[JediNickD] Level 17: "This is a dangerous time for you"

[JediNickD]

Last challenge, I used the second half of this scene.  This challenge, I wanted to go back and capture a lesson from a few lines earlier. 
 
From Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (bold emphasis mine):
 

[Yoda tries to convince Luke not to leave]
Yoda: You must not go!
Luke: But Han and Leia will die if I don't.
[Obi-Wan's Force-spirit suddenly appears]
Obi-Wan: You don't know that. Even Yoda cannot see their fate.
Luke: But I can help them! I feel the Force!
Obi-Wan: But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force.

Obi-wan introduces a concept which is a common thread throughout the Star Wars stories. The Dark Side of the Force is tempting and seductive.  It corrupts Jedi who wish to find the easy path, who wish to meet their own goals , and who wish suffering on to others.  This does not directly relate to real world Jedi, because no one is wielding the Force; however, we do find ourselves in positions of power.  How we wield that power determines whether we work towards the Light Side or the Dark Side.  Using the power to serve one's self instead of helping others is not very Jedi.  When first entering that position of power, it is a dangerous time, because one is tempted to complete their own personal goals before helping those they are in the position to serve.  If one looks at the position as a service position as opposed to a ruling one, then that leader will work towards other people's goals first, with their own personal goals being secondary.
 
Now, the Challenge!
My mission is to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow.
 
I started on Monday, but I wasn't able to put my post together until today. I'm keeping it similar as last challenge with a couple upgrades.

My main quest with attribute points is below:

• FITNESS: Build STA +2 and DEX +1 by Running, Sprinting, Hiking, Biking, Rowing, Rollerblading, or Training (HIIT or Sports) for 20 minutes or more, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday preferred).

Increase the intensity!  I'm not done until I'm drenched in sweat!

• FITNESS: Build STR +3 and DEX +1 by completing 400 minutes of Sports Training* and meeting at least 90 % of my fitness side quest goals.

I've a few exercises to my fitness side quest goals. Let's see if I can rock another 100%.

• DIET: Build CON +2 by eating "Healthy Meals"** 25 times or more, eating "Unhealthy Food"*** 25 times or less and count their calories, drinking 280 fl oz of Dr Pepper or less, taking care of my skin and lips by applying moisturizer 80 times or more (twice daily), brushing (twice daily) and flossing (once daily) 120 times or more.

Looking to make some small strides here and count some calories.

• LIFE: Build WIS +3 and CHA +3 by completing two Toastmaster Speeches, participating in Table Topics thrice and Meeting Roles four times, and completing two lessons from the IJRS Personal 101 Manual in Jedi Training.

I picked up a new Competent Leadership Manual to work on.  Meeting roles are a big part of that manual.

* - Training or playing Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, Football, Hockey, Swimming, or Racquet Ball
** - "Healthy Meals" means no grease, minimal fat and calories, mostly veggies, meat, and fruit, while avoiding starches. Breakfast is not included in count.
*** - "Unhealthy Food" means anything with excessive grease, fat or sugar, empty calories, or any meal void of veggies or fruit.  Breakfast is not included in count. 
NOTE: By these terms, a meal can be neither healthy nor unhealthy.  These are neutral meals which I still need to watch my portions on, but will not be tracking this challenge. 


