[JediNickD] World 3 Level 1: "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view"

[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 188 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:

In Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Luke and Obi-Wan have this exchange:
 

Quote

Luke: Ben! Why didn't you tell me? You told me that Darth Vader betrayed and murdered my father.
 
Obi-Wan: Your father... was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and "became" Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view.
 
Luke: A certain point of view?
 
Obi-Wan: Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.
 

 
 
In explaining to Luke why he hide his father's identity from him, Obi-Wan instills a simple lesson which every Jedi must learn.  Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view.  These "truths", whether based on fact or opinion, could be seen as false from another point of view where there are more (or less) facts or just a difference of opinion.  It is common for a Jedi to practice looking at a situation from different angles to find the appropriate solution. 

 

 

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 3 Level 1 Challenge:

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) 100 Tasks or Projects, with at least 25 each 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 (24), 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 1:  For each week I complete 30 or more tasks, I will put aside $5 to spend how I see fit ($260 carried over).
CONSEQUENCE 1:  For any week where I complete less than 25 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.

 

REWARD 2:  $5 for each Business Project hour.

CONSQUENCE 2: Lose $5 for each week without a Business Project hour.

 

REWARD 3:  $5 for each Jedi Training lesson.
CONSQUENCE 3: Lose $5 for each week without a Jedi Training lesson.

 

REWARD 4: $5 for fasting on each weekend night after 6pm.  Fruits and veggies allowed in small quantities.  An extra $10 for all three nights. 

CONSQUENCE 4: Lose $10 for each weekend without any fasting.  Lose $5 for eating more than 2 slices of pizza.

BONUSES: 

• $5 for each advancement in the Speech Contests.  Another $5 for first place finishes.
• $5 for Home Renovation or Auto Maintenance tasks.

[JediNickD]

What a great weekend!  We started off Friday Night with a nice family dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes and Carrots.  After, we went to a retirement home to run Bingo games for the older folks.  I got to call numbers with my youngest daughter.  She certainly kept it interesting dropping the balls for me to chase.  But she had to call all the B numbers.  The old folks thought she was adorable.  It's fun to get everyone smiling.  After we got home and the kids were in bed, my wife and I caught up on Legion.  Fascinating show built to make you wonder about your own thoughts, memories, and dreams.  My wife saved me from a snack attack reminding me I was fasting in the evenings. 

 

Saturday, the kids and I had several things to do.  First, we cleaned up the living room and kitchen for game night.  Then, we dressed up and headed out for Galactic Con, a small, local Delaware Comic Con held at a high school.  The kids dressed as Maleficent and Aurora.  I went as a Jedi to get some pics with the local 501st and the BB-8 Builders.  There were also really good Ghostbusters and GI Joe Cosplay groups, which I might want think about for next time.  I gave the kids each a budget and off we went to explore.  We walked the whole floor picking up a few fun things.  I purchased a Table Top game called Devil's Playground, which looked really fun for my group.  I haven't decided whether to play it or give it as a gift.  I think play it, but I might hold on to it for a bit since I've been preparing my Star Wars Force and Destiny RPG.   Spent $70 of my saved money.

 

After the Con, it was off to a Baby Shower / Housewarming party for some new friends made at my company holiday party.  That was a blast as they were great hosts with some excellent party games to play.  The baby bottle chugging contest was hilarious, but my kids had the most fun with the Messy Diaper Guessing Game where you melt chocolate candies and try to guess what they are.  They all looked like poop if not for the nuts or smell. 

 

After the party, it was home for Tacos and DnD.  I took on a Cleric for the first time, which I used to make some really odd blessings and observations.  The kids went to the Karate dojo for a Parents-Night-Out event where they got to learn and play with nunchucks, katana swords, bo staffs, and shuriken.  I was a little jealous.

