WritingWeaver

Hopefully we won't have to find out

Ren, First off, I know it's not easy, the mental and physical training you're having to go through, but I know you're pushing yourself. Don't forget to try sending information and updates when you can. And when it's safe. We'll need it when you return. However... We're hearing whispers once again of you not eating properly. I shouldn't have to remind you that we need you in top form on this mission; that includes getting enough nutrition for the training you're going through. Be warned, Jacob's going to be watching you like a Hawk, so focus. I don't think you'll get another chance to escape suspicion.

Ren, We're hearing whispers that you aren't eating properly. One meal a day, regardless of how much you want to push yourself on this mission, is not sufficient for the tasks you have before you. Be warned, you now have Jacob's attention. Do whatever you can to lay low.

Absolutely!

Such a great game I'll post something in the next day or two, just an idea right now, but I think it will keep me accountable.

Welcome to Hope County, Ren Carris! You’ve read your briefing on the way here, right? Good. The Seed family, their Project at Edens Gate, it needs to be stopped and you’re going to help us. People are scared, scared for their life, for their families, and it’s getting worse. This mission is just a scouting mission for now, I’m not prepared to send a Rook like you in to deal with this, but we need eyes on the inside. If you find yourself in trouble, send word and I’ll send help. Study everything you can for each member of the Seeds, and when you come back, we’ll formulate a plan. Good Luck. Joseph Seed "We are all special, we are all smart. But yet we seem to need the desperate approval of some 'digital friends' that we hardly even know, and your family and your loved ones are right here, sitting beside you." Deputy, Joseph Seed is not one to be taken lightly. In fact, he’s a downright nut. He’s the leader of this Project, thinks a higher power whispers in his ear about the end of the world. He’s been gathering followers, willing or not, to prepare for it; building bunkers, soldiers and a massive following in general that are willing to die for him and his family. Be careful Charismatic Presence Presence: Keep mind on the here and now, focus mental and emotional energy on someone during interactions. Bring self to the here and now - To bring the mind back, focus on physical sensations typically ignored for a second: Breath, Feet touching the ground. Don't think of how you will respond while the other is speaking Eye Contact and non verbal signs of Listening (nodding) Ask Clarifying Questions; wait a few seconds before responding Power: Aiming to be perceived as able to affect the world around us. Boost Confidence: Know a little about a lot Dress for power: Body Language: Try several Power Poses when needed Warmth: Being approachable, caring and empathetic. Practice Gratitude: Write down 3 things each day I am grateful for Develop Empathy: Think of others as family, or being connected Interact face to face Be curious about others Smile! Trying for 5 genuine conversations per day under these guidelines. John Seed "I know, opening yourself, exposing your darkest secrets can be… challenging. Can be scary. But this is a safe space, there is no judgement here" John has everyone’s hands tied legally around here. He uses intimidation and violence to get what he wants out of people. Indoctrination and influencing those he deems worthy are forced to join and they kill those who resist. Be careful around him, Ren. Eliminating Self-Deception Stop Limiting Thoughts: Try to catch limiting thoughts/beliefs/statements before I act (or don't act) on something. When one comes up, try flipping it to be a positive statement or affirmation. Make it: Personal Positive Present Tense Powerful Say Yes: Stop limiting opportunities and chances! Leads to more opportunities that don't always come up again Attracts Positivity Life's Too Short Someone Believes In Me Find 2 things per day to say yes to when the chance arises! Jacob Seed "This world is weak. Soft. We have forgotten what it is like to be strong" The soldier and head of security, Jacob is no pushover. We’ve had reports of some kind of mutations with a few of the predator animals, mostly wolves; these mutations he calls Judges. Stronger, faster and more resilient than their standard kin. He also uses torture as training for the soldiers he trains for Edens Gate; conditioning, starvation and trials that force people to kill each other, all to cull the herd. Sacrificing the weak to the strong. Ren, keep your wits about you when dealing with Jacob. Workout: Insanity: Monday to Saturday Walk to Work Nutrition: Eat at least twice a day, 80% Paleo. No junk food; One day off per week, allowed a few snacks within reason. Drink mostly water, maybe some tea if in the mood. Faith "Think about your life: Where you are, what you’ve done. Does it give you purpose? Do you feel fulfilled?" Faith. She is the siren that keeps the people complacent. There have been stories of those that lose themselves and become so brain dead that they are essentially husks. She’s a liar and manipulator, she’ll spin a story for you to try and lure you in with her talks of purity and finding fulfillment. Don’t fall to her lies. Make Life Goals Where do I want to be in 5 years? What do I need to get there? What could hold me back and how to overcome obstacles? Work on a project that's been delayed or abandoned Pick one story and write it If other ideas come up, jot notes and put them away Finish one before working on the next idea.

