Spring 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!

3-13-18

Today was one of those days where you have absolutely no school or work. Just a day to sit back and relax. I can’t remember the last time that has happened to me. I spent a lot of time today with my family with only a few exceptions with an hour or two with my friend. Overall, i had a great day.

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We won!

Yah we won! Today we played charlotte Cristian and we beat them 2-0. We have a home game Thursday so if you want to come it is a lake Norman charter! Come cheer me and my team on! Just kidding you can come if you want but you don't have to. 

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Mar.13.2018

I got pretty stressed today because of how much homework I have right now, but I'm working through it. - Hannah

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3/13/18

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 a good two hours in and went through everything except 2nd and 3rd dan self defenses. Gonna walk through them tonight. I’m getting there.

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Monday

Time to make the donuts... back to work. It was a dreary Monday morning. Got the kids off to work, and spent the entire day with my team working on planning for 2nd quarter 2018. Good day, but we have more work than we have man power, so now to negotiate on what we will or will not accomplish in the coming months. Good times. Got to go to Monday family class and also mentee Instructor Amanda. It was a good night. Spent some time with studying with Nate. We are feeling pretty good about our physical and written test this weekend. Still more studying, but pretty good so far. Putting in our stats tonight to get a read on where we stand. Couple items we need to catch up on, but all very doable. The key is to stay current and get at least the minimums done, and done well....

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Sunday

It was a great day despite losing an hour this morning - that was terrible. I just spent some quality time with my family. It was just a fun day of hanging out at home. Nate and I got our exercises done, completed one of our essays, and studied for the test. We made a game out of the questions to make it fun to study. I like to learn, but making it interesting is more fun. Got to spend time with my wife and daughter Lexi as well. I think the biggest challenge today was the weather. Just ugly outside... but great for my new shrub. Lots of rain water. This is going to be an interesting week. Several days of testing at King Tiger Lake Norman so less classes, but we will be there as much as we can this week. I am finally feeling much better and ready...

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Beginning of a long week

This week is going to be extra difficult. My wife is out of town Monday to Thursday so I am alone with the boys. On top of that I have training 3 days this week so the boys will have to go to afterschool. Hopefully things will go smoothly.

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Monday - after time change

Today I was extra tired. I almost fell asleep in school. I will got to bed early tonight so I can get some extra sleep. I hope I will feel refreshed tomorrow.

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Good day

Today in tkd i helped out in two classes got my tree and also did some of my requirements. I had a good dinner and then played with my rubix cube. I'm still happy and sad about the big competition that happened yesterday.

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28th posting Spring 2018

Today my husband and I went to our land in Willis VA just to experience the first real snow of the year.  It was just beautiful, cold and windy, but beautiful.  Keeping up with routine and trying to keep eating clean.  

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Mar.12.2018

Today was a pretty nice day. The weather didn't reflect this however, so the day kind of had a gray blanket over it. - Hannah  (I don't know if that sentence made sense)

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Snow.

Well, first it was exciting because it SNOWED! But then I realized that meant my soccer practice was canceled :( but it snowed non the less

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3-12-18

Today i looked for a new and better job. I can’t afford to stay at my lifeguard job so i am trying to find a substitute that has better pay and more hours that i can work. I looked at becoming part handler for camp wagging tails. If i got that job i would never want to leave work. I absolutely love hanging around animals, and getting paid for it? Heck yes, sign me up!!!

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Journal 23

Today I woke up played then wrote an essay. Then I went out and played with my friends. Came in did some exercises. Soon I will go to basketball.  

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3/12/18

Some mornings you just don’t have it.  Legs felt like lead today.  But, I got 1.5 miles in, some other stuff and all my stick and staff forms done.  Good thing about working out in the AM is that there is a second chance in the PM!  

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It has been a rainy today.  I did awaken today in a good frame of mind.  I had a great breakfast and went to church.  I tried doing poomsae but my shoulder said no.  So tomorrow is another day.

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Journal 23

     I was up fairly late last night. I originally stayed up to finish my book. But when I finished that, I realized that I didn't want to do my chores today. So I cleaned my room and put away my laundry so I didn't have to do it today. I still wasn't tired. So then I started and finished another book. By then, due to the horrible time change it was well past midnight. So then I finally decided to go to bed. I woke up around 10:30 because my sister texted me and woke me up. I probably could have slept for another hour or two.

