Starpuck Learns to Marvel at Herself

[starpuck]

mar·vel

ˈmärvəl/

verb

1.

be filled with wonder or astonishment.   

 

 

 

  ◄ Also, this girl!

 

 

So another challenge is on the horizon, and after the last few, I have to admit I am feeling a bit down on things!     So I got to thinking about what I am doing right... and explore what I might be doing wrong.      I'm active.   I consistently do something intentionally active at least 4x a week, and often 5-6x a week.    I run 2-3 miles at a time, I play ice hockey, I train my body to pick things up and put them down.  I bike ride, play dance games, frisbee, take hikes, etc.   I stretch, I foam roll.   This list is not found on someone who is lazy or inactive.   I'm health conscious.   I don't eat whatever I want whenever I want to.  I may not get this right 100% of the time, but I consistently put thought into my food choices.   I track calories (more consistently now) and try to eat balanced.   I'm creative.   I have my hands in a lot of creative activities.   Drawing, writing, roleplaying (which also allows me to be socially active).   

 

What I am not?    I am not very kind to, or appreciative of, myself.   I never look at all of those ▲ things and say, "Wow Starpuck, you're pretty awesome!"   And therein lies the name to this challenge.   I need to start marveling in myself.    I need to start really, really cheering myself on for all the amazing stuff I am capable of doing!    And what better time to do it than now... leading into ACEN, where I will be cosplaying as Wendy Marvell.

 

With that wordy challenge introduction out of the way, let's get to the details!

 

STARPUCK BECOMES WENDY IS MARVELLOUS

 

 

 

Goal #1 -- Fuel yourself properly!  

Do not starve yourself, you need energy for all those magical attacks!

Track Food Daily (One off day/weekend)  

Get more protein and spread meals out throughout day.   Fill up on healthy sources of macros.

 

TOTALS PER WEEK 6

CHALLENGE TOTAL __ / 30

 

 

Goal #2 -- Train for all things!  

All around training is required so you can face a range of unexpected situations!

This boils down to my interest in straight up functional strength.  I don't need to aim for lifting PR's or certain numbers of anything.   I just want to be functionally strong so that everyday life is easier, and so that my bones and muscles stay strong and ready for life well into my senior years.

 

RUN 2X/WEEK

STRENGTH 3X/WEEK

HOCKEY **X/WEEK

 

TOTALS FOR CHALLENGE

RUNNING __/10

STRENGTH __/15

HOCKEY __/ 8

 

 

 

Goal #3 -- Practice your Art!  

Wendy is a master of support magic, and that requires a calm mind and great focus. 

For me, this means maintaining my creative side- which forces me to slow down and get quiet.    I am going to continue with the idea that I should do my art, but change up one thing.   No longer will it be on 'these certain days, you do art before other stuff'.  Because sometimes I am just not FEELING it.   So, still aiming for 3x a week, but it can be broken up however.

 

ART 3X/WEEK

TOTALS FOR CHALLENGE

ART __/15

 

 

 

Goal #4 -- Compliment yourself!  

Wendy starts off as a shy, uncertain girl in Fairy Tail.   But she learns to build her confidence by believing in herself.

Twice a week I will post either a picture of myself being awesome, or comment about something I am capable of doing, in such a way that I praise myself and love on my body for all that it does for me.     Can we say awkward? >.>

STARPUCK SHOWS OFF HER AWESOME 2X/WEEK

CHALLENGE TOTALS __/8

 

You may have noticed I have some goals that are including all 5 weeks (off week + new challenge) and some that start next week proper.  That's intentional.    I also have data and a fun calendar (flaunts for @Karinajean) I need to post in a follow up post.   But, work is crazy now, so I need to hit Submit Topic before the internet eats all my hard work!

[Polgara19]

I have no trouble marvelling at you and look forward to being awed!

[Raxie]

Yay this challenge looks great!

[SevenFootGeek]

I'm Sevenfootgeek, and I approve of this message.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following.

[Flex Luthor]

I'm all fired up!

 

[starpuck]

So, just a quick update on week zero.

