Exercising towards a better tomorrow!

[TopNotch]

If you've been regularly under-sleeping, when you finally get a decent night's sleep, your body is trying to recoup that 'sleep debt'. Frequently, a person will wake from that first decent sleep feeling a bit groggy. Your body could also be trying to work out its circadian rhythm again, which could have been disrupted by poor sleep. Generally, the following morning after another night of decent sleep, you start feeling better because your body is relaxing, recovering, and your brain has been better able to recharge. Sleep isn't only for the body; it's immensely important for the brain too.

 

[aku-chan]

@TopNotch - Thanks for the info! It sounds like what I really need to do is make a sleep routine and stick with it.

Up a bit earlier today as I've got things to do, but first exercising:-

Universal Warmup done,
20 Tap Side Lunges (EotD) done,
Side Quest (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 13 of Square One done (3 sets),
Day 24 of Wall Push-Ups done,
Back Pain Relief done,
Footwork done,
Talk to the Hand done.

I might have a new job, but I'm not sure at the moment. The place that I had an interview at earlier in the week was supposed to phone me yesterday for an update, but they didn't, however I did get an email from them congratulating me on receiving a job offer. So currently I'm not sure if I've got a job, but they forgot to phone me, or I don't and they sent me that email by mistake.
I suspect it's option two, but I've emailed them back asking for clarification, probably have to wait until Monday for a reply though.
I do have another interview to go to next week though, but that's for another casual job.

Got to start clearing out my kitchen today, the Landlord is having it remodelled. It's going to take two whole weeks to do, so I'm hoping I can just hand them my spare keys and let them get on with it, I can't afford to babysit builders for all that time (Plus I'm going to be without a stove, so I need to figure out what I'm going to eat).
Still cooking for now though, Cajun Potato Soup for dinner, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[TopNotch]

Plus I'm going to be without a stove, so I need to figure out what I'm going to eat

Been there, done that. I recommend you do batch cooking and freeze meals if you have the freezer space - and a microwave to reheat. And if you will have limited room for food prep, make sure that anything you do want to cook is already prepped. In my case, I had an airfryer which was great, but no place to prepare anything, which wasn't.

 

[aku-chan]

Been there, done that. I recommend you do batch cooking and freeze meals if you have the freezer space - and a microwave to reheat. And if you will have limited room for food prep, make sure that anything you do want to cook is already prepped. In my case, I had an airfryer which was great, but no place to prepare anything, which wasn't.

The original plan was to buy a load of cheapy microwave dinners, but I never did get my freezer empty enough!
Between leftovers I already have in there (Including some of last night's very yummy soup), and days where I'm doing volunteer cooking duty, I should be okay for several days. Plus, it's a small kitchen, I really think they can get it sorted quicker than they say.

Afternoon exercising to finish the week:-

Universal Warmup done,
30 Count Sumo Squat Hold (EotD) done,
Lightfoot (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 14 of Square One done (3 sets),
Day 25 of Wall Push-Ups done (I think I'm reaching maximum reps, those last handful are so hard!),
Back Pain Relief done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Keyboard Warrior done.

Plus 600 Punches for the Battleground.

My back is, surprisingly, still a bit niggly, but I'm going to go back to my normal stretching routines and no longer avoid any floor-based exercises starting tomorrow. I'll still stick with Square One for the rest of the month though and then switch to a harder program (I haven't made up my mind whether to go back to House of the Valkyrie or something different).

It's going to be a busy day tomorrow, I've got a double whammy of regular work followed by volunteer work, but I'm determined to do at least a little bit of exercise when I come home, see y'all then!

 

[aku-chan]

I missed a couple of days, my long Monday really wore me out (And it didn't help getting absolutely drenched by the rain yesterday), but I'm back at it today, extra early too because I can't sleep:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 Arm Scissors (EotD) done,
Cinder (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 15 of Square One done (3 sets),
Days 26 and 27 of Wall Push-Ups done,
Hip Flexors done (1 set),
Ankle Recovery done,
Wrist Mobility done.

Plus 300 Punches for the Battleground.

I'm still not sure what's happening with that new job. The place was re-advertising the vacancies yesterday morning but they also asked for documentation for a background check, I'm so confused, why can't someone just let me know if I have a job or not?!

