JediNickD Posted March 4, 2016 Report Share Posted March 4, 2016 Welcome back for another episode of the exciting Adventures of JediNickD! It seems like forever ago that I joined this site and started my first challenge. Upon my return, I have decided to revisit some of my challenge themes to turn them into lessons as I have been doing more recently. I feel it is a good way to reflect on my own learning and progress to write about and share these lessons, but I also have another objective. I am cataloging these lessons in a document which is now up to 126 pages. The plan is to use this document as a reference for my personal Jedi training and to pass on for my Padawan training. It isn't just my Nerd Fitness challenges. It includes every Jedi-related writing I have done, training I have worked through, and documents I have collected (which are not protected but have sources noted). So what is my story? Well, I’ve been here before. I kicked a lot of butt progressing through 22 challenges since 2012, until middle of 2015. After struggling to maintain a presence here through the first half of 2015, I struck out on my own as I had conquered many obstacles here, learned many lessons, and felt I was ready to implement a new accountability strategy for I had developed a strong supporting cast in real life to keep me accountable. Alas, a back injury and a "layoff" crumbled all my plans. I am on the road to recovery for both. In October, I started a new job only three weeks after my old one ended. The growing pains are over and now I feel entrenched in my new world. In October and November, I took a lot of time off from fitness to allow my back to heal. In December, I started physical therapy to strengthen my back. I have occasional flare ups, but for the most part, I have my body functioning like its old self. Well, an out-of-shape and over-weight old self. It is like I am back at square one, or Level 1 for my character here. But it is not like my character died and I have a new one. My knowledge and experience is retained. Instead of hitting the reset button, I'll jump to World 2 complete with new challenges and obstacles. Old foes may come back, but they will require new techniques to defeat them. I am still a Jedi in training, learning from the old masters, studying the new practices, and constantly improving. Challenge Lesson: "Your focus determines your reality." Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master, drops this very lesson on Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace when he said, "Always remember, your focus determines your reality." A few years ago, I went on travel for work to Lakehurst, New Jersey. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the hotels were either booked with displaced people or FEMA workers. Lucky for me, I have a friend in the area unaffected by the storm and with his beer fridge fully stocked! It’s not the Government per diem hotel I’m used to with a king-sized bed, HD TV, and access to a gym and pool. Instead, I sleep on a pull-out couch sharing the room with a crated dog. Later in the night, I find I also share the bed with a cat, who decided to make me head a nice pillow. Since the cat woke me up, I decide to roll over to check the time: 2:13. Facing the kitchen doorway now, I see a light coming from an open refrigerator. There is nobody there, but its contents are distributed all over the floor. Then, a pair of bare feet inch out of the fridge followed by the rest of a young boy, my friend’s youngest son Harry. The boy freezes upon seeing me. We stare at each other with me trying to figure out why the boy has emptied the fridge on the floor, while the boy appears to be trying to figure out an explanation. “What are you doing?†“You should see this.†“See what?†“The back of the fridge… come over here.†Being careful not to step on any of the precariously stacked food, I move toward the fridge. There appears to be an open door inside. Not a butter door or freezer door… more like a closet door. I get closer and lean to see inside. “There is a zoo inside your fridge!†“Shhh! You’ll wake everyone.†“Why is there a zoo inside your fridge?†Harry shrugs his shoulders at the question and crawls inside. I shrug my shoulders and follow. The first zoo animal we see is a purple gorilla. “Whatever you do… do not touch the purple gorilla.†“Huh?†“DON’T TOUCH THE PURPLE GORILLA!†“Alright, alright. I got it.†“Ok. I’m going to bed. Can you clean up for me?†“Whatever, kid, I’m going in.†And with that, I go into the zoo and Harry goes into the kitchen on his way to bed. I look over the animals, which seem pretty normal except for exceptional colors. The purple gorilla appears docile and friendly. I briefly ponder Harry’s warning as I continue down a path leading to the rest of the zoo. Losing track of time as I view all the animals, I eventually find my way back to the gorilla, which is now asleep. While looking at the pleasant, sleeping gorilla, I remember how docile and friendly it was. I wonder, “What could Harry possibly be worried about?