements! Not bad!

Today was a nerve racking day. Why? I had my piano recital today. But before that I went to church. I ate Chipotle for lunch and went to my recital. It went pretty well. When I got home my grandparents came for dinner and yeah. That it...

Good Day. Yesterday evening my mom and I went over to one of our neighbors house for some function. After that my brother went to his friends house for sleepover. He came back at noon today. I worked all day on my assignments and then finished my requirements. Then at 3pm my brother and I went for a run. We ran 2 miles and I have been consistently keeping up with my time. Tomorrow we do not have school. Have a good night!

Today I had lacrosse practice,and it was fun.And after lax we went to a custard place which was really Good.then we found out before that that the black mamba died he was Kobe Bryant nba legend goat.then I went home from the sleep over I had with my friends and we stayed up all night.so bye 

Dear John    I saw you at the park today training. It seemed you were having fun. I did not want to interrupt you but you looked slow compared to the other two artist. You better pick it up or your going to get left behind. Overall glad you are back at the park I remember see you with Thamm and Ritchie years ago. There are some found memories I am sure for you with laughs and hard work. Keep it up.   John 

Got up today and was   Hoping to get some things done. After I got to were I need to be , o MAN its Sunday.????????????????

It was another beautiful Sunday and another awesome training day with Master Dege and Master Burkhart at Mint Hill Park. We trained for three hours! Master Dege and I finished our creative form! Very exciting! I came home did sparring rounds and jump rope and finished off with push-ups and sit ups. Now it’s 3 PM and the day is almost over!  But what a great day!

Yesterday I could not do a journal because I was at my friends house for a sleepover but today I had a soccer game and it was really fun we lost 1-0 but we tried our hardest today, I had a good day and I helped to make lunch and we’re making dinner right now. Bye 

It was supposed to be day 36 because I forgot to journal one day- but I’ll just do an extra journal at the end- to meet my requirement of 50. Today I went to church in the morning. I just came back and I’m planning to start my requirements soon. In the evening, I’ll probably do some homework that I yet have to finish. The weekend flew by- tomorrow we have school:((( well that’s it! bye!! 

Yesterday I was at Tae Kwon Do for a long time.  I had sparring and black belt class.  I also worked on some of my requirements.  After class I got to play outside with my friends.  Last night I had pizza and played switch with my friends.

Worked with the basic stances form in Junior Tigers class this morning. Worked with my mentees after black belt class. Thank you Master Tucker for working with them too! There is a lot for them to learn. Thanks for the reminder to study the written test Master Tucker! I need to be sure I have all the answers too. So many things to remember. At this point I don't know what I need to know, that I don't know. What am I forgetting? Worked on quite a few poomsaes today, and they weren't too jumbled. Worked on a creative poomsae with Master Tucker today and getting excited about it. I think we made a lot of progress. Looking forward to training at the park tomorrow morning with Master Tucker and Master Burkart, but not looking forward to the temperature! Will definitely need to keep moving!

Today was fun, and I got all of my requirements done throughout the classes. I took a nap when I got back home. After that, my family and my family friends went to the movies. It was fun together and the movie was really funny. I just got back and I am really happy about the 3 day weekend again. 

Got up early this morning and took the boys and myself to sparring and classes up at Harrisburg. Instructor Foster gave us a good workout during sparring. Erik and I also got a session in with our mentees before our regular class. After class we worked on stick and staff forms. I think I am getting the hang of staff form 2 finally. :-)

Today was a great day. In the morning I went to sparring class, got leadership 1, and got BB class. Then I worked on my requirements. Then we went shopping. Then we had dinner and went to bed.

Had a good , felt bad I didn't get a journal in yesterday.  Had a  Senior moment last night and fell asleep.

Full day of training today- junior tigers, worked on creative poomsae with Master Dege, black belt class, mentor session, then home to do pushups on my Push Up Pump, more poomsaes and lots of self defense.  Now I need to make sure I know everything on the written exam.  Looking forward to meeting Master Dege and Master Burkhart at Mint Hill Park tomorrow.  

I had a great day at the King Tiger in Charlotte. We did our exercise training, our special self defense, and our kicks with Master Evins. The class started off very intense and I was sweating.

