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General Chat => Off Topic => Topic started by: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM

Title: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
As of today, November 18th 2019 I am exactly 500 days away from turning 50 years old on April 1st 2021.

(https://i.imgur.com/wTh5MFh.jpg)

With this in mind I thought it was a good time to take stock and plan ahead for the big day. Of course it wouldn't be me to do something worthwhile or philanthropic so let's get into the minutiae of my exciting life.

I accept this is very self indulgent and you are of course more than welcome to ignore this thread. It would be fun though if anyone fancied joining me in this journey of self improvement and posted their progress also.

What are the challenges? Glad you asked...

Lose Weight : I bored people before about my yo-yo dieting but I need to be slim for my 50th portrait. The BMI calculator tells me that as a 5ft 10 inch male I should be 12 and a half stone or 175 lbs. I'm presently 16 stone or 224 lbs so that's 49 lbs to lose before 50. This is well within my abilities as I previously went from 17st 8lbs to 12st 10 lbs which was a 68lb loss and I did that in about a year. This target will be attained through diet and exercise and possibly an amputation or two.

Update Blogs regularly : get The W Movie Blog (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/)  to 350 (presently 261) and THE Definite Article Movie Blog (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/) to 250 (presently 135) : Who doesn't like reading ill informed and badly written blogs about films that start with a 'W' or with a 'The'? Most people, but never mind that. I have found myself spending a lot of time rewatching old sitcoms so this challenge will encourage me to watch crappy films instead. The targets demand 204 entries across both blogs. Can it be done? Well my planner and hard drive have enough films, so it's just the time it takes to watch and write them up that will be the issue.

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.75) for each letters publication event : Another self indulgent one (aren't they all?) but what the hell I like going into forensic detail on all matters Letters, and making poor puns about people's names. Demanded by none and read by fewer this is the one for the masochists only!

Average 12,500 steps a day : easy one to monitor on the Fitbit, this one will be hard to fudge and it's constant too. This will tie into challenge one - the more you walk the more weight you lose. Unless you are walking to the chippy. Working days will be tough but a few 30k hikes over the weekends will up the average.

Current total is 10,331 per day.

(https://i.imgur.com/dy1Hl3j.jpg)

Get 105 Letters Printed - I've been sat on 99 for too long. One every 83 days should be doable, especially as I plan to write in after every issue. My best year amounted to 14 printed, so this should be a shoo in.

Pass ACII : I restarted my insurance exams last year when the work introduced pay bumps for passing. I had left my efforts to gather dust for 25 years but managed to get the Diploma in a year after my past credits were allowed. I need 95 points to get the ACII and that needs 4 subjects or 11 papers. This timescale will be tight as our learning support people take a month to get the books out to you.

Get on TV Again : Everyone remembers my great appearances of 'First Class', 'Weakest Link', '15-1' and '!mpossible'. Now whenever I meet anyone after time apart they ask 'When are you going to be on TV again?'. Time to nail this ghost to the coffin. I will apply to a game show a month until I get on one.

Bag 50 Munros in total. Munros are Scottish mountains over 3000ft - about 1000m. There are 282 of them and I have climbed 39. This gets harder as I have done most in the Central belt and that means travelling further afield. My regular walking companion has also gone AWOL so I may have to cultivate new friends. 11 in 500 days should be doable - some folk mange that in a couple of outings!

So there you are - 8 steps to a full and wasted life! Anyone want to sign up to do something similar? I appreciate doing it privately has more dignity and leaves one open to less embarrassment and ridicule, but if you don't make it public it's too easy to let it drift.

I'll update once a month as close the the 1st as possible so that's only 17 scroll bys to go!

Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Frank on 18 November, 2019, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
Bag 50 Munros in total ... some folk mange that in a couple of outings!

I know you like your scran, but this isn't going to help your weightloss challenge.


Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Trooper McFad on 18 November, 2019, 01:40:10 PM
Good luck Buttonman👍🏻, I look forward to reading your updates. I too turn 50 in 2021 but don't have inclination to make a wish list I'll just keep wishing my list gets smaller before I pop ma clogs - so probably get very little done 🙄
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:19:42 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
As of today, November 18th 2019 I am exactly 500 days away from turning 50 years old on April 1st 2021.

Uh, so you were born on the 1st of April?  I'll resist making any comment ;)

I'll just nick (and modify) your goals for myself, unless I think of anything original.  I don't have any significant birthdays coming up in the near future, so I'll just do general goals.

Lose Weight : I think a good proportion of the readers of 2000AD nowadays have that challenge - the demographics mainly being people in middle age or fast approaching... 

The NHS tells me this (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/):
Healthy weight range for your height: 10st 4lb - 13st 13lb
Your health would really benefit from gradually losing just 5% of your current weight. The best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise.  Aim to lose 11lbs
Recommended daily calorie intake: 2051 - 2637 kcal.  To lose 1-2lbs a week stick to the lower end of the range.

Update Blogs regularly : as luck would have it, I also have a blog that I need to keep updating regularly.
prog slog hack (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/) and prog slog hack forum thread (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=42158)

Get a Letter Printed - I've not had anything published yet (I think I've sent in a total of about 10 letters and/or emails over the past 35 years) so if I send a letter a week perhaps the constant drip, drip, drip will force Tharg to print one just to shut me up?

My original one: Draw or write something at least once a week : doing a blog commenting on other people's creativity makes me want to spend some time creating things of my own.  Especially when I see the clumsy world-building and art from some early appearances - they might be world-class creators now, but they leant by doing - and in the case of some people all the learning was on public display (I won't mention names, other than what I've already done in my blog).
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:21:08 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:19:42 PM
My original one: Draw or write something at least once a week :

I'll actually be aiming at every day or two, but knowing that life gets in the way, once a week means that I won't be totally dispirited if I don't manage anything during the work week.  I'll just have to be more on the ball at the weekends.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:21:08 PM
Get a Letter Printed - I've not had anything published yet (I think I've sent in a total of about 10 letters and/or emails over the past 35 years) so if I send a letter a week perhaps the constant drip, drip, drip will force Tharg to print one just to shut me up?


What a wonderful dream Stick with me and we can make it happen.

Tip #1 Say Stuff is great
Tip#2 Draw a childish picture of a Dredd/Middenface mash up and dine out on it for 35 years.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 18 November, 2019, 10:21:11 PM
Ben Wyvis is an easy one.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 10:28:28 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 18 November, 2019, 10:21:11 PM
Ben Wyvis is an easy one.

This is my Munro map here - nothing north of Fort William. Good call there through looks findable and navigable which are the two main things I look for!

(https://i.imgur.com/h90NTSY.jpg)
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 19 November, 2019, 06:11:04 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 18 November, 2019, 10:21:11 PM
Ben Wyvis is an easy one.

Not if the newbies you're with decide to i) just go onto that next hill, ii) get off the hill by 'just going down there it will be quicker' totally against your recommendations and years of experience...


on the plus side there are a lot of dotterels up there.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 19 November, 2019, 06:15:49 PM
Good luck with the rest of it Butt'man, you could at least TRY and get a drawing in the Prog...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 19 November, 2019, 06:41:16 PM
Now, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich on the other hand...

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-IXmOzESbg/WW-onLCHWLI/AAAAAAAAOdc/YIxaXKcrY-E-PL1BepEzrYt81pwod6wmwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC04842.jpg)
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 19 November, 2019, 07:11:37 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 19 November, 2019, 06:41:16 PM
Now, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich on the other hand...

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-IXmOzESbg/WW-onLCHWLI/AAAAAAAAOdc/YIxaXKcrY-E-PL1BepEzrYt81pwod6wmwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC04842.jpg)

Ha ha - suicide was not on the list!

