[Loveable_Bouncer]

Bouncer walked into the mining town of Phandalin, the snowcapped mountains overseeing the mining town before her.

She sighed with relief at the smell of the smoke from the forty to fifty small houses, warmth was here. Mountains were already tough, but in the winter with not enough equipment. She was surprised she had survived where she could find a town before freezing to death. 

Walking down the dirt road, Bouncer noticed among all the newly made houses and shops were crumbling stone ruins, signs that a much larger settlement was here beforehand. 

Bouncer noted how the town was small but bustling with activity, shop keepers giving her a smile to speculate how much coin she had to spend. The cheery busy workers, each one had a weapon that was easy to grab, which she found intriguing by the lack of walls or soldiers. They had a desire to protect themselves from something, but what? 

 

Bouncer looked down at her own rags that were barely keeping her warm in the mountains and her empty satchel, at least with the current coin she could find some new equipment and get some warm rest as she figured out what the new town had held before her. 

 

Quest of the week: One needs to make sure they have enough rest to be able to explore a quaint town.

 

This week I am  focusing on getting enough sleep, because I know I am fatigued. My desire is to start my bedtime routine at 7 pm, This has been a goal I’ve been working on forever, and I need to make it strong enough so it's a thing I do not a “ifs, butts and coconuts” thing I do. 

 

The result of getting more rest, the more Bouncer can get to know Phandalin. 

 

0 - wasn’t able to explore due to not resting well enough, you are starting to look suspicious to the local town folk. 

1-7 days: Each day I sleep, I can explore one key establishment  (5 is the goal), with extra wins

Day 1: Stop at the Inn for needed rest (Day 1 is enough to bump into a new random party member)

Day 2: Stop at Lionshield Coster for new armor and weapons 

Day 3: Visit Barthen’s Provisions for extra equipment and Gear (I get to know enough of the town to choose my NPC party member)

Day 4-5: Visit the other points, and I can make a Custom Party member race with random stats

Day 6: Get to know the town enough to make a Custom NPC I want to make (may have bunny members)

Day 7: Surpassed my own expectations and my party member has a loyalty bonus and maybe with an extra coin just for me

 

FYI for behind the scene goals that are strong: Going to the gym twice a week for Coach made strength training workouts (Tuesdays after work and Saturday mornings), trying to find ways to have extra movement every day (goal is 15 mins a day.. This is meh). I meal prep every weekend, and eat a balanced plate. I’m also working on trying to make habits for cleaning my home with the Flylady system. 

 

Side goals I would like to get done this challenge: 

-Pickup my living room enough to move my table closer to the kitchen (unknown reward)

-Do my taxes (1 gold piece reward)

-I’ve joined a weekly group that requires me to show up Sunday (Add a new party member at the end of the challenge)

-Going to my estranged family member's wedding shower in April... (reward Fairy trinket)

 

Current life goals: -Get strong enough to have an easy move in June/July to upgrade my home for cats (also have a clean home to display for pre-move)

-Get strong enough to enjoy a day at an amusement park with my long-legged brother (get a tad slimmer to enjoy the epic rides a bit better)

[Sepherina]

16 minutes ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Side goals I would like to get done this challenge: 

-Pickup my living room enough to move my table closer to the kitchen (unknown reward)

-Do my taxes (1 gold piece reward)

-I’ve joined a weekly group that requires me to show up Sunday (Add a new party member at the end of the challenge)

-Going to my estranged family member's wedding shower in April... (reward Fairy trinket)

 

Current life goals: -Get strong enough to have an easy move in June/July to upgrade my home for cats (also have a clean home to display for pre-move)

-Get strong enough to enjoy a day at an amusement park with my long-legged brother (get a tad slimmer to enjoy the epic rides a bit better)

 

Thanks for the reminder that I still have to finish my taxes too.  

(How I feel about finishing them)

 

 

Now amusement parks…I can get behind!

[Everstorm]

Oh, I used to follow FLY Lady!  She has some good ideas on routines.

