aku-chan
Well-known member
Hope you still have a good holiday despite the family issues!
Quest for Muscle: The Return of the Pump
- Thread starter GentleOx
- Start date
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
from
I'm sorry for the family drama, Ox.
It's great that you found that gym! Hopefully it will give you a bit of a break and let you find some headspace away from all of the tension.
It's great that you found that gym! Hopefully it will give you a bit of a break and let you find some headspace away from all of the tension.
Maegaranthelas
Well-known member
from
Lifting heavy really helps with frustration!
I had a memorable day where I walked into my gym with a face like thunder and the trainer just went "this is a day for flipping a tyre and telling me what's wrong"
She was right, it helped a lot
I had a memorable day where I walked into my gym with a face like thunder and the trainer just went "this is a day for flipping a tyre and telling me what's wrong"
She was right, it helped a lot
from
Thank you for your warm thoughts @NancyTree @JCU @Maegaranthelas @TopNotch @aku-chan @Laura Rainbow Dragon. It's been awkward and frustrating, but Christmas is still a time worth having together.
I spent the day at the gym, naturally. Today was a Pull day - but tough to manage with a crowded gym.
Let's see if I remember the routine that i made up on the spot. Six sets for each exercise.
True T Bar Rows: 55 x six.
Lat Pulldowns: 80 x 6
Moving Machine Lat Pulldown (I don't know the exact name): 80 x 6.
Suspension rows: 6 reps.
Pull ups: Max set of 3.
Barbell Forearm Curls: 30 x 10.
My sister's family has set out treats for old Saint Nick, and the kiddies are in for wonderful surprises tomorrow.
No matter what happens, keep your loved ones close this season, Bees.
Liquid skies...
Kitty spotting! It visited our villa during dinner. I tried to pspsps it closer, but it was a bit wary.
Kitty spotting pt 2. Cadging for scraps at the restaurant.
Playing: Still not much.
Watching: Contrary to my last post, have been doing some quality watching. But I'll wait until I'm back on a desktop to write a review.
Listening to: Miami Nights 1984 - This Christmas. Perhaps the only Christmas themed song I can tolerate (Jingle Balls may be on that rather short list). A wonderful pop confection.
I spent the day at the gym, naturally. Today was a Pull day - but tough to manage with a crowded gym.
Let's see if I remember the routine that i made up on the spot. Six sets for each exercise.
True T Bar Rows: 55 x six.
Lat Pulldowns: 80 x 6
Moving Machine Lat Pulldown (I don't know the exact name): 80 x 6.
Suspension rows: 6 reps.
Pull ups: Max set of 3.
Barbell Forearm Curls: 30 x 10.
My sister's family has set out treats for old Saint Nick, and the kiddies are in for wonderful surprises tomorrow.
No matter what happens, keep your loved ones close this season, Bees.
Liquid skies...
Kitty spotting! It visited our villa during dinner. I tried to pspsps it closer, but it was a bit wary.
Kitty spotting pt 2. Cadging for scraps at the restaurant.
Playing: Still not much.
Watching: Contrary to my last post, have been doing some quality watching. But I'll wait until I'm back on a desktop to write a review.
Listening to: Miami Nights 1984 - This Christmas. Perhaps the only Christmas themed song I can tolerate (Jingle Balls may be on that rather short list). A wonderful pop confection.
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PetiteSheWolf
Well-known member
Merry Christmas, and wishing Christmas's peace spreads over those quarreling family members!
Thank you for the well wishes @PetiteSheWolf. There was another quarrel, but no screaming or shouting, thankfully.
Of all the treasures unearthed in our recent expedition across the Gentle lands, who would've thought that among the finds would be... an Ox?
Hey again Bees. Back again with another vacation workout update. Today I did Arms because hey, it's fun, and why not.
Close Grip Bench Press: 105 x 5. Not one of my best efforts, but whatever.
EZ Bar Curls: 40 x 6.
Dual Dumbbell Overhead Extensions: 18 x 6.
Hammer Curls: 18 x 24.
Rope Pushdowns: 55 x 6.
Preacher Single Dumbbell Curls: 18 x 10.
Barbell Wrist Curls: 35 x 8.
My vacation is almost done. Just four more days until I can go home and unwind. While I appreciate seeing them again, it's been rather trying.
Tomorrow we're changing AirBNBs agaaaaaiin, which will make it the third place we've stayed in on this trip.