How many on your completed list Funt?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 19 November, 2019, 07:40:33 PM
I tend to have to hit about 18k steps per day if I want to lose weight while still eating and drinking relatively well.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 22 November, 2019, 09:46:56 PM
I've come up with a fifth one Read all the undread comics and graphic novels I've got lying around.  In my defence, I've moved house a few times in the last couple of decades, and some issues have got misplaced with all the moves.  I'd hate to read the next issue without having read the preceding one.  It's only this year that I've managed to get all my reading material in one place and been able to start organising it.  Along with runs which are partially read I have three boxes of comics to read through...  I've made a start with Sandman: Overture (https://amzn.to/33idUCs), which had had a few issues in one place, one somewhere else and the rest in a third place since it was completed... er... four years ago!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 22 November, 2019, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 22 November, 2019, 09:46:56 PM
I've come up with a fifth one Read all the undread comics and graphic novels I've got lying around.  In my defence, I've moved house a few times in the last couple of decades, and some issues have got misplaced with all the moves.  I'd hate to read the next issue without having read the preceding one.  It's only this year that I've managed to get all my reading material in one place and been able to start organising it.  Along with runs which are partially read I have three boxes of comics to read through...  I've made a start with Sandman: Overture (https://amzn.to/33idUCs), which had had a few issues in one place, one somewhere else and the rest in a third place since it was completed... er... four years ago!

Next up - take it Indie with Redfox and/or Saga of the Man-Elf (think Jerry Cornelius).
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 December, 2019, 10:30:14 AM
Just a brief update (hoo-ray) for the first 1st of the challenge.

Lose Weight : Was 15st 8lbs this morning. That's 6lb down, so a good start. To be honest a lot of the starting figure was bloat following a Lads' weekend in Newcastle. Christmas to navigate so 4lb off in the next month would be great.

Update Blogs regularly :  I'm sure everyone already knows this one! 4 new reviews on The W Movies Blog (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/) and  5 on The Definite Article Blog. (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/)

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread for each letters publication event : There have been no letters published in this cycle. Boooo!

Average 12,500 steps a day : Have reset the totalisator and it's down to 6972 average for the last two weeks. Very poor but I have been starving myself and the weather is crappy! Best was a 17,169 day, so I will try to at least beat that in December.

Get 105 Letters Printed : - I have written in for each Prog and the Meg published in the last month.

Pass ACII : Finished 70% of the written paper of 'Insurance Practice' and have the exam part booked for 17/12/2019

Get on TV Again : Had a look but nothing much happening. Long standing applications to the usual suspects.

Bag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer!

See you here in the New Year!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: TordelBack on 01 December, 2019, 11:26:29 AM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 December, 2019, 10:30:14 AM
Get on TV Again : Had a look but nothing much happening.

The Ofcom blacklist in action!  Ironically it was you yourself who showed the viewing public the power of nuisance letter-writing campaigns.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 16 December, 2019, 02:23:23 PM
Bump! ;)
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 17 December, 2019, 08:26:31 PM
We're on it Tom!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 18 December, 2019, 01:28:40 PM
'Get on TV Again : Had a look but nothing much happening''.

Police 5? Crimewatch? Breaking the news? They appear to take anyone  :lol:
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 January, 2020, 08:09:06 PM
Happy New Year to all followers of this glorious thread! Mum, I'll be by for my washing later.

1st of the month update.

Lose Weight : Parked for the holidays - I will be up but hopefully not to the starting point. Did over indulge somewhat but less so than usual.

Update Blogs regularly : There were, as I'm sure you are all aware, 6 additions to the W Movie Blog including the excellent Wake Wood (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2019/12/no266-wake-wood.html) and 8 to the Definite Article Blog including The Joker (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2019/12/no-146-joker.html) which wasn't a total cash in on a slightly better known film!

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread for each letters publication event : One letters page this month with  one fine Letterentertainyou (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1019770#msg1019770) released. 350 reads! And only most of them were me.

Average 12,500 steps a day : A bit down with 9254 but not bad for a busy month with crappy weather.

(https://i.imgur.com/UqmVInv.jpg)


Get 105 Letters Printed : - I have written in a couple of times so hopefully the birds in the air will bring home number 100. And 101...

Pass ACII : SUCCESS or Progress, at any rate. I didn't manage to get a pass at 'Claims Practice'. Got a Distinction instead! Go me! Now onto Advanced Claims - 3 subjects to go with 9 papers in total.

(https://i.imgur.com/FGgwkPl.jpg)


Get on TV Again : SUCCESS! And I wasn't even trying! The screen grab below is a snap from the opening of 'Quizmaster' on ITV1. They used my Grand Final 15-1 appearance to profile Alisa who was on the show and who managed to beat me by only a modest 50 odd points.

(https://i.imgur.com/kSncrNY.png)

Bag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer!

See you in the dark days of early February!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Fungus on 02 January, 2020, 02:50:34 PM
Just noticed this thread — laudable!

The weight one, yup. I'll treat this as a mini-spur to sort myself out too. Belly-wheels might be the height of fashion but I think that may be down to Ron Smith, he just makes everything look good  :) I'm adjusting myself to a new FitBit and it's now or never...

Anyway, one thing I do know is that if I don't set targets, things... drift. So seeing as it's Jan 2nd I'll have another go. Cheers! Main goals are comics (read/organise) and art stuff but you won't find details on a public forum  :-X

Insurance exams?! I've been studiously avoiding tax and contractual nonsense recently, this place used to be a sanctuary from the Real World. Shame!!!

Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 03 January, 2020, 06:12:41 PM
Well done Buttman, just what we need a more pedantic insurance clerk.... :lol:

Fungus, best thing to do is announce targets to the world... embarrassment is a great motivator
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 18 January, 2020, 01:40:39 PM
100 not out!
The Paisley boy hits the ton in prog 2165
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 18 January, 2020, 02:34:32 PM
We're all over that! : https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1021404#new (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1021404#new)
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 20 January, 2020, 11:47:55 PM
So for me it was a realisation that I could use the Fitbit for more than just steps and measuring my resting, wanking and shifting heart beat rate (all remarkably close).

I started putting my food into it and took up running and that all added up to help me lose a fair bit of weight. I never went on a diet as such, just portion control and cut back on what was obviously extra crap. A month off the booze helped kick start it all.

I now use Myfitnesspal for putting food in (it will synch with fitbit app) as it has a better database.

Good luck to all trying to make themselves healthier!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Fungus on 21 January, 2020, 12:43:22 AM
Good tips Tips.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 23 January, 2020, 05:37:08 PM
Yet to find that wanking rate setting. Thinking I could trouble the record!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 26 January, 2020, 11:41:13 AM
Just check your heart rate for times when you knew you were doing er... certain activities.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 26 January, 2020, 11:47:08 AM
In other news, now that I can play the Switch on the telly again, I've restarted the Fitness Boxing.

Needless to say my form is terrible but I do work up a sweat over a 25 minute daily exercise period. It's a nice addition for days when it is too cold and dark and wet to venture outside.

The other slightly stupid thing I do is clear a path through  the living room and pace up and down when way ning a film or tv show. I only do it when I'm on my own and when it is something I am watching for a second (or more) time but it's a great and easy way to kill two birds with one stone.

Another lb down this week. Looking back at my big weight loss of 2017, it took one month to lose the first stone, two months to lose the second stone and three months to lose the third.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 February, 2020, 06:54:20 PM
The first of the month! Back from a week in Tenerife, all inclusive including beer. Not a great help to the diet but I was relatively good. Held back from the sweets including the biggest jar of Nutella you'll ever see. Pump action!

Lose Weight : Parked until the year to go mark on April 1st so we can get a good run at it. Wife has me on this wheat free diet - no bread for a month or chocolate either. Weight seems static but I'm more hungry.

Update Blogs regularly : Went gangbusters on this one with 5 'W' films critiqued as well as as a mighty 18 Definite Articles. Pick of the films, if not the blogs was sexy Dutch nihilism fest   Wij (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/01/no275-wij.html) and The Witch (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/01/no159-witch.html) starring Finchy from 'The Office'.

