Last week I said I would do the following:

1. listen to at least one Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast episode
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day

Listened to one more podcast episode of Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom.  I figured out the key is to listen to the episodes at twice the speed, since there is a lot of dead air and mindless banter.  I learned a good lesson though – if you feel shy about promoting yourself, think of yourself as a good friend, whom you would be more than willing to promote.

Haven’t been playing the Prosperity Game lately, as I haven’t really noticed a big difference in my happiness or attraction of wealth.  Also because I haven’t had the urge to buy anything huge lately, just meals. I might continue it at a later point, but for now I’m stopping.

Been reading this great book I picked up at the library, “The Passion Test“ by Janet Bray Attwood & Chris Attwood, which helps you discover and pursue your passions.  One of the techniques is to place several note cards around your living space with your top five passions written down.  The idea is to constantly be surrounded by your top passions, so you are constantly reminded of, and thus living in, this realm of your passions.  So far it’s working, plus several other techniques are really effective in making me feel light and positive.

I just realized I never displayed my job goal on this blog.  When I had a job, I didn’t post it because I didn’t want to get in trouble, but I should probably post it now so I can get the word out more.  So here it goes -

I am happy and thankful that I have a job where…

• I get to be creative and work with technology
• I only work 20-30 hours per week
• I make more than $3,000 per month
• I work in a beautiful, convenient location
• I am surrounded by fun, wealthy, creative mentors who help me grow

I know I will get this job soon.  And, I appreciate any help anyone can offer.

On a separate note, my boyfriend of two years dumped me last night.  I don’t want to go into details right now, but suffice it to say it’s taking a toll on me, and I expect it to impact me for a while.

Next week:

1. Listen to at least one Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast episode
2. Read more of The Passion Test

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Start fourth and final week of Month Two of the pullup regimen, “How to Rapidly Increase Your Pullup Numbers in 3 months or Less“
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”
3. Continue reading affirmations twice a day, with belief and visualization

So I realized I was doing weeks 3 & 4 of the pullup regimen incorrectly.  Here are the 4 workouts:

Pullup Workout A1: Double-Step Pyramid Training

Instructions: Perform a pyramid of pullups all the way up to your max and then back down again using multiples of two’s to climb each step. In this A1 session, you’re going to go up by doubles.

Here is an example of the progression: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 (max), 8, 6, 4, 2 = 50 total pullups

Go up as high as you can while maintaining proper technique, and rest as much as necessary between sets. Instead of following a rigid structure for rest, just rest as much as you feel is necessary to complete the next step. Generally, I recommend using as little as 15 seconds of rest on lower levels, and up to 2 minutes on upper levels.

Pullup Workout A2: Single-Step Pyramid Training

Instructions: This is identical to the pyramid workout above, except this time (A2) you’re climbing the pyramid one repetition at a time.

Here is an example of the progression: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (max), 4, 3, 2, 1 = 25 total pullups

Here’s another example for performing 100 total pullups: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (max), 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = 100 total pullups

Go up as high as you can while maintaining proper technique, and rest as much as necessary between sets. Instead of following a rigid structure for rest, just rest as much as you feel is necessary to complete the next step. You’ll probably need a little more rest in between sets when climbing the pyramid via single steps.

Pullup Workout B1: Low-Rep, High Volume Training

Instructions: Select a number of repetitions based on approximately 20% of your maximum. So, if you can do 10-12 pullups in a maxed-out set, then your number is 2 or 3 repetitions. Perform 15-20 sets with as little rest as possible. Keep doing sets until your technique starts to decline, and stop if you reach 20 total. You’ll need to rest more during the latter sets, of course. Set a personal record each time you do this session by doing more total sets than your last session.

Pullup Workout B2: Moderate-Rep, High Volume Training

Instructions: Select a number of repetitions based on approximately 30-40%% of your maximum. So, if you can do 10-12 pullups in a maxed-out set, then your number is 3-5 repetitions per set. Perform 8-15 sets with as little rest as possible, and no more than 1 minute between rounds. Keep doing sets until your technique starts to decline, and stop if you reach 15 total. Set a personal record each time you do this session by doing more total sets than your last session.

