Fall 2025 Black Belt Cycle

Candidate Journals

King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Black Belt candidates blog daily about their journey: their thoughts and feelings, their struggles and successes; their pain and their encouragement. Follow along on their journey; words of encouragement are always welcome!

Dear Journ...

Dear Journal. I had an amazing workout in class today, with Master Knight. Lots of kicking. Worked at the Chiropractor's Office today; had an outside client and attended to some family matters. Now i'm Running on empty. And, I get to do it all over again tomorrow. ;0) My Bible Talk Group is meeting tomorrow. We have not met in over 5 weeks. I think my topic will be on Godly Love, which is the same type we should have for one another. I had my cupping session Tuesday to pull out lactic acid, reduce pain and improve the range of motion in my body. I feel much much better. I'm wondering how I can still be sore after so many weeks. Are we done yet!!

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a kid

today this kid was alone and he had no parent or any other person with him so i took him and showed him to my mom she said we would find her mother well we did then i went home and had a salad which was delicious  and i went out for a run which was epic and my friend came over we had so much fun, i really had a great day

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Helping littles ones

I had fun today helping out the little tigers in family class. I also did none stop sit-ups for 30 minutes because i want to get things out of the way 1 by 1. After this its shower time and bed :) I'm tired

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Family Dinner

Tonight I chose to have a family dinner. It's been forever since just the 4 of us have eaten dinner together. So although I still have leadership credits to earn and classes to take, tonight I chose my family. Tae Kwon Do has won a lot of nights. Tonight, the family wins. The past few weeks, I have rarely been able to hear more than short snippets about the kids' days, so it's been good so far tonight to hear about Ben's day at Discovery Place, Jess' world history test and softball tryouts, etc. I got most of my requirements done at lunchtime. Just a few left to finish tonight, so it's time to get on it.

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Had a long...

Had a long day today, went to school had to wear my JROTC uniform. i look pretty good in it though, but then i had to stay after for feild day practice and o my gosh am i sore. i cant feel my legs and my hands hurt like crazy from doing flexed arm hangtime. then i have to go to sparring class and after that i have to go to diving practice. i am going left and right working out so much.

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Running

I got up at 4:30 this morning & went for my run in believe it or not, 54 degrees (cloudy). There are two surprises in that statement... one was the temperature and the other more significant one was the use of the word run and not the phrase run/walk. That's right BABY!! I ran (without any, not one, walk breaks) my entire 1.5 mile loop!!!! Today was not about speed, which I still slightly beat my time of Monday and Tuesday, however, I wanted to be able to do the whole distance running no matter what time I got. And I DID IT!!!!!! I was a little overdressed. Not complaining about temperature, just stating that I got hot with the long sleeves on. Now on to pushups and situps before shower. Have a great day!!!

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Hump day!!...

Hump day!!! Halfway through the week! Spin falls early in the morning mess me up. My lower back is sore again and I'm trying to stretch it out but pain is all that I feel. No worries, nothing like a little ice on the back to make the pain go away. It's definitely a reoccurring injury but I'll be okay. Just can't kick so high with my right leg. Looking forward to career day at Landsdowne Elementary tomorrow.

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Btw...doin...

Btw...doing pushups and squats and kicks with one leg is sooooo hard :o

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I am crippled!!

Aahhh...I hav a sprianed knee which also may be fractured :( but that will not stop me from doing my requirments. This will be an extra painful week. But I have no choice but to push through. These next 5 weeks will be intense!!

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Tired!

I am just tired. A storm came last night and it was very loud. It took me a little bit of time to go back to sleep. I've been doing a lot of requirements so I don't get behind and my body aches. I saw today that I have gotten all of my requirements in some stuff. Woooo hoooo!!! That made me glad. Even though I am tired....I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

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I was 1/4 ...

I was 1/4 mile into my run when I stepped on the curb instead of the sidewalk while crossing the street! Of course it was my right foot! I have broken that foot a few too many times! I dont think it is broken! It feels like my arch fell but the arch is still there! I limped all day.Worked on staff forms today. I need a lot more practice on those. And Wang Ho forms too. I mess up in the same spots almost every time! I will get it right eventually.

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Had a good...

Had a good day been working out pretty much all day except when in school hours and when im asleep. I'm doing twice the amount of training then usual. i am doing on top of the black beltcycle, JROTC field training and then on thursdays i have diving practice. i am like soo sore. already half way done with this cycle yayy

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23rd journal entry

What a night! There was a major thunder storm around 2AM. It felt like it was right over my house. The dogs were all bent out of shape, their hearts were pounding so hard. With all of that said another night that my sleep pattern was out the window. I really need to have a good stretch of good night sleep to recharge my batteries. Overall not a bad day got a lot done. I just don't want to get too low on my reserves and then drag the rest of the way.

