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Right, so here we go. A log of my stay in Cambridge, England. Let's just start explaining how I got here. I study animation at an art academy in the Netherlands. During our study we have a so-called "Minor" to do, which technically means you get to do a different study for half a school-year, as long as you have a logical reason to be studying that. Right? Right. Since I've been studying animation, I've noticed I really like the directing part of making a video, which lead to looking for a minor where I can learn to specialise in film directing. Since my own school doesn't offer directing as a minor or anything that comes close to it, I decided to look at partner schools, in order to be able to do a minor that I want without having to pay extra college fees. And that's where Cambridge comes looking around the corner. Cambridge School of Arts is a partnerschool of our school and they offer Film & Television Production, which is the thing I am here for. My main module is Documentary (not the funnest thing, but hey, I get to learn something new) and my side modules are Directing Studies, and Design for the Screen. So that's all pretty cool! Directing Studies speaks for itself, I suppose. This is what I'm mostly interested in. Design for the Screen will be pretty interesting too, because it focusses on everything visual within a film, going from costumes to backgrounds, from world designs to character design... And that is something I also find interesting, but which isn't my main focus. Still, it's pretty cool to learn about that, right? So far... Saturday the 6th of September I departed at 08:35h from Amsterdam Schiphol to arrive at 08:40h (local time) in Cambridge. It's an hour and 5 minutes flying, but because of the time difference it looks like you only flew for 5 minutes. Haha! My mum went with me, so I could bring 2 suitcases, which I needed badly because there is so much stuff to take with me. Besides, she wanted to see where I'd live and wanted to help me take care of a few basic things, like getting an English SIM card and a map of the city... Things like that. So we went from the airport to the place where I'm staying, with a cab, which was only 10 minutes driving. The land lady is really nice, she's called Claudette and originally comes from Jamaica. She explained that family is very important in Jamaican culture and she's a very warm personality, so I really feel at home, because my own family is very warm as well. After having dumped my suitcases there and having talked a bit, my mum and I continued our way. We went to the bed&breakfast where she was staying, so she could put her bag there in order to go to the city with me. In the city we bought a SIM card and a map and walked over the market square where there's a market 7 days a week! Awesome! We were pretty tired and then went back to the house, to unpack my suitcases, put everything neatly in the closet and drawers and everything and then went to do some shopping, so I'd have breakfast the next morning. We had dinner in a pub near my house and her B&B and had a great evening together. We talked a bit about English culture, the people here and everything we'd seen that day. Next day my mum came over to my house (I'll just call it that, because for the coming time it's my home) and we went into the city again. We had lunch on a nice terrace, walked over the market again, met up with a friend of mine who's also staying in Cambridge to study and went to see the university building where I'll be learning all I can the coming months. We also sat in a park for a while (there are so many parks here) and had an ice cream. In the evening we invited my friend to come to dinner with us (we had pizza at an Italian restaurant) because her parents had left that day and we figured she'd probably feel alone, especially knowing my mum was still around. We had a great evening with the 3 of us and after dinner we said goodbye to my friend, who would cycle back to her place. And we went back to my place with the bus, because I didn't have a bike yet. In the evening we sat on my room and talked a lot still, because my mum would be leaving the next morning (which was a Monday). So that Monday morning my mum came over again to my place and we talked and talked a lot, while we sat on the couch, waiting for the taxi to come and pick her up. It took aaaages until the taxi driver was there, because I felt so sad and alone already, while my mum was there and I kind of wanted to get it over with, so I could just go and do something to distract myself. Anyway, eventually the guy came, right on time, minute precise... I found it very hard to say goodbye to my mum and I had tears in my eyes, but managed not to cry. Only when she was gone I burst out in tears. Now that I have been alone these days I actually feel pretty good. I'm used to living on my own (have done so for 2 years) and there's Claudette and her daughter to talk to at home, so that's nice. And I've been meeting up with my friend a few times already. We went into the city centre just to look around and to get to know our way. Today I stayed at home, because I really needed to recharge. In order to do that I've been drawing and animating a bit, I've been Facebooking and I've read a bit in the book I still have to finish before starting uni. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with my friend again and we'll go to the Botanical Gardens and in the afternoon we'll go and see Guardians of the Galaxy, because I haven't seen that one yet and she found it awesome enough to watch it again. Friday I'm meeting up with another friend, whom I've known for 3.5 years but have never met, so that'll be interesting. Saturday I'm meeting up with my classmate/friend again, because there will be Elizabeth Extravaganza in the city centre AND there will be a ghost-walk. So the first week is a lot of fun and very interesting and casual so far. The 18th I'm going to the introduction day at the uni for international students and after that... We'll see. Hopefully I'll be able to update this log frequently, because I tend to forget about (b)logs. Whoops! But you'll definitely hear more from me, here. Cheerio!~ Here's some fancy building in Cambridge, some kind of college of the University of Cambridge, but I forgot which one. Sorry. xD I'm not studying there, though.

So I this will be my third challenge since returning to Nerd Fitness. I have learned a lot, met some awesome people (you know who you are), and all around have gotten back on track fitness wise. I have especially seen how much I have changed since the last time I used this site. While before I focused primarily on fitness goals, now they are such a big part of my life that it feels like cheating to include them as "goals". I have also learned a lot about what I need to focus on, so without further ado. Links to Quests Quest 1: Diet Quest 2: Maintenence Quest 3: Cardio Life Quest: Art, Writing, Word of the Day. Updates This section is all about updates, new goals, achievements, etc through the course of this challenge. Kind of like my epic side quests last time. So I will hopefully be joining a crossfit gym once I finish this round of YAYOG. Random Stuff... Side goals No games after 12PM (will be trying to push it back even farther)

Coming back from the depths of last challenge where I struggled to get back into gear, comes a new day where I'm ready to take on the next challenge! This time around I'm going to work on being consistent because looking back at the last challenge, I sucked at it immensely. Also, since my end goal is to ultimately learn parkour, I believe picking up the skill of consistency will help get me to my end goal. Challenge Objectives: Main Quest (overall) to learn Parkour (Current Challenge) To be consistent! Health Quest (+1 STR, +1 DEX, +1 STA) TMNT Workout (MWF) Running (T,TH)Side Quest: Eat a salad at least three times a week. Creative Quest (+3 WIS) Draw or paint at least once a week Write something (paragraph, journal entry, or something just to get my mind to loosen up a bit)Side Quest: Finish space paintings from last challenge (3) Life Quest (+1 CHA) get back into schoolget a job​Side Quest: Update challenge every friday Grading Health Quest: A - all five days within the week B - four days a week C - three days within the week D - two days within the week F - one day/No days at all. Creative Quest: ​Art A - Art for the week F - no art Writing A - writing all five days in the week B - four days C - three days D - two days F- one day/ no days Life quest Pass - if I get a job or get back into school ( no fail because getting accepted is totally out of my control) So I believe this isn't too much work for me to handle. I'm pretty good at keeping up with my workouts and I'm cutting back the salad because prices went up and I'm broke. The only things I'm truly worried about is the creative stuff because I'm lazy as hell, but having it to just be an open ended thing instead of something specific, it'll let my brain to relax a little. My mind works in mysterious ways so hopefully this will work. Also, I'm cutting back on my updates because it proved too much to do at one time, and since I'm focusing on being consistent, I'm going to try update every friday and use it as a recap and see how that works out. I also need to find a better grading system. This challenge is gonna be fun. I'm pretty happy about all the support I got last challenge and excited for everything that will happen during this one.

