♫ starsapart shines ♫

[starsapart]

" you're picture perfect blue

sunbathing on the moon

stars shining as your bones illuminate

first kiss just like a drug

under your influence

you take me over you're the magic in my veins

this must be love...

Boom! Clap!

the sound of my heart

the beat goes on and on and on and on and..."

 

AKTE I

 

 

Welcome to another round of Chasing Shiny Objects with Stars, where every topic is on the table, All the Things get done at once, and themes range from mainstream films to obscure, heartbreaking anime about magical ballet dancing ducks.  One guess which way I went this time.....

 

In this final challenge of 2015, I'm trying to focus in a little, a process which is aided by the fact that this is coming:

 

My first aerial performance.  Time to get my ducks in a row (ha, hahaha, I crack myself up) and get this show off the ground, literally.  Let's do this.

 

quest 1: rise to the occasion (ahiru) - +1 STR, +1 DEX

Ahiru goes from the awkward kid at the bottom of the class to performing (literally) for her life.  The stakes in my case aren't quite so high, but I'll be taking inspiration from Ahiru's "can do" attitude in preparing for and executing my solo silks routine for the showcase.  I've got my music.  I've started my choreography.  All I need to do is take it to the finish line.  There are no specific weekly check-ins for this goal, but trust that preparation is top of mind for me. You're likely to see a lot of flailing and probably a video or three along the way.  This goal will be completed in week 5 when I perform my routine for an audience.  Yes, I'll share a video of the final result - either from the performance itself if I can get one or from dress rehearsal, whatever ends up working!

• PASS: Did the thing, posted the video, FAIL: What the hell is your problem, stars?

 

quest 2: practice begets perfection (rue) - +1 DEX, +1 STA

Best dancer in Princess Tutu?  It's no contest.  Rue's a textbook example of what hard work and dedication will net you.  Lately, I've gotten back into ballet, but my class attendance consistency is crap (partly due to factors outside my control) and my form needs some serious attention.  Thus, this goal is twofold:

1. Take at least 3 technique classes in the 6 week period.  I have 3 left on my punch card, so this doesn't add financial obligation (a worry this time of year) and this allows for some flexibility for travel and other issues.

2. Work on technique on my own time at least 3 times.  Things that particularly need attention: turnout (STOP FORCING STARS), tendu speed and precision, pirouettes (doubles, landing in fifth), jump form, particularly at higher speeds.  I have a wood floor at home AND a big group exercise room WITH A BARRE at the gym, so no excuses.

• A: 3 of each, B: 3 of one, 2 of the other, C: 2 of each

 

quest 3: what's right is rarely what's easy (fakir) - +2 DEX

Let's talk about fighting one's fate, shall we?  The same way Fakir has to force himself into all sorts of horrible situations (MY POOR BABY), I apparently SERIOUSLY HAVE TO FORCE MYSELF TO DO BACKBENDS.  Or I just won't do them.  I've seen this again and again.  I'm not great at them, so in stretch sessions, I default to splits.  NO MORE.  I need this for aerial.  Suck it up, stars.  I'm getting a routine together (thanks, Finisterre!) and I will work on backbends 3 times a week.  PERIOD.  And I will post a picture weekly to see if progress is happening.  Period.

• A: 3 sessions + photo, B: 2 sessions + photo or 3 sessions without photo, C: 1 session + photo or 2 sessions without photo

 

life quest: scattered shards (mytho) + 2 WIS

Mytho's got a lot of missing pieces.  And I've got.... a lot of unplanned and unpurchased holiday gifts.  I usually try to do this earlier, but with everything going on this year, I've barely scratched the surface.  I DO NOT WANT to be the crazy person paying for overnight shipping the day before a family gathering.  Can we say UGH?  Therefore, my goal is to make a nice, tidy list in Google sheets and to acquire (make, buy, whatever) all gifts for all individuals on said list by the end of the challenge, giving me some breathing room and, you know, time to wrap.

• Grading based on the % of gifts acquired per the forthcoming spreadsheet

 

AKTE II

 

In Akte I of our drama, our heroine was grievously wounded.  In Akte II, much like Ahiru, she will strive to pick up the pieces.

 

quest 1: when all else fails (ahiru) - +1 STR, +1 DEX, +1 STA

Ahiru never ever ever ever ever ever gives up, regardless of the odds stacked against her.  I'm like that, too.  Can't aerial?  Okay.  Can't walk?  So what.  I'm going to get around it.  This quest is amorphous until I can get in to the physical therapist in week 4 and figure out what I need to do to rehab my leg.  After that, it's all about following instructions like a good girl.  I AM GOING TO BE BETTER THAN EVER.  Just watch.

• PASS: Did the thing, FAIL: What the hell is your problem, stars?

 

quest 2: growing wings (rue) - +2 STR

I can't walk and I certainly can't dance, but you know what I can do?  Pull-ups.  This one's simple - while I'm hurt, pull-ups/chin-ups daily.  Every.  Single.  Day.  I'm going to get even stronger while my leg is out of commission.

