KenTheBrave Posted June 2, 2015 Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 My name is Ken the Brave and I'm a level 0 elf living in Colorado. This is part 2 of my Main Quest to get ready for my wedding this September. I've adjusted some of my goals and quests based on the first few weeks of my quest. Main Quest: Fusion- Be ready for our big day! [Earn at least 1,000 XP before September, 2015]Mission #1: Kinetic EnergyWe took up swing dancing a little over a year ago and I love it! But, there's always been a gap between how good she is (very) and myself (not great). We go to lessons 1-3 times per week, but I need more than that to improve. - I want to make it a point to practice as much as I can every week. I've started logging my solo practice sessions and my fiance and I try to go to gym to practice a few times a week. The proof of how much practice I'm getting comes out when we go to lessons and dances. I want to get better, way better. XP per Practice Session:+5 XP+10 XP if practicing at the gym with partner **Bonus points**+5 XP for at least 1 hour of practice with video+2 XP for each new partner danced with at a lesson/dance! PENALTY:-25 XP for every week with no practice!! Mission #2: Source MaterialWe also decided to go vegan from now until the wedding (there's going to be meat and dairy on the menu). I've been logging my food on Myfitnesspal for a while and I need a lot more protein than what I've been getting.- I want to start hitting my goal of at least 100 grams of vegan protein per day. +5 XP for each day of 100+ grams of protein PENALTY:-25 XP for every week I don't get enough protein!Mission #3: BiomassI want to actually be able to carry my bride on our wedding day! I want to record each workout and track my progress as I go as well, no more going just to go. I want to start working out with a purpose!! - I am going to workout at least 3 times a week and start logging my progress. [Any suggestions on websites/apps?]+5 XP for each logged workout session per week PENALTY:-25 XP for every week where no progress is made (no workouts = no progress!) ---Side Quests---Side Quest: Memory Map- I want to learn my way around. I drive every chance I can to familiarize myself with the streets and get used to driving in traffic. I'm also trying to learn the streets and highways better. I want to drive more often without needing my GPS. (Work, Home, and other familiar locations do not count!)+5 XP for each trip without the use of a GPSSide Quest: Facial Recognition - When we go to dance lessons, I want to remember the names of at least 3 people and say hi next time we see them. +5 XP for each name rememberedSide Quest: Background Noise- I love listening to stand-up comedy and watching TV, but this gets very distracting and I don't get much done. I want to listen to more swing and jazz music instead of distractions. I've also gotten into the bad habit of wasting time on a lot of websites while I'm at work. I want to start being more productive and not get distracted by all these things.+5 XP for each day with no distractions (no comedy, no TV, no surfing) Wish me luck everyone! Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated! 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
Einar Posted June 2, 2015 Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 For mission 3 are you looking towards weights or bodyweight? Quote A true warrior does not train tirelessly to fight, or to kill. A true warrior trains endlessly that he may return home alive. -R. Calloway Maybe the ultimate wound is the one that makes you miss the war you got it in. - Sebastian Junger Challenge 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Battle Log Doodlie PVP Johari Window Epic Quest Character Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 For mission 3 are you looking towards weights or bodyweight?I'd like to use free weights. I like the convenience of the machines, but free weights are my ultimate goal. Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
Einar Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 Have you looking into one of the beginner lifting programs like Starting Strength on Strong Lifts? Quote A true warrior does not train tirelessly to fight, or to kill. A true warrior trains endlessly that he may return home alive. -R. Calloway Maybe the ultimate wound is the one that makes you miss the war you got it in. - Sebastian Junger Challenge 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Battle Log Doodlie PVP Johari Window Epic Quest Character Link to comment
stillskies Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 Seconding StrongLifts. I used it for one of my challenges and it really helped me out a lot. Good luck with your challenge! Quote CHALLENGES: CURRENT, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 📷 📚 Link to comment
