Candidate Journals

We are getting closer and closer to that end point. I know all the stress and pain will all be worth it in the end, it always is. I hope everyone’s cycle is going great. I wish everyone luck in these last two weeks!!

...is like no other business. Curve balls come at you constantly. I absolutely love the intensity and challenges. Yesterday was full of them. I went to work at 0715 and left last night at 2330. I am about to go back. I definitely lost some time yesterday, and will through Easter Sunday when we will serve about 1500 people.    PJL CEC 

I was in a competition at school today around reading. we had to read a bunch of books over the last six months and really understand the books well to answer questions quickly. each school brought a group to compete, and our group got second place. I was sad that we lost, but we beat 10 other teams. It was pretty cool. I cannot wait to do it again next year. 

Finished morning workout of 20 min of cardio, stretching and then 50 min of creative form practice.  From here on to the test my challenge is more mental than physical. Lots of distraction in work life - 4 possibilities of new jobs or locations (Australia, England, Dallas, and NY) - all pending at the moment.  Work presentations to prepare, etc...   Just gotta buckle down and focus on each task at hand and not worry about the others.  This is a very good opportunity to practice concentration skills!!

Wednesday. I’m having a great day I’m school so far. I’m planning to go to sparring class today at 6:10. Hope everyone is having a amazing day so far!

Today is my mom's 92nd birthday.  I was not able to be physically there to celebrate, but thank God for face time. I was able to sing to her Happy Birthday with the rest of the family in Puerto Rico, they even face timed my brother in California and my nephew in Idaho.  It's a wondrous time we live in.        

Monday was as solid as I had hoped. Although I had to go to work for a few hours in the early afternoon I managed to complete all my goals for the day, and then some. The remainder of the week is going to take some concentrated effort. We are very busy this week at the restaurant which will be culminated by Easter Brunch. We are expecting 1500pp on Sunday.  PJL CEC 

Today I completed some more of my requirments. I also helped out two classes so I can get extra credits. At home me and my dad fixed a sit up, pull up, push up and air chair bar. I did a lot of pull ups, sit ups and push ups.  And now I don't have to go all the way  to king Tiger just to do pull ups now that I have one at home.

This week is going to go by super slow because next week is spring break. today already lasted forever but whatever I just cant wait for Easter because besides Christmas and my birthday it is my favorite holiday I love it.

Got up and ready for school. When I got home I ran then did home work. Then went and did a mentee with Taylor. Came home changed know I am writing this. Soon I will go eat. 

”Monday Monday..... can’t trust that day.”  (Papa John) Did form work yesterday and got in AM and PM workouts today.  Did TKD in AM and weights in PM.  Gotta go to Brooklyn tomorrow for work but will be able to get in a TKD workout in the morning. 

This past weekend was fun. I had went to my parents land up in Virginia where my puppy met some horse. He wasn’t a big fan of them because he saw how big there were. He liked the mini horse though. This past Sunday was also my friends birthday so i went out to dinner with her and her family and we had some delicious Italian food. I hope this week goes good. No tests which is a plus. I hope you end this semester with B’s and up.

My yesterday was different.   I drove a moving van to Raleigh for my granddaughter , of course I drove with hand most of the way.  It was a crazy wild day.  It was snowing on the ride back terrible ride when you're not in control of the vehicle.  I slept later than usual this morning in order for my body to rest up.

First day off from work in weeks. I am looking forward to a nice 5 mile run and Taekwondo classes this afternoon and evening. I hope everyone has a great day.    PJL CEC 

It was a long and busy weekend, but we got a bunch of exercises in and feeling better about the new self-defenses (High White and Yellow). I really do like learning new items, so it was a good challenge. They are very different from the old but they are growing on me. Wasn't sure when we first did them but as you practice, you can see how they can be applied. Also worked more on staff and stick forms, and getting the last minute kinks out... all good though. Got a chance to do some self defense on someone my own size... been practicing on Nate too much. So both black belt classes gave me a chance to practice on adults. Good times. Getting close and getting ready. I am excited. Good night.

I feel great put a solid 60 sparring rounds doing kick boxing. I haven't done kick boxing for a while and forgot how much I enjoy it.