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Thunder Storm

Wow. Last night was a crazy night. We had a big thunderstorm (as I suspect most of Charlotte did). It scared my 87 pound German Shepherd, Hans, and he kept me awake from 1:30 to 3:00 panting, pacing and jumping on the foot of the bed. I finally got to sleep around 3:00 then when the alarm went off at 4:00 it was still storming and I turned over and went back to sleep. That was not a great move. Even though I woke up later than I intended, I was still able to get in most of my planned requirements before, during and after work and church. I found that I really missed not getting my run in this morning. I realized it set the tone for the day which, I am ashamed to say was kind of negative or shall I say, disappointed. Well, I plan on getting up...

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Full day

Today was a full day. I had to be in the office early in the morning and I had a couple good meetings there, then I went to LKN for noon class. We got in a run, as well as mentor and mentee sessions. Then I worked form home in the afternoon. I got most of my push ups and sit ups as well as a few poomsaes this afternoon while I was thinking about work and doing some planning. Then it was off to teach family class and finish my requirements. My knee seems a bit better today, hopefully it's on the mend.

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Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, IDK who invented Burpees but they must be one twisted person. They are the least favorite of my physical challenges so i must learn to love them...burpees are my friend..Nnnn..negative. I HATE THEM!! For the most part today was a beautiful day. I cant wait for Spring so I can take my running outside. Another on the list of my least favorite thing to do but I am trying to embrace it. We went to the hospital early this morning to visit Cade. Dr's say he wont be home for another week. Still on feeding tube :0(.. I miss him and I dont even know him.

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Wow, what ...

Wow, what a beautiful day it was. Great weather, just what we needed to thaw out and regain focus from the snow last week. Back teaching classes felt great, but definitely have seen the difference of missing a week of taekwondo that made on the students. My body is beginning to fatigue but I'm pushing through by staying well hydrated and stretching for a solid 45 minutes each night. Finding the time is hard but definitely worth the effort.

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Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, Made it through another day of juggling balloons. Baby Chol had a doctor's appointment to check her jaundice level...not sure if okay because results were sent to her primary care physician. My grandson Kash was sick and had to pick him up from the Babysitters (his Mom was in school). Went Crib shopping for an economical crib (wow..with all the accommodations--mattress, railings, etc., its almost a mortgage payment).. Not sure if okay because results were sent to her primary care physician. Another Dr's visit schedule for Thursdays. Had my PMAA and BB Class tonight. Could barely keep my eyes open. Fulfilled my physical requirements. Now I have to learn to upload documents in dropbox. Lord help me. Til Tomorrow.

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My feet an...

My feet and calves are sore! 5 rounds of jump rope with 30 seconds to rest in between rounds! I did a mentee and a mentor session today! Inst. Schneider is an awesome mentor! She always grabs me as soon as class is over and makes me do poomsaes or self defenses.

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injury!

Messed up my knee vary badly today :( gonna be wearing a knee brace for a while... ugh..only able to do half my requitments than I usually do :/ oh well

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23rd journal entry

I had a better sleep last night, but I could of slept a little longer. We had a make up weekday black belt class today (thank you Master Chelley and Master Conrad), due to al the snow days making us fall behind on this requirement.

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23rd journal entry

I had a better sleep last night, but I could of slept a little longer. We had a make up weekday black belt class today (thank you Master Chelley and Master Conrad), due to al the snow days making us fall behind on this requirement.

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Today was ...

Today was overall not a bad day, but very long. Starts out with getting up and going to school, went through the day with all my classes. Then i had to stay after school for field day training for JROTC. I am the best female that can hold the longest hang time but i still need to work on it. i do the most sit-up than any of the girls. Me and my partner Brooke we do a fast three legged race. And then there's horse and rider, I'm not the best at that but my group and i will improve we have a month to go. then i had gone home and ran 2 miles then did my homework, and finally at the end of everything went to class and PMAA class.

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Make up

Tonight we had a BB make up class, then PMAA class. I had all my push ups, sit ups, burpees, etc done at noon time today along with a few poomsaes. Then tonight I went for a run, went to BB class, had a mentor and mentee session, then PMAA class. I have just a bit of my cold left, but feel nearly normal...just a headache, cough, and runny nose left. My knee still flares up, but it doesn't hurt too bad. The swelling is more of an uncomfortable feeling. Basketball for the kids is finally over! On to spring sports. Jess is trying out for the softball team this week. So that changes the schedule around a bit...keeps me on my toes!

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My Report

I did a report on Charlotte E. Ray today at school. It went great. But when I got home, I ran 2 miles, 80 push ups and sit ups, 150 kicks, studied, jump rope, and meditation. Pretty sure I am getting better on pull ups, not to mention doing 10 today. Even through hard and painful times, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

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tuesday

today i went to school and I had a weird my teacher said that i was going to have school on Saturday which made me sad because i cant go to black belt class this Saturday what a *bumer* i cant go to any class on saturday well i will have homework on saturday thats what all my teachers said i went to my science class and i found out that i had a needle inside my skin in my elbow i went to there nurse and she pulled it out it was a real needle not a blister! so when i went to gyms the teacher said i could not run i felt sad but i could play the game which made me happy and made my day i had a wonderful day

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Tuesday

Wow. I have done it again. Two days in a row. Today I got up at 4:30 and went for my MOSTLY run/little walk in the 32 degrees dark. Not only did I go... wait for it.... I beat yesterday's time!!!! My running distance increased significantly and focused breathing was better. Thank you to all my friends/mentors that ran with me. Master Rome Chin Beightol, Master Terrance Evins, Master Jason Honeycutt, Amy Giles Tucker, Master James Thamm, Pam Goley Russ, Master Robert Shin, Emily Monday Brinkley, Maria Sharpe Jordan, Alex Kendall, Kate Aberman and Joyce Mathers Sarvis. Your voices all were there encouraging today and yesterday. Reminding me that I could rest after I got home, that I could make that hill, to relax and enjoy the run and that I could do this. Thanks guys/gals. I hope you enjoyed your run with me :-)Also, I had several people over the...