†I reach through the bars, hesitate for a moment, and pet the gorilla’s fluffy purple fur. Not a twitch or a tremble from the animal. I pull my hand away and head for the door. Not two steps into my stride, that I hear an earsplitting roar from behind me. I turn to see an angry, fierce gorilla roaring while showing his long, sharp teeth. I stumble backwards a little bit before I realize that the beast is in a cage, but not for long. The animal displays incredible strength bending the iron bars apart like they were clay. I scream an expletive and run for the door, diving through and landing face first in a leftover apple pie. Standing up quickly, I turn to run to the living room tripping over a jar of pickles, then regaining my balance by stepping into a half-eaten cake, but my next step is on top of a carton of milk which just explodes spilling milk and me all over floor. Not waiting to see if the gorilla will follow me through the door, I clamor to my feet, stumble into the living room, and climb under the pull-out bed. I hear the purple gorilla stomp into the living room in a huff followed by the sound of furniture being tossed around. Then silence. I listen intently. The convertible couch lifts off the floor and flies across the room revealing the huge, monstrous gorilla. I lock eyes with the purple beast as I lie on floor, quivering and crying as I await my death. The gorilla roars like thunder pounding its chest. Then it reaches for me with one large open hand… and pats me on the head. “Tag, you’re it.†Remember, your focus determines your reality. Our minds establish routines and habits based on what we experience. Human instinct is to believe what we see, but we will also interpret what we think we see and what we expect to see. Reality isn’t always what we think it is or expect it to be. People used to think that the world was flat, the Earth was at the center of the universe, and the moon was made out of cheese. Scientific breakthroughs are found by changing a perception through a very controlled experiment to test a hypothesis. There is a story about six blind men who were asked to determine what an elephant looked like by feeling different parts of the elephant's body. One feels a leg says it’s is like a pillar; one feels the tail says it’s like a rope; one feels the trunk it’s like a tree branch; one feels the ear says it’s like a hand fan; one feels the belly it’s like a wall; and one feels the tusk says it’s like a solid pipe. Each is only experiencing a piece of the puzzle. Together, they can complete the puzzle. We get a follow-up lesson from Obi-Wan Kenobi in Return of the Jedi: Luke: [approaching R2-D2] I can't do it, R2. I can't go on alone. Obi-Wan: [from out of sight] Yoda and I will always be with you. Luke: Obi-Wan. [Obi-Wan's spirit approaches Luke] Luke: Ben! Why didn't you tell me? You told me that Darth Vader betrayed and murdered my father. Obi-Wan: Your father... was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and "became" Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view. Luke: A certain point of view? Obi-Wan: Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. In this part of the conversation, Obi-Wan is explaining how perception frames how you think and what you think. The things we believe are true have a foundation built from our perception or view. It is difficult for us to believe in anything without an experience to back it up whether it is first, second, or third hand. These beliefs give us a background for comparison, a springboard for decision making, and a basis for logic. If something appears true from one perceptive, but false from another, then one can encounter difficulty whether someone is hiding your family's past from you or whether you are counting squares in an IQ test puzzle. The difficulty is from seeing only a portion instead of the entire thing. There is a story about six blind men who were asked to determine what an elephant looked like by feeling different parts of the elephant's body. One feels a leg and says that it is like a pillar; one feels the tail and says that it’s like a rope; one feels the trunk and says that it’s like a tree branch; one feels the ear and says that it’s like a hand fan; one feels the belly and says that it’s like a wall; and one feels the tusk and says that it’s like a solid pipe. Each is only experiencing a piece of the puzzle. Together, they can complete the puzzle. I’ll let 1932 Nobel Prize winner Werner Heisenberg summarize my thoughts. “We have to remember that what we observe is not nature in itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.