I had a pretty good day. started with some playing with Legos and then went to church with everyone. We came home ate and did some exercises. then it was Sam and Ben birthday party at their house. We played nerf and ran around outside it was fun. we also went to basketball after the party. It was long day. Had dinner and spent time with mom and dad. 

Saturday started out with breakfast and then we went to sparring. Instructor Foster led sparring because Grandmaster Evins was out of town. After sparring we did black belt class with Master Chelley Hartle. When we came home we had lunch with my grandfather. I played video games with my brother and my friends.

Today I worked on my reqirments and are almost done. I can't wait until the actual test and I'm very exited. Hopefully i get full black because I'm turning 13 soon.  

Normal Saturday. I thought there was no sparring today but they ended up having sparring class. Went to black belt class after. Then I went to music class. After I went to church. Hope y’all had a great day!

Went through forms and high belt SD yesterday.  Spent about an hour on 2nd and 3rd SD today plus a nice 2.3 mile interval run and a good stretch.  Not a huge day but progress was made.  Plan is to get up early and get to the gym before all the classes start so I can have some room for staff forms.  Clock is ticking.

Had a pretty good day today.  Went to Nothing but Noodles and had a very yummy Sun dried tomatoes salad with grilled chicken.  Highly recommend it.

TODAY I TRIED AGAIN TO ENTER IN 1.5 BUT IT DID NOT WORK. SO I AM GOING TO ENETER IN 2 INTIL IT IS FIXED.  

today I went to tae kwon do hoping  for a fun sparring class. soon to find out that there was no sparring class. it was fun enough because instructor Foster taught and I had a good time. next time I will check Facebook :) 

Saturdays are my personal marathons; Sparring Class, running, Black Belt Classes and work until around midnight usually add up to 22000+ steps & 5000+ calories burned. At least that's what my Fitbit tells me. I love Saturdays.    PJL CEC 

Today was a pretty fun day!  I started out with a great breakfast.  I played pickleball and Iearning to play ok with left hand.  I finally got to be in class with the Jr. Tigers this afternoon and was great.  Very happy t

Today in school I got nominated for my school's science fair. I think I did really good. I presented my project pretty good, and I feel confident. I am also exited for my TKD test. I'm getting my requirments done, so I feel really good.

Went up to Virginia and hung out on my parents land for a couple hours. We introduced our puppy to horses and he wasn’t a big fan. He got spooked by how big they were

I awaken this morning ,of course some call it later than morning, to my delight of sunshine!  I had a very good breakfast and had some meditation time.  I could feel shoulder is improving from the

Getting it done.  I just need to keep at it.  One foot in front of the other.

So, Tuesday and Wednesday were a workout-washout but made up for some of it today.  Got in two workouts (AM and PM).  Went through the TKD cirriculum at PM workout and only needed to “go to video” once.  I’m gonna be ready.  Looking forward to a repeat in the AM!

So, taking inventory of one's stock is necessary in business; and in our personal life and endeavors. What is the cost vs the gain? Becoming a black belt has it's cost. We have to put in a lot of effort on a daily basis, not just when we are "on-cycle". We have to constantly train our minds & bodies on a higher level. The gain is well worth the effort. We have a sense of achievement. We earn something that few have. The important part is like in business, we have to get up and put forth an equal or better effort everyday. Here's to being a black belt.  PJL CEC 

Long but good day today. Worked five hours this morning before school and then three hours later in the day. I helped my mom with self defense tonight. Big plans for tomorrow, I’m going to the mountains in Virginia with my friend and my puppy. It’ll be fun!!!

I’ve come to a realization.  There is no way I could be a professional salesperson.  Yesterday our territory started our big 2-day client event where we take some of our best clients out for a day of business education and socializing.  13 hours of being “on” and charming literally wiped me out.  I was more exhausted from that than pretty much any physical training I’ve ever done.  I set my alarm but just could not get the strength to get out of bed. Sadly, there was no workout. Perhaps I’ll get one in when I get home although the foot of snow in the forecast may prevent that..   While the day was exhausting It was a nice reminder that we are all different and have different skills, talents, personalities and psychologies. I looked at a couple of my co-workers who were reveling in all of it all day long.  They...

