[Scaly Freak]

Procrastination is persistent. After walking briskly for most of the day, stepping off the path, taking short cuts and doubling back to hide her tracks, the tall demon is still behind Scalyfreak, gradully drawing closer and showing no signs of giving up. This is a problem, because while demons do not tire Scalyfreak does, and walking for an entire day without a break is exhausting.

 

Walking through the night will be even more of a problem, because demons don't need sleep either, and all the inconvenient consequences of uninterrupted day-long exertion are making themselves known... heavy legs, slow reflexes, an inability to stay focused, and very noise is unexpected and unnerving.

 

This can't continue. Scalyfreak needs to rest, to eat and sleep, and she needs to do it in a place where the demon can't get to her while she sleeps. Fortunately, the forest she's walking through now is familiar to Scalyfreak, and her tired legs find an unexpected small burst of energy to carry her faster towards her destination.

 

The paved path comes into view, swept clean and maintained as always, and the marble building the path leads to is clear of vines and weeds, well repaired, and with the doors wide open and welcoming to all tied travelers. Scalyfreak eagerly crosses the threshold and enters the temple hall with a sigh of relief. The dim light is warm and soothing, the clear air is calming and helps Scalyfreak relax as she sets her bedroll on the floor right below the altar and devours some of the rations in her backpack. She also drinks deeply from her water skin, knowing she will be able to fill it from the well behind the altar before she leaves. Soon enough Scalyfreak settles in for the night and falls asleep, all worries about Procrastination forgotten because for tonight at least she is safe. After all, no demon can enter the Temple of Iron.

 

 

Before diving into the “few and small” goals for this challenge period, here's a brief “intro” for anyone who doesn't know me very well:

Spoiler

I cheerfully approach all my challenges as video game quests, with boss fights and level grinding, I have re-framed my anxiety into pyromancy (specifically, the Pyromancy Flame of Anxiety), because it's very destructive when it flares up and gets out of control. But like pyromancy, if the chaos is embraced and can be harnessed, all that energy can be used against against my enemies. In fireball form.

 

Track record in my boss fights so far:

 

• Self-Sabotage drains levels and health, and heals herself with what she drains from her opponent.
  • Current strategy: Apparently it is to face her without my armor, while carrying a long needle.
• Procrastination is good at hiding and then hitting me with a back-stab when I least expect it.
  • Current strategy: Pretend to ignore and deal with her later, while secretly plotting to use the bullet journal calendar thingy to ambush her back.
• Self-Indulgence was gradually convinced it would be easier for her to reach her goals if we worked together. Before the alliance fell apart on its own, Self-Indulgence was viciously killed by a very angry unicorn, that has not been seen or heard from since then.
  • Current strategy: Dance on her grave
• Stress-Hydra spawns whenever too many things are happening at once, or when something really big and overwhelming happens, and cutting off one of her seven heads makes no difference because it re-spawns a replacement head almost immediately.
  • Current strategy: The Herakles Method - Ask for help

 

I'm currently dual-classing as a Warrior Druid, because meditation is a great way to quietly build Endurance and Resilience stats while figuring out how to make my need for sleep work with my need to make my body lift things and move and generally be active in a way that builds strength and resilience.

 

After time off from work, life, and challenges, I am finally posting my new challenge. It's about halfway into the challenge period, or thereabouts, so I'm more for less on track with how I normally do these things.

 

Recover HP (physical health)

This goal will have two parts:

1. Walk every day, with or without the Happy Sidekick.
2. Lift things. Specifically, barbell things … it's time to reestablish the gym habit. To meet this goal, I need to actually go to the gym at least three out of seven evenings in a week.

 

Restore Mana (Mental Health)

Same goal as last challenge – meditate every day. I have a history of really struggling to remember to do this on days that are not work days, so taken three week off from work over the holidays really interfered with this habit..

 

Regenerate Stamina (emotional bandwidth)

Also same goal as the last challenge: Deliberately do at least one thing every day for no other reason than because I know I will enjoy it. I predict that a lot of this will involve the Feisty Sidekick, simply because he craves attention and affection, and playing with a kitten is good for Mana recovery as well as Stamina.  

