May 2016 Questing Report
Quests Completed
Quest # 19: Live Active - Boss Battle
I successfully completed a 5k race! The Comics for a Cure 5k benefited St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and was held at a popular local comic book shop on national Free Comic Book Day. I was one of only two people dressing up as a Dr. Who character (yes! Dr. Who has a comic book series, I'm not making this up. Published by Titan Comics, look it up ;-p ).
Quest #28: Acquire Transportation
Finally had to make the tough call on Walter, my '91 Camry. He was a tough, super solid old dude of a car, but when I found out it would take nearly $2,000 to fix him up to pass the safety inspection, I had to tap out. His repairs and maintenance were getting to be just too much. I took that money and put it down on a newer car. The great thing about this is, now I can travel regionally with ease and freedom! Like unlocking access to more rooms on a map, or new cities; I finally have my Epona to take me throughout Hyrule!
Quests-in-Progress
Quest # 1: Biographies
May was a two-parter: Stan Lee's Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir, and Felicia Day's You're Never Weird on the Internet [Almost]. These were in honor of the national Free Comic Book Day on May 7th this year. I cannot recommend Felicia Day's book highly enough. As a former homeschool kid myself, and a grown-up geek, I related to a lot of her story (although, these qualities are NOT required in order to get a lot from her autobiography). Her story of how she has persevered through anxiety, depression, and ::gasp:: sexism in Hollywood (and the gaming world :,-( ), and on to personal success was truly, honestly inspiring.
And... of course, Stan Lee's comic-book-styled autobiography was a blast. It's Stan Lee. Is counting comic books towards your yearly goals on Goodreads fair? Or is that kind of like cheating?
Quest # 2: Finances
Commission work has been good to my bank account. Buying the (much needed?) new used car was not. Seems to me that, whenever one has collected a lot of money, there is always new gear one needs to spend it all on, in order to continue to the next level. So, the finances quest was bittersweet this month: so thankful and happy to have enough to pay some money down and get that car I needed; a bit remorseful for having car payments now.
Quest # 3: Tithing
Catharsis has a name, and that name is Donations.
Or something like that... My whirlwind of donations this month helped allay my anxieties caused by watching/reading too much news, especially on the topic of politics (which ... is necessary to stay informed. I wish there was less sensationally-written news floating around)
Quest #6: Exhibits
Shakespeare's first folio (one of the extremely rare copies circulating North America) was on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History. I tagged along with my older brother and his wife - both Shakespeare / English studies nerds - to check it out! There were a few really cool things that I learned in that exhibit... but the one that really stuck out was a realization that one of the main characters in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Titus Andromedon, appears to be a nod toward Shakespeare:
I also went to "Artsplosure," a yearly collection of local artists and musicians downtown, set up street-fair style. I even ate some friend foods! I decided I need to start my own company, maybe a cafe...? Someplace with walls, for sure, so that I can purchase a bunch of art and write it off as a business expense. There was just so much beautiful talent! I want to buy all of it and be a patron for at least a few good artists... but could only really afford a few postcards. This time around. I will be back with a business card and a decorating budget someday....
 |
| "Titus Andronicus" was one of the plays included in Shakespeare's First Folio. Coincidence? |
 |
| "Artsplosure" festivities included chalking an intersection downtown. |
Quest #12: Utilize Pinterest
Used Pinterest to get ideas for my TARDIS costume for the race!
 |
| ::ooooOOOEEEoooo EEE OOO OOOOO:: (attempting the opening song/theremin noises) |
Quest # 13: Garden
I have little peas growing on the plant ^_^ ::so much joy::. I've got poor drainage in that pot though...so it looks like maybe the plants are rotting from the roots up. I don't know if I'll be able to expect much more out of them this year...
 |
| My hanging herb garden. Lookin' healthy in this photo. |
 |
| Baby peas! |
Quest # 16: Job Work
I'm getting faster, but still not super happy with my quality. There were slightly fewer reports the latter half of May, so I was able to catch my breath a bit. I love when I have time to get out of the office for a bit for lunch, or to stay but leave a little early to go to the gym (or Gladiator Camp. So. Much. Fun.). It's a little harder to focus now though, without all the adrenaline of "Oh sh*t, this report is due tomorrow" coursing through my veins. This feels like deja vu...maybe student behavior is a little indicative of your work behavior.
Quest # 18: Exercise
I've been taking advantage of a two-week friend-pass to join my sister-in-law at her Gladiator Camp workouts. Holy cow it's a fun challenge! Reminds me of my high school days, learning hapkido: laughing through the pain and struggle, and loving (just about) every minute. Not sure if I want to switch spending money on a gym membership to spending money on this... the gym comes with a shower (which is good when I spend the night at the office), but Gladiator Camp is wayyy more fun. (Dear Reader, if there is a Gladiator Camp group meeting near you, I recommend trying it out if you can).
Quest # 20: Meal Plan
:: musical interlude:: "Say something, I'm giving up on youuuu...."
Quest # 24: Floss
The one constant on this list. If there is but one healthy thing I shall succeed in...
Quest #27: Family
The Superhero Run at the beginning of the month with my older brother and his wife was good bonding, especially with my sister-in-law. She was such a huge support while I struggled through my walk-running of the 5k. I know she said she was glad for the walking bits, that she was kinda tired too... but I kind of suspect she was being generous about that. She's pretty darn fit.
Coming up next:
Quest # 1: Biographies
The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee, a memoir by a North Korean defector. I chose this one in honor of World Refugee Day in June.
Quest # 13: Garden
Revive and possibly replenish the garden! The mint died... totally peaced-out. But I may be able to cure the rot for some of the other plants and resurrect the sage plant...
Quest # 15: House Work - deck remodel.
I think Tim and I will really be able to finish the deck this month... As long as the weather and our schedules allow for it (which it didn't last month).
and... continue with the above Quests-in-Progress!
KJets
No comments:
Post a Comment