[Rhovaniel]

 

So, this is not a ‘summer’ challenge, I am deviating slightly from the Seasons theme I have been, mostly, following this year. As much as I’d like to keep the theme, honestly right now what excites me, what motivates me, is a narrative challenge. I never really thought of planner stickers before, aside from the ones that came with my Legend Planner, but thanks to a little inspiration from @Sovalis, I had a poke around, bought a couple of cheap packets of stickers and the frustrating beginnings of my narrative ideas that were not really getting anywhere or good enough finally clicked. Yup. This challenge is inspired by stickers. My 8 year old self would be proud.

 

Oh, and just to change it up EVEN MORE, I am rebelling against my own rebellion in starting on Mondays. Just for this challenge. For now. But Sunday is the day it makes most sense for me to meal prep, and generally reset for the week ahead. So, I am trialing a Sunday start. It means that I only have Saturday as my make-up day for studies, UNLESS I decide to be lenient. I am hoping not to need it.

 

This is also a BOSS BATTLE challenge. It is going to be tough. I will have to will have to hit at minimum of just over 80% of my goals to win. This is intentional. My goals are simple and small, but I know they will work. There is nothing knew, really. Go to the gym 2 x week, run 2 x week. Meal prep. Go for my daily walk. STUDY and hand in my edited, final, submission of research.

 

How well I do in zero week determines whether I am at a disadvantage or advantage in the coming fight. If I do poorly, the attacker gets what is known in Dungeons and Dragons terms as a SURPRISE ROUND, dealing either 5HP (1 goal missed) or 10 HP (2 or more goals missed). This increases the % of my goals I need to hit in order to avoid failing – if I’m hitting, I’m not getting hit (this is where the D&D analogy deviates). In narrative as well as IRL, failing has consequences! *

 

*For real, if I fail this challenge, I am setting myself a forfeit.  Not sure what yet. Ideas welcome! And a reward if I DO defeat him, because that will mean I have been at least mostly consistent for an entire 6 weeks. I told you this challenge was not going to be easy! The enemy wants to take me down. If I am knocked unconscious, that means IRL I have eaten like an idiot, not losing weight and behind on my work. I HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY, The empire who wants me to stay unhealthy and unfulfilled. 

 

 

Starting Stats:

I start with 545 HP. The enemy can deal a maximum damage of 1086 HP, or 1096 HP if he gets the full damage on 0 week. This means I need to hit at least 50% of my goals to avoid failing.

 

The enemy has 610 HP. I can deal a maximum damage of 762 HP across the challenge. That means I have to hit at least 80% of my goals to defeat him, across all 6 weeks.

 

The nitty gritty details of my HP/damage dealt that I’m using to score this challenge but that most people will not find interesting:

Spoiler

 

Each Run or Gym session I do, I deal 5 damage. (4/week x 6 weeks + 24 sessions, max damage 120 HP, or 20 Hp per week)

Each Run or Gym session I skip, he deals me 7 damage (24 sessions at 7 Hp + 168 HP max damage or 28 HP per week)

 

Every Meal Prep I do that nets 5 meals, I deal 10 HP. One meal prep that nets 10 meals for instance, earns 20HP. Odd ones deal 1 HP. SO, if I do 6 meals, 11HP. I am aiming for 10 preps per week, so lunches and dinners are both covered, for 20HP damage to the enemy.

 

I will leave meals for Monday-Wednesday in Fridge, have an alarm on my phone to take meals out of freezer for Thursday to Friday. Saturday is my relaxed day – I don’t have to have meal preps, but I will take 5HP damage if I eat a meal that is completely junk (so, eating out is okay if it’s a decent choice with at least one veggie and not complete junk). Saturday is my one day when I am also allowed ONE treat. Be that chocolate, etc. Got to be REASONABLE, not a share size. I will share that treat/snack here for accountability. Feel free to call me out if you see it as beyond a reasonable amount. I’ll be grateful, promise.

 

If I fail to Meal prep at least 5 meals per week, I take 15HP damage.

