Something Something Dangerzone

[LunaLifts]

Yay. Well done on the deads. Definitely easier to ignore and power through doms on those compared to squat. I'll be feeling it again soon. Haven't lifted due to work and being sick. mmm food!

Yeah, deads are mostly just a matter of getting it up, squats you're fighting through the soreness just to get down first.

Getting back to it when you get off track is always doms city, then of course you usually end up having to do your next workout sore to make the soreness any better.

[shesprints]

OMG 202 deadlift!!! CONGRATULATIONS! You can definitely PR on those soon too.

Breakfast burritos look awesome too. I always have a hard time with them leaking when I make them myself, depending upon the tortilla. I tend to favor plain traditional corn, which is basically the worst for that lol.

[LunaLifts]

OMG 202 deadlift!!! CONGRATULATIONS! You can definitely PR on those soon too.

Breakfast burritos look awesome too. I always have a hard time with them leaking when I make them myself, depending upon the tortilla. I tend to favor plain traditional corn, which is basically the worst for that lol.

Thanks! It'd be great to PR again sometime soon, but we'll see how it goes. I never know when I'll have a particularly good day, so in the meantime I'd be happy to increase my overall weights/reps.

And yeah, mine were quite leaky, but they were kinda overstuffed so I'm not surprised. The solid contents stayed in so it worked. I prefer wheat tortillas or the Flat Out wraps, they add a bit more flavor, but I only have access with white flour tortillas most of the time (the insides being super good makes up for the blander wrapping though).

---
I'm kinda stuck at 145 right now after initially starting my cut. I think it's just pms-y issues though, I'd say I'll stay consistent and see what happens, but I may not be consistent this week. Thursday is mine and Jay's 10th anniversary, so we'll probably have some drinks, and other excess calories this weekend. So after that I'll get back on track and see what happens lol.

Also in the realm of pms issues, I feel so lazy. :P I should be working out by now, but I'm just all sorts of "fluff that" right now. Oh well, gotta suck it up, log my breakfast, and get to it. If I wait much longer I'll rush my stretching.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Bw squats, back stretches

Sumo Deadlifts
137lbs x 3
147lbs x 3
157lbs x 1
167lbs x 1
167lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 5
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 8

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 14
20lbs x 9
20lbs x 8

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching and YWTLs

Not too bad, my back was pretty iffy this morning, so I'm pleased with how this went. It was a bit tight after deads, and rows, but front squats seemed to loosen it up, so that was good.

My NEAT really should be higher the past couple weeks with all the puppy potty training. It's actually a great reason to get off my ass frequently, lol. They're doing well, and getting big, but damn do they still really prefer to do whatever they want. >.<

I need me some food, so I'm going to throw together some leftover chili, tofu, rice, and pop some avocado on it, and get my nom on.

[shesprints]

That's amazing lifting lady! And it seems like you're pushing yourself the right amount on the front squats and overhead presses, since you're needing to drop the reps just a little on those last sets. That's some good self-monitoring. Also seems like you're more confident in the sumo deadlifts and going for more reps at 167 too since the PR. Super cool.

Plateaus in weight happen for everyone... I tend to be like "am I hungry? not hungry enough?" rather than focus on the weight on the scale itself if that makes sense. I can kind of TELL if I'm in fat loss zone based on how hungry I get between meals and whether I wake up in the morning quite ready to eat.

[LunaLifts]

That's amazing lifting lady! And it seems like you're pushing yourself the right amount on the front squats and overhead presses, since you're needing to drop the reps just a little on those last sets. That's some good self-monitoring. Also seems like you're more confident in the sumo deadlifts and going for more reps at 167 too since the PR. Super cool.

Thanks.

Plateaus in weight happen for everyone... I tend to be like "am I hungry? not hungry enough?" rather than focus on the weight on the scale itself if that makes sense. I can kind of TELL if I'm in fat loss zone based on how hungry I get between meals and whether I wake up in the morning quite ready to eat.

It's hard for me to tell that way, because I tend to get heart burn even before I'm hungry. I do keep track of my intake though, so I know when I should be losing, I've been pretty doing pretty well lately so I'm sure it's just a matter of time before it shows.

[bbowsh54]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Bw squats, back stretches

Sumo Deadlifts
137lbs x 3
147lbs x 3
157lbs x 1
167lbs x 1
167lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 5
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3
107lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 8

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 14
20lbs x 9
20lbs x 8

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching and YWTLs

Not too bad, my back was pretty iffy this morning, so I'm pleased with how this went. It was a bit tight after deads, and rows, but front squats seemed to loosen it up, so that was good.

My NEAT really should be higher the past couple weeks with all the puppy potty training. It's actually a great reason to get off my ass frequently, lol. They're doing well, and getting big, but damn do they still really prefer to do whatever they want. >.<

I need me some food, so I'm going to throw together some leftover chili, tofu, rice, and pop some avocado on it, and get my nom on.

Wow, amazing work!
Nice job!

I've been trying to force myself to do more sumo deadlifts on back day than conventional.

Happy training!

