Mrs Van

Oh no, I'm not planning on joining Facebook again, if I can help it. 😭 But I totally understand her being such a clever little girl with you two as her parents. You or Sra probably read Tennyson to her? When you mentioned before that Sra Tanque had a high blood pressure incident, I thought she might be pregnant again?

Here for all the strongs! And how is my Little Bit, and Mrs. Tanque doing?

Taking a deep breath, calming things in your head and body down... does amazing things for you and your spirit/mental health. Good luck, and here to follow along.

I missed you all and will hopefully catch up to what shenanigans you have been up to. Rocco is super excited about sword practice with me. He had this mischievous grin and promised not to push me harder than I push them on their strength training... So there is a hard time ahead of me Naahh, he is excited and I'm looking forward to it. The sword is heavy as it is ornamental and not really made for sparring. We'll see how it goes. It is in it's scabbard in the photo, but has a flat edge on top, and cutting edge on the bottom, so a thrust and slice sword. I took the red tussle off the handle, and then covered the grip in tennis racket grip tape, as the metal was hurting my hands. It looks almost like black leather, but not quite. At least now it's comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. Rocco will still be using his epeé though. That was really a big coincidence! I was thinking a lot of NF and you guys that morning, and I thought for some or other reason let me just check my emails, as I don't have the email programme open all the time. And there was the email from you! So I answered right away. Thank you for sending the message, I really appreciate it. Hallo! So glad to see you are still going strong. I missed our chats so much. Those pistol squats are impressive, as always.

Oh I forgot the learning part... I'm currently doing an unofficial computer security/IT course by making use of a set of free course videos on YT. I've done a basic Computers Diploma years ago, but the IT and Network part was minimal as I focused more on programming and computer user (i.e. MS programs, web design, etc.). For the last while now, a couple months, I've felt compelled to study computer security, etc. so I'm doing that over weekend evenings at the moment. There is no set completion date, but I need to do a little bit every week to keep going. I really feel a push to do this. On the official side of courses I'm busy with three different firearm competency courses which I have six months to finish, but seeing as 60% of the information in the books are the same, and only the individual firearm type differs, I am hoping to finish that by end of May. Each book is less than 60 pages worth of learning, which includes a 4-5 page open test on the topic/firearm. When I've completed the open book tests, I need to arrange formal 1hr tests on each book with our shooting club, through whom I'm doing the competencies, after which I have to do practical shooting at their range. Courses: Computer Security Competency 1: Manual rifle/carbine (Bolt action .22) - completed Competency 2: Self loading rifle/carbine - start now Competency 3: Shotgun Last year around 12 May, I applied for a new license for the pistol I changed. I sold my CZ75B, and bought a Grand Power P1. As is the law here, you have to apply for a license for every single firearm you buy. I'm supposed to have the license done and back with me within 3 months of application. It will soon be a year. Brandt bought a .22 rifle and handed in his application with mine. He got his license card back two weeks ago, and has set up the .22 with scope this past weekend. My f.a. is still at the shop as I'm not allowed to use it until I have my license. In the meantime I practice with Brandt's Grand Power K100, which is exactly like mine, except his barrel is a bit longer. I'm irritated to say the least. So at the end of each week I need to report back on Strength training, Sword training, and Courses.

