GomezKun's Lifting Heavy Things To Put Them Back Down

[gomezkun]

_{**DIET/FITNESS**}

 

1. Clean up the diet. Eliminate Soda completely, cut back on the amount of coffee consumed, eliminate fried foods, cut back severly on greasy foods, resist the junk.

 

Soda: I have been doing really good so far - the temptation of it is nearly gone. Even when I do have one, just to 'have' one, it's never really satisfying as before.

 

Junk: One more cookie turns into three (usually to dip in coffee.) Snacks and other goodies run rampid in our shop from all the care packages being sent from family/friends. When tryomg tp eat right and then all this mess is here, well, temptation wins over.
I have plenty of other options, such as the dried fruits/nuts/jerky. Down more water. Etc.

 

Greasy/Fried foods: Most of the meals we get (aside the option of super artificial MREs,) are Mermite Meals (MERMS.) Normally it's reheated leftovers from the chow hall -- although its food, most of the time it's not extremely the healthiest choice.
If there is a chance to go to get chow, most of the food is greasy and/or fried.

 

Coffee: I drink it with creamer and sugar. On average, I drink about two big cups a day (about 32oz.) Total badness: 2 spoonfuls of sugar and like 6 - 8 creamer cups.

 

XP: CHA - 3

 

2. Keep committed with the 100 Push up program.
I have been going strong for 2 weeks. The entire program itself is 6 weeks. Ultimate goal is to be able to perform 100 push ups. My main goal from this challege is to perform 50 in under a minute (*Pushups have always been a weak point for me. This will help get me away from the 'danger' zone for my PFT when I return back home)

 

XP: STA - 2, STR - 2

 

3. Go to the gym 6x a week.
Stay motivated with my physical training. Although I haven't physically seen many changes, the numbers don't lie. I am getting stronger and faster. I need to stay motivated and not let the common "I'm tired" or "I worked out really hard yesterday so I can rest today"

 

I will be modifying my 5/3/1 program to delete the recovery week so I can cycle through it twice during this challenge period.

 

Routine:
MONDAY - Weight Lifting (Chest/Tricepts) ~ 200 Perfect Situp Routine

 

TUESDAY - 100 Pushup Routine. Round of Insanity!, 2+ Miles on elliptical machine. 15 - 30 min on Jacobs ladder (If I am capable of it)

 

WEDNESDAY - Weight Lifting (Chest/Tricepts) ~ 200 Perfect Situp Routine

 

THURSDAY - 100 Pushup Routine. Round of Insanity!, 2+ Miles on elliptical machine. 15 - 30 min on Jacobs ladder (If I am capable of it)

 

FRIDAY - Weight Lifting (Chest/Tricepts) ~ 200 Perfect Situp Routine

 

SATURDAY - 100 Pushup Routine. Round of Insanity!, 2+ Miles on elliptical machine. 15 - 30 min on Jacobs ladder (If I am capable of it)
 

SUNDAY - REST. If I feel froggy, go for a walk - maybe stretch (Yoga?)

 

**Normally I would say 2+ miles of OUTDOOR running but being deployed in a Warzone, the base command has designated no headphones while running. I need my tunes to stay motivated**

 

**Strength Goal. Get my big three past 200lbs. The numbers I am looking at are as follows.
Bench: 200
Deadlift: 240
Squat: 205

If at all possible, I want to hit 5RM with them all - thus having to find my new 1RM.

 

XP: STR - 3, DEX - 2

 

**LIFE**
 

4. Dedicate a minimum of 30 minutes a day to working on my Japanese.

I been stationed in Japan for over 2 years and my speaking skills are not where they should be. I plan on using Rosetta Stone and my other programs to enhance my skills.

 

XP: WIS - 3

 

I am still working on the whole attributes stuff for my character. Excited to take on the challenge -- I have a lot of work to do. But besides the motivation, I'm deployed in Afghanistan. What else do I have to do?

[.357k8]

 

4. Dedicate a minimum of 30 minutes a day to working on my Japanese.

I been stationed in Japan for over 2 years and my speaking skills are not where they should be. I plan on using Rosetta Stone and my other programs to enhance my skills.

 

 

 

I am still working on the whole attributes stuff for my character. Excited to take on the challenge -- I have a lot of work to do. But besides the motivation, I'm deployed in Afghanistan. What else do I have to do?

 

 

First of all gomezkun, THANK YOU for your service - no matter what you do over there, thank you for doing it.

