WritingWeaver

Victory! Once again, it looks like everyone has been defeated! Got to tell you, Scientist Ross was very difficult but we managed to beat him in the nick of time! Looks like the team has all leveled up again, and using my earned levels from the gym battle to go to Charmander. Warm, cozy and bright is what Christmas (and most of winter) feels to me. So what is in store this Christmas week? -Will edit pic sizes asap. Psychic Ricky Wants to Battle! - Rebel Strength Workout 3x a week (M,W,F) - GMB Flexibility (Back to Flexibility) -Walk home (or to work) if weather permits (T-F) Reward: Level up Squirtle (Lv.12 -> Lv.15) Camper Mike Wants to Battle! - Focus on becoming more independent at work, keep questions to an absolute minimum (less than 3 a day) - Balance myself at the end of day without help - Balance ATM's again with no help Reward: Level Up Charmander (Lv.13 -> Lv.16) Sailor Huey Wants to Battle! - Write for a half hour everyday - Keep my 4:30-5am wakeup routine and get at least 8 hours of sleep - Practice ukulele for half an hour every second day (minimum) Reward: Level Up Bulbasaur (Lv.10 -> Lv.13) GYM BATTLE! This week, I have asked Kelley Gammell to issue a challenge for the week. What will Kelley decide? -Your main challenge this week is think about who you most look up to in your life. Who has inspired you? Why do you look up to them? Try to tell us about 3 people! Your reward: A Tauros! Bonus!! Give us your favorite Christmas recipe! Secondary bonus what do you want to be remembered for or looked up to for? (You will get you 2 levels to be given to whomever you chose, per bonus completed!)

End of the week update: - Did every workout! This is great news as I usually derail around week 3 (counting pre-week). The only thing I have to look out for is that in my last workout, I did not give 100% and I don't want this to happen again. Additionally, my eating has been clean for this whole challenge, and I am finding it much easier than normal to avoid junk food. The secret? I feel great! No stomach aches, nearly no headaches (just a small one this morning). I walked home 3 times this week, one missed day it was -35c and the second missed day my legs were in pain from the slight frostbite I had all week. All in all, I am satisfied with this. Summer will offer a wonderful walk/run home and I can't wait for that! -My mornings have been consistent, around the 4:30-5am mark, the only thing I have to be aware of is that I am starting to stay up a bit later than usual. This will have to be nipped before it becomes a bad habit. -I have written everyday, though I had no idea what to write. Came up with a few ideas and outlines, but mostly just been jumping between the projects I have going. - I have made my drinking goal, thanks to work. I swear, my coworkers always have a cup of coffee or tea with them and that's what I did. Two cups of tea in the morning, one at lunch, two after lunch and water throughout the day. I'm surprised I haven't had mio at all, just water and tea (yay!). Though being a tea noob, I didn't realize that some tea has caffeine in it. I don't think mine does, caffeine hurts my stomach. - Work. Oh boy what a ride. I was on a roll Friday morning as I did nearly all the transactions well without needing help. I have found it is around 3-4pm when the tougher transactions come in (and mess up my balancing). I am definitely improving and though the feeling of being a pain to my coworkers isn't all gone, I feel like I am slightly less of a burden now. -IT got back to me about passwords Now, to defeat the gym leader: -This week I have sent out all my Christmas cards, pulled out my Santa hat to wear to work next week, got some decorations unpacked and started gift shopping. I have also made a playlist of Christmas songs to play every morning after my own morning playlist to get in the Christmas spirit! Underappreciated Pokemon? Noctowl. Popping up in Gen 2 as the evolution of Hoothoot. Looks like just another "boring" normal flying type Pokemon whose first evolution is available everywhere. Well, we don't need another normal/flying type on our team, right? Wrong! Looking at Noctowl's moveset, it gains some pretty kick ass psychic moves. Yes, psychic. From hypnosis and confusion, right to it's two strongest moves: Syncronoise and Dream Eater. In addition, Keen Eye prevents enemy moves from decreasing it's accuracy. That alone is pretty great! No one should mess with this underappreciated Pokemon!