I've been away from Hong Kong too long.
Pooped poochie perhaps prefers polished pampering.
Kitty on the edge!
Across evening skies I gaze.
See you on the other side, Bees.
Playing: Guess. When I get home, I'm going to play so many games that my fingers will fall off!
Watching: I finished Seal Team s5. May or may nooooot write some thoughts. Made a good start on Heretic, and I have to say, it's been worth the wait.
Listening to: Sacred Skin - Runaway. I don't know where I first heard this 80s inspired group, but their sound is a credit to the genre.
Of all the treasures unearthed in our recent expedition across the Gentle lands, who would've thought that among the finds would be... an Ox?
Hey again Bees. Back again with another vacation workout update. Today I did Arms because hey, it's fun, and why not.
Close Grip Bench Press: 105 x 5. Not one of my best efforts, but whatever.
EZ Bar Curls: 40 x 6.
Dual Dumbbell Overhead Extensions: 18 x 6.
Hammer Curls: 18 x 24.
Rope Pushdowns: 55 x 6.
Preacher Single Dumbbell Curls: 18 x 10.
Barbell Wrist Curls: 35 x 8.
My vacation is almost done. Just four more days until I can go home and unwind. While I appreciate seeing them again, it's been rather trying.
Tomorrow we're changing AirBNBs agaaaaaiin, which will make it the third place we've stayed in on this trip.
I've been away from Hong Kong too long.
Pooped poochie perhaps prefers polished pampering.
Kitty on the edge!
Across evening skies I gaze.
See you on the other side, Bees.
Playing: Guess. When I get home, I'm going to play so many games that my fingers will fall off!
Watching: I finished Seal Team s5. May or may nooooot write some thoughts. Made a good start on Heretic, and I have to say, it's been worth the wait.
Listening to: Sacred Skin - Runaway. I don't know where I first heard this 80s inspired group, but their sound is a credit to the genre.
Daptomycin
Active member
Posts: 33
Those pictures are lovely!
Thank you so much @Daptomycin !
Can you feel it? The Revolution has started! Take to the streets, seize the printing presses, arm yourselves, empower the proletariat, and remember the sacrifice of our founder... Ox!
Hey Bees. My vacation is winding down (thankfully) and it's almost time to go home, but I worked out today, so it's time for one final update.
I found a new gym nearby, so I used some of the spiffy equipment for a Push day.
Dumbbell Bench Press: 50kg dumbbells for five reps. I haven't done this exercise in years. I haven't found many gyms with dumbbells heavy enough, but I did today. Was not easy, I'll tell you that much.
Pardon the chest puffing.
Incline Barbell Bench: 100 x 6.
Overhead Shoulder Press: 65 x 3. Bleh.
Incline Cable Flys: 4 x 10.
Fancy Curl Machine: 20 x 8. This was tougher than it looked.
EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 40 x 6.
Here's the gym.
Spiffy! It was like something out of a music video, what with the hot, sweaty guys and girls in their sexy outfits. Not that I know any music videos set in the gym...
Tons of fun equipment. The cost of entry was 17ish USD, so pretty pricey. Worth it for a single visit, though.
It was a great workout.
But now, hear me out on the tribulations of this airbnb we're in. Ostensibly, it's a villa in a bustling district. I can't dispute the bustling part, but it's the worst place we've ever rented.
- One of the showers doesn't work
- The kitchen is woefully underequipped, and you need a lighter (!) to get the stove running
- I've spotted numerous ants and roaches
- Everything is poorly maintained, and a little decrepit
- The sheets are stained. *shudder*
- There're no toiletries (shampoo etc) provided, and the towels are threadbare and ill-kept.
But the kicker is this: the living room is an open area design with no doors, and the owners feed the neighborhood cats. Put the two together, and you have kitties invading the house, looking for food. They like to announce their presence with insistent yowling. I've scared them away a few times, but they keep coming back (presumably they're playing the waiting game). Of course, this hasn't dampened my lifelong love of cats. But my family is nonplussed.
Critter watch!
Serial killer kitty awaits you.
Handsome fruit store catto.
Don't look so sad, puppy eyes poochy!
Anyway, the next time I post will be after coming back to Hong Kong, so I'm coming home soon, with more posts coming.
Because we're taking a midnight flight, and won't hear from you all until after it's done...
HAPPY NEW YEAR BEES!
Playing: Bleh.
Watching: A little bit of Kill at the gym, and some of Brawl in Cell Block 99.
