Priscillia is All About That Base

[Priscillia]

ALL ABOUT MY BASE, BOUT MY BASE

NO ALLIES

 

 

FOR THE HORDE!

 

I've got lots of goals for 2016 already planned, but I want to start small and gain momentum on the fitness side since I already do lots in my Pole classes  And I'm starting with a BANG on the personal side with a project that'll eat up a lot of my free time and I have a tentative end date to my job on the 22nd (no idea when the next project is coming, but I'll be working on my portfolio to change positions or I'll go back in Production.  I like both )

 

 

BUILDINGS

• 10-a-day of squats, pushups, dips, leg lifts, etc.
  

Pick one that day and do 10 reps.  I've managed to do this while a work the last few weeks (take a break from the pc and do that), so let's make it every day!  The squats, leg lifts and push-ups have helped so far  I want this in my default routine, even if I'm sick lol.

 

BLUEPRINTS

• Focus on Splits, 3x week please!
  

This is the major fitness focus.  I KNOW deep down, that I can get this.  My problem is not buckling down on it.  So this is the biggie and this is where I need to buckle down FINALLY.

 

MISSIONS

• Continue logging
  

So last challenge I did a new thing.  I kept a written log.  So let's continue this and cement it further (also gives me more focus on splits ).

 

INVASIONS

• Wash my face nightly with my homemade cleanser (esp if I put makeup on!)
  

Self explanatory and I'm pretty forgetful about it!

 

 

 

MOTIVATION

To feel better, more energetic and stronger.  To reach that image of future me that I CAN SEE AND PRACTICALLY TASTE.  To be ME.  The best me EVER.

[Priscillia]

 

Obligatory Star Wars Version  

 

Reserved for Recaps!

[karinajean]

yay! can't wait to hear more about your very exciting next big project steps, too!

[lucky fire dragon]

Very cool theme and goals. Might "borrow" from the building goal, that is a great idea between computer hours. What warm up and stretches will you do for the splits?

[Priscillia]

yay! can't wait to hear more about your very exciting next big project steps, too!

It's a 3 minute animated short  I'm going to be on the Storyboarding stage for both PMH (accronym of my Project) and also for my portfolio.  I'm hoping to get done for February but my gut feeling is that's not going to happen since I'll probably have to put priority on my portfolio unless we hear about a new project coming in at work (in a timely manner as well) :/  I've already got the script and some sound tests to see how long the dialogue parts are for PMH (tentative timing) and since I'm basing this off of an already established universe I don't have to worry as much for design yet (creatures will be a pain to stylize).  All in all, it's been a long time since I could taste a project and get this pumped, so I'm looking forward to the journey!

 

Very cool theme and goals. Might "borrow" from the building goal, that is a great idea between computer hours. What warm up and stretches will you do for the splits?

Thanks!  Go ahead and borrow I'm "borrowing" your stickers idea from last challenge since a couple of these are daily things and I think it's a great idea

 

Oof.  I'm not sure.  I've got 2 nights of classes for most weeks (Monday and Thursday, both end in stretch mostly) so I should be okay on that front which leaves me with the third.  I was debating just do long stretches and then the runner's stretch/hip stretch (the one you go back and forward on) with some pigeon before going into side splits.  Frog and then middle against the wall and back to floor.  Any suggestions?

[lucky fire dragon]

That sounds great, I don't think you can go wrong with those as they are the classic ones for a reason.

 

Have a fabulous day 1!!

[mediaguy99]

Glad to see you're working on flexibility too!

 

Looking forward to the updates...

[Priscillia]

Actually, my stretch instructor was suggesting doing stretches for splits everyday for a total of minutes (and then of course doing longer ones about 3x week).  Kinda debating on it... would be totally easy to add it into the daily routine (walk away from the computer again during the day for a mini break).

 

Day 1; did 10 squats near my desk AND ten counter push-ups while waiting for tea to brew.  Had 3 classes (Boot Camp, Gymnasti Pole and Stretch) tonight so first splits session of the week is done.  Coming here to report reminded me I had to finish trying to write down what happened in class (done).  I tried in class, but it's kinda difficult to get enough time to write it down, there's not much down time lol!  I also just finished washing my face with my cleanser (avocado oil, castor oil and some essential oils, like it much better than the whipped coconut one).

