Whew!

Glad I got plenty of sleep last night. Today was a hit the ground running day. Weird thing though was even with all the extra sleep I got, I still felt fuzzy. Maybe allergies? After running the kids here and there, I went to tkd. Led the tiny tigers and then rested until XMA. Led that - luckily we have gotten to a step where I don't have to do the moves as much as give the students tips on what to do to make it look better. Then black belt class - did JB stuff. Gonna be sore tomorrow. Fun doing "sparring" with those! Makes the weapon feel like a real weapon when you spar someone with it! Also, found out my instructor passed his rank test at Worlds so he now is a 4th degree - Woot! His daughter passed her test and now is a 3rd degree!!

On another note, found out a good friend of mine and her hubby got the house they put a bid on! So excited for them - plus they will live even closer!!!!!

Testing

Had another testing at the tkd school. I was nervous because I didn't do as well as I envisioned I could have done at Worlds. Been having some trouble with my balance and still get gassed pretty easy. BUT - I did a pretty darn good job at testing. I made it through the repeat round kicks without trouble and hit the crescent, rev. hook, round kick combo without losing my balance! My midterm scores will still be low since I can't spar, but I know I did a good job! I did something to my back - pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve or something because I have been in pain since testing, so I need to take it easy for a bit.

We went and saw Get Smart last night. Fun movie. Kids enjoyed it just as much as we did. I actually liked it better than I thought I would. Still are several movies out that I want to see, but it is so darn expensive. I definitely like renting from Red Box for $1 instead. We recently watched Definitely, Maybe. Cute movie!

Tired Body

Wow! I've been pushing myself in class and I can tell it. Right now I think every muscle or joint or whatnots HURT! Glad I have a day off tomorrow!

We're Back!

We had a great time in Little Rock. Some of the best things were playing tourist with the family the first day down there. We hit the Discovery Museum, River Market area, and went to a free movie in the park! Thursday night we went to Laurie's house. She lives in LR and invited a bunch of ladies over from her division to have dinner and hang out. Total blast! Friday night Todd and I went to the Peabody Rooftop Party - Yowza!!! Need I say more! Sat. night we got to go out with Michelle and her family for dinner and to go swimming. I wish they lived closer :-) Sunday night we went out with the Daniels to Famous Dave's for a post-World's Celebration.


Todd competed in top 10. He didn't place, but he did awesome in weapons and forms. None of us placed for the new season, but we did great! I actually got the worst scores I have ever gotten, but we know that would probably happen going in. Just stepping into the ring was a win. Plus I had so much support from all my friends and co-competitors! Like all vacations, it flew by so quickly! Guess we should start saving for next year...

We're Here!!!!

Made it to Little Rock with no problem! Had fun drive down. We stopped at Lambert's. Too much food! Did some wine tasting of St. James wine - about the only kind of wine I like. When we got to the Peabody, we saw some tkd friends wandered about a bit. Tomorrow we are going to do the touristy things and practice! Soon the fun will really start!

Why Perseverance

     This word means a lot to me.  It is one of the "life skills" we teach in TKD.  I never realized how much it is a part of my character until this past year.  I persevered in my training to get to my 2nd degree black belt, to earn my certified trainee collar, become a state champ in forms, weapons, sparring, and XMA weapons, compete in the top ten my first year as a black belt, and continued my training for awhile basically on my own as some things were going on during spring of '07.  

     THEN perseverance saved my life and continues to do so.  After World Championship last year, it was discovered that my lungs & liver were dying due to vasculitis.  I also have a brain tumor.  July 20th, 2007 my life changed in an instant.  Things became clearer, found out who were the "real" people in my life, and what was most important.  As I continue through my chemo & steroid treatments to put my vasculitis into remission, sometimes perseverance is all I can hang onto.  Plus, I know it will get me through my brain surgery with flying colors! 

     It was ironic - yesterday at a reception they had for us at work who were not returning next year, our principal spoke about each one of us.  He said he thought of a word that came to mind when he thought of us.  The word he said reminded him of me was PERSEVERANCE!  He said I had an inner strength that was pretty amazing and that I would persevere through everything.  

So as I thought of what to name my site, I chose perseverance since it is so much a part of me!