annyshay

I've been there and back again, to Ireland that is. I had an excellent trip full of indulgences at the wedding of two of my friends. I didn't stress about the challenge while there, but I got back on board as soon as I got back. Woot. Main Quest - Tighten this Hobbit’s Belt 1) 81% Not bad for totally not working at it. 2) 50% Totally un-paleo while in Ireland... beer, bread, sweets, all the things. Back on board starting today. 3) 50% Bodyweight brigade didn't happen while I was traveling. No excuses. I just didn't want to. Life Quest - Meditate 69% I didn't meditate every day while I was gone, but I did a few times. Fitness Quest - Climb New Mountains 0% I haven't gotten any new mountains yet. Onward and upward and such!

Check-in time. Main Quest - Tighten this Hobbit’s Belt 1) 100% I have eaten mindfully for at least two meals each day. In order for something to count as mindful, I have to be sitting at a table and not doing something else (unless that something is chatting with my roommate). This has been a good habit so far. I still graze more than I'd like, but I'll work on transitioning everything to mindful eating later. 2) 99% I've been finishing up a whole30 (ends on 8/4), so I've been spot on. I did drink some Moroccan tea that had sugar in it on Tuesday (oops), but otherwise all good. 3) 100% Bodyweight brigade on Tuesday and Thursday. I'm weak and tired, but I'm back in the game. Life Quest - Meditate 100% I meditated every day, I'm going to make the bottom limit 2 minutes instead of 5 like above. Baby steps. Fitness Quest - Climb New Mountains 0% I haven't gotten any new mountains yet. Sadly my work schedule is beastly right now and it is sapping any extra fuel I have. That won't be true forever though! Early to bed for this hobbit. I have my last 28 hour shift (for the foreseeable future) tomorrow. *determined face*

Howdy Rebels! Excited about the new challenge? I am! Main Quest – Tighten this Hobbit’s Belt I have struggled with trying to lose weight since middle school. Up and down my weight has gone for over a decade. I have granted my weight far too much control over my mind, mood, and self worth, but that’s about to change. I’m going to reach a normal BMI by New Years and maintain it past my birthday in February (and onward). I’m going to reach a healthy weight and stay there. This is not a diet, although my friends call it that. This is my new way of living. And once I have a healthy weight for a foundation, I have all sorts of other fitness goals to explore. 1) Mindful Eating for at least two meals a day “Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song.†LOTR, II, 3. 2) Cook and Eat Paleo (3 treats allowed per week) “All hobbits, of course, can cook, for they begin to learn the art before their letters (which many never reach); but Sam was a good cook, even by hobbit reckoning, and he had done a good deal of the camp-cooking on their travels, when there was a chance.†LOTR, IV, 4. 3) Bodyweight Brigade two times per week “He’s been slack lately, and he’ll feel the weight less when he’s walked off some of his own.†LOTR, I, 3. Life Side Quest – Meditate for 5 minutes daily “I sit beside the fire and think of all that I have seen, of meadow-flowers and butterflies in summers that have been; Of yellow leaves and gossamer in autumns that there were, with morning mist and silver sun and wind upon my hair. I sit beside the fire and think of how the world will be when winter comes without a spring that I shall ever see. For still there are so many things that I have never seen: in every wood in every spring there is a different green. I sit beside the fire and think of people long ago, and people who will see a world that I shall never know. But all the while I sit and think of times there were before, I listen for returning feet and voices at the door.†LOTR, II, 3 Fitness Side Quest – Climb new mountains – at least 4 “On the third morning Caradhras rose before them, a mighty peak, tipped with snow like silver, but with sheer naked sides, dull red as if stained with blood.†LOTR, II, 3 Motivation “That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.†~Samwise Gamgee~ Hope you enjoy the hobbit-y quotes. I'll put more of the logistics and details in writing as the week unfolds. Let's get to it!

We are moved. There has not been much sleep, and now I've switched to nights. Still, I've been making pretty good choices and avoiding most sugar dragons (occasional ice cream happens in summer). I'm off to work a night shift on medicine in the hospital, which are notoriously crazy. Deep breaths and forward motion. Wrap up later. Thanks for the continued support and cheerleading, rebels!