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Mar.10.2018

i wasn't able to post yesterday because I went to be and didn't have time to. The dance I went was so much fun!! I really liked hanging out with the friends that I don't get to see as often. That's all I have for tonight. Goodnight! - Hannah

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Mar.11.2018

Today was pretty good day. My family came over for dinner and we had a lot of fun! - Hannah

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3-11-18

I worked early this morning and when i got off of work and and my family all worked of together. Today was basically a lazy family day after we finished working out

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Day 55

Today I just woke up. Next time I will not stay up till 1. I also wanted to say today is day lights savings day. I will finish my requirements in a hour.

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Science Olympiad

Today i had a really big competition. I competed in 3 different events so I had to study a lot. My school also got 4 medals 2 first place, 1 3rd place and 1 second place. Today was a really big day for me as well. I had to wake up at 5:30 and it lasted all the way to 8:00pm

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Things are taking shape a little slower today.   Cloudy lazy looking day that makes me feel like not doing very much.  Instead of being motivated it's just the opposite .  I will 

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Journal 22

     I just found out that I don't have to make up the snow day on the 29th. Also stating to not feel that great. Yay.

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Journal - Day 63

It has been quite a while since I have journaled as I have to catch up. Yesterday was a great day because it was Friday! I finished school and went home and relaxed, knowing that the weekend was ahead. I am very exhausted and tired so I am trying to catch up on my sleep. Hope everyone has a great day.

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My shrub

Nate and I went to Lowes today and got our shrubs. We found Boxwood. It is a good hardy shrub. We have several in the back yard already, so once we have cared for them, we can plant them in the Spring. I really like this challenge. It gives us a chance to really care for something, and watch it grow. I am always amazed to see the plants we have planted over the years and see how they have grown. We have planted many trees in our backyard, and now they provide shade for us as they have grown tremendously over the years. It is a great thing. I am also excited to watch Nate go through this process as well. Happy caring for your shrubs. 

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Ow!

Today during black belt class I was doing self defense and I got what is called a "nerve pinch" all I know is it is very painful and I do not like it. but anyway byyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeee

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3-10-18

Today consisted of movies, puppy’s and friends. It was a very relaxing day. A good start to my spring break, even though i work more during it.

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EBOB

Today, my sister had an EBOB (Elementary Battle Of The Books). I went & cheered her team on. She didn't win, but she came in third overall. Maybe next year she'll win.

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Day 54

Today I went to Saturday black belt class. We learned to new yellow, high yellow self defense.

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I began today with good attitude .  My best  breakfast egg whites , sausage and big mug of coffee   Helping people move things by driving the vehicle.   And yes I reconize my shoulder is improving from thearpy sessions.  who knows maybe I can get back to training 

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27th posting Spring 2018

Another day in paradise! getting my routine done and eating clean.   Not much more to say.

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3-9-18

Had a great day today. Even though i have been up and active since 4 am. I went to work, then school, then to my friends, and then to black belt calss, and finally to get dinner. i am finally home from this long day. i am finally on spring break but its not really a break. i still have work everyday at 4:45 am. 

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One done 3 more to go

Today I finished my math project. It was about shadow reckoning and it was really hard. But since I finished that I have to do my other 3 projects too. I also ran 4 miles and did my requirements. I also was studying for my big competition tomorrow. Tomorrow was the science Olypiad competition so I was just reviewing.  

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3/9/18

Got two workouts in today!  Focusing on staff and creative forms plus some two step self-defenses.  Staff forms 4 and 5 - check!  (Well, at least I can get through them all the way without looking at the videos.) My body was very stiff this morning and noticably better in the afternoon.  Must be showing my age.

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Day 53

My mom thinks that I can not handle this. I have to show her that I can handle it. Nothing important happened today.

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This morning I was able get back to my regular routine.   Got out of bed late, had late breakfast therefore everything else is moving well.  The dr. expressed things are looking good but I have atleast 4 more weeks of recovery on my shoulder.  Unable to lift arm to just 45 degree a

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BBC

Today in BBC weekday we learned the new H.W self defence. I was really fun and cool to do. I also got some credits for helping . I learned my staff form  my mentor and that went great too.

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Journal 21

     In art were doing an animation unit. Animation takes forever to do. Especially when you hand draw it. And also I never understand why my Biology teacher teaches a new unit, and the very next class, we take a test. And its a formal grade. So long story short, everyone in all of 9th and 10th grade failed it. We just started a new unit. We can't learn everything in an hour and a half!

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Day 52

Today I am going to have a mentor session. It is hopefully going to be fun. I could not go to black belt class today because I have to study for my Chinese test. I got another English project today and tomorrow my English homework is due.

