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Moving off the beaten path


Fluffy

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Challenge #3 (for whoever is counting - me, I guess!)

Had a harder time coming up with goals for this, as I've got the main habits I wanted to cultivate pretty much down now (water intake, workouts 4x/week and now being early to work every day)  So, we're moving off the path!  Adding different goals this time around:

 

  • use Duolingo every night (current - meh, whenever which normally = never)
  • Meditate 3x/week (current - 1x on Fri)
  • Start and utilize a Bullet Journal daily
  • Do something different each cardio Monday that still increases heart rate and endurance - an attempt to find cardio I actually like
  • Be able to do 100 push ups during a strength tx workout (current max is 70)
  • Be able to do 3 one arm pushups (current, on knees, with bad form - I want actual good form and full push up position)
  • Be able to do 10 side planks with leg lifts (current, can just barely squeak out 5 side planks with NO leg lift- especially hard to left)
  • Look for a new job every Sun/Thurs
  • Research best resume format and update resume
  • Work on improving current job - streamline documentation more
  • Work on improving current job - simplify daily tasks (make 15 shorter go-to plans)
  • Read an actual book (or blog article) 30 min per night before bed instead of video games or fluff (current lots of reading fluff or playing lame games)

 

This looks like a lot of goals to me and its a bit overwhelming right now, but I'm pretty sure I can succeed at this!

 

bonuses - be more social, listen to more music, hit the trails on my horse.

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Day 2 Update:

I'm on a 3 day streak on Duolingo.  Mostly I'm getting my skills re-caught up as they all decreased in strength :(

I tried Zumba this morning for cardio.... It didn't go that well.  For one, it wasn't a Zumba video, also, the video was very choppy and I forgot that I am completely uncoordinated in moving legs and arms in different ways.  Sigh.  But, I got my heart rate up!  Anyone know any good Youtube videos for cardio?  I also managed to add in some meditation this morning.  I am still learning to meditate so I'm experimenting there as well.

I downloaded some resume templates yesterday - man they make  my resume  look OLD.  I also read last night.  So, I'm moving forward.  Got a lot on my plate the next few days, so I will do my best and keep moving in a forward direction.

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2 hours ago, Fluffy said:

Day 2 Update:

I'm on a 3 day streak on Duolingo.  Mostly I'm getting my skills re-caught up as they all decreased in strength :(

I tried Zumba this morning for cardio.... It didn't go that well.  For one, it wasn't a Zumba video, also, the video was very choppy and I forgot that I am completely uncoordinated in moving legs and arms in different ways.  Sigh.  But, I got my heart rate up!  Anyone know any good Youtube videos for cardio?  I also managed to add in some meditation this morning.  I am still learning to meditate so I'm experimenting there as well.

I downloaded some resume templates yesterday - man they make  my resume  look OLD.  I also read last night.  So, I'm moving forward.  Got a lot on my plate the next few days, so I will do my best and keep moving in a forward direction.

Good for you! What language are you studying on Duolingo? Sorry Zumba wasn't your jam! The only way I enjoy it is if I go to a class with friends. Otherwise I'm way too self-conscious. Sounds like you've gotten a great jump start on your goals though! Keep up the effort! 

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Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better. (Maya Angelou)

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@durfette I do mainly Spanish on Duolingo right now.  I also do French, but have put that on the back burner for now.  I think Zumba might be ok, if I could find an okay video on YouTube - the ones I found seem to think you know some moves already and I can either do the legs OR the arms, it takes me a long time to get both down!  Thanks for the support.

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Mid-week update!

Have used Duolingo daily - almost forgot yesterday, but crammed it in!  I've been able to meditate twice this week so far (Fri is my 3rd time) and I haven't missed a workout (I'm sweating right now from this mornings - ewww).  Even though it isn't a goal this challenge - I missed my water intake for the first time in a while yesterday.  Blah.

I've got some resume templates downloaded and I found a maybe-apply to this morning.  At my current job, I've got a good start on streamlining documentation and instead of 15 go-to plans - I made FIFTY this week!  I'm so psyched!

I'm only 50% on the reading so far as we've been busy, but it's a positive change. 

Even took the horse out on a mini-trail ride!  And went out to dinner with a friend.  I'm feeling motivated!

 

letsdo.jpg

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Forgot to mention the bullet journal.  Trying it this month and it's interesting.  I will be looking into expanding on it.

AND interesting factoid :. Today I learned a boiled potato has a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than a baked potato!  Weird

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Saturday Update:  I think I am doomed to fail on one-armed push-ups.  This morning I fell working on them, right onto my forehead - ouch.  I think it might be beyond my scope right now! :glee:

I also only managed 31 regular pushups - had a lot of wrist and elbow pain, so decided not to push too hard.  I did do better with side planks.  I can actually get into full position and hold it for a while now. 

Stopped typing to do Duolingo, so I could report - an 8 day streak!  Wheeeee

I did meditate 3 times- I think I'm getting a little better at it. And I worked on updating the resume last night.  I will finish it up today.  By tomorrow I will decide, if i want to apply to that one job or not...much longer drive and longer hours but could be quite interesting.  The reading project is iffy - this week's topics were religious history (not as engaging as I hoped), vertical history (fascinating) and nutrition.  Well, and progression in one-arm pushups and new resume formats, but I didn't count  those :beguiled:

Oh yeah, went out friends a couple times (more social), added music into my day more (music) {turns on Pandora RIGHT NOW} and been riding that pony!  I think I'm sore today from an incident with her yesterday - sigh, horses.

