CelebrateCeleste Gets There

[CelebrateCeleste]

Intro: Hi friends and future friends!  I'm Celeste and I'm so glad to know you all.  I work at a desk job, do technical theater on the side (where we wear black), design and make crafty things, dance at times, and really love where my life is carrying me.  

 

Motivation:  My first quest came with some very interesting revelations.  I spoke a bit about a self-image and strength that was lost in a very rough time, and that I wanted to find again.  I talked about wanting to keep up with others on adventures.  Instead, I found a more mature strength that spoke to what I have accomplished during and after the difficult time.  I want to continue that path.   I can lead the adventures.  So my motivation has a lot to do with the badassery that I see in my future (I use the word badassery a lot).  A future that contains the statement "I'm going there.  Come with me, if you'd like."

 

MAIN QUEST: Develop all six attributes in ways that benefit my physical and emotional health and assist me in my career path too to gain strength and reach my VERY long term goal of 120 pounds.

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

I love to dance.  I didn't start dancing successfully until I was 18, when a director/friend took me to a Lindy Hop (1930's swing) class.  I had enough time to get really good at it before the "Khakis Swing" Gap commercial and the movie "Swingers" was released.  When suddenly I was on the front edge of a fad... it was awesome!  I took 10 years off dancing and started back a few years ago.  The rust is still coming off.  I get self conscious a bit when people ask how long I've been dancing and the truth is "Since 1997.... just not consistently."  There are people who have only been swing dancing for 2 years who are much better  than me.  Because they work at it.  So, I will GET OUT THERE and dance no less than twice a week.  This can include swing, blues, tango, or salsa dancing, or any other style, because they are all social and physical.  My community offers many options for success at this goal.  Revamping this to be a cardio quest.  Dancing is cardio and is a great choice for meeting this challenge.  I will do 5 hours of cardio a week.

• A: 300 minutes, B:  250 minutes, C:  200 minutes
  

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

I love the feeling of physical strength, and right now I don't got it.  I took an aerial silks class this week, and I wasn't strong enough to climb the silks or do many of the moves.  I will be persistent and keep developing.  So to GET UP THERE, I will take one silks class a week, and do three body weight strength workouts a week, with a focus on the pull up and push up progression.  A rock climbing or similar class can be subbed for either of these items.

• A: 3 workouts, B: 2workouts, C: 1 workout
  

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

I have been gaining weight where I want to be losing it.  That gets in the way of my social confidence and athletic abilities.  My diet related quest will be to strictly limit (not completely eliminate) caloric beverages.  Here are the times where I will drink calories:  When I'm dancing at a venue or event where buying a beverage supports the dance.  For instance, there is one swing night that is at a beautiful hotel ballroom with a bar.  If the bar loses money on swing nights, they will stop hosting dances.  So it is appropriate to buy a glass of wine at that dance.  Other dance opportunities don't have food or beverage expectations, so if I go to a tango class, I won't drink any calories that day.  The other time is on Thursdays, when a coffee truck visits my work.  Heading down into the parking lot puts me in contact with coworkers from other parts of the building, and allowing people to learn about me and my job (and getting updated on the activities of other departments) in a low-key situation helps me do my job.  So.  unless I am at a dance or at the Thursday truck, I won't be drinking any calories.  That means that the limoncello I'm sipping right now will be my last until the challenge is done.  *sigh*

• A: 7 days complying, B: 5 days complying, C: 3 days complying
  

Part 2 of this quest is logging my meals and wearing my activity tracker.  I want at least a 500 calorie deficit daily.

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

I have one major career goal that will land during this challenge.  I will take a really important exam that will give me a certification that's respected among people in my field.  I know I can pass it, but I'm determined to pass with honors.  I will study one hour every work night until the exam.

• A: Studied 5 days B: Studied 4 days, C: Studied 3 days
  

 

Grand totals:

 

STR : 2 (A=2, B=1.5, C=1)

DEX : 1 (A=1, B=.5, C=.25)

STA : 1 (A=1, B=.5, F=0)

WIS : 2 (A=2, B=1, C=.5)

CHA : 2 (A=2, B=1, F=0)

 

REWARDS:  If I'm successful (B or better) in the main portion of my challenge, I will pamper my achy body with a spa day at an inn that allows clients to be on-grounds, by the pool or in the steam room all day if they buy one treatment.  

