petefeet's "First Adventure"

[petefeet]

Hey kids,

 

This will be my first "official challenge" since I did the last half of the Level 1 Rebels last month. So if you see that I'm missing something, please let me know, I want to do this right from the start.

 

Since I like to write, I will be trying to mirroring my story posts to reflect issue/challenges/successes in my real life.

 

If you want to read what I did last time (Last 3 weeks of Rebel 1 Challenge), I've copied it to the bottom of this post.

 

Main Quest:

     Continue my recent weight loss program, as well as add more light cardio and body weight strength training. I was 267 lbs in Aug 2013 and am at 193 lbs as of this morning. For this 6-week challenge I'm going to aim for 190 lbs. I know this is only a small drop, but my weight loss has really showed down and I'm increasing my body weight workouts.

 

Sides Quests:

     1. Continue keeping my daily food log and staying with my calorie budget and weigh myself every day (I know my body fluctuates some, but doing it every day keep me honest).

     2. Log some form of cardio (Walking, biking, recumbent stationary bike) at least twice a week

     3. Log my Body Building Weight workouts at least twice a week.

 

Life Quest:

     In my spare time, I run a small business out of my basement. Fictionfirst Used Books

It's a used bookstore specializing in science fiction and fantasy. Right now, my "bookstore" is 60 ish cardboard boxes filled with books, not very inviting.

     So last month I started the process of finishing my basement (insulation, walls, flooring, shelves etc..). This isn't really my skill set, but I'm taking my time, doing a bunch of research and doing what I can when time and money are available. I have one wall up and am working on a parts list for the next section. It is slow going, since I'm only using income from the store to pay for it, but even seeing the little bit that I have done has encouraged me to keep going.

 

Story line:

 

The years since my capture seem to have blurred together, fetching and carrying countless meals for a endless number of faceless gladiators, repairing armour, polishing weapons and suffering the abuses of those who are themselves scared of the fate that awaits them on the sands.

     Memories of my old life only come in brief flashes, sometimes triggered by the scent of flowers tossed upon the sands, or a colourful garment wore by a gladiators owner as they come to inspect their property. While I carve these brief escapes from reality, I also hate them, for they make the choking dust, drab food and unending work crush my spirits when they flee.

     My only chance to see the sun comes upon those days when we are required to rake the sands before a match or drag a luckless body from the field of battle. It was on one of these days that the mists that have been clouding my mind all these years started to lift. Hurrying out onto the hot sands, instantly deafened by the roar of the crowd, my follow slaves and I quickly started dragging the latest luckless victim back down into the catacombs, alive or dead we couldn't tell. It was a chore I had performed hundreds of times, but for some reason I felt compelled to remove the gladiators helmet, only to have the sightless eyes of a young man look back at me. The injustice of it all, the complete waste of a life, rocked me back on my heels as if I had been struck, it wasn't until one of my fellow slaves shoved me that I came to my senses.

     Still reeling with a flood of emotions, I gathered up the fallen gladiators sword and shield. The hand that picked up the shield was aged and wrinkled, when did that happen? And as I bent down to pick up the sword, the face that was reflected in the blade was pale, bloated and worn. Is this who I had become? How long HAD I been here?

     For days after that event, I went about my tasks as normal, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. What life was I living? It was no life at all, doomed to end upon the rubbish pits outside the city walls, my body a meal for wandering dogs.

     My choices are limited, but I do have them. The life on the sand can be fleetly for those unskilled and unwary of the risks, my life as a slave has taught me how to be patient.

     So secretly, without announcing it to my fellow slaves, I started my transformation. Instead of the tasteless gruel that is our normal fare, I risked beatings and worse by stealing small amounts of fruit and nuts from the Masters tables and started echoing some of the simple combat movements that I've seen the gladiators perform over the years. The dim, dust filled corridors are a poor spot to train, though they do offer what I carve most, privacy.

     It is with mixed emotions that I am no longer able to hide my transformation. At first it was just my fellow slaves who started making the odd comment, but now I have noticed that the Masters have been looking at me more often of late. I am unsure where my transformation is taking me, THAT person it still very much a blur in my mind. Time will tell.

 

With my days worth of mind numbing tasks done, I shuffle back to my bare cell and draw the tattered blanket across the portal in a gesture of privacy.

     Just as I'm about to lay down on my rough plank cot a voice outside my cell tell me that I'm wanted by one of the Masters in the Wheel room. Know that it is useless to complain and the very act of doing so WILL have repercussions, I drag myself up and hurry my way down the dusty corridor, my bare feet marking my passage.

     Upon entering the wheel room, I can't help myself but marvel at the engineering involved in creating this vast chamber and the machines within it, just below the sand filled floor of the Arena.

