RuthixCube becomes a Guardian

[RuthixCube]

 

 

 

Welcome, Guardians, to my 3rd (post-respawn) challenge! Over the course of the two prior challenges, I’ve made some observations as to what’s working for me, and, more importantly, what’s not working. Having taken this information into account, my challenges are getting an update. The gamification and such will still be there, it’s more about the content, tracking, and set up.

 

If you would like to read the full, written out list of my observations, they can be found in the spoiler. You don’t have to read all that in order to follow this challenge, it’s just some insight and reasoning behind it.

 

 

 

What’s not working:
- ’Forcing’ myself to get/be creative. Every single time I put a creative goal into my challenge, it ends up feeling like a chore. This happened back before my respawn as well, and even prior to NF, so I know it’s not just these last few months. Therefore, I’m probably going to stay away from putting creative goals into my challenges. If I do include them, it’s going to have to be structured differently, because the last thing I want is for my art and hobbies to become something I loathe to do.

 - Lack of structure. Not necessarily in my challenges, but in my day to day life. I’m not someone who has a daily schedule, or structures their day a certain way. That’s something that needs to change, because I’m not being nearly as productive as I could be. I’m getting too old to just do shit on the fly, and it only serves to feed my old habits. You know, the ones I’m trying to get rid of.

 

 
What I need more of:
- Accountability. I haven’t sorted this one out yet, but it’s definitely something I need. Whether that means I post at specific times every week, join an accountabilibuddies group, post in the Women’s NFA or Rangers facebook group(s), or even just have my BF help me out with this. Whatever it is, I’m going to have to find something that works for me.

- As mentioned above, structure. This is something I will likely be incorporating in my challenges, even if it’s not super obvious to you guys. It might just be doing something at a specific time every day, putting more reminders in my phone calendar, or setting alarms.

 - Visuals. Post It’s, a giant calendar with tasks written out on it, pictures, motivational words or photos, etc. I need more of it, because right now I have nothing but what’s in my brain, this forum, a notebook, and my workout equipment. None of that is really….inspiring, I guess. Some of those things also get overlooked, or I choose when to look at them. So far, not really working out so well. So, I’m gonna create some kind of inspiration board to put on the wall next to my bed. I’ll have to look at it when I wake up, when I go to bed, and whenever else I’m in my room (which, I admit, is most of the time when I’m home).

 - Things to get me up and out of the house. While not necessarily challenge related, it’s something I can definitely incorporate into my challenge. I could set up a task or adventure or whatever that I need to have done by the end of each challenge. It could be something as easy as going for a walk at the park, or something challenging for me - something that requires using 20 Seconds of Courage to get done. I’m going to play around with this idea.
 

 

 

 

As some of you may have guessed, this is a Destiny themed challenge. I’ve been obsessed with this game since day 1, even more so than I ever was with Halo 2 (which is quite the feat, given that H2 was the game that turned me into a gamer). I’ve chosen this theme, not only for that reason, but because Destiny 2 came out on Sept 6 and I can’t get it off my mind, so I might as well incorporate it into other parts of my life.

 

 

For those who are unfamiliar, here is a little background info from Destiny 1:

 

“Destiny is set in the 28th century, in a post-apocalyptic setting. Humans had spread and colonized the Solar System with the help of a spherical entity known simply as "the Traveler". It reshaped planets and moons, and taught humanity new technologies and gave mystical powers that led to a time later called the Golden Age.

An event known as "The Collapse", an attack from the Darkness, an unknown faction or entity, saw the dissolution of these colonies and left mankind on the brink of extinction. The only known survivors of the Collapse are those living on Earth, who were saved by the Traveler.

Now the Traveler hovers above the last remaining human city as a large spherical body, and its presence gives the Guardians of the City—the last defenders of the human race—the ability to wield an unknown power.

Upon mankind's first attempt to repopulate and reconstruct after the Collapse, it was discovered that hostile alien races have occupied mankind's former colonies and civilizations. The player takes on the role of a Guardian of the City, and is tasked with investigating and destroying these threats before the remnants of humanity are completely wiped out.”

 

The situation as of Destiny 2:

 

Humanity’s last safe city has fallen to an overwhelming invasion force, led by Ghaul, the imposing commander of the brutal Red Legion. He has stripped the city’s Guardians of their power, and forced the survivors to flee. You will venture to mysterious, unexplored worlds of our solar system to discover an arsenal of weapons and devastating new combat abilities. To defeat the Red Legion and confront Ghaul, you must reunite humanity’s scattered heroes, stand together, and fight back to reclaim our home.

 

 

I am a Guardian - an Awoken, and a member of the Hunter class to be exact. I’ve reclaimed my Light, and have the ability to choose one of three subclasses:

 

 

 

 

I typically go with the Gunslinger subclass, because it fits my play style best. I’m a short to mid range, sharp shooting run-and-gunner, who occasionally chooses to use a little stealth.