Fit Intro: As a kid, I sucked at everything sport related and was known at my school for failing almost every time on P.E. The last couple of years I have discovered that I actually do love to push my body, but that I'm not a fan of team sports. I love dancing, yoga and strength training(free weights and body weight). Nerd Life Intro: I recently graduated as an Android and Java Developer, but still taking on extra courses like JavaScript. Programming is computers + puzzles and therefor awesome. I love reading fantasy and scifi and playing RPG's like WoW and Divinity (it's Belgian!). Civ V is another favorite (and The Sims, but sssh). My gaming skills are not nearly what I want them to be but I enjoy myself. I also love drawing, painting (both mostly nudes) and spending way too much time on Tumblr. Main quest: A nicer face I have always had pretty problematic skin and it is mostly my own fault. I have troubles sitting still and one of the things I do is touch my face all of the time, this causes my skin to break out and off course I can't stay away from those spots either... The circle continues. count: 2 for CHA for progress Missions: Clean: Every morning I will clean my face with water and apply tonic and day cream. Every evening I will clean my face with coconut oil. count: 2 for STA for doing this every day Don't touch: I am only allowed to touch my skin when I'm doing one of the above routines. count: 3 for CON More new faces: Last New Year I got a large easel from my parents and although I choose this present myself it still hasn't left its' box. I love painting but I don't do it often enough and it's a shame. Therefor I challenge myself to make at least 3 new paintings on my easel in the next 6 weeks. count: 3 for WIS Life quest: Get a job and move out First job, then move out, so this mostly means applying for a lot of jobs, creating stuff to add to my resume and improving my skills count: 3 for CHA, 2 for looking for jobs, 1 if I actually get one Side quest: Create my own android app and publish it in the store I didn't finish it last challenge, so I'm doing this again. count: 2 point for WIS Motivation: I want to be amazed by what my body is capable of, what I am capable of. I want to proof that I am not lazy and that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. This will be a serious challenge of persistence but I like challenges! Why be less when you can be more? Important notes: "You tag this with fatloss but I see no fatloss related missions?" I am continuing this pvp and will post progress on that here as well."What about your flexibility? No more scary gifs?" I love training my flexibility but it is has become a habit instead of a challenge. When I post about what I did that day a report on my human snake progress and some gifs might still be included.

New Title - ChristArtist continues Losing It! For this challenge, here is my schedule: week 1 - pack and travel to Geogia; camp NF! VERY LITTLE COMPUTER TIME week 2 - explore the Atlanta area with Clarys(a nerdweek - would this be nerdlanta?). VERY LITTLE COMPUTER TIME week 3 - recover from a week and a half of massive fun - and prep for surgery, possibly epidural for low back, MAY BE ON THE COMPUTER week 4 - pre surgery stuff - clean and prep our RV and my food. MAY BE ON THE COMPUTER week 5 - neck surgery on the 13th - WILL NOT BE ON THE COMPUTER MUCH. week 6 - MAY COME ON TO CONGRATULATE EVERYONE. Main Issue? Lumbar epidural to reduce inflammation in my L5S1 area - Neck surgery - artificial disc replacement on Oct 13. I will not be allowed to swim for 3 weeks after the surgery - but, that will only be the last two weeks of the challenge - and I will revert to onland swimming stuff. Main Goal - for this challenge: Strengthen all the muscles surrounding the lumbar and neck regions prior to the surgery (approved by all doctors involved) - and maintain as clean a diet as possible - so that my body can heal up from the medicines as fast as possible. Build the strength in the main areas of my body so that I can do whatever presents itself after the surgery - and help to burn off the toxins and continue to lose weight for health. Here are my goals: One - paleo - clean - maintain the specials(frozen grapes, apple and 2 TB almond butter, veggies and hummus), and maybe even the blueberry crisp. I want to continue the whole30 path - paleo - and challenge some of the AIP items - slow and surely - I managed to fast on my birthday (with the detox shakes) - and this challenge is over before the Boston Spartan Nerdfest. no exceptions, week 1 only 1 exception - all breakfasts paleo, all snacks paleo, only one exception for a lunch or dinner - and no two in a row for week two - Atlanta. After that, only 1 exception per week, 3, 4, 5, 6 - not one meal - one exception. up to 3 CONstitution - this is critical for my liver health - which is critical for my future health - period. Two - water - I will need to maintain my water supply - so that I can keep hydrated with the travel - and maintain the benefits of my special water filter on my lymphatic system - but this is sort of a habit I need to maintain. I will continue to document it. Three - walk and swim and bike - I hope that I can maintain this - obviously not the swim after the surgery - WARNING! my new med release is for at least 30 min a day walking - 15 out, 15 back. Then, I can go swim - for the whole body exercise(I was not told how long to swim...hmmmm) - and I can add bike if I want to. I will try to keep this to some basic level - I need some sort of step ladder plan to move forward, even if slowly. As my friends know - I don't like slow! a. I want to follow http://beginningbare...ing-your-soles/ b. C25k? c. I want to swim. I'm looking for a swim program - http://swimming.abou...s_or_Yards_.htm d. I want to bike! - HITT on the gym's bikes? I want to say 6 workouts a week - but I'm not sure if I can do that. so - 3/7 per week or 18 workouts STA for endurance, DEX for speed up to 3 each. - this is critical for my mental and physical health, to strengthen before surgery, and to assist recovery after. I will try to figure out something for Bodyweight Brigade from Academy, and the workouts - but simple strength work is approved by my doctor - 10 minutes 5/7 days or 30 workouts up to 3 STR - I'm told that building the strength around the injuried areas will increase my prospects for positive outcome, as well as reduce the recovery issues. Four - read - paleo and motivational bios and such. 1 WIS point in each - Biography, Paleo Book, Study about training forms for Tri Five - paint - sketch - something. My daughter Rachel is the photographer - but I might even try some of that for ARTing this time. This is one that I have not figured out how to quantify - but I need to make some time per day to work on something - whether a gift, or a commission, or something to just feel good. I don't have anything cute to add here...I'm just here...holding on - and aiming to get through the next 6 weeks with the best possible health I can. Adding spirit challenge...bible study each day...book to be announced. Thanks to those that know me that gently reprimanded me. Thanks Tiggs! Side challenge - lose 20 pounds by Fenway - November15th. Down 10 since I started.

