Candidate Journals

I had an awesome day today. I woke up earlier and brewed my coffee so that I can function properly. I had a little time before needing to return the rental vehicle I was using this week. I used the remaining time to run some errand gas up the vehicle and then return it to the business. After I got done there I went to the thrift store nearby to browse before starting back towards the apartment. It was a beautiful day today so I had a very pleasant walk. I got to enjoy the sunshine a nice breeze and all of the fresh air. I played on my gameboy while walking back since I've gotten so used to my path back to my place. When I got back I relaxed for a bit in my room. I then went to the kitchen to tackle the breading and frying of my...

Just got home and started myself some supper after an awesome day at the Dojang. I woke up guzzled down my morning coffee while catching up on the NBA Play-in game. I caught the late game but had to catch up on the earlier one. After that I got in a good stretching session. I was playing my video games so time evaporated before I realized it was time to head out to Charlotte. My drive went really smooth and I got into to Dojang without any issue. I got to help out Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. All of the students I worked with today did really well giving their best effort during review week in preparation for testing next week. It's always nice to help in class because I feel it requires you to grow your practice exponentially to rise to the high stander the...

I had an awesome day today at the Dojang. I had something to do in the morning where I live so I drove home last night. I relax most of my morning besides yoga coffee and stretching. I was definitely still shiny hunting the entire time since I just got a new Pokemon game and I need a shiny starter! My drive to Dojang was pleasant and I enjoyed helping in Instructor Garrett's classes today inversely he also helped and assisted me greatly in my classes. I had an awesome time in sparring class we continued building on our blocks and our cut kick and added new dimension into the drills by utilizing the cut kick and everyone's favorite kick the hook kick of course. I really found the instruction beneficial and will be looking to implement these changes into my fighting immediately. I then got to enjoy a great class...

I had an awesome day today. I was very grateful just to be able to be back on the mats. Although I was able to accomplish a lot of things in my time off last week. I still had an uncomfortable lingering feeling that I wasn't in my habitat. Still all and all I tried my best to work hard all last week so that I could see some progress when I returned in a least a couple of areas. I got to assist Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. I writing this from the Front Desk so that I'm certain to accomplish my task for the evening before I get distracted later on. Part of the challenge of this cycle has been working towards staying consistent and persistent when working towards a task. Having to make the extra effort to ensure that I have the energy and...

I had an awesome day today. I brewed my coffee early in the morning and walked around my neighborhood for a bit to enjoy the morning air and sunshine. I walked to the store to run some errands for my Pops and went to go pick up some groceries. As I was making my way back into the apartment my Pops text me and let me know that he needed a few more things from the store. I made a pit stop at the house relaxed for a little while to rest up. I left out an hour or so later to get the last few things we needed from the store. Well on the way back from the store bag in tow I had an experience I haven't had in quite some time. I was casually walking and happened to turn my perihelia vision just in time to see an...

Since I'm on spring break now I can sleep in. That also goes for seminary class, so it felt good not to have to wake up so early and get a lot of extra sleep. After I woke up, I felt really ressted and I made breakfast which is just cheerios, and just stayed home. We drove to take the car to the Tire Doctor, and then walked home. I spent the rest of the day reading my series books, and then I went to track practice. Since it's break there were not a lot of people at track practice, but it was still a regular  practice. After track I went to taekwondo and helped out with class, and I went home afterwards to eat dinner. Since it's srping break I'm trying to relax at home for a change instead of always doing school work. It was a good day. 

April 13 It was a long day. We skipped churck this morning and we went to Charlotte and spent the day helping a friend of my Dad's at his house, he needed help moving furniture in the house, he's an a wheel-chair so he can't do it. We moved some really big furntire from the garage to the main floor, and took some big couches from the main floor to the upstairs. It was a lot of stuff and a lot of work, and I don't know how he did it, but my dad moved a washer and dryer to the upstairs by himself. It was crazy it like he rolled it up the staircase, they were new in a box. We did a lot of moving stuff all around for his friend and his wife, then we got really good pizza, ate and got home around 8. I didn't get...

April 12 We had a church activity and went to an airshow in Beaufort, SC. This is the website for the place we went https://www.beaufortairshow.com/ It was an awesome airshow, and I took a helicopter ride too. This is the first time I have flown, it was pretty fun. It was a long drive, it was about 4 hours. If you ever get a chance to see this at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina or anywher else, I would suggest that you go. You will have a great time. I bought a nice wooden model of a Stealth Bomber, as a souvenier, its pretty big, and I have it on my desk now. It was a great day.