Listening to: The O'Jays - Buddy's Business. Handle your business, grease those skids, uncross your wires and light your fires, 'cause this number is badass!
Can you feel it? The Revolution has started! Take to the streets, seize the printing presses, arm yourselves, empower the proletariat, and remember the sacrifice of our founder... Ox!
Hey Bees. My vacation is winding down (thankfully) and it's almost time to go home, but I worked out today, so it's time for one final update.
I found a new gym nearby, so I used some of the spiffy equipment for a Push day.
Dumbbell Bench Press: 50kg dumbbells for five reps. I haven't done this exercise in years. I haven't found many gyms with dumbbells heavy enough, but I did today. Was not easy, I'll tell you that much.
Pardon the chest puffing.
Incline Barbell Bench: 100 x 6.
Overhead Shoulder Press: 65 x 3. Bleh.
Incline Cable Flys: 4 x 10.
Fancy Curl Machine: 20 x 8. This was tougher than it looked.
EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 40 x 6.
Here's the gym.
Spiffy! It was like something out of a music video, what with the hot, sweaty guys and girls in their sexy outfits. Not that I know any music videos set in the gym...
Tons of fun equipment. The cost of entry was 17ish USD, so pretty pricey. Worth it for a single visit, though.
It was a great workout.
But now, hear me out on the tribulations of this airbnb we're in. Ostensibly, it's a villa in a bustling district. I can't dispute the bustling part, but it's the worst place we've ever rented.
- One of the showers doesn't work
- The kitchen is woefully underequipped, and you need a lighter (!) to get the stove running
- I've spotted numerous ants and roaches
- Everything is poorly maintained, and a little decrepit
- The sheets are stained. *shudder*
- There're no toiletries (shampoo etc) provided, and the towels are threadbare and ill-kept.
But the kicker is this: the living room is an open area design with no doors, and the owners feed the neighborhood cats. Put the two together, and you have kitties invading the house, looking for food. They like to announce their presence with insistent yowling. I've scared them away a few times, but they keep coming back (presumably they're playing the waiting game). Of course, this hasn't dampened my lifelong love of cats. But my family is nonplussed.
Critter watch!
Serial killer kitty awaits you.
Handsome fruit store catto.
Don't look so sad, puppy eyes poochy!
Anyway, the next time I post will be after coming back to Hong Kong, so I'm coming home soon, with more posts coming.
Because we're taking a midnight flight, and won't hear from you all until after it's done...
HAPPY NEW YEAR BEES!
Playing: Bleh.
Watching: A little bit of Kill at the gym, and some of Brawl in Cell Block 99.
Listening to: The O'Jays - Buddy's Business. Handle your business, grease those skids, uncross your wires and light your fires, 'cause this number is badass!
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Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Happy 2025, Ox!
(Also, i'm not able to view your critter photos.)
(Also, i'm not able to view your critter photos.)
Maegaranthelas
Well-known member
I've got your back
OMG that guitar!I've got your back
Oh Germany, thank you for the weird music. (Video might not be entirely SFW. There are some close-ups of butts in aerobics gear. )
Thank you for bringing that to my attention @JCU, and @Mamatigerj. I have added the photos so that the cuddlies have a chance to shine.
@Maegaranthelas that video is both a joke, and seriously awesome at the same time. Thanks!
Also, I don't think this surreal number counts, because there's no actual music. At least it's pretty dumb.
@Maegaranthelas that video is both a joke, and seriously awesome at the same time. Thanks!
Also, I don't think this surreal number counts, because there's no actual music. At least it's pretty dumb.
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This is going to sound disappointing @JCU, but with one exception, I didn't. I generally don't pet strays because I don't know how they'll react.
If they come up to me and show interest, maybe. But when they're resting or chilling out, I generally just leave them be. Don't know if they'll bite or claw. I tried to pet two golden retrievers years ago and they (not seriously) bit me.
One exception was the adorable, friendly corgi mix who belongs to the owner of the airbnb, named Alfy. A sweet pupper for sure, but I don't have any pictures of him.
If they come up to me and show interest, maybe. But when they're resting or chilling out, I generally just leave them be. Don't know if they'll bite or claw. I tried to pet two golden retrievers years ago and they (not seriously) bit me.
One exception was the adorable, friendly corgi mix who belongs to the owner of the airbnb, named Alfy. A sweet pupper for sure, but I don't have any pictures of him.
