Starpuck: Facing my own worst anime!

[starpuck]

HOW I FELT TODAY WHEN 7FG POINTED OUT IT WAS THE NEW CHALLENGE!

 

Hah.   Took forever for this title to come to me, and when it did, it couldn't be more fitting!

 

Overall Challenge Goal:  Consistency!   I must find consistency!    I need to stop letting things sidetrack me beyond the reasonable amount of sidetracking...    I am my own worst enemy in that regard.    This challenge will be a lot of the same things as last challenge, with the focus being on seeing them through and not fading out in the middle.

 

GOAL #1

 

Bulat - It takes a lot of strength and endurance to use Incursio!
Details: Strength train 3x / week.    Each session will include 3 of my rehab exercises, plus either workout A or B from a beginner strength workout, modifications done as necessary to keep shoulder happy.
Tracking: Summaries here, also kept on my monthly calendar and workout logs have been printed.

 

 

GOAL #2

Akame - But I'm hungry!
Details: I've not really been in the track my food mood - so I'm not sure if I should force myself to anyway, or just be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth.   One of the two will happen. 
Tracking: MFP and/or here based on a 'how close to clean' points allotment.

 

 

GOAL #3

Leone - "Man nothing beats booze running in the middle of the day!

Details: Run 2x/week on my lunch break.  No reason this shouldn't be happening.  And I have a Tri in June!
Tracking: Zombies! Run app and here

 

 

LIFE GOAL

 

Lubbock - "I run a manga bookstore."

Details:  Art 3x/ week.  Basically,  moar draw.   Keep practicing with the tablet.   Start learning fundies stuff too.

Tracking:  Post crap here, because it's good for me to get over myself and the fact that some things have to be worked at and practiced before they get good.

 

 

And... that's the challenge folks!   Pretty simple, not too much brain-banter on this post.  Just a plan of attack and the charge!

 

 

Title Trivia

So, inside story on why the title of the challenge is so perfect?   Because I am currently watching Akame ga Kill and I freaking HATE this anime.    Except, it might be that sort of love-hate relationship.   I mean, and please be mindful of spoilers here folks -- but like, seriously, I watch some of these episodes and turn the tv off feeling anger, and rage and sadness and ... too many of the negative feels all at once.   And yet I am somehow drawn to go back to it, time and again... as if to see if there is some light at the end of this brutally dark, and sad, tunnel.   So I will see it through.   And then, then I will make my next anime some delightfully fun and lighthearted romp.

[starpuck]

Oops - double post.

[starpuck]

Lunch Workout

 

Agility Ladder - 3 Drills per circuit

 

Shoulder Rehab:

   - Internal Extension 3 x 10 (blue)

   - External Extension 3 x 10 (blue)

   - Band Pull Lateral 3 x 10 (grey)

 

Goblet Squat:

   - 20# x 8 x 3

 

Dead Bugs: 3 x 10 (each leg) per circuit

 

Incline Push Ups (bench press level)

   - 3 x 8

 

Inverted Rows (rings, set high-ish)

   - 3 x 8

 

Notes:  No pain in my shoulder on any of these exercises!!  At least not DURING the exercise.   I am going to likely try and get some videos on a few of these things, just to see if any of the lifting people can check form and make sure I am not doing them wrong, or in a way that will lead to shoulder complications.   *All of these things I am doing were part of my PT training, so I'm not stepping outside of prescribed limitations.  

 

Art Foo

Yes, I totally stole the WIP from BlackTezca-Sempai!  What of it!?

 

This is hopefully going to become Ratheriel, an Altmer friend of mine on ESO.

[obax]

Woo new challenge! We seem to be challenge twins, in as much as we're basically doing the same as last time, with more focus on not fizzling out towards the end. Also in the fact that the beginning came out of nowhere, holy... Apparently I only read the start dates and don't bother with the end dates....

 

Any interest in a running accountability thing again? It doesn't have to be a formal Accountabilibuddies thing, but I found it to be fairly motivating when I didn't wanna to know that I'd promised I would. If not, that's cool, but I just might come by here every Monday and promise to run anyway.

