SomeGuyFromScotland XII: I Am The Resurrection

[SomeGuyFromScotland]

 

 

INTRO: When the wheels come off, sometimes the only thing you can do is stop, step back, and rebuild. This is one of those times. I’ve scraped through a couple of challenges lately and just about held it together, but during the last one, things completely fell apart in a perfect storm of mental and physical burnout, bad luck, and family drama. My work life has been increasingly busy and stressful over the last couple of months. I’ve had to deal with a series of nagging injuries and aches around my shoulder, lower back, hip and groin. My mum had two nasty falls in the space of five days, the upshot of which is that she’s had to move into sheltered housing, and my wife is taking a career break in order to look after her, meaning we’re back down to being a one-income family for the foreseeable future. Add to that the challenges which come with having three demanding kids of your own, and you can start to imagine why I’ve been sliding into a dark, dark place of late. Previously, my answer to this would be angry, hate-fuelled workouts to fight my way back. This time, that’s not going to cut it. I don’t have the energy. I need to get myself into a better place, mentally and emotionally. That place, this time around, is the Druids.

Here’s the plan.

 

QUEST 1: EXERCISE / STRETCH (Achievable points: +4 DEX)

Nothing heavy, nothing scheduled. I tried to force it last time and aggravated the injuries. I’ll limit the exercise to light cardio and a lot of stretching. I’ll get to the gym as often as I’m able to, but there’s no target. My mum’s new house is going to be a lot closer to mine, so I’ll try to walk there when I can, rather than driving. The stretching is going to be key this time. I need to loosen up, for my mental wellbeing, just as much as my physical.

 

QUEST 2: FOOD AND DRINK (Achievable points: +3 CON)

In dark times, my default is “Eat all the chocolate.” That needs to stop. Again, this is a simple challenge. For the duration, I’m going to try to stay off the chocolate bars and the energy drinks – I might even try to just curb the Diet Coke as well as the usual Rockstar/Relentless/Monster.

 

QUEST 3: ME TIME / REST AND READ / BE SOCIAL (Achievable points: +4 WIS)

This is an all-encompassing “sort my head out” goal. I’ve had the weight of the world on my shoulders lately, and it’s been crushing me. The last couple of months have been a complete blur. I need to intentionally slow the pace down and take some time out for myself. Whether it’s introvert pampering (shut up, it doesn’t make me less manly!), picking up a book, soaking in the bath, or just taking a little break to sit alone in a quiet place to close my eyes, it’ll be whatever it is. Rather conversely, I also need to stop isolating, so I’ll try to be more active here, both in terms of keeping myself accountable with my goals, and in following and encouraging my friends on here again. You guyses are the bestest.

 

QUEST 4: CREATE (Achievable points: +4 CHA)

There’s a definite plan for this part. I might decide to share something at the end of each week, or I might leave it until the end of the challenge. This is a distraction I need, and it fits in nicely with the Me Time goal.

[deftona]

Following along for reset! 

 

 

That's what this song is about, right? Taking it easy?

[Terah]

I like your goals: clean and simple.

1 hour ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

introvert pampering (shut up, it doesn’t make me less manly!)

If you would add quotation marks it will definitely be manly

Sorry, I was taken aback because the lack of smut here. You must really need some time off.

 

Go get them, tiger!

Get it: shere khan, tiger?  

[SomeGuyFromScotland]

3 minutes ago, Terah said:

I like your goals: clean and simple.

If you would add quotation marks it will definitely be manly

Sorry, I was taken aback because the lack of smut here. You must really need some time off.

 

Go get them, tiger!

Get it: shere khan, tiger?  

 

I'm actively trying to raise my smut levels today. This will be the dawn of a glorious new era of filth.

[deftona]

Just now, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

 

I'm actively trying to raise my smut levels today. This will be the dawn of a glorious new era of filth.

 

[Sarah Barr]

Here to Cheer!

*pom poms*

[Terah]

11 minutes ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

 

I'm actively trying to raise my smut levels today. This will be the dawn of a glorious new era of filth.

