Toshimi Returns to the Jedi

[Toshimi]

A path will be placed before you. The choice is yours alone. Do what you think you cannot do.

It will be a hard life but you will find out who you are - Qui-Gon Jinn

 

Picking up a theme I haven't done in a few challenges. Excited what it's going to bring. 

 

 

Quest #1 Practice Daily

Practice 6 days a week, 7 would be preferred, but allowing myself a little leeway. This would mean 3-4 days outside of class. Going to class counts as practice 

Crunches or Planks every day practice is done.

1 set of Vitamins

5 times each of either a long form or a set of animals. 

 

Crunch Set:

10 crunches in each of the following positions

Feet flat on the floor, knees touch, toes touch, heels apart

bottom of feet touch knees apart on the floor

knees bent in the air, knees touch, toes touch, heels apart

bottom of feet touch knees apart in the air

Legs straight up

legs in a V

Right leg out, left leg bent, both off the floor 6"

Left  leg out, Right leg bent, both off the floor 6"

Both knees to the right

Both knees to the left

 

 

Kung Fu Vitamins set 1:

all in horse stance, (2) 10 counts

Shoulder height knife hands

low knife hands

Shoulder/low knife hands

Falling backfist

Rising back fist

Front punches

angle punches

 

Kung Fu Vitamins set 2:

Alternate legs

10 count slow front kicks x5 on each leg

2 part front kick x5 on each leg

continuous front kick (20)

10 count slow side kicks x5 on each leg

2 part slow kicks x5 on each leg

continuous side kick (20)

 

Kung Fu Vitamins set 3:

Wall kicks-

Front/front angle

Front/side

low/mid round  house

Hook/flick kick

Front/back kick

 

Quest #2 Adulting

Adulting sucks a lot, and I've noticed I havent really been doing as much as I should on a day to day basis the goal is to get ___ points a week (to be determined by the official start of challenge) Each item worth 5 points:

Empty Dishwasher

Load & Start Dishwasher

Load of laundry (includes washing, drying, folding, and putting away)

Vacuum carpets

Vacuum Tile

Swifter kitchen 

clean a bathroom

Budgeting/YNABing

Clean off desk 

Hang at least 2 pieces of art (its all put where it goes, have the hangers, just needs to go on the wall) 

 

Quest #3: Get working on your costume

For awhile now, I've been talking about making a costume for the Rebel Legion. Every year our local baseball team has a Star Wars night, so this year while we were there I told my husband by next year I want to have my costume approved so I can troop at the event.  At first I had thought either a B-wing or an X-wing. Because of what is needed, and what I am able to make on my own verses what I would have to purchase, lately I've been more focusing on doing a Generic Jedi. I have most of my reference material done. A lot of tutorials bookmarked. Now I just need to get started. not sure how much of these I will get done, but here are some of the steps needed. 

 

Make a WIP (work in progress) thread on Rebel Legion Forum in the Jedi Costuming threads 

Make dress form

Buy muslin to do test Jedi costume

Choose fabrics for costume

Create patterns based on tutorials

Sew test run in muslin 

Purchase materials for and create lightsaber

[Toshimi]

Summaries 

 

Week 0

_/6 practice days

 

_ Adulting points

[Toshimi]

Last night at Kung Fu was great! Got some good practice in of techniques, and not practicing them in the set order. Which I need to do more, I've been getting so used to doing them in a certain order, but there is no guarantee of that at the test. Finished the form we're learning. Not sure I'm going to use it for the test, but it is fun. Can't do the jump/crescent kick/land on other foot into the lunge, but we're not expected to yet.

 

Finally feeling like I'm getting a handle on the animals too. Still need a lot more practice. There were a few last night that I know I knew but spaced on what they were exactly, but those are getting fewer. I would say I have a good 30 of the 60 down comfortably enough that I dont have to look at anyone else for them. Another 10-15 that if I can catch someone else doing them I know it well enough to be able to do it... so that leaves another 20 to get to that point? 

