Heidi: Hearth & Home

[Heidi]

Hearth & Home

Welcome to the end of the year, that time when we pull out our sweaters and stay inside, one eye on the horizon to the weather, waiting for storm fronts and watching the sun’s slanting retreat. As the year draws to a close, I always find it challenging to maintain my focus and my energy, and I also find myself snuggling further into the nest of home and family that I have created. This year I have worked hard on the physical elements of my home and the spiritual elements of my homelife, and all to the good. When look back on where I was at this time last year, I am a little astonished at the monumental changes, both in my external world and in myself internally. The changes I started were painted large and broad, with an increase in focus each round. This, my final challenge of 2014, finds me focusing down further than ever.

This challenge is about the focus on my homelife, looking at the sections of the day and how I spend my time and energy on nurturing myself, my family and my goals. If I were to accomplish everything on the list to perfection, I would end up with more than the traditionally allowed point allotment, but that’s not what I’m really after here (and, yes, it would be awesome if I actually did it): I’m after a consistency of the standard of measurement. Each piece of each section of my day is broken into seven measurements for the week (see how this works? It’s a balance thing.) Also, there are a few elements that will be new to me (a new eating regimen and kung fu), that I’m trying out. If they are as meaningful to helping with what I was working on this year as I hope they might be, I will continue them forward into next year.

I love the self I have discovered here at Nerd Fitness -- thank you to all who have been along with me on the journey. I look forward to checking in at least daily to make my status report from the day before, sharing with you all and learning from each of you.

• Goal One: Morning

  • Biking 30 minutes 7x/week CON

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Breakfast within an hour of waking up 7x/week CON

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Externship work WIS

    • This will be measured on how well I do on the report that I turn in on November 23. I have seven elements that I have need for the work.

      • SP Narrative

        • Mission, vision and unique security elements

      • Virginia Facilities list

        • by region

        • with elements and fees listed

        • funding notes

      • National Grant Recipients list

        • elements available

        • Elements for alternate grant

      • Final Draft

        • Completed, signed and delivered

    • +1 for every item accomplished

    • 1-2 F; 3 E; 4 D; 5 C; 6 B; 7 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

      Edit 11/20/2014: All items accomplished!

  • Walking CON

    I haven’t been on track for walking 3 miles a day since the middle of September. Let’s reclaim this before it diminishes further.

    • Daily score: +1 5,000; +2 7,500; +3.5 10,00; +5 12,500

    • Challenge Evaluation: 1-13 F; 14-27 E; 28-41 D; 42-55 C; 56-69B; 70-84 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

• Goal Two: Afternoon

  • Lunch 5 hours after breakfast 7x/week CON

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Kung Fu 3x/week STR

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-20 F; 21-41 E; 42-62 D; 63-83 C; 84-104 B; 105-126 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Time with Vivian 7x/week STA

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Homework 7x/week WIS

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

• Goal Three: Evening

  • Dinner with the family 7x/week CON

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Clean up chores 7x/week DEX

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Potato at 9ish 7x/week DEX

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

  • Lights out at 11 7x/week CON

    • +1 for every time accomplished

    • 1-6 F; 7-13 E; 14-20 D; 21-27 C; 28-34 B; 35-42 A

    • F=0; E=1; D=2; C=3; B=4; A=5

[Gobnait]

What is potato?  Is that like the evening wind-down?

[Heidi]

What is potato? Is that like the evening wind-down?

It's an actual potato. I'm trying to use some comfy carbs to make certain that I get enough food and that I sleep well.

via smoke signals from my Fire

[Heidi]

Today was busy.
Family therapy and some homework after breakfast, and then lunch of roasted black kale and cauliflower.
Orthodontist trip with Ethan, who filled out an application for Burger King afterwards, and then family dinner of burgers.
Put together a new bookcase while Graeme was at kendo, and am about to turn out the light.

 

Total points for Wednesday, November 5: +7

via smoke signals from my Fire

[annyshay]

This seems like a lovely, nourishing routine to build this time of year. Can't wait to see the awesome!

[Heidi]

Very tired, but here's a quick update.
Food today +3, potato +1
Chores done +1
Homework done (major project and a test tonight)+2
Steps +1
Sleep +1

 

Total points for Thursday, November 6: +9



via smoke signals from my Fire

[Terinatum]

I really like this challenge, Heidi. Very focused and yet not overly demanding or overwhelming. I think this is a challenge that will help you shine brighter when you look in the mirror.

I'm here, of course!

Best of Luck and Fortitude!

[Sunmage]

Welcome back!

This looks like a great finish for an awesome year for you!

[GingaNinja]

Hey Heidi, good luck! You will do fab!

[Heidi]

1. Goal One: Morning +3

   1. Biking 30 minutes  0

   2. Breakfast within an hour of waking up  1

   3. Externship work  0

   4. Steps Daily score: +2 [9,819 - so close to the next level!!]

2. Goal Two: Afternoon +2

   1. Lunch 5 hours after breakfast 1

   2. Kung Fu 0

   3. Time with Vivian 1

   4. Homework 0

3. Goal Three: Evening +3

   1. Dinner with the family 1

   2. Clean up chores 1

   3. Potato at 9ish 1

   4. Lights out at 11 0

​Total points for yesterday: +8

Note: we made chicken and dumplings and it was amazing. Graeme and Vivian helped, and were helpful throughout the evening with chores and fun. It was a good night.

[Heidi]

Realization:

I'm going to need a spreadsheet to track my points for the challenge.

[Ripple]

I love the idea of using your challenge to build and strengthen daily routines. Creating routines is such a powerful tool for creating and sustaining the life we want to lead. 

[jaex]

Cool, another Kung Fu practioner.  What kind of Kung Fu do you practice?  I do Northern Shaolin Kung Fu

[alienjenn]

hey girl

 

[Heidi]

Howdy!

via smoke signals from my Fire

[Heidi]

Did well with food yesterday, including a potato. Turned the light off at midnight, so a little late, but on the right track.

Time with Vivian and clutter cleanup.

Made a list of stuff to take to Boston.

via smoke signals from my Fire

[Terinatum]

Was time cleaning up clutter due to Vivian? lol I had an image of the sandbox again!

[LittleTurtle]

Hello, friend!  You've put some serious thought and effort into your goals and grading system.  I'm loving it!

 

Also - how do you prepare your potato?  

[I am Eve]

Well Heidi, here we go again ey?!

 

Great challenge and of course I loooove the structure.

Was last week a "pre"run?

 

Do you want to bike every day? No day off? It's indoors, right?

Very much November here, there will be some serious nesting going on 

 

Spreadsheet link?

[faille]

What is potato?  Is that like the evening wind-down?

 

I was wondering the same thing!  

 

Love the structure of splitting your day into pieces.  How is it going?

[Heidi]

Wow. Super busy getting stuff done for school, family therapy, packing, tests.

Biking: indoors. Any day is a plus, up to 7 a week. This is me wondering if I can add it in at all.

Potato: pierce with a fork and microwave for 5-7 minutes depending on size of potato, then add butter salt and malt vinegar.

Leaving in an hour to catch the train to Boston.

via smoke signals from my Fire

[alienjenn]

Leaving in an hour to catch the train to Boston.

via smoke signals from my Fire

 

 

SO EXCITE!

[I am Eve]

Enjoy!

[LittleTurtle]

Potato: pierce with a fork and microwave for 5-7 minutes depending on size of potato, then add butter salt and malt vinegar.

 

That sounds amazing!  Well, to be honest, anything with salt and vinegar sounds amazing!  

 

I'm going to have to give this a try!  Thanks!

[ChristArtist]

Across the finish line