Work starts on my kitchen today, which I'm quite anxious about (It's probably why I can't sleep). I know it'll be fine (Probably) but I wouldn't be me if I didn't worry about things.
See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Afternoon exercises because I was too embarrassed to do them while the builder was here:-

Universal Warmup done,
20 Hook Kicks (EotD) done (I think I did these right, I checked the how-to video to make sure),
Code of Abs (WotD) attempted (1 set. Tough! And my back got grumbly at some of the exercises, so I didn't want to push it),
Day 16 of Square One done (3 sets),
Days 28 and 29 of Wall Push-Ups done,
Full Body Stretching done,
Sore Feet done,
Wrist Pain done.

Yesterday ended up being a much better day than I thought it would.
I got my new job! (The head office emailed and apologised that no one from the local team phoned me, but I am on the system as having been offered the job.) Sadly, this will mostly replace my stadium job, but I think the new one will be more interesting plus a regular income beats all.
And, after all my worrying, the builders were fine with me not being around while they worked, they even put up a little key safe to hold my spare keys during the project (I did not know that was a thing). Although I now wish I'd chosen a different flooring, that green lino looks very hospitally.
But with all my worries taken care of, the tiredness hit me like a truck. I tried, but I didn't even make it to 7pm before I had to go to bed!

Today has been pretty good as well. Had a Housemate visit that went as poorly as usual. And now the poor staff have more work to do. One of the Nurses asked why she was ignoring me, when she had only asked a few minutes before if the staff knew if I was visiting today, and she replied "That's not aku-chan, aku-chan is a nice person." And now they need to check if she really can't recognise people, even though it's much more likely she's just being a pain in the bum.
But on the other hand, more Dr Who DVD's at the charity shop! (I got a Seventh Doctor story and a few episodes from Eleven's run).

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[JCU]

Congratulations on your new job!

I'm sorry your housemate troubles continue

 

[TopNotch]

Congratulations on the new job!

 

[graoumia]

Congrats, I'm happy for you

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @graoumia @TopNotch @JCU

Exercising late again. I've been waiting for the builders to go, but they're still here (They must need the overtime!), so I've just done a little bit in my normal, non-workout clothes:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 Clench/Unclench (EotD) done,
Day 17 of Square One done (3 sets),
Day 30 of Wall Push-Ups done (All finished! It turns out I've done this one before though, so I don't get a new badge ),
Happy Feet done,
Stapler done.

My interview went well today, they'll let me know in a few days if I'll move on to the practical portion.
Now I just need to wait for the builders to leave so I can have something to eat (Apparently, living on my own for a few months has made me a bit weird about doing stuff while other people are around!)

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[MangoTux]

Congrats!

 

[Anek]

Congrats!!

 

[JCU]

Congrats!

 

[NightTigress]

Badge or not; Congrats!

 

[Princess Fancy]

Congrats

 

[CODawn]

Congratulations!

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @CODawn @Princess Fancy @NightTigress @JCU @Anek @MangoTux

No builders today (Yay!), so I could have a little lie in and do morning exercises:-

Universal Warmup done,
5 Plank Walk Outs (EotD) done,
One Angry Bird (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 1 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 1 of Daily Dips done (Not sure I'll get far with this one, my arms are really sore already, but I'll try),
Hips and Glutes Stretch done,
Footwork done,
Hand Tendons done.

Stadium job today, possibly my final shift (At least on Saturdays), but they haven't offered me any work for February so it looks like it's winding down anyways.
Mystery meal out of the freezer for dinner (All I know is that it's got sweet potato in it), I'm just glad I've finally finished that big bowl of Egg Salad I've been eating for the last few days!

The kitchen is looking better, now the green tiles are up the it's less hospitalily.

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[Rissa]

Congrats on finishing the challenges and your new job!

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[Laura Rainbow Dragon]

Congratulations on the new job @aku-chan ! That's great news!

Congrats too on completing the Wall Push-ups Challenge (again)!

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @Laura Rainbow Dragon @Fremen @Rissa

Afternoon exercising after a day at work:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 High Knees March Steps (EotD) done,
Ultimate Abs (WotD) attempted (I managed 2 sets),
Day 2 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 2 of Daily Dips done,
Hamstring Mobility done,
Sore Feet done,
Hand Mobility done.

Now to have some soup and a quiet evening watching things, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Missed a couple days due to either being very busy or feeling blargh (I still forget 40-something me can't eat the rubbish 20-something me could), back at it today though:-

Universal Warmup done,
10 Toe Rolls (EotD) done,
Fae (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 3 of Locked In done (3 sets, so many crunches!),
Day 3 of Daily Dips done,
Hamstring Stretching done,
Happy Feet done,
Hand Mobility done.

Got to go to the Care Home job today for some training (Hopefully, while I'm out, the builders will finish my kitchen. It's 95% done but they didn't turn up at all yesterday).