 

Right now it's not a huge issue, our school for the moment, its more of a social promotion. If you attend classes and you show improvement, you wont fail the test, at least until you reach your black belt test. Next year they are changing it though to where if you dont know what is required for each belt, you dont get to move forward. In the long run I think it will be better, it's just hard getting used to it when it's been the other way for so long. After this test (green) I'll get my 3rd degree brown before the switch. 2nd degree brown and red will be with the new system. 

 

Did dishes last night (loaded dishwasher and a bunch of hand dishes) 10 pts

 

nothing yet on the costume. 

 

[Fitness Padawan]

Look like some pretty good goals. I look forward to seeing your progress

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[starpuck]

O M G!!!

 

TOTALLY FOLLOWING ALONG!?  GUESS WHAT!

(sorry I'm excited)

 

I too am working on getting approved for the Rebel Legion!  Do you sew?  Because I don't.  lolololol!    I bought one that is pretty close to working, I just need to get some tweaks in and accessories.  But I want to eventually make my own obi and tabards, so I can swap some colors in and out!   Anyway, I am gonna be part of the Nar Shaddaa base once I get my ducks in a row!   Where you located?

 

Also, I love your goals and challenge stuff - you got a lot on your plate, but just take it in small pieces and I bet you'll nail it!

[Toshimi]

1 hour ago, Starpuck said:

O M G!!!

 

TOTALLY FOLLOWING ALONG!?  GUESS WHAT!

(sorry I'm excited)

 

I too am working on getting approved for the Rebel Legion!  Do you sew?  Because I don't.  lolololol!    I bought one that is pretty close to working, I just need to get some tweaks in and accessories.  But I want to eventually make my own obi and tabards, so I can swap some colors in and out!   Anyway, I am gonna be part of the Nar Shaddaa base once I get my ducks in a row!   Where you located?

 

Also, I love your goals and challenge stuff - you got a lot on your plate, but just take it in small pieces and I bet you'll nail it!

 

yes I sew, but I've never made my own patterns so this should be fun. 

 

I'll be in Sunrider base (Southern California), I'll be in the Nar Shadddaa area around Christmas time though. We're going to Chicago for a few days before heading to my in-laws for Christmas. 

 

here are some of my inspiration images:

 

I love the lighter colors, also i think it keeps in line with that I live in a desert. I think I'm going to go with a double layer of cotton gauze for my OT, unless I find something better when I finally go down to the garment district in LA

 

  

images from rebel legion robe tutorial and KJO generic Jedi Gallery

 

love the colors on this, not a huge contrast. as much as I love the asymmetrical hemline and sleeves, I don't think I'm going to attempt it my first time. also I've never lined a garment, so again love it, and will pull stuff from it, but not trying to copy it exactly

 

Inner Tunic Outer tunic        robe maybe? or tabards

 

I have heard of the IT being long sleeve and the OT being sleeveless which sounds cool, but I haven't found any images to go off of for it. 

 

I also am very intrigued by the following tabbards, but not 100% sure I like the look its a single piece in the front with some decoration, but I think I like the look of the 2, also the pants/skirt debate. 

 

Found an amazing belt tutorial here if you need

and a light saber one here if you're like me and not quite ready to shell out for an ultra saber or the like. Also found this images, not to necesarily replicate the insides too, but more to make sure I get the parts in the right place. 

 

I have a bunch of tutorials saved if there are any you're looking for. 

 

I really also want to do B- Wing and X-Wing, but more to buy there, so wanted something I could do most on my own

[starpuck]

Oh man!   I really can't tell you how excited I am to have found a new friend to be Rebel Legion buddies with!   We'll be able to share ideas and experiences and totally help each other! 

 

Are you going to mimic how in that pic the back of the OT hangs lower than in the front?   It's a really cool design!

