[starpuck]

Perfectly timed you say?   Timed?!?  Perhaps, because someone has defected to the rhythm section friends!  

 

I, along with some other wonderful nerds, decided to "#BackToMusic2022" and folks, I really have done a smashing job of this.  I've been playing piano consistently for the whole year!     About 6 weeks ago, I also picked up acoustic guitar and started slowing learning that.  (It's wrecking my finger tips yo! LOL - And the D chord is impossible for me to play nicely even still.)    And, so, what else does one do in that case but decide .oO( Clearly, I am not learning enough instruments, I should buy a bass!  It will help my fingers get used to strings, but more gently!)  

 

So I bought a bass last week and it's now in my possession.

 

 

As far as everything else goes... I have major regrets that one thing after another this year has become an excuse for why I am not on track to be slimmed down and back to strong and healthy for the summer.   Part of that is, well, health.   In January I started dealing with some weird, non-critical but annoying symptoms that lead to several trips to docs and diagnosed theories on what is to blame.   About 2 weeks ago, the last of the weird little symptoms were gone and I was anxious for not only a return to feeling myself, but also a much anticipated vacation in early May.

 

And then I got Covid.   In fact, I still have 3 more days before I can leave the 10 day 'quarantine and/or mask up' schtick and return to normal routine.    I had it mildly, but, as someone who has not even had so much as a two day sniffle in like 4 years, being sick is still being sick.   I am not quite fully back on my feet yet, but I have high hopes that at the 2 week proper mark I should be pretty much okay.    It did cause my sis and I to also have to cancel our trip.    Soooo, yeah, long and short of it is that 2022 hasn't been the easiest year thus far.

 

But, post recovery here, plus the turning of the seasons, plus a brand new bass in my possession are all great reasons to get back to the right tempo!     I also am really inspired to clean up my eating habits again after this whole Dances with Germs thing.   A well fueled, well nourished body just does things better, usually.    I've also been watching more anime again lately, so my interest in getting my art going again is kind flooning.

 

So we've got, piano, guitar, bass, art, strength training, cardio health routines, and my usual D&D nights and friends hang outs, lol.   I know that tracking food works best for me to shed a few pounds, so I need to get into the mindset to do that.   If I do more cooking with the boyfriend, (who also just had covid, but we didn't catch it from each other actually) that will help with tracking on the weekends, and reining in the spending that's gotten out of hand with me.  Woops.   So, some goals.

 

Track Food Daily - if a meal out can't be actively tracked, then rely on sensible eating for that meal.

Strength Train - 2x a week is my sweet spot.

Cardio-Ish - 3x a week. 

Piano - 4x a week

Bass - 4x a week /or 20 minutes daily (lets see how it goes)

Guitar - 15m daily has been working, but with other instruments, I won't keep this as a MUST do daily.

Art - 2-3x a week, let's see how it fits in

Connect - Do that connect with people thing that I talked about last challenge.

 

Follow on the forums, dangit, Starpuck, DO THIS!

 

[Elastigirl]

Sorry that you were sick, glad it wasn't  too bad. Excited to hear about your bass adventures!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Bass is awesome. So are you.

[Jarric]

Glad you're back and coming out of quarantine; I'm looking forward to seeing your adventures with the bass.

 

I'm also starting to get excited about drawing again, and your arting always inspires me to do more, so that's a good fit!

[DarK_RaideR]

Drop the bass.

 

No, not like that

 

 

[Cheetah]

http://watermanatwork.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SMB4-8-16.gif

 

Here for the bass.

[starpuck]

Midweek zero check in.

 

I rearranged my room today and that felt pretty slick.  Now I feel all snazzy and well set up.   (Even though I literally just swapped my desk and bed position.)    I did a final load of laundry to get rid of any clothes that had germs on them, and tomorrow I go back to the office.   I'm looking forward to getting back to my crew and getting reorganized.  It is infinitely easier to keep on top of things AT work.

 

I've gotten 2 days of bass in, and some piano and 2 days of guitar, so music is going well.   I need to do some artsy stuff but the muse is not strong at this very moment.   I also need to decide if I going to pay a pretty hefty sum for online bass programming.   I need something that gives bite size bits of lessons, and Josh over at BassBuzz really seems to have a working plan.  But it's $197 for the course.    That's really like, the equivalent of 4-5 in person lessons, so can't complain for a whole course at that cost, but it's a nerve-wracking investment.  

 

I have not started tracking calories yet - but going to ease into that now that all the sweet treats are out of reach lol.   

