Sora's Shot

[Sora.2]

Hello all! It's been quite some time since I was last part of the scouts or the NF community. 

You may remember me from my previous account, username "Sora". I made a post HERE yesterday detailing my absence and change of account. Regardless, I'm back, and that's what's important! Part of the reason I'm starting this challenge a few days late is my account troubles, but I figure better late than never. So Let's Go!



This Summer, I'm completing an internship in Japan, near Kyoto. Some of you may remember my challenges from the past that led up to my first trip to Japan, and I'm really happy to be back in this amazing place. 
However, I have found that I haven't been living a very productive life while I have been here. It's been almost a month, and I'm sick of being unproductive and wasting this amazing opportunity to improve myself. So, for this challenge, I have decided to channel Saitama from One Punch Man and work towards a better me through aggressive repetition. 

Goal 1: Workout!

 

 

Rather than taking Saitama's workout directly (100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 squats, and 10 k of running everyday for three years), I'll be adapting it so fit my my current fitness level and timetable:

Run 5 days a week, and incorporate body weight exercises... week 1: 2 days / week 2: 3 days / week 3: 4 days /  week 4: 5 days

 

The idea is to get back into running consistently again, while adding in some other moves to make myself more well rounded. I'm hoping to try out some types of fitness in the next year, so the body weight work (primarily push ups, squats, and sit ups)  should help me gain some strength outside of distance running and improve my overall fitness level. There is also a good chance that I'll be climbing Mr. Fuji in July during my trip to Tokyo, so I'll need all the strength I can get! 

Goal 2: Cook!

Cook 1 meal a day at least six days a week. At least one recipe must be new each week. 

 

 

This is my first time living and cooking 100% on my own for an extended period of time, and I've been wasting a lot of money the last few weeks eating out. The food here is AMAZING, but I need to start eating a little healthier and economically. My Goal here is to expand my cooking ability through consistently cooking and trying new recipes. One of my ideas for the next four week challenge is to work towards a paleo diet, but I think the first step towards this goal should be simply cooking in general. 

 

Goal 3: Hydrate!

Drink 100 Ounces of Water a day, and limit soft drinks to once a day. 

 

At home in Michigan, I'm usually much better about staying hydrated. However, since my lifestyle changed significantly when I moved here, I have found myself drinking less. It's also much hotter and humid here than I am used to (yay rainy season!), so it's even more important that I am intentional about my hydration. I also need to try to avoid the many options that the plethora of vending machines here have to offer (Japan has the highest ratio of vending machines to landmass of any nation worldwide). I have downloaded the "iHydrate" app to track my progress. 

 

Life Goal: Daily Routine

 

 

Complete at least three of the following each day, and complete all of them at least:
Week 1: 1 time
Week 2: 2 times

Week 3: 3 times

Week 4: 4 times
Tasks: Read (20 minutes), Vlog (Film one video OR Edit one video), Study Japanese ( 1.5 hours), Clean (including laundry, dishes, etc. Basically anything in my apartment), Adventure (go somewhere I have never been before), Draw (1 completed sketch of 30 minutes working on full drawing)

 

I have a lot of things I want to accomplish while I'm here, and the only way I'm going to be able to do that is by consistently practicing all of them. I've been doing fine doing them individually, but the problem for me has been giving attention to all of these things at once and finding the proper balance. So, through this goal, I'm hoping to slowly add more on to my plate and adjust to the balance gradually. 


 IN SUMMARY: I'm hoping to slowly add more onto my plate as the challenge progresses. Through repeating everything consistently, I'm hoping to become a hero like Saitama!
I'm super excited to be back among the NF community, especially the scouts. I'd love to talk more with you all, and I hope we can all reach our goals together! Let's go!

[Basement Cat]

Hey Sora!

 

Good luck with your goals! I'll be watching.

[gunslinger_25]

Good luck!  I'd really like to visit Japan one day as it seems like such a beautiful country.

[Sora.2]

Just now, gunslinger_25 said:

Good luck!  I'd really like to visit Japan one day as it seems like such a beautiful country.

You should! It's such an amazing place. As much as the country is incredibly beautiful, the people are what make it really special in my opinion. 

3 hours ago, Basement Cat said:

Hey Sora!