[Loveable_Bouncer]

7 hours ago, Sepherina said:

Thanks for the reminder that I still have to finish my taxes too.  

(How I feel about finishing them)

Your welcome on this loathing journey. I have a feeling mine are going to he quite stressful than yours... I just needto schedule a time to do it >.> 

 

7 hours ago, Sepherina said:

Now amusement parks…I can get behind!

Heck yeah! Had become an annual tradition with big upside down rides!

 I should see taxes as a reward to enjoy the fun  of savings that can help me get closer to pay for roller coasters! 

 

Also welcome!!

 

3 hours ago, Everstorm said:

Oh, I used to follow FLY Lady!  She has some good ideas on routines.

Love the used to. 

I honestly had to ignore the founder's stuff since she is a bit "critical adult" for my liking. I found a nice woman who speaks in a softer tone to help me find my way and adapt (Diane in Denmark youtube4). 

 

I find the FLY system kind of follows my fitness and life goals a little too  coincidental to ignore... 

---

 

On the topic of FLY lady... I had a realization we're halfway through March. My rent renewal is happening in April, where I will say no to it due to the desire to move in to a cat friendly apartment. 

My apartment is very.... not ready for tours and pre-move inspection. I feel like every challenge  for the last two years has been "I need to stop fitness to clean". That hasn't worked so I will continue fitness but maybe tap into using FLY lady system by focusing on what I can. First up baby steps which I started a few steps... just have a few more to get through. 

 

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

58 minutes ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

every challenge  for the last two years has been "I need to stop fitness to clean". That

 

IDK ... hauling boxes is pretty good strength training.  But I sympathize.  We're in the "starting to get serious about the move" phase .... and I'm not sure what I loathe more: moving or doing my taxes.  Nope, I know ... it's moving.  

 

BTW, if Bouncer needs a place to crash and pick up some better winter gear, there's a restored house up in the NW corner of Phadalin where two paladins,  a druid, and a barbarian-turned-wizard live.  That is, when they are not out hunting a certain dragon.  

[Sepherina]

1 hour ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Your welcome on this loathing journey. I have a feeling mine are going to he quite stressful than yours... I just needto schedule a time to do it >.> 

 

Probably. The federal ones are done, but I know we owe state and local so I am just putting it off (they are disgusting as well….self employment sucks ….).  I do have a bottle of my favorite beer in the mini fridge that I was considering using as reward for something.  I think finishing taxes is reason enough to break it out.

 

1 hour ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Heck yeah! Had become an annual tradition with big upside down rides!

 I should see taxes as a reward to enjoy the fun  of savings that can help me get closer to pay for roller coasters! 

 

Also welcome!!

Most def!  Big upside down  rides rock! We just took our minions (i.e. kids) to Cedar Point last summer.  We loved it enough that we are booking another trip for this summer.

[Scaly Freak]

11 hours ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

-Do my taxes (1 gold piece reward)

 

I knew I forgot something.  

 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

23 hours ago, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

IDK ... hauling boxes is pretty good strength training.  But I sympathize.  We're in the "starting to get serious about the move" phase .... and I'm not sure what I loathe more: moving or doing my taxes.  Nope, I know ... it's moving.  

Oh it is, along with good deep cleaning stuff. However, I seem to do better when I get the ball rolling in keeping "moving". A fitness youtuber brought up the theory of "an object in motion tends to stay in motion". Which I realized probably is closer to my ultimate goal. Along with I will need the muscle to move my dresser with my 6'4 brother's assistance.... (It's not huge but I will find out if my dining table or dresser are heavier soon enough). 

I think I loathe moving more... but moving tends to have the excuses of "new place" excitement and going out to eat after an exhausting day thrill.  Life stress... I realize I can taxes done in the fraction of the time with more benefits. 

 

On 3/19/2023 at 6:26 PM, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

BTW, if Bouncer needs a place to crash and pick up some better winter gear, there's a restored house up in the NW corner of Phadalin where two paladins,  a druid, and a barbarian-turned-wizard live.  That is, when they are not out hunting a certain dragon.  