Today in sparring class we did some quick drills and attacking techniques. I am also really eager to go and compete for my schools rubix cube competition. I am really happy because I am going to the finals. 

What a not so fun day.  Rainy , cool and  dreary..  I  wanted to walk/run a few miles but weather would not allow it.  

Today seemed to be much longer than it was. I have been up and moving since 4 this morning. I just put in my two weeks notice to one of my jobs. After two more weeks I no longer need to wake at 4 in the morning to work. I am struggling right now to find another job that will pay the amount I need to live off of. But I will keep looking, and not give up.

Inventory - counting and assessing goods on hand. We do this informally on a daily basis in the food service industry. Most restaurants or clubs do this formally on a monthly basis to calculate Cost of Goods Sold; otherwise known as Food Cost, Liquor Cost and Non-Food Cost. At Epic we use a 13 month (every 4 weeks) cycle which is more accurate. So, although I am usually off work on Wednesdays I am heading to work this morning to do inventory with my sous chef. The bad part of this is that I will miss the Wednesday morning class at TKD North Charlotte. The good news is that I will be through before noon.  I have already done my first two sets of push-ups, sit-ups and burpees; some pooms and some self defense. I am looking forward to classes this evening. I am also very grateful to Master Chelley for...

     In yearbook, since we finished both the middle and high school yearbooks, we went to the practical life room and labeled all of the cabinets and stuff. So there was this plastic container in the very back of the fridge. I think it was once yogurt or some type of dairy related thing, but not anymore. It was so disgusting. Cleaning it was probably the grossest thing I've done all week.

So I left to go to the office the morning only to get blocked due to an accident earlier in the morning that shut down I-77. I tried to take Statesville Road instead but it ended up being completely backed up as well. That is when I decided to turn around and go home and work from home. It is nice to have that option.

Today was good day. I retook a test and got a perfect score, so that will boost my overall grade for that class. - hannah

Today was a pretty good day. I have a lot to do tomorrow, school wise, and I'm kinda stressed. - Hannah

Another day of getting things done.  Tomorrow some more, and little by little it all will get done.

Today in BBC we went over high white, yellow, high yellow and high green. There was a lot of changes and I got confused on some of them. But I eventually got the hang of it and was able to understand.  

I meant to post about Saturday and the written and physical test but kept forgetting to write a journal. I am really happy that I passed and did really well on my written test. Now on to finishing my requirements and preparing for the over night test. I ran 2.5 miles today and am getting really close to being done with everything. It feels really good.

Today started with my favorite breakfast of egg whites,  sausage and big mug of coffee.   My shoulder is still very sore but I  reconize it is getting better.  Since I am not able to do most exercises 

Had a two-fer yesterday.  Forms in the morning, cardio in the afternoon due to travel today.  Out before the gym was available and full day of socializing at work/client event wears me out.  Off for a dinner meeting but have the running shoes and workout clothes in the bag for AM.

I found out that weekend sparring classes are 1.5 credits. We got this confirmed so I am done with my sparring class credits. you can not type 1.5 in there. 

I am hoping everyone has a Terrific Tuesday. I am heading to LKN Dojang for a session with Master Chelley Hartle and then on to work. I still have plenty of work to do.    PJL CEC 

     In Agriculture today, only 3 of the eggs hatched into baby chicks. The rest were dead eggs. So for some reason, we got to dissect the eggs. I didn't dissect any but I did touch them. There was one that was so close to making it out of the egg but couldn't get out. And one girl had an unfertilized egg and she squeezed it too hard or something and it got all over her jacket. That shocked all of us. We also learned that there is synthesized pig hair in bread. Sorry for that information.  

Today i helped out two classes and did a mentor session with Madheaven. The class that I helped out was really energetic and nice. Today my class also watches the movie A Wrinkle In Time.

Sticks and bolos, sticks and bolos, sticks and bolos, I'm gong to dream of sticks and bolos.

