Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Goals 2019


Reading
- 25 books overall
- 2 from Wheel of Time series
- 10 nonfiction

Powerlifting/Lifting
- compete in 2 meets
- deadlift 315+
- squat 230+
- bench 135+
- push press 100+
- snatch/clean 85+

Other Fitness
- run half marathon
- try other activities/classes

Writing/Editing
- rewrite/edit 3 novels
- finish 3 first drafts
- only start 2 new novels
- write 6 short stories
- submit to agents/publishers on 2 novels
- submit 2 short stories a month
- enter writers of future contest
- blog and post on youtube 3 times a month

Other Goals
- use some PTO
- do courses to maintain tech certification
- go out once a month
- perform as a drag king

Monday, January 29, 2018

Goals/Focus for 2018

 I have goals, which are things I want to focus on at least early on within the year, so will post here too as part of the goal is to remember to keep putting up posts here. I like to make goals for the year and break it down to each month. We'll start for now with the wanted focus for 2018.

Fitness

Deadlift - 315
Squat - 230, then... 250
Bench - BW and 135, not sure which will come first
Push Press, Clean&Jerk, Snatch - 100+

Run a Half-Marathon

Weigh - 120 (first get to 132 weight class, then worry about the rest)


Reading/Writing

Read 18 books
- 3 from Wheel of Time
- 2 nonfiction

Rewrite/Edit Novels
- Boys Read Romance
- North West
- Aeon Fading

Submit to Agents
- BRR
- NW

World Build
- Aeon Fading, Xan, other books in series
- Tattle Tell, Standing Ground, Rogues of Revolution series.

Finish First Draft
- Snow
- List 13
- Under Paper Stars
- In the Horizon He Saw Rain

Youtube/Blog
Make progress on both and post at least once a month. Portion some of the time each week to work on this along with writing, reading and exercise.

Friday, August 25, 2017

Online Presence Priorities

We all know that we have to prioritize in order to get things done. While some say they don't have time, others of us see it as knowing what things they find more of a priority than others. This also goes for what time we spend online and to which sites we give the most attention to over the weeks.

Clearly, blogging hasn't had my priority thus far this year. Was not my initial intention but it is something I can't deny the fact either. I'm still making fiction and fitness my priority, after work, of course but where I spend online is limited and that's okay.


Question time:

Which website(s) do you use the most?


For me, it has been mostly bodybuilding.com and some with myfitnesspal or sparkpeople. I post in the forums on bodybuilding.com including having my own journal where I put up my lifting sessions and some every day babble. I often read other posts and do comment on occasion as I've made online friends on the site, and the other ones too.

Then there is Youtube. Had a slight setback with the laptop struggles. I have a power cord issue as in, I don't have a working one right now. Have to use someone else's until get my own again. Makes it hard since editing takes time and power. I have videos, just need to put the priority in getting them polished and posted.

Diet is a struggled priority as well, but that's a different topic. ;-)


We all have priorities and that goes for our online presence as well as the every day life elements. It is up to us to decide what needs to come first. Now get to it!

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

C4 Preworkout Taste Test

Compilation of my thoughts on the C4 pre-workout products. I posted on bodybuilding.com along with the cellucor web site my thoughts on the products as I was sent a few samples to taste test. I don't use pre workout often, so it was interesting to try them out.





C4 Zero - Pink Lemonade

This one is listed as a tamer pre-workout, or at least that is one way to interpret the description listed on the web site. If you haven't checked out Cellucor, then you should go here: https://cellucor.com/collections/pre...nt=31934263378

I took this one after a work shift, so not in the morning. If I work in the morning then my shift often starts at 7 am and I don't go to the gym beforehand. So, I mixed up the preworkout at work before heading over to the gym that is about a block away (one of the reasons I go to that particular commercial gym).