Blaidd Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Hi Ken, I went through your last challenge and think you are ready to graduate to a guild. Let me know which one you'd like to join and i will wave my magic wand and poof you there. You're are, of course, welcome to stay with us. Quote Half Faerie (Sidhe) Scout | Black Belt Kitchen Ninja "A positive attitude will not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort" - Herm Albright You're welcome to skype me (audriwolf) too but let me know who you are My challenge Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Have you looking into one of the beginner lifting programs like Starting Strength on Strong Lifts? Seconding StrongLifts. I used it for one of my challenges and it really helped me out a lot. Good luck with your challenge! This looks really great! I didn't know there was such a program out there. Thank you both! I'll look into getting this set up for myself :-D 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Hi Ken, I went through your last challenge and think you are ready to graduate to a guild. Let me know which one you'd like to join and i will wave my magic wand and poof you there. You're are, of course, welcome to stay with us. Thank you Blaidd! I wasn't sure which one to pick when I first signed up, but I think the Rangers would be a good fit for me. What do you think? Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 6-2-15:Got a lot done today! Fit a workout in, not as long as I would have liked, but an hour at the gym beats an hour on the couch! (+5)Hit my protein goal with the help of some tofu and seitan bacon (mmmm) and my protein powder (+5)Had to pick up a dress for my fiance from a place I'd never been before. Took me a little longer to find the place, but I did it without google! (+5)Kept the TV and time wasting sites off all day! I thought it'd be much more difficult, but I was so busy I honestly didn't have time to waste. (+5) 6-3-15:Had to stay late at work, but didn't flip the TV on for a second! (+5) Total XP Earned:+25 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 6-4-15: Such a fun evening! We debated whether or not to go because of the weather (I found out this morning that we had some tornadoes!) but we braved the hail and rain and went to our lessons anyway. Then we stayed for the dance (+5) I remembered a name! (+5) and each of use danced with three new partners (+6). Good way to end a very long week. We'll be going back to another dance tonight, so hopefully I'll remember a few more names and get some solid practice in. We have a wedding to go to on Saturday, but I'm hoping to start the 5x5 program that viking-doc and stillskies recommended. Thanks again to you both! This seems like a great program for a beginner like me. I especially like that it's designed to be short and sweet, and with the app, keeping track of my progress will be much easier. I'm excited to get started! Total XP Earned:+16 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
Blaidd Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 Thank you Blaidd! I wasn't sure which one to pick when I first signed up, but I think the Rangers would be a good fit for me. What do you think?I think that's a great plan and I will send you there right now.*poof* Welcome to the Rangers, Ken.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk and the atoms/words don't always align 1 Quote Half Faerie (Sidhe) Scout | Black Belt Kitchen Ninja "A positive attitude will not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort" - Herm Albright You're welcome to skype me (audriwolf) too but let me know who you are My challenge Link to comment
DarK_RaideR Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 Welcome to the Rangers indeed 1 Quote Lvl 52 Ranger Current Challenge Tracker Link to comment
Ilham Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Oh you're here! Will be checking in regularly! Quote Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 6-8-15:Very busy weekend! Went to our lessons on Friday and remembered a name. Also got a couple dances with different partners. (+14) On Saturday, my cousin had her wedding and it was nice to be an observer and take notes. Suffice to say, nothing got done that day except for a lot a' drinkin'! (0) Yesterday, I had a long list of chores to do, but I managed to make it to the gym for Day 1 of my 5x5 workout. I had to step back and unlearn a few things, but it's comforting to have a plan and a goal. (+5) All in all, a relatively productive weekend, but there's more work ahead of me! Total XP Earned:+19 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 6-9-15: Welp, I didn't get to the gym or to practice. What I did get was a filling in my front tooth So, today is day 2 of my 5x5. And I'm going to do better about not getting distracted today (I was doing paperwork on Monday and stand-up keeps my attention) and trying like hell to make my protein goal! Mondays, amiright? Total XP Earned:+0 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2015 6-10-15: Did much better yesterday. Made it to the gym despite having to run some errands (I hate going to the bank). But I also hit my protein goal and kept the TV off. Day 2 of my 5x5 went pretty well. I'm very concerned about getting my form right, especially on the Overhead Press and the Deadlift. I've had terrible posture my whole life and I'd like to fix it, but doing these lifts wrong could be bad news for me. Slow and steady! Today, I'm resting and working on my Lindy. My fiance pointed out that my posture is a problem when we dance also. She took some pictures of how bad it was. Gotta work on relearning that now too. Hopefully our teachers can give me some pointers about that. Total XP Earned:+15 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2015 6-11-15: Not much to report. Stayed late at work (we have a private lesson set up for this evening) and got a short Log in. Also kept the distractions