 

I still need to make an IT.   But I'll tell ya... I actually bought my stuff hot rush so I could take it with me to my vacation to White Sands National Monument.   Hah!  In July.   I was dripping buckets even with just a tank top under my OTs!    I also cheated that day and wore my active wear capri hiking pants for temperature sanity.   I have a pair of smooth, no pocket, light beige pants that work much better.    But this is what I'm starting with below.   

 

 

I got it from Twin Roses Design - and it's great.  I love the material and all, but it needs some sizing tweaks.    And, really, I do want to learn how to make my own stuff.

 

I have brown material at home that will go with this really nicely, and I thought about making a second set of tabards and an obi out of that, for days I want to add some contrast to the costume!   And I know.  I know that after seeing Rogue One, I will want to make a Jyn costume ahahha.

 

But I really have never sewn anything more than a button!   So I need to find some very very basic, 'learn to sew' tutorials!

 

Tomorrow I am hitting Comic Con here and the Nar Shaddaa base has a booth!  I'm so nervous!  But I am gonna go introduce myself and see what else needs doing!   

 

Ok ok, I'll stop spamming your thread with costume and Rebel Legion talk for a bit!!    But I can't wait to see your Work in Progress!  I hope you share some pics along the awy as you make it!

[Toshimi]

No worries!

 

Probably not doing longer in back because of having to line it. Maybe one day but not my first

 

From what I've read you can make a mock IT as long as your OT is long sleaved. Meaning just do the collar on any shirt, no need to do a full tunic

 

If you haven't already you should sign up for the forum and do a work in progress thread  they seem to help a lot especially if you're altering one. Someone might have some tips.  

 

YouTube is a good resource for learning to sew or some fabric shops have basics. If you're planning on hand sewing the hardest thing will be learning how to do even stiches and a lot of that is just practice 

 

The obi and such should be some of the easier things to sew. Just remember the seam ripper is your friend 

 

I am a little confused on the obi, it's one thing I haven't looked into yet. The sword style I used to do used an obi which wrapped around several times then was secured with the end but the images I've seen looks like the belt holds it in place (also seen mention of using snaps or velcro too)

[starpuck]

So I met the Rebel Legion at the con yesterday, they were so awesome and nice.  One of them there happens to BE a judge costume, so he gave me a look over and some tips on what needs tweaking.   (IT - and yeah, he said they can be mock ones too!  And food capsules - which I have on order.)   My one pouch won't work, but he told me that Tandy Leather kits offer a very simple kit designed for boy scouts projects that is totally approval worthy!

 

The obi I have is just the fabric in the right width and then it is held together with velcro (unseen of course) and then the belt goes over it anyway.   Oh!  That was the last thing I needed.   A sheath to cover the lacings that hold my belt together (mine fastens like a corset) or a pouch that can sit over that area.    I think I read somewhere, that the width of the obi is usually very close to the width of the tabards.    

 

I am on the forums!  My user name there is lilwolfe006 and I did post some pics to get ideas of what bits need tweaking.   People have been really helpful!       Also ... the Chewbacca they had at the con???

 

OMG!    I cannot even FATHOM the work, the cost, or the HEAT in that costume hahaha.

 

 

 

 

 

[Toshimi]

Last weekend was pretty crazy. Left LA at 6 am, flew to Indy got in around 3pm. Got a few things done then did dinner with some of the family. Saturday morning was spent getting ready for our mini reception for those who couldn't make it to the wedding. Lots of people, lots of fun. then a wedding for P's friend. Up early the next morning then flew home. 

 

Finally got the photos back from our wedding. Now we need to decide what to print. over 1200 and so many wonderful ones. 

 

Going to be updating my challenge a bit. Met with my guidance counselor at the college yesterday to update my ed plan. The class I had planned on taking this semester ended up not being the right one, and ended up crashing a statistics course. A little scared (not my first time taking it) but hopefully it goes better than my previous attempts.  