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread for each letters publication event : All letters events have been recorded for posterity - a Special edition (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.90) saw a scrotnig 297 reads! Join the party!

Average 12,500 steps a day : Hovering just under 10k a day on average and that includes a 32,655 step day on January 8th. Will boost this once the days lengthen.

Get 105 Letters Printed : - Letter 100 saw print this month!

Pass ACII : Passed assignment 1 of 'Advanced Claims' - assignment 2 in for marking and assignment 3 underway. Hope to have this subject licked and onto the next this month. I work in claims so this was always going to be the easiest of the 3. Still hard though!

Get on TV Again : Mainly researching Tipping Point at the moment.

Bag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer!

Some progress, but not on all fronts. Learning that there are only so many hours in the day. The exams will see the focus for now and will hopefully be out of the way for the summer.

Happy diet sheets everyone!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Gary James on 01 February, 2020, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 February, 2020, 06:54:20 PM
Lose Weight : Parked until the year to go mark on April 1st so we can get a good run at it.
Is it merely a coincidence that your diet resumes on April Fools' Day? :D

Quote from: Buttonman on 01 February, 2020, 06:54:20 PM
Get on TV Again : Mainly researching Tipping Point at the moment.
Good luck.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 02 February, 2020, 08:49:37 AM
Quote from: Gary James on 01 February, 2020, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 February, 2020, 06:54:20 PM
Lose Weight : Parked until the year to go mark on April 1st so we can get a good run at it.
Is it merely a coincidence that your diet resumes on April Fools' Day? :D

It doesn't start on April 1st, but will be documented from then. As it's my birthday it's a good staging point!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 03 February, 2020, 06:27:29 PM
You go girl, we're right behind you... by about a mile  :lol:
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 12:01:45 AM
Another month goes by! Much poorer - thanks corona virus - but still kicking on despite the crappy weather. Last month's self indulgent progress towards the goals is as follows:

Lose Weight : Been on a no chocolate, bread or Haribo diet since Tenerife and have only shifted about 3lbs. The wife has this book with lots of advice about changing your metabolism. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work with me as I'm on beta blockers for my heart. Going to go back to the fasting mimicking diet this month which worked for me in the past. We are moving house on the 10th so takeaways will need to be avoided.

I also joined a gym! Yes Puregym in Paisley has been my second home this month with <checks app> 21 visits this month. I am not a fitness addict but I am a cheapskate. The annual membership cost me £228 so my plan is to get it down to £1 a visit for the year. Started out OK and got to a 28 minute treadmill 5k after a few visits. Just need to ramp that up without dying!

Update Blogs regularly : A poor month with only one upload to each to keep them ticking over - my reader was most upset. The 'W' blog saw only the terrible Wine Country (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/02/no277-wine-country.html)  . And the definite article enjoyed only the Netflix series The Spy (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/02/no166-spy-tv.html)

I did half watch the remake of 'Whisky Galore' and 'Wrong is Right' but haven't gotten round to finishing either.

This has been down to me going to the gym every day and focusing on my exams. Clearly multi tasking is beyond me.

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread for each letters publication event : No letters published in February. Several complaint letters have been sent (and not printed)

Average 12,500 steps a day : Showing at 9111 steps a day but that seems low - made 10k a day for nearly 2 weeks straight with the gym obviously helping. Will go more hikes once this bloody weather clears up.

Get 105 Letters Printed : - Several have been sent. Raffle tickets bought, so to speak.

Pass ACII : Passed  'Advanced Claims' - 2 assignments in a month! Good effort me - didn't knock it out the park marks wise but the win's the thing.

(https://i.imgur.com/PscU8E1.jpg)

I have now started' Strategic Claims Management' and have read the book. Writing up Assignment One starts today as the wife is away to Arbroath.

Get on TV Again : Still researching Tipping Point at the moment.

Bag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer but likely sherpas have been identified!

So a mixed month but some progress made. Main target is to get the exams done and then I can watch all the rubbish films I want whilst eating calorie free snacks.

Hope those that signed the pledge are sticking to it!

Let us know your failures - it's liberating!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Gary James on 01 March, 2020, 12:26:55 AM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 12:01:45 AMBeen on a no chocolate, bread or Haribo diet since Tenerife and have only shifted about 3lbs.
Cutting certain foods from your diet is no guarantee that you will see immediate results - don't focus too much on the specific amount of weight, and concentrate more on how you feel overall. It really isn't the foods themselves that can cause problems, but the garnish which is added without a second thought. Snipping back salt intake (which can be more difficult than it sounds) and getting rid of extra sugar in a diet is more important than depriving yourself of anything you like. And all that will accomplish is you getting a craving for what is on the banned list. Everything in moderation.  :)

Quote from: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 12:01:45 AMWe are moving house on the 10th so takeaways will need to be avoided.
Sultanas. You can laugh all you want, but if I didn't have a big 1lb bag of the damned things beside me at all times I would be munching on chocolate. All. Day. Long. Works out far cheaper in the long run as well, so it is worth buying a couple of bags a week. There are some, uh... side effects.

Quote from: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 12:01:45 AMI did half watch the remake of 'Whisky Galore' and 'Wrong is Right' but haven't gotten round to finishing either.
There's a remake of Wisky Galore?  :o ...why? Actually, I think I'm going to deliberately miss out on that as it'll merely provoke a few thousand words of ranting at the state of modern cinema.

Quote from: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 12:01:45 AMBag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer but likely sherpas have been identified!
Any Munro in particular taking your fancy?

If you see any of my workouts outlined, please - given that you have a heart condition - sail straight past them. Don't even read them. As soon as I mention that I'm going out for a run you should zip straight onto the next subject.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 March, 2020, 04:53:07 PM
Thanks for your notes Gary - all very interesting.

I've always seen diets as an exercise in denial but you make good points. Everything in moderation I guess.

The Whisky Galore remake starred Gregor Fisher and was as crappy as you anticipate.I can see it living on my planner for evermore, unwatched.

I know my limits with exercise - Munros are fine - lots of time for a breather. It's the high impact stuff I'm best avoiding. Currently getting my 5k treadmill time down to 25 mins - little and often!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 02 March, 2020, 10:08:53 PM
Good points. I find that merely measuring my food intake (using Myfitnesspal) is enough to change my behaviour for the better. It identifies just how much I get through on unnecessary snacks.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 April, 2020, 03:06:43 PM
Well that's that ruined! God laughs when men make plans. Bit of a holding pattern this month but that will change from now - well tomorrow! 1 year today until I hit the half century.

Lose Weight : Moved house last month and have yet to unpack the scales. I think I'll be static - lack of takeaways and Greggs offset by more wine and comfort eating. Gym shut and lack of steps not helping either. Will make changes from tomorrow!


Update Blogs regularly : Backburner. Concentrated on exams and the overtime. Have been watching old TV shows like 'Sports Night' and 'Britain's Got The Pop Factor'. I'm putting that down to comfort in a time of crisis rather than being lazy.

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread : Success! One letters page saw one review completed and wasn't it a cracker?

Average 12,500 steps a day : The lockdown has kept me at the 5-6000 range for much of the month. The average will suffer after cresting 10k for 13 days in a row.

Get 105 Letters Printed : - Sat at 101 - I imagine letters won't be a priority for a homeworking Tharg even when they should be for National morale!

Pass ACII : Submitted all 3 assignments for 'Strategic Claims Management' a month ago and results are awaited. Should be here by next entry. Already looking at 'Marketing Insurance Products and Services'.

Get on TV Again : Strangely no one is recruiting!

Bag 50 Munros in total : Had a farewell trip to the non Munro status 'The Cobbler' - didn't summit due to snow and laziness.!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 02 April, 2020, 04:33:48 PM
Any excuse...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 02 April, 2020, 05:46:59 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 02 April, 2020, 04:33:48 PM
Any excuse...