Flavor: Wow, this is had a kick. Might not be listed as the heavy hitter but the lemonade element really stood out strong. Usually, I consider pink lemonade to be a more sweet than tart approach to lemonade but this one had a bit of a tart kick.

Mixability: A little questionable at first. Could see some little bits spinning around the shaker cup after adding the water and giving it a good shake. But it all worked out once it gave a few moments for things to mix together. The tiny bit of after taste had a little grit from that fact but it was minimal.

Overall, a decent flavor with a little twist. A tad stronger than the orange mango so I'd probably put this one over that but think I like the extreme so far a little more than the zero ones. I got through a decent workout and managed some heavy squatting attempts even after having worked 8 hours on my feet.


Summary
Flavor - 8/10
Mixability - 7/10
Energy - 8/10


C4 Zero - Orange Mango

For the flavor, it had a more prominent orange element to me. Reminded me a little of the orange space drink, which brought up the still unanswered question: Why do they call it that on cupcake wars and not the actual name? They never say Tang. Suspicious.

So, yes, it had a bit of a tang flavor to me, which is pretty good overall. It wasn't overly great and this is another zero so it's listed as being aimed more towards someone wanting a lighter pre-workout. I didn't have a super heavy session when I tried out this one but it worked quite well for giving me enough but didn't give any type of pow. I wasn't high in energy but not low either. Overall, it was a decent workout and decent result with a pretty good taste.

Flavor - 8/10
Mixability - 7/10
Result - 7/10


Good flavor but not near the top for me.

C4 Extreme Cherry Limeade

I picked this flavor as it's one that sounded the best in the moment of deciding and beyond. It was consumed over a week ago before a mid-morning heavy session at the gym. I didn't get up early but at the dame time, it was earlier in lifting for me than normal and it was a day to attempt heavy deadlifts without consuming much beforehand.

The Flavor: Had great flavor. The cherry and lime elements were both present. This one was not the zero, it is ultimate, but even then it's light in the calories. The product has 5 calories per scoop, which is good for those of us doing a cut and needing a boost. I will say that the flavor did have a sweet element that was noticeable right away. The flavor profile was strong and sweet, which is good for me as I'm a fan of sweet for the most part (except maybe watermelon as I do like my sour candy). I consume candy a little too often but that's another story... Either way, I did like this flavor and it is one that I'd consider buying if/when I have funds for a pre-workout.


The Result: It didn't amp me up or anything. I'm low key in general so there isn't much of a chance with me getting all hyped up and I consume caffeine enough to have a certain level of tolerance. However, I did feel a boost that day. It was 1 rep max testing and I managed to get the 1 rep deadlift of 265 lbs, which I was very pleased to finally achieve. It had been a goal the peak cycle before but failed then and doing another attempt after trying during a somewhat failed cut cycle was going to be a challenge. I made it and had energy for work afterwards. The site claims the extreme isn't for the casual lifter but I didn't notice an intense result, just enough of boost to keep me going to get through the workout of the day.


Quick Version:
Flavor - 9/10
Mixability - 9/10
Results - 9/10

I'm a fan of this one.

C4 Extreme - Icy Blue Razz

I wasn't sure about this flavor before trying because most of the time, I'm not a big fan of blue raspberry flavors. It seems weird putting blue and raspberry that gives me this automatic impression of something a little fake. They often have that slightly altered taste, just like how cherry can often have that cough drop flavor/reminder and a couple of others do give off the often artificial taste. So, I went in this one not expecting to have the greatest result in personal opinion over taste.

It was pretty good. I kind of like this one, even more than one of the zero flavors. The extreme has the stronger result since it's geared exactly for that but also, just the flavor had an appeal. It still wasn't like that "oh natural raspberry" but for this one, the result was much better than others I have experienced and way better than the fruit punch pre-workout I had over a year ago. I used it before a simple workout so I didn't really need a huge boost but it wasn't over the top either. None of the pre-workouts were that intense, not from the samples at least. The only eh moment was the last couple of sips on this one and more that had a little grit like I needed to maybe use just a little more water than I had.


