Candidate Journals

Today I did A Lot of cycle stuff; to catch up so I had to do schoolwork late and I just finished but I have even more tomorrow so wakening up early tomorrow!!!   

Honestly today there isn't to much to talk about, I mean I woke up did homework then just kinda did nothing on my phone. After breakfast I went to a 120 degree sauna and did like 30 minutes of cycling which made my shirt drenched in sweat then got home and ate then showered and went to dinner and came home, so not very eventful day but I am like a week ahead on some of my black belt stuff which is good. So hope yall had a eventful day.

I started the day off at 9  this morning stretching. Everything still hurts a lot but I've got to get through the day. At 11 A.M. I started to make my first batch of bread. Today was just a basic white bread with butter. My first try was very different then my second. The first type was way harder and not that soft. The second batch was a different recipe and turned out way softer and more fluffy. I'll be bringing my bread in tomorrow to Lake Norman. I didn't get any of my requirements done yet but I'm going it right after I submit this journal and head straight to bed for an early morning. I'm hoping to do a leadership credit tomorrow but I really don't want to because I have a feeling I'll mess up. But oh well. My leadership credits don't grow on trees.

  We had no school today, so I got to sleep in and watch some tv. We had to go to the orthodontist and then we got some lunch. We went to the green way and ran our mile. When we came home, I worked on an essay, watched some tv, ate dinner and I am working on the workout requirements. ♥

My pomchi is being a royal pain in tbe bottom. He is making my requirements a challenge....but I'll get them done.  Upper body strength is do not, nor have I ever had....so no pull ups for me. It was a cold walk today...did not enjoy it. Off to my poo she's, videos. Self-defense,  and kicks.....yay! 

Last night I played card games with my neighbor. Relax and took a chill day. I watched movies with my mom and and I looking forward to a no school day today. 

Since there's no school today, I got to sleep in late. When I woke up, I watched a new tv show that I found called Surviving Summer. For breakfast I had a leftover brownie and at 10:30 we went to the orthodontist. After the orthodontist we went to the grocery store and got lunch. When we got home, I called my friend and played Roblox. Soon we're going to run a mile on the Greenway. For the rest of the day, I will probably draw and watch TV. Then we'll have dinner and since there's school tomorrow, I will clean up then go to bed.

I have a stretching routine that I have been doing pretty consistently for about 4 years.  I originally started it because I wanted to improve my flexibility and see how long it would take me to get a full split, but I have been consistent with it for as long as I have because it doesn't feel normal without doing it every once in a while anymore.  Even at Macalester when I am not going anywhere, I will do my stretching routine right in my dorm next to my bed.  Occasionally, you will catch me to the side stretching in between classes at King Tiger, and sometimes I do it without thinking.  In fact, I am probably going to do a few minutes of stretching right after writing this post.  I was asked in one of my classes last semester if there was any particular ritual I had that I would feel...

So naturally I woke up feeling like a giant boulder not being able to move a inch this morning. I eventually rolled off my bed onto the floor and slowly got myself up. My arms were heavy and my stomach hurt. I wasn't that hungry today. That was mostly because I felt like if I ate even a grape I would explode. I forced myself to eat a little every half-hour or so because I didn't want to starve. Also I think I really need to stay focused this cycle, I'm not really proud of what I've done so far but maybe it's just because I'm drained. For some reason I'm blanking on this journal but normally I could write a whole book. I'm really concerned of that fact but I mean what really can I do? I really didn't take all this pre-test stuff all that good. And I am...

Now I woke up with anticipation that I was going to be really sore today after a almost half marathon run from yesterday, but surprisingly I felt not the worse, I mean my legs had a little tingle in them but that was all really. I also decided to sleep in today but still woke up at 7:00 to run to taekwondo. After putting on my running shoes and packing my uniform the first mile was great, I was at a 10:45 minute per mile pace and only had 4 miles to go, roughly a half mile after that it started to sprinkle a but then stopped until at mile 2 it just rained so heavily and I was drenched and I still had to go 3 miles, so I turned back around and got in my parents car so they could drive me to class. After class I sleeped for...

For my new talent I am learning keyboard. And today was my first day and I did Pretty good. So that was my day.

