Priscillia

Negative arm climbs are awesome, especially if you can do it really slowly.

And yes, it's the hormones according to my optometrist.  She sees it all the time in pregnant women and she'll see it in people (like me) who react do having any hormones added (like birth control, IUDS nexplannon).  At least that's what I took from the conversation.  I think it's natural progesterone mostly but I could be wrong.

Oh it is!  Such a simple and childish thing but it was surprisingly pleasant

Eh no worries on the time front, don't be sorry!  Work is slow atm and I just won't post if I don't have time lol!  Which is normally when I'm home heh.  It's all the dishes at home that peeve me off though, that eats up so much time and it's not even my mess!

My workout moleskine is at home, so I'll have to double check later.  I can say DOMS is not bad except on my shoulders and forearms since we did a new exercise in Boot camp; wrist curls.  Easy and so small, but we used resistance bands which made all the difference.. I think that was part of the prep work for pencil (there was prep/strengthening for inverted V and titanic as well).

I know pregnancy influenced my eyesight. The optometrist was quite baffled when my sight became much worse. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant! Shortly after Oldest was born I realised my new contacts weren't working right, went to opt. again and low and behold, my eyesight had improved dramatically! Interested in what else you learn from this book.

 

We'll support each other with the early up and work to do plan! I need to be more productive and I have set specific times every week to do specific jobs. I just have to arrange things around it.

Oooh this is interesting! I actually had the same during my first pregnancy and had forgotten!

Will keep sharing, definitely

 

Oh good, very happy to share the early morning ride with you, let's be PRODUCTIVE like QUEENS 

LOL, reminds me of what I learned when I saw mine in June.  I'd been taking BC with hormones and my eyesight was all over the place (good one day, weird the next).  She told me what boils down to "My dear, your eyesight tests are everywhere today and every other day from what you say.  Are you pregnant?" I laughed so hard (she's known me since I was a kid).  She actually explained that your hormones affect your eyesight dramatically, and big time during pregnancy (or in my case, BC/IUDs with hormones) with examples.  Although she never mentioned it started as early as your symptoms started!

Actually, my stretch instructor was suggesting doing stretches for splits everyday for a total of minutes (and then of course doing longer ones about 3x week).  Kinda debating on it... would be totally easy to add it into the daily routine (walk away from the computer again during the day for a mini break).

Day 1; did 10 squats near my desk AND ten counter push-ups while waiting for tea to brew.  Had 3 classes (Boot Camp, Gymnasti Pole and Stretch) tonight so first splits session of the week is done.  Coming here to report reminded me I had to finish trying to write down what happened in class (done).  I tried in class, but it's kinda difficult to get enough time to write it down, there's not much down time lol!  I also just finished washing my face with my cleanser (avocado oil, castor oil and some essential oils, like it much better than the whipped coconut one).

And Lucky, I blame you for feeling like a kid  I got some stickers on Sunday to put on my calendar for everyday that I wash my face, do 10 a day and some extra ones for splits!  I forgot how nice it feels to see those stickers on something you accomplished.  Last time that happened was grade school, talk about nostalgia!

Stretching hamstrings!  The bane of everyone trying to get more flexible.

Subbing for the awesome

LOL yes that does sound like you! The more I was reading the subtitles, the more I was thinking "Karina's found her spirit animal".

Super glad you're going to make some "me time" this challenge.  You deserve it   And I wouldn't worry about you "being a jerk" by saying no I can't do it that way etc.  You aren't one, you just know what you want and you go for it 

Love that you detailed your routines out so specifically   Looking forward to hearing more about what makes the cut and what doesn't.

I admit I'm curious about the eyesight book thing?  There's actually exercises for that?

Your inverted Vs look so controlled!  Especially in comparison to something similar like the swing mount with negative from Oct 15th  And superman!

I can't say anything else really, since I'm not at that level yet haha.  I'm still just ooh-ing and aah-ing looking at it

yay! can't wait to hear more about your very exciting next big project steps, too!

