[JediNickD] World 4 Level 9: "The Legacy of the Jedi is Failure"

[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, Arthritis, Disc Fissures, and more.  Through physical therapy exercises and karate, I have maintained my core and back muscles to ease the pressure off my spine, but in the end I defeated World 3 by transforming my life into a new form.  With chiropractic care for my spine, hitting the high ranks at karate, starting the new Toastmasters program called Pathways, and working to complete my Novice training at IJRS, World 4 feels like something new everyday. 

 

I just keep on L-I-V-I-N, fight the good fight lightin' it up, and level up my life!

 

Challenge Lesson:  "The Legacy of the Jedi is Failure"     [Spoilers for The Last Jedi]
 

Quote

Luke Skywalker: Now that they're extinct, the Jedi are romanticized, deified. But if your strip away the myth and look at their deeds, the legacy of the Jedi is failure. Hypocrisy, hubris.

 

 

Each failure is a moment from which to learn and an opportunity to try again. 

 

The Jedi Order failed to keep their own ego in check.  Serving as the Republic's peace keepers, they put themselves in an authoritative position.  They became a tool of the Senate and Supreme Chancellor.  They should have never taken such a position.  Having Force sensitivity and a do-right upbringing gave them integrity which the Republic could trust, but humility should have never let the order accept such a role.  It became their undoing, giving rise to Darth Sidious, Count Dooku and the Galactic Civil War, and Darth Vader. 

 

Luke suffers the a similar failure thinking he could recreate a Jedi Order to protect the New Republic.  As soon as he sees darkness, he thinks he must destroy it, which was an authoritative moment of judgement resulting in the birth of Kylo Ren.  I'm sure we will learn more of this relationship in Episode IX.  Luke later learns from Yoda that his failures are opportunities to learn and try again, which is why we see him challenge Kylo Ren spiritually, to try again to teach Ben Solo in the ways of the Force. 

 

Individually, we fail all the time.  We use that failure as a learning tool in what not to do.  We also can note what went right, what went well, where our strengths are.  We can lean into those areas as we try again, while understanding our weaknesses and pitfalls.  Through failure, we succeed.

 

 

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 4 Level 9 Challenge:

FITNESS:

• Cardio: Speed and Stamina - 320 min total, 80 weekly.  Track time and distance. 

  STA +1
   

• Walking: Fortify the Spine - 1000 min total, 250 weekly. 
  CON +1
   

• Exercise: Lifting and Bodyweight - 320 min total, 80 weekly.  Track reps for push-ups and sit-ups AMRAP and daily total.

  STR +1
   

• Flexibility: Stretching and Physical Therapy - 560 min total, 140 weekly.  

  DEX +1
   

• Karate: Training and Practice - 1100 min total, 275 weekly.  Track progress towards belt.  Track improvement on all material. 
  DEX +1, STR +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 for 24 of 28 days.  Track "fasting" after dinner nightly for 24 of 28 days.   
  CON +1
   
• Keep on cutting out the crap - No CheezIts, limit snacking at work, 6 Dr Peppers a week, and limit cheese to 6 meals a week.
  CON +1

 

LIFE:

• Get Stuff Done - Complete 80 Hours of various Chores and Maintenance, with at least 20 hours each week.  Chores and Maintenance are the following areas (goal hours for challenge)
  • Dishes (16), Laundry (10), Cooking/Cleaning/Dusting/Vacuuming/Trash/Other (32), Yard Work (2), Animal Care (24), Home Renovation and Auto Maintenance (10)

          WIS +1, CHA +1
 

• Epic Quest - Complete something EPIC!  I want to be able to look back at my four week challenge and say, "that was the challenge I did X".  My challenges tend to be a lot of the same old.  I've given myself plenty to improve in small steps, but I also want to see big strides in the things I've been working on.  What box can I check?  What have I been procrastinating?  What am I focusing on?