Flavor 8/10
Mix 8/10
Result 8/10


C4 Ultimate: Apple Berry

Like many others, I have a similar opinion so this won't come off as much of a surprise. This flavor is good. While I don't know what is exactly different between their different lines of preworkout (original, ripped, extreme, ultimate, etc), when it comes to taste this one is spot on. I can't quite feel the difference between the ultimate and the extreme but did manage to get in a good workout. The day I tried the apple berry, I had upper body and cardio. Not one rep max type but back into things as I started getting ready for my summer prep. It was also a long day since I went out late that night so was good to have energy throughout.

Flavor 9/10
Mixability 8/10
Results 8/10

One of the top flavors for me and if I had funds and really wanted a pre-workout, this is one I'd consider buying. Very soon will have a video up if anyone wants to see me actually try all of the samples. If not, hope the reviews here help and there will be reviews on the site store very soon too. Thanks again to Cellucor for letting us sample their pre-workout.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

End Result for List 13

June 1 marked the end of my attempt at the List 13 challenge and had some mixed results overall. I didn't accomplish 13 things but had some success along the way.


List 13
1. 13 week cut (end goal weight 124)
2. 10 week weight training peak cycle
3. Study for PTCE (I also passed the PTCE)
4. Read 1-2 books
5. Write first draft for List 13 (I managed 13,000 words)
6. Get hair cut much shorter/change hair
7. Create new intro for youtube channel
8. Find location to run outside safely (Looked online but haven't gone to any)
9. Make 3 items pinned on pinterest
10. Sew one item
11. buy swimsuit but....  Did get new clothes that I needed
12. adult stuff that needs done - did an HIV test so that's pretty adult right there
13. new tattoo
14. paint on one canvas
15. go bowling or something (went to burlesque show)


I didn't buy a swimsuit but I did get clothing I needed and a pair of shoes when parents were in town, so that's sufficient. Swimsuit will be part of next cut, near the end as vacation requires one. Can't afford 13 and didn't go bowling or to movie but did go out with roommate mid-cut to a burlesque show. I'm counting HIV test as doing something cause I used to volunteer and a place let our group use their building that did the testing and I never got it done. It was always on my list of should one day just because list and I got to do it on the clock at work. So, managed about half of the 13 crossed off-ish.


And the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znuGgPnxnDA



Monday, April 3, 2017

List 13 Update and Retro April

We are over 4 weeks into the 13 week challenge, so it's time for an update. So far things are making good progress but have quite a bit to get done in order to reach my goals.

I've made some progress on the novel. List 13 has about 10,000 words so far and I'm finishing up chapter 5. I've been studying for the PTCE and can cross it off the list but need to study more. Made it through the class sponsored by work. I read the book from class but haven't finished a fiction book yet. However, for sure I can cross off the new intro for my youtube channel.

Weight wise, I started the month at 135-136. Ended the month at 131-132, though today's weight was 133.4 as body weight tends to fluctuate. Plus hormones are involved right now. Still, making progress and that's what we're hoping to see.


Measurements

I didn't take my measurements until the 18th of March, so this is more of a two week update on those than anything else but since I'm doing the month log for SizeSlim, I'll measure every two weeks just to get more than one point for that forum posting. I'm not pulling the measuring tape very tight and I do measure two areas on the stomach since I have a dip in my stomach.

2-18-17

hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 38
chest (over bust) - 35
chest (under bust) - 33
thigh - 22
bicep - 12
wrist - 6
neck - 13
weight - 135.4

3-3-17

hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 37.5
chest (over bust) - 34.5
chest (under bust) - 32.5
thigh - 21.5
bicep - 11
neck - 13
wrist - 6
weight - 133.4

I was provided a bottle of a weight loss supplement from SizeSlim to log over on bodybuilding.com. The disclaimer is I don't normally take a diet supplement nor do I think anyone needs that in order to lose weight. Supplements are extra and one can reach their goals without taking a pill. Still, I'm going to give this a try to see about the claims of appetite suppressing, mood enhancement and focus.

