Can't wait for Friday

I found out tonight that the IASA (Information Assurance Student Association) is having their kick off meeting Friday. At 5. Time sucks, but meh.

I'm actually thinking of tossing my id in the bit-bucket for an officer position. Don't know which one yet. I'm sure that'll fly like the NX37602. There are some things I think we could do better as students. Yeah it means more work for us, but in the long run, it makes us better students. No it's not hacking each other. Although some Saturday CTF in L6 would't be too bad. If allowed.

I also got to do some reading on T.A.I.L.S. tonight. I figured I could't be the only one that was having problems with capture portals (have to log in to use wireless). Looks like I was right. And I have something to test on Friday now.

Also, new version of T.A.I.L.S came out tonight. Version 0.13.0.

physical update

weight 249.2lbs tonight. 24% body fat. vO2 max = 32 (went down). Tested tonight with my Heart Rate Monitor

Pulled or something calf. Did it about a month ago, running aggravates it, but only some times. 2 out of 5 runs, I've had to stop running because of the pain. The first time I could barely walk. This time I could walk but couldn't run.

I got a Fitbook. The little things looks really neat. It's a 12 week exercise and food log. I've been looking for templates for both, and this looks like what I've been looking for wrapped into one book.

The problem, with this calf, I don't know if I'm going to be able to do the cardio parts I had planned. You know, couch to 5k (yes I'm still working on that, starting over again this week), and Fighter Workout for Fat Loss Cardio. I know with the calf like this I can do push-up, kettlebell swings, and other related exercises, but can't get the cardio going because it gives out. Hoping the jumping of rope is possible.

Anyway, the next 4 weeks are planed as:
100 push-up challenge (I never seem to finish anything)
Fighter Workout for Fat Loss (Kettlebell program by Josh Hillis, great guy, and a 24 week program)
couch to 5k, if my body will let me.

Mix in some wing chung (yeah, another new martial art for me) and Tang Soo Do.

Food goal, is to move back to a more vegetarian like diet, and brown bag my lunches. (but the cafeteria is so good at work).

Read Rework

Listening to the Exotic Liability the other week, a book was mentioned. Book called Rework. One of the casters (I know who, but not going to name drop here) said he requires his staff to read the book. Since I look up to the guy, hey we all have our info-sec heroes and he's one of mine, I got the book.

It's a business book written by the guys at 37Signals. It was actually a very fast read, and I was familiar with the concepts already. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but I agreed with the majority of it.

It contains concepts of why hiring Rockstars just to hire them is a bad idea. Why meetings suck the life out of your team. Don't chase the large customer, do what you think is right. Run it like you want to be the best you can be. The biggest thing I like in it was the Decisions and Quick Wins.

I have project coming up. I've been thinking that it's going to be a pain, and felt overwhelmed a few times. I'm going to set up the new web site for the Martial Arts School I teach at. Updating it to run on Drupal and the like. The book showed me I can do sections of it at a time, and go from there. Thinking up a finished product and pushing to that keeps you from being agile enough to change. Things won't be as good.

But if I start small, and go from there. Get the basic site up first, and then add things as needed, it'll be better. It'll give me time to move on feedback better. Which will make the site better.

So instead of installing drupal, getting blogs and forums set up, and user accounts, locked video section and all the different pages. I'm going to start with the basic drupal website. Add a few pages to it. And then add things as needed going forward.

Seriously the book is worth the read. It shows how you can be a lean mean company, hobby, or employee and ADD value instead of just being a Cog.

no more games

2011 will be a hell of a year. I will get in way better shape or destroy myself trying.

I will do 100 push ups. I will get to the point I can do pull ups without assistance. I will loose weight. I will do ETK (workbook) from beginning to end with 16kg.

I will run a 5k (4/3/2011).

It's going to be a busy time between now and race day. All of the above are my goal by then. Pain starts Monday. I'll be using the couch to 5k program. Already downloaded training material to my phone.

Ugh... I made a mistake.

I made a mistake.

I've got a lot of work related books to read, and the list is getting longer all the time. Over the weekend I picked up a book on speed reading. 2 actually, at the local library. 1 is a 10 day program, the other I'm not sure about.