 

Sunday, I spent a lot of time at church as we had coffee hour after service, where my wife signed up for snacks but I had to fill in because she has Strep throat again.  After coffee hour, I completed another recording session for the church oral history.  The interviewee was one of my favorite grandmas at the church.  The day was half gone by the time I got home and there was still plenty to do.  Unfortunately, some chores had to be put on hold as the fish tank on the kitchen counter sprung a leak.  I had to clean up about 3 gallons of water from the counter, cabinets, and floor while cleaning out everything from under the sink.  I also put the fish in a temporary home and drained the rest of the tank.  I found the CLR and used it to clean our shower heads and dishwasher. 

 

Challenge Starting Weight: 156.2 lbs 

 

I ran 3.2 miles in 35 minutes this morning.  The weather is getting warmer, but I don't like bundling up for a run.  I prefer to run in shorts and compression shirt, so I'm going to stick with the treadmill until it is warm enough for that.  I also did some toes-to-bar, full extension push-ups, and shrimp squats.

[JediNickD]

I'm suited up for my interview today.  Hopefully, that goes really well and I can get the official offer and start date.  I'm getting anxious about the change, leaving my current job.  I have a backlog of work which I need to address ASAP.

[JediNickD]

The interview did not go well.  There was a miscommunication between the company recruiter and the client about the position opening.  I interviewed for a software developer with RF experience instead of an RF Engineer with coding and programming experience.  The line of questioning really beat me up on the software skills they were looking for.  It was not my wheel-house and I told them point blank that I was not the person for developing software.  Sucks, but better to be honest than to fake it for a job I don't want.  Especially, since I already have a job I do want.  I really want to work for that company though.  Oh, well.  Hopefully, they find a need for an RF or Antenna Engineer.  Until then, I work and forget about this venture.  The stress of it needs to melt away.

 

156.0 lbs, Stretch, exercise, and Karate practice this morning. 

 

Toastmasters tonight.  I'm running a club contest.  Area contest is Friday.  Also, I need to put up flyers for the Open House being held next week.  That'll be my cardio for today, walking through the buildings and descending stairs at lunch time.  I have two quick website things to take care of tonight as well. 

 

Doing auto maintenance on the van this Saturday, so Karate will need to be Wednesday and Thursday.  I should have gone last night, but my wife needed help with the kids since she's sick.  Hopefully, she feels better tonight.  I'm not keen on bringing the kids to Toastmasters tonight during a contest. 

[JediNickD]

Took an hour walk and put up flyers for the Toastmasters open house. 

[JediNickD]

156.6 lbs this morning.  Stretch and body weight exercises.  Tried a bunch of new exercises per the Assassin Mini Challenge.  Around-the-World Pull-ups and Aztec Push-ups are new favorites to add to my routine.  I'll be building strength with the modified or assisted versions first.

 

Toastmasters contest last night went well.  My 6 year old "competed" in the Table Topics contest taking home a 2nd place trophy.  She was so happy and excited.  During the "Interview the Contestants", we found out that she is uncomfortable singing in front of people, which I found odd, since I've never seen that child shy away from attention.  Turns out, in school, she shies away from singing proudly, because all the other kids don't like singing and just quietly mumble the words.  I set a seed with this one, but I have an idea to sprout out of that shell.  At the next Toastmasters meeting, I'm going to have her give a prepared speech with me about the importance of "Being the Loud One" and I'll have her lead a song as part of it. 

 

 

[JediNickD]

155.6 lbs.  Ran 4 miles in 40 minutes (first 3 miles in under 28 min!).  Also, stretched before and after with Assassin Mini Challenge exercises:  Handstands, Handstand Pushups, Hanging Knee Raises, Hanging Leg Raises, Hollow Body Holds, Headstands, Half boat, Half lotus, Half moon pose, Head to Knee (not really but tried), Hamstring Bridge, High Steps, and Half Pull-up.

 

Karate last night got me sweating.  It can be hectic in the kids class, but as long as I work hard on what I am doing I'll be happy.  Karate again tonight.

 

Last night, the van "broke down".  The air intake hose had a crack in it.  Last night, the car decided the crack was too big now and stopped revving.  I spent more on the silicon tape and duct tape to patch it up than the part costs, but it was 8pm and no place with the part would be open.  I ordered one, but the tape should hold until then (and then some).  I'd probably leave it if I had done a better job, but I ran out of tape after only one pass (tape package recommends three), so I used duct tape to seal the ends.  The silicone tape stretched, wrapped, and fused really well, but I don't trust my work in the cold and dark.  Mostly, I don't want to leave the duct tape on the engine if I don't have to.

