[JediNickD] World 2 Level 10: "Only what you take with you." BOSS FIGHT

[JediNickD]

Welcome back for another episode of The Exciting Adventures of JediNickD! It was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away that I joined this site and started my first challenge. Upon my return, I have decided to revisit some of my challenge themes to turn them into lessons as I had been doing more recently.  I feel it is a good way to reflect on my own learning and progress to write about and share these lessons, but I also have another objective. I am cataloging these lessons in a document which is now up to 185 pages. The plan is to use this document as a reference for my personal Jedi training and to pass on for my Padawan training. It isn't just my Nerd Fitness challenges. It includes every Jedi-related writing I have done, training I have worked through, and documents I have collected (which are not protected but have sources noted).

 

 

Challenge Lesson:

 From Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back:

 

Luke: There's something not right here... I feel cold. Death.

Yoda: [points to a cave opening beneath a large tree] That place... is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is. In you must go.

Luke: What's in there?

Yoda: Only what you take with you.

 

Luke enters the cave with his lightsaber as he is afraid that he may need to defend himself.  He encounters Darth Vader.  Igniting their lightsabers, they duel.  Luke ends the confrontation quickly by beheading Darth Vader.  The mask on the head explodes revealing Luke's face under the helmet. 

 

There are several lessons inside the cave for Luke to learn.   The most obvious is that his fear and anger will lead him directly to the same fate as his father, Anakin Skywalker, who fell to the dark side and became Darth Vader.  Of course, Luke can only figure out the "fear and anger can lead to the dark side" part at the time.  He'd later learn the other parts from Vader himself.

 

Another lesson within the cave is that Luke showed courage to enter the cave, but hid behind a crutch (the lightsaber).  Would Vader have appeared with lightsaber drawn if Luke entered without his lightsaber?  We'll never know, but Luke was certainly fearful of the dark side when he entered with his lightsaber.  He learned this lesson well following the concluding events of Empire Strike Back.  In Return of the Jedi, Luke is clearly embracing his fears of losing the Rebellion and his life by confronting Darth Vader and the Emperor as their prisoner.  On two occasions, he removes his crutch from the equation showing real courage, when he surrenders to Vader on Endor and when he defeats Vader in their duel, then turns to confront the Emperor, he throws his lightsaber aside and says he'll never join the dark side and that the Emperor has lost.  There is a line in the novelization, "Fear is a great cloud.  It makes the cold colder and the dark darker, but let it rise and it will dissolve."  For my fear of public speaking, I had to embrace it.  Preparing, practicing, and executing public speaking on repeat for 4 years was the only way to beat that fear into submission.  I found when I acted confident and comfortable, I eventually felt confident and comfortable.  It's the "fake it, until you make it" mentality.  I used to be a little afraid of roller coasters.  The thrilling rides just weren't my thing when I was 8-11... until I went on a real thrilling water slide called Geronimo, where you basically free fall for a second down this completely vertical slide.  After that ride, I decided to give roller coasters a try and haven't looked back.  Heights were a problem, too.  Everyone has these life preserving fears.  Everyone has fears of embarrassment.  Confront it with confidence, survive, get more comfortable with it, repeat.  Eventually, you confront it without any crutches and conquer it never looking back.

 

A third lesson is in what Yoda says, "Only what you take with you."  We humans carry fear, anger, and hate around just as a Jedi would a lightsaber, but it is a lot more difficult to leave these emotions behind.  Courage, forgiveness, and knowledge are the ways to leave fear, anger, and hate in the past where they cannot effect the future.  Identify fears and find the courage to conquer them.  Quell anger with forgiveness.  Alleviate hate and ignorance by acquiring knowledge of the situation and circumstances.  Check your suitcase.  What are you carrying with you?  Do you have heavy burdens?  Are you collecting and bottling emotions?  Do you have fears?  Do you know how to unpack the suitcase and lighten your load?  Think about what you are taking with you into the unknown. 

 

 

My Main Quest and Mission:

My mission is to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow.

