BLACK BELT JOURNEY

It's been five years in the making and I'm almost there.  This fall (undetermined date) I will join the ranks of black belt in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  I am quite proud of myself as there were times that I just wanted to give it all up.  For the majority of my training, I would bring Ben to class with me.  That was a workout in itself.  I would carry him in to the  Dojo, place him on the floor and then run back to my car and lug in his big beanbag.  Then I would lift him into the beanbag and carefully situate him so that he was comfortable.  Then I would train for an hour and do it all over again in reverse.  Rain, sleet, snow and sun he was there with me.  When I got pregnant two years ago I decided I was done training.  I couldn't imagine doing it with a new baby.  Then I lost the baby.  My instructor wouldn't let me NOT return, so I went back.  Then I got pregnant again.  Even after I lost another baby I was done.  Then my mom and husband convinced me to go back which I gratefully did.  Then Ben died.  I wanted to quit again.  But Ben wouldn't let me.  Not after all the hours that HE put into going with me.  :)  Now I'm getting ready.  It's a long, rigorous test.  (8 hours of continuous physical testing)  I've decided to give up sweets until then and to start running again.  I'm hoping I'll be prepared.  There is a part during the ceremony where we will get to dedicate all our hard work and effort to and I know exactly who that will be.

(I'm leaving for the weekend to go camping with my girls.  I'll be back with some fun pictures on Monday night.  Have a great and safe holiday weekend!)