How exciting! This is a fun life season and I’m glad you’re making the most of it. Good luck getting into your top choice school!

Humboldt State now Cal Poly Humboldt is an excellent school. I went there for my degree in Zoology. It has an incredible science program. The outdoors there are so beautiful. You will never run out of things to do like hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, rafting, and backpacking. If you love the outdoors and major in environmental science it’s the place for you. Good luck in applying.

If you and Olivia both end up at Humboldt, you are going to be significantly increasing the amount of Isshinryu karate-ka there by a large amount!

What a beautiful picture! I’m glad you had a nice long trip with family and friends. I hope that means you enjoy camping!
I’m glad you padded your numbers before hand. But to mirror back, you said “All my hard work down the drain.” I’m curious…wasn’t that the intention of doing that? So is your hard work down the drain or did you accomplish your goal? Is it reasonable to assume the numbers will ebb and flow, like the tide? Perhaps you’re experiencing Isshinryu code #2 ~ The blood circulating is the same as the moon and the sun. To me, that code says things will come and go. It might be an interesting experiment to see how that perspective might lighten the load of the challenge. Keep up the great work! So excited to do this journey with you!

That’s great you were able to camp for 8 days with family and friends. I find the outdoors to be invigorating, relaxing, and refreshing. It so helpful to have family and friends help motivate you for the challenge. They will be your support throughout this challenge.

Happy birthday! Wow 52 sprawls. That body combat exercise class will definitely help you in this black belt challenge. That’s awesome you teach what you love to do. It is great that you teach modified versions so anyone at different ages and fitness levels can join in. The year of the tiger is a fantastic year!

How exciting! I’m so glad you both took time to refresh & rejuvenate! This 13-month challenge is like a marathon, yet it’s so intense we need to pace ourselves. Some days I do extra so that I can rest others. Taking the moments to rest will refuel you as you continue. Celebrating you both doing some self-care!

I had a lot of fun on this trip with you!!😀

That’s a beautiful place to visit. It’s awesome you walked so many miles in such a scenic place. That’s such dedication to spar in the morning before leaving. Good job to you both.

Elinor, I love the motivation you found to help you get your miles in on your bike! We have 4 cats at our house, so we are cat lovers. I’m reminded that there’s an island in Japan that has many stray cats, and if I recall correctly, people live there for free (or mostly for free) if they care for the cats. I’m happy you found a way to build this habit into your day and to bring yourself some joy!

Your commitment to making it happen, no matter what, has not gone unnoticed. It looks to me like you completely attacked this first month! Now you just have to do it 12 more times. 👍

I am glad the cats help keep you motivated in bike riding. It’s enjoyable to meet new cats in different neighborhoods. Congratulations on completing your first month. The some of the numbers are on track to finish early. That’s great.