Red1263: The Trail of Orthos, Part 1

[Red1263]

The beginning...

 

Where we last left Red1263, he was attempting to touch his toes while unknowingly being used to become a conduit for Nadia...

 

 

"That's it! You're doing great!" Nadia exclaims as Red1263 reached over and was able to touch his toes! What he didn't notice was that as he held each pose, Nadia was also following suit and their bodies began to glow brighter as Red1263 finally touched the ground. "OK I'm starting to hear someone, it's... Wait... that's not... right." Nadia's tone suddenly changed from happy to grave. Red1263 was standing there looking concerned but suddenly, a bright light shone upon him, and a deep voice boomed. Loud and deafening like thunder, it spoke "IT BEGINS." Suddenly  Red1263 floated in the air for a moment and then disappeared in a flash of light. 

 

 

When he could see again, He finds himself in a dark room but underneath a spot light. Red1263 can tell that there's someone or something watching him. For a moment, Red1263 is waiting for whatever it is to say something, since there was no response he decided to break the silence, "So I take it, you didn't summon me here just for conversation." There was a response, "YOU HAVE  BEEN CHOSEN TO UNDERGO THE TRAILS OF ORTHOS." Upon hearing the voice a second time, Red1263 could tell that whatever it was that was speaking to him, was big, so it was probably best not to fight them until he knew exactly who or what he was dealing with. "OK. Sooo... Who's Orthos and what's this trail about?" "PREPARE FOR THE TRAIL!" "... Errr yeah, right, of course! I figured that was the point, but what is--"

 

Just before he could finish, a rush of wind circled around him and the spotlight expanded above him, revealing that he was standing in a field, by himself. Taking a moment to gather his surroundings, he has discovered that he's somewhere... new. "Gee thanks. I... guess I'll just take a look around."

 

 

 

As Red1263 walked for what seemed like days, he finally sees a house in the distance! As he arrived, he saw a man sitting in a chair reading a paper. Just before Red1263 could say anything, the Man yelled at him! "Well you certainly took your sweet time gettin' here, didn't you?!" Red1263 could only open his dry mouth before the Man continued, "Now we don't have time to waste! You're already behind! Let's get moving!" The Man tossed his paper and started walking away from the home, He was ranting about indiscernible things. When Red1263 finally could get a word in, he rebutted, "Wait, Hold on! Who are you? and what am I doing here?"

 

 

The Man stopped in his tracks, as if insulted, he turned slowly to face Red1263. His glare turned into a smile that made Red1263 uncomfortable. "I am Orthos. And you, are my new Apprentice." 

 

 

This is it, people! Residency starts now! I have decided to take a Research pathway, which means I have to stay focused on what is expected of me by the powers that be (from here on in, will be referred to as NCOPE).

1. Fulfill the requirements: I have to learn what exactly is expected of me during this, because there are several organizations that are watching me!
2. Per hour exercises: Push-ups, Squats, Dips, Plank, Mountain climber (Now that I'm back with the clinic group, we're going to exercise once again! We're aiming for at least 50 reps a day.
3. Sunflower: Prepare for dates, starting with the 21st. So, I'm actively pursuing this girl, who will be named Sunflower from here on in. She's back home and I'm here so there's a bit of a long distance relationship going on, but it's still new, which means that there are still ways for me to ruin this before it begins! I have to prevent that!
4. Location, Location, Location: I am now in a position to move on my own. It's time and I have the resources, so I'm going to start looking at apartments and start planning my move.

 

 

[Red1263]

Also tagging @fitnessgurl because she asked me to.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following again.

[WhiteGhost]

Here for the clinical exercises and sunflower stories

[DarK_RaideR]

Here for the pixel art and stories.

 

Also tagging @Starpuck because reasons

[Manarelle]

16 hours ago, Red1263 said:

Sunflower: Prepare for dates, starting with the 21st. So, I'm actively pursuing this girl, who will be named Sunflower from here on in. She's back home and I'm here so there's a bit of a long distance relationship going on, but it's still new, which means that there are still ways for me to ruin this before it begins! I have to prevent that!