          WIS +2, CHA +2

 

 

INCENTIVES!  Working hard for CASH!  ($81.40 carried over)
 

1. REWARD:  For each week in which I complete 22 or more hours of Chores and Maintenance, I will put aside $10 to spend how I see fit. 
   CONSEQUENCE:  For any week where I complete less than 20 hours, I will give up $10 of saved cash.
    
2. REWARD:  $5 for each Personal Project hour
   CONSEQUENCE : Lose $10 for each week without at least one hour for Personal Projects.
    
3. REWARD:  $10 for each HIIT workout.  For a healthy heart among other things, HIIT is recommended by my health coach.  I don't like them, but they are a necessary evil.
   CONSEQUENCE: Lose $5 for each week without a HIIT workout.
    
4. REWARD:  $2 for each day with weight below 150.0 lbs.
   CONSEQUENCE:  Lose $10 each day with weight above 151.0 lbs. 
    
5. REWARD: $5 for 1 Sprint/Run/Bike workout (minimum 10 reps/30 min/10 min), $10 for second, $20 for third and up. 
   CONSEQUENCE:  Lose $10 for each week without one of these workouts.

 

BONUSES: 

• $1 for each hour working on Jedi Training (mentoring, reading/writing, charity, meditation, IJRS lessons). 
• $2 for each hour working on Toastmasters including meetings.
• $2 for each Home Renovation or Auto Maintenance hour

 

PENALTIES:

• Lose $10 for eating pizza, candy, popcorn, CheezIts, pretzels, potato chips.
• Lose $10 for more than 6 Dr Peppers a week or more than 6 meals with cheese a week. 

[WhiteGhost]

Following again  

[JediNickD]

2 PRs today.  Standard Push-ups 44 AMRAP, Diamond Push-Ups 28 AMRAP.

 

WOOT!

[WhiteGhost]

Woohoo, way to go!

[JediNickD]

Speech contest tomorrow!  Excited and nervous, but I'm prepared with material I am confident in.

[Hazard]

On 3/14/2019 at 3:12 PM, JediNickD said:

2 PRs today.  Standard Push-ups 44 AMRAP, Diamond Push-Ups 28 AMRAP.

 

WOOT!

 

Congrats!

 

[JediNickD]

I finished 3rd in the Humorous Speech contest and went 2 seconds over my time for the International Speech contest.  A little disappointed in being disqualified, but felt my effort was good enough for 3rd, which is all I care about.  I didn't feel like I rocked it like I did at the Area Contest.  I did do really well with reading the audience and improvising, but I let that get in the way of hitting all my points and staying in my time.  I'm not going to beat myself up over it but I will learn from my mistakes.

[WhiteGhost]

Yeah, that would be disappointing, but good that you are using it as a learning opportunity.  When is the next event?

[JediNickD]

4 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Yeah, that would be disappointing, but good that you are using it as a learning opportunity.  When is the next event?

 

The next event is April 13th at the District Conference.  Fortunately and unfortunately, I won't get to move on with my placement.  I would have liked to have performed well enough to win, but that weekend in April is already packed with stuff for me with our karate test, my daughter's play performance, and my daughter's birthday.  I was not planning to compete at all because I knew this date months ago, but my friends twisted my arm to have a member compete.  I'm happy with the winners moving on.  Maybe in a few years, I'll try again, but I really want to coach or mentor another person competing.  I feel that coaching and mentoring is what I do well.

 

[JediNickD]

150.0 lbs this morning.  Finally getting back down.  I need to get more spring mix.  Filling up on greens helps. 

 

After deep stretching, I did sprints and ab workout at the gym this morning.  Yesterday was karate practice with some bag work.  I'm working on breaking power for my tornado kick for the test.  The power is all in the hips.  I get two or three good ones on the bag, then my hips are too tired for to deliver the power.  I just have to keep practicing to build that stamina.  At the advanced test, I'll need that stamina as breaking is the last part.