at bay. I've been trying to be more diligent about my posture throughout the day. Apparently, I've gone from slouched over to now puffing my stomach out. Never thought I'd need practice just standing there. Oh well, self improvement isn't always big, important, sudden changes right? Total XP Earned:+10 2 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 6-12-15: Frustrating night last night. Partly because of weather, mostly because I suck at driving in the city. But we toughed it out and stayed at the dance. I kept the distractions away, and danced with two new people. We'll try again tonight. *Sigh* Total XP Earned:+14 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 6-16-15: Busy weekend! We had a much better start to the evening than on Thursday (thank god) and made it to our lessons early. We warmed up and had a nice lesson on the Balboa turn. It's fun but takes some getting used to add the timing is a little off from traditional swing dance. But I get a dance in with a new partner. +7 points Saturday was even bigger because we went to the 1940s ball in Boulder and were there all day! The outfits, the vendors, the decorations, all of it was great! My fiance even got her hair done with victory curls which she totally rocked. It was a bit rainy for a little while but not a show stopper. And we ran into some people from our lessons and danced with them! +12 points Sunday I got back to business. Ate a bigger breakfast than I usually get to on my day off, then knocked out day 3 of my 5x5. It's starting to get easier to maintain (what I hope is) good form and I already feel way better when I walk out the door. It feels life I've accomplished something which is the best feeling ever! To top things off, we got to see Scott Bradlee and the Postmodern Jukebox at the Gothic! Amazing band, amazing show, amazing night! We came home late with a t shirt and CD and big smiles! +10 points and +1 very happy girlfriend! :-D Monday I didn't get much done, was at work till 8:30. But, no TV, so +5! Total XP Earned:+34 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
Ilham Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 That's a lot of xp for one weekend. Awesome! 1 Quote Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 That's a lot of xp for one weekend. Awesome! Yeah! It was busy but very fun! 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 6-17-15: Got out of work on time yesterday, so I had time to finish up some chores and make it to the gym. Downed 140 grams of protein also, and I was so busy I didn't have time to flick the TV on. A good afternoon! I'm trying to stay away from the scale, mostly because it doesn't change much for me. I made some measurements at the end of last month, I'm curious to see if there's going to be any difference this month. I am able to lift more, but I don't feel any bigger per se. We'll see... Total XP Earned:+15 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 6-18-15: Not a great day yesterday. Didn't get enough sleep. Got frustrated and distracted at work. And didn't make a new Lindy Log. No points. Hopefully we'll be going to lessons tonight so I can make up lost ground. Total XP Earned:+0 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
KenTheBrave Posted June 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 6-19-15: Starting to get worn down a little. I realized one of my big problems is not planning ahead. And my problem with not planning ahead is that I'm not getting enough sleep. It's tough to try and squeeze all you need to into one day and still plan ahead for the next day, and the next day, and so on... I don't know. Maybe this was just a bad week since I had to work late so many days. Maybe I need to start sneaking in naps and time to plan meals and workouts. Maybe I'm just super tired right now and a little depressed and impatient about the whole thing. Gotta think long term. Turtle, not the hare. Anyway, my girlfriend and I got some practice time in yesterday at the gym. And even though I had to stay late at work again, I managed to keep the distractions off. So that's good at least... Total XP Earned:+15 1 Quote Ken The Brave Colorado Adventurer! Lvl: 1 | Current Quest: Justice League "Every reaction is a learning process; every significant experience alters your perspective." - Hunter S. Thompson "People eat meat and think they will become as strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass" -Pino Caruso "Your life will be molded by the thoughts you have." - The Power of Concentration, Theron Q. Dumont Link to comment
Einar Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 I find it easier to plan if you do it on a day off. Plan everything you can for the week while leaving yourself some wiggle room for when Murphy inevitably strikes. As far as meals go you can plan ahead to make sure you have what you need for dinner then I usually batch cook something for lunch so I'm not scrambling if something comes up. Quote A true warrior does not train tirelessly to fight, or to kill. A true warrior trains endlessly that he may return home alive. -R. Calloway Maybe the ultimate wound is the one that makes you miss the war you got it in. - Sebastian Junger Challenge 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Battle Log Doodlie PVP Johari Window Epic Quest Character Link to comment
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