 

World 2 Level 10 Challenge:

This challenge I am confronting as a Boss Fight.  I have some huge milestones and life changes coming to a head this month.  When it is over, I will have slain a large beast, gained valuable experience, and uncovered new tools and artillery for future challenges.

 

First, my job is in transition to a new work with my current contract expiring on the 12th.  My company plans to move me internally, but I've been there before.  I'm on the hunt for new work.  I've already interviewed with one company and awaiting client and prime contracting company approval for an offer.  I have another lead which could materialize quickly.  And I have a few other opportunities which I have yet to pursue.  I really wanted to stay where I was though.  It is really hard to find a supervisor who truly appreciates and trusts you.  It is really hard find work where you are part of a team that is working together with no internal fighting or bickering.  It is really hard to find a job which is rewarding in that you can see the difference you are making in the lives of others.  I have all that here.  I hope to find it again, but I'll really miss what I have here.

 

Second, it is Toastmasters contest season and I am planning to compete hard with my new speech.  I have a message which I want to give to the world and make it better.  I want a first place trophy outside the club this time. 

 

Third, August is coming soon and the Wizard Laser Tag project needs to make some significant progress this month to stay on track for a successful prototype test in March.  We have a major design flaw to figure out.  I've got ideas, but it is time to work through them.

 

Fourth, I am working towards earning my Yellow belt in Karate class.  I have two stripes left, but before the test at the end of February, I want to get my form and balance fine tuned.  There is a level of execution expected at Yellow and I want to be the model student. 

 

Fifth, with my job transition, my gym time will be effected since I will lose access.  I'll need new solutions starting next week.  I've been thinking about heading to the YMCA in the mornings, but it'll add a lot of time to my commute, but my hours will be different, so it may not make a difference.  Working out at home is an option, but I need to be careful about noise not to wake the wife and kids.  I could move workouts to the evening and try to sleep in (good joke there). 

 

I am going to keep tracking the same for consistency. The focus is on the life goals so I moved some points around and added some bonus incentives.

FITNESS:

• Cardio: Speed and Stamina - 500 min total, 120 weekly.

  DEX +1, STA +1

   

• Exercise: Stretch and Strengthen - 500 min total, 120 weekly.

  STR +1

   

• Karate: Training and Practice - 500 min total, 120 weekly
  STR +1, DEX +1, STA +1
   

DIET:

• Weight Control - Lose 2 lbs by end of challenge. Never weigh more than 158.0 lbs. Complete measurements before or during Week 1 and again during or after Week 4.  Watch portions and make healthy choices for 24 of 28 days.
  CON +3
   

LIFE:

• Get Stuff Done - Complete (or dedicate at least one hour to) 90 Tasks or Projects, with at least 20 week, from any of the following areas (minimum for challenge):
  Toastmasters Communication Practice (2), Toastmasters Leadership Practice (6), Webmaster Work (4), Mentoring (4), Charity Work (2), Jedi Training (4), Self Preservation (2), Reading (16), Church Work (4), Job Work (8), Business Projects (4), Household Chores (20), Yard Work (4), Animal Care (8), Home Renovation (4), Auto Maintenance (4), Family Activities (4), Adventuring (2).   
  WIS +3, CHA +3
  Added two new categories.  Reading for entertainment is something I have been neglecting.  Business Projects includes a few ventures I am working on with the Wizard Laser Tag, a Jedi Training Website, and a Life Coaching Website.  Each could result in extra cash if they reach they maximum potential, but personally, that is not the overall goal for any of them. 
  INCENTIVES!
  REWARD:  For each week I complete 20 or more tasks, I will put aside $5 to spend how I see fit ($200 carried over).
  CONSEQUENCE:  For any week where I complete less than 20 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.
  BONUSES: 
  • $5 for each Business Project hour.
  • $5 for each advancement in the Speech Contests.  Another $5 for first place finishes.
  • $10 for fasting on Saturday nights.  It is the unhealthiest night of the week.  Time to change that.  Fruits and veggies only after 4pm. 
     