[KB Girl]

Oh I hope the temple will be very good to you! 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Getting back to Barbell lifts is gonna be so good.

[Scaly Freak]

2 hours ago, KB Girl said:

Oh I hope the temple will be very good to you! 

 

2 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Getting back to Barbell lifts is gonna be so good.

 

We've been going regularly, or trying to, for a few weeks now, and it really is a relief to be reunited with the barbells again. I did squats and rows with them last night, and really enjoyed every moment.  

[Harriet]

 

So walk, lift, meditate, enjoy. Sounds like a great plan!

[Scaly Freak]

Monday:

Walked and gym

Meditated with morning coffee

Played with Happy Sidekick, and with Feisty Sidekick

 

Tuesday:

Did not walk, but planning to go to gym for cardio later this evening

Meditated with morning coffee

Clippers @ Lakers tips off in a little over an hour

[Jupiter]

Following!  

[Scaly Freak]

Wednesday:

In-office day means walking - there's a small group of us who meet for a daily walk after lunch every day.

Meditated  with morning coffee

Anthony Davis returns to the Lakers and there is rim protection again 

[Scaly Freak]

30 minutes ago, Scaly Freak said:

Anthony Davis returns to the Lakers and there is rim protection again 

 

...until he lands badly, late in the third quarter, and rolls his ankle.

 

[Jupiter]

Just now, Scaly Freak said:

 

...until he lands badly, late in the third quarter, and rolls his ankle.

 

 

Oh, ouch.  

[Scaly Freak]

Thursday:

Walk with the coworker group again. Also gym this evening. ( I did rowing machine, cable row, kettle bell squats, and a set of one -leg deadlifts with the kettle bell, just because.)

Meditated with morning coffee

Crafted pretty things in my MMO, and read a book.

[Harriet]

Walking with colleagues after lunch sounds very wholesome!

[Scaly Freak]

14 hours ago, Harriet said:

Walking with colleagues after lunch sounds very wholesome!

 

It's a good daily reminder that my mental health needs my body to go outside and move around. It's the high point of the day for several of us.

 

Friday:

Today was WFH-day, so half my lunch break was a walk with Happy Sidekick and Husband. Also took a second walk after work, without Happy Sidekick this time, because Husband thought we both needed it (and he was right).

Meditated over breakfast

Too a nice long hot bath, with a book and a glass of wine.

[XBlackWidowX]

On 1/23/2023 at 7:09 AM, Scaly Freak said:

Procrastination is persistent. After walking briskly for most of the day, stepping off the path, taking short cuts and doubling back to hide her tracks, the tall demon is still behind Scalyfreak, gradully drawing closer and showing no signs of giving up. This is a problem, because while demons do not tire Scalyfreak does, and walking for an entire day without a break is exhausting.

 

Walking through the night will be even more of a problem, because demons don't need sleep either, and all the inconvenient consequences of uninterrupted day-long exertion are making themselves known... heavy legs, slow reflexes, an inability to stay focused, and very noise is unexpected and unnerving.

 

This can't continue. Scalyfreak needs to rest, to eat and sleep, and she needs to do it in a place where the demon can't get to her while she sleeps. Fortunately, the forest she's walking through now is familiar to Scalyfreak, and her tired legs find an unexpected small burst of energy to carry her faster towards her destination.

 

The paved path comes into view, swept clean and maintained as always, and the marble building the path leads to is clear of vines and weeds, well repaired, and with the doors wide open and welcoming to all tied travelers. Scalyfreak eagerly crosses the threshold and enters the temple hall with a sigh of relief. The dim light is warm and soothing, the clear air is calming and helps Scalyfreak relax as she sets her bedroll on the floor right below the altar and devours some of the rations in her backpack. She also drinks deeply from her water skin, knowing she will be able to fill it from the well behind the altar before she leaves. Soon enough Scalyfreak settles in for the night and falls asleep, all worries about Procrastination forgotten because for tonight at least she is safe. After all, no demon can enter the Temple of Iron.

 

It is beautifully written!