SIDE CHALLENGE GOALS

• FITNESS
  • Barbells
    • Deadlift = 205 lbs, 30 reps
    • Back Squat = 225 lbs, 30 reps
    • Incline Bench = 150 lbs, 30 reps
    • Decline Bench = 150 lbs, 30 reps
    • Bench Press = 215 lbs, 30 reps
    • Overhead Press = 80 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 95 lbs, 30 reps
  • Dumbells
    • Bench Press = lbs, 30 reps
    • Fly = lbs, 30 reps
    • Overhead Press = lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = lbs, 30 reps
    • Row = lbs, 30 reps
    • Side Raise = lbs, 30 reps
    • Goblet Squat = 95 lbs, 60 reps
    • Tricep Ext = lbs, 30 reps
  • Bodyweight Exercises
    • Leg Press = 1250 lbs, 120 reps
    • Leg Ext = 220 lbs, 120 reps
    • Burpee = lbs, 200 reps
    • Mount Climbers = lbs, 200 reps
    • HS PU = lbs, 60 reps
    • Pull Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Chin Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Hammer Pull Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Dip = lbs, 120 reps
    • Dive Bomber = lbs, 100 reps
    • Push Up = lbs, 400 reps
  • Abdominal Exercises
    • Crunch = lbs, 600 reps
    • Bicycle Crunch = lbs, 600 reps
    • Leg Lift = lbs, 200 reps
    • Side Leg Lift = lbs, 300 reps
    • Oblique Twist = lbs, 600 reps
    • Side Bend = lbs, 300 reps
    • Side Raise = lbs, 300 reps
    • Rollout Wheel = lbs, 400 reps
    • Reverse Situp = lbs, 200 reps
  • Cardio
    • Sprinting Distance = meters, 30 reps
    • 3 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
    • 2 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
    • 1 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
• DIET
  • Diet
    • Skin and Lip Care = 40 qty
    • Dr Pepper = 280 fl oz
    • Healthy Meals = 25 qty
    • Unhealthy Food = 25 servings
    • Brush & Floss = 120 qty
• LIFE
  • Family
  • NF Community
    • Challenge Thread = 6 qty
    • Battle Log = 40 qty
    • Epic Quest = 2 qty
    • Mini Challenge = 6 qty
  • Toastmasters
    • Manual Lessons = 2 qty
    • Officer / Governor = 800 min
    • Mentoring / Coach = 500 min
    • Meeting Roles = 4 qty
    • Table Topics = 3 qty
  • Jedi
    • IJRS Personal 101 = 2 qty
    • Jedi Reading = 500 min
  • Geocaching

[JediNickD]

Mini Challenge Week 1:  Rowed 2.5 km, Walked 2 miles, Ran 4 miles = 9.9 miles

 

My team made the goal of 50 miles.  WOOT WOOT!

 

 

I finished IJRS Personal 101 Lesson 3 on Thursday. 

 

I have some speech ideas for my next speech, but haven't written anything yet.  August 12th, 27th and September 2nd are my target dates for giving speeches.  I am working on the Storytelling and Special Occasion Speech Manuals.  The Special Occasion manual is easy to do as Area Governor.  I have already done 2 (Mastering the Toast and Presenting an Award).  I think I can do another speech from that manual on the 12th with an award presentation for the Speaking in Praise project.  For the Accepting an Award, I can do an acceptance speech for my Triple Crown Award I received last month.  I am trying to come up with a good idea for The Roast, but failing, because I can't pick a victim. 

 

The Storytelling manual will be a little harder to work as it falls outside what my current plan for speeches are (leadership and management speeches).  Since, I am only one speech in, I will put it on hold and work on another manual (plus another Competent Communicator manual).  I can save the Storytelling for my next Advanced Award.

[JediNickD]

Well, I ended up gearing my "Do Stuff That Scares You" speech to motivate people to compete in the club contests.  It worked pretty well.  I counted it on my CC.  I also started to lay out my speech about the Vice President of Education position I held last year.  I plan to do one for each Officer role, eventhough I haven't served them all, but I want to hold off doing them until the Spring before we elect new officers.  I'll need to fill out some other speech ideas before then. 

 

I'm looking at taking a Project Management course to help me in my career.  Pursuing a PhD would help more for where I am right now, but I need to wait until my kids are older. 

 

Flag Football season is coming soon.  I'm not in good enough shape and I'm not sure I have the time.  Maybe I just play once a week.  We'll see.  Next four weeks I need to do a lot of running and sprinting coupled with plenty of flexibility, agility, and ball handling training.  Shooting some hoops ain't gonna cut it.