Failing on resolutions is one thing, but creating a global pandemic...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 04 April, 2020, 04:29:26 AM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 April, 2020, 03:06:43 PM
Bag 50 Munros in total : Had a farewell trip to the non Munro status 'The Cobbler' - didn't summit due to snow and laziness.!

I'm not saying anything, but there's this story: The climber who bagged all 282 Munros in one winter (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-52155378). Just, y'know...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 May, 2020, 07:02:40 PM
Bah! Did you ever start a pointless, self-indulgent thread and then have your weak plans of glory scuppered by a global pandemic? Me too.

Lose Weight : No chances Frances. Resolved to do a 6 month boot camp once I am freed from this bondage. And the lock down. No gym and the snacking, drinking and takeaways are off the scale. Managed to convince myself it's for the good of the nation, so that's good

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread : Done! Well there have been no letters since Prog 2172. I know Tharg is in lock down but has his letterbox been sealed shut too?!

Average 12,500 steps a day : Naw. Getting about 5k in. Only beat 10k once in a month. Do go for a walk most days but probably 3-4 miles at best. Used to walk to this pub in Kilmacolm which was 10 miles away - hardly worth the effort now!

Get 105 Letters Printed : - In a previous (possibly drunken) post I was claiming 101. Sadly it's only 100. I have written in a couple but, as has been recorded, Tharg ain't printing nuffin.

Pass ACII : Hurrah! Passed Strategic Claims Management :

(https://i.imgur.com/HhtxQ2L.jpg)

That sucker was budgeted for a year but I saw it off in a month. Good old lock down. Now on 'Marketing Insurance Products' for the prize. I've already completed the three assignments so hopefully this one will be crossed off next month.

Get on TV Again : Nothing happening although quite fancy this 'Beat the Chasers' show - £20k for 40 seconds looks a total gimmie!

Bag 50 Munros in total : No Munros within 1 mile of my house unfortunately.

Well a mixed and largely depressing bag. See you all on June 1st for hopefully the end of lock down, some meaningful progress and maybe even Buttonman ACII.

Stay safe!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 May, 2020, 02:08:09 PM
I kept up my training and completed a half marathon even though the proper event was cancelled.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 June, 2020, 12:44:16 AM
Another month goes by and another shameful post. Well it's not all bad and we can blame that pesky virus can't we?

Lose Weight : Does putting on weight count? Drinking most days and Takeaway Fridays' have meant that the battle is being lost. Fear not, drinking has been reduced to weekends only and the all day breakfast on Wednesdays is going to be muesli. OK, a bacon roll then,

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread : Done! This has been an easy one to maintain as there was only one Nerve Centre letters page in May and it produced this Lettersentertainyou offering. (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.105) A big hit too! 500 reads! People will literally read anything in a lock down! hello?

Average 12,500 steps a day : Did about 13k yesterday but for the most part I walk an hour a day which gives me about 6000 in total. Must walk to a takeaway that's further away!

Get 105 Letters Printed : - Sent in a couple but losing the muse as most are going straight into Tharg's trash bucket.

Pass ACII : Success! One to cross off the list.  I passed 'Marketing insurance Products' and got the last credits I needed for my ACII. I am at last a professional! Only took me about 31 years. I am presently awaiting the certificate which takes ten weeks as it's hand inscribed. Hoping for a full gown affair at the end of the year. That'll show them!

Update the Blogs : Sadly I discovered 'Rick & Morty' and Youtube videos of people opening bags (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv8Po8UR9OfhPhPCLjz1d8Q) of coins looking for rare ones. I did manage to log Watermelon (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/05/no278-watermelon.html) with the lovely Anna Friel and definite articles The Dirt (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-dirt-at-imdb-id-read-book-dirt-few.html) and The Martian (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/05/no172-martian.html). Will try to hit double figures next month so you all have more not to read.

Get on TV Again : Nothing happening - will fashion some applications. Most now look for a video clip so that'll be embarrassing.

Bag 50 Munros in total : Sadly off limits unless you need an eye test.

See you next month for more dismal results.

Buttonman ACII.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 01 June, 2020, 02:16:12 AM
Congratulations on your academic success, sir!  :)
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 June, 2020, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
I accept this is very self indulgent and you are of course more than welcome to ignore this thread. It would be fun though if anyone fancied joining me in this journey of self improvement and posted their progress also.

Quote from: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:19:42 PMLose Weight : The NHS tells me this (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/):
Quote from: NHSHealthy weight range for your height: 10st 4lb - 13st 13lbYour health would really benefit from gradually losing just 5% of your current weight. The best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise.  Aim to lose 11lbsRecommended daily calorie intake: 2051 - 2637 kcal.  To lose 1-2lbs a week stick to the lower end of the range.
I appear not to have noted my starting weight, which doesn't help.

QuoteUpdate Blogs regularly : as luck would have it, I also have a blog that I need to keep updating regularly.prog slog hack (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/) and prog slog hack forum thread (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=42158)
Yep, been doing that and keeping to a daily schedule.

QuoteGet a Letter Printed - I've not had anything published yet (I think I've sent in a total of about 10 letters and/or emails over the past 35 years) so if I send a letter a week perhaps the constant drip, drip, drip will force Tharg to print one just to shut me up?
No letters written, no letters published.

QuoteMy original one: Draw or write something at least once a week :
Not done brilliantly on this one, barely created anything if the back prog hack is excluded (which it is as it's its own target).

Quote from: sheridan on 22 November, 2019, 09:46:56 PMI've come up with a fifth one Read all the unread comics and graphic novels I've got lying around.
Really should get started on that one - no progress since Overture.  Had been reading new comics and old progs, but nothing in between.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 June, 2020, 05:44:16 PM
Cheers Funt!

A familiar tale Sheridan. I'm conscious that this lockdown could be looked back on as a missed opportunity by many and that's why I was keen to try something to focus my ambitions and be accountable to them.

I'm glad to have finished my exams a year ahead of schedule and I'll always look back on the qualification as one good thing that came out of the pandemic.

I keep trying to refocus so that I don't come out of the pandemic as a fat(ter) alcoholic with a bad haircut!

Good luck with your endeavours!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 June, 2020, 05:46:38 PM
Wow getting past those exams a year ahead of schedule is going some - well done.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 June, 2020, 06:20:26 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 June, 2020, 05:44:16 PM
Cheers Funt!

A familiar tale Sheridan. I'm conscious that this lockdown could be looked back on as a missed opportunity by many and that's why I was keen to try something to focus my ambitions and be accountable to them.

I'm glad to have finished my exams a year ahead of schedule and I'll always look back on the qualification as one good thing that came out of the pandemic.

I keep trying to refocus so that I don't come out of the pandemic as a fat(ter) alcoholic with a bad haircut!

Good luck with your endeavours!

Thanks - I've got 'unofficial' targets of sorting my way through a lifetime's collection of collections (I'm sure many reading this know what I mean) and I've managed to spend some of the time doing that.  This means I've unearthed pieces of artwork I've not seen for years, though also even more as-yes-unread things :-)

As others have said - seriously impressed by completing exams a year early!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 July, 2020, 12:02:46 AM
Another month flies by - hope all are well as we start to emerge from the shadows - stay where you are Leicester people!

Thanks for the kind words about me passing my exams - would have posted earlier but I'm conscious of bumping such a vanity thread!

This has been a quick month with success on some fronts. Others, not so much.

Lose Weight : Not doing well with the gym shut down. Curbed the wine until the weekends only but the Friday night takeaway is a killer + a peshwari nan. This will be the last week of gluttony as we are getting a kitchen fitted and takeaways are all we have! In mitigation I've not had chocolate or Haribo in months and I have lost the urge for snacking.

Update Blogs regularly : Did my usual 'focus too much on one thing' thing again with a total of 44 films watches and critiqued. 45 if you count the Will Ferrell Eurovision one that doesn't fit my criteria. The Definite Article blog saw the most with a whopping 25 entries. Best of the month was The Duellists (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/06/no182-duellists.html) which was Ridley Scott's first feature. The 'W' Blog saw 19 entries with the pick of the litter being Wind River (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/06/no288-wind-river.html) which was cold and brutal. Lovely!

