Candidate Journals

Today was a rough day for me. It all started with a headache. I went to school got loaded with homework and came back home as normal. Then when I came home my internet went out and I had a bunch load of homework. Can't wait till Google Fiber! Anyways had to drive all the way to my cousins to do homework and then had to leave there at 6. We went there at 4 and non stop I did all the homework I could because there was no internet at my house. I had a headache while doing all this too. Went to KTD and my headache just got worse. Couldn't get to do "best" of my abilities. The headache was killing me. I couldn't focus or anything. Came back writing this journal so then I could eat dinner and do to sleep. Hope everyone had a great day!

On call tonight. I had planned to go to Black Belt class, but it was 8 PM by the time I got off the phone with a patient. Work has been kicking hard over the past week. I've developed eye strain from so much computer work. Even still I was behind on somethings by the end of the week. Spent the no-snow snow day catching up. There are times when I can work 24 hours and still be behind. Sometimes I dream about work while I'm sleeping. By the end of last week, I was so tired I could not read. I could see the words, but they just did not make sense. My brain had shut down. Interviewing and checking references for a new staff member. No matter how diligent you are, you never know how someone will work out. Falling behind on requirements. The will is there, but the...

Jacked up my back working out yesterday. Back may have been not right before, but it was definitely spasmed up after my car ride home. A lot of power cleans (new PR on Hang Power Cleans). Felt my back getting tight on Toes-to-Bar. Still able to get lots of work in, and plan to today as well. Probably need to hit the Ibuprofen pretty hard today.

Yesterday there was no snow and no school. Did all my requirements in the morning thinking there will be no class in the evening; however we had class. It was fun. We had some one new named Instructor Vincent in class. We focussed on breaking and falling. Did a lot of back falls. Did leadership followed by Kama form in Hyper. I learnt Kama in Jr Instructor camp and loved working on it.  Its raining snow and sleet here and it seems we have school today. Need to get ready and leave. Will see you all in the evening for BB Class.

It may not have snowed today, but 73 and 27 were pretty iced up today. Had to leave class early because of reports that there was bad ice (and thus accidents) and wanted to get home before it got worse. Did get to do most of what I needed to get done tho. Still unpacking and moving small stuff from the apartment to the townhouse. Have 2 weeks until I turn in the keys to the apartment. Want to bet I won't see a dime of the security deposit no matter how clean I make it? 

Not much done today other than work. I did complete my work must haves today. Tomorrow is filled with meeting from beginning to end. That is my least favorite kind of work day. They usually seem so long and the end of the day does give the feeling of accomplishment. Kids had no school. Sometimes I think how nice a snow day would be, but days where there is really nothing to do, don't happen anymore and if they did, the day after is when you pay for it. There is always more to do. 

She saved my soul, she save my appetite, always with me, usually without a fight. She gave me her best, she shared with me her worst, never doubting that our love will stand the test. She went through the pain, of giving me the gift, of two wild orangutans, that never rest. She stood by me, when times were tough, when I couldn't come home, cause duty was a must. She never wavered, she never faltered, her love burn bright, like a lighthouse that I entrust. So here's to her, my wife, my love, for all the years, until I turn to dust.   I'm not a big Valentines guy, but I wanted to tell the world or at least my friends, that my Katherine is one awesome woman. So hopefully I cherish her more than one day a year. I remember the days when she sat at home alone when...

Today was a weird day. We had school canceled because they thought it would snow. It did not. In fact, it didn't even rain! Aye aye aye, people these days. However I cannot wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is my first Saxophone lesson! I'm just so excited! I already figured out how to put it together. It's really easy. I just can't wait! Well, good night. 

Completed my requirements for the day. Worked on new pomsaes for pomsae challenge. Koryo poomsae, I think I got it completely. Also worked on staff and stick forms. Kids are at home today enjoying a no-snow snow day, we worked on making a box camera which was a success. While they were napping I could work on my essays, just need to send them all to the drop box after a final review/editing.

We had no snow, but we had no school. I wil take it. I am fine with that, Got a lot more sleep. I am happy about that. Woke up did my requirements and somehow went back to sleep for an hour. Then had breakfast. Wachted a Indian Movie with my family then just started doing my own thing. Did a bunch of requirements and watched a lot of YouTube Videos. Then remembered that I had homework to do so had to finish that. It was easy. Then did requirements again and went to Hyper. Got to learn the ,'s. Then had a mentor session. After that I had a class to attend. Had a break so decided to write this. Hope everyone had a great day!

  Yesterday was Valentines day. I had so much fun,my mom got me and my step sister some peeps,skittles,Hershey's,and clothes. I can't wait for next year so I can eat all the candy. I bet after I eat all the candy ill have a tooth ace. Hope I won't have to go to the doctor. I had so much fun can't wait to eat it all.

