Candidate Journals

During my exploration of the of the Kannapolis galaxy, I came across these fascinating creatures that drive great speeds in their rolling transporters, while performing incredible feats of hair care, talking into their communication devices, and applying layers of paint to their faces. As I watched carefully, there were plenty of encouraging spectators from other vehicles, making cheerful goose noises, and displaying the way to heaven with a single finger. I thought to myself, what a wonderful and endearing people with such amazing capabilities of careful multitasticity. If only all the systems out there could feel the love and joy this one gives to their fellow human. With such skill and confidence, I feel assured to cross the road here and SPLAT!   Yes, I'm a little nerdy with my old Star Trek stuff. Don't worry, I don't dress up at night (unless asked to by the wife) or hang out at...

  Today I had a history test. it was pretty hard for a history test. Some of the questions were easy, but other questions were hard. I do not think I failed it. I hope I did good. I also have a math and science test on Friday, Math is ok, but science is pretty hard for me. I hope I do good.

Today I had home school and it was very long. I got done at about 5:00 pm and it was tiring too. After I was done I went out for my two mile run which I did good and worked on requirements for most of the evening. 

Today was the first day of March.It was  a  release day. I got out of school at 12:15. Today is a good day.

Busy! Busy! Busy! So much to do! Just as we're feeling good about doing something well and that it's going really good, the next immediate step is pivoting and moving onto the next. :) 

I tested for kids for their new belts today at the dojang and I enjoy it every time but I feel like I could improve more on my testing lay out to make it more fun for the student and the parent watching. Makes me feel great whenever a student breaks their board and earn their belt. 

My rest and relaxation day is over. Back to work tomorrow... Starting to doubt the wisdom of doing 2 days of classes and then instructor camp, but thus is life on the cycle... 

It happens every year, Instructors Camp. And every year I have to brace myself for the roller coaster that goes with it. For me, it's a test of my patience and humility. It's a lot of fun most of the time, but there are some times and some people that test my resolve, and make me feel like I am back in basic training again. One of the reasons I am self employed is freedom. Freedom from others making decisions in my life. I enjoyed my time in service, but no way in hell will I go back to being under someones thumb again. So I remind myself, to breathe, and find my happy place, when others wish to pull me around by the nose. Never lose the smile, and never let anyone take away the joy of life. Laugh at those who try.  I'm a bit tired so this will...

Today was a long day.  It took a long time for my mom to pick me up from school.  I took a long nap on the way home.  I am falling asleep on the Presidents long speech.  But, I reached all of my goals!

today is Tuesday so I went to tae kwon do and did black belt class it was cool we did almost everything up to green belt and did some new stretches. It was kinda cool.

 Maaaannnn, I really need to work getting more and more poomsaes and self-defenses done each day. On the contrary, it's a good thing that I got a good amount of everything else I got done. I was listening to the morning show on the way to school and I was so positive they said today was gonna be another cold day and tomorrow be another warm one but it was the other way around. So I was really hot when we went outside during lunch and I had my coat on. Which was THERMA based and meant for really cold weather. Man, I'm not sure what's going on with February this year. I keep saying that it's "Global Warming" but my parents disagree. They say it's just nature. I actually can't really remember what they said. Well, that's my short term memory for ya. I wish I could remember things more...

Today was a regular day. I got my grades back on my quizzes and I did two miles today. I just need to catch up on my push-ups and sit-ups. Also my burpees are really low so I need to do a lot of those. But my running is getting better each day so that is at least going well. But overall, I had a pretty good day.

Today I did a lot but it is just one day. At school we did a lot of math. Today is a good day

Tomorrow in math 1 we're going to launch fruit in the air with a slingshot.OK. For real, in WHAT WAY, will launching a mango achieve and help you in life??? Like, will someone walk up to you and ask, hey, you wanna throw some oranges with a slingshot? At least our brains are getting a break from all this quadratic equation solving.(So hard). Then I have a half day after that Then I'm not going to school on Friday cuz of Instructors camp since we leave at noon.(From what I've heard, correct me if I'm wrong). So thats like, two days of not using my brain. That's a vacation. Plus, I found my world series Indian's jacket that I almost lost. I was so worried and scared over the weekend(I lost it on Friday) I'm not sure how I made it. Thankfully my friend who's a Cub's fan, which is really...

