Manarelle Posted April 15, 2019 Report Share Posted April 15, 2019 Challenges: 41: Apr '19 - Thor sewing, Russian gov class 42: May '19 - Russian gov class, same ol' 43: Jul '19 - Finish Thor, move to alternating workouts, Russian gov class 44: Sept '19 - Art class, lots of Backlash/ sewing, tweak Thor helmet 45: Oct '19 - Backlash pants & knife, un-humbug, read 4 books 46: Dec '19 - Scalemail, add 3rd cardio day, read 3 book, hygge 47: Jan '20 - Jeans, Backlash whips, read 3 books, hygge 48: May '20 - Jeans, Taboo mask, languages 49: Jun '20 - Garden bed, redefine success to fix attitude 50: Jul '20 - Finish Taboo, curly, languages In writing this up, I mentioned to a friend that I feel a bit of a cheater since my challenges lately don't "challenge" in the sense of "push yourself further/ harder/ faster/ more." I feel like I've got a good balance of hobbies vs relax vs life, and I'm pleased with the progress I'm making in those hobbies - I don't want to mess that up by adding more. She pointed out that I have (or have had) a tendency to push myself to the point of shutting everyone out and hermitting for days on end, so the "challenge" for me is not doing that. Seems counterintuitive, but she's right. In September 2018, I allowed myself 4 hobbies so as not to overload myself: exercise, languages, sewing, and gardening. It's pretty obvious that "sewing" has become "cosplay" in general - there are too many trades needed to narrow it down effectively, but I'm doing fairly good at focusing on one thing at a time. My interest in gardening has largely waned; I'm keeping a few low-maintenance items for pretty (or tasty), but not going to put much time or money into it. I have noticed, though, that I tend to get antsy if I'm not actively learning something, so I'm replacing gardening with "learning" and leaving that as a broad topic: only one thing at a time, but the subject range can vary widely. Right now, I'm taking an online course in Russian governance and law, which is fascinating but very dense. State of the Hobbies: Languages: Daily F/R vocab, bi-weekly R tutoring. Exercise: M/W/F weights, Tu/Th cardio and PT, Sunday PT. Cosplay: Belt, skirt, cape. Learning: Russian governance/ law class. Extras: Gardening: Add mulch to sheeting. Shooting: Practice dime drills. Job hunt: Put out applications. The hobbies are must-do items. They're where I get a sense of accomplishment from, and feel like I'm being a good, productive person. My goals, then, are to maintain language and exercise, finish the belt, skirt, and cape for the cosplay, and finish at least 2 units on the Russian class. The extras are no-pressure, ideal items. I'd like to get to them, but I won't stress if I don't (easier said than done). I'd like to drop some mulch on top of the garden to prevent more weeds, practice dime drills at home before going shooting again, and put out at least 1 job application per week. So I guess here's the challenge for this 5 weeks: I will not allow them to interfere with my established hobbies, or my life balance. 7 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
WhiteGhost Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 Here again 1 Quote HUNTER OF ALL THINGS SHINY Intro Thread Challenge Log Bodyweight Exercise Library Recipe Book Shuffle Club Level 2 Ninja Strength: 13 Intelligence: 14 Wisdom: 6 Dexterity:14 Constitution: 12 Charisma: 11 Link to comment
Norgaard Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 10 hours ago, Manarelle said: In writing this up, I mentioned to a friend that I feel a bit of a cheater since my challenges lately don't "challenge" in the sense of "push yourself further/ harder/ faster/ more." I feel like I've got a good balance of hobbies vs relax vs life, and I'm pleased with the progress I'm making in those hobbies - I don't want to mess that up by adding more. She pointed out that I have (or have had) a tendency to push myself to the point of shutting everyone out and hermitting for days on end, so the "challenge" for me is not doing that. Seems counterintuitive, but she's right. balance is key, and it so hard to find. again oh and now is perfect for gardening, Following this 1 Quote Be like water my friend Link to comment