Woke up at 5am and got call from the school stating that all schools are closed due to inclement weather. Went back to bed again for a hour or so. Yesterday was good. I did my empathy challenge (Dumb). This is my second year doing it and it not easy at all. I was far more conscious in my effort to remain quiet and communicate with my family. I also finished reading my book and wrote that essay. I am finishing my empathy challenge essay now and have to write my new skills essays. I am pretty much caught up with my essays as well now.

With so much going on and with deadlines looming, testing will be upon us quickly. I need to start making more headway on my creative things. Think I have a copy of Art of War here somewhere that I have never read. Want to get my book read this week and report written. Also want to get more work done on my creative form for testing.

That was supposed to be my teeth chattering as I did my run. The first mile is always the "why am I out here?" mile. The second mile is usually, ______________________________. Brain freeze, the cerebrum does the Dish Network thing on a rainy day and flicks off and on. At least cold Sunday's are a good way to get some requirements in. Hopefully my fellow cycleilllians are knocking some out as well. Keep up the good work, because tomorrow is promised to no one.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  Took the kids ice skating this afternoon. They had fun. Working on requirements throughout the day around laundry and other domestic responsibilities. Still have more to do. Hoping to end this day a little earlier than most. 

Yes please. Let it snow. Please. I would love to have another day off from school. But at the same time I don't. Anyways I had a great day today. I went to Church in the morning and then came back and started requiements. Then we went to see a movie an a came back at 5. I started finishing up some homework and my requirements. Hopefully it will snow tommorow. Had a great day today. Hope you had a great day!

I missed 2 days of journals because I didn't have internet and trying to post one of these on my phone didn't work. Anyway I am back and mostly moved so I should be able to go to weekend blackbelt classes now (was moving yesterday so couldn't go)

I had a great day yesterday. Did most of my requirements before BB class. Black Belt class was great as we focused on our techniques and how to position our body and weight when we do basic kicks.  We came back and i finished all my assignments. Then our friends came and we went to AMF Bowling. It was so much of fun. Initially i was struggling to keep the ball in the lane but then towards end of the first game i started getting a hang of it and started scoring a lot of points. My dad is a pro and he has played a lot before and he kept hitting strikes.

Today my friend came over and we had a babysitter. We had lots of fun.  

For my last required journal entry, I shall give some deep insight on humor: "I told my son that we were going to go to the amusement park and ride roller coasters, bumper cars, and have a blast. Excitedly, he hopped into the car with a huge grin. I drove for awhile until we came upon an old burnt down building. I said to him, Oh look, it seems the amusement park must have burnt down! He cried and cried but deep down, he thought it was funny." Of course, I have never done that with my sons. It wouldn't be safe at home for me. It just reminds me of how different generations of looked at humor. When I was a kid, my uncle took me and some of his friends hiking in the Sierra Mountains. We hike a good way, then we stopped for lunch. He asked during lunch...

My younger one was throwing up last night and all four of us had a disturbed night, woke up around 7 only to go back to bed again. Woke up very late and did not want to leave her and missed all the classes today. Completed the requirements for the day just now, ready to hit the sack already. 

Got an early start today, helped with Jr Tigers, family class, took black belt class and then worked with Master Tucker on self-defense. After family class I had fun working with Daniel on his yellow belt self-defense. Hopefully he will be part of my cheering section at testing. I logged completed requirements on the website today and see that it has been about a week since I did that. oops. In black belt class I realized that there are tweaks to poomsaes that I had not seen before, or at least they did not click with me. There were no tricks in the book I read to help me with that. Hopefully we will go over them several times in the next few weeks. It usually takes me a while to absorb. Missed Rochelle and Neelima in class today. 

Today was hectic. I woke up at 9:00 did my requirements and my morning stuff and went to BB class. Then went to Sparring. If you were there it was pretty rough but was some really good footwork. Left KTC at 1:45 and went to Bojangles. I was starving and needed a drink. It tasted so good. After that I had guitar class at 3 and then went to Confession and came back at my house at 5. Then I took a little rest and started reading my talk I had to do today. That's why I am writing this early. Hope everyone had a great day!

Yesterday was a normal day. Came back from school and did some requirements. Went out with my parents to get stuff for home. Was very tired and slept off early. Got up now and it is freezing cold outside. Will have to do my run in the afternoon today. Also our friends are coming in the evening and we will have a blast today. Have BB class at 11.30am. 

Pretty cold run today. One of those that you start with so many layers on hoping you won't over heat half way through the run. I will take on the cold weather running any day verses the hot steaming summer running. Tonight we meet up with Connor's Boy Scout Troop who were doing a little cold weather camping in Concord. We stayed and cooked dinner with them but didn't spend the night out there. Too cold and I can't afford too many bad nights being on the cycle. Need to stay healthy. Not to mention it was dang cold out there (did I mention that yet?). Hope to see my friends at sparring and black belt class. That's always a good time. Take care and stay warm and classy.  

did very well on today's test. All the hard work I put into it paid off. Aditi had a good birthday. I did some requirements early in the morning and finished them after coming from the test.