April 11 I went to school and had intercession again today. Since we have a track meet we had early dismissal to take the bus to the meet. I ran the 400m and the 4x400m. Our team took first place in the 4x400m, and I get a personal record for my 400m. It was a good meet, everyone on the team did good. I didn't get home until late, the team stopped for dinner at Cook Out on the way home. I don't really ever eat a Cook Out except for the shakes once in awhile and the menus were very confusing. So I just had my normal oreo shake and fries. When we have meets its a real long day, we get to the meets around 3:30 after early dismissal, this meet was about an hour away, and then the meet doesnt start until around 4, and depending on when...

April 10 This week at school has been not mormal days. It's been intercession days, and we don't have regular class schedules, and I have been working mostly on my classes that I'm behind. Today I went to seminary and then school. Today was was the last practice before another track meet. At practice I'm running about 3 to 4 miles, and doing 200m, and 400m runs. After taekwondo we came home and I still had a lot of school work. I went to bed early, and will skip seminary tomorrow. When I have a track meet, we may not run our heat until later in the evening, so I don't want to be tired. So I sleep and set my alary for 7:15 instead of 5:30.

Today was an awesome day. I spoke with my brother and we came up with a plan to try to meet up with one another soon. I brewed my coffee and walked around working on my balance on different ledges in my apartment community. I worked on moving on these ledges with limited space. I tried to work on my fast twitch muscle and switching my stance quickly without much room for foot placement. I then worked on stretching like I've been doing. I can notice the difference in my mobility in just a couple of weeks of really dedicating the necessary time to the task. My Pops and I watched there last of the regular season NBA games today. Now we are catching up on Last of Us. I'm going to spend the rest of my evening playing video games and relaxing. Hope everyones week gets off to a great...

I had an awesome day today. I got up and got my coffee brewing earlier sat down and enjoyed some ESPN highlights to start my day. Afterwards I decided to head to the store so I could make myself some dinner and run a few errands for my Dad. It seemed as though it was going to rain so I decided to Uber there and back. When I got back and put everything away I relaxed for a bit and called to check on my older brother. He seemed to be doing well and asked if he could come visit tomorrow potentially. I then took some time to write up my Black Belt essay for the book Atomic Habits that I listened to on Audible. When I finished I decided to watch some of the UFC card with my Pops. I'm going to relax and play some video games and then...

I had an awesome day today. I spent my morning working out and enjoying the sunshine early today before the rain took back over. The air was so clean from the rain before and the sun was working overtime to make up for barely arriving yesterday. After I got my coffee and sat down to watch ESPN; my brother called and said he wants to come visit tomorrow. I'm definitely hoping he is able to make the trip. I've been to see him a couple of times since moving back but it's been a couple of months now and I can't wait to see my bro. Hopefully we will have a great time tomorrow and be able to make some new memories together. I'm going to relax the for the rest of the evening. I'm watching Daredevil on Disney plus and the fight sequences are amazing. Matt Murdoch is one of...

I had an awesome day today. I talked with my Pops this morning about making plans to be more organized and he said he would help me stay accountable. I needed to run some errands for the house but Uber wasn't cooperating(go fig). I was determined to go on my trip anyway but my Father was insistent that I waited for a potential ride. He gave many reasons that it might rain, it was a long trip, the amount of things I would need to be able to carry. I decided to listen to his advice and wait a couple more hours until someone was available. In the meantime my Dad and I started a new show with Brian Tyree Henry. as the lead on Apple TV. While we watched I stretched out my legs like never before. Since I had a rather intense workout yesterday I decided to take it...

I made the most of my day and by the end of it as I type my daily log I can say it was still awesome day. I made sure I worked out hard today I walked and did road work shadow boxing as I walked on the backroad towards the store. On my way back after securing the things I needed for dinner I went back towards my apt complex from the grocery store. I shadow box and practice footwork and the new blocking we have previously been implementing in sparring. I got back put away my things I got from the store and freshened up. I then started working on my single stick weapon. Weapons are at times a bit of a challenge for me they can make me feel clumsy.That being said I have a lot of practice overtime from King Tiger since I've had my high red...

I made the best of my day despite some unexpected adversity. I still had an awesome day. I tried to get my rental to head towards the Dojang early this morning but when I arrived they informed me and my Father that they had overbooked the reservation and the car that we had confirmed was no longer available to us. I tried to work around the issue but it wasn't in my favor today. There days like this from time to time in life. A lot of other people experience them more often than myself so I decided to just be grateful and enjoy my day regardless of how my morning began. I meditated after my phone call with the car rental company. I then proceeded to get my workout in. It was definitely a shadow boxing session today. After a hard workout and shower I walked to the store to...