     My chance to stand in wonder is short lived as one of the white robed Master's snaps her fingers and points at the empty space before her. Going as fast as my short legs will carry me, I scurry over and stand before her awaiting her orders.

     I stand there bowing for several minutes, knowing that her eyes are boring into the top of my shaved head, before she speaks.

     "There!" That single word and a pointed finger direct me to one of the smaller wheels, which I quickly scramble into and start walking. In another time and another place I would look like a hamster in a ball, though this ball/wheel is connected to a series of ropes and pulleys designed to lift caged animals, large groups of troops and the like to floor of the arena where they can "magically" appear to those in the stands.

     Luckily, this time the platform connected to my wheel is empty and without too much effort I'm able to raise it to the surface where I assume a load awaits it. But the trap door fails to open and as I look to the Master she just stares at me a moment and then gestures for me to lower the platform. Confused by this request, I nevertheless do as I'm told and lower it to the floor once again.

     Looking the the Master for further instructions, I find that she has already left the wheel room, leaving me wondering what is going on.

 

     The catacombs are quiet, the days all seem to blend together, but I think today is one of the holy days celebrated in this place. As long as we slaves go about our duties, the Masters and Overseers leave us in peace. Perhaps I am weak, but other than my normal duties, I used this uncommon free time to rest my tired bones.

 

     Today I was given a rare taste of "freedom". One of the Overseers ordered me to assist him carrying packages from the shops within the city, normally these jobs are given to one of the larger slaves, but who was I to refuse?. At first the noise and smell overwhelmed my senses, so foreign to my life now in the catacombs as well as well as my life before.

     Luckily, the errands were light, nothing more than some fresh fruits and vegetables, though they did still tax my weak frame. Once our deliveries were made to the Arenas kitchens I was sent back to my normal duties with a nod from the Overseer rather than the blow I expected.

     Pleased with myself, and in the comfort of my own cell, I performed some of the strength exercises I had seen the gladiators do in the training grounds before going to sleep.

 

     Knowing that one of the Overseers required me throughout the night, I was allowed to sleep late, leaving my normal chores to the other slaves. This rare chance for extra sleep was ruined when one of the rats that infest the slave quarters made its way up on my cots and ran over my face. The sudden shock and instant disgust made going back to sleep almost impossible.

     Aware that if I left my cell, I would be given work to do, I quietly spent some time and tried to tidy up my little cell to reflect my growing scene of well-being.      

     Some time later, realizing that I was pushing my luck, I left my cell and helped my fellow slaves at our chores until the meal bell rang. I was just able to gulp down a few mouthfuls of my own meager rations when one of the Overseers grabbed me by the shoulder and marched me to one of the workshops. Inside was a brute of a man dressed in the white robes of a Master in a room filled with glass vessels of different size and shape and who proceeded to show me how to fill these vessels with fine sand.

     I had seen these strange vessels before, they are used in someway to tell the passage of time, though how I don't know. I do know this, watching a Master add and remove tiny amount of sand from various vessels while I fetched and carried made a very long night. Why this needed to be done at night was something I didn't dare ask.

     My ruined chance for extra sleep plagued me through the whole night, until the Master sent me to my cell just as I could hear the sounds of the city awaken outside.

 

      Weary beyond measure, my restless mind won't allow me body to sleep, so it wasn't until the catacombs were fully alive with activity that I was able to fall asleep. My blessed taste of oblivion was short lived as a ruckus out in the corridor woke me. It was nothing more than barrels of pitch being rolled down the hallways, fuel for the torches, but the vibrations created by their passage had every rat in the area running for cover and that highway seemed to be through my cell.

     Knowing that trying to sleep anymore would be useless, I quickly dressed and went about my chores within the massive complex, even though I knew I had another long night ahead of me.

     Thankfully I was send to another Master, a kind old fool, who wished  for somebody to talk too, rather than labour for him.  I used this rare moment of freedom to perform some of the gladiators exercises in a quiet corner, while the old Master was deep in his cups. While my body was tired from lack of sleep, knowing that I did a "little" better this time than last, brought a tiny smile to my face.

 

      Today is a great day, one of my kinsmen is here!

     He is a slave to a Master who travels outside of the city looking for fighters to perform in the Arena. A couple times a year his Master comes to the arena unknown reasons, reasons that my kinsmen won't speak of.

     Since I toiled the night before, I was allowed to sleep late, giving my kinsmen and I some time to catch up on the affairs of the world. Most of what he says I don't understand but some of the images he paints in my mind stay with me for days.