 

 

You've got this! Rah rah rah!

 

Also yay for the residency! Another thing you totally have. You will ROCK this!

[fitnessgurl]

Yay!

 

[Red1263]

On 8/5/2020 at 8:08 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Following again.

Glad to have you here again!

 

20 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Here for the clinical exercises and sunflower stories

Ha ha ha! Clinical Exercises, I like that.

 

19 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Here for the pixel art and stories.

 

Also tagging @Starpuck because reasons

Glad to have you here again, sir! 

 

And of course, reasons!

 

9 hours ago, Manarelle said:

 

 

You've got this! Rah rah rah!

 

Also yay for the residency! Another thing you totally have. You will ROCK this!

 

Thank you! I hope I do!

 

I will do this!

6 hours ago, fitnessgurl said:

Yay!

 

 

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

[Nyx, Daughter of Chaos]

I love all the pixel art and the storyline!! Best of luck with Sunflower, I can't wait to hear how the date goes, and provide some encouragement!!

[Red1263]

1. Requirements: There are several facets to this goal which I will explain:
   1. I have to record every patient that I interact with, whether I'm independently treating the patient, assisting the Clinician, or just observing. Easy peasy.
   2. There are two pathways to do my Residency, One is a Clinical track, where I present patients in some form or another, presentation-wise. the other is the Research track, where I have to conduct a research study of my own design (and the parameters are really up to me). I fool-heartly chose the Research study track. But since there's no Takeses-Backses, I'm just going to make the most of it. Now the next step for this goal is to think of what kinda study I want to do.
2. Exercises: I haven't updated you guys so I'll format this goal like so:
   1. M: Y
   2. T: Y
   3. W: Y
   4. Th: Y
   5. F: Y
3. Sunflower: We have a skype date this weekend (😊), and I'll be planning and reserving things in preparation for her visit.
4. Location: I got some quotes for some 1-bed apartments, I've learned that I'll be paying around $1+ for rent, which isn't that bad, but now it's the question of how much I can get for that 1k? Most of it will be coming with a Fridge, Microwave, Laundry in-unit, some kind of balcony and Dishwasher (but that's not high on my list, if not). So any advice you guys might have on apartment hunting would be very helpful.
   1. So far I'm thinking 2nd floor, and if given a choice, I'd like a fireplace. But it's all up in the air.
   2. Today, I drove around looking at places that said "apartments" and now I'll be researching each one (in the nicer parts of town) and seeing what each one has.

*   *   *

 

7 hours ago, Luxia said:

I love all the pixel art and the storyline!! Best of luck with Sunflower, I can't wait to hear how the date goes, and provide some encouragement!!

Hey hey, Luxia! I'm glad to have you here! And I appreciate your love of the pixel art (it's how I keep most of these nerds following me  ) 

[Elastigirl]

I always love your intro stories. You are going to smash this residency.

 

Apartment pondering: our first apartment, I really wanted an in unit washer dryer. The apt. manager said one would come , but we had not seen it yet. What the gave us was one that was from one of the laundy centers, that was probably too old to use there. Always ran super hot, shrank stuff, leaked. Lesson: see it all before you sign anything

[Renate]

6 hours ago, Red1263 said:

But since there's no Takeses-Backses,

 

Do you mean it was fool-heartly because you have to think of absolutely everything on your own (parameters, topic)?

 

Sending you amazing research inspiration vibes!

[Red1263]

18 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

I always love your intro stories. You are going to smash this residency.

 

Apartment pondering: our first apartment, I really wanted an in unit washer dryer. The apt. manager said one would come , but we had not seen it yet. What the gave us was one that was from one of the laundy centers, that was probably too old to use there. Always ran super hot, shrank stuff, leaked. Lesson: see it all before you sign anything

That makes me smile, EG. I'm glad you love my stories.

 

Oh yeah, I've definitely made sure that I see every apartment before asking for a quote and then thinking about living there, then overthinking about my survival in the Zombie apocalypse in said apartment. I've got all of the bases covered  

 

14 hours ago, Aθena said:

 

Do you mean it was fool-heartly because you have to think of absolutely everything on your own (parameters, topic)?

