Haikoo Posted February 9, 2017 Report Share Posted February 9, 2017 Oh hai! It's me again. As often happens in my life journey, I've gotten stuck in the fog. I was going along happily after camp and then the Cough of Forever plagued me. Mr. Koo's health problems have been worse again. We did go on a great vacation, but Mr. Koo got sick (he's sick so much now ) and actually gave it to me (rare!). I'm mostly better now, except the cough is back when I exercise. All of this combined with the usual winter blahs has me in a place I don't want to be. It's time to push through the fog. As I was thinking about goals, I was reminded of a charming animated film I watched and fell in love with many years ago. It's a Russian film called ЕЖИК В ТУМАНЕ (Hedgehog in the Fog.) Hedgehog runs into some fog on his way to his bear friend's home, where they usually chat and count the stars. The fog holds many scary things that really aren't that scary once you realize what they are. But Hedgehog makes it through eventually, though slightly traumatized. It just felt like a bit of a metaphor for life these days. I was reminded of my love for the film and it relates to one of my goals, which are as follows. Learn to speak Hedgehog! Some know and some do not that my daughter was born in Russia and brought home when she was 12 months old. I have said for literally the last 13 years that I want to learn Russian and have not made a true effort at it. This time I am sticking with it. I'm starting with Duolingo and am currently on a 15 day streak. My plan is to continue that streak for this challenge Pick Up Bigger Sticks! I was doing well with Strong Lifts after camp, but the fog rolled in and until this week it had been almost 2 months since I lifted. I started back on Tuesday and the goal will be to lift 3 times per week, with at least one more day of exercise (Turbokick or Yoga, most likely) Tidy the Forest! With all this fog in my life, I'd like to make it easier not to trip and fall into the river. The house has fallen into major chaos and it needs to be righted. I am going to start by re-initiating my daily cleaning task list. The goal for this challenge is to just get those simple things done each day. This will go a long way toward keeping things tidy-ish and just inspiring me (and other family members) to do more. That's it. Simple, but habits that need to be built again, one step at a time. Better to travel slowly through the fog and look forward to counting the stars again. 12 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Red1263 Posted February 9, 2017 Report Share Posted February 9, 2017 This looks like a fantastic challenge! I'm looking forward to Koo progress! sent from my phone whilst exploring new dungeons Quote Level 25 Final Fantasy Rebel My Epic Quest | My Journey | Currently on the Trial of Orthos Str: 60 | Dex: 23 | Sta: 66 | Con: 28 | Wis: 55 | Cha: 14 Goals for 2021: Spoiler Build my brother a Destiny 2 Lamp Learn how to do a Handstand Play 1 song on the acoustic guitar Clean up the Christmas Decorations and finish setting up my apartment (hang things up, plus some other few things that need to be organized) Re-introduce Pull-ups into my routine Build a shelving unit next to my Desk "No matter what, if you can hold your head up high, you've done the right thing." "When you stand with your family, your family stands with you." "Write what needs to be written." Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 Day 0.5 Russian - Check! I'm really starting to be able to read the words from the lessons. Speaking them, however, is going to be a lot more difficult Learning which case of each word to use in which situations is confusing. Right now I'm mostly just trying to memorize some things and hopefully returning to the explanations will make more sense later. Sticks - I did not pick up heavy things today. I am still so sore from Monday and Tuesday! I did, however, do 33 minutes of Yoga, which is still a win in my book. It was incredibly hard and I was sweating and out of breath by the end. Guess I needed this ramp up. Forest- Well, I did a few things on my daily checklist. Again I'm okay with ramping this up and gathering some momentum so that I can rock it next week. I thought it was Friday all day long. Sadly, it is not Friday. 1 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Rurik Harrgath Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 Hello, Koo! Long time no see (on my behalf). Glad to see you around again! Quote [Level ??] Rurik, Templar-Marshal Class: Paladin of the Order of the Sacred Flame (Conquest Paladin/Champion) BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13 Equipment: Leather armor, questing longsword, and adventurer's pack with alchemist's kit. "Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR "Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf "By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 Welcome back, this challenge looks like a good one for a return. Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 8 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said: Hello, Koo! Long time no see (on my behalf). Glad to see you around again! 