[FallenAngel80]

Good job on the deadlifts, Luna! It's always been my favourite lift

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Accessories - Home

Pre: BW Squats

Hip Thrusts
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12

Bridge Press
62lbs x 10 (amrap)

Split Squats
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 8
62lbs x 8

DB Curls
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 8/8
20lbs x 6/6

Superset With:

Tricep Overhead Ext
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 10/10

Core
100 Reps

Post: Stretching

System of a Down, Subway to Sally for core, and A Perfect Circle for stretching. Good stuff. I haven't listened to a lot of SOAD since I was younger so it was a nice switch, and APC was something I could relax to and really just enjoy my stretching.

I fluffed myself up on my bridge press I set my mp3 on the floor next to me, and it was right where my arm touched the floor, so I was trying to scoot it out of the way without having to set up again. >.<
Note to self though, I need to make sure I set my arms on the floor each time. It makes a very subtle pause that makes it harder than just a quick tap. Hard to explain what I mean because it's a very slight difference, but I really felt it.

Split squats felt hard today, like I couldn't quite balance right. Just an off day for those I suppose, still all around a good workout.

Oh, and I figured out a way to trick my brain! I set my clock behind 10min, so I don't feel like I need to rush when I get started a bit late. (I really don't know what I think I need to rush for, it just happens.) I thought about it before, but figured it wouldn't work if I know it's later anyway. Turns out even if I know it's not the right time, seeing it as it is doesn't give me that "hurry the fluff up" feeling.
And sure it's just 10 min, but it's enough to slow my head down. I can't explain it without rambling, but if setting my clock back a bit helps me chill I'm happy to do it.

Wow, amazing work!
Nice job!

I've been trying to force myself to do more sumo deadlifts on back day than conventional.

Happy training!

Thanks!
I started doing sumo after I started having back issues, and it's definitely easier on said issues than conventional. Plus it's just more comfortable feeling.

Good job on the deadlifts, Luna! It's always been my favourite lift

Same. Probably because it's the highest too, so it feels super badass to pick up so much weight.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

Pre: Clamshells, back stretches, BW squats

Squats
77lbs x 3
87lbs x 3
97lbs x 3
97lbs x 2
92lbs x 2

OHP
67lbs x 1
62lbs x 3
62lbs x 3
62lbs x 2

BB Rows
72lbs x 10
72lbs x 10
72lbs x 10

RDLs
97lbs x 10
97lbs x 10
97lbs x 8

Core:
50 Reps
45 Sec Plank

Post:YWTLs and Stretching

Squats at 97 were shy of proper depth for some reps, so I figure I'll work on my 97s until they're consistent. Did much better than usual in regards to making sure my back was locked up good when setting up, so I just gotta work on whatever is making me come up short.

OHPs weren't the best today, maybe because I decided "fluff it" and tried for 72 first. Didn't get far with it, but I was feeling good this morning and figured I'd just give it a go.

BB rows felt good, been awhile since I did them, between the back pain I had before, and subbing LPDs last time.

RDLs were just great. I realized after the first set I had 92lbs written down, so I ended up adding weight and reps. That just felt super awesome, and super burny. RIP my glutes.

Even did a plank today. Been really trying to just do better with certain things, not just lifting, but in general. I'm trying to create routines for myself, be more productive, less screen time, do stuff that's good for my brain and mood, but also push myself more in workouts, stretch better, etc.

[shesprints]

oooh, weight getting up there on the squats and RDLs. And your rows are very very solid. I think you have stronger rows than I do! It's so interesting that everybody has different lifts that are proportionally stronger or weaker. I always notice that when I see the logs.

I think you're right about routine. I'm not just more productive but also a lot calmer when I have set habits around daily tasks. It's like the human brain gets disturbed when it has too much freedom from structure or ritual. Later I can tell you how I think that's why humans invented religion but I won't go into that now :P

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Bw squats, back stretches, clamshells

Sumo Deadlifts
137lbs x 3
157lbs x 3
167lbs x 1
167lbs x 1
167lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 7
107lbs x 4
107lbs x 4
107lbs x 3

Front Squats
52lbs x 8
X
X

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 14
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 8

Core
110 Reps

Post: Stretching

Back was very tight and achy today, so I wasn't sure how this session would go. Fortunately it loosened up with deadlifts, and those went well. Not only did I add some reps to rows, but my form felt more solid as well. However by the time I did front squats my back was so tight, a and sometime it'll loosen up again doing FS by the time I finish my first set but it wasn't feeling like a good idea to continue this time.

Overall I'm happy, we all know the deads are the best anyway.

I'm into drawing again, every once in awhile I come across something that inspires me to pick up a pencil again. This time it was some recommended videos on youtube, watching people draw gets me excited. Found a channel I liked, and subbed so I can get that inspiration more often. I also want to include at least 20min of drawing time in my pm routine, I have a small sketchbook by my bed so I can just doodle/draw little things, practice specific stuff, etc. I've been writing down ideas so I don't hit a wall for awhile, yesterday was fishes.

oooh, weight getting up there on the squats and RDLs. And your rows are very very solid. I think you have stronger rows than I do! It's so interesting that everybody has different lifts that are proportionally stronger or weaker. I always notice that when I see the logs.