Well, work is going much better, I can actually do some things by myself but I still ask for verification on most tasks (for my own knowledge). I was close to my three transactions today, got two done but the last was something I hadn't done or seen yet. Tomorrow is another day! Weigh in for this week is 195!

I'm sorry I forgot to weigh in on Tuesday, but I will do so tomorrow for this week. Well, after almost having a breakdown at work because I just couldn't understand a cashing out process (and I felt I have been a big pain in the butt to all my co-workers by asking for help), I managed to have a big cry yesterday on my walk home and today I went in refreshed. I found I understood a lot more than I thought. So I am feeling a little better, though I still need some help with everyday transactions (some are confusing!) Other than that, good news! -I have not had so much tea in one day, ever! I drink about 4-5 cups at work, so I am staying hydrated along with all the water I have been drinking as well. -Walking home is nice, but a little chilly (-30c or so), now I just have to work on leaving at 4:30, not 5pm! -Waking up is getting easier and just as enjoyable, except today as I did not want to wake up (went to bed a little later than usual) -Christmas cards have been sent and I have started shopping for presents! Christmas!!! Going to start wearing my Santa hat on Monday.

Victory! We have defeated three trainers, our very first gym leader and have seen all three starter Pokemon level up as well as Pidgey (who will level up at the same rate as the weakest team member)! From our gym victory, I have split the two additional levels between Charmander and Squirtle. Where will our travels take us next week? Stay tuned to find out! Scientist Ross Wants to Battle! Job independence - Focus on memorizing tasks and stop depending so much on co-workers. By the end of the week, be able to balance ATM's (computer part) without asking for clarification. - Be able to complete 3 transactions in a row without asking for help. - Change password for the computer so I can log in myself (in process) Reward: Level up Charmander (Lv8 -> Lv11) Ranger Fern Wants to Battle! - Rebel Strength Guide Lv. 2, 3x a week (M,W,F) - GMB Flexibility (Posture Routine this week) - Walk home from work, unless it gets below -30. Reward: Level Up Squirtle (Lv.9 -> Lv.12) Fisherman Greg Wants to Battle! - Early Wake-up (5am or earlier). Have playlist for stress-free morning start! - Write every day at least a half hour each day. Not going to get anywhere if I don't write more. - Drink at least 10 cups of water or tea a day. This should be easy as work has mugs we can use and provides pretty much everything I would need for tea. They also have one of those water dispensers too! Reward: Level up Bulbasaur (Lv.7 -> Lv10) GYM BATTLE! This week, I have asked Dagger to issue the challenge! Here it is! - Add some holiday/seasonal cheer into your life every day. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, winter, summer (southern hemisphere) or something else doesn't matter. But try to do something related to the season or a holiday you celebrate. Bonus task: Tell us about an under-appreciated Pokémon (in your opinion). For this you'll get two levels to apply to one appropriate Pokémon (if one fits the theme of my challenge better go for that).

