RisenPhoenix Channels Past Lives

[RisenPhoenix]

6 hours ago, Kishi said:

I definitely feel you on unproductive time as a blessing.  That being said, if it winds up that you sleep through NP, don't hold it against yourself. Sometimes the body just needs rest.

 

I mean, currently waking up close to 0600 feels like sleeping in.  So that's kind of nice.  I know this because I woke up for NP this morning.  Feeling mostly refreshed, though I did wake up several times in the middle of the night.  But wasn't terrible.

 

Last night it was raining (lots of rain this week in Boston, so my outdoor plans keep getting shot), so while there was no park class, my friend did run a zoom class off his university account.  It wasn't anything shocking (to me), but it was nice to swing a sword around, even if I may have dented my ceiling.  I was also pleased I got my shoddy booken to WOOSH on more than a few of my cuts.  And my lack of sore shoulders today at least hints I wasn't having terrible form. To make things a bit more interesting towards the end of class, I purposefully switched hamni just to try things on my left side.  Considering most sword work is on the right side, and the left side is ignored, things felt pretty good on the left.  Nothing felt totally weird.So I dig it.  Might try and get that into rotation and convince my friend to do it in his class.

 

Food yesterday was really solid, thanks to the help of eating nearly half a watermelon to stave off junk cravings.  So hopefully I can build on that a bit today.  Dinner is going to be grilled pickle juice-brined pork chops, plus maybe roasted beets and green beans.

 

And speaking of green things, I'm seeing flowers sprouting on my zuchini plant!  Which means.... I should really get potting soil to replant it into a larger container.  I've avoided buying things because I haven't found the boxes I've wanted, but now I am thinking I just need to do it and at least maintain the zuchini better.  Also my parents had given me a mint plant from one of theirs, and it did not make the transition well.  Thinking that's going to die pretty soon, but since I'm not a huge mint user that is fine by me.  I'll see if I can keep it alive, but not holding my breath.

 

And finally, I gave Ska a wonderful morning gift of 60 pushups in my row for today.  Mostly due to November Project's workout.  Only 285 more pushups to go until 666, and 619 until 1,000.  Still wondering when I became this much of a masochist....

[AgentsSka]

11 minutes ago, RisenPhoenix said:

I was also pleased I got my shoddy booken to WOOSH on more than a few of my cuts. 

 

You should see what I do with my shoddy booken.  👀

 

12 minutes ago, RisenPhoenix said:

And finally, I gave Ska a wonderful morning gift of 60 pushups in my row for today.  Mostly due to November Project's workout.  Only 285 more pushups to go until 666, and 619 until 1,000.  Still wondering when I became this much of a masochist....

 

Correction... 65, Hare.

381-340.

[RisenPhoenix]

23 minutes ago, AgentsSka said:

 

You should see what I do with my shoddy booken.  👀

 

One would think that after nearly a decade I could spell it right....

 

23 minutes ago, AgentsSka said:

Correction... 65, Hare.

381-340.

 

Well, yea, I guess.  But the 5 were done after the morning gift and more because I was curious about my opinion on diamond pushups.

 

They may become what I do moving forward.  I liked them.

[AgentsSka]

54 minutes ago, RisenPhoenix said:

One would think that after nearly a decade I could spell it right....

 

I don't know what the proper spelling is of what you were trying to type.  I just thought it sounded funny.  Add in urban dictionary's definitions, and it's funnier.

[bigm141414]

2 hours ago, RisenPhoenix said:

I'm seeing flowers sprouting on my zuchini plant!  Which means....

 

.....that you should experiement with Zuccini blossom recipes? Fried flowers stuffed with a mushroom/garlic/parmesan cheese mixture? 

 

Also, this is your two week warning that a new Dresden book is coming out. 

[Kyellan]

3 hours ago, RisenPhoenix said:

 

One would think that after nearly a decade I could spell it right....

 

 

That's okay, it took me until your typo there to actually understand the Japanese here.

 

bokken => bo-ken => staff-sword

 

Holy crap. Universe brain.

[AgentsSka]

1 hour ago, bigm141414 said:

 

.....that you should experiement with Zuccini blossom recipes? Fried flowers stuffed with a mushroom/garlic/parmesan cheese mixture? 

 

 

HELL YES!!!!