"Hello Guys and Girls... I'm back!" I just couldn't help myself... whenever I hear the words "I'm back" I think of the scene in Independence Day where the dad tells the aliens, "Hello Boys! I'm baaaack!" (2:08 in the clip) Luckily I'm not in the fight of my life, and there are no aliens. There are also the iconic words of Arnold, "I'll be back." Here is a compilation if you can't remember them. Any similar sentiments in other movies/scenes you can think of? Don't be shy, share them here. Didn't really plan on this being the theme, but *shrug* it is as good as any to start a challenge again after being off Nerd Fitness for about a year. I took a break from a lot of things though. For as much as there were changes a lot stayed the same however. We're still homeschooling; I'm still shooting; I never got around to sword training but hoping to change that now... We can catch up during the challenge ahead, because you know I like chatting and using this as a sort of diary to boot. I would really like to catch up with you. So the deal behind my training is (there might be smidges of t.m.i. in the paragraph ahead - be warned): I do it to keep strong and be able to keep up with two teenager boys, as well as join hubby on longer shooting days and just enjoy life in general with him/them. Obviously if I'm fit, strong, healthy and can think, I can tackle life a whole lot better. Certain times I'm not going to feel like training, and that's ok, but I would prefer to get something in, rather than nothing. Then again, that time of the month I often skip the whole week as I seem to be going into peri-menopause, and although I don't have a lot of symptoms, what I have is enough, I don't have to force myself through exercise when I'm not up to it. I don't have to prove anything to anyone, and I'm comfortable in my own skin now. Strength Training: Mondays: Warm Up: Star Jumps 20x High Knees X Elbows 20x Training: Deadlifts 3x5 @ 24kg; 2x5 @ 30kg; 1x5 @ 34kg (this set is a new addition) The Arnold Presses and Skull Crushers form a mini-circuit. I do 5 of each for 3 sets. So 5 AP's followed directly with SC's as one set. Arnold Presses (huh, the video above fits right in now) 2x5kg db Skull Crushers (standing with dumbbell above my head) 1x5kg db Side Lunges (are on their own - not part of a circuit) 2x10 Pushups (knees at this stage) and Mountain Climbers also form a mini-circuit. I do 5 PU's, followed directly with 10 MC's (each leg 10) as one set. I do this for 3 sets. Pushups (knees are fine if I'm tired) 5x Mountain Climbers (each leg) 10x Cool Down: Hang at least 1x5sec, but try for more. This is more to stretch my back than anything else. Downward Dog walkout-cobra stretch-walkin-up Sit-Twist stretch Fridays: Warm Up: Star Jumps 20x High Knees X Elbows 20x Training: Walking Lunges (preferably outside) with Farmer's Carry: 2x10 @ 2x5kg db Dumbbell Halo's (straight arms above my head): 2x10 @ 1x5kg db Tire Jump Squats (or just broad jump squats depending on the weather) 1x10 Scapular Pulls 1x5 Cool Down: Downward Dog walkout-cobra stretch-walkin-up Sit-Twist stretch Sword Training: I can't remember whether I've bought the decorative sword before I left NF, but I bought a Stainless Steel sabre like sword for a steal at a local security shop. Rocco will be helping me with footwork and other movements, as well as teach me how to duel. *Insert big eyes and one very wary mom* He is still taking fencing lessons and although his epeé training (attacks and parries) is a lot different than "old military style sabre fencing", the footwork and some things are the same. He is so looking forward to us training together on a Saturday. I'm... carefully optimistic with a dash of apprehension 🤔. In later months I'm going to mix the "military sabre" with a bit of "Han Dao". I've worked out a rough 34 week plan in general, but herewith the first 4-5 weeks. Pretty mundane. I'm going to train left and right to balance things out as much as I can. Don't know if I can do it, or will just confuse myself. Saturdays: One Handed Cut & Thrust Sword Warm Up: Star Jumps 20x Scabbard: unsheathe / sheathe (safely) 20x Footwork: Fwd/Back steps 20x Step Lunge 10x Advanced Lunge 10x Basics: Wrist Circles (small to big to small - clockwise - anticlockwise) 20x Wrist Waggles (left to right; up and down) 20x Cuts 1 and 2 (but try the wrap the brain technique from Han Dao) 20x each I think that's it.

Hi to you too! "Waving madly; grinning widely."

We're fine, thank you. Going on with life as usual - some changes, but in general we are cruising along, doing what we have to do. Hope you guys are safe and sound, and life's treating you well?

I received a message from Bouncer, and thought I'd pop in to say "hi". How are you and Mrs. Tank doing? And Little Bit? I'm still going on; still exercising; still the same as usual. Thinking of joining the new challenge that starts in May, but I'm not sure I really have any goals (except maybe drink less coffee), as I'm really just moving along casually. But I do miss my friends, and our chats. Wondering how everyone's been doing and managing this last year.

"Hi!" Waving from the side.

Hi... hope you are doing well. I received a couple messages from people and thought it was time to start again, but for now just popping in to say: "Hi!"

