Search the Community

What do you mean I haven't done a Dresden Files-themed challenge yet?! This must be remedied immediately! Harry Dresden is one of my favorite fictional protagonists--and probably many of yours as well. For me, he's right up there with Cordelia Naismith-Vorkosigan (and of course her son Miles), William T. Riker, Wesley Wyndham-"Badass"-Price, and a couple others. So, let's look at the theme for this challenge: FORZARE! After I (hopefully) remove the car blockade from my brainpower this week, I plan on beginning to train up this summer. I want to push the boundaries of my fitness level to places I didn't even achieve last year. I've been training Kung Fu, but I have not really been putting in the true discipline required to become an actual monk... which I have decided I really want to be. However, life can't be all physical training. Especially for me, because my brain just doesn't stop. So, I thought I'd pick a theme that still requires a lot of training and discipline, both physical and mental, to achieve top performance. So, the next four weeks are going to be laying the groundwork and building up some REAL FORCE. I need to build up three things over the course of this challenge. 1) STRENGTH. It's time for some foundational strength training. For me, this is going to be kettlebell-based in addition to my regular Kung Fu training. After a conversation with Sempai @Kishi in my last thread, I've gained some new insights into my past mistakes with this particular item. I really think it's the right thing to supplement my martial arts, but I need to do it right and stop hurting myself/making myself sick by overtraining. So we're going to be doing some nice light play with the kettlebell these next four weeks, really starting to build the all-around strength that a wizard/monk really needs. When you're trying to escape a giant chlorofiend like the ones in my backyard, it's good to have the strength & stamina to actually outrun them if you can't beat them outright. 2) FLEXIBILITY. Much of my martial arts is currently limited by my tight, tight muscles, ligaments and tendons. My flexibility has improved markedly over the last two years, but I'm still constrained by my legs particularly. If I want to land those tornado kicks and start looking really good with my Northern Shaolin style, it's time to really stretch out and start getting myself toward real flexibility. After all, how am I ever going to PARKOUR!! like Harry without being able to actually get my legs up over the obstacles? 3) MENTAL DISCIPLINE. This is required for both wizardry and ass-kicking, both of which Harry is particularly good at. Continuing from last challenge's theme, I'm going to continue meditating until I'm comfortable with 10 minutes at a time again. I've been doing well at 5 and it even seems a little short, so moving toward 10 is really where I want to be now. Also, it helps my sanity, my mood and my concentration. BONUS: Read The Illuminated Mind when my wife is done with it. This is a textbook on meditation and neuroscience, and so far my wife is giving it high praise. I'm looking forward to learning more about the science of focus and concentration.

The Wild Hunt "Join, hide or die. That's all you can do when the Wild Hunt comes to call." --Harry Dresden, Cold Days Thunder rolls. Or is that hoof-beats in the sky? Above the wailing wind, a hunting horn can be heard, and the baying of cruel hounds. The Wild Hunt roams the land and sea and sky, and most folk cower in their homes, for even the sight of it can bring disaster. In the Dresden Files book series, the Wild Hunt is when the Fae go hunting in the mortal realm. When the Hunters sweep through, some individuals are given the option to join the Hunt or to flee as prey. Members of the Hunt can fly, traverse open water as if it were dry land, and run at freeway speeds. They are instinctively aware of the locations of the other Hunters. They wear a shadowy mask that hides who they were before joining the Hunt. The Wild Hunt can be called up and led by a number of beings of Faerie, including the king of the goblins. Not that Goblin King. The lord of the goblins, called the Erlking or Lord Herne. He is devious, cunning, strong, and swift. He also is the consummate hunter, selecting his game and then pursuing his quarry with joy and determination. Members of the Wild Hunt will have a similar (if less blood-thirsty) attitude. We will pursue our respective targets with enthusiasm and dedication, whether a particular 5K or a weight goal or getting our food choices under control. We will make the most of our brains and our bodies. We will also consistently let the other members of the team know how we are doing, so that we can help each other to capture success. And in the process we will probably talk a lot about the Dresden Files. And there will be spoilers, oh yes there will. The moment of choice has arrived. Join, hide or die? If you want to join, post below and get me a link to your current challenge. Members of the Wild Hunt (with links to their current challenge) 1. Erick the Red 2. Elinox 3. 4. 5. 6.