     This time he also had something else for me, a full wineskin which he lifted from his Masters luggage before coming here. Alcohol of any kind is forbidden to us slaves, but many have found ways around that, though its not something I've tried often.

     But tonight was a special night, so my kinsmen and I hide within my cell and passed the wineskin between us as he told me of the many lands and peoples he has come across. I'm convinced that most of his stories are lie's, I mean who has ever heard of a giant with breathe of ice? But his stories lift me up and make me forget about my pitiful life in the catacombs beneath the arena.

     By the time the wineskin is empty, it is late and my kinsmen bids me farewell, hoping that we will meet again.

 

      If I had ever forgotten that i was slave, today I remembered it.

     Apparently my secret consumption of the contents of the wineskin from last added my sleep, since I failed to get up with the other slaves, causing an Overseer to seek me out.

     I was found snoring loudly atop my pallet with the wineskin on the bare stone floor beside me.I was roughly roused and taken before the Masters. I feared a whipping if not worse, but was "lucky" enough to just get punishment detail along with my other duties.

     So after my normal duties had been carried out I was ordered out onto the hot sands of the Arena to polish the copper fittings adoring the chariots used sometimes by the gladiators, then dragged to a nearby abandoned garden and put to work breaking up the ground so it could be used again. Once the sun started setting I was ordered back to the Arena and its familiar underground passageways, but any hope of a break, meal or even water were dashed when I was taken to the wheel room and ordered to power the machines allowing the chariots to be brought back down.

     Once done, with head and shoulders bowed I was escorted back to my tiny cell, where I promptly collapsed into an exhausted slumber.

 

     I was so stiff from my punishment detail yesterday that I dreaded the days toil ahead of me.

     Luckily, I  was pulled aside and told that I would be acting as personal servant to two of the Masters at a feast. Could it be that somebody felt sorry for me and gave me this easy detail? I find that hard to believe.

     From my position far in the back I was able to see various city officials give speeches  to the crowd, though they didn't seem to be saying much, but everybody nodded and clapped their hands.

     Other than fetching and carrying meals for the Masters, I was left alone and able to sneak a couple bits for myself. There were other slaves running to and fro, some looked to be better treated than myself, though many less with bruises in open display. Perhaps I'm luckier than I thought.

 

     Apparently today was some kind of holiday to the citizens of the city, best I could figure out that it might have something to do with one of their goddesses, though fertility or death I couldn't figure out.

     I was part of a detail tasked with cleaning up one of the cities cemeteries, the work was hard but the weather mild, so I was able to toil in peace. After our effort was done to the satisfaction of the Overseer, we were used as laborers to help deliver flowers and such to some of the older female citizens, perhaps as a thank you for some service or other?

 

     Like so many of my days, this one was just another of boring work and mind numbing routine. Doing tasks that will never be appreciated though noticed if missed, days like this give me the chance to escape mentally while my body goes through its paces.

 

      Mindless tasks fill my day. Overseers ordering us to do jobs that could be done easier if we were listened too, but a quick backhand would be the only thanks we would get so I try and keep my peace.

     And if the mindless running around wasn't bad enough, I was tasked with unclogging the Arena's public washrooms, a job done in the dark with glowing red eyes and the scamper of tiny feet my only company. Dirty and filthy, I was not fit to be around the Masters and was "allowed" the privilege of a cold bath.

     Tired and discouraged, I ate two portions of our unhealthy gruel before retiring to my hard wooden pallet.

 

 

     Berating myself for falling into a depression and thinking that the heavy tasteless gruel of the slave pens could fill the emptiness, I vowed to redouble my secret efforts to improve my lot in life and hopefully gain my freedom from these catacombs.

     So before heading out of my cell, I tried once again the strength building exercises I had seen the gladiators perform. The week in between my efforts was telling, since it was just as difficult if not worse than last time, but I was pleased with myself never the less.

     Once again I was sent out as part of a work party outside of the catacombs, something that I was never a part of before, though other slaves were. Perhaps the Overseers think I'm now strong effort for other chores? I doubt I'll ever know, though I do know that breathing in fresh air even while bent over planting crops is a blessing over the choking dust of the catacombs.

     After a long day planting seeds, I was looking forward to my pallet, hard as it may be, but sleep was not in my near future.

     I was ordered to assist preparing and serving a late night meal to a select group of older Masters who are all members of some kind on mysterious society. All I know was that once again I feel to temptation and stole a few choice bits of rich juicy meat, though I was careful not to get caught.