Today...... What happened today? Well, it started off dark, then got light, then dark again. Some days it seems that way, the day flies by and I don't even realize it's gone. They say, the days go by faster as you get older because of the lack of new experiences in your life. So the ticket would be, do something different every day. Probably trickier then it sounds. I can't even think of a new skill that's not lame. Connor and I were ready to kill each other on the run. I told him the days of doing one mile a day are at an end. He felt whole heartedly that I couldn't do math and we had plenty of time to run single mileage days. So the second mile consisted of me practically kicking him along the road for him to run another mile. The few neighbors we have were...

We are in the final week before instructors camp. This year I will not touch Spark! Monster energy or bust (spark does something weird to me where I feel like I am having an out of body experience). For some reason my right knee doesn't want to work well right now. Foster you experiencing the same problem? 

Today was a very busy day. I had to get my work done before school ended.  After school, my mom, sister, and I went to Walmart. Then unto Tae Kwon Do. At TKD, I reached all of my goals for the day! Now, I'm ready for bed. Good night!

today we went to a camp where we had a job and we sold lots of ting for different prices and we all had fun jobs my  jo was the CEO of utilities you heard me CEO so fun we had to sine bills get bills and sign different papers to.

At the dojang today we had some of our teenage students helping out in class today, and they did a good job helping. But I want to figure out ways to help them grow in their teaching and newer ways to help on the mat something for me to contemplate.

Today was a busy day. I have to do a lot of work. A lot of homework and sit-ups. Today was a busy day.  

Today we went to BizTown in uptown Charlotte. When we got there, we went down underground to a room with shops. We went to our shops and were told to read our checklist of stuff that we needed to. My job was a physician at urgent care. My main job was the send out bills to the CFOs of each business. I also had a few patients who came to me and said they needed a check up. This was a really fun field trip and I learned a lot. 

Today at school we had a different schedule. We had our classes in the elementary building instead of the middle school building. Also our classes were at different times too. We got out at 2:30 in the afternoon also when we usually get out at 3:30. Today was a crazy day.

Awesome day today! Went on a hike at crowders mountain. Something i dont do very frequently.  Turned out to be very enjoyable, looking forward to doing it again at a later date.

Well the weekend came and went very fast. Why does the week drag on and yet the weekend seems to fly by without even saying hello? Instructor Camp is almost here... 

I used to look forward to the weekend to relax and recharge. That seems like a long forgotten dream, like the one on the stranded island being fed grapes by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Or something like that. Saturday, sparring at 9, black belt at 10:45, get home, eat, then go to Connor's soccer game, get home, run, then requirements. Felt like a a dog with peanut butter on his tail, trying to lick it off. Sunday, the supposed day of rest, started with church, then I had to run up to Lake Norman to take care of the lawn at our rental house. February, and I'm doing lawn maintenance already. And of course, there's always fifteen other items that need repair to adjusting. I get home, a little tired, and my lovely wife is all smiles in the driveway. She just bought a tree at Lowes, and guess who gets...

Today my dad and I had to work at the lake house. When we got there I had to get all of the leaves out of the pool. It took me about fifteen minutes to get it done. After the lake house I had to get my homework done which took about thirty minutes. So today was a day full of work.

today me and my team had a soccer game (a friendly in technical terms) to prepare for our soccer games next weekend and we won like 8-0. I was goaly and did not get scored on but i did not score a goal but we won!

I'm not feeling good about this cycle. Today I barely got anything done. Just pushups, sit-ups, and running. And some pull ups. That's all. Nothing else. I feel like this has been the worst week ever. I'm not sure why though. I just wanna get it over with already. The week that is, not the cycle.

today after we ate dinner we looked at our check our meal was no correct it was to low because one of our meals where over 20 dollars but not on the check we asked our water and she said that the manager had paid for our meal(just ours) :) 

I had so much fun with my family in NY!  We left yesterday, but our flight was delayed.  While I was there, I worked on my requirements.  My mom and I ran 3.06 miles in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. I really enjoyed the trip.

Today I ran the block with my brother and sister only. Then my brother did not want to walk and I was at 1.8. My dad walked the rest with me and my sister. Today was a good day.

