Chanda: Gets Things Done!

[Chanda]

I'm totally imagining having ninja cleaning maids now though. You'd never know they where there.

BUT turn your back on something for even a second, and the next thing you know it's sparkling clean!

 

How cool would that be? I could really use some of those around here... since I have none my only option is to become one myself. I have a long way to go before I can call myself a Domestic Ninja. 

 

Well done Chanda!

As always it is a learning experience to read your updates. 

I recognize my own thoughts a little regarding the weight issue. It's hard resetting a goal of weightloss into something different!

 

I do think you are right that you need more recovery time now that activitylevels are increasing. What is your favourite method for R and R?

 

Well, I've had what one might call a bad week... too much eating... almost 0 exercised. Enforced R and R by catching some kind of virus.

 

To be honest I don't have a favorite R and R... I am usually either doing stuff or doing nothing. I guess its one of those areas I need to work on! 

 

I'll second Evenewbie on the thoughts regarding weight. It's such an easy thing to measure, but so fickle. You just can't entirely trust it on a daily basis.

 

Here's hoping that the energy levels returned this week!

 

Sadly no energy as I got sick and am still recuperating. Hardest challenge this week was stopping myself from exercising. 

 

I totally agree on how fickle weighing is... Depending on what I've been doing, I can put on or loose over a kilo from one day to the next (even when weighing in first thing in the morning wearing my birthday suit).

 

I echo the above, I will only weigh myself once a week, at the same time of day every time. So many things can make your weight fluctuate it can be tricky to put your finger on at times.

 

Agreed. I weigh and measure myself first thing in the morning every 2 weeks on a Wednesday (my most consistent day). In between I might take a peak because I am curious...

[Chanda]

We are half way through this challenge! And I am sick. 

 

1. Fuel: food & drink 
GOAL: My body has enough good fuel to perform well.

1. Eating Well, on average 5 times per week. (+1 STR)  16 done 
2. Drinking an additional liter of water per day (average to be 1.0l or higher). (+1 CON) average 1.10l
3. Eating no more than 200 calories per day on average of sweets/junk food. (+1 CON) average 203

Predicted Score: B down from an A. I am one of those people that gets ravenously hungry when I am sick. So I've been eating a lot of everything, good and bad. The scales tell me that I am now 1.5kg more than I was 2 weeks ago. I am not panicking, this is just temporary and as soon as I am better again I will be right back on track. Nonetheless, it is time to clean up my food intake a bit. 

 

2. Mental Strength (STR: +1, WIS: +2)
Goal: I have a sound Mind. The mind runs the show... and it must to be fit!

1. Getting at least 7.2 hours sleep on average per day. (+1 STR) average 7.51
2. Meditating on average 5 times per week (+1 WIS). 17 done
3. Doing a brain workout on average 4 times per week (+1 WIS).  13 done

Predicted Score: A I've been sleeping a bit longer at night... so my average is looking good. Also the enforced lack of physical activity meant that I have at least been keeping up with my meditation and brain workouts.  

 

3. Strong Body 
GOAL: My Body is Healthy and Strong. I am demanding more from myself. In order to get it done I need to make sure my body is a lean mean fighting machine. 

1. Looking after my health or appearance on average 2.5 times per week  (+1 CHA) 8 done
2. Walking/Running on average 4.5km per day.  (+1 STA) average 4.99km
3. Completing at least: 15 body weight workouts.  (+1 STR) 6 done
4. Completing at least: 12 yoga workouts.  (+1 DEX)  6 done
5. Completing at least: 12 walk/runs.  (+1 STA) 5.5 done

 

Predicted Score: C, down from an A. As already mentioned I am sick. Thats meant cutting back on physical activity. Consequently this goal is suffering. I am behind 2 or 3 workouts. My average daily distance is also down a bit. Nothing I can do about it until I am better, so I'll just have to live with it for now. I'll revise my workout plan this week to see what can be salvaged of this goal. It is tempting to say that I'll catch up... but my goal is to be fit and healthy... and catching up only leads to injury. I'll make a plan that is reasonable!

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done 
GOAL: Master the daily routines and harvest the fruits of my labour. 

1. Doing my routines. Expecting overall average of 85% for success. (+1 CHA) average 85.4%
2. Being Punctual on average 90% of the time (+1 DEX)   average 90.2%
3. Making sure that my House feels like a Home at least 4.5 days per week (+1 CHA) 0 days
4. Harvesting the Fruits of my Labour, at least 10 items done (+1 WIS) 3 done

Predicted Score: C Up from a D. Thanks to punctuality being on track now. This week, there was a moment when I could have done a mini-crisis cleaning and ensure that point 3 could still be achieved. Instead I told myself that was not the point of this... the point is to create a life long automatic habit of maintaining my Home in a nice state. I actually stopped myself from doing the mini-crisis cleaning and that means point 3 of my Life goal can no longer be achieved this challenge. The best score I can get for my life goal this challenge is a B. This may sound strange or like an excuse to some, but for me its a lesson I am teaching myself. Just like with eating and exercising, where long term success is not about drastic changes, but about making small gradual changes that can be maintained for a lifetime... Thats what I am doing for home keeping. Doing the small things consistently is the only way I will become a Domestic Ninja! I am doing a little at a time, and slowly seeing improvement.    

