Reese Sparing...

The previous post would not allow me to load this video. I guess it was too big!

ATA Testing for Reese!

Reese had is testing today at Albans ATA Black Belt Academy He did really well. He was very concerned about how he landed on his kicks and if he would turn the wrong way. As you can see from his video he did just fine!

Sorry about the video quality, it was taken with our Olympus FE-230 7.1 megapixel digital camera. The camera takes great shots, but when filming in low light from a distance, it gets grainy.

After the form testing he had to spar. This is the first time I've ever seen him get really aggravated with someone and I was especially proud of the way he handled himself during this event. After all was said and done he even went out and shook the other boys hand. To me Reese displayed excellent sportsman ship, something that has been taught to him in the past three years he's been participating in the sport of Taekwondoe. Yes we are proud parents. When we asked Reese what he wanted us to write about him he said, " that he made it to red belt decided, and he broke both boards one with a front kick and one with his elbow on the first try!" Unfortunately we didn't get any board breaking video because we were cheering so hard. We realise that we need to update his sparring and protective gear so he can participate in the upcoming tournament sponsored by the ATA academy held in Lafayette, LA this February!

After the testing, we asked Reese where he wanted to go to lunch (it was after 2PM.) He wanted to go to Johnny Carino's Italian Grill. It's funny, no matter where we go to eat, the boys almost always get the same thing - Pasta and Butter!

Christmas Shopping!

Mom and Dad were in town this week to discuss business regarding our company, IvyTek, Inc. Because they were not going to be staying during the holidays they decided to go Christmas Shopping and give the kids an early Christmas Present. We went to the Academy located at 4232 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy and they purchased the 14-FT Trampoline By Jump Zone

Note that the 14’ Trampoline Enclosure was NOT included.

Setting Up the Trampoline:

Dad and I thought it was fairly easy to set up, however, we were a bit confused by the instructions. We were mostly concerned with attaching the Jump Pad to the frame and the order in which the springs go on. We opted to go in sequential order, and that worked fine until we got about half way around and discovered that the tension might be too much for the opposite end. In the end, we were OK, but I strongly suggest following the suggestion of using the spring tool to pull the springs on to the frame.

I still have LOTS of Christmas shopping to do and have no idea what I am going to get my wife!

Living the American Dream!

This is my first blog into the American Dream. I haven't thought it through, the American Dream - that is. My hopes are that this starts to take shape and begins generating a life of its own very soon. Hopefully by the time I have finished this first blog, I will have thought up A Great Idea, an epiphany, or some other outlandish trek.

I am amazed by the constant innovation around me. I feel that I am pursuing the lifelong journey of learning by catching up to the technology around me. While I have been trained in the theory and have acquire knowledge from many resources, I have yet to master any one of them!

What I do know, however is what to eat and drink in Lafayette, Louisiana!