Yeah my squats aren't the greatest compared to others, or even some of my other lifts, but I do well on rows. Win some, lose some, lol. The weaker lifts will catch up though, just takes time, and work. Hopefully I can start improving the back issues too eventually, since that definitely hurts my squats the most.

I think you're right about routine. I'm not just more productive but also a lot calmer when I have set habits around daily tasks. It's like the human brain gets disturbed when it has too much freedom from structure or ritual. Later I can tell you how I think that's why humans invented religion but I won't go into that now :P

That, and to explain why the sun goes away at night, lol.

But yeah, I've seen quite a few people say they feel better with a routine, and a lot of people have a morning routine specifically to get them in the right mindset for the day. For me, I'm way more productive and that in itself feels good, making time to do other things I enjoy is great for my mood. Otherwise I'm lazy, and play online too much, and that doesn't make me unhappy, but it doesn't feel as rewarding either.

Also, I feel good holding myself accountable, no one is making me do it or keeping tabs on me for it. I'm setting little goals, and completing them, for me. It's like the feeling you get when you stay consistent with lifting, you don't have to for anyone, but you still do it for you.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Yes, deads are the best. Though now you're reminding me I really should have pendlay rows in the program but never want to do them.

ooo to the drawing. What channel did you find? I really should draw more or clean up my room so can get some painting done. Miss doing artistic things like that though not very good at drawing.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Accessories - Home

Pre: BW Squats, and back stretches

Hip Thrusts
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12
137lbs x 12

Bridge Press
62lbs x 14 (amrap)

Split Squats
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 10

DB Curls
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 9/9
20lbs x 7/7

Superset With:

Tricep Overhead Ext
20lbs x 12/12
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 10/10

Core
100 Reps

Post: YWTLs and Stretching

Solid stuff, managed to get a few more reps on the second pair of split squats which felt awesome, and did better with my BP too. Last time I screwed myself up a bit so I made sure not to make the same mistake twice. I think it would have been higher, but I remembered to make sure my arms were completely lowered each rep, so they felt harder.

Yes, deads are the best. Though now you're reminding me I really should have pendlay rows in the program but never want to do them.

I don't mind since it's a low rep exercise, they go by super quick.

ooo to the drawing. What channel did you find? I really should draw more or clean up my room so can get some painting done. Miss doing artistic things like that though not very good at drawing.

O.O I didn't know you drew/painted too! I found a couple, one I was less sure about, but they both give me different ideas. I tend to go toward the more animated/anime stuff since that's what I like to draw.

The first is Emily Artful, I like her storytime videos a lot. She uses watercolor in her work so I really like seeing how she mixes that with color pencils. I liked her video on people saying "I'm not an artist" in particular, it's some I think I, and many others, need to hear.

The second is DrawingWiffWaffles I really like her style and overall personality. She uses the same stuff, but markers instead of watercolor, so it gives me different ideas than Emily's. Especially since I wanted to use markers a long time ago, but couldn't afford them (still can't tbh lol). She also does "thumbnails" for her art, and I've never seen anyone do that. It's like a tiny sketch of what the picture will be to make sure the page is filled, and there's space for everything, etc.

In general I like looking up sketchbook tours too, where the person goes through their whole finished book and you get some inspiration of how to fill it up, and see what they learned/progressed with over time. I also have a couple videos by JelArts in my watch later, I don't know if I like her content yet, just found her in my recommendations.

I have a bunch of paints from when my cousin worked at a Golden's factory, but I have zero brushes, and no canvas paper. T_T I wouldn't mind painting on chit like cardboard, since I'm not serious about painting (I just like to play around with it), and it'd be less wasteful, but the brushes are a damper on that.

I do want to keep up the consistent drawing though, since I have all I need for that (and then some). I looked through my sketchbook (the one I carry back and forth because "today may be the day I want to draw") and the oldest drawing are from this time four fluffin years ago. That really motivates me to do more, I still have like 30 pages in it, and I'm making it a goal to fill it in 2019 (or at least close to if I'm using other sketchbooks/paper too).

[Fiction2Fitness]

Well, I used to paint. Not so much anymore but also have no room for easel or method in which to get rid of turpenoid/paint residue as I prefer old paints. Though pretty sure if I tried even using acrylics or something, the cats would knock things over or get paint on themselves. Part of my degree is art, hence the painting. Though I took drawing classes, including figure drawing and I still can't draw people or well on my own. I need a reference to try and copy. I've done a few tiny sketches here or there but not much else. Should really do it more but can only do so much in a day. I keep thinking I should set up and paint something on a day off from work but right now that's only one day a week and I end up napping and forget.

I'll have to look those two up. Never really did water colors much and will have to see what kind of markers the second one uses. I used to draw with sharpies in high school when I had nothing to do in class. Anime is fun and the closest do drawing faces that I can do and even that's questionable at times, lol. Still, I try. Even have a small sketchbook in locker at work though I end up with words sometimes instead of drawings. That's the writer part in me I suppose. Don't really call myself an artist and on occasion forget about writer but 7 first drafts and 8 started with more to go says different, though I don't consider myself an author yet. I do have a deviant art page with some of my stuff (random sketches and a few drawings/paintings from back in college plus a couple cakes I tried to decorate). But nothing too special. I have maybe 1 drawing I'd want to frame and put up myself so far. Though have always wanted to have a painting shown in a gallery. So many dreams, so little time.