I'm Back!!!!!! Oooookay, sooooo.....things happened........some bad, some good, some totally INSANE and I had absolutely no focus past week 1 of the last challenge. So I decided to just put my attention on what was going on and lurk NF. Because I never want to completely leave here, you guys are too important. And it was so awesome that you guys kept an eye out for me. Now hopefully......things are settling down, weather is getting nicer, and I can start making sense of the resulting chaos. Time for a new challenge! Harley's 1st Mission Mace work continues. I smashed my 416 rep goal and ended my streak at 428 before the flu incident. Last week I picked my mace back up regularly doing the original 140 rep start. This was to get things warmed up again since I had been away from it a couple of weeks. Starting this week I am back to my 428 count. My goal originally was to upgrade my mace to 10 lb, but I haven't been able to do that just yet. So, my goal here will be to put together a new routine starting with week two and start with half the current rep count and work up to the 428 until I hopefully can do the mace upgrade.My current plan is to purchase a 10lb mace in the next couple of weeks and restart my rep count from 140 with a revamped routine. Harley's 2nd Mission Again this mission includes two elements, c25k and GMB's Focused Flexibility Program. Though I have continued with the GMB sporadically both have suffered between the winter weather and my recent bout of the flu. So, my goal is to get both of these going regularly again. Weeek 1 I will pick the FF back up for three days out of the week alternately with the mace work. Then Week 2 I want to add in one C25k run in addition to the GMB , week 3 two runs, and week 4 three runs. Harley's 3rd Mission Food Tracking. In order to stop the mayhem being instigated in my eating my goal this round is to keep a daily journal tracking everything. This can either be through MFP (which I am terrible about) or most lIkely in my trusty spiral bound notebook. If I'm feeling particularly organized I will track it in the notebook AND then add it to MFP. Harley's Life Mission Adulting This will probably be an ongoing Life Goal for a few challenges as there is always a ton to do, and with a lot of recent life changes new routines need to be formed. My goal is a hefty one because I am intent on going through every square inch of my house and eliminating the clutter while getting those routines in order. I just do not function well in clutter and it seems there is a never ending supply to get caught up on. The price of living with seven other people. Bonus Goal To continue with reading/ listening through the Dresden Files. I'm currently midway through book 3 which I want to finish (and preferably be midway into book 4) by the end of this challenge. Grading again is going to be real simple here, each day is a pass or fail on each goal. I either got it or I didn't. At the end of the week if there are more passes than fails, I'm good and Harley has succeeded. If on the other hand, I have more fails than passes then some reevaluation needs to occur. And there you have it!Onwards and Upwards guys!