Thanks Tank. It's been a long time coming. The dogs started eating again last night. We still look for her during the day; will take some time to get used to her not being there. My hand has an infection, but it isn't bad... burned-ached like crazy, but the dr.'s meds has now taken the heat and most of the ache away. Still a bit swollen up and I can't put pressure on it, or pick things up (use the hand muscles for heavy things). Today is Rocco's 12th birthday! We're only doing science/chemistry lesson today, then he and I are heading into town to buy cake and sweet things. Tomorrow the four of us are going to a paintball range to shoot at each other. That was his request for his birthday. Apparently it is going to be Adam and Brandt against Rocco and myself. We've only once played lasertag, and this will be the first time playing paintball. Wish us luck!

Missy our old German Shepherd dog, died this morning just after 5am. Brandt took her to the vet to be cremated. She bit me last night when I tried to move her (she was in pain, but couldn't move and I wanted to help, but...), so I have a small puncture wound on my hand. Going to see the dr. later today for anti-biotics. XXX ❤️

Thanks E.G. ❤️ More of the same: Brandt caught the first signs of a re-infection (no.4-5?) early today. He got in on an emergency appointment at the urologist - they sent away for tests again, gave him anti-biotics again, and he told Brandt until the operation is done, this is going to be the norm. Brandt is arranging with his one client to take leave (they'll try to co-ordinate leave so that both are unavailable to work at the same time), from around the second last week in March (22nd - 31st). He got the anti-biotics, then drove down to south coast to marshal at a race there tomorrow. He didn't want to leave the manager in a lurch. He will be hours away from a doctor or hospital if he gets a fever or pain again. Hopefully he'll be able to set firm dates for the operation by end of next week, for late March. Otherwise things are getting back to normal. All the machines are working again - no more washing clothes in the tub either. Just internet is still up and down but hopefully we'll have fiber with another ISP before end of March. Neither the boys, nor I, did any other exercise, except Rocco went to fencing where, close to the end of the lesson, his pants tore! We all froze when we heard the sound, not sure what was going on. In short, we left early for home to save him some embarrassment. I am hoping to do my strength exercises tomorrow morning, as I totally overslept this morning. Here's hoping! Have a good weekend.

Thank you EG. ❤️ It's been a bit rough to say the least. I feel as if we are being tested on so many things emotionally and physically, but it is slowly getting better. The one machine after the other broke or gave in. We've had numerous power outages, ag you know, the usual unexpected things that happen in this thing called life. Then Brandt... March! Starting off a bit calmer, but a lot of things still has to happen. Anyway... the boys and I are trying to get back on track and I'm happy to say that we've walked Monday morning, and did our strength training this morning. I've tweaked my setup (as usual), so that I can fit it in the 30min. in the morning after doing the morning chores, but before the cleaning lady comes (on a Tuesday) and before we start with school work. This is what I did this morning: Jumping Jacks 20x Knee Highs X Elbow 20x each leg Walkout2Pushup 10x Deadlift 10x30kg Dumbbell rows 10x4kg (both hands at the same time) Dumbbell shoulder presses 10x4kg Dumbbell tricep 'skull' crushes 10x4kg Bicycle crunches 30x Stretches Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it. ❤️

Brandt went to see the Urologist today (again). He wants B in the hospital yesterday, meaning asap, but it will be for a minimum of 8 days: 2 days on strong (intravenous?) antibiotics, then a CT scan on day 3, then the op (clean and scrape prostrate), then another 3-4 days in hospital after the operation. Brandt said he won't go this or next week, he has to think about it and sort things out first. He doesn't want to take days off, because no work no pay. I told him if it needs doing, it needs doing. He was prepared to withdraw money from long term savings for fixing/installing things here at home. We can wait with that till later, and he can use that money instead to cover him while he gets his health sorted. I got a very frosty look as answer, so I retreated. I know this is a rather sensitive issue, in more ways than one. I'll try to pop in to keep you posted, but got my head and hands a bit full at the moment. Please pray for Brandt. Thanks for being here for us.