 

And Lucky, I blame you for feeling like a kid  I got some stickers on Sunday to put on my calendar for everyday that I wash my face, do 10 a day and some extra ones for splits!  I forgot how nice it feels to see those stickers on something you accomplished.  Last time that happened was grade school, talk about nostalgia!

[lucky fire dragon]

yay I'll  happily take that blame

 

it's silly happiness, isn't it? And so good!!

 

How are the DOMS after yesterday's classes? And what did you do in class? (sorry for making you use even more time...)

[Priscillia]

Oh it is!  Such a simple and childish thing but it was surprisingly pleasant

 

Eh no worries on the time front, don't be sorry!  Work is slow atm and I just won't post if I don't have time lol!  Which is normally when I'm home heh.  It's all the dishes at home that peeve me off though, that eats up so much time and it's not even my mess!

 

My workout moleskine is at home, so I'll have to double check later.  I can say DOMS is not bad except on my shoulders and forearms since we did a new exercise in Boot camp; wrist curls.  Easy and so small, but we used resistance bands which made all the difference.. I think that was part of the prep work for pencil (there was prep/strengthening for inverted V and titanic as well).

[lucky fire dragon]

you can never have too much wrist strength for so many things on pole!! Well done

 

Do you hold your stretches static or do you alternate? In the GMB Focused Flexibility they use a combination of 10 little dynamic movements in the stretch and then holding for some time, 10 active pulses, hold,... and that works great especially as it makes you recheck your form often

 

Does it help doing the dishes that aren't yours if you imagine they would be yours in your own place?? How's your tea pot doing

[Priscillia]

We mostly hold static in stretch class, but our teacher is always telling us that we can adjust things or go deeper if we hold long enough.  I've not really looked at GMB (and I should) other than ring exercises... I'll need to take a look at that.  We do pulses in Gymnasti Pole and Boot Camp though.  Especially on Needle (actually my left leg is really high on that now).

 

Day 2; 10 leg lifts (with my big winter boots on hey~oooo) AND 10 squats.  Washed my face   2 stickers!  Starting to think i should do squats/leg lifts/push ups daily instead of just ten of one...

 

I wish it was as easy as imagining the dishes are mine in my own place... Spoiler because it's ranting and actually pretty disgusting.

When I mean it takes me lots of time, it's because 1. the sheer volume and 2. THEY DON'T RINSE (and it crusts over and I have to scrub for 10-30 minutes on 1 thing).  It's taking over an hour daily in my already busy schedule and if they would properly stack stuff and rinse/wipe off really quick with the sponge/tool thing I got, it would reduce it to maybe 20 minutes.  And I can't imagine it as my own because I'm just so disgusted by it and I wouldn't do it myself these days (there was that one exam month in college 4-5 years ago...), and it's also just draining (spiritually/mentally) and then instead of doing other work (like my artwork or portfolio) I just... I can't, I've used up my willpower and that doesn't even include the nagging (especially when it's not my week to do it and I've already done it because it's so off putting when it's not my job).  I've gone after them so many times (even bought some new tools for everyone to use) about this, but nothing comes from it. 

 

Basically I live with a slob and a pack rat who nags, and while I love my mother, common sense is not common here.  I'm no angel myself, but at least I try to keep my stuff limited to my room and not bother others.

 

It's like in The Sims game when the room is messy, your Sim is sooo much more unhappy and unless that other slob Sim cleans up after themselves the other Sims just get progressively unhappier.  They don't joke when they say that a mostly clean environment helps with happiness.

Thanks for mentioning the option Lucky, it's still appreciated

 

And the teapot!  Well, the cast Iron one is still in it's box, but I may take it out soon.  With my mother's family we have a gift stealing game for xmas and this year I ended up with a glass teapot.  I used it as an excuse to buy this for it (I've been eyeing it since I got the other teapot) and I've used it once on the weekend with Ruby Cider tea (the candle completely burned out so I chilled the rest and then poured half chilled tea half ginger ale and it was AMAZING).  I'm very pleased, though I wish they would double wall the glass teapot itself (doesn't look like they do that for any of the glass ones).