 

Good luck with your goals! I'll be watching.

Thank you! You too!

[gunslinger_25]

Just now, Sora.2 said:

You should! It's such an amazing place. As much as the country is incredibly beautiful, the people are what make it really special in my opinion. 

The spouse and I are saving and planning to go to the Olympics in 2020.  I love the track events and she is all about the gymnastics and lifting, but we both want to explore the countryside as well.  Bullet train, Mt. Fuji, and Sapporo are all on my list.  I'm hoping we can make it happen!

[Sora.2]

27 minutes ago, gunslinger_25 said:

The spouse and I are saving and planning to go to the Olympics in 2020.  I love the track events and she is all about the gymnastics and lifting, but we both want to explore the countryside as well.  Bullet train, Mt. Fuji, and Sapporo are all on my list.  I'm hoping we can make it happen!

I'm hoping to be back for the Olympics as well! 
I'm hoping to climb Mt. Fuji during my trip to Tokyo in July once climbing season opens. I haven't one the Bullet train yet, but It's on the bucket list. The country side is probably my favorite part though (I previously did a 2 week home stay with a family in the country side, so it's always nostalgic for me). 

[gunslinger_25]

It'll be our first time "overseas", so we're really excited to have it be tied in with the Olympics.  It's so far away timewise, but I guess tickets for events and hotels start getting booked up in 2018?!

[Sora.2]

40 minutes ago, gunslinger_25 said:

It'll be our first time "overseas", so we're really excited to have it be tied in with the Olympics.  It's so far away timewise, but I guess tickets for events and hotels start getting booked up in 2018?!

That's crazy that they book so early! 

[Sora.2]

Today's results:
Goal 1: Workout
I completed a 1.5 mile run this evening shortly after sunset. It was pouring rain, dark, and there was lots of wind coming off of the lake in the park I was running along. However, listening to the Hamilton soundtrack made it fun! No body weight work today, as I was soaked by the time I finished and needed to make dinner. I waited all day for the rain to stop and eventually just ran in it anyways!

Goal 2: Cook
After shopping and running, I made 15 minute Bulgogi, a new favorite recipe of mine. Easy and delicious!

Goal 3: Hydrate
I am finishing up my last glass for the day today, and I met my 100 oz goal!

Life Goal: Daily Routine
After dinner I did a 15 minute sketch. I then tried to edit a vlog, but the software I have on my new pc isn't being cooperative. So, after an hour of attempting to learn that, I have caved. I am still counting it as a victory, though, because I made time for it in my day. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon enough! Now, I'm off to bed, but I'll be finishing this goal off by reading David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas. I'm a big fan of the movie and excited to finally read the book. 

Good night from Japan and Good Luck to everyone as you go about your Thursday!  

[Sora.2]

Today's results:
Goal 1: Workout
I completed a 2 mile run this evening with a friend. We weren't running all out but it was fun!

Goal 2: Cook
I followed a recipe for Beef and Broccoli stir fry. It was alright, but I'm sure it would have been better had we found all of the ingredients before the grocery store closed! 

Goal 3: Hydrate
I am finishing up my last glass for the day today, and I met my 100 oz goal! Again! Although, too much of what I logged today was soda/juice. Although I stayed hydrated, I need to avoid them more. I just couldn't help myself when I went to Karaoke and had the drink bar with friends!

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I attempted to get new software, but had some computer issues today, so the vlogs stil go unedited. I didn't study Japanese, but I did work at my internship today and had a little practice there. I will once again read before I go to bed. I probably would have had more time for all of this had OITNB season 4 not come out today. I count this as half credit, but I need to do better. 

 

[SaltyDragon]

Great challenge – I'll be watching. I too have a bit of a fascination with Japan. I started to pick up a bit of the language when I lived in Hawaii, but I haven't kept up. Someday I'll get over there!

[Sora.2]

Today's results:
Goal 1: Workout
I was out with a friend all day, so unfortunately I didn't get a run or workout of any kind in. 

Goal 2: Cook
The bad news: I only made toast today. 

The good news: I didn't eat out. Between leftovers and what I had at home, I got by. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
I met my goal, although only half was water. The other half was "Aquarius", a Japanese sports beverage that helped me survive the heat today. 

