Chesire Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 Things did not go quite as well as I would have liked last time, specifically in terms of my goals, so I'm going to try again. But all sorts of things have gone pretty well in relationship recovery. I know that the latter really is what affected the former. So I try again to get those basics down pretty solidly before I move ahead and push for any hero advancement. The old man was not satisfied with my skills so I've been sent to build them up a bit more before he sends me out for a real quest. And you do not question the wisdom of a little bald wrinkly smiling old man. So, my tasks are basically the same. I'm worth it tasks: - AM care; take vitamin, allergy meds, and do skin care. 5 min -PM care; contacts cared for, skin care, oral care, comb hair 10 min -do a puzzle instead of mindless scroll or stupid tv able body tasks: -2xweek min walk/run -3x week Elements -rediscover healthy lunch mojo track food and work on either snack food replacements or portion the treats as such homeward bound tasks: -10 min 3x week cleaning -pick a paint color and if able start - got the bathroom paint and samples for testing the living/dining room. Start. best life tasks: -complete my battle plan for this year -hold boundaries with calm caring -acknowledge when I am the problem, but refuse to be a handy outlet for thoughtless lashing out learning tasks: -finish this stinking crochet project since I'm at the boring bit -continue machine tech training Additional things that might be added as I want to try them. journaling meditation, or at least quiet, still, undisturbed me moments explore using this whole site more 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 13 Author Report Share Posted February 13 I'm going to try to use this space for more of all sorts of things. currently reading: The sword in the Stone listening to for walking/running/driving: The Peter Grant series, Broken Homes 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
KeysMcGee Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 On 2/11/2023 at 8:04 AM, Chesire said: Things did not go quite as well as I would have liked last time, specifically in terms of my goals, so I'm going to try again. Fall seven times; rise eight...errr something along those lines. Following 1 Quote "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." -Henry Ford "If you know the way broadly, you will see it in all things." -Miyamoto Musashi "Oh, she says, well, you're not a poor man. You know, why don't you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I'm going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope. I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babies. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don't know. The moral of the story is, is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we're not supposed to dance at all anymore." -Kurt Vonnegut. Link to comment
Loveable_Bouncer Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 On 2/11/2023 at 7:04 AM, Chesire said: Things did not go quite as well as I would have liked last time, specifically in terms of my goals, so I'm going to try again. But all sorts of things have gone pretty well in relationship recovery. I know that the latter really is what affected the former. So I try again to get those basics down pretty solidly before I move ahead and push for any hero advancement. I would say you had boosted your party relationship benefits, so it can help move forward the level part! Following! 1 Quote Larger than Average Fairy Druid Level 1 10 STR / 8 DEX / 10 CON / 13 INT / 13 WIS / 17 CHA (DnD Stats) Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 14 Author Report Share Posted February 14 It was a productive weekend. I painted the bathroom (ie paid my 'rent' for living here for free) and put up some sample swatches for the next big project, got a good run in, a decent walk the next day, did Elements. I'm tracking what I do, but I'm not going back to my points system yet. I'm grumpy that I've gained some weight. I know why and now I just need to tackle the situation if I decide it's important to me. It might not be just yet. 2 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Loveable_Bouncer Posted February 14 Report Share Posted February 14 5 hours ago, Chesire said: It was a productive weekend. I painted the bathroom (ie paid my 'rent' for living here for free) and put up some sample swatches for the next big project, got a good run in, a decent walk the next day, did Elements. 5 hours ago, Chesire said: I'm tracking what I do, but I'm not going back to my points system yet. I'm grumpy that I've gained some weight. I know why and now I just need to tackle the situation if I decide it's important to me. It might not be just yet. Sorry to hear of the weight gain... *hug* Upside if you are always tracking you can always change up the point system depending on what you need for self care. 1 Quote Larger than Average Fairy Druid Level 1 10 STR / 8 DEX / 10 CON / 13 INT / 13 WIS / 17 CHA (DnD Stats) Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 17 Author Report Share Posted February 17 I hit the halfway point, 23 of 43 sessions in Elements. I really do notice the difference in my body's willingness to do some of the movements without discomfort now. Initially some positions would cause some slight shoulder pain, but with focus on form and patience that seems to no longer be a problem! Woot! growth! mental and physical 2 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