I have been working hard on doing my acts of kindness. I give my parents extra hugs whenever I can. I even let my brother get what he wants even if I wanted it. It makes me feel very good when I do acts of kindness.

Class went very well today. Did a lot of review on the stick forms, which was much needed.  Overall a very nice day!

What will history say about my generation? The other day, I was listening to one of the founders of the school the boys attend, and she was talking about the post Christian generation that many sociology professors are referring to this current generation. That gave me some pause as I let that simmer on the top burner. Post Christian generation. That's sad and scary in my book. Now I'm not going to convert anyone over this blog to have peace and life everlasting. That's a journey that every man, woman, and child should walk, and a desire to find the answers of faith through research, and put what they really know on trial. I would hope for my generation, which I believe is generation X, would leave this world knowing they started out as rebellious knuckleheads, but found a deeper meaning along the way. I started off pretty stupid. I was doing my...

I had my friends of over ten years came over tonight and it always amazes me even though we don't see each other very often we always act like we saw each other yesterday. 

I made it to sparing this morning... WOOT! I am going to sleep well tonight. 

so today i went to soccer after going to blackbelt and saw my friend she then asked her mom and my dad if she could come over. Her mom and my dad said yes so i got to spend almost 3 hours with her  we played hide and seek and played in my backyard soon after her arival my other friend came over and he played with us. It was so much fun!!

today I got to finally get to play at my soccer team friend's house d whose name is Chelsea.  she had her vietnaese cousins over at the house and the don't speak English very well so my friend had to translate while we were painting, it was fun even though I could not talk to them directly.  we played football out side and ate crawfish brains for dinner, yes I did say brains, and may were the yummy!!!  I want to eat that again!

Going to play some mind games this evening at an escape room. Hopefully we'll get out! 

Today when I woke up I was really tired I could barley think. I had so much trouble being awake. When I had orange juice it woke me fully so I was ready for my classes. I had a soccer game in the afternoon and my team lost by two points. Today turned out to be a great day besides my tiring start.

Today I went to sparring. Sparring is 1 hour and 30 minutes. It starts a 9:00 and ends at 10:30. I also went to black belt class. Today was a good day. 

Good day and class today! We went over all of the color belt curriculum for our inevitable pre-test.  I am prepared for whenever it comes!

Today, Connor and I had to finish his Rube Goldberg project. So far it's pretty cool, but the time flew a little faster than expected and we didn't get finished. It's that whole stopping for food thing that kills me. When I am in project mode, I don't want to stop for anything. Meteors could be crashing all around me and I will keep screwing the pieces together and aligning everything just right. It's a bloody curse, because it's driving me nuts looking at this project uncompleted on the floor of the basement, starring at me, mocking me. But Connor went to bed and I think he might notice in the morning if it was all completed and working flawlessly. Though, I don't think he would really care. I guess it's a principle thing being his project and all. I guess he's a little too old to believe in the project...

I know I have said this multiple times and when my alarm goes off at 8 am I turn it off and go back to bed, but I swear this time will be different! I am going to make it to saturday sparing... I guess some people will find out tomorrow if I keep this promise... 

I just don't understand...It's like computer will only say I'm green if I'm at 10,000 and it's really annoying me. Even though I am in the green, every time I see the screen, RED,RED,RED and it really disappoint's me. I've been having a really bad day today too but I won't describe because it just really breaks me down thinking about it. I hope y'all had a good day. Honestly, just another day in middle school. 

today I got to help out with testing it was a lot of fun YAY

Today my sister tested for her new belt. My sister tested for her red belt. She got her red belt. Today is a good day.

I am finally on the website had some trouble logging my requirements on but I have been working hard for a while now and I am ready to get my masters! I have been really excited to finish my cycle!

Today I had to work on my school project a lot. I am building a machine for my project and this is the last week to work on it. For school, today is project day. I hope I get a good grade on the project.

So today was sparing day, and somehow i got cut on the side of my right palm. Didn't realize it until after the round was over and my hand stung a little... I look down and what do you know, there is blood all over my pants. Sprayed some Shout on the blood, let it soak in cold water and oxiclean and then ran a gentle cycle and what do you know.. The blood is Gone! Billy Mays would have been proud! 