And here is the training schedule:

Month 2 Training Schedule

Here is the training schedule to follow (it’s ok if you make some changes to this, just remember that less is more):

Week 1 – A1, B1 (e.g. A1 on Monday, B1 on Thur)

Week 2 – A2, B2 (e.g. A2 on Tue, B2 on Sat)

Week 3 – A1, B1, A2 (e.g. Mon, Wed, Fri)

Week 4 – B1, A2, B2 (e.g. Mon, Wed, Fri)

I accidentally thought Weeks 3 & 4 were just the same as Weeks 1 & 2.  So I only did A1 & B1 for Week 3. So to make up for it, I am doing another week.  Last week I did A1, B1, A2.  This week (Week 5) will be my last week for Month Two of the regimen (in which I will do B2, A2, B1).

My progress (just Month Two):

12/27 – (Started Month Two; Week 1) Double-Step Pyramid Training. Max =10 pullups; Total = 50 pullups

12/28 – X

12/29 – X

12/30 – Month Two; Week 1. Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 7 sets; Total = 14

12/31 – X

1/1 – X

1/2 – X

1/3 – X

1/4 – Month Two; Week 2. Single-Step Pyramid training. Max = 10; Total = 50

1/5 – X

1/6 – Month Two; Week 2. Moderate-Rep, High Intensity training. 3 pullups, 6 sets; Total = 18

1/7 – X

1/8 – X

1/9 – X

1/10 -X

1/11 – Month Two; Week 3. Max = 16 pullups. Double Step Pyramid training. Could only do up to 10 (50 total)

1/12 – X

1/13 – Month Two; Week 3. Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 8 sets; Total = 16

1/14 -X

1/15 -X

1/16 – X

1/17 – Month Two; Week 4. Single-Step Pyramid training. Max = 10; Total = 50

1/18 – X

1/19 – X

1/20 – Month Two; Week 4.  Moderate-Rep, High Intensity training. 3 pullups, 7 sets; Total = 21

1/21 – X

1/22 – Month Two; Week 4.  Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 9 sets; Total = 18

1/23 – X

1/24 – Month Two; Week 5.  Moderate-Rep, High Intensity training. 3 pullups, 8 sets; Total = 24

Been reading more of the ebook, “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”.  The latest chapter talks about the importance of calorie counting.  The author, Mike Venuto, explains that once you count calories for the general foods you eat, it is pretty easy.  I already keep a food journal and record portion sizes, which I think is enough.  Though the fact that I haven’t been able to lose this excess tummy fat stands as evidence to the contrary.  I am going to keep doing strength training for another month, in addition to increasing my quantity of meals, and decreasing my portion sizes.  If I still don’t see any progress, I will count calories.

Affirmations are kind of losing their effectiveness, as it’s becoming more and more like an energy-less routine.  I am reading this book, “The Passion Test“ by Janet Bray Attwood & Chris Attwood, which helps you discover and pursue your passions.  One of the techniques is to place several note cards around your living space with your top five passions written down.  The idea is to constantly be surrounded by your top passions, so you are constantly reminded of, and thus living in, this realm of your passions.

Next week:

1. Start fifth and final week of Month Two of the pullup regimen, “How to Rapidly Increase Your Pullup Numbers in 3 months or Less“
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”

With all the hype this movie received, I was very much let down.  I wouldn’t call this a super hero/comic book movie, since there really isn’t anything super about Captain America’s powers, or even those of the villain.  This was basically a glorified Indiana Jones/war film, and not as entertaining.  Before I saw this movie, I thought Captain America and his powers were lame; now, after seeing the movie, I still belief that.  The only parts that really showed off Captain America’s powers was when he jumped over a tall fence and when he was kicking bad guys 10 feet into the air.  Big whoop. Even powerless super heroes (i.e., Batman, Iron Man, etc.) have cool gadgets.  Captain America’s only toy – his vibranium shield – is lame, because there is only so much he can do with it.  Hurling it at enemies, deflecting bullets….hmmm, that’s about it.  And that’s about all they show Captain America doing.

A lot of the movie was very “beat ‘em up/storm the fortress with only 5 men”, and I found it very corny.  For example, the first time we see Captain America really in action is when he decides to storm a heavily guarded enemy fortress to rescue his friend.  He of course succeeds, but that whole part Captain America was basically punching and kicking bad guys, which the director did a poor job at making it look entertaining.