Anyway... The NEW 3rd edition of Hacking for Dummies (something recommended at the Ethical Hacker Forums) is coming out soon. The other week, I asked if I should get 2nd ed for 15.00 via Amazon, or wait until December. They said if I could get it now, and read it now, I'd learn more by practicing now, than waiting for the new edition in December. Since I have so much to read, I figured I'd wait. Focus on things that need to get done at work. (Things like setting the networking graphs up (got the ones I needed done), setting up the server monitoring tools (large book), fixing the broken servers (waiting on parts) ).

For some reason between last week, and this week I started looking at the online 2nd edition of HfD on Safari. They won't let me download the whole book, I'm assuming because the new one is coming out. But other than speed reading, that's all I read today (book wise). I finished the preface, the introduction and the first 2 chapters (printed the chapters off for a car pool that did not happen). I've been using some of the tricks I'm picking up in the speed reading book.

Although my reading speed is still between 265 and 300 wpm, with a comp between 70 to 90 % right now.

I'm enjoying Hacking for Dummies, I can't wait to read chapter 3... but I really really should finish Firewalls and Internet Security. I'm about 2/3 of the way done with it so far. The furthest I ever made it. I'm still torn between buying 2nd or 3rd edition of HfD too. I have a feeling I'll end up buying both.

Lastly I should really, really, really be studying for a certification exam (and trying to find a way to pay for it (CCNA, LPI, wouldn't mind Sec+ but I have the books for the other ones)), or writing the essay that's due tomorrow for my 1st gup test in Tang Soo Do.

Lots to do at work too... I'd say I need a time management book, but I've already read Time Management for the System Administrator 2x, and how I'm finding time to do everything I need. I've got a block of time (ie lunch tomorrow) for the essay questions (note they're designed for kids).

Of course, the biggest question at this point is where do I want my career to go?

ugh this week

I've felt like crap this week. I've been popping Tums. If you know me, 1 roll will last me 3 years easy... They usually go bad before I can get through about 1/4 a roll. However I have 2 open rolls right now. one at work and one at home.

Only think I can think is different, is I'm eating more mixed nuts.

My weight went from 232 Sunday, to 238 Wednesday, and 235 today.

In the good news though. My diet and exercise goal worked. Even if I didn't make all 6 weeks like I had wanted to. The goal was to fit into a size 5 toe balk. The reason is because I have 2 or 3, with the club patches on it. Maybe someday I'll get a decent flag and put on it (have to find the right one first). Either a world citizen logo flag, a UN flag, or a black flag. That's a political discussion for another day.

Anyway, I wore a size five tonight. It was a little tight. Couldn't get my knees as high as usual in chamber, the top was a little tight around the stomach and sides.

I'm actually pretty geeked about it really.

Thursday: Evening

Came home at 4:30, after the long day at the funeral. Washed my uniforms quickly. Still a little wet when I left. Glad my car was hot, but still didn't feel completely dry when I put it on.

Worked the shields when kids were kicking. Then worked with the students that were not testing. Did 1 steps, 3 steps, and Forms. Let 2 (3rd and 6th gups) do some light sparing at the end of the class.

Adult class was turned over to me for warm up. I was told to warm them up in under 10 minutes if I could. Started with jumping jacks, tossed in squats mid jack, squat thrust style push ups mid jack, jumping twists mid jack, and Range of Motion work. Then for fun, after... I tossed in some full body attacks. Think Deck Squat Brupees. When I was done, we were soaked and out of breath. Had a guy say he didn't think a person could be worked that hard in 10 minutes.

Master Clinton told us to get water and line up for one steps. After a few minutes of being in line and not having him come back to start us, I took full control of the class. We ended up having a visiting master.

One steps, three steps. Circled around the heavy bag, by rank. Rule was, lowest rank started, and it was 1 minute as hard as you could against the bag. Finish as hard or harder than you started. We went around 2 times. Second round we were harder than the first round. I think I hit the bag wrong and sprained my wrist. However at the end of my last minute (highest rank), after the timer buzzed, I collapsed. I was in the mid of sucking wind, trying to tell them to get water, and my legs both gave out, and I fell to the left. It's my left hand that's sprained. At first I thought I rebroke my middle knuckle, the whole had hurt.

At one point, after her second time through, one person asked if she could go get her inhaler, my only response was never ask. She asked using hand motions. I'll have to say something Tuesday to both classes about the things you don't ask for. Passing out, inhalers, and throwing up.

