Jonesy's Adventure in Assassining DA style v.4

[Jonesy]

DAO Spoilers   

 

 

We saved the circle, big sigh of relief. I know Morrigan is not happy we saved it but we have our first allies! Wynne, the mage who helped us in the tower, has decided that life in the circle is not for her anymore and wishes to travel with us. Wynne’s alright and we can always use another to fight the darkspawn but she’s sort of old so I worry about her. She has some mad skills with magic though so that will help.

 

 Wait what...

 

Once back at camp, Alistair suggested we go to Redcliffe for support next. With Loghain spreading lies about the Grey Wardens, we will need a powerful noble ally.  Alistair seems convinced that Arl Eamon will be that ally.

 

 

Redcliffe Village PT 1 - Gaining allies #2  

I swear everywhere we go something is wrong. This can not be a coincidence!

Redcliffe seems to have a problem with waves of undead attacking them as the sun goes down. "Walking corpses? Do you think it's something in the water?" - Leliana. The villagers have not heard anything from the Castle and fear the worst. I don’t blame them. Being the helpful bunch my traveling companions and I are, we’ve decided to stay and help out. We also need to get into the castle and this seems to be the only way to do it.

"These people don't deserve what has happened to them. We must get to the bottom of this." - Wynne

 

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

Not everyone can fight and those who can, don’t seem to have the weapons to do it. Redcliffe Village’s mayor, Murdock, has asked that we help get the villagers prepared for a long night of undead battles. We will need to get weapons for those who can fight & food for those hiding in the Chantry.

• Food Quest: More protein : over 50g of protein (5 out of 7 days = Collect 1 supply bundle of food per week)
• Life Quest : No credit card spending & make payments: Villagers can only be helped if I don’t use my credit card. For every credit card purchase, 1 villager doesn’t get helped. Villagers helped goal = 25 (weapons)

 

Take back Redcliffe & get into the Castle (Each week will have a different focus):

• Exercise Quest: 2 Cardio & 3 BWW 

 

Getting to the Core of the problem:

• Exercise Quest: Plank progressions everyday
  • Front Plank (On Elbows)
  • Plank (Push Up position)
  • Side Plank (Elbow/Knee position)

 

[Jonesy]

Starting Stats (v3 End measurements)

Weight: 319.8 (+1.4)

L. Arm: 17.5 (+.5)

R. Arm: 18.5 (~)

Chest: 43.5 (~)

Waist: 56.375 (+1.875)

Hips: 57.8125 (+.2125)

L. Thigh: 33.5 (-.8)

R. Thigh: 33.125 (-.55)

 

Week 1 Review

Well this has been an interesting trip to Redcliffe village. Found out Alistair is the bastard son of a KING! That’s a mighty secret to keep, no wonder he wanted to start off here in Redcliffe.

 

My group was able to secure a large bundle of food for the villagers that will be held up in the Chantry. We have a few more opportunities to get 3 more bundles and plans have been made to get them. We started training the villagers, we started them on endurance training and they seem to be doing well. My party collected 7 upgraded weapons once we convinced Owen to help the village. When we started the villagers on a training schedule a few of them suggested that we talk to the blacksmith, Owen about helping the village out. It’s a good thing someone mentioned him or we would be struggling to find good weapons. The drunkard was easy to persuaded into helping. We continue our efforts to save this village.

 

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

FQ : Collected 1 supply bundle of food - 7/7 Protein - Lowest Day = 58g, Highest Day = 111g

LQ : Collected 7 weapons - 7/7 days - Another week of not using my credit card

 

Take back Redcliffe & the Castle :

2/2 Cardio & 3/3 BWW - Focus on Endurance, so long walk/run and limited rest for BWW.

 

Getting to the Core of the problem:

7/7 Plank - 40s PR for Elbow Planks

 

This week went by pretty smoothly. I prepped and planned so I would not struggle with my protein intake and got an early jump on my workouts. There were times when I almost forgot to do my planks but I didn't and I even hit a PR! The thing I’m most proud about this week, STILL no credit card spending!