Main Quest: Train for Half Marathon I really, really, REALLY need a training goal. So on a whim, I decided that goal would be to train for and complete the Run the Bluegrass half marathon on April 2nd. April is the month we want to try to start a family, and so April is the month I will do that “last thing†I wanted to do before having a kid. My longest race. Goal 1: Half Marathon Training Schedule “We have now left Reason and Sanity Junction. Next stop, Looneyville.†– Bob the Skull, Grave Peril Using a 16 week training guide, I will be working through a 5 day a week program with 2 rest days. I will do my absolute best to follow this plan to a ‘T’. I’ve proven I can deal with the mental game. I’ve proven I can run 3 miles without stopping. Now, let’s hit that goal of making it through a half marathon. This 16 week program will actually end well before the race in April, but I am hoping this will help me NOT psyche myself out of it – knowing well in advance that I can do it. Goal 2: IT Band Exercises “Parkour, bitch.†– Harry Dresden, Skin Game As I discovered in my last challenge, these really helped. In preparation for the half marathon, these need to be part of the training plan. I will fit this it to the training schedule most likely on Stretch/Strength days. My goal is 2 days a week. Goal 3: Diet in Check – 21 Day Fix Model “Likest thou jelly within thy doughnut?" -Eldest Gruff and Harry, Small Favor I’ve got to get a hold on things again. I’ve felt my best when I follow the ideals behind the 21 Day Fix meal plan. I won’t be as strict as I would be if I were on the program, but I will follow the basis: For me: 2 servings of fruit (purple), 3 servings of veg (green), 1 serving of healthy fats (blue), two servings of nuts/seeds (orange), 3 servings of carbs (yellow) and 4 servings of protein (red). Every damned day. Life Side Quest: Organize the Craft Room. “I'd hate to find out that the universe really wasn't conspiring against me. It would jerk the rug out from under my persecution complex.†– Harry Dresden, Grave Peril I keep saying I don’t have time, I don’t have time, I don’t have time… but I *do*. I just need to USE my time appropriately. I want the craft room back in shape. I want the shit I’m not using brought to Goodwill. I have six weeks to do this, and it shouldn’t be that hard. Right…? I just have to stop pretending the world is against me. Sidebar: I’m thinking of selling hats and that I’ve crochted/knit to help me pay for my plane ticket, since this race is in Kentucky, and I am not. I’ll probably get around to that, and you’ll see a link eventually. It also gives me something to do at night when I’m not training/cleaning…. And a way to use up the excess yarn in the craftroom…

Finally, a Dresden Files-themed challenge for me! And centered around my all-time favorite female character: Karrin Murphy! For my 11th challenge, I will strive to Master Murphy's Methods! Main Quest To live a healthy and balanced life by exercising and trying to eat healthy. My motivation I've successfully dropped weight by counting calories so my diet will mostly be staying the same with 1200 calories per day M-F and then blow meals on the weekends. I've managed to put on some muscle in an effort to become stronger by weightlifting and I’ve discovered that I love lifting heavy things! I have a few goals in mind, but weightlifting is the primary one, so I’m back with the Warrior Guild again. Smaller Quests 1. Fool Moon = Read While Murphy is not aware of the supernatural as such in the second book in the Dresden Files, she is aware that there are things out there she cannot explain and should be afraid of. That does not stop her from doing all she can to stand up to the darkness. Later in the series, Harry brings her up to speed on the supernatural, which greatly helps with her arsenal of fighting bad guys. But when faced with the loup-garou, even with limited knowledge of this particular monster, she stands fast and fights. Think of what she could have done had she known about the monsters! So I am going to read more this challenge because reading is good and makes me happy. Besides, it would be a real Fool Moon the day I dislike reading! In an effort to continue with my wisdom stat, I will read at least 3 new books starting week #1 of the next challenge. And they’ll probably continue with me re-reading the Dresden Files! Scoring: /3 books Reward: +2 to WIS 2. Dead Beat = Housework Murphy is generally a no-nonsense individual (completely opposite of me in that regard!). And her attention to detail and cleanliness is no more apparent than when Harry visits her home: it is neat and tidy and ‘cute’. I’m a real Dead Beat when it comes to cleaning: I’m bad at it and I don’t like it because I generally think it’s a waste of time. However, it sometimes needs to happen. And if I can better keep on top of it weekly, then doing full-house cleans won’t be nearly so bad when the time comes. I will clean something in the house once a week. Preferably lasting 20 minutes or more too. Loading/emptying the dishwasher, laundry, cleaning off the table, do NOT count. Serious things like cleaning a bathroom, vacuuming or scrubbing the kitchen counters only. EDIT: I changed this to 'housework' to include doing things outside like weeding. Scoring: /6 Reward: +3 to STA 3. Proven Guilty = Veggies With as much physical exercise as Murphy gets, she likely has a balanced diet to match. I’ve been doing pretty well with cutting down on sweet treats during the week. (I could do better, but I’m doing well enough.) But it’s been Proven Guilty that I greatly lack vegetables in my diet. So for this challenge, I want to try something healthy food related, but a bit different. I do not like my veggies. I can count on one hand the vegetables I will eat, and people tell me 2 of those don’t even count (green beans, carrots, red beets, corn and potatoes). I count them because liking only 5 veggies is pretty bad. I don’t eat things like salads or even tomatoes and I find broccoli particularly nauseating! I will be trying to eat a decent vegetable at least twice a week. (This does not include corn or potatoes!) Maybe even trying new ones? Trying new things food-wise is also hard for me since I am a picky eater. (Hence why being a vegetarian would never work for me!) Scoring: /12 Reward: +3 to CON & +2 to CHA 4. Changes = Weightlifting Murphy is well known for being physically fit because she practices aikido at Dough Joe’s Gym regularly. So while she is short and a girl, that has never stopped her from kicking someone’s ass who deserved it. Not only is she a master at aikido, but she’s strong as well. I really enjoy weight lifting, both in an effort to actually become stronger and to tone my body, so I want to get back into lifting heavy things regularly at the gym again so I can see some real Changes. I also want to continue working towards that elusive first pull-up and weight lifting helps with that a lot (or so I’ve been told). I will be striving to use the assisted pull-up machine, along with doing other weight exercises which I enjoy, 2-3 times per week. Specific weights to improve upon: a. chest press machine: 60lbs → 80lbs b. squat sled/machine: 180lbs → 275lbs (sled at work) c. assisted pull-ups: 35lbs assist → 25lbs assist d. bar bell curl: 25lbs → 30lbs e. deadlift: 80lbs → 100lbs Scoring: /12 days Reward: +5 to STR (+1 for each completed)