Cardboard doesn't do so well with paint. It will curve. I did that once and it actually came out kinda pretty color wise but the material didn't hold up well. There are thin wood boards you can get that are better for painting. Just needs primer/gesso and ready to go and usually can be cut to different sizes, if not going with canvas. Does help to have brushes though...

Which mediums do you prefer?

[LunaLifts]

Well, I used to paint. Not so much anymore but also have no room for easel or method in which to get rid of turpenoid/paint residue as I prefer old paints. Though pretty sure if I tried even using acrylics or something, the cats would knock things over or get paint on themselves. Part of my degree is art, hence the painting. Though I took drawing classes, including figure drawing and I still can't draw people or well on my own. I need a reference to try and copy. I've done a few tiny sketches here or there but not much else. Should really do it more but can only do so much in a day. I keep thinking I should set up and paint something on a day off from work but right now that's only one day a week and I end up napping and forget.

Lol! They'd be making their own art after walking through the spilled paint.

I get what you mean with getting all set up to paint. For me to even draw something seriously I need to set up to a degree, and that's typically why I fall off the wagon so much. By the time I consider setting up my space, laying out my materials, grabbing a reference if need be, I'm over it.

That's why I'm trying to take myself less seriously, lol. I have a real problem with the mentality that I can either start a page of really basic doodles, or I've gotta do a full finished piece. In reality I can leave stuff half finished, I can sketch bigger things and characters without making it more than sketching, I can practice, I can do whatever the hell I want. Doing anything often is better than drawing "serious" stuff once or twice a year. I'll never get better if I keep expecting so much from myself every time I pick up a pencil.
(Honestly, a big part of my art as a teen was feeling validated by the praise of others, and I need to shift my focus back to my own enjoyment instead. If I stop thinking every piece needs to be made to show someone, I rush, and the journey isn't as fun.)

Definitely get yourself a small sketchbook, something you can draw in often just for the sake of practice. As much as I hated hearing it as a teen, doing it more is really the best thing you can do to improve. And absolutely use references, and draw from things you see too. As that Jel chick said (I subbed to her, really enjoyed the videos I watched), your mind "knows"what things look like, and it's not always what you see, and using references can help bridge that gap so your mind can visualize better later.

I'll have to look those two up. Never really did water colors much and will have to see what kind of markers the second one uses. I used to draw with sharpies in high school when I had nothing to do in class. Anime is fun and the closest do drawing faces that I can do and even that's questionable at times, lol. Still, I try. Even have a small sketchbook in locker at work though I end up with words sometimes instead of drawings. That's the writer part in me I suppose. Don't really call myself an artist and on occasion forget about writer but 7 first drafts and 8 started with more to go says different, though I don't consider myself an author yet. I do have a deviant art page with some of my stuff (random sketches and a few drawings/paintings from back in college plus a couple cakes I tried to decorate). But nothing too special. I have maybe 1 drawing I'd want to frame and put up myself so far. Though have always wanted to have a painting shown in a gallery. So many dreams, so little time.


Cardboard doesn't do so well with paint. It will curve. I did that once and it actually came out kinda pretty color wise but the material didn't hold up well. There are thin wood boards you can get that are better for painting. Just needs primer/gesso and ready to go and usually can be cut to different sizes, if not going with canvas. Does help to have brushes though...

Oh, so you do have a small one then, there you go! And words are a good addition to sketchbooks too, this is why I like sketchbook tours, I'm reminded that not every page needs to be a drawing. Sketch, doodle, draw, jot things down, add other elements, just put ideas on the page. Can I check out your DA page?

Regarding framing pieces and such, my goal is just to make something I'd want to hang for myself. I really have to work on background stuff for this, but overall it's take time to get there. Dreams are good though, gives you goals to set, and sets the way for improvement.

I don't mind if it doesn't last, I'd likely just photograph and save anything I liked. I like making art, but I don't want to have a cluttered mess of old art work. I've been committing to digitizing some, keeping only the most important, and letting go of the rest. It'll be awhile before I get around to paint though, as I'll end up putting money into drawing, books, and other random crap I need before that.

Which mediums do you prefer?

I like using pencil, ink, and colored pencils. Charcoal was fun to play with, but I'm not super into it. I wouldn't mind adding other mediums, like markers or water color if only for backgrounds.

Sorry this response was super long. >.<

[shesprints]

Wow, we have a whole art squad in here. So many people are multitalented. I have a theory (I have a theory about everything) that it's because we live lives of relative leisure and we can genuinely become "Renaissance" people. I don't think enough people appreciate that the millennial generation is uniquely well-rounded and well-informed.

Nice workout, too. Damn, girl, you're catching up to me on all your weights, I better work hard! Those split squats are really solid and so is everything else. What're you doing for abs these days?

[Fiction2Fitness]

I get what you mean with getting all set up to paint. For me to even draw something seriously I need to set up to a degree, and that's typically why I fall off the wagon so much. By the time I consider setting up my space, laying out my materials, grabbing a reference if need be, I'm over it.