I got invited back for a second interview at the Hospice job (I had thought I might have messed that one up by not remembering enough allergens), feels weird that only a little while ago I was worried I'd never find a job, and now I potentially have 4.

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Missed a couple days again. I'm just so tired after work it's very hard to be in the mood for a bit of exercising, but I'm not going to beat myself up about it, it's something I'll get used to in time (Hopefully!).
After 13 hours of sleep, I feel up to doing some workouts today:-

Universal Warmup done,
40 Side Leg Raises (EotD) done,
She Ascends (Replacement WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 4 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 4 of Daily Dips done,
Anchor done (Couldn't work out how to transition to a Side Kick without putting my foot down though),
Ankle Recovery done,
Hand Tendons done.

A lazy weekend ahead! The only important job I need to do is clean the kitchen (It's all finished! Although when they finally turned up to do the last little bit, they did a rush job and made a mess, and scratched the freshly painted walls ).
See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Finishing the week with a bit more exercising:-

Universal Warmup done,
40 Pacer Steps (EotD) done,
Mean Abs (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 5 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 5 of Daily Dips done,
Part 2 done,
Sore Feet done,
Hand Mobility done.

The lazy weekend continues!
Yesterday I tidied up the kitchen and watched a couple movies:- Together (It had some good body horror moments but also some rather poorly-timed comedy ones, making the whole thing come across as a bit silly.) and Return to Oz (It's aged really well and Mombi still remains nightmare fuel).
Today is all about catching up with this weeks anime.

Probably going to be too busy for exercising tomorrow (Work shift straight into some evening volunteering), I might try to do a little bit though, but I will see y'all at some point!

 

[aku-chan]

As I thought, I was too busy to exercise yesterday (I went to bed as soon as I got home), but I'm being good and I've got up a little earlier to do a bit this morning (It's another long, busy day!):-

Universal Warmup done,
Day 6 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 6 of Daily Dips done (It was a struggle getting the last 5 or so done though),
Happy Feet done,
Talk to the Hand done.

Busy day ahead, got some volunteering, a Work Coach meeting and grocery shopping at the big supermarket to do.

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Exercise time:-

Universal Warmup done,
30 Count Superman Stretch Hold (EotD) done,
GI Jane (WotD) done (3 sets. Didn't quite understand the Army Crawls but I tried),
Day 7 of Daily Dips done,
Day 7 of Locked In done (3 sets. Replaced all the hopping with various Calf Raises and Step Jacks),
Man Down done,
Footwork done,
Keyboard Warrior done.

Yesterday did not go as planned, I knew I was tired, but not "Fall asleep while eating breakfast" tired! Realising I was going to be absolutely no use to anyone, I decided to leave the volunteering and go back to bed for a couple hours (Normally I'd just suck it up and go anyways, but the Community Cafe is still really struggling to attract customers so I knew I wouldn't be missed).
Managed to do the other stuff I needed to though, so it all worked out, do wish I wasn't so tired all the time though!

Today I've just got my second round (Practical skills!) interview to go to, so hopefully that goes well and then it's Tamarind Curry for dinner, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[graoumia]

Take care and some rest

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @graoumia

Some afternoon exercising today:-

Universal Warmup done,
20 V-Extensions (EotD) done,
Core Code (WotD) done (Elbow Planks are still really tough but I got there eventually!),
Day 8 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 8 of Daily Dips done,
Fighter's Stretching done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Wrist Mobility done.

Interview went well yesterday. They tested my kitchen skills by getting me to make an omelette, something I'm decent at, so I've just got to wait and see now (Hopefully I get it because it sounds like I'll actually get to do a lot of cooking!).

See y'all tomorrow!

 

[Anek]

Fingers crossed!

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @Anek

More afternoon exercising:-

Universal Warmup done,
40 Knee Strikes (EotD) done,
Standing Pilates (WotD) done,
Day 9 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 9 of Daily Dips done,
Everyday Stretching Light done,
Sore Feet done,
Wrist Pain done.

I'm getting used to being a little cog in the gears of industry again, I haven't been as tired lately, but I am looking forward to getting up a little later tomorrow! I'll see y'all then!

 

[aku-chan]

No work today, so I can do morning exercises:-

Universal Warmup done,
40 Shoulder Taps (EotD) done,
Made With Love (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 10 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 10 of Daily Dips done,
Everyday Stretching done,
Happy Feet done,
Stapler done.

