Strife

Update time! Week one sucked. I started off sick as a dog (if that dog had a severe cold, that is) so my macros and work outs suffered. It was interesting, as I actually had trouble meeting my macros because I was eating so little. Well later in the week I got to feeling a little better and I was able to get in 1 of the 3 strength workouts and both of the cardio workouts. I only his my macros 3 days that week. My sleep goals were met, however! I got a lot of rest that week. Week 2 was better. I hit all 3 strength workouts. I only got 1 cardio workout in. I only hit my macros 4 of the days, for which I blame 1.) lots of overtime at work, and 2.) my use of junk food as a coping mechanism for stress. Still working on that one... I stayed up too late a few nights when I shouldn't have, because Skyrim is a helluva drug. All in all, week 2 was better than week 1, and week 3 is shaping up to be better still. I suppose its all about gaining and keeping momentum, right?

I want to slay dragons. I want to cast fireballs. I want to raise legions of the undead by my command. However, right now I've got a wooden sword and I've hardly left my home town. Well crap. But I will not despair! It's a slow grind to greatness, but its so so SO very worth it. Having set my sights on monsters too powerful before, and having failed because of it, I intend to work smarter and harder to get where I want to be. Even if that means it takes a little longer than I might like. So for my 4-week challenge, I have a few simple goals: Strength Training 3x a week (+3 Str) Cardio 2x a week (+2 Sta) Meet my nutritional macros 5 days a week (+5 Con) Get 7-8 hours of sleep on weeknights. (+5 Wis) In an effort to hold myself accountable, I've enlisted the help of a friend to determine my nutritional macros and work out a plan for healthier eating to compliment my training. I've also started a journal, in which I will document a number of things including my workouts and my sleep habits, as well as how these things generally make me feel. I'm excited to get started. But I'm even more excited to get started on the right path. Dragon slaying will come someday, yes. But not until I learn to swing this sword...

Hey rebellion. Strife here. Its been a year or two since I've been here. It's time to open the old war chest, dust off the sword and armor, and head off toward adventure. In the past, I've come in blazing like a raging fire, full of motivation and ready to conquer the world. This time I return humble. I have learned that motivation eventually runs out (often quickly) and when that happens it is easy to lose your way. What I intend to do this time is cultivate the discipline to keep going when motivation gives out. I'm 50 lbs heavier than I was 2 years ago (even just typing that out was difficult) and I'm the heaviest I've ever been at 230 lbs. I've spent these past few years battling depression and trying a number of solutions, but I've ultimately come to believe that the best solution is to work on myself. Some of my obstacles are lacking motivation to get to the gym, a love a beers and sweets, and a lack of good sleep. I'm excited that there is a 4-week challenge starting soon (didn't they used to be 6-weeks?) so that I can start to get a foot hold on those aforementioned obstacles. I'm not ready to slay dragons yet, but I'll be damned if I can't go slay some jellies on the first floor of the dungeon. -Strife

I checked another one off the list the other day, and in a way I never expected. Item achieved: Be a Hero. Being a hero doesn't always mean swinging a sword or casting a spell; and it doesn't have to save a princess or free a nation. I friend told me the other day that my actions literally saved his life. I was left somewhat speechless. All I was doing is what I felt was right. But I guess that how these things work...

I just booked my trip to Greece for June of 2015! Here's to knocking an awesome one off the list!!

This has been a productive month! I ran another half-marathon AND I made a new costume. Here's me with my lovely partner in crime.