 

I may end up with a stripper shoes and teapot collection in the future...

[Priscillia]

Aight, soooooo Monday.

 

BOOT CAMP

 

Warm up (had toe touches/V ups)

• Body Circuit; 1 minute each, rest 15-30 seconds (grab water) and repeat;
• Mountain Climbers (focused on plank position so I went slow)
• Continuous Fan kick
• Sit up variation

 

• Pencil Prep; Do the amount of time/reps and do as many as possible in the time frame given (can't remember the times...)
• Inverted V Prep/Strengthening
• Titanic Prep

Some partner stuff that included Russian twists passing an item around the pole, throwing leg lifts and table dips (this last one did not go well, partner couldn't hold my weight when it was my turn for dips, but we weren't the only ones)

 

GYMNASTI POLE

Warmup (Fighter from Xtina)

Handstands (YEAAAAA!  Just need that leg to lift up and I'm good.  Now it's to get it consistently, then maybe I'll move to try deadlifts?)

Elbow stands (can do without pole, but end up doing a walkover type) (tried 1 handed elbow stands on pole.  DAAAYYYUUUM)

Shoulder mount prep (I fail big time here)

Cartwheels; need to keep legs straight, point toes and work on bad side.

 

STRETCH

Splits

Back Twists

Partner Shoulders and Back

Hips

[lucky fire dragon]

We mostly hold static in stretch class, but our teacher is always telling us that we can adjust things or go deeper if we hold long enough.  I've not really looked at GMB (and I should) other than ring exercises... I'll need to take a look at that.  We do pulses in Gymnasti Pole and Boot Camp though.  Especially on Needle (actually my left leg is really high on that now).

 

Day 2; 10 leg lifts (with my big winter boots on hey~oooo) AND 10 squats.  Washed my face   2 stickers!  Starting to think i should do squats/leg lifts/push ups daily instead of just ten of one...

 

I wish it was as easy as imagining the dishes are mine in my own place... Spoiler because it's ranting and actually pretty disgusting.

When I mean it takes me lots of time, it's because 1. the sheer volume and 2. THEY DON'T RINSE (and it crusts over and I have to scrub for 10-30 minutes on 1 thing).  It's taking over an hour daily in my already busy schedule and if they would properly stack stuff and rinse/wipe off really quick with the sponge/tool thing I got, it would reduce it to maybe 20 minutes.  And I can't imagine it as my own because I'm just so disgusted by it and I wouldn't do it myself these days (there was that one exam month in college 4-5 years ago...), and it's also just draining (spiritually/mentally) and then instead of doing other work (like my artwork or portfolio) I just... I can't, I've used up my willpower and that doesn't even include the nagging (especially when it's not my week to do it and I've already done it because it's so off putting when it's not my job).  I've gone after them so many times (even bought some new tools for everyone to use) about this, but nothing comes from it. 

 

Basically I live with a slob and a pack rat who nags, and while I love my mother, common sense is not common here.  I'm no angel myself, but at least I try to keep my stuff limited to my room and not bother others.

 

It's like in The Sims game when the room is messy, your Sim is sooo much more unhappy and unless that other slob Sim cleans up after themselves the other Sims just get progressively unhappier.  They don't joke when they say that a mostly clean environment helps with happiness.

Thanks for mentioning the option Lucky, it's still appreciated

 

And the teapot!  Well, the cast Iron one is still in it's box, but I may take it out soon.  With my mother's family we have a gift stealing game for xmas and this year I ended up with a glass teapot.  I used it as an excuse to buy this for it (I've been eyeing it since I got the other teapot) and I've used it once on the weekend with Ruby Cider tea (the candle completely burned out so I chilled the rest and then poured half chilled tea half ginger ale and it was AMAZING).  I'm very pleased, though I wish they would double wall the glass teapot itself (doesn't look like they do that for any of the glass ones).

 

I may end up with a stripper shoes and teapot collection in the future...

 

Sorry, I was afraid it might be something like that with the dishes, but it was worth a shot

I know, moving out is not an option right now, but you are still onto that, aren't you? Until then, is there any uplifting (or cleansing) music that would help plugging into your ears during the dishes? Or maybe an audio book to distract you?

