Grim

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen R. Covey


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: We are on Christmas break.

December's GoRuck Tribe 'Humility' Challenges, the last set of the year, are ongoing. The rucking and additional tasking requirement is to, "Invite at least 1 person per week to ruck with you. If they don't have a ruck then take a coupon (sandbag, kettlebell, or medball) on your ruck and trade turns carrying it." The two-part, two-day workout is half done: Day 2 is the “Lock, Shock, and Barrel” - using a Sandbag and Ruck for all movements except Russian Twist & Leg Raises (ruck only), 10 man makers, 50 plank ruck pull-throughs, a 400m ruck, 10 man makers, 50 ruck-pressed leg lifts, another 400m ruck, 10 man makers, 50 ruck twists (2 ct), and one final 400m ruck.

I've completed the Day 1 workout, the “Jack Skellington," wearing my Ruck for all movements except burpees, with a buy-in with a 1-mile run/shuffle, 50 burpees, 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups, 50 air squats, 50 4ct mountain climbers, 50 4ct jumping jacks, and 50 4ct flutter kicks. I also completed the F*CK retest today, on Christmas Eve; a "5-Miler for time at baseline weight. Test at the beginning of the month and retest at the end of the month. No music, just listen to your thoughts and breath, focus on the task at hand." My retest was 1:41:20, seven minutes longer, but I did it with a heavy jacket in the rain. I have also completed the second and third week's ruck. I've still got the Day 2 workout and one more friend ruck left.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've kept progressing with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I've finished rereading Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda. I've started rereading Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki, Trudy Dixon (Editor), Teachings of the Tao by Eva Wong, and What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. I've 'sat' another virtual metta.

There hasn't been much joy this holiday season; there's been a lot of clients, conflict, and loneliness. I have found small reasons to celebrate, and a small festive-wrapped plastic bag with a few chocolates was left for me to find with an unsigned note that simply said, "Thank you for all you do."

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress. I am waiting to take an online Tactical Casualty Care Course and an online Improvised TECC/TCCC course (Tactical Emergency Casualty Course). I'll get them done in the next month or so. I have also registered for the 2025 EMS, Stroke and Heart Conference in February.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress. I still need to get my dental and physical exams scheduled.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: Ol' Number 3 has been moved and relocated safely. There's about a day's worth of miscellaneous stuff to be moved and secured, and then excavation can start. I'll be out there tomorrow for pork ribs, spending Christmas Day with The Old Man.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: No progress. I DM'd another event, and I'm scheduled to DM another event this week.

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (movie quote)


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I trained in another Shaolin Kung Fu class after the Thanksgiving break. We rucked the Turkey Trot and enjoyed seeing the holiday lights at PIR, for my last race of the year.

The November GoRuck Tribe 'Purpose' Challenges are completed. I finished the F*CK, which was "50 Burpees With Lateral Hop Over Sandbag for Time" on the last day of the month (in fact, the last few hours of the month).

December's GoRuck Tribe 'Humility' Challenges, the last set of the year, dropped. The rucking and additional tasking requirement is to, "Invite at least 1 person per week to ruck with you. If they don't have a ruck then take a coupon (sandbag, kettlebell, or medball) on your ruck and trade turns carrying it." The F*CK is a "5-Miler for time at baseline weight. Test at the beginning of the month and retest at the end of the month. No music, just listen to your thoughts and breath, focus on the task at hand." The film of the month is The Holdovers, a 2023 American Christmas comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. The two-part, two-day workout: Day 1 is the “Jack Skellington” - while wearing your Ruck for all movements except burpees, buy in with a 1-mile run/shuffle, 50 burpees, 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups, 50 air squats, 50 4ct mountain climbers, 50 4ct jumping jacks, and 50 4ct flutter kicks. Day 2 is the “Lock, Shock, and Barrel” - using a Sandbag and Ruck for all movements except Russian Twist & Leg Raises (ruck only), 10 man makers, 50 plank ruck pull-throughs, a 400m ruck, 10 man makers, 50 ruck-pressed leg lifts, another 400m ruck, 10 man makers, 50 ruck twists (2 ct), and one final 400m ruck. Taking advantage of the weather, I completed the first F*CK, for a time of 1 hour and 34 minutes. I have also completed the first weekly ruck.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've kept progressing with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I've started rereading Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda. I am halfway through my yearly fast.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress. I am waiting to take an online Tactical Casualty Care Course and an online Improvised TECC/TCCC course (Tactical Emergency Casualty Course). I'll get them done in the next month or so.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress. I still need to get my dental and physical exams scheduled.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: Ol' Number 3 is ready to move but she still has some problems starting. The mechanic came out, and we have a plan - but rain, wind, and the holiday are still slowing us down.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: No progress. The Old Man and I enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at Renee's House, and The Old Man left with a lot of leftovers. *smile*