Okay so after taking a break from the last challenge, dealing with all annoying things that had happened during the summer, and trying to figure out what I want to do in life, I'm back for a new start at getting back to exercising (again) and attempting starting a healthy lifestyle (again) unlike all my failed attempts. This challenge, I'm going to try to keep it simple and not over crowd myself with everything that I want to do, but with two or three things that I can focus on for this challenge. Quest #1 Health For this challenge, I'm going to the Ninja Turtle Workout. I like it a lot because it already has a format, there is a lot to do, and seems pretty fun Then on the off days, I'm gonna go running with my friend to build endurance and to just keep my body moving. Also, because I finally have a running buddy and she also is trying to get back into shape, so it's a win-win. Here is what the schedule looks like: Monday: TMNT workoutTuesday: light runningWednesday: TMNT workoutThursday: light runningFriday: TMNT workoutWeekends: restSide Quest: Eat 1 bowl of salad a day. I wanted to work on my diet too, but changing it completely would be intense for me so I'm taking baby steps and possibly next challenge I'll work on my diet. Quest #2 Creativity? I don't know what to call this category so "creativity" is going to be the working title unless someone comes up with a better one or if I remember what this category was supposed to be called. I do these art projects called space painting that I've wanted to get better at because people have been asking me to make one for them, but I'm not confident enough to make ones that I'm happy to give away. Hopefully, I'll be able to use this challenge as an excuse to practice the art. Basically it's just everyday I work on only one skill for that week, and then just add on techniques as the weeks go by: Week 1: mountainsWeek 2: mountains and lakesWeek 3: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls,Week 4: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and other nature stuffWeek 5: buildingsWeek 6: ringsI know it looks like a lot, but it's really not, trust me. It's not like I'm starting from scratch, but more of using the challenge to help hone my skills to become better. Did I just repeat myself? yeah I probably did. Side Quest: complete five paintings by the end of the challenge. Ambitious I know, but I put it as a side quest so I don't have to stress over it as much. Quest #3 Life stuff The word "life" is so generic to use but it's late right now, and I can't think of a better word to use. Anyway, right now I'm pretty lazy when dealing with adulthood, so why not put it into the challenge so I can get off my ass and do something good while I have all this free time. Here is pretty much what I hope to accomplish: Get a jobMake moneyGet a PS4 before the new maps drop for Destiny (sometime around December) It would be a miracle to get a job within the month (at least this day in age), but I'm putting up because I have a bunch of apps I need to fill out and return and like I said before, I'm lazy so why not put an incentive in front of me? Side Quest: Finish cleaning out my room Also ambitious but at least with cleaning, I've learned you can get a lot done if you do a little bit at a time. Also helps with not being overwhelmed so much by everything. Alright! so that's pretty much what I'm gonna do this challenge which starts tomorrow. I have a really good feeling about this so wish me luck! Let me know if I'm being to ambitious or don't have enough stuff. Anything comments is welcomed and I can't wait for the start! P.S. anyone wanna help me with the stats? I have no idea how to assign points and stuff to my character and the forums confuse me a whole lot. Help is appreciated Grading Scale: Since I have three different quests with three side quests attached to it, I made separate scales because I'm crazy and If I'm not strict on myself, I won't do stuff. Quest 1: Health A- Five days a week B- Four days a week C- Three days a week D- Two days a week F- One day a week Quest 2: Creativity A- 4 days of skills B- 3 days of skills C- 2 days of skills D- 1 day of skills F- no art ever Quest 3: Life Pass: I get a job Fail: I don't get a job Side Quest #1 A- All 30 days B- 29 - 19 days C- 18 - 12 days D- 11- 0 days F- no days Side Quest #2 A- all 5 paintings B- 4 paintings C- 3 paintings D- 2 paintings F- no days Side Quest #3 Pass: Room is clean Fail: room not clean

I had been thinking about this challenge since week 3 of my last challenge. That was all before the news of the new Thor was announced. Now this challenge seems extremely apropos. BOOM! Let's get straight to the kicking of the ass, shall we? MAIN GOAL: REACHING ASGARD (PULL-UP!) I want to do a pull-up. It may not (will not) happen this challenge, but I really want to do one... at least one! FITNESS GOAL: LIFTING THOR'S HAMMER (pull-up progression) I'm following the NF Guide to Pull-Up Progression By the end of the last challenge I had started doing dumbell rows with my 25# kettle bell.... so I suppose they are kettle bell rows. I want to keep track of the progression of this exercise specifically. If I can consistently do 10 reps with the 25# I will move up to a heavier weight. I'm keeping it simple and focusing on this exercise specifically as well as more back exercises. I will allow myself to miss complete workouts, but I won't allow myself to not do 3 sets of KB rows. I'll also be tracking progress on assisted pull-ups. Currently I am using a chair and doing pull-ups with one leg on the chair. I also have resistance bands that will find their way into this progression sooooooon. DIET GOAL: PREPARING THE SHWARMA (batch cooking) If you have followed my journey you know that this is SUPER important to my goals and my overall sanity. I need to take time out of my schedule on weekends to prep food for the week. Then I can just grab things during the week, heat, and nomf. More time to wield my hammer and lay waste to ice giants. LIFE GOAL: BRING THE THUNDER (create, create, create) OK. Thor isn't the most artsy superhero so I wasn't quite sure what to title this one, so forgive me. I've been on a good tear of doing art things and being happy with just creating and making and putting awesome things into the world. So I will continue with this! I also am setting myself a challenging goal of creating a Thor costume/cosplay for Halloween. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I've never done any wearable art before so this will be a learning experience and super fun. I'll be doing something like that and I will post any progress photos made through the challenge. Speaking of progress I should really put some progress shots here, along with some beginning stats. I've been having trouble seeing any real change/progress lately and it has been making me rather gloomed, so I'll definitely keep a before and after for this challenge. Ooo and make a chart for the pull-up progress because charts are important.

I am heading to Camp! NerdFitness! So, the wheels on the bus go round and round...preparing me to be fit enough to participate at Camp NF! I have one serious issue that confronts me(only one?) artificial cervical disc replacement surgery on September 10th. The prognosis is that I will be able to participate, just not lift heavy things(oh, so sorry WildRoss and company!) or do crazy things like fly through the air (no zip line for me!) But any surgery result is better off with a healthy person going into it. The wheels are a set of various activities that I have collected that work with my various disabilities - For some of the break down, you can check out my notes in preparation for this challenge. I will create a set of cards and choose from them each day...and at the end of the week, I will have my totals. 1) Fitness Roulette Wheel - 6/7 20 min (2 Strength /2 Stamina/ 2 Dex) up to 2 STRENGTH - DO SOMETHING strong 3/7 DAYS up to 2 STAMINA - DO SOMETHING for 10 min 6/7 DAYS up to 2 DEXTERITY - DO SOMETHING flexible - 6/7 week - 1 each day That is 15 pts per week and 90pts per challenge 81-90pts= A, 72-80pts = B, 63-71pts = C 2) Reading/Encouraging Wheel - 6/7 20 min (2 Wisdom 2Charisma ) Reading Wheel: Wisdom one point for each item READ. one per week goal is 6 Breakdown would be 6pts =A, 5 pts = B, 4pts = C Community Wheel: Adventurers / Level 1s(Red Pill) / RPG one point per day, goal is 6 Breakdown would be 6pts =A, 5 pts = B, 4pts = C 3) Food- 6/7 (a cheat meal on day 7 maybe?) (+3 Constitution) log on MFP Diet - Paleo 6/7 days new Recipes - 1 each week 7pts/ week 42/ challenge 38-42=A, 33-37=B, 28-31=C MAIN QUESTS: Spiritual - reading my Bible Life Goal - A painting Weight Loss and increased functional strength. The one thing I'm not sure I want to see is this:

I love to one shot mages I love to two shot priests Umm no, I don't particularly like being 2-shotted in either pvp or pve... MAIN QUEST To create and enforce good habits that will help me reach success in my life and in my profession. Base RotationPoison Resistance/Energetic RecoveryPremeditation/Shadow FocusShadow DanceGold Quest BASE ROTATION +2 STA +2 DEX +1 STR 3-5 workouts/weekYoga, Stretching, BBWW, Biking, Pole Class/Jams, Yardwork/Heavy cleaning etcIntake Log (not really calculating this in grading. Using HabitRPG as dailies)First reason; I want to enforce the base rotation from last challenge as my default. These last two weeks have seen me forget to add my intake log but still manage 3-5 workouts. It's getting there. let's add another six weeks to cement it. Second reason; I feel good, sooo good, I fe~el GOOD! Ba, ba, ba, ba! Seriously though, this may be key to keeping my crohn's medication where it's at (or at least prevent me from taking humira or remicade... -shudders-). POISON RESISTANCE +3 CON / ENERGETIC RECOVERY +2 WIS Poison Resistance; Eat less take out.Energetic Recovery; 1 new recipe/week or 6 total for challenge 55%55% Poison Recovery - Reason; Last challenge showed me just how quickly I end up buying take out. It also showed me how many calories... Eww. By take out, I'm talking fast food. Sit down restaurants where I talk with friends/family and have a good time aren't what I'm aiming at. I'm talking the days I forget my lunch, need to grab something between work and pole class. Still debating on a way to grade this. Energetic Recovery - reason; To speed along Poison Resistance, let's try some new stuff! I want to test new things that I can bring for lunch/supper. I'm getting tired of some of my recipes (ie bacon wrapped chicken with cheese, homemade nuggets) so here we go PREMEDITATION +2 WIS / SHADOW FOCUS + 3 CHA Premeditation; One educational thing per week (podcast, tutorial, blogs, research)Shadow Focus; Draw/paint twice a week. Can double with tutorials (not podcasts or blogs)Reasoning; Collecting underpants and then using them I want to further both my professional career and also my personal projects. I failed this last challenge. It felt like a chore. I don't want it to feel like that. Instead of finished pieces, let's just focus on messing around and having fun and learning Hopefully that will help it become a habit and then I can build on it! These can carry on to another week as well. I want in total 6 educational things (or more) and 12 sessions of actually doing something. Reason I'm giving the option for this; I have a tendency to go on a bender when I really get going (like entire afternoon + evening benders). It's not fair if I do 12 hours one week and 0 the next because I've got other priorities that need to be addressed that week. We're building this one up very~ slowly. SHADOW DANCE Have Fun with Habit RPG. Use it for dailies (like logging breakfast/lunch/supper). Won't be counting on stats. Just gonna try to have fun with it and see if I like it. Save a tree while I'm at it (I use post-its out the wazoo for to-do lists ). GOLD QUEST Ongoing gold quest - Have all debts paid at the end of 2014. That means my car (progress in % bar in my signature) and my student loans (expected date OCT 2014). My Shadow Dance and Gold quests do not count for stat points. HabitRPG has its own lvl-ing system with its own rewards and is more of a curiosity at this point in time. My gold quest has its own rewards and is satisfying by itself so I don't need stat points as motivation for it. My focus this challenge is on the graded quests. MOTIVATION To feel better, more energetic and stronger. To lose weight to make learning new moves easier and fit in my old clothes. To help control my crohn's. To stop collecting underpants and ACT on my dreams.

Do you have a creative quest among your challenge goals? Then join this ragtag, eccentric group of nerds to level up your health and fitness habits and your creativity. Sure, that's a lot of balls to juggle over the course of six weeks, but it's a lot easier and more fun when you've got buddies! YOU are invited to join The Renaissance Rebels for fitness, fun, creativity, and camaraderie! You can check out previous Renaissance Rebels challenge threads: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. If it looks like fun, signup on the Cross Guild page and post a reply below to introduce yourself. We're happy to have you!

Work in Progress! I always over commit with my goals, but I need to follow my enthusiasm and see what happens and whittle it down as things progress. Challenge 6 Developing Blissapline Blissapline Gratitude Statement; daily Blind Contour drawings; daily Yoga; daily: spine warm up and three sun salutations Mediation: Osho meditations and Alpha beats Weight lifting; 2-3 x week Work goals Prezi art history presentations; I want to have Prehistory, African, Southeastern and Ancient Mediteranean Art completed this month School prep: Complete all class syllabi by September 1 Hair experiments I have very fine hair. Shampoo makes my hair too clean. One day without washing my hair it becomes greasy and limp. I have tried various "no poo" approaches. So I am trying brushing techniques and "Morocco Method" Skin and diet are under control and will always be a work in progress. I just can't eat nuts or ice cream and the more I avoid sugar and breads the better I feel.

Do you have a creative streak? Do you plan to have a creative life quest among your challenge goals once you graduate from Level One? Become an apprentice in the Renaissance Rebel Atelier and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow apprentices and the mentorship of experienced RenRebs! YOU are invited to join The Renaissance Rebel Apprentices for fitness, fun, creativity, and camaraderie! You can check out previous Renaissance Rebels challenge threads: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. If it looks like fun to you, sign up to be an apprentice on the Level One page and post a reply below to introduce yourself. We're happy to have you!

I am going to start this battle log - but I am going to put here my previous battles. I need a place where I can put my story all in one place...which is what I think is the purpose of BattleLogs. But, here is one of my inspirations, sent to me by TennisGeek:

Well helloooooo there, NerdFitness! Yep, I’m a little late to the party this time around, but I’m ready for another challenge! This last week has been chock-full of work panic, ending in the massive and glorious panic that is a Comic Con… so, I just decided to start a week late. But here we go! I have focused on some gentle, frequent goals over the last couple challenges, but I’m going to kick my training up a notch and see how it goes. After all, I’m getting out of the newb zone, and there’s no telling what’s in that tall grass! Goal 1: Super Training Well, it’s that time again where I’ve got to be putting on some weight, according to the doctors. Fortunately though, my body fat is at a high enough percentage that I don’t have to worry about increasing that too much, so I’m going to get back to trying to build a bit of muscle! My gym doesn’t have barbells, but I’m going to try and stick to a dumbbell routine. Everyone tells me consistency is key, which I have trouble with; I don’t enjoy weightlifting. But I need to gain mass, and I’m kind of over increasing my BF %. I'm thinking of going off of the routine suggestion I found here: Dynamite Dumbbell Workouts. So- Lift weights 4x per week. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Goal 2: Mediation Training Continuing on with this one! But instead of my 10 minutes a day, I’m bumping it up to 15 minutes. Time to get those stamina stats up! Meditate for 15 minutes, every day. Also, keep up with my meditation instructor, have at least two meetings. Goal 3: Art Master Training Of course, it wouldn’t be a ‘Master Quest’ without my favorite training challenge! I do this last Life Goal in every one of my Master challenges. It's a long process! This has expanded to include anything that increases my ability to be awesome in art, design, or my job (promotional design). So it could be tutorials, sketching, reading books on marketing, doing industry research… basically anything that’s going to help me level up! Train in art/design/promo for 1 hour every day. That about sums it up for this challenge! Sketches will be coming soon. I can’t stand this post looking so un-artsy, I simply can’t. Also yes, I did my classic Catwoman thing last weekend, and it was super awesome. Pics to come. ;D