Hugo Weaving, who plays Red Skull, does an awesome job as always as a villain.  But there again, his powers were lame.

I looked at the clock a lot during this movie, wondering when it would end.

What was good about it

Decent action at times, though few and far between

What was bad about it

Sucky job at portraying super powers/abilities/gadgets

Corny, cheesy scenes

Sub-par fighting scenes for a movie of this budget

The trailer for this movie deceived me somewhat, into thinking this was going to be a decent romantic comedy.  Probably because of the diverse cast and nice soundtrack.  While this IS a decent romantic comedy, it just barely meets that criteria.  A lot of the lines are very corny and overly theatrical.  Like when Steve Carel’s character’s son makes a big speech for his 8th grade graduation about how love is a joke, and then Carel swoops in to save the day and talk about how valuable love is.  Really?  In front of an assembly of parents and 8th graders?  Now, normally I don’t have a problem with over the top stuff, just as long as it is entertaining.  Crazy Stupid Love lacks that factor, so I was annoyed half the time.

I really enjoyed the soundtrack, though.  Enough to seriously consider buying/downloading it. Ryan Gosling’s character, Jacob, might have been annoying if it had been anyone else but Gosling acting the part.  I find Gosling to be a really talented actor, which I think shines through especially in these seemingly one dimensional, simple characters.

What was good about it

Diverse, likeable cast

Ryan Gosling takes his shirt off

Soundtrack

What was bad about it

Overly dramatic and corny

1. Continue reading Blink
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day
4. Post at least 2 posts at GamersRoute

Finished Blink.  Not as good as Outliers, but still an interesting read.  I definitely feel more enriched after reading it.  It gives great insight into the subconscious and its impact on our conscious thinking.

Been playing the Prosperity Game for two months now and haven’t noticed an increase in income, which is frustrating.  I haven’t “bought” anything for over a week now; I run out of things to buy.  I’m on the verge of stopping this game/process.  What did I learn?  That I’m still stressed about money in some fashion?  Not sure.

Affirmations continue to feel good, as long as I take the time to re-word them everyday so that they feel fresh.

Posted one post at GamersRoute.  Woo-hoo!  I feel very accomplished!    I know it’s one less post than I set as a goal, but really, it was a hurdle just to post one.  Just been feeling small and unambitious the past two weeks.  Next week I will definitely post at least two posts.

Next week:

1. listen to at least one Law of Attraction for Financial Freedompodcast episode
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Start third week of Month Two of pullup regimen
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”
3. Continue reading affirmations twice a day, with belief and visualization

My progress with the pullup regimen:

1/22 – 3 pullups

11/23 – 5 pullups

11/24 – 7 pullups

11/25 – X

11/26 – X

11/27 – X

11/28 – X

11/29 – 8 pullups

11/30 – 9 pullups

12/1 – X

12/2 – 7 pullups

12/3 – X

12/4 – X

12/5 – 8 pullups

12/6 – 10 pullups

12/7 – 11 pullups

12/8 – pullup bar broken

12/9 – pullup bar broken

12/10 – pullup bar broken

12/11 – pullup bar broken

12/12 – pullup bar broken

12/13 – 12 pullups

12/14 – 13 pullups

12/15 – 14 pullups

12/16 – 14 pullups

12/17 – X

12/18 – X

12/19 – 15 pullups

12/20 – 16 pullups

12/21 – X

12/22 – 15 pullups

12/23 – 10 pullups

12/24 – X

12/25 – X

12/26 – X

12/27 – (Started Month Two) Double-Step Pyramid Training. Max =10 pullups; Total = 50 pullups

12/28 – X

12/29 – X

12/30 – Month Two; Day 2. Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 7 sets; Total = 14

12/31 – X

1/1 – X

1/2 – X

1/3 – X

1/4 – Month Two; Day 3. Single-Step Pyramid training. Max = 10; Total = 50

1/5 – X

1/6 – Month Two; Day 4. Moderate-Rep, High Intensity training. 3 pullups, 6 sets; Total = 18

