June Check-in - Blog #2 - SBN Samantha


2019 DMA Black Belt Test – June Check-in
SBN Samantha

Update Summary:

This is the most difficult test I’ve had so far, which would make sense, but not in the ways that I would normally imagine.  I’ve gone through 3 black belt tests, but I’ve never done it while being responsible for the well-being of one child, let alone two of them.  Juggling their needs with my training, both on and off the mat, has been extremely difficult.  I have to admit, I will always put their needs over the things I have to do or want to do; however, I do need to figure out how to fit things in around the things I do for them, or I’m not going to be successful in this test.  In addition, since February, our household has gone through 3 colds…that last for 2 weeks…weeks and weeks of one or both of the kids being sick, followed by me being sick…it’s been exhausting, and distracting. 

I was updating my numbers the other day and realized I hadn’t entered anything since the end of March, and further, that I was severely behind in making progress with some of my goals.  I haven’t been to CrossFit in months, as I was focused on running and being at DMA when I wasn’t sick, and I know that my fitness has suffered.  I’m currently working on a plan to get back to training at CrossFit, while also maintaining my attendance at DMA, and still running 3 days a week.  I know that making this happen will help me with my fitness goals.  My other goals/the other requirements will mean taking the time when it’s available to work on them…instead of grabbing that quick cat-nap while Korben is napping and Bonnie is watching a show…as I’m currently resisting…oh man, I could really use that nap.  

Bottom line: I have not been keeping up, and it's time to figure out how to make it all work.

Goals Progress:

Decrease my body fat percentage below 30% - I have not made progress on this goal, but have recently started an eating plan (today is day 9) to help reset my metabolism and focus on eating the right kind of foods that will combine with the physical activity to burn fat.

Be able to do 5 Pull-ups (strict, kipping, or combination) – I have not made progress on this goal.

Assist with 25 DMA Classes – this roughly equates to 25 hours – I have assisted with 16 hours of classes so far, and continue to keep assisting with classes

Teach & Track Basic Gymnastics Skills for the DMA Demo Team – the DMA Demo Team is not actually a thing at the moment, so I am not tracking skills for it, however, I have been teaching the Saturday intermediate class how to improve and utilize their cartwheels for creative kicking combos.  A few of the kiddos have done a cartwheel for the first time, improve their existing cartwheel, and one even overcame her fear of doing a cartwheel!

Develop a full business plan for my non-profit idea – I have done some preliminary brainstorming and discussed this idea with a few people, but I have not made progress on the business plan yet.

Improve my ability to speak both Spanish and ASL – I have practiced a small amount in both areas, but I do not feel I’ve made significant progress with this goal.  BSBN Lia and I have attempted to converse in Spanish a couple times, but technology was not cooperative.  We have had one in-person session, and plan to have more once I have developed a more structured way of practicing.  My ASL practice has been at home with the kiddos while watching Signing Time, and some interactions with my family members who are Deaf.

Community Project:
For my community service project I proposed developing, planning, and running a weeklong summer camp at DMA for local foster children.  The outline is complete, and I am currently attempting to get buy-in from staff at DHS before moving forward with fully planning the camp.  I have followed up with the DHS personnel for a third time, and if they do not respond within one week, I am going to contact a community liaison that a friend knows.  This person may be able to help move things along if DHS does not act on the opportunity.

WOWs – I have not yet completed any WOWs.

Numbers Tracking & Benchmarks
Steps (missing 21 days – dead battery in fitness tracker, and I kept forgetting to put it on for a week or so): 1,084,377
Miles (Jogging): 87
Push-ups: 351
Pull-ups: 284
Abs/Core: 348
Forms Reps: 32
Instructing Hours: 16.5
1 Mile Run (up the hill): 13:30
Plank: 29sec
Push-ups: 21 Knees
Pull-ups: 3 (both bands)
Sit-ups: 21
Squats: 32

Comments

  1. Lia London, authorJune 7, 2019 at 8:37 AM

    Isn't it amazing how being a parent changes the whole feeling of a testing period? You don't have the luxury of dedicating yourself 100% to your own goals because you've got to take care of others. You're doing an amazing work, at home and on the mat, and the hard work you do in both places will make you better for the other (if that makes sense). As you grow on the mat and workout, you're giving yourself the break that lets you be better for your kids. When you be the best mom you can, you learn and apply the principles of martial arts (focus, respect, integrity, responsibility, etc.)in the most meaningful ways possible.

    You're awesome, Samantha! I'm so glad you're at DMA.

    ReplyDelete

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