 

Yes I need to practice martial arts more, yes I need to find a way to make sure I have a creative outlet, but right now I think what will help me more than any of that is figuring out ways to keep my life in order, and more importantly keeping up with my mental health stuff.  So changing this challenge to more of a, get a plan then work the plan.  Going to add using my Bullet Journal everyday. trying some new layouts, I'll post some pictures once I get it all set up. Most of the new layouts are in prep for next month. Trying a few this week, but not so worried about switching up how to do things. Meal planing is going to be another big one, crazy work schedule+ school= stressed and making really bad food choices (like the oreo pie i had last night). 

 

The practice has been going alright. Doing around the house stuff has been the most consistent so far in the last week.

 

I'll try and catch up on everyone's else's threads later. hope everyone has had a good first few days of challenge

[Toshimi]

Stats class got done early last night, which meant I got to go to 2 hours of Kung Fu. Totally wasnt prepared and hadn't eaten enough for 2 classes, so ended up sitting out for half of the second one, but was still a lot of fun. Both classes were doing review of basics for the test on the 17th. I have my last 1 on 1 this weekend to go over the old temple forms, and I feel like I'm pretty set. Been practicing almost every day this week, planks have been a life saver for time since the crunch set takes awhile. we're also spending a few hours cleaning the school Saturday morning, doing some repair things, painting, things that dont get done every day, but we try and get done at least one a quarter before testing. 

 

So far Stats is going better than I had thought. The teacher, although sometimes hard to understand because of his accent, is a really good teacher and takes his time to explain things. Also uses a lot of examples and goes through problems during the lecture so we understand the steps. Will be nice to have this class out of the way and never have to worry about it again (I hope!) 

 

Adulting has been going pretty well. Been cutting down on the do all the laundry in one day by doing a load most nights. Dishes has been a little harder but thankfully P is helping me pick up the slack there. This weekend should be interesting, we are probably going to reorganize our front room/living room. We never use it, and we might soon need more room/a better place to put the bikes. Just found out that we might be getting a tandem in the next 2-3 months. My parents are getting a new one, and going to let us try their old one for a little while to see if it's something we really want to do. Not sure if we're going to get into the touring my parents have done (they've done the entire west coast, Victoria BC, 100 north, all the way to the San Diego/Mexico border in 3 different trips) 

 

Bullet journaling has gone well so far this week, if nothing else to show me how much I need to get done but get pulled to doing other things most days. It should be a pretty slow day with field stuff at work so I should be able to knock some of this out hopefully. 

[Kishi]

It's always fun to find Rebel characters, what with the huge presence that the 501st has in my town.

 

Anyway, testing! Yes. Always exciting. Makes the stomach drop out from underneath you, but if you make it, then everything is awesome. Good luck!

[Toshimi]

Well it's been awhile since this happened. almost midnight and no sign of being able to sleep anytime soon. and waited to long to take anything to help me sleep. I'm worried if I do at this point I will have a hard time waking up tomorrow. But then again no sleep is going to do about the same. 

 

Trying to not make any decisions tonight, but good chance I'm going to drop the stats class. Work is just too crazy and it's not worth me not being able to sleep. Good news is I've spent the last hour ish working (maybe not good news but at least I got something done) and also went through some of my forms.

 

Wan Kan and Sip Soo are going pretty well. I am still having some issues with Chul Ki Cho Dan. Something about the upper body movement (and lack of lower body movement) seems to be tripping me up. I do understand some of it better since my 1 on 1 Saturday. We broke it down into some of the animal techniques it incorporates which helps, but still a lot to remember. I have my last 1 on 1 this coming Saturday before the test.

 

I might get some cleaning done too since I'm up. Thankfully P sleeps pretty sound so as long as i dont drop anything while cleaning he probably wont know until morning. 

 

My stats class I thought was going to be fine, the teacher is okay, not the one recommended to me, but that person only teachers in the middle of my work day. I thought I was understanding the lectures, but apparently not so much when it came to homework. And the book is far from being any sort of help. Might make one last effort tomorrow to find a tutor (I've heard the ones in the campus math lab aren't very good with stats) but still seriously considering dropping it. The only things it really does is 1 more semester before I'm done and it drops me to the lowest priority for next semester. 

