Candidate Journals

I got to remember to water my tree, I do not have a green thumb. 17 more days until testing: 15 more miles left = 1 mile/day 1175 more push-ups and sit-ups = 70-100/day 584 more self-defenses = 35/day 372 more poomsaes = 22/day

Today was a regular day at school. When I got home I did my cycle and went to sparring class. I am getting close to done with my requirements and I only have one more sparring class. I can't believe only 18 days until testing! 

Today we had classes from 5:00 - 8:30. I stayed for the whole thing, because I thought my mom was not going to pick me up. The classes were really good. For a second I didn't know because I haven't helped in a while. I tried my best and for the third class I helped out a little bit because I needed to get dressed and finish my requirements

Today was a good day, class ended early today. I had so much fun teaching class today! it was blue and red stripe today fro the junior tiger which is supa dupa fun! When I get home I have to do a ton of homework and also work on poomsaes. I really need to get caught up but these applications for colleges and also the load of AP homework I have from my combo I'm taking this year. Welp wish me luck!

Today I went and ran my miles today and ran extra miles on the way home  

The house is empty, really empty. After the very full long weekend, everyone went back to where they came from. In addition, my younger son is in for first thing tomorrow morning at MEPS. He leaves for basic training shortly before Thanksgiving. That will surely take some adjustments for us and him. I look forward to watching him grow in this next chapter. Time to get back to some type of routine.

Today was a normal day, but I did get a grind session in for my cycle requirements.  At Tae Kwon Do today there were pictures, so we had to do all of our classes on half of the mat, and it was mostly crowded until the later adult class.

Today was a regular day. I had a good day at school. We got a new science teacher, who seems nice. In Advanced Computers, one of my electives, we have 2 projects. In ELA, we did a journal on last week, which I am pretty much basing this off on. In Social Studies, we had a quiz and started learning about West Africa and slavery. I went to Tae Kwon Do at 6:30 PM to help with class.Tomorrow is my first CLP (College Leadership Program) meeting.  

My right shoulder is really hurting.  It could have been the pressure washing or it could have been the pushups.  Hard to tell.  I'll be doing pushups on my knees for a while to make sure I don't do any more damage.  Didn't get to very many requirements today but I hope to make up for it tomorrow.  

Today me and my friend logan played Minecraft and we had a blast at it and we got a bunch of stuff done

Today was a teacher work day. Very exciting for me because I had more to play and do more requirements. Connor went to great wolf lodge and then heading to soccer. I still need to do my community service essay and actually do the service. Its not far now to the end of the cycle

Today was a good day. It was the first day back from our field trip. Everyone was tired and still exhausted from Camp. Also, I had soccer practice and it was super fun.  

Today I went to church like always. My group had a small amount of people for sunday school. But for my church service, we had tons of kids. After church, we went home and did a bunch of requirements. Then we ate lunch and took off to see my Nana in Badin, NC. I takes an hour to get there. It was great to see her again. Her new there is nice in a tiny village and has two little dogs. Later this day, Parker and I rode our 4 wheelers and Parker's dad made us a dirt ramp for jumping. We got some really good air. What a blast that was.

Today was a great day. I woke up and did my cycle and then played with my friend later in the day. We went in my pool and then played at some of my neighbor's house. Can't believe the weekend is already over. I've had colds for the weekend but am starting to feel a lot better. Only 13 more miles to run left.

 This is the second time I have tried to publish this journal, somehow, my journal entries are being lost in cyberspace when I try to do it from my phone. I had a very busy weekend but it was great. I taught  hands only CPR at the American Heart Association heart walk on Saturday morning and then pressure washed my entire house by myself! I was able to do tons of requirements yesterday and today, and now I am exhausted.

Today is the 2nd day my dad has comeback and I am extremely happy  

Today was a good day. I was working on this piece of artwork that I had started a few classes back and stared on the background. The one annoying thing that happened today was when everyone I met was asking me why my voice had changed so much and I had to tell them all the same thing that I had lost my voice on a field trip to Camp Cheerio.