Today I woke up and watched tv then around 11 I did my black belt mile and other requirements then took a shower did piano, grit work book and then played on my tablet for a while. I didn't go outside at all today or out of the house, that's probably why it was pretty boring but not to bad I did get I late birthday present from my neighbor and went to say good bye to my neighbor that's moving. So I guess I did go outside... it wasn't really that boring just a chill indoor day. <..>:);)[:(÷ ._.

Today we went to the gym and ran a mile and then we went to Birkdale and got some Starbucks and went to Barnes and Noble. I finished a sewing project and started a mini cross stitch. We ate dinner and are making some brownies, then we are going to watch a movie and go to bed. ♥

Today I woke up and took a bath and then we left the hotel and had breakfast.  Then we drove back home to moms.  When I got back home I did my self defense and poomsae.  Then I took a shower and watched some youtube.  We are gonna have dinner after we pick Anthony up from youth group and then head to Brien's for the night and spend the day there tomorrow since we don't have school!

I love going to the park with the blackbelts to practice.  We get a lot done and it's fun. Today was a little foggy and drizzly....but still a lot of fun. Was able to get poomsaes and self defense done. Just need to do my kicks and the rest of my physical stuff. 

When I woke up this morning, I was still a little sore from yesterday's pretest, so I just relaxed and watched TV all morning. We are about to go to the gym and run our daily mile. After, we're going to Birkdale to do some shopping at Barne's and Noble and hopefully get Starbucks. I'm glad we have tomorrow off of school because I have some last-minute studying to do for my Spanish test on Tuesday. Then we'll watch the football game, eat dinner and stay up late watching a movie. :)

Today I had an online zoom meeting and was quite busy with work. I heard Tik Tok was getting banned soon, and lots of my friends keep bringing it up. I myself don't use the app so I don't know what the fuss is all about.

The pretest today gave me some more insight on what I need to work on for the remainder of the 8 weeks of the cycle. After a mentor session, I went to the chiropractor and did a short grocery run with my father. When I got home I attempted to take a nap and then did requirements.

Today was pretest day!  I haven't had one of those in a minute.  It was good seeing everyone on the cycle and reminded me of when I was on the cycle for the first time.  I feel like this is a strong start to the next few weeks of training.  Anyway, I am writing this after a nap because I decided to catch up on the sleep that I'm not going to get over the school year.  I just thought of my YouTube channel sometime during my pretest.  It's been a year since I posted on the new one.  I might think about dropping a video or three in a bit, depending on how busy I am.

See I title this "BREAD! 🍞🥖" because That's going to be my new skill! Yep, bread making. Now because I don't know how to make up my mind I'm having you guys, (People on cycle) choose me flavors of bread I'll make! I'll be making bread for 5 weeks and I'm starting off with just a plain own white bread and letting everyone else choose the next 4 flavors! This google form - https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1cmLVFN-u8C5Gp2jtUAs9A6jKqQzmkcidyZolJdeL1CE/edit - is the link to the form where you can find some flavors I would like to make. I also made a "other" box in case you have another flavor I could try. After the 5 weeks, I'll write my essay and bring the best flavor, determined by the Black belts at Lake Norman, to overnight testing! HORRAY! I did my pre-test today and realized I have absolutely no upper-body strength whatsoever. But hey, everybody starts somewhere. Also....... WEEK TWO!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!...

So today I woke up and got ready to go snowboarding at Sugar Mtn. with my dad for Anthony's birthday. When we got there we had to wait in a big line. We snowboarder all day and after we had dinner at a 1950's style diner, then we headed back to the hotel and soon I'll go to bed. Hope the pretest went good for everyone.. I'll make mine up this week. 

Today was my pretest, and I think I did well.  I tried my best.  I also got some good scores. So, today was a good day, and I am proud of myself.

I forgot to hydrate yesterday so I probaly didn't do as good as I felt I should of, so I started the run at 6:15 at a decent pace for the first 4 laps then picked it up by like 10 seconds the next 2 laps and the final 2 laps I ran really fast and my time was slightly lower than I wanted but i'm still happy with it. I went to Master Evin's school after to do my other pretest and I did mostly better than my last cycles final test which I felt good about. After pretest I really wasn't to tired so I wanted to try to run like a half marathon today, for the 1st 5 miles I was fine but the 6th mile I was shaking and my legs were cramping so I ran for another like 2 miles, which felt like absolute torture then...