Hi guys, sorry again for not getting to the posts here. Last night was back to hospital again with Brandt. Again a UTI. He only got home around 2am this morning. I was also so busy with the other things I had to arrange during the day, the tumble dryer was delivered (haven't even washed, or dried clothes yet), homeschool work, you know the usual other stuff, that I didn't get to anything else. I collapsed on the bed and we slept till nearly 8am this morning. Then it was school, go buy him more meds, etc. etc. Now its 3pm and I'm falling asleep in front of my computer. Just wanted to let you guys know why I'm not looking in on you at the moment. I'll get there at some point. Love you lots. Me

Yikes! I can believe the millions of new gun owners, but never would have thought you'd have a hard time with powder/ammo too. Brandt and I went shooting Monday afternoon, and the owner of the range told us that he is fully booked up for the rest of the month, to train and certify new gun owners. We didn't know it was that busy here too, with all the trouble we've been having from government's side. Same as you, I guess. There are also more gun shops opening up. Hi Shannon. So lovely to see you here. 👋 ❤️ Hallo EG! Hugs and thanks for that invite. I haven't read through it properly yet, but will soon. ❤️ Challenge-Wise: Exercises: None Fun: Some time spent with Zuzu Faith & Family: Some bible study early morning; laundry done (small bundles are more manageable at the moment); and all the finances. So much finances and things I had to arrange... These two days (Monday and Tuesday) were absolutely hectic. It took me close to 6-7hours of holding on, on the phone with our internet provider (on and off over roughly a week of days), +- R150 in airtime (cellphone time, not data), some more money spent on data holding on and finally getting help from said ISP there, before they sorted out our new ISP product. They said one thing, did another, and then all this ^^^ hassle and trouble to get them to keep to the actual product we've signed up for. Anyway that is sorted now, and although I was very, VERY frustrated, irritated and sometimes just plain angry with them, I did not once loose my patience. I couldn't just drop it, they would have ripped us for over a R1400 in the next two months! And their mistakes cost us in other fees (with the voice line company), among others. Their customer service is really bad - you just can't get a hold of anyone, except over Whatsapp, but their technical service is top-notch. You just have to get things signed up correctly, then all is usually set and smooth sailing. Just get past the initial set up... We've been with them for years, and Brandt didn't want to change at the moment, but after all the trouble I've had, he said when we have to sign up for fibre, we'll definitely switch. I might have 'threatened' to let him have "all the fun" signing up for fibre with this company. *whistling innocently, looking everywhere but here* Brandt and I went shooting at a local indoor range yesterday afternoon. Took around an hour and a half to finish off 200 rounds each. I had great fun, and again managed to save Princess Leia. Took out the Storm Trooper with my last 12 bullets at about 7m (yards). Yeah... I got some incredulous stares from Brandt and the range owner when I put this target up near the end of the shoot. Also enjoyed trying out Brandt's firearm. It is much lighter than my own, and I struggled a bit to adjust with grip, trigger, how tight to hold it, aim (the sight picture is different than my own)... but that is actually to be expected. I'll have to think hard whether I want to sell and change, or not. By the way... this shooting outing was our valentine's date. We both loved it, and had a great time. Brandt also found a pressure valve that seems to have been leaking for a while, and I had the plumber over today. Fixed! Now we know why the pump kept switching on. I also arranged for the gas people to come tomorrow to move our one gas water geyser to a better position. Might take a couple days. I also had the broken tumble dryer removed (Friday), spoke to the people w.r.t. the quote - not accepting, as we are rather looking at replacing with a new machine. The lady offered to keep the old machine to get rid of it for us - no charge. Also had an appointment with the dentist this afternoon for what I thought was a hole, but turned out to be nerve pain in one tooth, referring to another tooth; a misshapen (??? don't ask me how) filling on the latter tooth, and finally the dentist found the leaking filling on the first tooth. I have one new filling, one temporary filling (it is very close to the nerve; she wanted to give it time to calm down before putting a permanent filling in), and two more appointments - one for the boys and myself for cleaning (next week), and another in six weeks just for me for the permanent filling. Brandt doesn't want to go to the dentist at this time. And the cleaning lady came again today. She said she is very happy to work for us, and again did a great job. She is friendly with the kids and the pets, and remembered everything I told her last week! I also proof read a book over the weekend (did I mention this?), and received another yesterday to proof read this week. School work is up to date, finances are up to date, and I'm exhausted!

Sorry, it's been a hectic two weeks. Here's my new challenge. I'll catch up soon as possible.