 

 

This past week was a real trial on my patience... I caught a virus and have no energy, lost my voice and every time I do anything a bit more active my heart starts beating too fast. I am on enforced rest. Just as I thought I was getting better some bacteria decided that my throat was a good place to take up residence in... and things got worse again. Now, I am taking antibiotics. Overall, considering I have been sick, I guess I am actually doing pretty good.

 

According to my own challenge rules (no level up unless I get a B when I average the score of the 4 goals), if I can't get at least one of the two Cs up to a B. I will not be able to level up with this challenge. So here's to hoping my health returns quickly so I can get back to it!

 

For week 4 my focus is:

1. Become a morning person!

2. Giving my body some rest (to recover from the virus and over-training) and gradually start exercising again towards the 2nd half of the week.

3. Being a Domestic Ninja!

[Brian.]

Despite your illness there is a lot of green in that post so I don't think you should be too harsh on yourself given the circumstances.

[Chanda]

Despite your illness there is a lot of green in that post so I don't think you should be too harsh on yourself given the circumstances.

 

Thanks Brian. Most of that green is due to how much I did at the start of the challenge... the figures are the averages or totals for the first 3 weeks. I am actually really happy that my "not doing much at all" state now is actually better than my "normal activity level" from less than a year ago. It means the changes are starting to stick...  

[I am Eve]

Thanks Brian. Most of that green is due to how much I did at the start of the challenge... the figures are the averages or totals for the first 3 weeks. I am actually really happy that my "not doing much at all" state now is actually better than my "normal activity level" from less than a year ago. It means the changes are starting to stick...

Exactly!! Changes take time..

[Wandern]

So sorry you're sick! That must be so frustrating for you. But I do agree with your own assessment: Considering you've been sick, you're doing great! I hope you're back to normal very soon - maybe even as I write this, since I'm a few days behind, here.

[Chanda]

Two weeks left! 

 

1. Fuel: food & drink 
GOAL: My body has enough good fuel to perform well.

1. Eating Well, on average 5 times per week. (+1 STR)  22 done 
2. Drinking an additional liter of water per day (average to be 1.0l or higher). (+1 CON) average 1.20l
3. Eating no more than 200 calories per day on average of sweets/junk food. (+1 CON) average 198

Predicted Score: A up from a B. A slightly better week in this area. Still eating like a ravenous wolf. Eat ALL THE THINGS has been the theme for these past two weeks.

 

2. Mental Strength (STR: +1, WIS: +2)
Goal: I have a sound Mind. The mind runs the show... and it must to be fit!

1. Getting at least 7.2 hours sleep on average per day. (+1 STR) average 7.59
2. Meditating on average 5 times per week (+1 WIS). 21 done
3. Doing a brain workout on average 4 times per week (+1 WIS).  18 done

Predicted Score: A Right on track for this goal... not a lot to be said about this one.

 

3. Strong Body 
GOAL: My Body is Healthy and Strong. I am demanding more from myself. In order to get it done I need to make sure my body is a lean mean fighting machine. 

1. Looking after my health or appearance on average 2.5 times per week  (+1 CHA) 11 done
2. Walking/Running on average 4.5km per day.  (+1 STA) average 4.57km
3. Completing at least: 15 body weight workouts.  (+1 STR) 8 done
4. Completing at least: 12 yoga workouts.  (+1 DEX)  8 done
5. Completing at least: 12 walk/runs.  (+1 STA) 7 done

 

Predicted Score: C, same as last week. Was sick right up until yesterday, so very little was done. I've reviewed how I am working out for the rest of the challenge. It should be possible to get a B for this one and if I throw in a couple extra workouts even an A. However, I am striving for consistency and being healthy, so I will do what feels good and wont try to catch up which would lead to overtraining. 

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done 
GOAL: Master the daily routines and harvest the fruits of my labour. 

1. Doing my routines. Expecting overall average of 85% for success. (+1 CHA) average 86.2%
2. Being Punctual on average 90% of the time (+1 DEX)   average 91.2%
3. Making sure that my House feels like a Home at least 4.5 days per week (+1 CHA) 0 days
4. Harvesting the Fruits of my Labour, at least 10 items done (+1 WIS) 4 done

Predicted Score: C, same as last week. Not a lot to say in this area... one doesnt become a Domestic Ninja overnight...     