Update the Lettersentertainyou thread for each letters publication event : No Nerve Centre or Dreddlines letters this month. For shame. Again!

Average 12,500 steps a day : Probably averaging about 6000 - spending too long inside watching movies that start with a 'W'.

Get 105 Letters Printed : - Sending fewer as all are going in the bin. C'mon Tharg unquarantine that inbox!

Pass ACII : Still awaiting the certificate but did get notified that I'd been awarded the CII Certificate for 'Excellence in Claims Practice'. Another certificate awaited along with £250. Actually I was jointly awarded it, but we won't talk about that.

Get on TV Again : All games shows are now reruns and no one is recruiting!

Bag 50 Munros in total : Parked until the Summer!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 01 July, 2020, 10:54:43 AM
Me and the long suffering Mrs Tips walk to and from work each day even though we are both working from home. It's just twenty minutes round the village but has helped keep our step count up.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 August, 2020, 12:04:09 AM
Another month whistles part -be old before I know it!

Lose Weight : Started this in earnest with some decent results to date. A 1500 calories a day diet has been instigated along with some extra exercise and this has seen a weight loss of a stone (14lb) in this month taking me from a hefty 16st 12lb to a hefty 15 st 12lb. I should be about 12.5 stone so plenty to go, but at least it's heading in the right direction. I'll need to lose about 6lb a month a month to hit the goal which is totally happening.

Update Blogs Regularly : A solid month with 18 'W' movies critiqued with Walk on Water (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/07/no310-walk-on-water-2004.html) the best of that bunch and 16 Definite Movies assessed with The Gift (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/07/no211-gift-2000.html) winning that blog's crown for July. The 'W' blog now has 315 entries and the Definitive 213 - both on target for their 350/250 goals.

Update the Lettersentertainyou Blog for each publication event : Completed - only one letters page appeared in July and this was fully reviewed  (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.105)- A mighty 650 reads which is more than the 34 movie blog entries, and rightly so.

Average 12,500 steps a day : Partial success. A big part of the diet strategy has been to exercise more so I haven't fallen below 10k since 11th July. 12,500 is 87,500 a week and I've managed that for each of the last 3 weeks. I had a big hike today and notched up 40,918 (18.76 Miles) along with two sore feet.

That's everything that merits an update. Hopefully Munro bagging returns in the next month as does TV game show recruitment. I will start writing to Tharg again for each issue. He may not print them but you have to give him something to work with.

Have a great August.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 August, 2020, 03:02:26 PM
I've not had any time off during lockdown so much of this is as it was last month.

Quote from: sheridan on 01 June, 2020, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 18 November, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
I accept this is very self indulgent and you are of course more than welcome to ignore this thread. It would be fun though if anyone fancied joining me in this journey of self improvement and posted their progress also.
Quote from: sheridan on 18 November, 2019, 08:19:42 PMLose Weight : The NHS tells me this (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/):
Quote from: NHSHealthy weight range for your height: 10st 4lb - 13st 13lbYour health would really benefit from gradually losing just 5% of your current weight. The best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise.  Aim to lose 11lbsRecommended daily calorie intake: 2051 - 2637 kcal.  To lose 1-2lbs a week stick to the lower end of the range.
Still haven't noted what my weight actually is, though due to going back to the office this past week I've spent roughly nine or ten hours actively travelling.  We also moved office this summer while everybody was at home and I'm on a much higher floor than I used to be.

QuoteUpdate Blogs regularly : as luck would have it, I also have a blog that I need to keep updating regularly.prog slog hack (https://sheridanwilde.wordpress.com/) and prog slog hack forum thread (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=42158)
Yep, been doing that and keeping to a daily schedule.


QuoteGet a Letter Printed - I've not had anything published yet (I think I've sent in a total of about 10 letters and/or emails over the past 35 years) so if I send a letter a week perhaps the constant drip, drip, drip will force Tharg to print one just to shut me up?
No letters written, no letters published.  Made a bit difficult as I've only been to the comic shop once since they re-opened (I used to go there once a week on my way home from work).


QuoteMy original one: Draw or write something at least once a week :
Wrote a little bit but not enough to be satisfying.


Quote from: sheridan on 22 November, 2019, 09:46:56 PMI've come up with a fifth one Read all the unread comics and graphic novels I've got lying around.

Just 2000AD for the prog slog and Starlord for the Starlordathon.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 September, 2020, 12:00:16 AM
Bang! There goes another month - who said time drags when you're having fun? Ah no one. Carry on.

This month's updates are as follows :

Lose Weight - Going OK, was 15 stone 8 lbs yesterday morning, which is 18 lbs off my 2020 high. Not too bad given we had a couple of nights away in Wigton which included this afternoon tea.

(https://i.imgur.com/s2hpBsu.jpg)

I didn't eat all the cakes but broke the back of them. Started a bit of running and was at the gym for the first time in six months too, after it reopened yesterday. Have cut the booze and takeways out, so confidence is high that progress will continue to be made. A pound a week is too slow however with only 30 weeks to go until the big day. 1.5 lbs a week will be sufficient, which is the equivalent of about 5000 calories a week or 750 a day. Looks like 1750 calories a day will be the average going forward. Of course a combination of diet and exercise will be the preferred, and planned for, option.

Depressingly when looking at past blog entries I'm the same weight I was in January. Well at least I can claim Lock Down didn't add anything. Momentum is now in the right direction. What? Greggs is open?

Update Blogs Regularly : Thankfully for all concerned this slowed down somewhat but kept ticking over. I saw and reviewed 11 Definite Article movies with the best being the 1974 version of The Gambler. (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/08/no218-gambler-1974.html) 'W' movies were less well represented with only 6 getting the once over with White Girl (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/08/no319-white-girl-2016.html) being the best of the lot.

Update the LETTERSENTERTAINYOU Thread : Only one letters page again this month but a full autopsy was provided  Right Here. (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.120)

Walk 12,500 Steps a Day : Keeping this one in the ball park with at least 10,000 steps completed every day since 11/07/2020. My Fitbit app says I'm averaging 14,387 a day and with the gym reopening yesterday this should be easier to maintain.
(https://i.imgur.com/45nFW71.jpg)

Get on Another Game Show : Have applied for Tipping Point!

(https://i.imgur.com/sju4sQ3.jpg)

Get 105 Letters printed : I fear this one is destined to fail mainly due to the lack of letters pages being published (nothing to do with the quality of the submissions, obvs). I sent 3 letters this month so I'm doing what I can.

Bag 50 Munros Scottish rules for bubbles and the like have prevented me and my regular hill walking buddy from getting this progressed. I did text him yesterday as some restrictions have eased so we can hopefully get back to the hills this month.

I hope everyone is surviving and doing well on their own quests for health and self improvement. Or at least irritating people with their own efforts, that's important too.

See you in October!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 October, 2020, 12:19:32 AM
Another month another dollar - really must ask about that pay rise. Can anything release me from this interminable quest and indeed this thread? Nah, a deal's a deal - unless the Reaper steps up and offs me or everyone else.

Quietish month, but with the holidays now over and sober October ahead we can all look forward to even fewer fun times!

LOSE WEIGHT : Holding steady at about 15.5 stone. Still 3 stone adrift and that means half a stone a month to be shed if the target is to be reached. Should be doable unless Christmas arrives and we get another lockdown. Oh dear. Been to the gym 13 times in September and managing up to 7k or so non-stop on the treadmill. Hopefully make the 10k (6.2 miles) this month.

Had a three night trip away to Durham and over indulged as you do. Back on the straight and narrow now, with those 36 bottles of wine on order just to fill the rack.