Floods in California, spring in February, snow storms raging up north. What an odd winter we are having. I just got off the phone with my parents who live in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, and they are finally enjoying a couple of sunny days after weeks of constant down pours. The highway that connects them to the town has been shut down due to flooding. It's been a crazy mess there. And the funny thing is, California has been suffering from a severe drought for the last decade. I'm not sure if I admire my parents living and staying in California or think they are just idiots. The state of rolling blackouts, super high taxes, earthquakes, forest fires, mud slides, and now, major flooding, and they want to live there? I grew up there, and it is a beautiful area. Great weather, the beach, great skiing, and lots to...

Even though it is indeed Thursday, for some reason it really feels as though it is a Friday. Today at school we read about someone named Dorothy Counts and then we wrote a letter to her. Turns out she was the very first black woman to go to Harding High. Though after 4 days, she quit because of white men stoning and flipping her car. Calling her and only knowing her as the n word. And she just knew right away she didn't belong. Her parents sent her to Harding High to get the best education that she could get and what did she get in return? Discrimination to her race. I'm really just not sure how someone can be so rude. Really, what's the point of it? It doesn't do anything in return for you so why do it? It really is just stupid.

I almost forgot to do my journal. I made a rock cycle project. Today is a good day.

Today I my dad woke me up early for school. I accidentally fell back to sleep and almost did it again but I caught myself. I was super tired today and could barely think. Luckily, going to school woke me up and got me ready for the day. I did my requirements and went to bed.

We are about to leave for the airport!  We are going to NY to celebrate my grandpa's birthday and his nomination for runner of the year!  I hope he wins!

Pretty good day today. I have been sleeping a lot more than usual, not sure what to attribute that to... Planning on doing some conditioning in sparring class tomorrow. Should be a good day!

This was a great way to spend my birthday. I'm done with going out, parties, or celebrations. A quiet day at home with the family, and then some Tae Kwon Do with my son. I think I disappointed the wife though. I think she was looking forward to going out for dinner. When she asked me where I wanted to go to eat, hint hint, I pointed at the kitchen and said, I'm where I want to be. So we had tacos and then she gave me my own apple pie (I don't do cake). I almost couldn't move after the pie, but it was time to get to class. So we rolled into class feeling like I was about to burst in a most undignified way. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I got a wheel barrow. Finally, I have something to put the wood into after I chop it...

Thankfully this week is finally half over, it needs to end finally. I don't know about everyone else but this week seems to be dragging on and on and on. Instructor Camp is almost only 1 week away and everyone knows what that means! A weekend without sleep! 

Moon's little brother left back for China yesterday. Household is feeling empty and lonely. I always say that it's not goodbye, just see you later. :) Looking towards finishing the week strong! 

My friends helped me get 2 miles of running done today. When they came over for a visit, they brought their scooters and we went out with my dad around the neighborhood. It was exciting because I was faster than them.

Today was a long homeschool day. I finished at about 4:00 pm. Once I was done I went to bed and got some rest and had tacos for dinner. I finally found a mentee so this cycle might be going well.

Wednesday, the best day of the week. Now, I LOVE running, like, it's one of my favorite things, but my calves do need a break every now and then. This is going to be my one break per week from now on. I really need to continue going to the gym in the mornings after the cycle just not every day. Especially since it's not as important.

  This week is going great so far. The only test I had this week was a math test, and I think I did  pretty good on it. Tomorrow on Thursday I have a choir competition in charlotte, so I will miss the whole day of school. The bad part is that I have to wear a tuxedo all day, but I get to miss school. I am not really worried because I don't have any tests so I don't have to make them up. I am really enjoying this week.

Today there was not that many things to do. I went to sparring today it was great. I am also starting the written test. Today was a good day!

As many of you might have heard before, one of my favorite sayings is "What you got in your pack, is what you got in your pack." It's an expression about preparedness. If you going into the woods and plan on being there for a while, what you planned and packed will be essential to your survival or maybe your comfort. There are two main types of camping. Backpacking with the guys and family camping. Both will have very different challenges and obstacles. The guys (or gals if you prefer) backpacking trips are usually going to have something significant to overcome, or something to kill and eat while it still moves (ok, a little over the top on the last one). It's all about cutting your pencils in half to save on the weight of your pack, looking at the map legs you are traveling and pushing all boundaries. It's going...