Today was a nice relaxing day since I could just get requirements in and play Fortnite when I wasn't working on my cycle requirements.  This cycle is already almost over, which is kind of crazy, since I remember getting my Bo Cho Dan rank not too long ago, wondering about what the cycle was going to be like.  Yesterday I had a cross country meet, and even though I was very tired from the school week, I set a new personal record then.  We worked on breaking routines afterwards, which I really think I have to work on, because even though I know what I'm going to do, it still seems hard.

Saturday, just like any other Saturday. Not! The garage door opened this afternoon and in walks my sailor. ???? Made my day! I have my brother, my nephew, and now my son visiting. Yes, pretty full weekend. Normal will come back soon, but it can wait. Unfortunately, so will other things.

Today I went to sparring and Black Belt class. I then went home and had samosas and chicken. Today I also went to Target and Starbucks. Overall, today was fun.

Today got up early like always and went to sparring class. Sparring was pretty good, we had a lot of drills with two rounds of sparring. Then, we had a 45 minute break, then black belt class I loved because we did our breaking demo. The breaking demo because getting a idea in our head for testing. After that, I picked up late and went straight to the international festival. 

Today I realized that I had forgotten to log the stuff from my journal so today I am patching things up.

Today was a good day. After I came back from my field trip I was waiting outside for my car and my dean said do you see your dad. I looked around everywhere and I didn't see my dads car. then I looked closer and I saw my dad in our new car and I just stood there with my mouth hanging open then I ran got my things and sat in the car. It was super comfortable and nothing like our other ca it was just amazing.

I just got back from my Saturday black belt class. I did a lot of my requirements this morning and I am getting close to being done with my push-ups and sit-ups. I am thinking about signing up for the Sticks seminar. My cold is feeling better today! Hope to type again soon.

Today was a good day. I’m really tired right now. At school, we used our new Chromebooks a lot which is great because it saves paper. I got home and relaxed and did requirements.

Today I had 3 tests in school. I had a black belt class this afternoon and I just finished watching the finale of one of my favorite shows. I am excited for the weekend and hopefully will end up going to the Stick seminar soon. I had a cold today but I still got my requirements done and finished all my pull-ups. Hope to type again soon.

Today I felt very sad. I just came back from a field trip to Camp Cheerio. We dod all sorts of fun things like canoeing and going on a five mile hike in the mountains.  

Today I had home study and it's been longer than expected. My muscles are sore, but tonight is parents night out so I have get my requirements done to go. Weather for my run cold this morning. Can't wait for tonight. See everybody Saturday.

Heading to Ft. Bragg early tomorrow to see my nephew. I hope he is happily surprised by his dad showing up. It should be a fun weekend with Flow Fest at the whitewater center. 

Today was a very busy day for Taekwondo. I got a lot of stuff done and I only have 15.5 miles left to run. I will have had 6 tests at school this week once we get to tomorrow.

I had a great day io was at school all day, then I came to work. I joined the math honors society today they actually invited me! i really felt proud of my achievments today, never thought I was that smart in math. When I get home I need to study for my APES quiz i have tomorrow wish me luck. No cap I want to know what I got on the ACT prayers for meeeeee for realllll

Finally my younger son got the kick in the pants that he needed to hopefully get moving with life. By this time next week we should know for sure. Got an early start to the day with some self-defense, but not much else other than yoga after work.

I had a good day at school today. I helped with Wang Ho class and got mentored. I want to be more helpful whenever I’m assisting class.

Today I had home study most of it I got done at the training this morning. So when I went home we finished up home study and then I realized I was almost done with the cycle. So I thought to my self and said I need to get this done and that done, and then I thought I'm getting a lot stronger. So I took a deep breath and said lets do this and I was off and I just love the cycle because it teaches me to discipline my self for what comes next I got to go by now.

Hello everyone. I had a very regular day today. I got my requirements done and I am hoping to get my physical requirements done soon and the end of the cycle is getting closer by the day.

today was very standard. I went to school were nothing truly noteworthy or mentionable happened but on the bus ride home I was listening to music and got inspired for another section of my book.

I’ve been up since 5 am working on jump rope and sparring rounds and self defense.  I’m lagging behind in all of those as well as pushups. I’ll be doing pushups on my knees for a while to give my right shoulder a break.