 

Lol stripper shoes and teapot collection, that sounds like an excellent combo to me Very cool 

Tea love ftw!!!

 

Kudos if you do the leg lifts, squats and push ups daily. It makes a big difference that's for sure. Will make you strrrrrong!!

 

 

Aight, soooooo Monday.

 

BOOT CAMP

 

Warm up (had toe touches/V ups)

• Body Circuit; 1 minute each, rest 15-30 seconds (grab water) and repeat;
• Mountain Climbers (focused on plank position so I went slow)
• Continuous Fan kick
• Sit up variation

 

• Pencil Prep; Do the amount of time/reps and do as many as possible in the time frame given (can't remember the times...)
• Inverted V Prep/Strengthening
• Titanic Prep

Some partner stuff that included Russian twists passing an item around the pole, throwing leg lifts and table dips (this last one did not go well, partner couldn't hold my weight when it was my turn for dips, but we weren't the only ones)

 

GYMNASTI POLE

Warmup (Fighter from Xtina)

Handstands (YEAAAAA!  Just need that leg to lift up and I'm good.  Now it's to get it consistently, then maybe I'll move to try deadlifts?)

Elbow stands (can do without pole, but end up doing a walkover type) (tried 1 handed elbow stands on pole.  DAAAYYYUUUM)

Shoulder mount prep (I fail big time here)

Cartwheels; need to keep legs straight, point toes and work on bad side.

 

STRETCH

Splits

Back Twists

Partner Shoulders and Back

Hips

 

Boot camp is not for sissys is it

 

Whoooohoooooo on the handstands and forearm without pole and all the badass stuff you can do 

Sounds like you had great fun

 

Thanks, also for taking the time to share it all with me!! I used the fan kicks for warm up on Wednesday at home (and did a lot of chair spin training after) and boy did I feel my core the next day

You go girl! You will be invincible!!

[Priscillia]

Nope, tried that and didn't work.  Audiobook wouldn't fly since the tv is loud and literally beside the kitchen :/  Even my headphones doesn't cover it up completely.  Just gotta keep on keeping on, they won't change and I've tried everything to mitigate it (even up to offering to buy a dishwasher).

 

Gosh, I'm probably the sissy-est in Boot Camp (or the one with the least amount of strength, or the weakest back/upper body muscles).  I have to pace myself if I want to make it through and through the next classes xD  Yes I do have fun!  As long as I do just a tiny bit better than the last time, I'm good.  The handstands are really coming along well.  I'm not banging against the wall any longer, I'm actually just gently touching the wall.  It's literally just getting my other leg to follow up and consistency.  THEN I can start working more on variations and maybe deadlifts (I have no clue if I have enough core strength for that one...).

 

I didn't do all 3 of pushups, squats and leg lifts daily, mostly 2 types each day, but I did yesterday (before splits (upside down so gravity is helping)) so I'll try doing all three each day this week.  I won't penalize myself if I can't do it.

 

Last week was perfect, got my stars (10 a day of 1 thing) and ladybugs (face wash) each day and 3 flowers (splits).

[Priscillia]

WHATEVER I SAID ABOUT DOMS LAST WEEK DISREGARD.

 

HOLY CRAP WHYYYYYYYYYY.

 

Ps got all stickers yesterday and wrote down in my book.  Also I'm finished work in two weeks.  Feels weird.

[Priscillia]

... and Snape is dead.  WHYYYYY.  RIP Mr Alan Rickman

 

Sigh.  Tuesday I forgot to do the face washing and I only remembered to do 10 squats (nothing else) yesterday.  Many of my muscles are still tender.  I've got 4/5, 2/3 and Stretch class tonight too!

 

Feeling so tired lately too.  Haven't really made head way on some of my personal stuff (or maybe I'm just trying to get all the stuff done when I know I need to have a good bit of down time to recharge?).

[mediaguy99]

What?  Alan Rickman died?  What a week

 

That's a lot of class you have coming up tonight.  Taking a rest day once a week is a good idea for recharging the muscles and the mind.