Today I had a day off. It was nice. I woke up at 10 and did my requirements and got to work on my poomsaes. I had a great day today! Got to play video games with my friends and had a nice time. I don't really now what else to talk about. Nothing really happened today. Nothing suprinsing. Just did a lot of cacth- up today. Hope everyone had a great day! 

Whoowhooo!! This is my 50th journal. I missed two days to write the journal. Once when i went to Pittsburgh and one the day on Jr Instructor camp last week.  Had a good day at school yesterday. Went to swimming class. Did Individual medley and felt really good. I am also working on my new skill essay and almost done with one of the books as well. My plan is to get 2 more essays done this week. Our friends are coming tomorrow and i am really hoping to have a good time after BB class. Bye!! heading to school now

I wasn't able to go to class today because I had help coming over to pack up my TVs (when I moved from Florida I packed them myself and was amazed i didnt break them.... decided it was a 2 person job). Should make it to blackbelt class tomorrow but wont make saturday's (moving day). I cant wait til all this packing and moving is done so I can get back to a semi normal routine. Also kickball should be starting up in a couple months. 

Finally big announcement made so no longer a big secret. Hopefully that should ease the stress level at work a little bit. Another big stressor is March 1st payroll. It will be nice once that is successfully behind us. I stayed after class tonight and worked on poomsaes on the other mat. It is nice to practice with space and not constantly having to adjust for lack of space. I  worked on some of the higher poomsaes and I am pretty sure there is a change in pyongwon that I have not picked up on yet. I really need to work on balance in that poomsae. 

completed all my requirements for the day. I see a good improvement in my sit ups and push ups still hurt my wrists. Had a wonderful mentoring session today with Master Randle. When ever I talk to her I feel the cycle more doable and black belt more achievable. Thank you Ma'am for all the help and support. Could not stay for the BB class today have an important exam tomorrow, should do the last minute revision and also tomorrow is Aditi's birthday had to prep for a sweet dish I am making for her tomorrow. also might bake or buy a cake tomorrow. Tonight before going to bed Aditi wanted know how I celebrated my birthday as a kid. It feels nice when my kids ask me or my husband about our childhood. 

While I was running, I ran pretty close to a squirrel. It was pretty interesting. I went to sparring class today. I've heard that there's going to be a large scale blizzard monday, which is apparently going to drop at least 24 feet of snow. 

Today was okay. We had a test E- Learning Day at school. It bascially just like a work from home. I didn't really like it because you didn't get to see your friends. But I did finish all my assignments an hour early so I mean...... I got to do my requirements and got to do whatever for the rest of the day. Plus tomorrow and I have no school! I went to BB class did a Mentor and that was my day. Hope everyone had a great day!

  Last Saturday I had a basketball game. We lost by 2 it was a good game 21-23. This Saturday is our last game so I better play hard. I bet I'll even cross somebody up it would be funny. We will wiin the game.

Had a very long day yesterday. Great day at school. Went to Kumon and then did regular class and Hyper. Wednesdays in Hyper we do sparring. Master Evins made us a do a lot of kicks with our partners. It felt great. I have field trip today and very excited and looking forward to it.... 

Had a pretty good day today. Things are moving along at work. I managed to do all my pushups today in sets of 20 between loads of laundry. Can't really let everything hold for the cycle duration. That is up from my standard 10 or 15. It's the little things, right? 

Today way relaxing yet uneventful. I left school early because I had something important to do.  I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

So still working on cycle stuff and still packing. Saturday can't get here soon enough, granted after the move I still have to unpack :( 

I just realize that I have only 3 journals left for the cycle. Man, this is when the days start to fly by and I still need to learn a new skill. Katherine tells me picking my clothes off the floor is not really a new skill. Huh, go figure. Well, there's always that thing where you put dirty dishes into a large box and hit a couple buttons. I'm sure I can do that. I will probably keep posting journals. I'm starting to enjoy it. It gives me a platform to tell the world of all of the Fosterisms out there to enrich lives and shape young minds. Or something like that. Maybe its the other way around. I truly wonder if anyone is really reading these. Maybe if they are having trouble falling asleep. That's it! My new skill is to bludgeon people to sleep while reading my monotonous...

"We began as ash, we will end as ash."  Today was Ash Wenesday. Had to go to Chruch in the evening just came back. Anyways had a great day at school. Had a bit of homework that was due today so had to finish that. Then did my requirements for the day. Then we went to Chuch to get ash placed on our forehead. There is a meaning behind that. It pretty deep. Had a pretty great day today. Tommorow is a "work from day" at school so don't have to get up as early. Hope you had a great day!