***I tried to sign up for the challenge, but the sign up doc wont open at work. I'll have to do that when I get home.*** I have tried on many occasions to complete these 6-week challenges, but have had less than satisfactory results. If you look at my past challenges, you'll see I've set them all to a final fantasy 7 theme. Each challenge has been an attempt to complete a level in the game, such as a mako reactor; the ultimate idea being that once I completed each of the numerous areas in the game (i.e. completed a boat load of 6-week challenges) I would be a leveled-up badass and in a very good position in my life. So far I've only completed one challenge to the point that I would call it successful, so I've only defeated one "area" of the game. Every other attempt has been a learning experience certainly, but not what I would consider level-defeating success. If there is one thing I've learned in my years of playing RPGs, its that sometimes you just have to go out into the forest and GRIND. No, not dancing, I mean meticulously defeating the same monsters over and over until you reach a point that you are powerful enough to take on the next area. So with that in mind, instead of assaulting the next mako Reactor, I'm heading off into the wilderness to grind monsters. I'm going to get into a routine. All I want to do right now is set up an established routine over the next 5.5 weeks so that I'll have a solid foundation for the next "level." So with that, I give you my goals: 1. Complete the PLP workout. (+3 STR, +3 STA) I've tried a few times before to do the PLP workout that Steve posted, and lost my fire each time around day 30. I don't intend to let that happen again. I want to see day 60 with my head held high. 2. Workout or Run 5+ times a week. (+2, CON, +2 STA) I have started skipping some of my gym days. I can't keep doing that, because I already see myself losing progress. 5 times a week is completely doable, and is already a part of my regular schedule. I just have to stop letting myself dismiss its importance. 3. Stop eating garbage at work. (+2 CHA) I was at 12% body fat. I started the year at 24%. That's an AMAZING accomplishment. I am super proud of myself and I have no qualms about sharing it. But I've back pedaled and now I'm up to 14%. My goal is 10% by years end, and that won't happen if I keep stopping at the snack station at work. I'll stop bringing spare change to work, so I can't buy any of it. 4. Make music/Brand myself. (+3 CHA) I am a musician. I had planned to have my album released by my birthday (October 2nd), but I don't see that happening now. So I'm readjusting my goal to make it attainable. I plan to have an EP out by then, as well as an established website. If I can attain these goals, I'll be primed and ready to attack the next mako Reactor in my life. I know this is the solid foundation I need to keep moving forward. I just need to get out of my own head and get to work. -Strife

The game continues! After three tries and game reset, our heroes have finally defeated the first Mako Reactor! But there's no time to celebrate if we are to stop the evil Shinra corporation from taking away ALL our motivations. There's work to be done. In previous challenges, and in my life in general, I tend to overcomplicate things. I make HUUUUGE to-do lists with a massive amount of hope and zeal. Then I look at the list an hour later, assume the fetal position, and weep softly. The theme of this challenge is to keep it simple. I'd rather get a little bit of good work done, and do it well, than to overwhelm myself and get nothing done. I'm not going to worry about mini-challenges or other things, simply because I want to keep my eye on the prize and (more importantly) my head clear and optimistic. I have a few goals that I want to work on in the coming weeks. 1. Complete the PLP workout. (+3 STR, +3 STA) I tried once before to do the PLP workout that Steve posted about, and lost my fire around day 30. I'm on day 14 right now, and want to carry this bad boy through to 60. And maintain it. I've missed one day, back on day 6, and that was simply because I didn't manage my time correctly. I don't intend to let that happen again. 2. Get down to 10% Body Fat. (+2, CON, +2 CHA) This has been a goal of mine for a while. Since the start of the year, I've increased my workouts and eaten about 80% paleo. I've gone from 24% to 13% since January. Ive now doubled up on my workouts, and really locked down the diet. My goal is to be down to 10% by the time this ends, and I think I can do it. 3. Keep a simple schedule of action. (+2 WIS) As mentioned before, I tend to make huge plans and then get behind and get overwhelmed. In order to prevent this, starting today, when I get home from work I will do my PLP workout and then work on 1 or 2 things that I need/want to get done. I will only work on these items for an hour and a half. I will be done by 8. Then I get to relax. This way I have an hour and a half of beast mode and then I call it a day. 4. Practice happiness. (+2 WIS, +1 CHA) Having recently (20 minutes ago) reread Steve's article on happiness I am going to start my day with meditation, and end it with gratitude. I will meditate first thing in the morning before my morning workout. Before I go to bed, I'll catalogue 3 things that went well today. Also, since I'm beast moding til 8, I'll then use my remaining couple of hours for leisurely pursuits. The key to this is that often when I do things like watch anime or play video games, I feel guilty because I should be working on something more productive. This post-beast-mode time will be guilt free. I can enjoy the unproductive hobbies that bring me great joy, and not feel bad about it. With these steps, I'm really hoping I can create some controlled discipline in my life, but also allow myself to have fun. Far too often I go from one extreme to the other, working nonstop until I burnout and don't care about anything, then vegging and putting off ALL responsibility until I feel completely worthless. I'm ready to pick up the proverbial controller and play my life the right way.