 

     While the poor food, unclean conditions and unhealthy atmosphere are constantly wearing down my soul, sometimes it's the faceless/voiceless part of my existence that depresses me the most. For example, I was told that I needed to be part of a group and receive instruction from the Masters about the proper way to assist them in their magical arts. I tried telling an Overseer, that I took part in this training months ago, but since they didn't remember, I had to do it again. If that wasn't bad enough, I was then ordered to perform chores throughout the night. I was little more than a walking shadow, when finally allowed to find my pallet.

 

      After a short sleep, my life as a walking shadow continued as most of them do, one mindless task to the next. The work keeps my body going, but leaves my mind to fall prey to all the possibilities that will never be. I can see why some of my fellow slaves steal drink or drugs from some of the Masters, maybe numbing yourself to reality works for some, but I can't help but see it as lying to oneself.

     These late night chores for the Masters leave me too much time to think, I see my thoughts turning morbid at these times. Thankfully, I was also free enough to slip away without being seen and performed some of the exercises the gladiators perform to strengthen their bodies. I can't seem to do any more than before, though I'm not as stiff from trying as I was.

 

      I think the Creator of all things was looking out for me today, at least the Overseer's and the like seemed to have forgotten about me, as I was allowed to sleep late after being on night duty. This being combined with a holy day, the Arena was closed and slaves, gladiator's and the like were largely left to fend for ourselves.

     Most of us did our necessary chores, but little other than that. Instead we retreated to the slave halls and quietly tried to make merry, allowing ourselves to forgot for a little while our dismal lives within the catacombs.

 

     My life has turned into a whirlwind of activity. With my fate tied to that of the Masters, I was sent all over the city on senseless errands, not given any refreshment when completed, my only reward being more errands.

     I was sent to help plant crops in an abandoned lot, and when only partly done, sent to fetch treats for a testy Master, after which being sent to the far side of the city to pick up a package that had already been delivered.

     I have been so busy lately, that if I wore sandals, I would have holes in them. One bit of good news though, I hope to be able to watch an new instructor train the Gladiators in a few days, if I can sneak away from my duties.

 

 

[petefeet]

My weekly scoring system: Opinions?

 

Everyday I'm under or at my calorie budget for the day 5 point (So a max of 35 per week)

 

Each Body Building Weight Workout 10 points (Aiming for 2 per week so 20 is goal)

 

Each Cardio Workout 10 points (Aiming for 2 per week so 20 is goal)

 

Every 2 hours spent working towards life quest 10 points

 

So... assuming I met my above goals, excluding life quest would be 75 points, that's a "B" right?

[snark]

Wow, sounds like you have already made some amazing progress in the last nine months, congrats!!

With switching more to a focus on doing strength workouts rather than just on losing weight now that you're in a pretty healthy range, have you also been keeping track of your measurements? Those can be really motivating as evidence that your bodyweight is moving around to preferable places, even when it's dropping more slowly.

 

For your points, you should really do whatever makes sense for you, in terms of tracking and also in terms of prioritizing what's important to you. A lot of people like to give themselves grades on each of the individual goals in addition to the overall grade. So maybe you nail the eating plan but get distracted from your basement buildout--you'd have an A for Goal 1 but a D (or whatever) for your life quest. 

Also, I would think that if you hit your goal targets, that should be an A! If you don't think that meeting the goals you have set is worthy of an A, maybe consider making the goals a little more aggressive?

 

Good luck, looking forward to seeing how your story unfolds (both RL and in your narrative)!

[Teros]

I keep it simple. Some people like points systems.  Other people like having charts and spreadsheets to add marks.  Scoring for me is an A, B, C, D per week. Add the 6 grades and average them at the end of the week.

 

Welcome!

[petefeet]

     I'm not sure what has happened, one minute I'm performing my normal mindless tasks within the catacombs of the Arena serving the Masters and the Gladiators, the next I find myself laying at the bottom of a small crater. My skin is red and raw, my slave robes tattered and singed, and my head feels like it's going to explode.

     Unable to steady myself enough to get my feet under me, I crawl to the top of the crater and see nothing but open countryside around me. It would seem that I'm in the middle of some farmers fields, since the ground is covered in vegetable plants, though they are just spring shoots as far as I can tell. Why this seems important, only my addled brain can tell, all I know is that the city which I've spend most of my life is nowhere to be seen.

     I don't know how long I lay there staring at nothing before some impulse caused me to realize that the sun was going down and it would be dark soon. Finally able to stand on my own, I mindlessly wandered through the vegetable field before coming upon an old barn.

     While no one was there when I dragged myself within its old plank walls, though evidence of recent activity could be seen. Maybe the farmer used this old barn as a loading and unloading site since work tools and clay pots were scattered around. My investigations were rewarded, for atop of an old bench sat a waterskin with beads of condensation still on its surface. Until I had seen the waterskin, I hadn't realized how thirsty I was, now my throat feel like it was filled with sand.