Alright, so I've decided to write my journals as soon as get home from school. If I wait untill I go to bed, I maybe doing homework that takes me past 0:00. Also, I have my French Horn lesson at 6:30-7:00. Class starts at 7. I rescheduled it the best I could, but I may arrive a bit late.

Yesterday was another good day. Had a great mentor session with Master Randle. I practiced all my self defenses with maam. She is very good and makes sure i always keep doing my best. I helped Jr Tigers class with Master Knight. It was fun.  Then my mentee came and he was confused with the changes which we have in our poomsae. We did that and then i took the self defense pre-test.  I have a long day today with school and from there to Kumon to Regular class and Hyper. Looking forward to the sparring class this evening.

Master Tucker's encouragement and Master Shin's pull-up bar and resistance bands got 2 pull ups after class tonight. Yay! A lot of work to go on those. I guess getting to a lesser band would be progress. I think no band would be a dream, but who knows. Thank you Master Tucker for working with me on self-defense again too. We will both get it after doing it enough. 

Here is something fairly interesting that I have done. I started a couple weeks ago and it caught on. So everyday when I get home from school I do exactly 10 pull ups before I walk into the garage. It's easy, doesn't take a lot of time and I'm just pretty happy I've created this habit for myself. I don't even think about it anymore. I just see it as just a regular thing to do before coming home and it's just become a regular thing. Anyway, I've got to get to bed, I have a test or two tomorrow.

The key is to stay healthy. One day at a time and stay healthy. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get a little skittish being put into arm bars or wrist locks. I can see how one wrong move can make all the push ups left very difficult. But I don't want to be a snot popping sissy boy as well, so I will I must focus on tapping out earlier without worrying about getting injured. Worrying leads to cautiousness, cautiousness leads to sloppiness, sloppiness leads to sniveling, and sniveling leads to the dark side. Live long and prosper. Yes, I know, different trilogies, but same geek.

today I saw my elder one, Aditi struggling with her pomsae and sparring combinations. I felt very disappointed in myself for not making her practice enough. I was focusing only on her academics and did not work on taekwondo with her as much as I did for her green belt. I started taking taekwondo for her. Her nature is more like me. She is very shy , so first I had to do something for her that involved public performance regularly. So We chose taekwondo at King tiger as we lived very close by at the time. But she would not even try it if I did not try it. Honestly I was also too hesitant to try it. But I had to do it as I wanted Aditi to overcome her weaknesses. I had to change myself before I could  even expect a change in her. But today I felt...

Today, I reran the pacer at school. I did give more laps than I had originally done. I also helped with the Jr/Senior Tiger class today. I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

Ahhhh, I can finally journal again. I was at jr. instructors camp on Friday and Saturday. I got some really good credits. I used the bonus ones on mentee sessions. I need to catch up on those. Man, in 7 days I'll be playing the Saxophone. I really can't wait. My first lesson is on the sixteenth. Ahhh, you know, i'm sooooooo happy that the Broncos won the super bowl. And, Von Miller was MVP of the game. I was at the Hartle's that night watching the game. They were not happy. Well, good night.

Long day, but a good day. Started with surgery at 7AM. Reviewed the study guide between cases. Office in the afternoon. Self defense testing in class tonight. The physical test was hard (everything hurts my back these days). But I actually enjoyed it. I can feel fasciculations in my abdominal muscles.  I just got say, I love self defense stuff. Particularly when you take them down. Thanks to Master Tucker for letting me take her down. Thanks to Mr Foster for practicing with me yesterday. So proud of Mrs. Nileema. She ki hap'ed and took her partner down. Woo Hoo!  I've got a long way to go...but I'm having fun.  The pathologist called me again today. He says I have interesting cases. Interesting to a pathologist is never good for the patient. 

It feel great when you do your work before class starts because you had free time in anthor class. I had 2 classes like that today. I finished all my work so I just got to study for an hour for my Molecular Biology Test in science. It's easy but just a lot of memorization. Still studying for that. Also had a lockdown at our school. The CPCC Campus had an robbery so we went into a lockdown. We were outside during the time and we heard the alarm. We also saw a police officer so we though we were safe. But then a lot of people started running so we all descided running. We heard helicopters all over the place. I saw a Channel 9 helicopter flying around. It was pretty fun. Not that scary, I don't know why though. Anyways went to BB class did my pre test. Came...

I was busy for the last three days and could neither journal nor log in my requirements. This week and next week are exam and test weeks. So busy preparing for them and my computer is giving me a lot of issues. Lost some of my research data in the process of getting rid of a virus problem. hoping the latest fix will keep my computer healthy for a while.  today is the self defense and study guide test, practiced self defense and revised the study guides early in  the morning. Did some requirements and hoping to finish all my requirements before the classes in the evening. Good luck every one for the test tonight.