UPDATE BLOGS REGULARLY : Possible pass here if once a week is considered 'regularly'. Been enjoying the new 'The Boys' amongst others but needs must. Have see and reviewed  4 'W' films, with the best being White Boy Rick (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/09/no-322-white-boy-rick.html) and four 'Definite Article' films with the pick of a poor litter being The Outpost (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/09/no228-outpost-2020.html)

UPDATE THE LETTERSENTERTAINYOU THREAD : Success! I thought this was going to be a bumper month with a Letters Page dropping on September first. The review can be found here (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.120)

Alas that was our lot!

WALK 12,500 STEPS A DAY : Getting there! All time average is 11,469 with me not having done fewer than 10,000 on any day since 11th July. Got into a lunchtime / after work regime,  although I can nail it in an hour in the gym. Getting a bit fitter and the calorie burn is up but not seeing much in the way of weight loss despite flat lining the dietary intake. Something gotta give soon!

GET ON ANOTHER GAME SHOW : Not heard back from 'Tipping Point' yet.

GET 105 LETTERS PRINTED : Too few letters pages to make much of an impact here - there hasn't been a Dreddlines this year with the last being in Meg 404 - 404 error indeed. I have written a couple including my first ever typed out exclusively on my phone. Hopefully that won't see the light of day either!

BAG 50 MUNROS : Made plans with my hill walking pal but Nicola soon put paid to that with new restrictions.

Hope you all had a good month and I'd be interested to hear of your own lockdown challenges and your hits and misses! See you next month if we are all spared!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 22 October, 2020, 03:34:42 PM
Three weeks and no news, isn't it great! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 22 October, 2020, 07:24:06 PM
1st of the month Tom - keep up!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 28 October, 2020, 12:41:14 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 22 October, 2020, 07:24:06 PM
1st of the month Tom - keep up!

The excitement are soaring through the floor!
Will he? won't he? Will the free school meals over half term affect his poundage? Can he still fit into that schoolboys outfit? Will he be able to visit ever Munro's the Drycleaners in time?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 November, 2020, 10:41:06 AM
Oh God. This thing has been running longer than the pandemic and has cost nearly as many lives. Oh well, only <counts fingers> five to go after this one. As least it gives me some focus and hopefully helps anyone else trying to better themselves or at least irritate others.

LOSE WEIGHT : 4lbs off this month which is OK. Seems a bit low actually as I did 'Sober October' and went to the gym 12 times. Have got up to about 10k non-stop in under an hour on the treadmill so I'll say fat is being replaced by muscle. Looking a bit trimmer, if I say so myself, but still needing that belly wheel. Hoping for at least 4lb off this month which will take me into the promised land of being 'overweight'. Currently tipping the scales at 15 stone 3lbs.

UPDATE BLOGS REGULARLY :  Crappy weather and a lack of drinking has seen this one get ahead of schedule as my reader will testify. It was a bit of thin month quality wise with the best of the 9 'W' films being Will Hay's Where's That Fire? (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/no331-wheres-that-fire-1939.html)

There were richer pickings at the Definite Article Blog with
The Foreigner (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/no239-foreigner-2017.html) being the best of the 11 surveyed. Well, it tied with 'The Hustler' but Jackie Chan fighting the IRA was good fun!

UPDATE THE LETTERSENTERTAINYOU THREAD : Once again there was only one letters event which was covered in a post right HERE! (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1040707#msg1040707)

WALK 12,500 STEPS A DAY : Fitbit says I managed 11,621 a day on average which is good going in this current climate. One day I didn't leave the building and instead annoyed the neighbours by going up and down the stairs and running on the spot. That's nearly 5 miles worth! Not missed 10k on any day for over 100 days. Becoming something of a burden!

GET ON ANOTHER GAMESHOW : Still awaiting a call from Tipping Point.

GET 105 LETTERS PRINTED : No Dreddlines in over a year suggests this one won't be possible. To be fair my own contributions have dried up somewhat as the incentive of a me free letters page hasn't been happening. I'd guess Tharg's own systems are all over the place with the letters an afterthought at best. Shame!

Bag 50 Munros : Presently illegal to even try!

Well that will do us for this month. Hope all is well your worlds - please feel free to add in details of your own struggles!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 01 November, 2020, 09:48:34 PM
Fitbit was offering a 90 day free trial on premium recently.

Since returning from Spain I've upped the running (up to 13k), reduced the booze (mostly only Friday and Saturday) and started daily exercising with Team Body Project in YouTube. Seems to be working so far... but still a chunk of work to get me back to my April level.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 02 November, 2020, 09:32:55 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 01 November, 2020, 09:48:34 PM
Fitbit was offering a 90 day free trial on premium recently.

Since returning from Spain I've upped the running (up to 13k), reduced the booze (mostly only Friday and Saturday) and started daily exercising with Team Body Project in YouTube. Seems to be working so far... but still a chunk of work to get me back to my April level.

Yeah, I think 2020 scuppered everyone's plans. I was on a trajectory for an all time high, so I'm glad to at my pre-pandemic level. If It wasn't for that month of everyday boozing and takeaways I'd be home and hosed by now.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 03 November, 2020, 03:44:29 PM
It definitely scuppered it for me!!

(https://i.imgur.com/HhD8eYW.jpg)

Over 17 stone - now! My ideal weight is 13 stone. Thinking of getting wider door frames.

Getting back on it though - first sunny day in weeks, so straight on the bike for a cycle around Cardiff, and I'm just waiting for the sun to drop a bit so I can go out in the garden for some VR space racketball.

Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 03 November, 2020, 03:57:09 PM
I totally raxed my knee last year and am still recovering (after an op to trim back a torn meniscus), plus I'd started to get higher blood pressure readings, so I actually managed to lose a few pounds and go back from being overweight to being at the high end of normal (as the chart has it).

Unfortunately, this has involved eating less and exercising more. Surely there's some other way to achieve good health? Like drinking heavily, or something?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 November, 2020, 08:29:07 PM
I'm genuinely loving the Team Body Project workouts. Me and the wife get up and go at it for 15 or 30 minutes each morning*. Longer sessions on the weekend. Especially good now it's miserable and dark and we can't work around the block before work.

* oo-er!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 03 November, 2020, 10:03:32 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 03 November, 2020, 08:29:07 PM
I'm genuinely loving the Team Body Project workouts. Me and the wife get up and go at it for 15 or 30 minutes each morning*. Longer sessions on the weekend. Especially good now it's miserable and dark and we can't work around the block before work.

* oo-er!

:lol:

I know you Finbarr Saundered that one yourself, but dude! There's no way to read that paragraph politely. Candid photography, eh? Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 November, 2020, 03:16:49 PM
Butt'man, Tharg is crying out for letters in the Prog and the Megazine editorials... Shirley you could try a bit better?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 December, 2020, 09:16:27 AM
Another month goes by and we hit the first day of advent. Good time for weight loss schemes. ice to see some interaction last month - love the photos Shaolin Monkey - need one of those slave girl Leias though..

Let's see what happened this month (tl:dr : not much).

Lose Weight: Got to the hallowed land of 15 stone. Probably two pounds down on the month which isn't great given I was at the gym a dozen times and kept my steps up. At least I moved from 'obese' to 'overweight' on the BMI scale. Small victories and all that.

Part of my downfall was pillaging aquarterof.com and Portugal vineyards. Hard not to over indulge when there's naught all else to do. 4 months to got and still 2.5 stone left. Let's call it two and it's a goer. Obviously Christmas will be quieter so hopefully status quo for now and a really miserable January.

Update Blogs Regularly : Well semi-regularly - managed 5 'W' films and 4 'Definite articles. Pretty slim picking with The Stranger (TV) (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/11/no241-stranger-tv-2020.html) being top 'The' title and Whiplash (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/11/no338-whiplash-2014.html)  the best 'W'. No it's not a bondage film.

18 to go to see these done, so this will be crossed off sooner, rather than later.

Update the Letters Thread : No Letters at all this month. They are officially extinct in the Megazine and are akin to hen's teeth in the Prog. Poor show, although circumstances may be dictating this terrible situation.