Since we've become popular with people for an Accountabilibuddy group (10 memebers last challenge?!?), the Wild Hunt will ride again! We're focused on Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. If you don't know about this amazing series, go check it out now here! The Wild Hunt is an ethereal hunting party, summoned from the depths of Faerie and made up of Sidhe lords and ladies along with their companions. It is designed to ride down prey with cold, and brutal, efficiency. While you are out late and alone one Halloween night, you hear the sound of a hunting horn and the baying of a pack of hounds. Terror grips you and you only have three choices: join, hide or die. Joining the hunt means competing again the best warriors of all time: Odin, Herne the Hunter, King Arthur, and the Erlking, among others. Hiding means you can only hope the monsters won't find you and kill you anyway; or if you choose to flee as prey to somehow outpace the horses. And dying...well, that's not really an option now, is it? If you choose to join, you are committing to working towards your challenges, whatever they may be, for the duration of the hunt (our 6 week challenge). Offering support to your fellow riders and being relentless towards your own goals. We will be dedicated and we will succeed or die trying! And for this Hunt, we will have mini-challenges along the way as well. All Dresden-themed of course! So what will you do: join, hide or die? Rules 1. Follow this thread and other members threads by clicking the red 'follow this topic' button at the top right of your screen. 2. Post a short introduction about yourself, what your challenge is all about and how it pertains to the Dresden Files. 3. Discuss the Dresden Files here! Members 1. elinox - Mastering Murphy's Methods (Dresden-themed) 2. Nessajel - Nessajel's Intro 3. Alathel - 4. PositiveBlue - Fool Moon (Dresden-themed) 5. TwinBear - Reassembling TwinBear 6. wineandwinter - Sort of First Challenge 7.