P.S. This site needs better emoticons!

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13 minutes ago, Rebel_Timelord said:

You've had a really rich week

You know, that's a wonderful way to look at it!  All week, I kinda felt like a was chasing myself around -make sure you do this!  Did you do that!  But I look back - and yes, I did have a really rich week.  Thank you!!

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On June 16, 2016 at 4:31 PM, Fluffy said:

Today I learned a boiled potato has a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than a baked potato!  Weird

 

Even weirder - let the boiled potato cool down before eating it (like in a potato salad) and the resistant starch makes the glycemic load even lower. 

 

I'm interested in hearing how you like the bullet journal. Did you get one specifically designed for it or customize your own? I am a big fan of journaling, making lists, and tend to collect new planners/agendas/journals. I haven't jumped into using that system yet but am intrigued. 

 

Following along.

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"'It's time for a few small repairs,' she said." - Shawn Colvin

 

 

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Ok, @Bookish Badger - that is WEIRD! 

On the bullet journal, I made my own out of a journal that wasn't get a lot of use.  I have been trying to journal more, unsuccessfully, for quite some time.  I don't even remember how I stumbled onto the bullet journal website but I do like it.  It was like a light bulb went off as I read the site - journaling, without having to block out a lot of time and be in the mood to free-form write.  I'm playing around with it a lot now - the great thing about it is it so flexible and allows a lot of freedom.  I also LOVE that you don't have to buy anything - like, nothing.  You totally get started in 5 minutes or so with any notebook and any pen.  It makes everything that much more accessible.

On another note.... heard of the passion planner?

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57 minutes ago, Fluffy said:

On another note.... heard of the passion planner?

 

I haven't personally used the Passion Planner, but my wife loves hers. She's the most productive person I know, so there's that.

 

The bullet journal system looks amazing. I have to investigate this further...

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MY 500 YEAR DIARY  HIKING THE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST QUEST: 8 TRAILS DOWN, 57 TO GO 

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I found the passion planner website last December and got one for Christmas.  I really like it.  I use it to track my day, week, month as well as whether I am working out, riding the horse, being social with friends, spending time with family, etc.  I like the sum-ups at the end of the month that help you reflect as well.  So far I've learned that I usually do better than I think I do.

http://www.passionplanner.com/

The only problem I have, is that is does take me time to fill out - hence the bullet journal attempt for the month of June.  I am actually using them both, but if I don't have time to write everything out one day, I just use the bullet journal and catch up on the passion planner later.  Oh, wait - its also ridiculously small print (the one I have) which is a turn off.

 

Also, I own a horse.  She apparently has grown an attitude.  I almost got flung off yesterday because of said attitude.  Honestly, I thought I was hitting the ground, at the last second she stopped (as I lay draped over her neck, head hanging by her shoulder, one foot over the saddle) and I was able to shove myself up again.  trying.to.kill.me.  (also, as there were several witnesses, very embarrassing)

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@Fluffy and @Bookish Badger : the potato facts are blowing my mind. I don't understand how that works!

 

What do you use to meditate? I've started using the Headspace app, but only the 10 day trial. I love your goals! Hope your horse behaves better... anyone who stays on when a horse tries to buck you off is laudable. Happy Monday!

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Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better. (Maya Angelou)

Current Challenge

Previous I

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Yah, the whole potato thing is just...weird...  The more I try to understand about nutrition, the more confused I get.  I was thinking of doing some nutrition goals for the next challenge - and that's what I've been reading on at night, but I confess to just being confused and bit overwhelmed with it all right now.

@durfette I've been exploring on my own with meditation.  http://life.gaiam.com/article/meditation-101-techniques-benefits-beginner-s-how  This site had some tips and I've really been focusing on concentration meditation.  I also use these ideas https://sites.google.com/site/psychospiritualtools/Home/meditation-practices   to try new meditations.

 

@Bookish Badger  You might be on to something with those barn cats....

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Tuesday Update:  Almost forgot to use meditate yesterday morning!  Looks like it's not a habit yet! 

Tried Dance for my cardio on Monday - still reinforces how uncoordinated I am, but got my heart rate up and was more fun than jogging. (ugh, running)

My arm is STILL hurting four days out from my strength training workout.  I think I might have injured my triceps tendon.  It has been hurting so much, it has made it dificult to sleep.  On top of that my wrist is quite painful too.  May need to take a break from push-ups for a bit which compromises some goals for the challenge, but I don't need any injuries.  I'm in this to be healthy not hurt!

I did get my resume all shiny and ended up applying for that "maybe" job, so we'll see. 

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7 hours ago, Fluffy said:

I was thinking of doing some nutrition goals for the next challenge

 

I hear you on getting overwhelmed with all of the info out there. Veggies are usually good though :) Maybe a challenge to try a new veggie, or to prepare a familiar veggie in a new way, each week? (I need to do something like that; I have some staples that I love but I need variety.)

 

I looked more into the passion planner and I there are certain things I like a lot about it. It seems like a fusion between the passion planner and the bullet journal, done in Levenger's Circa loose-leaf system would be PERFECT. Must think about this further...

 

In the meantime, I hope your arm feels better soon and good luck with the job opportunity!

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"'It's time for a few small repairs,' she said." - Shawn Colvin

 

 

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