Blackbelt test was today. Found out I'm not as confident in some of my poomsaes as I thought. That's ok. I'll work on those to improve. Got my requirements done after a nap. Weather came through last night and have me a whooper of a migraine. Off to the park in the morning to contine practicing. 

Today was the pretest and I feel like I did pretty good. The push-ups and the V-sit-ups were the hardest parts for me, but I'll keep working on them. Overall, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I'm really proud of myself...however, I was super tired when I got home. I'm looking forward to relaxing for the rest of the day. :)

Today was the pretest, I think it went well. It was hard to wake up early and I was really tried. The hardest for me was the pushups, but a least the run wasn't as bad as I thought. I am glad it is over, and I am excited to improve over the next few weeks.♥

Today was the black belt pretest. At first I was freaking out at home I was crying and did not think I could do it. But when I got there I had fun running the mile and on the bus ride to Grand Master Evens dojo. I actually was really surprised how good I and everyone was!I panicked for no reason and ended up having a blast!

No there is not a definition in the dictionary, and no I still do not have a definition for 'Sakatha', but we aint there yet!   MAKING MUSIC!   I am currently in the process of creating a YouTube video for my new channel, which will end with a music number. The video is a comedy commercial on a deodorant called 'Sludge'........so yeah it- it is not supposed to be a good deodorant at all. With smells called Salmon Sludge and Toxic Sludge, the deodorant is most likely not the best. Now this video is not for everyone, with it geared to people around my age. I am extremely excited to get this video, and song completed. It feels like I am finally living out all of my goals with this video. Young me would be happy.   SAKATHA!   So during black belt class today, the first dans did knife defense....

Today I woke up and walked to school. After school I went to KT,  did my stuff and helped out with little Tigers. Did rolls and falls class then black belt class. After that my dad came to pick me up for the weekend for Anthony's birthday trip to Boone. 

Today I did not really do anything, but I recovered from my shots and got back to work on this black belt training. That is how my day went.  

Good evening, everyone! Today was a nice yet long day. Yesterday, I came back from school, did my requirements, then headed to work. This cycle I am determined to stay on track for my sparring classes and get them completed as soon as I can. After sparring, I felt pretty sore, but it's always the morning afterward that gets too you the most. My core has been hurting a lot recently, but in a passive-aggressive mannerism, which somehow contradicts everything and feels good. Today, I came back from school, finished my requirements, took a long nap, then headed to class. It's crazy to think that week one of the cycle is already done. It's so interesting to read everyone's journals each day, as it gets to help me learn more and more about you all. Good luck tomorrow!

So I am a bit behind on my poomsae so I woke up at 4:00 am to go do all my black belt requirments then at 5:00 I went on a easy 3.6 mile run to start the day then I dragged myself to school sadly knowing I have 4 test today. My first class, Spanish I had to listen to audios for a test then answer questions on the audios which only like 2 people got a good grade on (I got a 67%) but then after that spanish test I had to read articles and answer questions in spanish for my 2nd spanish test which I got a 90% on. I had English a few hours later which I had a vocabulary test and I got a 100% then last class I had a math test which was like 7 sheets long and I dont know what I got...

Today I had A LOT of schoolwork, so I finished right before class so now I have to work on tae kwon do stuff late!!! and wake up   early tomorrow for pretest so going to bed early tonight!!!    

Long day at school. More testing, more dispersing of students, 1 teacher out on tbe team, another didn't come in until around noon. Tried my best to keep the kiddos engaged and on task. Going to my 1st of many sparring classes tonight. Looks like I will either be sparring Wednesday &Thursday  or Thursday and Friday.  

Yesterday I had camping day in my classroom and it was really fun. We got to play games in pop up tents. Math was really really fun. I also had fun at sparring also.

Greetings Pokefans! Nothing memorable today, but let me squeeze out this journal ray quick for yall.   LEMME TELL YA SOMETHING!   I teach third and eight grade students, both in english and for third grade I teach math. I have officially receieved a room that a second grade teacher utilizes to teach sixteen third graders advanced math and literacy (fifth grade level to be exact). I of course have the follow the North Carolina Standard Course Of Study (teachers of any district will understand), but overall I am thrilled to be getting closer and closer to a what I think may finally be what I want to do with my life: a teacher. So I better marry someone rich. I would either teach Elementary School Math and English, Middle School English, or High School Physics.   GUESS WHO ISN'T A FAILURE!   For my AP Physics class, I had to...