 

Keep up the good work

[Priscillia]

What a week indeed

 

Thanks for checking in on that lol!  I only have 2 nights of 3 classes each week (boot/Gymnastic/stretch and then lvl 4/5, lvl 2/3 and Stretch)   The other days have nothing but the 10-a-day (so squats/push-ups/leg lifts etc) so I think I'm covered for the rest.  10 reps (30 total if I do all three) doesn't really feel like much so I should be okay?

 

I will!  Though I only have my pole classes until March 8th (I become unemployed after January 22nd and unlimited pole classes are 100$/month) so we'll see after that.

 

----

 

The DOMS is with me today. Stretch class was lovely, 2/3 was... I don't know.  Maybe it's because of the 4/5 before that (it was mostly a recap class, nothing new) or I was still sore from Monday (possible) but it wasn't really... profitable?  Or maybe it was that my thighs were hurting (uhoh, lost skin tolerance I guess) and my right hand was blistering?

Eh. We'll see next week.  Got all my stickers yesterday   Only missed 1 for the whole Challenge so far

[mediaguy99]

I will!  Though I only have my pole classes until March 8th (I become unemployed after January 22nd and unlimited pole classes are 100$/month) so we'll see after that.

 

If only trapeze classes were so affordable I would still be doing it.  I just can't afford $165/six week class, only 1.5 hours per week.  Since you have to be doing it at least three times a week to get good...

 

Anyway, keep up the amazings!

[Priscillia]

If only trapeze classes were so affordable I would still be doing it.  I just can't afford $165/six week class, only 1.5 hours per week.  Since you have to be doing it at least three times a week to get good...

 

Anyway, keep up the amazings!

Oh I hear you!  I so hear you on that!  It used to be 1 class per week with optional drop ins for Jams (think open gym) and Stretch for 220$ for 8 weeks.  And Jams and stretch could be over crowded since there wasn't a booking system at the time.  I'm not sure what the monthly sub is right now without contract, but I get it down to 100$ by using the 6 month contract.  I'm using it (compared to my old gym membership) and abusing it since they started the unlimited stuff a year ago.  One girl last year had about 364 bookings I think?  There's an excel sheet of her stuff making the rounds at the studio, it's awesome.

 

Other nearby pole studios have the unlimited option, but you're looking at 200$ a month minimum on their longest contracts.  And I don't think they have the variety that mine has, though one has hoops and silks (and is near home I think).

 

I want to keep my sub, but realistically, I want to at least have a job confirmation to renew (considering I'll be out of work in a week) (or at least enough commission work to cover it, which I don't have a big following for) without dipping into the savings I've built last year.  600$ might not seem like that much over time, but with car insurance/maintenance, food and other utilities, my savings could drop fast.

[mediaguy99]

It's got to be at least a bit unnerving to commit to spending money when your income source is about to dry up!  And $600 is a lot of money no matter how you look at it.  That's a car payment (over three months)... that's all my utility bills for a family of three (over three months).. that's a month's groceries...

[Priscillia]

Other than that one night I forgot to use my face cleanser, I did pretty well last week.  Almost forgot the last splits session but made sure to do it last night.  Was hoping to do it Saturday, but between the free movie (kung Fu Panda 3) super with a friend and then a scheduled Open Raid which lasted till 10-11 PM I didn't get to it   I did not do all three of the ten a days...  I tried for the most part, but some days it was done an hour before bed as I was cleaning my face (literally I'm wiping off the eyeliner and... "oh wait... I didn't do the 10 thingie.  DO EET NOW!")

 

 I have a case of the Mondays and am not going to class today (which is bumming me out a bit).  By case of the Mondays, I mean I had all my bags ready but forgot to bring my Pole bag   (I live on the other end of the city and class starts at 5:30 so no ke pasa on going to pick it up beforehand).  Really need to get that second car bag ready, I'm sick of prepping my bag at night and still forgetting it in the mornings T_T

 

Last week at work too.  I'm looking forward to having a break, but since we don't know when the next project is in (that i can return on) it's making me iffy.  I mean the break is awesome since I can catch up on some stuff; update my portfolio to change positions (maybe even get a junior position with another studio), clean up my CPU and its files, back ups, Windows upgrade & phone reset (it's being finicky), more purging and reorganizing, my PMH project which has been on hold due to the portfolio stuff...  All house cleaning type stuff or updates, but it takes FOREVER to do and it's draining which is why I can't really do it during the weeknights and my weekends lately have been to recover haha.

