At the break of dawn

[NancyTree]

@manuela thank you! I think this will be the last time, next time I'll hire a professional.
@CODawn thanks!

Thursday May 4th
It was remembrance day today, so I watched Schindler's List tonight. It became really late, 1 am, so didn't do my workout but went straight to bed.
 Hike 2.56 km
 Home painting

Steps today: 7255

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (4/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (4/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (1/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (2/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (1/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (1/5)
Getting 2 chores done (1/2)

Exercise streak: 404 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 33 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 20 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 174 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

Pictures

Another photobomb XD, but nature is so gorgeous right now!

Wednesday's hike:








Thursday's hike:

 

[JCU]

 

[Tileenah]

Wow... Thanks again for the amazing pictures

 

[NancyTree]

@JCU thanks
@Tileenah thanks and yw!

Pictures continued

I have a few extra from Thursday I forgot to post

 

[NancyTree]

Friday May 5th
Today was Liberation Day, so no work day. The day started beautiful, with sun and 20°C. I went out for a beautiful hike with a lot of altitude (for Dutch standards). The moment I was back in my car it started to rain Hard, which gave me the excuse to not continue with my paint job directly, but take a nap instead. Pico joined me it was a great nap. After that I finished painting my window frame. It is still drying, but tomorrow morning I can finish it up completely and I will finally be able to take a shower at home. Which I need after today's hike .
 Hike 14.76 km, 465 m elev
 Abs 2 min abs, with 2x2 kg ankle weights and additional 5.5 kg dumbbell on the sitting twists
 Home painting

Steps today: 21684

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (5/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (5/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (2/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (3/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (1/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (2/5)
Getting 2 chores done (1/2)

Exercise streak: 405 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 34 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 21 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 175 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

 Stats

Elevation graph of my hike from Strava



Pictures

 

[Nihopaloa]

I'll shut up with my usual jokes about Dutch elevations (I think I made too many of those already in your old thread) and just say... awwww, squirrel!
I love your photos. Always a treat.

 

[JCU]

You are such an amazing photographer! Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[Tileenah]

Congrats on finishing that painting job!
Seems like a beautiful hike, your pictures are as gorgeous as always! Thanks again for all the beauty!

 

[Fremen]

Beautiful photos, thanks

 

[TopNotch]

Splendid pics!

 

[CODawn]

 

[SlothEnergy]

wow, that forest looks beautiful!

 

[manuela]

Love your pics!

 

[NancyTree]

@Nihopaloa thanks! hihi I can handle the jokes
@JCU @Tileenah @Fremen @TopNotch @CODawn @TortoiseVibe @manuela

Saturday May 6th
Made an early hike at 7 am because I was going to Germany for a photography hut. It was really misty, and I spotted some roedeer and red deer. In the hut I got at nighttime a raccoon and beecht/stone marten, and Sunday morning a few nice birds.
 Hike 4.99 km
 Challenge wall sit, day 27, 3.40min with a 3 kg dumbbell

Steps today: 8982

Sunday May 7th
 Hike 1.93 km
Lower body
- 4x20 squats with 5.5 kg dumbbell
- 4x20 lunges with 2x3 kg dumbbells
- 3x25 bridges with medium thick resistance band
- 3x25 calf raises
- 3x40 lying side leg raises with medium thick resistance band
 Challenge wall sit, day 28, 20 sec with a 3 kg dumbbell

Steps today: 7292

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (7/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (2/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (2/2)
5.000 steps a day (5/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (3/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (3/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (1/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (3/5)
Getting 2 chores done (3/2)

Exercise streak: 407 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 36 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 23 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 177 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

Pictures

Saturday's morning hike

Remember the beautiful sky pics a a field the other day? It was so misty, nothing visible of the field..