 

Got around to some following today, and will do my best to keep up with you lovelies as well!

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

 

Following, love your challenge! As someone who loves music but lacks the dedication to practice music I’m very impressed by the multiple instruments you are learning. Hope the lessons go well!

 

Also thinking of tracking food (as in actually measuring stuff out rather than just writing down names of things I eat) so may try to absorb some of your knowledge on that front 😅

[Cheetah]

13 hours ago, starpuck said:

music is going well

 

Good work!

 

[Jarric]

14 hours ago, starpuck said:

I need to do some artsy stuff but the muse is not strong at this very moment.   I also need to decide if I going to pay a pretty hefty sum for online bass programming.   I need something that gives bite size bits of lessons, and Josh over at BassBuzz really seems to have a working plan.  But it's $197 for the course.    That's really like, the equivalent of 4-5 in person lessons, so can't complain for a whole course at that cost, but it's a nerve-wracking investment.  

 

My thought on this would be that you can already read music and keep time, so you can probably figure out bass using free resources. (And you might know a friendly bassist if you need to ask any questions ) From a technical point of view, I don't think you need it.

 

With that said, if it's going to help you with your motivation to play, then I say go for it - a structured programme sounds good if you're going to find it fun.

[JuiceeTarget]

Wow! That is a challenge! Next challenge I expect you to add voice lessons and then you can be your own band. I expect a full cover of the "My Little Pony" theme song by the end of the year... but no pressure 😜 

[starpuck]

On 5/1/2022 at 11:40 PM, Elastigirl said:

Sorry that you were sick, glad it wasn't  too bad. Excited to hear about your bass adventures!

 

Hey Elasti!  Thanks!    I admit I am feeling very kid like right now.  Ya know, when kids get into something new and it's like 200% obsession!  LOL

 

On 5/1/2022 at 11:53 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Bass is awesome. So are you.

 

Awww, thanks Tank!  Maybe some day I will challenge Charles Berthoud to a bass battle lol!  HAH, kidding.   I will learn 'senpai notice me' and send him the footage instead.

 

On 5/2/2022 at 6:38 AM, Jarric said:

Glad you're back and coming out of quarantine; I'm looking forward to seeing your adventures with the bass.

I'm also starting to get excited about drawing again, and your arting always inspires me to do more, so that's a good fit!

 

I'm really stupid excited about the bass, and I've already doodled this week for art, so that wasn't a momentary whim this last weekend.

 

On 5/2/2022 at 1:21 PM, DarK_RaideR said:

Drop the bass.

No, not like that

 

 

On 5/2/2022 at 2:27 PM, Cheetah said:

Here for the bass.

 

That's what all the boys say, lol!

 

On 5/4/2022 at 7:01 PM, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

 

Following, love your challenge! As someone who loves music but lacks the dedication to practice music I’m very impressed by the multiple instruments you are learning. Hope the lessons go well!

Also thinking of tracking food (as in actually measuring stuff out rather than just writing down names of things I eat) so may try to absorb some of your knowledge on that front 😅

 

Heeey Rebel!  Happy revenge of the fifth for ya!    It seems like a lot, but piano is an old brush up and the guitar is a super cheesed hobby now.   I want to focus most of the time on bass and piano.

 

14 hours ago, Cheetah said:

 

Good work!

 

Thanks!

 

13 hours ago, Jarric said:

 

My thought on this would be that you can already read music and keep time, so you can probably figure out bass using free resources. (And you might know a friendly bassist if you need to ask any questions ) From a technical point of view, I don't think you need it.

 

With that said, if it's going to help you with your motivation to play, then I say go for it - a structured programme sounds good if you're going to find it fun.

 

Much like having a pre-written strength program or WOD really helps me get back there to do it, I think having existing lessons and modules all set for me to follow along with will be really helpful.    Plus, the free bits he has online - I really like his instruction and how he lets you play along through several speeds of working up to it.  I might pull the trigger!

 

 

8 hours ago, GoodDoug said:

Wow! That is a challenge! Next challenge I expect you to add voice lessons and then you can be your own band. I expect a full cover of the "My Little Pony" theme song by the end of the year... but no pressure 😜 

 

Doug!!!!  So good to see you!   And omg, you - the man of infinite talents and past times are teasing me?  Hehe.  Kidding kidding.   No voice for me, thats why I took up instruments to begin with.