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White Belt day one

It felt good to get back to class today.  I started my white belt challenge week.  Some of the higher belt students immediately recognized what I was doing and made some jokes about the new kid in class... some of the lower belts looks at me bewildered and asked why I was wearing a white belt.  I explained.  Lining up in the back of the room I realize how bad my eye sight and hearing are.  I may have to wear my glasses during class this week.  Being a bochodan at a Black Belt class is similar.  I have a hard time seeing and hearing there too.  I worked on the single stick poomsae tonight. I really should know this, I do not understand why I have such a difficult time remembering this form. Something about having a stick in my hand, my brain is not catching on.... Another task I need...

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Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, Is it me or does it seem like the days are running into each other (e.g., my days and nights and weekdays and weekends)? I am really greatlful forthe ability to wake up and start over. Worked til 6pm; helped out in 6:45pm class; finally met with my Mentee and went over sparring combinations. Yeaaah.... It felt good. I really enjoy helping others. It helps me not focus so much on self.

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I wanted t...

I wanted to do more on my White Belt Challenge since most of it was snow days so I did Kwon Sool 50 times! It took me about 35 minutes. I still start with my right hand every once in a while. As an Instructor I have done it mirroring more than I have the correct way. Same with Chagi Sool. I step with my right foot all the time.

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Cool

Today was cool. It wasnt too cold outside and I was inside cozy all day. The only bad part is that we had to go to school on PRESIDENTS DAY. WE should never have school on presidents day, we must honor are presidents, not sitting around learning about volcanos.

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A Whole Lotta Work and Snow

The past week has been VERY busy. I somehow got behind on my requirements and had a lot of stuff to make up. While I was snowed in, my Mom had me doing a BUNCH of requirements. I have been doing pull-ups, sit ups, push ups, poomsaes, self-defenses, and on and on and on.....man have I been tired. But, I know it's because she wants me to do well. Today I was really frustrated because I have also been working on a project for school while I've been on cycle and I was just ready to give up. My Mom asked me if I was a quitter and it really made me feel bad. I said "'NOPE" I'm not, and I finished my project. I am kind of not happy because I have to do a presentation on Thursday night for school and will miss Black Belt class but...school comes fIrst....

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Had an aws...

Had an awsome day today went to school and saw my friends that i havent seen since last tuesday. went home went for a 2 mile run i scared my dad, he didnt know where i was because i was out on a run and i didnt tell anyone. got home and i had told him that i wrote on the board saying that i was on a run but he didnt see it. then i went to take my classes at lake norman went home and took a shower, and now i am going to go to bed

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22nd journal entry

Had very little sleep last night I thought that I was going to drag all day today, but after being at the dojang and getting things going I actually got quite a bit done. I'm going to bed earlier today I don't think that I can keep up the rest of the week at the same level if I don't catch up with my sleep.

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Holiday Monday

Today was a normal workday for me, but both kids were off school, so it didn't feel like a normal work day. I ran for the first time in several days due to being sick and the weather. About 3/4 mile in my knee started to hurt. It swelled up just enough to be annoying later in the day. I got both a mentoring session in and got a mentee session in..thank goodness. I'm behind in sessions with my mentor. I'll try to get caught up on those this week. I got to family class early and got some requirements in beforehand, then taught family class and got a lot of requirements in during that class as well. So I just have a few min worth to do before bed! Yeah!

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Monday

Good morning. I am very proud so of myself. I got up at 4:30 this morning to work on requirements, specifically running. I got new running shoes Saturday. I did not do many requirements yesterday. Yesterday afternoon I had two meetings, one of which was very disturbing and left me in a bad place emotionally. I am not saying it will be completely over in 5 months but it will be a lot better when I will not need to deal with this individual anymore. I wish I could say that I went for a run right after that but I had another meeting back at church and had to attend to that. That said, I did get up this morning and go for my 1.5 mile run/walk in 37 degree weather. I am very pleased with my run this morning. I am getting better at listening to my body and...

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Went hard ...

Went hard today and worked out by myself for about 1.5 hours. Practiced portions of my planned workout for instructor's camp and all of my wang ho forms. Finding the practical uses for the forms is difficult for me to see yet, but I'm going to keep at it until I figure it out.