My day started with an outdoor workout and ended up getting rained on the majority of the time. It was coming down very intensely. I really enjoyed the ability to be able to enjoy nature in a way that rarely occurs spontaneously. After another shower I relaxed and enjoyed my morning coffee while catching up on the news and sports. I then proceeded to watch cartoons and decompress for a bit. I then walked to the store to get some general items for the apartment. The ground was super saturated so it was like playing the entirety Pitfall while trying to get to and fro. I made sure to get my shoes cleaner than I thought was possible considering they were white and turned orange. Im now chilling and watching White Lotus with my Pops. I'm sure we will have a good time watching the NCAA mens finals when we get...

I started out my day working out at the pond behind my apartment complex. I did mostly just shadow boxing for the first time in quire a while and was able to keep a good pace well past 5 rounds. I then ate my leftover pizza guzzled a pot of coffee and watched SportsCenter with my Pops. I talked to my brother he had an awesome weekend he got to preform with some friends and got himself a new gaming system. After I talked with my brother my Pops and I watch UConn v South Carolina. Almost immediately afterwards my lil sister Aly called me. She wanted to check on the status of the packages being delivered to the apartment for Sharis's baby shower. I let her know I had everything here and since we were already on FaceTime I did a mock unboxing video for her. Then we proceeded to...

I had an awesome workout early this morning. I got to work on my poomsaes stances strikes and blocks. After working out I took a walk to town because I was bored and wanted to explore an area of Gaffney I haven't yet ventured. I talked to my lil sister on the way back home she let me know that the package I ordered ended up in California instead of South Carolina. I just love following up with a company to have them tell you they will do something on your behalf as a customer and then just absolutely do whatever they want to do despite your wishes. It was nice to speak with my lil sister she is putting the finishing touches on our twin sisters baby shower. I'm really looking forward to being able to celebrate Brian and Sharis's special day together with support of friends and family. Trust...

Today has been a really long day. It's midnight and I been up since 5:30am. I went to seminary this morning, then school and left school early to go to a track meet. The meet was in Statesville, and it was about an hour drive on the bus. I was entered into the 400m and the 4x400m relay.  I ran the 400m in 59 seconds, which was OK, I think I could've done better, and the 4x400m relay we ran it in 3:58 and came in third place. Our team scored enough points to go to the regionals. Today, was a long day. It was good, I got my first medal since I started running track. Good day.

Thursday was a regular day again, starting with seminary, then school, track practice and taekwondo. When I got home I did my school work and practiced my forms before I went to bed. It was a good day.

Wed was a regular day for me. I went to seminary early, class starts at 6am, so I'm up at 5:30am to get there on time. After seminary I get to school by 7:30am. After school I had track practice and then taekwondo. At track I probably ran around 3 miles. When I got home from taekwondo, I get my school work done and my physical fitness. I practice my forms and then took a shower, my alergies are really killing me. It was a good day.

I woke up early so I could return my rental on time. I then walked back to my house. I was thankful the weather held off and the weather stayed nice the whole way. I got one of the packages I've recently lost in the mail so only like 12 more things missing. I spent my evening napping and then I got to enjoy Smackdown for the first time in a couple of weeks. Wrestlemania is coming up so that's exciting. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to engage with Pro Wrestling. It's one of my favorite outlets to enjoy myself in my free time. I'm now watching AEW while finishing this up so hopefully Swerve can whoop Mox. I hope everyone is having a good weekend and enjoys themselves take care. 

I had an awesome day today. I got to help out in after school class today and help Master Randle and Instructor Garrett with their classes. After classes this evening I visited with my twin sister. She is doing well and so is Pancake on his new diet. We watched an outdoor show where some gentlemen attempted to save their family land by undercutting the land developers and purchasing the property surrounding their own. They needed to get some quick cash by selling some of the many ancient machines that he had to repair after finding. One of the other outdoorsmen used his 3 sporting dogs to tree mountain lions for the tags. The mountain lion seems like a big kitty so it appears very safe but I don't know something just feels off. We really enjoyed the show together I dropped off a jacket I thrifted for her and then...

I had an awesome day today. I enjoyed my morning coffee and watched ESPN with my dad. I then did my morning workout at the lake at the edge of my community. I relaxed for a bit until it was time for me to head into the Dojang for the day. I got to King Tiger and enjoyed my lunch while the kids watched the minions movie and played Mario kart. I got some time to stretch out properly today as I know that my mentor Master Oppy is teaching sparring class this evening and he like any other instructor does not play. I got the privilege of helping out Instructor Garrett with his classes and then got to teach the Junior Tigers class afterwards. It makes it so much easier to transition smoothly to a good class when you have great examples to follow. I really enjoyed teaching the black...