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PetiteSheWolf
Well-known member
Thanks for the pics 
But yeah, the setting of your last airB&B sounds noth dangerous and non-hygienic, agh... Good luck for the red-eye flight!
But yeah, the setting of your last airB&B sounds noth dangerous and non-hygienic, agh... Good luck for the red-eye flight!
Maegaranthelas
Well-known member
Yeah, Electric Callboy is such an interesting band. Their genre isn't usually my thing, but they are so fun I enjoy it anyway ^^
Plus the boys seem to have a big heart and are very happy to make fun of themselves.
I saw them live a few years ago and there was an interlude for singing romantic pop hits at each other. Including someone with a saxophone playing Careless Whispers
Thank you for the cute critter pictures
And I wish you good luck and safe travels for your return journey.
Plus the boys seem to have a big heart and are very happy to make fun of themselves.
I saw them live a few years ago and there was an interlude for singing romantic pop hits at each other. Including someone with a saxophone playing Careless Whispers
Thank you for the cute critter pictures
And I wish you good luck and safe travels for your return journey.
@Maegaranthelas Thank you! Now I have a new, humorous band to listen to!
@JCU Speaking of petting doggos, on the final night in Bali, we went to a Thai restaurant. Upon opening the door, was greeting by two mastiffs who were quite friendly and well-behaved, so I got lots of cuddles with them (I forgot to take pictures). They rested by the side of our table during the meal and didn't beg or cadge for scraps.
Greetings from the first entry of 2025, Bees! I'm back home, and I hit the gym (despite having a cold) for a Push workout.
Bench Press: 125 x 5. I'm not sure how I got even weaker, but this tends to happen during vacations. I'll keep working with this weight.
Incline Press: 100 x 6. Will try for 7 reps next time.
Lying Dumbbell Extension (I just made up this name, not sure what it's actually called): 22 x 6.
Straight Bar Pushdown: 14 x 8.
EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 20 x 8.
+24000 steps.
We arrived at the airport six hours early, and witnessed the countdown and fireworks from within. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half, and they shunted us from one end of the airport to the other with gate changes. But we made it back, and I'm really happy to be back home again, as I feel like two weeks is a really long time to be on vacation.
The gym was packed full of people. New Year's resolutions, perhaps? I lost about 4 kg over vacation, so I'm going to keep working to keep the pounds off. I had a load of energy today, so that helped a great deal.
Cyberpunked around the streets a bit, then bought a shiny new mouse (that's click sensitive, but that's okay).
Enjoy your New Years, Bees!
Playing: Gaming again, woohoo! I played some Sulfur last night, and a bit of PO'ed. Not feeling PO'ed, to be honest. Even though it's been remastered and all, it was a weird, difficult, and hard to like game, so all the improvements can't add that much. Maybe Killing Time is better? Will also return to DA:V tonight, if I can stomach the shitty framerate.
Watching: Seeing that I'm back on a keyboard, and infinitely more capable of entering text, I'll start my reviews of the films I watched on vacation. The first up is Dragged Across Concrete, with Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn. Here's a trailer:
In an unnamed American city, two detectives, whose heavy-handed methods have been exposed while on a raid, find themselves suspended. Desperate for funds, they work together again to exploit the gains of a heist by a group of brutal bank robbers. Meanwhile, caught up with the bank robbers is a skilled, but well-meaning criminal who finds himself having doubts. Their paths will cross, and who gets the prize in the end is up in the air.
Summation: A hard-bitten and tough movie absent of sentimental cliches, replete with shocking violence and great dialogue.
This is the second S. Craig Zahler film I've watched (Bone Tomahawk being the first), and I've got to say, Zahler has a penchant for making violent crime films with snappy action and cutting dialogue. It's not Tarantino-esque; Zahler puts his own spin on dialogue that is oblique, but not obfuscating and indirect. His characters have depth too; the cops are understandable in their actions (mostly), and Kittles' honourable robber (?) is very sympathetically written and portrayed. Shades of grey abound, with a few patches of black.
You watch movies like this for the wordplay and the great delivery, but this is partially an action movie. Amidst crackling tension and life-threatening situations, when the moment comes, it strikes hard. The violence is blunt, primarily showcasing the ruthlessness of the bank-robbing trio, and comes out in the final act. If I had my way, I would trim about 15 minutes out, as some slice-of-life scenes are superfluous and the final confrontation runs too long. But otherwise, there's little fact, and all hard sinew.