Bouncer has appeared at the address soon as it was given to her. Somewhere warm and free seemed very enticing, especially with the perk of warm clothes. Bouncer couldn't help but imagine a warm fire with a warm cup of tea, may help get rid of the cold that seemed to be in her bones. "More than happy to share my knowledge of the Fae world, though it may not help with any of your goal of defeating this dragon you speak of." 

 

You gave me so much joy Chris! I had a hard time thinking what Bouncer might do though lol.  Definitely skip sleeping at the INN for now lol. 

 

On 3/19/2023 at 6:40 PM, Sepherina said:

Probably. The federal ones are done, but I know we owe state and local so I am just putting it off (they are disgusting as well….self employment sucks ….).  I

I misworded myself, my taxes are SUPER easy. I have two W-4 forms, and my rental form that's it.  (Plus I'm single... so only me and I to worry about). 

 

On 3/19/2023 at 6:40 PM, Sepherina said:

I do have a bottle of my favorite beer in the mini fridge that I was considering using as reward for something.  I think finishing taxes is reason enough to break it out.

I would say so! I've done limited research and have had a headache over such topics. 

On 3/19/2023 at 6:40 PM, Sepherina said:

Most def!  Big upside down  rides rock! We just took our minions (i.e. kids) to Cedar Point last summer.  We loved it enough that we are booking another trip for this summer.

Very nice! So you feel me on the journey of being strong enough to enjoy a day out!

 

23 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

I knew I forgot something.  

 

Your super smart, I bet it will just whiz by!

 

---

All day I've been waiting for time to be on the forums for a reward. And I have 3 minutes left to type this out before no more screens...

 

I turned off screens and finished my weekend chores (put laundry away, made my bed with fresh clean sheets). Having 2 good nights of sleep definitely helped make Monday easier. Hope to update DnD fun tomorrow!

[Scaly Freak]

34 minutes ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Your super smart, I bet it will just whiz by!

 

One of the ways I am smart, is that I appear to have married a person who not only remembered our taxes, he has already started on them. ❤️

[Loveable_Bouncer]

10 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

 

One of the ways I am smart, is that I appear to have married a person who not only remembered our taxes, he has already started on them. ❤️

Now that is a beautiful love story!

- 

 

Hit 2nd night of no screens after 7 pm. 

Did look over DnD stuff for a bit, rolled 30 gp in my bag. I felt rich until I started looking at shop prices 😩 

More motivation to enjoy starting a quest

 

I've had a full night sleep 3 days in a row... this is weird. 

[Sepherina]

45 minutes ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Hit 2nd night of no screens after 7 pm. 

Did look over DnD stuff for a bit, rolled 30 gp in my bag. I felt rich until I started looking at shop prices 😩 

More motivation to enjoy starting a quest

 

I've had a full night sleep 3 days in a row... this is weird. 

 

Rest is soo great!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

11 hours ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Bouncer has appeared at the address soon as it was given to her. Somewhere warm and free seemed very enticing, especially with the perk of warm clothes. Bouncer couldn't help but imagine a warm fire with a warm cup of tea, may help get rid of the cold that seemed to be in her bones. "More than happy to share my knowledge of the Fae world, though it may not help with any of your goal of defeating this dragon you speak of." 

 

"Knowledge is always welcome," Chris replied solemnly, although the twinkle in her eyes softened the mood.  "Head on in and introduce yourself to Red.  He'll get you sorted in the guest room."

 

"Red?" Bouncer inquired, looking wistfully up the stairs to the door, cracked open to show the bright, warm common room.

 

"Our caretaker.  Retired paladin.  He's got another name, but I can't pronounce Dwarvish to save my skin.  So, I call him 'Red'.  He doesn't seem to mind too much.   Up you go, and be welcome."

[Loveable_Bouncer]

11 hours ago, Sepherina said:

 

Rest is soo great!

Truth be told I wish the above was how bedtime went.. 