[JediNickD]

I attended the Toastmasters club which I am coaching last night.  They needed an extra speaker so I stepped in with my "What Are You Afraid Of?" speech which I did Tuesday.  It needed more preparation, as I didn't know the beginning or ending well enough to deliver without my notes.  But I got some of the best advice in my evaluation.  My speech had a lot of momentum both times when I had to refer to my notes.  She thought that if I just used the momentum and delivered a message, then it would have been more powerful and pesuasive than slowing down to check my notes.  I thought about that and how I delivered it on Tuesday, where I did just roll with some improvisation, because I had just rewrote the speech almost an hour before, so it was fresh in my head.  She is absolutely correct.  I needed to rehearse more to deliver the message I wanted, but when those words escaped me, I needed to take a short moment and find some new words.  I knew the direction I was going so improvising a small bit would have been not a problem.  Honestly, I just need to stop bringing notes to the lectern, because I use them as a crutch.  Leave them at my seat and just speak what is on my mind would be best.

[JediNickD]

Week 3 is almost in the books.  Checking my progress, I am at the halfway point for a bunch of my sub-goals.  I've even completed some too!  There are a handful which I haven't touched yet, but should be able to knock them out at any time. 

 

I did not enjoy my workout this morning.  Did 45 minutes of rugby training this morning and I was winded and weak.  It's been a long week and my body is just tired.  I've got recovery planned all weekend.  I'm planning to hit the field again on Monday or Tuesday (depending on weather) and really put the body to work. 

 

Also, my wife is sick and I feel like she might have given it to me.  This sore throat isn't from allergies. 

[Sloth the Enduring]

IJRS Personal 101 Manual in Jedi Training

 

I'm intrigued, could you tell me more about this?

[JediNickD]

The IJRS is the Institute for Jedi Realist Studies (http://instituteforj...iststudies.org/). I've been studying there for quite some time now. I really enjoy the lessons, exercises, and instructor interaction. 

 

I found this site through having known Jax, the site owner and creator, from other Jedi sites. I have not formally trained anywhere else or had any Jedi mentors. I had always been more comfortable teaching myself, because I do not believe in anything supernatural (whether God, gods, magic, or the Force), believe instead that everything has a scientific explanation.  My theories on "the Force" have changed over the years to reflect and incorporate String Theory, so I know see its existence and one’s ability to “interact†with it as something plausible with the right practice and training. With these revelations, I decided that I needed to see what formal training had to offer and picked this site as I felt most comfortable with Jax’s style.
 

Through my studies, I have become more experienced in mediation techniques, which I feel have improved my reaction time.  I have found that relying on intuition rather than going through all the logical processing has helped me reach a useful answer quicker, but not always the most useful.  When the answer must be black or white, then I always use logic, but I see my intuition can be trusted most the time.  I also learned I a lot about communication outside of just what is said, which has helped me immensely in my Toastmasters lessons.

 

What I really have learned is to look at everything, dissecting how I do something, why I do something, and how I feel about it.  Answering these questions correct poorly learned instincts and instinctual thoughts.  They will help build a better you. 

[JediNickD]

I had a bunch of Toastmaster meetings the last two weeks.  I was able to finish my Area visits while also meeting with Club and Area leaders seperately to help organize the 3 Area contests and 1 Division contest we are responsible for.  If both Adobe Reader and the Toastmasters website didn't crash today, then I'd have finished my reports too, but losing data twice kind of slowed me down.  I got one submitted of the three I had left.  Next week, I'll get the rest done.

 

In my goals, I completely underestimated how many hours I'd be contributing to being Area Governor and club officer in two clubs.  I've already doubled my goal.  With contest planning gearing up more and more, I could easily triple or even quadruple my goal!  I'll be sure to take this data into account next challenge.

[JediNickD]

We had a good weekend with family and friends celebrating 3 birthdays all in one.  My Brother-in-law and his son, as well as my four year old daughter all have bithdays this week, so we combined them all in a big party at my wife's parents house.  The only problem was too much unhealthy food.  I had trouble avoiding it.  Especially, the cake!  I have some make up work to do to get my weight back in order.

I also did the Ice Bucket Challenge! My brother and a six year old friend both challenged me on the same day, so I did a keg bucket and two beach-toy buckets. It was a lot of ice and water, and so cold! I did it on the beach and just jumped in the ocean after. I'll be donating to ALS as well in memory of a friend who died from ALS 8 years ago. Cheers to everyone who has been participating in some fashion!

[JediNickD]

The challenge is right on track.  Every goal should be completed on time as long as I stick to my schedule.  My Jedi Reading is the only one I need to push to complete.