Then we did forms. Did lots of forms multiple times, then did all forms as 1 long form, drop out when you get to you finish your highest. The other guy the same rank as me (I'm higher in rank because I've got time in grade, been the rank longer) went through, 10 forms. No rest.

Then class ended.

Then I did 30 straight punishment push ups because I messed up the same form 6 times or so.

At one point yesterday, Master Clinton told another Master I trained under in the late 90s early 2000 that I'll probably get my black belt by the end of the year. That was at the funeral. I was told at one point during class, that I'll be testing the early part of the summer semester. 7 weeks or so. Too much to do in that time. I don't feel ready, said as much, and was told I will be told when I'm ready. :-( I have some goals I want to accomplish before my next test (should be 1st gup). Now I have less time to get them done in. And I'm nursing another injury.

One of the guys there, J the tall guy, trained there when I was kid with me. He's 10 years older than me, was in his teens back then. He used to take 1st or 2nd at the tournaments, his buddy would take the other (we've always put out the best). After the class last night, he and several other said great class. He said that I should become a Fighting Coach. Boxing or something. He would know, he used to be a "professional" tournement fighter. Only reason he trained was to go to tournies and clean house.

When I lead, I usually push harder than everyone else when I lead the class. I do it all too, because I want to be better than I am. Lots of Cardio and strength mixed together. Almost all body weight.

stiff and sore

So I'm going to try and make Sandy Sommer's class in Delaware in June. I know I'm not in shape for it right now, last night proved it.

So to get into shape, here is the current workout plan. Hopefully I can stick to it for the next 8 weeks. For the next 4 weeks this is how it should look.

Monday: ETK, 100 push-ups, Yoga
Tuesday: ETK, Martial Arts
Wednesday: 100 push-ups, Self Defense
Thursday: ETK, Martial Arts
Friday: ETK, 100 push-ups
Saturday: Martial Arts, pull ups
Sunday: rest, or play around.

Sprinkled in the mix will be Sit ups, squats and pull-ups.

The ETK, is the Art of Strength Enter the Kettlebell workbook.

Yesterday:
36 push-ups in 45 seconds and 31 situps in 60 seconds, was looking at the MCOLES Physical requirements, because they were talking about using the MCOLES test for the black belt test. The current red belt testing requirements, the three ranks below black belt, are harder, minus the run.

Yoga was a "light night" 2 new people. Not that light means easy, just not power yoga.

ETK: 24kg kettlebell for swings, 16kg for Halos. My back was hurting from the Yoga and sit ups, after I got done, it was stiff but pain free. Still stiff.

5 rounds in the 10 minute warm up; wall squats x10, halo @ 16kg x10, pumps x10.
7 rounds in 12 minutes of 20 x swings and 1 minute active rest.

It was hard. But I owned it. I'll do the Turkish getups before Martial arts tonight.

And all this so I can be in shape in June, for the class, and my next martial arts test. I don't want to be me right now. Not even sure if I'm going to make the class in June, but looking like I will.

Finances and Emgerency Funds

In Feburary they cut my pay at work. 8% company wide for non-management. Management lost more than that. I rebalanced my "budget" (if that's what you want to call it) and I was doing good. I've talked about that here before. Good as in I was making all my bills. Problem is, I didn't buy things I needed to. Books for work, supplies for my self defense class, supplies for my martial arts class.

Then I had a couple of issues the last 2 pay checks. I get paid every other week. Had to buy some new clothes which were not cheap, an issue with my rent, AAA upping my policy for reason I can't figure out other than based on where I live.

Because of that, I dipped into my emergency savings. I didn't have much in them to start, but I was good at not touching it, and adding a little every check. However, this check due to still playing catch up, I didn't have the money to put back into my emergency savings, which is about 10.00 right now.

When it rains it pours though. Yesterday, my parrot flew into the patio door. Later he got spooked, and instead of flying to his cage like normal, he went full speed into a wall. then hopped up and flew full speed into my storage room, hitting the celing, the wall, the wall, the wall, etc. Finally he flew back into the hallway again, and hit another wall. Looked like he was trying to fly to my room. Acting like he couldn't see.