AlleyCat Posted February 17 Report Share Posted February 17 Way to go! What is Elements? 1 Quote Current challenge Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 17 Author Report Share Posted February 17 3 hours ago, AlleyCat said: What is Elements? I may have to call in @Emissary2Ornj to help with that question. Different goals, different descriptions! It's the basic training program at GMB.io . They are all about having a capable and ready body that can do all you need it to do with grace and fun; flexible, strong, and resilient. The program itself is a calisthenics type set up that focuses on different 'animal' movement so you spend a lot of time with your weight on your hands and arms as you crawl around in various ways 🤣 I was drawn to it because I like the idea that I'm stronger (and working toward something fun like a handstand) but also learning control in unusual positions. Surprisingly useful when I'm holding large, heavy boxes over my head while up a ladder! Like, I know my shoulders can do it and I know that my core has the capacity to protect my back and balance me. Or you can go to the source for the salesman spiel... https://get.gmb.io/try-elements/ Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
AlleyCat Posted February 17 Report Share Posted February 17 Very interesting! I'll have to take a look. I'm all about functional fitness, and it might be fun. 1 Quote Current challenge Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 23 Author Report Share Posted February 23 So, hey, maybe I should do a little update! Week 1 was decent; I'm worth it- am task: 5/6 stupid vitamins. I need to move them, they are the make/break thing pm task: 3/6 had to buy more floss, but I'm good now anything but scrolling: 2/3 habits are hard, but this is still better Able body- walk/run: 2/2 GMB: 4/3 track food: 0/4 I forgot! Other stuff- cleaning: 3/ 3 paint color sampled and selected for living room I need to put up my battle plan. It's written out in my challenge journal. Funny, it looks a lot like the last one! So far this week is going well. Today is a snow day. That means fun day, right! Or, I can do some online trainin, and maybe some wall prep and cleaning for painting. I could also get off my butt and make time for both... 2 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Qnobi Posted February 23 Report Share Posted February 23 What color are you painting? I try this process over and over and somehow always end up with something between parchment and light coffee. 🤨 Quote Link to comment
Emissary2Ornj Posted February 24 Report Share Posted February 24 On 2/17/2023 at 2:21 PM, AlleyCat said: Very interesting! I'll have to take a look. I'm all about functional fitness, and it might be fun. Sorry I'm so late to the party! I second what Chesire said, and add my why. I'll hide it b/c I don't want to hijack your challenge thread, Chesire. Spoiler Increasing my functional fitness was definitely the draw for me to GMB in general. They intentionally train for the "in-between" movements: for instance, rotational strength or transitioning from one position to another. They constantly preach "work at a level that's good for you", and are good at acknowledging that we average folks have real lives that we're fitting our training into. They're not too dogmatic about any one fitness discipline (though they're very gung-ho about their own philosophy, of course). They encourage self-exploration and -awareness in the movements, often telling you to slow it down so you can build control and strength. The value I find in Elements specifically is two-fold: First - having somebody who seemingly knows a lot about real-world functioning bodies tell me what to do & for how long. Secondly - once I finish the program, I'll have more movements/exercises in my workout repertoire - hopefully preventing future workout boredom. Fair warning: GMB's approach in general is a big step down from fitness achievement and pushing yourself. The workouts are not easy, and will challenge you, but they are not intense sessions, and they don't practice big flashy moves. It's like they take every movement and put it under a microscope, breaking down its components and working on each one. This can be a mental challenge, because it's not.... I dunno - what's the word, @Chesire ? achieve-y? enough for our brains. Sometimes the brain is like "What am I even doing? This is nothing!" And sometimes it's the opposite: the movements look so basic, but they're really hard, and brain does not understand why we can't do them, and what is the point? So there's a mental challenge , I think b/c of how different their approach is. There is a LOT of free GMB material available on YouTube, Facebook, and their website. I spent about a year doing just free stuff before I bought Elements, and I'm glad I did. Just working on stuff out of their free resources, I made noticeable real-world gains in balance, foot/ankle mobility, and shoulder strength. Like Chesire said, overhead strength really improved. Also core strength (hollow body holds!), which helps with Monkey and Frogger. Have fun exploring! Lots of underpants available for the gathering when you go down the GMB rabbit hole. 2 Quote "You're not in it to get Most [Recognized Rebel Ever]. You're not in it to be eligible for prizes. You're in this because you made a promise to yourself and you refuse to let you down. Walk the talk. And even when you don't talk much, make the walk so powerful that it leaves no room for questions - from inside or out." -note to self Str7.5 Dex6 Sta5.7 