[JediNickD]

I'm making plans for my Epic Quest goal this challenge.  I have a few opportunities to do something epic on my list.  Tomorrow, I have First Aid training.  The last day of the challenge is my Karate Test for Brown III.  I'll be giving a speech on Confidence at the test, so that will be a milestone in itself, as it will be the largest non-Toastmaster audience I will speak in front of since my older brother's wedding.  To practice the speech, I plan to work on my 3rd Advanced Communicator Gold award for Toastmasters.  I could probably complete one of the manuals for that award (halfway).  I added a few physical feats to work towards, as well: a 50-rep Push Up Set and 10 Leg Lifts in a Free Head Stand. 

 

I have also started my research project for my IJRS Novice Exam.  I'm planning to write an inspirational paper about "How to Use Fear and Pain for Growth", a lesson Jacen Solo learns in the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series novel "Traitor".  It is a simple concept for applying to body building and conquering a fear of something, but it can be applied to all sorts of situations, specifically, emotional pain from grief and loss.  I'm re-reading the book to pull the specifics.  I need to find self-help books and articles which reference the same ideas as support for my conclusions. 

 

I have some epic work to complete on my Prius.  The struts need replacing.  I'm going to look into doing it myself this time.  I also have epic work to do on the van, replacing the valve gaskets.  Should be fun. 

[WhiteGhost]

1 hour ago, JediNickD said:

The struts need replacing.  I'm going to look into doing it myself this time.

That does indeed sound epic.  I used to help my brother with his cars (he used to restore old classic muscle cars) but I never did anything with struts.  

[JediNickD]

I replaced the shocks and struts on my '92 Camaro back in 2000.  I remember it taking a while, but not too difficult.  I actually had them replaced on the Prius 3 years ago, but when I got my tires rotated, the mechanic said that the front tires are wearing too fast and it is likely the struts are worn out.  They are under warranty, so I can replace them for nothing if I do the work myself.  $600 to have someone else do it.  I did buy a cheaper brand, because I didn't expect to keep the car another 5 years when I did it.  I went cheap on the tires too.  Looks like a bad combo.

[JediNickD]

First Aid Training completed.  Really great class. 

 

After kicking my own butt all week, I hit the hot tub this morning to rest my sore knees and right elbow/forearm.  The knees have been sore all week after my sprints.  I thought I hurt something.  Then I did quadrupedal movements on Wednesday, which didn't help.  My right elbow and forearm is hurt from too much racquetball.  My racquetball partner is on travel today, so I will be doing other cardio stuff like soccer, biking, and/or running.  I might wait for the weekend and give my knees a full day.  I'll see how I feel at 1030 and make the call then. 

[JediNickD]

I got some soccer practice in on Friday.  Spar class on Saturday morning (won both my point matches without conceding a point).  My combo speed is getting quicker allowing me to overwhelm my opponent while tracking targets and finding openings to score a point.  We'll see how that goes against a more advanced fighter at the test.  Swam at a birthday party on Saturday afternoon.   Sunday, we went to a botanical garden and walked for over 2 hours.  Did pushups and squats before bed both nights. 

 

I also did a bunch of work around the house, laundry and dishes included.  Cooked Shepard's Pie for dinner and it was finally a hit with the family.  Typically, they don't like it, but I did three things differently.  First, I used a mix of veggies instead of just corn.  It had lima beans, green beans, peas, carrots, and corn.  Second, I smoothed out the mashed potatoes with boiling the potatoes longer for no lumps and added extra butter and milk.  Lastly, instead of taco seasoning on the grounded beef, which I didn't have, I blended my chili seasonings and dumped some taco sauce in.  The meat was tasty, but I think the veggie mix and potato consistency made the dish a hit.  It's not the healthiest dish, but it is one I love to cook and eat.  Glad, I finally got the family on board with it. 

[WhiteGhost]

21 hours ago, JediNickD said:

It had lima beans

I have to admit I have never seen anyone like something MORE after increasing lima beans  

[JediNickD]

1 hour ago, WhiteGhost said:

I have to admit I have never seen anyone like something MORE after increasing lima beans  

 

Lima beans get a bad rap.  I'm not eating them as a side like black or brown beans, but you can mix them in a dish like any other bean, except chili.  Don't make lima bean chili. :-P

[JediNickD]

151.0 lbs this morning.  I ate jalapeño cheddar popcorn last night.  Delicious but on my no-no list; therefore, I'll literally pay for it. 