 

Your goals look very challenging but should keep you busy and out of trouble - more time in the gym equal less time for eating cookies.  And though I don't speak it myself, I would think Japanese would not be enhanced by a mouthful of cookies either.

[gomezkun]

Not a problem .357k8 =)

 

The goals are a bit challenging simply because I am expecting to be home sometime in the summer. On Okinawa, it's beautiful beaches and sunshine. I'd like to be able to look my best AND communicate with the local community.

Also, Military mentality has me trying to do my best at all times ^^

 

Ah cookies. Those sweet, and delicious treats. ESPECIALLY when someone took the time to make them and send them in a care package.

"Awww...well, just one...."

 

[foxytrot]

You goals sound awesome. I look forward to following how everything goes!

[weirdquark]

Ganbatte!

[gomezkun]

You goals sound awesome. I look forward to following how everything goes!

 

Thank you. Thing's are tough now, but I feel like my body can still take a bit more.

 

Ganbatte!

 

Arigatou Gozaimasu weirdquarksama

:bows:

[Rob__]

I was approximately this close >_< (Although it appears as though that was a smiley and is actually quite appropriate for the situation, I was using it to indicate relative proximity between two thing) to adding a language goal to my challenge this time. I'm just not sure if I want to start with a new language (Japanese) or do a quick refresh of two of the three languages I know that I'm losing first...

[Morrigainz]

Nihongo! Sugoi!!!

 

Okay so it's been a long time since I've taken Japanese. But I want to get back to it at some point!

[gomezkun]

Just like lifting - gotta take it one day at a time.

Practice makes perfect. =D

 

I been interested in Japanese forever but it seemed like there was always some excuse behind it. Hell, I am IN JAPAN and I am STILL finding excuses. In theory, I SHOULD be able to CONVERSE already. Fail.

 

But life happens. Past is the past. What matters now is where I will be after this challenge. 

[Caution]

Awesome challenge! I did the 100 push up challenge last year, it started to get pretty tough near the end. 5/3/1 is a fantastic program, my favorite of all I've tried so far. Good luck!

[gomezkun]

You would think that me being in the military this would be a breeze.

Nope.

 

Failed two of the sets already. Although my numbers are substantially higher than before.

Keep pushing and moving on up from there!

 

Aside the slow progress, 5/3/1 is amazing! Was convinced it was for me when I broke my BB Bench Press record in comparison to Stronglifts.

Don't get me wrong, SL is an awesome program. Just not so awesome for me

[weirdquark]

I started the 100 push-up program a couple of times and the last time I ran into problems around week four and had to break up the sets into micro-sets where I'd shake out my arms before continuing but otherwise not rest because I couldn't do them continuously. I never finished because I kept getting distracted by other things and it wasn't going well enough that I wanted to keep focusing on it. I did get my max up to ~40, which almost would give me a perfect score on the military push-up test for my age and gender, so I figure that's pretty good.

 

SL is an awesome program for beginners -- once you run out of linear gains on it switching to something like 5/3/1 is the way to go.

[gomezkun]

It is quite a bitch, but following the program thus far, I'm getting stronger.

I strongly approve of that!

We shall see what happens -- this weekend I will be doing a 'Progress Test' to see where I am at.

I'm getting stronger -that's great. But for PFT reasons, I would like to be away from the 'Danger Zone'

 

My man weridquark -- I like you more and more with every post. lol.

[PrincessHeather]

Super jealous you are in Japan! My husband has been trying to get us stationed over there for 4 years now... but instead we are headed to Alaska. Where are you in Japan (if you don't mind sharing)?

 

Also, great goals!

[gomezkun]

Super jealous you are in Japan! My husband has been trying to get us stationed over there for 4 years now... but instead we are headed to Alaska. Where are you in Japan (if you don't mind sharing)?

 

Also, great goals!

 

I love it there. I normally don't jump, but I literally hopped over my office chair in excitement.

Currently out of Okinawa, Japan. It's gorgeous there - so many beaches everywhere =D

Sadly though, after my time out in the sandbox, I will only have a few months left there before I PCS (not sure where I am going to either -- hopefully Korea or Mainland Japan)

 

Alaska isn't too bad I hear. Personally, I am not one for the cold. If I had to go back to a USA location, I'd like to go to McChord AFB, WA --- be closer to my family and friends in Oregon

[PrincessHeather]

If you can stay OCONUS, do it!!! I hear its easier to go to a new overseas location if you're already overseas, and I'm hoping that's true since Alaska is also technically overseas. We would really love to get Yokota.