1/7 – X

1/8 – X

1/9 – X

1/10 -X

1/11 – Month Two; Day 5. Max = 16 pullups. Double Step Pyramid training. Could only do up to 10 (50 total)

1/12 – X

1/13 – Month Two; Day 6. Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 8 sets; Total = 16

1/14 -X

1/15 -X

1/16 – X

1/17 – Month Two; Day 7. Single-Step Pyramid training. Max = 10; Total = 50

On a side note, I’m noticing that I’m getting fatigued/out of breath a lot faster lately.  I’m thinking it’s because of new muscle.  But not sure.  For example, I used to be able to do at least four 4-min tabata routines; now I can only do three.  I’m still getting out of breath and sweaty, so I know I’m getting a good workout, but it still feels weird to be doing less than what I’m used to doing.  Will moniter the situation.

The single-step & double-step pyramid training takes about 2 hours, since I have to rest a lot when I have to do more than 6 pullups in one set.  I can only do 6 pullups in a set, and then I have to rest a bit in order to finish any set that involves more than 6 pullups.  Not sure if I’m doing this correctly, but my max number of pullups is definitely increasing, so that’s good.

Been really frustrated with how my body looks lately, as it seems to fluctuate between fat & muscle, particularly in my core.  I’m thinking this is due to my portions still being too large.  Coincidentally, the chapter I’m reading from “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle” is now talking about the importance of counting calories.  The thought really annoys me, since it sounds like a lot of math, but the author, Venuto, says there is an easy way to do this.  In the meantime, I’ve decided to just be more diligent about my portions and when I eat them.

Next week:

1. Start fourth week of Month Two of pullup regimen
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”
3. Continue reading affirmations twice a day, with belief and visualization

It’s been a while since I saw a movie with such great cinematography and minimal dialogue.  Shame was a very nice break from most movies in that there was very little dialogue, but the angles and color of the shots were amazing.  It stars one of my favorite new up and coming actors, Michael Fassbender.  Ever since I saw him in X-Men: First Class, I was drawn in by Fassbender’s comittment to his character (Magneto).  Then, when I saw him in Inglorious Basterds, I was amazed that he was fluent in German.  That’s probably because I love languages, and the fact that someone is a polyglot.

In fact, the whole reason I heard about and saw Hunger, was because I IMDB’d Fassbender and both Hunger & Shame look like great movies.  I can’t wait to see Shame, in which Fassbender plays a sex addict. The director for both Hunger & Shame is Steve McQueen, so I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy Shame.  In fact, now that I think about it, the trailer for Shame had less dialogue in it than the trailer for Hunger.  So might Shame have even less dialogue in it than Hunger?  Can’t wait to find out, either way.

I once read an article on Fassbender comparing him to Brad Pitt, which is funny since I just found out that Steve McQueen is set to direct a movie starring both Pitt and Fassbender – Twelve Years a Slave.  The film is due for 2013 and I cannot wait to see it.

What was good about it

Awesome cinematography – clearly outweighed dialogue, and did an excellent job.

Acting – Fassbender, the protagonist, does an amazing job with relatively few lines.  The other actors do the same.

It was about Ireland.  Need I say more?  (I’m half Irish, for those who didn’t know)

What was bad about it

There were rare instances where I found myself annoyed by long, unspoken shots.  One in particular where a prison guard disinfects and cleans a whole corridor.  “What was the point of that?”, I wondered.  But I’m sure there is some point to it.

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Continue listening to the Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day
4. Continue brainstorming with mom, Aaron, Eliav, others in general about different methods/things I can do to achieve my goals
5. Post at least 2 posts at GamersRoute

Hasn’t been the most productive week.  I didn’t listen to more of the Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast, because I’ve been listening to this audiobook, Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell.  He’s the same author of Outliers, which is a great book about the minute factors of success.  So I consider my reading of Blink to be a valuable investment of time that will be equally valuable to listening to the Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast.

Brainstormed with my housemate, Aaron, the other night about different methods/things I can do to achieve my career goal.  Came up with the following:

- Every time I read/watch a tutorial I think is good, I will contact the author and ask for advice

Haven’t posted 2 posts on GamersRoute yet, simply because I’m still nervous about starting something new and about screwing it up.  I will definitely post at least ONE tomorrow though.

