Exodus

Oh wow...there's been some really good ones that I've forgotten about. Need to see about making a new list at some point I think to listen to for getting pumped up before classes. I am in a bit of a toss up as lately I've been listening to this on my way... But then just tonight I saw someone link something I hadn't listened to in a while that got me going too. I know it's a bit older and what not but hey, I was that generation that it got hit with hard. lol

We have a kitchen?! And all this time I've been cooking by campfire. >_>

Yep, that would be me.

Well, as a follow up to my earlier post we had a demonstration in front of city hall here for the Multicultural festival that is held every year. It was a bit of a tight spot for us as compared to last year but overall we made the best of it and everyone did well since we were in a rush due to some acts cancelling at quite literally the last few minutes. But I thought I would post the video for it for everyone to see. As well, it gives you guys a demonstration of what I was talking about (and I managed to break it again without tearing the paper!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzUmNDPubTU&feature=youtu.be

Sorry, for some reason this double posted.

Took my last big step last night with regards to preparing for my black belt test in the fall. My instructor surprised me by having me grab the paper and wood for breaking with my wooden sword. Now, this might not sound all that impressive but let me explain in a bit more detail. You see we take a piece of wood about a foot long and about an inch to an inch and a half thick. We then hang that horizontally between two rings of paper. These rings of paper are then suspended on the blades of two live (sharp) swords. I then have to do a downward cut between the two sword blades WITHOUT tearing the paper that is being used to suspend the wood and break said piece of wood. I had been really worried about being able to do it after my last testing but my instructor was confident with me. So, when he had me get the items to do it we had a full class preparing for their own testing on Wednesday. Everyone did their paper cutting and then we set up for me and I took my swing. And I did it! My instructor and our highest black belts were holding the swords and when it was all done the black belt said to the instructor "We'll be able to use these paper rings again, it was that clean". I felt pretty proud after that.

Sadly no ice packs but I was able to improvise with some crushed up ice cubes in freezer bags as well as some icy-cold rub. And the family walks are always nice as we get to enjoy being outside. Just hate all the humidity. *blech!* Also, been trying to get my diet squared away. Have measured out some meat for servings and have a bunch of frozen veggies but need to get some more sort of snack stuff that isn't carbs to try and help with that. Still, portions and calories are down which is good, just need to keep working away on my percentages for it and I'll be on my way.

Doing well so far. Been going to class 3 times a week, save for last week unfortunately as I injured my shoulder during class last Monday so I missed the past two classes. But thankfully the shoulder is feeling better now so I'm going tonight. As well, been trying to go for walks on my days off with the wife and our dog for a couple of miles each time. Hoping to start getting into more body weight training though which I've been lacking on my off days.

Yeah, I've been coming to that realization as well and as of now have started using myfitnesspal again for calorie counting. Just need to stick to it. As far as fitness level, I'm lightly active, doing about 3-4 hours of classes a week at present. I'd like to try and bump it up a bit.

Mainly I think it will just come down to sticking to the budget and not doing any frivolous spending over the next few months. Which seems easy on paper but things always seem to crop up. But, I think if I can stick with the tenacity of my other goals I should be able to get it down.

Hello folks, Just joined this week but thought that better late than never to see about making a post to try and get into the start of things. I'm a Dad, a husband and training in Haidong Gumdo when not at my desk working for a transportation company as their order entry guru. I've been active most of my life but never been the most in shape person which is something I'm hoping to try and rectify with joining here and making some important changes in things. I'm looking forward to the encouragement and giving others encouragement in their own journeys and hope we can all reach the goals we set for ourselves. So I guess I might as well start this off... Main Quest: To get under 250 lbs (lose at least 40 lbs) and around a 38 inch waist line by the the end of the year. Smart Quests: - Start a low-carb diet: Hoping this one will be a big step for me in accomplishing my main quest. I've always had a bit of a spare tire and I'm thinking a big change and monitoring what and how much I eat will help me get to where I want to be. I'm testing for my black belt in the fall and would love it if my belt could actually go around my body twice. A = 30+days B = 20+days C = 10+days Reward: A = +3 Con B = +2 Con C = +1 Con - Train at least 5 times a week (mix of Haidong Gumdo classes and bodyweight workouts and walking with my wife and our beagle): Presently I go to class about 3 times a week when schedule allows. I'm hoping to supplement this by starting into bodyweight exercises and getting more regular with it. A = 30+days B = 20+ days C = 10+ days Reward: A = +2 Sta +2 Dex +1 Str B = +2 Sta +1 Dex +1 Str C = +1 Sta +1 Dex +1 Str Life Quest: Pay $1500 on the credit card before winter comes: Because hey, paying bills over Christmas is hard. A = $1500+ B = $1250-$1500 C = $1000 - $1250 A = +3 Wis B = +2 Wis C = +1 Wis

Considering we've had gay marriage legal up here for...a while now it's extremely funny. It was the same when people were saying they were going to move up here when Obamacare was introduced.

My instructor has been doing it now for about 20 years. Amazing guy and has been a god send for the past year and a half. There's only a couple of schools here in Canada but I know there are a few sprouting up in the states. Come to think of it, we had a black belt go his instructor testing up here last month. Holy was he fast and powerful. Made the sword sing when he was swinging it.

Well, ask and you shall receive. This was the last one my class did about a month ago. I'm the one at the beginning cutting the paper.

This is really cool. I'm in Moncton, NB but grew up in Annapolis Royal down in the valley in NS. Nice to see some East Coast representation!