 

Related: I'm hereby pinky swearing that I shall run 2 more times this week (I've already got one done. Weirdly, I didn't procrastinate this time...)

[Flex Luthor]

I can't give enough love to this challenge. Good luck!

 

[Polgara19]

Yay! New challenge! Sorry I fell completely off the face of the earth last challenge - but I'm back!

I see you're running from zombies? I've just signed up for the ZR virtual race! So excited!! Not too proud to say that I teared up during the last episode I listened to...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[starpuck]

Oooh Polgara!   I also signed up for that Virtual Race!!!      We can do a run together!  Neat.   (I also splurged for the neat Runner 5 technical tee lol.)

 

Lunch Workout

Run Day - hit the indoor track in the midst of a February THUNDERSTORM, complete with lightning.   And 36 degree temps.   I'm pretty impressed by that, gotta admit.

Didn't worry too much about if I ran the whole time or not, but I did manage a full mile without a walk break, then started alternating runs and walks.  I'd rather work back up to a full 3 miles comfortably, than push too hard and make it more miserable than it usually is.

 

Art Foo

So, I started on a new picture for my ESO friend, because, well... our online and in game story that we've been roleplaying out has hit the ultimate feels portion of the journey.    So I wanted something a little more emotional than just a pic of the dude.    I borrowed some existing pics to get the face angles right but otherwise have switched things up to make it look like our characters... the thing is... the left character is having a major nose problem.  Or at least I think it's a nose... I just can't seem to figure out what bout it is off.    Ugh!

 

 

 

Otherwise, a good second day!

[obax]

I think the nose is a little far down his face, maybe? If I look a the other guy, the point of his nose is more or less level with the bottom of his eyes. The weird-nose guy, the point of his nose is way lower, making it look like the bridge of his nose is extra long. I do not art, however, so take that with large grain of salt, but that's what jumped out at me.

 

Also woo run! And woo for thunderstorms! Or maybe that should be 'woo for thunderstorms?' As much as I like weird weather, it's always a little unsettling too.

[Polgara19]

I got the technical tee too.  I'm actually kinda bummed it isn't just a cotton t-shirt though since I find technical fabrics just smell, so you can't really wear them in polite company.  Oh well, it looks cool!  

 

Yay for running in a thunderstorm.  Wait.  That doesn't sound quite right...

[joedog]

This winter has had strange weather. We haven't had much snow yet. Winter thunderstorms are always weird. Good for you toughing it out! 

[starpuck]

I didn't do my lunch work out today.   Then I ordered pasta in on top of it.    So, from 1pm-10pm, food was not good, nor was there exercise to be had.

 

I did put a ton of time into my current art project.   Took the original pic and imported it into manga studio, then started inking it in there.   I played with some new tools.   It's not cheating if a tool exists for it, right?    I was just having a god awful time keeping the stylus steady tonight, so my lines were all over.   I discovered the line tool!   Straight lines, curved lines, funkadelic lines.  And in many of the places, these curved lines worked just fine!    

 

I also was advised another neat tool.  Lasso tool.   Which, took some wrastling, but I figured it out, and ... the issue I had with the nose/eye position?   Friend told me, "Grab the eye with the lasso tool and move it around, see if a different positioning or size for the eye fixes the weirdness."    While it may not be perfect - it s soooo much better than it was.    

 

Then I started trying to get some color on it... but I got tired.   And I want my bed.  So the rest of the coloringz will have to happen on the weekend... then I get to fight with some shading again.  YAAAAY!  SHADEWARZ.

 

                      

[joedog]

Tools exist for a reason. Def not cheating.