[Muir]

Looks good! Following.

 

[JediNickD]

Yea-Yeah!  My company worked out the contract and I get to keep my position!  Now, do I actually stay?  I have two other opportunities still hatching.  Hopefully, they manifest soon so I can make a decision.  I don't like waiting on them, but at least I no longer feel pressure to make a move.

[JediNickD]

4 one-armed chin-ups!  Previous PR was 2.  That was with my right arm.  Managed 3 with my left.  Next time I'll start with the left and see if I can get higher.

 

Stretched, ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill, finished with 3 sets of typewriter push-ups, archer pull-ups, and toes-to-bar with a 5 each side sets of shrimp squats between each for 9 sets total.

 

158.2 lbs this morning.  Ate light at dinner, but then gorged on popcorn at the theater for date night with my wife.  My stomach was not happy about the buttery popcorn this morning.  We only got smalls, but any more than a few handfuls is too much.  This morning was like a beer hangover as I say to myself "never again".  I'm going to ask my wife to help me next time by reminding me that popcorn makes me sick the next day. 

 

 

[JediNickD]

Starting weight: 156.8 lbs

 

Typewriter pushups and shrimp squats all weekend, then more this morning with physical therapy exercises. 

 

At Karate on Saturday, I earned my white stripe for my creed.  I have my purple stripe left for knowing everything.  They should test me this week.

 

On Sunday, I went to church and ran the sound board.  I think I am going to start a YouTube channel for the recorded sermons.  Hosting and archiving on the website has not been worked out.  After church, I met with a couple people to make final decisions on a projector and support sound system.  We've got stereo and speakers for it.  We just need a cart to store and transport.  I've got some ideas, but I need the measurements first.  Ordering the projector today.

[Muir]

6 hours ago, JediNickD said:

Typewriter pushups and shrimp squats

 

I'm intrigued.

[JediNickD]

16 hours ago, Muir said:

 

I'm intrigued.

 

Check out the Assassin's Age: Origins mini-challenge.  They have some how to video links in the Roster Tracking Spreadsheet on the Overview tab.  The Assassins are great at working through progressions to increase difficulty of bodyweight exercises.  I'm working towards one-armed pull-ups and pushups. 

[JediNickD]

155.6 lbs this morning after a 25 min run and 3 sets of typewriter pushups and shrimp squats.  I also worked some balance on my handstands.

 

Today will not be a healthy meal day, I'm certain of it.  My wife bought a bunch of candy.  "It's for the kids" she says as she helps herself.  The annual tradition of heart-shaped donuts for Dunkin might end with this year.  The quality is not worth the $5 and 1000000 calories.  They were more organ-heart-shaped than Valentine heart-shaped.  The brownie batter ones have crusty, burnt chocolate graham cracker bits on them.  The frosting effort matched the shape effort.  I'll have to find another heart-shaped treat to leave for breakfast.

 

Last night was a kids homework torture fest.  I was hoping to get some work done, but the six year old was broken.  After the kids went to bed, my wife and I had to solve some house issues with our rental in another state.  Had to buy the house a new fridge.  Not a purchase I wanted to make but it was 16 years old.  We need to sell that house some time soon.  Maybe this summer we can make a plan for it.

 

Lastly, I started reading my Warrior 101 workbook.  I got through quite a bit and haven't hit a homework assignment yet. 

 

I've got to get my speech together and practice today.  The contest is TOMORROW!

[JediNickD]

157.4 lbs this morning.  Stretch, physical therapy, wide grip pull-ups, toes-to-bar, shrimp squats, typewriter push-ups (new PR 18), leg press (930 lbs), one-armed chin-ups (new PR 5).  The one-legged leg press left my back muscles sore in places I've never been sore before.  Guess I should have gone a bit easier.  Too late now.

 

Karate last night.  Family got the recommendation for test on the 26th.  My wife and I will go for Yellow.  The kids will go for Sr. White.  I think my oldest could have gotten ready for Yellow, but it is probably better to take small steps. 