It's a 3 minute animated short  I'm going to be on the Storyboarding stage for both PMH (accronym of my Project) and also for my portfolio.  I'm hoping to get done for February but my gut feeling is that's not going to happen since I'll probably have to put priority on my portfolio unless we hear about a new project coming in at work (in a timely manner as well) :/  I've already got the script and some sound tests to see how long the dialogue parts are for PMH (tentative timing) and since I'm basing this off of an already established universe I don't have to worry as much for design yet (creatures will be a pain to stylize).  All in all, it's been a long time since I could taste a project and get this pumped, so I'm looking forward to the journey!

Very cool theme and goals. Might "borrow" from the building goal, that is a great idea between computer hours. What warm up and stretches will you do for the splits?

Thanks!  Go ahead and borrow I'm "borrowing" your stickers idea from last challenge since a couple of these are daily things and I think it's a great idea

Oof.  I'm not sure.  I've got 2 nights of classes for most weeks (Monday and Thursday, both end in stretch mostly) so I should be okay on that front which leaves me with the third.  I was debating just do long stretches and then the runner's stretch/hip stretch (the one you go back and forward on) with some pigeon before going into side splits.  Frog and then middle against the wall and back to floor.  Any suggestions?

Oh haha no! Not in the air!  Basic Pole walkover is this

Though she's playing a bit in the middle before finishing.  Once I get handstands down, then it's just working on my shoulder.  I almost had it with the help of my Gymnasti-Pole instructor, but it was the shoulder that twinged/went weird (?) after that cartwheel so it kinda locked half way down :/

THAT FLIP TO THE FLOOR.  AND HIS POLE UPS WTH.  IT'S LIKE A PULL UP IS NOTHING TO THIS DUDE.   I waaaaannntttz.  And his costume is awesome, reminds me of dragons with the spikes.  Actually gives me more ideas for one of the harder routines I'm making up (no it's staying secret!).

BTW Did you see Kristy Sellar's IPC performance yet?  She won it all, the artistry and the STORY, yeesh.  I hope Cirque du Soleil tries to get her, she does amazing things with stories.

Obligatory Star Wars Version  

Reserved for Recaps!

ALL ABOUT MY BASE, BOUT MY BASE

NO ALLIES

FOR THE HORDE!

I've got lots of goals for 2016 already planned, but I want to start small and gain momentum on the fitness side since I already do lots in my Pole classes  And I'm starting with a BANG on the personal side with a project that'll eat up a lot of my free time and I have a tentative end date to my job on the 22nd (no idea when the next project is coming, but I'll be working on my portfolio to change positions or I'll go back in Production.  I like both )

BUILDINGS

• 10-a-day of squats, pushups, dips, leg lifts, etc.
  

Pick one that day and do 10 reps.  I've managed to do this while a work the last few weeks (take a break from the pc and do that), so let's make it every day!  The squats, leg lifts and push-ups have helped so far  I want this in my default routine, even if I'm sick lol.

BLUEPRINTS

• Focus on Splits, 3x week please!
  

This is the major fitness focus.  I KNOW deep down, that I can get this.  My problem is not buckling down on it.  So this is the biggie and this is where I need to buckle down FINALLY.

MISSIONS

• Continue logging
  

So last challenge I did a new thing.  I kept a written log.  So let's continue this and cement it further (also gives me more focus on splits ).

INVASIONS

• Wash my face nightly with my homemade cleanser (esp if I put makeup on!)
  

Self explanatory and I'm pretty forgetful about it!

MOTIVATION

To feel better, more energetic and stronger.  To reach that image of future me that I CAN SEE AND PRACTICALLY TASTE.  To be ME.  The best me EVER.

In my house, the "pill" was known as the "crazy bitch pill." Turns out estrogen in pill form doesn't play nice with my body. 

 

@Priscillia - I completely agree, 3 months is a must for testing out BC. I got my Mirena a few months after you got yours, and it was the same misery for the first few weeks. I'm nearly 2 months in, and cramps are now infrequent and minor. 