Con11.8 Wis10.4 Cha2 Intro post~Challenge 1~Challenge 2~Challenge 3~Challenge 4~Battle Log 1 Ranger Level 3 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 24 Author Report Share Posted February 24 11 hours ago, Emissary2Ornj said: GMB's approach in general is a big step down from fitness achievement and pushing yourself. This can be a mental challenge, That's a great point. The shift to doing the best version you can as many as you are able in a given time period vs straight counting reps was tough for my brain. Ultimately it is a version of the quality of quantity that any decent trainer will focus on. And absolutely right on that at the beginning when you are learning the very basic start, just the start, of a movement-as in from a squat only shifting your weight on to your hands and back again- it's hard to stick with the program. Now that I've done it more I appreciate the point was to be able to make that weight shift with less conscious thought but proper alignment. Ultimately, after you posted something similar to what I was feeling about that mental challenge, it encouraged me to try to switch my mental focus and lean in to the 'most beautiful version'. Almost a downshift for my brain. Allow me to sound like a wrap up question... What, in general, is your favorite move? 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 24 Author Report Share Posted February 24 15 hours ago, Qnobi said: What color are you painting? I try this process over and over and somehow always end up with something between parchment and light coffee. 🤨 Well, let me put it this way. The color collection I was given free rein to choose from is called Gentle Whites. You can see where this is going to end up. So, basically I choose a slightly yellow white, a slightly pink,and a slightly blue to test. And, yep, it's the one called Linen.... so parchment-y hahaha Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
KeysMcGee Posted February 24 Report Share Posted February 24 On 2/23/2023 at 9:45 AM, Chesire said: Today is a snow day. What is this snow day stuff I keep seeing around? It is t-shirt and shorts weather where I'm at. And granted, I'm in GA, but still. That's hot for this time of year for us. (fwiw, I'm not weirded out that it's snowing where you're at. That seems normal for a February. I'm more weirded out by the fact that it's in the mid 70's where I'm at.) 1 Quote "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." -Henry Ford "If you know the way broadly, you will see it in all things." -Miyamoto Musashi "Oh, she says, well, you're not a poor man. You know, why don't you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I'm going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope. I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babies. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don't know. The moral of the story is, is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we're not supposed to dance at all anymore." -Kurt Vonnegut. Link to comment
Qnobi Posted February 24 Report Share Posted February 24 9 hours ago, Chesire said: Well, let me put it this way. The color collection I was given free rein to choose from is called Gentle Whites. You can see where this is going to end up. So, basically I choose a slightly yellow white, a slightly pink,and a slightly blue to test. And, yep, it's the one called Linen.... so parchment-y hahaha Full disclosure, though, I once painted every room in my house a different actual color, and I hated it. When I painted it all light yellow, it was like throwing out a pile of garbage. 1 Quote Link to comment
Emissary2Ornj Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 12 hours ago, Chesire said: What, in general, is your favorite move? I'll foil the wrap-up sound by answering this before I reply to anything else. (wait, was that a quasi-pun? Serendipitous quasi-pun!) Frogger is the most enjoyable of the locomotions. It seems inherently fun to me, and is extremely versatile in terms of making it challenging (Toe Pulls!!) or targeting slightly different muscles (Sumo Frogger or Walking Frogger). Very anti-boredom. My tied-for-first favorite stretches are A-frame and Lunge Rotations with kneeling hamstring stretch (this is a sequence of 3 stretches; a gentle kneeling lunge followed by "world's greatest stretch", finally sitting back to stretch the hams/calves, then switching sides). 12 hours ago, Chesire said: Almost a downshift for my brain. I agree. It's like an antidote for my impatience. I didn't realize you were giving it another shot, or I didn't realize you had switched up your mental approach. I hope it makes it more enjoyable for you! Serious adult question: what's your opinion on the quality of floss? Is the pricey stuff worth it? (I buy budget, and it shreds annoyingly.) 1 Quote "You're not in it to get Most [Recognized Rebel Ever]. You're not in it to be eligible for prizes. You're in this because you made a promise to yourself and you refuse to let you down. Walk the talk. And even when you don't talk much, make the walk so powerful that it leaves no room for questions - from inside or out." -note to self Str7.5 Dex6 Sta5.7 Con11.8 Wis10.4 Cha2 Intro post~Challenge 1~Challenge 2~Challenge 3~Challenge 4~Battle Log 1 Ranger Level 3 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 25 Author Report Share Posted February 25 The 'world's greatest stretch" is so lovely. I'm a fan of the monkey for pretty similar reasons to your frogger (toe drags and extended leg, eep!) But right now my favorite thing for the brain work I need and the control it takes is transitioning bear to crab. Preferably without falling over. Serious adult answer is the pricier stuff is worth it only if the extra cost is less annoying to you than the shredding. Alas, adult answers are often so annoying. Wait! the brain just waved me down with a follow up thought (stupid brain watcher even gets involved over floss), it would actually cost you less to use pricier if it shreds less because you don't need to go back for more if it breaks. 