I have a few more things to finish up before I can go to bed. I also have to get up early to pick up my brother from the airport. Should be an interesting long weekend. I wish my arms felt stronger so it wasn't such a big deal to knock out pushups. I have been doing those 10 at a time with an occasional 15. That sure takes a while to add up to much. Keep on working towards the goal.

Tired and I don't really want to do anything, but I did it anyways because that was I'm supposed to do. Doing nothing isn't going to help me reach my goals

Today I had a good day at school. I went to sparring class at Lake Norman. I’m glad to be done with essays, physical and written tests, but the Black Belt test could be harder then all 3 combined. 

Just got home from my business dinner and I’m working on requirements right now. I did do about 75 push-ups this morning and took my sweet little dog on a morning mile walk.. I’m feeling a little better.  I was feeling puny yesterday. My shoulder is starting to feel a little weak from doing push-ups. I will have to modify the push-ups so that I don’t injure my shoulder any further. I actually use a machine called a push-up pump. The push-up pump helps support your body and I love it! 

Hello again. I had sparring class today and I am very tired. A lot of tests this and last week in school but I am getting them done. I just finished the white belt challenge today. Testing is getting closer by the day....

Today for school we had almost the exact plans but it wasn't. For specials today we had music and PE they were both surprising   breath taking. In music we did a lot of singing,we sang a lot of songs and dancing as well. For PE we did what Mrs. Ford calls     our warm up funicize and they are very hard our activity for the unite is basketball.

Today has been a good day. I had no homework because I am going to Camp Cheerio for three days, Wednesday, Thursday, and I will b coming back on Friday. It will be like having a five day weekend because we will be doing things like Archery and canoeing.

Watched American Ninja Warrior tonight while doing pushups and sit ups. Had intentions of going out for a run after work tonight, but it was late by the time I got home and even later after dinner. I sure don't like going out in the dark after dinner has settled. Maybe I can get up earlier. Not sure how likely that is, but I do need to get in to work earlier.

Taught some classes today, usually I teach the Wangho, but today I did Junior/Senior Tigers too. Finished Rolls and Falls (1000 tracked under meditation). Only 2000 push-up and sit-ups, 25 miles, and poomsaes and self-defense left! I been working long hours, and I haven't had time to run outside, so Ill been running on the treadmill at the gym. Not my favorite thing, but it works. Tomorrow, I have to take my car to the shop, so hopefully I can go for a run while they check it out.

Today was a productive day, I had to ride my bike to Tae Kwon Do because my parents were at Curriculum night, but the day was normal other than that.

A regular day at school and white belt challenge at Taekwondo. I am nervous for all my classes tomorrow but I am excited because the end of the cycle is in reach. So close and yet so far. Journal again soon.

I’m not feeling very well today.  I was able to do 100 pushups throughout the day, but didn’t get anything else done.  I’m feeling really blah.  Also feeling guilty about having to miss black belt class tomorrow and this coming Saturday.  Hope to feel better tomorrow.

So today I went to school like always it was very hot outside.We did a lot of math and our special was art to day.We picked up Connor and brought him to soccer.So after that we swung over to Publix and grabbed some food and went to King Tiger.We had a little time to relax then people started coming in and class began. 

Super happy that this weekend we completed the physical and written tests, and most of the essays.  Nice to get over a hurdle towards getting closer to my black belt. Today I went to slow flow stretch and release yoga and boot camp. Tonight will be TKD.  My day off will be filled with activity.

My core is soooooo sore, it hurts to laugh. So no requirements done today. Went through some old stuff and collected supplies to donate, and got a couple of bookbags to put them in. Trying to decide right now should I join the honor society at college. Is it worth it? does it change anything? Do I even have time for it? So hopefully I can meet with a adviser this week and ask my questions.

Sunday, and a quiet one at that. Just found out that my brother is coming to visit and hopefully we'll get to go to his son's graduation. I'm excited for my nephew, probably more than he is. Also found out in a roundabout way that my nephew is possibly coming back to Charlotte next weekend with his friend. He doesn't know his dad is coming. Should be fun. Also, yoga fest at the whitewater center is next weekend. A lot of classes to choose from and most of them are free. Hope I get to take advantage of that. 