1) Family is a huge stressor for me, especially around Christmas (or any gathering really). Christmas day, we host and my aunt always makes it awkward by taking about really heavy things or putting pressure on everyone. "Oh, your cousin hasn't gotten a job yet, talk to her and show her how to dress" or constantly bugging me about coming over to help with things. I don't mind helping, but when she keeps asking, lives clear across the city, I don't drive, and she doesn't take my work/life schedule into account, it really gets on my nerves and makes me want to help her less. This makes me feel like a horrible person to think like that, and I try to avoid her when she is over. *She's already at it for this year. We suggested that we just go over on Boxing day instead of them coming over Christmas day as it would be easier on Gran (she has a very hard time climbing stairs), and my aunt said no, she wants us over both days and to invite the other guests we have to join them for dinner as well. That would be awkward. Essentially she ignores everyone but herself. I have no intention of breaking our tradition because she "wants to see the kids unwrap their gifts". 2) I have yet to plan for holiday eating, however, I don't have to worry too much for Christmas day. I help my family make dinner, eat only meat and veggies (don't really like turkey), and for breakfast we have bacon and eggs where I just avoid the toast. It's easy there, I have bacon Boxing day however, we go to my Grans and she is an amazing cook and bakes yummy things. I think there is a rule that 'all bets are off for eating clean when at grans', isn't there? No. Okay. I plan on only eating meat and veggies (which is normal for me), however, if there are shortbread cookies... I may have 3. No more than that. My plan of action is keep a baggie of nuts or coconut around so if I get the urge to eat a lot of junk, I have snacks around to curb the craving. I don't want to eat like crap when I have been doing so well this challenge because I know it will make me feel sick the day after and make me fall off the wagon. While I am planning to stick with eating clean 100%, I am not going to beat myself up over several cookies at my grans. 3) I want to keep my schedule of 5am wake-up to get my workout in before work. So far, so good. I also want to try walking home from work (about 20 minutes) when I get to leave at 4:30pm, but on days I close at 8:30, there is no way I am doing that. Our schedule is two weeks opening, two weeks closing. For eating clean, I will be batch cooking and freezing it in single serving containers for those lazy days I don't feel like making food. Usually it is Russian cabbage soup and chili, so I may need to find a new recipe to throw in to spice my available meals up.

Looks like everyone has been defeated this week! Now, to defeat the gym leader: -All this week I have been working with the opening staff at my new job and they have been showing me how things are done. Every day they were patient with me, answered every question I brought to them and stopped what they were doing to show me what to do. I made sure that I said thank you after everything, and (on Friday) told them individually how grateful I was for the time and help they have given me on my first week. In the morning, I make sure to have a cup of tea, either at home after waking up or at work, and take a few minutes to smile, clear my mind and relax. Quotes (I couldn't decide on one)! Jessie: "Pikachu's ours!!" Meowth: Yeah...we still got three minutes!" Ash: If anybody's out there, you can come out. And if you're a monster or a ghost, you can stay where you are. James : We have a proud tradition of failure to uphold. Additionally, the entire first pokemon theme always makes me get super emotional. I'm learning it on the uke and every single time I get to the second part, I get choked up.

Not hungry so much except for just before lunch, which I assumed is normal, but eating hasn't been the best. Still clean, but very limited as in veggie burger patty and tomatoes for lunch and something meat and veggies for supper. Honestly, I think I have to eat more and get more protein as my brain assumed veg burgers were packed with it as a normal one. The tiredness just kicked in during my workout, but after I was fine. Managed to go to the store and bought enough sausages (not the breakfast ones) to last me a week. And they are delicious! Apple chicken, Chicken mango, Jalapeno. So today I have a nice big lunch! I hear ya on this. My parents get really angry that I don't eat what they make, but I don't mind. I think of it as they are misinformed (a lot, my mom thinks expiry dates are a "sell by" date...). Doesn't save me from the occasional disapproving or critical looks, and I always get "why don't you eat what we make anymore" a lot too. I do find it difficult when they make some things, but for the last two weeks I have told myself that I feel good, I am losing weight and I am happy, and it helps control the cravings. Also, I keep a small bag of cashews in my room for such an occasion. I can eat them whenever I want during the day, but once the bag is empty, I have to wait until tomorrow to refill it. Been working so far to crush the ravage mode.

There needs to be more than one like button for the sheer amount of amazing! Standing ovation!

Oh boy, this morning I did not have the energy for my rebel workout. I did it, but felt exhausted. The only reason this could be is not eating enough. This seems to be my overlooked issue here. I have mostly been eating a veggie burger w/ veggies for lunch and small dinner for the last 3 days, not to starve myself, but because I have to actually go buy food (and to get my veggie count up). The stuff my family buys is mostly junk, and we've been hit by the first winter blizzard of the season (lasted 2 days). I am trying to balance out clean eating with getting enough food in me and it seems to be working okay so far. Just need to add more protein I suppose. Hoping I can get to the shop tonight or tomorrow for sure. Other than that, things are looking great! Looks like Youngster's been defeated! My partner decided that I would learn better by doing things myself while he watched, and today he mostly just kept his eye on me while I did everything. Still had a ton of questions for my co-workers, but it's still the first week at this job.