 

Every Meal Prep that I EAT (and thus do not get takeout or junk): I deal 2 HP.

Every takeout or lunch out I eat, the Enemy deals me 5 HP.

 

Every daily walk I take, I deal 5HP.

Every walk I miss, he deals 5HP (This is the same because this is a pretty established habit and unlike the gym/meal prep, I know I can and will bounce back to the routine well)

 

Every ½ hour I devote to my studies, I deal him 2HP. These are SCHEDULED – 2 hours per night on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday. I CAN, however, make up sessions on the weekends. IF I do not make back those hours (until the edits are complete), then he deals me 7 HP per slot missed.

 

[Rhovaniel]

It wasn’t much past mid-day, but already the August sun was relentless. The air was so still it turned everything beyond the immediate vicinity into a haze, a trick of the heat and light. For the ranger walking on the road, it was deeply unpleasant. Sweat dripped from her brows and down the side of her face, it ran in rivers down her back beneath the heavy pack she carried and made her skin sticky and uncomfortable beneath her simple travelling clothes. She ought to get something more lightweight when she reached the city, but doubted if she could afford it. She could see the city up ahead. Or at least, she thought she could; it seemed to sway in her vision slightly in the haze. She had never been here before, but the domed towers of Cair Mithandril, and white stonework that made up the majority of the buildings was distinctive. Her heart felt both lighter and heavier as she drew near. Light, because finally, here she might find answers. Heavy, because each step closer was a step closer to the Empire’s borders.

 

Cair Mithandril stood as something of a challenge to the Empire. Situated less than two days’ travel on foot from the border of The Emperor’s dominion, that large swathe of land he was ever hungry to expand, it nonetheless flourished as a free city. In the long years it had stood, facing the enemy, a place renowned for its community of scholars and liberality of thinking. Many of the Wise gathered there, holding the Empire at bay, and many who fled the Empire passed through. For Rhovaniel, it was the opportunity to access their vast archives that drew her.

 

The guards at the gate seemed attentive, though hot and tired. Asking for lodgings, they directed her down the main street to the large boarding house, the Scroll and Scribe. She glanced at it, at its immaculate sign and the plush furnishings she could see through the windows, and moved on. It took another twenty minutes of hot, sweaty walking, but she found what she was looking for. A simple stone building, two storeys high, with wooden cladding on the upper half and a hand painted sign advertising it as The Wanderer’s Rest, a walking staff and pair of travelling boots carefully painted underneath, Rho suspected with the same steady hand. She went inside.

 

It was darker than in the street, but she found once her eyes adjusted that it was pleasant enough. It reminded her a little of the Guildhall, with a long central bar, assorted tables and chairs that seldom matched, a few quiet alcoves for those wishing for privacy. But you’re not in the Guildhall now, she reminded herself quietly. Wiping what sweat she could from her face, she approached the bar, and the tall, broad man who waited behind it. He had only a few customers, but it was early.

 

“Morning! Welcome to the Rest. Have a seat, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” He gave a smile as broad as his back and bustled out the back. Slightly bemused, Rho slid her pack off her back, resting it against the bar before going and placing her walking staff in the rack by the door. When she came back, a large glass of water, a tall glass of elderflower cordial and a plate of bread, butter, cheeses and cold meats was waiting for her. She looked up, startled. “How - ?”

“Recognise a ranger when I see one,” the bartender winked. “Name’s Garrick. Besides, if you’ve got the art, you know what folk need ‘afore they tell you.”

“I know someone like that. He’ll give you what you need, whether it’s what you were going to ask for or not.” She smiled. There was something about Garrick that exuded calm.

“Reckon you do. Not many rangers out there who don’t pass through his establishment. He’s a cousin of mine, taught me all I know.”

“Your cousin is the Barkeep?”