 

Valentine's Day was good, but too much candy. 

 

I got a Work Task done.  I have another to get done today.

 

My speech for the contest is still not polished.  I am adding a few well known quotes to tighten it up.

[JediNickD]

I finished 3rd and 2nd in the Table Topics and International Speech contests.  I'm not happy about my performance, but was impressed with my competition.  They did great and I'm looking forward to seeing them compete at the Area contest.  My Table Topic speech was not well rounded.  My International Speech was good but not a winner.  I have the option to compete for other clubs, but I need to work on it to deliver a passionate and emotional speech which can win at the District level. 

[JediNickD]

157.0 lbs this morning.  Stupid chocolate everywhere.  Ran 30 min, 8 min/mile pace for most of the 2nd mile.  Stretching and bodyweight exercises.

 

Karate last night.  Kids are working hard.  They should be ready for their test, but we'll get some practice in on Saturday.  There is a 3 hour adult workshop on Saturday that my wife and I are going to (Valentine's gift to each other).  It should be easy to do my fasting there! 

 

My wife had Choir practice at church while I babysat a few kids with my own.  I needed to be at the church to test out the new projector.  We watched Duck Tales on the big screen.  It worked out pretty well, but lettering is not as crisp as I was hoping.  I'm glad the church officers didn't cheap out when I asked for a larger budget, but another couple hundred would have been better for the church.  What we got was well worth the money and I am very happy with the selection.  I need to check it in the sanctuary too.  I was pretty impressed with the speaker it had.  It filled the room well, but not as great up close.  I set a box behind it for a little better acoustics.

 

I got another work project done yesterday.  These assignments which I get with no real deadline are tough to work into the schedule, but I'm hammering them out.  I'm aiming for 2 a week, so I don't get behind again. 

[JediNickD]

156.4 lbs after a 3.25 mile run in 35 min.  I stretched first and did some core exercises, then after the run I did pull-ups and core.  My body needs to go back to bed now, but work...

 

Tomorrow is suppose to be a rest day, but I'm planning to take the kids to a bounce house and swimming at the YMCA.  I may hit the gym while the kids play, then do some laps in the pool.  We'll also need to squeeze in karate practice.  I think we'll do that before heading to the Y to encourage them to work hard.

 

 

 

[JediNickD]

The long weekend was good.  Great weather to get outside with the family.  The compact week though left me unable to get my updates posted.  I updated my spreadsheet and wrote parts of the post, but never had enough time to finish until today.

 

Friday:  Played outside with the dogs and kids for a couple hours. 

 

Saturday:  Attempted to fix the belt squeal on the van, but only a moderate improvement.  Changed oil on the other car.  Did taxes.  Took down the icicle lights from the roof.  At night, my wife and I went to a 3 hour Karate workshop for Feeding Crane.  It was pretty cool to learn about the Shaolin history and evolution of techniques.  We did get quite a workout with an extensive warm-up with techniques, then bone hardening, then application of the techniques.  The warm-up is certainly something I'll take forward as I want to develop the strength and quickness it produces. 

 

Sunday:  Feeding Crane Warm-up to help with my muscle soreness.  Trampoline park for a kids birthday party.  Funny how bouncing wears you out, when the springs do half the work. I sprained my left ring finger on a tumble.  It swelled up and will keep me from lifting and holding things for a while.

 

Monday:  Feeding Crane Warm-up to help with my muscle soreness.  Walking around a garden museum for 2 hours with family. 

 

Tuesday: Stretched and ran 3.5 miles in 40 minutes.  So sweaty.  Legs were loose, but not jelly when done which was nice.

 

Wednesday: Stretched and ran 2 miles in 20 minutes.  157.4 lbs

 

Thursday: Stretched and ran 4.0 miles and 45 mins, 157.0 lbs.  Karate with the kids.  Pushups didn't hurt my finger.

 

Friday:  Stretched and exercised.  Did some of the Feeding Crane Warm-up Exercises as part of the workout since I can't hold anything.

