[starpuck]

I set out on a new journey; a path that travels through many realms and one that will teach me many things.   I often daydream about potential -and must admit that I struggle the most with my friends when I see them failing to push toward their own.   Which leads me to the honest confession that I often fail to push the boundaries of my own potential.   For me, it's never been lack of effort, or the unwillingness to try in the first place.    For me, Fear has been my greatest foe and Perfectionism his best accomplice.  The only way I am going to thrive- (because if the past two years has taught me anything, it's that the only thing that stops us from thriving, is ourselves) then I must learn that I can be stronger than my circumstances, and that my hope comes from beyond whatever earthly conditions surround me at any given time.   

 

Fear is an illness. If you leave it untreated, it can consume you.

 

 

I'd like to find some balance in the coming challenges, while picking up a few new hobbies and dusting off some old ones.

 

I'd also like to get back into a healthier lifestyle habit as the past several weeks really had me shut down to 0%.   That's going to require facing the scale at least once.   While I know it's going to be a number that displeases me, it got there based on my choices.   I can't change the past.  I can reshape the future. 

 

FOOD GOAL

The best way to get my habits in line again will be tracking my calories.   It usually doesn't anger me, and it helps me make better choices.  I'm a big fan of 'more bang for your buck' and that works with food too.

Track in MFP 7 Days/Week  *Impossible to track treats may be skipped or 'best guessed' but must be limited to once a week.

 

EXERCISE GOAL

I feel best when I am keeping in shape.   It really just makes every other part of my life better.    With winter in full effect it's easier to strength train than cardio, so I will do what's easiest to schedule in.

Strength 2-3x a week

Fill in other days to reach 5x exercise per week.

 

CREATIVITY GOAL

I want to continue drawing and have taken steps (costly ones) to get my desk set up more conducive to that.    Draw 2x/week.

I'm part of the Bard2022 Gang here, and I have both a full size digital piano with weighted keys (mmm) and a brand new 17 key Kalimba.   I was VERY active in music in highschool, but reading music is going to be like brushing up on a foreign language you haven't read in 20 years.   Music 2x/week.

 

 

ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE FOR AM AND PM

AM - Devotional / bible study + Positivity journaling.

PM - Computer off 20 minutes before bed, Teeth routine + Face routine with good health creams.

 

More to come ... including a 'to do list' to be done during the next 5 weeks.

 

 

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Ooooh I love the theme!

 

Great goals - very structured and clear expectations. Following!

 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Puck, I'll always follow your challenge threads. Here's to kicking fear of failure and perfectionism (I have found they are the same thing) in the face.

[Artemis Prime]

Tranquil is such a good word. Here to cheer you on as you hunt it down!

[Elastigirl]

Great theme!

[Jarric]

Looking forward to your new journey.

 

[Mr_Willes]

 

Here's to kicking 2022 into the nuts without it even noticing us!

 

Even if it's a little bit cringy, let's leave 2021 for what it was, and focus on what is about to come. There can be only one outcome:

 

WE WILL IMPROVE!

 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

1 hour ago, Mr_Willes said:

Here's to kicking 2022 into the nuts without it even noticing us!

If it doesn't notice us after a kick in the nuts I don't think we're kicking properly. 

[Mr_Willes]

25 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

If it doesn't notice us after a kick in the nuts I don't think we're kicking properly. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Mr_Willes said:

Here's to kicking 2022 into the nuts so it has no other option but to notice us!

Tried to fix it

 

I feel it lost a bit of it's ZING this way

[starpuck]

On 12/28/2021 at 5:32 PM, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Ooooh I love the theme!

 

Great goals - very structured and clear expectations. Following!

Thanks thanks!

I was admittedly a bit worried that since I binged Witcher, I'd lose theme mojo, but I can always just finish the games!

 

On 12/28/2021 at 7:44 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Puck, I'll always follow your challenge threads. Here's to kicking fear of failure and perfectionism (I have found they are the same thing) in the face.

That means so much to me Tank.  You truly have been my Shepard Book through these years.   Always there and with wisdom at the ready.  Thank you!

 

On 12/28/2021 at 8:54 PM, Artemis Prime said:

Tranquil is such a good word. Here to cheer you on as you hunt it down!

My first thought was to just quip it THE MILD HUNT - because it was a better play on words with the title, buuuut.  That made it sound more like 'without effort' as opposed to a hunt to find some balance   Tranquil fit the bill!

 

On 12/28/2021 at 10:46 PM, Elastigirl said:

Great theme!

Hey Elastigirl!  Thanks for peeking in! 

 

6 hours ago, Jarric said:

Looking forward to your new journey.

