It only took all year to get pictures...

This week has gone fairly well. I progress on one Christmas present and have another one to do (don't worry, I'm starting not to) and three more to put together. Needless to say, I'm trying to make things easier on myself for next year and plan better projects throughout the year.

Chad and I are getting out and walking more. South Carolina weather sure helps that... it's been in the 70's. And we are preparing to have family on Christmas.

Other than that not too much is going on. I attended my awards ceremony for my blue belt in Wadu Ryu Karate and finally remembered to bring the camera and hand it off to someone for pictures! I know some of you have seen these on myspace and facebook but, here there's a little more explanation.

Cecelia, our secretary at the North Charleston Dojo was wonderful enough to take all the pictures for me. She did a wonderful job!

We do some waiting around and preparing by placing people in line to be called up for their belts. Here Sensei Dru is photographing her North Charleston people who are clumped together:

Still waiting and preparing,
This is just before we open the ceremony and get everything started. So many people and this is not everyone who tested. (Awards ceremonies are optional) There were 200 students who tested:
And now everything is off to a good start, as we begin the same way we do in class with a bow and then sitting to recite our purpose and principals.
Here I am receiving my belt from Sensei Dale, the head of my dojo:


After we all get our belts, we tie them on together. Don't look for me in this picture though as you will not find me. I was called away to use my nursing skills in the hallway for a family. Everything turned out just fine with that:

If we have any black belts they are presented next. This time there were three and this is the special ceremony where the Sensei ties the black belt onto the student. My style only does this twice, when you get your white belt then again at black:


A demonstration of kata (also known as forms or a series of moves put together as if in an imaginary fight) for us all. I love looking at the higher belt katas and can't wait for them:
We all then break in our new belts with punches (yes, I'm back for this):
And then we party! (Or at least this time we did for our Christmas party)

Here I am with Sensei Todd, the head of my dojo:
This is Sensei Jim who always has very interesting classes:
And here I am with Sensei Dru, who will work our butts off when she teaches:

And there you have it. One day I hope to get pictures of an actual class, but that maybe awhile so... at least you now see what some of the past year has involved.

Later all!