 

It’s time for me to gather the Vanguard, fight the Red Legion, take down Gary-- I mean Ghaul -- and, most importantly, get back Cayde’s stuff!

 

 

This challenge is 8 weeks long and has two parts, each spanning 4 weeks. Goals will be separated into 4 categories:

 

• Story Missions: These are the main goals - the meat and potatoes of my challenge, if you will. This is where most of the focus will be.

• Adventures: The side quests.These help me level up and gain more experience, but aren’t the main focus.

• Milestones: Tasks that must be completed within a set period of time. Some milestones have a certain date that they need to be done, while others need to be done within that part of the challenge (part 1 vs part 2).

• Lost Sectors: A type of ‘Patrol’ activity. I can do these at any time and at my own pace. They aren’t mandatory, but they are things that I would like to do by the end of the challenge.

 

*Challenge drops 9/23/17*

[RuthixCube]

PART 1 - Sept 23-Oct 21

 

Story Missions

• Fitness Blender 4wk workout program

  • This is a program I purchased pre-NF, when I was attempting to get into the fitness game. It ended up sitting in Google Drive collecting digital dust for a few years. It is a mix of cardio, yoga, and strength - 5 days on (~30min workouts), one optional day (usually stretching or yoga), and a rest day.

• Calorie Tracking - 1700/day

  • My nutrition isn’t amazing, and while I’ve been making improvements, I still suspect I am very much so over eating. So, I did all the calculations and have found that 1700 is the number to aim for if I want to actually start dropping some of the weight I’ve accumulated. I’ve already started this using MyFitnessPal, so it’s a habit forming goal.

• Wake up by 6:30a on work days (M-F)

  • I hate admitting it, but I am the worst morning person ever. I give myself just enough time to get ready and fly out the door (while still being a few minutes late  -__- ). I want, and need, to stop this cycle and get my morning routine together. So, here’s to waking up 30 min earlier than I do now. Small steps, right?

 

Adventures

• Monkii Bars: 21 Day Habit

  • MY MONKII BARS FINALLY CAME IN!!! These are basically a compact, take anywhere TRX system (shown below). I currently have them set up on our second front door (my apartment is weird and has two entrances) since I can lock it. I have given them a shot, and boy are they more difficult that they appear. I found myself more sore than expected the next day, too (Oh, hi abs! You actually exist!).

  • While doing the Fitness Blender program, I am also going to do the 21 day Monkii Habit program via their app. It’s basically a 2min video going over 2-3 exercises with proper form, and a 5min practice of said exercises. *This will start Oct 1*

 

                           

 

• Drink more water

  • I’ve decreased my energy drink intake, so now I need to increase my water intake.

 

Milestones

• Starting measurements and photos (Sept 23)

• Vision board - Create and add 10-15 images, phrases, etc

  • Bits and pieces that motivate, inspire, and drive me to do what I do and be who I want to be.

• Challenge Calendar - Create and set up for Pt 1.

  • Visual reminder of my challenge goals and activities laid out in a convenient format. Also serves as a tracker of sorts.

 

Lost Sectors

• Urbex at least once -OR- reach out to fellow urbex-ers in the area

• Finish one crochet project (that has already been started)

[RuthixCube]

PART 2 - Oct 22-Nov 18

 

Story Missions

• Monkii Bars 5x/wk for 4wks (‘Newly Wild’ workouts)

  • When I’ve completed the FB program, I’m going to jump right into using my Monkii Bars. I will complete workouts under the ‘Newly Wild’ section of the app.

• Calorie Tracking - 1700/day

• Wake up by 6:30a everyday

  • Started with work days, now let’s make it everyday!

 

Adventures

• Daily plank hold to failure

  • Monkii Bars will do a fair bit to help with my core strength, but I need to do more. Planks it is!

• Drink more water

 

Milestones

• Vision Board - Add 10+ more images, phrases, etc to the board

• Challenge Calendar - Set it up for Pt 2

• Ending measurements and photos (Nov 18)

  • I’m not expecting a huge amount of change, but let’s see what 8 weeks brings.

 

Lost Sectors

• Urbex at least once -OR- reach out to fellow urbex-ers in the area

• Finish one crochet project (that has already been started)

[Raxie]

Heyooooo following for whatever you've got in store [emoji4]

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following!

[Xena]

Standing by...

[RuthixCube]

On 9/18/2017 at 6:53 PM, Raxie said:

Heyooooo following for whatever you've got in store

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 

 

On 9/18/2017 at 7:02 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Following!

 

On 9/18/2017 at 9:11 PM, Xena said:

Standing by...