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 26 Author Report Share Posted February 26 Yesterday my friend and I went out for coffee while our Mr's stayed home with their 5yo's. I walked in the door and, being a early inductee into the world of Nintendo, recognized MarioKart instantly. The kiddos were playing. And being 5 they just didn't believe I could know MK; new to them, must be new to all. I had a lovely lesson on what MarioKart is. I was not handed a controller. This is probably for the best. It's not that wouldn't try to let them win, but that it's so hard to actually get stuck against a wall and let it happen!. I know I'm not alone in this 1 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Chesire Posted February 27 Author Report Share Posted February 27 Another decent week in the books I'm worth it- am task: 7/6 didn't move the vitamins, just better about getting off my butt when I think of it pm task: 6/6 anything but scrolling: 3/3 gave up on one puzzle, it just wasn't fun. We've also been playing games a bit Able body- walk/run: 2/2 to slippery to run GMB: 3/3 is time to start forming a plan for after Elements? track food: 4/4 was pretty thorough, and no surprises. I'm still just tracking, not making changes Other stuff- cleaning: 4/ 3 I'm counting the painting because it took up a lot of time and energy, as well as some cleaning Battle plan posted! I'm going to add the daily dare back in. I'm in the process of hopefully shutting down the thread for the old one in order to start a fresh one. I'm leaning towards a set-up that is more 'attempted/ unattempted' as some of the exercises are a bit more advanced as posted for some beginners and I want it to be more approachable. I think some people found the points a bit stressful 2 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
KeysMcGee Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 1 hour ago, Chesire said: Another decent week in the books You're killin it. 1 Quote "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." -Henry Ford "If you know the way broadly, you will see it in all things." -Miyamoto Musashi "Oh, she says, well, you're not a poor man. You know, why don't you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I'm going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope. I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babies. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don't know. The moral of the story is, is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we're not supposed to dance at all anymore." -Kurt Vonnegut. Link to comment
Chesire Posted March 3 Author Report Share Posted March 3 As threatened, a new daily dare adventure is up and running! 2 1 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
Chesire Posted March 4 Author Report Share Posted March 4 I get it, I really do, but it's still ridiculous that every time I see kids I get a cold. The pandemic really changed things for me in that department. When I was stuck in a room with someone for an hour or so and I was exposed to so many things I just didn't get sick but everything must have changed just enough that my body is just like AAAAAAAAHH!!! new cold virus!! Shut it all down!! Anyway, had a cold this week but it was still a decent week. I only missed one normal fitness day because I just hadn't slept that night and couldn't be bothered to go out on a cold morning walk. The week isn't done yet, but so close to it that I'm going to call it a good week. Yesterday morning I had this weird mental/energy awakening thing happen in which I was suddenly able and wanting to put in targeted effort for change and growth, as opposed to just going through the motions. I'm going to encourage that, hopefully without killing it by over-doing things. But I found myself looking forward to moving my strength days back outside, like it would be fun. (Of course I hit that energy the day before the most significant snowstorm of the season rolled in) That waking up moment yesterday highlighted something new for me that I really need to be aware of for my well-being. Hibernation. It seems that Jan and Feb are low effort season. Reasonable, but a thing to be accounted for. Much like my dark days of summer mid-Aug to mid-Sept that just need to be worked around. Maybe I loosely plan my year into distinct halves? We'll see. So, after being taught all about MarioKart last weekend, I decided to dig out my Wii (I need to find my GameCube games) but for some reason we couldn't get the system to hook up properly to the big tv; we either go sound or video, never both. Whatever. I only wanted the big tv if I were playing Zelda, but I have no idea where that game is (probably where ever the cables for the PS or XB are.) Did find MK and Wii Super Mario, and a small tv that worked. So.... rate my set-up? 🤣 Yep, sideways in the chair 2 Quote daily dare 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 #8 #7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 Link to comment
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