I had an awful day today April Fools it was really an awesome day. I went to get my rental today and then helped my Pops run some errands for a bit before making my way to North Carolina. I stopped in to see Fin the world's best kitty and he was very appreciative for the excessive pets. I got to help Master Randle and Instructor Garrett in their classes today. It's always a positive learning experience to be able to observe and learn from someone with more knowledge and expertise. I'm always humbled by their ability to lead and instruct without breaking a sweat. It makes it much easier to learn and teach when you have someone who sets such an exemplary standard. I got the pleasure of being able to enjoy my class this evening and got to practice my poomsae work on my stances and focus on honing...

Today I felt fine when I woke up and went to semminary at 5:30. After semminary I got to school at 7:30 and went to class. It was a normal day  at school and for once didn't have any tests. I finished school at 4:30 today because I stay after school on Tuesday's to do some extra work and after school, I went home and then to taekwondo. I got to do a mentor session and to go over all my staff and stick forms and self defense, I knew them all, but doing them for a test always makes me nervous. After taekwondo I went home, ate dinner, and did my school work - since I'm still suppose to be getting over being sick from Monday I didn't do any running or physical fitness today. I should be back on track with that tomorrow.

It looks like I got whatever my Dad has, so I stayed home today from school. I honestly don't feel that bad, but my Dad said its better to stay home. I spent the day doing school work. I got no physical fitness, or running, or track practice in today, all I did was stay home and rest and drink a lot of fluids. I did practice my forms, and I'm shopping online to buy a staff so I can practice. But I will have to practice outside, our apartment is to small to practice with the staff inside. I use a short stick I have and even with that I'm scared I might break something. I felt good enough at the end of the day to go to taekwondo class, but still came home and went to bed early. Tomorrow I should be back to normal. 

I started my week off well and worked out this morning. I then got a peek at the weather and had to cancel a date so boo. I then took care of some errands and walked around in the rain storms. I know I got a lot of stares walking around but it was really fun and it allowed me to get in some extra working out without really having to feel like a chore. I came home got my things gathered for my day tomorrow then my lil sister Aly called. She is really bogged down with her current work schedule and needed to vent a bit so I tried my best to be receptive and listen to her issues. It didn't take long before we were both laughing and enjoying our normal conversation. I told her that she was justified in her feeling and since I was recently in...

Sunday was a day for me to stay home. I missed church because my Dad was sick. CMS is has no school tomorrow so we don't have seminary. Today, I did my physical fitness, and I did 100 pushups today. I got a chance to help a neighbor move some big boxes from her car to her apartment. Im starting to feel sick and I think I may be getting whatever my Dad has. I hope not. I spent the rest of the day doing school work. It was an OK day.

Stayed up late last night until the early morning because it's my Maw's Birthday. I always make sure to call her every year and seranade her because she always tries to do the same for me and my siblings Birthdays. She works really hard so I don't always have a lot of time to speak with her. I miss being able to see her often but I understand she is following her passion. She always encourages me to work hard and strive for my dreams. I have her to thank for fantastic looks, taste in music and fashion and overall radical nature. We don't always get along perfectly due to both of us being so similar to one another. Even when the relationship is strained I know the friction comes with love. I'm going to do laundry and run errands tomorrow since it's dark outside and I haven't done it yet. 

Today I went to taekwondo in the morning. When I got back home I did my physical fitness, and went for a run and late on a bike ride. From where I live I rode to Davidson, and to my school, and around Davidson college. I went home and we tried the new pizza place. They have giant slices, which were pretyt good, but Mamas pizza is still my favorite pizza place. Tomorrow I go to chuch in the morning. Today was a good day, I have to practice forms still and its getting late, but I;m awake and will practice before I go to bed.

Friday was a teacher workday and I had no school. So I finally got a chance to sleep in, I was supposed to go to seminary, but since school wa sout I stayed home. I slept until around 12pm, and I think I really needed it. I spent most of the day doing school work, and getting assignments turned in. And then I went for a run. I ran about 3 miles, then came back home and waited to go to taekwondo, when I went to class there was no class, which I didnt know, so I went back home, and just spent the rest of day trying to rest. I get so busy I think one day of rest is OK. 

I took the day off from working out and worked on finding out some more things regarding my vehicle situation. I walked around to meet with some mechanics. I went thrifting and found some knickknacks and some clothes I needed for my Twiin Sisters' baby shower. I don't have much formal wear so it's important I do my best to look nice for her event. I still need to get my hair done before then and I'm anxious because it will have to be someone new. Wish me luck with my car and my hair. Hope everyone has been enjoying their weekend. I'm going to spend some time with my Pops watching Duke play Bama. Take Care!

I thoroughly enjoyed my Friday evening went to downtown Gaffney as I haven't really had the opportunity to explore much of this area since I've moved in with my Dad. It was fun to listen live music the singer was really talented. I ended up tipping her so that she would play some Heart. I walked back home and played video games until I fell asleep on my laptop.