 

I've actually only heard good things about where we are going, which is JB Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. We're in South Dakota now, so climate wise not going to be a huge shock. When all is said and done, we're hoping hubby's last base ever is Nellis or Luke, since they are closest to home for us in Southern California.

[gomezkun]

So far so good with the training this week --- here are the stats thus far:
 

17 APR - Wednesday

• Body Weight Squat:
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 20 reps 20 reps 20 reps (+13 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
• Barbell Squat:
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+44 pts)
  • 85 lb x 5 reps 38.6 kg x 5 reps 85 lb x 5 reps (+47 pts)
  • 105 lb x 3 reps 47.6 kg x 3 reps 105 lb x 3 reps (+43 pts)
  • 115 lb x 5 reps 52.2 kg x 5 reps 115 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)
  • 135 lb x 5 reps 61.2 kg x 5 reps 135 lb x 5 reps (+66 pts)
  • 155 lb x 5 reps 70.3 kg x 5 reps 155 lb x 5 reps (+75 pts)
• Lying Leg Curls:
  • 100 lb x 8 reps 45.4 kg x 8 reps 100 lb x 8 reps (+14 pts)
  • 100 lb x 8 reps 45.4 kg x 8 reps 100 lb x 8 reps (+14 pts)
  • 100 lb x 8 reps 45.4 kg x 8 reps 100 lb x 8 reps (+14 pts)
• Leg Extensions:
  • 140 lb x 8 reps 63.5 kg x 8 reps 140 lb x 8 reps (+19 pts)
  • 140 lb x 8 reps 63.5 kg x 8 reps 140 lb x 8 reps (+19 pts)
  • 140 lb x 8 reps 63.5 kg x 8 reps 140 lb x 8 reps (+19 pts)
• Leg Press:
  • 340 lb x 5 reps 154.2 kg x 5 reps 340 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 340 lb x 5 reps 154.2 kg x 5 reps 340 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 340 lb x 5 reps 154.2 kg x 5 reps 340 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 340 lb x 5 reps 154.2 kg x 5 reps 340 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 340 lb x 5 reps 154.2 kg x 5 reps 340 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
• Standing Calf Raises:
  • 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb (+5 pts)
  • 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb (+5 pts)
  • 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb 8 reps || weighted || 275 lb (+5 pts)
• Dumbbell Rear Lunge:
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+83 pts)
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+83 pts)
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+83 pts)
• Standing Military Press:
  • 45 lb x 5 reps 20.4 kg x 5 reps 45 lb x 5 reps (+54 pts)
  • 55 lb x 5 reps 24.9 kg x 5 reps 55 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)
  • 65 lb x 3 reps 29.5 kg x 3 reps 65 lb x 3 reps (+49 pts)
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+66 pts)
  • 85 lb x 5 reps 38.6 kg x 5 reps 85 lb x 5 reps (+70 pts)
  • 95 lb x 6 reps 43.1 kg x 6 reps 95 lb x 6 reps (+80 pts)
• Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press:
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+55 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+55 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+55 pts)
• Face Pull:
  • 30 lb x 8 reps 13.6 kg x 8 reps 30 lb x 8 reps (+17 pts)
  • 30 lb x 8 reps 13.6 kg x 8 reps 30 lb x 8 reps (+17 pts)
  • 30 lb x 8 reps 13.6 kg x 8 reps 30 lb x 8 reps (+17 pts)
• Dumbbell Shrug:
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)

 

 

 

16 APR - Tuesday

• Running (treadmill):
  • 0:35:00 || 3.3 mi || 7 mph || 3 % 0:35:00 || 3.3 mi || 7 mph || 3 % 0:35:00 || 3.3 mi || 7 mph || 3 % (+546 pts)
• Ladder Drills:
  • 0:25:00 || Moderate 0:25:00 || Moderate 0:25:00 || Moderate (+135 pts)
• Push-Up:
  • 21 reps 21 reps 21 reps (+31 pts)
  • 25 reps 25 reps 25 reps (+37 pts)
  • 21 reps 21 reps 21 reps (+31 pts)
  • 21 reps 21 reps 21 reps (+31 pts)
  • 18 reps 18 reps 18 reps (+27 pts)
  • Failed last set. Min: 32+
• Suspension Trainer Inverted Rows:
  • 8 reps 8 reps 8 reps (+12 pts)
  • 8 reps 8 reps 8 reps (+12 pts)
  • 8 reps 8 reps 8 reps (+12 pts)
• Sit-Up:
  • 90 reps 90 reps 90 reps (+45 pts)
• General Insanity:
  • 0:54:00 || Easy 0:54:00 || Easy 0:54:00 || Easy (+432 pts)
• Body Weight Squat:
  • 10 reps 10 reps 10 reps (+6 pts)
  • 10 reps 10 reps 10 reps (+6 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 15 reps 15 reps 15 reps (+9 pts)
  • 10 reps 10 reps 10 reps (+6 pts)