I'm back :) Thanks @Bouncer_the_Lovable for the res! I'm glad you enjoyed the theme challenges, I had fun creating them too! Now that I have way more free time (graduated my HR program), I can get back on track with this fantastic community!

Oct 4, 2017 I was almost bitten by a zombie yesterday. Time to back up I suppose. Training last week was strange indeed from picking up trash to helping our cook gather ingredients. I liked her, it was great having her along for my training and she seemed friendly enough. I can't imagine the stress her, doc Meyers and Rajit go through trying to keep up with everyone's needs; even now that we learned some kitchen supplies are going missing. Sam is still taking a break. Poor guy. Even though I never knew the old runner 5, I still feel partly responsible. Being on that run with him really opened my eyes to just how deep this outbreak is affecting everyone. Not just as a whole either. Sam was willing to risk his life (and mine) to find something that might not have been there. He doesn't strike me as someone who would normally resort to rash actions like that. We need to do something about the outbreak. This is exactly why I'm training. To become a runner. To do what I can to put a stop to this and to protect my new friends in this place I have come to see as my home.

Sept 19, 2017 Well, I was in for a surprise today. Doc Meyers decided to switch it up on me, slightly longer jog, heel lifts and recover. All in all, still manageable, even though I was out of breath by the third round. Still, I thought I did well. Just before drills, I met Rajit, who did not stop talking about his book! Though I was curious, Dr Meyers and Sam both shooed him away pretty quick. Not sure why, seems like a nice enough guy, although I have a feeling I do not want to see what he can do with the toe of his wounded foot. After the run and gifting me an additional blanket, Rajit did let slip that blankets and other supplies were disappearing. I could almost feel the panic over the radio, but Dr Meyers dismissed it pretty quick, reminding me to rest up for Thursday. Sept 21, 2017 Not a word today about the missing supplies, but I'm sure Rajit was taking care of that. Today just after stretching, I was confused to find Sam waiting for me on the track, the goofball was wearing a headset and a big smile on his face. Even Dr Meyer was surprised. Oh well, for me it was extra motivation, wanting to show them I was giving 100%. I actually thought that maybe this was a test of sorts, until we went through the gates of Abel and Sam started leading. He seemed to be looking for something, even leaving me behind as he took off to search a spot only he knew. Who knew Abel's chief communication operator could run so fast! After catching up, it turned out he was looking for something from the old Runner 5, someone very important to him. Not sure if he managed to find it, but we made our way home after that, he let me set the pace the whole time. He also gave me my own headset before taking Dr Meyers advice of resting, also telling her they would talk later. I imagine it will take some time, but I hope he'll be okay. Sad faces don't suit him.

@Wolfen : Thanks, I'm glad to be back into the swing of things. Challenge is starting off well, having fun and making sure excuses don't keep me from doing what I want/need. @Mae45: It's pretty cool! I haven't ran for several years and was never really good at it, so I'm starting with the c25k training. Introduces you to the characters, has it's own little plot tie-in with the main game, it's pretty cool. Plus, it's free up to (I think) week 5 (of 8). The main game is fremium, one free run a week which is nice if you're just seeing if you like it. Haven't gotten to the point yet in training, but I may swap my workout days to 3x running, 2x weights.