 

Always great to have you here!!   We been at this together for a while and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

4 hours ago, Mr_Willes said:

 

Here's to kicking 2022 into the nuts without it even noticing us!

 

Even if it's a little bit cringy, let's leave 2021 for what it was, and focus on what is about to come. There can be only one outcome:

 

WE WILL IMPROVE!

 

MR WILLES!!!    YOU GOT ME ALL HYPED! RARRR!

 

2 hours ago, Mr_Willes said:

 

Tried to fix it

 

I feel it lost a bit of it's ZING this way

I don't think there is such thing as a kick in the nuts without zing.  But I'd not know for sure, I have neither been kicked in the nuts before, or kicked anyone in the nuts before.   Gold star for Puck!

 

 

It's Thursday.  Or New Years Eve Eve!    Things have been going as they've been going the past few weeks.   I'm pretty much in the 'get it out of your system' phase of things?    I don't have a 'finally tired of sweets and cookies' mode.  I also don't have a stomach that gets upset with too much candy or cookies.   (It very quickly gets upset with too much high fat stuff at once, but sweets, very tolerating!)    I've gotten some things in order for the hard start on Monday.    

 

A really cool feature I found on Strong app (that I use to track my strength workouts) is an option to 'view history from so and so date'.    I cannot tell you how happy this made me because, I wanted to feel motivated by fresh gainz and new, clean numbers, but was having a hard time with the thought of fully deleting 3 years of data.   If at any point I want to spread back that 'history' date, I  can just go into that setting!   HOW COOL.  But now, I don't have to see, 'last time you lifted blah' and today you're at so many pounds less.   This is very very good.

 

I've picked out some sheet music that I will mess with first on the kalimba, and then on the piano.  It looks doable for me as a slow start with old lost skills.   I will try and do some recordings of it because, 1) that really pushes me out of a comfort zone on the perfection radar, and 2) it will be a nice thing to look back on down the road and see where I started from.  I even poked at the notes on the kalimba for about 20 minutes last night with it.

 

I got my desk set up all finagled.  The first dual monitor arm brackets I got did not work for my desk size/ placement (they elbows would bang the wall and the monitors were up in my face) so I gave those to TheBoy and bought two single mounts.  This has worked amazingly!!!   Now I can easily pull out my tablet and have plenty of work space to use it.

 

 

I've been setting up the journal for this challenge and have opted to do a more themed 'travel' journal rather than proper bullet journal.    I'll post pics once I have the first week set up.   I love the notebook I have, but the paper (A5) is being bent and a little wonky right now.  Ah, just part of the defeating perfectionism sub-category.  Yeah! 

 

Tonight is ttrpg night, some crochet (lap blanket is almost done, but not nearly as perfect as I'd like it to be, haha, more anti-perf-lessons.     Tomorrow, I am trying to decide if I should go to TheBoys house for hang outs, chili making and stuff, or if I should do some 'stay home as the surge goes nuts'  (our Covid is out of hand right now) - I think I will play it by ear and see how everyone is feeling / acting tomorrow. 

 

That's all for now I think.   Going to get back to the grind and try to get my work desk organized for next week's return!

      

 

 

[Cheetah]

Nice rig!

 

Good goals!

 

Happy challenge!

[Rurik Harrgath]

I'm so in for a Witcher themed challenge since that's a huge inspiration behind mine going into the New Year   #witcheraccountabilibuddies

 

 

Here's the real Geralt bathtub scene we were looking for anyway

 

On 12/28/2021 at 4:57 PM, Starpuck said:

I set out on a new journey; a path that travels through many realms and one that will teach me many things.   I often daydream about potential -and must admit that I struggle the most with my friends when I see them failing to push toward their own.   Which leads me to the honest confession that I often fail to push the boundaries of my own potential.   For me, it's never been lack of effort, or the unwillingness to try in the first place.    For me, Fear has been my greatest foe and Perfectionism his best accomplice.  The only way I am going to thrive- (because if the past two years has taught me anything, it's that the only thing that stops us from thriving, is ourselves) then I must learn that I can be stronger than my circumstances, and that my hope comes from beyond whatever earthly conditions surround me at any given time.   

 

You are seen and heard.  I fear pushing my boundaries because I fear failing to reach any potential, but that's lead me to where I am now and that is not a pleasant place.  It's hard work, it isn't particullay fun work, but it's work that needs doing or we're gonna live sluggish lives of pain and impotence (in the lack of life sort of way) until we find early deaths in bed.  I'm going to keep reminding myself that I'd rather arrive at my destination - whenever that may be and under whichever circumstances - completely worn out, bedraggled hair and covered in sweat from a life lived well.  We shall go forward like a breath exhaled from the earth, with vigor in our hearts.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

1 hour ago, Starpuck said:

That means so much to me Tank.  You truly have been my Shepard Book through these years.   Always there and with wisdom at the ready.  Thank you!