Dear so  John  I am as sore as you always say you are. I am sore in my shoulders and legs between 9 Round clients kicking, King Tiger clients making me fall I am sore. I see you did 90 burpees in your spartan work out yesterday geez are you crazy. You must be but then again I guess that is why you are sore.  The work out for the Spartan as I understand it was  1. 30 Burpess with the Spartan 22 lb Ram 2. Hang with 20 knee tucks 3. 10 minute max out jog at 15% incline  4. log squats 30     3 rounds  so I hope you get ready for the first Race in February.  Well good luck you are going to need it. 

Yesterday was a good day. From school we went to Black Belt class. Once I came home I worked on my assignments. This morning I went to sparring and Black Belt class. Master Evins made us do a lot of kicks and push ups. Black Belt class was good. Came back home and working on my assignments again. My brother is going for a sleepover with his crazy friends. Have a good day!

Hey guys! I forgot to journal day 35! Today I went to sparring class and black belt class. It was fun! Once I came back I at lunch- and then watched some tv. I’m planning on continue my requirements soon. Well that’s about it! Bye!! 

Hi guys today I had a lot of stuff happening so first I had a basketball game but we lost 17-13 then I went to takwondo for class then I went home to do this and I am going to meet my friends then know we are getting ready to leave nd we are going to stay up allll night playing games.shhhhh don’t tell anyone.i am just kidding.but I got to go bye bye ???? 

Today was fun. It was the last day of the 2nd quarter and 1st semester. Also, we really didn't do much. Today I also went to my friend's B-Day party, I had a great time with my friends. I am just so ready for the 3 day weekend again! See you all tomorrow.

Another long day at work today! A too many hours and not even a good feeling of accomplishment! At least I can feel good about a productive day, but I was was not happy leaving work after 8pm. That's just too many hours sitting at a desk in front of a computer. Was hoping to go check out a band tonight. Since that wasn't meant to be, I will have to find them another time. I have been trying to fit that into my schedule for a few months now. After work I had some errands to do and ate a late lite dinner, but requirements don't get done by thinking about them. Hoping to get another workout at the park this weekend. 

I had a great time doing our poomsae and self defense specials at class today. We also used our sticks to train with Master Chelley. At the end of class Jason helped me with a special self defense that I was having trouble with.

It feels like it has been a long week, and it really hasn't. It was very rainy and I opted to go the long way through the overstreet mall from my parking deck to and from the office. Erik and I had a good time going up to the Lake Norman school for black belt class, sadly we were running late and didn't get a mentor session in with Master Knight.

Today was a great day. In the morning I had school as usual. When I got home I did my requirements. Then I had dinner and went to bed.

Today was a rainy day!  I did some requirements before school and finished them after school.  I had nachos for dinner and had some time on my iPad.

I have not been feeling well today, so I think I am going to pass on requirements. I will have to make it up sometime this weekend. It’s very inconvenient to be sick during the cycle. I hope that by getting rest tonight I will feel better by tomorrow.

Holy cow, what a wet day!  No running outside, that's for sure!  Took a great black belt class with Master Chelley at Lake Norman.  Almost done with all of my leadership credits, and have less than 20 miles left!  Sounds great, but behind on a couple other things.  it was fun to do a lot of stick forms today.  

Today I went to black belt in birkdale and I got a new book at the barns and noble down the street. Class was really fun. It was a good day

I had to work on a french project it was so hard! I also had a psych test but I think I did pretty good. 

Today I had no school. I was very happy because I got to go to King Tiger and spend time with my friends. Today we played a lot of big mat things and it was fun. At lunch we watched shark boy and lava girl the movie. Sparring class yesterday was fun and today black belt class we did some stick forms. 

Today at school we had a 2 hour delay AND WHEN WE GOT AT SCHOOL WE WATCHED INSIDE OUT.after that it felt like I HALF DAY!!THEN I WORKED WITH MASTER WEEKS,AND NOW WE ARE GETTING READY FOR THE JEDI PARENTS NIGHT OUT.BBBBBBBBBYYYYYYYYEEEE!

hola amigos i am home from school and thank god i don't have to go back there tomorrow. i'll update on thursday since i'm pretty sure i didn't journal yesterday. thursday was chill and around 12:30 i went down to the lower school (our school has K-12 on 1 campus) to watch my sister perform in a midsummer night's dream. i don't remember what the character's name was, but i do remember that it was a guy who turns into a donkey. after that my sister wanted to stay @ school n take the bus home and i was not ab that life so i left with my mom. bbc was fine. friday is chill so far, and that's pretty much it. goodbye, sleep well, and see you tmrw

Today i woke up and did most of my requirments. As usasul though on the days off of school, after that I went to the gym and ran 1.5 miles and now I'm getting ready to leave for Lake Norman black belt class at 5:30!!