The only task for the day is a Housemate visit, see if she's a bit happier today, then it's pasta for dinner, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Afternoon exercising to finish the week:-

Universal Warmup done,
30 Reverse Lunges (EotD) done,
Hello, Abs! (WotD) attempted (2 sets, was really struggling with everything by set 3 so this got dropped),
Day 11 of Locked In done (3 sets),
Day 11 of Daily Dips done (Took several attempts to get the last full done, not sure if I just had tired arms or I've hit my Dips ceiling),
Sore Muscles Stretch done,
Foot Work done,
Hand Tendons done.

Yesterday was quite a good day.
The Housemate was actually happy (At least for a little while), so we got the chance to sit and chat for a bit.
And I finally got to try out my hiking app! I didn't get very far, the app is rather power-hungry and my phone wasn't fully charged, so I had to turn around about 2.5 miles into the trail, but it was fun and something I want to try and do more often.
See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Missed yesterday, just too tired after work, no such problem today:-

Universal Warmup done,
10 Jump Power Squats (EotD) done,
Hercules (WotD) done (3 sets),
Day 12 of Locked In attempted (2 and a bit sets, just couldn't manage a full final set of Plank Rotations),
Day 12 of Daily Dips done (Really struggling with these now even on "lighter" days),
Full Body Stretch done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Hand Mobility done.

No work until Monday now yay! (I like keeping busy, but it'll be nice not to be tired and achey for a few days.)
Chinese Chicken Curry for dinner and a model painting evening I think, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Missed yesterday, had a very lazy day where I pretty much didn't do anything, trying to make up for it today:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 Elbow Strikes (EotD) done,
2-Move Abs (WotD) done,
Day 13 of Locked In done (3 sets, all Step Jacks),
Day 13 of Daily Dips done (Not as tough as they've been lately, I think it's simply a case of my arms being too danged tired if I'm doing afternoon exercising, so this will be a morning only workout),
Chest and Lower Back Stretching done,
Sore Feet done,
Talk to the Hand done.

The rest of the day is all about doing the chores I should have done yesterday, plus making Cheesy Veg Pasta for dinner.
I've got an Induction Day on Monday for my hospital job, so, hopefully, I might be starting there before the end of the month, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[colin]

Well done on the new job, Aku. And enjoy your dinner!

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @colin

Yesterday did not go as planned, I managed to hurt my back badly (By coughing this time), so I couldn't get all my chores done or make my pasta dinner (I was good and still made myself something rather than order a takeaway). It could have been worse though, my legs gave out on me for a few seconds too but I managed to grab a counter top and hold myself up until they came back online.
Going to keep the exercising light for a few days:-

Universal Warmup done,
7 Minute Legs done,
January 1st done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Happy Feet done,
Keyboard Warrior done.

Doesn't look like I got that other job I interviewed for, I still haven't heard back from them but it got re-advertised this morning, bit sad about that one as it sounded like a lot of fun, but I obviously did something wrong with my omelette making!
Going to take it easy for the rest of the day, and have another crack at making my pasta dinner if I think I can stand up for long enough, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[TopNotch]

Bit rude if they interview you, then don't even bother to tell you that you didn't get the job. Of course, it could just have been a mistake, the re-advertisement. If you are really interested in the job, you might consider contacting them, find out what's what.

 

[JCU]

I hope you feel better soon

 

[Rissa]

Healing vibes for your back!

And I agree with TopNotch, the re-advertisement could be a good reason for you to reach out to them and show that are your really interested. One never knows.

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @Rissa @JCU @TopNotch - I will reach out to them and see what they say. Thinking about it, I reckon I was just a bit too slow cooking-wise for what they were after, but it won't hurt to try.

My back isn't too bad today, still keeping the exercises light though:-

Universal Warmup done,
Sagittarius done (3 sets),
Gentle Cardio done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Footwork done,
Wrist Mobility done.

Really struggling to get going this morning, took me ages to get out of bed and then was sorely tempted to skip my exercises, and now I'm trying to work up enough enthusiasm for breakfast (I'm hungry but eating just seems like too much effort at the moment). Luckily there isn't that much to do today, as I got most of the housework done yesterday and made my pasta bake (Leftovers for dinner!).
I also watched a double bill of Wicked and Wicked:- For Good yesterday too, an odd choice for someone who doesn't particularly like musicals, but they were pretty good.
My lazy week is almost over! I've got volunteering tomorrow morning, maybe that's why I'm so lacking in oomph today.
I'll see y'all tomorrow!

 

[Lady Celerity]

hope your back is better soon

 

[aku-chan]

Thanks! @Lady Celerity

Some afternoon exercising to finish the week:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 Side-to-side Back Fists (EotD) done,
Zone 2 Cardio done (3 sets),
Mantis done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Wrist Pain done.