 

Week 2 Review

Our second week in the village did not go so well. The temperature has been rising and my companions, the villagers and myself have lost some of the momentum we had when we first arrived. My group was able to secure another large bundle of food for the villagers. We still need 2 more if we want to give those in the Chantry hope for survival. While the villagers worked on their training, my companions and I attempted to get Dwyn and his men to help fight. That discussion did not pan out how I had hoped and nothing short of bribery worked on him.

 

We continue to collect upgraded weapons from Owen. Every time he delivers them to us he reminds me about my promise I made to him. I hope I do not fail him. Speaking of failure, we couldn’t convince Mother Hannah to bless the knights. We did convince her to at least say a pray over them, just to give them hope. She argued it was false hope but I’ll take any advantage right now. I think getting all the food for the Chantry helped sway her.

We still have a lot of work to do before we are ready to make our push into the Castle. We’ve heard rumblings that once night falls, the undead will start attacking. The villagers have training for this. While we are not ready yet to push to the castle, we will push back the horde of undead by taking out each wave they send at us. We will make it through this, we have to.

 

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

FQ : Collected 1 supply bundle of food - 7/7 Protein - Lowest Day = 55g, Highest Day = 102g

LQ : Collected 7 weapons - 7/7 days - Another week of not using my credit card

 

Take back Redcliffe & the Castle :

2/2 Cardio & 3/3 BWW - Focus on Knee Strength. Not a great week for workouts but I did what I needed to get done.

 

Getting to the Core of the problem:

4/7 Plank - Hit PRs for both side planks. L = 37s  R = 36s. This was a struggle this week. Not the actual planks but remembering to get them in. 2 of the days were not planned out well and was too exhausted to do them by the time I got home and Saturday I had the migraine from hell.

 

This week sucked. Yes I hit my goals but it felt like crap. Food was ok but my workouts didn’t feel great. STILL no credit card spending though so that’s an upside!

 

Week 3 Review

 

This last week was pretty rough. We are fighting back but motivation is waning. It’s now or never for this lot. We’ve 1 more food supplies to get and we will before we get into the caste but for now, we are ready to push to the castle and leave the villagers to survive the night. The screams from the castle don’t help much but they know we will do everything we can to help them. They just need the supplies in case we do fail…

Last week I did some asking around and turns out this all started because Isolde wanted to hide her son from the Mage Circle. Connor had started to show signs of having magic so Isolde hired an apostate to help him. Not knowing enough about magic and what he was doing, Connor invited in a demon.

 

We’ve saved the village for now but now we need to save Connor. It’s time to make our way to the castle to see what’s really going on inside.

 

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

FQ : Collected 1 supply bundle of food - 6/7 Protein - Lowest Day = 24g, Highest Day = 81g

LQ : Collected 7 weapons - 7/7 days - Another week of not using my credit card.

 

Take back Redcliffe & the Castle :

2/2 Cardio & 3/3 BWW - Pathetic attempts this week but I did it.

 

Getting to the Core of the problem:

6/7 Plank - I dislike dailies. This last week planks were short and not something I’m proud of.

 

Another week that sucked and i’m not really proud of it. I continue to hit my goals but they don’t feel worthy. Everything and all of it was a struggle but STILL no credit card spending. That’s something to be proud of as well as sticking with it, especially since I have no desire to put much effort in.

 

Week 4 Review

We prepared the Villagers as best as we could and they made it through the night. The fight was bloody and far from easy, we lost a few but we did it.   

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

FQ : Collected 1 supply bundle of food - 5/7 Protein - Lowest Day = 45g, Highest Day = 86g

LQ : Collected 7 weapons - 7/7 days - Another week of not using my credit card.

Take back Redcliffe & the Castle :

2/2 Cardio & 1/3 BWW - Not a great week for workouts but I did what I could.

Getting to the Core of the problem:

2/7 Plank - Pathetic!