 

If I pass my test, I will take myself clothes shopping up to $250.  My clothes should fit differently, and the certification will earn me some professional respect.  I want to show professional confidence, too.  If I pass with honors, I'll raise my maximum to $400.  The opportunities that come with the honors mean that I might need a smart suit.

 

Looking forward to working with all of you!

Celeste

[Batwoman]

 

Great goals I'd like to be able to climb things. I want to install a rope outside my house... not sure what the neighbors would think about that.

[CelebrateCeleste]

Outside the house could be fun for the neighbors.  Of course, you'd have to find a way to keep the neighbor's kids off it (unless they have parental supervision, of course) and that defeats a lot of the purpose.

 

Now inside the house, no big deal.  Usually.  My college roommate tried to install a silk in her apartment.  Unfortunately, the stud was 14" away from the sheetrock, which she didn't anticipate, and she ended up pulling a large chunk of ceiling down.

[sylph]

Well that sounds messy...

[starsapart]

Subbed, sister!

[CelebrateCeleste]

T minus 4 days:

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There 

No social dancing today.  I opted for sleep, since I've been promising myself that I'll get some and it just hasn't happened.  So I said goodnight to darling man and sent him out.

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

No full workout, but working towards the pull ups I did 4 sets of hanging shrugs.  My assisted pull up bands should arrive tomorrow!!

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

It is coffee truck day.  Had a steamed milk with lavendar honey syrup and a good conversation with people who need to be comfortable with my department.

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

Studied one hour at work and one hour after.

 

In other news, had a very odd rambling conversation with coworkers that included the general insecurity of the internet.  One suggested that everyone should just live in cabins off the grid and live off the land.  I commented "That is always very tempting for me."  Another person said "I have a feeling you would survive very well with a bow and arrow."  While I have never used a bow and arrow, I suppose this means I'm developing a reputation for badassery around the office?!  I'm OK with that!

 

[Batwoman]

Badassery is always awesome. I would love to have a farm/cabin away from the world. That sounds stupendous. 

[holographicSam]

Your goals are all awesome! The aerial especially. I hope your life quest/career quest goes well!

 

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

I love to dance.  I didn't start dancing successfully until I was 18, when a director/friend took me to a Lindy Hop (1930's swing) class.  I had enough time to get really good at it before the "Khakis Swing" Gap commercial and the movie "Swingers" was released.  When suddenly I was on the front edge of a fad... it was awesome!  I took 10 years off dancing and started back a few years ago.  The rust is still coming off.  I get self conscious a bit when people ask how long I've been dancing and the truth is "Since 1997.... just not consistently."  There are people who have only been swing dancing for 2 years who are much better  than me.  Because they work at it.  So, I will GET OUT THERE and dance no less than twice a week.  This can include swing, blues, tango, or salsa dancing, or any other style, because they are all social and physical.  My community offers many options for success at this goal.

 

Haha, I understand what you mean. When people ask, I'm never sure whether to say "Well, since twelve years ago" Because I took a six year hiatus until about five months ago

[CelebrateCeleste]

Haha, I understand what you mean. When people ask, I'm never sure whether to say "Well, since twelve years ago" Because I took a six year hiatus until about five months ago

 

thanks, Sam!  I usually say "it depends on how you count.  I took a long break, and I still feel rusty."  Have a great challenge!

[holographicSam]

thanks, Sam!  I usually say "it depends on how you count.  I took a long break, and I still feel rusty."  Have a great challenge!

 

You too!

[CelebrateCeleste]

 

New experience!  I've never been whale watching before.  I went to visit my college roommate, and we hopped on a boat and saw hundreds and hundreds of common dolphins!  

 

I was proud because I didn't get motion sick (or at least kept it under control) by being "one with the boat."  And because the town I was visiting is the scene of the "rough time" I mention in my first entry of this challenge, I didn't freak out.  I tend to have flashbacks and the nerves get to me a while lot, but I did very well.  I got to enjoy my time with my old friend and see incredible watery joy!  Today I'm taking my brother out for breakfast, doing housework, studying, and exercise.  Looking forward to officially starting the challenge tomorrow!

[blkhole24601]

Finally found you and subbed~

 

Whale watching! Dolphins! Things I miss from living on the coast. I'm glad you did well on the boat ride, too!!

 

Looks like you have a great challenge ahead of you, good luck to you!!

[CelebrateCeleste]

Finally found you and subbed~

 

Whale watching! Dolphins! Things I miss from living on the coast. I'm glad you did well on the boat ride, too!!

 

Looks like you have a great challenge ahead of you, good luck to you!!

Thank you, dearie!  I will follow you back - if I haven't already... wishing you a great Monday!

[Balthazar]

Heya

 

loving your goals

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 1:  Here we go!!!

 

 

I'm excited!

[CelebrateCeleste]

So much excitement~  I'm getting a new toy to train with!  

http://www.holyoak-whips.com/blog/celestes-sonic-alignment

 

Whips are meditative, not actually weapons (though many will debate this, and I'll gladly have the talk) they are helpful with body alignment and fluidity.  I'll just be getting started learning, and I'm sure I'll put consistent training into a future challenge!  Should be on my doorstep in just a few days.

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 1:

 

 

Yesterday involved a bit of a plans-change.  My baby brother is now on a long and exciting vacation, but he needed some assistance with the launch.  Ended up picking him up in his town, so his car can stay in the garage, and taking him to connect with the traveling companions, who were a bit later than expected and not where they said they'd be.  I'm glad I was part of sending him off, he was nervous and we verbally got to do some checklists and reviewed procedures together.  Still, I missed the opportunity to complete some tasks.  No worries, I can still complete all my goals for the week, and I got some good housework done.

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing.  0/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

No silks, no workouts.  0/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Did great on this quest, though I did have a little bit of milk since my thai lunch had more heat than expected.  I still count this as a win. 1/7

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

1 hour studied between work and home.  1/5

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 2:

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing.  0/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

Did my workout, with a visit from a friend in the middle.  Hopefully she didn't think it was too weird that I was in workout wear for her whole visit, and I didn't think it was weird that she boldly explored my new apartment - she's going to try to move into the building when an opening appears.  Worked with my new elastic pullup assistance bands.  Can do 1.5 pull ups with the larger of the two bands.  Something to grow from!  And then I used two bands together for very springy sets of 8/5/5.

No silks, yes workout.  1/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Tea and water for me. 2/7

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

1 hour studied at work, inspired by another thread, I had Spotify make me a radio station based on the Assassins Creed 3 soundtrack.  Definitely badass music.  2/5

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 3:

 

My whip arrived in the mail.  Now is a good time to introduce my personal "Yoda:"

 

 

This is Dr. Mary DeLongis.  Scholar, athlete, stuntwoman, combat instructor and general badass.  

 

Here is her bio from CombatCon (where I met her):

A bio for Mary De Longis reads like a book on ADHD. A Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy, Mary spent 16 years in biomedical research before she met Anthony De Longis – the circus she ran away and joined. Bullwhip artist, horsewoman, knife and tomahawk thrower, cowboy action shooter, fight performer, wrangler, ranch manager – she’s a woman of many talents. Mary was a fight double, weapons trainer and coordinator’s assistant on QUEEN OF SWORDS, trained and wrangled horses for 2 seasons of Spike TV’s DEADLIEST WARRIOR, and was stunt double for the feature SIX GUN SAVIOR. She regularly does live performances with bullwhip with Anthony, including the 2014 Del Mar Night Of The Horse celebration, and was the featured Catwoman bullwhip expert for DC Nation. Mary and Anthony live just north of Los Angeles, CA at Rancho Indalo, along with their 4 horses and 2 dogs. They offer weapons training (bullwhip, swords, knives, guns, archery, knife/tomahawk throwing), extreme trail riding, fine dining and relaxing evenings at the ranch. For more information, visit http://www.delongis.com/indalo/

 

When I received my whip, I posted on Facebook thanking the whip maker and tagging Mary "I want to learn from you someday!"  She replied "OK!  We'll play someday!"  Time to up my personal badassery, I want someday to be soon!

 

About my quest:

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing.  I'd better go Thursday!  0/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

Rest day.

No silks, no workout.  1/4

 

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Tea and water for me. 3/7

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

1 hour studied at home.  3/5

[blkhole24601]

Holy crap, that woman is a BAMF!! Brains and immense talent! She's a fantastic Yoda for you.

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 4:

 

Work is getting a little hectic.  It will take a lot of effort to accomplish goals, and other things keep jumping onto my desk.  Happily, my little department keeps smiling despite adversity.

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing.  Salsa on Friday!  0/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)

Workout.  Did body weight rows in 15 rep sets.  

No silks, no workout.  2/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Had my weekly coffee truck beverage and team building opportunity.  The coffee truck makes their own syrups, and they offered something new.  Strawberry basil Italian soda.  Not healthy, but planned for.  4/7

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

1.5 hour between home and work.  4/5

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 5:

 

My work team took off early on Friday, so I didn't study at the end of the work day.  And lovely boyfriend was cooking a healthy dinner when I got home, so no studying at home either!  

 

We tried to go to salsa dancing class, but the college campus was impossible because of a big game.  All the traffic was being directed, parking only available for event permit holders, there was no way to get close to the classroom unless we lived on campus, had a disabled placard, or could fit into motorcycle parking.  We'll plan to take the bike next week.

 

So we had frozen yogurt (I had only a little yogurt with a bunch of fruit... and a smattering of fudge) and realized that a swing band we like was going to play downtown.  We went to the venue and had a cocktail at the patio bar, waited for the band to start. But the inside was mostly booked by a wedding party. We were told "the inside bar is reserved for the wedding, so you have to have a table and we'll deliver food and drinks from the outside...."  we went for it, had an appetizer and danced a couple dances, but no other dancers came.  So while I'll give myself the credit for going out dancing... it wasn't vary social.

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

Attempt at salsa, swing instead. 1/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)  

No silks, no workout.  2/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Had an allowable cocktail at a dance venue.  If we had succeeded in getting to the salsa dancing class this would not have been necessary.  Now we know to motorcycle to dance classes, to avoid traffic blocks.  5/7

 

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

No studying.  4/5

[Batwoman]

Sounds like a good night despite all the traffic and lack of socializing. Sometimes you just got to roll with it.

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 6:

 

Good day, but I did break the rules.  Went for a hike by the coast and spent the evening with friends.  They cooked a very healthy meal and then we roasted marshmallows in their new fire pit.  There was wine, and I enjoyed it.  

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing. 1/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)  

Hiking but no workout.  2/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

Drank caloric beverages.  5/7

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

No studying.  4/5

[CelebrateCeleste]

Day 7:

 

Wasn't feeling very well. Mostly just lethargic and icky.  Had to go see my parents, who just returned from vacation, and give them bad news about what had happened while they were away.  They knew that their cat had been sick and that grandma's best friend had died, but i told them about my brother's home being robbed and vandalized - he's now out of town, and wrote a letter.  While it was a conversation of "yes, it was bad, but we took care of it...." it upset them a lot and was no fun.

 

Told my parents about my new whip.  Shouldn't have.  My mom said "please don't let pictures of you and a whip get onto the internet..."  I must have looked confused because she followed up with "in your underwear.... because that's what people do...."  So I talked a bit about my Yoda and that seemed to ease tension.  Till I took the whip out of my car and unfurled it in the front yard to show mom.  "Oh God, the neighbors are gonna see this...."  Silly of me.

 

Last thing:  I need to reframe my challenge goals.  Weight loss is heading closer to the top of my list.  I want to keep gaining strength and get that pullup!  but not for silks.  For me.  the week ahead is going to be crazy busy - with good things - a huge theater project that will take every bit of my energy for two days, and other joys.  So I'll score Sunday and the week, then I'll make some edits.

 

QUEST 1: Get Out There (+2 CHA, +1 STA)

No dancing. 1/2

 

QUEST 2: Get Up There! (+2 STR, +1 DEX)  

No silks, no workout.  2/4

 

QUEST 3: Get Down There! (+2 CON)

No caloric drinks.  6/7

 

LIFE QUEST: Get Smart There (+2 WIS)

No studying.  4/5