“The very same. Asks me to pass on his regards.” Garrick gave his broad smile again, and tension she didn’t realise she was holding eased from Rhovaniel’s shoulders. Finishing the water, she was hardly surprised when he refilled it right away

“I’m after a room for the night. I’ve a little coin – “

“Say no more. My cousin reckoned you’d be here today or the next, and I’ve a room kept by for you. First floor, corner room. Should be comfortable enough, if I say so myself.”

“Of course the Barkeep would know!” Rho laughed. “Does he also know why I came?”

“Not a thing. It’s not for us to pry into anyone’s business. Especially those of the Guilds.” Garrick paused and looked around the room. A party of four were chattering at a table by one of the window, and two corners were occupied by solo travellers. No one but themselves at the bar. “Reckon it’s something important to you, if you’re this close to the borders.”

“It is.” Rho sighed. “I need to go up to the Scholar’s Tower and convince them, somehow, to let me use their archives. There’s – answers I need to find.”

“Well then, good luck to you. It’s a half hour north from here. Follow the cobbles when you leave the main street and you can’t miss the Tower.” Rho nodded and went to get to her feet, but Garrick stopped her. “No, you rest a short while, finish your elevenses.” He was insistent, and it was good advice, so she took it.

 

An hour later, her pack stowed in her small but comfortable room, face and neck washed at the pump in the tavern’s yard and a fresh linen shirt on her back, Rhovaniel made her way up the winding streets. Following Garrick’s directions, she found the cobblestone streets easy enough. The heat wasn’t so bad here, where the rows of houses and shops were built tall and rather close together, providing a constant shade and slightly cooler walk up a brief hill to the Tower. Neither she nor the shoppers running errands around her noticed the figure clad in grey moving where she did, always far enough back to melt into a shop doorway or examine a window display, whenever she did look behind her.

 

 🏛️

 

Once in the tower, she found the small emblem of the Rangers she carried, sword across a strung bow, enough to grant her entry to the Tower. With the leave of the Lord, she made her way to the library, her footsteps echoing off the polished floor. As she approached his desk, the librarian appraised her with a quick, searching gaze.

“Not one of our students, I note.” It was hard to tell if his tone was disapproving or simply how he spoke.

“A ranger. I come in need of information. Your Lord has –”

“Granted permission to those of the Guilds to utilise our resources, I am aware.” The blue-grey eyes narrowed. “Cair Mithandril is a free city, but also one that advocates peace. I shall have peace in this Library. All weapons are to be left with the Warden.” He gestured away down the corridor. Rhovaniel hesitated, her hand resting on the hilt of the short sword by her side.

“Cair Mithandril is a free city, but that in turn draws the eye of the Empire. I must be allowed to keep my blade with me. For my – and your – protection.” His look was positively glacial now. “And prey, tell me why you are to be granted special privileges above that of our own students and alumni?” 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

(How well I do in Zero Week also determines how successful Rho is in keeping her weapon close!)

 

[TheGreyJedi-Ranger]

I love this! I can't wait to see how this goes

[Heidi]

Did you say research?

Tell me more.

 

[Rhovaniel]

1 hour ago, TheGreyJedi-Ranger said:

I love this! I can't wait to see how this goes

Thanks! It's my first go at narrative in a while, and it is at least giving me a good boost of motivation to start!

 

28 minutes ago, Heidi said:

Did you say research?

Tell me more.

 

I did!  Not much to tell really. I am in the final month (almost) of my Masters by Research. I have done the main edits as I went, but now is the bit where I have to fine tooth-comb it, work out what to improve, cut the word count where needed, all that kind of thing. And the archives/libraries have where I have spent a significant portion of my research time at the front end of my MRes, so it felt fitting to end it here. Rather neatly, my deadline is just one day before the challenge wraps, September 1st. (My study is on masculinity, if anyone is interested  Specifically, the nature of male fidelity in relation to masculinity in the 18th Century). 

 

 

 

Forgot to add it to my first post, but here is the spread for Zero Week. I was a little unsure of layout, and how best to utilise space and stickers, so this may change as the weeks go on. But for now:

 

 

 

Please ignore the spelling mistakes and bad penmanship... I was attempting to balance on a slightly wonky table and not let all my new stickers fall to the floor. 

