[JediNickD] World 3 Level 10: "The strongest stars have hearts of kyber."

[JediNickD]

Welcome back for another episode of The Exciting Adventures of JediNickD! It was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away that I joined this site and started my first challenge.. World 1 was my first extended stay through 22 challenges.  I took a hiatus from NF and came back with a new direction for my goals where I warped to World 2, which I defeated in a Boss Fight slaying some mighty big goals.  In World 3, I continue to develop my fitness, getting my body in the best shape of my life, even with the Degenerative Disc Disease and crooked spine causing all types of pain in my back, hip, legs, neck, and shoulders.  Through physical therapy exercises and karate, I maintain my spine and back muscles to slow down the advanced aging.  I'm not planning to be playing rugby or football again in this lifetime, but I'm not giving up hope on the possibility either... Rebellions are built on HOPE!

 

I'm just going to keep on L-I-V-I-N, fight the good (and healthy) fight, and level up my life!

 

Challenge Lesson: Chirrut Îmwe: "The strongest stars have hearts of kyber."

 

From Starwars.com: 

"At the heart of every Jedi lightsaber is a kyber crystal found on several planets, most notably the icebound caves of Ilum. This crystal is attuned to the Force, and connected to a Jedi Knight on a deeply personal level. In this way, a lightsaber is an extension of a Jedi's Force awareness. Because Jedi let the Force guide their selection of the crystal, the vibration that the crystal creates in the lightsaber blade helps Jedi center themselves and find balance in the Force. In this way, a Jedi can center his or her attention beyond the distractions of combat. A lightsaber crystal is colorless until first attuned and connected to a Jedi -- at which times it glows either blue or green, or in some rare instances, another shade. From that point on, it retains that hue."

 

Kyber crystals are rare, powerful, and connected to the Force.  When Chirrut says the quote, he is not referring to stars made of hydrogen and other gases.  The stars he is referring to are heroes, philanthropists, and other role models who shine bright in the eyes of others.  The strongest of them have hearts which are rare, powerful, and connected to the Force.

 

[more to come]

 

My Main Quest and Mission:

My mission is to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow.

 

World 3 Level 10 Challenge:

FITNESS:

• Cardio: Speed and Stamina - 580 min total, 140 weekly. 

  DEX +1, STA +1
   

• Exercise: Lifting and Bodyweight - 300 min total, 80 weekly. 

  STR +1
   

• Flexibility: Stretching and Physical Therapy - 400 min total, 100 weekly. 

  STR +1, DEX +1
   

• Karate: Training and Practice - 720 min total, 180 weekly. 
  STR +1, DEX +1, STA +1
   

DIET:

• Weight Control - Track weight. Complete measurements before or during Week 1 and again during or after Week 4.  Watch portions and make healthy choices for 24 of 28 days.  Track lunch portions, especially.  Track "fasting" after dinner nightly.  I'm looking to continue to cut down on snacking and desserts after dinner.  I need to ensure I have a calorie deficit or I won't continue to lose weight. 
  CON +3
   

LIFE:

• Get Stuff Done - Complete (or dedicate at least one hour to) 280 Tasks or Projects, with at least 70 each week, from any of the following areas (minimum for challenge):
  Toastmasters Communication Practice (8), Toastmasters Leadership Practice (8), Toastmasters Speech and Training Development (8), Mentoring (6), Charity Work (10), Jedi Training (8), Self Preservation (24), Reading (16), Church Work (14), Job Work (16), Business Projects (12), Dishes (20), Laundry (16), Cleaning/Dusting/Vacuuming (24), Other Chores (24), Yard Work (8), Animal Care (50), Home Renovation (6), Auto Maintenance (6), Family Activities (12), Adventuring (6).   
  WIS +2, CHA +2

 

INCENTIVES!  Working hard for CASH!  ($178 carried over)

REWARD 1:  For each week I complete 75 or more tasks, I will put aside $10 to spend how I see fit. 
CONSEQUENCE 1:  For any week where I complete less than 70 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.

 

REWARD 2:  $5 for each Business Project hour:

• write/plan/record a 2018 Extra Life Kickoff Video
• get involved in Extra Life Baltimore Guild (missed kick-off meeting and will miss Cecil Con)
• revisit Wizard Laser Tag (look into Recoil game app and tech) for Epic Nerd Camp
• draw up plan for Jedi website
• VHS-to-DVD conversion

CONSEQUENCE 2: Lose $10 for each week without a Business Project hour.