 

Sending you amazing research inspiration vibes!

.... Maybe >_>

 

But also because I forgot that the IRB might have been affected by the global pandemic that's going on and thus delay my progress. but we'll see. I'll try to get some stuff started early, so I can try for a head start.

 

*   *   *

1. Requirements: I am going to look into several research topics and see what method and type of research I'd like to do. I also have kept a hardcopy of the patients that I see, just i case I forget to record them on NCOPE
2. Exercises: I forgot to add the weekends  But I did go for a walk today while it was still not Mt. Doom temperatures and it was nice.
   1. M: Y
   2. T: Y
   3. W: Y
   4. Th: Y
   5. F: Y
   6. Sat: Y
   7. Sun:
3. Sunflower: WHEW! OK I just reserved all of the things that needed to be reserved for the date weekend. I'm smiling and nervous at the same time. Now all that's left is to have our skype date tonight.
4. Location: I liked a particular apartment complex from before and I got confused earlier when the website said one dimensions and the quote said another. But I learned that the website included the outdoor patio and ALL storage spaces which threw me off, whereas the receptionist would only give me the interior dimensions. So that being said, I think I'm going to go with a 15 month lease on a 2nd story apartment, and my move-in date will be in Oct, which is plenty of time for me to gather funds for anything and everything I might need for my new place.
   1. Typing that up really puts a smile on my face. I'm very excited about getting my own place for the very first time. I grew up in a large family and with that, comes the fact that no matter what, there is always someone in the house, for one reason or another. This will be the first time where I'll be completely on my own. That isn't to say that I don't love my family or anything like that, this is more of "leaving the nest" .

[WhiteGhost]

9 hours ago, Red1263 said:

I grew up in a large family and with that, comes the fact that no matter what, there is always someone in the house,

I know these feels.  Looking back at my life I actually don't think I have ever spent any significant amount of time living alone.  I honestly can't even imagine what it would be like

[Renate]

15 hours ago, Red1263 said:

....Maybe >_>

 

But also because I forgot that the IRB might have been affected by the global pandemic that's going on and thus delay my progress. but we'll see. I'll try to get some stuff started early, so I can try for a head start.

 

Hahaha, alright I've got it. The "corona updates" my uni kept sending out always mentioned smth about when the research students would be able to go back to their experiments etc. Of course corona research, PHD research & research with time-sensitive goods (forgot how it was phrased) had prioritiy. And then there was pretty much no other students because the max for a lot of buildings was 10 to 30 people I think? Also something to take into consideration maybe?

[fitnessgurl]

Re: research track-Covid may give you an out if you're looking for one. 'I can't complete the research in the given time frame, blah, blah.' 😉

[Red1263]

14 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

I know these feels.  Looking back at my life I actually don't think I have ever spent any significant amount of time living alone.  I honestly can't even imagine what it would be like

I think it'd be something like this:

Quote

 

*Me alone when a strange and unknown noise occurs*

Me: Welp, this is it. A random serial killer has come to claim my life. Sigh... It was fun, I guess.

 

 

8 hours ago, Aθena said:

 

Hahaha, alright I've got it. The "corona updates" my uni kept sending out always mentioned smth about when the research students would be able to go back to their experiments etc. Of course corona research, PHD research & research with time-sensitive goods (forgot how it was phrased) had prioritiy. And then there was pretty much no other students because the max for a lot of buildings was 10 to 30 people I think? Also something to take into consideration maybe?

Well I emailed my research prof and he said that the IRB is still good, but like you said, Covid-related research would take precedence before others, so I better get my stuff started asap! Besides I can always do a literature review research study, or something that doesn't involve a lab or something like that.

 

6 hours ago, fitnessgurl said:

Re: research track-Covid may give you an out if you're looking for one. 'I can't complete the research in the given time frame, blah, blah.' 😉

I might email them about that, but I think if I spend more time worry/fighting this it'll be wasted when I could've just spent the same amount of time working on my research.