Seems like the weather doesn't know what it wants to do. One day it may be a high of 75+ and the next day it is almost below freezing. Crazy and makes running/outdoor activities pretty challenging. I guess today is sparring class and then deciding if I take the family class or do another leadership 1 (need the leadership so leaning towards that). Maybe I will get a leadership 2 in there too. 

Yesterday was really cold. Normal day at school. Came home and went to Regular class and Hyper. We went thru our self defense and in Hyper Master Evins made us to a lot of kicks including the switch axe kick. Thank you Master Evins for all the credits from the Jr Instructor camp. I finally got my Black Star for the 5th year. I really hope to go to Instructors camp next year 

I seem to post my journal entries so late that they count towards the next day. Trying to get this one in today. Working in the aftermath of a system conversion that is said to be a success. I wonder what it would take for it not to be considered a success. How many continuing issues and of what magnitude would they need to be to not be considered successful? Maybe as long as we, those who are privileged to have the job of dealing with issues, deal with them so effectively, or as long as we are being creative and resourceful with workarounds, the perception will continue to be that of success. I fail to see the good sense in making a challenging job more manual and more error prone with the same expectations that there won't be any. Only so many people can do that for so long and...

That was something I just made up and I thought I would try it on for size. Not sure what it means. Fun night tonight with my friend Dr. Brandon. We did a round robin of exercises and pomsaes that changed things up. She motivates me with this strong perseverance she has. If it wasn't right, she did it again. When she got tired, she kept on going. That's the motivation I was needing tonight. Class was good. We covered some basics which I really needed to work on. I will admit that sometimes I think I got something and I just want to move on. But then I realize that I really don't have it correctly, and it brings me down the earth again. One of the things I don't want said at my eulogy is, "that guy was arrogant and drove an ugly car." Hopefully I will live long...

Today I ran a mile before taking my Tae Kwon Do class. Usually, I jog half of the way and walk another half, but today I ran a good majority of the way and walked a bit. It felt very refreshing yet I was still tired and cold afterwards. I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

What a great 2 days with our future Instructors.  I loved seeing my group getting dressed for classes today and putting on their new Jr Instructor uniforms.  They were so proud!  And so happy to tell anyone that would listen about their weekend!  I also heard some great stories about kiddos falling asleep on the way home......sign of a good time!  We wore them out!

So grateful to Mr. Foster for helping me get in a lot of requirements tonight. We went through all the self defenses, poomsaes, and sparring combinations. We even jumped rope and practiced roll. I had a lot of fun. The adult class was very helpful, but I was a little sore from my workout with Mr. Foster. I tend to be a loner. But it is very apparent that I will not make it alone. This is a community effort. We all help each other. There is an African Proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. It you want to go far, go together" Thanks, Mr. Foster!

In football there are winner and losers. Panthers were the team that lost. To be fair they never played a team that good before in the season. Anyways the past is the past. I woke up did my requirements went to school and a bit of work, I also had a lot of homework to do. After my homework I did m requirements to finish most of them up. Then went to Hyper and came back to do a class for school. I am in the class right now having a break. So decsided to fo journal. After my class have to get dinner and then do some studying for a test on Wednesday. Hope everyone had a great day! 

Maybe it was the disappointment of the big game, or the less than perfect eating I did yesterday... but I really felt like I needed my morning workout. Warmup: 6 min 100 m  10 Air squats 5 pushups 10 mountain climbers 5 pullups Strength: Heavy Hang Power Snatch 5 x 70% = 95lbs 5 x 75% = 100lbs 5 x 80% = 110lb 5 x 90% = 120lb Workout: Wallballs 20-20-20-20-20 (20lbs) Power Snatch 10-8-6-4-2 (120lbs) Then ran an extra 1.5 miles Back to better, healthier eating today :-)

Yesterday was rest day post Jr Instructor camp. My body was sore and i did not do any requirement except my run. Very disappointed that Panthers could not win. The Broncos defense was rock solid and there was absolutely no way for Cam and team to get thru. Played football with my dad before the game. Heading out to school now and will see you in class today

Tonight the Panthers were the bug. It was a really awesome game but we definitely didn't have that confidence like the previous games. Just my point of view from a guy who has the privilege of watching the game on my lower brain stem, but I would conclude that we lost because Panther's lost the love of playing football. I think they wanted to win the Superbowl so badly they forgot to enjoy themselves on the field. Anyway, my two cents, which doesn't buy anything these days. It is a good lesson to take away. If you want to improve on something, you got to learn to love it. I tell my boys that when it comes to sparring. To become a good sparer, you need to really enjoy the game of sparring. Then it is no longer a task, but a fun time with friends who want to kick you....

Was a pretty interesting day. Still working on packing and currently researching the enigma machine for a theoretical question that was posed by an old coworker.  