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I woke up this morning to find that the software I was downloading worked! I'm still learning it, but the trial should get me through the next week. No vlog finished, but one started as I sort through files. I also did laundry today. 

This morning and afternoon, I ventured to Omi-Maiko beach with a friend. We enjoyed swimming in the surprisingly clear lake, and relaxing on the beach. Adventure ftw! It was a great easy to spend the 90 F day. I also got in some reading while there, so A+ for this goal today. 

 

[Basement Cat]

Looking good, Sora! 

 

NF needs to design a stealth workout: working out without anyone realizing that's what you're doing so you can hang out with friends and get exercise at the same time!

 

Or get friends who exercise.

[Sora.2]

6 hours ago, Basement Cat said:

Looking good, Sora! 

 

NF needs to design a stealth workout: working out without anyone realizing that's what you're doing so you can hang out with friends and get exercise at the same time!

 

Or get friends who exercise.

HAHA true. We did walk a ways to and from the train stations and at the beach, but nothing too intense. I think the latter fine print seems more likely, although I'm in Japan right now and I've found it quite difficult to meet people here. 

[Sora.2]

Sunday's Results

Goal 1: Workout
Unfortunately, I was working the majority of the day, and didn't make it out for a run/workout. My day started a few hours earlier than normal because we had neighborhood clean up, which our elderly neighbor's decided should start shortly after sunrise. Then I speant most of the remainder of the day working, getting off at 9pm, at which point I was too tired  to run. Next time I have a day like this I won't have an obligation in the morning, so I'll begin my day with a run. 

Goal 2: Cook
I WAS able to be proactive in this goal knowing my schedule, and made breakfast so I wouldn't have to worry about lunch/dinner (as I was working). 
I had a plate of bacon, Avocado, and Tomato (kind of like a salad?). I also had part of a mango that I included in a cup of Mango Calpis (If you've never had Calpis, especially Mango Calpis, you MUST try some at an international store in the US). It was probably the highlight of my day. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
I was so busy I didn't get to track much, but I'm sure I didn't reach my hydration goal. I was thirsty all day (Ironically enough, I was surrounded by water, as I work as a waiter on a dinner cruise). 

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I suppose neighborhood clean up counts as a chore, but otherwise nothing was accomplished (besides some Japanese used at work). 

[Basement Cat]

That's not a bad day at all! It sounds like you spent all day cleaning up the neighborhood, so that definitely counts as exercise even if it wasn't the one you planned. As for hydration, keep track can be tricky. If you have a watch with an alarm, you could set up a timer to drink every hour. Or use a small glass, like a tumbler, and knock back a glass every time you pass by the sink or something.

 

Cheers!

[gunslinger_25]

Sounds like you're doing a pretty great job on the hydration.  Even if some stuff isn't straight water, you're still creating a habit to get fluids in.  It's rare that I drink "real" water as most of my hydration comes from Crystal Lite cut in half and diet coke.  DC is pretty bad, but I've really cut way back!

Avocado/bacon/tomato salad sounds awesome.

[Sora.2]

28 minutes ago, Basement Cat said:

That's not a bad day at all! It sounds like you spent all day cleaning up the neighborhood, so that definitely counts as exercise even if it wasn't the one you planned. As for hydration, keep track can be tricky. If you have a watch with an alarm, you could set up a timer to drink every hour. Or use a small glass, like a tumbler, and knock back a glass every time you pass by the sink or something.

 

Cheers!

The app I have been using reminds me on the hour, but when I'm working, I can't check my phone. I also am having trouble navigating access to fluids, as the break room is in a different area then me, so I can't keep a water bottle on me. We also only get one 15 minute break most days, so It's not like I can go in often. The good news is it's only part time, so most days will be shorter than Sunday was, allowing me better access. At home, I'm trying to use a larger glass and fill it up every time I empty it. I think I may buy a nice water bottle to carry as an incentive to drink more, though. 

 

22 minutes ago, gunslinger_25 said:

Sounds like you're doing a pretty great job on the hydration.  Even if some stuff isn't straight water, you're still creating a habit to get fluids in.  It's rare that I drink "real" water as most of my hydration comes from Crystal Lite cut in half and diet coke.  DC is pretty bad, but I've really cut way back!