So much for sleeping in....  I woke up at 5:30 am and started cleaning my house.  It is completely clean, so I walked around looking at it for about half an hour- as soon as either one of my kids comes home, it will be trashed instantly.  I worked in requirements as I cleaned and now I'm exhausted.  I hope this week will be a little better at work than last week.  We will see.  I have a work dinner on Tuesday night so I won't be able to go to black belt class and I am teaching CPR at the American Heart Association Heart Walk in Charlotte on Saturday 9/21 during black belt class.  Thursday of next week will be my only class day.  

Today we got up early because Connor had to help out with church. Had a great service at church and then came home. I got up with my good friend Parker and we rode dirt bikes. Then I had to get the rest of my requirements in and also typed up to essays. I did 10 rounds of sparring combinations on the heavy bag.

Yesterday was the written and physical test. I think I did decently but I had trouble with a few things. I couldn't jump rope to the best of my ability because I didn't bring my own jump rope. I also need to improve on running and pull-ups.

Yesterday I had the physical and written test. Very proud of myself for all the work I put into it. Today I am very sore and I am going to take a low day on the requirements. Hope to see you all Monday.

This weekend started with a surprise visit from my nephew who enjoys whitewater kayaking at the whitewater center. Always happy for him to visit. This morning between junior tigers and family class, Master Tucker went over black belt forms and tae kwon forms. Tae kwon forms a lot of times. Tomorrow, my nephew will go back to base, and unlike my kids, he will clean up after himself before he goes. 

Today we had our physical and written the group was very nervous. First we did our run and after our run we did pull ups. I beat my pull ups, push ups, sit ups and v sit ups. After that we got a break before black belt class and I did a second run with Mrs. Lauren and Andrew. I was happy I knocked out two miles today. When I came back from my second run, my mom showed up to check on me then left to grocery shop. A few minutes after we had black belt class. It was a lot of fun and had a great time.

I must  say being on a cycle is always a challenge for me,  But the old saying goes what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Yes it dose.  I have lost a notch and a 1/2 on my belt, Which I am hoping to stay there. But what I've learned from taekwondo is always challenge yourself to be your best. I would like to think master Evins for  challenging us. And  Most of all for the credits form  Instructor's camp.

I should have study more for the written test. I did great, but I could have done better but I only studied a little this week. Went to see the new It movie, so freaky, so good.  Had a really good conversation with my dad today (he's posted in the midwest right now) I really miss him, but this is good job for him, and seems happier, less stressed. I just hate that I wont see him til Thanksgiving. He won't be able to come see me test for my next belt, which sucks because he had to miss the last one.    

 I think I did very well on my Pre-test, and I enjoyed my black belt class.

Very busy day today! Helped with junior tigers class, worked on requirements with Master Dege in between classes and then had a great black belt class. Today is my mother’s birthday so I’m headed to her house to celebrate with dinner.   My sister Drove over from Wilmington, so it will be a little family reunion.

The post test is tomorrow, as most of you already know. I have been studying the written test questions, and most of them I know off the top of my head.  I have always been good at remembering certain things (with the price of forgetting some other things sometimes.).   This cycle went pretty fast so far.

Today was a very chill day. It was a Friday so I am very excited. I am kind of stressed for tomorrow because it’s the written and physical test. It’s that I’m not ready but I just have a lot of thoughts in my head that is making me kind of anxious and stressed. But, tomorrow is going to go great. 

Today Was a home study day. I've been getting ready for the test tomorrow. I'm tired and sore. Hopefully tomorrow will go well. Looking forward seeing everyone tomorrow. Math was fun and we started on my project for school. I have to learn and do a project about the mid west.

today was interesting. I did well on my tests. and I didn't finish my other test but what I did finish I felt good about. all in all a good day.

today was interesting. I did well on my tests. and I didn't finish my other test but what I did finish I felt good about. all in all a good day.

Today I finally finished my essays and got my letters of recommendations done. I have the written and physical test tomorrow. I am nervous but I know I am ready. Wish me luck.

The physical and written test is this weekend you guys!! make sure you get some rest today. You can't do your best if you don't get your rest! 