[starpuck]

Lunch Workout

 

Agility Ladder - 3 Drills per circuit

 

Shoulder Rehab:

   - High to Low Diag.   3 x 10 (red 15#)

   - Low to High Diag.   3 x 10 (blue)

   - Seated Row   3 x 10 (orange 40#)

 

Deadliftt:

   - 40# (2 DBs) x 8

   - 65# (BB) x 8

   - 65# (BB) x 8

 

Roman Chair Sit Ups: 3 x 10

 

1 Arm Press (DB)

   - 3 x 8

 

Assisted Pull Ups (slow descent, pause at bottom, really focusing on shoulders down and back)

   - 3 x 5

 

Workout was good despite really not feeling like doing one.  Glad I did.   Tonight is D&D night.     So no arts.    Going to dinner with my friends, as the out of towner is back in town for tonight.   Portillos!    Will plan ahead and not order instinctively by habit.

[BlackTezca]

I could not be bothered to continue Akame Ga Kill.  I don't know, while I love some of the ideas there, I think once my favorite character, Commander Esdeath (because of course I would love her, she was just made to appeal to me) fell in love with the boring-as-shit main character (forgot his stupid name) I was done.  I've seen this play out before, nothing to see here.  I didn't rage quit, I just stopped...caring really which is odd for me to do with a dark brutal anime.  I guess I wasn't invested in anyone.

 

However, I would be interested to hear how it ends or if anything like cool happens, so keep us posted!

 

The line tool is really neat and something I have used quite a bit of before!  Really helps with clean lines.  Also, I use the lasso tool a lot for the same reason.  Head to much to one side?  Shift it!  One eye too low in 3/4 profile?  Move it!  Really neat tool and I'm glad you're learning so much of it.  You're doing a lot of trial and error here and it's working out for you!

 

SHADING!  SHOW US THE SHADING!!  Shading is the best part for me! . 

 

Nice workout and woo!  Have fun with the D&Ding!

[starpuck]

So I should've run yesterday, but the doms, oh the doms.   So today, I am going to do an hours worth of Just Dance 2016 with my sis.   It's like running.  In place.   Or something.  But that's not until AFTER I finish my closet/clothes/drawers TO DO LIST.  I am currently working on that right now.

 

I DID art yesterday, so, I've arted like 4x this week!  WHOA.     And I got the most amazingly endearing comment on the finished product, from the person who plays the other character in the pic.   It was pretty awesome.   And it really reinforced my desire to keep pursuing this hobby!

 

Anyway, final product.    Btw, I hate shading.  I will love it some day, but right now, it feels so challenging.  

 

Things I still need to fuss with.   There was a tutorial somewhere, that explained how to get rid of the white spaces between lines and coloring... I just can't remember where it was.    That's something I need to get down as habit because I think it will really clean up and crisp up the edges.   Which, not too noticeable in small format pics, but when you look close, yup, it's there.

 

The coolest part about this finished product?    I am HAPPY with it as a "Look, I did something like this, which, two months ago I could not do!  I am making progress for /me/ and I feel really good about that!     I will keep learning stuff, and I know I have a lot of room to grow and improve, but for me on a mental/emotional level?  To be able to pat myself on the back for improvement in something I have to WORK for?   EPIC.

[Polgara19]

Beautiful!

[karinajean]

hello, lovely twinsers!

your challenge is off and running. I love that! and you! yay!

[starpuck]

WEEK 1 SUMMARY

 

 

GOAL #1

Bulat - It takes a lot of strength and endurance to use Incursio!

Details: Strength train 3x / week.    Each session will include 3 of my rehab exercises, plus either workout A or B from a beginner strength workout, modifications done as necessary to keep shoulder happy.
 

ACTUAL:   2 / 3    The DOMS slowed me down this week, but that will get better.

 

 

GOAL #2
Akame - But I'm hungry!

Details: I've not really been in the track my food mood - so I'm not sure if I should force myself to anyway, or just be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth.   One of the two will happen. 
 

ACTUAL:  Ummm, 5/7 or something?   I keep botching the weekends.   Must address this.

 

 

GOAL #3

Leone - "Man nothing beats booze running in the middle of the day!

Details: Run 2x/week on my lunch break.  No reason this shouldn't be happening.  And I have a Tri in June!
 