Yesterday was a bit of a disaster, my complete lack of motivation resulted in me wasting the entire day doomscrolling on Reddit. So I've gone for the nuclear option and blocked it on my browser, I'll undoubtedly find new ways to waste my time, but hopefully not for a bit!
Unstuffed Peppers for dinner and then find something constructive to do this evening. I've got a very busy week ahead, but I'll try and fit at least some exercising in here and there, I'll see y'all another time!

 

[aku-chan]

Some early evening exercising today:-

Universal Warmup done,
10 Squat Hold Calf Raises done (Trying out that new FitTap thing),
Steady State Cardio done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Sore Feet done,
Stapler done.

Been training for my hospital job all day, earning my fourth Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene in as many months (Hopefully, that's the last time I have to take that course for a while) and I start properly on Sunday, yay!
The Reddit ban is working well so far, I didn't miss it at all yesterday and got a decent chunk of my model painted up instead.
Tomorrow is a volunteering morning and a work coach meeting/grocery shopping afternoon, so it'll probably be more early evening exercising (I think I might go up a level, my back still doesn't feel like bending too much, but today's workout was a little too easy), see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Yep, more early evening exercising:-

Universal Warmup done,
50 Chest Expansions (EotD) done,
Thunderdome done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Happy Feet done,
Hand Tendons done.

It's been a long old day, we only got 2 customers at the community cafe so I had a very boring morning (At some point they're going to have to admit it's just not working).
Too tired to cook so it's sandwiches and instant noodles for dinner.
Tomorrow is more volunteering and a work coach meeting (A different one), so even more early evening exercising, see y'all then!

 

[aku-chan]

More exercising:-

Universal Warmup done,
20 Toe Tap Hops (EotD) done,
True North done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Footwork done,
Hand Mobility done.

It's been a very non-descript day, I'll see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Late afternoon exercising today:-

Universal Warmup done,
40 Side Jacks done,
War Goddess done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Talk to the Hand done.

Time to start thinking about starting a program and challenge again. Having another go at House of the Valkyrie is a possibility, but I'm not going to restart Daily Dips, my arms are too tired for them later in the day, and afternoon exercising is going to be a thing at least 3 days a week.
Got a little while to think though I want to do Girl Power Week next week.
Time to make some Beef Stroganoff Pasta for dinner (I can't live off sandwiches and instant noodles forever, even if it is simple and tasty!), see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Afternoon exercising again:-

Universal Warmup done,
10 Cossack Squats done,
Hero Squats done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Sore Feet done,
Keyboard Warrior done.

Last shift at the care home for a while (gotta wait until people start having time off again), at least I have my hospital job now so that's not as big a problem as it would have been.
See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Morning exercises, yay! (Too tired to get up as early as I wanted to though):-

Universal Warmup done,
20 Side Bends done,
Queen's Fury done (3 sets),
Back Pain Relief done,
Happy Feet done,
Wrist Mobility done.

A visiting the Housemate day, lets hope she's as happy as she was last time. It's raining though so I can't tackle the hiking trail again, one day.
See y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Morning exercises and I got up on time! (I'm trying to get my brain to accept 6am as my normal getting up time, just to make my days a bit longer.)

Universal Warmup done,
50 Butt Kicks done,
Super Abs done,
Day 1 of Epic Hold done,
Hips and Glutes Stretching done,
Footwork done,
Wrist Pain done.

Housemate was back to being a grumpy-pants yesterday. It's sad because her life just seems so grim at the moment, and it feels like the care home has gone down a minimal intervention route because it makes looking after her easier (Admittedly it's a complex situation and I don't visit often enough to know what's really going on).

First shift with the hospital job tonight, looking forward to it, but hopefully I don't get home too late, see y'all tomorrow!

 

[aku-chan]

Morning exercising again, didn't get up on time but 7am is still not bad:-

Universal Warmup done,
20 Split Lunges done,
Fight Night attempted (2 sets. A bad choice for my first day back at doing two main workouts, that was a lot of punching!),
Paragon done (3 sets with regular Lunges and Knee Push-Ups. For Girl Power Week),
Day 2 of Epic Hold done,
Everyday Stretching Light done,
Ankle Recovery done,
Stapler done.

My first hospital shift was completed successfully, it seems like a fun job if a bit haphazardly run (They had me shadowing someone who works a 4-7 shift even though I'm 5-8, so I missed the first hour of learning what I'm supposed to be doing ).
Volunteering tonight, the lady I usually help is unwell, so hopefully someone else is coming to help me!

See y'all tomorrow!