Today was a normal day, I went to seminary early in the morning, then school, track practice, taekwondo, sparring, home, dinner, homework, physical fitness, and now I'm finally getting ready for bed. Tomorrow there is no school, and I wish I could sleep late, but I still have to wake up early for seminary. Tomorrow, I'll be able to get a lot of school work done during the day. I still have to go track practice, then taekwondo. It will be good day to catchup more.

I tried to work on getting my car situation figured out. Called a lot of auto shops to try to get the lowest price possible. I went and ran some errands for my Father then I headed back to Charlotte for the day. I got into the city a little earlier so I went thrifting and found some useful trinkets and knickknacks that I had to obtain for the low price (its was a bargain). I then went to the Dojang a bit early. I worked on my stretching and poomsae. I got to help out Master Randle in her classes today we had several new students and they all did their best and enjoyed classes this evening. I also got to help out Instructor Garrett in his classes. It was a great evening at the Dojang. I dropped into my Twin's house for a bit so I could give her...

I spent the evening at my twin sisters house. It was very nice to spend time with her play her video games eat her food and pet Fin while she worked hard teaching children at school. I got to the Dojang and enjoyed my lunch before classes got started for the evening. I got to help out Instructor Garrett with classes and then I got to help teach the kids class and help them work on earning their yellow stripe for teamwork. Then I had sparring class and black belt class which both went excellent its always great to learn from a newer different perspective. Master Opey has been my mentor throughout the black belt cycle and it's been great getting to know him. He still surprises me with new ways to learn and improve my taekwondo with stretching and specific techniques designed for TKD sparring. He always make thing enjoyable...

This week has been very hard so far. Mostly because of having to stay up late to get all my work done. I'm up every morning at 5:30 and leave at 545 to get to seminary, the school and track practice, then taekwondo. I'm trying to get caught up. When I get home I have to get my homework and makeup work done. I try to be in bed by 10 but this week around midnight right now. I'm getting my physical fitness in at home and at track everyday. I still feel good that Im working hard.

I spent most of my day struggling with the very capable and efficient people over at Enterprise Rentals. I have to consider that I am grateful to be able to afford the ability of this inconvenience. I finally got on my way towards Charlotte. I am so glad to be back in class its absolutely comfort zone/safe space, even a week away seems way too long. I had a great day at King Tiger I enjoyed being able to help assist Master Randle in her class and help to guide several new students in the start of their journey. I then took class this evening with Master Cavasos he is always a great instructor to have lead because he is very strong knowledgeable and is very strict and very kind. He has always looked out for me while I've been here and has always supported me in everyway he could. Now I'm leaving the Dojang for the evening to go see my twin Brian Pancake and Fin. Yall have a great night congrats to everyone who went through the Black Belt cycle this past weekend it was an honor to participate and everyone gave their all. Peace out goodnig

Matthew....you should be able to continue to Journal until you get home in May.  We are looking forward to having you back and you have been missed.  I know that it is hard to be away, but you are doing great and you will be stronger for it!  Please know that you can call/text any time.  You will be back "home" before you know it!  

To all the candidates...Congratulations on a great weekend.  

I've been working on trying to turn my lemon into lemon meringue pie. I think I found a place that will be able to make the necescarry repairs on this vehicle. In the meantime I've been resting and relaxing after a strenuous and fun black belt testing. It was a very rewarding experience and I was grateful to be able to participate. I'm feeling much more revitalized after a weekend of watching march madness with my Pops. I'm going to start dedicating the proper focus and time to work on accomplishing my daily logs and other requirements soon so I can keep working towards my goals.

Congratulations on everyone testing!  I wasn't there to see it but I know everyone did a great job.  The tea ceremony is next week, so I am excited to see people getting their new belts, if anyone wants to send me pictures.  Shoreview is closed this week because it's their spring break, so I won't be making it there this week unfortunately...

Pleeez tell me I passsed pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez. Today was the fnal test day. Sadly, I hurt my foot in sparring and could not break the brick. I am anxious for the irdict to pass and Hope I get my 1st Poom.

This is the end of the spring cycle... for many of you, it is testing day.  For me, I still have farther to go with a lot of things.  This cycle was by far the most challenging of all my black belt cycles thus far for many reasons.  Now that I'm at a place much different from anything I've had at home, I had to get used to what my life now is, and I've had to deal with things that I've never come across before at home when I had a set way of doing things for years.  I started the black belt cycle strong and was very excited to take the next step in my Taekwondo journey after feeling disconnected from the community I had at home for the first time.  This community has been there for me for most of my life in a way that no person...

This is it!!!!! Time to go and show how much I’ve improved since last July. 