     With shaky hands I carefully and slowly brought the waterskin up to my mouth, fearful to spill a single drop of this precious life giving liquid. This simple drink seemed to throw a switch within my head, as the reality of my situation started to become real. I was no longer a slave to the Arena, and while I had no idea where I might be or how I got here, for the first time since I was a child, I was free.

     One other thing I did know, that in my current state, I wasn't fit to make anymore decisions until I had some rest and could think clearly again.

     With the last rays of the dying sun stabbing through the gaps in the barns boards, I was able to gather up a small pile of straw near a corner and fall into a deep sleep, uncertain what I would find when I woke.

 

 

Hey kids,

 

Last day before challenge starts and I'm looking forward to it. The Gf and I spent the day planting my garden, some tomato's, peppers, zuc's, cauliflower, and cabbage were put in. My peas and beans are already up.

 

One thing I did forget though, was to put on sunscreen! My legs and upper arms are as red as a lobster!. It's been so long since we've had a sunny day, it never even entered my head. Tomorrow is going to be painful, I can tell.

    

    

[Kareesh]

Good job on the weight loss. I love reading your story. Really draws one in. And running a bookstore from your basement sounds awesome, though I'm sure I would find it difficult to part with any books. And I would spend all day reading them. Heh...

 

Anywho, subbing because I don't want to miss this fantastic journey.

[Edigo]

Subbed

[GingaNinja]

Well done on your progress so far! 

[petefeet]

     My dreams that night were a mixture of twisted memories from my life in the Arena, though now with me as a Gladiator rather than a slave. While I knew that this wasn't the way it was, a old and weakened voice, whispered "Actions make us Hero's, inaction can only make you a slave".

     Just as I was about to call out to this odd voice and ask what it meant, I was jerked back to wakefulness as I found the middle tine of a pitchfork pricking beneath my chin and a looming shadow standing above me.

     "Now what you be? Thief or Murderer? Either will get you the noose!" said a rough male voice

     "Oh, don't be silly Grandpa, can't you see he's hurt and what would a thief want with your tomato plants?" a voice female voice scolded the old man, apparently her Grandfather.

     The pitchfork retreated slightly and a set of old rheumy eyes peered down at me. "Tis only a halfling anyway, if my tomato's had been ripe, then we would'a had a problem..."

     Pushing her Grandfather away, the young woman ("Jan" I later learned) extended her hand and helped me up, only to have to grab me as I almost collapsed again. "How badly are you hurt? When did you last eat or drink?"

     The next couple of hours are a blur as Jan striped me of my burned and tattered robes, spread some salve on my burns and dressed me in some old workman's clothes, before almost forcing me to eat the meal she had brought for her and her Grandfather, all the while the old man puttered around the barn pitchfork in hand.

     With warm clothes on my back, my painful burns fading to a mild ache and my stomach full, I started to feel my normal self. Seeing this Jan asked me how I got here and where I came from. I said that I came from the city and I don't know how I got here.   

     "But which city?" she asked?

     "I don't understand what you mean, which city? You mean there is more than one?"

     This statement brought a sharp laugh from the old man, "Darn fool, don't even know what city it be from! Enough of this silly talk, we've lost daylight and our lunch because of this short feller, the least you can do is earn your keep by helping us from the rest of the day."

     Jan's protests feel on deaf ears, and in truth I did feel beholden to the pair for the food and clothes they provided.

     So with my mind still a whirl of unanswered questions, I spend the rest of the day working along side of Jan and her Grandfather as they planted and weeded several acres of tomato plants and cleaning out their watering tank.

     We were just about to stop for a mid-day break when I looked up and saw a tiny hut on the edge of the field. "Who lives there I asked?" Jan's Grandfather just glared at me and stomped away.

     "Normally Grandfather and I stay there during planting and harvesting so we don't have to travel into the village as much, but this year a huge nasty rat has made a den in the hut and we can't get rid of it."

     To this day I don't know why I did it, but before I realized that my mouth was open, I said "I'll take care of it!"

     "You! a weak and unarmed halfling! You think you can kill that beast, when me, a member of the militia in me younger days can't" bellowed Grandfather.

     Determined to pay back Jan for all her kindness, I started towards the hut, but she caught my arm.

     "If you're going to do this, you should at least try and prepare yourself." Jan said, as she guided my back to the barn.

      With limited resources at my command, I though back to my days working in the Arena and tried to think how the Gladiators prepare before battle. My new-to-me work clothes were as tough as anything else I could see in the barn, nor was there anything resembling a shield and none of the work gloves would fit my hands. So tearing long strips from my discarded burned robe, I wound them around my hands as some limited form of protection before grabbing the pitchfork from the tool rack and marching back to the hut.