Awesome goals! Have fun in Yosemite and hoping your joint recovers quickly. Following along in your journey

Sylvaa! Great to see you! Yes, Still in Rising Heroes and it's still amazing for me. Really getting me out and doing new things like socializing! Haha, just kidding. Well, half kidding Have you tried Zombies, Run? Maybe we can link up if so! CallunaTook, I am glad you had fun reading the challenge, I had fun writing it. RH is my lazy abbreviation of Rising Heroes, Steve's real life role-playing adventure. Gotta say, it's a lot of fun for me. Congrats on the year free of bread, pasta and rice! Giving up pasta was nothing, I never really liked it to begin with, bread and rice was a touch more difficult, but I don't miss it and I'm not a big drinker having only like 3 drinks a year tops. Now, if only chocolate and sweets would cooperate. Oh well, one day at a time

Fellow Adventurers, I have returned! Apologies for the long absence, been focusing on RH and a busy summer at work. I return with some new goals, new purpose, renewed enthusiasm and looking forward to having more fun! My training goals have very recently shifted to include running and even though this would probably line up with scouts or rangers, I've been with the adventurers since I started NF! Zombies, Run! It was supposed to be an easy assignment. Drop in, meet to exchange info and get out. No one was supposed to know about this, but someone found out. Just a mile or two away from our target someone shot at our plane, bringing it down. The pilot's dead, but I managed to follow directions on a headset I found and they lead me to where I needed to be. Abel Township. Right now, I am not ready to become a Runner for the town, but the Doctor and some goof Sam have me training. For now, it looks like I have no choice. Plus it might be a good idea to get in shape to avoid the horror that dwells outside the town. Zombies. Welcome to you're new home, Runner 5. -Zombies, Run!: C25k training - T, TH -Rebel Strength Guide - M,W,F *Sept 19 is the start of week 2 in C25K. There are 3 missions each week, for 8 weeks but I'm only running twice a week). Healthy Eating As I suspected, to go along with this training, the Doc gave me some advice regarding our eating habits: No sweets! Don't go looking for them, there isn't any. There is a farm in Abel somewhere, and I suspect it supplies the majority of the food to everyone here. That's fine, I wasn't too much of a snacky person anyway. Sam managed to slip me some dark chocolate when Dr. Myers had her back turned, but later told me not to rely too much on sweets, too many can cause the runners to get sick, sluggish and confused, and every runner needs to be available at all times. Thanks Sam, this is being saved for a rainy day. -Paleo - All meals of the week. I have cut out bread and pasta for 11 months now, just have to work on the sweets! -I get 1 snack a week, saving it for a rainy day as it is. If it is not needed, fine, but these do not carry over. One non-paleo snack a week if needed. Fun On my latest training session around Abel, I met Runner 4 who was super cheerful, proclaiming we were "number-neighbours", and she gave me some advice as well. Have fun! The stress is overwhelming as a runner and to keep it somewhat at bay, we would need to do something fun as much as we could when time allowed. Made sense to me and as she left me to finish my drills, I wondered if maybe I could get her to show me around later. She seemed friendly and willing to help me out. -Have some fun! Now that school's back in (HR program) I'll need to take some time to unwind. This isn't set in stone, but will write a list of activities and cross them out as I do them! (Had a lot of fun writing this challenge LOL) -Read -Write -Play games -Draw -Play the ukulele -Practice German -Look into learning Punjabi

Michi! Been way too long since I was on the forum as well, I think it's time for a comeback Best of luck to you my friend and if you should need help, I'm always just a quick message away!

Well, it's been a few weeks, and I am sorry for the lack of updates. My aunt had a medical emergency and it was super touch and go for several days. Her only kidney started to fail. She's doing much better now, but it was quite a rough time. I only worked out twice in the last 2 weeks, but I biked to work everyday. Get in at least 1 dumbell workout and one (light) running workout this weekend. Eating has been all over the place. Somedays I forget to eat until supper and sometimes I eat everything in sight. I did have some chips and ice-cream, but the rest of it has been fairy healthy. Eliminate all junk food Up veggie intake I have written a LOT these last two weeks, so I am quite proud of that! Continue this success Have not been out for fun, basically been a hermit for two weeks. Go to the park tomorrow after work and taking ukulele (if it doesn't rain). So this isn't a super downer post, I am also happy to note that next week I am bringing a new pet into my family. A budgie! I have had them years ago (one at a time), but I was a silly teen and had no idea of care of a bird. Plus, I was kinda afraid of my last one as it was very aggressive. Now that I am older (and hopefully wiser!), I think it is time to try again! I plan on getting at least 4