That's why I'm trying to take myself less seriously, lol. I have a real problem with the mentality that I can either start a page of really basic doodles, or I've gotta do a full finished piece. In reality I can leave stuff half finished, I can sketch bigger things and characters without making it more than sketching, I can practice, I can do whatever the hell I want. Doing anything often is better than drawing "serious" stuff once or twice a year. I'll never get better if I keep expecting so much from myself every time I pick up a pencil.
(Honestly, a big part of my art as a teen was feeling validated by the praise of others, and I need to shift my focus back to my own enjoyment instead. If I stop thinking every piece needs to be made to show someone, I rush, and the journey isn't as fun.)

I suppose that is the point of the sketch though, not taking it so serious. It's like a first draft in writing. Can have a lot or very little detail but for most isn't a final product. Can be practice or whatever you make of it. Sketches might inspire a full drawing but they don't need to be anything more than the spur moment result. Hope you can change the focus to your own enjoyment. My grandma used to paint but quit cause she worried what others would say about them including her husband (plus probably had other things but those were a big part of why she doesn't paint now even).

Can I check out your DA page?

Sure. It's just my usual username, Elfmage7. Here is the link too: https://www.deviantart.com/elfmage7/gallery/

Kinda wish I had more on there from college but oh well.

I like using pencil, ink, and colored pencils. Charcoal was fun to play with, but I'm not super into it. I wouldn't mind adding other mediums, like markers or water color if only for backgrounds.

Sorry this response was super long. >.<

Mine has been a little long too. Nice on the drawing supplies. I actually like charcoal and one of my favorites used that but it's a little different. The method we used that I kinda prefer with that medium is cover the entire page in charcoal, then erase to get the image. I prefer oil pastels or paints, though never really learned how to use watercolor.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Deadlifts/Pendlays - Home

Pre: Bw squats, back stretches

Sumo Deadlifts
137lbs x 1
147lbs x 1
157lbs x 1
167lbs x 1
167lbs x 1

Pendlay Rows
97lbs x 7
107lbs x 4
107lbs x 4
107lbs x 4

Front Squats
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 10
52lbs x 10

DB Shoulder Press
20lbs x 12
20lbs x 10
20lbs x 9

Core
120 Reps

Post: Stretching

I had to fight with myself for about 20min this morning to get this done, holy chit. I did not want to workout today, I was tired, too hot (my dad started the woodstove right when the weather warmed up T_T), and a bit cranky. I almost got dressed for it three times before actually committing to doing it. Thought about just taking the week off, or maybe doing it tomorrow, but I really didn't want to not workout today.

And despite that struggle this morning, and my front squat not going well last week, I did really well with them today.

I know most of you saw on ********, but I managed to complete the drawing I started in June-ish. I'm glad I fell off the wagon again before finishing it, because it wouldn't have come out as good as it did. My line art has massively improved, and I'm a bit impressed at how well some of the colors came out (I didn't have exact matches, so I had to find the right colors to blend together).
And I drew black hair that isn't a total mess!

Wow, we have a whole art squad in here. So many people are multitalented. I have a theory (I have a theory about everything) that it's because we live lives of relative leisure and we can genuinely become "Renaissance" people. I don't think enough people appreciate that the millennial generation is uniquely well-rounded and well-informed.

Nice workout, too. Damn, girl, you're catching up to me on all your weights, I better work hard! Those split squats are really solid and so is everything else. What're you doing for abs these days?

I don't think most people know what millennials are, people are still referring to today's teens as millennials, whereas we're all what? Late 20s to mid 30s? According to statistics we're reading more than the previous generation, drinking less, smoking less, more politically involved, and like you said more informed. Some people will always find a few examples to negatively judge a whole though.

And thanks! I've been really trying to give it more effort, and have less days where I just try to do the minimum. Abs depends on the day, like today it's crunches with my knees up, leg lowers, and bicycles. Accessory day is a bunch of weighted sides bends. Squat day is hyperextensions on my exercise ball, Russian twists, and now a plank.
Typically anyway, sometimes it depends on where I'm at, and what I feel like doing. I sometimes toss v-sits in there too.

I suppose that is the point of the sketch though, not taking it so serious. Sketches might inspire a full drawing... My grandma used to paint but quit cause she worried what others would say about them including her husband (plus probably had other things but those were a big part of why she doesn't paint now even).

That's sad. I definitely have been enjoying drawing more for myself since starting my drawing a day thing, and since making a few improvements. Doing better line art made a big difference though, I hated it before because I was just tracing my sketches, not making it "artsy" looking.
For now I'm working on improving my sketches, and if I doodle something I really like I'll do something bigger with it. It's more fun than forcing whole drawings every time, leads to a lot of half finished stuff I didn't really care about.

Sure. It's just my usual username, Elfmage7. Here is the link too: https://www.deviantart.com/elfmage7/gallery/

You have quite the variety of work! I really like your paintings, and the food stuffs! That cherry pepsi cake sounds and looks bomb af.
Your drawings remind me a lot of my really old stuff (when I wasn't just eyeballing a picture). You know how people draw faces with the circle, jaw line, and center lines to start? Getting accustomed to that really helps (even I only recently started doing that process correctly, this video helped correct me a lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl7-lbeaDj4&t=666s.

