[Ciara] Round Two

[Ciara]

INTRODUCTION: Hi Guys

I already attempted a challenge here and I crashed and burned fairly early on, and wasn't able to pick myself up. But that's ok! I'm here to try again. Hopefully in 6 weeks I will join the ranks of the Assassins! >

 

Disclaimer: I'm stealing starsapart's method of laying out her challenges. She is so logical!

 

MAIN QUEST: I've gotten a bit pudgy over the summer, and my clothes are starting to notice. The size 8 pants that used to be comfortable is getting tight and even my underwear no longer covers my entire bum, and my bra straps dig into my back so very painfully. I want to be able to fit into my clothes again!

 

QUEST 1: Workout (STR +3, STA +2)

I've decided to get a personal trainer since I'm not really able to maintain an exercise routine on my own. Hopefully I'll start that next week (the paperwork process is a bit slow) and I plan on meeting her twice a week. I don't know what I will be doing as far as exercises go but as soon as I do I'll make some kind of spreadsheet to monitor my progress! Beyond meeting twice a week, I want to work out on my own at least 2 more times. This could be twice to the gym, once to the gym and once to parkour classes, two fitness classes, two times to parkour, etc. As long as I hit the goal of working out four times a week for at least an hour at a time, I'll be golden.

• A: 4+ days complete, B: 3 days complete, C: 2 days complete

 

QUEST 2: Diet (CON +3)

I want to eventually eliminate all major sugars from my diet. I'm not going to go so far as to cut out ALL sugar EVERYWHERE- that's way too much for me in 6 weeks. I'm going to focus on sugar in my drinks (coffee, tea, frappes/smoothies/milkshakes/other) and sweet foods (ice cream, pastries, candies, etc). Week one will be a baseline week where I eat normally and just record what I'm eating. Week one will count as long as I record here every day what I ate. Starting at week 2, I'm going to start reducing the numbers of sweet treats I consume. Week 2 I'll eat no more than 4 sweet things (drinks and foods all inclusive), week 3 I'll eat no more than 3 sweet things, week 4 I'll eat no more than 2 sweet things, week 5 I'll eat no more than 1 sweet thing, and week 6 I'll be done with sweets. If I can do better than this, great! But I eat like 10 sweet things a day so even this will be a huge struggle and if I make it, a huge improvement.

• A: 6 weeks complete, B: 5 weeks complete, C: 4 weeks complete

 

QUEST 3: Mental Health (WIS +2)

I have bipolar disorder. It's controlled fairly well through medication...when I take it. I go off the meds for weeks and months at a time. I'm currently in a stage of my diagnosis where I'm just pushing against it angrily. I don't want to accept it. I don't want to take my medicine. But when I don't take my meds, I start feeling symptoms and my life is compromised. So my third challenge is more for the sake of my sanity and less for getting back into my underwear, but it's still important. I'm going to try to take my medicine every day for the next six weeks. I'll make a spreadsheet for that too and check off when I did and didn't take it. Also, I want to start meditating. I think it will be good for both mental and physical health to add that into my life. I want to just go to a meditation class one time a week for six weeks. That's all. If I start going more than that, fantastic. If I start meditating at home, superb. 1x a week is my minimum. I think I can handle that.

• Meds: A: Every day for 6 weeks, B: Every day for 5 weeks, C: Every day for 4 weeks
• Meditation: A: Once a week for 6 weeks, B: Once a weeks for 5 weeks, C: Once a week for 4 weeks

 

LIFE QUEST: HOARD MY TREASURE

This is the same life quest as starsapart. I just think as a college student this applies to me as well. I don't have a job right now and am totally relying on my parents to provide for everything. I hate it. So I'm going to try to limit my spending (of their money!!) to grocery shopping and transportation. I do need to buy a new pair of jeans since I wore a hole through one of my favorite pairs right where my thighs rub together (anyone know what I'm talking about?) and the other pair is wayy too tight. I also want to buy an extra bra to get me through this period of being too chubby for my normal bras. Beyond that though, groceries and transportation. I don't want to eat out at all anymore (unless someone else is paying!) because it's expensive as hell and I tend to overeat in restaurants anyway. I'm not giving myself attribute points or grading myself for this one though. I just want to try and be more mindful of my spending. 

 

Here's my spreadsheet: Google doc

 

The points thus come out like this, assuming I mathed correctly (I might not have):

 

STR : 3 (A: 3, B: 1.5, C: 1)

DEX : 2 (A: 2, B: 1, C: .5)

STA : 3 (A:3, B:1.5, C: 1)

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

CON: 5 (A: 5, B: 2.5, C: 1.6)

 

 

REWARDS: What would an epic quest be without treasure?  If I succeed, I will reward myself with something nice (that isn't food).  Rewards are stacking, meaning I get the A, B, and C rewards if I get to an A grade, the B and C rewards for B grade, and just the C reward for C grade.  Rewards are as follows:

 

A overall: Progress to Assassin's den! I know I could do that with a B or possibly even a C but I want redemption! I'm gonna enter with flying colors or not at all. I WILL do this.

B overall: Armor Upgrade 1: I don't have fancy workout gear. I know it's superfluous but if I get at least a B I'm going to buy one pair of those sexy yoga leggings I see girls in my gym wearing all the time. I just feel silly in my baggy shorts and long pants.

C overall:  Armor Upgrade!  I have really old sneakers (trainers) that are falling apart. If I get a C or higher I will invest in a new pair of gym shoes! Maybe I'll even indulge in a bright pretty color 

 

MOTIVATION: I want to eventually get to the point where I can look at myself and say "Yeah, I'm a BAMF." I want to complete this challenge for two reasons: One, I want to get in shape. Isn't that why we're all here? I wanna be strong and sexy and be awesome at parkour and I want to fly someday. I want to strut around and feel proud of where I've come from where I've been, and I want to continue for a long long time. Two: I want to finish something I started. I have a great track record for dropping out of things in the middle and feeling super bad about it. I wanna see this challenge through to the end and get that sense of accomplishment. I can do it if I try harder!

 

Before pictures: They exist in my gallery, and also somewhere in this thread.

 

Measurements:

Chest: 37.5"

Waist: 32"

Hips: 42.5"

Thigh: R: 25" L: 25.5"

Bicep: 12.25"

 

Pants size: 8/10

 

Start Weight: 166.4 (that's the highest number on the scale I've EVER seen. Even more motivation!)

 

EDITED to change grade B reward. I found a bigger frying pan at my parent's house that no one is using, so my old reward became obsolete. I know I have two armor upgrades now but honestly I am not well equipped to become an awesome assassin anyway.

 

EDITED AGAIN to change the order of the rewards. I decided that I need the sneakers and I don't need the leggings, so I made sneakers the C grade reward so that I'm more likely to get them even if I fall short, and the leggings the B reward since I'll have to work harder to get them.

[lishvicious]

How about an at home spa day? Treat yourself to a long bath, face mask, hair mask, manicure, pedicure - blah - that would certainly pep you up, and it wouldn't cost much either.

[GingaNinja]

Hey Ciara!

Good luck with this challenge and well done for coming back and facing it again! You are aces!

[Ciara]

How about an at home spa day? Treat yourself to a long bath, face mask, hair mask, manicure, pedicure - blah - that would certainly pep you up, and it wouldn't cost much either.

That's a fun idea. I like to pamper myself hehe. I definitely like lying in the bathtub for extended periods of time. 

 

 

Hey Ciara!

Good luck with this challenge and well done for coming back and facing it again! You are aces!

Yeah I'm back! Thank you

 

 

I just realized I'll have to give up cherry yogurt. no...

[KayDubEff]

Listen, you've GOT this! I've also completely buffed in the past. So this time we're going to do it!

[BenWo]

Hey welcome and glad to see you charging in for another challenge!

And you're planning to post a before pic in the thread, huh? You're brave! Now I'm... maybe I will too?

 

As for a reward idea, I tend to think of things for cooking. Who doesn't love a new little kitchen gadget or a new cooking utensil? I suppose some might not, but I can barely cook and I can still get a little excited over them.

[Kenyo]

Do you Mind if I also you this format for the Challenge, looks so organized!

[Ciara]

Do you Mind if I also you this format for the Challenge, looks so organized!

Not at all. it technically isn't mine to give out but starsapart who came up with it (she's an assassin now, so cool!) is really generous. I doubt she will mind!

 

 

Hey welcome and glad to see you charging in for another challenge!

And you're planning to post a before pic in the thread, huh? You're brave! Now I'm... maybe I will too?

 

As for a reward idea, I tend to think of things for cooking. Who doesn't love a new little kitchen gadget or a new cooking utensil? I suppose some might not, but I can barely cook and I can still get a little excited over them.

Yes, I'm going to post a before pic as motivation for myself. It is definitely a bit scary but no one is judging and this is a safe space. I think it'll be ok

 

Yeah I was thinking of getting a cooking gadget. I only have one frypan that's abut 6 inches in diameter. It's kind of useless. I think I'll get myself a bigger pan! Good idea

 

 

Listen, you've GOT this! I've also completely buffed in the past. So this time we're going to do it!

It's pretty hard to form a new habit. Let's finish this challenge together!

[Ryoko]

Subbing! You got this!!

[Ciara]

Subbing! You got this!!

Aww thanks! I just subbed you too hehe~

[NightWatcher13]

Keepin an eye on you, of course - wouldn't want to miss the awesome

[Blaidd]

Welcome Back Ciara.  Seeing as you've already done a challenge (whether you've completed it or not), you're more than welcome to jump over to your new guild of your choice (perhaps the Assassins or the Adventurers).  If you'd like I can wave my magic wand and transport you to your new destination so that you don't have to rewrite the whole challenge again?  You're more than welcome to stay obviously, but the option is there if you want to do it.

 

Good luck

AB xx

[T2sarahconnor]

Welcome back! We will all help you stick with this one!

I agree with Blaidd. You came back to your first challenge. You learned something right? In my book you should level up, go to a guild, and give yourself some strength, charisma and wisdom pts because you deserve them.

Remember you have come back stronger than ever. Took a lot of charisma to share your struggle with us and you are wiser than ever!

[Katydid]

Yay!  I'm so glad to see you back And glad to have a college buddy...man I can't wait to have my own income.  Budgeting feels so arbitrary without one.  Then again living on the parents' dime is not exactly something I should complain about xD

 

Anyway, I'm really glad you came back, and I'm looking forward to cheering and encouraging you in your new challenge!

[deerskin]

You have totally got this one! I totally sympathize with wanting to finally finish something you started.

[starsapart]

Ah, I spy something familiar.... all right, friend, let me put my official hat on......  

 

On behalf of the Assassins' Guild Ambassadors, welcome!  It seems like you're wanting to join us at the end of these six weeks, so I'm extending the official (black-gloved, naturally) hand of welcome on behalf of the guild!  I've got a few links for you that might help you along:

 

Here's a link to the Assassin Guild Info & Announcements.  You can also feel free to pop into the Assassins' Den guild chat thread and get in on the fun.  Everyone's friendly and glad to answer questions - or spam your inbox with gifs, either or, really.

 

We're also trying something new this time around: in the Accountabilibuddies section of the forum, you'll notice a Level 1 Assassin Initiates Q&A/Chat  thread.  Feel free to pop in there to meet other newbies with similar interests and interact with some current Assassins as well!

 

We've also got a Phone Book in the works (coming soon - I or one of my partners in crime will link you when it's up) which will list guild members based on the skills they're working on, so you can go check out others with similar interests.

 

And, of course, I am always here for your chatting, formatting, planning, or encouragement needs!  Glad to assist in any way I can - so feel free to keep hitting me up as you have been.  I know you're going to rock this!

 

We'll be checking in on you as the challenge goes on, but it looks like you're ready and eager to go.  So get out there and kill those goals!

 

(Note that I did not say assassinate those goals.  I would be proud of myself for resisting the pun, but I seem to have made it now after all.)

[Ciara]

Welcome Back Ciara.  Seeing as you've already done a challenge (whether you've completed it or not), you're more than welcome to jump over to your new guild of your choice (perhaps the Assassins or the Adventurers).  If you'd like I can wave my magic wand and transport you to your new destination so that you don't have to rewrite the whole challenge again?  You're more than welcome to stay obviously, but the option is there if you want to do it.

 

Good luck

AB xx

Oh, really? I had no idea. It's ok though, I want to feel like I earned it. I don't feel that yet. I'm gonna rock this challenge and become an Assassin worthy of everyone's praise and admiration!   Or at least my own, you know. That would be plenty.

 

 

Welcome back! We will all help you stick with this one!

I agree with Blaidd. You came back to your first challenge. You learned something right? In my book you should level up, go to a guild, and give yourself some strength, charisma and wisdom pts because you deserve them.

Remember you have come back stronger than ever. Took a lot of charisma to share your struggle with us and you are wiser than ever!

Thanks, you make me blush. I would like to level up but I just don't feel like I'm there yet. I really do want to stick out a Level 1 challenge before moving on. But you just made my day saying that!!

[Ciara]

Yay!  I'm so glad to see you back And glad to have a college buddy...man I can't wait to have my own income.  Budgeting feels so arbitrary without one.  Then again living on the parents' dime is not exactly something I should complain about xD

 

Anyway, I'm really glad you came back, and I'm looking forward to cheering and encouraging you in your new challenge!

Budgeting is so weird when I can just ask my mom to transfer some money. How do I finances?

 

 

 

Ah, I spy something familiar.... all right, friend, let me put my official hat on......  

 

On behalf of the Assassins' Guild Ambassadors, welcome!  It seems like you're wanting to join us at the end of these six weeks, so I'm extending the official (black-gloved, naturally) hand of welcome on behalf of the guild!  I've got a few links for you that might help you along:

 

Here's a link to the Assassin Guild Info & Announcements.  You can also feel free to pop into the Assassins' Den guild chat thread and get in on the fun.  Everyone's friendly and glad to answer questions - or spam your inbox with gifs, either or, really.

 

We're also trying something new this time around: in the Accountabilibuddies section of the forum, you'll notice a Level 1 Assassin Initiates Q&A/Chat  thread.  Feel free to pop in there to meet other newbies with similar interests and interact with some current Assassins as well!

 

We've also got a Phone Book in the works (coming soon - I or one of my partners in crime will link you when it's up) which will list guild members based on the skills they're working on, so you can go check out others with similar interests.

 

And, of course, I am always here for your chatting, formatting, planning, or encouragement needs!  Glad to assist in any way I can - so feel free to keep hitting me up as you have been.  I know you're going to rock this!

 

We'll be checking in on you as the challenge goes on, but it looks like you're ready and eager to go.  So get out there and kill those goals!

 

(Note that I did not say assassinate those goals.  I would be proud of myself for resisting the pun, but I seem to have made it now after all.)

 

You're amazing.

[Ciara]

As promised, here are my before photos. I can't find my tape measure (must have left it at home when I moved, oops) so I'll get my measurements up tomorrow at some point. I feel really shy and awkward posting these..I'm super self conscious

 

 

 

[deerskin]

It's really brave and smart of you to post before photos! You will be really glad you did when you get to the end of this six weeks!

[blkhole24601]

Hey there! I sort of ninja-subbed without saying anything (I think I might have been on my way out the door??), but I'm glad to see you back! And yes, kudos on posting up your before pictures! It's one of the best parts of reaching a milestone, comparing now and then and being like BUH WHAT HAPPENED. Can't wait to see your after shots! Or even your during?

[Ryoko]

Definitely kudos on posting your before pictures! I'm really looking forward to your after pics - it's such a great way to see how far you've come once you hit your goals.

[Ciara]

I just added my google doc spreadsheet to the challenge. Here's the link. Tell me if it doesn't work!

[NightWatcher13]

Spreadsheet works awesome! Nice and organized too

[Caramel]

Hey Ciara, welcome back! I'm also returning from failing a previous challnge, so let's both rock it and smash our goals with extra aplomb!

Kudos on the before pics as well, I've been hesistating over whether to post any due to being self concious. It really shows that you're going all-out with this, so good on you!

 

Clamping down on liquid calories is a great way to start dieting, because there's so much stuff they cram into the most innocuous cup of squash, and you can start getting healthier without making too much of a sacrifice, I think. 

 

Subbed, and I'll be here to root for you every time I'm online!

 

GO TEAM!