†To understand any new concept or situation, search for the other perceptions or points of view. If you ask the same questions and use the same methods, then you should expect the same answers. Try something different, or even unusual, to get a better view on reality. There is a saying about not understanding until you've been in someone else's shoes. When you are confronted with an idea you do not understand or a problem which you cannot solve, try changing your shoes, because your perception determines your reality and reality is more than meets the eye. My Main Quest and Mission: My mission is to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow. World 2 Level 2 Challenge: FITNESS:Work Up a Sweat! – 340 minutes of conditioning training for the entire challenge. DEX +2, STA +2 The weekly plan is 60 minutes of racquetball on Friday and two 10 minute fast walks. I added an extra 20 minutes to work in. Fast walks can be replaced by jogging, swimming, biking, or rowing (haven't done since my injury, but may be ready to test) depending on what I feel like doing.Stretch and Strengthen – 700 minutes of exercises and stretches for the entire challenge. STR +2, DEX +1 The weekly plan includes 10 minutes of regular stretching each day, two 40 minute sessions of physical therapy exercises (therapist or gym) and 20 minutes of other strength training. This plan leaves me 20 minutes extra to account for.DIET:Weight Control - Lose 4 lbs by end of challenge. Never weigh more than 170 lbs. CON +3 I got below 170 lbs last challenge. I need to maintain that and continue to lose more. I'm giving myself a reward for getting this one. If I get both, then I'll buy myself a new Star Wars or NY Jets hoodie. If I don't get either, then I have to donate one old hoodie. I know it's not drastic, but it is a start. I have made progress. I haven't had a Dr. Pepper since 2/21. I'm not planning to stay away completely, but I am going to keep from drinking it regularly. I will see how many more days I can go without though.LIFE:Get Stuff Done - Complete 12 Tasks or Projects from any of the following areas: Toastmasters, Jedi Training, Work, House Work, Home Renovation, Auto Maintenance, Family Activities (to keep it diverse, no more than 3 from any one category) WIS +3, CHA +2 I have a lot on my plate with a bunch of started-but-not-finished projects and tasks, then other stuff lingering for me to crack, but I keep putting off because of what I already have. I need to get some check-completes and build momentum for other projects. Less procrastinating and more doing. Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2016 Week 1 Summary: FITNESS:Work Up a Sweat! – 60 minutes of racquetball, 20 minutes of walking. = 80 minutesStretch and Strengthen – 70 minutes of stretching (10 each day), 60 minutes of body weight and lifting training, 60 minutes of physical therapy exercises = 190 minutes DIET:Weight Control - Starting weight was 168.8 lbs. I weighed in today at 169.0, but weighed in at or below 168.6 lbs all last week. Saturday and Sunday nights I had some snacks, desserts, and beers, where I got outside of moderation. LIFE:Get Stuff Done - Crap. Nothing completed over the weekend except the usually chores. My wife was sick and I had to tend to her a bit. I did have a phone call with my Toastmasters Area Director who had been MIA. He plans to fulfill his duties for the next month, but would like to be replaced. I can't say I'm surprised. He is starting a new job with a 2 hour commute and will be moving in the near future. I doubt he'll be easy to replace and I need to prepare to be working his duties in the future. 1 Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
Raxie Posted March 7, 2016 Report Share Posted March 7, 2016 A sick wife is more than reason enough to not get as much stuff done as you had planned. Great job on everything else and here's to a successful week 2! Quote forty-seven: Raxie and the Joining of Unlike Things << previous challenges >> >> instagram || goodreads << Link to comment
jstanlick Posted March 7, 2016 Report Share Posted March 7, 2016 A sick wife is more than reason enough to not get as much stuff done as you had planned. Great job on everything else and here's to a successful week 2!^^ Agree. You still accomplished a lot with a curve ball thrown in there. Quote "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." - St. Teresa of Avila Current Challenge: Seeks Balance | Battle Log: Ye Olde Battle Logge | NF Character: Public Profile | Strava Spoiler Recent Challenges: Switches Things Up | Vs The Hydra | Dawn Phenomenon | Finishing What I Didn't Start | Healing up | Getting off the Ride | New Horizons | More MetCons | Working on NEST | Ranger Brain | Answering Questions | Refines the Process | Goes Hunting | Kills Another Dragon | Refuses to Grow Old | Balance and Control | KISSes the New Year | Grinds Out 2016 | Keeps Doing His Thing | Keeps on Keeping On | Shifts to the Next Gear | Bounces Back | Keeps Head above Water | Sleeps Low | Kicks it up a Notch | Continuing the Path | Does What He Likes | Back from the Dead? Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2016 Yesterday, I did a 20 min body weight workout focused on core with hanging knee and leg raises followed by a 20 min lifting workout focused on arms with barbell curls, tricep pulldowns, and deadlifts. In the afternoon, I have physical therapy which ran 90 minutes. Total = 130 min of strength and stretching. Today, I did more core and lifting for another 40 min hitting pull ups, chin ups, diamond pushups, bicycle situps, deadlifts, lunges, squats, and bench press. I went up to 155 lbs on the bench press which is the highest since my injury. It felt good, but I may have strained a neck muscle. Tonight, I am planning to finish the electrical work in the laundry we are renovating. It looks like a couple hours worth of work with my arms above my head doing the ceiling lights and wiring. Should be fun. Lastly, I did some research last night on learning to be a game master and downloaded some stuff to read and apps to play with. I started playing an RPG a few months ago and it is a lot more fun than I thought. I'm really interested to run a game. With Toastmasters, I have been working on storytelling and interpretive reading as a way to challenge myself as I find both intimidating. I feel developing those skills will be a great experience. Being a GM will allow me to apply and practice them in a fun setting. 1 Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
Raxie Posted March 8, 2016 Report Share Posted March 8, 2016 Hm, I never thought of Toastmasters influencing my nerd life but looking at it that way you are totally right! That's awesome Quote forty-seven: Raxie and the Joining of Unlike Things << previous challenges >> >> instagram || goodreads << Link to comment
jstanlick Posted March 8, 2016 Report Share Posted March 8, 2016 Tonight, I am planning to finish the electrical work in the laundry we are renovating. It looks like a couple hours worth of work with my arms above my head doing the ceiling lights and wiring. Should be fun. My shoulders are tired and ache just reading this, especially with a strained neck. I love doing reno work (kind of a weird hobby I know, but its a hobby). Good luck! Let us know how it turns out. Quote "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." - St. Teresa of Avila Current Challenge: Seeks Balance | Battle Log: Ye Olde Battle Logge | NF Character: Public Profile | Strava Spoiler Recent Challenges: Switches Things Up | Vs The Hydra | Dawn Phenomenon | Finishing What I Didn't Start | Healing up | Getting off the Ride | New Horizons | More MetCons | Working on NEST | Ranger Brain | Answering Questions | Refines the Process | Goes Hunting | Kills Another Dragon | Refuses to Grow Old | Balance and Control | KISSes the New Year | Grinds Out 2016 | Keeps Doing His Thing | Keeps on Keeping On | Shifts to the Next Gear | Bounces Back | Keeps Head above Water | Sleeps Low | Kicks it up a Notch | Continuing the Path | Does What He Likes | Back from the Dead? Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 Yesterday: Finished the lighting in the laundry room! This Morning: Stretching and Foam Roller (20 min). My hamstrings are a little sore. Did a little lifting (10 min). Did some fast walking (20 min). The Rest of the Day: I've got a speech to practice for tomorrow. I've got agendas to make up for that same meeting. I have emails to send out for Contest Prep Work for the next 3 Toastmaster contests. I've got one more speech to complete my second ACB, which I am planning for April. I also have two training sessions to plan for April, but I probably won't work on those today. At work, I've got a training schedule and syllabus to complete. At home, I have a few electrical outlets to install, then I am done in the laundry room. I also have a Doctor's Appointment today to go over my MRI and CTE scan results along with my medications for my migraines and such. I weighed heavy this morning at 169.4 lbs. I need some healthier snacks at work. Gotta hit the store soon. Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
jstanlick Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 What is it about hamstrings that they never seem to be properly stretched out? They are the perpetually tight muscle, I swear. Good luck with the doctor's appointment. I hope its all good news! Quote "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." - St. Teresa of Avila Current Challenge: Seeks Balance | Battle Log: Ye Olde Battle Logge | NF Character: Public Profile | Strava Spoiler Recent Challenges: Switches Things Up | Vs The Hydra | Dawn Phenomenon | Finishing What I Didn't Start | Healing up | Getting off the Ride | New Horizons | More MetCons | Working on NEST | Ranger Brain | Answering Questions | Refines the Process | Goes Hunting | Kills Another Dragon | Refuses to Grow Old | Balance and Control | KISSes the New Year | Grinds Out 2016 | Keeps Doing His Thing | Keeps on Keeping On | Shifts to the Next Gear | Bounces Back | Keeps Head above Water | Sleeps Low | Kicks it up a Notch | Continuing the Path | Does What He Likes | Back from the Dead? Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 My hamstrings just hate lunges, which I did yesterday. Half my stretching time is hams, because they are the easiest for me to hurt and one of the longest to recover. Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