Today I had a 30 question long test on imperialism in Africa and China. I mean, I understand how it was big back then and started a lot of things like the Sepoy revolt and the Opium War and the Boxer rebellion but how will this stuff affect my daily life? Or, how will annotating a book affect my daily life? I mean, we call it talking to the text but, it doesn't even talk back like, dude, where are your manners? At least I got in a demo class and got some rolls and falls today with other requirements.

at school we are doing ja biz town an my job Is the ceo of utilities and I make the most money in all a whopper of$ 9.00 a week

Today started good then went down hill. I first went to school and forgot my glasses in my locker so i could not see the bored. Then at the end of the day i went to after school and forgot my uniform at school and could not do my after school class. Luckily i have "super mom"(her words not mine) and she went and got them. 

No real update for today. I am taking Tuesdays off from class to try to relax and reflect on myself. To bad meditation isn't required anymore because I would probably have already finished up the entire required time in the past few weeks. 

Today I finished my requirements for training and did some extra pushups and sit ups for a total of 210 of each. I am really proud of myself for getting all of my things done in one day. Training is hard but I can do it.

Today we went back to school. I was awesome. For English class I have to do a project. I finished it. I just need to print my thank you. I printed it. It was a butterfly it looked like gems were in it. Today I am going to black belt class. I hope we get a lot of things done in black belt class. I am going to try to get there early. When it is black belt class I am in the back because I am a 0 degree black belt. My English project is about figurative language. Today at school I had science lab. My class was digging for fossils. I got the biggest pot and my pot was the biggest. I found a lot of shark teeth and dolphin teeth my pot had the most shark teeth. If we found something we wanted we had a bag to put the thing...

Another Monday has come and gone. Only 4 more days til the weekend, Right? I guess the older you get the more you realize the weekends are just a reminder that the week is about to start all over again. 

Today was such a nice day outside. So I made good use of it and went on a nice run with my mom. It was tiring because I have been using treadmill's at a gym[(Planet Fitness)really good one] and hadn't run on the greenway in a little while. Plus we forgot to bring a water bottle. I didn't get as much requirements as I had planned today but that's fine cuz I still got in a good amount.

I enjoy studying about leadership. There's something fascinating about someone who naturally has people follow them with little effort. It's like they have something contagious that others want. I read this book about the 21 characteristics of leadership. Very interesting read. One of the main characteristics that always pop up is compassion. Most would think it would be strength of will or something. But having compassion on your fellow man or woman allows you to lead in a meaningful way. While in the service, I had the opportunity and the discomfort of following different kind of leaders. There were the ones who said, "Look at my stripes, now do as I say." They never earned respect of their followers. Great leaders never force their will on others. Their followers would follow them into hell itself because they want to, because their leader cared enough about them. Honor, is also one of...

Today I found out that our next door neighbor is moving. He had two dogs and they both died in the last three months. He lost his job and is moving to DC.  I wish he could leave his Corvette here.

Since I went to Disney last week, I have been doing school work for most of the day. I still didn't get done with all of it, so I'll have some extra homework tomorrow. It was really nice outside, and it was hard to keep focus on my work. 

today for my new skill i learned how o do origami and mastered making a butterfly so I did a good job today.

Today I started my new skill essay. My new skill was making waffles. I have not finished my essay get but I will. Today is a good day. 

Today I had a day off from school because of Presidents' day. I went to Defy Gravity with my friends and we had lots of fun on the trampolines although I hurt my heels on a trampoline. After playing at Defy Gravity we went to a store nearby that sells used stuff. I bought a wooden bird for $6 and Erik bought some Pokemon cards. 

Been incubating the idea of leadership at our studio. Everyone seems to talk about it in a vague way. I'll be defining it and clearly setting some actionable steps we want to see from our students. Get it Monday!

Hello my King Tiger family. I'm still feeling like the something that sticks to the bottom of your shoe, but it's time to drive on. For those I read who are getting concerned about all the red on the requirements, it's not as bad as you might think, though red is still not the goal. I believe the website has us finishing on the physical and written test. Because when I did the math, (the old math, not the new math) we should almost all be in the green. Double check on that. If I'm wrong, I blame the California public school system. They are the ones that led me astray. Man, what a beautiful day. It's like a Hollywood winter. You know, when the movie has snow and ice on the ground but nobody is feeling the cold. Or when the actors are trapped in a cave but there's still...