Greetings Pokefans! Today was the first sparring class, and probably the last sparring class I am going to be able to get at Lake Norman for the black belt cycle.  This morning during training, I felt a bit rusty with some poomsaes compared to when I was doing recordings for them.  That could also be because I had just woken up.  I am feeling sore from getting in so many extra requirements in yesterday. 2024 was a good year for me.  For a good portion of the year, I had just a few things to focus on, and I was able to do a lot because of that.  Over the course of the year, I grew a lot as a martial artist, between being able to be at the dojang a little bit more due to being a part-time student at UNCC, being on the demo team, and later on training at another...

Compared to yesterday, I was definitely less busy and had more time to rest. I think I landed a jump wrong and tweaked my ankle a little bit, so it’s been hurting all day. I still got everything done though.

Today I woke up and had breakfast and went to school.  We had a test today and after that we got free time and I played infinite craft.  I got a mega bacon unicorn and the rainbow unicorn.  After school I went to KT and did my stuff, did a mentor session with Master Chelley and then took sparring.  After sparring I came home had dinner, showered, now I am about to head to bed!

Found time during the day to get my requirements done and practice my list of things I need to learn/know. My biggest thing to find time to do will be sparring classes.  I also need my mentee to come on our night, or i will be looking for yet another one....the joys of cycle and we are not through the first week. At least all my essays are completed and reqady to submit. 

Tonight was really hard. I was looking over the study guides and started getting really nervous. I decided to skip dance to further study and practice. The written test scares me the most. I just feel like I will draw a blank when it really matters. I'm going to go study now I hope if you feel the way I do just remember "that this is a challenge that you will be proud of for the rest of your life."🤪

 I had to get two shots today.  I can't even move my arm right now, but I still have to get this black belt work in.  So, I will push thru it and keep working on it.

School was pretty average today, when I got home I attempted to take a nap but failed. I then went to the dojang to help with class, take sparring and black belt class, and also get mentee/mentor sessions. Today was a very productive day for the cycle.

I very miserbely got out of bed at 4:50 am to go take a shower then after I started on my black belt things which took only roughly an hour so I just spent from 6:00 to 7:00 reasearching some races to run but then I had to go to school which was 10x more boring than yesterday but also I got to see everyones history project and I personally think mine was the best, not to brag. After the last bell rang I just sat with my friends and finnished my math homework while waiting for my bus, which wasn't late today which I was really surprised because it's been late every single other day of the year. Once I got home I went on a quick mile run than got on my uniform and went to class, after class I went to the store for dog food then home...

Soooo tired  Took the 2nd graders on a field trip today, yes they're fun, but also stressful. I could have easily skipped blackbelt class and went to bed at 5pm....but I went to class, had a mentor session,  and had a good class. No forca shower and bed.

I woke up today still not feeling the best. Mom made a doctors appt. for me, so I rode with her to drop Anthony at school then we headed to the doctor, and the doctor swabbed me for Strep and it came back positive.  We got my meds and headed home, mom made me some breakfast before she headed to work while I stayed home with MiMi and LaLa.  I took a couple naps today, did some reading and my black belt stuff, except for running.  When mom got home we had dinner and then I took a shower and now I am heading to bed.  I feel alot better tonight!!!

See... I'm a tiny bit tired.. (Just a little bit). I need some SLEEPPP! I did all my requirements at home today and got a jump start yesterday afternoon. I am not proud to announce that I haven't done a journal in 3 days straight. I'm giving up. I've done a lot of activities recently and I want to start back crochet again. I need some projects to work on for anybody at Lake Norman. I'll be glad to do any crochet projects for anyone if you want one. (Just don't do very hard ones, I'm still pretty new </3) We are all already half way through week one (WHOOO HOOOO!!!!!) Keep up the good work! Good NIGHT!!

I woke up a little tired today because I went to be a little later than usual. but I had a good day at school. I had PE class for my encore. Tomorrow I am very excited because we have camp day in our class.  See yall tomorrow at sparring!

