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* * Updated on March 3rd * * Long Term Quest Become a burlesque performer Mission for This Challenge Build muscle I want to become burlesque performer. I've wanted to do this for a long time, but haven’t really done anything to prepare. I know that I have a ways to go before I’ll be ready, but I’m starting now. My goals/side goals are a great step in the right direction. Flexibility (STA +3) Attend yoga classes 2 days a week. I'm continuing this habit from the last challenge. I have a membership at a really great yoga studio and the teacher is absolutely wonderful and I love the way I feel after each class.Do alignment stretches before bed every night. My hips and shoulders are out of alignment. My boyfriend’s mother is a holistic practitioner and did an assessment for me (took measurements and such) and prescribed me some stretches to help get things back where they should be. Strength (STR +4) Do strength training 4 days a week. I need to build some muscle. Yoga is going well, but I feel like I need to step things up. After chatting with a friend of mine, he suggested that I should toss in some weight (including body weight) training. Nutrition (CON +5) Follow macro nutrient guidelines. Paleo did not work for me. I know it works for a lot of people, but I'm not one of them. During the conversation with my friend that suggested the weight training, we discussed eating habits. He suggested that I look at and follow the guidelines at http://iifym.com/. It's about following macro nutrient guidelines, based on your body and workout habits. It's super simple and flexible, I really like it. I think this will be a much better fit for me. Though it seems like you’re supposed to hit your macros exactly, but I will be fine with simply not going over.No cow’s milk. I am lactose intolerant, but have had a really difficult time eliminating it from my diet. Even though it hurts my stomach and I feel terrible afterwards. So, I’m adding it to my goals this challenge to try and finally get it out of my diet. Butter (for whatever reason) is still okay with my body, as is goat’s and sheep’s milk (thank goodness!!).No alcohol during the week. While I don’t think I drink too much, I don’t think it will hurt me to cut back on my alcohol intake – at least for this challenge. Must bring lunch to work, even if it's a frozen/prepackaged lunch. I am MUCH more likely to overeat or eat lame food if I don’t bring a lunch. Wellness (WIS +3) Wake up at 6:30am on workday mornings. I like not having to rush in the mornings. It really is a terrible way to start the day. I have found that waking up at 6:30 gives me plenty of time to get ready at a leisurely pace, while still having time to be a bit productive before leaving for work. Burlesque Buy and read at least two books about the history of burlesque.Go to at least two burlesque shows. I will be in Florida for the first week of the challenge, so things will be starting off a little wonky. I won’t be taking yoga classes, but I will still be doing some kind of exercise two days during my vacation.The hotel we’re staying at for the first part of our trip has a nice gym, so I should be able to get my strength training done. If for some reason I don’t like the gym or the second hotel doesn't have a gym, I’ll do some body weight exercises in my room.I am a bit concerned about hitting my macros since we’ll be eating out a lot, but I’m going to try my best. But since I *am* on vacation, I'm giving myself a LOT of slack. I'm not counting my vacation days towards my challenge grade. Since I won’t be working, I don’t have to get up at 6:30am until the second week of the challenge.Hopefully I'll be able to pick up at least one of my burlesque books while in Florida.Though I am not planning on it, I think it would be nice to catch a burlesque show while on vacation.