Raxie Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 If you can, try to get some lax ball work on those hammies too instead of the foam rolling. It helps tons with recovery time and can release some tension that stretching sometimes can't The lax ball will really get in there vs the foam roller. If they're never feeling properly stretched out maybe check out this article and see if you think it applies to you. 1 Quote forty-seven: Raxie and the Joining of Unlike Things << previous challenges >> >> instagram || goodreads << Link to comment
Rurik Harrgath Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 Foam roll those hamstrings and then strut around in a high Bear Walk, keeping your hammies tight. Nothing will stretch them out better. 1 Quote [Level ??] Rurik, the Wayfinder Class: Gloomfall Gunslinger (Artificer/Gunslinger) BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13 Equipment: The Alchemist greatcoat armor, Longshot adventuring rifle, Slicer & Dicer dual blades, with adventurer's pack containing an alchemist's kit. "Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR "Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf "By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 Thanks for the suggestions! Yesterday:I practiced my speech for tonight. I need to run through it a few more times though. I started to get the agenda setup for the meeting. I sent out emails for Contest Prep Work for the next 3 Toastmaster contests asking for volunteers, and I got some positive replies.At work, I worked on the training schedule and syllabus to complete by Friday. I also completed two smaller but more important tasks.At home, I didn't get to the laundry room, since I got home late from the doctor.My MRI and CTE scan results are normal (hooray!). Scaled back one of my meds and nixed another. He referred me to a neurologist for more investigation. This morning: Stretch for 10 minutes, biked for 10 minutes, walked for 10 minutes, body weight exercise for 10 minutes The rest of the day: Finish up as much as I can for Toastmasters and Work. Electrical will be Saturday. 2 Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
jstanlick Posted March 11, 2016 Report Share Posted March 11, 2016 My MRI and CTE scan results are normal (hooray!). Scaled back one of my meds and nixed another. He referred me to a neurologist for more investigation. YAY!!! Awesome news! Quote "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." - St. Teresa of Avila Current Challenge: Seeks Balance | Battle Log: Ye Olde Battle Logge | NF Character: Public Profile | Strava Spoiler Recent Challenges: Switches Things Up | Vs The Hydra | Dawn Phenomenon | Finishing What I Didn't Start | Healing up | Getting off the Ride | New Horizons | More MetCons | Working on NEST | Ranger Brain | Answering Questions | Refines the Process | Goes Hunting | Kills Another Dragon | Refuses to Grow Old | Balance and Control | KISSes the New Year | Grinds Out 2016 | Keeps Doing His Thing | Keeps on Keeping On | Shifts to the Next Gear | Bounces Back | Keeps Head above Water | Sleeps Low | Kicks it up a Notch | Continuing the Path | Does What He Likes | Back from the Dead? Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2016 Week 2 Summary:FITNESS (210 of 340 done, 480 of 700 done)Work Up a Sweat! – 90 minutes of racquetball, 40 minutes of walking and biking. = 130 minutesStretch and Strengthen – 70 minutes of stretching (10 each day), 20 minutes of foam roller stretching, 110 minutes of body weight and lifting training, 90 minutes of physical therapy exercises = 290 minutesDIET (lost 0.6 of 4 lbs):Weight Control - I haven't made it below 168 yet, but yesterday I was at 168.2 lbs.LIFE (7 of 12 tasks done):Get Stuff Done:Home Renovation - Laundry room electrical work is done. 100%House Work - I reorganized the game shelf and cleaned up the living room a bit. 100%House Work - I found and installed TurboTax so I can start doing taxes soon. 25%Family Activities - Took the kids biking in the neighborhood 100%Toastmasters - Completed speech, "Life Lessons from Miyagi". 100%Auto Maintenance - Got the minivan serviced. 100%Auto Maintenance - Scheduled my car for service tomorrow 50%Work - Scheduled work meeting 50%Work - Completed draft software license pricing 50%Work - Completed process audit (passed with flying colors) 100%Work - Completed quarterly review success efforts report 100% 3 Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