Akura Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 11 hours ago, Manarelle said: Cosplay: Belt, skirt, cape. Still... Thor... Right...? 11 hours ago, Manarelle said: Job hunt: Put out applications. In which field/profession? 1 Quote The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. Instagram food log Link to comment
KB Girl Posted April 16, 2019 Report Share Posted April 16, 2019 Sounds like a good friend 1 Quote KB Quest: becoming a decent kettlebell lifter and an excellent coach 2023 goals tracker; cycling: 1047,7/5000km & reading to my kids: 58/365 days (updated may 1st) my instagram - my gym's instagram Link to comment
Red1263 Posted April 17, 2019 Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 Yeah! Pull out that Dueling Glove and challenge Life! 1 Quote Level 25 Final Fantasy Rebel My Epic Quest | My Journey | Currently on the Trial of Orthos Str: 60 | Dex: 23 | Sta: 66 | Con: 28 | Wis: 55 | Cha: 14 Goals for 2021: Spoiler Build my brother a Destiny 2 Lamp Learn how to do a Handstand Play 1 song on the acoustic guitar Clean up the Christmas Decorations and finish setting up my apartment (hang things up, plus some other few things that need to be organized) Re-introduce Pull-ups into my routine Build a shelving unit next to my Desk "No matter what, if you can hold your head up high, you've done the right thing." "When you stand with your family, your family stands with you." "Write what needs to be written." Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 On 4/15/2019 at 10:40 PM, WhiteGhost said: Here again Hello again. Hopefully there will be more pictures this time. On 4/16/2019 at 2:51 AM, Norgaard said: balance is key, and it so hard to find. again oh and now is perfect for gardening, Following this I feel like I've spent a significant amount of my life penduluming from side to side, trying to find a decent balance. I think the swings are significantly shorter now, but not quite there yet. And of course, life is always there to throw a curve ball and send it all off balance again. On 4/16/2019 at 4:57 AM, Akura said: Still... Thor... Right...? In which field/profession? Sigh, yes, still Thor. I looked back at my notes, started the first piece in late 2017, but I swear it will be done by September of this year. Then I just have to decide what's next.... Degree is in Intelligence Analysis, I'd rather go for government or law enforcement than business intel. Tough to break into if you don't have either clearance or military background. On 4/16/2019 at 7:24 AM, KB Girl said: Sounds like a good friend Definitely. We're not afraid to call each other on our bs. Useful, though not always welcome at the time... 9 hours ago, Red1263 said: Yeah! Pull out that Dueling Glove and challenge Life! Hahahaha, man, that is a great movie. I need to find me a metal gauntlet now.... Well, I thought I was getting an amazon order last night, to include a leather hole punch so I could finish up the belt, but apparently the final "place order" button never got clicked. So hopefully *tonight* I shall get it and be able to either finish or get dang close to finishing the belt. (I am very excited.) 4 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
Norgaard Posted April 17, 2019 Report Share Posted April 17, 2019 Just remember balance is Not stationary, but an everlasting flow of adjustments <3 2 Quote Be like water my friend Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 19 hours ago, Norgaard said: Just remember balance is Not stationary, but an everlasting flow of adjustments <3 Yup, hence the "challenge for life." That's never going to end. The hole punch did, indeed come in last night, and I was able to get the holes punched, edges burnished, and the first coat of finish on. I'm debating on whether/ how to make the conchos on the belt in the comics. Well, no, scratch that. After reviewing pictures, it's pretty consistent that they're there. And an extra side strap. So I'm not done yet. But! I'm still pretty happy with how it turned out so far. The dye I got said "medium brown," but turned out to have a nice reddish finish when buffed. Below are progression photos, and an extra of little leather curls/ springs that form when your edging goes well (I thought they were nifty). 7 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