 

REWARD 3:  $1 for each hour working on Jedi Training lessons.  $10 for each completed IJRS lesson.  Need to get back to the formal training at IJRS.
CONSEQUENCE 3: Lose $5 for each week without working on a Jedi Training lesson.

 

REWARD 4: $1 for each night of fasting after dinner.  Fruits and veggies allowed in small quantities, but no dessert or snacking.   

CONSEQUENCE 4: Lose $2 for each day without fasting.  Lose $5 for eating more than 2 slices of pizza in any meal.

 

REWARD 5: $1 for each day with a small, healthy lunch. 

CONSEQUENCE:  Lose $2 for each day without a small, healthy lunch.

BONUSES: 

  Life:

• $2 for healthy grocery shopping
• $2 for healthy meal prep
• $2 for each Home Renovation and Auto Maintenance task.

  Workout:

• $5 for 10 or more sprints in one workout. 
• $5 for running more than 3.5 miles in a workout.
• $5 for running below an 8 minute mile. 
• $10 for running below a 7 minute mile. 
• $5 for running 2 miles in less than 18 minutes. 
• $10 for running 3 miles in less than 30 minutes. 
• $10 for running more than 40 minutes. 

 

PUNISHMENT:

• Lose $10 each day with weight above 152.5 lbs. 

[JediNickD]

153.2 lbs this morning.  Stretch and body weight exercises.  Planning to karate hard this week.  My contract turnover is going to disrupt my gym access, so I'll be running outside this week.  Not sure what else I'll get in yet.

 

I spent a ton of money on myself recently to replace my work shoes and lunch bag, sleeve new Magic cards, and stock some old movies for me and my older daughter to watch together.  She likes scary goofy movies like I do.  We watched Gremlins recently and she loved it, so I picked up Gremlins 2, Critters, and Munchies plus Short Circuit 1 & 2 for my younger daughter.

 

I'm actually in the hole, so I'll need to focus on the incentives to make it up.  Aiming at running bonuses!

[JediNickD]

Well, the running went out the door Monday night.  I hurt my back at Karate.  Really, I was sore and need to rest it.  Then I went to Karate Tuesday night, doubling down on the soreness.  Wednesday all day I was in intense pain in my right hip and leg.  I took my medicine and put my braces on.  I hit the hot tub instead of running each morning.  Today, I am feeling better...  But I have Karate tonight.  In class, I will be wearing my knee brace and asking the instructors to opt out of repetitive turn backs, which killed me Monday and Tuesday.  The instructors actually requested my wife and I attend the Junior class tonight to Sempai because they are short instructors, so I have a bit of an obligation to step in.  I just need to be careful with my body.

 

Being on the bench at work has allowed me to expand my skills in other areas.  I am one step away from achieving a Level 1 Certification (5 days to grade my test) in a software my company uses on other contracts.  I'm already reviewing what I need for the Level 2 and 3 Certs.  Hopefully, I'll be back on contract soon, but can still wrap up those certs on my own.  I might have to get the software installed at home or on a computer in my work lab, but likely, I'll need to do it at the company office in my own time.  It's worth it though, because my contract could likely use the software, or I could have the flexibility to assist my company with other contracts and work.

 

 

[tracer-actual]

On 2/12/2018 at 10:49 PM, JediNickD said:

I spent a ton of money on myself recently to replace my work shoes and lunch bag, sleeve new Magic cards, and stock some old movies for me and my older daughter to watch together.  She likes scary goofy movies like I do.  We watched Gremlins recently and she loved it, so I picked up Gremlins 2, Critters, and Munchies plus Short Circuit 1 & 2 for my younger daughter.

 

I'm actually in the hole, so I'll need to focus on the incentives to make it up.  Aiming at running bonuses!

You're not just spending money to buy physical things, but your health and welfare - both physical and psychological. I say, "Well done". What is the value of watching those movies with your daughter? If you're like me, then it is beyond anything material in this world.

[JediNickD]

11 hours ago, tracer-actual said:

You're not just spending money to buy physical things, but your health and welfare - both physical and psychological. I say, "Well done". What is the value of watching those movies with your daughter? If you're like me, then it is beyond anything material in this world.