 

Monday - Lifted, 20m walk, Arted

Tuesday - Ran

Wednesday - Lifted, 20m walk, Arted

 

Working on a full body pose for my Star Wars character Jaiks.    Inked it on Monday and did some of the base colors.   Today I started messing with the shading part. (Skin and hair only so far.)   So. Hard.    Can't I just hire a full time shade artist?   Anyway.  It's the light on the nose.  I know that it need to hit part of it, but damned if I know where!

 

(PS- Totally using BlackTezca's advice about putting a temporary layer for my light source so I can see where it hits!  Thanks chica!)

 

Tomorrow is run day, then D&D.

Friday is lifting and walk.

 

Not sure what the weekend holds.

 

[starpuck]

Just now, Flex Luthor said:

I'm all fired up!

 

 

OMG this is so awesome!   I feel like we're totally challenge buddies!!!

[starpuck]

Ran 2.63 miles today.   Outside.   Dodging thunderstorms.

It was 65 degrees, so that's great!  But the winds were at 25mph... not gusting TO, but AT.

I was going to run inside but then @SevenFootGeek said, "Aren't you a sky dragon slayer?  EAT THE WIND!"   

And I said, "Good point!  Sky Dragon Roar!" and ran outside in the wind!

 

 

The face redness... it was real!!

 

Thursday night gaming night means taco night for me!   I am very excited.   And also not feeling guilty at ALL about eating tacos.

 

[SevenFootGeek]

Ways not to feel guilty about tacos:

• Guacamole
• Fried peppers and onions
• Salsa
• Stuffing your tacos so full that they break apart and all the delicious juices run down your arms

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

1 hour ago, SevenFootGeek said:

Ways not to feel guilty about tacos:

• Guacamole
• Fried peppers and onions
• Salsa
• Stuffing your tacos so full that they break apart and all the delicious juices run down your arms

Tacos release a guilt suppressing endorphin called tacoblissepheine that takes care of this as well.

 

Good job running in insane winds.

[obax]

Now I want tacos.

 

Oh, also, love the challenge! I especially love the focus on the positives and marveling at yourself.

[starpuck]

Last night D&D'zors was had.

A great funny moment happened when the big baddie in the land charmed our arrogant wizard and said, "What brings you here?" and his reply was, "Well, I am pretty sure Strahd stole my spellbook and part of my soul, and I am here to reclaim both.  If I have to kill him, so be it."     He was of course... talking to Strahd at this point.  Complete in his Russian-esque accent.

 

This same player agrees with me, that chocolate chip cookies would be better if they had no chocolate chips!   And he made a batch for us last night.   I had just two!  Also no regrets.    Honestly, I held the line fine.  I had my one serving of popcorn that I planned for, and the two cookies.

 

Today is a lifting day - and I am just so physically exhausted already.  And this is WITH me eating far more protein than I used to, and aiming for almost 1800 calories a day.   Nuts I tell you.  Nuts.   I'll make it through the workout and just take it easier if I need to.  Afterall, the goal is to show up and do it, it's not one that says I have to FLAWLESS VICTORY it every time.

 

Oh!! Also?   I cannot believe this - but my Wendy costume came in already!

It fits just fine!   (This is where I suddenly lose 10lbs and 3" like I did last year before Acen)

But two of the buttons were not sewn on great so they popped off as I tried to get them unbuttoned to try the thing on.  Booo.

I now just need the wig to come in, the tights, and the shoes.   Oh, and these fake cat ear pigtail holder things?  How am I gonna make those!?

   

 

 

[Raxie]

I haven't played D&D in a few months! I miss it so much but life's been life-ing.  It sounds like you had an awesome time

[Kishi]

Following! I think you're on the right track and I bet things will be awesome!

[Flex Luthor]

 

This gif is not relevant but i made it. muahahahahaha

[SevenFootGeek]

I do not become motion sick.

[starpuck]

Bwuahahaha amazing gif and reply there guys!  <3

 

 

Weekend recap.

 

Wins?  I tracked both days.  Even the day I ate 3200 calories.   I did say I can have an off day - but actually tracking it made me realize how fast it adds up.     Coupled with the trend lately that my Saturdays have been more rest than not, that's a bad combo.   Sunday I went out to eat, but played smart.  I got the Tangy Hawaiian Chicken sandwich --- grilled chicken, bbq sauce, mozzarella and pineapple.  I said no bun.  (I did still have the fries.)   I avoided the caramel eggs and the cookies at game time, having instead, my popcorn and a Special K granola bar.    Super win there.    