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend! and almost happy Monday!

 

 

 

 

[Kyellan]

All seems well here. Carry on =) Glad to see other awesome Kung Fu-Jedi people doing their awesome things!

[Toshimi]

So i dropped my class. Could I have done it? Sure. but I just felt this wasn't the time to do it. 

 

Work is pretty crazy right now which means working from home as well. Doing a job that requires me to be in the field at least half of my day, or days like today I"ll be out on jobs more than I"ll be in the office. Lots of fun, but sucks bringing work home. For those who don't know I work for a construction company that works in mostly residential remodels and additions. The additions are basically mine until we get the drywall on then I pass it off to someone else. Updated my job brain spreadsheet (because I can't keep it all in my head anymore) and I have about 20 jobs I'm involved in, in some way or another. which was a big reason for dropping the class. 

 

Been getting quite a bit of Kung Fu practice in, not all of it is super structured but working on little things. Been going to job sites a lot so working on some balance stuff or stances as I wait for subs/inspectors. been doing some of the vitamins as I wait for my tea to steep, or some counter top push ups. I've been finding it hard to set aside a single chunk of time to do it, but these seem to be working out well. 

 

Class last night was great, did a lot of work on strength training in the legs mostly. Kick combos that were a lot of fun, and challenged both balance, strength and targeting. Then in the second class we worked on some grappling techniques from the escort series (if someone grabs your arm and shoulder/waist) and how to get out of them. We've been having this amazing black belt come in to help with class since our normal teacher is injured and needs the help with class. He's been training at the school for the past 8 years (he started at age 4). He's not only a great martial artist, he is also just a great person. 

 

I've had my teacher and some of the people in the class tell me that I'm doing great. and it's not that i really think I"m not. I just feel like i could do better especially when it comes to working on stuff outside of class. It's not even the the working on techniques and such. it has more to do with strength training, agility and flexibility. Not sure what to do about it. I have p90x, p90x3, and a few other workout routine videos. I just dont think 6 days of working out on top of my 2-3 days of Kung Fu is a good thing, or really doable just timing wise right now. Might try and come up with a modified schedule for them, but we'll see. 

 

Looking forward to another 1 on 1 hopefully Saturday then 2 weeks until my test (and the end of this challenge). My forms are looking a lot better, although I was having some issues with one of them last night. going to work through it tonight hopefully so I'm ready for my lesson tomorrow. 

 

Cleaning has been going great this week. Not sure what it is... but i've been spending 1-2 hours of cleaning a night.  I've d up cleaning out the closet (we had some boxes we stashed in there) organized the master bath, and cleaned most of it (still need to do the shower/tub and floor). Still a few things to go in the bedroom I'm hoping to finish today! and get the artwork up in the bedroom as well. Next week I'm going to tackle the living room. I figured if I focus on 1 room each week and make sure it get's completed them maybe we'll finally have a house that's put together?

 

We're thinking about re arranging the office/front of the house to move the bikes/workout room to the other living room we dont use. Moves the workout space out of the hottest room in the house, but into an area with no ceiling fan. I think we have enough box and other fans to take care of that. The other thing is how to deal with storing the bikes. Right now they are in the garage by my car and at least a few times a week I about walk into a peddle that is about face level, would be nice to move them. The other thing is we're getting a tandem! (hand me down from my parents but still excited) but there's no room in the garage from it, and it's not a bike I think we want to keep in the garage anyway. I'm hoping that the tandem will mean that we do more bike riding (and maybe even some bike touring) in the future. On a single bike I feel like I'm always holding him back (he's a triathlete and getting into cyclocross) I'm hoping that we can figure the tandem thing out and get back on the bike more. 