     Neither Jan or her Grandfather said anything to me as I passed them and came up to the hut's open door. Pushing the door to the tiny hut fully open I saw nothing but a couple bunk beds, a small wood stove and a stool, no sign of a monster rat.

     With my pitchfork held straight out in front of me as I remembered the Gladiators doing, I entered the hut. With no windows, the only light was what came through the open door, most of which I was blocking. Standing off to the side I frantically waved the pitchfork in front of me, but no attack came. Convinced that the Rat had moved on I nevertheless decided to search every inch of the hut.

     The only place left was under the bunk bed, and with the pitchfork ready I advanced only to hear a sharp crack come from the floorboards under my feet. I was just about to dismiss this when I heard heavy snorting coming from under the wooden floor. While normally rather nimble, today my luck failed as the boards beneath my feet  broke in two and pitched me into a hollow cavity under the hut.

     I wasn't even able to get back on my feet before the massive rat I was warned about charged at me. I was barely able to get my hands up in front of my face before it hit. Something broke within me, or maybe it was let free.... but either way I decided that I wasn't going to be the one how died today.

     With the pitchfork lost in the darkness, nor with the room to use it, I fought with the only weapons I had, my rag wrapped fists. The massive rat and I rolled and tumbled around it's den, it snapping at me and with its razor sharp teeth and me taking a swing when safe to do so.

     I don't know how long we fought before I realized that I could see clearly, my hands wrapped in the tattered and burned robes from my former life started to glow as sparks grew along my hands. For the first time since the fight started, I could see fear in the beady eyes of the rat. Confused be what was happening, I couldn't stop to wonder, but instead put every ounce of strength I had into my punches. Now when I hit the rat sparks flew and I could smell burned hair.

     Realizing that it was outmatched the rat tried to slip past me and flee out of it's hole, but I caught it around its neck and squeezed with all the pent up rage within me as my glowing hands burned through its flesh.

     The rat was quite dead before I could force myself to release my unharmed hands from around the charred flesh, its blacked skull all that was left of its head.

     Weary belong belief, I dragged myself out of the rats underground den and stumbled out of the hut, walking towards an amazed Jan and her Grandfather.

 

Clearly this post got away from me, took an hour to write, but figured a new adventure needed a good first post.

 

Highlight of my day today was too get rid of a dead mouse one of the women found in a trap and help pressure wash moss growing in out cooling towers (Boiler and Refrigeration Operator by trade).

 

Main quest: Working hard at living a healthier life.

 

Side Quests: 1. Stayed with calorie budget for the day.

                     2. When for a walk after supper around my sub-division (1 out of 2 Cardio for week done)

                     3. Might do Body Building Weight Workout tomorrow

 

Life Quest: Haven't worked on basement project in about a week, need a rainy day I guess.

    

[petefeet]

    

     weird double post?

[Swampling]

Solid start! Welcome back!

[Thom Stépan]

Love the story, I will try and pop in when I can.

[T2sarahconnor]

Great goals! Glad to have you with us in RPG! Haven't started reading your story in green yet. Not that I am not interested, just like to wait till there is more then curl up to read on a rainy day!

Just refinished my basement. I feel for you. Took me a year. Summer sunny days kept me from it many a day.

Can't wait to see you kick this challenge in the butt.

[Talvi]

Subbed, and looking forward to your challenge!!!!

[rita lin]

Your journey already has been amazing! I'm sure you'll rock this challenge. I love the idea of your small business, and I really hope everything goes well for you

 

I tend to work on a very simple 5 point score for the week on each of my goals. So If I did goal 100% for the week that's 5 points, and I have it in a spreadsheet that averages it all out at the end and I then equate that to grades

[petefeet]

     For the first time in my life I've had somebody look at me in fear and I find it unsettling.

 

     After my battle with the massive rat, Jan and her Grandfather seems almost scared of me. Their words were filled with praise and thanks for clearing out the den beneath the tiny hut, but once they saw the creatures burned remains and the faint trails of smoke coming off my hand wraps, they made sure to never stand with their backs to me and several times I caught them casting furtive glances when they thought I wasn't looking,

 

     You could also see the tension flow out of them when I stated that it was time for me to hit the road, though where I was going I still had no idea. So with a full waterskin, an old canvas bag and a handful of dried fruit, all courtesy of Jan and her Grandfather, I bid them well and left.

 

     I travelled for a couple days, the long walks through the countryside seemed to energize me in a weird way, while I didn't know my destination, I was enjoying the journey.