jstanlick Posted March 15, 2016 Report Share Posted March 15, 2016 Toastmasters - Completed speech, "Life Lessons from Miyagi". 100% That sounds like an awesome topic for a speech!!! Quote "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." - St. Teresa of Avila Current Challenge: Seeks Balance | Battle Log: Ye Olde Battle Logge | NF Character: Public Profile | Strava Spoiler Recent Challenges: Switches Things Up | Vs The Hydra | Dawn Phenomenon | Finishing What I Didn't Start | Healing up | Getting off the Ride | New Horizons | More MetCons | Working on NEST | Ranger Brain | Answering Questions | Refines the Process | Goes Hunting | Kills Another Dragon | Refuses to Grow Old | Balance and Control | KISSes the New Year | Grinds Out 2016 | Keeps Doing His Thing | Keeps on Keeping On | Shifts to the Next Gear | Bounces Back | Keeps Head above Water | Sleeps Low | Kicks it up a Notch | Continuing the Path | Does What He Likes | Back from the Dead? Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 My Miyagi impression is fairly terrible, but I really enjoy delivering the lines anyway. One of the lessons is about perception with the karate lessons disguised as manual labor, which ties into my Jedi Lesson for the challenge. I'll post it later. Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
JediNickD Posted March 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 Ok, I've been light on the updates, so here we go. MondayWorkout: 10 min Stretching, 90 min Physical TherapyLife: Toastmasters - Scheduled out week and did everything I could to help my Area Directors be ready for their contests 20%TuesdayWorkout: 10 min Stretching, 20 min LiftingLife:Toastmasters - Speech Evaluator and Table Topics ParticipantHealth - Scheduled neurologist appointment, rescheduled dentist appointmentWednesdayWorkout: 10 min Stretching, 10 min Bodyweight Lifting, three 5 min Walks, two 10 min Walks (car getting shocks and struts replaced) Diet: 167.8 lbsLife:Toastmasters - Scheduled and Planned two Recruitment Events 20%Auto Maintenance - Shocks and Struts replaced on the Prius 100%ThursdayWorkout: 10 min Stretching, 10 min Bodyweight and Weight Lifting, 10 min BikingLife:Work - Completed pricing matrix for software and hardware needs 100%Work - Completed meeting to facilitate ROM for parts 100% (these are big check marks for work) Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
JediNickD Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Oof, I missed the rest of the challenge with my updates! Work has been killer. Toastmasters has been busy as can be. I've been in and out of doctor offices for my lower back and neck. But I kicked butt on the goals! Last week, I weighed in at 165.2 lbs! Today, 163.0 lbs! I'll post a summary and grades soon, and hopefully drop a new challenge for World 2 Level 4. Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
JediNickD Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 "Life Lessons from Miyagi" “Wax on. Wax off.” Toastmaster of the Day, fellow Toastmasters, and welcome guests, the Karate Kid released in 1984 is a story about two characters. The first is a teenage boy named Daniel who moves clear across the country from New Jersey to California. In his new school, Daniel has trouble making friends being bullied by a group of kids from the same karate dojo, the Cobra Kais. The second character is a handyman martial arts master named Mr. Miyagi who agrees to teach Karate to Daniel. While teaching Karate, Miyagi demonstrates that there is more to the martial art than fighting. He taught Daniel three concepts for better living: perception, commitment, and balance. When Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel Karate, he agrees with one stipulation, what he says, Daniel does, no questions. The first day of training, Miyagi has Daniel wax about six cars. The next day, Daniel has to sand all of the wooden walkways at Miyagi’s house. He follows that up with painting the fence and the house. Daniel is frustrated at the end of the fourth day as his muscles are sore and he has learned zero Karate. Human instinct is to believe what we see. Daniel sees himself being used for manual labor. When confronted, Miyagi tells Daniel, “not everything is as seems.” Miyagi had Daniel do each chore with a specific technique while focusing on his breathing. The chores built Daniel’s muscles. The techniques were each a Karate blocking technique. When Miyagi demonstrates what he was teaching, Daniel is dumbfounded. He completely missed the lesson because he had preconceived notions of what the chores were. Humans will interpret what we think we see and what we expect to see, because of preconceived notions. After Miyagi asks Daniel to do an exercise, Daniel says, “I’ll give it a shot.” Miyagi, not happy with Daniel’s mentality, takes him aside and explains “Man walk on road. Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk down middle, sooner or later, get squished just like grape. Here, Karate same thing. You karate do "yes," or karate do "no." You karate do "guess so," just like grape.” What Miyagi is telling Daniel is that Karate is not something you try. It is not an odd looking potato salad that your friend brought to your Super Bowl party. Karate is something which you need to commit fully to. It is something you do. Life should be lived in a similar manner. It is fine to sample parts of life, but if you want to succeed in an area, then you have to commit to it. After Daniel learns to block, his next lesson is to learn to balance his body. Daniel is eager to learn to punch, but to quell Daniel’s eagerness; Miyagi dispatches this wisdom, “Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home.” Later, Miyagi helps Daniel see the bigger picture by saying, “Remember lesson about balance? Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better.” Balance is the key for everyday living. For diet, you have your balanced breakfast and three square meals a day. Your workday and home life needs to be balanced to keep your employer and family happy. Your body needs to be balanced to stay upright. Your bodyweight needs to be balanced to avoid back problems. Even your participation in Toastmasters should have a balance. There are several different roles, each with their own specific lessons. Prepared speeches teach you how to prepare and formulate a speech. Table Topics teaches you to think on your feet. Speech evaluator teaches you to give encouraging feedback. To get the full benefits from Toastmasters you need to experience each role. Your Toastmasters experience needs to have a balance. Your whole life needs to have a balance. Mr. Miyagi was not only an excellent Karate instructor, but a life coach for Daniel. He taught Daniel that everything is not always as it seems, commitment is the road to success, and balance is the key for everything in life. Please take these three lessons with you when you leave here today. And in memory of the actor who portrayed Mr Miyagi, the late Pat Morita. BANZIA! Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
JediNickD Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Challenge Grades: FITNESS (400 of 340 done, 920 of 700 done) Work Up a Sweat! - 340 minutes of conditioning training for the entire challenge. DEX +2, STA +2 A I crushed this goal with a lot of walking and some intense racquetball sessions. Stretch and Strengthen - 700 minutes of exercises and stretches for the entire challenge. STR +2, DEX +1 A Completely destroyed this goal. In the gym and at physical therapy constantly. DIET (lost 3.6 of 4 lbs): Weight Control - Lose 4 lbs by end of challenge. Never weigh more than 170 lbs. CON +3 A I started at 168.8 and ended at 165.2, losing 3.6 lbs. I'm giving it an A, because I didn't get a weigh in on Monday to close out. Today I'm at 163.0, so I'm willing to bet I was below 164.8 on Monday. I'm controlling my portions and eating healthy with plenty of filling veggies. It's working! LIFE (7 of 12 tasks done): Get Stuff Done - Complete 12 Tasks or Projects from any of the following areas: Toastmasters, Jedi Training, Work, House Work, Home Renovation, Auto Maintenance, Family Activities (to keep it diverse, no more than 3 from any one category) WIS +3, CHA +2 A Home Renovation - Laundry room electrical work is done. 100% House Work - I reorganized the game shelf and cleaned up the living room a bit. 100% House Work - Taxes done. 100% House Work - Thoroughly cleaned the indoor animal pens. 100% Family Activities - Took the kids biking in the neighborhood 100% Toastmasters - Held three successful Area contests. 100% Toastmasters - Completed speech, "Life Lessons from Miyagi". 100% Toastmasters - Completed speech, "The Game That Breaks Its Own Rules". 2nd Advanced Communicator Bronze complete. 100% Auto Maintenance - Got the minivan serviced. 100% Auto Maintenance - Shocks and struts on the Prius done. 100% Auto Maintenance - Brake pads and shoes on the Prius done. 100% Work - Collected ROM from vendor 100% Work - Finalized software license pricing 100% Work - Completed process audit (passed with flying colors) 100% Work - Completed quarterly review success efforts report 100% Quote Journey to You: Coaching, Mentoring, and Personal Growth World 6 Level 5 | Epic Quest | Toastmasters: Where Leaders are Made | Institute for Jedi Realist Studies | Extra Life 2023 | YouTube Channel | Epic Nerd Camp "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda | "We are what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle Spoiler Distinguished Toastmaster Agnostic Rationalist Jedi Dwarf Black Belt Martial Artist Monk Ranger Assassin Engineer Scientist Philosopher Student Nerd World 6 Level 4 Stats: STR 150.0 | DEX 160.75 | STA 151.0 | CON 152.0 | WIS 158.0 | CHA 150.0 World 1 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22] World 2 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] World 3 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] World 4 Level [1, 2 (post lost), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] World 5 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] World 6 Level [1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5] “If you are willing to be terrible at something for a short period of time, you can be great at anything.” -- Sinbad (Stand-Up Comedian) Link to comment
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