Caramel apples and kicking people

Last night I went out to LCC to observe the Monday night class on their first test night. Test nights are always special, because Elizabeth brings goodies and Master Kim allows students as much free time as they want, which means a little time to socialize, too.

This time was no exception. Elizabeth brought caramel apples, which were wonderful, and the students finished their tests long before class should have ended. It was fun to see their faces as they succeeded on their tests. One girl jumped up and down, and said, "I did it!!" repeatedly. I remember that first test being a huge deal to me, and being completely freaked out about it; but now I know that in the grand scheme, it really isn't that important. That first test only demonstrates that you paid attention to the Palgwe Chun Pubs as they were presented, and you know what they are. Later on you'll be required to apply them to sparring situations, and that's when it becomes complicated.

I enjoyed their victory dances, though; they've come a long way since I saw them last.

After most of the kids had left, Master Kim hung around just to chat with everyone. He was in a jovial mood, and cracking everyone up with his sense of humor. He has decided that he needs a granddaughter, and was plotting ways to make his son get busy. It was great.

I informed him of the latest developments on my now-pronounced limp, and his face fell. I hadn't expected that he would be disappointed by the outcome; it has made me twice as determined to get over it as soon as possible. I don't want to let Master Kim down.

I'm also in a lot of pain lately, and not enjoying it much at all. Last night at about 11 PM all I could do was lie on the couch and wince, because my lovely drugs had worn off, and I wasn't due for more until midnight.

I think this is my own little personal trial en route to my black belt. Everyone has an obstacle to overcome, and this is mine, dammit. I'll kick it right in the head, once I figure out how.

Tonight I will not be going Trick or Treating with Kirstin, Kathy and Allyn. I see stumbling around in the cold darkness on uneven ground as a really bad idea right now. I'm sure they will have a good time without me, anyway, and I will be taking Kirstin to a Halloween party tomorrow night that should make her feel less neglected. Kathy has a lot of fun things planned for her, so I think she won't miss me much, anyway.

Since I'm not Trick or Treating, I've decided to go to taekwondo class. My doctor has emphasized that I should try to stick to my usual workout regimen, except to eliminate jumping, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, sort of. The beginners will be testing again tonight, so I will spend that class helping them with their test material, which in itself is a bit of an exception to the routine. In advanced class we will probably be starting the palgwe forms again. I reviewed them mentally last night, and it promised to be a little on the rough side, but I think I can be of some assistance.

I only hope we won't be sparring in class, because I'll have to sit that out, and sitting out is a drag and a half.

I just realized that I left Master Ron's photos and my camera at home. That sucks. I think I was supposed to bring them tonight.

I've been unbelievably distracted in the past few days; I don't know what's wrong with me. Last night for the first time since I was about 9 years old I left the milk out all night long. I keep misplacing my keys (more than usual) and forgetting to bring things with me in the morning. Yesterday I forgot my book, the day before it was my sunglasses, today the photo gear.

It's unlike me to be this forgetful. I need to snap out of it. What else might I be forgetting?

Tomorrow I have the whole day off to deal with physical therapy and dish installation. Maybe I can use some of that time to clear my head.

I'm worried right now about finances, and not able to concentrate enough to make concrete plans. I need to get my financial aid stuff straightened out with MSU for spring, so I can find out how much I'll have to pay out of pocket and budget for it. I also need to get the payment schedule set up for our house payments, so I know whether I've got smaller payments every other week, or one big payment each month. It doesn't seem like it should matter, but it does, because it changes the way I have to run my bank accounts.

I would also really like to know how much fixing Forest's car will cost, and how much we'll have to pay to fix the leak in our roof which is damaging our attic floor and dining room ceiling; and how much to replace Kirstin's bedroom window before it gets cold.

Last night Forest and I talked about how we were going to do Christmas presents this year, and I realized that Christmas is only a few paychecks away. I know, it seems early to start thinking about it, but when I put it in financial terms, it's important to deal with it now.

I don't think we'll be short of money; I just can't seem to get anything solidified at the moment. Maybe I need to get off the medication, and see if that helps.

"Sorry, MasterCard. I just didn't pay you for a few months because I was on these really cool drugs and couldn't seem to think straight. " They'll love that.