[JediNickD]

I forgot to mention, this Saturday, my kids and I will test for our Purple stripe, then the whole family will test for belt rank on Sunday, my wife and I for Yellow and the kids for Senior White. 

[JediNickD]

After the loaded weekend, I was a little tired this morning waking up later than usually and taking longer to get out the door.  I ran on the treadmill for 20 min after a 15 min stretch.  That's all I had time for.  157.4 lbs.  eh

 

Saturday, we went to Karate and tested for purple stripe, got home and cleaned the house after lunch.  It was "True West" for RPG night.  I liked the change of scenery away from the medieval fantasy settings.  I was a gambler from Boston who was also an albino.  I stuck out with my skin and accent, but it made for an interesting poker game interrupted by our party's African-American female bounty hunter seducing the main villain then attempting to gut him right there at the table in the middle of the bar surrounded by his goons.  The shoot out went in our favor since I was able to shoot one in the groin under the table with my shotgun, then flip the table for cover as two of the party flanked the goons from the backdoor.  Our fire power was superior with rifles to their pistols.  We cleaned up one town, and we are on to the next one next Saturday.

 

Sunday, we tested for belts which was a lot of fun showing off our skills.  Some of the kids are just awesome.  I need to work more at home and with the kids, but I need to figure out how to make it more fun for them.  Having a kick pad should help with the combos.  In a couple weeks, I'm going to order a couple hand pads too.  After karate, we had a friend's birthday party to go to.  It was a new house with a bunch of strangers as we only really knew the 2 year old girl and her mom.  We managed to make some friends and have fun though.  I had all the kids running, screaming, and giggling in the bounce house as my raptor, zombie, super villain terrorized anyone who came down the slide.

 

Sunday night, I finished the kids Jump Rope for Heart donation pages and helped them solicit donations.  I've still have the Toastmasters website updates to work on.  I'll get it done tonight hopefully.

 

 

 

[JediNickD]

158.0 lbs.  Just say no to donuts.  Every time.  They weren't that good.  I don't need to be the one eating them. 

 

Karate last night.  Learned Axe Kicks and broke two boards with it.  Must have done about 200 of them practicing. 

 

This morning, I stretched and ran 20 min.  I'm getting faster as I turned up the speed for most my run.  I want to see if I can run a mile in under 8 min, then work until I can get under 7.  It is more important health-wise to keep a moderate pace, throw in some sprints, and go longer.  I can train for both if I work at longer sprint times.  I did some diamond pushups and tried holding on to a bar for pull-ups and leg raises.  Standard pull-ups wasn't too bad, but chin-up grip was painful.  I think it needs another week.   

 

Didn't finish the website stuff.  It was well after 9pm, when I went to start the PC and I still had other stuff around the house to do.  Decided it was too late and I was too tired to get it finished, and focused on the other stuff.  Tonight is karate, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, Thursday is Seuss Night at the Library.  I've got to buckle down and just do it tonight, because it won't be easier later.  The other stuff will suffer a little.  The difference will be my wife will be home so we can share some of those things.

[JediNickD]

159.0 lbs this morning.  I feel heavy.  I was craving last night before dinner, which my wife made pasta.  I should have had some veggies beforehand to keep me from eating too much pasta.  At least the kids ate well. 

 

Skipped karate as no one was prepared for it.  Guess I'll be going on Saturday with the kids. 

 

Ran 2.75 miles in 35 min.  I've been using the incline during my cool down.  The first half mile I'm just stretching out at 6mph.  Last half mile, I slow back down to 6mph or below and start the incline.  Today, I was wrapping up the Netflix Original movie "ARQ", so I kept a slower pace than usual to ensure I didn't poop out early.  I ran 2 miles at 6mph and then started my cool down with about 15 minutes to go.

 

"ARQ" was a pretty neat bottle movie thrill ride with a "Groundhog Day" time loop.  There is no exposition, just mystery as clues are slowly uncovered and you learn little snippets about the world outside the bottle and the characters motivations.  The actors, Robbie Amell (Ronnie Raymond from "The Flash") and Rachael Taylor (Trish Walker from "Jessica Jones"), and director, Tony Elliott (writer for "Orphan Black") did a fantastic job with this movie.  I highly recommend watching in the dark with no distractions to really immerse yourself in the movie.

