ScurvySpider

.What now? It it OK I get proud on your behalf then? Success is a good thing A ton a day more or less. That makes me feel faint but I'm sure *you* can do it.

@ groovy & Doug -- appreciate the help. Cheese Nips previously would have tempted me, so evidently changes for the better have occurred, that I didn't have to hammer into place for once. Thanks for bringing to my attention How do you know me so well, so soon? That's kinda eerie. To keep from messing up the kitchen, I might pile up ALL the junk food out back, light it on fire, and dance around that, so the neighbors can join in the fun too.

Status Update -- a Wildly Successful Experiment. I stretched for 2 hours on Sunday, and a small miracle occurred: elimination of shoulder pain. ( I've had constant pain in the right shoulder for 3+ years now, with stiffness & less than full range of motion. It's where my stress seems to accumulate. Have had small successes w/ things like self-massage; learning to mouse left-handed; learning to sleep without contracting the right arm and shoulder all night. But the only time the pain ever went totally away was when I got an hour-long massage which included heat followed by cold; then the pain was back in 2-3 days. ) On Sunday, just before the 3-hour drive home from my sick little mother's house, she and I did seated yoga stretches together for 45 minutes. So it occurred to me for the first time to stretch while driving. I came up with 10-12 different stretch moves that are safe to do on the highway, and rotated them for much of the drive home. The goal was to prevent stiffness from driving. BUT, when I got out of the car, I noticed immediately the shoulder pain was completely gone. The pain has returned -- but I plan to repeat the experiment again in 2 weeks, when I go to sit with Mom for the weekend again.

Good job on the goals and glad to see you're doing well so far... I'm confident you will find your way through to eliminating the pain. About the stretching: oh, please be careful. Not all bodies have joints put together exactly alike; what is beneficial for one person's joints may not be doable, or even safe to attempt, for another. http://www.yinyoga.com/newsletter12_biggest_problems.php http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femur_neck With that said -- I come down hard on the side of "stretching is a good thing" because it has benefited me directly, personally, unquestionably.

Ah ha, there you are. I'm still smiling at your previous challenge report, something like "turns out I do waste time." In awe of your challenges (the nerd one, AND the travelling with kids one). Safe wanderings.

Welcome and good job on the specific grading (of which I'm a huge fan) and the goals, of which I'm in awe -- esp. the treadmill one. Stick it to em. Do you walk/run to music at all?

OK here's one to file under the heading "Unclear on the Concept": For the next 6 weeks minimum, I don't eat baked goods, ice cream, or chips of any kind. This week there magically appeared items never stocked before by the Junk Food Devils: Orange sherbet, and Cheese Nips. [insert sound of screaming laughter] @ Wandern: thank you. I'm going to need all the help I can get.

"One ring to rule them all; one ring to boss them. One ring to spot the lies, and into garbage toss them?" That might not be the exact wording -- but it's the same concept -- the mental part is the toughest to conquer but essential to focus on, since it controls all else. Is your family like mine, in that they invoke all manner of urban legends and even voodoo to keep from facing the fact that their life style is a major factor in their health? I can't believe I bought into that for so long, but I know exactly why I did: if it's beyond our control, then we're relieved of the very hard work of changing. Good for for you. Worthy goals, well-defined.

@radialgirl (below): man, what will it take for some people to feel like a braying ass. It's crazy-making. In fact, that undermining compulsion (or whatever they tell themselves it is) is so predictable, that if you ever WANT family to cook your favorite foods, or coworkers to fetch you a heaping plate of BBQ with all the fixin's -- the best way to get them to go to all that extra trouble, is to announce a plan to lose weight. Trying to entice someone to violate their training regimen -- wow. We're safe here. That's something I'm sure no nerd would ever, ever do.

@Cake, Thank you. I recommend the hundredpushups approach for anyone to at least try. The main reason I enjoy it is because, with exercise, I sometimes like to be told what moves to make so I can just do it, then move on: put my full focus on the work at hand, without analyzing, tracking, grading, assessing, planning. Previously, I would fall back to an earlier (easier) sequence as soon as the arms got too shaky. Even doing it that way, it still did measurably improve my arm strength, since I was still doing push-ups 3x a week (compared to 0x a week). My wrists no longer hurt when I do them. To me, that was a major benefit (lack of pain is good); a sign that it was working; and an encouragement to keep with it. This time, I'm going to try to push forward even when it gets intense (shaky) and see what happens. I'm grading the effort I put in. If I made 100 push-ups this time, I'd be surprised, because my arm strength is in the trash can right now (keep in mind, these are bent-knee push-ups). 100 real push-ups is my ultimate push-up goal and I'm confident I can get it done.