I feel like this cycle has been good over all i have put in the work gone to the classes and i am ready to earn my black belt.  I hope that i and everyone else passes the test tonight.  also, one more thing......... GO KING TIGER TAE KWON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

today I was double nervous but my mom packed me a ton of snacks so I will not go hungry. I know I will do really good but I am still a little nervous. I will go to bed extremely late so see ya :D 

today is the day of the test and i am felling nervous on yuk and sa Chang i hope i do good and pass.   

today is the day. I had to sit in a meeting about my math skills. It was not fun. Today I got to make pasta for me & my sister. I think that pass or fail I will come out of this cycle stronger & better than before. In any case this is my goodbye. bye! & thank you for reading my journey.

today I had to do a ton of school since my friends are coming tomorrow and we will not be able to do school Monday or Tuesday so today did School School and school!!!

Good luck tonight to everyone testing. I’m nervous and excited!!

I am super nervous and excited for testing… it’s weird mix of emotions right now. Anyway I just wanted to post and say GODD LUCKKKK. I know that we’ll all do great! We can do this! Here we gooo! 👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😆😆😆

Yesterday I was really exited but now I'm just 😓 nervous. Right now I'm out eating dinner and then I will head over to Grand Master Evins. I'm nervous but also happy it's almost over! I'm just trying to remember to take a deep breath and try your best.

Good evening, everyone! Today was a relaxing, yet stressful day. I am very excited and nervous for testing today. I wish everyone the best of luck for testing. We got this!  

I don’t know why but school was extra tiring today. When I got home I took a nap and rested up. Whether you’re  ready or not, see everyone tonight.

I feel nervous and excited for testing. I feel that I am prepared enough but worried about the breaking kicks. I am going to go in and finish strong! Good luck to everyone.

Hello to everyone reading this. My name is Graceyn and this journal is meant for the people who start their cycle and see it at some point. I, Graceyn, am testing tonight at 9 P.M. for my second degree black belt. I just wanted to drop by and say a few things before I go missing for two years. See when I had my first attempt at the cycle I started somewhere in the summer of 2023. I had a whole lot planned out during that summer and was already several weeks behind. Then I traveled out of state for a few weeks and once again I tried the best I could to run in 100 degree weather with the constancy as needed to do more than just 2 miles a day. Slowly and slowly I got worked out too hard and ultimately quit that cycle. I was so beat and thought...

Testing night, honestly already feel pretty tired from school and I didn't even really do anything. I watched some march madness in class cause I bored. Gonna head to the dojang early to grab a spot and stretch. “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need fear not the outcome of 100 battles” - Sun Tzu

Practiced my creative form at the dojang and gave peer reiview for an essay today in school. Going to rest up and relax until tomorrow night,.

It wasn’t much of a busy day at school today. I got home around 4pm and ate before I went to the dojang. See everyone tomorrow.

I'm typing up somewhat early this evening at least for me. I'm hoping to get a good nights rest. I spent the morning studying and practicing. Then I went outside to give myself a break and clear my head to make sure that I actually remembered anything at all. I remembered more than I expected and I can tell that the practice has been paying off for sure especially with blocks and stances. Still if anyone knows me they understand I'm just as nervous as everyone else. I think more I have no real problem fighting in a cage but poomsae is terrifying to me. I'm much more comfortable with doing it so much throughout the cycle so I'm hoping to notice improvements. I'm excited to make the journey tomorrow and look forward to working hard with all of my peers to reach our goals for the day. I know everyone...

Testing 2morrow! today I didmy math benchmark and assisted, and had a mentee session. I am not ready and am esspecially worried about the kyukpa.(breaking.)

I am not going to be able to sleep tonight mainly because I will be nervous all night but I am excited. I am going to try to get as much sleep as I can tonight see ya :D 

Its finally here.....THE END OF THE CYCLE!!!!  We made it.  I am done with all of my stuff, all my journals and all my essays and letters of recommendation are submitted.   All that's left is the overnight tomorrow!  I've been through it before so I'm not as nervous this time, but still ready for it to be over.    GOODNIGHT EVERYONE, see you tomorrow night, be there early.

I'm mostly exited but also really nervous! I'm jealous that some kids don't have school tomorrow but I do! I'm still going to sleep good and take the day easy! I also get to bring my class pet guinea pigs home for a week! By the way today my bus broke down. Sleep tight everybody stay well rested but don't forget to practice but most of all try your best!

So it's the night before the exam. Double checking my book and online. Exhausted, but grateful for the last few mentor sessions. according to the book, i'll be short mentor sessions, however, we have met every Sunday with the  rest of the 'Sunday park black belts'   according to online, I am only missing two leaderships...i tried my best. 

today my grand prnts came over and we played base ball and rested.  