I've noticed  

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I want to say something supportive, but I also want to make implications about how you got your groin injury. 

 

[SomeGuyFromScotland]

17 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I want to say something supportive, but I also want to make implications about how you got your groin injury. 

 

 

[Basement Cat]

More chocolate but less smut? And here I thought chocolate was supposed to be an aphrodisiac.

 

[Einar]

Scotty doesn't need chocolates help to bring the smut

[Snarkyfishguts]

I love your goals! And introvert pampering is a non gender specific pursuit! Men need to care for themselves as much as everyone else. 

 

Welcome to the Druids!

[Ensi]

Welcome to Druids, Scotty! I hope this will help you wind down, as it has helped me. Your goals sound wonderful for recovery purposes!

[Guzzi]

Sorry, I don't think I can follow this.  I'm recovering from a bladder injury and I'm worried I might actually piss myself.

[Jarric]

Looking forward to following your reset, good luck man!

[jmk]

I feel like even though you didn't say it, this challenge screens PERKLE!

Or I just wanted to start a dance party on your thread!

[spooky]

13 hours ago, Björn Járnhamar said:

Scotty doesn't need chocolates help to bring the smut

Just powder and cheesecake^Meta

[spooky]

WELCOME TO THE DRUIDS FRIEND <eleventy

 

I think this is the perfect place for you to take some me time.

 

Here for this because like I would miss your thread. 

[Terah]

3 hours ago, jmk said:

 

I feel like even though you didn't say it, this challenge screens PERKLE!

 

I like the way you think

[SomeGuyFromScotland]

Day 2 Update: "False Starts, New Starts & Lunchtime Decisions"

 

Not beating myself up too much about this one just yet, as I only posted the challenge yesterday, but I did have a Boost and an energy drink. I'll call that the last one (hopefully) and draw the line. I had to nip into Asda on the way to work this morning to pick up dog food, and passed on the opportunity to get a Relentless. So that's an encouraging start to today. Didn't quite get to make a start on the creativity goal last night, but hoping to kick that off tonight.

 

Called in to my mum's new house on the way home from work last night and hung some of her photos. It's looking a little more homely now, but still feels strange. There were so many memories in her old house - it's the only place my kids have really known her to live. They've grown up running around her house. Seeing it empty on Monday was emotional.

 

I've gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch at my desk, and effectively working straight through my lunch break. That needs to stop. Regardless of how busy and stressed I am at work, not stopping is counter-productive and bad for me. Yes, it might put me behind. But it's work, at the end of the day. It's not life and death. So, no matter how much I have sitting in front of me at any given time, I'm making a conscious decision to put it down and leave the office completely for an hour. Whether it's resuming my lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or just sitting in the car in silence or listening to podcasts, something has to give.

 

Woke up early this morning, still in a dark place. Couldn't get back to sleep, just down about having to come to work. I can grind it out until next Friday, and then I've got two weeks off. I'm going to keep my eye on the job market and see if anything catches my attention.

 

[Sarah Barr]

2 minutes ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

I've gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch at my desk, and effectively working straight through my lunch break. That needs to stop. Regardless of how busy and stressed I am at work, not stopping is counter-productive and bad for me. Yes, it might put me behind. But it's work, at the end of the day. It's not life and death. So, no matter how much I have sitting in front of me at any given time, I'm making a conscious decision to put it down and leave the office completely for an hour. Whether it's resuming my lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or just sitting in the car in silence or listening to podcasts, something has to give.

 

 

Good luck with the proper lunch breaks. There's a reason we're legally entitled to them; that's what I have to keep reminding myself sometimes. *hug*

[deftona]

5 minutes ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

I had to nip into Asda on the way to work this morning to pick up dog food,

 

A nice paleo lunch?

 

5 minutes ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

I've gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch at my desk, and effectively working straight through my lunch break. That needs to stop. Regardless of how busy and stressed I am at work, not stopping is counter-productive and bad for me. Yes, it might put me behind. But it's work, at the end of the day. It's not life and death. So, no matter how much I have sitting in front of me at any given time, I'm making a conscious decision to put it down and leave the office completely for an hour. Whether it's resuming my lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or just sitting in the car in silence or listening to podcasts, something has to give.