Challenge number three, take two! I bailed out halfway through my last challenge, but I don’t regret it. My mental health was not in a good place, and the challenge had become Just One More Thing. I cut out as many of those as I could, and it definitely helped. I’m in a much better place now—winter is over; I changed jobs to one that not only pays me more, and is challenging while still important, but also lets me work with friends; and we got a new dog. Not having a dog around has messed with me since our previous dog died last year. Not that these changes didn’t bring stresses of their own—I’m halfway through 12 weeks of intensive training at the new job, and the dog has heartworm and is on his third week (of eight) of prednisone and very restricted exercise. But overall things are settling into a new normal, and I feel like I can turn my attention back to fitness. Main Quest: Build habits to reduce stress and get fit. Currently I’m walking on my 15 minute breaks, always taking the stairs (I work on the third floor), packing a healthy lunch, and making a healthy breakfast smoothie (nonfat greek yogurt, a cup of nut milk, a cup+ of frozen and/or fresh fruit, and one packet of milled flax seed). These are all habits I’ve formed, and they’re sticking with me even when I’m not doing a challenge. But they’re all habits that are triggered only on days I go to work. In my previous challenges, I would get things done, but never built new habits except for when NOT doing things (like avoiding potato chips or fried food). I’d get the activity done at some point because “I have to do my challenge for today,†and as soon as the six weeks were over, I stopped doing the activity. Therefore, this time I’m focusing on building habits (if I don’t have to think about doing it, it’s way less stressful) and finding things I enjoy doing and will look forward to. The key will be finding the right triggers. In order to facilitate building the habits, I'm not worrying about duration too much for this challenge. Goal #1: Jump rope at least 2 mins a day, three days a week (MWF) I have wanted to take up jogging, but haven’t done it for various reasons, some of which are health-related. But I recently read an article on jumping rope, which indicated you can burn more calories in less time while still getting the bone-density benefits of running. Plus it’s fun, portable, and I can do it indoors or outdoors without having to worry about sun exposure or stranger danger. (Way back in the when, my husband and I signed up for a gym, and the trainer was taking us around and showing us the equipment. He pointed out the treadmills dismissively, adding, “I don’t know why anyone uses those rather than just running outside.†To which I replied, “Because in here there are lights and cameras and people, and I don’t have to worry about getting attacked and raped if I can’t find anyone to go running with me at night.†From the startled look the guy gave me, this had obviously never occurred to him.) Trigger: I have a couple ideas, which I will try and see what works best. I may do this in the morning after taking care of the animals but before my shower. Or, I may just take the jump rope to work with me. I get to work early most days, so I may just jump rope in the parking lot, or possibly the basement. However, I'm hoping to eventually expand this time into a longer workout, so fitting it into home time would probably be best. Goal #2: Handstands for at least 2 minutes a day, two days a week If I’m making a trigger for jumping rope three days a week, then I need to make sure I have some fitness thing I’m doing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or that trigger is just not going to take. Whatever trigger works for jumping rope, I can use for handstands on the off days. I love handstands, and I'm still not doing them regularly. I just don't think about it. Nail those to a trigger and I might just do them every day. (First things first, though.) Goal #3: Meditate 2 minutes every morning Despite having a meditation goal in every challenge so far, I have never developed an actual daily habit of practice. Trigger: After the morning routine of taking care of the animals, showering, packing lunch, and making my breakfast smoothie, I will take said breakfast smoothie into the sunroom, shut the door, and sit quietly for two minutes. This will also hopefully have the added benefit of reminding me to make breakfast on the weekends (see side goal). Life Goal: Be artsy! I don’t make time to be creative, other than writing, and like anything else I feel like I “should†do or “need†to do, writing has become a chore. So it’s not in this list. Instead, I will do something creative or artsy every week, purely because I think it would be fun. I have two Paint Nites scheduled, some jewelry I want to make, unfinished cross-stitch and embroidery, a paint-by-number I haven’t started, and some cook books I’ve been browsing. I also want to have the husband hook the Playstation back up so I can play Rock Band. I miss singing. I’ve also been meaning to make a playlist of songs I love to sing along to. Side Goal: Breakfast on Weekends I don’t eat breakfast on the weekends. Sometimes I don’t even eat lunch. This is bad. SCORING: Goal #1: 6 weeks of 3 sessions is 18 sessions. (+2 STA) A = 18, B = 16, C = 13, D = 9. I’m not accepting anything less than half. Goal #2: 6 weeks of 2 two sessions is 12 sessions. (+1 STR, +1 DEX) A = 12, B = 10, C = 8, D = 6. I’m not accepting anything less than half. Goal #3: 6 weeks of 7 meditations is 42 meditations. (+2 WIS) A = 42, B = 35, C = 28, D = 21. I’m not accepting anything less than half. Life Goal: Once a week for six weeks is six activities. (+2 WIS) A = 6, B = 5, C = 14, D = 3. I’m not accepting anything less than half. Diet Side Goal: 6 weeks of 2 instances is 12 instances (+2 CON) A = 12 or less, B = 13-15, C = 16-17, D = 18. Once again I'll be keeping track via this handy template: Jump Rope - 0/3 - 0/3 - 0/3 - 0/3 - 0/3 - 0/3 - 0/18 Handstands - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/12 Meditate - 0/7 - 0/7 - 0/7 - 0/7 - 0/7 - 0/7 - 0/42 Be Artsy! - 0/1 - 0/1 - 0/1 - 0/1 - 0/1 - 0/1 - 0/6 Breakfast - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/2 - 0/12

Back for my 5th?!?! challenge. Time flies when you are searching for gifs on the internet. Getting back to ass-kickery on this challenge. Fitness (+3 STR) ♦ 20 consecutive push-ups Is this crazy? I don’t know. I set high goals for myself and I can usually reach them. So I figure I’ll set the push-up mark high to really “push” myself. I’m going to steadily increase the amount of push-ups that I do day-to-day. (+3 DEX) ♦ Interval sprints once a week. Self-explanatory. Diet (+2 CON +1 CHA) Grilling outside at least once a week (may be modified) I love grilling in nice weather. This might not be much of a challenge, but it will provide me with Vitamin D and delicious meats for devouring. Paleo/Primal eating has become a no-brainer, so this quest is more to get me outside more. Perhaps I will add some different objectives like grilling seafood or finding/making a smoker. We will just have to see where this quest takes us. Life (+2 STA +1 STA) Wake-up at 430am Some may think this is crazy. Most people will think this is crazy. I have to wake up at 5am to get to work on time, but I would like to wake up a little bit earlier to start the day with exercise/stretching. I’ll try to wake up at 430 Monday – Saturday. Keeping Sunday for a rest day… just as the lord intended. (+2 WIS +1 CHA) resume, portfolio site, job hunting This is boring stuff, but stuff I need to take the time to do. I don’t see a lot of growth potential at my current workplace and I am not doing exactly what I want to be doing. It is time to get the ball rolling on this task. Side Quests (+3 DEX) I kind of stole this idea from ApfelStrudi. Variety is the spice of life, so I would like you (my friends) to give me side quests. This can be anything. I’m not scared. I will however make a request that my bendy friends challenge me with bendy things, because I am so very un-bendy. Click on the icon and it should take you to the Google Doc Reward: Sword! time to slay some dragons!