 

I'm taking the van into the shop for a recall repair on Saturday.  While it is there, I need to have them diagnose the belt screeching sound.  I thought it was a worn belt, but a new belt didn't solve it (and the old belt looks perfectly fine).  I think it might be the belt tension rod.  It should be flexible, but it is stiff and holds in place after loosening instead of returning to tight position. It could be gummed up by the same grime from the cylinder cover gasket leak which destroyed the alternator last year.  I tried cleaning it, but I think I have to do some major disassembly to really clean it or replace it.  Before I attempt that, I want to get a mechanic to verify the cause.  I plan to replace the air intake hose and change the oil before taking it in.

[JediNickD]

155.6 lbs.  Stretch, exercise, and karate practice.  Karate last night too.

 

I'm teaching an RF Theory and Safety class this morning, so I spent part of the night putting together my presentation.  Should be fun.

 

Then I need to finalize my speech for tonight.  Added a few ideas while practicing in the car.  It should make it more relatable for the audience. 

[JediNickD]

Friday Night:  Toastmasters Contest went as well as expected.  I competed and finished last in both Table Topics and International Speech.  The other competitors were better.  "Your Going to have to Carry that Weight," was the table topics question.  I related it to how you carry weight in your pants, shirt, and shoulders.  It was uninspiring as I didn't have a story to tell.  I thought of something good later as the other participants did much better with it.  My friend, Farhan, talked about how Toastmasters members pull their weight for their respective clubs and used me as his main subject.  I guess I'm making my impact as I gave him a 2nd place story ;-).  "The Cave" was my International Speech topic from last challenge's lesson.  I had fun with it, using some lightsaber props and a Yoda hood, using my degenerative disc disease recovery for my story, but I spent too much time explaining my struggle and missed a few crucial points to tie it all together before I ran out of time.  I think I was going to finish 3rd regardless as my two competing friends at phenomenal speeches.  I'm happy I competed for my club.  After the contest, we went to Applebees to celebrate and hangout.  I spent $15 on myself.

 

Saturday:  It was a busy day of getting the van to the dealership for a recall repair, then taking a shuttle with the kids to a mall for some shopping.  I picked up a car seat for my friend who just had a baby.  The kids had fun picking out some new clothes.  I found a pair of dress shoes I liked, but had to order my size online.  Once they arrive, I can get rid of at least one pair of the deteriorating shoes I have, probably two.  After the mall and dealership, we headed home for game night.  We did some cleaning before our friends arrived. 

 

Sunday:  Another busy day which started with a thud as my oldest daughter awoke very sick.  I had to take everyone but her to church, get the sound setup and record a opening performance, then run back home to check on the sick child and install the air intake hose on the van, then go back and pick everyone back up and take my wife back to work.  My youngest and I ran to a store to get a birthday present for a niece.  Ran back to the house for lunch and packing of all the stuff.  Finally left the house at 12:30 to head down to my parent's and friend's house to drop off the gifts and hand-me down stuff, but I have to take my sick kid to the doctor first.  She's got the flu.  Great.  Can't see the baby or hang out at all.  And she's going to be miserable for the next 4 hours of driving.  It wasn't too bad since she slept most the time, but before heading home, her fever spiked.  I hope she is doing ok today.  

 

Monday Morning:  157.2 lbs.  With the sore hip and leg, I stretched and exercised with a mix of physical therapy and challenging upper body exercises from the Assassin Mini.

 

Monday Plan:  With the sick kid or kids, only one adult will make it to karate tonight.  Considering my wife missed all last week, she's got dibs.  I'll probably do Karate on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Tuesday Plan:  Tomorrow is the Toastmasters Open House at lunch time, then I am meeting up with a friend for a Trivia Night. 

