Wednesday May 13th, 2020

We had karate class over Zoom last night. Sensei had P lead class, and he gave us a good workout. At the end, Sensei left us with these words of wisdom: it’s not the big victories in life that matter, but the small ones. When you get the big ones: a promotion, a degree, a belt, etc., of course you are happy. But all of the little victories, the small accomplishments, lead to the big ones. They are the foundation.

During class, I snuck in most of my push-ups while the class planked. After class, I did sit-ups and squats. I also did exercises this morning. I found I could get the Japanese count right if I recognized the next “ten” count to come during the previous one. For sit-ups, I “visualize” each set of exercises, regular sit-ups, diagonal abs, toe-touches, or bicycles, before starting and “link” these to their number. Sit-ups are more difficult lately, anyway.

I sent out a call to our Temple’s religious school families during my lunch break yesterday for their contact information, so I can collate it for the Rabbi. I’d been trying to avoid a bunch of data entry. Hopefully, I can structure the email responses into a document that I can then import into a spreadsheet. I’ll send the spreadsheet to the Rabbi and other teachers. He sent me email last night, eager for the information.

I also need to check in with Sensei again regarding this website and joining his Facebook group. Of course, the site of an adorable baby video greeted me immediately upon logging into D’s second Facebook account. Watching that baby video, I can understand how easy it could be to get addicted to Facebook.

Author: an Ichi Kyu

I study Kyokushin karate at a dojo in Burbank. I don't yet have permission to say more than this about my dojo. I am also a mother of two, both of whom have studied Kyokushin karate a year longer than I. They are instructors! My husband created the art posted on this site. I have his permission to use it, but he expressly asked me not to credit him as the artist. He's moved on to other styles, and doesn't particularly want a public association with this piece. I love this artwork, personally. And me? I work full time as a cloth and hair simulation artist, as well as a python coder, in the visual effects industry. I have roughly sixteen years experience in film and about four in television. I am 50; I suppose my decision to attempt the black belt test, along with creating this blog, represents my mid-life crisis. Wish me luck!