Photo hut by night:








Photohut by day:

 

[Nihopaloa]

I like the misty photos. They have a wonderfully eerie atmosphere. The frog's great, too, and I wonder what kind of bird the second to last is. Those are beautiful photos, once again. I wish I had your skill with the camera, but then again, I never bothered to learn using it the right way. I like looking at other's amazing shots much more

 

[JCU]

Thank you so much for honoring us with your talent. All of these pictures bring me joy every single time.

 

[Fitato]

Your photos are stunning. They belong in an animal magazine! I feel like I should be having to pay to view them, or at least have to suffer through some ads first lol.

 

[CODawn]

I always enjoy your pictures!

 

[Tileenah]

Thank you for treating us every single time with beautiful pictures! They bring wonder and happiness to my heart and eyes! You must have such patience to wait for all those animals to show themselves! I'm in awe!

 

[Fremen]

Thank you for the photos

 

[aku-chan]

Raccoons! Great pics once again.

 

[TopNotch]

Nice pics. I get to see animals we don't have here.

 

[Anek]

Misty or not, you took amazing pictures!!

 

[NancyTree]

@Nihopaloa thank you! The second to last picture is the Long Tailed Tit.
@JCU thanks
@Fitato thank you, you makeme blush.. at least you have to scroll through my fitness log before you get to the pictures
@CODawn
@Tileenah yes it involves a lot of patience I don't have it's my sister in law that made me stay and wait (read: softly chat away and in the night fall asleep until she alerted me thag an animal was showing itself), so you owe her
Sfremen @aku-chan @TopNotch @Anek thank you

Monday May 8th
 Hike 5,57 km
 Abs Six Pack, with 2x2 kg ankle weights and additional 5.5 kg dumbbell on the sitting twists
 Challenge wall sit, day 29, 3.50 min with 3 kg dumbbell

Steps today: 11481

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (1/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (0/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (1/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (0/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (0/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (0/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (0/5)
Getting 2 chores done (0/2)

Exercise streak: 408 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 37 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 24 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 178 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 1

 

[Lady Celerity]

Such beautiful pictures. I feel like I am there. Thank you for sharing.

 

[NancyTree]

@Lady Celerity thank you

Tuesday May 9th
Today, when I left work, I wanted to go for a hike. So I opened the back of my car, put on my hiking shoes and shut the door. At the same moment I realised that was a mistake. I tried to open the door again, but no luck. My keys were stuck inside my car, and I was locked out. Luckily a neighbor has a key, and he was home and willing to bring me my spare keys.
 Hike 3.64 km

Steps today: 8485

Wednesday May 10th
I have done big cleaning today. Did some maintenance at my aquarium, dicided I had to buy a new pump. Cleaned everything in my bathroom, because dust is everywhere after my painting job. I vacuumed my bedroom and dusted off every little corner. It all cost me so much time, but it feels like it was nothing.. There's so much left to do! Shreds are still everywhere to be found.
On a more personal note. I don't feel well mentally.. And that became clear again when I was washing my raincoat, because they tell you that you should do that often (so after using it for a year I thought it would be a good idea). But I didn't read the instructions well enough, so I spin dried it too hard. And when I found out, I hated myself. For being an idiot that can't even read instructions. For destroying my good, expensive and comfortable raincoat. But when checking in with myself, what I was actually feeling, I discovered that it might be a reaction to cope with anxiety. I feel really insecure and anxious. I want to be able to do things right, and not mess up all the time.. I hope my coat is just fine..
 Hike 8.48 km
 Cleaning all morning

Steps today: 16187

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (3/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (0/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (2/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (0/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (0/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (0/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (0/5)
Getting 2 chores done (4/2)

Exercise streak: 410 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 39 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 26 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 180 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 3

 

[Nihopaloa]

I'd really like to tell you something reassuring and comforting, because I feel for you reading that spoiler. But on the other side, I'm tired right now and don't feel up to it. I just wanted to let you know that I've read what you wrote and that I wish I would have something more to offer. Maybe tomorrow.
I'm sorry that you feel this way, but I'm also sure there are a lot of things you do and did right. Immediately, providing us with such immensely enjoyable and wonderful photographs comes to mind. It might not be much right now, but I hope it's a start.