 

Thanks for the comment.  You are right that the movies will serve a good purpose.  I just don't spend money on myself often.  It's the engineering brain being efficient with money squeezing every last bit from every purchase before I buy new again.  Then there is the practical Jedi brain telling me not to buy anything new because I already have what I need.  I squirrel my money away or let the wife and kids spend it. 

 

To reward myself for going above the bar, I am giving myself an allowance through my incentives in my challenge.  That way, I push myself to excellence every day and get to buy that new shiny thing that I want, but don't necessarily need (while still staying within my budget).    

[tracer-actual]

Nice one mate, I like it. Don't get me wrong! Saving money is great, and essential.

 

PS - great history of disciplined improvement mate. Congratulations on your effort. Keep it up

[JediNickD]

Akido was fun and interesting, but is not my thing.  Getting thrown on the ground and having my wrists twisted around at my age and back health is absolutely no good.  Sunday and Monday were painful days after already having a rough week.  My wife loved the class, but had a lot of difficulty with the hand positions and footwork (me as well).  I think she'll want to do it again in the future.  They teach similar stuff in Black Belt class, so we'll definitely do it again. Yay... and yay!

[JediNickD]

Practiced my International Speech Contest speech last night at Toastmasters.  It came out more powerful than I anticipated.  I think I have something good here.  I need to get today's run recorded so I can perfect it by the Area Contest on Monday.  Exciting stuff.

[JediNickD]

Speech Wednesday went long after I brushed up a few items in my intro and first main point.  I didn't really get into my second main point the way I need to and I had to cut the conclusion short.  I also spent time looking at my notes to ensure I said the right things in the right order (which is really important when committing to memory for me).  I made a few decisions to shorten up the first main point and keep a good flow into the second main point.  

 

Karate was brutal.  We did kicking ladder drills on bags.  Kick once, kick twice, kick three times, four times, five times, then back down, four times, three times, twice, once.  Switch to splits while not kicking.  My hamstrings are burned out.  Surprisingly, my back and knee were only mildly hurting.  Doing Sempai and class tonight, then we go back on Saturday, because my 7 year old refused to go to class Tuesday and Wednesday.  I need the work, because working out at home is not as productive as the gym.

[Manarelle]

Love the theme, and neat that your wife and child are in on classes with you. May I ask what the speech was about? (If you'd rather not say, that's fine, too.)

[JediNickD]

On ‎2‎/‎24‎/‎2018 at 7:48 PM, Manarelle said:

Love the theme, and neat that your wife and child are in on classes with you. May I ask what the speech was about? (If you'd rather not say, that's fine, too.)

 

It is an inspirational speech on getting out of your comfort zone and getting into your "challenge zone".  And I sing some Danger Zone lyrics in my opening and closing.  Mostly, I talk about my personal struggles with fear of public speaking and back pain.  For each, I had to continually challenge myself to make progress and grow.

[JediNickD]

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2018 at 9:17 AM, JediNickD said:

Speech Wednesday went long after I brushed up a few items in my intro and first main point.  I didn't really get into my second main point the way I need to and I had to cut the conclusion short.  I also spent time looking at my notes to ensure I said the right things in the right order (which is really important when committing to memory for me).  I made a few decisions to shorten up the first main point and keep a good flow into the second main point.  

 

Karate was brutal.  We did kicking ladder drills on bags.  Kick once, kick twice, kick three times, four times, five times, then back down, four times, three times, twice, once.  Switch to splits while not kicking.  My hamstrings are burned out.  Surprisingly, my back and knee were only mildly hurting.  Doing Sempai and class tonight, then we go back on Saturday, because my 7 year old refused to go to class Tuesday and Wednesday.  I need the work, because working out at home is not as productive as the gym.

 

Thursday Karate class was tough.  Turnbacks on repeat.  Hamstrings are finally better on Saturday, but the back and knee caught up to me and have been killer pain.  I'm almost out of my meds, so I scheduled an appoint, which may result in a couple weeks of physical therapy to get me square.  I've got braces on my back and knee today, and I'll probably where them all week.  I may have to give Karate a break.  I can go to class and participate, but I'll have to sit in a chair for activities.  It's weird, but I need to dial it back, but not get behind or rusty.

[Manarelle]

5 hours ago, JediNickD said:

I may have to give Karate a break.  I can go to class and participate, but I'll have to sit in a chair for activities.  It's weird, but I need to dial it back, but not get behind or rusty.