 

---

 

Oh it is unnerving to commit... but I should, I know I'm not good with regular workouts, so having classes that I have to book helps.  And it also helps fantastically with my mood, health and my productivity normally which is worth spending money on.

 

I guess I should hustle some commissions or get myself another job at another studio lol.

[lucky fire dragon]

you are doing super impressive on all your goals, yay you!! Can picture you doing squats with half the eyeliner off in the bathroom That would be so me, too!!

Hubby laughs his head off when I am half in bed already and remember "Oh gosh, I still have to do my 10 of.... (insert whatever)!!" and heave a big sigh and get out of bed again... 

 

Bummer about the Monday class, it's funny it's the same day I couldn't go either, so I really feel you on that. At least you know you can pack a second car bag and not have that happen again.

 

I really understand your hesitation on spending that much while not knowing about your job. Brave (and sensible) of you to head for booking anyway, as you say, it'll keep you going and I think it goes a long way in keeping you happy and sane. I mean... it's pole

 

When will you know about the job? Any ideas for in between? You say, you might switch to another studio, is that for work or for training?

[Priscillia]

you are doing super impressive on all your goals, yay you!! Can picture you doing squats with half the eyeliner off in the bathroom That would be so me, too!!

Hubby laughs his head off when I am half in bed already and remember "Oh gosh, I still have to do my 10 of.... (insert whatever)!!" and heave a big sigh and get out of bed again... 

 

Bummer about the Monday class, it's funny it's the same day I couldn't go either, so I really feel you on that. At least you know you can pack a second car bag and not have that happen again.

 

I really understand your hesitation on spending that much while not knowing about your job. Brave (and sensible) of you to head for booking anyway, as you say, it'll keep you going and I think it goes a long way in keeping you happy and sane. I mean... it's pole

 

When will you know about the job? Any ideas for in between? You say, you might switch to another studio, is that for work or for training?

 

Haha it's more like I'm doing pushups in front of my office buddy's desk and people pass by and are all ??? and the ones who know I pole are all "Yep, that's Priscillia for you".  Managed to get 10 pushups in a row too (hands far apart on the floor and almost boobs to floor) yesterday!

 

Oh man I wish I had the discipline to do that.  I was in bed and realized I hadn't washed my face yet (I was lucky, no makeup on yesterday, that's been awhile since I did that) or done my splits and nope, could not find it in me to get out (once I'm in bed, THAT'S IT, unless the bathroom calls).  Your hubby is awesome to be positive about that btw

 

Yea it was a bummer and at the same time, I guess I just needed an extra nope day.  I was not "feeling" anything that day (crohn's was bad that morning, I had tried some pad thai the other day and NOPE NOPE NOPE) compounded with this being the last week of lots of people including myself... buuuut it was worth it since I decided to play WoW and RARE STUFF DROPPED, LIKE ASHES OF ALAR RARE.

 

This mount if you're curious, you can only try once a week on each character for it to drop and the drop rate is less than 1% AND IT DROPPED.  I wouldn't have done it after class soooo.... silver lining?  It's so pretty.

 

 

Yea, I mean, it just helps all around and I've never stuck with anything else like I have with this (or gone out of my way to get better) so it makes sense to try keeping it.  Plus it'll get me out of the house, helps with productivity and is part of my daily routines so just keeping that might help with staying on target/schedule for stuff.  It's been a life saver for that (and again helps the crohn's which I have a march colonoscopy booked :/ ).

 

No ways to know about the job, it all depends on clients calling in saying we've got the contract which can happen at any point.  In between I'll be working on my portfolio and PMH (which can also double for portfolio) but I'm going to put an emphasis on doing layouts and background paintings since I know this studio and the one my buddy has switched to are hiring BG painters in May.  As for other stuff, mostly housekeeping (of the physical and digital kind) and some rebranding (last time I did that was last year of college, soooo 4-5 years ago? lemme know if any of you want to see some of the process I go through, I'm just trying to decide which one to go with).