After that he was a little catatonic, and the joy of trying to find a vet that could take a bird started. My normal Avian Vet was closed. While calling around, he snapped too, struggled to fly to his cage, climbed in, and was rocking back and forth slightly on his perch.

After several calls, I found an Emergency Vet in Novi that could see him. There was one closer, but they recommended the one in Novi. The other choice was Milford (even further). They aid it'd be about $86.00 just for the office visit. I only had about $130 available at that point. They won't bill, they won't make arrangements, you pay or you don't get service. Problem is the bird was in need of seeing a doctor. Stuck over a barrel.

I got there, and the first thing the Vet tries to pull was getting a chem lab, because they think the bird has a history of seizures. The tech wrote that it was normal for the bird to fly into the wall. Which it isn't. I re-explain what has happened. Meanwhile the bird is acting like himself at this point. After lots more bs, when you design an emergency vet clinic, you might want to make sure people can't hear what you're pushing to other patients in other rooms, I ended up leaving with some meds.

He's doing good. a little nappy though.

So I normally ride the edge money wise. I do it because I'm trying to dig out of debt, because I don't always make the best decision money wise, and I don't think that things like yesterday could happen.

However it wasn't until this morning's shower that I realized the problem is bigger. I've been thinking I'd be good if I could get a decent emergency fund going. But I use Immigrant Direct for my Emergency Savings Account. It's good because the money isn't easily accessible like my normal bank account or my ING Electric Orange account. While it makes it harder to spend, it makes it harder to get when you need to rush your pet to people who demand payment on the spot, while trying to take advantage of you in a state of need. However there isnt' much of a choice when it comes to emergency pet care.

So, what I'm going to end-up doing is creating a sub-account on ING. Sort of like J.D. Roth's Mini-cooper account. I'm not going to exactly follow his way of doing it. But I am going to put money away. I figure 40 a month should do it. the first few months if anything goes bad, it'll have to come out of my normal accounts, but after that it should be good.

The money will be accessable when I need it on short notice, but it'll still be harder than normal to access.

small steps

Got the power strips on the rack (the old strips, I'll get a couple of smart strips later).

Need to get a new network cable, to put the box on that rack on the network. I'll have to buy one later. My 15 footer is too short, by a foot. My long one, I think around 100 ft, is boxed away and way over kill for what I need.

Next, I'm going to test Knoppix 6 on it.

my plan

Here is what I want my work outs to look like. I actually have it writen down, and now putting it here. But so far I'm made of fail. All I got done today, was the yoga, and I even had problems with that.


M: ETK, 100 Pushups, Yoga
Tu: ETK & Martial Arts
W: Pushups, Fit Deck, and Teaching Self Defense classes
Th: ETK & Martial Arts
F: ETK & Pushups, some grease the grove pullups.
Sa: Martial Arts, some grease the grove pullups.
Su: Kettlebell DVD, some grease the grove pullups or rest depending on how I feel.

I could do some modding this week and see if I Can salvage it by starting a day late.

We'll have to see. Screw it, I'm doing the push ups tonight, and I'll do the ETK one day off this week. Its not fail, unless I sit and suffer in my self pitty and do nothing.

another goal down

Just ran through

Pyung Ahn O Dan though my head. All moves. Yes I'll be corrected in some of them, but I think I might just know it.

Now to beat Bassai.

Goals for 2009 - follow up

Made some changes to the list, actually accomplished 2 items... well part of 2 anyway.

Changes:
I'm thinking of making Health longer. Add doing ETK with 16kg and 20kg before doing 24kg. Not that I really want too, but I've been thinking and I think I want to loose some muscle mass too, not just the fat. But that's if the 22% to 24% was right when I did the body fat test. Think maybe I should by one of those body fat scales. I know my BMI is high, but I also know I have muscle not just fat.

I also added some steps for the finance goal. Starting small, but I have about 5 accounts, I want to get 500.00 buffer in each of them, but for now, I'm going to focus on 100.00 in each. So I can't go on a spending spree (on the shopping list) until I get 100.00 in one, and once the 100.00 is there, I can't touch it. I also priced out part of what it's going to take to build my new PC. I think I might get it for between $1,000.00 and $1,200.00

Completed:
Create Orange Checking account. Direct Deposit rent + to it.
Under reading, I'm down to the last book in the Giants' series by Hogan.

Small wins make you feel good.