I'm at work right now, so I can't open the spreadsheet for some reason, but I can give my update! 1. 4 Workouts per Week (+2 Str, +1 Sta) Nailed this. Most weeks it was 5 workouts, as well as casual pullups/pushups in the evenings. If I could give myself an S-rank in this, I would. 2. 80/20 Paleo Diet (+2 Con, +2 Cha) Likewise rocked this goal out. It was far easier than I expected and while I had a few "less than paleo days" here and there, the overall average is well above 80. I'm extremely proud and happy with this one. 3. Skateboard 3 times per Week (+2 Dex, +2 Sta) This one... not so much lol I failed at this. This was a missed treasure chest with juicy materia waiting to be equipped. No points awarded. Side Quest: Complete Weekly To-Do List (+2 Wis, +2 Cha) This has been rough. I may have bitten off more than I could chew with my weekly lists, but with a few elixers and a phoenix down or two, we made it out alive. Good progress was made, just not nearly as much as I would have liked. Overall, I give this a C-rating. It's passing, but theres plenty of room for improvement. My main focus going forward is time discipline. If I'd managed my time more efficiently, I'd have gotten a LOT more done. Live and learn.

THE FINAL BATTLE!! I have fought my way to the end of the Mako Reactor, the AVALANCHE team and I have secured the bomb and the accursed Guard Scorpion is in our way! What shall be our fate?!?! 1. 4 Workouts per Week (+2 Str, +1 Sta) Nailed this. Most weeks it was 5 workouts, as well as casual pullups/pushups in the evenings. If I could give myself an S-rank in this, I would. 2. 80/20 Paleo Diet (+2 Con, +2 Cha) Likewise rocked this goal out. It was far easier than I expected and while I had a few "less than paleo days" here and there, the overall average is well above 80. I'm extremely proud and happy with this one. 3. Skateboard 3 times per Week (+2 Dex, +2 Sta) This one... not so much lol I failed at this. This was a missed treasure chest with juicy materia waiting to be equipped. No points awarded. Side Quest: Complete Weekly To-Do List (+2 Wis, +2 Cha) This has been rough. I may have bitten off more than I could chew with my weekly lists, but with a few elixers and a phoenix down or two, we made it out alive. Good progress was made, just not nearly as much as I would have liked. Overall, I give this a C-rating. It's passing, but theres plenty of room for improvement. My main focus going forward is time discipline. If I'd managed my time more efficiently, I'd have gotten a LOT more done. Live and learn. The Guard Scorpion shutters and falls, with a gut-wrenching sound similar to that of the Millenium Falcom failing to go into hyperdrive. We have bested the beast, but there's little time for celebration. The bomb we planted is ticking down and we need to haul @$$! Even more importantly, there's more Mako Reactors to take down... A mercenary's work is never done.

So far I'm doing really well on all of my goals, save for the skateboarding. I just haven't been doing it much, and while I can say its a time thing, its really a prioritization thing. Paleo is going incredibly well, I dropped 4% bodyfat in January alone, and maintained the exact same weight. I can definitely see a difference in both my workouts and in the mirror ^^ Eating paleo has been far easier than I'd ever have imagined. I did a hard hat challenge with a couple of friends and pullups daily has been my challenge task. Regular pullups have been great because I can see an increase in my max reps, so carrying out that forward momentum has been easy. Still a little behind on my list of stuff to do, but I've been focusing my efforts on active time management (something I've never been great at) so that I can keep on top of all of the things I have to do, and those that I want to do. All in all I'm pleased with my progress thus far. Well, except for the lack of skateboarding. C'est la vie!

Yes! Sorry for my lack of posts! Random encounters have been taking all of my time and energy. ^^ I have been really successful with the 4+ workouts, as well as the paleo diet. Paleo is surprisingly easier than I expected. I still get cravings for stuff, but if I don't keep it in the house, I don't eat it. And I'm definitely not going to drive to the store to get whatever my random craving may be. Skating needs stepped up, I haven't done it nearly enough :/ and my to-do list has been about 50/50 on getting done/not getting done. I'd say I haven't had time, but that would only be a half truth. It's a matter of prioritizing the time that I have. I simply need to do better with the time that I have. #seriousface I'll also try to update more regularly. Hope everyone else is doing wonderfully in their challenges! I'll be checking /strife out

Only one day left to finish up the week! Thus far I have managed to get 5 workouts in, my paleo days are still fluctuating between 70/30 and 85/15, balancing out right around 80/20 overall (I know I can do better!), but I have yet to skate even once this week (no bueno). So I will have to just make up those missed skate sessions, and make sure I get one in tomorrow! (It's far too late tonight, I'd wake people up) As for my side quest, the weekly check list of awesome, I still have several items that I need to accomplish. Luckily for me, tomorrow is relatively open (been kinda banking on that) and I should have ample time to get it knocked out. That's all for now. Night all! Strife out.

Congrats on the weights! Those shall come in handy getting muscly arms ooh la la! Love the fluff piece, and the imagery of the "drake" combined with the frosty breath (a la dragon smoke). Nicely insinuated. Keep up the good work, sir!