 

 

 

 

[SkyGirl]

Yes I love this!! Here to cheer you on!!  ❤️ 

[Sovalis]

Fabulous start and I am so here for this!! You are going to rock it! ❤️ 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I love your narrative. 

7 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

“And prey, tell me why you are to be granted special privileges above that of our own students and alumni?” 

"Rangers gonna Ranger" whispered in a hushed tone, is the password to let you stay armed at all times in the archives  

And if that doesn't work, name-drop "The Bearded Ranger" who wouldn't like it if one of his friends were disarmed.

 

7 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

For real, if I fail this challenge, I am setting myself a forfeit.  Not sure what yet. Ideas welcome!

My suggestion is:

Be gentle with yourself, use this as an opportunity to practice self forgiveness, and channel the energy that would have gone into self-deprication into figuring out how to win next time instead.

[TheGreyJedi-Ranger]

Your bullet journal is amazing! My layout is comparatively a bit boring xD

[WhiteGhost]

Here to follow along and cheer you on!  I also brought a couple of health potions in case you forgot yours.

[Salinger]

WOW Rho, the journal looks beautiful! Love your handwriting

 

YOu are going to smash this, be kind to yourself, remember how amazing you are. Will be cheering you on the whole way xx

[shaar]

LOVE your journal as usual!! And your goals, here to cheer you on cause you got this!!

[Elastigirl]

I love a narrative challenge!

[Heidi]

15 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

My suggestion is:

Be gentle with yourself, use this as an opportunity to practice self forgiveness, and channel the energy that would have gone into self-deprication into figuring out how to win next time instead.

I agree with Tank ™

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

On 7/24/2023 at 12:49 PM, Rhovaniel said:

*For real, if I fail this challenge, I am setting myself a forfeit.  Not sure what yet. Ideas welcome!

 

Well, as always, I agree with Tank ™ ..... but a good forfeit would be aimed at figuring out what the barrier to success was and make a significant change to eradicate that barrier.  Use one of the Sidequest Deck: After the Total Party Kill ideas for the next challenge as well.  

 

I sympathize .... I usually feel like there should be a chance to fail ... with a penalty .... to the challenges. But most of the time, any "fail" is due to circumstances outside of my control.  

[Ann of Owlshire]

I mean you already had me at a screencap of Evelyn, but the challenge itself and the journal you're doing... *chef's kiss* Good luck on this challenge!

[MaeradCase]

On 7/24/2023 at 12:49 PM, Rhovaniel said:

As much as I’d like to keep the theme, honestly right now what excites me, what motivates me, is a narrative challenge. I never really thought of planner stickers before, aside from the ones that came with my Legend Planner, but thanks to a little inspiration from @Sovalis, I had a poke around, bought a couple of cheap packets of stickers and the frustrating beginnings of my narrative ideas that were not really getting anywhere or good enough finally clicked. Yup. This challenge is inspired by stickers. My 8 year old self would be proud.

I am excited both for the narrative and the stickers!!! ❤❤❤

 

On 7/24/2023 at 12:49 PM, Rhovaniel said:

This is also a BOSS BATTLE challenge. It is going to be tough. I will have to will have to hit at minimum of just over 80% of my goals to win. This is intentional. My goals are simple and small, but I know they will work. There is nothing knew, really. Go to the gym 2 x week, run 2 x week. Meal prep. Go for my daily walk. STUDY and hand in my edited, final, submission of research.

 

How well I do in zero week determines whether I am at a disadvantage or advantage in the coming fight. If I do poorly, the attacker gets what is known in Dungeons and Dragons terms as a SURPRISE ROUND, dealing either 5HP (1 goal missed) or 10 HP (2 or more goals missed). This increases the % of my goals I need to hit in order to avoid failing – if I’m hitting, I’m not getting hit (this is where the D&D analogy deviates). In narrative as well as IRL, failing has consequences! *

 

*For real, if I fail this challenge, I am setting myself a forfeit.  Not sure what yet. Ideas welcome! And a reward if I DO defeat him, because that will mean I have been at least mostly consistent for an entire 6 weeks. I told you this challenge was not going to be easy! The enemy wants to take me down. If I am knocked unconscious, that means IRL I have eaten like an idiot, not losing weight and behind on my work. I HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY, The empire who wants me to stay unhealthy and unfulfilled. 