 

Sounds like there are specific things that your body doesn't like. Definitely worth seeing how those things can be modded (as your chair idea), rather than just stopping.

[otterbyte]

4 hours ago, Manarelle said:

9 hours ago, JediNickD said:

I may have to give Karate a break.  I can go to class and participate, but I'll have to sit in a chair for activities.  It's weird, but I need to dial it back, but not get behind or rusty.

 

Sounds like there are specific things that your body doesn't like. Definitely worth seeing how those things can be modded (as your chair idea), rather than just stopping.

 

I know that in our martial arts classes, the profs are good about giving you modified or alternate movements to compensate for injuries, or as is often the case, just being kinda on the creaky side of over the hill. Maybe yours are willing to do something like that?

[JediNickD]

19 hours ago, Manarelle said:

 

Sounds like there are specific things that your body doesn't like. Definitely worth seeing how those things can be modded (as your chair idea), rather than just stopping.

 

14 hours ago, otterbyte said:

 

I know that in our martial arts classes, the profs are good about giving you modified or alternate movements to compensate for injuries, or as is often the case, just being kinda on the creaky side of over the hill. Maybe yours are willing to do something like that?

 

The Instructors are definitely cool with modified and alternate movements, especially for injuries or age.  We have a 60 year old lady that cannot kick above her knee, but her effort and commitment to her craft and finding ways to do her kicks effectively for her are what they drive her towards.  We have had several students with injuries previously use the chair for leg injuries or slings for arm injuries. 

 

It is more important to learn and understand the patterns and symbols in the movements and combinations and know the application of each than necessarily have the ability to do each.  Each student develops their own style based on their ability and physical constraints (size, mobility, etc) where they will use movements and combinations best suited for them, instead of attempting to master everything.

 

Thanks for the comments!

[JediNickD]

Soreness is dissipating but still painful.  Going to move furniture in the living room tonight plus rewire the stereo and speakers.  Should be sucky.  Maybe karate or Toastmasters depending on my wife's preferences.  

 

Speech contest was fun.  Placed 3rd out of 4, which was a little expected after hearing everyone.  I stumbled over my lyrics, which was disappointing, but at least it wasn't detrimental to the speech.  I practiced them a lot, but not in front of people.  It was more difficult to perform than I expected.  Next time I plan to sing in a speech, I need to go to karaoke before to get comfortable.   I'm going to try this again soon.

 

There is a possibility to move on to the Division contest if either first or second place cannot compete, so I need to keep this speech ready for March 30th.

[Manarelle]

Grats on the speech contest. That's still an intimidating thing to do, singing probably more so. Also very cool that your karate school places more importance on working within limitations than sticking to rigid structures. Speaking of which, how are you doing after furniture moving?

[JediNickD]

23 minutes ago, Manarelle said:

Grats on the speech contest. That's still an intimidating thing to do, singing probably more so. Also very cool that your karate school places more importance on working within limitations than sticking to rigid structures. Speaking of which, how are you doing after furniture moving?

 

 

 

I went to see my Pain Management doctor.  They switched my script to something which will help more with my leg pain in an anti-inflammatory steroid.  Follow up in four weeks with new MRIs if it doesn't work.

 

 

[JediNickD]

What a crazy weekend.  Storm Friday knocked out power and stranded drivers all over the east coast.  It was a hurricane without the hurricane, so no one thought to stay home.  They closed down the to major bridges by my house, so it took me from 4:30 to 5:30 to get to where the open bridge was.  I decided I didn't want to sit in my car for 6 hours, which was the reported crossing time, while the storm was at its worst.  Instead I drive a couple minute to the movie theater and watched Red Sparrow with my MoviePass, then took a nice nap.  12:30am and the roads still suck, but I use Google Maps Satellite and Traffic to figure out where the down trees and power lines are then head through some back roads and cut 3 hours off the 6 hours it was still taking drivers to cross the bridge.  I got home around 3am, top off the generator my wife had setup while I was at work, then took the cans to fill up.  Gas Stations were practically out of gas with only Super left.  In bed by 3:30am.  