 

     Just as night started to fall on the third day since my mysterious arrival in this strange land, I came upon a signpost. It was a simple affair, an old square and compass nailed to a rough plank at the edge of a narrow offshoot to the trail I was following. This was the first signs of habitation since I had left Jan and her Grandfather, so I decided to take the risk and see if I could beg a roof over my head for the night.

 

     Instead of a Inn or country estate, it would appear that I have come across a small Hermitage. It was a simple stone keep tucked into the forest with a few small outbuildings and gardens surrounding it. Unsure how to precede, the choice was made for me as I heard a loud voice call out.

 

     "You there, how might you be on this fair night?"

 

     Turning around, I noticed an elderly man humbling towards me with the aid of two canes, he seemed to be on the verge of falling into a tangled heap at any minute, but made it to me upright and smiling.

 

     He introduced himself as "Brother Charlie" and welcomed me to their small order. They were a group of men, for the most part removed from the outside world, spending their last years in fellowship and study, while offering assistance to any travellers who happened their way.

 

     My lack of funds or trading items didn't seem to make a difference in the way I was treated, my offer to work for my supper was accepted as suitable payment and was even offered a place to spend the night in exchange for helping in the kitchens. My skills learned in my last life as a slave in the Arena's catacombs came in handy as I did my best to return the kindness these gentle souls had shown me.

 

Life's been busy lately, seems to happen this way every summer. Was lucky to take a break and go to lodge last night (I'm a freemason, square & compass reference) and spend time with other men who share the same values and morals as I do. This year I'm a steward, which are the guys who get the tea & coffee and snacks ready after the meeting.

 

Main Quest: My world's been busy lately, but have been able to loose another pound, putting me around 192 lbs. I do find that this summer I seem to have more energy after work than I did last year at this time.

 

Side Quest: 1. Been keeping my food/exercise log on www.loseit.com and have stayed within my budget.

                    2. Been doing lots of walking lately since the weather is so nice, have 2/2 done already for the week

                    3. Haven't done a BBWW yet, need to switch up my routine from last challenge. I just don't seem to like the exercises much, making it hard to motivate myself to do them. When I walk, I can let my mind wander, work on stuff etc, but I need to focus SO much when doing the BBWW, need to improve this.

 

Life Quest: Nothing yet this week. Do have a couple "In progress" pictures of my basement project in my "gallery".

[Thom Stépan]

    

     weird double post?

 

Welcome to NF! We all get double posts sometimes. Or even triple. 

[petefeet]

     My travels on the road have given me time to reflect on my past life and think about what I want for the future. Though massive decisions like that are often pushed to the back on my mind as minor matters such as my next meal and where can I find a warm place to sleep seem to always jump to the top of the list.

 

     I was lucky the other day though. Tired and soaking wet from the rain, I stumbled into a small town that seemed to meeting in a local hall just as dawn broke. With my stomach about to rebel against me and my feet partly frozen from the wet mud, I decided to risk a rude welcome and entered the hall.

 

     Taking one look at me, an elderly gentleman told me to warm up in the kitchen and if I was willing to serve the townsfolk at this community morning feast, I was welcome to whatever remained.

 

     The thought of having to wait until end of the meal before eating, almost caused me to lose my temper, before I realized that this old man was showing me a kindness, where another might not. So, resigned to my fate, I donned an apron and served a happy group of villagers who braved the early morning rain to show community support.

 

     I did fall into temptation at one point though, and stole a quick bite of a woman's bread to fortify me the rest of the morning, a villager saw me do so, but just through me a wink.

 

     After several hours of labor and the cleaning up that such an event causes I was given the leftovers. I was a bit saddened that all the bacon and sausage were gone, but had my fill of eggs and bread before continuing my travels.

 

 

Real life has me as busy as I feared, leaving little online time. This is the last day of the first week of the six week challenge and I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I haven't done a single BBWW this week, though have done lots of Cardio.

 

Yesterday was our monthly lodge breakfast in which I served as per usually, one of our busiest ones yet, we served around 115 members of the community. I did get a bit of a chuckle from the crowd as I grabbed a piece of my Gf's toast (She was sitting by herself) and ate it, while saying "I'm sorry I didn't get your name". I'm lucky she didn't kick me! Only downside from the event was that I slipped on a wet spot on the floor and pulled something in my back, hard to get comfortable now.

 

Main Quest: I was down to 188 lbs at one point, but back up to 191, as Gf and I are on vacation this week, so more regular meals and snacks etc.. since she's here. Only way she eats right is if I cook for her.

 

Side Quest: 1. Been logging food and weight everyday, with 5/7 days being under calorie budget and the other 2 within 20-40 calories over.