Welcome to the Shadows Well, finally getting around to getting this up! I am planning to write a story and have it run parallel to my challenges with the hopes that I will be able to focus on just one idea. I have a horrible habit of starting a project, planning, starting it and jumping to planning a new one. I want to finish one, and I will! This is going to be a multi-challenge theme. Also, not sure how much story I should write here, but I will leave that to you. Let me know if I post too much (and suggestions are welcome). *My old thread has no title now, I have no idea how to get back into it. So sorry about that. We Begin I almost missed it, a shadow flickered across the school grounds. I tensed as I scanned the school grounds, hoping for another glance of the shadow. I spotted it again, stopped next to the school building across the field, but it was too far away to clearly make out, especially in the falling rain. As I stared, I noticed a second silhouette, this one I could almost make out as a person and I felt unease in the pit of my stomach. It only grew worse as the shadow figure suddenly disappeared. No puff, no flash, just wisped away. “Emily Hodgson!” The voice shouted, and I jumped, turning to see my teacher staring at me with a disgruntled look on his face. “If my lessons are boring you, feel free to leave.” The invitation made it clear he was not leaving this decision up to me and I didn’t want to argue with him today. I grabbed my backpack and made my way towards the door, still shaken by what I had just seen. “Return after class, I’d like to have a chat,” Mr. Larsen added and I nodded as the door closed behind me. I made my way to the library, trying to keep what I just saw fresh in my mind as I walked. When I reached the university library, I settled in my usual spot and took a deep breath, laying my head against my hands. It wasn’t the first time I seen something like this, but it was the first one running freely across the school grounds. I had no idea what I had been seeing these last few months, they mostly appeared as a fog, but the one thing I knew was common to all the sightings was that this shadow was always clinging to someone. My mind also wandered to the human-like figure I had seen. Was that also a fog apparition or an actual person there to greet the fog creature? “You look terrible.” A hand landed on my shoulder, and as I looked up I noticed Connor smiling at me before sitting beside me. I shook my head in response, mumbling for him to shut up before running my hands through my brown hair. “I was only half joking, I’m worried about you,” he said as I looked at him again and nodded. We had been best friends since kindergarten and I knew he was one of the very few people I could trust completely, though I hadn’t told him yet about the fog creatures. His was the first one I had seen, a blurry figure that looked similar to some kind of bird, and I had freaked out on him, something I still felt guilty about. I glared at it, and buried my face in my arms. Prepare for the Unknown! Something isn't right, we need to prepare for anything! Training will include: · MWF – Rebel Strength Guide lvl 2 · T OR TH –Zombie Run or similar run (one run a week). Other day will be Yoga. Grading: · Workouts : 5 –A, 4 -B, 3 -C, 3< - F · Paleo (days): 7 –A, 6 –B, 5 –C, 4< - F Focus! Focusing on one thing at a time will help us get some answers to what is going on. Write Everyday! · At least 15 minutes of writing every day (Sunday off). No distractions! Get Out and Have Fun! Stress and being anti-social will not help in solving anything. We need to get out and find some answers, talk to others to find out what they know. Someone, somewhere must know more about these fog creatures! Go out at least once a week! · Has to be with friends · Don't be such a bloody hermit!

Nothing this challenge, unfortunately. Going to focus mostly on RH and planning something big for next challenge! Though I could just make a late thread for tracking purposes... tomorrow when I get home from work

I'm Free! Exam was tonight and honestly, I found it much easier than our midterm. Go figure. I also got the results of my presentation back and everyone loved it, got 25/28! Woot! I am now off until Fall, time to plan some skill building plans. Priority 1 - Driving. I am determined to learn to drive this summer, so why put it off any longer? I also found an adorable amazing looking small car that I like and I am thinking possible reward? Downside, I told my step-mom I wanted this car and she's going on about "other cars are better and new" and "you should get a new car, not used". Sure, but all the cars I see are boring and exactly not what I am looking for. And I will have to research how they handle Manitoba winters...