Today was a pretty great day. Nothing much else to add to that. - Hannah

Today is the only day this week were i don’t work at 4:45. Working that early drains me of all energy for the rest of the day if i don’t get a nap in between. All i did today was go to school, do an interview, take a test then go to work. Not a very fun and eventful day. That’s the life of a college student pretty much.

It has been a great weekend. Physical and Written Test was yesterday. I beat all my times and stats for the physical test. I was really happy with the mile. Went from 9.36 to 8.09. Shaved about 1.5 minutes off my time. Not bad for a mile. Nate and both did very well on the written test as well -- 99%. We both studied hard for it, so glad to see it paid off. Now, to finish out the cycle strong. Keep up with exercises and drive it through. It was a really nice weekend outside. Caught up on some mileage and our new shrubs got some great sun. We are practicing our belt level requirements hard and getting ready for the next four weeks. I am excited and anxious at the same time. I will be ready! Now, I am going to go back watch the second half of the...

Good morning to another Glorious Day in God's Kingdom, it is a beautiful day to do some yard work and then spend the afternoon at King Tiger LKN. I should be able to run and fulfill multiple requirements today. I hope everyone has a great day.  PJL CEC  

I had a great weekend.   My wife and I droved over to Georgia to visit my uncle who is 95 years old and his mind is as sharp as ever.  I was really glad to get away from watching these four walls .   Another few weeks 

Got up and played. Went to church. Went and had fuel Pizza. Came home did some exercise and ran then went to basketball came home then finished stuff up. ate now I am whiting this. 

First day of training after the PE test.  Felt good.  Focused on staff and stick today and each time I do that I feel like I will be ready.  2nd and 3rd Dan self defenses are my weakness.  Will see about improving those this week.   I did well enough on remembering the new staff and stick forms that I treated myself to something.... a full weight upper body workout.  Felt good.

Today was poomsae (specifically stick forms) and self-defense day.  My eating was not as clean as it has been, but it was not that bad, I just had to have some pizza for lunch and found this restaurant in Davidson called Mandolino's, highly recommend it.   

Today I was working on 2 of my projects that are due tommorow. But all I have to do is glue it together. And im really tired, like really.

Worked pretty much all day today at HFFA. When i got home i talked with my parents about a new job and my future. After all that, i did a little extra ab workout to tighten my lower abs. I strive to be super fit one day. I know it’s a lot of hard work. But, i don’t want to become lazy as the years go by. I know as I get older I’ll need to work harder for it. I am willing to stay fit and healthy for as long as i can. Exercise is my drug, I’m addicted.

A few weeks ago our Rector, Reverend Sarah Hollar asked the congregation if anyone liked testing. I was the only one who raised a hand. I do. I actually enjoy testing because I feel it validates the work you have put forth in learning or practicing something. I really enjoyed the testing today. I still have work to do in all aspects, yet I had a great day. And at the end of the day of testing and working I burned over 5300 calories.  Sincerely,  PJL CEC 

Today was the physical and written test.  I feel pretty good about my physical portion.  I improved in all the categories.  I'm most proud of my negative hold on the pull ups, I held it for about 5 seconds, that might not be much by someone else's standards but when I did the pre-test I could barely do a negative hold for 1 second.

     We went outside in school today and there was a group of people playing a game. It looked really familiar but I couldn't remember where I had seen it. So when my friend started running I asked him what they were playing. It was Zombie Tag. Its been so long since I played that game. I also got to teach my mentee some of her red belt requirements. The bees are also coming out. Joy.

FOR ONE I GOT A 92 ON MY WRITTEN TEST THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN WHAT I GOT ON MY LAST CYCLE. ON MY PHYSICAL TEST I DID GOOD TOO. IN THE BEGINING I THOUGHT THAT THE WRITTEN TEST WAS GOING TO BE HARD BUT IT WAS EASY. I AM VERY PROUD OF MY SELF.

I was pretty proud of how I did at testing today, but I'm really tired now. - hannah

Written and physical test today wasn't all bad. I fee as though i ran a pretty good time. Last time i ran 3 miles that fast was when i was 13 in a 5k. But anyways, i felt great going into the test and i am gonna definitely feel it tomorrow.