 

Speaking of great acting and directing, how great has "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" become?  The main cast was just phenomenal in the latest episode "Self Control".  The episode plot and storyline has everything which a great spy show needs with drama, action, thrills, and incredible twists.  Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge get a chance to show off their dramatic acting.  Others get to play a slightly different character and show off their skills outside of their casted character.  The show is easily one of my favorites right now.  I do feel that the relationships of the show drive the story a bit with there always needing to be something to keep Fitz and Simmons safely together and to keep May and Coulson from getting together.  They also dangle Mac and Yoyo, whenever they get her in an episode.  That can only last so long though.  In the first few seasons, it was Skye/Daisy/Quake and Ward then Lincoln.  We know how those turned out.  The Framework has the potential to dramatically shift these relationships.  Especially with the tease at the end of the episode of Skye and Ward living happily ever after in the alternate universe.  CAN'T WAIT UNTIL APRIL 4th!

 

 

[JediNickD]

Oh, I finished the website stuff last night, which was a huge relief.  Only a couple errors (the info provider mistakes) to correct.  I collected some more donations for my kids Jump Rope for Heart.  And I got a work project done. 

 

Toastmasters went well.  I need to get some speeches scheduled for March and April.  I have a few manuals to finish up!

[JediNickD]

My youngest daughter has strep, so I stayed home from Ash Wednesday service with her.  My wife said they were fine with sound without me.  This Sunday, I start a project recording Oral History from three long time members.  Should be interesting. 

 

I did get some stuff done last night.  Dishes, laundry, and completed the Toastmasters District website corrections. 

 

158.8 lbs this morning.  Stretch, exercise with physical therapy and karate exercises.  New karate pants fit really well.  I'm thinking I might order a second pair in white with light material. 

[Muir]

4 hours ago, JediNickD said:

My youngest daughter has strep

 

That's rough. I remember when I had strep at about 11 years old. It was horrible. I lived off yoghurt, ice cream, and ice lollies for about a month though, which was really nice! Hope she gets better soon! And make sure she takes ALL of her medicine. I didn't take all of mine and had a reoccurrence a week after I got over it the first time.

[JediNickD]

11 minutes ago, Muir said:

 

That's rough. I remember when I had strep at about 11 years old. It was horrible. I lived off yoghurt, ice cream, and ice lollies for about a month though, which was really nice! Hope she gets better soon! And make sure she takes ALL of her medicine. I didn't take all of mine and had a reoccurrence a week after I got over it the first time.

 

Antibiotics will kick it quickly.  She's a trooper, unlike her zombie older sister.  I hope she doesn't catch it.  My wife just got over it a couple weeks ago.  I'm pretty sure I had it too, but I caught it early and didn't fall too ill.

[JediNickD]

Karate last night for Adult class.  Learned Single and Double Knife Hand Block/Strikes.  Did some application with the blocks/strikes as well.  Fun class, but not the sweaty mess I'd gotten use to.

 

Before class, I took the kids to the local library for Dr Seuss Night.  It was a blast.  The teachers did a great job putting together an engaging event.  It was fun to chat up the teachers and get to know them a bit more.  Today is Jump Rope for Heart.  The kids made their fundraising goals of $400 each.  We didn't go door to door or anything but they helped with the donation webpages and emails.  I'm going to have them make video phone calls next time.

 

157.2 lbs this morning.  Stretched and ran, then some exercises.  Blah kind of morning.  Maybe I can shake it up with some good work and Jedi Training at lunch time.

 

 

[JediNickD]

Added 2 more miles at lunch time in 30 min.  Took care of some Toastmasters website and club leadership duties.  And I took care of my financials with my Tax refunds being direct deposited last week.  Woot woot!