 

 

Starting Stats:

I start with 545 HP. The enemy can deal a maximum damage of 1086 HP, or 1096 HP if he gets the full damage on 0 week. This means I need to hit at least 50% of my goals to avoid failing.

 

The enemy has 610 HP. I can deal a maximum damage of 762 HP across the challenge. That means I have to hit at least 80% of my goals to defeat him, across all 6 weeks.

 

The nitty gritty details of my HP/damage dealt that I’m using to score this challenge but that most people will not find interesting:

  Hide contents

 

Each Run or Gym session I do, I deal 5 damage. (4/week x 6 weeks + 24 sessions, max damage 120 HP, or 20 Hp per week)

Each Run or Gym session I skip, he deals me 7 damage (24 sessions at 7 Hp + 168 HP max damage or 28 HP per week)

 

Every Meal Prep I do that nets 5 meals, I deal 10 HP. One meal prep that nets 10 meals for instance, earns 20HP. Odd ones deal 1 HP. SO, if I do 6 meals, 11HP. I am aiming for 10 preps per week, so lunches and dinners are both covered, for 20HP damage to the enemy.

 

I will leave meals for Monday-Wednesday in Fridge, have an alarm on my phone to take meals out of freezer for Thursday to Friday. Saturday is my relaxed day – I don’t have to have meal preps, but I will take 5HP damage if I eat a meal that is completely junk (so, eating out is okay if it’s a decent choice with at least one veggie and not complete junk). Saturday is my one day when I am also allowed ONE treat. Be that chocolate, etc. Got to be REASONABLE, not a share size. I will share that treat/snack here for accountability. Feel free to call me out if you see it as beyond a reasonable amount. I’ll be grateful, promise.

 

If I fail to Meal prep at least 5 meals per week, I take 15HP damage.

 

Every Meal Prep that I EAT (and thus do not get takeout or junk): I deal 2 HP.

Every takeout or lunch out I eat, the Enemy deals me 5 HP.

 

Every daily walk I take, I deal 5HP.

Every walk I miss, he deals 5HP (This is the same because this is a pretty established habit and unlike the gym/meal prep, I know I can and will bounce back to the routine well)

 

Every ½ hour I devote to my studies, I deal him 2HP. These are SCHEDULED – 2 hours per night on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday. I CAN, however, make up sessions on the weekends. IF I do not make back those hours (until the edits are complete), then he deals me 7 HP per slot missed.

 

😲😲😲😲 This is so COOL!!! 

 

22 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

Thanks! It's my first go at narrative in a while, and it is at least giving me a good boost of motivation to start!

❤❤❤

 

22 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

I did!  Not much to tell really. I am in the final month (almost) of my Masters by Research. I have done the main edits as I went, but now is the bit where I have to fine tooth-comb it, work out what to improve, cut the word count where needed, all that kind of thing. And the archives/libraries have where I have spent a significant portion of my research time at the front end of my MRes, so it felt fitting to end it here. Rather neatly, my deadline is just one day before the challenge wraps, September 1st. (My study is on masculinity, if anyone is interested  Specifically, the nature of male fidelity in relation to masculinity in the 18th Century). 

😲😲😲 Nearly perfect challenge timing

 

22 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

Forgot to add it to my first post, but here is the spread for Zero Week. I was a little unsure of layout, and how best to utilise space and stickers, so this may change as the weeks go on. But for now:

 

 

Please ignore the spelling mistakes and bad penmanship... I was attempting to balance on a slightly wonky table and not let all my new stickers fall to the floor. 