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Mar.08.2018

Tomorrow is my Semi-formal dance. I'm pretty excited. - Hannah

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Day 51

I have a lot of things going on in April. First I have to go to camp thunderbird. Then it is the black belt test. Then I have to go to Atlanta for a school felid trip. Today I learned how to open a lock.  

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Credits and Classes

Today I got 1 leader.1  1 leader.2 , sparring class and mentee session. I am trying to catch up with my credits and requirements so I can finish them quickly.     Have a good night! . 

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Journal 20

     Today was fairly uneventful.. The biology classroom is getting something in the ceiling fixed or something like that and we had a seminar about the Tasmanian tiger.My sisters also had they're interviews at my school. Hopefully they'll get in.

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3/8/18

5:00 am, snow on the ground. Time for a run then off to Long Island.

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It seems as though I was all over the place today.  Dr appointments, physical therapy and taking my car to be serviced.   It was a crazy day.   I was able to do 

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Mar.07.2018

Today was a pretty good day. I have to make a up a vocabulary test tomorrow, but it shouldn't be that difficult. - Hannah

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3/7/18

So, I got a decent TKD workout in this AM.  PM workout was shoveling snow.  So after that i studied written test materials.  Back at it tomorrow.

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3-7-18

Today is just another day closer to spring break then summer break then the end of school. Time flies by so fast, even on this cycle. Here we are with less that fourty days left. I am proud of everyone including myself who has made it this far. We've had our good and bad days, but the end is near. Push yourself and reach your goal. Never give up!

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26th posting Spring 2018

Pretty busy at work.  Next week is Spring Break at CPCC, so I'm taking off work to share with my husband since he is off.  Not looking forward to Daylight savings time, loosing an hour of sleep takes the wind out of my sails.  

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test

I am so scared for tomorrow because I have a math quiz and it will be hard but I hope I do good. in two days I will be at the end of the third quarter and on to the fourth quarter

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Day 50

Today I missed black belt class. I had to miss it so that I could study for my science test that I have tomorrow. It is a big test. This test is on weather. Weather is a huge topic.

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Mysterious Monday

Today for some reason our school had a backpack check so right after we entered the building we took off our backpacks and waited until they were clear and also we got padded.But I found out after that a person commented something bad about the school on google reviews so that s why police came and also was checked.

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Week after instructors camp

Today Tuesday I am still tired from instructors camp. Physically I have mostly recovered but mentally I feel like I could use a day or 2 off still. Oh well it is not like I want to spend my vacation days recovering from this so I just keep going. Instructors camp was really good though and I had a good time. I personally wish there was a little more time to get some sleep between Friday and Saturday but the schedule does not allow for much. I am sure I will be back again next year.

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Today I slept even later than my normal.  I had a great breakfast and wanted to go for a nice hike but the rain nixed that out.  So I will meditate and try to het some kicks done.

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It has been a few days since I have journal.  Not being able to go to instructor's camp was a disappointment and also couldn't get any physical requirements done.  My thought process must change realizing that I am not the only one that has had an in

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A good day

Today I helped out a family class which was fun and then went to Black belt class. We played a really fun Tae Kwonn Do jeopardy type game and did a poomsae games type thing. But overall it was really fun.  

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Today

I got a white belt challenge credit today. I also twisted my foot backwards & now it hurts.

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Journal 19

     Im so out of it today that I was trying to use my school log in information to log in here. And for a teacher thats always on her computer she never adds any grades in.

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Mar.06.2018

Today was a good day. I read an entire book. - Hannah 

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day 49

TODAY I WAS AT SCHOOL FOR THE WHOLE DAY. THE PERSON THAT I SIT NEXT TO CAME BACK. SHE IS ONE OF MY FRIENDS SOPHIA. MY OTHER FRIENDS GOT MAD AT ME BECAUSE I WAS HANGING OUT WITH SOHIPA ALL DAY. TODAY AT TAE KWON DO I GOT LEADERSHIP ONE AND TWO. TODAY I FINALLY STARTED TO DO MYWRITTEN TEST. I PRINTED IT OUTAND I USED THE STDY GUIDE. NOT ALL THE ANSWERS ARE IN THE STUDY GUIDE SO I WILL HAVE TO ASK MY MENTOR. I HAVE TO DO MY LAST ESSAY. IT IS ON THE 5 KWANS. I HOPE I DO GOOD ON THAT ESSAY.

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3/6/18

Still feeling motivated after Instructor’s Camp.  Planning on some running and forms today but legs just did not have it.  So, I got in a good upper body lifting session and checked staff form #4 off the list thanks to Master Cavasos sharing some video with me.  I got this.