                    2. 5/2 Cardio workouts done (all walking), been nice outside, so enjoying it.

                    3. 0/2 BBWW done, need to really smarten up.

 

Life Quest: Didn't get anything done in the basement all week, barely had a chance to even look at it.

[Talvi]

You shouldn't be disappointed in that.  You went well over your cardio quota!  You could even incorporate some periodic squats or pushups if you want to make sure that you keep up with bodyweight exercises.

 

Loving the story

[Swampling]

It can be difficult to kill your goals perfectly when there's so much stress and so little time. For being so crazy-busy, I think you did really well in week 1!

 

I second Talvi's idea of sneaking in occasional squats or pushups or whatever fits in your day, splitting things up. Amazing how those little things can add up!

[Kareesh]

Maybe we can figure out how to exercise while cooking. I love to cook, but I tend to "taste" it quite frequently. Maybe squats while waiting for water to boil? Or...I dunno. I'm horrible at this sort of stuff. 

 

Hopefully your back is feeling better.

[Feowyn]

You have quite a way with words. I felt I was right there with you watching everything happen. Looks like you're doing pretty well so far. I struggled with my workouts last challenge too. Glad to hear your gf is at least open to eating better and good for you for cooking Hope the rest of the challenge goes well for you despite the busyness.

[petefeet]

     The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity. I could tell you the story how I stumbled upon a mad cleric who wanted to stick metal clamps in my mouth so he could look for my soul, or the group of poor children walking from temple to temple looking for food and shelter, but instead of those I have something different.

 

     After breaking free from the clutches of the mad cleric I paused a minute at a crossroads to catch my breathe and count my blessings when one of the posters on the signpost caught my attention.

 

     This poster invited all those "traveling from the west, headed east" to witness a ceremony of fellowship at a nearby village at dusk. Still a bit heady from my successful flight from the mad cleric, I felt like celebrating and this sounded like the perfect way, the only downside was that the town was 5 kilometers away and it was almost dusk.

 

     While I rarely ran in my former life as a slave, when I did it was for short distances, never something like this, but determined to make the ceremony I started jogging.

 

     I quickly became tired, but tried to focus on my surroundings rather than my fatigue. The day was beautiful, the air warm and with a slight breeze carrying the scent of the blooming blackberry canes, I was able to push myself to the next tree and then the next til I had to stop jogging though still walking along. After walking for a bit, I was able to catch my breathe and started jogging again. It was in this manner that I was able to travel the 5 kilometers in 45 minutes.

 

     Red faced and winded from my efforts I still felt very proud of myself for trying something that had otherwise be foreign to me. I made it to the village in time to witness the ceremony of fellowship being performed, I didn't understand everything that was happening, but it appeared that the people were formally accepting a new person into their fold.

 

     Everybody seemed quite excited by this ceremony and the feasting afterward. It was clear that I was a stranger to their village, but I was accepted anyways and made welcome.

 

 

Hey kids,

 

I've been on vacation this week, so limited online time. Been trying to get a bunch of home projects done, but my Gf took this week off as well and I find it hard to get anything done while she is here, too many years solo.

 

My "mad cleric" was the Dentist, and the "wandering children" was my Lodge presenting a $2000.00 cheque to the local school's breakfast program.

 

The "ceremony of fellowship" was another nearby lodge initiating a new member so I went to watch.

 

And the jogging was this weeks mini-challenge for the RPG fanatic, a cardio other than walking. My first time trying jogging, it didn't completely suck, had a beautiful route on a local walking trail with robins running along beside me, chipmunks darting out in front of me, frogs in the pond, dragonflies swooping etc... I would jog as much as I could, then walk til had my breathe back then jog again. Did 5km in 45 minutes.

 

Main Quest: Still in the 190 +/- lbs range, being on vacation does make it much harder though

 

Side Quests: 1. Stayed within calorie budget 3/4 days this week, found a box of Christmas chocolate last night and couldn't help myself. Weird thing is, I'm a salt guy not a sweet tooth. 

 

                     2. I've done 3 out of 2 Cardio workouts

 

                     3. I've done 0 of 2 BBWW workouts

 

Life Quest: Got a solid 2 hours effort done in basement the other day while Gf took her sister to Doctor's app. Have the south and west walls covered in foam, need to build 2x4 walls in front of them now.

[Teros]

     . Weird thing is, I'm a salt guy not a sweet tooth.

Oh, people are one or the other? My brain must be f#!@ed  

 

Enjoy the rest of your vaca!

[ChristArtist]

I finally found my way here - HI!

subbed and following...congrats on the 5k - great time for a first run!