 

11 hours ago, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

"Knowledge is always welcome," Chris replied solemnly, although the twinkle in her eyes softened the mood.  "Head on in and introduce yourself to Red.  He'll get you sorted in the guest room."

 

"Red?" Bouncer inquired, looking wistfully up the stairs to the door, cracked open to show the bright, warm common room.

 

"Our caretaker.  Retired paladin.  He's got another name, but I can't pronounce Dwarvish to save my skin.  So, I call him 'Red'.  He doesn't seem to mind too much.   Up you go, and be welcome."

*squee*

"Thank you, thank you."  Bouncer hurried herself in to meet with Red, and all that he entailed to help prepare for the new adventures that were to come. 

(the gym defeated my creative side.)

 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

3.5 out of 4 days. (Will not be a perfect score but have a chance  still on making the party member I desire). 

 

Last night was in bed and everything but not for the smartest reasons decided to go back on my phone for about 15 mins. 

 

I think I'm still reprogramming myself on an earlier bedtime of 9 pm. I forsee investing in face masks in the near future when the sun stays up after 8 pm. 

I'm still getting 7+ hour, but damn I'm dragging as the week goes on. 

Realized 3 days a week I work 9+ hours a week with my side gig (I can work up to 6 hours a week unless snow/ice are needing to be taken care of). 

 

I'm disappointed on my fatigue but noticing my hygiene is on point (wore makeup yesterday) and my apartment is slowly getting more picked up as I'm working on small habits. 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

4 out of 7 days of sleep this week!

 

The last 3 nights was filling my social cup. 

During the last couple of challenges, I've been learning to create a community I crave and healthier relationships. 

Spoiled below on filling my social/connection cup, with the lack of bedtime:

Spoiler

(.5 point) - Thursday was joining a zoom for a local Codependency Anonymous, a group that I'm going to try out for 6 weeks to see if it's what I need (there's a handful of groups in my area).

(0 Points) Friday ended up staying up late due to running around for a free bedframe and ending the night with a late dinner and convo with my stepdad. 

(0 Points)Game night with a friend and her family. I was super nervous but ended up having the best game night. We're planning another in 2 weeks. We played Risk and wowza that was interesting to play with people who were so new to me still. 

Has me thinking of setting up games I want to play with my stepdad, just for another bonding time that isn't about hard life stuff. 

 

Am I really tired today, even though I slept in? Yes... But I have a side quest of finding a  box spring to help with my adventures (my only regret is box springs may be more expensive than the platform beds I was looking at...). 

--

Also looking over the DnD Phandalin locations I actually had 6. 4 out of 6 is not bad. Week 0 I did get reasonable rest with being able to shop for gear and equipment for the Quest. 

I did a gain a party member (to be determined). 

 

I ended up having EVEN more socialization as I wrote out this post. Bouncer is not an introvert or a lonely person as I had 4 times of human interaction... Social cup is full. 

 

RPG Bouncer probably was in the tavern too long and chatting with Red quite a bit than gaining dragon awareness. 

Today I'm unable to give an RPG update. But will focus on working 5 minutes on playing with writing (I have anxiety to these types of writing due to the lack of skill not being used). Yesterday's game night shown me though there's some creative muscles that just need a good muscle twitch to get going, and I'll be fine. 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

I started a quest to go warn the architects. The quest says the new location is 15 miles away.... Hello real life influence 😅

 

So I was thinking of how to use the miles with sleeping this week. I cannot walk 15 miles unless I work on my sleeping goal. Walking 100% helps with my sleeping. 

 

I track by steps: 2,250 steps = 1 mile

Step goal for the quest to start: 33,750

(I will negate mileage on rower and other devices also if I choose to do any this week. I row and elliptical 10 mins each for just my 2 workouts). 

 

If I start a streak of starting bedtime routine at 7 pm (or right after pre-planned meetings). 2 days starts a buff that doubles the effectiveness of my steps. 

However, 2 nights in a row of missing bedtime routine I will get hit with fatigue and my steps will be in half. 