The article you shared was interesting, but I do have an issue with the lack of sources. Just because it "makes sense" doesn't mean that's how your body works. Regardless, making sure you're getting enough metals is essential, so that I can get on board with!

LOL I like that name!  I was told I was being pretty bitchy myself on the pill.  I'm glad to hear the IUD is going well for you

That's why I posted that the original sources can't be found, therefore it might not be accurate  I normally like to find something more creditable, but this particular topic has been a real bitch to research and I'm not interested in medical stuff/biology unless I've got problems.  The original stuff was from a translated german site, but for the life of me, I can't find it (or it's been closed or I'm oblivious, could be both ).

What I find interesting is how the artificial and natural progesterone interact and how the artificial one causes a depletion of our natural one which is documented on other sites with their sources (and I had no clue about that or how it affects insulin levels before I had my Mirena in and wish I had).  That nugget led me to search for more on artificial since I had thought it worked exactly like natural one, just made in a lab, and what it controls (noooo clue, NONE).  I don't think I'm the only one in that situation either so I figured it can't hurt to share

... and her bullet lists are easier for me to digest the technical mumbo jumbo lol.

Sorry this response is a bit late to the initial post but I figure some info I've found since getting my Mirena might help others.  Wall of Text incoming!

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There are 3 IUDs that are widely available (that I know of atm).  The copper one (Paraguard I think, 10 years, no hormones, but known to make periods longer and sometimes cramps more painful as a side effect, not recommended for dysmenorrhea), Mirena (levonostrogel hormone, 5 years) and Skyla (3 years, think of it as Mirena's baby sister).

I had (have sometimes still) what is considered severe dysmenorrhea by my OBGYN.  If you are trying to treat that, there's the option of using NSAID drugs (like Naproxen) which are big duty painkillers and it's pretty common to prescribe to women with dysmenorrhea.  There's also a possibility of building a tolerance to those and then they won't be as effective.  In my case I can't use those anymore since I have a tolerance and crohn's disease (taking advil/NSAIDs just enters me into a flare or makes a current flare worse).  My dysmenorrhea got so bad that even T3s PLUS Tylenol extra strength (two on top of T3) wasn't enough.

The thing with the pill is that even with the minimum amount of levenostrogel (artificial progesterone) it can still screw you up pretty bad.  The first two caused immediate crohn's flares (actually my former doc prescribed one even with the the big DO NOT GIVE TO CROHN's warning after I specifically asked.  No, she's not my doc anymore thankfully and my OBGYN is meticulous in her research).  The pill with the least amount didn't help with the pain and caused a problem with my melanin production (nails cracking, a small balding spot started to appear) with constant spotting.  Chaining it (pack after pack without sugar pills) made it worse.  The next pill was Seasonique which makes your period come every three months.  I couldn't handle it more than 2 weeks since the hormones got me so out of whack (full on depression, migraines (I don't normally get them), crohn's flare and my co-workers were getting worried) that I said no more.  I started feeling a bit better a couple days after starting (but not 100%).

The second thing is, no matter how little you're on anything, it takes awhile to get your body back to normal.  After the seasonique it took me about 3 months (around the time I got mirena) to get back to normal.

I had my Mirena inserted at the beginning of August 2015, I've never had kids either.  It was the beginning of my periods (when the cramps are the worst).  Let me be the first to say the next two weeks were HELL.  I had a heating pad with me at all times, took a couple days off and my crohn's was not happy.  The cramps were not pleasant.  My OBGYN had seen this in another older lady who was getting it for the same reasons as me (and in fact, I was told she came back for her second one sometime before my first), so she was adamant on waiting at least three months.  She said about a month in, it should be okay cramp wise and then monitor it till month three.  I had a follow up 6 weeks after insertion with her, and she was right, the cramps had lessened and were less painful in that time.

PS if you use a cup/tampons, make sure to get pads/liners since it's recommended to not have anything up there a bit after insertion.  OBGYN didn't want me using my diva cup until after the 6 week checkup (and yes diva cups are the bomb!).