Avocado/bacon/tomato salad sounds awesome.

I'm usually much better about water, but the options here are much more interesting to me than what I have back home. Part of the experience is trying new things, so I'm doing my best to balance water and other things. 
The B.A.T. salad thing was wonderful, and I transferred it into B.A.T. Toast this morning, as well as a peice of Avocado toast with a sunny side up egg on top. Yum! 

 

Thanks to both of you for checking in and keeping me motivated

[Sora.2]

Monday's Results

Goal 1: Workout
I didn't budget my time well today, so it became to late to go for a run. HOWEVER, I decided that it would be a good time to establish a baseline for Push-ups/squats/sit ups as I hadn't done anything like that yet. I basically went until I felt I needed a break before doing more. I'm hoping to improve these numbers as I go on through this challenge (I haven't done much but run for the last 6 months, so I need to add these back in!).
Push-Up: 10 
Sit up: 25
Squat: 45

Goal 2: Cook
This morning I revamped yesterday's breakfast with B.A.T. Toast (Bacon, Avocado, Tomato), and another piece of Avocado toast with a sunny side up egg. Delicious! I also made garlic bread this evening while my roommate made spaghetti. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
I procrastinated a little this morning, but I'm almost done! I have about 20 more oz to drink before I go to bed, and I am on track to do so. Much improved from yesterday!

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I FINALLY was able to sort out my Vlog editing process, and got my first one edited for the challenge. This took a while though, so I wasn't able to make Japanese a part of the day. I was, however, able to get all of my laundry washed (now folding!) and I'm going to read when I get into bed, so this is a win for today! 

Good start to week 2

[charlomechfry]

Great Job Sora!!

Those are some awesome goals, and you seem to knocking them out despite your schedule. Keep it up!

 

On 6/16/2016 at 5:44 AM, gunslinger_25 said:

The spouse and I are saving and planning to go to the Olympics in 2020.  I love the track events and she is all about the gymnastics and lifting, but we both want to explore the countryside as well.  Bullet train, Mt. Fuji, and Sapporo are all on my list.  I'm hoping we can make it happen!

 

On 6/16/2016 at 6:14 AM, Sora.2 said:

I'm hoping to be back for the Olympics as well! 
I'm hoping to climb Mt. Fuji during my trip to Tokyo in July once climbing season opens. I haven't one the Bullet train yet, but It's on the bucket list. The country side is probably my favorite part though (I previously did a 2 week home stay with a family in the country side, so it's always nostalgic for me). 

 

My wife and I are considering going to Japan in 2020 as well! Actually, my wife brought up the idea because her sister will be moving there with her husband (Air Force). I hate flying for that amount of time and will probably offer much resistance, but between the Olympics, Mt. Fuji, and just Japan, there is a small chance I will cave.

[Sora.2]

Tues-Thurs Results

Goal 1: Workout
For various reasons, I haven't ran the last few days. Mostly, it has come down to my lack of will to wake up and run in the morning. My evenings keep getting consumed, so I don't have time to run when I would prefer to. I know, excuses, excuses. I did do a 8.5 mile walk/hike today in Kyoto with some friends along the Philosopher's path, which was pretty beautiful (and tiring!)

Goal 2: Cook
Because I knew I would be out today, I cooked twice yesterday. First, I made french toast in the morning. Then, I made Omurice for the first time at night. I also had leftovers that helped me get through today without eating out. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
Each of the last three days has been better, with today being peak hydration. I did a good job drinking 85% water, and was over 100 oz. 

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I've edited 2 vlogs, read once, studied Japanese 0 times, and worked on 0 sketches. However, today I went on quite the Adventure in Kyoto, which was well worth my time. I'm hoping to get on Japanese and drawing over the weekend, and keep editing vlogs before I lose my free trial of my software OTZ

I hope everyone else is doing well! 

[Sora.2]

Fri-Saturday Results

Goal 1: Workout
Yesterday I quite simply didn't work out. Fail.
Today though, I went for a 20 Min Run and did some stretching as well as a little bit of ab work and push-ups. Tomorrow I am planning on running with a friend in the morning, so hopefully we both wake up in time. Lol. So I earn a grade of a "C" between these two days. 