This Accountabilibuddy group focuses on the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. If you haven't read it, you should! The Wild Hunt is an ethereal hunting party, summoned from the depths of Faerie and made up of Sidhe lords and ladies along with their companions. It is designed to ride down prey with cold, and brutal, efficiency. While you are out late and alone one Halloween night, you hear the sound of a hunting horn and the baying of a pack of hounds. Terror grips you and you only have three choices: join, hide or die. Joining the hunt means competing again the best warriors of all time: Odin, Herne the Hunter, King Arthur, and the Erlking, among others. Hiding means you can only hope the monsters won't find you and kill you anyway; or if you choose to flee as prey to somehow outpace the horses. And dying...well, that's not really an option now, is it? If you choose to join, you are committing to working towards your challenges, whatever they may be, for the duration of the hunt (our 6 week challenge). Offering support to your fellow riders and being relentless towards your own goals. We will be dedicated and we will succeed or die trying! And for this Hunt, we will have mini-challenges along the way as well. All Dresden-themed of course! So what will you do: join, hide or die? Rules 1. Follow this thread and other members threads by clicking the red 'follow this topic' button at the top right of your screen. 2. Post a short introduction about yourself, what your challenge is all about and how it pertains to the Dresden Files. 3. Discuss the Dresden Files here! Members 1. elinox - Becoming A 10th Level Pa'u (Farscape-themed) 2. PositiveBlue - Storm Front (Dresden-themed) 3. viking-doc - Doc Resumes His Journey 4. Polgara19 - Going Through the 'Gate with SG1 (Stargate SG1-themed) 5. PetroTiger - True Vault Hunter Mode 6. Absidey - In the Library of the Clayr 7. wanderbound - Wonderful Wanderings 8. Vinoex - Vinoex's Whetstone 9. Alathel - Paladin's Quest for Redemption 10. Firedance - Takes a Breath We're currently CLOSED for members!

The building was on fire, and it wasn’t my fault. - Harry Dresden, Blood Rites Sometimes the Wild Hunt appears in different forms. This time, purple flying monkeys are among the bad things coming for you. Terror grips you and you only have three choices: join, hide or die. Joining the hunt means competing again the best warriors of all time: Odin, Herne the Hunter, King Arthur, and the Erlking, among others. Hiding means you can only hope the monsters won't find you and kill you anyway; or if you choose to flee as prey to somehow outpace the horses. And dying...well, that's not really an option now, is it? If you choose to join, you are committing to working towards your challenges, whatever they may be, for the duration of the hunt (our 6 week challenge). Offering support to your fellow riders and being relentless towards your own goals. We will be dedicated and we will succeed or die trying! So what will you do: join, hide or die? Rules 1. Follow this thread and other members threads by clicking the red 'follow this topic' button at the top right of your screen. 2. Post a short introduction about yourself, what your challenge is all about and how it pertains to the Dresden Files. Members 1. elinox = La Serenita 2. Firedance = Runs Along the Branches 3. Erick the Red = Becoming a Berserker 4. Vinoex = Prepares to Hunt 5. PositiveBlue = Visiting the Mud People 6. TwinBear = Stalks in the Spring Wood 7. Fox59 = Finds Stability (or something) 8. Polgara = First Challenge 9. Absidey = Seeks Serenity

Lightning flashes across a storm-ridden sky and you hear the call of a hunting horn as hounds bay for your blood. Terror grips you and you only have three choices: join, hide or die. Joining the hunt means competing again the best warriors of all time: Odin, Herne the Hunter, King Arthur, and the Erlking, among others. Hiding means you can only hope the monsters won't find you and kill you anyway; or if you choose to flee as prey to somehow outpace the horses. And dying...well, that's not really an option now, is it? If you choose to join, you are committing to working towards your challenges, whatever they may be, for the duration of the hunt (our 6 week challenge). Offering support to your fellow riders and being relentless towards your own goals. We will be dedicated and we will succeed or die trying! So what will you do: join, hide or die? Rules 1. Sign up in the official Accountabilibuddy spreadsheet. = there isn't one, so don't worry about it. 2. Follow this thread and other members threads by clicking the red 'follow this topic' button at the top right of your screen. 3. Post a short introduction about yourself, what your challenge is all about and how it pertains to the Dresden Files. Members 1. elinox = Do You Believe In Magic? 2. TwinBear = Winter's Deep Challenge 3. DarthChronos = DarthChronos Returns! 4. PositiveBlue = Traversing King's Port 5. Erick the Red = Full of Sound & Fury,Signifying...Something? 6. Firedance = Builds Up Her Strength 7. Remdawg = Seeks To Complete His Master's Training 8. Vinoex = The Wanderings of Vinoex