Now to anyone who's talking about weight gain on ANYTHING, or that the mirena is localized, or on anything with hormones, this is something I found while researching.  This might not be 100% accurate, as the original citations can no longer be found but geeze.  I really took a look at weight gain/what happens when the pill cause melanin disruption when my nails started to peel again like with the lowest levenostrogel pill.   The fact that your artificial progesterone (levenostrogel in Mirena's case) lowers your Natural one which then causes an increase in Insulin, which causes a decrease in Potassium and magnesium ect...  THAT made a hell of a lot of sense.  I find when I eat more potassium (plus small pills) and use the magnesium citrate pills (which I got to help with the initial mirena cramps) helps quite a bit now that I've implemented it.  Mind you that post is for after Mirena care (lots of ladies seem to have the side effect called the Mirena crash) but I think that it probably relates to ANY form of birth control using artificial progesterone.

For the record, my body reacts quickly to small amounts of drugs so it reacts to small amounts of hormones dramatically too.  My current side effects are spotting (just wear dark undies and I'm good lol), sometimes painful cramps (but it's an improvement to the before cramps) before my period, Acne (I've never had lots of acne, but lately there's been a notable increase.  Could also be due to the holidays/chocolate but I normally don't get this much...).  I also had some nail cracking but with the increase in potassium and wearing gloves (Canada eh!), that seems to be okay.  I'm pretty sure I had weight gain/weight yoyo-ing happening but I've also got crohn's so it's hard to pinpoint what is causing it (and weight decrease now that I'm back at pole classes after wrist problems).  I feel more like myself and cheerful (not bitchy like I was on the Seasonique), and I'm not really seeing any problems with progress in pole/gymnastics classes (in fact I've made really good progress since I returned in September).

It's been 5 months with it, and other than those side effects I'm currently seeing, I figure that I chose the lesser evil.  The best for me would have probably been the copper IUD (no hormones!) but because we needed this for severe dysmenorrhea I couldn't get it.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, but make sure you are monitoring your situation accordingly and be prepared for side effects and know what you can and can not tolerate.  And research like hell lol.

TLDR; There's prescribed painkillers for painful cramps, other diseases can complicate things further, Mirena insertion can either be quick and easy or hella painful and this makes lots of sense (about artificial progesterone in the body).

Sorry for the wall of text, but I figure this would be helpful for others debating on this subject as well as OP!  For OP, if you can try NSAIDs first, that may help.

That's exactly why I'm excited about the change to a 4WC.  Usually, I discover by the challenge midpoint whether a goal just isn't working.  And then I have to decide whether to be kind of lame and change my goals or whether I should trudge through another 3 weeks with a goal that isn't working.  4 weeks seems like a perfect challenge length for people who are trying out a new program or seeing whether they can or want to turn a new thing into a habit.

 

 

Yep.  I was envisioning circus and performance arts.  It also would be a great place for people with writing or musical instrument goals, too.

 

I find the epic team vs. team minis overwhelming and distracting for exactly those reasons.  But I appreciate that there are so many different mini styles between all of the guilds, so those who are motivated by the epic minis can do them in some guilds, and those who need much more relaxed minis can find them elsewhere.  

Amen on the week three changing!  I can't say how many times that has happened...

I always thought writing/painting/instruments should have its own tag too, though slightly separate from circus and performance.  But that's just imo.  I find sometimes the two mesh well (and the personalities involved), and other times it's like oil and water xD

I've never done one of the epic team minis so I can't comment there, but even just the personal ones was too much on top of forming habits for me.  Wish I could participate, but I've proven to be incapable of splitting my attention any further and succeed heh.

I would like more "classes" even if they don't get their own guilds.  I've been focused on making the house more livable and not back-sliding on my chores for years, which would make my class be innkeeper.  Even if people with that same focus are scattered across the guilds, I can find them if they use the same tags as I do.

Innkeeper tag sounds good.