 

Today was my first day back to working in the office post quarantine.  It felt good to be in there and I got all organized and back to normal routine stuff.  That was a huge relief!   I didn't feel overly wiped out from it either, so all told I think I just need to ride out the last remnants of a head full and then I'll be GTG.    I doodled at work.  Just a quickie about a girl playing bass, lol.    I came home, had some PF Changs for dinner, and for the first time in 11 days got to eat with my fam!   Then I had a wonderful day on piano and did some more bass practice.   All in all a good day.    I need to start adding activity back in, but I am trying to wait for a full two weeks before going hard core.  I'd like to just get some walking time in but it's been cold and raining so that's been denied.    By the weekend, should be good to get some extra movement.  

 

Doodle

[Artemis Prime]

Hey, it's good to see you back on the forums! 

 

On 5/5/2022 at 10:45 PM, starpuck said:

I admit I am feeling very kid like right now.  Ya know, when kids get into something new and it's like 200% obsession!  LOL

I sometimes try to temper that initial excitement because I think it will help me pace myself and stay more consistent or what have you, but I've decided the better option is to fully embrace the hype.

 

[starpuck]

Mid-week of Week 1

 

I've had a great start to week 1, but not because I am nailing my goals lol!  Because I've just enjoyed life and felt great about it!   Since we had to cancel the trip to Arizona, my sis and I instead took off Mon and Tues of this week as the forecast was FINALLY for sunshine and warmth.    Granted, I did not ask for straight to July temps - but that's what we got!      We went to the zoo on Monday and spent a goodly 5 hours there leisurely walking around and taking pics.    Tuesday we included the brother in law for breakfast out, then went shopping for garden and plant stuff.  By the time we got home and ready to plant it was 87 degrees!   Needless to say, we waited a few hours for the sun to get behind some clouds before we tackled it.  I also expanded the garden area plot since I am going to attempt to do cucumbers AND tomatoes this year.     Also got my oil changed and had my follow up to the ENT.    As the initial complaint is long gone - we discussed that I would just take Pepsid as needed, before outings / meals that might be a trigger.   I think I am also going to go back to my normal diet, for the sake of doing the food sensitivity test my chiropractor offers.   

 

I got lots of movement and calorie burning in on Mon / Tue with the walking at the zoo and the heavier labor yard work.    Today, I had planned to do a strength day at work - buuuut, it's 91, feels like 100 and our work AC is totally broken.  I did not want to get all heated up out back and then NOT be able to cool down once done.   Take it as a rest day.  

 

I need to get into the groove here, but it's always so hard when you have days off.

 

 

 

 

[DarK_RaideR]

Ran into this and it made me think of you:

 

[Artemis Prime]

On 5/11/2022 at 2:27 PM, starpuck said:

Because I've just enjoyed life and felt great about it!

And really, isn't this the real goal? One of the things I've been doing a lot of thinking about during my rest challenge is what exactly it is that I want out of life and whether or not some of the habits I seem to be perpetually attempting to form are actually getting me there.

[Elastigirl]

Sounds like a wonderful day! I expanded my garden this year too. 

[starpuck]

Quick update here.

 

Lots of movement this week.  That's easy when summer comes early.  It's actually been dangerously too warm for too early (bodies not being acclimated) in that we've been in the mid 90s all week!   Now, I love the heat, but I also know to respect it.   So I had the zoo Monday, the gardening bits Tuesday.  Wednesday was first day back to work and with the AC broken I opted to NOT work out.  (Good call Puck.)  Thursday I did my first lunch hour bike ride, just a short one to get the legs moving and stuff, but plenty enough to count as movement.  Today - will be a walk most likely as it's still hot hot.   I will not get any lifts in this week (unless I do two different body areas one on Sat and one on Sun) but I am okay with that.   I wasn't slacking - I was just choosing to enjoy the weather I've been mad craving for like 7 months!

 

Food, though, has been a disaster.   I was just telling someone that it's like:  Eat when your sad.  Eat when your bored.   Eat when your angry.  Oh you're happy and the sun is out and weather is great?  EAT TO CELEBRATE!  LOL.   I need to stop this for reals now.   LOL!   I have 12 weeks to my trip to Cali in August.   If I start fueling properly and being mindful, I could very easily drop 10lbs by then and that'd be fantastic!!  But, I need to stop putting things off to "tomorrow" because tomorrow never comes!  By the time it comes, it's Today! Hah!

 

I picked up my guitar from the repair shop after having them do a pro set up.  New, lighter gauge strings, and the action got lowered.  Guys!  It is SUCH a huge difference and is going to make progressing so much more enjoyable and easier.  Just so much less work to get those strings down and making pretty sounds.  I'm thrilled!   So I've got all three of my instruments ready to roll!    Just need to get into a good routine of which thing gets practiced on which night!