Walk 12,000 steps a day : Not fallen below 10,000 any day for months and the rolling average is now 12,705. The gym has shut so I've had to start pounding the streets for my running days, which I can feel in my joints already. Do enjoy a good walk with a podcast - Clinton Baptiste is the current favourite.

Get on a Game show - Still awaiting Tipping Point and some Irish bloke got my Chaser job!

Have 105 Letters Published : No chance of this unless they publish an all me special which seems unlikely at best. Not writing in so much so that won't help. No letters being published at all creates a vicious circle of no letters!

Bag 50 Munros : No Munros in my post code unfortunately!

So there you go another month but not many to go. If progress was a word, I'd say 'sluggish'. See you in 2021 if we're spared!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 December, 2020, 10:08:57 AM
Don't forget if you are hitting the gym alot weight lose might not go down but you BMI might be improving as you are turning into a ripped adonis and muscle has weight?

I say this with absolutely no real knowledge but with a reassuring smile!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 December, 2020, 10:12:13 AM
Quote from: Buttonman on 01 December, 2020, 09:16:27 AM
Another month goes by and we hit the first day of advent. Good time for weight loss schemes. ice to see some interaction last month - love the photos Shaolin Monkey - need one of those slave girl Leias though..


Nah - the advent calendar needs a 2000AD connection.  What's the 2000AD version of slave girl Leia?  Durham Red?  Anderson sexily waking up having had a nightmare and walking around in a silky nightie?*


I wonder if silky nighties are Justice Department issue for Psi-Judges?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 December, 2020, 03:39:28 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 01 December, 2020, 10:08:57 AM
Don't forget if you are hitting the gym alot weight lose might not go down but you BMI might be improving as you are turning into a ripped adonis and muscle has weight?

I say this with absolutely no real knowledge but with a reassuring smile!

I mostly just run at the gym - try to do about 10k in an hour - I like the smooth surface and regular pace - and no hills (unless you want them) potholes or dog shit.

I would say I am slightly more toned and clothes are fitting better - muscle does weigh more than fat!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 December, 2020, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 December, 2020, 10:12:13 AM

Nah - the advent calendar needs a 2000AD connection.  What's the 2000AD version of slave girl Leia?  Durham Red?  Anderson sexily waking up having had a nightmare and walking around in a silky nightie?*


I wonder if silky nighties are Justice Department issue for Psi-Judges?

Anything by Ian Gibson and you can sign me up!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 06 December, 2020, 03:32:49 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 01 December, 2020, 10:12:13 AM
I wonder if silky nighties are Justice Department issue for Psi-Judges?


We never did get to see Judge Omar off-duty...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 January, 2021, 02:24:40 AM
Well here we are, finally in 2021. 2020 was like a bum wipe that never seemed to end, despite the mountain of toilet paper we filled out the garage with during several panic buying sprees. More importantly I hit 50 on April 1st , so there are only three further instalments of this thread to come! Oh and Happy New Year!

Just when it was starting to develop too, with people finally coming on board having gorged on everything X-Hamster has to offer.

No weight update this month as Christmas was always going to be a bust. I was actually OK and the family's agreement to do a secret Santa only meant that the chocolate haul was markedly down this year. Yay! I haven't checked but I suspect I've added a pound or two to the already behind schedule 15 stone. With three months to go, 13 should be achievable at a push. I will be the belle of the ball at my 50th party, in my man cave with just the wife to marvel at me getting back into the 32" waist jeans!

There was also nothing to report on the letters front although I understand that there was a double page spread in the Christmas issue. Alas, I've still to receive that one so we had a blank month on the LETTERSENTERTAINYOU publishing schedule. I also didn't write in at all as all my comics were at least a week late and the early bird catches all the published letter worms unfortunately.

Things did progress on the Movie blog front with The Definite Article Blog hitting the target 250 reviews 3 months early. 7 December entries took us over the line with Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/12/no247-gentlemen.html) being the surprise pick of the month. I plan to upset my reader by mothballing this blog as it was a lot easier than I thought. My TV planner, Amazon Prime and Netflix watch lists are all jammed up with 'The ...' films. If I was a better planner I'd do a themed month of animals or something but instead I'm going to watch stuff because I want to and not because of some self imposed challenge.

Over on the 'W' blog, five reviews saw us to 344 entries meaning that this should be cleared off by next month's update. Pick of a runtish litter was the Austrian entry for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars What We Wanted (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2020/12/no343-what-we-wanted-2020.html)

Which was pretty good but a bit depressing.

The steps average fell a bit to 11,938 but the gym is shut again and have you seen the weather? I have maintained a 10k minimum for each day for a further month and know the streets 2 miles in all directions like the back of my hand.

Nothing back from Tipping Point and there are still no Munros in my council area.

I am planning for a dry January (after celebrating the Rangers win on the 2nd) and will cut out all the rubbish as well as most bread and milk in my tea. A fun month awaits.

I hope you are all doing well?
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 February, 2021, 06:51:04 PM
Hurrah! Only two of these to go after this one. It's been good to have something to answer to and I'd recommend keeping a diary of your weight loss or similar ambitions, although maybe not a public one.

WEIGHT LOSS : I was 14st 12lb this morning which is two stone off the lockdown high. The 12.5 stone target seems a bit remote but if I can get to something starting with a '13' I'll take it. Haven't had a drink since January 2nd and have kept the exercise up. Going to stay at it for the next sixty days with the odd interruption allowed - Valentine dinner and the wife's birthday can't be ignored.

I haven't had any issue staying off the rubbish but the weight hasn't come off as it once did - possibly due to my heart meds and the slower metabolism they create - let's say that anyway.

STEPS : Average is now 11,729 steps a day which is pretty good seeing as it's the winter. Still not missed 10k steps since July yet and trying a bit of weights work for some toning - and power! Saw a rib the other day, but it may just have been a barbecue leftover.

UPDATE THE BLOGS : Completed it mate. The 'W' Blog reached its target of 350 entries with six January ruminations. The best of these was Who You Think I am (https://100wmovies.blogspot.com/2021/01/no348-who-you-think-i-am-2019.html) , a sexy French mystery drama with Juliette Binoche.

Over on the Definite Article Blog the 250 target was reached last month with The Ripper (https://thedefinitearticlemovies.blogspot.com/2020/12/no250-ripper-tv-2020.html) ending it's troubled life. Both these are now on hiatus and I'm enjoying watching new stuff because I want to. Look up 'The Same Sky' on More 4 - very good!

TV Appearance : Nothing back from Tipping Point. C'mon Ben, you know you want to.

MUNROS : Still in total lockdown - down the local speed bump a few times but it's not the same.

UPDATE THE LETTERS BLOG
: A frantic month with two, count 'em, two letters pages to digest  Here (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1049765#msg1049765) and
Here. (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44810.msg1051445#msg1051445)

Over a thousand reads for the Christmas edition and 600 already for the last Prog. If you write it they will come. Be unimpressed and then head off somewhere else.

To fill some of the void I've taken up Chess - no, I'm not bandwaggoning on 'The Queen's Gambit'. Well not much. Just always fancied it and the interface on Chess.com is really good. The base rating level is 100 and I'm at about 200 after 100 games. Let's say 500 for the birthday celebrations! Buttonman1969 if you want some easy points.

Anyway I hope my loyal reader is well and all your own plans and schemes are on target.

See you next month for the penultimate edition.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 02 February, 2021, 07:14:11 PM
Keep it up. Things are heading in the right direction. And importantly, it's a direction you chose.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 March, 2021, 12:06:07 AM
The penultimate episode arrives! Thank God say one and all.

Decent month with some progress but quite static on a lot of fronts.

WEIGHT LOSS : Weight this morning was 14st 6lbs which is 6lbs down in 4 weeks which is decent if unspectacular. Little and often is the way to go and the excuse of the gym being shut still holds weight - too much of it. The planned 12.5 stone won't happen without some amputations but 33lbs down overall from the starting point is worthwhile. I have gotten into some slim fit shirts that had been abandoned since before lock down so let's agree with the wife and say that fat has been replaced by heavier muscle.