Yay sticker layout!!! 😃😃😃

 

On 7/24/2023 at 1:10 PM, Rhovaniel said:

(How well I do in Zero Week also determines how successful Rho is in keeping her weapon close!)

*fingers crossed*

 

17 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I love your narrative. 

On 7/24/2023 at 1:10 PM, Rhovaniel said:

“And prey, tell me why you are to be granted special privileges above that of our own students and alumni?” 

"Rangers gonna Ranger" whispered in a hushed tone, is the password to let you stay armed at all times in the archives  

And if that doesn't work, name-drop "The Bearded Ranger" who wouldn't like it if one of his friends were disarmed.

😆😆😆 The truest password

 

17 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

On 7/24/2023 at 12:49 PM, Rhovaniel said:

For real, if I fail this challenge, I am setting myself a forfeit.  Not sure what yet. Ideas welcome!

My suggestion is:

Be gentle with yourself, use this as an opportunity to practice self forgiveness, and channel the energy that would have gone into self-deprication into figuring out how to win next time instead.

😲😲😲❤

[Rhovaniel]

20 hours ago, SkyGirl said:

Yes I love this!! Here to cheer you on!!  ❤️ 

Thanks Sky! I am definitely drawing inspiration from your past narrative challenges too!

 

19 hours ago, Sovalis said:

Fabulous start and I am so here for this!! You are going to rock it! ❤️ 

Ah thank you! I hope so!

 

19 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I love your narrative. 

"Rangers gonna Ranger" whispered in a hushed tone, is the password to let you stay armed at all times in the archives  

And if that doesn't work, name-drop "The Bearded Ranger" who wouldn't like it if one of his friends were disarmed.

 That is indeed the best password. I hope I get to use it 🤞

 

19 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

My suggestion is:

Be gentle with yourself, use this as an opportunity to practice self forgiveness, and channel the energy that would have gone into self-deprication into figuring out how to win next time instead.

That - is one option for sure. I don't see it as self-deprecation, or tied to self-worth or anything. But the idea of a consequence to failing DOES motivate me. Apparently I need both the carrot and the stick approach lol! It's like how in D&D, if there were no consequences for your character failing to stop the bad guy (or doing what the hell they want), it wouldn't have the same impact, nor would it be as fun. 

 

18 hours ago, TheGreyJedi-Ranger said:

Your bullet journal is amazing! My layout is comparatively a bit boring xD

Thank you! It feels quite simple to me, but it is a step further than my previous one that was just a circle or X for each goal. Definitely no frills with that one, but it did the job. Bujo layouts don't need to be pretty, and I am definitely a beginner at them. But it is quite motivating all by itself!

 

12 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Here to follow along and cheer you on!  I also brought a couple of health potions in case you forgot yours.

WG! So good to see ya. And thank you - I did indeed forget. Hmm, I wonder if I can earn some health potions with extra workouts or study sessions.... 

 

 

brb, gotta go plan more! 😄

 

12 hours ago, Salinger said:

WOW Rho, the journal looks beautiful! Love your handwriting

 

YOu are going to smash this, be kind to yourself, remember how amazing you are. Will be cheering you on the whole way xx

Ah thank you! Believe it or not, that's quite scruffy writing for me! Glad to have you along.

 

I shall practice kindness. And sword fighting. 

 

7 hours ago, shaar said:

LOVE your journal as usual!! And your goals, here to cheer you on cause you got this!!

Thank you! I am so much more excited at the start of this challenge. I'm ready for this fight!

 

4 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

I love a narrative challenge!

Very glad to oblige, I am hoping to post one long-ish narrative update at the end of each week.

 

 

3 hours ago, Heidi said:

I agree with Tank ™

That, much like Tank, is Wise. Welcome!

 

2 hours ago, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

 

Well, as always, I agree with Tank ™ ..... but a good forfeit would be aimed at figuring out what the barrier to success was and make a significant change to eradicate that barrier.  Use one of the Sidequest Deck: After the Total Party Kill ideas for the next challenge as well.  