raptron Posted April 18, 2019 Report Share Posted April 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Manarelle said: Yup, hence the "challenge for life." That's never going to end. YUP. 1 Quote Raptron, alot assassin 67 | 66 | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 54 | 53 | 52 | 51 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 Link to comment
WhiteGhost Posted April 19, 2019 Report Share Posted April 19, 2019 19 hours ago, Manarelle said: a nice reddish finish I really like that color 1 Quote HUNTER OF ALL THINGS SHINY Intro Thread Challenge Log Bodyweight Exercise Library Recipe Book Shuffle Club Level 2 Ninja Strength: 13 Intelligence: 14 Wisdom: 6 Dexterity:14 Constitution: 12 Charisma: 11 Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2019 Skirts are done. Final time: 8.67 hours. I'm beyond pleased, even if the front piece is a little crooked. I forgot to take my shirt off when measuring where "center" was. Oh, well. 10 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
WhiteGhost Posted April 21, 2019 Report Share Posted April 21, 2019 Looks good! Quote HUNTER OF ALL THINGS SHINY Intro Thread Challenge Log Bodyweight Exercise Library Recipe Book Shuffle Club Level 2 Ninja Strength: 13 Intelligence: 14 Wisdom: 6 Dexterity:14 Constitution: 12 Charisma: 11 Link to comment
Norgaard Posted April 23, 2019 Report Share Posted April 23, 2019 it looks so cool! Quote Be like water my friend Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2019 Two years of progress. Not done, but wanted to see how it's all fitting together: I think I've been unduly worried about the blond hair part. Even unfinished, it's pretty obvious there's a) a cosplay going on, and b) probably who it is. Also, for those of you who were around when I was making the sabatons... yes, I still clank when I walk. It's mildly hilarious. 9 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
WhiteGhost Posted April 26, 2019 Report Share Posted April 26, 2019 That looks awesome! And yes, even without the blonde hair you look very much like Thor 1 Quote HUNTER OF ALL THINGS SHINY Intro Thread Challenge Log Bodyweight Exercise Library Recipe Book Shuffle Club Level 2 Ninja Strength: 13 Intelligence: 14 Wisdom: 6 Dexterity:14 Constitution: 12 Charisma: 11 Link to comment
raptron Posted April 26, 2019 Report Share Posted April 26, 2019 AHHHH, so cool! 1 Quote Raptron, alot assassin 67 | 66 | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 54 | 53 | 52 | 51 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 Link to comment
KB Girl Posted April 26, 2019 Report Share Posted April 26, 2019 That looks awesome! 1 Quote KB Quest: becoming a decent kettlebell lifter and an excellent coach 2023 goals tracker; cycling: 1047,7/5000km & reading to my kids: 58/365 days (updated may 1st) my instagram - my gym's instagram Link to comment
Blocky Posted April 27, 2019 Report Share Posted April 27, 2019 On 4/26/2019 at 11:09 AM, Manarelle said: Even unfinished, it's pretty obvious there's a) a cosplay going on, and b) probably who it is. The hammer is a bit of a giveaway... 1 Quote Neutral Gargoyle Warrior with a dash of Ranger/Monk/Adventurer. Now LEVEL 9! My Instagram STR 78, CON 31, DEX 1, INT 21, WIS 13.5, CHA 4 Meet lifts: SQ 175kg, B 112.5kg, Dead 215kg. Gym lifts: SQ 185kg, B 132.5kg, Dead 220kg Nerd Stuff: Sci Fi TV, Sci Fi + Fantasy Books, Classic Space Lego, Warhammer 40K... Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2019 On 4/27/2019 at 1:00 AM, Blocky said: The hammer is a bit of a giveaway... Maybe a bit. Week 1 check-in: Maintain language and exercise: Russian class went well, think I hit a plateau with work out 2, but that's ok 'cause next week goes back to workout 1. Finish the belt, skirt, and cape for the cosplay: Progress, for sure. Putting it together highlighted some tweaks that need to be made, but I'm on schedule still. Finish at least 2 units on the Russian class: Absolutely zero progress on this. It's been a busy week. Bonus: Found 2 positions that are very applicable. Submitted one today. Yesterday was an unexpected 8-hour day of heavy labor: it was discovered that my gentleman's autistic sister has been... I have no descriptor other than hoarding to the point where she could neither use nor even get to her bed anymore. So we went over while she was at work and started cleaning/ boxing up usable items until about