Today at school I learned a lot about fractions. We had to stay inside for recess and indoor recess is always crazy. I got to take leftover pizza from dinner for my lunch. Tonight Far and I are going to black belt class at Lake Norman.

Happy days are back again! I closed on my new house and the painting has begun! I have already started scoping out running routes around the construction in my neighborhood so we can still get Taylor's miles in. I learned a valuable lesson this afternoon, don't run in the rain with 2 Beagles, an umbrella, and 2 bags full of doggie #2. It won't work out for you, don't try it. Needless to say, my run today was difficult. Sparring was a great class last night and I am looking forward to BBC today!

Today I woke up earlier than I thought I would because it was a teacher workday. When I woke up I went to do my requirements. Then after that I ate breakfast and went to the gym. Later when I got home I ate lunch and wrote this journal. I’m planning to go to black belt class at the Lake Norman location at 5:30 today. So yeah...

Good morning. Yesterday was one of the longest days ever. School was good and from there i went to my classes. From there went straight to Tae Kwon Do. Sparring class was good. It was really exhausting. After that I did my mentee session. Came home and finished my school assignment and hit bed. Waiting for the long weekend. Off to school now. Good Day all!

Decided to journal this morning since I am going out to dinner tonight with my husband, yeah. Stiff this morning working on self defenses. Usually I like to run in the morning but woke to the sound of rain so changed the plan. Will be another busy day however I always look forward to Friday night Black Belt class!

I tried something different today! If I add my journal entry on my kindle and then go back and read other journal entries, I don't see the names with the entries. Today I am using my other kindle and decided to read other journal entries before I logged in to add my entry. It is different seeing who wrote which entry, rather than guessing. I might be good at guessing a few, but certainly not all.  Hopefully work is getting closer to having some key decisions being made and shared, so they can be acted on. I have been feeling a little in limbo. I have been thinking that I need to find something that I am passionate about and move in a different direction, but change is hard. I also still need to come up with what that new direction is. Work has not been that for a while, and...

Today, I did great on my tests and quizzes. I am working on my essay right now. I got my leadership credit and my BBC weekday. I had fun in the Black belt class today. 

I had fun sparring at class today, I was more tired than usual from it. Master Marcus helped me with the koreyo poomsae and helped me with a special self defense. 

It has been a good week so far. Work has been good and busy. Today I worked through my requirements mostly before heading up to Harrisburg to help out with belt testing. Tomorrow will be the end of the work week but not the end of working on requirements.

Another long 45 minute drive home from class.  Staff forms in class and double stick 2 in my mentor session with Master Cavazos.  I'm definitely feeling better about double stick 2.  For some reason, my mind just wasn't grasping it.  I really focused on self defense today.  I just need to practice, practice, practice.  Still need to work on 3rd Dan one-step and special self defense #4 A LOT.  

Good day , got some miles in ,could have gotten a few more in , but did not want to over do my knee.

Just another day on the cycle. i went to school and apparently I have homework on a three day weekend! After school I went to a piano lesson and King Tiger. At King Tiger I helped out with family class, took black belt class, and had a mentee session. when I got home I wrote this journal and tracked.

Another busy day!  I had school, then requirements, then soccer practice, and finally black belt class.  I got home, took a shower, and now bed!

Long day, ran at 5, that was really my accomplishment for requirements today. Been gone from the house all day. Got a sparring class and leadership class in. Going to quit early today and Catch up tomorrow.

Today was a great day. In the morning I had school as normal. After school I did my requirements. Then I went to king tiger for sparring(Lake Norman). Then I had dinner and went to bed.

Hey guys! You already know it- school, homework, requirements. The presentation at school today wasn’t that bad as I thought it would be. I’m just glad I was able to get it over with. Today I’m going to TKD and try and get credits and take classes. Well that’s really it! Hope everyone had a great day so far! Bye!!

I have had a pretty smooth week so far.  My Junior Tigers tested yesterday and they all did really well! Had a great energy the entire test.  Today we have our Senior Tigers & Adults.  Good luck to all those guys!  Training wise, still chiseling away at requirements.  Still have some poomsaes to learn and get down.

