My first stripe!!

Wednesday night I received my first stripe on my white belt! I was so excited and happy when my name was read.

The best thing about this was I'm glad that they could see that I'm improving and learning.

I absolutely love training. I look forward to class. I look forward to learning. I love this sport.

Good luck to everyone out there!

Jiu-Jitsu addiction!

I recently ordered Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirement DVD's (after reading Slideyfoot's review!). I'm excited about receiving them tomorrow!

I finally decided to make this blog about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and my journey with it. I've found other blogs and I hope to learn as much as possible about this sport.

I recently started taking AdvoCare products. I wanted something for energy and weight management. I can really tell a difference in how I feel, how hungry I am, and how much I'm eating (or not eating). The "Slim" product is my favorite.

To whoever is reading this, thanks!

Updates!

I haven't updated my blog in a while so I thought I would give a quick update on what's new with me.

Work - I was asked by my nurse manager to put in for the charge nurse position that has recently opened up. I was caught off guard and very flattered. I've since decided to apply for the position. The worst that could happen is I won't get it.. I think that's the worst thing that could happen, right?

BJJ - I love BJJ!!! I've thought about changing my blog to a BJJ blog. It has really consumed a lot of my life. Each class I can tell that I am gaining in skill, learning the techniques, and I'm getting into shape! I think that I will get my first stripe soon.

Mustang - I'm building up an 89 Mustang GT. Right now, the motor is being rebuild. The long block is almost complete and then I'll yank the other motor our and start switching parts over. It's becoming quite costly.. I'm debating on if it's truly worth it ...

Anyways.. still no followers. Still no feed back. I'm sure there are millions of other, more interesting, more updated blogs.

I think that switching to my BJJ journey will be a much better blog and maybe add some side notes about my personal life here and there.

If you are reading, thanks!

BJJ and pain

Last night was pretty intense - we practiced a lot of guard escapes, sweeps, and did most of this at full speed.

Several months ago, a ganglion cyst developed on my right wrist (where the radial artery lies). Sometimes, it gets aggravated and other times it basically disappears. Last night, it definitely got aggravated. Today, that whole area is stiff, sore, and the cyst itself is raised up higher than ever.

Despite this, I still love Jiu-Jitsu. I can feel my clothing fitting looser, I can see my face and body slenderizing, and my energy level has increased significantly. Most of all, my game is improving dramatically.

The only thing that is bothering me is my gas tank. I fatigue easily; too easily if you ask me. I was a very hyperactive, climbing the walls, type of kid. Now, I feel lazy. I know with time, this will improve as I have seen some improvement in my stamina (or gas tank).

As far as the aches, pains, and injuries; I'm hoping this also improves with time. I make an effort to stretch daily and to warm up before I go to class. I'm taking NSAIDs almost daily (but I don't want to kill my liver in the process). Between work and Jiu-Jitsu, it seems like I'm injuring myself often. I felt a lower back muscle pull the other day as we lifted a guy from a chair to a bed (after passing out when explaining how his wife broke her ankle, ligaments torn, surgery, etc). I guess it was too much. The sad part is, he almost did it again when the surgeon went to explain the surgery (per policy and protocol).

Anyways, the pain is here but I feel that it is a growing pain. I really love the sport and I'm in it for the long haul (as this year is paid in full).