Goal 2: Cook
Yesterday I made bacon cheese burgers (not exactly healthy, but I still cooked it from scratch with the limited ingredients I could get my hands on in Japan. So I'm proud!)
Today I Made Beef and Broccoli (this time with all of the ingredients) and it worked out much better. Delicious and worth the effort. A+ on this one. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
Yesterday I reached my hydration goal. Today I need one more glass before bed. Almost there! A- for this because I've been chugging a glass before bed to make sure I finish. I need to start drinking earlier in the day! 

Life Goal: Daily Routine
Yesterday I got a Vlog up and that was about it. I was preoccupied finishing my Binge of OITNB season 4. I have no regrets (a once-a-year indulgence).
Today I did better. I went grocery shopping, cleaned my room, worked on my budget for the month, and did 15 min of Japanese vocab (not as much as I wanted, but I procrastinated too much to fit more in before bed. It's a start, though). Overall, a "B" for this goal. 

Have a good weekend everyone and stay strong!

[SaltyDragon]

Making plans with a running partner is a good motivator, and should be a good way to help you get up earlier. Accountability, right? Great job!

[Sora.2]

This week's results:

Goal 1: Workout
Good News: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I got up and went for a morning run with my friend and running buddy. 
Bad News: On Monday Afternoon/Evening, I spent most of my time moving into a single apartment (just down the hall, same floor/building) after some roommate issues. It was quite exhausting moving everything, unpacking, and cleaning out the old apartment. The next morning I slept until about 1 pm. I also failed to run Thursday (My buddy and I woke up, met and then decided we were too tired and it would be better to lay on the floor watching stupid videos. So, partial fail. 
I have been doing ab workouts after runs again, and today we also added in push ups and squats again. 
We're both beginning to take it much more seriously as we found out we got the time off of work to go climb Mt. Fuji in a little over a week (!!!!).
Overall, C+

Goal 2: Cook
I have done better, only not cooking on Monday and Wednesday. As a result of missing Wednesday, I made up for it by cooking twice on Thursday. Today I made curry for the first time, and it was pretty good for a first attempt. 
Overall, B. 

Goal 3: Hydrate
I have been really bad about tracking hydration, but I have been trying very hard to drink a lot. I'm fairly certain that I have been meeting my goal or coming close every day, but I need to start tracking again. 
Overall, B. 

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I don't remember what I have done every day, but I know that most days haven't been great due to weird stuff this week (like moving). Thursday I did well, nearly catching up in my Japanese studies. Today, however, I failed to accomplish anything from this list after work. I was unusually exhausted, and my 30 min nap turned into 1.75 hours. I did get myself to cook after that, but the day simply went too fast for me. I'm heading off to bed now in hopes that I can get some much needed sleep and have a early start tomorrow to catch up on some of these goals. 

My apologies for my inactivity, I really want to do a better job holding myself accountable and supporting all of my scouting comrades. I'm trying to make myself log in every day from now until the end of the challenge. 

Have a good weekend everyone and Keep moving forward. 

[Sora.2]

Saturday Results

Goal 1: Workout
Today I woke up to find 2 things: 

1) despite waking up early to avoid the worst of the heat, it was already about 90 F outside 

2) my running partner failed to sleep last night and thus bailed on me

 

as a result, no run was had. We planned to make up for it This evening but unforeseen circumstances occupied our time tonight.

grade: F

Goal 2: Cook
I cooked spaghetti. Yay! 

Grade: A

Goal 3: Hydrate
I actually tracked my drinks today, and I met my goal. At least something good came out of the 90 F heat. 

Grade: A+ for getting >100 oz

Life Goal: Daily Routine
I had a lot more energy today, so yesterday's extra sleep was ultimately the best choice. 

I woke up and read about 30 pages from my textbook for my study abroad course. After that, I made progress to catching up on my Japanese schedule. I also did Laundry and dishes. I also planned to Edit a Vlog, but I wasn't able to because when attempting to book accommodations for my Tokyo trip, I had some trouble that took 3 hrs longer than expected. 

Overall: A for effort (and getting back on track, even if I didn't get a Vlog done). 

I really want to nail week 4, and be as prepared as possible before I go to Tokyo and Fuji. Maximum effort, let's go!