This is great to read -- every word of it. Worthy goals, all, and I'm admiring of them. I have more like a question than a specific suggestion: I’ve detected a difference in how different people work with the concept of “me†time. I’m thinking of a young lady, still in school, whose challenge included striving for “me†time in addition to things like weight-lifting, yoga, getting better at cleaning her room, studying. To me, those activities are already “me†time: things we do for ourselves as opposed to doing for others. My attitude is probably more common among adults who have graduated to jobs, families of their own. Maintaining those can eat up time until we feel like there’s none left for ourselves unless we are persistent and forceful in creating it. But you know what? I think the college girl had it right. “Me†time is great -- however you define it. But I need just a little more/better, or my battery won’t fully recharge. For me personally to achieve a maximum sense of being rested & restored, it is required that I have, within the “me time†category -- something even more personal and restful than the equally important self-care that exercise and learning represent. “Downtime†is the closest word for it that I can come up with, to distinguish it from other “me†time. During the precious downtime (within the “me†time) -- I’m not doing one single thing other than what I genuinely want to do. If I’m doing yoga during my down time, it’s because yoga is the thing I want most to do in that exact moment. One of my favorite me-down-time routines ever (which I haven’t done since I moved, so I know I haven’t done it in 3 years) was to put a mint mud mask on my face, sit in my favorite chair, eat fresh raspberries, and read fiction, covered in sleeping cats, while the mask dried. There are no demands in Me-Down-Time. No goals, no deadlines, no pressures, no expectations, no interruptions. When is the last time you had 5 minutes like that, Evenewbie, while you were awake?

@ Jodi V -- “Twinkie Brick Road†= SOL (snort out loud). Lucky for me, my main weapon in this war -- fresh blueberries and frozen mango chunks -- is completely safe from the Junk Food Devils. @ Hiraedd -- There’s not a doubt in my mind we will both achieve real push-ups. I took a photo of my bicep for the “before†shot but am too chicken to post it. bawk. @ Turtle 21 -- I relate 100%. On #1, I’m encouraged to hear that “I don’t†can work on food pushers, and can’t wait to replicate that experience. On #2, I feel ridiculous admitting that I don’t like to be told what to do & not do, even when it’s myself telling me. @ Evenewbie -- Appreciate kind words, esp. from somebody who runs more miles in a day than I walk in a year. I’ll pop over soon & give your draft a hard look.

This is the first challenge where I dare to want it, and to say it: This time, I’m bringing home all A’s. Reason for being here: Mom has a syndrome, similar to Parkinson’s, possibly familial. Symptoms include: balance issues (I’ve got them). Remedies include: strong muscles (I’ve not got them. YET). It makes good sense to acquire strong bones and muscles. At any age, and with or without other health issues. Main Quest: Increase Strength and Flexibility Goal 1: Shaky Push-Ups “Your gains in size and strength will come with the last few reps of an exercise, when your muscles are shaking and you’re struggling to lift the weight for the last time.†http://www.nerdfitne...ime-in-the-gym/ (from Rebellion Leader Steve’s blog : “Intensity -- how to make the most of your time in the gymâ€) Action: Push-ups 3x a week (in sets prescribed @ hundredpushups website). Details: Pushing myself this time, measurably & specifically: Do as many bent-knee push-ups as I can w/ good form; then as many more as I can (even w/ shaking arms & incomplete form). Grading: A=3x/wk, 2-3 sets completed until shaky. B=3x/wk, 0-1 shaky. C=1-2x/wk. F=<1 session of push-ups. Attributes: STR+2, STA+1, CON+1 Goal 2: Make Tracks Action: Up off the butt. Move. 15 miles/week. Details: In addition to walking, I’ll permit cycling (20 min. of cycling = 1 mile). Grading: Standard Percentages (100%=A; 75=B; 50=C; 25=D; 0=F) Attributes: STR+1, STA+2, CON+1 Mid-Term Evaluation: After Week 3, if 15 mi/wk is no longer a challenge (in this heat -- I doubt it), I will raise it. Goal 3: Take frequent stretch breaks Action: Stretch for 90 minutes/week. Details: All stretching counts. (Restriction: All 90 minutes will be done away from the desk (since I already habitually stretch and do Ocean Breathing at the desk.) Grading: Standard Percentages. Attributes: DEX+2, CON+1, WIS+1, CHA+1 Life Quest: Dominate Papers @ Home Action: Work on paperwork/filing for 2 hours each week (or a total of 12 hours over 6 weeks). Details: It’s a non-preferred task but free of emotional baggage. Grading: Standard Percentages. I want all A’s on this challenge; so instead of All/Nothing, Pass/Fail on paperwork, I’ll grade on effort. Attributes: WIS+1, CHA+1 Diet/Fitness Side Quest: Conspiracy Theory Details: Recently combined households w/ people who stock a supply of junk food. It makes me feel like I’m living in Hell with Conspiring Devils who Want me to be Fat. 2 Actions: 1. Verbalize “I don’t eat that.†2. Refrain from eating 3 categories: sugary baked goods; ice cream; and chips of any kind. Grading: A=0 foods per week from the 3 categories I no longer even like. B=1, etc. More details: Leader Steve has blogged about changing our thinking by changing our choice of words “I don’t eat that†instead of “I can’t have that†-- I feel like he’s mentioned it more recently, but this article from 2010 is excellent http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/08/02/how-to-fight-your-food-addiction-and-win/