Hello Druid guild! I'm Leo, and I believe I've been here briefly before; but today I'm settling down in the forest to journey with you guys! I'm carrying my challenge theme over from my last one, which is namely my Master Quest challenge. My Master Goal is the same, but my others have taken a bit of tweaking- I've been really interested in yoga and meditation for a long time now, but I'm ready for them to take a spotlight in the wellness part of my life, instead of a sidebar! I'm a newbie at all of this, so I'm really looking forward to learning more. Without further ado- my Pokemon-ified challenge goals, (what better theme for a master quest?) complete with silly doodles. Of course the doodles are a must. I'm that kid just noodling away in the margins of my class notes, I can't stop! Goal 1: Mindful Training Mindfulness training (meditation) is something that I got into last year when learning how to best manage stress and unpleasant thoughts I was having. It really made an impact on me, and it's something I want to continue deeper with. I'm managing 10 min a day, but I'm not very consistent, and want to progress more. I plan on finding a mentor during this challenge! But, I think a regular, daily practice is an essential habit to build. Target: Meditate for 10 minutes per day. Score out of 42 +4 WIS, +1 STA Goal 2: Limber Training A goal I'm carrying over from my last challenge (and from before that as well) is stretching for 15 minutes a day. Doesn't matter how, just doing it is important! I was very humbled in a yoga class over the Christmas season when I was the least flexible member of the class (and of my family), and realized I simply didn't want it to be that way. I do yoga at home on occasion (when I make the time), and want to continue getting bendier! Plus, I'm cosplaying as Catwoman this June. A Catwoman who can't bend and stretch is no proper Catwoman at all. Target: Stretch 15 minutes a day Score out of 42 +3 DEX, +1 STA, +1 CON Master Goal: Artistic Training Ahh, the grandaddy goal of them all! This goal is the Life Quest fulfiller that was the focus of my last challenge (and will be for all the Master Quest themed challenges I do). I'm a visual designer by trade, and I wouldn't want it any other way; the only thing I would like to change, is I would like to improve! The goal is to spend one hour a day doing something that furthers my career in a design, artistic or business sense. I have a full-time gig as a video game graphic artist, so extra practice on top of the work I do is daunting. But, I'm determined! Target: Practice art/design for 1 hour a day Score out of 42 +2 WIS, +2 CHA, +1 STA I do have this awful habit of thinking 'oh sure, I'll update today!' thing, and then poof, half the challenge is done and I never get on NF. SO- Mini-Challenge: Updates! I solemnly swear, if I update every day, I will buy myself a lovely meditation cushion at the end of this challenge. :3 So my little throw pillow can have its life back on my bed where it belongs! Anyways, I'm really excited to be testing out my new Druid moves, and I'm looking forward to the next six weeks! Good luck everyone!

Do you have a creative quest among your challenge goals? Then join this ragtag, eccentric group of nerds to level up your health and fitness habits and your creativity. Sure, that's a lot of balls to juggle over the course of six weeks, but it's a lot easier and more fun when you've got buddies! YOU are invited to join The Renaissance Rebels for fitness, fun, creativity, and camaraderie! You can check out previous Renaissance Rebels challenge threads: 1, 2, 3, and 4. If it looks like fun, signup on the Cross Guild page and post a reply below to introduce yourself. We're happy to have you!

Hello, my name is Nory. This is my first challenge, my sister finally convinced me to do it. In 2012 I lost about 12kg, so I'm no stranger to a healty lifestyle. In the past two years I gained about 20kg (44lbs). I went from being fit to couchpotato. While I ate my sandwiches and pasta, surfing the interwebs, I learned more about nutrition and working out (ah, irony). That means I'm not at my heaviest, but also most educated. I'm also trying to graduate highschool and get into the art school of my choice. Main Goal My main goal is becoming a better version of my old self (does that make sense?). That means getting back to my old weight and maintianing a fit and healthy life style in a smarter way than before. Goal 1: eat healthy I'm trying to do as much mealprepping as I can. Luckily, my sister is 100% on board with me. I really want to stay sane as possible about my eating, if I want a cookie, I'll have a cookie. I just won't have ten cookies. Goal 2: work out Go to the gym 2 times a week and go for a run once a week. Goal 3: get enough sleep I'm a zombie when I get less than eight hours of sleep, so the goal is to sleep 8+ hours. Life goal: draw Since my sister bought a scanner, I'll make one drawing on paper and one digital drawing each week. I'll post them here!

Hi crew! My name is Lyra, and I'm trying to find a little structure for the huge pile of things I do. In particular, I want to automate my good habits so that when a particular project consumes me, the rest of my Good Things continue at maintenance mode/autopilot instead of being dropped. I don't really know RPGs (except HabitRPG, which I do with my housemate), and the last time I was active on forums was during highschool... So I'm not sure how to attack this. Halp? Stats: 24 San Francisco, CA, United States 5'1" 135 lbs 16% BF I'm an aerialist (mostly hoop), amateur contortionist/handbalancer, and casual traceur. I habitually do other sports like rock climbing, hiking, and martial arts as part of my social life. I'd like to lose weight, including muscle mass from my pole vaulting legs. I've been using plyometrics for this, and they've been working to some degree. Other goals are increased flexibility, stamina, and grace. I'd like to be Mrs. Emma Peel, when I grow up. I live in a wonderful warehome with aerial and acrobatic equipment, so bodyweight exercises are my favorite. Pleasure to make your acquaintance! Lyra

Do you have a creative quest among your challenge goals? Then join this ragtag, eccentric group of nerds to level up your health and fitness habits and your creativity. Sure, that's a lot of balls to juggle over the course of six weeks, but it's a lot easier and more fun when you've got buddies! YOU are invited to join The Renaissance Rebels for fitness, fun, creativity, and camaraderie! (Plus a puzzle, if you are so inclined.) The new addition for our fourth challenge: A Renaissance-themed puzzle to solve, where the completion of a series of short, fun, fitness and/or creative mini-challenges unlock the clues. You can check out previous Renaissance Rebels challenge threads: 1 and 2 and 3. If it looks like fun, signup on the Cross Guild page and post a reply below to introduce yourself. We're happy to have you!