[JediNickD]

Week 1 Review

 

Goal 1 = 180 min excellent progress

 

Goal 2 = 145 min great diversity with new challenging exercises

 

Goal 3 = 150 min I'm moving closer to my Orange belt.  I should test at the end of April.  The kids will likely not be ready.  I'll be able to work with them this weekend.

 

Goal 4 = 156.0 lb avg, good meals and discipline.  Made it through Saturday fasting ($5), but Friday at the contest (cookies) and Sunday in the car was not successful (pretzels), because I wasn't thinking about it.  Dummy.

 

Goal 5 = 38 tasks ($5), no Business Projects or Jedi Training.  No speech contests winning.  I did get 2 Auto Maintenance tasks done (Intake hose and undercarriage bracket for $10) and I have a diagnosis on another issue with the van (Power Steering pump as I suspected initially), which will be revisited in the summer.  Surprisingly, the oil looked good for the van, so no early change for it.  I expected an early change since it was getting more miles recently.  The Prius oil did not look as clean as expected at only 2000 miles, but the leak may have been temporary sealed as the level is good.  Need to keep an eye on that one.  Might need a flush with the next change.  Also, the Maintenance light came on during my drive on Sunday, so I'll have to do some inspection.  The brakes will get work next weekend.

[JediNickD]

Week 2 Review

 

Goal 1 = 130 min; eeked it out on Saturday with a dog walk.

 

Goal 2 = 145 min; more new exercises 

 

Goal 3 = 145 min; I gotta start going to Spar class.

 

Goal 4 = 156.3 lb avg, good meals and discipline.  Made it through Saturday and Sunday fasting ($10), but Friday, I wasn't thinking about it. 

 

Goal 5 = 32 tasks ($5), no Business Projects or Jedi Training or Auto Maintenance.  No speech contests winning, since I missed the contest because of the sick kids.  I also missed Church and Charity tasks, because I couldn't leave the house.  I ended up without the car on the nice day, so I couldn't work on the brakes.  They will get work next weekend, I guess.  I did churn out a bunch of stuff around the house on Saturday, but not as much as I had hoped.  Dogs got a bath and did Tie-Dye and Minecraft with the kids.  I also did litter boxes, water bowl cleaning, and poop pickup.  Played on the trampoline with the kids too.

[JediNickD]

155.6 lbs this morning.  Karate last night and karate this morning.  I'm working on my combinations, which I just learned last week.  I hit the bag to mix in a little fun.  The knife hands have to hit the bag just right or my finger tingle.  I did get my creed stripe last night.  The creed is about success and failure, which are concepts I talk about all the time in Toastmasters.  And hopefully I turned the instructor on to Toastmasters as well.  I'm going to bring him a flyer next time.  Maybe the dojo would be a good place to do a youth leadership program?  Hmm.

 

I think I fixed the Prius fuel tank gauge.  It had been registering empty with half a tank left. If my computer reset didn't do it, then there might be a hole in the floater inside the tank. ($5) 

 

I did two Jedi lessons in the last two days too ($10).

 

There is a local Con this weekend.  I'm planning to go and give the kids some money to spend, but they have to earn it just like daddy.  They've got rooms to clean Friday night.

 

Tonight, I'm giving a speech with my youngest daughter where she'll sing part of a song.  Should be fun.

[JediNickD]

Week 3 Review

 

Goal 1 = 120 min; Didn't get any long runs in.  Travel Thursday through Easter will affect Week 4.  Need to plan for (trail running, hiking, dog walking/running?).

 

Goal 2 = 140 min; more new exercises... Week 4 will be affected by travel. 

 

Goal 3 = 185 min; Starting Spar class on Saturdays on the 22nd.  Got my Creed stripe, just need Combos and Purple for everything.  Keep practicing.

 

Goal 4 = 155.7 lb avg, good meals and discipline.  Made it through the weekend fasting ($25)!   

 

Goal 5 = 35 tasks ($5), no Business Projects or Auto Maintenance.  I made it to Church with a committee meeting on Sunday.  I got Jedi Training done though ($5).  I have some consequences I forgot about... >:-(

 

Quote

 

INCENTIVES!