10 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: Welcome back, this challenge looks like a good one for a return. Thanks guys! Glad to be back. I will try to not disappear from the forum so much I miss your faces!! 2 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Laghail Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 oh Hai Koo! Following and excited to destroy you in Russia club... You know, one day. Quote Level 34 [Yorkie Packmaster] Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 23 hours ago, Laghail said: oh Hai Koo! Following and excited to destroy you in Russia club... You know, one day. I'd come back with something suitably Russian if I knew something yet. For now: как дела? Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Laghail Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 4 minutes ago, Haikoo said: I'd come back with something suitably Russian if I knew something yet. For now: как дела? Oof, koo burn! хорошо, спасибо can you institute weekly #becauseliam updates on your thread?? Also, I need more of the Tao of koo, moments where you explain koo-isms. Quote Level 34 [Yorkie Packmaster] Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 0.6 - Friday My mental state was a mess yesterday. I dunno what my problem is. Perhaps just a combination of ALL THE THINGS. что не так? Russian- Done. This is really being established as a habit. Duolingo makes it a lot easier, especially the app. Right now I'm just focusing on reinforcing what I've learned rather than introducing any new lessons. These cases and things are killing me. I need to do some more reading/research to find a better explanation for when to use what. Exercise- Though my brain battled with me the entire way, I made myself put gym clothes on right away in the morning. Got to gym and did basically day 2 of Strong Lifts (don't laugh at my super low numbers. I just restarted after almost 2 months and totally deloaded): Warmup -Treadmill- 5 mins walking, 1 min running -Arm circles (to warm up shoulders-they are super sensitive these days) -1 x 10 band dislocates (ow) -hip openers -burpees 1 x 10 Strong Lifts *Squats* 5 x 5 @ 55 (oops it had me at 50. Oh well, it felt fine though I am sore today) *Bench Press* 1 x 2 @ 45 (meh too easy so I bumped it up) 5 x 5 @ 50 *Row* 5 x 5 @ 65 Accessories *Roman Chair Extensions* 3 x 10 (I started adding these in previously because my glutes do not activate well. I feel like they really help. Glutes are sore today.) *Suspended knee lifts * 2 x 8 1 x 10 (I have have super weak abs forever. I blame the two 10 year olds) Funsies -OHP- 1 x 3 (When I was putting the bar away because I felt like it. I'm one of those weirdos who likes OHP) -Push ups- 1 x 5 Today I am sore in many places. It's good to feel the muscles coming back. Cleaning Checklist- Yeaaaaaaaa, I'm going to need a little work here. I did a few essential things but I should have done more. So I didn't state a specific food goal, but I am trying not to eat like a jerk. I'm basically hating what I see in the mirror right now and it's not doing my mental state any good. I ate really well yesterday until dinner when our plans got foiled. We ended up eating out and what I ordered was not what I thought it was I didn't even end up eating it all anyway, so calorie wise I was probably fine. This morning's breakfast was spot on, though. 3 eggs plus zucchini and peppers. Plus some greek yogurt and blueberries on the side. Tonight we are going to a Russian inspired show about Баба-яга (Baba Yaga: The Wickedest Witch). It's a done by a dance troop so there will probably not be any Russian language, but still fun Tomorrow is super packed but I will hopefully get to the gym. I've still a chance to get my 3 sessions in. 6 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 36 minutes ago, Laghail said: Oof, koo burn! хорошо, спасибо can you institute weekly #becauseliam updates on your thread?? Also, I need more of the Tao of koo, moments where you explain koo-isms. haha koo-isms? I don't even know I am making koo-isms unless other people start pointing them out. See now i'm pressured and can't even think of one. #becauseliam I have a Liam story for this week but it's gross and body function related lol Spoiler Yesterday he comes flying out of the bathroom and proceeds to tell his father and I about the poop that he had which was SO enormous it caused caused a tear which resulted in blood. He was not even concerned at all about the fact his arse was bleeding. He just wanted to describe to us with animated detail and sound effects how he had to strain and then *insert explosive noise here* followed by *plop*. I can't do it justice. You really had to be there. Thanks for sharing, son. 5 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Related to my cleaning goals, not sure whether to laugh at this list or cry because it's so accurate to my reality. 5 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
noxiousGnome Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Koo that sounds about accurate for my apartment too >.> Quote Gnomish Superhero-In-Training S3|D3|S1|C3|W4.75|CH3Gnomish Trials and Tribulations1|2(a)|3|4Gnomes Have Epic Quests Too! This gets updated as things get finished or I add more =D Link to comment