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A New Day

A new day but I woke up this morning feeling blue...  The emotional drain from yesterday is lingering. It was nice to  see the sun shining and being able to get outside.  Still a Little cool I think but much better than it has been.  I was surprised to find an area towards the end of our road that is still completely covered in snow/ice/sludge.  It stays shaded all day so it may be a day or two before it is all gone.  My dog and I trudged through.  She was very happy to be outside today too.  It will be good to go to TKD class tomorrow. With all the weather and illness it feels like such a long time since we've been. No holiday as originally planned for school, they have a makeup day.  I have to go uptown to renew my Notary Oath.  I never enjoy having to go...

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21st journal entry

All the stretching that we did in Black Belt class yesterday left me sore (in a good way), it made my requirements today a little more challenging. It was a very pleasant day today. I got three of my essays done, this is something that if you wait until the last minute it will bite you on the rear. So for those of you that have not gotten started I recommend that you get it done.

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Fresh

I went to the mall. Got some cool new clothes and I got some new shoes. Nothing big, but they sold out already. Anyways now, Im watching the all-star game, basketball. Its pretty interesting, I wait all year for the all-star game and now its finally come. IT MUST BE FEBURARY.

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out for a week

we are out again. tomorrow. from last tuesday to this monday. wow. I got a project due tuesday........ soooooooo, i am gonna do it. NEVER GIVING UP is my new motto.

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Had a good...

Had a good day today did my requirments started working on my essays today. i decided i needed a break and went outside and to my longboard out for a little ride. then my family and i went out for dinner at house of tipaei however you spell it. went home and ate some ice cream while watching weekend at bernies. then now i am b=going to bed to get some good sleep for school tomorrow

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Snowboarding Support Crew

Today I was the snowboarding support crew. I am still not 100 percent, but I did feel better today. I drove Scott and the kids to Sugar Mountain and helped them get on the slopes. Then Roxy and I went for a 3 mile walk/hike in an around the resort. My knee wasn't swollen this am, but it did swell up during our walk. Then I wrote another essay. We met the crew for lunch, then after lunch I found a spot on the snow covered golf course to work on my creative poomsae. Then I needed to rest my knee, but within 30 min the crew was ready to head home. I drove them home and started the laundry. I had recorded the Michigan basketball game, so we watched that and I did requirements. Now it's time to do some more requirements, finish the laundry, and get to bed. I...

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sunday

today was an amazing day, i went to church and went to eat at applebees but i ordered a salad it was healthy!i did some requirements, i got a little bit more to go. i went to the mall and got some awesome pair of Jordan's it was not cheap it was really expensive  i drank water all day and it seems that when i drink water i feel much more better than always.i played a board game with my dad it was (*sequence*)   it was pretty fun i won 3 times my dad won 3 times to we were going to go for the 4th but it was getting boring so i went upstairs and stared doing my journals thats how my day went today  

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Dear Journ...

Dear Journal. My grand-daughter, Chol, is home! And life as we know it is over.. lol. She's a little underweight and need to be fed every2-3 hours. She's perfect she doesnt cry so we find ourselves staying awake to make sure she's breathing. Coming up with a schedule is gonna be challenging. Beautiful day out. Ran and did 2/3rds of physical requirements; Went to church; stopped at the Minute Clinic to check my pressure (been feeling a little run down). Doc told me pressure is fine and that i need rest. LOL... What is that I said! Anyway.. Gonna try to nap before my two outside Massage Appointments. Really trying to get the hang of journaling during the day verses putting it off til night time, (im failing miserably at that.). Any advice from Past and Present Candidates?

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Exausting Day

Never thought I would know a day when I would have rather that I had spent the day at sparring class...I wish I was so tired because of a super physical workout.  My exaustion is not physical though, Its mental, its emotional.  I spent my day at the funeral home, and grave sight, with family and friends at the church, and gathering in the home with family.  A long day, Such a sad day.  My heart is heavy.  Parents should not bury their children.  I did some requirements this morning before heading out.  I found I was distracted.  I did some more when I got home late tonight but now I'm so tired...and still distrracted.  In a way it has helped though, it felt good to be doing something physical.    Tomorrow i hope to get alot of catching up done.  Our road is clear...I think it will be good to...

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Feb-15

Great day after the snow. Black belt class was hard and challenging, as it should be. :) Mr. Graham is such a great partner, as I see him try hard, it just makes me want to try even harder. Finished nebujin 2 today and will be practicing that non-stop. Legs feel great but there is a slight pain in the right shin. I iced it and it should be okay. Looking forward to tomorrow.

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My hips ar...

My hips are sore! I cant wait until I can do a jump turning hook kick and land in the splits! When I kick hard and fast I can kick pretty high! But when I do it slow It sucks! Why am I flexible fast but not slow?

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Cranky

I'm sick and cranky. I had a fever last night and my nose is a leaky faucet. I'm exhausted from blowing my nose all day. I had to stuff tissues in my nose while doing push ups and burpees so that I didn't drip on the floor. I spent about 2 1/2 hrs researching for my history of Korea essay today as well. I need to get started on my creative poomsae as well. As soon as I feel like I'm making decent progress, I'm reminded of all the requirements left and suddenly I'm feeling overwhelmed again.