 

Saturday, we cleaned up the house and hung out in the heated living room with some neighbors.  Still had internet service, so Netflix, Minecraft, and other games were played.  Power came back at 2pm, just in time for my friends birthday party and RPG night we were hosting.  Zombie Apocalypse RPG my wife made up with a zombie head cake covered in purple flowers and butterflies.  It was a pretty fun night.

 

Sunday was more clean up.  My wife and housemate have done some projects in the basement leaving tools, scrapes, and sawdust everywhere, plus all the kid's toys just piled up to make room for their mess.  I had electric to run for the TV area down there and I could hardly get a ladder to the walls with all their mess.  A few hours and it is magnificent.  Now, I just need to reorganize the tool area so I know where everything is.  

 

The TV area electrical and setup is mostly down, just need to do the speakers, but my wife wants to set up the old projector down there, which means the TV cabinet and old CRTV need to move or go.  We need to replace the TV cabinet upstairs since it is a smidge too tall, so I'll be able to bring that one downstairs, but what to do with the CRTV so that I can play Duckhunt?

 

It may be time to refurbish or rebuild the "backyard" garage which the previous owners never finished siding and the walls have been destroyed by weather.  I can't safely store stuff like a CRTV out there.  Or.  Or.  Or I can start on an attached garage and spare bedroom addition, which my wife and I though would be a fantastic idea... hmm... That garage would be much more useful and would allow me to move the stuff out of the "backyard" garage while I'm rebuilding it.  

 

A. Allocate saving for other budget items and figure out funding available.  Keep saving money. 

B. Brainstorm ideas and run them past my construction friends.

C. Chalk up plans.

D. Determine pricing for the project.

E. Estimate timelines.

F. Final decisions on funding, timeline, materials, contracting, etc.

G. Get started.  

 

Can all that happen in March?  Probably not, but if my wife gets excited about it, then it most definitely will.  I'm pretty excited about it.  

 

I think the most important thing for me to do though is to figure out my career situation.  Stay in my current company, trust they keep me for however long it may take to put me on a new contract.  Or find new work.

[JediNickD]

Learned half of Taeguek 6 at Karate last night, but I'm modified for no right leg kicks, so getting the footwork right was tricky.  Anyway, I really don't like learning without being able to do it, but it is what I have to do if I want to keep working and not hurt myself.

[Manarelle]

Man, sounds like a rough Friday, but glad the weekend made up for it. One of my friends was stuck in DE for 9 hours with the bridge to MD closed - said that emergency workers were ringing extra fuel and water to people stuck in their cars. Working around limitations isn't fun, but glad you can do so and keep being active. 

[JediNickD]

2 hours ago, Manarelle said:

Man, sounds like a rough Friday, but glad the weekend made up for it. One of my friends was stuck in DE for 9 hours with the bridge to MD closed - said that emergency workers were ringing extra fuel and water to people stuck in their cars. Working around limitations isn't fun, but glad you can do so and keep being active. 

 

Your friend was not too far from me.  In Maryland, going over the Susquehanna River, before noon, one bridge had multiple tractor trailers overturned or crashed while the other bridge had two trees fall across all four lanes.  The state did the right thing closing the bridges, but to be an out of state traveler that day must have been the absolute worst.  Maryland actually declared a state of emergency early in the morning, but absolutely no one took notice or knew about it so they could just stay home.  There shouldn't have been any commercial or commuter traffic on the roads.

 

I hope your friend made out ok.  

 

Round two is happening now.  This time with 6 inches of snow.  It's not cold enough to stick to the roads, but over night everything is going to freeze.

[Manarelle]

On 3/7/2018 at 1:26 PM, JediNickD said:

Maryland actually declared a state of emergency early in the morning, but absolutely no one took notice or knew about it so they could just stay home.  There shouldn't have been any commercial or commuter traffic on the roads.

 

Yeah, I hadn't heard of that at all. Drive to work that day was fine, didn't even think about it. Hope the second snow was kind to you. We just had wet roads, no freeze. 

[JediNickD]

29 minutes ago, Manarelle said:

 

Yeah, I hadn't heard of that at all. Drive to work that day was fine, didn't even think about it. Hope the second snow was kind to you. We just had wet roads, no freeze. 

 

It was tame.  Round 3 coming Monday, but it doesn't look bad here either.

[JediNickD]

Had a great visit with friends who flew in from Massachusetts.  Cosmic Encounter, House on Haunted Hill, walking around the Botanical Gardens.  So relaxing.