Rain

Blecch. Rain. So weird! In June? I am glad as we need the water but wow. Rain is weird this time of year. Today, I had a little more umph having taken two days off in a row, at least physically. There's always something to do whether it's studying the Life Skills stuff, watching the DVD, or stretching. Today, we found out that the date of the Black Belt Test is September 27-28th. That's six weeks sooner than originally planned. I'm thinking I can be ready. I know the material, but now it needs to be cleaned up and perfected. Not sure how far off base I am but I imagine pretty far. I'm working with KJN Jonathan to cover any material I might not know. Seems like I've at least seen it and done before. Half my curriculum I can't do at test speed yet. I was really looking forward to devoting June and July primarily to fitness and then delving into curriculum and diet stuff sometime in August. All of that has been moved up. I'm worried about Andee being able to go. She just made red belt last month. She's solid and learns fast and well. I know she can do it. I'm just hoping she wants to. It's going to be a pretty big challenge. I'm lamenting the extra time. My old body and chemo brain needs more time. Now I have to really double up which is not good news for already aching joints.
Diet just got moved up too. 3 months to drop 15lbs. Maybe easy. Maybe not. I'm a post-menopausal woman now. Hormones are working against me. Metabolism is at a standstill. Ugh. This may leave a mark. Egg whites and lettuce for three months. Woo hoo. Today, they were talking about "The Black Belt Diet." I have no idea what this is. I've been to class, but there's no layout as to what this diet really consists of. All I know is no fried foods and no sugar which is pretty much the post-cancer diet meaning I don't really have to change a thing except for my nightly chocolate square. I'm convinced that my chocolate square is the only thing left between a positive attitude and a stark-raving bitch. I don't have to live with me.....If this is the way of the peaceful warrior, I'll be surprised. However, it's the way, so I'm on board. However, I'm a little unclear as to whether fruit is not allowed (sugar rule). That may also be a stretch. For now, my diet consists of, 1 goat's milk yogurt ( I try to stay away from bovine products) for breakfast with blueberries and a teaspoon of honey. I snack on carrots, bell pepper slices and cucumbers. Lunch is usually a garden burger or turkey burger (no bun) and either sweet potato fries (baked not fried), Organic tomato soup, or a ginormous salad with everything tossed in basalmic vinegar and olive oil. Afternoon snack is an apple or an orange or a green smoothie which includes a slice of fresh pineapple, a slice of meyer's lemon, half a banana, half cup of green grapes, 3 cups of spinach and lots of ice. Dinner is a salad and some protein source. If I have to have a dessert, I have half of a banana with "Naturally More" brand peanut butter which has flax seed in it. If I'm super sweet tooth desperate, I'll throw the peanut butter, the banana and almond milk in the Vita-Mix with lots of ice and mmmmmm, heaven. Most of these food items are my go to foods. I'm usually rushing between soccer practice, MMA, or some social event so whatever I eat, usually has to be quick. It's easier to eat the same stuff most of the time then deviate on the weekends.
Curriculum seems to be going well. We finished up fighting system today. Still struggling with the kicking part of section 4 but I can work that out soon enough. KJN Gary informed me that I am testing Friday for my red/black. Seems like I just did....
I really hope Andee wants to go. She's going to have to want it to sign up for that kind of abuse.