 

[JCU]

 

[NancyTree]

@Nihopaloa thank you for your kind words. I'm just glad I could get it off my chest. Demons aren't so big anymore when you name them.
@JCU

 

[Tileenah]

I don't have words of wisdom here. From my small window, you seem like someone to look up to : you workout everyday, have a job, learn languages, take care of your family when they need you, and still do chores and stuff. And you treat us with amazing pictures on every hike you go on. You also support lots of people here and cheer for them. And that's only the tiny bit I can see from the forum.
I know it's easier to have a good perception of someone from the outside than to actually feel it in the inside, but some positive feedback never hurts. Sending you love and hugs !

 

[Froud]

Anxiety is difficult to deal with, and it makes us acting odd.
Do not be too hard on you.
Would any external help be useful?

 

[Fremen]

For being an idiot that can't even read instructions.

You are not an idiot and the scientific proof is that I am talking to you
Seriously, the way we live constantly pushes us to the edge and we don't even notice it and there comes an unexpected moment when you break down and you don't even know why.
There is no real trigger, the accumulation of little things simply overwhelms you.
Actually the fact that you realize it gives you the chance to do something that makes you feel better

 

[TopNotch]

Washing instructions are just there to stress us out.
"Mess up all the time"?? You don't mess up all the time! Just look at the beautiful photos you've taken. I don't really know yoou or what you do, but anyone who can take pictures like that certainly has something going for her.
Shitty days happen.
And I totally suck at giving comfort so here, have a:

 

[Anek]

And wishing you a better day tomorrow

 

[Lady Celerity]

For what it's worth, I think you are amazing.

 

[manuela]

Am I too late to join the choir of people saying you're not a mess, but a nice human being trying her best (repairing a window? working out? studying language?), who in the meantime gives me so much solace with your amazing pictures? I wish you many, many better days

 

[NancyTree]

@Tileenah thank you for your kind words it definitely doesn't hurt
@Froud thanks, it might, but I hope to get the edges off during my vacation.
@Fremen thank you and your word is scientific true enough for me
@TopNotch you don't suck because your words truly comforted me, thank you!
@Anek thanks! It was!
@Lady Celerity thank you! It means a lot!
@manuela thank you, you're not too late, thanks for adding your voice

Thank you all for being an amazing support! I didn't find time to react sooner, but I read your kind and warm words and I felt a bit stronger because of it.

I think washing my raincoat was the last thing on the pile of stress... I think not reading the instructions well (or forgetting steps that I've read) was also a result of my stressed out mind. But: today begins my holiday! And I finished some stuff at work which is a huge relief (even though I had to work until 7pm to get it done).
And the icing on the cake was that today I got roses at work as a thank you for my work. That was also a huge heart lifting gesture.

Thursday May 11th
Super tired.
 Walk not sure how far, it was around 20 min. Pico went with me.
 Challenge wall sit, day 30, 4 minutes with 3 kg dumbbell

Steps today: 5667

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (4/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (0/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (4/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (0/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (0/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (0/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (0/5)
Getting 2 chores done (4/2)

Exercise streak: 411 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 40 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 27 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 181 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

 

[Tileenah]

Congrats on wall sit challenge ! 4 minutes with weights
As Darth Vador once said, "impressive, most impressive"
And yay to holiday !!!!

 

[Nihopaloa]

Ha, see? People in real life seem to think you don't mess up all the time, too! I'm happy that you were on the receiving end of such a nice gesture
And congrats on the wall-sit challenge, that's a very impressive one even without a dumbbell. Well done!
Enjoy your holiday, rest and regroup, you've earnt it

 

[JCU]

Congrats on the challenge!