Nothing very exciting happened today. I stayed home and rested. I plan on working extra hard tomorrow! I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

Got a lot of requirements done. I put in my numbers, but then I did more this evening. The tracking system would not let me add my additional numbers. I'll email Master Chelly about it. But in addition to what is already recorded, I did 25 more sit ups, 25 more push ups, 8 more modified pull ups, 10 self defense, 5 minutes of jump rope, and 10 poomsaes. Also got my taxes done and did some work stuff. Productive day. SInce I had no major plans (a rare thing for me) I broke the day up into 2 hour work sessions....2 hours of paper and computer work, then 2 hours of requirements. 

Doritos, That was my favorite commercial so far. 0-10 right know Broncos in lead. :) The defense is the best on the Broncos while the offensive is the best on the Panthers. Instead of Panthers vs Broncos it more like Defense vs Offenense. Everyone is screaming is my house. There are getting to the touchdown zone. Hope they get it. THEY MADE IT! THEY JUMPED IT! Sorry this is so short but this is hype. Hope everyone had a great day. Let's go Stweart what a jump. 

I'm not sure about what to write. I mean, I know what I have to do for the cycle, and I'm trying to increase the amount of requirements I do each day. I guess news for me is that I got another piece to learn on the piano, along with the one I'm currently working on, half-way learned. For today, I guess I focus on finishing Statistics homework assignments that I haven't finished yet.

Good Morning. I could not write my journal yesterday as I came home and slept after Jr Instructor camp. It was wonderful as always and I finished my 5th year successfully. Love training with all the masters and instructors and the night out with my friends. We trained till 11.15pm and then started watching a movie. I was very tired and think slept half way thru the movie.  I am waiting for the credits from this camp. Loved the Kama training with Master Knight. I also did the worm which i love doing. My dad showed me a WWF wrestler who does the worm. I am very excited to see the Super Bowl tonight with my family. Go Panthers!!! Keep Pounding!!!!!!

Had a great day. Did some of my requirements early in the morning and went to the family class, the sparring and the BB class. Today is my first sparring class, I used all my credits from Facebook challenges 2 and 3 towards the sparring classes and never had attended any sparring classes before today. I am nervous about sparring. I am as concerned about hurting others accidentally as I am about getting hurt. Thank you Mr. Foster and Mr. Connor for being such wonderful sparring partners. Black belt class today was fun. I practiced staff form 1 with Dr.Rochelle and she made practicing a great fun. Thank you Ma'am. In the evening was pleasantly surprised to know one of my high school class mates with who I received music lessons is rendering her voice to some Indian film songs. I could not continue my music lessons because of my family's...

Today was sports training with Jr Tigers and family class then staff forms in the parking lot. Jr Instructors Camp looked like fun. Looking forward to Instructors Camp.

Any guesses on who said that quote? That one is dedicated to my dad who was the biggest John Wayne fan ever. The quote was from "In Harms Way" filmed in 1965. I met a war hero once during my days in the military. Not the typical hero who was serving our country and fighting for it, no disrespect to them, but a man who frequently was shot trying to save another man's life on a daily basis. Someone who fought in the Korean War, then in the Vietnam conflict and refused to be behind a desk. One of those guys who entered a room and needed no introduction of being a fierce SOB. He told a group of us what made the difference in his life was simply having a hero to focus on and look up to. His hero was John Wayne. The legacy John Wayne left changed many...

I got back from Jr. Instructors' camp today. I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot and hope to teach a bunch of other people using some of the skills I learned. I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

We had BB class outside today! It was fun. I think we should do more. Anyways I had a great day today. Went to BB class today, did my requirements and played with my friends. Then went to guitar class and started learning a cool song. Then came back and did my requirements. Then had to go to one of my dad's friends house because he broke his leg. Then we went to our cusins house and our having dinner here. This is actually were I am writing my journal at actually. Hope everyone had a great day! 

Started out with a regular check up with a new PCP. When she suggested that I should exercise more, I informed her that I practice Tae Kwon DO and I had done 25 sit ups, 25 push ups and 150 kicks prior to the 9 AM appointment and that I planned to run a mile after my class today. You should have seen her jaw drop. Don't assume that just because I'm overweight, I'm not exercising. Then I told her my peak weight in 2012. I think she will work out just fine, now that I have reoriented her away from the computer and the routine assumptions. Although I planned to go to sparring class, I missed it because of my appointment. Black belt class was awesome. I liked being outside. Mrs. Neelima and I had fun learning the staff form. She is very non violent and I had her laughing...

Teaching the juniors today! Awesome time seeing everyone!

Hello my fellow Cycleillians, Masters, and anyone else. Happy Friday to you. The journey continues. The title of this journal is from a famous song from the The Byrds, but they weren't the originators of the lyrics. It's actually taken out of the Bible. There's your trivia for the night. The passage is a good reality check for everyone, believers and nonbelievers. "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planed; a time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down, and a time to build up." Ecclesiastes 3:2-3 For those who are on the cycle, we are in the time to breakdown, but soon we will be rebuilt. The old saying is true, was doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but it also should make you laugh more as well. Laughter will...