This was my 6th challenge and I mostly goofed off during the last week (not for the first time). However, I wanted to report that I still did benefit from participating: not least -- in 6 weeks I walked a total of 35 miles -- virtually all of those were the direct result of being in the Yellow Brick Road mini-challenge so I'm not a bit discouraged by my own less-than-perfect performance; am greatly encouraged by others who participate; and daring to say I'll shoot for all A's in the challenge starting July 29. Final Grade Averages: Goal 1, arm strength: D, A, A, C, A, and F = C Goal 2, accountability logging: B, A, A, B, A, and D = B Goal 3, walking: B, C, A, C, A, and F = C Goal 4, paper filing: pass/fail = Fail = F Overall Challenge Grade: D I completed the mini-challenges so am permitting one Level Up where I need it most (+1 on charisma) Level 2 attributes were: STR +4 / DEX +5 / STA +3 / CON +2 / WIS +7 / CHA +1 Level 3 attributes will be: STR +4 / DEX +5 / STA +3 / CON +2 / WIS +7 / CHA +2

Hi Hiraedd I do remember your filing project and how you macheted through that traumatic task... and others worse than that. :saluting smiley: You're right again -- I *will* move myself up a level this time, because I did squeak through without failing the class or dropping out of school. Haven't figured out goals for next time yet (beyond reentering the hundredpushups program) but I am addicted to challenges now, and will see you in 2 weeks

Epiphany: Goal 4 - Paperwork I consider myself pretty high on the introspection scale, but I was oblivious to the multiple emotional baggages connected to this innocent-looking stack of papers in my office, including: Baggage No. 1 (First & worst): Through random chance, I wound up working for the best boss on the planet; have worked for him 18 years; and he’ll be 65 in 3 more years. I will begin work this year on a massive Retirement Project (a Festschrift) for him, which needs to occur when he’s 65, whether or not he retires. The Retirement Project (book; party; roast; seminar series in his honor) is the kind that I enjoy. Now. I’ve been saying for over a year that I’ll start on the Festschrift, just as soon as my office filing is all done. If it’s a project I’ll enjoy, why would I procrastinate? Because. I can’t stand the thought of him ever leaving or (do I dare say) growing old (maybe because I’m right behind him). If I never do the filing, I’ll never start the Project, he’ll never retire, and I’ll never be old !! Baggage No. 2 Today I pitched out reference lists from <20 years ago which were good to have on hand before the internet was so useful, accessible, and instant. At first, I retained them ostensibly because * you never know when you’ll need this information while the internet is down And then, because * we could go paperless except what if the backup tapes fail? I think the real reason I kept them so long is really: They represent a time when I enjoyed being the savvy organized go-to person in an office who either knew off hand, or could access instantly, things like correct spelling (word usage); elements of style; standard abbrev. and proofreaders' marks; the area code of a city; the time zone of a state or country; DOS commands. Now nobody needs this stuff or if they do, it’s done for them automatically (or they can pull it off the internet in about 20 seconds). GONE AND GOOD RIDDANCE. Thanks to the challenge !!