 

My weight is still out of control.  One week is not long enough to judge, but there are many obstacles at home, namely, too much junk food.  I need more lettuce, carrots, peppers, and apples in the house.  Nuts would be good, too.  I need to go to the store.

 

My wife botched the garden again.  Just a waste of time and money.  I can't figure out how to get her healthier, because she doesn't want to do anything I recommend.  We have too many other priorities for her to make it one.  It is demotivating, which is probably why I give in to the junk food at home.  She is away this weekend, so I get full control over the meals.  Let's see what I can cook up! 

[Sloth the Enduring]

I'm glad things are on track for you.  

 

My wife and I were talking just today about how hard it is to get a garden to work.  We were comparing our meager results to our neighbors who seems to let his garden go, but always gets a bumper crop of all the things.  There's some secret knowledge there that I'm not privy to.  

 

Have you tried not keeping junk food in the house?  Or is that not a battle worth fighting with the spousal unit (been there...).  I mean this seriously, not as a smart ass, have you tried the Jedi philosophy to consider why your wife's lack of priority toward her nutrition is causing you to lose your will power?

[JediNickD]

I'm glad things are on track for you.  

 

My wife and I were talking just today about how hard it is to get a garden to work.  We were comparing our meager results to our neighbors who seems to let his garden go, but always gets a bumper crop of all the things.  There's some secret knowledge there that I'm not privy to.  

 

Have you tried not keeping junk food in the house?  Or is that not a battle worth fighting with the spousal unit (been there...).  I mean this seriously, not as a smart ass, have you tried the Jedi philosophy to consider why your wife's lack of priority toward her nutrition is causing you to lose your will power?

 

The junk food is a tough call.  My 4 year old is skin and bones, because she refuses to eat most the day.  Junk food (chips and candy) is one of the few things she'll eat consistently.  We have to use it as an appetizer on occasion.  I just need to keep my hands off of it.  Holidays are the real bandit here.  All the candy we buy and get from Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Birthdays, Valentines Day, and so on just pile up on the counter for months.  I've had to lock it up on several occasions, but I find the wrappers all over the house still (the wife and kids are terrible at being sneaky).  Before getting married, I hardly ever had candy around.  Now, it is a constant and difficult to avoid.  

 

Thanks for the comments.  You've given me some ideas to think about.  I should be leaning on Jedi practices when it comes to junk food.  I tell myself, "If i eat it, then she can't," but that is definitely not the right approach.

[JediNickD]

As of today, I have finished all my goals.  Nothing to catch up on or finish up over the last weekend or on Monday, so my between challenges fun week starts early!  Actually, in the gym it started a little earlier in the week as I had very little to finish up.  And same with Toastmasters stuff.  I got plenty of extra credit in that area.  

 

AND FOOTBALL STARTED LAST NIGHT!  HOORAY!  Sunday is going to be a good, good day.  

[JediNickD]

Sleep is something i could use one of these nights.  Since Wednesday last week when I stayed up late to wait for my wife to get home from her trip to Nova Scotia, I have been up late or earlier on numerous ocassions.  Football season plays a part in that, and I could just watch the game later or skip it entirely, but it's the first week and I couldn't sleep anyway.  FOOTBALL!  To add to the excitement, I am playing a lot of Madden and training to get ready for flag football season! 

 

Anyway, my point of posting was that sleep will be a luxury for another week as I have Toastmasters contests most the week with my contest on Saturday.  I have to prep for my contest on the days I am not at a contest.  I have help but it is very sparse until Saturday.  My wife is going to kill me, but I did permit her to have a girls night out Saturday night at Brew at the Zoo.  Hopefully, she'll enjoy her consolation. 