 

Karate practice this morning.  Working on my breaks for the test in April, my tornado kick power is improving, but I'm still getting dizzy after 5 or 6 of them, or any other consecutive turning or spinning moves.  Not sure I can fix that, but I know I can avoid it where it matters.  At spar on Saturday, we were working on building a combination which is adaptable.  They like to teach spinning combinations, because you can track your opponent and maintain momentum.  I would need to break up my spinning techniques to avoid getting dizzy.  Something like rising edge side kick, front-hand punch, back-hand punch, back leg round house, spinning back fist, punch, back leg out-to-in kick, tornado out-to-in kick, step behind or a skip in side kick, back fist, back hand punch, front hand punch, front leg round house.  The first four moves are to try to score a quick point while driving my opponent off the starting spot.  Once they are retreating, I chase with a spinning technique.  Since the spinning technique only nets my a 180 arc, if they move left, then I need to pivot left with the back leg round house.  Typically, they won't move that direction as it is towards my back, but it is the right move out of the gate.  If they move right, then they move right into my round house, which depending on their body position I may need to adapt it to a out-to-in to score a controlled head kick, or pull it into a hook kick to land my heel in their stomach.  If I don't score in the first 4 moves, then a spinning technique followed by a back leg technique allows me to gain ground and keep the attack flying.  The back leg out-to-in switches my stance to set up my tornado kick.  The step behind or skip in kick gives chase again with a punch combo once I am inside their kick range.  The front leg round house is a quick adaptable kick which should score if they retreat to avoid the punches.  It is crazy to think that just a year ago, I was trying  to avoid getting overwhelmed by an opponent throwing thought-out combos like this. 

 

When people beat down "The Karate Kid" for Daniel's accelerated training, I now have my own martial arts training experience to throw at them. 

[JediNickD]

149.0 lbs this morning.  Three great games of racquetball this morning.  My elbow is sore and my backhand was lousy, but I hustled and played really well. 

 

Last night, I had karate class.  We worked on breaks.  I'm getting more confident in each.  Taking my time to set my feet and breath will be key. 

 

Planning to work on the cars for Saturday, since it will be gorgeous out.  I have rotors and struts for the front of my Prius.  I have rotors, PCV Valve, and spark plugs for the van.  It looks like I'll have all day, so I'm going to do the Prius first.  The van needs the rotors changed.  Hopefully, I can get to them too, but Sunday is always an option.  The thing I worry most about is being able to find all my tools.  My wife and roommates have borrowed stuff recently, but I went looking for a screw driver and noticed they hadn't returned everything.  In fact, I still need to find that screw drive to repair a speaker before church service.  I might have to do that tonight to ensure it gets done.  EPIC WEEKEND AHEAD!

[JediNickD]

151.2 lbs this morning.  Karate practice after stretching. Feeling good about my combos and form.  Working the breaks, which are progressing nicely.  I hit hard with 2 sets of 10 reps with tornado kicks on the swinging bag.  Only one or two I felt concerned about. 

 

I had my EPIC WEEKEND and got stuff done.  Friday night, I bought a new long screwdriver and dismantled the speaker for church.  Nothing obvious to repair.  The tweeter is probably damaged and needs replacement, but we'll likely replace the whole speaker.  The next day, I found my missing screwdriver.  Still missing a few others though.

 

Saturday morning was a lesson in what not to do replacing a front strut on the Prius.  I started with the passenger side strut.  Things went well disassembling the under-the-hood components to get access to the top of the strut, but I needed to loosen the bearing bolt while it was still attached to the car, then I needed to take the stabilizing bar off first while supporting the assembly with a jack.  Once off, I discovered the dust boot rubber was torn to pieces, I put it back together as best I could, but will need to replace the bearing and rubber boot.  The lower insulator was also rotted.  When I got to the driver side, everything went much smoother, but I discovered the dust boot on the passenger side was installed wrong, which meant I reinstalled it wrong.  Ugh.  Explains why the boot was torn up. 