 

Art hasn't been done this week- I might get a doodle or two in.  So Week 1 is going to fall short on a few things, but I don't feel awful about it?  Especially with how much I am trying to do all at once.  I might make things a bit more forgiving.   Priority of movement and food getting in line - but the music and art stuff can maybe be all part of the same thing, "Create!"   I bet I will still end up with lots of all of the things.  Oh, and then the gardening bit too.  LOL   WHAT HAVE I DONE!?

 

[Jarric]

Sounds like you've had a fantastic week - goals or no if you're enjoying yourself I think you're doing well.

[starpuck]

Week One Wrap Up

 

It was a week of sun and warmth (hotness actually, but I loved it) and so I feel great mentally!    I didn't 100% all of the goals this week, but I really can't be too upset about it.   I'd like to tighten that up this week now that I am back into a more proper routine.

 

Track Food Daily - FAIL.   Didn't even attempt it really.  Additionally, did not eat at all for health and nutrition, lol.  All desires and whims this week. 

Strength Train - 0/2    No strength training technically, but I did have 2 days of 3-5 hours of outdoor yard work and gardening which involved some muscle

Cardio-Ish - 5/3 - I was outside, and moving, constantly this week.   It felt great!

Piano - 4x a week  :: Nailed it.

Bass - 4x a week /or 20 minutes daily.  :: Due to hectic schedule (and no program found/purchased yet) only 3/4.

Guitar - 4x in this week.  Guitar was in the shop first half of the week and when it came back, it felt so much easier, I kept playing it!

Art - 2-3x a week, let's see how it fits in - None had.  No free doodle time.

Connect - Do that connect with people thing that I talked about last challenge. // Forgot to to this again.

 

Still a good showing for the week.  5 days of movement (and I mean like, burning 300-500 more calories than I would have even on an normal day with a lunch workout.)  11 music practices between the 3 instruments.

 

To Do List Remants

Redo Budget

Set up Spending App

Till Garden

Plant Veggies

Set up Trellis

Build Animal Barrier

Find Strength Program

Laundry

Vacuum / Dust Room

Catalog Tye Dye stuff before Sat

Run D&D Game Fri

Cut Grass

 

[starpuck]

I've not been a very good forum bee again.        It's a lot of ... just being out of the habit.    And a part of being so busy at work (my usual forum browse time).    Add in a lick of summer weather and wanting to soak up the sun and it makes for a scarce Puck.     I'd like to get better about this.   I think sometimes, the act of writing out, for our own sake, is a good grounding wire for keeping things going.    

 

Last few weeks have been a juggle.   Eye exams, follow up eye exams because the Rx was slightly off, cars needing appts that don't line up well with existing appts or follows up, etc etc ...  It was just growl-worthy.  Nothing major, obviously, just, for lack of a better way of explaining it ... I'm tired.  Emotionally.  Spiritually.  Mentally.   I would really like for at least some things to just ... be easier for a little while.   Not always.  And not even all the things.   But lately it has felt like everything is on hard mode.  Everything takes more thinking.   And everything feels heavy.       Obviously, the news from this past weekend adds a layer of mire onto this already soggy turf, and I'm just feeling very overwhelmed.      I'll be ok.   But right now, it's very much one day at a time.  One foot in front of the other.   And that's okay.

 

Due to the hectic schedule last week, I didn't get *any* exercise in.   I hit today back to routine with a Strength Day.   Just focusing on each lift and being mindful of form and what my body is doing for me.    I'm fully over the 'rona - and even the last bit of throat clearing semi-kind-of-cough thing is gone, so that's good.    My dad and step mom currently have it, and at 88 years old, we were a bit worried how he'd handle it.   Thus far, he seems to have made it through 8 days with each day being better than before and a sort of typical 'healing from a virus' pattern.    So that's good news.      Music hasn't been hard to get done.   I've really really been enjoying it and it doesn't feel like a chore most days.   Sure, there are some days that gamer Puck is like, 'skip the guitar, load up that new game'.  But once I get some strums in, or whatever else, I am good.  Plus, I told myself, that if I play just 2 songs on the guitar it counts.   I don't have to play each thing 45m of practice every time I sit down to do music.   I can just ... enjoy the moment. 

 

A mantra I want to start working toward more and more.