Yea I'd use that for sure.  I'm starting to think maybe there should be a sticky post somewhere with tags like these (bard, inkeeper) to describe them for people and have the ability to click a tag and see all the current challenges under that "class" (and maybe another one for previous/archived ones).  There's so many ways to tag anyone with circus (pole, hoop, silk etc), creative (art/writing) or even home/adulting stuff (i.e. minimizing, adulting, cleaning etc.) that trying to search for them gets a wee bit crazy (for goal ideas and science.  Esp. for science )

Happy New Year's!  Looks like you been super busy even in the interim

I'm struggling with setting aside time. There's always something else that needs doing, you know? this is such a classic "parent" problem, I really hate that I'm falling into this trap. but in as much as I've been able to carve out time for myself to exercise, I really struggle to just make time for ME to just sit and do something. I'm better at sitting and reading, but that's more escape and unwind time, not creating time. I'm  hoping that by putting some importance on the creating process, like I emphasized the exercise process, I will be able to trick myself into prioritizing myself over household chores.

This sounds a lot like me in regards to my artwork.  Sometimes you just need to decompress and vegge for a bit, especially with all the stuff you're doing between comute/work/parenting/excercise and other commitments.  But I think the main problem in situations like these is that we forget that creating can be a form of decompressing/vegge itself just like sitting and reading or playing video games.  It's just some mental barrier we create for some reason.  We think of it as another "thing" on that nebulous list of "shit that MUST be done" because everyone else associates it with that list instead of associating it to "escape" time, thus we fall into the trap.

It's a hard barrier/thought process to shake and change.  And because we've built a habit that the default for escape time goes to reading or games, it makes even more challenging to change.

I always envisioned Bard more for people that do performance art activities (circus apparatus, hoop, mermaiding, stage fighting, dance).  Though I thought they'd call it Jester though   Assasins do make sense though, I mean look at Leiliana in DA. She's a Bard (subset of Rogue Class) and did assassinations

On the other hand, looking forward to the 4 week terms.  8 weeks (4 to build, 4 to cement) works muuuuch better than 12 hehe.  Are there any other formatting changes?  I haven't seen the sample goals put up yet so just being curious.

As for minis,  I don't participate in them due to time constraints (also if I focus on mini vs my goals, I tend to let my stuff fall to the wayside) but I always admire the creativity my guild puts into them

I hear you on being lazy and just plain pooped these last few weeks lol!  It always seems to hit this time of year

Hope New Year's and karaoke goes well for you!

So much win!!!!! Way more than half!

Woot woot on climbing and cartwheels (jealous ) and handstand (even more jealous ) and kudos on those dips

Super impressed all in all.

The sauna would be Scandinavian style, lovely isn't it? Sooo relaxing, cleansing, you name it. Glad you had such a fun day with your Mom

Thank youuuuuu <3

Yes and no.  I'm unfortunately at the point in life where it's always gogogogo and stopping to relax like that is pretty hard for me.  It was a lovely day, but there was at least 4 hours of it planned activity/food.  I don't know if I could do more then 3 for the baths.  They were really nice though!

CLIMBED TO THE TOP!!! that is so awesome!

IT IS OMG IS IT EVER.  Seriously flailing on the other side still but WOW.  That's one heck of a way to end the year

Btw Belated Merry Christmas to you both and HAPPY NEW YEAR'S (in like, a day-ish) ;D

Right so updates!   AND SUPER BIG WALL OF TEXT.

I keep getting people telling me how much they liked the cookies I made (red velvet and a shortbread type), my work ladies were happy and got spoiled (and spoiled me in return) and my cousins (and aunts) are floored by the fact that i made their cards and about 90% of their gifts myself   So big success, but I don't think I'll do that many edibles again.  I do not like to cook for 6 hours in a row whatsoever the night before the work x-mas shindig thing!