It seems we all have our own demon that keeps on following us, huh? When I was in high school I actually watched such anime (and it was also a mental kind of demon) and that stuck with me. Hope you can spend as much time in the Temple as possible  

 

On 1/28/2023 at 1:39 PM, Scaly Freak said:

 

It's a good daily reminder that my mental health needs my body to go outside and move around. It's the high point of the day for several of us.

Yeah, right? That's very important. Sun, fresh air and nature can do wonders.

[Scaly Freak]

1 hour ago, XBlackWidowX said:

It is beautifully written!

It seems we all have our own demon that keeps on following us, huh? When I was in high school I actually watched such anime (and it was also a mental kind of demon) and that stuck with me. Hope you can spend as much time in the Temple as possible  

 

Thank you! Demon? I have demons, plural. I wish I had only one!

 

Actually, no. I TAKE THAT BACK! Because if I did it would be Self-Sabotage, and she's the worst of them all!

 

Saturday:

Walked mid-morning with Husband and Happy Sidekick, and took a second walk with just Husband late in the afternoon. Did gym after dinner.

Forgot to meditate until after gym, and immediately sat down to focus on breathing as soon as I remembered. Was interrupted after few minutes by Mellow sidekick, who wanted a lap and affection. Meditating while petting a cat absolutely counts.

Played more of Dragon Quest XI, a game I have been ignoring and forgot how much I enjoyed.

[Scaly Freak]

Sunday:

Walked in the chilly sunshine with Happy Sidekick and Husband.

Meditated before the walk

Spent all of the Sephora gift card I got for Christmas  

[KB Girl]

You're on a nice walking streak  

Even getting out for a walk with whiny kids is still somehow good for my mental health. (usually they don't whine, but we had that the other day and Jaap and I said to each other, "huh, this was kinda terrible but I still feel better") 

[Scaly Freak]

13 hours ago, KB Girl said:

this was kinda terrible but I still feel better

 

A very accurate description of walking in cold winter weather!

 

Monday:

Meditated with morning coffee

Walked with Husband and Happy Sidekick over lunch break, and again with Husband after work. (Freezing cold!)

Dove down a rabbit hole of liquid skin tints and balm skin tints, both written and video reviews. Also went off for a full facial, with sheet masks and oil serums, and massage and the whole nine yards.  

[Harriet]

11 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

Dove down a rabbit hole of liquid skin tints and balm skin tints, both written and video reviews.

 

Researching such things is so relaxing, even though I do best with a very minimal routine.

[Scaly Freak]

12 hours ago, Harriet said:

 

Researching such things is so relaxing, even though I do best with a very minimal routine.

 

It really is... my Sephora wishlist has grown now.  

 

Tuesday:

Walked in the freezing early afternoon cold with a much smaller number of coworkers than usual. Also planning to go to the gym in about an hour.

Meditated over breakfast

The Lakers won a close game! And it was fun to watch them do it.

[Jean]

On 1/29/2023 at 8:02 AM, Scaly Freak said:

Actually, no. I TAKE THAT BACK!

 

Right, let 'em come and get what's coming to them!. You are fearsome, take 'em down!

[Scaly Freak]

Well, the gym didn't happen. The parking lot was packed, and we still have Plague Paranoia about crowded public locations so rather than stoking The Flame, we went home and took turns using the adjustable dumbbells and worked out that way. So it still counts.

 

Take that, Self-Sabotage!

[Mistr]

Nice that you are getting outside and walking. I did that yesterday and hopefully will again today.

 

Good for you doing your workout at home!

[Scaly Freak]

Wednesday:

Walked with co-workers outside the office, and with Husband after work. This is now our evening routine, and it's very enjoyable.

Morning meditation again

Rediscovered the fun of Duolingo. Ich lerne Deutsch.  

 

Thursday:

Skipped the office walk due to busy. Walked with Husband after work.

Meditated in the morning, and am proud to say I now have a 19 day streak in Insight Timer

Preparing to go to the gym in a little while, and hoping desperately that the New Years Resolutioners won't be there this evening.

Update an hour later: We're now at the gym. Night workouts are awesome.

[Scaly Freak]

There has been a lack of music in this thread. This must be remedied.

 

Spoiler because it's about what's not worn beneath a kilt, so we'll treat it as NSFW.

 

Spoiler