This flick thus steals four bars of gold out of five.
Listening to: JJ - Habitat (Cosmic Sand Remix). The synth shall never die! I'm going through NRW's archive's (for the third or fourth time) now that my synth tastes have broadened, and I'm finding some absolutely gems that I missed the first few times around.
@JCU Speaking of petting doggos, on the final night in Bali, we went to a Thai restaurant. Upon opening the door, was greeting by two mastiffs who were quite friendly and well-behaved, so I got lots of cuddles with them (I forgot to take pictures). They rested by the side of our table during the meal and didn't beg or cadge for scraps.
Greetings from the first entry of 2025, Bees! I'm back home, and I hit the gym (despite having a cold) for a Push workout.
Bench Press: 125 x 5. I'm not sure how I got even weaker, but this tends to happen during vacations. I'll keep working with this weight.
Incline Press: 100 x 6. Will try for 7 reps next time.
Lying Dumbbell Extension (I just made up this name, not sure what it's actually called): 22 x 6.
Straight Bar Pushdown: 14 x 8.
EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 20 x 8.
+24000 steps.
We arrived at the airport six hours early, and witnessed the countdown and fireworks from within. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half, and they shunted us from one end of the airport to the other with gate changes. But we made it back, and I'm really happy to be back home again, as I feel like two weeks is a really long time to be on vacation.
The gym was packed full of people. New Year's resolutions, perhaps? I lost about 4 kg over vacation, so I'm going to keep working to keep the pounds off. I had a load of energy today, so that helped a great deal.
Cyberpunked around the streets a bit, then bought a shiny new mouse (that's click sensitive, but that's okay).
Enjoy your New Years, Bees!
Playing: Gaming again, woohoo! I played some Sulfur last night, and a bit of PO'ed. Not feeling PO'ed, to be honest. Even though it's been remastered and all, it was a weird, difficult, and hard to like game, so all the improvements can't add that much. Maybe Killing Time is better? Will also return to DA:V tonight, if I can stomach the shitty framerate.
Watching: Seeing that I'm back on a keyboard, and infinitely more capable of entering text, I'll start my reviews of the films I watched on vacation. The first up is Dragged Across Concrete, with Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn. Here's a trailer:
In an unnamed American city, two detectives, whose heavy-handed methods have been exposed while on a raid, find themselves suspended. Desperate for funds, they work together again to exploit the gains of a heist by a group of brutal bank robbers. Meanwhile, caught up with the bank robbers is a skilled, but well-meaning criminal who finds himself having doubts. Their paths will cross, and who gets the prize in the end is up in the air.
Summation: A hard-bitten and tough movie absent of sentimental cliches, replete with shocking violence and great dialogue.
This is the second S. Craig Zahler film I've watched (Bone Tomahawk being the first), and I've got to say, Zahler has a penchant for making violent crime films with snappy action and cutting dialogue. It's not Tarantino-esque; Zahler puts his own spin on dialogue that is oblique, but not obfuscating and indirect. His characters have depth too; the cops are understandable in their actions (mostly), and Kittles' honourable robber (?) is very sympathetically written and portrayed. Shades of grey abound, with a few patches of black.
You watch movies like this for the wordplay and the great delivery, but this is partially an action movie. Amidst crackling tension and life-threatening situations, when the moment comes, it strikes hard. The violence is blunt, primarily showcasing the ruthlessness of the bank-robbing trio, and comes out in the final act. If I had my way, I would trim about 15 minutes out, as some slice-of-life scenes are superfluous and the final confrontation runs too long. But otherwise, there's little fact, and all hard sinew.
This flick thus steals four bars of gold out of five.
Listening to: JJ - Habitat (Cosmic Sand Remix). The synth shall never die! I'm going through NRW's archive's (for the third or fourth time) now that my synth tastes have broadened, and I'm finding some absolutely gems that I missed the first few times around.
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Ugh. Super tired today, Bees, but I did my workout, got in my steps, and made it home in one piece.
Today was Leg day. Every exercise had six sets, so this one was a real grinder.
Squats: 105 x 5. Started with 80 and worked my way up. A little pleased that my squats haven't dramatically suffered, though they aren't as great as they were three months ago.
Front Squats: 60 x 6.
Lying Leg Curls: 35 x 10.
Back Extensions: 10 reps a set.
+28000 steps. Augh, the agony.