Good evening, everyone! Today was a long day. I woke up extra early today to finish my requirements from yesterday and today. It was way too cold outside, so I ended up running back and forth through my house. I went to school pretty excited because today I was helping out with a VR station truck to implement STEM into our school. It was nice for the most part, but I hoped that there were chairs because my legs were pretty sore. After the school day ended, I came back and took a very long nap. I have some homework to finish and plan to head to sleep early today. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Today was a quiet day.  I got a few requirements in, but not the large amount that I thought I was going to get in.  Everyone else was away at school, so I took that time to catch up on the sleep I don't get while I'm at school.  I also ended up replacing a light for my grandparents.  On my first black belt cycle, I started to feel extremely sore on my third or fourth day.  I tried to start getting into a normal routine this time to avoid getting that sore right at the beginning.  Anyway, my run path is still partially frozen over.  Tomorrow is forecasted to be colder than today so I'm not sure if it's going to fully melt even by then.

School was alright today, second day back so my classes were still going over the syllabus. Going to bed early today cause tomorrow is gonna rough. I'm gonna go to school tomorrow and and be tired, then head over to taekwondo for the rest of my day.

Today I went to school and began calculus, I started after school to take that class. So when I got home, I didn’t have much time to complete any requirements before I had to go to piano. After I finally finished everything for the day, I took a shower and did all my homework.

Apologies for no journal yesterday, it was my mothers birthday and she is far more umportant than this entire cycle (fight me if you disagree :D).   HAPPY BIRTHDAY!   My mother has turned 27 (play along even if you disagree), which means just another Mother's Day. Me and my family got her a cake, some makeup products, and alone time (most needed by any mother). While I will not know how good of a birthday she had, I know that she was having a good day. I love my mother so much, and I have nothing but sheer gratefulness towards her!   BUT BACK TO ME!   I am pretty much done with Week 1 of my cycle, which means moving on to Week 2! This same thing happened last cycle, however I hope to get much further ahead this time in order to leave room for essays and general downtime. It...

Today I woke up a little more tired than usual.  I got ready and went to school. I had a test today, and almost fell asleep while doing my test.  After school I rode the bust to King Tiger where I did my stuff but felt weird and really tired, but I got a leadership and a class assistance credit tonight as well! Then we went to cubscouts where we talked to the bear den about the pinewood derby!  When I got home I was still not feeling well, I took a shower and now I am heading to bed.  I hope I feel better in the morning!!   Goodnight 

I decided I felt behind even though I wasn't so I just got out of bed and decided to try to do double of everything which I ended up doing just a few minutes before I had to get ready for school, and this time I left a few minutes earlier since my bus was really early yesterday but today it was late, so thats always nice and once I got to school I waited for the bell to ring so I can go my classes. Most classes were really long and boring and felt longer than a hour, specificly math class and history. But midway through the day I thought I needed to bring in a project for my history class but thankfully wasn't due today, so i'll bring that in tommorow, but after the last bell rang I waited for my always late bus to take me back home...

Good evening, everyone! Today was a busy day. I started off waking up early and headed to school. After school, I came back home exhausted and got in a quick power nap. I just came back from a Chick-fil-A night I set up for a club at my high school. We had to get people to say "DECA" (the name of the organization) at the register to pay in order to gain a profit for our club. I wasn't able to do as much as I hoped today coming from requirements or homework, so I'm planning on making it up tomorrow. I have some math homework I need to finish before I go to bed. I'm hoping to get some good sleep tonight because I have a lot to do tomorrow. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Here we are again...my second cycle towards my 4th degree has begun.  I'm starting my journal entries a little late, but my workouts and requirements started on time. Due to the cold weather, my walking / jogging will be slower because I have trouble breathing in cold.     Here's to the next 10-12 weeks 

Today at school I had a good day. I had art as my encore. Math was really fun and literacy was too. I got to play some new math games and play outside with my friends for recess. 

Today was a normal day at King Tiger for me.  School started already for everyone.  I'm still here enjoying my winter break, and although everyone I know is busy, I can get in some extra black belt cycle requirements.  This week is also a quiet time to catch up on things that I don't have much time for otherwise.  Books to read, games to play, shows to watch (and I am most definitely going to nerd out in my journal entries, so expect that from me in the future), calls to make, model rockets to launch, and maybe a few other things that I can't think of right now.  Anyway, I think that's enough for today.  I will see everyone later.