 

*   *   *

1. Requirements: I'm still thinking about what kinda research I want to do, getting this done will take some time, but I did learn that the IRB (Institutional Research Board) is up and running, so if I can get my topic submitted early enough, even if I get delayed, I'll still have time. Now all I have to do is think about what I'm going to focus on.
2. Exercises: I also forgot to mention that, my goal is to get 50 reps done (2 sets of 25 reps) every day, and should I miss a set on a particular day, then the following day, I catch-up by doing the set for the missed day first, then do the exercises for that day. So basically, I'd be doing 3 sets on a given day should I miss it on the previous. So I guess I'll change the formatting of my days to this:
   1. M: XX
   2. T: X
   3. W: XXX
   4. Th: XX
   5. F: XX
   6. Sat: X
   7. Sun: X
   8. Total: 12/14 
3. Sunflower: Skype date went well! We had a lot of fun and she's really looking forward to the Weekend Date.
4. Location: Tomorrow, I think I'm going to take a look at the apartment one more time before I tell them that I'll take it.

[Manarelle]

On 8/7/2020 at 7:57 PM, Red1263 said:

Location: I got some quotes for some 1-bed apartments, I've learned that I'll be paying around $1+ for rent, which isn't that bad, but now it's the question of how much I can get for that 1k? Most of it will be coming with a Fridge, Microwave, Laundry in-unit, some kind of balcony and Dishwasher (but that's not high on my list, if not). So any advice you guys might have on apartment hunting would be very helpful.

 

I was heavily confused at firt because, well, yes, all rent is over $1...... then there was a "k" in there the second time and it made more sense. 

If you're the sociable type, it can be worth knocking on a nearby door (not while with the rental agent) and asking the neighbors for some inside information. People LOVE to complain, or, depending on the neighborhood, be proud of how quiet/ well kept/ etc it is. 

Personally, I loved living alone. It forced me to realize who was really leaving their dishes in the sink and not changing the toilet paper roll, etc (cough). Never had a problem with weird noises in the middle of the night, mostly because I was not on the ground floor (less risk of break-ins on higher levels), but also because it was MY house so 1) I knew exactly where everything was - no weird shapes or shadows at night - and 2) by damn it's my house and if you're messing with my house, I will mess you tf up. Keep a baseball bat in your room (not by the front door - you're just arming a burglar if you do that), and protect your turf. 

 

2 hours ago, Red1263 said:

Sunflower: Skype date went well! We had a lot of fun and she's really looking forward to the Weekend Date.

 

Eeeeeeee! Congrats! 

[WhiteGhost]

5 hours ago, Red1263 said:

Sunflower: Skype date went well! We had a lot of fun and she's really looking forward to the Weekend Date.

Nice!

 

5 hours ago, Red1263 said:

Location: Tomorrow, I think I'm going to take a look at the apartment one more time before I tell them that I'll take it.

Smart

 

3 hours ago, Manarelle said:

If you're the sociable type, it can be worth knocking on a nearby door (not while with the rental agent) and asking the neighbors for some inside information. People LOVE to complain, or, depending on the neighborhood, be proud of how quiet/ well kept/ etc it is. 

This is solid advice

[juliebarkley]

So this challenge you are:

- moving

- living alone for the first time

- starting a relationship

- starting a new important job.

 

Nothing big or dramatic then. Yowza. You're doing great so far!

 

10 hours ago, Red1263 said:

*Me alone when a strange and unknown noise occurs*

Me: Welp, this is it. A random serial killer has come to claim my life. Sigh... It was fun, I guess.

Get a cat. Then every strange noise becomes "what is the cat destroying now?". It's much better than serial killers, but there will also be a lot more random noises. And unfortunately, the cat will indeed often be trying to destroy something (intentionally or otherwise).

[Renate]

36 minutes ago, juliebarkley said:

Nothing big or dramatic then. Yowza. You're doing great so far!

 

Wow, you are right  Seeing it summed up that way... Rooting for you, Red!

[fitnessgurl]

12 hours ago, Manarelle said:

Personally, I loved living alone.

Me too! So peaceful. Ahhh...😊

 

@Red1263, you've got a ton of stuff on your plate & you're handling it well. Proud of you!! You got this!

