2nd Private

I've just returned home from my second private interview. I was late leaving work, so we had to reschedule to 7pm, but we worked through a good portion of the remaining techniques. Here are my notes.

Snapping Twig - elbow, hammerfist, PALMHEEL (shove head)
No twist w\uppercut.
Twirling Wings - Land close kneel
Evading the Storm - minor/major, TO 90º ... Land forward w/kick
wrist throw w/club to face, kick upwards
Captured Leaves - Lifting kick (end)
Crashing Wings - 2 kick end
Raining Claw - upper-body english (poke) - contact w/head
Repeating Mace - Step to rear 45, raking inverted fist (palm up)
kick leg, then go behind. side kick, cross elbow etc, end w/knee kick, stomp groin!

Private lesson

I had my first private lesson with Mr. White, a 7th degree black belt, and owner of the studio I love so much. He is a Professor of the art and has my utmost respect. His skill is ten times mine, at least. I could go on, but I think you get the idea: he's awesome.

Here are my notes from our meeting, unedited:

*Circling Wing
-crossing talon + knee.
bend wrist, maintain flat palm
contact. pull together
*Crushing Hammer
short palmheel, no step.
step 12, rt cross knee,
lf round face, rt knee kidney,
rt shovel (toe, heel same
direction) knee as pin, shuffle
kick.
*Leaping Crane
chicken L stomp, step wide,
back rising face, rt ribs
*Crossing Talon
-bring your body
with you w/step.
step farther.

I didn't have time to be writing stuff, but I knew I wouldn't be able to practice the way I needed to right away. I don't have time now to explain what all this means. If you know these techniques, you can see there are huge gaps in the notes I've just made. Those are the parts I don't need help on. These notes are the just corrections.

Promotion!

OMG! I've been promoted to First Level Instructor! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Still Alive

Check out my most recent ride, it was beautiful! I took five minutes off yesterday's time. Wow!

Tonight's techniques:
Reprimanding the Bears, Parting Wings, Menacing Twirl, Repeated Devestation, Circle of Doom, Twist of Fate, Thrusting Wedge, Thrusting Prongs, Reversing Mace, Thrusting Lance.

Ugh

As you probably know, I had two centuries planned. Well I didn't get to ride the second because of the cold rain. I did ride, but not even a quarter of the planned hundred miles.

As for my 10 techniques a night, I haven't been doing them. I'll just say that I've been tired, and realize this excuse is not good enough.

And thus, my ten:
Thundering Hammers, Scraping Hoof, Snapping Twig, Falling Falcon, Buckling Branch, Crossed Twigs, Encounter with Danger, Flight to Freedom, Gift of Destiny, Unfolding the Dark

Resting up

As I stated previously, I'm giving my body a bit of a break. I'm still cycling to work, but I'm getting more to eat and (trying to) get to bed sooner.

That being said, I rode my second century yesterday(!), and it was fantastic. I have yet to write a full report, however I do have a hilarious update today. Here's an excerpt:

"... I’m going to drop my handlebars by inverting the stem, then add this swanky new 53 tooth cog to my front sprocket. Hopefully the end result will have me gasping for breath sooner, crying for my mommy louder, and collapsing from exhaustion right off the start line. As you may have guessed, I have high expectations. (Parental guidance is suggested for this next image, which may not be suitable for all ages.)"

Please check it out!

Healing

My legs still ache from the weekend (and sparring last week. Ow!). It was beautiful, truly, but I need to rest this week to prepare for my NYC century on Sunday. I need carbs, protein, and hugs. And luck.
And more hammergel, cliff bars, and lovin.
Seriously =)