First day back at school and already feel the fatigue kicking in. Seeing familiar faces after a month feels nice and warm in this freezing weather, but still rather stay in bed and stay warm. 

I’m back again for my last cycle to earn my fourth degree. Today was just another regular day at school. When I came home I rested and then completed most of my requirements before going to the dojang to help with class. I look forward to seeing everyone this cycle. 

Today I woke up earlier than we have been so we could walk to school to get in 1 of my miles.  I think I pulled something at school today.  After school I got to King Tiger and did my stuff, and Carter and I ran a mile.  Then I had to go and wait with my mom while my brother had a boy scout meeting at church then we went home had dinner and went to bed!  PS sorry it was short tonight I am super tired!! 

Good evening, everyone! Today was a long day. I went to school in the morning, but thankfully, there was a 2-hour delay, leaving me extra time to sleep. After the school day was finished, I had to attend a club meeting, then finally headed back home. I was planning on taking a quick nap but did not get the chance to. I headed straight to Tae Kwon Do for my first official day of work. Today, I tried implementing my requirements into the small group lessons to make sure that I could get some time in as well. I just got back home and had dinner, and I have a lot of work ahead of me. I need to finish my math homework for the day, and then I will head to sleep. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Today I woke up, looked outside and there was no snow left. I went downstairs and I spent the morning doing my math home and dreading my life. When I finally left I almsost missed my bus, of course, but I got on the bus at the LAST second. I was immediately bombarded with not one but two test which I did decent on both of them. Then I spent the last 30 minutes of math class staring at the clock waiting for the hand to hit 4:10 which was defintely not 30 minutes it felt like an eon. After I got back home I went on a bike ride from through cornelius and then to dinner and La Unica. I went to King Tiger after and I was dying inside because I was helping out with class but its been so long, so i forgot everything. I somehow ended up...

This morning, I had to deal with some ice that remained on my run path while I was going for my run.  For part of the run, I wasn't so much running as I was hopelessly sliding on the icy pavement, with nothing I could really do to slow myself down.  Yesterday there was still snow everywhere, which reminded me of Macalester a bit. Snow is supposed to be rare.  It's supposed to be a special thing, something that happens not even once a year, maybe once every 3 years.  When it snows, everything stops.  Nobody goes anywhere.  School gets canceled.  Everyone goes outside all day to shovel driveways, slide down hills, or throw snowballs while it lasts.  It is, after all, a rare event to behold.  Then it quickly melts and everything goes back to normal.  At least that's how it was for my life while I was here. When I was...

First off, it was a very chill Sunday. No compalints about that, in fact I will gladly take more of those. But of course, every morning starts off with.....   POOMSAE CLASS! (the class that continues to give me more insecurities)   Today was more about finding a consistent tempo within our poomsaes, which also applies to performing poomsaes with others. I got the tempo of each combination of moves provided by the end, though I did feel like I was rushing a tad. Though after that, me and my family made the intelligent decision to get a certain sweet treat while it was fourty degrees outside.   SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM!   Ice cream :D. After struggling to keep my footing on the ice outside (because the sun is deciding to be lazy today), I entered the custard shop, Whit's! Of course it took me about fifteen minutes to...

Today I woke up and started playing some video games.  Then we had some breakfast and went to church.  When we got back from church we had some lunch and then I did all of my stuff for the day, like push ups, sit ups, jump rope and burpees, etc.  Then I played infinite craft. We will have dinner soon and then I will go to bed.

Good afternoon, everyone! Yesterday was a great day. I was unsure whether or not the website was open yesterday. I started out the day slowly getting back into the habit of doing my requirements. I don't think it is much of a change for me, and I feel that my body will get used to it by next week. I will start my requirements for the day in a bit. I am very excited to finish up my second cycle for my masters! Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Today was the first day of the black belt cycle, so I decided to get a good start with requirements early.  And by early, I mean right after midnight.  My sleep schedule is weird like that.  Anyway, this afternoon, once I was done with everything, I went to Ichibancon for the second time after I went on Thursday.  The events were different, and I got to see a cosplay competition.  The cosplays were all very detailed and impressive, and must take a lot of time.  I wish I could put together things like that.  Maybe next time I can get someone to go with me.  I usually don't have much time for anime conventions like this but there are some this summer that I plan on going to.