New Product: SizeSlim



Company site: https://sizeslim.com
My supplement log: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=173803371

I also got to taste test some protein cookies. Triple chocolate by Muscletech. They are pretty good. Not quite a replacement for Lenny and Larry cookies for me as the Muscletech ones are whey based and the other brand are vegan. Still, a nice treat that includes a little protein too and very chocolately tasting.
Muscletech link: http://www.muscletech.com


Retro April

One thing I forgot to mention in my youtube video was that for the month of April I'm doing a sort of throwback, retro, childhood type of month. Let's call it Retro April, just to give it some type of "creative" name.

TV shows to watch: Rugrats, Doug, Care Bears and many more. I also am going to watch some Anime shows that aren't from my childhood but still, enjoyable. Going to check out some new ones too. Also going to watch Disney movies like Mulan. I want to go see the new Power Ranger movie too as I used to play that when I was in elementary school. I rarely get to go out so will be nice if I can find a reasonable priced theater to see the movie in, even if I go alone.

Full day of eating is a possibility in the works too for the nostalgia month.. Maybe include a lunchable. Definitely need to find some gushers or fruit roll ups, something along those lines, or all of them. mmm fruit snacks!


Summary: Work in progress on List 13 and plenty to come. Diet log started and more taste tests to come. Check out the videos over on my youtube channel for more.
Fiction and Fitness Youtube Channel


What are your favorite shows from your childhood?
What was your favorite food/snack?

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

List 13 Challenge

I am getting ready for a 13 week self challenge and have decided within that amount of time I want to accomplish at least 13 things. I am also a fan of lists so having the 13 things and setting goals sounded like a good idea. Plus, I have a novel that is called list 13 that I would like to get a first draft one this year, thus picking the number 13 along with a few other reasons.

My goals vary with a couple relating to work, some being super easy tasks and others are more challenging and might need some revision over the time period. And I don't have all 13 figured out just yet.

The thirteen week challenge is also a good number of weeks for the particular time of year. I say this because starting from March 1st means the end date is May 31. Start of a month as the beginning and an end of a month as the finish line. And can consider it as a pre-summer challenge due to the timing as well.


First on the list is the 13 week cut. I took a break from the lower calorie eating since I'd been trying to lose weight for a couple of years and had stalled. It was good to take a break and maintain for a while. Now, I'm ready to eat in a deficit again to try and get to that "healthy" weight range for my height. I'm 132-136 depending on the day, so the goal of 124 is reasonable. I will admit that I still will be happy even if it's 127 but for now, the ideal is to get under 125 as that's the top for my very short height. During that, for weight lifting, I am going to do another peak cycle. The loss of everything on my computer when it decided to play the phoenix means I don't have the excel with the previous program. I have to try something new and I'm looking forward to that. If things go well even with eating in a deficit, I should hit some new personal bests on bench, squat and deadlift.

For work, I am studying to get certified and that requires passing an exam. There is a program through work that involves going to classes but that is once a week and there are only 5. The bulk of the studying is at home. Not sure how long I have after the classes end to take the test but I'm guessing it will be some time in the next 13 weeks. Very important goal.

Here is the list of goals I have so far, aka my "list 13" with some that may be amended or changed depending on how the weeks go.

1. 13 week cut (end goal weight 124)
2. 10 week weight training peak cycle
3. Study for PTCE
4. Read 1-2 books
5. Write first draft for List 13
6. Get hair cut much shorter
7. Create new intro for youtube channel
8. Find location to run outside safely
9. Make 3 items pinned on pinterest
10. Sew one item


What goals are you working on? Do you have a list?

Fun

I write like
Arthur Conan Doyle

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I write like
Mark Twain

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!