Next week:

1. Continue reading Blink
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day
4. Post at least 2 posts at GamersRoute

The previous week, I said I would do the following:

1. Start second week of Month Two of pullup regimen
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”
3. Continue reading affirmations twice a day, with belief and visualization

And these progress photos are 2 months late:

7/25/2011

8/23/2011

9/28/2011

11/8/2011

1/12/2012

I don’t really see any progress, which is a bit disappointing.  But I’m hoping the added strength training will produce desired results for next month.

Month two of the pullup regimen is going good.  I can do 4 pullups in a maxed out set.

My progress:

1/22 – 3 pullups

11/23 – 5 pullups

11/24 – 7 pullups

11/25 – X

11/26 – X

11/27 – X

11/28 – X

11/29 – 8 pullups

11/30 – 9 pullups

12/1 – X

12/2 – 7 pullups

12/3 – X

12/4 – X

12/5 – 8 pullups

12/6 – 10 pullups

12/7 – 11 pullups

12/8 – pullup bar broken

12/9 – pullup bar broken

12/10 – pullup bar broken

12/11 – pullup bar broken

12/12 – pullup bar broken

12/13 – 12 pullups

12/14 – 13 pullups

12/15 – 14 pullups

12/16 – 14 pullups

12/17 – X

12/18 – X

12/19 – 15 pullups

12/20 – 16 pullups

12/21 – X

12/22 – 15 pullups

12/23 – 10 pullups

12/24 – X

12/25 – X

12/26 – X

12/27 – (Started Month Two) Double-Step Pyramid Training. Max =10 pullups; Total = 50 pullups

12/28 – X

12/29 – X

12/30 – Month Two; Day 2. Low-Rep, High Intensity training. 2 pullups, 7 sets; Total = 14

12/31 – X

1/1 – X

1/2 – X

1/3 – X

1/4 – Month Two; Day 3. Single-Step Pyramid training. Max = 10; Total = 50

1/5 – X

1/6 – Month Two; Day 4. Moderate-Rep, High Intensity training. 3 pullups, 6 sets; Total = 18

1/7 – X

1/8 – X

1/9 – X

1/10 -X

1/11 – Month Two; Day 5. Max = 16 pullups. Double Step Pyramid training. Could only do up to 10 (50 total)

1/12 – X

Don’t know if I mentioned this before, but I have been using free weights (10 lbs) with my strength training for the past month, and that has helped, I think.

Need to read more of “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”.

Next week:

1. Start third week of Month Two of pullup regimen
2. Continue reading “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle”
3. Continue reading affirmations twice a day, with belief and visualization

Last week I said I would do the following:

1. Continue listening to the Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day
4. Continue brainstorming with mom, Aaron, Eliav, others in general about different methods/things I can do to achieve my goals
5. Post discussions at 2 online writers forums for writers who fulfill my above requirements

I’m going to use New Years celebrations as an excuse for not listening to any Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast episodes.  That, and I forgot my iPod at my boyfriend’s place, so I was basically without an arm for three days.  Hehe.  It’s amazing how much I rely on my iPod for music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other information.  Being without it has forced me to walk in silence to places, and to look to other objects for entertainment.  It forced me to finally set up and use the Kindle my boyfriend gave me back in August.  So I’m excited to finally use it on the train & bus.

Affirmations are going good.

I’m mentioning to more people that I’m a technical writer looking for a job, and so far many people have said they know of someone who is hiring and will get back to me, which is very promising.

I registered at two online writers forums:

• Writing Forums
• Writer’s Beat

I’ve only posted my introduction, with my goal of networking with creative, wealthy writers/mentors.

I’m also going to start volunteer writing for a friend’s gaming website, GamersRoute.  I’m really excited about this, but nervous about starting.  Don’t know why.  I guess I’ve always been nervous about starting a new routine, a new “thing”.  But I know that once I dive in, I’ll figure everything out and be awesome at it.

Next week:

1. Continue listening to the Law of Attraction for Financial Freedom podcast
2. Continue playing the Prosperity Game
3. Continue saying affirmations aloud twice a day
4. Continue brainstorming with mom, Aaron, Eliav, others in general about different methods/things I can do to achieve my goals
5. Post at least 2 posts at GamersRoute