It's the good lady's birthday on March 2nd so there will be a binge then but then a sober 4 weeks until the bell tolls on this endeavour.  Current target is 13st 13lbs which will be achieved with a half stone month.

STEPS : Averaging just under 11,000 which is OK and never fewer than 10k a day. A couple of snow filled days made this a proper challenge but we managed. Probably won't see the 12,500 average goal but I will try and get some hikes in this month, within my council area of course.

UPDATE THE LETTERSENTERTAINYOU THREAD : No letters pages this month so this one was achieved with no effort at all.

TV APPEARANCE : Nothing from Tipping Point.

MUNROS : Not allowed.

MOVIE BLOGS : Completed.

ACII : Completed.

WRITING TO THARG : The dearth of Dreddlines and Nerve Centres have wilted my muse somewhat but I did send one in today. Hoping for a 50th birthday hurrah.

STRETCH GOAL : Get a 500+ RATING ON CHESS.COM. : Presently at 326. Low has been 100 with a high of 384. Was doing well until I read a strategy book and forgot the basics. Currently have a  132W/124L/26D record which I'm quite happy with, not least because my crappy new mesh router cost me 3 of the defeats

STRETCH GOAL : Read this Charlton Heston book I bought in the Wigton bookshop earlier this year.

(https://i.imgur.com/3xhooaU.jpg)

Have pretty much stopped reading due to chess and Cobra Kai so let's get this tome of diary entries done in a month .

OK, see you next month when we can conclude this matter and never speak of it again!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Tiplodocus on 01 March, 2021, 10:16:45 AM
That's fantastic progress.

I'm not fixating too much on steps at the moment (though I do have the occasional w@$k thinking about H) but to help me get to my daily total, I will pace up and down while watching a TV show. Subtitles on helps.

Mrs Tips and I also do TEAM BODY PROJECT workouts (youtube) three or four times a week which help us repack our Fitbit exercise goals. I can send you a link for a great starter one.

And I am currently doing dry JABuary- no booze until I get my first dose (of the vaccine). Amazing the difference that a dry month or so makes. It's not just the booze it's the attendant snacking on crisps and hummous.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Buttonman on 01 April, 2021, 12:04:35 AM
Well, here we are. 500 days since that innocent youth posted his list of rash challenges. The world has changed a lot in the interim and although it has been a terrible time at least it has afforded us plenty of excuses for staying fat and drinking too much. It has also allowed some the more sedentary pursuits to be exploited and that's where any successes I've managed have come from. Let's take a look at the list of challenges and see where we got to.

LOSE WEIGHT : Static for the last month so still about 14.5 stone or 203lbs. This one has to go down as a fail albeit one with plenty of caveats. At the height of the first lockdown I hit 16 stone 8lbs, so I'm two stone down from that but still two stone overweight. I have kept up the running and walking and moderated the drinking and takeaways so the trajectory is downwards. The closing of the gyms didn't help with mine still a month away from potentially opening. Rangers winning the Scottish League didn't help either as a few bottles were opened to celebrate and I got this Just Eat code. I'll keep on it and will reactivate this thread (God no!) when I hit the magic number.

UPDATE MY MOVIE BLOGS REGULARLY : Success! Both the 'W' Movie blog and the Definite Article blogs were bothered consistently with the 350 and 250 posts marks being hit respectively. I quite enjoyed the self enforced demand of watching films I'd normally miss but I think both have hit a natural end point for now.

UPDATE THE LETTERSENTERTAINYOU THREAD FOR EACH PUBLICATION EVENT : Success! This was quite easy due to the dearth of Nerve Centres and Dreddline over the last year. We haven't seen a Dreddlines for well over a year and the Prog sees letters only every 6 weeks or so. I have however logged every effort and offered some constructive criticism to each These seem relatively popular (compared to this thread at least!) with each registering around 1000 views. I will keep this up for the foreseeable future.


AVERAGE 12,5000 STEPS A DAY : Partial fail. Well OK, fail then. My average on Fitbit is given as 10,638. 1000 steps takes about ten minutes so my total represents 100 minutes of walking/running a day - every day! Not always easy as the weather has been poor and I don't have a dog. Kept myself at 10k minimum steps a day and I like the motivation to taking an hour's walk at lunchtime every day.

GET 105 LETTERS PRINTED : Managed to get two taking me to 101. That may sound feeble but only 42 letters were printed in 2020 with no Dreddlines printed at all. Talk about a deck stacked against you! My hits were in Prog 2165 (Letter of the Week) and this week's issue (2225) which was kind of Tharg as it was basically a begging letter about getting some birthday greetings.

PASS ACII : Managed this in double quick time and won an award for 'Claims Practice' to boot. With distractions this would have taken 3 years but lockdown saw it off in 9 months.

GET ON TV AGAIN : Apart from an archive shot of me on an ITV montage this has to be a fail but with the caveat that almost no one was recruiting. I filled in a couple of applications but didn't even get a reply. Thanks Ben Shepherd!

BAG 50 MUNROS : Managed one, Schiehallion, before they were all locked up for the rest of the year. Will get back to this when I'm free to do so.

STRETCH GOAL : GET A 500 RATING ON CHESS.COM :  Fail! Presently at 354 having gotten to a high of 405. Still enjoying it and I have a winning records of 206 W 198L 43D. Hard to get out of my bracket with wins and losses almost balancing each other out. I have read books and watched videos, most of which has just set me back. Look up Buttonman1969 if you want some cheap pieces.

STRETCH GOAL : Read Charlton Heston's 'An Actor's Life'. Finished it. 480 odd dense pages but enjoyable stuff in 10-15 page nuggets. Interesting insights into the film making process and he is wonderfully indiscrete about the failings he sees in other actors. Reading this I realised that the Dredd ape character 'Harry Heston' was a nod to Chuck. Duh!

Well that's that done. 50 now so pipe and slippers for me. Thanks for all the words of encouragement and good luck to all who are trying to improve themselves in these difficult times. Take care!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Funt Solo on 01 April, 2021, 03:50:43 AM
Happy Birthday, young fellow!

Quote from: Buttonman on 01 April, 2021, 12:04:35 AM
...only 42 letters were printed in 2020...

Wait - how would you even know that? Unless...no. Nobody would do that. It's inconceivable.
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Trooper McFad on 01 April, 2021, 07:31:24 AM
Happy Birthday and welcome to the club.
Well done on all fronts that were allowed. I took inspiration from your challenge (weight loss) but like you I got stuck halfway to my goal 😖. I too will push on and with lockdown easing my walking footy should start soon and help on the extra exercise.

Keep up the good work and hopefully some of your other goals will be achieved 👍🏻
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 April, 2021, 08:20:29 AM
Well done on reaching 50, mine approaches and my targets are to pester this board with 797234 more Topics which are just me screaming VOTE FOR THINGS ITS FUN. So its clear your endeavours are far more valid and significent.

If I may be so bold as to venture a view on your greatest success - and that is of course for you to decide - but for me it seems that you are motivated to carry on with the things you 'failed' and that sir is to your credit.

Of course this place isn't about being nice and supportive and more piling in to support your self depricating humour so I will leave with a witty and caustic remark of your choice as I'm too tired old and lazy to come up with one myself!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 April, 2021, 01:04:33 PM
Well done for the things you succeeded with and even more well done for continuing to do the things which you don't consider yourself to have succeeded with!
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: sheridan on 01 April, 2021, 01:05:50 PM
p.s. as this thread will be on haitus I might transfer my goals to a new thread...
Title: Re: 500 Days of Slimmer - and Some Other Crap Too...
Post by: Proudhuff on 28 April, 2021, 12:17:35 PM
Well done on reaching 500 and 50! Don't really count as fails, you tried that's what matters  ;)