hour 2, when we discovered two walls, the ceiling, and the carpet had black mould partially exposed, partially hidden. It looked like she'd seen it and just used duct tape to try to hide it. Thankfully we'd already been wearing gloves and masks, but at that point, it turned into pretty much just clearing everything for health reasons. Took 4 truckloads to the dump, and there's some left over still (the dump closed at 4pm on Saturday, seems odd to me, but whatever), but her room is stripped to drywall and the concrete floor. The gentleman will go over with a friend who works in remediation and strip the drywall this coming week, then we can work on putting it back together. While it was not how I'd planned to spend the Saturday, it was at least a beautiful day, so we weren't sweating, freezing, or struggling with it all in rain/ snow/ hurricanes. Once we got TO the windows, we were able to open them up and let the worst of the smell out. Still ended up gross and covered in dust, cobwebs, and probably mold spores, but it could have been way worse. I am also quite pleased that, despite my back twinging a time or two at the end, I woke up today feeling pretty dang good. It's nice to see the workouts and general healthy living are paying off. In other news, we will be heading out this week on our annual vacation, and it's set up to be a very low-stress, relaxed one. It's a short (comparatively) flight to Dallas for the Fan Expo there, then a couple days down in... some other town in TX whose name I've forgotten.... to visit the gentleman's father's grave, meet some family types down there, and visit places the gentleman used to go when he lived down there. We're not going to do cosplay for the con, just go, chill, enjoy, and return hopefully relaxed enough to finish putting together the sister's room. I did manage to book places that have workout rooms, but we will be doing a lot of walking, too, so if I miss a day or two, I'm not going to beat myself up. Overall, solid week 1, and decent plan for week 2 even with travel and unexpected hazmat situations. 2 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
Manarelle Posted April 28, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2019 Gentleman just let me know he's awake by sending this: Great way to start the day. 5 1 Quote Manarelle the Level 60 Amazon Assassin Challenges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, Current Link to comment
Akura Posted April 28, 2019 Report Share Posted April 28, 2019 Good to hear that you handled the Saturday so well! 1 Quote The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. Instagram food log Link to comment
raptron Posted April 30, 2019 Report Share Posted April 30, 2019 Wow, yeah. That is a lot for a Saturday -- especially given that it was unexpected. Your upcoming vacation sounds well deserved. 1 Quote Raptron, alot assassin 67 | 66 | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 54 | 53 | 52 | 51 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 Link to comment
Red1263 Posted May 1, 2019 Report Share Posted May 1, 2019 Like it was mentioned earlier, even without the Blonde, you are Thor! 1 Quote Level 25 Final Fantasy Rebel My Epic Quest | My Journey | Currently on the Trial of Orthos Str: 60 | Dex: 23 | Sta: 66 | Con: 28 | Wis: 55 | Cha: 14 Goals for 2021: Spoiler Build my brother a Destiny 2 Lamp Learn how to do a Handstand Play 1 song on the acoustic guitar Clean up the Christmas Decorations and finish setting up my apartment (hang things up, plus some other few things that need to be organized) Re-introduce Pull-ups into my routine Build a shelving unit next to my Desk "No matter what, if you can hold your head up high, you've done the right thing." "When you stand with your family, your family stands with you." "Write what needs to be written." Link to comment
KB Girl Posted May 1, 2019 Report Share Posted May 1, 2019 You sound so upbeat over spending your Saturday that way, I am full of admiration! Hope you have a very nice vacation Ass, sass and sin 1 Quote KB Quest: becoming a decent kettlebell lifter and an excellent coach 2023 goals tracker; cycling: 1047,7/5000km & reading to my kids: 58/365 days (updated may 1st) my instagram - my gym's instagram Link to comment
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