ACTUAL: 1 run this week and no hockey.  Again, DOMS to blame largely for this.   I meant to try and get #2 on Saturday, but I did other stuff!

 

 

LIFE GOAL

Lubbock - "I run a manga bookstore."

Details:  Art 3x/ week.  Basically,  moar draw.   Keep practicing with the tablet.   Start learning fundies stuff too.

 

ACTUAL: 4x!   From sketch, to import for digital inking, to color, to shading!      Pretty satisfied with the final result too!

 

 

 

Overall feelings?   A decent showing.   Room to improve, but better than nothing.    Saturday and Sunday I did a ton of deep ass, down and dirty pre-spring cleaning.  Talking hands and knees floor scrubbing, toothbrush to the bathroom cracks, nitty gritty cleaning.   That exhausted me!   I also re-organized my closets and drawers and got a bag of clothes together for donations.    So I had a VERY productive weekend, even if it wasn't all kinds of exercise and stuff.

 

I DO need to get the eating under control.   It is so hard for me over the winter, but I want to be back to peak Puckness before summer, so there's no more time for being lazy.

 

Onward to Week 2.  Which started today very busy at work.    I DID get my lunch workout in though, so will update that in a post later.

 

 

[starpuck]

Lunch Workout

 

Agility Ladder - 3 Drills per circuit

 

Shoulder Rehab:

   - Internal Extension 3 x 10 (blue)

   - External Extension 3 x 10 (blue)

   - Band Pull Lateral 3 x 10 (grey)

   - Lateral arm raises 2# in left (bad side) hand 3 x 10

 

Goblet Squat:

   - 20# x 10 x 3

 

Dead Bugs: 3 x 10 (each leg) per circuit (2# weight in stationary hand)

 

Incline Push Ups (bench press level)

   - 3 x 10

 

Inverted Rows (rings, set high-ish)

   - 3 x 10

 

Foam Rolled Shoulders, IT Bands and Butt

 

Annnnd, this weeks art project.    (Is gonna be the death of me lol!)     Creative brain wants pictures that the hands and eye are not skilled enough to do yet.    Super super rough sketch.   And I ran out of time/energy to keep fussing with it tonight.    The thing I do like?  The tail across the lap.     But, gotta figure out what's off on THIS one now.

 

[BlackTezca]

I like the shading here!  Especially on the redheaded figure.  The hair is well done!  I think more shadow was needed on the hair of the other person, but overall a good start!  You'll get shading down the more you practice!

 

Good showing for week 1!!  You'll kick this weeks' ass for sure!

[starpuck]

Thanks BT!   Admittedly, the bit of white shine on the red haired figure was a last minute 'oh wtf, let's see what this does!'    It added a lot!     Thanks for the encouragement!!  You've been such a big help for me in this endeavor to create a new hobby-skill!

[obax]

Way to go on week 1! I like all the positive vibes I get from you week 1 report, even if everything didn't go perfectly perfect, you're charging forward into week 2 ready to kick ass!

 

Also, I really like that new drawing. I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[BlackTezca]

Thanks BT!   Admittedly, the bit of white shine on the red haired figure was a last minute 'oh wtf, let's see what this does!'    It added a lot!     Thanks for the encouragement!!  You've been such a big help for me in this endeavor to create a new hobby-skill!

 

I'm happy to help and encourage!  That white sheen on the red figure did add a lot and also fit in with the background, which ties the two pieces together quite while!  Small careful touches like that sell an image (which is why I tend not to go too overboard with highlights since I don't want it to be too overpowering with the shading).

 

I hope to keep helping and answer questions that come up .  Keep at it!

[starpuck]

Today's Stuff.

 

I wrote my next Toril Chapter as per my To Do list (this is one of my ESO characters).

I ran at lunch, and quite successfully too - I have regained the ability to run for 2.5 miles without a walk break. 

I fixed a few of the weirdnesses with the latest pic.    Better.   Still looks funky - could be that I am really still in mostly outline mode.

 

[Polgara19]

2.5 miles!  Awesome!