Missing 1 night with just have be standard because I'm still learning. 

(Using the no 2 in a row thinking). 

 

As walking more than a mile a day is a struggle, I'm curious how fast I will get there even with the bonuses. 

[Sepherina]

On 3/23/2023 at 7:57 AM, Loveable_Bouncer said:

3.5 out of 4 days. (Will not be a perfect score but have a chance  still on making the party member I desire). 

 

Last night was in bed and everything but not for the smartest reasons decided to go back on my phone for about 15 mins. 

 

I think I'm still reprogramming myself on an earlier bedtime of 9 pm. I forsee investing in face masks in the near future when the sun stays up after 8 pm. 

I'm still getting 7+ hour, but damn I'm dragging as the week goes on. 

Realized 3 days a week I work 9+ hours a week with my side gig (I can work up to 6 hours a week unless snow/ice are needing to be taken care of). 

 

I'm disappointed on my fatigue but noticing my hygiene is on point (wore makeup yesterday) and my apartment is slowly getting more picked up as I'm working on small habits. 

On the fatigue front, when was the last time you had blood work done?  Not saying that it needs to be done, but….a lack of vitamin D can present as fatigue. I had a case like this several years ago where I was sleeping more than 7 hours but still feeling exhausted.  If you don’t want or can’t get this kind of test done, it may be worth just adding a vitamin d supplement once a day or adding additional sources in to see if it helps with the fatigue.  We get vitamin D via the sun as well, and winter can really cause a decline in this production as we tend to stay indoors more.

[Loveable_Bouncer]

9 minutes ago, Sepherina said:

On the fatigue front, when was the last time you had blood work done?  Not saying that it needs to be done, but….a lack of vitamin D can present as fatigue. I had a case like this several years ago where I was sleeping more than 7 hours but still feeling exhausted.  If you don’t want or can’t get this kind of test done, it may be worth just adding a vitamin d supplement once a day or adding additional sources in to see if it helps with the fatigue.  We get vitamin D via the sun as well, and winter can really cause a decline in this production as we tend to stay indoors more.

Note when I went to a woman's health check that did an "overall health check," the Dr.'s suggestion was Vitamin D due to Minnesotans don't get enough in their daily life. 

This also matches my desire for sun bathing despite my fair skin going "eek". (I've daydreamer about shorts and we are still in high 30s F and currently 17 degrees in the morning). 

Will pick up a vitamin for next weeks grocery trip!

 

Also planning to go see a doctor at some point too and get blood work done too for my concerns of pre-diabetes. 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

Sunday: 608 steps

Monday: 4085 steps

Roughly 2 miles completed.... 

 

I did start evening routine on purpose last two nights so bonus buff has started. 

 

I finished most of character creation around Bouncer. Another win I'm going to add with storytelling, is every 7 days of evening routine success I can get a "feylost dream." Gain some Intel I missed in the past through the fey friend. 

Now to actually write out the story... hello creative anxiety 🙃 

[Sepherina]

19 minutes ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Note when I went to a woman's health check that did an "overall health check," the Dr.'s suggestion was Vitamin D due to Minnesotans don't get enough in their daily life. 

This also matches my desire for sun bathing despite my fair skin going "eek". (I've daydreamer about shorts and we are still in high 30s F and currently 17 degrees in the morning). 

Will pick up a vitamin for next weeks grocery trip!

 

Also planning to go see a doctor at some point too and get blood work done too for my concerns of pre-diabetes. 

We have the same issue here in Pittsburgh due to all the overcast weather (cloudy days average over 200 per year).  It is brutal from Oct - April where the sun just hides behind clouds.  I keep telling my self that some day we  will sell the house and move to a place where it is  sunny and warm year round (and wear shorts)!  But….kids through HS and college first.

 

Sending good thoughts that blood work does come back clean (and no pre-diabetes).

