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Disclaimer: This has been a hell of a year!! Plus, keeping it positive here Secondary Disclaimer: Really, I'm going to really respawn this time This is going to be a respawn of Intergalactic (and sometimes inter-dimensional) proportions I have been on a roller coaster of a year and with 40 right around the corner, it's time to really get back on the ball and get myself in shape in all ways. This is something I really need to commit to in a major way. So, without further ado, here comes the challenge!!! This challenge (and for several more to come afterwards) will be themed Star Trek (Next Generation and beyond). Why? Mostly because I've figured out my answer to the whole Star Wars/Star Trek debate and yes, the winner is Star Trek for so many reasons. So, with a definite rewatch of ALL of TNG, DS9 and Voyager (maybe Enterprise but I've seen it recently enough), we are going to start this one with becoming the embodiment of our favorite acting ensign of the 1701-D, Wesley Crusher (plus I just freaking love Wil Wheaton!). He learned much of what he knows and believes in because of the positive role models he had so what I will do is try to embody some of the traits that they have including: Being Stronger like Worf! Worf, even in his earliest days aboard the Enterprise, was very stalwart and strong learning what he could of the ship as a junior officer then to his promotion to Chief of Security. Pushing his boundaries, becoming better than he was before, usually with his calestetics programs on the Holodeck. In that respect, I need to make sure that I am making myself stronger. Less physically frail, less weak in the knees (literally), and able to do more on a day to day basis. So straight up, what I need to do is take just 10-15 minutes daily to do some kind of activity. Initially I'm looking to do things that will focus on the arms and core. Daily, I can do it!! Being Smarter like Data! Data, oh my wonderful mechanical man!! He was smart clearly due to his positronic brain and being an android though new experiences were always some of the best teachers. This plan will focus on getting back into reading and not of the fictional variety. Technical magazines, non-fiction of various subjects (history, technology), that is what I will delve into with this goal. I plan to find a book to read through the entire challenge and magazines as I can but at least one a week. Being Emotional Braver like Troi! Troi has always worn her emotions on her sleeve considering that she feels the emotions of just about anyone and anything out there being a Betazoid. Even in the throws of some of the most terrifying adversaries and entities she has been stronger than the largest Klingon and braver than the most daring Starfleet officer. I have had quite the emotionally baffling year so my goal is to be more aware of my emotions, my feelings, and my effect on others in my life. In a more concrete way, I will show my gratitude on here in the form of a devotion to someone or something that has been transformative for myself, whether it be something that I've done within the year or more recently (needless to say, especially to my friends here, we've got a lot of catching up to do). Three times a week should be sufficient for now. Be in Command (of my life) like Picard! Captain Jean-Luc Picard, what can we say about him and Wesley.... besides an inescapable amount of "Shut up Wesley"s? Outside of some underlying father issues, quite a bit actually. Commanding officer, father figure, teacher, mentor, personification of a proper officer. Quire frankly, what I need to do it take a more firm command over my life in so many aspects along with the fitness. So, my overall goal will be to do this in increments and a different aspect each month. This month I'm going to go right for the financial jugular and start hitting the finances. Now, unless I decide to just copy and paste every single statement and bill I have, this is going to take some work. The plan starts like this: Beginning tomorrow, I will need to be more conscious of my spending habits which will include fast food purchases, entertainment decisions, the whole enchilada. I will provide baselines for all my financial data shortly and then give updates for my (hopefully really good) decisions. At least twice weekly updates will come about. The challenge starts tomorrow... ENGAGE!!!

So, Feb. 2 was Imbolc, which is a holiday that celebrates the growing strength of the sun (after Yule, which is the shortest day of the year) and the first "milk" of the coming spring (when ewes and goats have their first young). This is a special holiday for Brigid (equivalent to the Christian St. Bridgette), who is a poet, healer, and blacksmith (and also the inventor of beer). Hence, the title for the quest - I worked my goals into a ritual to give myself a bit more motivation and strength for this challenge. Here are my goals for this challenge: Part 1: Physical Health (76 points) Exercising 5 days/week - Walking, belly dancing, or weight lifting, for at least a half hour.Tracking my caloric intake every day and keep within the limit set with my doctor (1,800 cal/day) - I will also refrain from snacking, except between lunch and dinner, and only drink alcohol socially.Taking my meds - Morning pill every day.Part 2: Spiritual/Mental Health (48 points) Meditating 5 times per weekGetting to bed by 11pm on weekday nights (except Tuesday, which is gaming night)Committing to spiritual study 2 hours per week - My special goal as part of this is to commune with a tree, according to my lessonsRead one book from year-long book challenge - I am going to read a book written by a former coworker of mine, as she will be in town for an author event on Feb. 16. I think her book will fall under a book published this year (or, in the last 12 months, anyway).Part 3: Financial Health (8 points) Planning my expenses and tracking free money for each pay period - I am still struggling with this. I plan my budget, but do not stick to it, hardly ever. That is what I really need to work on.52 week challenge - For this month, that is $5 for Week 1 (5th week of the year), $6 for Week 2, $7 for Week 3, and $8 for Week 4