Monday Montage

My Brown Belt Test

I started really preparing for my test in January and for the months of March and April I was at the karate school in class or practicing four time a week (an hour and a half on Saturdays). The test was April 16th. We were told that it was supposed to start at 7:30 pm but that it might go late, because the juniors were testing before us, and that it would get over when it was done. (When the panel of black belts were satisfied with what they had seen.) Well, the test didn't start until a bit after 8:00. There were eight of us testing for 3rd brown, the lowest level of brown, three testing for 2nd brown, one testing for 1st brown, one testing for 2nd black, and one testing for 3rd black. We tested in front of a panel of black belts that included two ninth degree black belts (the highest rank there is), our instructor, a 4th degree black belt, and multiple 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree black belts. We started with a bit of a warm-up and some basic combinations with some bags. We then presented our forms, about ten of them, four people at a time, and then moved into self defense. I was prepared with 60 different self defense techniques, but was only tested on about 25 of them. We were separated into four different lines and took turns attacking and defending ourselves with techniques that were called out. We finished our test with sparing and then waited while the panel discussed our performances individually. That took about 30-45 minutes. They then presented us with our belts. Each of those that tested were promoted, which doesn't always happen. In fact, the last adult brown and black belt test, all four of the people failed. The presentation of the belts didn't occur until around midnight. I was really glad that I managed to take a nap that afternoon. I felt really good about my performance overall and I was really grateful for those that were able to come and support me, Jayme, Peggy and Reed, and my dad, who took over 500 pictures of the event (I will post some of them at some point.) And thanks to my mom for not coming (she had strep). I also wanted to thank all those that have babysat Katarina over the past year so that I could continue to go to karate. I couldn't have done it without the help of so many people, especially Jayme, who was patient with my after hard workouts and picked up the slack when it was needed. Karate is one of my passions and I am so glad that I am able to continue learning and developing myself in that area. Just two more belts before I get my black belt!

Cousins

Katarina loves her cousins on both sides of the family. She loves playing with them, looking at their pictures and she loves trying to say their names. We got to go up to Portland yesterday for Kyler's baby blessing. Katarina traveled so well and was so excited to see her cousins. It was fun spending the day with the family.

I have been working hard to get ready for my brown-belt (re)test. I earned my kenpo brown-belt the month before I got married, but then got mono, moved to Utah, and then, five years later, moved back to Corvallis. I started going back almost immediately but my attendance has been sporadic due to pregnancy, child-birth, and now, raising a young child. I have managed to stay in it and slowly progress. My belt test is in April and I will be tested on 60 self-defense moves, 10 forms, 11 sparing combinations, and general stamina, as I have to make it through the test. February is family month too, which means that family members can participate for free. Jayme has been able to take extended lunch breaks and is joining me out on the mat. I love having him there. Now we just need to get baby-sitting stabilized so that we can both be out on the mat at the same time.

Growing Up!

Virginia claims that one of the defining moments in any young girl's life is the first time she gets to have pigtails...

So...my girl has started to grow up I guess. We had a wonderful Christmas. Now we just have to get back to a schedule of naps and sleeping through the night! Hope everyone had a great holiday season and is excited for this new year!

Birthday Party

Katarina turned one on October 10th. We had her birthday party one week later. She loved the tiger cake that Grandma made for her. She is such a happy child and she loves learning new things. We love having her in our family. I look forward to celebrating more birthdays with her, though I think she is growing up too fast as it is.

Every Girl Needs A Meerkat

About a month ago my Katarina was looking at a Calvin and Hobbes book with my mom and she became fascinated with tigers. She would point them out in pictures and on cereal boxes and wherever else they happened to pop up. She soon learned how to growl like a tiger and that growl became the universal sound for every animal. It was all very cute. So, you may ask, what does that have to do with meerkats? Well, Jayme decided that Katarina needed a tiger and ordered her one online. When we opened the box we were a bit surprised to find a meerkat instead of a tiger. The company eventually sent a tiger and let us keep the meerkat for our troubles. During the intervening period we had a little trip to Astoria and a wild adventure on a little bridge:) Try and follow the little mind of a little girl as you look at the picture procession. We love our little Katarina!

I didn't add words cause I thought each of you could invent your own story about this that would bring a smile to your faces. We hope you enjoyed the story:)