So things are going better this week. I have had no sweets! I made an honest to goodness meal plan last night (which will be super helpful with moving). I just finished off my second RSG workout of the week and plan to do handstand skill work this weekend. I'm almost all packed. Really I've just got the kitchen and then little bits and bobs to put into boxes. Movers come on Saturday. Lord willing and the crick don't rise, I'll be in my new digs before I'm totally on night float next week. Here's hoping it all comes together and I keep moving forward. Off to slay some more candy and boxes, erm, dragons!

Week 3 Wrap Up 1) Slay the Sugar Dragon - 5/21 - F!!! Week 4 is the turn around week. I've been doing better so far, but you'll have to wait to next week to see... 2) Plan my Rations - 1/3 - F!!! Tomorrow... I actually plan. I have to do it, since food needs to move and I don't want to waste things. 3) Hone my Skills - 4/12 - F!!! Sensing a trend? I've designated Tuesday and Thursday strength days NO MATTER WHAT. No more excuses! 4) Moving to Crickhollow - 19/21 Only five days left... lots to do! Talk later, must pack!

I'm trying to keep working, but I've been in a (not surprising) severe lack-of-motivation funk. I'm making bad food decisions (all the sweets!!!) and not working out or packing when it would be easy to do. It's like my brain has just checked out. There are only 8 days left until I move, so it is time to turn this around. Time to earn it. From Steve's article this week... "Remember this: the longer it takes you to reach your goal, the more obstacles you have to overcome, the more challenges you face along the way, the more you’ll appreciate, respect, and cherish your healthy life."

Week 2 Wrap Up 1) Slay the Sugar Dragon - 3/14 That's a solid F. This has been really hard for me as sugar is my go to stress/emotional eating food, which is all the more reason that it's really important. Also, my friends try to soothe me with food, which I can say no to when I have more reserves, but has been super hard this week. Here's hoping this week goes better. 2) Plan my Rations - 1/2 if I'm generous about a "meal plan" last week. This week, we get more systematic. 3) Hone my Skills - 4/8 Did much better this week. Handstands twice and RSG once. I don't want to lose the gains I made last challenge. 4) Moving to Crickhollow - 12/14 Only two weeks left until the move means I don't have time to skip this one. Eeps! Still, there is SO MUCH to do. Deep breaths and I keep moving forward. Thanks again for the encouragement, rangers!

Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how much your encouragement means, but I can describe the effects. As soon as I read your posts yesterday, I went to do some handstand practice and got to work on decluttering (sorted under the bed boxes, cleaned, etc). I didn't have an ice cream sundae at the fancy dinner either. w00t. Today I did pretty well, but had some brownies. Ah well, nobody's perfect. I've done RSG BWB Rank1/2 with push ups, assisted chin ups (trying to push the chair I use waaaaaaay out), assisted pistols, and side planks. Mmmm. Made delicious spring-tastic salad and slow cooker whole chicken for dinner. Now it's time to throw stuff out of the back closet and sort through some of my bookshelves. Back in the game. Mwahahaha.

Rangers, my hearty thanks for your quick and completely appropriate responses!!! Thank goodness, alienjenn. ;0) For whatever reason, this was a really helpful mental analogy for me. Sports metaphors don't usually work for me, but totally clicked. I don't have to get a grand slam every time, just need to get up to the plate. Hroom! Hroom! Hroom! (or whatever they reply...) I have totally been hiding the bathroom and our call room at times to do just that. Today was a little bit better, which is good as I just needed a break from the crazy. HUG BACK!!! Going to a formal dinner thing tonight, which is rife with opportunities to eat poorly. Tonight we dine... well... not in hell... :0)

S.O.S. Hey rangers, this is only my second challenge with you (I spent a while with the adventurers), but I'm having a really hard time due to life chaos. If you could leave me any kind words/encouragement/brilliant tips, I'd appreciate it. Here, my thread, wherever. Hope your challenges are rocking!

Ok, so my life is chaos right now. Imagine every possible source of good and bad stress in addition to some of the craziest days I've had at work (which is saying something considering my job). I am doing a crappy job with my goals. That said, I am not quitting the challenge. I'm posting this to hold myself accountable although I don't have time to recap. Any words of encouragement or wisdom are appreciated.

I've been more MIA than usual because I got horrific, sudden news that a close family friend committed suicide. Luckily, work was able to shuffle a bit so I could come home for the funeral. I've been working on balancing self care and commitment to doing what I can to stay on track. 1) Slay the Sugar Dragon - 2/5 days thus far. I've actually done better at avoiding sweets since the awful news until a chocolate milkshake last night. 2) Plan my Rations - Skipped it this week. I've been focusing on actually eating something for most meals as a small victory. 3) Hone my Skills - I've been skipping this. When I'm sad, long rambling walks are a better plan, so I've been doing that. 4) Move to Crickhollow - 5/5. Cancelled my renters insurance, brought my extra twin bed home through a rainy night to my mother's house, sorted through the bathroom, and got rid of some old papers. Hug your loved ones, rebels. Stop making excuses and go do it.