Looking great, love the goals! You seem to be very honest with yourself in all aspects, which is a great thing. Lettuce wrapping burgers is surprisingly awesome. I was skeptical at the idea at first, but I really like it. Especially given that I was using "healthy" low calorie buns anyway, and those aren'e the most flavorful anyway, the switch was pretty easy!

Yesterday was 70/30 paleo, largely because I had a meal replacement shake as I ran out the door. I've been able to get 3 workouts thus far, and I have another one tonight, so that'll reach the 4/wk goal easy. I'll likely actually get 5 in this week, so I'm happy with that. I found a new favorite paleo recipe. This is so good its ridiculous. Chicken Bacon Mushroom Quiche Holy wow, even if you AREN'T trying to eat paleo, I urge you to try this. To quote the great Malcolm McDowell, it's "Totes Amaze-balls." Now I'm off to knock more items off my To-Do list, and hopefully get in some skate time! Hope everyone is having an awesome first week on the challenge!

@Catsratch: I appreciate the kind words and support! On/off topic, lets join up and go look for random encounters soon. Work on some of those mutual goals, good sir! @KB Girl: It's a spreadsheet about 10 pages long haha I'm kind of a big nerd when it comes to planning things out. A number of items I want to accomplish this year include: Record a couple albums worth of songs that I've written (I've been slowly accumulating equipment for a home recording studio these past few years)Play at least one live show per monthRead at least one book per monthSee my friends/family more Knock out at least 25 items on my Level Up ListAs well as a few other odds and ends items I'd like to accomplishSide note, KB Girl, what's the KB stand for? Is it kettlebells? I'm obsessed with kettlebells as a workout vehicle. But I digress... @Pretzle: Glad you like the FFVII theme! It has always been a big part of my nerd life (see aforementioned Level Up List, it's materia themed). This is my first real go at paleo, but I've somewhat subconsciously been honing my diet in that direction anyway so it only seemed right to actually do it. I recently printed off a number of recipes that I'm excited to try. I had one the other day, where I baked diced sweet potatoes, diced apples, and fresh cranberries, seasoned with ground cinnamon and sea salt, in a baking dish for an hour. It turned out way better than I expected! So now for a progress update! I hit the gym Monday and just this morning before posting. That's 2 of my 4 for this week! Monday I ate 53% Paleo, and yesterday was 83% Paleo. I knew monday wouldn't meet my goal, as I had a coulple remaining items in my pantry to take to work for lunch. I'll make it up later in the week. I know it's unrealistic to think I'll be able to live 80/20 EVERY day, so as long as my weekly total averages out to 80/20, I'm happy. I have not yet skateboarded. I need to rectify this. I've been working a lot of overtime these last couple of days because, well, they're offering it and I like extra money haha but that only lasts through today so I'll have more time in the later part of the week. As for my weekly list, there are about 50 items on there so I need to knock out about 7 per day on average. I'm a little behind that curve because of the aforementioned overtime, but that too should be rectified in the next day or so. Overall, I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far and know I'm only going to ramp up from here. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to re-equip my materia before this next battle...

Behold! Catscratch has joined the party! I love the idea of a choose your own adventure style challenge, because thats what life is all about! Every day we make choices that effect our future, whether for better or for worse. Make the good decisions. Take the tougher roads. You will come out a better person. To quote one of the greater stories ever told: Bilbo: ...Can you promise that I will come back? Gandalf: No. And if you do... you will not be the same. Enter the forges, Catscratch. The forges of destiny, the forges of greatness. You will be smelt upon the iron, impurities extracted and discarded, and you shall be forged anew.