[Red1263]

On 8/9/2020 at 5:04 PM, Manarelle said:

 

I was heavily confused at firt because, well, yes, all rent is over $1...... then there was a "k" in there the second time and it made more sense. 

If you're the sociable type, it can be worth knocking on a nearby door (not while with the rental agent) and asking the neighbors for some inside information. People LOVE to complain, or, depending on the neighborhood, be proud of how quiet/ well kept/ etc it is. 

Personally, I loved living alone. It forced me to realize who was really leaving their dishes in the sink and not changing the toilet paper roll, etc (cough). Never had a problem with weird noises in the middle of the night, mostly because I was not on the ground floor (less risk of break-ins on higher levels), but also because it was MY house so 1) I knew exactly where everything was - no weird shapes or shadows at night - and 2) by damn it's my house and if you're messing with my house, I will mess you tf up. Keep a baseball bat in your room (not by the front door - you're just arming a burglar if you do that), and protect your turf. 

 

 

Eeeeeeee! Congrats! 

Oh yeah, my bad  I do recall running into someone and asking them how they liked where they lived and the responded that it was mostly quiet, which is a good thing in my book. I'm more introverted but what I particularly liked about one Complex is that they have social events within the complex, like a "Meet your neighbors" sorta thing, so if I did feel the social itch, I can participate in that. Not sure about those now with the global virus, but it's still a highlight. 

Hmm... A bat would be nice to have... Then again, I also have my 1-handed scythe... 😈

 

16 hours ago, juliebarkley said:

So this challenge you are:

- moving

- living alone for the first time

- starting a relationship

- starting a new important job.

 

Nothing big or dramatic then. Yowza. You're doing great so far!

 

Get a cat. Then every strange noise becomes "what is the cat destroying now?". It's much better than serial killers, but there will also be a lot more random noises. And unfortunately, the cat will indeed often be trying to destroy something (intentionally or otherwise).

Yep, nothing of importance  

 

A cat is $350 extra, which sucks because I LOVE cats. I might still shell out the cash for one in the future though. It'd be an older/shelter cat rather than a brand-new kitten, due to time constraints and my not being there to train it.

 

16 hours ago, Aθena said:

 

Wow, you are right  Seeing it summed up that way... Rooting for you, Red!

Thanks! I appreciate it!

 

12 hours ago, fitnessgurl said:

Me too! So peaceful. Ahhh...😊

 

@Red1263, you've got a ton of stuff on your plate & you're handling it well. Proud of you!! You got this!

Thanks FG! I can only do what I've gotta do!

 

*   *   *

1. Requirements: I'm still keeping track of the patients I see, and I haven't thought about what kind of research I want to do yet. That's still up in the air, I've been mainly focused on the training modules and whatnot that I have to do for my job.
2. Exercises: Slight change in format
   1. Sun: XXX
   2. M: XX
   3. T: 
   4. W: 
   5. Th: 
   6. F: 
   7. Sat: 
   8.  
   9. Total: 4/14 
3. Sunflower: 2 weeks until our Weekend Date ☺️ We are still talking and making each other laugh (she loves to give me a hard time over previous screw-ups)
4. Location: Today I didn't get a chance to check out the apartment, I had to run to the stores first, but I DID get a new car sun screen! Ladies and gentlemen, let the nerd flag fly! 

[WhiteGhost]

3 hours ago, Red1263 said:

1-handed scythe...

So....  a sickle? 

[Manarelle]

10 hours ago, Red1263 said:

A bat would be nice to have... Then again, I also have my 1-handed scythe... 😈

 

IDK about anyone else, but if I saw someone coming at my with a weapon they seemed proficient with, I don't care what the weapon is, I'm outta there.

 

11 hours ago, Red1263 said:

A cat is $350 extra, which sucks because I LOVE cats. I might still shell out the cash for one in the future though. It'd be an older/shelter cat rather than a brand-new kitten, due to time constraints and my not being there to train it.

 

Oof to the pet deposit. My family only got shelter pets when we were growing up, and they are some of the sweetest, most loving pets you can have. Much better than supporting mills or breeders, imo.