Posting daily was a good habit last challenge. I don't want to lose that momentum. 1) Slay the Sugar Dragon - Monday I had some candy before I made my goals. Today... I had cake and a brownie at the gradation party for my friends. Clearly this was a good goal to choose... 2) Plan my Rations - Got my veggies today. Tomorrow we plan the plans. 3) Hone my Skills - I went for a walk today, but I should probably also do some handstand practice. So many things to do... I need to kick into gear somehow. Anybody got spare motivation lying around? 4) Move to Crickhollow - Monday I worked through the TV entertainment center and some kitchen things. Today I sorted through my bathroom and some of my doctorly papers. You guys, I am plum out of motivation. Help?

Hello Rangers! Time for another challenge! I have been a busy hobbit. Too much work and too little accountability leads to a lot of second breakfast and elevensies from the candy dish at work. Things are going to get a little crazy this summer between work and moving to a new apartment (up to a 3rd floor instead of my current basement lair), but that doesn’t make taking care of myself and leveling up any less important! What’s a hobbit to do? Make a plan, grab some buddies, and keep moving! 1) Slay the Sugar Dragon [+3 CON] No candy, dessert, or sweets. I can have dark chocolate, but only in moderation. 2) Plan my Rations [+3 WIS] I will make a meal plan each week once I get my veggies from the CSA. 3) Hone my Skills [+4 DEX] I would be stoked if I can get my first chin up and my first handstand this challenge. It’s a stretch, but it’d be awesome. Half points for consistent practice (RSG x2/wk, handstands x2/wk) and half points for success! 4) Move to Crickhollow [+3 STA, +2 CHA] Every day I will do something for at least fifteen minutes that gets me closer to moving: decluttering, packing, changing addresses, forwarding mail, or unpacking. The details don’t matter as long as I get to work on moving! Excellent. Let’s do this.

Hello friends, better late than never for a wrap up, right? Week 6 Wrap Up 1) Posted – 37/42 - 88% 2) Paleo – 93/127 = 73% 3) Push/pull – 17/18 – 94% 4) Play – 39/42 – 93% Entire Challenge Wrap Up 1) Post [+2 WIS, +2 STA] – B+ (88%) Other than days I forgot or literally ran out of time, I posted. This is in keeping with the trend that things that get recorded actually happen. 2) Paleo [+4 CON] – C (73%) I think I actually followed the spirit of this goal well in that I did not go all super duper strict. I could have made better choices at times and will continue to learn how to do that, but I stayed committed at every point to doing the best I could in my current circumstances without trying to impose rules to take the thinking out for me, which makes me happy. 3) Push/Pull [+3 STR] – A (94%) Two strength workouts a week was great. If I really want to progress in my skills, I may need to do them more frequently. I don’t think more strength sessions a week will really work long term with my crazy schedule, so this was good to learn. Also, I can do at least 2 negative chin ups now and ranked up in squats to shaky assisted pistols. Boom! 4) Play [+4 CHA] – A (93%) This was brilliant. More of this! I will put up measurements and add my characteristics in once I do them.

Wrap up post tomorrow, but first here's what I did yesterday... 1) Posted 2) Paleo –Two eggs sunny side up, meat-tastic hash, rye bread with wild berry jam, tea, earl gray, hot, vanilla malt (homemade and delicious), bacon-wrapped shrimp, chicken with onions and mushrooms, grilled veggies, brownies, beer. Pretty much 0% Paleo, but TOTALLY delicious. 3) Push/pull – RSG-BWB Rank 1/2 Session B. My upper body was back in the game today. Planks are getting harder as I use so much more effort on the other exercises, but I still pushed through the mental I'm-too-shaky-to-finish barrier. 4) Play - hanging out with my college buddy pretty much all day.