Squash blossoms are delicious.

[RisenPhoenix]

Today is Functionally Friday.  Before a long weekend plus a small vacation.  And my experiment from the that took 10 days failed.

 

Not shockingly, my motivation is pretty much shot.

 

I ran into work this morning to do a few tasks, but other things are mostly paperwork. But over all I'm just not in a rush rush to be productive.  Honestly not really feeling pressed about it.  I can only do so much, and just because the scenery has currently changed doesn't mean this wouldn't happen if I were onsite.  Maybe I'd be poking people for additional work to build time until aikido started.  Maybe.  But anyway, given the pandemic and my failing computer battery, I opted to leave the building.  I tried getting my (very over due) car inspection, and was told I need my new registration stickers, which are in the mail.  So much for my adulting plans.

 

Yesterday I did NP and Yoga, and stayed inside because it was raining a bunch still.  Today it seems it has finally cleared, but post-work is going to be yoga, so no outdoor things really.  Tomorrow I decided I'm skipping NP to sleep, and then I'm going to go hiking.  There's a Skyline trail in the Fells near where I live that I have done sections of, but never it in its entirety.  Once there was a Nerd Hike (in the Ancient Times) with a bunch of us, but I skipped that because I was testing for.... some kyu ranking.  Fourth maybe? Third?  Long, long time ago.  Been meaning to get back to it, but never did. Last summer I rarely hiked (thanks, new homeownership), and the last few weeks now I have gone to a closer spot where paths don't meet with that one.  So, nice and easy plan for me.  It's about 7.5 miles, assuming I don't get lost.

 

Yesterday's food was mostly solid, though I did have 490 calories of junk in the form of a pint of low calorie ice cream (Nick's is solid stuff, guys) and some pretzels.  Considering the dual workouts I'm really not freaking out about that.  Also my stomach measurement this morning has dropped a bit and I'm feeling much less bloated, so that is nice.  And yesterday I made grilled pork chops for dinner.  Tonight is bribery good from my former neighbor for watching his cats.

 

Garden is still alive.  While watering it yesterday I also found that my tomato plant has some nice green tomatoes growing.  So in a few days they should be okay, and also the plant has several flowers blooming.  My strawberries are still a bit gimpy, though.  I really think I want to move a table to my porch, though.  I have an old folding table in my basement from the dojo, and I may use that for now.

 

Pushups I took light today, and only did 15 after doing a bunch in NP's workout yesterday morning.  I did do them as diamond pushups.  Because I could and I'm insane.

 

Anyway, happy Not-Friday to the USians! And a belated Canada Day to Northern Neighbors.

[raptron]

On 6/30/2020 at 7:01 AM, RisenPhoenix said:

This also ties into several days of shitty eating habits I’m realizing, so I’m also exhausted and trying to exhibit self compassion and not freak out over how bloated and gross I feel. But it’s hard since I also know I’m eating more crap than I should

Stop shoulding yourself so haaard. ❤️ 

 

25 minutes ago, RisenPhoenix said:

There's a Skyline trail in the Fells near where I live that I have done sections of, but never it in its entirety.  Once there was a Nerd Hike (in the Ancient Times) with a bunch of us, but I skipped that because I was testing for.... some kyu ranking.  Fourth maybe? Third?  Long, long time ago.  Been meaning to get back to it, but never did. Last summer I rarely hiked (thanks, new homeownership), and the last few weeks now I have gone to a closer spot where paths don't meet with that one.  So, nice and easy plan for me.  It's about 7.5 miles, assuming I don't get lost.

Aw, it's a nice one. Enjoy!

 

25 minutes ago, RisenPhoenix said:

Garden is still alive.  While watering it yesterday I also found that my tomato plant has some nice green tomatoes growing.  So in a few days they should be okay, and also the plant has several flowers blooming. 

Garden tomatoes are like, life changing. I'm stoked for you.

 

[RisenPhoenix]

22 minutes ago, raptron said:

Stop shoulding yourself so haaard. ❤️ 

 

You've met me.  You should be impressed I even acknowledged the problem and was working on it. 😂😅

 

22 minutes ago, raptron said:

Aw, it's a nice one. Enjoy!

 

I am excited for the trail as much as I am not working.

