Player One: Jitters - New Challenges Ahead!

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Well, it's been a couple of years since I've done a challenge. I've struggled to keep excersizing, lost some friends from this world, made some mistakes, learned from them, lost any faith I had left, tried to be a good person, and decided I'm not letting any of that knock me off course anymore.

It's time for a challenge! Why? Well, next year, Jitters Junior and I are going on a mountain climbing trip with the Scouts and I am not nearly in the right shape to do so. 


How will we get there? That is an excellent question. I really don't have a clear plan yet. It's going to be a rolling challenge that will increase slightly over the next 11 months. I'm going to get back to my basics and need to remember and be mindful of what I am doing. Jitters Junior will be along for my lifting and Pizzazz will be along for the riding. Well, I'm along for her rides. She's doing a Sept. biking challenge and it's helpful to have other people with you. Here's what I have so far:

Lift 3 days per week. No matter what.  I somehow find a way to not do something. It's easy not to do the thing. No more. I will be going with squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts. 

0/3 - Weekly

0/15 - 5WC

Bike riding 3 days per week. As mentioned, my wife is doing a virtual biking challenge with Kat and it's easier to ride with someone else. I am happy to oblige. 
0/3 - Weekly
0/15 - 5WC

 

Reflect 3 days per week.  Back in November of '18, my ears started ringing. It didn't get better. Doctors were consulted, tests were run, and in the end, the conclusion was: "We have no idea what is going on. You're going to have to learn to live with it." Let me tell you, it sucks. I was once able to meditate and bring calm to my mind. It's been nearly two years since I could do that. I miss a lot of what comes from quiet. Instead of meditation for one of my goals, I am going to start journaling. I think it may help. 

0/3 - Weekly
0/15 - 5WC

Bonus: Juggle more. I haven't juggled in a long while until a couple of weeks ago. The kids got out some of my juggling props and it made me realize it's been so long. I am going to make sure to take some time out of my day to juggle with the kids. Sometimes, possibly literally. Aiming for at least two days per week. This is more for fun.

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC
 

Let's get this party started!

[Mad Hatter]

Here! Oh man that's awful about the ringing. 😕I hope you'll find some mental stillness even if it's loud.

[Scaly Freak]

6 hours ago, Jittersthe.Clown said:

Reflect 3 days per week.  Back in November of '18, my ears started ringing. It didn't get better. Doctors were consulted, tests were run, and in the end, the conclusion was: "We have no idea what is going on. You're going to have to learn to live with it." Let me tell you, it sucks. I was once able to meditate and bring calm to my mind. It's been nearly two years since I could do that. I miss a lot of what comes from quiet. Instead of meditation for one of my goals, I am going to start journaling. I think it may help. 

 

 

One of my parents has this condition. She tells me that deploying white noise or soothing sounds like falling rain, waves on a beach, etc, helps her find the calm. It's not quiet, obviously, but it's calming and it works for her, because the white noise covers the ringing noise.

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Finding some calm with that technique is great, but finding my stillness in silence is something I miss every day. 

[darkfoxx]

My FIL has something similar, and is caught in an anxiety loop because of it. 

 

Sending you good stillness and peace vibes and happy to see you back! 

[Scaly Freak]

5 hours ago, Jittersthe.Clown said:

Finding some calm with that technique is great, but finding my stillness in silence is something I miss every day. 

 

I can imagine. I hope you find another way to find stillness, even if it's not in silence.

[LittleTurtle]

Love the challenge, love the gifs, love seeing you back!  In fact...you may have inspired me to join the fun again.  It's been too long.

[Jittersthe.Clown]

It's time

 

It was quite the weekend. Went camping with my son's Troop. Got a lot of hiking in. Went 6.5 miles on Saturday. Up and down a lot of hills, around fallen trees, through mud. It was a lot of fun. My thighs are killing me, but in the best ways possible... well, almost best.  

 

Yesterday, we got out and biked for 2.5 miles before dinner. Made some Lo Mein and played some games. Oh, Jitter Bug got her ears pierced as well. She is so happy with them. We ended up going with a tattoo and piercing shop that we trusted instead of a mall shop. I think overall, a better decision. She told me that it hurt a little, but she's over the pain. Did not stop smiling all evening. 

Didn't get much else done yesterday. We got home, unpacked, got cleaned up, and got the house straightened up. Looking forward to the week. 


 

Lift 3 days per week. No matter what.  I somehow find a way to not do something. It's easy not to do the thing. No more. I will be going with squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts. 

0/3 - Weekly

0/15 - 5WC

Bike riding 3 days per week. As mentioned, my wife is doing a virtual biking challenge with Kat and it's easier to ride with someone else. I am happy to oblige. 
1/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

 

Reflect 3 days per week.  Back in November of '18, my ears started ringing. It didn't get better. Doctors were consulted, tests were run, and in the end, the conclusion was: "We have no idea what is going on. You're going to have to learn to live with it." Let me tell you, it sucks. I was once able to meditate and bring calm to my mind. It's been nearly two years since I could do that. I miss a lot of what comes from quiet. Instead of meditation for one of my goals, I am going to start journaling. I think it may help. 