Got my 5 miles in by walking to and from work this week! It's just slightly over a mile one way! 10 in total Got to say, the switch from winter hiking boots to my New Balance minimus today was a slight shock to my feet! So light! So strange! So happy to not have to wear big heavy plodding boots xD

Don’t Starve Continued, WritingWeaver! (Go Forth, Episode 9) I’m late to the party? Are you sure? Sorry, had a lot going on this past week and next week. I had a presentation last Thursday and my final exam this coming Thursday (30th). After that, I think I am done until Fall! We Ride Tö Battle! Wigfrid may be a performance artist, but she’s got the spirit of a Valkyrie! Her strength and natural defence make this warrior a force to be reckoned with. We will ride to battle to vanquish our foes and bad habits! Also, while Wigfrid may only eat meat, I will be focusing on keeping to clean eating (Paleo). I already have two batch meals prepped for the days I don’t feel like cooking (or if the parents are cooking). - Training will include: · MWF – Rebel Strength Guide lvl 2 · T, TH –Zombie Run - Grading: · Workouts : 5 –A, 4 -B, 3 -C, 3< - 0 Conquering With The Power Of My Mind! Wilson, the Gentleman Scientist. Intelligent, perhaps a little too curious on occasion. Always looking to learn something new or tinker with an invention, he relies on knowledge. For me, school’s wrapping up. Have to study. However, after this Thursday I will be out of university until Fall, unless a new class pops up. So this weeks goals: - Study Everyday! · At least 1 hour of studying a day, at least. No distractions! · Note taking summaries, take with me for slow times at work. - Grading: 4 –A, 3 -B, 2 -C, 1< - 0 Shhh, No Talking (While Writing)! Wickerbottom, the librarian. Knows many things, has self-published several books and has trouble sleeping. I have not touched my notebook for around 3 weeks and I am stressed because of it. This week will mostly be planning while I focus on my final week of university, but after Thursday, I start writing again seriously. - Get at least 400 words in each day (After Mar. 30) - Pick a story and stick with it … (Get Out and Have Fun)! Wes, the mime. What’s where to say about him? He’s a mime, and sure looks to be having some fun, not taking his situation too seriously (especially when he uses balloons to attack and they damage him too). I’ve noticed that I am a hermit. Besides work and school, I don’t go out anywhere. I park my butt down after work and play Skyrim (currently). This challenge, I will be going out with at least one friend a week; doesn’t matter where or when, just has to be getting out of the house and hanging out with friends. - Go out at least once a week! o Has to be with friends o Don’t be such a bloody hermit! Bonus Challenge (After 30th)! Jen is going to learn how to drive. For real. Spring has sprung earlier than usual (sort of) and there is no ice on the road, so no more excuses! This is more a reminder right now and to keep me accountable for next month with you all. Can’t say I never said I was going to do this

How the heck did I miss the first half of the week again!? Following! Will have my challenge up late tonight or tomorrow early morning.

I miss one challenge and all the cool things start without me! I'll join up next challenge, guys. Been stuck in my head for a few weeks, but I won't let you down

@Defining - Sure, I'm not 100% non-dairy, but pretty close. I don't drink milk and always make smoothies with water. Not sure if it's still a smoothie? Eh. Usually water, ice, nut butter, whey powder and a banana. Almonds are expensive, so my wallet is happy LOL Thank you all so very much for your answers and information! I'm learning so much! That is so gross.

Thank you everyone, I appreciate and am grateful for all the answers! After an, admittedly very short test, I have determined that it was the almond milk that was doing it. I have had a smoothie every day since Thursday without it and found that I was perfectly fine. No upset stomach, no adverse effects at all. This is both a relief and sucks as I was looking forward to being able to make my own almond milk Oh well, health comes first!

I have a (somewhat embarrassing) question, but we'll start from the beginning. Last Sunday, I went off to buy a simple whey protein powder to help get enough protein, mostly for after workouts. After doing some research (mostly in the forum and from Steve's posts), I got Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Chocolate Whey powder. On Wednesday I used it for the first time (home-made almond milk and peanut butter mixed), and hours later had a little upset stomach and the runs (both were over very quick). Same thing happened today as well. Some pain in my stomach and a very short episode of the runs. Not necessarily complaining as it is like a flush, but I would like to not have the pain and these "flush" episodes everyday x_x I have been eating 95% clean for the last 2 months (Yeah!), and this only started on Wednesday. I am going to isolate the home-made almond milk, as it was the first time making it, to be sure it isn't that. Has this happened to anyone else? If so, what did you do? *I have used protein powder before this, not regularly though just here and there when I remembered, and haven't had this problem.