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Yoda The Empire Strikes Back   Ready to stop trying and just get it done. Pleased with myself tonight. Got in a lot of requirements (for me) and  practiced Koryo, stick and staff forms. Forgot both sticks and staff at the Do jang yesterday, so practiced with my hiking stick and my umbrella. Hey, whatever it takes.     That above quote is one of my favorites from the Star Wars films. I’ve often caught myself using “try” as another way of saying “I can’t or I won’t” I’ve been “trying” the pull ups. But now I’m doing them (or at least I can do a modified pull up).  And I’m getting better. I can at least do a micro pull up and lift my weight off the floor for a few seconds. Woo hoo!    Another favorite quote is from the same...

EARLY..... Just typed the title in for fun. Kind of bored writing the title the same way each time. Got to mix it it up a little. Anyways had a great day today. Did my presentation for class today and then did worksheets mostly for the rest of my classes. Did my requirements today. Some in the morning and some after I came back from school. Have a lot of homework this week. Kinda of sad because the one week I have homework it is Super Bowl Sunday. Hope Broncos win! Just joking, Panther's. Had to write this a little ear.y because I have to go somewhere right after this. Don't have clue when I will be back. Hope everyone had a great day!

We had our Pre-Test on poomsae yesterday and it was good. I am looking forward to my 5th Junior Instructors camp. I am turning 10 this year and hopefully i get to go to Instructors camp from next year to train with Master Lee. Heading out to school now as my bus comes at 7.20am.

After blackbelt class went back and attempted to pack up more of my apartment. It is really slow going. Going to try to get some sleep before showing back up at 8:45 to help out with that saturday class. Then proceeding to saturday blackbelt. Should be a good day. 

This is going to be a short journal. Was able to attend a great PMAA class in between being alone at work this week, watching my parents animals and attempting to pack up my apartment for my move next weekend. Hope to see everyone at Saturday BlackBelt class! 

I think AC/DC would be the perfect music during PMAA class. Tonight was fun, as we did some grappling with the knife. I love those scenarios that make you think fast on how to get out of a bad situation. I can hear Thunderstruck playing in my head as I'm throwing Master Richie off of me and stabbing him with the knife. That sounded a little weird, didn't it? Poor Master Richie, he's injured from head to foot, but man he's out there rolling around and hitting the mat with the rest of us. One tough dude. Not to mention good hair. The pretesting for the forms went well for everybody. Everyone had their A game on. This is going to be an awesome class this cycle. No, let me rephrase that, this will be the best class ever in the history of black belt cycles. There, now it has to...

Today was not that much of a day. I ran 2 miles, worked out, took class, went to school, nothing much. I think I might have to wrap it up short for this journal. There isn't really that much to say for today. Well, I mean, I did find my lunch box today so that was helpful. So uhhh, good night.

It is actually quite funny. I have no problems with performance anxiety with anything else in life, but put me on the mat and watch me perform a poomsae, I've done regularly at home....and I know I know them.....and I goof it up. Great class tonight. Really like the explanations of the Korean terms for the different stances. I seem to remember better with definitions and hearing and performing the stances. Great mentoring session with Master Randle. Worked on staff forms. Videoed myself so I can remember at home.  Work is busy. I'll cry if the pathologist calls me one more time. At least it helps me keep it all in perspective. 

Today at school I had a math test. I got a 92. I also ran 2 miles. I hope for a bright day tomorrow!

Pre- test in BB class! Passed it! Happy! Anyway had great day today. Woke up. Did my requirements for the morning and went to school. Had a pretty chill day at school today. No tests or quizzes just worksheets and notes. Came back did my homework and did my requirements. Then did my BB class and did the pre- test. Passed it. About to have dinner and finsh up some requments. Hop everyone had a great day. 

  On Saturday I went to Jasons house for his birthday party. We did swords, but thats all I remember also I was late to it.  At Jasons house there were two dog's one BIG one small I forgot there Names. After my mom picked me up we went to the mall were we were trying to get Ethan [my baby brother] some shoes,but we couldn't find any.

Yesterday it was raining like crazy. We could not do the run. I came back from school and went straight to Kumon. came back home and did all my requirements. Watched a little bit of TV. Today is our Pre-Test for Poomsaes at BB Class. Really excited for that.

Today we celebrated Jeremy's 18th birthday. Those years have gone by fast. Through the different stages I know I wished that he would walk and then it would be nice when he goes to elementary school we wouldn't have to pay for daycare. He still hasn't caught on to the pick up after himself, but there's hope. There is always an if only... Now he is almost finished high school and I wonder where did the time go. This is my fourth black belt cycle and while I might wish it over at times, there is much to do and learn before I will be ready for testing. I need to take my spare time and use it more wisely. I also need to find more time for family. 