0/3 - Weekly
0/15 - 5WC

Bonus: Juggle more. I haven't juggled in a long while until a couple of weeks ago. The kids got out some of my juggling props and it made me realize it's been so long. I am going to make sure to take some time out of my day to juggle with the kids. Sometimes, possibly literally. Aiming for at least two days per week. This is more for fun.

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC

[Scaly Freak]

1 hour ago, Jittersthe.Clown said:

We ended up going with a tattoo and piercing shop that we trusted instead of a mall shop. I think overall, a better decision.  

 

Always go to a professional for ear piercing! If your only option is a mall shop, then don't have your ears pierced.

 

There are so many reasons for why the process is so much safer when done by a professional piercer that I cannot stress this strongly enough.

 

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Well, last night was a bit of a bust. Here's how it shakes down:

 

Lift 3 days per week. No matter what.  I somehow find a way to not do something. It's easy not to do the thing. No more. I will be going with squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts. 

0/3 - Weekly

0/15 - 5WC

I did not lift last night. JJ got a long bike ride in with his mom and I got dinner going. Then meetings for Scouts. And then packing up tents we had drying out from the weekend... The list goes on.

Bike riding 3 days per week. As mentioned, my wife is doing a virtual biking challenge with Kat and it's easier to ride with someone else. I am happy to oblige. 
1/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

And nothing on this one. Dinner making instead of bike riding. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.  Back in November of '18, my ears started ringing. It didn't get better. Doctors were consulted, tests were run, and in the end, the conclusion was: "We have no idea what is going on. You're going to have to learn to live with it." Let me tell you, it sucks. I was once able to meditate and bring calm to my mind. It's been nearly two years since I could do that. I miss a lot of what comes from quiet. Instead of meditation for one of my goals, I am going to start journaling. I think it may help. 

0/3 - Weekly
0/15 - 5WC

I am not sure why this one scares me to begin. Maybe it will reveal things I don't want to face yet? Maybe I'm just lazy about it. Need to get that going. 

Bonus: Juggle more. I haven't juggled in a long while until a couple of weeks ago. The kids got out some of my juggling props and it made me realize it's been so long. I am going to make sure to take some time out of my day to juggle with the kids. Sometimes, possibly literally. Aiming for at least two days per week. This is more for fun.

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC

There is plenty of time for this one (famous last words, I know) when the kids have more time in the evenings. 

[Scaly Freak]

It happens. Just put last night behind you, and try again today. 

[Jittersthe.Clown]

I am ever thankful for my family. My son was especially encouraging last night. 

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

1/15 - 5WC

JJ is enrolled in an online school and part of their PE was a workout with stairs, squats, push ups, etc... After, he asked if he and I could go downstairs and lift. Of course I said yes. 
DL - 1x5x140

OP - 1x5x90

Squats - 1x10x90 - which was extra nice, since we did the bodyweight squats with JJs PE...

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
2/3 - Weekly
2/15 - 5WC

You've done a 6 minute workout with your family, you lifted with your son, you finished staining a pannel on your fence while waiting for your wife to finish cleaning the pool, what do you do? Well, if your Jitters, you go out on a bike ride. We rode for almost a mile and a half because we were pretty worn out and it was getting dark. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

0/3 - Weekly
0/15 - 5WC

Not yet, but tonight for sure.

Bonus: Juggle more. 

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC
Didn't happen last night. Might be difficult tonight with the kids in scout meetings. May have to be tomorrow and the weekend. 

[Scaly Freak]

2 hours ago, Jittersthe.Clown said:

JJ is enrolled in an online school and part of their PE was a workout with stairs, squats, push ups, etc... After, he asked if he and I could go downstairs and lift. Of course I said yes. 

 

Proof of good parenting right there. Let the lifting commence! 

[Jittersthe.Clown]

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

1/15 - 5WC

Did not lift yesterday, planning on lifting today. 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
2/3 - Weekly
2/15 - 5WC

No Ride yesterday. I think tomorrow is the plan

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

1/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

I finally got an entry down this morning. I'm rereading what I wrote and I can tell I'm not going deep enough. 

Bonus: Juggle more. 

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC
We'll see what happens on this one. JJ took a good tumble off a bike yesterday and his elbow is pretty well messed up. Not so bad we needed medical attention beyond a parents care and first aid kit, but enough that he will be in pain if he juggles. Jitter Bug has been expressing interest in the poi again, so maybe that's the route I take for this week. 

[LittleTurtle]

Wow!!  I am impressed with your progress! 

 

...It appears that I don't remember how to insert a gif...so now that's going to drive me crazy.  🤔

[Scaly Freak]

1 hour ago, LittleTurtle said:

Wow!!  I am impressed with your progress! 

 

...It appears that I don't remember how to insert a gif...so now that's going to drive me crazy.  🤔

 

Just post the direct URL to it and let the forum do its thing.