 

1 hour ago, Starpuck said:

 

Nice BattleStation.

[Jarric]

2 hours ago, Starpuck said:

We been at this together for a while and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Me neither

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

On 12/30/2021 at 10:50 AM, Starpuck said:

Thanks thanks!

I was admittedly a bit worried that since I binged Witcher, I'd lose theme mojo, but I can always just finish the games!

For what it's worth I'm replaying Witcher 3 / rereading the books AND we rewatched both S1 and S2 this week..... So... um, yeah.

 

Also, your desk computer set up looks so epic and clean. Much love & admiration for the new battlestation.

[starpuck]

On 12/30/2021 at 9:55 AM, Cheetah said:

Nice rig!

Good goals!

Happy challenge!

Thanks!

Thanks!

Yeaaah!      Feeling good about things!

 

On 12/30/2021 at 10:40 AM, Rurik Harrgath said:

I'm so in for a Witcher themed challenge since that's a huge inspiration behind mine going into the New Year   #witcheraccountabilibuddies

 

Here's the real Geralt bathtub scene we were looking for anyway

 

You are seen and heard.  I fear pushing my boundaries because I fear failing to reach any potential, but that's lead me to where I am now and that is not a pleasant place.  It's hard work, it isn't particullay fun work, but it's work that needs doing or we're gonna live sluggish lives of pain and impotence (in the lack of life sort of way) until we find early deaths in bed.  I'm going to keep reminding myself that I'd rather arrive at my destination - whenever that may be and under whichever circumstances - completely worn out, bedraggled hair and covered in sweat from a life lived well.  We shall go forward like a breath exhaled from the earth, with vigor in our hearts.

OMG!  That gif... ahaha, that's .... so GREAT and so ... AWFUL.

Hell yeah on the Witcheraccountabilibuddies!

 

Yeah. I find I can both complain about how hard it is, and at the same time be completely miserable when I apply no effort and become a sluggard.   It's like every gauge within me lowers 3-4 levels just because I am not doing.   I think balance will be a key point for me, and if that takes work to find, then it's work I will put in!

 

On 12/30/2021 at 12:50 PM, Jarric said:

Me neither

 

  I got the feelz.   LOL.

 

On 12/31/2021 at 3:56 PM, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

For what it's worth I'm replaying Witcher 3 / rereading the books AND we rewatched both S1 and S2 this week..... So... um, yeah.

Also, your desk computer set up looks so epic and clean. Much love & admiration for the new battlestation.

Yeah, I should go back to finish number 2, but I am going to try and crank through this game TheBoy bought me.  I've got 20 hours in it, and ... I'd like to say I played the whole thing.  It's not terrible just ... not very good either.

Then back to Witcher!

Thaaanks on the battle rig.  I feel so much more open-spaced for creative adventures now!

 

Today is Day 1 Eve.   (Because Monday is the right day to start.)

I had a really good weekend actually!    I made Arkhan the Cruel's Flame Roasted Halfling Chili on Friday, and Halfling Sweet Nibblers (oatmeal chocolate chip cookies) and hung out with TheBoy and his roomie / my friend.   We watched some anime and then some videos of this and that, then I headed home early so we could play a new game together.   It's called Stolen Realm and looks like it might have some potential.    We got our first really measurable snow starting on Saturday into Sunday morning.   So on Sat TB™ came over for a 5 hour Beat Saber run.   My whole body is killing me and my "I told you so" brain is saying, "Shoulda not skipped out on exercise for four weeks huh?"    Sunday was shoveling (ow) and then I did 30 minutes of Beat Saber to "Hair of the Dog" (omg, more ow) and also finished up my fantasy valley painting I started on the 14th with my sis, and then learned a new crochet pattern.  Also did laundry and took a glorious hot shower and soaked in lotion.      Tonight's plan is to get to bed at 10:45 and get a solid sleep so I can start the week off well.

 

Here's the pic.   I used an existing art as reference. 😛

[Cheetah]

I love that painting.  🙂

[DarK_RaideR]

It's the return of ForumPuck!

[starpuck]

15 hours ago, Cheetah said:

I love that painting.  🙂

Thanks!  It was really cool when I added the roots and the lichen / moss on it, how it started to sharpen up!

 

3 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

It's the return of ForumPuck!

Huzzah!  I return as promised!

 

 

And with a Day 1 Update to Boot.