Left me in a state of complete fatigue, but I still managed to cyberpunk around for a bit after the gym.
Normally I love doggos and cattos on the streets, but this one was odd. I gathered that they're therapy dogs (the sign says there's a cat, but I didn't see one), and that they're raising funds, but why not let the pooches stay on the ground, and interact with people?
Had dim sum with a friend at a place staffed by brusque, but not unfriendly staff. It was surprisingly affordable too, the food came quickly, and was quite yummy!
Tomorrow is hot pot night! Om nom nom for the win!
Have a great weekend, Bees!
Watching: I didn't do any extra cardio at the gym, and will watch more of Frogman (an indie found footager) tonight. Here's another review of a film I watched on vacation, the religious horror flick Heretic. First, a trailer:
Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are feeling dispirited, and why not? They've faced rejection, mockery, and inclement weather as they go about their rounds. These insightful and sharp young women trudge to their next destination - the home of one Mr Reed, who has expressed interest in learning about the church. Upon reaching his remote mountain home, they are warmly greeted and invited inside; after some trepidation and a promise, they accept. Mr Reed is nothing less than hospitable and avuncular, making the young woman feel at ease. However, the tone of their easy conversation turns to religious challenges and pontificating, and it's clear that seemingly affable Mr Reed has an agenda. Barred from leaving, they realize that they only way out is engage with this professorial madman, and go deeper into his labyrinthine house...
Summary: Well-executed and engaging piece that features an astounding against-type role for Hugh Grant. While it stumbles in the third act, it still delivers as intelligent and thrilling horror.
This one will forever be known as the one in which Hugh Grant turned to horror and portrayed a genuinely frightening villain. His Mr Reed is disarming, bumbling and genial. He pushes his guests this way and that, using his extensive knowledge of religion (of course, this includes the Book of Mormon) to his advantage, and both challenges and seeks to "convert" his guests to his point of view: even so, it's obvious that his motivates are more than a little diabolical. Not to be outdone, the two actors portraying Sisters Barnes and Paxton do an excellent job, and rise to the challenge of portraying obviously frightened, but still razor-sharp and incisive counterparts to Mr Reed.
But what does he want? This leads to the film's only "downfall". The first half of the movie, in which Reed engages the two in conversation and pokes holes in their beliefs is stronger that the second. I won't give away the trajectory of that second half, except to say that it kind of panders to the base, and that there was no way it could live up to the anticipation generated early on. That said, when the film changes gears, it still thrills and horrifies, and incorporates interesting twists nonetheless.
If you have even a casual interest in horror, watch this one without spoiling any of it for yourself.
Heretic prepares four and a half yummy blueberry pies out of five.
Listening to: Slo-Mo - Boy From the City. Ah! Here's an urban pop classic from years past. Story of my life, albeit with a healthy dose of crime and more than a little sleaze.
"And then a day later something ugly turns up,
And I see two grizzly bears on my door they wanna break me
Into the street I race in my y-fronts,
I'm so scared I leave a trail on the pavement"
Today was Leg day. Every exercise had six sets, so this one was a real grinder.
Squats: 105 x 5. Started with 80 and worked my way up. A little pleased that my squats haven't dramatically suffered, though they aren't as great as they were three months ago.
Front Squats: 60 x 6.
Lying Leg Curls: 35 x 10.
Back Extensions: 10 reps a set.
+28000 steps. Augh, the agony.
Left me in a state of complete fatigue, but I still managed to cyberpunk around for a bit after the gym.
Normally I love doggos and cattos on the streets, but this one was odd. I gathered that they're therapy dogs (the sign says there's a cat, but I didn't see one), and that they're raising funds, but why not let the pooches stay on the ground, and interact with people?
Had dim sum with a friend at a place staffed by brusque, but not unfriendly staff. It was surprisingly affordable too, the food came quickly, and was quite yummy!
Tomorrow is hot pot night! Om nom nom for the win!
Have a great weekend, Bees!
Watching: I didn't do any extra cardio at the gym, and will watch more of Frogman (an indie found footager) tonight. Here's another review of a film I watched on vacation, the religious horror flick Heretic. First, a trailer:
Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are feeling dispirited, and why not? They've faced rejection, mockery, and inclement weather as they go about their rounds. These insightful and sharp young women trudge to their next destination - the home of one Mr Reed, who has expressed interest in learning about the church. Upon reaching his remote mountain home, they are warmly greeted and invited inside; after some trepidation and a promise, they accept. Mr Reed is nothing less than hospitable and avuncular, making the young woman feel at ease. However, the tone of their easy conversation turns to religious challenges and pontificating, and it's clear that seemingly affable Mr Reed has an agenda. Barred from leaving, they realize that they only way out is engage with this professorial madman, and go deeper into his labyrinthine house...