 

22 minutes ago, raptron said:

Garden tomatoes are like, life changing. I'm stoked for you.

 

I only got cherry tomatoes, and now I'm wondering/wishing if I should have also purchased a normal beefsteak tomato plant.  Or an heirloom tomato plant.

 

Related.....

 

 

Plants!  I still want/need to get the herbs in a windowsill box, and the zucchini are going to need a replant in a big box, but I'm pleased.  Found this shelving in my basement that was left by the previous occupants.  Works perfectly for my needs right now, so rolling with it.  Continuing my trend of being pleased with myself...

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

 

[Kyellan]

I cannot eat tomatoes of any variety, but I wish you the best with yours dear sir!  

 

I've nearly got flowers on my bean plants, and I've got corn stalks almost 10" tall. Also, the rains over the last couple of days caused my two little cucumber vines to suddenly take notice, so apparently I wasn't watering them enough or something 🤣

[Mistr]

Good job on your gardening!

 

The plants all look nice and healthy. I think cherry tomatoes are a better choice for a first time garden because they usually produce a lot more fruit than a beefsteak tomato plant. Are your strawberries an ever-bearing variety? Most varieties only bloom in the spring. Some bloom spring and fall. I'd be surprised to see flowers this time of year.

 

I hope you have a nice relaxing weekend.

[RisenPhoenix]

So brain weasels have been pretty rampant since Thursday night.  I had some good weekend highlights, though.  Friday I went on an 7.5 mile ruck hike, took a nap, got beer at my cousin's brewery, and had dinner and a movie with TinMan and TinWife.  Saturday I slept a bit, played games, and replanted herbs into balancing railing planter boxes, and grilled up some tasty steak tips and corn and sprouts on my grill.  Sunday was a bit more sleep, a 5+ mile walk to se some aikido friends practicing in the park, and binge watching some of WestWorld.  And yesterday was an absolute clusterfuck for my last day of vacation which was a work meeting I was told to call in for, fighting with home depot to find where my stuff is, a heavy message I had to get out for my own sanity and boundaries, then a hyper christian/covid denying family member sending me messages, and not enough sleep.

 

So yea.  My brain is mostly fucked and I don't want to do anything.  Including this challenge.  My food has been off the rails and I give no fucks.  I have no energy to do aikido things, because I have no fucks.  It was a miracle that I realized I was close to the 666 pushups goal and busted them out this morning.  I'm annoyed that this morning someone's alarm was going off SOMEWHERE in another house or apartment (or maybe my brain) and it woke me up.  I think I'm going to sleep in again tomorrow.  There is very little reason for me to physically go into work tomorrow, which is nice, in a way.  Lets me focus on a million paperwork things I'm behind on.  But also just exhausted and dealing with people is the last of the things I want to do right now.

[AgentsSka]

Sleep in.  Relax.

 

And come over for an old fashioned when people are appealing again.

[sarakingdom]

On 7/1/2020 at 10:06 AM, RisenPhoenix said:

Also my parents had given me a mint plant from one of theirs, and it did not make the transition well.  Thinking that's going to die pretty soon,

 

Oh, my sweet summer child...

 

I mean. It's theoretically possible. But in general, when the apocalypse comes, the cockroaches will be taking orders from the mint.

 

[ChrisWithaStick]

On 7/7/2020 at 7:04 PM, sarakingdom said:

 

Oh, my sweet summer child...

 

I mean. It's theoretically possible. But in general, when the apocalypse comes, the cockroaches will be taking orders from the mint.

 

I did manage to kill some in a container once- Left it on the sunniest part of the porch and it did not like that.  Get it in the ground though, and it’s nigh invulnerable 

[RisenPhoenix]

Quick update because my computer apparently wasn't plugged in and is about to die AND I'm about to have some company.

 

Last week was not great, but by Thursday I was starting to feel a bit more human.  A lot of extra sleep was needed, and I'm still debating if I'll want more sleep tomorrow morning.  I'm also looking at another 7day marathon experiment, where I will be required to go in every day to the lab to do something.  Which will mean more than a few super-early mornings.  So sleep is going to be critical again.  But anyway, Thursday I felt mostly human, did yoga at night, and then November Project Friday morning.  Movement felt mostly solid, though squats were bothing my knee like crazy, so instead of doing them as the workout prescribed I did a horse stance hold.  Seems to have worked fine.