@Shadawyn I hope you did better than me this final week. “I drive because I'm lazy and it would take 3 minutes instead of 30 minutes.†I was too lazy to even drive !! mostly. Neglected not only to walk but to stretch at my desk -- my legs and back are hurting -- I dare to believe it really could be, they miss their exercisings. @livinggroovy @ gooddoug, @ evenewbie, @ meejee @ chanda, @sunmage thank you so much for keeping me going. @hiraedd, i think your mock scolding was just the right straw to break this stubborn procrastination camel’s back... don’t let the F fool ya, I rocked it out after all and am completely satisfied with what got done. Putting in my grades early, it was a hectic week and the weekend is looking worse. Grades for Week 6 --July 8-14 Goal 1, dumbbells: Grade = F. Goal 2, log & blog: Grade = D. I kept NF but dropped the other 2 websites so grade = 1/3 = 33%. Goal 3, walk & run: Grade = F. Goal 4, Filing: Grade = Qualified F. (grading was pass/fail, all/nothing, and I got something like 90% done.) Final Grade Averages: Goal 1: D, A, A, C, A, and F = C Goal 2: B, A, A, B, A, and D = B Goal 3: B, C, A, C, A, and F = C When I finally do move up to a Level 3, I may throw a party, because I will have by-God earned it. Level 1 attributes were: STR +3 / DEX +5 / STA +2 / CON +2 / WIS +5 / CHA -2 Level 2 attributes were, and are: STR +4 / DEX +5 / STA +3 / CON +2 / WIS +7 / CHA.

I'm going to miss my Bingo Wings (Notttt) Grades for Week 5 --July 1-7 Goal 1, dumbbells: Grade = A (3/3 days). I’ve gotten lots better at distinguishing between a safe level of discomfort vs. the pain which is a signal to ease up. Goal 2, log & blog: Grade = A (7/7 days) I’m abandoning the other websites; am reverting to the old-fashioned XL chart to avoid redundant tracking & reduce time spent online. Goal 3, walk & run: Grade = A (10/10 miles ) I sweat through my clothes several times last week. 85 degrees at 9 am. Still worth it to keep out of the gym. Goal 4, filing. Surprise! All done. (Sike -- I barely touched it.)

Way to go, LuckySmartYou. I'm giving myself credit for completing this challenge since I did storm the gates 2 times (with mixed results). 1. Scared myself Selected the mini-scare of "ask for something you don't think you could get" and wrote to the owner of the advancedriskology site, asking him to write me a limerick. Here's what he sent back: If it's a limerick you want, I'll be your host It's really not much; I don't mean to boast But if you've been challenged by Steve To to write an email this eve Please tell him to read my post. http://advancedriskology.com/e... To be fair -- I think we were probably supposed to ask for something we don't think we could get, which we also really want. So I asked my husband to accompany me on my 2nd excuse-busting attempt, and, surprisingly, he did. 2. Cleared up an old idea for a project I'd postponed looking into, for 5 years. After walking around in the pouring rain at the cemetery, without finding the unmarked grave, I finally found someone who worked there and asked them; they said said there are no unmarked graves. My guilt at postponing the project is mostly resolved now.

Thanks (to both of you) for your dedication. What is that saying -- "if you want something done, give it to a person who's already busy."

For this alone, you'd get an A in my class. Well done. Out of all possible ways to cope with life's vicissitudes -- being able to tap into joy -- that's major.

Ooh, as excuses go, that's a good one - gives a free pass to do as I please the rest of the day (or week or month).

Attennnnnn-hut! Did you get any rest or relaxation on your "days off"? Hopefully you celebrated your independence from back pain, at minimum?

Just got caught up on your progress -- ho hum, the usual hiraedd, upbeat, awesome, inspiring. Not least, the grocery store maneuver... where'd you get that idea? vvv ADORABLE.

Wait a minute -- I liked "hot tub time machine" -- or at least the part where the time travelers are asking pop culture questions to ascertain which year they're in. I like your goals too, they made me smile, as did this That sounds familiar. I hope you're not like me in this regard -- almost the only time I become an organization maniac is when there's a non-preferred activity I'm avoiding. Usually also a complex task which will require significant thought / time / effort. Cleaning and tidying are important and worthwhile, right? It's not like we fooled online doing just nothing.