Good Morning. Yesterday was another really long day. I went to my classes from school. From there we went straight to Tae Kwon Do. Helped with family class and then did my mentee session. Came back home after 8pm and went straight to bed. I really need to sleep more and I am very tired. Waiting for another long weekend as we dont have school on Monday again. Have a good day!

Today wasn't that bad. I got my leadership credits 1&2. I am studying for my social studies vocabulary test. I also have a student council meeting tomorrow morning.

I missed school yesterday because I didn't feel that good. Today my mom said I was ok to go back but I still didn't feel great. I stuck it out and felt better by the time I got home. I did another session with my mentee Gabriel and it went really well. 

Today didn't feel like a normal Wednesday since I had Monday off. While working on my requirements I keep practicing bocho and 1st dan self defense. Especially the specials are not easy to do without a partner and getting that dynamic fight feeling in. Tomorrow Erik and I will go help out with testing.

It felt weird wearing the white belt. It brought back memories of when I first started. Everyone was teasing me there, but it was a fun day.

Today was a great day. I wen to school as normal. After school I did my requirements. Then I went to king tiger to help out I also got some menteeing seccion in.

I look at the cycle in chunks. What I have gotten done, what Month we are in. What more is to be done. With January ending next week I feel the time is flying by. I am away a few days next week and 1 week in February. Planning is key to get everything done. Running early tomorrow so that is all.

Had a pretty good day at work , got some miles in, body is feeling a lot better than last 2 days,

I ended up pretty tired by class today but teaching the younger kids is always fun. In my English class at school I have been assigned and interesting project. In class when we work on certain topics I've already mastered, I will get to work on an author study. An author study is basically where you compare two or more of a certain author's work and look for similarities and differences. I think I'm going to pick a classical author along the lines of Oscar Wilde or Jane Austen. I want to get more into classics and both of those authors . have been recommended multiple times. Anyways I hope everyone has a goodnight!

So today my dad showed us a magic trick we’re basically what he did was he took two eggs one of them he laid on the table and one of them he held in his hand and he made me and my sister like kind of like grab the air and likes throw the yoke into the second egg. Then he went and took a cup out of the cupboard and he cracked one of the eggs and it was completely empty so then and he showed us a cup and then he took another eight took the other leg and he cracked it and somehow there was two egg yolks from where we threw the yoke into the other one it was really coo   

annnnnnnnnd we're back to reality. the weekend high has officially worn off leaving us with school, homework, annnnnd MORE homework. it's aight tho since i'm not dead yet. so that's a plus. today was boring. i wish i had a dollar for every time i almost fell asleep. once i got home, i did my requirements and am now doing hw. peace out plp

I was sooooo hungry when I got home from work today so I took my son Ethan to DaeBak- the Korean restaurant that we went to when Grandmaster Lee was in town.  It was delicious and my son loved it.  Now I'm home and I'm getting started on requirements.  I was able to do 100 pushups this morning before work, but I didn't get in the situps and burpees like I usually do.  I also need to catch up on self defense because I'm running a little bit behind so I'll focus on those requirements tonight.  I have so much work to do, but I feel myself becoming stronger.  And, as an added bonus- I've lost 10 pounds since the cycle started.  I still have more to go, but that little bit of weight makes a huge difference in my training!

I was not feeling well again today so I didn’t do as many requirements.  I did get another essay done - Yay!  I am meeting with my mentor today and we are working on my staff form.  I made flash cards for the test and I have been trying to look at them every day.  Hopefully tomorrow my stomach will stop hurting.

Hey guys! Like always- school, homework, requirements. I have a presentation tomorrow, that I'm actually really stressed about because I hate presenting in front of the class. I'm planning to go to TKD today and get some credits. Well, that about it. I hope everyone had a good day so far!

Good Morning. It was cold yesterday and is still very cold. Waiting at the bus stop. Yesterday was a great day. My math teacher called me and asked me to lead the class and teach fractions to my class. I was nervous when she called me but i love math and I did pretty well. Fractions are very easy. Have a good day!

Even when I have a day that could have been a bad Monday at work, and then go to black belt class, I always feel better after class. Today was another one of those days! I don't really know what to expect anymore and that is frustrating to no end! I'm not one that takes to change easily and I am having a rough time lately. Surely it will get better, right? I have not come up with any good options, so need to stick it out for now.