 

[NancyTree]

@Tileenah thank you! I had the choice between adding weight or continuing to 5 min. I skipped too often, my plan was to do it this week with 5.5 kg but that plan doesn't fit, only have 1 day left.
@Nihopaloa thanks! (x2)
@JCU

Friday May 12th
Vacation! Pico came fetch me at the parking lot, it melts my heart every time she does that . It wonders me how much she loves me, unconditionally. Last Wednesday (after all emotions) I didn't notice I accidentally locked her up. At 2.45 am I heard her scratching, I thought she had a mouse or something, but it didn't stop. Poor kitty, she was ecstatic when I freed her.
I tested my raincoat with dripping water on it, and it looks like the drops are just rolling off like it's supposed to be. So there's a chance it's not broken or messed up.
 Hike 2.56 km
Lower body
- 4x25 squats with 5.5 kg dumbbell
- 3x30 lunges with 2x3 kg dumbbells
- 3x30 bridges with medium thick resistance band
- 3x30 calf raises
- 3x50 lying side leg raises with medium thick resistance band
 Challenge wall sit, day 24, 20 sec with a 5.5 kg dumbbell

Steps today: 6931

Goals progress
Sport
Exercise 7 days (5/7)
Leg workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
Ab workouts at least twice a week (1/2)
5.000 steps a day (5/7)

Self care
Healthy dinner 5 times a week (0/5).
Reasonable snacks 5 times a week (0/5)
Going to bed in time 5 times a week (0/5)
Doing something to wind down 5 times a week (0/5)
Getting 2 chores done (5/2)

Exercise streak: 412 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 41 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 28 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 182 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

 

[Fremen]

Congrats on wall sit challenge

 

[Montserrat]

Four minutes wall sit sounds tough, even without the dumbbells! Well done!

 

[manuela]

Happy holiday!

 

[PetiteSheWolf]

Grins for Pico getting stuck, recently Mademoiselle Luna got stuck in my wardrobe / dresser, good thing I wondered why I didn't see her, LOL! Those stealthy, supple kitties...

 

[TopNotch]

Congrats on challenge!

 

[NancyTree]

@Fremen @manuela @TopNotch @Montserrat thanks!
@PetiteSheWolf Oh poor Luna, was she happy to be freed? that also happened to Pico once the sneaky little things.

Saturday May 13th
Today was cleaning and reorganising day. I had a break with groceryshopping and having lunch with my mom (with lemon 'slof', I can't find an English word for it, it seems to be typical Dutch. )
I planned to do my wall sit, but it was around midnight when I was done and the only thing I wanted was going to sleep. I decided the cleaning (with walking the stairs a lot) and gardening enough exercise to skip it, and I made 8000 steps in/around the house so my daily walk was skipped (forgotten) too.
 Cleaning practically all day
 Gardening an hour

Steps today: 8135

Goals progress
Because of my vacation a reduced goal list.

Exercise 7 days (6/7)
5.000 steps a day (6/7)

Exercise streak: 413 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 42 days (186)
Daily walk streak: 0 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 183 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 0

 

[Tileenah]

That lemon slof looks soooo yummy!!!

 

[NancyTree]

@Tileenah it is!

Sunday May 14th
After a very short night, I woke up at 5 am to get on the road. I was so exhaused when I arrived, I couldn't process anything, I didn't understand the directions of the hotel staff to my room and couldn't express myself in any language (German or English, I was just stuck). After a nap I felt better.
 Hike 8.93 km. 330m elev. Beautiful hike, lovely weather.

Steps today: 14.813

Goals progress
Exercise 7 days (7/7)
5.000 steps a day (7/7)

Exercise streak: 414 days (1st day Mar 26 2022)
Step streak: 43 days (186)
Daily walk streak1 days (141)
Duolingo (hard) streak: 184 days (1st day Nov 12 2022)
Meditation streak: 1

Pictures

 

[Tileenah]

Those pictures...