I’m glad this week is over.

[Teancum]

You save those villagers!

[ixaera]

Here for some Alistair

 

[Jonesy]

[karinajean]

excited for this! I can't remember, are you a vegetarian? also, EXCELLENT IDEA to do plank progressions!

[Jonesy]

On 7/13/2016 at 7:43 PM, karinajean said:

excited for this! I can't remember, are you a vegetarian? also, EXCELLENT IDEA to do plank progressions!

 

 

Nothing against anyone who is vegetarian, I'm definitely not a vegetarian but I struggle adding any protein into my meals.

 

I used to be decent with planks but not so much anymore, need to work on it.  

[Jonesy]

I made Mexican chili with a cornbread top today in the crockpot. I forgot to add in the cheese but it still smells and tastes amazing!

[Fenyx]

 

 

Definitely not a vegetarian but I struggle adding any protein into my meals.

 

I used to be decent with planks but not so much anymore, need to work on it. [emoji4] 

I... It's like you're my spirit animal over here. Ron Swanson for the win lol.

Planks usually end up being my least favorite part of a workout. Not regular planks so much by side planks... I've frequently been heard growling "effing side planks!!!!!!!" Only much more explicit and multiple times during a workout if I have a few rounds of it. Husband thinks it's funny and will come in with the joke but I've recently been told by another friend that they basically get it now too after I always expressed the same sentiment as above lol. Work work work em and it'll make em easier... But no more enjoyable

[Asa Pond]

Yay! Following!

 

[Jonesy]

2 hours ago, Fenyx said:

I... It's like you're my spirit animal over here. Ron Swanson for the win lol.

Planks usually end up being my least favorite part of a workout. Not regular planks so much by side planks... I've frequently been heard growling "effing side planks!!!!!!!" Only much more explicit and multiple times during a workout if I have a few rounds of it. Husband thinks it's funny and will come in with the joke but I've recently been told by another friend that they basically get it now too after I always expressed the same sentiment as above lol. Work work work em and it'll make em easier... But no more enjoyable

 

I hate planks. They are so simple but so hard, specially the side ones. This goal might break me. Haha

[Jonesy]

I just committed myself to this little thing. (the 5K not the half)

 

[RogueLibrarian]

Joining your party, naturally.

 

 

(Vegetarian, but god do I love Ron Swanson.)

[OwlBean]

Yaaaassss! Following! 

[AthenaMM]

I'm back and following along!

[Cataleya]

Did you say more Dragon Age?

Following, as always.

[Asa Pond]

20 hours ago, Jonesy said:

I just committed myself to this little thing. (the 5K not the half)

 

 

OMG I AM SO JEALOUS YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS RACE CLAIMS EVERY PART OF MY IDENTITY.

[Jonesy]

20 hours ago, TheLonelyWolf said:

Yaaaassss! Following! 

 

 

11 hours ago, AthenaMM said:

I'm back and following along!

 

YAY! I'm glad you are back.  

 

10 hours ago, Cataleya said:

Did you say more Dragon Age?

Following, as always.

 

 

1 hour ago, Asa Pond said:

 

OMG I AM SO JEALOUS YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS RACE CLAIMS EVERY PART OF MY IDENTITY.

 

What more could you want than doing a 5k in one of the Disney parks??? I LOVE Disney so of course I said yes, plus I get to see my mom, who I never see. 
My mom is doing the 5k on Friday, the 10k on Saturday and the half on Sunday. She asked me to join her and while a plane ticket is super pricey from WA to FL, I said yes and now there is no backing out. Just need to request time off at work...

[Jonesy]

We have a lot of work cut out for us this week. After talking it over with the Murdock, we have a plan! This week my companions and I will help train some of the villagers and focus on endurance. As we are training, we will start asking the villagers we are training if they know anything about what is going on. 