 

 

 

15 APR - Monday

• Barbell Bench Press:
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+44 pts)
  • 85 lb x 5 reps 38.6 kg x 5 reps 85 lb x 5 reps (+47 pts)
  • 105 lb x 3 reps 47.6 kg x 3 reps 105 lb x 3 reps (+43 pts)
  • 115 lb x 5 reps 52.2 kg x 5 reps 115 lb x 5 reps (+57 pts)
  • 135 lb x 5 reps 61.2 kg x 5 reps 135 lb x 5 reps (+66 pts)
  • 145 lb x 10 reps 65.8 kg x 10 reps 145 lb x 10 reps (+83 pts)
• Decline Barbell Bench Press:
  • 145 lb x 5 reps 65.8 kg x 5 reps 145 lb x 5 reps (+48 pts)
  • 145 lb x 5 reps 65.8 kg x 5 reps 145 lb x 5 reps (+48 pts)
  • 145 lb x 5 reps 65.8 kg x 5 reps 145 lb x 5 reps (+48 pts)
  • 145 lb x 5 reps 65.8 kg x 5 reps 145 lb x 5 reps (+48 pts)
  • 145 lb x 5 reps 65.8 kg x 5 reps 145 lb x 5 reps (+48 pts)
• Barbell Incline Bench Press:
  • 115 lb x 5 reps 52.2 kg x 5 reps 115 lb x 5 reps (+59 pts)
  • 125 lb x 5 reps 56.7 kg x 5 reps 125 lb x 5 reps (+63 pts)
  • 125 lb x 5 reps 56.7 kg x 5 reps 125 lb x 5 reps (+63 pts)
  • 125 lb x 5 reps 56.7 kg x 5 reps 125 lb x 5 reps (+63 pts)
  • 125 lb x 5 reps 56.7 kg x 5 reps 125 lb x 5 reps (+63 pts)
• Dumbbell Bench Press:
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+59 pts)
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+59 pts)
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+59 pts)
• Incline Dumbbell Bench Press:
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+60 pts)
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+60 pts)
  • 50 lb x 8 reps 22.7 kg x 8 reps 50 lb x 8 reps (+60 pts)
• Decline Dumbbell Bench Press:
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+35 pts)
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+35 pts)
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+35 pts)
• Lying Barbell Triceps Extension ("Skullcrusher"):
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+11 pts)
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+11 pts)
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+11 pts)
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+11 pts)
  • 75 lb x 5 reps 34 kg x 5 reps 75 lb x 5 reps (+11 pts)
• Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension:
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)
  • 45 lb x 8 reps 20.4 kg x 8 reps 45 lb x 8 reps (+20 pts)
• Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment:
  • 40 lb x 8 reps 18.1 kg x 8 reps 40 lb x 8 reps (+9 pts)
  • 42.5 lb x 8 reps 19.3 kg x 8 reps 42.5 lb x 8 reps (+10 pts)
  • 42.5 lb x 8 reps 19.3 kg x 8 reps 42.5 lb x 8 reps (+10 pts)
• Body Weight Squat:
  • 30 reps 30 reps 30 reps (+19 pts)
  • 30 reps 30 reps 30 reps (+19 pts)
  • 25 reps 25 reps 25 reps (+16 pts)

 

Squat day felt a bit bleh at the beginning -- I didn't sleep well the night before so I am guessing that played a big role in it. Mix in that I had not drank that much coffee either. Boom - excuse. But hopefully next week I will do a better warm up and my body will have got used to the Insanity! routine.

 

In case anyone is wondering, yes, my legs are still able to function with the BW routines/Insanity drills-  although its random. Sometiems I can walk around happy as a clam. Other times I don't want to stand up.