Hey Nerdlings. I'm currently trying to teach myself to draw with the aim of producing a readable web comic. I love comics and this is a definite "do that which you love," thing. I'd like to think I'm a decent writer but I am abysmal at drawing (having developmental fine motor control problems doesn't help). So I'm slowly teaching myself to draw, starting with human figures as well as find a relatively clean if not super realistic style. I'm also quite indecisive and cannot decide what to draw so I'm letting the internet decide for me. I'm asking for suggestions of things to draw. Preferably people. These can be pre existing characters or ideas for them ( "Draw me a ninja Pirate" "Draw my NF persona," etc.) I'm allowed to say no if I'm not familiar with them or they're just too damn hard but I'll endeavour to post them here and at kingclumsy.tumblr.com. They will (at first) suck lots, but I'll do my best. I've got one request from a rollergirl friend of mine to draw Buffy so far Get requesting. Thanks in advance

BATWOMAN: ZERO YEAR Welcome back my pretties. So... last challenge... last challenge was a challenge. I did not do as well as I might have liked. I was prepared to battle Mr. Freeze, but unfortunately it was Calendar Man that really did me in. Well, you will not get me next time Calendar Sch-man, because 2013 was my time to learn of your cruel ways and 2014 is when I will slap you in your smug face. So watch out... I'm coming. I spent a lot of time at the end of the year and during my time off reflecting on myself and what this year has been for me. I spend a lot of time looking forward and what I need to do and I don't really ever take a lot of time to feel good about what I've done. I felt like a complete slob around the holiday because I wasn't keeping on diet, but then I got a load of compliments from family that I am looking the best that they have ever seen me. I've also inspired my close family into changing their diets to become healthier. While yes it feels good to be told that you look good. It is more important to me to inspire my family to live longer and healthy lives. At the beginning of 2013 I did not write down any resolutions, but I remember the two biggest things that I wanted to accomplish were 1. losing weight and 2. leaving my miserable job for a better and higher paying job. I accomplished both of those things. At the start of 2013 I probably weighed around 210 and the last time I checked the scale I was at 185-ish. I don't dread going to work anymore and hey I can actually cover all of my bills and save money... w00t! Right there that would be enough to call 2013 a success, but then on top of that I got a motorcycle license that I had always talked about getting and I started playing ice hockey. I started 2 blogs. I continued a podcast here and there. 2013 was the year that I think I'm finally realizing that I don't need to chase approval from anyone but myself. I can only control what I do. I can only love those who want to be open to receive it and give it back. Having perspective and knowing that makes life a lot simpler and me a lot happier. That all being said (and I went on quite a tangent), I feel like 2014 is my jumping off point. This is the year that I shed everyone's expectations and stop chasing what I should do, and start becoming who I am. Alright enough of this cliche start of the year sense of rejuvenation and get on to the challenge... shall we? MAIN GOAL Alright... I'm going to say that I have a problem with just main goal. I have many goals and they range from short-term to long-term. I need to have something to look forward to and aspire to get to, the long-term. I also need something to focus and accomplish every day, the short term. So I'm going to be a rebel and break down my main goal. Day-to-Day: Be as proficient as possible with the time I am allotted in a day. Do not waste time on not getting better or accomplishing. Challenge: Lose 5 lbs. Year 2014: There is a better, leaner, smarter, wiser me at the end of this year. I have a hokey analogy that I've been thinking of at the beginning of 2014 and here it is: each year is like a mountain and you can either spend each day sitting on your butt at the bottom or you can spend each day slowly scaling the mountain. Then at the end of the year you're either looking up at where you could be or you are at the top looking at where you were. I want to look back at where I was. FITNESS Walking 4 hours per week (5 STA) I'm going back to basics this challenge. If you check out the Primal Fitness Blueprint the base of the "fitness pyramid" is to move frequently at a slow pace. This also goes conveniently hand in hand with NAG 42s trek to Mordor, so I could not pass up on this fitness goal. I'm also looking to do less impact stuff because a large part of this time of year is going to be spent towards being a good housewife, but that comes later 20 push-ups in a row Lifting heavy things is the next element of the fitness pyramid, but I will not have time to devote towards full scale work outs. I'm going to look towards building strength through push-ups with the end goal being 20 in a row. I had a PVP with MDowning that kind of got forgotten about unfortunately, stupid calendar man. I think it will be best for me to work on form and try to get stronger with push-ups from week to week. I'm not putting points towards this because it is not my main fitness goal. Stretching Needs to happen. Self explanatory. Not a main goal, but important for recovery and keeping sane during tax season. DIET 100% Paleo (5 CON) Maybe this is crazy, but I don't care. The fact is that when I eat gluten or I eat processed foods I feel like poo. No more holidays to worry about, so no excuse. Then the sub challenge to this challenge is devoting a large portion of my weekend to batch cooking and keeping Jenn fed at all times. I don't have to be there to feed Jenn, but I have to make sure there is food in the fridge that she can just pop in the microwave to eat when she gets home from a long day of work. If not, I am gambling with keeping my face on my face. I want her to eat well and not have to rely on fast food to fill her belly. LIFE Releasing my inner Alfred (WIS 3, CHA 2) January to April 15th when you live with an accountant that works in a small firm is to put it lightly... a challenge. My lovely would be wife works 10 - 12 hour days 7 days a week. She busts her butt and I know that it is my responsibility to work as hard at home so she has no stresses when she walks through our front door. So I am harnessing my Alfred skills... not like Michael Cain Alfred.. while great in his own way he is not badass. I'll be like Earth One Alfred; ex-British-Intelligence secret hero that puts everything into assisting the superhero. Batman could not be Batman without Alfred. It's fact. I still need to make a cleaning schedule, but I see myself coming home from work and spending a few hours either cleaning or cooking or whatever until Jenn gets home. The overall goal is to keep the house clean, clothes washed, dishes done, and food made. Drawing I've already made a goal for the year to draw every day. I started a "don't break the chain" calendar. Four days in and the chain is still going, so we will keep it going but I will not tie any points to this goal. It is just something I need to do to become a better artist. Savings Ok. I don't tend to waste a whole lot of money, but ya know... comics... video games. I really need to save money for certain things. The first being a flight to Portland in September. The second being a new PC. I've already started saving $50 per paycheck and putting it into a savings account. I also have not spent any of my Christmas money. So I just need to keep this trend going and buy my plane ticket by the end of this challenge. MOTIVATION If it was easy then everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it worth while. reward: wacom tablet for digital painting/drawing.