 

 

Glad to have you all on board!! 

[Wild Wolf]

 

WOOT WOOT! Ready to rock this with you, Ruthie! We need to play this weekend  

 

 

Wolf

[RuthixCube]

2 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

 

WOOT WOOT! Ready to rock this with you, Ruthie! We need to play this weekend  

 

 

Wolf

 

INDEED WE DO!! I'll be on tonight as well, hopefully teaming up with some fellow clan mates to get some leveling done so I'm ready for the raid. 

[RuthixCube]

FYI, introductory info has been posted above ^^

[Xena]

Intro looks cool!

[RuthixCube]

Parts 1 & 2 now posted  Challenge starts tomorrow!

[Wild Wolf]

On 9/18/2017 at 2:16 PM, RuthixCube said:

Monkii Bars: 21 Day Habit

• MY MONKII BARS FINALLY CAME IN!!! These are basically a compact, take anywhere TRX system (shown below). I currently have them set up on our second front door (my apartment is weird and has two entrances) since I can lock it. I have given them a shot, and boy are they more difficult that they appear. I found myself more sore than expected the next day, too (Oh, hi abs! You actually exist!)

 

I feel @Myrik should know about this! Maybe you guys can be Monkii Buddies  

 

20 hours ago, RuthixCube said:

INDEED WE DO!! I'll be on tonight as well, hopefully teaming up with some fellow clan mates to get some leveling done so I'm ready for the raid. 

 

Yeah....I haven't played much this week. The new workout schedule has kicked my butt but I'm down for some strikes and stuff this weekend. I'm going to try to get to....240? light level so I can do the raid as well. I need some legendary drops!!! 

 

One thing I like a lot about D2 is the attire for our Guardian. I feel like everything looks more functional instead of just show. I also like the back plate where the cape comes out of. That's neat  

 

Wolf

[Myrik]

Thanks for the call out @Wild Wolf

 

Following for more Monkii Goodness

 

I am doing the Tactical Training 2 I'm on the third day of week 1. 

[RuthixCube]

2 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

 

I feel @Myrik should know about this! Maybe you guys can be Monkii Buddies  

 

 

Yeah....I haven't played much this week. The new workout schedule has kicked my butt but I'm down for some strikes and stuff this weekend. I'm going to try to get to....240? light level so I can do the raid as well. I need some legendary drops!!! 

 

One thing I like a lot about D2 is the attire for our Guardian. I feel like everything looks more functional instead of just show. I also like the back plate where the cape comes out of. That's neat  

 

Wolf

OH! Another Monkii backer!

 

Haha no worries! Last night was the first I've really been able to play this week. Light level for the raid is 260, but they (Bungie) recommend 270 and my clan is requiring 280 for the boss (apparently, it's almost fucking impossible lol). Light cap is currently 300, 265 is the 'soft' cap. I finally got to 270 last night - it's so hard to get out of the 260's  Get all the planets open (EDZ, Titan, Nessus, and Io), and then grind PE's, Strikes, and get all your Milestones done to get you the level 20. Then complete the story, or so that's what I was told was a good way to get your light up fast. I'm going to give it a shot with my Titan, since it's too late to do with my Hunter. 

 

Yeah, everything is a lot more functional look thing and I'm actually enjoying all the little side quests and adventure stuff. Milestones are a pain, but well worth doing to get good gear. I'll be on most of the weekend, so just hit me up when you're hoping on!

 

 

2 hours ago, Myrik said:

Thanks for the call out @Wild Wolf

 

Following for more Monkii Goodness

 

I am doing the Tactical Training 2 I'm on the third day of week 1. 

Yay! Welcome

 

Oh no shit! I got the tactical set (mostly cause I just wanted the black ones lol), but I'm not where near ready for the tactical training yet. Definitely plan to do that down the road. I'm going to have to follow you and see how it goes!

[Myrik]

17 hours ago, RuthixCube said:

Oh no shit! I got the tactical set (mostly cause I just wanted the black ones lol), but I'm not where near ready for the tactical training yet. Definitely plan to do that down the road. I'm going to have to follow you and see how it goes!

I figured I would start big.  If I get to a point where I am stuck I will repeat the previous week again.   I got the tactical set because they offered a military discount on them. 

[RuthixCube]

Week 1, day 3

 

Story Missions:

1) Today is the first day of fitness blender! All of their programs start and end with a sort of fitness test:

• Timed 1 mile.
• Squats to failure.
• Push ups to failure - note whether they are full, from the knees, or a mix thereof.
• Timed plank to failure.
• Sit and reach - Kind of a flexibility or touch your toes test. Sit straight up on the floor with legs slightly apart and straight out in front of you. Place a piece of tape where your heels touch the ground. Reach to get as close to, or as far past, the tape as you can. Measure in - or + inches.