 

All of this. I take the attitude that if they aren't paying me, I ain't working. And if I can't get done all my work in the the time they pay me they need to pay me for more hours don't they? Take your lunch breaks, relax and enjoy them. And good luck in the job hunt. 

[jmk]

 

All of this. I take the attitude that if they aren't paying me, I ain't working. And if I can't get done all my work in the the time they pay me they need to pay me for more hours don't they? Take your lunch breaks, relax and enjoy them. And good luck in the job hunt. 

I 100% agree with this! They say taking breaks actually increases productivity! Sorry about things with your mom! It's hard to see them getting older. New memories in a new place!

[Terah]

59 minutes ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

I'll call that the last one (hopefully) and draw the line.

Maybe install an idiot jar like me and Sarah? It's really helping me staying on track.

 

1 hour ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

I've gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch at my desk, and effectively working straight through my lunch break. That needs to stop. Regardless of how busy and stressed I am at work, not stopping is counter-productive and bad for me. Yes, it might put me behind. But it's work, at the end of the day. It's not life and death. So, no matter how much I have sitting in front of me at any given time, I'm making a conscious decision to put it down and leave the office completely for an hour. Whether it's resuming my lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or just sitting in the car in silence or listening to podcasts, something has to give.

How about using the pomodoro technique? By scheduling 5 minute breaks every 30 minutes you stay more focussed and relaxed and you'll be able to get even more done. Every 4(?) tomato's you get a longer break.

I know it sounds counterproductive, but at the end of the day you'll be more relaxed AND you've gotten more work done.

 

1 hour ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

Called in to my mum's new house on the way home from work last night and hung some of her photos. It's looking a little more homely now, but still feels strange. There were so many memories in her old house - it's the only place my kids have really known her to live. They've grown up running around her house. Seeing it empty on Monday was emotional.

((hugs))

Appropriate ones, before you get all exited  

[Snarkyfishguts]

1 hour ago, SomeGuyFromScotland said:

Day 2 Update: "False Starts, New Starts & Lunchtime Decisions"

 

Not beating myself up too much about this one just yet, as I only posted the challenge yesterday, but I did have a Boost and an energy drink. I'll call that the last one (hopefully) and draw the line. I had to nip into Asda on the way to work this morning to pick up dog food, and passed on the opportunity to get a Relentless. So that's an encouraging start to today. Didn't quite get to make a start on the creativity goal last night, but hoping to kick that off tonight.

 

Called in to my mum's new house on the way home from work last night and hung some of her photos. It's looking a little more homely now, but still feels strange. There were so many memories in her old house - it's the only place my kids have really known her to live. They've grown up running around her house. Seeing it empty on Monday was emotional.

 

I've gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch at my desk, and effectively working straight through my lunch break. That needs to stop. Regardless of how busy and stressed I am at work, not stopping is counter-productive and bad for me. Yes, it might put me behind. But it's work, at the end of the day. It's not life and death. So, no matter how much I have sitting in front of me at any given time, I'm making a conscious decision to put it down and leave the office completely for an hour. Whether it's resuming my lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or just sitting in the car in silence or listening to podcasts, something has to give.

 

Woke up early this morning, still in a dark place. Couldn't get back to sleep, just down about having to come to work. I can grind it out until next Friday, and then I've got two weeks off. I'm going to keep my eye on the job market and see if anything catches my attention.

 

 

I'm sorry about your mom and the emotions that go with helping her move and the empty house. I've cleaned both of my grandparents houses after they relocated, and it just sucks on a bunch of different levels. In a way, it's good that you're all there to help make new memories in the new place for her.

 

I join the supportive cheers for taking your lunch break. Unless your job is disarming bombs, you can walk away from the work and come back after a proper break.

 

good luck on the job search! II hope you find something awesome!