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Saturday

Whew. I went to Black Belt class today and stayed for sparring class. I really enjoyed working with Mrs. Jolly in both classes. Afterwards I came home and Hans and I went for a 2 mile walk/run in the neighborhood. Then I got cleaned up and went to get my new running shoes. I think my old worn out shoes were holding me back.

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20th journal entry

Pretty awesome Black Belt class and Sparring class. Got a lot done and I sweated quite a bit. Ms Pat and I are a great team together.

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Woke up an...

Woke up andgot ready to help out with the little tiger in the lake norman school. the boys there are soo cute, they are so small and adorable. after that class me and my mom went on a 2 mile walk then went to saturday black belt class and after that class i took a sparring class.in that class we learned some stuff but when we where working on some combos me and this guy banged hands together i have a bruise on my right hand from it. it still sotra hurts at times. went home at went over to my neighbors house to eat pizzasthat they make in their pizza oven,they are delisious:) then just been chillen the rest of the day.

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Today

Today i did nothing. All I did was stay at home playing video games. I mean seriously, the snow kept me inside all day. I couldn't think of anything to do but sit around.

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19th journal entry

No walking for me today, with the thawing yesterday and the freeze last night it was an ice rink today. We didn't have any snow removal from our secondary home until past 3:30PM. Did my requirements that could be done indoors.

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mother nature does not want me to pass this cycle....

sooo since wednesday morning, my internet was gone. the winter storm blew out the power lines throughout my whole neighborhood. road blocks were set all around the block so i could go anywhere, ergo i was stuck at home the whole day :/ i rather go to school!! nonetheless i was able to do most of my requirements except for my journaling :/ aahhh anyways drank lots of hot chocolate and lots of fruit :) cant wait till class tomorrow!

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FRIDAY

i feel sad that snow went away what a bumer i did a lot of physical requirements i did 200 sit ups and 150 push ups i did this by doing push ups / sit ups when the commercials went on i had a fun time over this winter break, i was going to have a test today but because of the snow we didn't in-fact i had no school so i felt relived that i was not going to have a test because every time i have a test i et nervous but it turns out i get 93-100 but still sometimes i forget and get frustrated. i did some burpies but not a lot i probably did 98 - 100 but i need to check,i was reading this book/magazine and it said that Derek Jeter was going to retire that broke my heart because he is the best short...

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So had an ...

So had an overall pretty good day treated my family to breakfast well i payed for half and my sister payed for the other half then me my dad and my sister all went to the movies adn watched robocop. the is a good movie, havent seen the original one but the remake is awsome.

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Sick...again

In the past 20 years I could count on 1 hand the number of times I've gotten more than a cough and runny nose. I was just sick 2 weeks ago and felt fully normal for the past 5-6 days. At 12:30 or 1 I went for a walk. It was too slushy to run and my knee is still a bit swollen. At about 2 pm today I started feeling really crummy. Stuffed up, runny nose, headache. About 3pm my stomach and head hurt and I was feeling exhausted. At 5pm my. Head was hot and my body was freezing. I took some cold medicine and I feel a little better. I'm doing my requirements super slow tonight to keep my head from exploding.

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Great day,...

Great day, working out in the snow. Built a huge 8 foot snowman and did a lot of kicks with resistance bands. Feeling good about tomorrow.

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Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, Today was a good day! :0) Was snowed in with my family! There was no thru traffic in and out of my neighborhood. Anyone who attempted it got stuck with the exception of a couple of SUV. (Please remind me that my next vechiicle should be and SUV, lol.) i lived in NYC so it was great to experience a little snow and to see how people pulled together in time of need. I finished reading my book on Overcoming--Faith & Victory. Yes, today was a very good day. Also played catch of on my physical requirements. We should have more days like this!!

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Missed classes

Week before last we had bad weather and missed classes. Then I became ill and missed classes, now more bad weather and more missed classes.   I've had an unfortunate event in my family and we have lost two young family members so I have a visitation and a funeral to attend on Saturday so even though the weather will probably permit and I do feel better I am still going to have to miss classes.  It all feels a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how is it going to be possible to reach the required numbers now.While I'm not a big fan of the snow, I did get out in it a little bit.  Took a few photos for memories sake.  I've been working on my requirements, trying to catch up on some things. I can tell there are some positive changes. After too many temper tantrums and frustrated...

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18th journal entry

Well another day working from home. Thank goodness I have the ability to do this, as there is no way I was going to venture out up the hill from my house in my car with the amount of ice and slush on the road. We did venture out for a nice walk instead. The neighbors were frolicking out in the snow with kids and pets alike. Cabin fever is settling in a lttle, and it appears that tomorrow I'll be working from home again, as my road is not clear at all and it will freeze tonight making it impasable tomorrow.

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There are ...

There are things I cant do at home! Like pull-ups! With the snow days there are classes I am missing! I only got to be a White Belt in one class! I hope we have our Black Belt class tomorrow!

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Had an ama...