I got up and ready for school. When I was riding on the bus something amazing happened it snowed for fifty seconds. Because of that we had a indoor recessed. The teacher asked me to help clean the book shelf. I came home ran then did homework. Got ready for testing. Went to help, had a good time. Came home and did lots of exercises.     

I did really good on my written test. it was a challenge because  I had to do 10 more than last time. I did not do as well as last time because last time I got an 101 and this time I got a 84% still a b but I will try to get a higher score next time I take the test.

I had a lot of tests today, but I also got to help out with testing and the dojong, so that was fun. - Hannah

Today I was studying for my written test  and also practicing my forms and self defences. I can't wait until I take the teat I feel really confident.Hopefully I will do better than last time.    

Tomorrow is a big day.  It is Physical Exam Day (and St. Patrick’s Day!!).  I will be so happy to tic that box and get the PE stuff behind me.  The work to hit the PE goals took more time than the TKD forms - likely due to age!  But, I am confident I will hit them which will allow me to focus on the TKD cirriculum for the next couple of weeks.  Looking forward to tomorrow!!!

Nate and I did our final review of all the written test questions and we both feel ready to go! Tomorrow is the day. Including the physical test. We did our exercises today with that "1 minute" round in mind, and getting ready to beat our times and numbers. Looking forward to tomorrow. Keeping focus and eye on the prize. I am ready to go. See everyone bright and early. Going to go get some sleep. Good night.

Had a long day, a little rough but that's okay. Just ready to finish tomorrow off strong. Only two weeks left till the end of cycle. I am putting everything i can into this cycle. I see my goal and i will do anything it takes to reach that goal.

it was really good to see everyone this evening.   I also wanted the more to be back in class working!  It seems as though I'm going to be in a beginner's stage when I return with the new things that I witnessed tonight.  

I am looking forward to our physical & written testing on Saturday. We will be moving forward into the final phases of our cycle. I have much to focus on during the last four weeks.    PJL CEC 

I feel pretty good today, I have been shaving a little time of my running for the last few days.  I will never be the fastest, but as long as I'm faster than my old self I'm thrilled.

Today was a normal day , i did my requirements and was studying for my written test. I feel really good about it. I also was taking care of my plant by watering it and everything.

today I went for an hour run. I stopped a bit to walk but mostly run. I cant wait for the test of saterday and it will be hard but I am going to try to beat my time of about 4 mins in plank and I at trying to reach for 6 mins of plank and I practice every day so I will complete the challenge I made for my self anf I will have a blast doing it also.

Today is my last day says the black belt website. I got a mentor session in today. Tuesday will be my last day. I will still go. The written and physical tests are in two days. I am ready for both of them. I finally know staff form two. I fell very confident today.  

I had a lot of fun helping out with testing today. I going to do it again tomorrow as well. - Hannah

Overall today was relaxed. I worked then went to the gym to workout. After the gym i took a quick nap before work. After work i went out to dinner with the king tiger family and they surprised me and paid for my meal. I love them so much.

Today, I will go to the black belt class & will get a leadership 2 credit.

Nate and I have been and continue to be pretty well on track for the BBC. There are a couple of items we are a little behind, but very manageable. Only 10-20 off or so. I have a spreadsheet that I continue to track our progress along with this system. The reason I use the spreadsheet is that I am tracking with an end date of April 6th... I want to give us a week before our final testing to just practice and focus on the testing, and not worry about trying to finish requirements. The only item I am watching is my mentee sessions. Amanda and I are working on the schedule to ensure we get the remaining 4 sessions in over the next few weeks. I was sick and then she was sick, which put us behind. But we will get it done. Nate and I have been prepping...

     So not only did it snow this morning, there was a fire at my school. One of the heaters in the Biology classroom caught on fire. The biology teacher was yelling at kids to get out and pulled the fire alarm. Everyone thought it was a joke. But they went outside. She then proceeded to pull the fire alarm and couldn't pull the fire extinguisher off the wall. It was the health and P.E. teacher that pulled it off the wall and single handedly saved the school. On the way to school, I actually saw the firetrucks. My first thought was that someone was cooking in the practical life room and caught the school on fire. Well, I wasn't completely wrong. We also had to combine the whole high school into 2 classrooms because both the English teacher and the American History teacher wasn't there and the sub for...