 

WEEK 1 PLAN (Tentative)

Sunday : 

Meal Prep & Plan for week

Make Meatballs in Crockpot

No CC Purchases

1 Cardio (3 miles @ the Gym)

Planks before bed

Take Measurements

Budget for the week

 

Monday :

Freeze Meatballs in serving sizes - DONE

Prep Crockpot dinner - DONE

No CC Purchases - DONE

1 Bodyweight Workout (NFA 2A little to no rest between sets) - DONE

Planks before bed - DONE

 

Tuesday :

Make Potatoes and Sausage in Crockpot - DONE

No CC Purchases - DONE

Bodyweight Workout - DONE

Planks before bed - DONE

Gas Up Car - DONE

 

Wednesday :

No CC Purchases

Rest Day

Planks before bed

Craft Night

 

Thursday :

No CC Purchases

2 Bodyweight Workout (NFA 2B little to no rest between sets)

Planks before bed

Start Book - Proven Guilty

 

Friday : 

Meal Plan for next week

No CC Purchases

Make 1 CC Payment

Yoga (NF Water Series A)

Planks before bed

 

Saturday : 

Grocery Shop & Meal Prep

No CC Purchases

2 Cardio (3 miles @ the Gym)

Planks before bed

 

[Jonesy]

Week 1 Day 1

Today was a busy day! Fed my parents cats since they are out of town. Tried to watch the Sounders at their house on their TV since I don’t have one but it was not working. I went home because I had a migraine and tried to take a nap. I didn’t want to sleep and I was mad about missing the game. I decided to screw it all and I went to the gym. Luckily the gym has TVs! Got to watch my team play while I was on the treadmill, win win. Too bad they lost, fuel to a workout!

 

I got home and started my weekly meal prep. I made my version of nom nom paleo asian meatball in the crockpot. I forgot to add in some ingredients so it will be interesting to see how these turn out. I also made some breakfast burritos. I bought waaaaay too many tortillas, like, 4 packs of 12. I didn’t even notice that there were multiple in the pack I bought. Oops. Now I need to make my dinners but I can do that Tuesday.

 

I planned out my week and went overboard on my protein goal. Testing out ways to get protein in a jiffy?? Ok I slacked and didn’t do my meal planning until today.

 

Help Redcliffe Villagers :

FQ : 50+g Protein

Calories = 2033

Protein = 111g

13 cups of Water

LQ :  No CC purchases!

 

Take back Redcliffe & the Castle :

1/2 Cardio & 0/3 BWW

100 mins on the treadmill (60m walk & 40m jog) = 3.41 miles

 

Getting to the Core of the problem:

Front Plank (On Elbows) = 30

Plank (Push Up position) = 30

Side Plank (Elbow and Knee position) = 15

[Alexandrite]

Sounds like a good day overall! Gym instead of laying down? Nice!

Sent by my Navi-powered device!

[Jonesy]

6 hours ago, Alexandrite said:

Sounds like a good day overall! Gym instead of laying down? Nice!

Sent by my Navi-powered device!

 

I laid down for like 5 mins but decided it would be better to go to the gym.  

 

Also had a little panic when I was doing my budget. I usually have a set amount I need to have in my bank account prior to a payday. Checked my account and it was way lower than I thought it would be. I still have to pay for gas this week and worried I might need to use my credit card. I've done so great with that goal and I'd hate to ruin it. Went over my budget again for the week and discovered I was $100 off in my head and am just fine. Lol. 

[karinajean]

congrats for being just fine! yay!

 

also, super high fives for having a budget. I mean, seriously, this is a HUGE deal and lots of people don't have one. it makes it so tricky to save money if you don't!

[Jonesy]

My sister's husband refuses to do a budget and I just don't get it. This last week I was neglecting my financials and just going with the flow and looking at my bank account had me panicking. I don't get how people can live like that and not knowing how much they need to put aside for bills or essentials is terrifying. 

[AthenaMM]

Sounds like a good plan for the week and an excellent first day! Yay for being off by $100 in the RIGHT direction! When I'm off on our budget, it's always in the wrong direction.