FortBacon Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 That Liam story! lol - we can relate... often - the number of those stories our son tells Also - love the challenge - especially stronglifts - do you have friends at the gym or spotters - or not feeling the need just yet for spotters? Quote Rebel - Hunter - Trader - Renewing the body and mind to be as capable as possible - lean & strength Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 16 hours ago, noxiousGnome said: Koo that sounds about accurate for my apartment too >.> I swear these guys live to undo EVERYTHING I try to accomplish in here. 9 hours ago, FortBacon said: That Liam story! lol - we can relate... often - the number of those stories our son tells Also - love the challenge - especially stronglifts - do you have friends at the gym or spotters - or not feeling the need just yet for spotters? No, I don't really have any friends at the gym. I mean I know a couple people, but it's hit or miss whether they will be there at the same time as me. At this point, I'm not very strong, so the weights probably don't even require spotting. There are squat racks, so that will catch a squat bobble if needed. I'll never be lifting enough on OHP to require one-if I can lift it over my head, or almost do so, I can definitely hold it at my collarbone long enough to re-rack it. DL and row doesn't need. Bench--right now I'm at a pretty low weight. I may need to get some spotting if my weights get up there, but thus far have managed without one. I don't think I'll ever be able to lift something that would truly have me trapped and unable to do the roll of shame if needed. I am just not that big of a person, it would take a LOT to get the weights up that far. 1 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Big_Show Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 When I started lifting again after Camp after a break of a couple of months I massively deloaded too, it really is a sensible idea. The change in form I had learned gave all kinds of muscles DOMS that weren't used to having them! Quote Big Show: Human Swift Hunter Respawning. One day at a time. Battle Log: Operation Wedding Suit - Take 2 Previous challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 32 minutes ago, Haikoo said: No, I don't really have any friends at the gym. I mean I know a couple people, but it's hit or miss whether they will be there at the same time as me. At this point, I'm not very strong, so the weights probably don't even require spotting. There are squat racks, so that will catch a squat bobble if needed. I'll never be lifting enough on OHP to require one-if I can lift it over my head, or almost do so, I can definitely hold it at my collarbone long enough to re-rack it. DL and row doesn't need. Bench--right now I'm at a pretty low weight. I may need to get some spotting if my weights get up there, but thus far have managed without one. I don't think I'll ever be able to lift something that would truly have me trapped and unable to do the roll of shame if needed. I am just not that big of a person, it would take a LOT to get the weights up that far. Be careful, you may put in a couple of years worth of work and surprise yourself with all the gains. 2 Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
FortBacon Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 5 hours ago, Haikoo said: No, I don't really have any friends at the gym. I mean I know a couple people, but it's hit or miss whether they will be there at the same time as me. At this point, I'm not very strong, so the weights probably don't even require spotting. There are squat racks, so that will catch a squat bobble if needed. I'll never be lifting enough on OHP to require one-if I can lift it over my head, or almost do so, I can definitely hold it at my collarbone long enough to re-rack it. DL and row doesn't need. Bench--right now I'm at a pretty low weight. I may need to get some spotting if my weights get up there, but thus far have managed without one. I don't think I'll ever be able to lift something that would truly have me trapped and unable to do the roll of shame if needed. I am just not that big of a person, it would take a LOT to get the weights up that far. Thanks for your candor - this is where I AM AS WELL (no reliable "buddies" at the gym for spotting, and no real need for it yet given my light weight). It's just a nagging thought whenever I do Stronglifts - especially when I look at doing a bench press. Nice thing, like you said, if you do it in a rack you can set up those "safety arms" to catch the bar as well. I love your challenge! It's good to move again. Quote Rebel - Hunter - Trader - Renewing the body and mind to be as capable as possible - lean & strength Link to comment