I got up at 9:30 today feeling ready for the day. I worked on my school project and went to the store for supplies. Tonight I went over to my friend's house and we grilled hamburgers over a fire. They tasted delicious! I had five burgers total. This was an excellent day.

Today was very productive i did soccer practice and saw all my buddies on my team. I also did lots of running. I got caught up in push-ups sit-ups pomsas and self defenses. I got a lot done 

today I had soccer in the scrimmage in the first half my team was loosing 1 to 4 but then in the second half we were coming back at the end of the scrimmage the new score was nine to six WE WONE total comeback 

Today I did my new skill. Tomorrow I am going to write my essay. I took pictures of the waffle making. I am going to add the pictures in the essay. Today is my new skill day.

I really, Really, REALLY, need to catch up on poomsaes. I mean, honestly I'm doing terrible on those. I'm feelin good about my milage though. But man, I'm red across the board. I've been forgetting to journal so I hope that doesn't put me back too bad. Well, I hope you guys are green across the board.

After breakfast I ran 4 miles on the Greenway with my Far and my little brother Erik. I was tired at end but it felt really good. I am proud of having run 4 miles.

I am ready for Sunday, my one day to truly relax and try to prepare myself for another week of work. Can everyday be Sunday from now on? 

Pretty good day today! Classes went awesome today and had long birthday party for Christian Hartle! Tomorrow is going to be a hard work day. Finally got over my "contagion"!

I guess it's looking like it might be my turn to be coming down with something. I've been fortunate so far, but when your traveling and living in a motor home, there's no escaping the sick people. Had a great time in sparring. Got some good rounds in and a good work out. Black belt class was fun as well. After coming home, I worked on cleaning the motor home, then had to chop some wood for a fire tonight. After that, had to make dinner because the wifie is really sick. It was a taco rice night. One of my specialties. Then, requirements, requirements, and some more requirements. So much harder when your not feeling good. Hope everyone out there is staying healthy. God bless and be well.

Today my dad woke me up early because we had to go to sparring class and black belt class. I was really tired and felt like I needed more sleep. I actually woke up a little so I was ready for class. Today was a very slow and tiring day for me.

Yesterday I had to leave school early because I wasn't feeling well. This afternoon I feel much better but I had to miss sparring and black belt class. I am looking forward for when my mom comes home from her overnight meeting for work.

Today I went to sparring and black belt class. I loved going to both class. Today is a good day!

today I got to go to parents night out it was a lot of fun to do we got to make forts and have a snow ball fight. For dinner we had PIZZA it was soooooo good after that we got to watch the secret life of pets after that at 9:00 we got picked up and went home it was a very long night but at the same time a very fun night as well!!!!! 

today i had a half day at school and then i got a shot at the doctors. I then went to the tae kwon do parents night out where i watched secrecy life of pets mode forts and had ???? pizza.

Today my family and I got back from Disney World. We had a lot of fun and it took us two days to get home. When we got home I was exhausted from the big trip. We stayed at Disney for four days with our friends the Keiths. We had a good dinner and we are about to go to bed.

Well the vacation is officially over. There is something relieving about that. Fortunately, Trent started feeling better Wednesday morning, so he was able to go out with us and have a good time at Hollywood Studios. We went over to Magic Kingdom Wednesday night so Trent could ride my all time favorite, Space Mountain and a few others. My wife insisted we ride It's a Small World. The boys kept waiting for something cool to happen, it never did. But Space Mountain, that ride and me have some bad history, like oil and vinegar, tofu and southerns, or France and the rest of the world. When I was a kid, I waited in line to ride Space Mountain with my dad and got 3/4 through when the ride broke down. About six years ago, when we took the boys the first time to Disney, I stood in line with Connor to...

Hasn't been a great week, hopefully next week is better. Goodbye Friday, Hello Saturday. Time to try to catch up on some sleep. Who knows, I may even make it to sparing tomorrow. 

Is today Friday or Monday. I thought it was Monday because Monday's are boring. I thought it was boring today. Still today was a good day.

Another busy day. Looking forward to tomorrow's testing and finishing up the dry wall.