 

 

[Kishi]

Well you gotta do what you gotta do, right? If statistics isn't working out for you right now, then you might as well drop it. Especially if you're already bringing back work from the job that's paying you. No sense in carrying more than you have to, and as long as the time can be managed another semester really isn't that bad.

 

As far as stuff outside of class goes, just remember: if the martial arts are your central focus, then they need to stay your central focus. Anything else you do beyond that needs to be done with an eye toward making sure that you're not detracting from your ability to train well in the kwoon/dojang. I recall reading in Zach Even-Esh's book The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning the story of a young wrestler whom he trained who prior had been training himself into the ground. So, for him in his case, he just needed to do enough and no more. What that ends up looking like for you is your decision - in this case, it wound up being just a little bit of strength work - an odd 20 minutes or so a couple times a week, and that was that. But I seem to recall that you have the OCR bug and that you like to race and such like that.

 

So... it's really up to you, what that ends up looking like. But as long as you're thriving, it'll all be good.

[Toshimi]

Got the bedroom all clean! Well in all honesty a box of stuff got moved to the living room, but it was all stuff that didn't belong in the bedroom anyway. Still need to remove the caulking around the shower (some is starting to mold) and replace it, but that will be a week or so before its done

 

Also got a lot of stuff done for camping next weekend. Pre-made the carnitas for tacos, cooked the onions that go with the steak, did about half the shopping, and have most everything other than clothes and personal items set out. 

 

It's been an interesting weekend. Got a lot done, but still got a few hours of reading in. I've been reading so much lately I've been thinking about getting Kindle Unlimited. The only problem is one of the series I've been enjoying isnt on there. But for $10 I think it might be worth it (I think I've spent over 20 the past 30 days in books) 

 

Testing should still be on schedule. My teacher has been in the hospital since Friday. I think he was supposed to go home yesterday but haven't heard (his wife is the one who does my 1 on 1's). She'll be teaching for at least this week, so not sure if I'll get my last 1 on 1 in. But I think I'm in an okay place. Still having a little issue getting stuck in some of my forms but i know I just need to go for it and trust myself that I know what I'm doing

 

 

On 9/3/2016 at 0:57 PM, Kishi said:

As far as stuff outside of class goes, just remember: if the martial arts are your central focus, then they need to stay your central focus. Anything else you do beyond that needs to be done with an eye toward making sure that you're not detracting from your ability to train well in the kwoon/dojang. I recall reading in Zach Even-Esh's book The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning the story of a young wrestler whom he trained who prior had been training himself into the ground. So, for him in his case, he just needed to do enough and no more. What that ends up looking like for you is your decision - in this case, it wound up being just a little bit of strength work - an odd 20 minutes or so a couple times a week, and that was that. But I seem to recall that you have the OCR bug and that you like to race and such like that.

 

It's not that Kung Fu being my central focus is going to change. Yes I loved OCR's but the SoCal Beast kind of killed that. It's more doing training outside of class that will help me with my martial arts. My cardio/endurance is pretty crap, and I know through some strength training and flexibility work as well will make me stronger, have better balance and be able to better do what I need. 

 

Going to look into getting that book. It sounds interesting. I know it's going to take some time to find a balance. Next challenge I think I'm going to try and add just 1 workout a week and see how that goes, and rotate through different workouts to see what fits best. 

[Everstorm]

I love all the costuming stuff on this thread.  I am tempted to make a Star Wars costume myself.  We'll see....

 

I thought the Vitamins program you're doing is really interesting.  Did you develop that yourself or get it from some other source?

 

Good luck on your test!

[Toshimi]

55 minutes ago, Phoenix Burning said:

I love all the costuming stuff on this thread.  I am tempted to make a Star Wars costume myself.  We'll see....

I've done a lot of looking and planning, now it's just time to actually get moving on it. 

 

56 minutes ago, Phoenix Burning said:

I thought the Vitamins program you're doing is really interesting.  Did you develop that yourself or get it from some other source?