It's Graceyn once again back and ready for yet another cycle. Today was a pretty normal day. I woke up rather late. Got on my phone and talked with a few friends and played some games before I got straight to work. I did my requirements for the Saturday class credit and right as I was done I rushed to get ready. Today was my sisters birthday surprise, we went to go watch the Hamilton play live. After sitting down and watching very bright lights that burned my eyes for what felt like forever I got home and got my running out the way. I still have some things to do for tonight and then head straight to bed for the night. I hope everyone is ready for this amazing cycle and be prepared for the pre-testing next weekend... dun dun duuun... 😈😈😈   (Note) IT WAS FREEZING COLD OUTSIDE OH MY GOSH!!!  🥶🥶🥶

To think that it has only been a year since my first black belt cycle still has me questioning the reality of time. First off,   IT IS WAY TOO COLD!   Waking up to the roads malformed into frozen puddles made perfect for some not-so-happy accidents down on the highways is such a beautiful nightmare for any driver. The pretty white snow that has the ability to ruin any car in the hands of an irresposible driver. Luckily for me, this eventful Saturday truly does make up for the "storm" that occured the night before.   GET JEALOUS THEATRE NERDS!   I got the extremely grateful opportunity from my parents to to watch Charlotte's Off-Broadway production of Hamilton! The cast was very talented, and Lafeyette/Thomas Jefferson got the most laughs out of me. Eliza's vocals had me weeping in my obstructed chair as the very kind woman next to me...

🇸🇮So I got up and finished my mega cyborg hand🤖🤚 And then I had a late breakfast (like 10:00 late) And then later finished my Hagrid's Hut Lego And then Oliver broke my cyborg hand👿😡👿😡👿😭:⁠'⁠(  >⁠.⁠<  And then we had dinner which was coconut curry chicken🤢🤮🤮 And that's about it bye🇸🇮

Today is my mom's birthday. I got up this morning and played on my tablet. Mom mom and Pop Pop were here and then they left. I worked on building the cyborg hand I had for my birthday. Then we went to the Smiths for dinner and that's about it.

Today is my birthday. I had an awesome photo shoot for a newborn baptism. Then tonight we went to our friend's house for dinner and we're about to play games. What fun!

Today my parents were in town and we went geocaching and I had two photo sessions which went well. I have a long one tomorrow for a baptism which should be lovely! 👼💦🕍

So today Mom Mom and Pop Pop were here and I play Zelda in the morning and then we went to pickup my uncle's dog, Max, and then we went geocaching. We got Wendy's for lunch which was good. Then we went to Mass tonight and had tacos for dinner and I had a Minecraft cake for my birthday and that's about it. Goodnight. 

Today was supposed to be the tea ceremony but it was postponed. Such a bummer! Looking forward to a busy weekend with 5 hours worth of photo shoots!

So this morning I got up and had some breakfast and then Theo's eye started hurting him because it was already swollen from yesterday. I'm not sure if I did a journal yesterday. Okay anyway, nobody's going to be reading this for sure but we called the doctor And the doctor got a prescription that was like eye drops 👁️💦 which we got before movie night started cuz this is Friday and one of my presents actually came late So I got that like late today And it was actually a Wii Zelda game which is kind of cool. So anyway, I played it before we started the movie and it's actually pretty cool. I kind of like it. Anyway. That's about it

🇸🇮So today I got up and had a croissant for breakfast with Nutella🥐🥐🥐🥐🍫 But basically just sorted clothes. And we're actually like getting into the winter clothes. So we're sorting out all the summer clothes and going into the winter stuff So we got a bunch of stuff down from the attic and sorted it👚🧦🧥🧤🧣🎽 okay that's basically it. Bye 🇸🇮

So today was my birthday. I got up this morning and opened some presents. I got a Harry Potter Lego and some books and I'm really excited about getting a starter kit for dungeons& dragons. Then we went geocaching we got Chick-fil-A for lunch and we went to the airport overlook. Then we went to mass tonight and I went to Fraternus. They sung to me and it was awkward .My mom and I finished watching iron Man before I went to bed. Good night! 