Baxtan Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 Welcome back! I have a feeling that those weights, if you are consistent enough, are going to start to creep back up on you faster than you think. Which is a good thing! Keep up the good work and keep lifting ALL THE THINGS! lol Quote Hitting the reset button! Let's GO! Previous Challenges: 1 2 Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 22 hours ago, Big_Show said: When I started lifting again after Camp after a break of a couple of months I massively deloaded too, it really is a sensible idea. The change in form I had learned gave all kinds of muscles DOMS that weren't used to having them! Yea, I have found that both times I've done this, I've managed to push past my previous barriers, also. For instance, the first time I deloaded I finally got past 80 lbs for bench! I'll be curious to see where I go this time. 22 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: Be careful, you may put in a couple of years worth of work and surprise yourself with all the gains. 16 hours ago, Baxtan said: Welcome back! I have a feeling that those weights, if you are consistent enough, are going to start to creep back up on you faster than you think. Which is a good thing! Keep up the good work and keep lifting ALL THE THINGS! lol Yea, you may not be wrong. The trouble has been consistency! Life keeps happening. I started lifting for real in August (anything over the year before that was just periodic dabbling.) I can never seem to get past 2 months before I get a large interruption that takes me back, though. Theoretically I should have at least until May before my schedule gets messed up! (knock on everything wood, cross all fingers, etc etc) 16 hours ago, FortBacon said: Thanks for your candor - this is where I AM AS WELL (no reliable "buddies" at the gym for spotting, and no real need for it yet given my light weight). It's just a nagging thought whenever I do Stronglifts - especially when I look at doing a bench press. Nice thing, like you said, if you do it in a rack you can set up those "safety arms" to catch the bar as well. I love your challenge! It's good to move again. Yea, I do think about that also. I hate talking to strangers, especially at the gym. It's intimidating. I guess it'll be a good exercise in peopling when we get to the point we need the spots And yes, it does feel good to move again. I love feeling the muscles all changing. I don't know why I keep letting myself fall out of this. 3 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
Haikoo Posted February 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 0.7-Saturday Not the best day for challenge goals. I did manage to get my Russian in to keep my streak, but otherwise we had things going on all day between kid activities and taking the family out to a show. It was good to have family time, though! 0.8-Sunday Yes, I know the challenge is supposed to start on Sunday, but my weeks do NOT start on Sunday, therefore neither does my challenge. Russian- Got this in while waiting for the girl at her soccer training. Still just practicing what I've learned. There are some words I keep forgetting. This language learning stuff is hard! Exercise- Made sure I got to the gym before the day got crazy! *Warm up* 5 min walk/1 min run Arm circles Dislocates- 1 x 10 Hip openers *Strong Lifts* -Squat- 1 x 5 @ 45 5 x 5 @ 60 -OHP- 1 x 2 @ 45 5 x 5 @ 50 (ugh, already feeling challenging again) -DL- 1 x 5 @ 95 1 x 5 @ 135 (damn these things took it all out of me) *Extras* Roman chair Extensions - 3 x 10 @ 10 (Feelin that burn in the glutes!!) Suspended knee lifts - 3 x 8 Did some stretching and called it quits. Cleaning Checklist- Yea, again didn't do great on this. We had so much going on. Did get some laundry done and a couple basics like dishwasher. Monday I need to crack the whip. 6 Quote STR 7.2 | DEX 3.5 | STA 5.8 | CON 8.4 | WIS 5.55 | CHA 5.5 Most Recent Challenge Link to comment
doctorake Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 Your dedication to Duolingo is inspiring me to really stick to it! Quote OCEAN RANGER YOUTUBE ADVENTURES 2 X IRONMAN, 3 X half IRONMAN, 3 X GORUCK Challenge, 2 X GORUCK back to back, Way too many GORUCK lights Link to comment
raptron Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 I love Baba Yaga stories. Hooray for chasing after that Russian goal. And yesss for the big sticks! 1 Quote Raptron, alot assassin 67 | 66 | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 54 | 53 | 52 | 51 | 50 | 49 | 48 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 Link to comment
RisenPhoenix Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 Hiiiii Koo! <3 I'm here. Assuming I'm not eaten by my life. <3 Quote RisenPhoenix, the Entish Aikidoka Challenge: RisenPhoenix Turns to Ash "The essence of koryu [...is] you offer your loyalty to something that you choose to regard as greater than yourself so that you will, someday, be able to offer service to something that truly is transcendent." ~ Ellis Amdur, Old School Link to comment
miss_marissa Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 HIIIIIII <3 That cleaning checklist made me lol Quote Current Challenge # 39 | #38 | #37 | #36 | #35 |#34 | #33 | #32 | #31 | #30 | #29 | #28 | #27 | #26 | #25 | # 24 | #23 | #22 | #21 | #20 | #19 | #18 | #17 | #16 | #15 | #14 | #13 | #12 | #11 | #10 | #9| #8 | #7 | #6 | #5 | #4 | #3 | #2 | #1 | Battle Log Instagram | Goodreads Link to comment
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