Summary: Well-executed and engaging piece that features an astounding against-type role for Hugh Grant. While it stumbles in the third act, it still delivers as intelligent and thrilling horror.
This one will forever be known as the one in which Hugh Grant turned to horror and portrayed a genuinely frightening villain. His Mr Reed is disarming, bumbling and genial. He pushes his guests this way and that, using his extensive knowledge of religion (of course, this includes the Book of Mormon) to his advantage, and both challenges and seeks to "convert" his guests to his point of view: even so, it's obvious that his motivates are more than a little diabolical. Not to be outdone, the two actors portraying Sisters Barnes and Paxton do an excellent job, and rise to the challenge of portraying obviously frightened, but still razor-sharp and incisive counterparts to Mr Reed.
But what does he want? This leads to the film's only "downfall". The first half of the movie, in which Reed engages the two in conversation and pokes holes in their beliefs is stronger that the second. I won't give away the trajectory of that second half, except to say that it kind of panders to the base, and that there was no way it could live up to the anticipation generated early on. That said, when the film changes gears, it still thrills and horrifies, and incorporates interesting twists nonetheless.
If you have even a casual interest in horror, watch this one without spoiling any of it for yourself.
Heretic prepares four and a half yummy blueberry pies out of five.
Listening to: Slo-Mo - Boy From the City. Ah! Here's an urban pop classic from years past. Story of my life, albeit with a healthy dose of crime and more than a little sleaze.
"And then a day later something ugly turns up,
And I see two grizzly bears on my door they wanna break me
Into the street I race in my y-fronts,
I'm so scared I leave a trail on the pavement"
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Dim sum looks so yummy!
I agree re: the dogs. They look scared to be up on that table!
(My dogs have always hated it when vets have put them up on tables. Just crouch down and examine them on the floor where they're comfortable!)
I agree re: the dogs. They look scared to be up on that table!
(My dogs have always hated it when vets have put them up on tables. Just crouch down and examine them on the floor where they're comfortable!)
TopNotch
Well-known member
They weren't scared - they were embarrassed! What's with the...wings?
@JCU No problem! It's worth the watch!
@TopNotch @Laura Rainbow Dragon Poor doggos. I understand the need to promote your cause, but not in such a ham-fisted way.
The Ox is back in action!
This was after a heavy bout of the flu on Saturday night. I was tossing and turning while feeling nauseous and ill, and even snagged an extra blanket. I sweat it out that night, but wasn't feeling well enough for a Sunday workout, so I waited until today.
Today was W2D1 of my Push workouts.
Bench Press: 125 x 6, 127.5 x 5. I always welcome post-vacation gains! I will stick with 127.5 next week and see if I can get any increases.
Incline Press: 102.5 x 8. Was not expecting this! A pleasant surprise.
Overhead Press: 70 x 5.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20. 28 x 6 just for goofy fun.
Barbell Wrist Curls: 35 x 10.
Hot pot was absolutely yummy, but left my tummy rumbling, once more.
I'm doing very well with this new 2025 fitness kick. I've minimized my eating of treats, and am keeping very active. But it's mostly the lack of treats that's doing it. I want to see if I can get down to 76-77 kg, which I haven't done since before the pandemic. It's interesting that it took a bout of involuntary weight loss to get me going; it's like now that I have it, I don't want to lose it.
2025 awaits us, Bees.
Playing: Got in a bit more gaming these few days. Got my butt kicked in Sulfur several times, leading me to go on several tentative runs to replenish my reserves of pizza and chocolate mud cake (no I didn't make those up!). Played Hades 2 last night and beat Prometheus' ass schoolyard style again (he got me good with several special attacks, however). Still haven't resumed DA: V.
Watching: As I finished watching Brawl in Cell Block 99, which is a grindhouse-throwback thriller. Here's a trailer, and a review:
Summary: A sharp, violent and witty thriller with a healthy dose of retro.