 

Aikido-wise, last week was a not-so-much.  I didn't have the energy to deal movement AND people, so I skipped Monday and Tuesday classes.  Yesterday we had a 'class' but it was more of a guided stretch routine followed by a lecture/discussion about what ukemi means and what it is and what it isn't.  The real reason the lecture happened is because of that Toxic Person I've mentioned in the past, who constantly wants to prove they have the larger appendage.  Again, their aikido is good, but their mentality and behavior is shit.  Also they don't get along with the senior instructor who was teaching Saturday, so they didn't attend the lecture.  Another notch in the "People who are the reason for the lesson not understanding the general statements are directly aimed at them" post.  But in any case, it was a fairly solid discussion, I threw my two cents in and the four higher ranking members (it was me and them for the blackbelt crowd - they are all 4th dan and above) didn't disagree or tell me I'm wrong.  Score one for Baby Shodan.

 

Food this week was terrible, and I don't care.  I ate as well as I could, anxiety and stress eating aside.  Still lots of veggies, but also lots of crap.  I went out one day to get a loaf of sour dough, brie, and fruit and devoured that all much faster than I should have.  Again, don't care.

 

Outdoor stuff I.... guess I walked LAST sunday, and that's about it.  I did go for another hike today, so at least I'm starting off on the right foot there.

 

Garden is doing.... okay.  Tomatoes are starting to pop up on my plant, but apparently I had let the soil dry out to the point that it was a very light pot.  Why is this a note?  Because yesterday was incredibly gusty, and my tomato plant went flying off its shelf.  I ended up securing it by surrounding it with other, lower pots filled with dirt, but I'm now worried about the damage the falls caused.  Wait and see.  And unfortunately, the zucchini has some fungal infection (Phrasing?).  All of the flowers that looked so promising have fallen off, but I don't really have a hint as to what it is or why it's looking that way.  The leaves are all fairly green, but when I tear the fallen flowers open I can see green fuzzy mold.  No idea where it is coming from.  There are some smaller flowers still growing, but I can't fight an infection that doesn't give me much information to run on.  Any help from the gardeners of the group?  At least the herbs seem to be doing okay.  The Dill is probably the weakest of them all, and just looks like it's stagnant.  No real change at all one way or the other.  The basil, sage, and scallions all are pretty content for the most part.  And while I have no hope for one of the strawberry plants, the second one is regularly shooting off very tasty berries.  Not going to get pints and pint, but a few sweet treats here and there for sure.

 

And for pushups, I've been slacking.  Really, really slacking.  On paper I just need 17 a day until the end of the challenge to make the 1,000 stretch goal.  Very doable, just need to not slack.  The Friday workout killed my shoulders (negative pushups and then side planks), so I skipped anything yesterday.  But I'll get back on that train.  Probably should be able to get an easy 50-75 a day.  We'll see.

 

Anyway, here's to a better week.  Work stuff might actually pick up and I've been given the green-ish light to work on a project, so I shouldnt feel quite as aimless.  We'll see how it goes and how it impacts my mental health.  It's been lagging lately.

[Kyellan]

Dude. Hope your tomatoes survive the fall. No idea about the fuzz unfortunately... I did end up with some fuzzy stuff in the soil in my garden after one of the big rainstorms, but it just hardened into some mushroom-like mycelium that I was able to till under... no clue about it actually getting into the flowers. Hopefully one of the other gardeners might be able to help out.

 

Here's to a better week, bro!

[RisenPhoenix]

Right, uh.

 

So insomnia is terrible and I was awake at 3am.  The state of not-sleep-but-not-awake lasted from then until my alarm went off for NP at 0545.  Instead I opted to at least stay in bed rather than drag myself out and cause myself to be miserable all day.  This was a Good Choice.

 

I feel surprisingly fine, considering how terrible I feel usually after a night of insomnia.  I feel good, honestly.  No mental impairment or anything.

 

Unrelated, I have put in some paperwork to adopt a dog.

 

I'm sure that's unrelated.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I approve of your dog-getting plans.

[AgentsSka]

[Kyellan]

[sarakingdom]

I don't want to adopt a dog, but I do want to adopt someone who has a dog.

[Kishi]