Wednesdays always start good when training with Master Evins!  Worked on Poom says today.....I always mess up 5 times more often when he is watching me.  Need to practice more.  Ended the day with Adult class and self defenses, pal gwes and basic forms.  Jr. Instructors camp only 2 days away!

Not a movie quote, just a thought as I watched my youngest, Trent, get his high yellow belt. He always has a way of making everything he does as the best day of his life. The grin on that mug after his belt makes me remember that it's those snapshot moments that make all the difference in his little world. I'm going to really enjoy earning that black belt, but it's the journey to this point that has made the biggest impact. The friends, the comradery, the injuries, the accomplishments. Trent reminded me of that tonight. I could stay at Bocho Dan for the rest of my life, and I would still gain so much with being apart of something. To be honest, the main reason I'm looking forward to that black belt is when I help at in class, it gives others confidence that I know what I'm talking about....

Ahhhhhh. My week at school is bascially over. No more tests or quizzes this week. Finished up my Math test today which was super easy! Anyway woke up today did some requirements and went to school. Had to finish up a essay for history class. Got to do my running at school before it stared pouring. Our courtyard was litterally flooded with the water. Came back from school did my requirements and went to Religious Ed. Class. Came back from that ate dinner, finished up requirements and actually relaxed. Then studied a bit for BB pre- test. Hope everyone had a great day!

Doing my pull ups the last couple of days has got me motivated to get better at this. WOD today Burpee Box Jumps Slamballs Push Press   Strength was alternating pullups and hollow rock/ superman, with warmup of DUs, lunges and T2B.   Training with Master Evins. Lots of work on forms.

Looks like I am back in the swing of things. Going to have to stop going to at least 1 class a week (instead of doing 5-6 days I need to push it back to 4-5 days a week). Had a great "black belt adult class because it was only black belts in the adult class" and we did a TON of poomsaes. Also starting to get the hang of the leadership 1 classes. Edit: Not sure why this didn't publish, must have hit the "save for later" on accident 

I did my mentor session with Master Randle. Went thru all my stick and staff forms and worked on self defense. Helped out my sisters class before that. We had a good Black Belt class and Master Evins told we have our Poomsae Pre-Test tomorrow (Thursday) and Self Defense Pre-Test (Tuesday) next week.  I am very excited for Jr Instructor camp. This is  my 5th year doing this and I have learn a lot each year and I look forward to the next years camp.  I saw Master Ritchie, Master Hartle, Instructor Foster practice with some one the Philippine combatives forms. It was amazing and I really hope i can start taking Philippine Combative classes soon. 

Practicing poomsaes takes more thought than my previous times on a black belt cycle. Almost all of the color belt poomsaes have something new to remember, so it is almost like learning them again. Repetition, repetition, repetition is the key for me. I thought there was something different with pal chang going to the front in the beginning and could not remember what it was. It figures it is similar to the back near the end, but I didn't remember. I think being on the cycle has been good for me because I am practicing poomsaes much more if I were just going to class and that has made the repetition more frequent. Still much to work on and much to learn. 

Today Master Evins gave some powerful motivation towards the end of class today. Thank you very much Sir. I absolutely needed it.  Ever since the BB cycle started, I had days when I question myself if I am good enough for doing this, is this even my forte and if I should quit before I make a laughing stock of myself. I would often compare myself with others and think that I am not as good as so and so is. But today I am putting all my fears to rest once and for all.  As Master Evins said, most of the adults in King tiger would have faced bigger challenges in life than being on a 12 week BB cycle or doing some Facebook challenges . I had too. Back in India I had a tough childhood and I made the best out of it to achieve an engineering degree...

Well. Today I had an interview with an alumnus. I did some requirements today and yesterday. I have them written down, but I havn't logged them in yet. I'm planning of attending class tomorrow to get my jump ropes in. We don't have a jump rope at home that's long enough.

Had a concert today. I have taken band ever since 5th grade. I play the trumpet in a regular band. I had a concert tonight for that as well as a new skill. For my new skill I though of getting into a Marching Band. I got in during December and played at football games and basketball games which I will talk more about in my essay. Anyways I had a great day at school. Had a History Test and passed it. Have a math test tomorrow and all we did in math class was study.  Other than.that school today was pretty easy. Had a bit of homework. After homework did my requiements and went to concert. Finished at 7:30 so I was not able to attend BB class today. Came back finished up some requirements and stated studying. Just took a break right now to go eat and spend time...

Ahhhh, hello. Today I went to sparring class and got 2 rounds done. I'm almost halfway in my pushups and sit ups. I will reach 10,000 soon. But not today. Did ya'll just catch that quote from BattleShip? Hopefully you did. Man thats a great movie. Yet, at the same time, very cheesy. Speaking of, I haven't watched that in a while. I should watch it again some time soon. Well, in the mean time, good night.