 

I sympathize .... I usually feel like there should be a chance to fail ... with a penalty .... to the challenges. But most of the time, any "fail" is due to circumstances outside of my control.  

That is a very call Deck! I should share it with the DM who is trying to kill us most weeks!  

 

I was wondering whether failing due to me being lazy, or poor time management, etc would carry the same weight and penalty as failing due to Circumstances outside my Control. I decided that they had to, barring something awful like an injury that physically damages me if I continue to work out. Because otherwise the monkey in my brain starts to make excuses that sound like reasons...

 

 

1 hour ago, Ann of Owlshire said:

I mean you already had me at a screencap of Evelyn, but the challenge itself and the journal you're doing... *chef's kiss* Good luck on this challenge!

I am hoping not to annoy the librarian and uh, make that much of a mess though! 😅 Thank you!

 

 

1 hour ago, MaeradCase said:

I am excited both for the narrative and the stickers!!! ❤❤❤

 

😲😲😲😲 This is so COOL!!! 

 

❤❤❤

 

😲😲😲 Nearly perfect challenge timing

 

Yay sticker layout!!! 😃😃😃

 

*fingers crossed*

 

😆😆😆 The truest password

 

😲😲😲❤

I love your emoji game! 🥰 The stickers are awesome, but larger than I expected, so it's taking some creative thinking to place them! 

 

 

 

 

 

A decent start to Zero Week and the challenge! 

 

I did not want to wake up this morning with my alarm. In fact, I turned it off and rolled over. Fortunately, I know this particular weakness of mine well. The first two alarms got snoozed. The third and forth did the trick.  That, and the thought that it was entirely too early in the challenge to be taking that kind of damage from the enemy! My challenge is already working

 

Anyway, got up in time to get my run in and realised, as I was doing one of my intervals, that I ran on Sunday instead of Saturday. And, since my weeks start on Sundays for this challenge, that technically means I have already completed my two runs this week and one gym session! Part of me was tempted to discount it as the boards weren't up yet, but that's silly. There is no reason to be scared of being ahead of schedule for once! I have stuck to eating my meal preps for the past two days, but I am one hour behind my study time already, as I ended up spending a chunk of my evening attempting to sew M's trousers. He asked to use my sewing machine to start with. Well, he asked how easy it was to use it  And then presented a pair of trousers with a huge 3 way split at the crotch that he tells me split on a hike in Scotland. I can only say, it's a good job he didn't choose a popular route because they did not leave much to the imagination! I gave it a go, but my sewing machine did not take too kindly to the bulk of the material and refused to work properly. I gave him some thread and a hand needle instead  

 

Meal prep was also done on Sunday (9 meals rather than 10 because that's what the food I bought stretched to). Works out well, but I realised that tomorrow is a dilemma. I am at college in person, with no access to a fridge, or kitchen area to heat or store anything. Eating out is pretty much my only option. Now, I could take the hit and say that's that, but I realised I can have a Plan B that works and doesn't feel like cheating. I can go to Holland & Barrett (health food shop) and buy a meal replacement drink. Not 100% perfect, but healthier than a Greggs sausage roll or a steak bake. My concession is that IF I only have the meal replacement shake for lunch (maybe a piece of fruit if the little fruit stall is open), I do not take damage, but neither do I get to deal any damage. 

 

Daily walks have happened, though yesterday I didn't get time before D&D and had to settle for a quick 1 mile loop. Today was my usual 3 miles. 

[Elastigirl]

1 hour ago, Rhovaniel said:

didn't get time before D&D and had to settle for a quick 1 mile loop

Good for getting the 1 mile loop in! I don't know if you struggle with this,  but I  sometimes fall into the trap of not having time for the whole thing, so I am tempted to just skip it altogether

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

the monkey in my brain starts to make excuses that sound like reasons...

 

A very charismatic monkey who rolls with advantage every time!!  

 

I love the idea and am going to borrow some of your plan.  The monkey on my back is my own shadow self .... and I have to address that before I can progress.  