Due to popular demand, the Wild Hunt rides again! Lightning flashes across a storm-ridden sky and you hear the call of a hunting horn as hounds bay for your blood. Terror grips you and you only have three choices: join, hide or die. Joining the hunt means competing again the best warriors of all time: Odin, Herne the Hunter, King Arthur, and the Erlking, among others. Hiding means you can only hope the monsters won't find you and kill you anyway; or if you choose to flee as prey to somehow outpace the horses. And dying...well, that's not really an option now, is it? If you choose to join, you are committing to working towards your challenges, whatever they may be, for the duration of the hunt (our 6 week challenge). Offering support to your fellow riders and being relentless towards your own goals. We will be dedicated and we will succeed or die trying! So what will you do: join, hide or die? Rules 1. Sign up in the official Accountabilibuddy spreadsheet. 2. Follow this thread and other members threads by clicking the red 'follow this topic' button at the top right of your screen. 3. Post a short introduction about yourself, what your challenge is all about and how it pertains to the Dresden Files. Members 1. elinox = 20lbs of Crazy in a 5lb Bag 2. artemisia = New Stomping Ground 3. Erick the Red = Harnessing my Fury 4. PositiveBlue = Past the Upper Ven 5. TwinBear = New Year, New Challenge 6. Seduisante = Approaching the Starting Gate 7. EthanKanke = First Challenge

The Wild Hunt “Join, hide or die. That’s all you can do when the Wild Hunt comes to call.†--Harry Dresden, Cold Days Thunder rolls. Or is that hoofbeats in the sky? Above the wailing wind, a hunting horn can be heard, and the baying of cruel hounds. The Wild Hunt roams the land and sea and sky, and most folk cower in their homes, for even the sight of it can bring disaster. (click any picture to enlarge) In the Dresden Files book series, the Wild Hunt is when the Fae go hunting in the mortal realm. When the Hunters sweep through, some individuals are given the option to join the Hunt or to flee as prey. Members of the Hunt can fly, traverse open water as if it were dry land, and run at freeway speeds. They are instinctively aware of the locations of the other Hunters. They wear a shadowy mask that hides who they were before joining the Hunt. The Wild Hunt can be called up and led by a number of beings of Faerie, including the king of the goblins. Not that Goblin King. The lord of the goblins, called the Erlking or Lord Herne. He is devious, cunning, strong, and swift. He also is the consummate hunter, selecting his game and then pursuing his quarry with joy and determination. Members of the Wild Hunt will have a similar (if less blood-thirsty) attitude. We will pursue our respective targets with enthusiasm and dedication, whether a particular 5K or a weight goal or getting our food choices under control. We will make the most of our brains and our bodies. We will also consistently let the other members of the team know how we are doing, so that we can help each other to capture success. And in the process we will probably talk a lot about the Dresden Files. And there will be spoilers, oh yes there will. The moment of choice has arrived. Join, hide or die? This team will be limited to eight members, because any more than that (as we are without magical aid) it starts to get hard keeping track of how everyone else is doing. If you are interested in joining a Dresden Files-themed group, but the Wild Hunt has already taken off (or you don’t like my theme, which is all right too) here are some suggestions: The Grey-cloaked Wardens (whose swords cut through all enchantments and also bad habits) The Fellowship of St. Giles (striving to control their own urges while fighting the predators) Chicago PD: Special Investigations (they might be regular people, but they stand up to the monsters anyway) The Alphas (using teamwork and tactics to overcome powerful enemies) Knights of the Sword/Knights of the Cross (maybe expand to more than three members?)