• A: 7 days, B: 6 days, C: 5 days

 

quest 3: glory for those who defy their fate (fakir) - +1 WIS, +1 STR

Backbends are out.  Did you know they slightly recruit your hamstrings?  I DIDN'T UNTIL I TRIED TO DO SOME.  So, instead, time to give fate the finger.  This quest is twofold: in week 4, while laid up at home, figure out a go-forward training plan, despite the fact that most injured people just give up on fitness (but we all know that's not me).  In weeks 5-6, follow said plan for a minimum of 3 days at the gym weekly, (aside from the daily pull-ups - those don't count as gym days).

• A: 3 days, B: 2 days, C: 1 days

 

life quest: scattered shards (mytho) + 2 WIS

THIS QUEST REMAINS UNCHANGED.  Mytho's got a lot of missing pieces.  And I've got.... a lot of unplanned and unpurchased holiday gifts.  I usually try to do this earlier, but with everything going on this year, I've barely scratched the surface.  I DO NOT WANT to be the crazy person paying for overnight shipping the day before a family gathering.  Can we say UGH?  Therefore, my goal is to make a nice, tidy list in Google sheets and to acquire (make, buy, whatever) all gifts for all individuals on said list by the end of the challenge, giving me some breathing room and, you know, time to wrap.

• Grading based on the % of gifts acquired per the forthcoming spreadsheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also coming this challenge: a trip to Disneyland for the Avengers Half Marathon (stillskies is running - I am holding a sign)!  A trip to Las Vegas!  Lots of deadlifts!  LOTS of eating!  Lots and lots and lots of weird aerial terminology!  And mini challenge goodness!  Doing All the Things!

 

 

Shall we dance?

 

[starsapart]

 

Week 0

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

 

Challenge Summary

It may not be a happy ending, but it isn't necessarily a tragedy.  A lesson in silver linings.

 

Oof.  It's over.  That was..... something.  This challenge was - haha - my most "challenging" yet.  Even the challenge where I broke my ankle wasn't this disruptive.  I got injured, I had a family emergency crop up near the end, I experienced financial distress, and all in the most stressful and irritating time of the year.  A summary of stat boosts below, then lessons learned:

 

AKTE I

• rise to the occasion - A
  
  • Stat boost: +1 STR, +1 DEX
    


• practice begets perfection - B
  
  • Stat boost: +1 DEX, +.5 STA
    


• what's right is rarely what's easy - A-
  
  • Stat boost: +1.75 DEX
    

AKTE II

• when all else fails - A-
  
  • Stat boost: +.75 STR, +1 DEX, +.5 STA
    


• growing wings - A
  
  • Stat boost: +2 STR
    


• glory for those who defy their fate - A
  
  • Stat boost: +1 WIS, +2 STR
    


• scattered shards - D
  
  • ​Stat boost: +1 WIS
    

Lessons Learned:

• Torn muscles screw you up worse than broken bones.  Who knew?


• It's going to take awhile to get myself emotionally to a place where I feel safe doing a fast-paced aerial routine, I think.


• I need to put working on hamstring flexibility into several upcoming challenges as I have months of pain ahead of me before I see my splits again.


• Injuries suck.  But whining also sucks, so get over it, stars.


• I am still adaptable as hell.  I didn't fall into inactivity.


• I need to figure out how the hell to improve finances once the misery that is the holidays is over.  UGH ADULTING.


• I miss when I used to like this time of year.
  
• Maybe theming a challenge after a tragic thing like Tutu was asking for trouble?  Because this challenge.  Freaking.  Sucked.


• I'll do better in 2016.

[raptron]

So gracefuuuul~!

 

I chuckled about the backbends. A ton of my teammates refuse to do bridges. REFUSE. You are not alone in the backbend hate club.

[Strickland5]

[shaar]

YAY YAY YAY

 

But what is the half marathon sign you're holding GOING TO SAY?!  Important questions, right here.

[starsapart]

So gracefuuuul~!

 

I chuckled about the backbends. A ton of my teammates refuse to do bridges. REFUSE. You are not alone in the backbend hate club.

 

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaate.

 

But must do.

 

And I seriously thought about rewatching Princess Tutu for this challenge.  But then I remembered that this happens to me when I watch Princess Tutu:

 

So maaaaaaaybe not.

 

 

Yasssssssssssssssssssss let's do dis!

 

YAY YAY YAY

 

But what is the half marathon sign you're holding GOING TO SAY?!  Important questions, right here.

 

stillskies reads this thread!  So I can't say~

[shaar]

 

stillskies reads this thread!  So I can't say~

 

SECRET SIGNS, excellent~~

 

Aaaand a coworker caught me on the PRINCESS TUTU WIKI PAGE refreshing my memory since I watched this ages ago.  Ahaha.  Awkwaaaard. 

 

I remember why I liked Fakir so much, though.  BWAAHH~~HERIJKRT

 

[blkhole24601]

HERE FOR THIS

[starsapart]

SECRET SIGNS, excellent~~

 

Aaaand a coworker caught me on the PRINCESS TUTU WIKI PAGE refreshing my memory since I watched this ages ago.  Ahaha.  Awkwaaaard. 