While I am not exactly looking forward to completing this, I know that it will definitely help me to see what progress I've made during the program. It includes a warm up and cool down as well, which is awesome.

 

Technically, this program is supposed to be 5 days on, 1 optional low-impact day, and a rest day - in that order. Due to my schedule, I'm going to be doing Monday-Tuesday on, rest day Wednesday (this is typically used for game night), Thursday-Saturday, and Sunday as the optional stretching/yoga work out. While it is an optional day, it's still an activity I'd like to complete. Hopefully doing it this way wont completely change the progress I could potentially make if I did it by the book...

 

2) Saturday: 1760cal

Sunday: 1695cal

Honestly, I'm really pleased with how I'm doing in tracking thus far. It's something I've struggled with in the past. I've either forgotten to log calories, or felt like if I went over even the littlest bit it was an utter failure and would eat all the things. I can't forget to log now, because I have a reinder set up with a habit tracking app. In fact, I haven't even needed to use it, because I always remember to track. While I don't want or like to go over, it doesn't hit me like it used to. I think I'm finally at a point where I'm ready to take this on and get shit done. 

 

3) Well, I didn't quite hit 6:30, but I did get up 15min after that. I've had a weird roller coaster of a weekend, and I guess I was just super exhausted from it. I have no idea what time I went to bed last night, but I think it was relatively early. I also didn't get much sleep on Saturday night, so I'm sure that was a factor in my being super tired this morning. Tomorrow is a new day, though!

 

Adventures:

1) Monkii bars starts Sunday!

2) No water log from the weekend, and I'll admit I wasn't super good about it. Things will improve today. 

 

Milestones:

1) Measurements taken! I'm a little surprised by them - they aren't as bad as I expected. I mean, they aren't amazing and it explains why my stuff isn't fitting as well, but it's not nearly as bad as I had expected. I'm not too far off from where I used to be, it just feels like I am.

2) I'm going to start on my vision board this weekend after I get paid. I'm going to see if I can get my photo printer set back up, and if not then I will bring my stuff on a thumb stick and print them at a CVS or something.

3) During my lunch break and after work I'll be doing some research on how to DYI my own (hopefully) reusable calendar.

 

Lost Sectors:

Sooooo lots of awesome things happened this weekend, especially those surrounding urbex. Apologies for the word vomit, I get super excited about this stuff and tend to go overboard in talking about it lol.

 

 - My friend and I had signed up for a photography session at an abandoned nearby theater this past Sunday. It was a really awesome experience! There were only about 10 people (including us) signed up for the first session, which was 3 hours in length. We had free run of the location and could take as many photos as we pleased, as well as ask for advice, etc from the hosts. Not only did I get some rad photos, but I have some new people to follow within the community.

 

- One of the people that attended the event is actually a kid I've talked to a few times and follow on IG. I was surprised when I overheard him mention his IG account to one of the organizers. I'm not normally one to make the first move and introduce myself in any kind of situation, but I straight up turned on my heel and walked over to introduce myself. We did that shake-hands-and-hug-thing that people do, and had a quick chat about how cool it was to actually meet and how we admired the other's work. I wandered back after that to give him space and let him do his thing. He left a few minutes before we did, but he and his friend were still in the parking lot packing up when we got outside. He actually flagged me down before I got into my car so we could take a picture together. He messaged me later in the day and we got to chat a bit more, which was really nice. 

 

- A girl that I know from Derby messaged me about my photos from the theater, wanting to know more about it - she does urbex as a hobby as well. I had seen some of her shots from that weekend, but was afraid to message her about them, not knowing how she would take it. I gave her the info for the organizers of the event and we got to chatting. In return, she ended up giving me more information than I was even looking for or expected to get about where she had been that weekend. We commiserated over the ridiculousness of the urbex community and how few and far between local places are these days. She even offered to share her list of locations in case I don't have some of them, and offered to join me if there was ever anywhere out of state that I wanted to check out.

 

After years of doing this stuff, doing crazy ridiculous amounts of research, and trying to reach out and extend my roots into the world of UER, I feel like I've finally had a break through. Aside from the two above, I've also had the opportunity to chat with another local explorer I follow - who said I could message him anytime if I wanted to go exploring, and offered to show me some cool locations. While a large part of the community is very standoffish and unwelcoming, there are those who are the exact opposite. They're just harder to find. I'm finally discovering those few people and have regained a little hope in regards to networking and making bigger steps in the community. It's looking more and more likely that I will be able to cross off one, if not both, of the urbex goals from my Lost Sector list!

[Xena]

Wow that's such a cool post! Great that you were able to connect with some cool people and have such an awesome experience

 

How are things going now?

[Elastigirl]

So awesome that you got to connect with people who share your interests!