 

The old struts were certainly worn out so I should get my warranty redemption.  Just need to send them to the manufacturer. 

 

I had planned to replace the rotors too, but the brake pad mounting bracket bolts would not budge.  I need to borrow a torch and apply some local heat to help loosen them.  I didn't get to the van work, due to rain on Sunday, but knowing what I know now is certainly helpful to be prepared for the rotor work. 

 

Monday, I started my Jury Duty service.  Just sat and read my book all day.  They didn't need me today, so I'm working today, but still need to call in tonight.

 

 

[WhiteGhost]

14 hours ago, JediNickD said:

I bought a new long screwdriver ...  The next day, I found my missing screwdriver

Why does it always work out like that?

 

Whew, sounds like quite the weekend.  I'm tired just from reading about it

[JediNickD]

4 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Why does it always work out like that?

 

Whew, sounds like quite the weekend.  I'm tired just from reading about it

 

I forgot to mention all the pain I was in from working on the car for 6 hours.  Hunched over the strut ratcheting the spring compressor and squatting under the wheel well finagling the strut are both murder on my lower back.  The back spasms kept me from standing upright.  I took a few breaks just to sprawl out on the ground and rest my back.  After the work was done, I cleaned up, put my back brace on, and popped a couple Aleve.  I took the family to dinner downtown.  I was still sore after dinner, but I was able to stand and walk upright.  We walked and shopped for a couple hours.  Be the end, I was feeling alright.  Just 3 hours after working on the car and killing my back, the pain was gone and my mobility had returned.  Just a year ago, I wouldn't have been able to do anything the rest of the day and the next day would have been torture.  The chiropractic care has done wonders.  I completely forgot to mention the pain, because I recovered so fast it was like it didn't even happen.  I only remembered because you said "tired" and I thought, "Yeah, I was tired.  In fact, I was a little broken for a bit."  It didn't stop me from finishing the work on Saturday or enjoying the evening with the wife and kids.  I didn't rest much on Sunday either, having church and testing out the new wireless microphone receiver after service, then cooking chili for dinner, cleaning up the kitchen before and after cooking, then, after eating, washing all the dishes, replacing the furnace air filter, cleaning litter boxes, taking out all the trash, and fixing my license plate (one of the bolts rusted off years ago and the second is not long for this world). 

 

[WhiteGhost]

Yeah, that back pain is what I was imagining from my own experiences.  Glad the chiro stuff has been working for you

[JediNickD]

Busy week at work, but I wanted to squeeze in an update.  Last weekend was EPIC!  I did some Epic stuff, but my oldest daughter has been out "EPIC-ing" me.  She turns 11 on Tuesday and is growing up too fast.  She has a lead part in a play at church.  Last weekend was their final rehearsal.  We have some great performers, but I am just so impressed with my girl.  She is working on a performance for a school talent show.  She is kicking butt in karate class.  She is blazing through a fantasy book series.  She is constantly working on creating with art projects: drawing, painting, and sculpting.  In the last year, she has under gone a huge change, growing into this amazing kid, doing amazing things.  I can't wait for this Sunday to see how she does.

 

Also this Sunday, my advanced karate test.  WOOT!

[JediNickD]

After an intense warm up and bag work sessions, I had 4 spar matches last night against 3 black belts.  I faced off against a 3rd degree twice, first a 30 second match with lower body only, then a point spar match to 3 with upper body only.  I held my own, but damn was he quick and unpredictable.  I saw a ton of hand techniques which I want to find a way to replicate.  Racquetball this morning was ultra competitive.  Some really tough won points and hustling.  Tomorrow morning is another round of spar.  Sunday is test day.  I need to squeeze some recovery in there some where.  :-P  Maybe I'll just nap in the hot tub all Saturday afternoon.