 

Bodyweight squats are part of a Facebook group that a friend invited me to. Thought it be a fun challenge and since they were going after it, well, why not Gomez?

Looking forward to NOT having to BW Squat anymore -- although it is a nice challenge/natural eye opener at work ^^

 

I added some training for getting ready to do a pull-up. Smith machine is hard to come back for Inverted Rows, but Suspension Trainers are always free

Normally assist lifts would be done 4x10. The extra reps weren't really helping things and the extra time to rest didn't seem beneficial. Switched to 3x8 and love it. Aside it being lower numbers (thus the mind being all stupid motivated,) I can up the weights a bit for linear PRs.

Winning =D

 

Today I have my Push-Up routine, 100 BW Squats to accomplish, and then the usual Cardio session. The Insanity! routine mentioned above was not 'easy' by any means. lol.

 

Food Status. Keeping it as clean as possible. Instead of going for cakes and other snacks, I reach for healthier alternatives (or more water.) Temptation was heavy on day one. It was my troops bday and they managed to score some cake from the Chow Hall and some Pizza from the Haji Pizza Hut. Just kept telling myself "I don't eat that"

Avoiding the foods with excess fat and grease as stated above. With limited options, it's a pain but I am pushing through. Despite my wishes to go Paleo, I can only do partial (like 40%) daily (if even that.)

 

Maximum coffee alloted per day is 2 - I can feel some changes but I keep pushing through it (doing pushups and squats helps keep me awake)

 

So far so good with everything. Haven't missed any study/training sessions. Eating is on point too.

Although I am noticing that I am getting EXTREMELY hungrier the more the weight goes up -.-

[gomezkun]

(Note: Not sure why it tripled the postings on each line --- too lazy to go back and edit it. Each line is one set.   )

[gomezkun]

If you can stay OCONUS, do it!!! I hear its easier to go to a new overseas location if you're already overseas, and I'm hoping that's true since Alaska is also technically overseas. We would really love to get Yokota.

 

I've actually only heard good things about where we are going, which is JB Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. We're in South Dakota now, so climate wise not going to be a huge shock. When all is said and done, we're hoping hubby's last base ever is Nellis or Luke, since they are closest to home for us in Southern California.

 

I would love to be back near my family and friends - which is why I would like to go to McChord. Honestly, I'm really considering just getting out and starting over again. We shall see where life takes me.

 

Going overseas would be amazing - sadly there are only a few countries that I would actually love to go to. One of my TSgt's out here is from Alaska and they enjoy it for the most part. Lots of hunting and fishing

Have you considered trying to get to Cali? They do have a few bases there for all branches (Air Force one being Travis)

[PrincessHeather]

Travis is fairly far from where our families are at, Vandenberg would be closer, but Las Vegas and Phoenix are actually the closest. 

[gomezkun]

Ah. Well hopefully that falls your way later in life

[.357k8]

 

Alaska isn't too bad I hear. Personally, I am not one for the cold. If I had to go back to a USA location, I'd like to go to McChord AFB, WA --- be closer to my family and friends in Oregon

 

Soooo, where are your friends and family in Oregon?

 

So far so good with everything. Haven't missed any study/training sessions. Eating is on point too.

Although I am noticing that I am getting EXTREMELY hungrier the more the weight goes up -.-

 

I've been noticing that I'm hungrier on lifting days and crave good proteins and good fats.  Might try loading up on those after lifting and see if it helps your hunger.  It's working well for me right now.  : )

[gomezkun]

Soooo, where are your friends and family in Oregon?

 

 

I've been noticing that I'm hungrier on lifting days and crave good proteins and good fats.  Might try loading up on those after lifting and see if it helps your hunger.  It's working well for me right now.  : )

 

They are all in the lovely city of Salem, Oregon

 

After lifting I normally have a Protein drink. The issue comes throughout the day when I just want to devistate any food items. Could be like the coffee -- just having withdrawals of the care packages and other snacks. lol.

[.357k8]

They are all in the lovely city of Salem, Oregon

 

After lifting I normally have a Protein drink. The issue comes throughout the day when I just want to devistate any food items. Could be like the coffee -- just having withdrawals of the care packages and other snacks. lol.

 

So they are about 120 miles from me  : )

[gomezkun]

So they are about 120 miles from me  : )

 

Dont you mean you live 120 miles away from them

 

What city are you located at? Nice to meet a fellow Oregonian on here. I will HOPEFULLY be back in the summer for my nieces baptism and my friends wedding.