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3-5-18

This weekend I had a lot of fun training with Grand Master Lee. Even though I was very sleep deprived, I did not let that effect my performance throughout the weekend. I gained a lot of knowledge with the variety of classes I went through. I also got to meet a lot of people that I have never seen before and create a great bond while working with them. I did not have time to input any numbers for the weekend or write journal entry's. Today I made sure I got caught up in the sleep that I didn't get over the weekend. I felt very refreshed this morning, one of the best feelings ever. I had a pretty relaxed day and work later on at King Tiger was fun. I know I have my good and bad days there but today was definitely one of the good days. I need...

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3/5/18

instructors camp was this past weekend.  At first it was quite depressing because it is clear that I am no longer as sharp and knowledgeable as I once was.  Plus I was easily frustrated and nervous the whole time.  The drive back to NJ was tough. However, today I got in a good 3.5 hrs of training plus spent some time on the written test. I framed out my creative poomsae and feel good about that.  I also went through all the self defenses up through 1st dan without needing video references. Insructors camp helped me focus. My travel schedule between now and the test is light.  I am going to do this!

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March.05.2018

Today was a pretty good day. Because I haven't posted since Mar.01, I'll give my thoughts on Instructor's Camp here. I thought it was fun. I didn't get a lot of sleep though, which is probably why I didn't feel too well. That's my only complaint though, otherwise it was loads of fun! - Hannah

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Journal 22

I started to day late  because I was very tiered. Later I started exercising then played with my friends. Then I went to my grandmother's house and we almost finished my new belt holder. Ran to the store. Came home ran now I am writing this and my dad is making dinner.  

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Another boring Sunday

Obviously today's the worst and boring day of the week.  THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY.

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Science Olympiad

Yesterday was the last practice for science olympiad so we were wrapping up our supplies and equipment and projects. The competition is next week on saturday so we were reviewing everything in our events. My events were roller coaster, ecology and battery buggy

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25th posting Spring 2018

Back home after instructors camp.  Pretty busy and tiring, but in a strange way exhilarating.  Lots of information and changes.  It does not matter what belt level you are in you will always be a white belt learning something new.    

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Neighbors

I really like my neighborhood. We have the best neighbors in our area of the development. I live at the bottom of a loop in the development, and we have neighbors on either side and across the street. Everyone just takes care of one another. We literally share anything needed. My wife pings the neighbors when we run out of something, like the other night we needed brown sugar for some cookies, and sure enough a neighbor had some. Then we buy some more and give it back. We all do it and help each other. This is something I never experienced living in NJ. I lived in the same apartment for five years and never even learned my neighbors names. We would say hi and be nice, but that is about it. This is my I like it down here. My one neighbor even lets me borrow his truck when...

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Journal - Day 62

Hello All - Just came back from an amazing 2.5 days of Instructors camp this afternoon. I slept like 6 hours in total. I was so tried that I could not sleep after I came back. So I finished my assignment and went for a run. I ran like 2 miles this evening and then played Basket ball with my dad and sister. I just finished dinner and now going to hit bed. Good night everbody

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Journal 22

My day started pretty good. I woke up and played with my Legos and Nerf stuff. I had breakfast and did some exercises. Then later in the day I started to not feel real good. I got a head ache and upset stomach. My mom had me take some medicine but I still not feeling good. I missed Basketball class and just hung out in the my room. I napped a little, but still feel bad. I ate dinner and took a bath. I feel a little better but still not good. Going to bed now and getting some sleep. 

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Science Olympiad

Yesterday was the last practice for Science Olympiad so we were wrapping up our supplies and equipment and projects. The competition is next week on Saturday so we were reviewing everything in our events. My events were roller coaster, ecology and battery buggy. I was really exited but the sad thing is that i'm going to miss sparing class and black belt class.

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Day 48

Today I went to see Black Panther again. At the movies I saw two teachers from my school. I have done my requirements. Today is a good day.  

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Journal - Day 62

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Saturday

My dad is gone to instructors camp and we are home with just my mom. I played video games with my friend when I woke up. Later on I went to his house and we ran 2 miles on the greenway. When we got back we ate something for lunch called a "Dutch Baby". I thought it tasted pretty good. My mom picked us up and we went to get 5 guys Burgers for dinner.

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Day 47

Today I went to one of my old class mates party. Her name is Leah. She had left the school so it was great seeing her again. All saw so of my other class mates. I did not want to leave but I was forced.

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Friday - weekend is here

Today my father left for instructors camp. He went in the car with us when my mother took us to school. For dinner we had pizza and my mom invited a friend over for to hang out. My brother and I got to play lots of video games.