[JediNickD]

END OF CHALLENGE PROGRESS

• FITNESS (100%)
  • Barbells
    • Deadlift = 205 lbs, 30 reps
    • Back Squat = 225 lbs, 50 reps
    • Incline Bench = 150 lbs, 30 reps
    • Decline Bench = 150 lbs, 30 reps
    • Bench Press = 220 lbs, 33 reps
    • Overhead Press = 90 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 95 lbs, 50 reps
  • Dumbells
    • Bench Press = 55 lbs, 35 reps
    • Fly = 55 lbs, 35 reps
    • Overhead Press = 55 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 45 lbs, 35 reps
    • Row = 55 lbs, 60 reps
    • Side Raise = 20 lbs, 30 reps
    • Forearm Curl = 10 lbs, 20 reps
    • Reverse Forearm Curl = 10 lbs, 20 reps
    • Goblet Squat = 95 lbs, 60 reps
    • Tricep Ext = 65 lbs, 40 reps
  • Bodyweight Exercises
    • Leg Press = 1250 lbs, 180 reps
    • Leg Ext = 220 lbs, 160 reps
    • Burpee = 0 lbs, 200 reps
    • Mount Climbers = 0 lbs, 210 reps
    • HS PU = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Pull Up = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Chin Up = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Hammer Pull Up = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Dip = 0 lbs, 120 reps
    • Dive Bomber = 0 lbs, 110 reps
    • Push Up = 0 lbs, 440 reps
  • Abdominal Exercises
    • Crunch = 0 lbs, 600 reps
    • Bicycle Crunch = 0 lbs, 600 reps
    • Leg Lift = 0 lbs, 300 reps
    • Side Leg Lift = 0 lbs, 310 reps
    • Oblique Twist = 0 lbs, 600 reps
    • Side Bend = 0 lbs, 300 reps
    • Side Raise = 0 lbs, 320 reps
    • Rollout Wheel = 0 lbs, 400 reps
    • Reverse Situp = 0 lbs, 240 reps
  • Cardio
    • Sprinting Distance = 0 meters, 30 reps
    • 3 mile Jog = 0 min, 1 reps
    • 2 mile Jog = 0 min, 3 reps
    • 1 mile Jog = 0 min, 4 reps
    • HIIT = 20 min, 6 reps
    • Bike = 10.08 miles, 4 reps
    • Rowing = 13000 meters, 15 reps
• DIET (100%)
  • Diet
    • Skin and Lip Care = 43 qty
    • Dr Pepper = 244 fl oz
    • Healthy Meals = 27 qty
    • Unhealthy Food = 8200 calories = 22 servings
    • Brush & Floss = 130 qty
• LIFE (100%)
  • Family
  • NF Community
    • Challenge Thread = 11 qty
    • Battle Log = 42 qty
    • Epic Quest = 2 qty
    • Mini Challenge = 16 qty
  • Toastmasters
    • Manual Lessons = 3 qty
    • Officer / Governor = 1860 min
    • Mentoring / Coach = 525 min
    • Meeting Roles = 11 qty
    • Table Topics = 4 qty
  • Jedi
    • IJRS Personal 101 = 2 qty
    • Jedi Reading = 525 min
  • Geocaching
    • Caching = 2 qty

[JediNickD]

Time for Grades!

To re-iterate my mission, I am training to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow.

 

My main quest with attribute points in ORANGE and grades in RED is below:

• FITNESS: Build STA +2 and DEX +1 by Running, Sprinting, Hiking, Biking, Rowing, Rollerblading, or Training (HIIT or Sports) for 20 minutes or more, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday preferred). A

Intensity increased with much more sweat.  My gym clothes stink like a skunk when I get home. 

• FITNESS: Build STR +3 and DEX +1 by completing 400 minutes of Sports Training* and meeting at least 90 % of my fitness side quest goals.  A

100 % of my fitness goals and plenty of sports.

• DIET: Build CON +2 by eating "Healthy Meals"** 25 times or more, eating "Unhealthy Food"*** 25 times or less and count their calories, drinking 280 fl oz of Dr Pepper or less, taking care of my skin and lips by applying moisturizer 80 times or more (twice daily), brushing (twice daily) and flossing (once daily) 120 times or more. A

Counting calories of unhealthy food showed me my biggest weaknesses in diet.   

• LIFE: Build WIS +3 and CHA +3 by completing two Toastmaster Speeches, participating in Table Topics thrice and Meeting Roles four times, and completing two lessons from the IJRS Personal 101 Manual in Jedi Training. A

Easily done.

 

 

BONUS:  I participated in all phases of the Mini-Challenge!