Now, before I go on about the benefits of these journals this time around, I have to write this out, hopefully, for somebody to see. I have written fifty journals, tallied next to my bed on the days I have done them. However, the website only shows I have thirty something journals. This website has just been a pain, and it has done this with my requirements as well. This is my fiftieth journal, and aint no way this website just not working this time around is gonna cause my downfall :D   GOODBYE MY GIRLIES!   So, last year, I found these journals to be a waste. I was plagued by the death of my dog, Abby, who I have known since I was literally born. These journals just felt like a fake jotting down of whatever joy I could find. This time around, I worked to complete another cycle...

I spent the majority of my day taking care of my father as he wasn't feeling well. I just took some extra time to take care of him, he has a health history that requires him to get extensive rest. He's been frustrated because he has new things to look forward going to but his health can be a factor in whether or not he can safely participate. I found time to still workout for myself. I also found time to study up on all my curriculum watching videos practicing drawing out steps etc to gain a better grasp of the concepts. In my downtime I've been walking to store daily and re-watching Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Hope everyone is well. Stay positive and strong y'all. 

Today was not a good day. I missed lots of questions on my benchmark, forgot my mouthpiece for sparring, and received criticism during BBC. I think I just feel burnt out.  I am going to bed and will do my best tomorrow.

Today I went to school, and played Pickle Ball. When I dame back home, I went to taekwondo class and helped out in class. After class I went to swimming class. It was tiring but i swam, and slept peacefully.

I am bringing my Oreo marshmallow squares tomorrow to sparring class!!! I am also bringing them to overnight again like last year!  All it is is crushed up Oreos and melted marshmallows with a little bit of butter to help the marshmallows not stick to everything.  Goodnight!!

today has been funny because we have a new record temp & high uv. UV radiation is funny because it's all just gamma decay from the sun. it shows how the electromagnetic force works with photons in valence shells. Gamma decay is what happens when electrons move from a high shell to a low shell & release a high charged photon.

I am honestly very nervous about the final test in a couple of days I hope that I and everyone else on cycle finishes the test and gets their BLACK BELT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

So, as you can see from the title a bunch of "other" "people" ARE going on trips and coming here.  my grandparents are coming tomorrow but just for the night. and on the test day our friends are coming.  PS they are both from Ohio!!! 

today i skipped school so.... since i was aparently "behind" on reading so i witeraly read allllllll day!!!!

today I had to stay home since i had fifth disease.  

today i went to tea kwon do and did tae kwon do sttuff 

today at scouts me and my friends made a roller coaster that could hold up 10 marbles. earlier today we went to Raleigh and we went to some museum and we also went to the state capital. chill day but I am going to bed see ya :D 

Good night, everyone! Today was a nice day. I got all of my work done today, and got a lot of practice in for Tae Kwon Do. I am extremely tired today and am going to go to sleep after writing this. Otherwise, today was a great day overall. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Theres been a flu been passing around my campus and unfortunately I think I might've caught it. I still fine for now but I've recognize finding myself having low energy with sinus. Hopefully I'll feel better.

#41 3/5/2025 Today I had a sparring and black belt class. I miss Instructor Max, he made sparring so fun. Master Opey was the teacher today and it was fun too. With Master Opey we went over hurricane side and back kicks. The hurricane back kick is my kick for breaking. I am working hard to get it right. #42 3/6/2025 Today we completed the community service project. I love being able to help people. This was one of the best parts of cycle. Mom is always telling us to be helpers. We shopped, put the bags together and took them to Lake Norman. I hope to go to a class there soon. #43 3/8/2025 Testing day. I passed!!!! I ran my mile in 9 mins, 35 seconds faster. I made an 84 on my written test, I am so glad for that one. One part I worked hard for was...

#50 3/19/2025 Today is black belt class, sparring and mentor sessions. I am completing my last mentee session. I want to thank everyone who has helped me with my black belt journey. Especially: Master Opey for being my mentor. I have learned so much! Master Weeks for telling me to get my stances right. Mikey, Zeke, Roman and Sabrish for being mentees. Leo for being my testing partner this weekend. Antoine for answering my questions. I really enjoyed this cycle and all the work. It was hard and fun! Good luck to everyone testing this weekend!!!  

Things I've learned on my journay to becoming a 4th Dan.... 1. Not all mentee's will be reliable.                           For example, my mentee disapeered for over a month. I picked up 2 more mentees, then realized you can only 'chart' one mentee session per day. However, there have been days, that I have menteed 2 brothers and just last night, their grandma asked me to mentor her. (no, I didn't track all 3, I will only track 1, however, I mentored 3 last evening)    2.  No matter how much you practice, you are going to forget something.                         This is a great example of my last few mentoring sessions with my amazing mentor, Master Dege. She has taken SO much time out of her personal life to help...