They're actually from my teacher. It's what he calls our warm ups. I decided though to take it from just our warm ups and try and incorporate them every day. 

 

Did review for the test yesterday during class. Totally spaced and couldnt get through either of the 2 without help (the fact that everyone was watching didn't help) My animals went way better though. Really need to get them down. The teacher went through the 2 forms with me, then one of the students and the person who helps with the white belt class helped me with 2 of the others I know. Really need to work on them even through this weekend. 

 

Looking forward to the trip so much, the short week is making it a little stressful for work+ packing but I think I have it mostly under control? laid out most the gear last night and made a shopping list for the rest of the stuff we need. Main thing today is calling the ranger station to see the water/fire situation. Most the time there's water at the campsite but a few years ago the well ran dry most the way through the weekend. And with California mostly being on fire, most areas aren't allowing campfires, but should still be a fun trip. 

 

[starpuck]

Yeah! I hear ya on the getting moving on it part.    I need to get that inner tunic started.   Gotta stop fearing the sewing machine and just take the time to learn and practice it.

 

Have fun on your trip!  It sounds (terrifying) awesome to the wilderness girl who does not camp!

[Toshimi]

On 9/7/2016 at 10:36 AM, Starpuck said:

Have fun on your trip!  It sounds (terrifying) awesome to the wilderness girl who does not camp!

 

 

Some people consider how I camp more glamping than camping. Queen sized air matress, portable shower, and plenty of yummy food! It's turned a little interesting figuring out how to get all the people/things up to the campsite. We have one person leaving at 6 am so he can hike on the way up. We're hoping to leave by noon, but the person who was going to go with us now can't leave until 2. So the 3rd car, now we're looking at switching who is riding with us, but not sure we can fit 3 people + gear. I love a good game of car tetris, but this might be a stretch! (I have a honda fit, holds a lot but still isn't a huge car) 

 

Practiced Chul Ki Cho Dan yesterday a lot. I finally feel pretty comfortable with it. There's a few places where I stumble with hand placements, but it's getting there. Did run through what i remembered of Wan Kan, and also went through Sip Soo and No Pae once each. Today I'm going to focus on Sip Soo, then at least try and get a run through each over the weekend. Hopefully I get my last 1 on 1 in before the test, but even if I don't I feel okay.

 

I do need to start learning my philosophies better, I know a few of them, but not necessarily by which rank they are. There are 2 per each belt, one is more of a technical, such as spool and spindle, using the twisting of the body to increase power, or the more philosophical like the theory of usability, (with slowness comes understanding, and with understanding comes usability) Its not something they test on every test, but I know for red/black belt they do cover all of them. 

 

The person who does my 1 on 1's has been teaching the regular classes. She and I spoke a little after Tuesday and she already has a list on what we're going to work on next time we do a set of 1 on 1's. Hoping to be able to do 4 of them once a quarter, just as a refresher and for her to be able to teach me some of the extra stuff she wants. It's also great because there's a very high probability that she will be my black belt mentor (even though that's a year away from that). 

 

The adulting has been going great though I know I haven't posted much about it. Need to get an appliance repair person out though, our wash machine keeps giving an error and we can't figure it out on our own. 

 

And the costume. Yeah well not much to report there. 

[Everstorm]

I totally spent all evening toying with ideas for a Padme/Handmaiden Fire Dress costume last night after reading your thread.

[Lou_be_Lou]

Car tetris!  Oh yes.

[Toshimi]

4 hours ago, Lou_be_Lou said:

Car tetris!  Oh yes.

 

I caved and taking my dad's truck instead.... stuff for 3 people plus food for 7 was not going to fit in my car... 

[Kishi]

On 9/6/2016 at 1:46 PM, Toshimi said:

Going to look into getting that book. It sounds interesting.

 

It is. Definitely worth looking into - lots of good advice, framed in the manner of story.

 

If you got extra stuff that you want to do for general physical preparedness, might I recommend Easy Strength and Simple and Sinister?