Does anyone notice how a day is like a seesaw, or maybe a rollercoaster, but your choices determine the outcome, or how fast the ups and downs are. Here it is late...again...and I'm just now taking to journal. Who guessed the game would still be on this late? I guess I could have worked on requirements in front of the TV, but it might be too tempting to sit down and watch. 

Today was another ordinary day.  Cross country was cancelled again due to the hot weather this week.  I have been running at home in the evenings instead.  I had a normal amount of homework today, and my schedule was like normal.  I can't wait until this weekend!

I finished all my essays and am almost done with mentor sessions. It's crazy how the cycle will be over in a month. All that work coming to an end. This whole cycle has been great and I never thought I could do it. I have improved a lot and the upcoming physical test will tell.

Very busy today. It is almost nine and I am not done. I have to fill in all the answers to written test study guide. Better get to work.

Today was a pretty sweet day! I went to school but I have to do a lot of work when I get home. I'll try and do my best to finish up most of my homework but I need to study for my big test as well tomorrow.

Today, I only have one essay left, so I will finish it. During school I had fun. We are starting to use technology a lot more. I am a bit scared about the written and physical test. I will write again after BBC.

Today after school we we left the school from Carline and went straight to the do Jang. At school it was a slow day. We did a lot of math, and did recess inside because it was so hot outside. I'm finishing up my essays today to get those turned in.

I love testing day, it so amazing to see everyone progress in Taekwondo. I'm taking it easy for the next to days. I been pushing myself so much for the past couple days, the body can only take so much. Even with all the push-ups Ive done for this cycle. Doing 10 is still super hard. I know I can do more, but I can either physically or mentally. I got to remind myself that I'll been doing push-up, sit-ups, and other things everyday. Even though I spread them out and get them done, my body still feels that exhaustion, and then I still keep going. I got to give myself time to recover, so today I'm going to take it light, some push-ups and sit-ups, probably no running get some poomsaes and self-defense, as well as stretch and yoga.

It is so easy to lose track of time, whether it is doing what you should be doing, or it is procrastinating and doing something else. Time just keeps ticking away. I have several things that I look forward to having more time to do, but the things that need to be completed first aren't going to get done without me. It is good to be able to see progress though.

Hello everyone! Today I didn't have classes so I did a lot of homework and wrote an essay. I have been worried for the physical and written test. I have a question for anyone reading this. Do the living hero essays for the Bocho Dans need to be on famous people? Thanks!

Today is my second day of my white belt challenge and I felt pretty strange and watching everyone get in front of me

I was talking to some bo cho dans and their parents about the requirements for the cycle. Just a quick tip to you guys and for whoever does the cycle in the future. Understand that it is impossible to do 150 or 200 of a requirement all in one go unless you are into body building or invested in physical development. Parents and students as me how they can complete their requirements in a day and my two tips to them is simple: planning and commitment. This isn't my first cycle. I knew that in order to show that physical progress despite my hectic schedule, I need to plan accordingly and stick to it. I have school from 8am to 4pm every day and then taekwondo straight after. I break my requirements up into 3 sessions where I do 5 sets of 10 for each physical requirement (burpees, pushups, sit-ups). A...

Had to catch-up and finish some assignments today. I should have done them this weekend, but I wanted to play Sims, so now I'm paying the price. Did not do a lot of requirements today, but I did a ton yesterday and I will do more tomorrow.  Also I think I'm going to ask new people to write my recommendation letter. I asked two teachers from my classes last semester and they haven't wrote one for me (well one offer, but I would have to be there and tell him what to write and I don't feel like doing that). I don't know my teachers that well yet, and they don't know me. And all I do is go to school and work, so I'm going to have think hard on this one.

Lots of kicks, poomsaes and SD in black belt Class tonight.  Unfortunately, my right ankle is starting to pop and make cracking noises and it hurts.  Not good.  This is the  ankle I destroyed during the black belt cycle while I was testing for 4th Dan. I’m going to have to be very careful moving forward.  

Today was a normal school day for me for the most part.  I finished 2 more essays today, so I have done 6 of them.  I wrote my 2nd living hero essay about Elon Musk, and I was researching and writing about him after school today.  