Mine has been a little long too. Nice on the drawing supplies. I actually like charcoal and one of my favorites used that but it's a little different. The method we used that I kinda prefer with that medium is cover the entire page in charcoal, then erase to get the image. I prefer oil pastels or paints, though never really learned how to use watercolor.

I've heard of that method, I may try it sometime for fun, but in general I like to have more control over my medium and charcoal is so messy, and unruly lol. I thinking trying to have everything look too neat was a problem of mine too, that's why I couldn't just have messy sketches. I'm working on that mindset though.

I didn't think watercolor was a serious medium until I came across Amy Brown. I always though it was just a kid friendly paint (like Crayola style), I didn't know it could be used the way artists use it. lol If I found a cheap but decent set I'd give it a try, but I'd probably try markers first until I knew how to use watercolor well (i.e. not just make a watery blob that doesn't stay in the lines).

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Accessories - Home

Pre: Forgot >.<

Hip Thrusts
147lbs x 10
147lbs x 10
147lbs x 10
147lbs x 10

Bridge Press
62lbs x 12 (amrap)

Split Squats
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 10
62lbs x 11
62lbs x 11

DB Curls
20lbs x 10/10
20lbs x 8/8
20lbs x 8/8

Superset With:

Tricep Overhead Ext
20lbs x 12/12
20lbs x 12/12
20lbs x 10/10

Core
110 Reps

Post: YWTLs and Stretching

Well, not bad for a giant interruption. I'll explain later...

*Later* Alright, so some background first. My dad's car had a problem, and got towed. My dad borrowed a coworkers truck for work, but it's not the safest to drive in town. So yesterday he needed a ride to town to pay his insurance, and pick up a couple things at the store in case his car took awhile. I get anxious driving with anyone in the car, but especially him, he's always been kinda critical. Anyway, I survive (thanks anxiety meds). Later he gets the call to pick his car up, so I drive him over for that too. It was the anxiety olympics, lol.

Today the truck is still here, I figure owner will get a ride to get it, or my dad'll want me to drive his car so we can drop it off at his lunch break. He shows up right after my hip thrusts, and said he was just checking the stove in case I wasn't here today... but while we're at it, how about helping me bring the truck back. -_-

So that was a big gap in my workout, but since I just through my jeans over my leggings I was able to get back in the swing of it pretty easily.

[Fiction2Fitness]

I know most of you saw on ********, but I managed to complete the drawing I started in June-ish. I'm glad I fell off the wagon again before finishing it, because it wouldn't have come out as good as it did. My line art has massively improved, and I'm a bit impressed at how well some of the colors came out (I didn't have exact matches, so I had to find the right colors to blend together).
And I drew black hair that isn't a total mess!

Very nice. Much better line work than what I can do.

You have quite the variety of work! I really like your paintings, and the food stuffs! That cherry pepsi cake sounds and looks bomb af.
Your drawings remind me a lot of my really old stuff (when I wasn't just eyeballing a picture). You know how people draw faces with the circle, jaw line, and center lines to start? Getting accustomed to that really helps (even I only recently started doing that process correctly, this video helped correct me a lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl7-lbeaDj4&t=666s.

Aww, thanks. The cake is actually pretty easy. I used a box cake mix and some cherry pepsi to make the cake then found recipes online for both the frosting and the fondant, which was used for the pinwheels. Could have had the frosting be stiffer but it worked that way for a more cloudy effect. I've never done the draw with the shapes for people, to be honest. In high school art wasn't so much let me teach you things as do stuff while I babysit the few kids who had no other classes to take. I could probably practice that way and work on the skill but I'm not as focused on doing people and a few of the paintings kinda work without faces, though need to finish some of those paintings.

I've heard of that method, I may try it sometime for fun, but in general I like to have more control over my medium and charcoal is so messy, and unruly lol. I thinking trying to have everything look too neat was a problem of mine too, that's why I couldn't just have messy sketches. I'm working on that mindset though.

I didn't think watercolor was a serious medium until I came across Amy Brown. I always though it was just a kid friendly paint (like Crayola style), I didn't know it could be used the way artists use it. lol If I found a cheap but decent set I'd give it a try, but I'd probably try markers first until I knew how to use watercolor well (i.e. not just make a watery blob that doesn't stay in the lines).

Charcoal is very messy. I suggest doing it outside for the first part, covering the page. Know what you mean on the watercolor though as we first see it as those little sets from Crayola, though that company still has some pretty good products. I like their colored pencils and use them sometimes instead of the professional grade ones. And I may have bought myself the crayon melting pen for Christmas... I like painting with melted wax so this will be fun to try until I have the space and equipment to use the different wax colors for painting.

[LunaLifts]

Very nice. Much better line work than what I can do.

Just takes some practice, my line art only recently got good. Videos help more than just looking at art for me. Just make sure you have some varying thickness pens, I always got the thinnest ones, and now they can be less optimal, because bigger lines I need to go over a lot to get those thicker spots and stuff.