[Loveable_Bouncer]

On 3/28/2023 at 6:10 AM, Sepherina said:

We have the same issue here in Pittsburgh due to all the overcast weather (cloudy days average over 200 per year).  It is brutal from Oct - April where the sun just hides behind clouds.  I keep telling my self that some day we  will sell the house and move to a place where it is  sunny and warm year round (and wear shorts)!  But….kids through HS and college first.

 

Sending good thoughts that blood work does come back clean (and no pre-diabetes).

I ended up finding myself defensive because I enjoy the cooler weather but haven't learned to be a part of it. Outside having my window cracked open every night.... while I'm under several blankets. (My favorite perk of living alone is allowing the chaos of cool nights but warming up the place for morning ...). 

 

---

Anyway on Tuesday I was hit by darkness.... kind of triggering in spoiler. I reached out to my professional and had a meeting last night. But I 100% feel scattered again. 

Spoiler

I ended up not trusting myself at hone alone until I was exhausted. I attempted my workout and it was 10 mins of rower and 4 reps of a new exercise. 

 

Before the workout I was shaken by just being done with a number of things. Showed up to the gym and then contacted my professional for am earlier appointment for the next day. Workout wa a above. 

But realized I didn't have anyone safe to call on what was going through my head and didn't trust myself to go home until I was exhausted. 

I went and saw "A Good Person" at a theater that was a 30 min drive to get to the next showing. Than made my way home... with picking up food. 

Things are better but working on maybe coming up with a better plan. Because damn I don't want to live like this...

 

Will need to figure out how to continue meditation practice. Just as needed as sleep, walking and veggies. 

[Loveable_Bouncer]

Walking: 

Tuesday: 5,944 steps (Double buff = 11,988)

Wednesday: 2,907 steps

 

Wow wasn't expecting Tuesday to be good... 

Wednesday ended up being over 2k due to apartment cleaning side gig 

 

Total steps: 19,588/33,750 (58%)

 

Due to going to bed routine way after 7pm two nights un a row. I've been affected with have steps....

I have a meeting tonight. Goal is to avoid using phone during it and head to bed right after. With hopes of doing bedtime routine setup before going. 

 

 

 

 

[Sepherina]

 

22 hours ago, Loveable_Bouncer said:

 

Anyway on Tuesday I was hit by darkness.... kind of triggering in spoiler. I reached out to my professional and had a meeting last night. But I 100% feel scattered again. 

 

 

I am glad you were able to get an earlier appointment. Sending tons of support and hope that you can find someone safe when needed. Just remember you have people here that care for you as well and even if it is a private message are willing to listen.

[Scaly Freak]

On 3/30/2023 at 7:54 AM, Loveable_Bouncer said:

Will need to figure out how to continue meditation practice. Just as needed as sleep, walking and veggies. 

 

How is the meditation figuring going?

[Loveable_Bouncer]

On 3/31/2023 at 7:37 AM, Sepherina said:

 

I am glad you were able to get an earlier appointment. Sending tons of support and hope that you can find someone safe when needed. Just remember you have people here that care for you as well and even if it is a private message are willing to listen.

Thank you!

Yeah for me it's usually needing an immediate chat at like 9 pm to get out of my head. 

I am also lucky to find I have feel I can call now (my step-dad and a friend) when I need to just get out of my head. 

 

13 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

 

How is the meditation figuring going?

Yes! 

So, I'm switching the bedtime routine with meditation time. I can play music on my phone with youtube or a talked through meditation. My goal will be 15 mins. 

 

I was also suggested "movement meditation" with a tennis ball. Have my back to the wall and throw the ball over my head and try to catch it. Focusing on the feel/sound of the ball. I'm thinking of adding this to my morning routine but might play around with times. Goal is probably 15 mins but not 100% sure. 

 

--

I also ended up getting new neighbors around the beginning of the challenge. They are quite a bit louder than my previous neighbors... Being sound sensitivity its meh. But I remind myself I can always put on earbuds and my loud fan for a buffer. I also have permission to blast my own music now during the day, which I'm reminding myself of that lovely perk. I have music that helps remind me to be quite a bit more intentional.