 

[starpuck]

Yesterday was a frustrating day.    An 8am car appointment for a repair, would end up going on all day, with no follow up calls, and me having to call and be assertive over and over again.   (They didn't even get my car on the rack with a tech until 3:15, after telling me they'd call me by 11am with what was wrong.)    I had to finagle car rides to work, then from work to home, and then it seemed like I'd have to find rides for the next day or work from home.   They called at 5:30, JUST as I got home, and I had to drive back up to get the car back.    The service rep was apologizing up and down and I was reassuring him that I was not mad at HIM, but that the situation was frustrating, and I had a previous bad experience there and so it was very upsetting.   I never did scream or get pissy during all the back and forth, but I definitely had the tone of someone who was exasperated.    All was good by the end, and I got home buy 6:15 with a repaired car.    I ate a reheated bbq burger out on the deck since it was pleasant out.   I had thought to have a single beer,  because beers are yummy with burgers, and it would have just taken the edge off.   Instead, I grabbed my guitar and played for 2 hours out there.   My sister listening, and at one point, her husband grabbing his guitar so he could play along with me.   It was a really beautiful moment last night just enjoying each other and the weather, and some gently strummed music.

 

I had meant to get some practice in on piano and bass too - but ya know what?    It was better the way it ended up.   I rode the moment, instead of letting the To Do list drive me.

 

Food was eggs, muffin and sausage breakfast, with McDs iced coffee (Bought one for me and boo since she helped get me to work.)
Lunch was sandwich and cucumber.   7 cherries as a snack.

Burger for dinner.    Ice cream with cinnamon for dessert.

Not tracked.   But totally reasonable.

 

 

[Artemis Prime]

9 minutes ago, starpuck said:

I had meant to get some practice in on piano and bass too - but ya know what?    It was better the way it ended up.   I rode the moment, instead of letting the To Do list drive me.

Such a wise way to frame things. To Do lists are incredibly useful tools, but I am working on trusting myself to know when it is not the right tool for the job at hand. After a frustrating day, which it sounds like you handled extremely well, playing music and hanging out with your family is such a ridiculously healthy coping mechanism, absolutely nothing should make you feel the least bit guilty for it.

[starpuck]

Wednesday Wrap Up

 

Thunderstorms kept waking me up last night so I didn't get as much rest as I would have liked.    At lunch time, I opted to finish up some of the run around errands that have been ongoing.  Picked up my replacement contacts and then stopped for some allergy eye drops because, omg.  So bad.  Constant itch /burn.    This means no exercise today, but that's alright.    My new bike inner tube came in, so I need to watch a 'how to video' on how to get that tire all patched up so one of my outside days is a bike ride.   Tonight is busy.  Home from work by 5:30, quick dinner reheat, therapy from 6-7, home, then logging in for game night with friends and nephew.     

 

In other news, I reached out to a friend I'd had a bit of a kerfuffle with that lead to a shallowing of our friendship.    It is an unfortunate truth, that it's so often that loss reminds of limited time and unknown tomorrows.   For a year I've been simmering at a mid grade tension and unhappy with where we were as friends.   The reach out was well received, and we have both agreed to try to replant our friendship in better soil.    Whatever level of friendship fits best for us is fine.  But we want it in a healthy spot in the garden, not the weed-mired muck that gets forgotten.      There is a huge weight off my shoulders that I didn't even realize fully I was carrying.  I had chalked it up to a sort of 'Well this is how things need to be, so just carry on,  half-guarded, and half-unhappy.'  

 

I have new aspirations for myself.   Not easy ones.  But ones that I know I can do with help from He who strengthens me.  

 

Food untracked.

Kodiak Cakes Flapjack (coffee)

Ham Sammich / Cucumbers (coffee)
watermelon/cherries

Probably another fast leftover burger.

A couple of cookies whilst gaming most likely.

 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

36 minutes ago, starpuck said:

n other news, I reached out to a friend I'd had a bit of a kerfuffle with that lead to a shallowing of our friendship.    It is an unfortunate truth, that it's so often that loss reminds of limited time and unknown tomorrows.   For a year I've been simmering at a mid grade tension and unhappy with where we were as friends.   The reach out was well received, and we have both agreed to try to replant our friendship in better soil.    Whatever level of friendship fits best for us is fine.  But we want it in a healthy spot in the garden, not the weed-mired muck that gets forgotten.      There is a huge weight off my shoulders that I didn't even realize fully I was carrying.  I had chalked it up to a sort of 'Well this is how things need to be, so just carry on,  half-guarded, and half-unhappy.'  

I'm really happy for you. Something about how you used metaphor in this paragraph is indicative of deeper healing to me.