 

I did manage to keep the caloric burn over 2000 on both days.   That makes it 16 days straight of a TDEE of over 2000.

 

All of my Wendy costume is in.   That's great news!     Last year, I ended up losing 10lbs and several inches in the time I ordered the costume, and it came in.   I was sort of hoping for that same outcome this time around, which --- I suppose it could still happen.   Just, the outfit is already here.  The wig weighs sooooo much!  I also have to attempt to cut bangs into that thing and that is a daunting task.   But yup.   Costume all set to go save for shoes.    Deciding on which of her two shoe types to wear.  One might be more comfy for all day wearing, the other is a bit more true to her costume.   Though I've seen pics of her in both shoes in this costume.

 

Our weather is being super bi-polar.   And so this week it's all cold and blustery and depressing again.   I am going to work very hard to combat that and nail this first proper week of the challenge!

 

[BlackTezca]

WOO!!!  STARPUCK YOU SO MARVELOUS ALREADY!!

I love your challenges this time!  Especially the compliment yourself which you definitely need to do!  Keep that up :D.  Also, the tracking food is important and it's awesome to see you have already started!  I set a major protein goal for myself as well which is gonna be tough but definitely hoping it helps me out with fueling my body too!

 

Also!  Speaking of art, I made an accountabilbuddies group!  Super Fancy name of The Loft (really original).  If you want to check it out, please do, though nothing special going on yet :D.  Just figured it'll be nice to follow through with one of my ideas and get some art going!

 

Following along, cause of course I will

[Raxie]

Oo0o0o costume stuffs! So exciting.  I'm delving into the world of cosplay this year for the first time so I'm interested to see how your stuff progresses

[Tateman]

Awesome thread   Man, I can relate to your 4th goal.

 

As for making the cat ear things, all I can think is maybe 3d printing something.  then find a way to get it to stitch into the wig and/or ponytails parts.  there is probably a good solution out there

[Kishi]

Yeah, calories. They add up. It's almost like food is meant to feed you or something. Though admittedly some of it does a better job than others of it.

 

Most of the cosplay stuff I've seen has been something homemade, but I guess even if you order something in, you still have to customize it. Fascinating! There's always some element of craft to that kind of work, it looks like. Which is super neat. I wish you luck!

[MrsFeanor]

The easiest way I can think of to get that look is to use a barrette instead of a pony tail holder. So put the pig tails in the wig, and then pin the ear barrettes in front of the pig tail to give it the effect. If it needs to go all the way around the pig tail, you could try two bobby pins that could be pinned on either side.

 

Of course, this also seems like the _perfect_ excuse to buy a pair of these.

[Haikoo]

I agree with barrettes. A slim headband could be another possiblity

 

also, hi

[starpuck]

Hi hi all!   So glad to see everyone!     

 

W1D1 - Monday

Foods:  30 over on carbs, 17g short on protein.   Calories otherwise just about on track.

Exercise:  Strength Day in warehouse, workout below.

Art:  Inspired by last night's Star Wars game, I pencil sketched a new piece of Jaiks instead of finishing the other. 

**If you are bored and want to see a bit of who Jaiks is, I was an uber nerd and created a website for this tabletop game.   Her Comm Link acts as my notes, and an IC correspondence to her friend.  The most recent two posts reflect our last 'mission'.

 

 

 

Workout:  Nia Shanks 12 Week Bodyweight/Dumbbell Program.

Week 3, Workout 1(M)

 

Reverse Lunge 3 x 15

10# x 15 x 1

16# x 15 x 2

Push Ups 3 x 15

3 x 15 - Incline (at box level)

Inverted Row 3 x 15

3 x 15 - On Rings

Glute Bridge 3 x 15

20# x 15 x 1

28# x 15 x 1

35# x 15 x 1

Reverse Crunch 3 x amrap

24 - 20 -18

Dumbbell Lateral Raise 3 x 10-15

2.5# x 15 x 3   ** crackles in both shoulders, not really painful, but I slowed down and went as easy as I needed to in order to avoid the snaps and pops.

 

 

Tomorrow, I plan on doing the Zombies, Run! VR, 5k on the indoor track at my local center.  (Because 40 and rain in the forecast, forget that!)