Today I got  leadership credit one and two. I also got in a mentee session. Today a lot of drama was going on in mys school. People were just yelling at each other. Some tried to get me in trouble. The teacher knew that that girl was not telling the truth. 

it was snowing all morning. it was a lot of fun to see it pour down it looked like a blizzard and i was in huntersvile because that is where i go to school. it is so much fun to play in the snow because you can have challenges like who can catch the most snow  flakes in there mouths or who can first catch a snowflake without it melting and them see how long you can hold. one bad thing abut the snow it that you just cant get it off you and if you fall you will get wet because the pressure and heat in your body makes you wet FAST!!! you can have lots of fun and thats what i did.  ps we did not go out for resses but we played in the gym. that was really fun aswell.  

Today it snowed outside and almost everyone didn't have school other than my school. We also had a walk out for the shooting at Florida. I felt really sad and was a little furious as well because a phyco came in and just started to shoot.  I helped out a 6:45 class today and also took sparring class which went really good. And then after class I was working on my pull ups and did 10 my highest number of pull ups are 6 so i'm trying to beat it.

Today I went today I went to school and it was snowing a lot while we drove there. The snow didn't last very long and that made sad. I miss the snow. I went to after school club because my father had training at work. Me and my brother went to kids class at King Tiger and we lined up backwards with the white belts in front and black belts last. Now it is time for sleep.

I worked a lot today. Worked from 4-12 then worked out at the gym and took a short nap before returning back to work at 3:45-7. I am looking forward to the weekend so i can finally sleep in. I miss being a kid and not having to get up early

Happy PI DAY!  I had a big ole piece of apple pie to celebrate.  Also had a good 2 hr workout where I got through all the forms, including the staff and stick.  I needed to review staff #5 and short stick #4 on video but I got it all in.  Thinking about going back for a run tonight (to work off the pie) and have some extra time in the morning for forms, stick, staff and SD.   I also did 27 burpees today and 48 pushups.  First time I hit both targets in same day.    

Today was the last day of MAPS testing I think I did better than last time but I wont know for shore for a few weeks. But still I am GLAD they are over! They are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo boring! bye

Happy Pi(Pie) day everyone! I hope you were able to celebrate this is someway. That's all I really have to say except that today was a pretty good day. - hannah

Felt good enough to go back and get 2.25 miles in 20 min.  Kinda justified my pie for Pi Day!  

     Today was a very modified day in school. My American History teacher had to go to the hospital today. She didn't even make it for an hour. I really hope that she's alright. She brought her cast today too and I got to play with them before she started feeling horrible. So she is my Advisory teacher. So we had to combine her Advisory group with the English teachers group. We played  a group initiative called Peanut Butter River. It was fun. Then she teaches AP Phycology. So both Yearbook and Phycology had to combine classes. So both her and the English teacher won't be at school tomorrow and we only have a sub for English. I think that we might be unsupervised during History. Who knows.

I woke up had school. But because it was snowing in different areas we left early. Came home did home work then  I didn't have a lot to do. Went for a run, got my third fastest time. Then I played and ate dinner. Went to do a mentee with Taylor. Worked on Flying Side Kick. Helped with class I manly helped with the High Blue Belts and High Red Belts. Worked on poomsae and self-defense. Came home changed and started writing this. Soon I will go do some exercise.  

Today I went to tae kwon do for a mentor session. When I only go there for mentor sessions people look at we weird. I couldn't go to black belt class today because I had to study for my test that I have tomorrow. For only one that does not know the written and physical tests are on Saturday. You have to be there by 8:30. Bring clothes that you can run in.

I began today with eating a hardy breakfast.   Afterwards I don't know what happened energy seems to have vanished!  It's not suppose to be this way.  Atleast I can journal.  

Lots of distractions this week.  Job interviews, etc.  Sinus infection came back yesterday.  But....! Persevered and got my PM workout (4 miles on treadmill) then back today.  Today was slow work day so I got