ETA: And don't compare to others, it's like lifting, everyone's journey is different so it's not worth comparing to others. Just focus on your own improvements, and compare to what you've done before.

I've never done the draw with the shapes for people, to be honest. In high school art wasn't so much let me teach you things as do stuff while I babysit the few kids who had no other classes to take. I could probably practice that way and work on the skill but I'm not as focused on doing people and a few of the paintings kinda work without faces, though need to finish some of those paintings.

We learned it in high school art, but I was into eyeballing anime, so I didn't start doing it at the time. Not to mention it was just for a straight on face, not with the head tilted in different directions. By the time I started trying to do it, because I was drawing more original work, I wasn't very adept at it.

Of course, I say do what you like, as having fun is the most important thing. It can be fun to venture into other stuff though, so having some fundamentals down, and definitely some references, makes a big difference.

Charcoal is very messy. I suggest doing it outside for the first part, covering the page. Know what you mean on the watercolor though as we first see it as those little sets from Crayola, though that company still has some pretty good products. I like their colored pencils and use them sometimes instead of the professional grade ones. And I may have bought myself the crayon melting pen for Christmas... I like painting with melted wax so this will be fun to try until I have the space and equipment to use the different wax colors for painting.

Crayola does come up with some neat chit. I've used the pencils before, but when I started blending more I liked a softer wax with less fillers. Haven't used their water colors since I was a kid. I'd give those a go, but I don't think they'd be very pigmented, and I'd definitely need a more pointed brush than what they provide.


Speaking of art stuff, I want this sketchbook so bad: Link
It's 7.35lbs for fluff's sake, but it glorious. I think filling it would be a fun challenge for me (not with a deadline or anything, but just keep working on it along with my other sketchbooks). It's 3x the size of my other 11 x 14 sketchbook, but with a fancy hardcover. I wanted to avoid bound books like this, but considering the pages are so big, I have plenty of room to work with without worrying about how it wouldn't open all the way.

[LunaLifts]

Fullbody - Squats/OHP - Home

Pre: Clamshells, back stretches, BW squats

Squats
77lbs x 3
87lbs x 3
97lbs x 3
97lbs x 2

OHP
57lbs x 5
67lbs x Nope
62lbs x 4
62lbs x 3

BB Rows
72lbs x 12
72lbs x 12
72lbs x 10

RDLs
97lbs x 11
97lbs x 11
97lbs x 11

Core:
70 Reps
45 Sec Plank

Post:YWTLs and Stretching

Did tomorrows workout today because either Jay will have work so it's easier for me to do this here, or he won't have work and I'll want to relax and enjoy the holiday (Winter Solstice). Aside from the DOMS from yesterday, it was a win-win to do it today.

Squats went alright, though I cut the last set, because my back was getting sore, and my form was starting to suffer.

OHP pissed me off. I forgot to put the other set of 5's on the bar, so I thought I was having the best OHP day of my life... No, it just felt light because it was. Sometimes that's funny, but it drove me nuts today, probably because it's OHP, and if I want a heavy set it has to be the first, so of course I could get 67 up after that. T_T
Took out my rage on the last two sets though.

Got more rows, really tried for 3 x 12, but just couldn't manage. Manages to get another rep per set on RDLs too.

Fluff planks.

Going to take next week as my deload, since it'll be easier with holiday stuff going on. I want to try to make this one an active deload, since that was a goal this year, and this is my last chance to do it. lol.

I bought a book for my brother that he mentioned awhile back, and it was nice and small so I could wrap it with a piece of printer paper. Before wrapping I read a page and a half just to see how the writing was, and got inspired to draw something on the wrapping. So I used my sketchbook to draw out my idea, then proceeded to draw it on the wrapping. Drawing on it when it was wrapped was a pita, but it turned out good so far. When it's done I'll share a pic, still needs color.

[LunaLifts]

So I managed the drawing on the gift wrapping for my brother. Fortunately the water that got on it yesterday didn't ruin the art or book. O.O

The line I used was based on advice the main character mentioned on the first page of the book, so I thought it was a nice touch. That, and having something filling the background a bit really filled it out, and made it nice. Put too much effort into decorating wrapping paper, lol.




Happy Holidays Everyone!

[Partyrocking]

^^That's so cool!

[shesprints]

Aw, that's the sweetest personalized gift wrapping ever! And for a brother, that sure is something. Really nice drawing and good composition with the background and lettering.

Excellent work on your squats and especially those rows. I know what you mean about the weight thing on OHPs. I always find that frustrating. Some people can "trick" themselves into lifting heavier, but I always feel better knowing exactly what's on the bar. Tricking myself feels like weakness to me, whereas facing the task head-on feels like strength. I also always hate those group class instructors who lie about how many reps of something you have left. I know how much I have in my tank, and you lying to me doesn't make me perform better. Condescending.

[thehobbes]

Oooo I really like your drawing! You've got some serious talent with that. Reminds me that I have the drawing skills of a drunken 8 year old lulz.

[LunaLifts]

^^That's so cool!

Thanks! :3

Aw, that's the sweetest personalized gift wrapping ever! And for a brother, that sure is something. Really nice drawing and good composition with the background and lettering.