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Day 46

Today I had technology class. After that the teacher was talking about middle school. We also went to the band teacher's room. The students were showing off there instruments.  

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Mar.01.2018

Today was pretty good. I can't wait for Instructor's camp tomorrow! - Hannah  

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Journal - Day 61

Good Morning everybody. Just packed all my stuff and getting ready to head to Instructors camp. I am super excited to train with all other instructors and Masters and especially Grandmaster Lee. Very glad to know that my friends Connor and Josh are coming along and we will have a super time together

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Instructors camp tomorrow!

Well really this week was pretty exciting. First I tried out for my school soccer, team and made it. Then I learned that I get to leave at like 11:30 to go to instructors camp. This time is my first so I am pretty nervous and have no idea what to expect. Bye!! (i know i have not done a journal in a long time... jeeya!) 

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Thursday

Today was like most other Thursdays except my mother dropped me an my brother off at home before taking her car to the dealer. She was gone for quite some time and came back in a loaner car. Then we had dinner with some leftover pizza before going to TKD.

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Day 45

Today I had to skip everything because of my shoulder I had to skip tae kwon do I had to skip dance. My throat also hurts.

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3-1 Thursday

Today I packed for Instructors camp and can't wait to go. Had fun in class, to bad a lot of people are not going.

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Journal 18

     For English, I have to write a persuasive letter on something that I want to see change from and sent it to the person in charge of it. I chose delays and make up snow days. I realized that most people only wrote a few paragraphs or a page. And then I look at mine and see that I typed almost 4 pages. They'll have fun reading my letter.

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black belt

troday I went to black bely. that was all I did that was worthy of talking about. enjoy your last day of the week. BYEEEEEEEEE

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busy thursday

Good morning, a very busy Thursday is on tap. I have completed my first set of cycle requirements for the day. Now on to prepping food for this weekend's IC, then work. Definitely jazzed about IC though. It's always a fun weekend.  PJL CEC 

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An ordinary Wednesday

Today I went to school as I always have to do on Wednesdays and I had a good day. When I got home I watched some of The Great British Baking Show with my brother. I didn't not go to class tonight because I have completed my leadership 1 and 2 requirements. I will be going to class tomorrow.

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2-28-18

Time is flying by, I kept thinking it was Monday today but it’s actually the middle of the week. I am looking forward do instructors camp this weakened. I am ready to improved and learn new skills. I have to pack tomorrow though because Friday i have a class from 10:30-11:20. So i have to rush from that class to my house and then to king tiger. I might as well  make it easy and pack ahead.

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Day 44

Today all my hard work paid off. I finally got a leadership two credit hey. Today I had to turn in my science project.

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Normal Day

Today was a normal day. I helped out a 6:45 class and got leadership. After class my parents didn't come so we played.  Bye! LOL  

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Today has been a week since my surgery and the medical professionals say I'm doing great .  They haven't convinced me of that yet!  I am following instructions .  Atleast 

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A Good Wednesday

As usual, Wednesday was a very good day on the cycle. I was able to attend morning and evening classes, run, do requirements and submit a journal entry. I like it. 

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Two movies at the same day

Today My class was the happiest (including me)  because we got our first field trip. We were happy more than anyone cause 5th grade gets a field trip every week while we get projects every week. But the sad thing is 5th grade is coming along with us. Booo 5th grade! At least I got my second day of my white belt challenge done and got an extra weekday black belt class. Also I got to see a brother V. Brother poomsae battle in taekwondo.

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Tuesday Run to King Tiger

Today we ran up to King Tiger to do class. My father's car was at the mechanic to get the breaks fixed and my mother had to go to a meeting. That meant we didn't have a car to drive us up there. The run was right at 3.1 miles so it wasn't too bad. My mother picked us up after class and drove us home. Maybe we will do it again if the weather is nice.

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Feb.28.2018

Today's the last day of February. That's cool.  - Hannah

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Beyblaydes

I got  some new beyblaydes today. The one I got was very very strong  

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test

today I had a big science test. it was hard but I did pretty good I liked doing it because we had a quiet class and we could focus.

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Crazy Tuesday

I had to take a personal day from work to drive down to Spartanburg SC. We decided to drop my car of at Keffer VW to have them fix the breaks on our way our of town. Our trip down there was delayed with almost an hour due to I-85 being closed around Gastonia. Luckily we got things sorted and we got back in time to pick the kids up from school. However my car wasn't ready as expected as they didn't have all the parts in stock. That meant that we had to run up to King Tiger to do class. That was fun and I think we just might do that again.

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