I've taken time off pole.  I'm just focused on other stuff before the new year and having a break from pole (2 weeks) is super nice!  There is a winter showcase at the end of January and then a competition in May.  I have a routine in mind, but I'll be busy the first half of this year with a personal project.  I think by the end of this year though, I would really like to have 1 routine constructed and performed by myself under my belt.  I think I'm at the point where I'm making break through slowly but surely.  For example, my teacher says I'm super close to handstands from the floor.  Well guess what.  At home I'm starting to hit the wall and stay up about 30-40% of the time.  I'm still having problems getting that leg up, but it's improving!  My cartwheels have more control due to this, and I mean MORE.  Before I had to fling all my weight and momentum for them, and now I can go much slower and focus on improving other parts

That sketchbook for clarity of Will? Yea... still not finished.  it's too small and I'm really not happy to be confined to such a small surface.  On the plus side, I've done lots of painting and drawings instead ;P

I have artistic goals for 2016 which a couple have been planned out and have deadlines (!).  I've never set myself deadlines for these things and they were normally nebulous at best.  Now there's one that I can practically taste and I'm going gung ho on it.

I still finish my work contract on the 22nd of January.  They want me to come back when they get work, but again, it's the WHEN that no one knows.  I could be starting another project next week or I could be out until July.  I'm going to see about trying to slip into the art side instead of the production side in the meantime (I'd like a switch personally, but I like both sides of the studio ).

I've got another collonoscopy in march (for my crohn's).  Remicade is back on the table if there has not been an improovement internally (other than birth control messing with it, my crohn's has been pretty good) so here's hoping!

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BTW WE'RE AT THE END OF 2015.  WTF?!?!?

Here's the list from Dec 28 2014 for 2015

• MOVE OUT (rent/buy w/e, move out for the last time)
• Save for downpayment/ Get started in the income property side of things
• Do something with my art and updates (commissions, fun drawing, just put more priority on it)
• Go on a date/ Start paying attn to that side of life (I've ignored it for so long...)
• More flexy/balance (yoga!)
• Continue pole (and get a pole?)
• Continue cleaning up my eating habits (getting there)
• Get stronger (pole + either Body weight or weightlifting)
• Get my splits
• GET THAT DAMN PULL UP

And here's the results;

• MOVE OUT (rent/buy w/e, move out for the last time)
• Save for downpayment/ Get started in the income property side of things
• Do something with my art and updates (commissions, fun drawing, just put more priority on it)
• Go on a date/ Start paying attn to that side of life (I've ignored it for so long...)
• More flexy/balance (yoga!)
• Continue pole (and get a pole?)
• Continue cleaning up my eating habits (getting there)
• Get stronger (pole + either Body weight or weightlifting)
• Get my splits
• GET THAT DAMN PULL UP

Not all that great, but considering all the crap with BC and having to lay off my wrist for awhile...  I just have no idea where the year went haha. 

I'm still pretty pleased with a lot of stuff, it's just that it was never listed on my goals here since these were mostly active stuff.  Purging my closet (I literally have almost only things I love in there, I'm ruthless now), I feel more laid back on stuff and somewhat more positive mentally, I know some more triggers for my crohns (hello anxiety you PITA).  But I can tell you one thing.  I'm really liking who I see in the mirror a lot more then last year (not that I've ever truly had a problem with that...).

SO WHAT'S UP 2016?!?!

• PMH: Project Mount Hunter is a GO!  3 minute animated short (this is my big personal project) (end date June/July)
• Pole Dancing Colouring Book (like those adult ones, but with pole/aerial stuff) started AFTER PMH (thinking kickstarter) (Lucky, if you have an opinion on this, let me know!  I'm not sure if enough people would be interested (I Know I would like one myself, but dunno about other pole-addicts))
• Get some storyboard samples ready for position change at work
• Extra income!  Been meaning to do this for years, but with PMH and the colouring book scheduled in and with people telling me they wish they could buy my x-mas cards...
• Money challenges!  Not having something like 2014's get out of debt mantra hasn't helped me.  I need to set specific goals again and plan stuff out.
• Get back my drawing passion.  It died sometime in the years since college but lately the itch has been getting to me.  I think it's coming back, especially since I can taste some of these projects.
• Continue to minimize and streamline my life.  I've been happier for it this year.