Excellent work on your squats and especially those rows. I know what you mean about the weight thing on OHPs. I always find that frustrating. Some people can "trick" themselves into lifting heavier, but I always feel better knowing exactly what's on the bar. Tricking myself feels like weakness to me, whereas facing the task head-on feels like strength. I also always hate those group class instructors who lie about how many reps of something you have left. I know how much I have in my tank, and you lying to me doesn't make me perform better. Condescending.

Thanks. I actually never do backgrounds, because I always figure it has to be a scene. I'm hoping to find more ways like that to fill up the negative space with shapes, colors, objects, instead of thinking there needs to be an elaborate scene (that tbh is beyond my skill right now) and ending up not doing anything.

I don't know if I've ever accidentally lifted more than I meant to, just quite a few times I've lifted less, lol.

I wouldn't be able to deal with a group class like that either. Not just because I don't do the best in social situations, but I don't like that constantly moving the bar thing. Like give me a number of reps, don't tell me I have 3 more, then 5 more, then 2 on top of those. It just feels like you're not completing anything, and I get why they do it, they want people not used to working out to push themselves (and to make people think the work out "worked" more by making them tired, so the person comes back), but nah, out my face with that.

Oooo I really like your drawing! You've got some serious talent with that. Reminds me that I have the drawing skills of a drunken 8 year old lulz.

Thanks, it really has gotten better recently with actually practicing more. Lol at the mental image of drunken eight year olds trying to draw. >.<

---
So far I still haven't missed a day of drawing, though yesterday was close. I was so hungover and chitty feeling, but I managed to clean up a sketch that I quickly scribbled out the night before when I was buzzed. My goal is to do some drawing every day of 2019, but I'm already on a roll so I don't want to get off track.

I certainly pushed back my cut progress this week, booze, food, booze. It's alright though, Jay had some time off, it's the holidays, we had fun.
Speaking of food, I gave bivalves a try yesterday. We had breakfast at a buffet in the hotel we were at, and I didn't want to just eat fruit and home fries (well, I kinda did, both of those are great after drinking). So I saw they had mussels, and with Sprints' reassurance that they weren't slimy I gave them a shot.
The mussels texture was actually alright, I should have at least salt and peppered them though, not my favorite taste. Kinda that seafood-y taste that shrimps have to them, but much more tolerable.

They're not off the table though, I think they'd be alright with a little something added.

I know I said I wanted to do an active deload week, and so far I really let the bar drop. I wasn't expecting to be doing as much as we did, so things just happened. I've got time today though, so after coffee, and taking the pups out I'm gonna go figure out some light crap to do, it's my first go at this so I'm just winging it.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Well done on the drawing every day. Doing sketches is a good goal to have. I've tried that with writing and know a couple of people who managed to do it for over a year, every single day. I can get about a month of every day then end up missing a few. Downhill from there but really, if you let it be something you're practicing and push back the need to get things right the first time, something like the daily goal can really be helpful as it does add up over time.

Nice on the mussels. I like them too on occasion. When I'm in the mood for that fishy taste. Know exactly what you mean in that particular detail.

Random workout can be fun. I like to do a wing it session on the rare occasion. Do some things I've either seen/heard of but never tried or that I've done in the past but doesn't fit in the current main lift focused programming. Have fun with it all.

[LunaLifts]

Well done on the drawing every day. Doing sketches is a good goal to have. I've tried that with writing and know a couple of people who managed to do it for over a year, every single day. I can get about a month of every day then end up missing a few. Downhill from there but really, if you let it be something you're practicing and push back the need to get things right the first time, something like the daily goal can really be helpful as it does add up over time.

I think I'd have a harder time with writing every day, but it does come less easily to me so that makes sense. With drawing something daily, it can be a few eyeballs, or a hand, or it can be working on a full illustration. With writing I'd find it hard to just write a few lines, or paragraph in the same way I do parts of a drawing, you know?
Though one issue I'm noticing is that since there's still a lot I'm not comfortable/used to drawing, and I don't have references. I don't have a phone so it's not like I can pull up pinterest and have a go at new poses, and expressions, or non-human stuff. I have to work from my brain more often than not, and it tends to think it knows things better than it does. lol

And I think I got rid of the magazines I used to have, so that idea's out. :P

Nice on the mussels. I like them too on occasion. When I'm in the mood for that fishy taste. Know exactly what you mean in that particular detail.

It's definitely nice to have another higher protein vegan option, especially eating out. I hope it helps when I'm at Italian places.

Random workout can be fun. I like to do a wing it session on the rare occasion. Do some things I've either seen/heard of but never tried or that I've done in the past but doesn't fit in the current main lift focused programming. Have fun with it all.

I just ended up doing some BW squats, lunges, and reverse lunges while bringing the pups out. Wasn't a real deload workout I guess, but it's something.


---
Side note: I'm kinda feeling doing a split routine again. I might go back to ULUL after my cut, maybe. It's kinda hard to fill up exercises for leg days, but I may just increase sets of what I already do. I kinda prefer to do a lot of a few things anyway, less time significantly changing the weights.