REWARD 1:  For each week I complete 30 or more tasks, I will put aside $5 to spend how I see fit ($260 carried over).
CONSEQUENCE 1:  For any week where I complete less than 25 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.

 

REWARD 2:  $5 for each Business Project hour.

CONSQUENCE 2: Lose $5 for each week without a Business Project hour.

 

REWARD 3:  $5 for each Jedi Training lesson.
CONSQUENCE 3: Lose $5 for each week without a Jedi Training lesson.

 

REWARD 4: $5 for fasting on each weekend night after 6pm.  Fruits and veggies allowed in small quantities.  An extra $10 for all three nights. 

CONSQUENCE 4: Lose $10 for each weekend without any fasting.  Lose $5 for eating more than 2 slices of pizza.

BONUSES: 

• $5 for each advancement in the Speech Contests.  Another $5 for first place finishes.
• $5 for Home Renovation or Auto Maintenance tasks.

 

 

I subtracted $25 from my total for the 3 weeks of missed tasks.  I spent $40 at the local Comic Con this weekend, picking up some Looney Labs card games: Loonacy and Math Fluxx. 

 

I'm at $115. 

[JediNickD]

Vacation starts tomorrow.  I'm off through Tuesday next week.  I have a plan to finish up my goals while away from home, gym, and work.  I setup the plan with excellent work the last two days.  Tonight, I get to cap it off with prepping the home and animals for our sitters. 

 

I just have to get my Jedi Training in today, so I don't have to worry about it over the long weekend.

[JediNickD]

World 3 Level 1 Challenge GRADES!

FITNESS:

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

  DEX +1, STA +1  A:  550, weekly met each week.

   

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

  STR +1 A:  585, weekly met each week.

   

• Karate: Training and Practice - 500 min total, 120 weekly
  STR +1, DEX +1, STA +1  A:  670, weekly met each week.

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  A:  Lost 1 lb, never over max, completed measurements, hit meal goals for 26 days (only missed two of the last three while on vacation). 

LIFE:

• Get Stuff Done - Complete (or dedicate at least one hour to) 100 Tasks or Projects, with at least 25 each 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 (24), Yard Work (4), Animal Care (8), Home Renovation (4), Auto Maintenance (4), Family Activities (4), Adventuring (2).   
  WIS +3, CHA +3  A:  142, met weekly goals, 27 days of household chores (only day I missed was March 23rd when I was working on my RF training presentation and contest speech while also having karate and kids homework).  Incentives helped hit some areas I had been slacking.  I'll keep using it for next challenge.

 

INCENTIVES!

REWARD 1:  For each week I complete 30 or more tasks, I will put aside $5 to spend how I see fit ($260 carried over).  (4)
CONSEQUENCE 1:  For any week where I complete less than 25 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.  (0)

+$20

 

REWARD 2:  $5 for each Business Project hour. (1)

CONSQUENCE 2: Lose $5 for each week without a Business Project hour.  (3)

-$10

 

REWARD 3:  $5 for each Jedi Training lesson.  (3)
CONSQUENCE 3: Lose $5 for each week without a Jedi Training lesson.  (2)

+$5

 

REWARD 4: $5 for fasting on each weekend night after 6pm.  Fruits and veggies allowed in small quantities.  An extra $10 for all three nights.  (7, 1)

CONSQUENCE 4: Lose $10 for each weekend without any fasting.  Lose $5 for eating more than 2 slices of pizza. (0)

+$45

BONUSES: 

• $5 for each advancement in the Speech Contests.  Another $5 for first place finishes.  (0)  +$0
• $5 for Home Renovation or Auto Maintenance tasks.  (3, 5)  +$40

Started at $260

Spent $65 on Magic cards

Spent $125 on an Exogear waterproof, solar powered Bluetooth speaker (pretty awesome)

Spent $110 at Comic Cons

Spent $15 at the Area 24 Contest and post-celebration

Spent $10 at Trivia Night

Earned $100 in incentives

260-65-125-110-15-10+100 = $35 to carry over.  I was looking to spend a little for some Dungeon Crawl stuff, but I'll hold off to save up again.