Had an amazing day hanging with my best friend in the whole world.we went sledding for several hours it is very cold out side. i did end up doing some requirments but i am to tired to put them i n right now so i will have to do that in the morning

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Snow

Well, it has been a crazy couple of days. I went to see Dr. Bill on Tuesday just as the snow was starting. He worked on my left elbow and right rotator cuff. He told me to modify my push-ups and he adjusted my knee cap again. I am so thankful that Master Evins referred me to Dr. Bill during my 1st Black Belt cycle. Since I have been snow bound, I have been working on papers and requirements. I also shoveled the driveway. I was really thankful for horse back riding stance and my back stance when shoveling with the short shovel. It really helped save my back. My elbow and shoulder, on the other hand, were not too happy. But it had to be done.

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SNOW DAY! AGAIN!

THREE DAYS OF SNOW? Snow snow and more snow. I love it all. Hallelujha! I also had to catch up all day. Although tomorrow IJ have all mornig to catch up..............I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!

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thursday

i had an epic day i hep 4! ladies get there car out of the snow i helped shovel other peoples house for free,i played with my friends they had a really fun time and i did to. i fell in a hill and ripped my pants which hurt so bad and i didn't cry i just cried in my heart when i found out i ripped my whole snow pant i felt relived that i had an extra pair of snow pants. i ran again had a great time but at the time i got home i was sweeting like crazy my jacket was wet and all my clothes, i drank hot coco it was really yummy i mean with a capital Y. i had a really great day TODAY P.S NO SCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOL WOWOWOWOWO

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Shovel, shovel, shovel

My day started with a really early conference call and then I had back-to-back meetings from 7am to 3pm with only a 20 min break at lunch. By 3pm I couldn't wait to get out of the house. It was nice while on my calls to watch the big fluffy flakes fall. But I was feeling cooped up so I spent 2 hrs shoveling the driveway. That snow was heavy! I haven't been running, so it was a good substitute! The snow seemed perfect for a snowman, so I couldn't resist. I built 2 snowmen. Ben was shoveling the sidewalk and removing the pile of snow in a corner of our house next to the foundation. Now, 2 hrs alter, my left knee is swollen. I don't remember doing anything to it. I'll ice it tonight and take some Tylenol. Now, on to my requirements...

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Catch Up Day #2

Today was a very busy day. My Mom let me sleep late because i was so tired from yesterday but I wanted to start doing requiremtnts as soon as I finished eating breakfast. My Mom said I had to wait for a while until my food digested, but I got started soon after that. We had to go to the store right before it started snowing and wanted to stop at my mentees house for a meeting but it started snowing so fast, we almost didn't make it home. It took almost a whole hour just to get like 4 miles back home. It was scary for a while but my Mom did a really good job. I think she was scared too but she just kept telling me to pray. I got a lot of stuff done today but still have more catching up to do on some things. I...

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  1031 Hits

Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, Been working through the night to get me room ready for Bobbi and Chol to come home from the hospital. I shampooed/shot spot the carpet; did 3 loads of laundry; washed and wiped down donated baby clothes, bottles and necessities. By the time I looked up it was 2am. I took a power nap and worked til it was time to shower and leave for my 8am massage appointment. I was very exciited and wanted everything to be in place when they got home. The predictiion of snow was not going to stop this Nana! :0). I got a call from Bobbi informing me that Chol regrest and will not be coming home with her today. I've learned not to question God and that He always work things out in the end. Trying to balance so many balloons can eventually wear on you. I know this soulds weird but...

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  1037 Hits

It has bee...

It has been a great day indoors. Getting caught up on paperwork and practicing on poomsaes. Maybe tomorrow, I'll get outside and do a workout in the snow.

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Here is a ...

Here is a picture of Mary and me half way thru our walk thru the snow today

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17th journal entry

Snow day, stayed home and worked from home. As a family we went for a 2.75 mile walk prior to the big dump of snow. A little less than half way it started coming down pretty good, on the way over the sidewalks were clear on the way back they were white. Even with the inclement weather we didn't let it stop us, we kept on trudging along even when my cheeks were frozen solid. Right now I can hear the sleet coming down pretty steady. Not sure if I'm going to venture out tomorrow, don't want to put my good ankle at risk, or get my injured one worst.

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Wednesday

Today i had an awesome day plus i didn't have school today thats sad but i'm still happy, today i ran 2 miles in the snow well nothing stops me i did a lot reading,i had a snowball fight with my friends won every time i friend said i should give them a chance i said ok sure well they won this time i felt better in the inside,i watched a move with hot coco and some   POPcorn i watched grown ups 2, me and dad said it was so funny i had a really great day  

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Crowded

I'm used to working at home...alone. With the snow, everyone was here this afternoon. I miss my silence. If I didn't have to work, it would be different. But I still have conference call after conference call and I had to go upstairs to my bedroom so that I could concentrate and the folks on the other end of my conference calls weren't distracted by background noise. I did some requirements at noon with Ben (while he did his baseball homework) and I've been working on the rest this evening while the kids went sledding and I'm watching basketball.