This will be my first official challenge at Nerd Fitness; I've been waiting for this since I signed up 6 weeks ago! I could have jumped straight into the previous challenge but at the time my motivation was running on fumes so I thought I'd ease into it before tackling anything scary like a real challenge. Gotta complete the tutorial before playing the game! The challenge doesn't start for another couple of days which will give me time to nut out the details, but I'm not too worried about stat points at this point because hell, I'm level 0. Just getting to level 1 will be a big deal! But I want to be able to give myself an actual mark because I think it will help me find out what I need to work on, and then I get to win points! (do the thing! win the points!) And I will know what to work on for next time. "But wait, what do you mean by 'attempt at total control?'" Well, I'm glad you asked. While I have been getting my health back in order these last few weeks, my brain has been functioning well enough to realise that I could be doing so much better in other parts of my life then I am and I've known about these issues for a while, but have lacked any sort of drive to do anything about it. I have no intention of throwing myself into the deep end, (this would end up in me flailing about and probably drowning in failure) but I need to start somewhere, and at least if I'm winning points for doing things then I might just! I also want to keep my general fitness improving, so my main quest is still diet-related, but I find it harder to keep my diet on track then delegate time for workouts. (I'm casually employed have time slots around everything I do where I can work out, but I hate cleaning my kitchen so cooking gets left behind when I run out of forks!) SO, without further ado, I give to you, nerds and nerdettes, my sparkly new challenge to start off this year the right way. Get as close to 15% body fat by attempting to eat totally Paleo. (6pts available) Starting Body Fat: 21% Having a number to work down to will be good motivation for me to stick with eating properly. My motivation for joining originally was a lack of happiness in the way I looked, but since I've been following the Rebel Fitness Guide I've reached a point I'm quite pleased with, so I had to think of something else to keep me going. There are still parts of my figure that will benefit greatly from this, and I want to see my abs. I will get a point for every percentage point dropped at the end of the challenge. So, my plan for doing this is; Eat Paleo 3 meals a day 7 days a week (126pts availble) Doesn't get much simpler then that! Cooking has never been a problem for me, I quite enjoy it, but meals need to be easy and quick and not involve a hundred different bowls to create. And paleo, in this instance. Also, I have struggled fitting in breakfast so I'm just going to have to start getting up earlier if it becomes a problem. I score a point every time I eat a paleo breakfast, lunch or dinner. Paleo snacks are worth no points, but I shall deduct a point every time I have a non-paleo snack! I'll try to keep a running tally during the challenge. Find and cook at least one new paleo recipe a week. (6pts available) Pretty self-explanatory; I'm used to cooking with a lot of pastry and cream and flour, and I need to be more creative. At least this way I can explore different things and find new things that myself and my Love will eat. He's coming around slowly but he still likes bread and pie and ice cream. I mean, so do I but my hips don't. One point every time I find and cook a new recipe, but only one point can be earned a week. I might even link and photo in my efforts if I'm feeling like sharing that day! LIFE QUEST: Invite more nature and art into my life. My last year was full of overworking, underachievement and a lot of "I'll do that one day" And I'm sick of hearing it from myself and everyone I know. Ultimately I would like to be doing a job that I love that always changes and I can use my natural flair for creativity and fun to do something awesome, as well as having an adventurous and fulfilling out-of-work life, but ever since finishing my diploma in media I have worked in the same cafe and played the same games and listened to the same music, and used the same excuses to not venture outdoors. Short term, I want to work less, create more, and enjoy the beautiful part of the world that I live in. Putting it on here makes it real and official, and I get to win more points!! A. One detailed artistic work a week, any medium (6pts available) Simple. I have a variety of hobbies, and never do any of them. I'll just pick one each week and go for it! I have to get at least 50% of the way through whatever I choose to do though, no planning things and not following through. B. Go somewhere I haven't been before (6pts available) Again, easy, but something I rarely do. I might even combine the two and go somewhere and work on something. MOTIVASHUNZ Lately I have ben feeling very stifled by real life; work and bad habits bind me into a destructive cycle of not eating properly or not moving around enough and they are the two problems I really need to fix, but I also need to be able to say "no more." I don't need to take every single shift that work throws at me, I could be doing fun things. And I don't get out enough. I also want to have things to talk about when I actually catch up with other humans instead of "yeah, we sat at home and watched tv..." I will keep a daily log of my eating and creative habits, and probably how much exercise I do too (I'm followng the rebel fitness guide and intend to jump from Rookie to Recruit at some point during this challenge.) because that's what I've been doing already. Total points available: 150. (hey! That worked out nicely!) A: 95% B: 80% C: 65% D: 50% F: 35% Phew! That was a lot of info at once, sorry! Anyway, this doesn't start until the 6th, so until then I'll continue updating my Battle Log until then.

Work in Progress Storyline to be inserted here My commitment for 2014 is to participate in seven consecutive NF challenges with the following definite aim: To overcome my current limitations (physical disability, bad habits, faulty beliefs and attitudes) and attain a high level of fitness and a healthy body weight, through a strategic combination of healthy eating, targeted physical activity, and systems design. ~ My Aim is Driven by My Motivation ~ I resolve to not die with my best dreams and work still inside me For I can bring beauty, joy, and healing into the world through my art, music, and writing ~ To accomplish My Aim, I must pursue My Main Quest with drive, determination, and discipline ~ "I am as unstoppable as the Shadow Lion!" This is my new battle cry when tempted to skip training, indulge in sugary foods, or slack on my practicing... Day by day, I plan to gamify my challenge and draw inspiration from the best qualities of my hero and literary creation, Ariel ha' Cathach, the "Shadow Lion." This will be a year of modeling my fitness, health and creative pursuits on that "ranger's ranger" who's kickass fit, doesn't take "No" or "You can't" for an answer, never gives up on her main objective, and always, always, always follows her heart. She is utterly committed to her friends and family, and believes in herself and her mission. Exactly how I want to be when I grow up! To achieve my goals, I have broken everything down into SMART goals with scoring in a detailed, and rather lengthy, Plan of Action to be posted in my Battle Log. A summary of the key components follows: 1) Eat Right, Lose Weight CON-4 FOOD SUCCESS PLAN 1 ) Accountability - Log, photos, measurements. 2 ) Specific Tactics - Plan meals, try new recipes, batch cook and make ahead. 3 ) Disaster Management - Carry food with me when on the road, have some planned "free meals," go for 80/20 clean/free. I am not setting a goal that defines a certain number of pounds or percent body fat to lose this challenge. Those have not been helpful and I do not know yet how my body will react to my new crossfit regimen. Instead, I am going to trust that behavior changes will move me closer to my ultimate goals and see how far those will take me this challenge. I do have a long-term goal in mind, but will wait and gather information before considering a new deadline. 2) Become a sleek, strong, and supple ranger with lots of stamina STR-1 STA-3 DEX-1 FITNESS SUCCESS PLAN 1 ) Accountability - Log, class/coach/crossfit 2 ) Habit Reinforcement - Workouts at regular times and places, daily mobility work 3 ) Recovery - Keep to sleep schedule and get enough protein and calories overall, keep perspective and don't over load 3) Build effective, efficient, and sustainable systems to achieve my goals WIS-2 CHA-1 BASIC SYSTEMS SUCCESS PLAN 1 ) Accountability - Participate actively in the Renaissance Rebels accountabilibuddy team 
2 ) Productivity - Continue my solutions from previous challenges on a daily basis, use checklist/spreadsheet for tracking, create larger strategic framework, use various methods as needed to maintain focus and keep stress in check 3 ) Disaster Management - Create a written fallback plan with creative solutions for tough times. Front load challenge activities early in the day and the week. Fall down seven times, get back up eight. 4 ) Evaluate & Iterate - Track progress daily, evaluate progress weekly. Reward good behavior; learn from the bad. Notice what promotes good behavior - do more of that! 4) 


Level Up Life Goal(s)
 WIS-2 CHA-1 CREATIVITY SUCCESS PLAN 1) Art - Start and complete drawing for mom's birthday. 2) Craft - Finish knitting projects already started and not done (socks, shrug, pillow). Post progress pics. 3) Music - 
Practice regularly (still determining amount and pieces). Complete the goal started challenge-before-last: Learn one new (or complete one "half-done but abandoned") song per instrument and have each memorized and performance-ready by end of challenge. The songs don't have to be long or terribly advanced repertoire, but they do have to engage my interest and be something that would be pleasing to an audience. Guitar, Harp, Violin, Piano, Voice (may double with one of the other instruments). 
Share with accountabilibuddies. 4) Writing - WRITE. Write a lot. Write at least 20 minutes a day, 6 days per week, even if crazy busy, tired, don't feel like it, blocked, yada, yada, yada. Then write some more. Preferably on the novel, but personal journal counts, too. Write 18,000 words by the end of the challenge.
 The specific, measurable steps that correspond to the above goals and objectives (as detailed in my Battle Log) will be graded with the standard A, B, C, D, or F system using the usual percentages.