I openly admit I got my title from a YT group whose Bible teachings I'm currently watching. Changed it a little bit, so as not to infringe on their name/title/rights... but this is what my challenge currently in real life comes down to: the good, the nice, the fun. Also... Rocco (my youngest son) is stuck on silly alliteration rhymes (eg. Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers...) and I guess it rubbed off FOR FAITH, FAMILY & FIREARMS Life threw us all kinds of loops this last two weeks, so I have to change my exercise schedule a bit. Still going to do my strength from last challenge, still going to try to walk (now with the boys), and still going to try to make time to play with Zuzu (better idea to get him to loose weight). Exercise: Strength - Wednesdays: Warmup: Jumping Jacks 30x Squat-Up-KneeXElbow touch 10x each side Walkout2HighPlank 3x Superset 1: do at least 2 sets, try for 3 Deadlift 10x30kg Dumbbell rows 10x5.25kg (both sides together) Jumping jacks 20x Superset 2: do at least 2 sets, try for 3 Bridge form - chest press 10x20kg Bicycle crunch 20x Finish off - Cool down: One legged deadlift 10x 5.25kg each leg Stretches Walking around the block - Mondays / Tuesdays / Fridays: Literally take the boys to walk around the block in between school work - once a day. Hopefully we'll get more than one day a week in, but aiming to start with at least once a week. Fun: Play with Zuzu - any day for at least 15min.: Zuzu is our sterilised Sausage X Big dog (vet thinks a Labrador), who is very muscular, but also overweight. I've been struggling to get him to loose weight via food changes, hoping that him playing with the other dogs, and the boys, would help, but alas... I'm also going to use this to get myself outside a bit more. He used to walk on a leash, but got such a fright when we took him walking shortly after adoption (two years ago), that I never tried again. Now he hates the leash. Spoke to the vet and she said to rather get him playing more in the garden with the other dogs and/or the boys, for now. Faith & Family: Bible study - listen every weekday morning (and some weekend days) to Bible lessons on YT. Washing/Laundry - wash and hang clothes to dry (dryer packed up) - iron if necessary. Finances - still getting into the routine of doing finances on new spreadsheets every Friday. Seems to be working, as I'm actually looking forward to it (I know! GASP! SHOCKING!) PERSONAL UPDATE: That's my intro to this challenge, hope to chat again soon. Have a good week.

Electricity for the neighbourhood only came back on Thursday 6am! So some people were 42hrs without. I offered to help the neighbour to freeze meat, refridgerate food, charge cellphones, etc. but she declined. Francoisana phoned me... had a nice chat. The other lady on the Grannies' Friends Group (the one who was so angry about my suggesting Telegram) is moving out of town to be closer to her children. So of the original group it will only be Francoisana and myself who are left in town. Otherwise really not much to tell. I put my head down and worked, did school work, finances, etc. Brandt convinced me to get cleaning help for the house, once a week. The lady will come for the first time this coming Tuesday. I woke up with a bad cramp in my calf, running down into my foot, bending so far up that I nearly stood on my heal when I tried to get up. That is usually the only way I can get the muscle cramp to relax. I nearly cried, it was so sore. I think it is just too little water and electrolytes. Got back in bed for the short +- half hour till my alarm went off, tried to exercise but I could feel the cramp wanted to grab hold of my calf and foot again, and there was a burning sensation, so I stopped. Only managed the warmups. Jumping Jacks 30x Squat - Knee X Elbow 10x Walkout2HighPlank 3x As I said, finances also done. Most things are up to date. Our computer glasses came and so far so good. My eyes seem to take less strain, are less tired/sore at night. We did our first drawing lesson with chalk pastels today. It was quite enjoyable. Also did a science experiment where we (tried) to burn steel wool - the battery as 'lighter' failed for us, but the braai-lighter worked somewhat. Nice sparks and 'fire-worms'. The boys enjoyed the experiment more. This is my version of the "Italian landscape" we had to draw. It's a bit big, so it's in the spoiler. I don't have fixative spray yet, so if I take it out and put it back in the pocket a lot it smudges even more. Hoping to get the last of our art stuff tomorrow. Hope you have a good weekend.

Firstly, way to go on the exercise! Secondly how are your clothes fitting? Any changes there, instead of just taking weight into consideration? Thirdly, nice going on the one muffin.

Glad that you are now feeling much better after some sleep and relaxing with Sra. Tanque; and having had time with your parents.

How are things going? How are you doing? Praying and sending you lots of hugs and support. ❤️