  1061 Hits

no school at all

No school for me tomorrow or Thursday. And it looks like its not gonna be on friday either. Had a good day at school. Had a snowball fight with the teachers and my friends in the courtyard. Came home to hot chocolate and a hot panini so I was a happy boy. Had a good workout in to get my body warmed up and get my blood flowing. Took a nap and then qorked out more. Cant wait till the cycle ends :)

  1099 Hits

16th journal entry

Went back to work today, and due to the change in weather I completed my work day at home. Wow what a drag when you work from a two screens to a smaill laptop screen. Oh well, just push thru and do the best that you can. Put some extra mles under my feet today, as I do not think tomorrow will be the best conditions for walking.

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Classes Cancellled :(

I was really hoping to get a leadership credit and PMAA class in tonight. But the impending storm caused schools to close and classes to cancel. I live in Mooresville and we haven't had a flake fall yet. It looks like we will get some tomorrow, but so far it's cold and dry. I also started my white belt challenge this week. Hopefully I will be able to get some more classes in this week! If it really does snow 7-10 inches, schools could be closed through Friday. I'm trying to get some additional physical requirements in lieu of classes. Speaking of which....time to get back at it!

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Tuesday

i got out of school early toady i did a lot of requirements i did over 200 push ups and over 250 sit ups i felt a little proud but i said i could do more so i went running for 3 miles i was listening to *i'm the man * which is a pretty cool i did all my homework i ha do more then you all think it was like 15 pages i felt tired but i still did it but when i found out that i am not having school tomorrow i felt calmed that i new i was going to Finnish it all on Wednesday, after all i fished almost all of my home work today. i went to my doctors appointment which was a check up they said i was ok and i was really fit *wowow* she was going to give me a shot but...

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  988 Hits

Catch Up Day #1

Well, today started out at school. We were supposed to get out at 1:00 pm, instead we got out at 10:30 am! School starts at 9:00 am for middle school, so I was only there for an 1 1/2 hours. When I got home, my Mom reminded me that I had all day to catch up on requirements that I had gotten behind on. She calculated how much I was missing and boy was it a lot! So, I spent all day long catching up on stuff. I did so many push-ups, sit-ups, poomsaes and kicks and if I want to be off of yellow, I have to do the same amount again tomorrow!! Since school is cancelled tomorrow too, I have at least one more day to catch up. I'm going to have everything caught up so I can concentrate on getting my running caught up too. No matter what...

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  1077 Hits

Catch Up Day #1

Well, today started out at school. We were supposed to get out at 1:00 pm, instead we got out at 10:30 am! School starts at 9:00 am for middle school, so I was only there for an 1 1/2 hours. When I got home, my Mom reminded me that I had all day to catch up on requirements that I had gotten behind on. She calculated how much I was missing and boy was it a lot! So, I spent all day long catching up on stuff. I did so many push-ups, sit-ups, poomsaes and kicks and if I want to be off of yellow, I have to do the same amount again tomorrow!! Since school is cancelled tomorrow too, I have at least one more day to catch up. I'm going to have everything caught up so I can concentrate on getting my running caught up too. No matter what...

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  1072 Hits

Got out of...

Got out of school early today because of the snow and ice and we dont have school tomorrow so im sorta happy but not at the same time but when i got home and my mom got home we went on a 2.5 mile walk in the cold i couldnt feel my ears at all... then i went home and i went upstairs and did some requirments. i can see my body changing slowly my abs are getting more toned my leg muscles are building up and my arms are as well so im getting there

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TGFA

Thank Goodness For Antibiotics!!!  I am finally beginning to feel like a person again.  i managed to get through requirements today and Not feel like I was going to die.  There is still some remnants of the illness but by far I am better. 

  849 Hits

We worked ...

We worked on Hapkido today! I need a lot of practice! I can remember 1-16! I think I have to know 1-32!

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Woke up it...

Woke up it hit me that i was really tired. i had got ready for school and got on the bus. people already started to notice that i had got bangs.i love them so much thanks dad for taking me to get them done and thanks mom for fixing my hair. so when i got home today i went upstairs and did some requirments like pushups situps and squats. i did the rest of my stuff as the day went on.

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HOW AM I BEHIND?

How am I behind? I am apparently behind on almost everything. I know I have been working really hard. I am not behind. I believe that the calculations are a bit off. If not, I just have to keep working. I know that I will NEVER GIVE UP!!!

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15th journal entry

Not much to share. I have been woking this weekend on my requirements. A little tired. I hurt my back yesterday carrying a little boy (60 pounds) back home after he twisted his ankle. I'll be going to my chiropractor tomorrow to realign by L5 back to it's place. No good deed goes unpunished!

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MONDAY

Today i was in my book club in school i choose to read a world war 2 book with my whole group i read today till chapter 2 i haft to finish this book in 2 weeks which is easy there is only 346 pages i split the book into 3 parts which 1 section i need to finish in 1 week, i took french horn try outs today and i made it my band teacher said i was really good i just couldn't get to the low notes but she said we will work on it, i went to gym i ran again for 2 miles but this time i ran more because this kid decided not to run the whole entire time everybody go mad at him he felt bad but i cheered him up and we ran together he felt much more happy my teacher said i was...