[Jittersthe.Clown]

 

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

1/15 - 5WC

Did not lift yesterday as planned. 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
3/3 - Weekly
3/15 - 5WC

All 4 of us went for a ride. JJ and Pizzazz went for 3.5 miles and Jitter Bug and I went for 2.5 miles. She did not want to go in the first place, but I'm glad she did. Found a cool path through some trees that looked a lot like what I imagine fairy tale forests to look like. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

1/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

I'm hoping the spark that is in my brain now stays there all day. 

Bonus: Juggle more. 

0/2 - Weekly
0/10 - 5WC
Still need to get this going. 

[LittleTurtle]

Look who remembered how to insert a gif!!

 

 

On 9/18/2020 at 6:55 AM, Jittersthe.Clown said:

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
3/3 - Weekly
3/15 - 5WC

All 4 of us went for a ride. JJ and Pizzazz went for 3.5 miles and Jitter Bug and I went for 2.5 miles. She did not want to go in the first place, but I'm glad she did. Found a cool path through some trees that looked a lot like what I imagine fairy tale forests to look like. 

I love unexpected treats like that!

[Jittersthe.Clown]

 

Ended the week a little, well, weak. But, I have a baseline and know where I'm headed. My lifting got sidetracked, as did a lot of things, by noticing a leak coming from the master bathroom and going to the basement. First glance showed that there was, perhaps, a drain pipe not sealed correctly. Upon closer inspection, I'm seeing water damage in the flooring and joists. This is going to be a much bigger fix than I thought. Which means it gets hired out. I have a history of tackling a project that I get half way through, dump a bunch of money into, and then have to hire it out to get it right... I have learned to start there when I'm out of my depth. 

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

1/15 - 5WC

Did not lift all weekend. 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
3/3 - Weekly
3/15 - 5WC

I did not go on Saturday's ride. Jitter Bug and I went shopping for some home essentials and so she can window shop to find things she wants to save up for. She's 9 and right now, all of her emotions are cranked to 11.

 

All the cute things are "those are so cute!" All the little unfair things are "just not fair!" and so on. I know it's part of growing up, but it takes me by surprise. Jitters Junior didn't have as big of a swing, but he had a different life than she does. Parenthood is an interesting ride, to be sure. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

1/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

I didn't write anything else, but I finished The Lost Symbol and am rereading Buddhism Plain and Simple and it's putting a couple of things into focus. I haven't had focus in a long time.

Bonus: Juggle more. 

1/2 - Weekly
1/10 - 5WC
Jitters Junior and I worked on a few new tricks on the Diabolo Saturday. Well, new for him. I just show him how. 

Overall, I'm feeling alright with my first week. It wasn't great, but it was a start. 

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Update for last night and this morning: Not much to report, really. 
 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

2/15 - 5WC

I woke up at 2:30 this morning and coouldn't fall back asleep. What do I do? I lift.
OP - 1x5x90

Squats - 1x10x90 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
0/3 - Weekly
3/15 - 5WC

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

0/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

 

Bonus: Juggle more. 

0/2 - Weekly
1/10 - 5WC
 

[Scaly Freak]

4 hours ago, Jittersthe.Clown said:

I woke up at 2:30 this morning and coouldn't fall back asleep. What do I do? I lift.

 

Best use of insomnia ever.

[Jittersthe.Clown]

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

2/15 - 5WC

No early morning for me today. Was really quite late getting up today. No lifting last night or this morning. 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
1/3 - Weekly
4/15 - 5WC

Went on a ride yesterday to one of the schools. Played Gaga Ball and started Wall Ball when I tossed the ball a little too hard and it went on the roof... I ruined that game pretty quick. JJ was not happy with me. But, we got a ride in, so bonus. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

0/3 - Weekly
1/15 - 5WC

Blargh! 

 

Bonus: Juggle more. 

1/2 - Weekly
2/10 - 5WC
JJ and I worked on some more Diabolo tricks. He's started to get good at it. Proud of him for working on these things. 

 

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Catch up time!

 

Lift 3 days per week. 

1/3 - Weekly

2/15 - 5WC

Nothing doing Wednesday night or Thursday. 

Bike riding 3 days per week. 
2/3 - Weekly
5/15 - 5WC

Got a 3 mile ride in Thursday evening. All 4 of us went, which is quite the accomplishment for Jitter Bug. She's usually less than enthused if we're not going to a park to play. 

 

Reflect 3 days per week.   

1/3 - Weekly
2/15 - 5WC

I did get some reflection time in. I'm hoping tonight or tomorrow are going to be good times for reflection. I will be at camp and not able to speak while there. Part of an Ordeal. 

 

Bonus: Juggle more. 

2/2 - Weekly
3/10 - 5WC
I worked on some yo-yo tricks. I haven't used one for a while, so it was fun to figure out some of the ways I need to move to get them done. 

[Captain Gilly]

Following and here for support. 

 

Remember it is ok to start off a little weak, but it sounds like you are getting some great progress. 

 

For your reflection days, are you journaling or just taking some no talk time?

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Journaling is my go to for reflection. When I am not talking, I seem to have more time for getting some thoughts in order, so it's a helpful situation to find myself in.