 

It was a pretty solid day.   Busy.   Was still covering my coworker whose last vacation day was today.   She is going to work the rest of the week from home though because she had a large family party over the new years holiday and with our current covid numbers, the company decided it best to let her simmer for a while lol.    I nailed the eating and tracking today.   Resisted all the remnants of sweets and treats in the work kitchen and stuck to my healthy plan.   No exercise was had because of having to work through most the lunch and also having to run back to the store for things I forgot during morning groceries.   All this running late in the morning means my morning routine was not met, but I also only just came up with the list today, so ah well.   I worked on the tablet with some art when I got done with my ESO stuff.  It was relaxing, but I am currently not liking the results much yet.  Will keep plugging away at it.   I did get all the things done on my PM routine list.   Going to do a bit of crocheting, then lights out.

 

Oh!  My adventure journal set up for this week.   This page was basically my Week Zero page.

 

And here is how I am tracking my targets.

 

Tomorrow, some music I hope!

 

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Love the painting and really love the journal! That book mark! and the ability to move pages around the binder rings seems super helpful.

[Cheetah]

Good stuff!  Keep up the good work!

[Jarric]

On 1/3/2022 at 3:59 AM, Starpuck said:

I did 30 minutes of Beat Saber to "Hair of the Dog"

 

I have never heard this used in an exercise context, but it's spot on! I'm going to steal that; I'm always telling people the best way to avoid DOMS is to never stop exercising

 

 

7 hours ago, Starpuck said:

Oh!  My adventure journal set up for this week.   This page was basically my Week Zero page.

 

And here is how I am tracking my targets.

 

Tomorrow, some music I hope!

 

Your tracking pages are so cool! I feel like I should re-do mine now to make them a bit more interesting and a bit more functional.

 

Also, I'm pretty sure I have exactly the same journal as you. I got mine for Hummingbird, the gnoll bard I played in the recent Pathfinder 2e campaign that collapsed much, much too early. I'll have to think about giving that a second life too.

 

[Artemis Prime]

I love your tracking map!

[Rurik Harrgath]

12 hours ago, Starpuck said:

My adventure journal set up for this week.   This page was basically my Week Zero page.

 

And here is how I am tracking my targets.

 

I love love love the little RPG doodles for your adventure journal. 😎

[starpuck]

21 hours ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Love the painting and really love the journal! That book mark! and the ability to move pages around the binder rings seems super helpful.

Thank you!  That book mark is actually the leather binding that holds it closed?   (see pic below)

 

14 hours ago, Cheetah said:

Good stuff!  Keep up the good work!

Roger that!  Thanks Cheets.

 

14 hours ago, Jarric said:

 

I have never heard this used in an exercise context, but it's spot on! I'm going to steal that; I'm always telling people the best way to avoid DOMS is to never stop exercising

 

Your tracking pages are so cool! I feel like I should re-do mine now to make them a bit more interesting and a bit more functional.

 

Also, I'm pretty sure I have exactly the same journal as you. I got mine for Hummingbird, the gnoll bard I played in the recent Pathfinder 2e campaign that collapsed much, much too early. I'll have to think about giving that a second life too.

 

Haha, I mean, I plenty often rest when I am sore, but not that day!

This is the front of the journal.

And yeah, I wanted simple but countable.  No grids, no lines, just fun trails to ... progress!

13 hours ago, Artemis Prime said:

I love your tracking map!

Thanks!   It's really helped me be excited about getting the dots filled!

 

10 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

 

I love love love the little RPG doodles for your adventure journal. 😎

Hehe, thanks.  I was trying to make it look how I thought an actual real adventurer's book might look.  (Not like Jester's doodle book, which had way more dicks in it than mine ever will. [Critical Role reference there.]

 

 

DAY 2

Holy cow guys.   Like, a phenomenal day two!  Got 3 of my morning routine done.  (Stretching thing not yet settled on.)   Work was pretty solid and I got caught up on everything that was still outstanding and cleared a few piles.   I went out and got my first strength session in like four weeks in and felt pretty good with it!  When I got home, I ate the yummiest left overs, then started prepping the veggies for tomorrow's Dwarven Potato Leek soup.  I accidentally, emptied all my chopped leeks into my garbage bag instead of my ziplock bag, so that sucked, but my sis offered to go run out for more with me, but then my bro-in-law said he'd get them tomorrow morning instead.   That allowed me to actually go through the hassle of dragging the keyboard out from under the bed, the stand from the closet, and after getting set up, I played for an hour!  I got the sheet music for Signals, from Transistor and was able to play along with it!  (Slow song, easy key, mostly chords.)  But WHOA such confidence boost.   Night routine done in full.   Got some RP in on ESO, and some crocheting.    Perfect day.

Proof of Music-ing!

 

Tomorrow, I gotta find a way to get some sweat exercise in during the day, because after work its cooking dinner, eating, and then playing new game with the boys.  Oof.  Maybe some boxing.