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  967 Hits

Tight Gastrocnemius

Yep, been studying the muscle diagram. My left calf, also known as the gastrocnemius, was so tight today. It loosened up on the second half of my run, but then after working for a while (sitting), it tightened right back up. It's just paying the price from the 10 jump rope rounds on Saturday! I'm dreading the 10 page Pre-Korea History essay. The past 15 years, I've been training to read 10 pages of text and make a single, summary PowerPoint page using visuals vs words. Its all about being concise in my world. So writing 10 pages where being concise only lengthens the task is not something I'm looking forward to.

  1161 Hits

Dear Journ...

Dear Journal, OMG! My first journal entry,,,;0). I had an eventful morning, Work today 10-6pm.. Let me see... My daughter, Bobbi, gave birth to twins last Thursday. Been up at the hospital every night since. Cade Reece 6lbs, 7ozs has underdeveloped lungs and is in the NICU, and Chol Reign (pronounced Cawl) weighed in at 4lbs. To-date Cade is on oygen and Chol has had an infection and now jaundice. What next you ask, My daughter had to have a blood transfusion, last night. I left hospital after 3hr nap at 3:30am (did my push ups and sits but no energy to run). Me, I am drawing strength from God and the energy for the people who love me most. I'm asking everyone to please pray for my family. I love you My King Tiger Family!!

  1101 Hits

Monday

I got up at 4:30 this morning and went for a 1.5 mile walk/run. It was difficult to get motivated to go out in the dark and cold however, I did and I am glad I did. Today was the 1st day I have encountered people at that hour. I saw a woman and her very noisy Jack Russell dog and an older than me man walking. I came up behind him and passed him. As I was approaching and passing him I was going over all of my self-defense moves. You know, running what if scenarios. That helped me feel more prepared & confident. I am not a big fan of running in the dark and cold but that is what it is going to take to get this Black Belt. I may not have been the fastest but at least I was out there in 40 degrees weather.

  1085 Hits

I am going...

I am going to do my White Belt Challenge starting tomorrow! I remember being a White Belt. I was the first student at the Lake Norman School.

  1051 Hits

school tomorrow! aahh!

well tomorrow is school...again..ugh...the news said that charlotte will be getting more snow!! yay!! i cant wait! hopefully i have it on a test day or something...anyway today was productive. ran in the morning and afternoon and at 8. im done with my burpees now but im still gonna do more. hopefully this week is less painfull :/

  1098 Hits

sunday

today i was feeling really tired that i fell asleep twice in arrow it was pretty awesome i missed all the boring part of the movie and when i woke up it was getting in the romantic part which they kissed ewww then me and my family went to a chines restaurant  it was epic this weird guy attended me he looked like he was smoking outside well he was  his teeth were yellow and he smelled i was smelling pretty good but he just smelled too bad that nobody could smell me, when we got i ate ice cream and then i did some pull ups and push ups i had a nice sunday   

  966 Hits

Saturday

Yesterday was a great day. I got up and did some requirements before going to Presbyterian Hospital to visit a 9 year old friend of mine, Abbie. Afterwards I went to Black Belt class at Lake Norman. It was my 1st time going to the Lake Norman location, well, on purpose. Several years ago a friend and I went to a Zumba class at the fitness center across the parking lot but I did not know that was where Lake Norman King Tiger was located when I was there. It was a great class. We worked on poomsaes and self defense as well as did kicks between doing our self defense. I stayed for the sparring class and oh my. It was fun but really tiring. Instructor Marcus did an awesome job leading. I realize that I really do want to get a kicking/punching bag some day. My left elbow is...

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  1169 Hits

Gorgeous Day

I love the sunny days in NC! Hearing that another cold front is coming through, I was determined to make the most out of this gorgeous day. Made muffins this morning, did about 3/4 of my requirements (with Ben while he did his baseball homework), took the kids to their baseball and softball lessons, ran a few errands, then went for a run. My legs are really tired from yesterday. They feel like they weigh an extra 10-15 pounds. But I'd rather run now and take a day off when it's 30 degrees out. I've got steaks marinating and ready to grill for dinner! The kids are outside playing basketball now in the driveway. :)

  1090 Hits

today I wo...

today I woke up at 9did some pushups and situp and poomsas, my dad took me to get my hair done I have bangs now and I am really happy. today is a day to chill and do my requirements. I heard that it is supposed to snow on teusday and Wednesday I hope it does:)

  1105 Hits

14th journal entry

Another full day, had Saturday Black Belt class followed by sparring class, not to count all requirements that I could pack in on one day. Then drove to Greensboro NC for a gymnastic competition for my oldest daughter Brittney. We just got home and it's just past 11PM. I'm tired going to bed!

  1106 Hits

I want to ...

I want to thank Instructor Marcus for the sparring class today! 10 minutes of jump rope and 14 rounds of sparring!

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A Great Camp!

Jr. Instructor was Camp awesome!! We did nunchucks and staff training and we also learned how to lead to class and we also learned about white belt curriculum and what they needed to know and we all know did great! I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

  1100 Hits