Is this from yoga or have I missed something? I would check how you sleep on the pillow as I had horrible shoulder pain for (at least) 2 years. Couldn't lift my arms and it hurt to breathe and walk. Doc said it could be a tear or something, ended up being that my shoulders were rolling in, over the sides of the pillow while I slept. Switched that and poof! Pain cleared right up! Also, congrats on a fantastic week! I wish I was as amazing as you about keeping hydrated! It will be something I will work on starting now

Woot! Sounds great Quick update for weigh-in: 198 lbs! I do need to get a new scale as the one I use is one with the needle. I will probably pick one up after Christmas

Haha, got to watch out for the curve ball! Can be anything. Random level up, new pokemon caught, more hours in my day (LOL, I wish). Whatever you want. I set it up to be (loosely) to be in 3 categories: Fitness, Education/Skill Building and Miscellaneous. The Pokemon levels are based on how many things I will be working on in each category Hope that helps out!

Pre-Week Summary: Guess what? Boom! We did it! Welcome to the team Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle! Glad to have you all on board! I managed to clear all the challenges set forth last week, and looking forward to beating this week! Weigh in is every Tuesday, tune in for that! What's up for the coming week? Lass Wants to Battle! -Rebel Strength Guide Lvl 2: 3x a week (M,W,F) -GMB Flexibility Stretches - Hips (same as pre-week): Everyday Reward: Level Up Bulbasaur (Lv. 5 -> Lv. 7) Youngster Wants to Battle! Focus on surviving the first week of the new job: -Pay close attention to my partner while shadowing to see how they navigate the software and greet members -Introduce myself to 3 people and sit with someone at lunch (if they have the same lunch period) at least 3 times this week. Reward: Level up Charmander (Lv. 5 -> Lv. 7) Bug Catcher Wants to Battle! - 4:45 to 5am start to the day (Saturday I allow 6am). Keep playlist, smile and kick butt! - Read a book. Finish it. This week: Someone Is Killing the Gay Boys of Verona - Mark Roeder - Write at least a half hour every second day. If I write more, that's great, but I need to get in a routine Reward: Level up Squirtle (Lv. 5 -> Lv. 8) GYM BATTLE! This week, Bouncer the Resilient will pick a challenge (and the reward). "To start off with your first work week, I'll join you on this challenge. My challenge for you! Bring positivity into your daily life this week! Do something daily to make you smile/laugh on purpose daily (and share of course what you did, or what you already have been doing). Also, share your favorite quote from the Pokemon world that is inspiring/funny/positive to you."

Glad to see you're still here, despite your insane amount of work to be done

Following along! Also, if you need some ideas, in the NF recipe forum, there is a thread specifically for paleo slow cooker recipes (even if your not eating paleo it may spark some ideas). I've tried some and the food is delicious. http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/75842-easiest-paleo-slow-cooker-recipes/

So pretty! Looks like you have a solid plan in place, especially getting a habit going as it can be tough to get into a routine. Also, that Christmas breakfast sounds delicious! If you ever find yourself in Canada around Manitoba in your travels, you'll have a couch to crash on if needed

Before my switch to 5am wakeup time, I used to be all over the map. For two weeks I would lay in bed at a decent time but couldn't sleep until 4 or 5am and with work starting early I didn't even bother to sleep until I got home. Granted, I only had 3 hour shifts, but still. Then there were times where I would go to bed early and sleep in incredibly late. So, I think that we'll all adjust soon to our early mornings At 11:59pm tonight I am claiming Squirtle! I purposely chose my favorite to go with the more difficult set of challenges to keep me on track. As for the others; Charmander, Bulbasaur, welcome to the team! I have also decided how I am going to do these Gym Challenges. I have to do a one week-long Gym leader challenge every week. The challenges will run from Monday to Sunday. If I do not complete the challenge, I will need to re-do it until I beat it. @Bouncer the Resilient - This week, I have decided that you are the first gym leader! Pick a challenge and post it here!