 

Was still sick for most of the week. Even now I am not back to 100%. I am just happy to have kept things going this week. 

 

For week 5 my focus is:

1. Become a morning person!

2. Become a Domestic Ninja!

3. Start moving again!

[Random Forum Guy]

I'm really impressed by how meticuluous your progress tracking is, especially considering your ambitious goals!

[Chanda]

I'm really impressed by how meticuluous your progress tracking is, especially considering your ambitious goals!

 

Thanks. Meticulous is one was to put it. It is a bit over the top... but I have a system thats working for me. So I am happy!

[Chanda]

Only 1 week to go! 

 

1. Fuel: food & drink 
GOAL: My body has enough good fuel to perform well.

1. Eating Well, on average 5 times per week. (+1 STR)  28 done 
2. Drinking an additional liter of water per day (average to be 1.0l or higher). (+1 CON) average 1.18l
3. Eating no more than 200 calories per day on average of sweets/junk food. (+1 CON) average 193

Predicted Score: A. A pretty good week. My weight is up so I am still concerned about wether I am eating the right amount. Will know in 1.5weeks for sure. If the weight is really up and its not muscle increase, then it will be time to cut out the evening snacking again... and maybe latte macchiatos. 

 

2. Mental Strength (STR: +1, WIS: +2)
Goal: I have a sound Mind. The mind runs the show... and it must to be fit!

1. Getting at least 7.2 hours sleep on average per day. (+1 STR) average 7.56
2. Meditating on average 5 times per week (+1 WIS). 25 done
3. Doing a brain workout on average 4 times per week (+1 WIS).  22 done

Predicted Score: A Still on track with this goal. I am loving that I am actually getting 7.5hours sleep per day on average. It is a little misleading since it includes weekend naps... without naps its probably closer to 7 hours per night, which is still full of awesome.   

 

3. Strong Body 
GOAL: My Body is Healthy and Strong. I am demanding more from myself. In order to get it done I need to make sure my body is a lean mean fighting machine. 

1. Looking after my health or appearance on average 2.5 times per week  (+1 CHA) 13 done
2. Walking/Running on average 4.5km per day.  (+1 STA) average 4.76km
3. Completing at least: 15 body weight workouts.  (+1 STR) 11 done
4. Completing at least: 12 yoga workouts.  (+1 DEX)  10 done
5. Completing at least: 12 walk/runs.  (+1 STA)  10 done

    

Predicted Score: B, up from a C. Happy to be feeling well enough to resume my workouts. This next week I would need to fit in 4 strength workouts for an A. I'll see if I can do it... but will also be listening to my body to make sure I dont over do it and knock myself out of action again. 

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done 
GOAL: Master the daily routines and harvest the fruits of my labour. 

1. Doing my routines. Expecting overall average of 85% for success. (+1 CHA) average 85.8%
2. Being Punctual on average 90% of the time (+1 DEX)   average 90.02%
3. Making sure that my House feels like a Home at least 4.5 days per week (+1 CHA) 0 days
4. Harvesting the Fruits of my Labour, at least 10 items done (+1 WIS) 4 done

Predicted Score: C, same as last week. Clearly with one week to go, this is not the 6 week challenge where I make Getting Things Done a habit. Thats OK, it takes time to train a real good Ninja.    

 

I am almost back to feeling like myself again. Chest still feels a bit congested but doesnt seem to be slowing me down as much. So I am back to exercising.

 

For my Domestic Ninja training, I am trying to use the Do It Now principle for the home stuff, actually seems to help a bit... I am seeing some small improvements. Although it is entirely possible that my husband has been sneaking around doing house work.   

 

I have managed a couple of yoga sessions in the morning before work, which is a good start on "becoming a morning person". 

 

For this last week my focus will continue to be on:

1. Become a morning person!

2. Become a Domestic Ninja!

 

Lets finish Strong!!!! 

[Chanda]

Final Report! 

 

1. Fuel: food & drink 
GOAL: My body has enough good fuel to perform well.

1. Eating Well, on average 5 times per week. (+1 STR)  35 done 
2. Drinking an additional liter of water per day (average to be 1.0l or higher). (+1 CON) average 1.17l
3. Eating no more than 200 calories per day on average of sweets/junk food. (+1 CON) average 199

Score: A. In terms of fueling I did a great job. I ate well for the majority of the time. I drank enough water to keep me hydrated (no headaches and digestive system working like clockwork). Keeping the sweets/junk food intake to under 200 calories was relatively easy. Overall I did eat more than I was planning too, specially I got back into the habit of having a snack after the girls are in bed. That is reflected on the scales. I had a peak at the scales and it looks like I put on 0.8kg over the past 6 weeks. I hope that at least part of the weight gain is extra muscle! I'll confirm this on Wednesday when its my official weigh in and measure day.