 

I remember why I liked Fakir so much, though.  BWAAHH~~HERIJKRT

 

 

NO SERIOUSLY IT'S ABOUT A BALLET DANCING DUCK BUT IT'S NOT AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDS I SWEAR.

 

Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Fakir my babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.  Ahiruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.  UGH GROSS SOBBING.

 

I feel like everyone needs this in their lives:

[Urgan]

Here for obscure anime, dancing, and deadlifts!

[stillskies]

That AMV just isn't fair.

 

Now I want to re-watch Tutu. 

[Finisterre]

You will learn to love the backbends!  Put your feet on your head and suddenly people think you're a magician (seriously, I tend to forget that I may be only averagely flexible in the circus world but in the normal world I am ridiculous).

 

 

Also I am thinking of taking up some ballet to help my general lack of grace.  Worth it?

[insanity]

Marking my spot right.....

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 X--- here

[Finisterre]

Move along people...nothing to see here...

[Kagetsukai]

I feel like everyone needs this in their lives:

 

OMG I love that video so much So gooooooood!

[starsapart]

That AMV just isn't fair.

 

Now I want to re-watch Tutu. 

 

That show isn't fair.  We can watch it.  If you want to see me cry.

 

You will learn to love the backbends!  Put your feet on your head and suddenly people think you're a magician (seriously, I tend to forget that I may be only averagely flexible in the circus world but in the normal world I am ridiculous).

 

 

Also I am thinking of taking up some ballet to help my general lack of grace.  Worth it?

 

Aahhahaha I am looking forward to seeing what madness you throw at me for training!  Very excited and scared all at once.

 

And ballet is definitely a good way to develop grace.  I'm always commended by by folks at the aerial studio for being graceful, and the next words out of their mouths are invariably, "were you a ballet dancer?"  It sticks with you.

 

 

HERE FOR THIS

Here for obscure anime, dancing, and deadlifts!

Marking my spot right.....

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 X--- here

 

Welcome~

 

Ducks, Dancing, and Deadlifts..... a typical day with starsapart.

 

OMG I love that video so much So gooooooood!

 

It really is.  Best AMV for Tutu, hands down.

[Trewest]

I have never heard of this anime and yet I am amused by this. Then again I grew up on fantasia and the ballet dancing hippos and crocodiles so..... yeah.

[starsapart]

I have never heard of this anime and yet I am amused by this. Then again I grew up on fantasia and the ballet dancing hippos and crocodiles so..... yeah.

 

Watch.

 

It.

 

Don't spoil yourself and WATCH IT.

 

I think it's on Hulu?

[Finisterre]

Aahhahaha I am looking forward to seeing what madness you throw at me for training!  Very excited and scared all at once.

 

And ballet is definitely a good way to develop grace.  I'm always commended by by folks at the aerial studio for being graceful, and the next words out of their mouths are invariably, "were you a ballet dancer?"  It sticks with you.

 

 

I have Plans for solo stretching, partner stretching, active stretching, passive stretching...  You may hate me by the end of it.

 

 

I mainly want someone to teach me wtf to do with my arms.  I almost did swimming arms the last routine I did

[starsapart]

I have Plans for solo stretching, partner stretching, active stretching, passive stretching...  You may hate me by the end of it.

 

 

I mainly want someone to teach me wtf to do with my arms.  I almost did swimming arms the last routine I did

 

Oh, excellent.  Bring it.  If I hate you, it'll be a loving hate.

 

Ballet is great for teaching graceful arm positions and movements FOR SURE!  Dooooooooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

[Urgan]

I have Plans for solo stretching, partner stretching, active stretching, passive stretching...  You may hate me by the end of it.

 

I'm sensing a pattern...

[Raxie]

I did ballet for 14 years, no matter what I do in my fitness life I feel like I'm really a ballerina at heart so I'm really looking forward to hearing about your adventures there! You might inspire me to bust out my NYC ballet workout

[dancezwithkittehz]

Ooooh I have not heard of Princess Tutu. MUST WATCH.

 

And also HERE AND FOLLOWING AS ALWAYS <3 !!!

[starsapart]

I'm sensing a pattern...

 

I figured at worst, she'd keep me honest.

 

I did ballet for 14 years, no matter what I do in my fitness life I feel like I'm really a ballerina at heart so I'm really looking forward to hearing about your adventures there! You might inspire me to bust out my NYC ballet workout

 

Ohhhh yeah, I did ballet for most of my life, it never really leaves you, does it?

 

Ooooh I have not heard of Princess Tutu. MUST WATCH.

 

And also HERE AND FOLLOWING AS ALWAYS <3 !!!

 

Oh my god you of all people ESPECIALLY would love it although again, UGLY SOBBING FOREVER.

[Urgan]

Oh my god you of all people ESPECIALLY would love it although again, UGLY SOBBING FOREVER.

 

You half sell it, half scare me to death lol.