Im up way to late, I have to get to sleep. Today was a normal day, seminary at 6AM, school at 8AM, track practice at 4PM, Taekowndo at 6PM. Home, physical fitness, at track I got in almost 4 miles today. Tomorrow is a track meet, and I'm entered to run the 200m and 400m, so tomorrow will be a long day, we get out of school early at 1:15 and take a team bus, the meet is in Waxhaw about an hour drive, the meets end around 8, so the team will stop to get something to eat probably on the way back, and the bus gets back to the school around 10PM, that is a typical meet. Sometimes the meets are farther away, and we just get back much later. 

I went to piano and did my homework afterschool today. The cycle is almost over, just a few more days! The days have started to mush together but it’s alright.

Literally, I have nothing to write about today. What, my work experience? I taught kids taekwondo, and everyone was super well behaved, there is absolutely nothing eventful I can write about in today's journal. The luxury yet also the curse of my spring break is the fact I sleep all day, work, get home and fall asleep. That's it, the title explains all that happened for me today. So there ya go, a nice short journal, and now I am back to fall asleep :D

Today I went to School and was assigned a project on the sino-japanese war in social studies. we went outside in gym today. Then I went to TKD and assisted, took class, and worked on self defense.

Good night, everyone! Today was a good day for the most part. School went well, and so did work. I was so exhausted when I came back home and slept on the car ride to work. I got the last part of double stick form 2 down, and now it's just practicing everything from here. Other than that, I had a pretty nice rest of my day. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

I believe thia ia my last journal I need so I'm overjoyed. I'm a little scared of testing this friday because I have benchmarks all this week and I'll be so tired on Friday but it's whatever. Speaking of tired I'm very tired right now and I have my reading benchmark tomorrow so I'll be sleeping well tonight.

I got a new book today. it's about life lived diffrentley in a mind that dosen't comprehend the same way as most people. It's very funny probably because it's from a commedian. it's interesting to hear his perspective on the world around him & how her reacts to it. I like it.

today in Fortnite I cooked a kid in red vs blue and beat him 63-14. :D I had baseball and I was really happy. bed time bye 

It was today in the year 1980 when I turned blue. Dad was at work and mom was home with me. I was 6 months old. Mom rushed me to strong Memorial in rochester, NY and was told I was going in for open-heart surgery. (Dad made it to the hospistal before they took me back, so I have been told) At that time, open heart surgery was rare, not to mention on a 6 month old. Both my cardiologists told my parents I had about a 5% chance of surving the surgery and growing up.  (Back track to September of 1979, I was born with CHD - congential heart disease, my heart is basically backwards in my chest. My aorta and pulminary vein are reversed and I only have 3 chambers verses a 'normal heart' with 4 thanks to the mustard procedure i had at 6 hours old) Fast forward...

Just got done finished researching and writing my draft essay on the fall of the textile industry in Charlotte and the rise of banking in 1960-1965. Going to head to bed and hoping to receive some good peer review tomorrow morning class.

I spent all night last night on the bus from Saint Paul to Chicago.  Today I walked around the city with my friends.  We weren't sure what to go to, so I ended up calling up my dad, as he knows the city and I don't.  Last time I have been to Chicago I was 1 year old.  We visited a park in the suburbs and a Chinatown mini-market.  I got my sisters birthday presents for their birthday coming up.

After a short 3 hour call the previous night with my....best friend.... I got a PHENOMENAL amount of sleep, and the break could not be off to a better start!   I (clap) LOVE (clap) MY (clap) SLEEP (clap) GIRL (clap)!   See, getting to fall asleep is the most difficult part for me, usually taking me an hour just to fall asleep, but once I am asleep, GIRL, I AM KNOCKED OUT! Truly, sleep is what I am most excited to do when I get home from work. Especially when I go from an eight-hour day at school STRIGHT to work, like, sleep over homework every single day, I am being so for real girl. My fellow Americans, stand with me to ensure people get the amount of sleep they deserve, NOW :D   Anyways, I am downing an iced coffee and watching Hairspray, cause I be living the life...

Spent most of my day yesterday attempting to figure out the issue with my car. I'm fairly certain that I'm gonna need a new motor. Either get a new used car and hope it doesn't do a similar move or repair this car and hope that nothing else major occurs (decisions decisions). Still honestly just fortunate to be in good health. I spent time working on my blocks stances and working on my balance. I've been watching Are You Being Served? and playing my Gamecube. I will probably attempt to source some motors and or junk my car ASAP so I can get things back on the right track. 

It was a regular school day today and I got lunch with my friends afterschool. After that I went and did my requirements and showered. I didn’t have much homework so it was a rest night.