[Rhovaniel]

22 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

Good for getting the 1 mile loop in! I don't know if you struggle with this,  but I  sometimes fall into the trap of not having time for the whole thing, so I am tempted to just skip it altogether

Sort of. I rarely have an issue with skipping it altogether if I am short on time, but I do struggle with the 'well, it was only a quick loop/10 minutes/whatever it is so it doesn't count' mentality. Which is less than helpful at times. 

 

21 hours ago, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

 

A very charismatic monkey who rolls with advantage every time!!  

^This. And he makes so much sense whilst trying to hide his smug little smirk!

 

21 hours ago, Chris-Tien Jinn said:

I love the idea and am going to borrow some of your plan.  The monkey on my back is my own shadow self .... and I have to address that before I can progress.  

Borrow away! 

 

 

 

A quick update before bed. Goals - not so good. I have taken damage!! I did get my walk this evening (it was only lightly raining and I thankfully missed the downpour) and I even made up one half-hour of study time. BUT, despite getting a meal replacement shake for lunch, I was full for a couple hours and then got hungry sitting in heavy traffic on my way home. No excuses, but I swung by the macdonalds drive thru. 

 

 

I can and will do better tomorrow. On the plus side, I have made progress with the edits. The conclusion is looking less rough. But it still scares me that I have only one month to do everything. I may have to add to my study quota. 

[MaeradCase]

On 7/25/2023 at 4:42 PM, Rhovaniel said:

On 7/25/2023 at 2:52 AM, WhiteGhost said:

  I also brought a couple of health potions in case you forgot yours.

WG! So good to see ya. And thank you - I did indeed forget. Hmm, I wonder if I can earn some health potions with extra workouts or study sessions.... 

 

 

brb, gotta go plan more! 😄

Ooh! Forward thinking! 😃

 

On 7/25/2023 at 4:42 PM, Rhovaniel said:

I shall practice kindness. And sword fighting. 

Yeah, swords!! 😍

 

On 7/25/2023 at 4:42 PM, Rhovaniel said:

I love your emoji game! 🥰 The stickers are awesome, but larger than I expected, so it's taking some creative thinking to place them! 

😅 I like being able to emote, and aim for exaggerating my conveyance of expression by multiple emojis in a row. I'm glad they help me come across as intended. 😉

Having recently bought even more nerdy stickers, I may need to take inspo from you and @Sovalis at some point to make for myself a place to use them. 😆

 

2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

I do struggle with the 'well, it was only a quick loop/10 minutes/whatever it is so it doesn't count' mentality. Which is less than helpful at times.

Oh no, your work out snack are being invalidated! 😧

[Rhovaniel]

Okay, friends I need some advice.

 

Currently struggling with a major stress-ball of having so many edits to do and so little time. Final submission is only a month away, and it's getting to me so much that last night I couldn't sleep and ended up reading one of my textbooks at  midnight because I couldn't stop worrying about a fix I need to make in my introduction but can't entirely figure out. I then overslept and heaped a bunch of self-hate on myself over missing the gym this morning. I can make the session up tomorrow morning, but..

 

I realise that the self hate is counterproductive and I am doing my best. It's not working, but I am trying. So, part of me wants to propose a slightly different parameter for success this week: If I manage to fully edit my introduction, I keep my weapon. If I manage to fully edit both introduction and conclusion (by 11.59pm Saturday), I only take 5HP damage from the surprise round instead of 10HP. 

 

Thoughts? I genuinely don't know if this is being too lenient on myself, or actually giving myself the space needed to finish my work, accepting that fitness has to take a slight back seat, just for now. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I vote for the interpretation where you are giving yourself space.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

3 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

 If I manage to fully edit my introduction, I keep my weapon. If I manage to fully edit both introduction and conclusion (by 11.59pm Saturday), I only take 5HP damage from the surprise round instead of 10HP. 

 

I say to implement the change.  The overarching goal is to improve your health, right?  Reduce the stress!!!!  

 

I think the final edits were the worst part of  the whole process.  Make sure you set a timer and take stretch and hydration breaks.