Today was Henry's birthday! I can't believe he's 12!! We had a fun day geocaching.

today I went to school and played flag football and basketball. Then I went to after-school and got taught a lesson. Then I went to tkd and went as a white belt, and it was an interesting experience.

🇸🇮 So today I got up and had breakfast and basically just laid around playing so yeah And it's actually my birthday tomorrow🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🧁🧁🧁🧁 So yeah That's basically the highlight of the day my brothers went to taekwondo (I didn't because it's a couple days after cycle ended so yeah and they worked on poomsaes And we broke out the telescope 🔭 but that's about it bye🇸🇮

Today is Master Marcus and Master Natasya's first anniversary!!  We had a lovely day at home today doing school, baking bread, and working on Handicrafts. 

Today I learned about construction. I also learned about the different career paths I could take and what would be best for me, and most benefital for me.

So today I got up went to chess club and I beat my friend Joseph and stalemated my friend Joshua, although it was actually a very close call♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️♟️

Today I feel more rested and my wrist is no longer sore. Huzzah. I worked this AM and then Henry and Oliver went to chess club tonight while Theo and I went to the park. I worked on my hand embroidery, which I'm loving! Making Christmas ornament gifts with this skill! 

It's over.  We're done.  Hopefully everyone did well and passed.  The mat during the Tea Ceremony is going to be crowded, though, that's for certain. This Cycle was so different from the rest.  While I did, occasionally, question my sanity for signing up to do this all over again, I never actually found myself wanting to quit.  Both times before I had to remind myself, "Always finish what you start," in order to push through.  This Cycle was also full of injuries.  I sprained my ankle before it even started and that prevented me from getting back into sparring class prior to the start in July.  Then I damaged my finger in sparring class during Week 2.  Gabe tried to adjust her roll during Friday night's testing to avoid rolling into someone - and hurt herself in the process.  (For everyone following along at home, she's mostly fine.  Nothing is broken...

Yesterday was the public test and I broke 2 bricks. Then I went to the after party and that was very fun and the food was good too. Then I went to my friends house and played games and had fun.

Finally done with all of the glory, work, crap, and tears of the cycle. I had such a good time at the open testing, finally rested up. I have a bruised hand (brick break), bruised leg (thanks Abraham), and a bruised side. See you all on the 11.

I'm still in shock. Last night and this morning was overnight testing. Then we had public testing today.i didn't even realize we got to try to break a brick. Even moreso I had no idea I was capable to doing so. But I did. I broke a freaking brick.🤯🤯🤯 So glad we're done now though. Shew. 

Today was public testing and I broke my boards but not my brick. 😕My mom broke a brick. 😁😲😲 I'm so tired...😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴 Going to bed.😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 Goodnight.

Good evening, everyone! As the last day of this cycle finally comes, it feels so abnormal. I know even though I am not testing tonight, I am super nervous, jittery, and excited for you all. I wish you all the best of luck, and I know you’ll do great! Congratulations for officially completing this cycle! Have a wonderful rest of your day and testing!!

🇸🇮So I got up and basically just practiced most of the time. Then later I took a nap for a few hours 😴😴😴and then we went to Chick-fil-A for dinner and then that's where we are now. Later we're going to go to a gas station to get snacks and stuff for the final test. And we're just gonna how that we don't fall asleep halfway through it. 😁😁😁😬😬😰😰🇸🇮

Today's the day!!!! I wasn't nervous but then took a nap this afternoon and woke up nervous. Henry and I are getting Chick-fil-A for dinner before picking up snacks and heading to KT.

Yes we have made it!😃 All we have left is tonight, Saturday, and the tea ceremony. I wish you all good luck tonight.  

Today I'm going to my overnight testing and I know all my stuff going into this so I hope it goes well. Also some of my friends are going to the testing tomorrow and want to see me break my brick and my board.

Today is the over night test, also known as the last stand. Try your best and bring everything from food water to, weapons and pain killers. It has been an honor being pushed with every student here taking the cycle these past 4ish months.

Hey guys, It's the big day and I'm 100% faithful that we will all pass and do excellent. Don't forget anything and keep practicing. I'll see everyone tonight. It was an honor doing cycle with everyone.

Day #83- 10/3/2024 Today I’m put finishing touches on my essay. Rest day before testing. Light stretching.