Didn't get around to posting yesterday, but here's the run down. On Thursday... 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Egg scramble, taco ground beef, taco fixings, salad, apple and lemon bars, rhubarb pie, beef cabbage stew. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Rest day 4) Play - Friday... 1) Didn't get around to posting. 2) Paleo – Chicken, zoodles, tomato sauce, red pepper slices, slow cooker korean short ribs, donut, tea, pepperoni pizza. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Rest day 4) Play - hanging out with my buddy from college My friend is here for the weeeeeeeekend. Hopefully I don't go totally off the rails, but still excited.

Yesterday was not my best day, but here's how it went. 1) Posted 2) Paleo – beef cabbage stew, graham crackers and peanut butter (trying not to faint during a long fast while doing stressful procedures on sick kids), chopped chicken cobb salad, awful food at conference - there was literally no protein available *headdesk* so I had pasta and breadsticks, salad with ranch and some dessert. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Rest day 4) Play - read! I hate to sound like a broken record... but work has just been crazy every day this week. Tonight is my last overnight and then I get a GLORIOUS 3.5 day weekend. One of my besties from college is coming to visit and I'm stoked. I just have to make it through the next 26 hours. Boss fight, go.

Tuesday's progress report... 1) Posted 2) Paleo – eggs and mushrooms, buffalo chicken salad, dark chocolate, chicken and asparagus with butter. 100% Paleo. 3) Push/pull – RSG-BWB Rank 1/2 Session A. My arms were tired, so I kinda back tracked on pushups, but I found a better way to assist my pistol squats that let me keep better form. 4) Play - read!

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go. But first, here's how yesterday went! 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Nom Nom Paleo's Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs, curried parsnip soup, ginger carrot soup, sunbutter, zoodles, chicken, and tomato sauce. 100% Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Rest day. 4) Play - the garden and walk were actually yesterday, the day before I had gone to lunch with one friend and chatted with another at night. Finish strong, rebels!

Last night was really really rough, but my boss pretty much told me that I helped save a kid's life. So there's that. Today hasn't been much better. I couldn't sleep very well and then I had to go get fillings. So currently, my face is all pins and needles, my teeth hurt, I can barely open my mouth to eat, and I'm really really tired and grumpy. Plllllllllh. Still, I made myself put my plants in their pots and go for a walk. And I ate CLEAN today. So there, crappy day! Here's yesterday and the weekly wrap up... 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Egg scramble, california club sandwich, dirty BBQ chips, diet coke, chocolate chili with zucchini noodles, peanut butter cup minis. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Handstand practice in the call room. Not very good, but I got it done. 4) Play - hanging garden constructed and 1.5 hour walk Week 5 Wrap Up 1) Posted – 31/35 - 89% 2) Paleo –60/85 + 17/21= 73% 3) Push/pull – 14/15 – 93% 4) Play – 33/35 – 94% Not too bad in spite of everything. No excuses. Time to finish this challenge right!

Yesterday I squeezed a whole weekend into one day... 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Bone broth, pork belly eggs benedict, side salad, earl grey tea, nom nom paleo's slow cooker korean short ribs and cauliflower, movie theater popcorn. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – RSG-BWB Rank 1/2 Session B. More reps of everything makes Shannon smile. 4) Play - 5-6 mile hike with some gals where we found Rapunzel's tower, high ledges, and lots of wildflowers. Also... Star Trek Into Darkness!!! I'm tired, which is probably not good for the fact that I'm about to work a 24+ hour stint in the hospital. Ah well. Onward.

I slept in! Until 6 AM!! Here's what I did yesterday... 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Egg scramble, curried parsnip soup, chicken with homemade BBQ sauce, potluck with 2 cheeseburgers, lots of veggies, and some splurges: 1 beer, 1 canoli, 1 lemon bar. 2/3 Paleo. 3) Push/pull – Rest day. 4) Play - went for a walk with the girls at Ashley pond reservoir. So pretty to watch the moon over such still water. DAY OFF!!!!! Sorry, I'm excited a bit.

Yesterday I was quite tired, but productive. I went to the doctor and got a clean bill of health. She wasn't even concerned about my weight and my blood pressure was normal, so no labs for me. Woot! 1) Posted 2) Paleo – Ginger carrot soup, big salad (dandelion greens, red pepper, tomato, mushroom, kalamata olives, tuna fish, olive oil and balsamic vinegar), dark chocolate, white wine. 100% Paleo. 3) Push/pull – RSG-BWB Rank 1/2 Session A. Added some reps even if I felt like Wesley after the torture scene in the Princess Bride. 4) Play - sat outside with a book and a glass of wine. Lovely! Tomorrow is my first day off in quite a while and it's so close I can taste it.