Today I was a white belt for all 3 of my classes. It was an interesting experience because I was being taught stuff that I already know. I finished my 5th essay today. Only 4 more left!

This weekend was great with all of the knowledge obtained from the sparring seminars and classes.  We also had an Adult Laua in our neighborhood, went to the Greekfest (which is one of my favorite activities of the year), and food prepped. Monday after work I went to workout at bootcamp and then I cam home so tired. I went to bed early last night and I'm still tired today. I did make it to sparring and to assist with a class tonight, but I can't wait for bed.

Today was a wonderful day, let me tell you about it! I went to school and had a meeting for my honors society I conducted it and had to present the whole presentation in Spanish,  I felt so cool doing that I just felt like a whole pro talking to my peers in my native language. When I was done I had to go to work! I had a blast at work today such an amazing time with the kids I've taught today. Know I'm on my way home ready to grind on some homework. I'm really lucky that I had time in journaling today. seriously. 

today was infinitely better than yesterday hopefully tomorrow will be similar. I got all my grades checked out did some french and know I am studying for a math test and watching how to craft a viking ulfberht sword.

Was almost late to work this morning, had to rush out the door. Did a lot of poomsaes and self-defenses. Found my BB Book. Still doing homework but I want to sleep

Today was a good day, but tomorrow I wasn't feeling too well, so not much accomplished. I have a few days to log in, but once those are in, I will have completed half of the 10,000 required pushups. That is quite a motivator for me. I just wish they weren't such a struggle. Tonight I went to Master Shin's school for class and was pleasantly surprised with more students in the class than I expected. After class, Leah and I worked on several stick forms and staff forms. It is a good feeling to have the knowledge to be able to work with her, although at times I second guess myself. That sure plays with my confidence.

Its the third week of school and my senior year is going very swell. I come home really early so I am able to do many things like work out and relax before taekwondo. Nothing special happened today but I may see what happens tomorrow.

Today I had to go to a cross country meet, and at 95 degrees outside, it was harder than most 5Ks.  Add a very rough terrain where you could easily sprain your ankle (A kid on my team actually did just that) and you get plain torture.  I had a slower time than normal, but that wasn't the worst of it.  There were a couple ambulances at the meet because people were doing all kinds of things to their ankles while running, and passing out because of the heat.  Normally on any day above 90 degrees cross country as well as all other sports would be cancelled, but this was unfortunately a meet.  After we ran, the girls' race was cancelled because of the high instances of injuries on the race.

Hello everyone again! I have been busy lately and will be for the next week. I just figured out the physical and written test are on Saturday and the essays are due the same day! I did two essays today and I am done with four of them now. A hard week in front of me...

Today was a great Monday!  My patients behaved over the weekend, so no big urgencies to deal with today.  Just made the worst dinner I’ve probably ever made because I used a new recipe.  Now I’m going to start on requirements.  I only did 35 pushups this morning so I have a long way to go tonight to make up for being lazy this morning.

Happy Monday everyone!!! it was a Monday for sure...A/C went out last night...so very little sleep...fans just don't quite cut it...lol. But we survived. Up early, or should I say just stayed up, got a lot of requirements done. Work has been pretty busy as I get ready for travel to corporate HQ in Herndon. Planning on working tonight and doing another round of requirements. Focused on poomsae today...working on stances and preps.

Today at school was very hot, it felt like I was frying slowly.  at school I did not do any requirements except for my run this morning. I had art today with my art teacher mrs. Richardson. I enjoy art very much, it is a lot of fun. Connor has a soccer game at Frank liske Park. He plays for Covenant classic

The weekends pass by so quickly!  I spent today cleaning, doing laundry, and somehow fitting in a good bit of requirements.  Finished a 2 mile walk early this morning when it wasn’t quite so hot.  Now I’m pooped and I’m going to bed early.

Today I was completely zoned out of everything, a result of 2 weeks of tiring school among other things catching up to me.  I didn't get as many things done as I wanted to today, and the day itself just passed me by at an alarmingly quick speed.  I wish there were more time in a day sometimes.

Life is going good. I played with my friend today in my pool and I have finished my burpees for the cycle! I relaxed a lot today and hope to write again soon.