[JediNickD]

158.0 lbs this morning.  I need make my red cabbage coleslaw tonight and make that my lunch for the week.  Leftover meal are difficult to keep calories down and stave off hunger.  Fasting went well Saturday night.  Had sushi for dinner, then nothing but some Grand Marnier after that.

 

Weekend was pretty jam packed.  Karate on Saturday morning, then cleaning the house (girls worked hard on their rooms!), then walked the dog before game night.  Played Joking Hazard, which is turned in to a hilarious run of gay incest dick and fart jokes. 

 

Sunday, we went to church, then I stayed late to film an Oral History for an hour.  Took the family to a friend's kid's 5th birthday and made some new friends.  I wrapped up some Webmaster updates during The Walking Dead.

 

This morning, I got to the gym early so I had a nice, long 80 min workout.  I stretched and did physical therapy exercises, then I went through the Feeding Crane warm-ups, then some Karate warm-ups with splits.  I went through my kicks and forms in a high intensity interval workout.  I threw in pushups, shrimp squats, and physical therapy to keep up the intensity but give some muscles a break.  I topped it off with hand stands balancing while spreading my legs.  Challenging and fun!

[JediNickD]

157.0 lbs this morning.  Ran 2.5 miles in 30 min.  Stretch and some exercises for the Assassin Mini.  I did 19 Typewriter Push-ups!  I also tried Full Extension Push-ups and got 8.  I forgot to mention that yesterday I got 5 one-armed push-ups!  My arms feel jacked!  But I'm still a scrawny dwarf ;-).

 

Last night, my wife tore apart the kitchen to do some rearranging to move the baking groceries out of the puppy's reach and put all the baking sheets and tins back in the kitchen (they were filling up our linen closet, and the linens were filling up our bedroom closet).  We threw out a ton of stuff which was quite liberating.  I ended up cleaning up the mess left when she was finished and taking out several loads of trash.  What makes me nuts about her approach is that she started with an already messy kitchen.  Personally, I would have cleaned up all the dirty dishes and surfaces before starting the project, so that I could properly assess space for storage and cleanliness of things as I moved them.  It is likely that all the dirty Tupperware will overflow the storage area once all cleaned.  It is likely that several of the dishes will have grease or grime caked on the bottom after being placed on the dirty counters.  Oh well, it'll get figured out and cleaned up over time.  We are peas from a different pod, which is what makes us work well together, but also what makes us want to murder each other.  I had a glass of wine and just did my part to help her finish.  ;-)  

 

After the kitchen was returned to a normal state, I still needed some serenity, so I decided to focus on myself for a bit.  We had a big bag of pecans (for making pecan pie) which had been sitting around awhile so I decided to use them.  I roasted the pecans to eat for breakfast at work with my peanuts and dark chocolate.  I don't think I'm going to buy roasted pecans, again.  Roasting them myself lets me make them so much more delicious.  I put them in a container still warm and mixed in dark chocolate morsels which melted just enough to slightly coat the pecans while still having chocolate chips.  Next time, I'm mixing in the peanuts too. 

 

While the pecans roasted, I prepped my red cabbage chili slaw dicing up red cabbage, radish, and red onion mixing in a zip-lock bag, then mixing rice vinegar and red chili paste for the dressing.  It was zinging, but I'll see how it tastes at lunch today.  I might want to tweak the dressing with garlic, salt. pepper, or olive oil. I have all those at work.  I might also add shredded carrot to it.  I brought carrots and a peeler to work.  I'm excited about it.  Still a little disappointed I couldn't find sweet white miso paste ANYWHERE, but the red chili paste will be a great substitute and more in my favorite flavor palate. 

 

Prepping food for myself was very therapeutic.  I've noticed this before as I just enjoy cooking meals which I think are delicious (chili, especially), but never really thought too much about it.  After writing about it though, I realize how useful it was.  I need to remember that next time I'm stressed out. 

 

Toastmasters tonight.  Karate Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  Mother-in-law will be visiting Friday-Monday, so my wife will be tearing apart other parts of the house to "clean".