• Pull up of course
• SPLITS (I am soooo close I'm just too lazy to concentrate on them when I should )
• Put some effort in clean eating.  I need to concentrate hard on this with my family still buying junk food
• Pole Walkovers or handstand bridge (more defined version of flexy/balance)
• Create a routine and Perform it
• Do 10 a day (leg lifts, pushups, squats.  I've been doing this on and off for the last month and always before class and IT HELPS SO SO MUCH).

Lucky, your photos are phenomenal, you look SO GOOD in them!  SO GOOD.  And your lines and pointed toes are so pretty <3 <3 <3

Omg at first I thought they were stockphotos of poses! You look  AMAZING. Wow. I love every little bit of this eeeeeeeek!

THAT WAS MY FIRST THOUGHT TOO!

Week 5 Recap

Guardian Spirit - Boot Camp (oooowwwww)

Pain Suppression - Fail

Mindbender - Pass

Clarity - Grace

Week 6 Recap

Guardian Spirit - Boot Camp (followed by Gymnastics and Stretch!  I survived!!!!)

Pain Suppression - F-F-F-Fail

Mindbender - Pass!!!

Clarity - Grace and Will

Both Clarity of Grace and Clarity of Will are on-going.  Grace got changed, my group of ladies pretty much did an embargo on gifts so if you cook something or bring a card, that's it.  This is because we haven't heard back for some contracts at work and some of us are changing jobs or anticipating a break or a layoff until work comes in (I'm done on the 22nd of January).  I just need to kick my own ass on Will to make it for Dec 31st.  I also severely dislike that the moleskin in question is super TINY (I've been drawing on bigger pieces of paper instead lol).

It's been busy!  We have a secret sketch exchange happening at work at the last minute and I'm participating in that, I was sick (stupid cold that won't go away) and the Buckley's is giving me these super weird dreams that I can barely remember and it's making waking up super hard/weird/wtf-ish. 

I totally failed adding extra stretch sessions the last two weeks, though I did make sure to do longer splits during pole jams.  Boot Camp is exactly that, but I think i need to continue with it.  Why?  Because it's paying off.

I was able to do 6 more triceps dips (partner is in chair against the pole and you're using their quads/knees to hold while doing dips) the last time.  My leg lifts were not shabby during the bonus round (partner throws your feet back to the ground/sides and you lift them back up) and I would have made it through the 1 min if I had held on for 5 more seconds   And i am soooo close to getting a handstand from the floor.  In fact my cartwheels have a bit more control to them as well   And the best one?

I CLIMBED TO THE TOP OF THE POLE THIS TUESDAY!

We were taking photos and I just randomly tried to get higher but instead of kinda flailing like most of the time, I did what I like to call a second climb (meaning the second time or first time without floor).  And I did it WELL.  I've got a video to upload sometime too.

Other than Stretch classes and 1 or 2 times, I have written about what I did in class in my book consistently   And I am super proud of that.

I consider this challenge a half win.  I would have much more preferred having an extra strength session outside of pole (as well as a stretch session) but considering how busy I am outside of work and how much boot camp seems to be helping me, I'd like to continue with it.  Maybe conglomerate it into the Monday night bonanza with the new schedule (also 4/5 classes are in a good time slot last I checked).  So 2 out of 3 main quests are okay (not perfect) and my side quests are still ongoing (minus the find a place for pole/pull up bar.  Still bummed about it ).

Aww poor apprentice (about the nose), guess the pup was over excited.

And wow!  Lifting weights and turning five?  Pretty awesome!

Sorry to hear your last traps class was spent on stuff you didn't like (and ouch, 30$ a class?!?!?).

WOO New PR and awesome photo with College buddies!  Glad your Holiday was fantastic

I swear every time my life gets busy I keep thinking, "karina can do more than this, so SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP."  Because I seriously have no idea how you can fit so much awesome into your weekly schedule.  So. Many. Activities!

Woo more positivity and butt kicking!

And Lilith is right   There are some times where real life interferes and we just can't keep up with all our awesome rebel friends so no worries