I'm sorry I couldn't find the word doc I have, but I was lucky enough to find the exact same instructions I had online (it's been a while since I looked into them myself). Let me know if the link doesn't work (should be fine though). Get ready to chase those SAD demons away! http://borislegradic.blogspot.ca/2008/12/lightbox-construction.html

Congratulations! It's not an easy task, but you did it Winter blues are upon us for sure, and I think curling up by a warm fire is just about the perfect way to relax! Perhaps while editing your novel? Making bath bombs sounds like a lot of fun!

Congratulations on absolutely destroying your goals on Thursday! Woot!! I hear you on this, my arms shake while doing yoga too, which worries or frustrates me, so I just go with stretches I know. Looks like you have a solid plan in place to keep motivation; rotating with a favorite routine! Also, glad to hear the lamp is working for you. I can get like that too (esp. on long cloudy week stretches). Have you looked into light boxes? I also have instructions on how to make one yourself if you are interested (would have to find them). Keep up the awesome work!

I have the same issue. I don't have many very close friends irl (and some great friends online) and I am always worried that there is something wrong with me. Like maybe I don't try hard enough, or I overthink things too much. Am I boring? If I'm out of the loop constantly what do I do? I almost feel like an outsider looking in, until we actually get together and hang out (which is less often than I would like). I need to make this a large part of my January challenge. Be social irl

I'm going to say that my routine has made it much easier for clean eating and I love my mornings. 5am is the perfect time to wake up, get my workout in and meander around doing things at my own pace for two hours without pesky people around. I even have a very specific playlist I use just for the mornings! I do sing sometimes, but I have to be careful and remind myself people are still sleeping. When I start my job at my actual location, I may have to modify it slightly earlier or lessen the amount of time I take to do things as I would start earlier than the job-training The only downside is that tonight my mom made meatloaf and this week I haven't really eaten a dinner, just a huge lunch and brunch. Anyway, I was pretty much forced to eat the crappy meatloaf and I have no idea what she put in it so I am saying today is my 1 non-clean eating day. I was so lucky I had some left over veggies for lunch or I would have had to eat potatoes and the not-so-fresh veggies she cut up. Next time, I'm just going to make sure I'm sleeping when dinner is ready. Makes things much easier. Anyway, Hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

Thank you very much! It was much easier than I thought, but I took my time and halfway through it I realized I really enjoyed this course. Results are usually posted in a few weeks, so I shall let you know how it went. Awww, go on. It's Still the pre-week, but I am happy that I slipped into a nice routine that I am happy with.

Thanks for the support, everyone! I'm pretty dead to the world when I get home at 5pm now, full time training for a job will do that I suppose, plus with studying at lunch and break makes it even more demanding! That is honestly all the time I have for studying, well that and the drive to the main office in the next city over (I get a ride, no worries). My last two days have been: -Wake up at 5am -Workout -Make lunch, shower, get ready to go -Training from 9am-4pm -Have dinner at 6ish -Sleep at 7pm I have no idea how my classmates work full time and have the energy to go to class in the evening. I suspect after training it'll get much easier, but even as I am writing this (5:45pm), I can barely keep my eyes open. However: I am feeling great when I do workout and even when I wake up. I do want to keep this schedule of waking up early enough to do so. I am also eating very clean and currently have no cravings for junk. On the way to obtaining all 3 by the looks of things! Also, if someone could give me a hand: I have been trying to log in with my phone and it keeps saying my password is locked. Yes I have tried it once earlier today and it said to try again in 15 minutes, but now it says that with every single time I try logging in on the phone. Any hints or suggestions would be welcome