Shinra, a greedy corporation with a stranglehold on the world's power supply, threatens to destroy the planet with its insatiable harvest of Mako energy. From deep within the slums of the techno-metropolis of Midgar, a scant but determined resistance faction called AVALANCHE is desperate in their bid to stop Shinra at any cost. Enlisting the services of a young mercenary named Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra's elite paramilitary force SOLDIER, these eco-terrorists aim to prevent a disaster of global proportions. Meanwhile, the reckless exploits of renegade Shinra scientists have exposed the planet to a danger more sinister than anyone could have imagined. It is 2014. A year of promise. A year with which to fulfill one's own destiny. I have incredible goals for this year, and even greater hope that I will accomplish them. I set some lofty goals for 2013 and while I didn't fully achieve them, I made dramatic progress toward them. I feel that 2013 was a fantastic year, and that it created some incredible momentum on which I can ride and carry forth into the new year. As such, I return to the great North Mako Reactor. In order to pass this level, defeat the Guard Scorpion, and get out before the reactor blows, I will need to complete the challenges below with a bare minimum of 80% efficiency, otherwise I'll have to hit the reset button and do this level over! But I don't intend to just slip by with a bare minimum; I intend to blast this thing out of the park a la AVALANCHE style!! Below I have detailed my goals. I'll update multiple times a week in an effort to keep the fires burning and to maintain accountability. Now, let's blast this reactor sky high and get ourselves some Materia along the way!! Main Quest for 2014: 10% Body Fat 6-Week Goals to push toward that: 1. 4 Workouts per Week (+2 Str, +1 Sta) I am currently enrolled in a mixed circuit-training/kettlebell class which meets 3 times per week. Above and beyond this, I will do an additional workout throughout the week. 2. 80/20 Paleo Diet (+2 Con, +2 Cha) I am making every effort to purchase only paleo items for my pantry. I have spent the last few weeks clearing my cupboard of all non paleo items, however I still have a few holdovers I will continue to use up. Additionally there will be times where a paleo diet may not be possible to maintain. I also use a number of supplements from AdvoCare that are not paleo. These aforementioned items will make up the 20% non-paleo. I intend to track calories, not for the purposes of restriction, but for the purpose of calculating the e80/20 ratio. 3. Skateboard 3 times per Week (+2 Dex, +2 Sta) This is a hybrid goal, as it combines a fitness activity with a Level up item (the desire to learn to skateboard). Therefore, I pledge to spend at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week, continuing to learn to skateboard. Side Quest: Complete Weekly To-Do List (+2 Wis, +2 Cha) I have taken the better part of this evening to create a plan of attack for the coming year. I have been giving consideration to the things I'd like to accomplish this year, and now I have set forth a weekly checklist of sorts. My plan is to accomplish all items on this list each week, and if I can do that, I will be on track to accomplish EVERYTHING that I want to do in 2014. /New File

HUZZAH!!! May the phoenix fires burn ever bright, and light the forges that shall craft a champion!

I just snatched another Materia on my adventure! I completed a Half-Marathon! I ran it in 2 hours and 23 minutes, and my legs are still a bit sore today, but I'm positively STOKED.

While I'm a few days late to the start of this, I have been working on stuff already. I got my 100 pushups in today and yesterday. I just have to make up Monday's. I'll add them in throughout the rest of the week to catch up. Now I'm off to do a pull-up workout.

Third time's a charm, right? Let's take down this reactor once and for all. 6-Week Challenge Goals 1. 10 consecutive pull-ups. (+2 STR, +1 CON, +1 CHA) 4 Pull-up-centric workouts per week.Continue using the How To Finally Do A Pull-up guide.2. 40 consecutive pushups to the floor. (+2 STR, +2 STA) Pushups to exhaustion every night. Minimum of 100 throughout the day.Continue with Kettlebell classes for overall strength.3. Quit drinking soda (unless it's with delicious rum). (+2 CON, +1 WIS) 3 cheats. Total. That's it. I have 3 mountain dews in my fridge.Seriously. This is all or nothing. If I drink a soda other than the three in my fridge, I fail. This includes my beloved energy drinks. 4. Record 3 tracks for my album. (+2 WIS, +2 CHA) Shoot for 1 track every other week.Spend at least an average of 1 hour each night on recording.

That blasted Guard Scorpion! Another challenge come and gone, and somehow Strife finds himelf unable to defeat even the first of several Mako Reactors. But at least he has learned from it. So long as you're "failing forward," right? Anywho, on to the goals. 1. 10 consecutive pull-ups. Current Maximum is 5. (+2 STR, +1 CON, +1 CHA) No progress. Big Fat Zero. 2. Run 12 consecutive miles in prep for a half marathon. (+3 STA) Nailed this one. 100%. Can't wait for my race next week! 3. 40 consecutive pushups to the floor. (+2 STR, +2 STA) Still stuck at the same place. :/ No progress, no points. 4a. Prepare for my upcoming show. (+1 WIS, +1 CHA) Didn't play it flawlessly, but played well and had a great time. More importantly, it fueled fires to play more shows. I give myself full points for this. 4b. Record 3 tracks for my album. (+1 WIS, +1 CHA) Spent more time practicing and writing than recording, therefore, I have no finished products to show. No points awarded, but progress achieved and knowledge gained none-the-less. Overall, I still only came out with 40% of my goals so the mission itself was a fail. Next time, you devious Guard Scorpion!!!! Shinra will feel my wrath!!

Damn right you will!