Feeling sufficiently practiced for the exam, I was confident that I would fare decently well. I practiced the katas under the watchful eye of Hubby, who incidentally was testing for shodan (1st degree black belt) and continued rehearsing them in my mind as I lay in bed, staring into the darkness just prior to slumber. When I awakened this morning, I reviewed yet again — ensuring that the movements were adequately burned into muscle memory.

When it came time for the exam, I approached it with an enthusiastic spirit thanks to the adrenaline coursing through my veins. It seemed like a blur and, although it wasn’t perfect, I felt satisfied with my performance. (At least I didn’t fall on my face, right?)

A few hours later, I noticed a tenderness developing on the inside of my left knee. Not a good sign. I think I may have tweaked it or pulled something. While it doesn’t seem serious, I decided that I should take Hubby’s suggestion and apply ice to it. I’m hoping that I won’t wake up with my knee swollen to the size of a grapefruit tomorrow morning.

Thank goodness for Motrin. Or as Hubby often says about things like this: “bumbai pau.” (Translation for the pidgin-challenged: “It will be over sometime.” In other words, why worry? It’ll be over soon.)