Bradley is in a fix. Being a drug runner and mule has brought him real benefits, like a beautiful house, and a rekindled relationship with his now-pregnant wife. However, a drug run goes heavily awry, leaving him in prison, and at the mercy of the drug lord overseeing the deal. Now, Bradley must battle his way through prison with nothing but his fists, in order to save his wife and satisfy his debt.
This one is a gritty, down and dirty, and punchy (no pun intended) thriller that features the crackerjack, witty dialogue that S. Craig Zahler is known for. While the title references the climactic brawl in Cell Block 99, it's awhile before we get there, as the film takes its time examining the character of Bradley (an against-type Vince Vaughn), and how he makes his way through each shitty situation (only sometimes with violence). It's quite talky, and very quotable; one memorable line has Bradley tell some prison toughs to "get the f*ck out of my crazy way". The violence is (like I noted with Dragged Across Concrete) brutal and almost surreal. Towards the end, Bradley punches his way through thug after thug to get his revenge, and the fighting is not at all the stylized choreography you'd get from most other action films. It just goes to show that in a grimy world like this one, violence is the only language that the protagonist speaks, and he wields it to lethal effect.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 earns four haymakers to the gut out of five.
Listening to: Road to Arcadia - Born to Kill. Here's an absolute slow-burn banger featuring footage from The Killer, which is one of the more influential movies from Hong Kong, and maestro of action John Woo.
@TopNotch @Laura Rainbow Dragon Poor doggos. I understand the need to promote your cause, but not in such a ham-fisted way.
The Ox is back in action!
This was after a heavy bout of the flu on Saturday night. I was tossing and turning while feeling nauseous and ill, and even snagged an extra blanket. I sweat it out that night, but wasn't feeling well enough for a Sunday workout, so I waited until today.
Today was W2D1 of my Push workouts.
Bench Press: 125 x 6, 127.5 x 5. I always welcome post-vacation gains! I will stick with 127.5 next week and see if I can get any increases.
Incline Press: 102.5 x 8. Was not expecting this! A pleasant surprise.
Overhead Press: 70 x 5.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20. 28 x 6 just for goofy fun.
Barbell Wrist Curls: 35 x 10.
Hot pot was absolutely yummy, but left my tummy rumbling, once more.
I'm doing very well with this new 2025 fitness kick. I've minimized my eating of treats, and am keeping very active. But it's mostly the lack of treats that's doing it. I want to see if I can get down to 76-77 kg, which I haven't done since before the pandemic. It's interesting that it took a bout of involuntary weight loss to get me going; it's like now that I have it, I don't want to lose it.
2025 awaits us, Bees.
Playing: Got in a bit more gaming these few days. Got my butt kicked in Sulfur several times, leading me to go on several tentative runs to replenish my reserves of pizza and chocolate mud cake (no I didn't make those up!). Played Hades 2 last night and beat Prometheus' ass schoolyard style again (he got me good with several special attacks, however). Still haven't resumed DA: V.
Watching: As I finished watching Brawl in Cell Block 99, which is a grindhouse-throwback thriller. Here's a trailer, and a review:
Summary: A sharp, violent and witty thriller with a healthy dose of retro.
Bradley is in a fix. Being a drug runner and mule has brought him real benefits, like a beautiful house, and a rekindled relationship with his now-pregnant wife. However, a drug run goes heavily awry, leaving him in prison, and at the mercy of the drug lord overseeing the deal. Now, Bradley must battle his way through prison with nothing but his fists, in order to save his wife and satisfy his debt.
This one is a gritty, down and dirty, and punchy (no pun intended) thriller that features the crackerjack, witty dialogue that S. Craig Zahler is known for. While the title references the climactic brawl in Cell Block 99, it's awhile before we get there, as the film takes its time examining the character of Bradley (an against-type Vince Vaughn), and how he makes his way through each shitty situation (only sometimes with violence). It's quite talky, and very quotable; one memorable line has Bradley tell some prison toughs to "get the f*ck out of my crazy way". The violence is (like I noted with Dragged Across Concrete) brutal and almost surreal. Towards the end, Bradley punches his way through thug after thug to get his revenge, and the fighting is not at all the stylized choreography you'd get from most other action films. It just goes to show that in a grimy world like this one, violence is the only language that the protagonist speaks, and he wields it to lethal effect.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 earns four haymakers to the gut out of five.
Listening to: Road to Arcadia - Born to Kill. Here's an absolute slow-burn banger featuring footage from The Killer, which is one of the more influential movies from Hong Kong, and maestro of action John Woo.