 

2. Mental Strength (STR: +1, WIS: +2)
Goal: I have a sound Mind. The mind runs the show... and it must to be fit!

1. Getting at least 7.2 hours sleep on average per day. (+1 STR) average 7.55
2. Meditating on average 5 times per week (+1 WIS). 30 done
3. Doing a brain workout on average 4 times per week (+1 WIS).  24 done

Score: A Not a lot to say about this goal... I just did it. I really like that I am actually getting 7.5hours sleep per day on average (this includes nap time on weekends, without naps its probably closer to 7 hours per night) which is still full of awesome.   

 

3. Strong Body 
GOAL: My Body is Healthy and Strong. I am demanding more from myself. In order to get it done I need to make sure my body is a lean mean fighting machine. 

1. Looking after my health or appearance on average 2.5 times per week  (+1 CHA) 16 done
2. Walking/Running on average 4.5km per day.  (+1 STA) average 4.72km
3. Completing at least: 15 body weight workouts.  (+1 STR) 14 done 
4. Completing at least: 12 yoga workouts.  (+1 DEX)  12 done
5. Completing at least: 12 walk/runs.  (+1 STA)  12 done

Score: B I considered sneaking in an extra strength workout last night to score a perfect A. I decided against it because I knew that I plan to run today and doing the workout last night would have hurt my run today. Tonight I'll do my run and follow it with the strength workout... By trial and error I've found this to work the best for me. My body is fresh for the run so I can run with good form. After the run I am nicely warmed up and that means a great body weight workout. It is a huge change in my attitude that I am able to hold back from scoring an A in favor of keeping my good workout schedule (and not risking overdoing things or injury)... looks like the perfectionist in me is finally relaxing a bit! I was sick for almost 2 weeks during this challenge and missed 10 days of workouts. So I am actually very happy with this result!

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done 
GOAL: Master the daily routines and harvest the fruits of my labour. 

1. Doing my routines. Expecting overall average of 85% for success. (+1 CHA) average 86.5%
2. Being Punctual on average 90% of the time (+1 DEX)   average 90.1%
3. Making sure that my House feels like a Home at least 4.5 days per week (+1 CHA) 0 days
4. Harvesting the Fruits of my Labour, at least 10 items done (+1 WIS) 6 done

Score: C. I barely kept up with my routines and being punctual. Making my house feel like a home and harvesting the fruits of my labour (getting things done!) didn't really happen. Things are improving ever so slowly, so its not all bad... in fact I am quietly positive that I am headed in the right direction. This is the area to focus on for the next challenge.    

 

Overall Score for the challenge is a B. Not great... but I am happy with it. I never would have described myself as someone that exercises regularly. The numbers don't lie, I am doing it! I am also in a good place with regards to eating and sleeping. That means I have the foundations for leading a good life. Now is the time to do it. I can not wait to see if I manage to conquer the Life goal during the next challenge!

 

A score of B also means that I level up. I'll be back tonight to do the math and update my signature.

[I am Eve]

So true Chanda; numbers don't lie.

Awesome and real as always ( you domestic ninja in the making!)

[Wandern]

Considering you were sick for 2 weeks out of this challenge, you have done an awesome job! Seems to me that you prioritized - you couldn't get everything done, so focused on the important stuff (health) and let the sh!t list go - which is as things should be. 

[Chanda]

Thanks Eve and LuckyMe.

 

Now for my signature math. I started this challenge at Level 5, with:

 

STR: 9 | DEX: 10 | STA: 11 | CON: 15 | WIS: 15 | CHA: 14

 

And based on how I did, I am now Level 6, with:

 

STR: 11 | DEX: 12 | STA: 13 | CON: 17 | WIS: 17 | CHA: 16

 

Tonight, I managed to visit everyone's challenge topics. Rather happy that I made the time to do it. I am completely inspired by all the stuff everyone did... and seeing how much support and activity went on. Our Druid Guild is Awesome!

[Chanda]

I weigh and measure myself every 2 weeks. Today was measurement day. The numbers from my sneak peak on Sunday were pretty close.

 

Starting Stats for this challenge:

Weight:    57.5 kg

Fat %:     26.9%

Lean Mass: 42.01 kg 

 

Today's measurements:

 

Weight:    58.3 kg

Fat %:     26.7%

Lean Mass: 42.75 kg 

 

I put on 0.8kg... and over 0.7kg of that was lean mass. I would definetely call that seeing results!!!

 

So while my results at home have been less than I hoped... in terms of fitness I am exceedingly happy. I call this challenge a win. Upgrading my score to a solid B+