Camping Trip

Finally I have time to journal about the trip this weekend.... IT WAS AWESOME!!! I love camping, especially with my favorite people. It was great to spend time with the people that I have the oppurtunity to train for my black belt with. I loved climbing up the rocky cliffs and swimming in the frigid water. Overall, it was a fantastic way to spend my weekend!! =)

The ramblings of a candidate

This weekend, during the camping trip, I took a little jog with Delilah, and it was a beautiful run.

However, the beauty of our surroundings didn't strike me until we were on our way back to the parking lot the next day. For most of the hike back, I was by myself. Normally, I'd rather have walked back with someone, even if only to have a companion to walk with. But this time, I didn't mind it at all. In fact, I kinda enjoyed it, strangely enough.

It was nice being able to just look around and not have to say much, to think without interruption. My surroundings were beautiful and peaceful. There were no deadlines, no tasks to complete, no one to answer to, no one to entertain or lead, no rush to do anything. There was just me and the road.

Physically, I was tired by the time we headed home. Mentally, a little tired (from lack of sleep), but at the same time, kind of refreshed. Spiritually, craving more. More of the peace, the beauty, the serenity.

Looking back, I am happier than ever that I went. Never mind that I was cold, tired, sore, and dirty (please don't think I was unhappy, I wasn't. Just uncomfortable, but I refused to let the mild discomforts ruin the weekend and time with friends) and dying for a shower by the time I got home.

Because for that hour and a half or so hike back to the cars, I was able to absorb the serenity surrounding me. It was refreshing and eye opening. And I don't think I would have been able to experience what I did if I had walked back with someone.

I know we're in this as a team, and we're here to encourage and motivate one another. But I think it's also good for us to have times just to ourselves to process the direction of our lives and see if they have any real meaning behind them.

I know, again, I rambled and ended up who knows where or how I got there. And if that irritates you, I'm sorry. It's not intentional. It's just how my mind works.

DTD 2011 Camping Trip

Really had a great time on the trip - it was nice to hang out somewhere besides the studio! Thanks to everyone for such a memorable weekend. See you next week in class!

Happy :)

Everyone's out on the camping trip right now. I'm really happy for them all because they like that kinda thing. Me... I love my own bed, my own pillow and my own cat curled up at my feet at night. I like my own indoor plumbing, electronics and cleaning my car while I sit in the sun and listens to the All '80's Weekend on K103. Yep, everybody has their own thing. :)

So tomorrow I have to write out my Phase 3 Interview (interview itself is completed), run 5 miles, work on my open form (which is like saying I have to work on my sky writing... totally impossible but necessary), do a few hundred push ups & redo some planters. Oh, and vacuum the house, do dishes, laundry, clean a 55 gallon aquarium and kitty litter.

Yep, never a dull moment. ;)

Wednesday training

Tonight was awesome! It was fun just hitting the pad as hard as you can. Also I realized that with out cocking back or chambering you can generate a lot of force. I like selfdefense because it brings so many situations and how to deal with them. Also I love the concept of using your enemies against them if it's a group of people. I know one thing for sure that my legs are going to be sore tomorrow. Although I liked the kicks we did except doublehigh round house, boy do I dislike that kick. The flutter kicks were the worst after about 55 my legs could not move I tried to move them but they wouldn't budge. Also my hips pop when I move my leg in certain ways, well it was poping a whole lot. Thats basically all I have to say. Yeah go Aim High Wooh! Jumpspinning aim high!
~Noah Prins

PAC JEWEL

Yeah... I really need to stop slacking with my journals. The Pacific Jewel tournament was a fun experience to me. It`s interesting seeing martial artists from all over the Pacific coming and competing. I learned a lot from watching people perform, and listening to the judges. After I competed in the Pacifc Jewel, I went to the pool. It was great to relax and have fun. Then for the grand finale I performed with the demo team in front of a huge audience. I feel it`s a really cool thing to be able to have all these martial arts experiences.

Always desire to learn something useful.
Sophocles

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.
Og Mandino

Numbers

Im pretty happy with myself for what I did during numbers. I have never done over 7 pullups before or ran a mile under 7 minutes. But I surpassed both on saturday. I would still like to work on my core muscles over time.  My plank time was pretty wimpy compared to what I`m capable of. This is just an example of where i need to try harder.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
Ayn Rand

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
William James

Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox