L1 Mini Dungeons (please follow)

[PachaTisai]

Can I say that I just LOVE that you coded a DB to track your progress?!? I was thinking about desiging a dashboard to pretty up my tracking, visulization is always fun.

Well, I'm a SQL programmer, so its kind of second nature to just do that when I need to track something.  I was considering creating a dashboard with some fancy charts to track progress, but work decided I wasn't busy enough last week...

[Amdhiel]

Well, I'm a SQL programmer, so its kind of second nature to just do that when I need to track something.  I was considering creating a dashboard with some fancy charts to track progress, but work decided I wasn't busy enough last week...

 

LOL, I totally know what you mean. I've never done any real DBA stuff but I used to work with SQL a bunch. Now I'm doing report/dashboard design in Excel using some Access back-ends and VBA. I'm also cursing the fact that people don't have datawarehouses set up to do all the number crunching >.<.

[PachaTisai]

LOL, I totally know what you mean. I've never done any real DBA stuff but I used to work with SQL a bunch. Now I'm doing report/dashboard design in Excel using some Access back-ends and VBA. I'm also cursing the fact that people don't have datawarehouses set up to do all the number crunching >.<.

You should talk your company/boss into getting you SQL Server Reporting Services.  Make your life 1000x easier...

[Amdhiel]

You should talk your company/boss into getting you SQL Server Reporting Services.  Make your life 1000x easier...

 

LOL, if only. I'm a contractor and it's an insurance company. Things like sensible IT support and modernization of data storage are the last thing on their minds. I'd love to get my hands on SSRS tho and power pivot would be so interesting and lots to learn. Maybe someday... unless I decide to go a completely different path after this contract.

[manelsen]

LOL, if only. I'm a contractor and it's an insurance company. Things like sensible IT support and modernization of data storage are the last thing on their minds. I'd love to get my hands on SSRS tho and power pivot would be so interesting and lots to learn. Maybe someday... unless I decide to go a completely different path after this contract.

 

They may not understand IT, but, being sensible, they'll probably understand money and time (which equals money), and SSRS could give it to them on a silver plate. If you're the one carrying said plate, the tip could be substantial.

 

Take it from someone who works at a Court (we're not known for modernizing things, since, at least, the Roman Empire).

[Amdhiel]

They may not understand IT, but, being sensible, they'll probably understand money and time (which equals money), and SSRS could give it to them on a silver plate. If you're the one carrying said plate, the tip could be substantial.

 

Take it from someone who works at a Court (we're not known for modernizing things, since, at least, the Roman Empire).

 

Yeah, I guess the court system would be just as bad as insurance companies. I'm pretty sure that have SSRS that works on some things. The prob is that the data I'm reporting off of is from non-IT supported systems. One of those things where the business said, hey we need to track all this stuff so we can figure out why process x is having problems but they couldn't get on the docket to have an actual workflow system setup until this year >.<. And even then you can't actually tap that system or even a daily non-prod copy of it and they did the normal thing of "we'll build this out and THEN decide what needs to be reported on". *sigh*

[manelsen]

Yeah, I guess the court system would be just as bad as insurance companies. I'm pretty sure that have SSRS that works on some things. The prob is that the data I'm reporting off of is from non-IT supported systems. One of those things where the business said, hey we need to track all this stuff so we can figure out why process x is having problems but they couldn't get on the docket to have an actual workflow system setup until this year >.<. And even then you can't actually tap that system or even a daily non-prod copy of it and they did the normal thing of "we'll build this out and THEN decide what needs to be reported on". *sigh*

 

Kafka at his best.

[PachaTisai]

Gotta love it!  I work in the default reporting side of a major financial institution.  We had to build our databases from scratch, because no one ever thought that a consolidation or standardization of data was "important".  <sarcastic font> Not that we ever do things like report to the federal gov't, mind you </sarcastic font>.

[Amdhiel]

Gotta love it!  I work in the default reporting side of a major financial institution.  We had to build our databases from scratch, because no one ever thought that a consolidation or standardization of data was "important".  <sarcastic font> Not that we ever do things like report to the federal gov't, mind you </sarcastic font>.

 

Don't you love when companies are just total trolls? I used to do financial reporting at my prior job and they had a similar problem. Only they built out a TON of custom stuff and sometimes in externally sourced software so they are stuck like 10 years behind. One of the systems was so far out of date that the vendor would no longer support it. There are reasons that I really want to get away from working for large instituations and public companies. Oh how running companies to provide shareholder value has messed up everything >.<.

[oromendur]

I also completed this in my challenge thread. Great questions!

[FunshineBear]

Got this done in my challenge thread!

[Blaidd]

Week 2 Mini - Making Friends

So this week has a few sub quests. The first one should be completed by everyone who chooses to take part and then choose one of either 2 or 3.

 

Part 1 - Updating your signature (if you've already done this then choose either Part 2 or 3).

You've created your own thread and popped in to say hi and support other people's threads, but they would also like to pop in to say hello and support you, but have to go through all the L1's to find your thread (what a daunting task).  So we're going to make it easier for everyone and make sure we all have a signature with at least a link to our challenge.

 

To find the signatures go to the top of this page and look in the right hand corner, you'll see a little version of your avatar.  Click on that and it should open some options for you.

 

Click on my settings and it will take you to a new screen.  In the left hand panel, you will notice a tab for signature.

 

 

Here you edit your signature (remember you only have 10 lines to play with). 

• Tell us a little about yourself - what level you're at, what class you're, your race (if you're into that thing) etc.  You will notice that in my signature, I let you know that I am a Guild Leader - yours to be exact - a half sidhe (fae) and that I'm a Scout.  I don't have a level, because I'm not really into that kinda thing (but my own preference). 
• Link us to your challenge (this is NB), any accountability groups you might have joined, your FB/Twitter/MFP/Blog/Skype etc (this is entirely optional, I only put it in there so that you folks can get hold of me elsewhere than here) and any epic quests/battle logs (if you have them)
• If you have a quote that you like then you can put it here too
• Any goals that aren't linked to your current challenge you'd like people to know about
• You can even add the cool bars, like the one I have below (you'll find that bar here). Choose the colour you'd like and the percentage. It should look like this in coding (without the spaces): [ progress='red' ] 1 [ /progress ]
• 
• Press save and you're done.

Part 2:  Join an accountability group

Now that you've got a signature you can go out into the NF world confidently knowing that people will be able to find you more easily.  Why not join an accountability group?  An accountabilibuddy squad can be about supporting others with similar goals, similar interests, from similar states, similar challenges themes etc.  There doesn't even need to be a common thread. These are just smaller congregations to meet like minded people and you don't have to join one if you don't want to.  If you don't find one here, create one and let others join. Just remember these groups shouldn't be bigger than 8 - 10 members (except Guild Ambassador lead L1 groups).

 

Let us know if you're joined any groups.

 

Part 3: Support your fellow L1's

AB squads are just not your thing, but you'd like to meet and support other folks here.  Great, your quest then is to:

• Find 2 other guildies (either L1 or in another guild)
• Introduce yourself in their thread
• Follow them (mid-top right hand corner "Follow This Topic")
• Give them support, encouragement, advice etc
• Let us know who you've followed

*If you complete both parts of this challenge (either 1+2 or 1+3) then you will get an additional +1 CHA to allocate at the end of the 6 week challenge.

[PachaTisai]

Ooohhh...i got this!  I was part of the Red Pill accountabilibuddy group, but it folded, but I'm super-socail (someday I hope to be UBER Social like Amdhiel -- Seriously, how did you get so many posts already?)

 

So, officially, parts 1 and 3 are finished, and I need to find a new accountabilibuddy group...I'm off to parts unknown in search of one.

[Lycansbane]

1. Is your overall quest achievable (over a short or long period of time)?  Is it reasonable?

   I'd like to think my goal is achievable.  Is it reasonable.  25lbs would put me just under 200lbs.  I think at 6' 2" under 200 is reasonable.

2. Do your 3 quests all build towards your main quest in little ways, or are you taking on too much? Do your quests have sub-quests or is it just one thing to focus on?

   They do build toward my main quest.  Am i taking on too much...maybe but since i have them set for x times per week it gives me room to be comfortable with each of my sub goals.  I think my quests are working toward getting me in better shape in general to help me lose the weight.

3. Are your main goals realistic? Can you scale them to smaller steps to fit your life better, even if it will make it take a little longer to achieve them?

   Yes and yes.  I could say i want to lose 15lbs and then move that number to 10lbs once i get there.

4. Are your goals able to be measured and tracked?  What will you use to track them?

   My plan is to use a spreadsheet to track my goal and upload the spreadsheet one time per week.

5. How are you grading your goals?  Are they pass/fail (“every dayâ€, “not even once over the six weeksâ€)?  Is there a reward for the effort, or are you only grading yourself on whether or not you “lose the weight†or “run the distanceâ€?

   I am grading my goals on a weekly basis.  They are pass fail, but not necessarily every day.  Is there a reward for the effort...if i can stick with this for the duration of the challenge i will reward myself.

6. What is your plan for continuing/altering/grading those goals if you become ill or injured?

   If i should become injured i will do whatever my doctor/body would allow.  I will scale my goals in accordance with how bad my injuries are.

7. Did you take into consideration any special occasions (Labour Day, Independence Day, birthdays, anniversaries, etc) that may occur during the challenge?  What modifications do you need to build into your goals for those?

   I did take that into consideration.  On holiday's where i will be out of town i will ensure i do my exercises during the week.

8. Do any of your main goals conflict with each other? Will one goal make it hard to do another?

   No they do not.

9. Do you already have the time in your schedule to actually complete the goals you’ve set?  If not, what are you planning to do to make time for them?

   I have time in the morning set aside for work on my goals.

10. Are you trying to build multiple habits, or is all your energy focused on your main quest?

    The majority of my energy is going to be put toward building the habit of doing something rather than nothing as i've been doing.  Building good habits to help me succeed.

[Amdhiel]

 

Week 2 Mini - Making Friends

So this week has a few sub quests. The first one should be completed by everyone who chooses to take part and then choose one of either 2 or 3.

 

Part 1 - Updating your signature (if you've already done this then choose either Part 2 or 3).

 

Part 2:  Join an accountability group

 

Part 3: Support your fellow L1's

 

*If you complete both parts of this challenge (either 1+2 or 1+3) then you will get an additional +1 CHA to allocate at the end of the 6 week challenge.

 

 

Uhh... guess I'm an overachiever... I did all 3 parts last week o.0

 

 

Ooohhh...i got this!  I was part of the Red Pill accountabilibuddy group, but it folded, but I'm super-socail (someday I hope to be UBER Social like Amdhiel -- Seriously, how did you get so many posts already?)

 

Uhh, I still have no clue how I've managed it. I mean last I checked it was over 300 and now it's approaching 500... uhh wft? I guess I have my life quest in the bag for this challenge. But seriously, my secrect is that I made a decision to be social (see my life quest). I decided the best place to start was by cheering people on. I started by just picking a few places to chime in and then added a few more and got in with a VERY vocal group (go go Skull Crushers). So now I'm constantly catching up on 20-30 threads(?) or more. Considering how introverted I am an how many issues I've had with being social over the last 2 years... I'm impressed with myself!?!?

[PachaTisai]

Uhh, I still have no clue how I've managed it. I mean last I checked it was over 300 and now it's approaching 500... uhh wft? I guess I have my life quest in the bag for this challenge. But seriously, my secrect is that I made a decision to be social (see my life quest). I decided the best place to start was by cheering people on. I started by just picking a few places to chime in and then added a few more and got in with a VERY vocal group (go go Skull Crushers). So now I'm constantly catching up on 20-30 threads(?) or more. Considering how introverted I am an how many issues I've had with being social over the last 2 years... I'm impressed with myself!?!?

 

Well, keep kicking your life quest in the teeth! 

 

[CoderGatherer]

Done and done!

 

Did #1 and #3. Was going to join an accountability group but I'm rather intimidated. Some have a spreadsheet and others you just message if you want to be a part of it. What's a shy girl to do? Anyone know of a group that's looking for members?

[Lys]

Done & done.

[d3li9ht]

MINI QUEST 2

#1 Finished my signature!

#2 Joined Zombie Apocalypse accountibilibuddies (link will be added later!)

#3 Followed various Rebels, new and old!

Done with this, yeah~

[Amdhiel]

Well, keep kicking your life quest in the teeth! 

 

 

I will do my best kind sir . Just remember, you too can be social if you just make a small effort and get addicted to the positive attitude :D.

[Lycansbane]

I have completed part 1 + 2.

[FunshineBear]

Uhh, I still have no clue how I've managed it. I mean last I checked it was over 300 and now it's approaching 500... uhh wft

I really can't wait for the chance to say "It's over 9000!"

Just started rewatching DBZ...

[lishvicious]

 

Week 2 Mini - Making Friends

So this week has a few sub quests. The first one should be completed by everyone who chooses to take part and then choose one of either 2 or 3.

 

Part 1 - Updating your signature (if you've already done this then choose either Part 2 or 3).

You've created your own thread and popped in to say hi and support other people's threads, but they would also like to pop in to say hello and support you, but have to go through all the L1's to find your thread (what a daunting task).  So we're going to make it easier for everyone and make sure we all have a signature with at least a link to our challenge.

 

To find the signatures go to the top of this page and look in the right hand corner, you'll see a little version of your avatar.  Click on that and it should open some options for you.

 

Click on my settings and it will take you to a new screen.  In the left hand panel, you will notice a tab for signature.

 

 

Here you edit your signature (remember you only have 10 lines to play with). 

• Tell us a little about yourself - what level you're at, what class you're, your race (if you're into that thing) etc.  You will notice that in my signature, I let you know that I am a Guild Leader - yours to be exact - a half sidhe (fae) and that I'm a Scout.  I don't have a level, because I'm not really into that kinda thing (but my own preference). 
• Link us to your challenge (this is NB), any accountability groups you might have joined, your FB/Twitter/MFP/Blog/Skype etc (this is entirely optional, I only put it in there so that you folks can get hold of me elsewhere than here) and any epic quests/battle logs (if you have them)
• If you have a quote that you like then you can put it here too
• Any goals that aren't linked to your current challenge you'd like people to know about
• You can even add the cool bars, like the one I have below (you'll find that bar here). Choose the colour you'd like and the percentage. It should look like this in coding (without the spaces): [ progress='red' ] 1 [ /progress ]
• 
• Press save and you're done.

Part 2:  Join an accountability group

Now that you've got a signature you can go out into the NF world confidently knowing that people will be able to find you more easily.  Why not join an accountability group?  An accountabilibuddy squad can be about supporting others with similar goals, similar interests, from similar states, similar challenges themes etc.  There doesn't even need to be a common thread. These are just smaller congregations to meet like minded people and you don't have to join one if you don't want to.  If you don't find one here, create one and let others join. Just remember these groups shouldn't be bigger than 8 - 10 members (except Guild Ambassador lead L1 groups).

 

Let us know if you're joined any groups.

 

Part 3: Support your fellow L1's

AB squads are just not your thing, but you'd like to meet and support other folks here.  Great, your quest then is to:

• Find 2 other guildies (either L1 or in another guild)
• Introduce yourself in their thread
• Follow them (mid-top right hand corner "Follow This Topic")
• Give them support, encouragement, advice etc
• Let us know who you've followed

*If you complete both parts of this challenge (either 1+2 or 1+3) then you will get an additional +1 CHA to allocate at the end of the 6 week challenge.

 

 

Signature is done, I am the leader of an accountability group and I support at least 15 other level 1 rebels (all of the ones from my accountability group). So Yay +1 CHA for me!

[Randa Rooskie]

I know I'm late, but today was my first official day questing with all of you fine Nerd Fitness folks!  I just posted my response to the SMART goals thing on my challenge thread.  I'll try to get moving on mini-quest two later this week!

[Evenstar]

Heya, I'm a week late to the challenge, but thought I would catch up on the dungeons.  Below is Week 1's work:

 

Is your overall quest achievable (over a short or long period of time)?  Is it reasonable?

I definitely think so. Challenging for sure, losing weight and looking awesome is never easy, but I will do it. 
 

Do your 3 quests all build towards your main quest in little ways, or are you taking on too much? Do your quests have sub-quests or is it just one thing to focus on?
They all build towards my main quest I think. The first two quests I have are physical, working out and walking - obvious perks, but the third is meditation which I think will help me focus and remain a positive mind when it comes to accomplishing my goals.
 

Are your main goals realistic? Can you scale them to smaller steps to fit your life better, even if it will make it take a little longer to achieve them?
Honestly, I'm unsure when it comes to my main quest. I would LOVE love love to be under 200lbs in a few months, but I am currently at 247. That means losing at least 15lbs a month. I will have to kick some ass, I'm afraid. But as for my individual quests, yes, totally doable for me. 

 

Are your goals able to be measured and tracked?  What will you use to track them?

Yep yep. Tracking weight loss by scale, and also by taking pictures of myself bi-weekly for reference. 

 

How are you grading your goals?  Are they pass/fail (“every dayâ€, “not even once over the six weeksâ€)?  Is there a reward for the effort, or are you only grading yourself on whether or not you “lose the weight†or “run the distanceâ€?

If I do the quests, I pass. Even if I don't quite lose the weight as fast as I wish, I will be pushing myself to work on being fit and that's great. As for specifically my MAIN quest, if I get within 10 pounds I will be very pleased.

 

What is your plan for continuing/altering/grading those goals if you become ill or injured?
Take the rest days I need so I can get back on the horse as soon as possible, or do some less energy-depleting work. 

 

Did you take into consideration any special occasions (Labour Day, Independence Day, birthdays, anniversaries, etc) that may occur during the challenge?  What modifications do you need to build into your goals for those?

Those days will not really effect my plan, if a holiday falls on a work out day, I'll just push that day over by one day. No biggie. 

 

Do any of your main goals conflict with each other? Will one goal make it hard to do another?

My muscles might be sore from the lifting as I do the walking haha, but it's just walking, it might actually feel good instead of sitting around stiff.

 

Do you already have the time in your schedule to actually complete the goals you’ve set?  If not, what are you planning to do to make time for them?

Yes I've got time.

 

Are you trying to build multiple habits, or is all your energy focused on your main quest?

Mostly my main quest, though eventually I would love to start adding some self-discipline to the mix. (Getting up every day at the same time, cleaning, etc.) That's for a different challenge though.

 

And now for Week 2:

 

Part 1: Done and Done! 

Part 2: I joined the Femme Fatales! Very excited about this, so many great support systems on this site! 

Part 3: I basically did this for all my accountabilibuddies.