Anim: Forward Motion

[Anim07734]

The storm had come suddenly, arriving sooner than expected despite the warnings, forcing Anim to find shelter until it passed.  It's strength had left new obstacles in his path, slowing his progress even after it passed.  But the sun kept peaking through the clouds to illuminate his goals in the distance, so Anim shook himself free of the last vestiges of lethargy and redoubled his efforts forward.

 

 

After close to a decade of refusing to follow his doctor's advice, my grandpa finally admitted there was something wrong when he started coughing up blood.  He was diagnosed with cancer in both lungs and given 6months to live.  A month and a half of increasingly powerful pain medication later, he woke up in the middle of the night and was gone before anyone could get to him.  We buried him Nov 10th, next to my grandma, but the fight over his estate was already going.  Thankfully I didn't have to deal with much of that, but my mom got to play mediator between her siblings who now need the inheritance to pay bills.

 

I normally drive up to see him for Thanksgiving, so it was hard not having the chance this year.  But my girlfriend has been wonderful, despite having to work retail over Black Friday while sick.  And the grandfather clock that's been at his house for my entire life arrived this week.  My grandma bought it for me before I was born, and my grandpa kept it safe while my family moved around the country.  That and some pictures are all I wanted to remember them.

 

But now it's time to start moving forward again.

 

 

Goals:

Cook more - Between traveling and holidays, I haven't been cooking much.  And it's much easier to take the GF out to dinner, since we're normally doing something on the weekends when we actually get to spend time together.  I've got a month before I go visit family for Xmas, so I need to cook at least once a week until then to get back in the habit.

 

Move more - Again traveling and holidays have screwed up my schedule, so I need to reestablish the habit.  My current target is 4 workouts a week, of whatever strikes my fancy, plus GtG sets "most" nights (because those villains aren't going to catch themselves ).

 

Finish projects - Another recurring goal, I've got even more projects half finished, some with deadlines approaching.  The GF and I need to finish her new dress before my office Xmas party and I need to scan my grandparents' photo albums for use in Xmas gifts.  I also have wood that needs splitting and stacking before it rots and a new attic ladder to install.  Other projects will appear on the list as I finish/lose interest in these ones.

[Mr.Six]

Sorry for your loss and inspired by your resilience.  I'm looking forward to the project updates.

[raptron]

So sorry for your loss. It's so lovely that your grandparents bought such a nice long-term gift for you in the clock and I'm glad it's now able to shine in your home as a token of their love for you!

[Manarelle]

/hugs. You've got this. 

[WhiteGhost]

Sorry to hear about you grandpa, and good luck with the challenge

[Anim07734]

Thanks, everyone.  I'm going to miss him, but I know he was ready and isn't in pain anymore.

 

I found a guy in town who will make a house call to inspect and service my clock before putting it back together, so I'll wait on that before taking any pictures to show off.  And we're making progress on the GF's Xmas dress, but I'll wait till it's done to post pictures (she mentioned it was a surprise, but I'm not sure for who ).

 

Only got 3 workouts last week and still haven't cooked, but I did convince myself to do 125 pullups over the weekend, so I'm headed in the right direction.  Hoping to finish Poison Ivy this week and start on Man Bat and Catwoman.  And probably Ventriloquist, since the hardest part of push reps is finding something challenging enough to be fun. 

[WhiteGhost]

8 hours ago, Anim07734 said:

I did convince myself to do 125 pullups over the weekend

Wow, that's a lot of pullups!

[Anim07734]

I've been doing sets of 5 (~50% AMRAP), aiming for a set every 10-15min.  When I actually remember, the reps can add up quick. 

 

On an unrelated note: I hate Florida weather.  Monday was 80F and sunny; Tuesday was 50F and rainy and it's been that way since.  There's a possibility of snow this weekend (low of 30F), then it warms back up to the mid-60's...  At least I remembered my long sleeve shirt today, so I won't miss another workout.

[Anim07734]

Clock is up and running.

It still needs to cleaned up some, but I like it.

 

And Xmas lights are up:

 

Cooked twice last week, so I'm still eating left overs.  Two workouts so far this week, but no GtG nights, as I scramble to finish the dress by this weekend.  The top is done, but we ran into last minute issues sizing the skirt, so I need to redo some of it tonight.

[WhiteGhost]

Oooooh, I like that clock  

[Anim07734]

Xmas party was last weekend, so pictures!

 

The GF has requested some changes so she can lift her arms, and we need to shorten the bustle.  But I'm happy with it.

 

 

Three workouts last week and I don't remember doing any GtG, so need to focus more on that this week.  Also need to wash dishes tonight so I can cook with enough time to finish leftovers before flying to my parents' next weekend.

[WhiteGhost]

You, sir, are a swanky gentleman! Love the GF's dress too

 

[raptron]

LOOKIN STYLIN!

[Manarelle]

What a dapper duo you two are. I sympathize with the "can't lift the arms" problem - many historical outfits for women have that shortcoming. Still, congrats on getting everything done in time, and I hope you both had a lovely weekend. 

 

How's the holiday week going for you? Hopefully a bit calmer?