“The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare.” — Bobby Knight


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu class and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks, once again. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form.

The November GoRuck Tribe 'Purpose' Challenges are ongoing. The rucking and additional tasking requirement is, "Each Week This Month, Carve Out Time to Find Discomfort by Changing up How You Carry Weight: Week 1: Shoulder Carry - Switch shoulders as needed, Week 2: Back Rack Carry, Week 3: Bear Hug Carry, Week 4: Overhead Carry." The F*CK is "50 Burpees With Lateral Hop Over Sandbag for Time", and the book of the month is Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger. I've also completed the second 1-mile Carry with my 60-lb. sandbag and finished the book.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've kept progressing with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I've read Fifty Shrinks by Sebastian Zimmermann, a fascinating photo book of therapists' offices and interviews with those therapists.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: I have updated my recertification transcript to reflect that I have completed all of the education requirements for my NREMT credential and I was rather quickly recertified. Now, I wait until at least March, and then I can recertify with Oregon State.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: Ol' Number 3 is ready to move but she still has some problems starting. The mechanic came out, and we have a plan.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: This last weekend, I went to California with The Old Man for my sister-in-law's Memorial Service.

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” – Paul J. Meyer


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: Once again, I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu class and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form.

October's Goruck Tribe 'Mercy' challenges are completed. I finished the workout, the “Mogadishu Mile", which was 4 Rounds of 19 Kettlebell Ground-to-Overheads (35lb), 19 Kettlebell Front Squats (35lb), 19 Kettlebell Uneven Push-Ups (each hand, 38 total), and 400-meter Kettlebell Runs, while wearing my ruck for the entire workout. I modified the workout by using a 33-lb. sandbag Donut. I've completed the rucking and additional tasking, which was 5 miles per week, focusing on Elevation/Stairs, "Ruck with [the] weight you plan to wear for CHAD1000x in November". The F*CK is a retest of my grip strength, which is a "Max Bar Hang for Time: from a pull-up bar, hang with your arms straight and feet off the ground. No gloves or grips allowed. Bare hand only. Try it slick (unweighted). Then in the same week test with your ruck on, scale as needed. You will retest both of these the last week of October." MY F*CK results were 57 seconds (slick), and 39 seconds (ruck) - within a few seconds either way from baseline results from August 2023.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've kept progressing with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I finished reading Your Pain, My Pleasure: Inside the Mind of a Sexual Sadist by FifthAngel, Devin Wilson (Illustrator), and Sherrye Segura (Illustrator) from the Kinky Library, completing a goal. When I returned my books, I attended an NCSF speaker presentation on the legal aspects and the history of kink in Oregon.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: We've moved the RV trailer out of the way of the excavation, and Ol' Number 3 is next.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: No progress. We did attend a small and enjoyable cigar pairings class.

“Private victories precede public victories.” – Stephen R. Covey


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: Once again, I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu class (we've wrapped up Tiger Form transitions and started training ground fighting) and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form.

September's Goruck 'Reflect' Tribe challenges are ongoing. I completed the workout, the "9/11 Tribute", which was a Buy In 2001 Meter Ruck, and then 9 rounds of 11 Push-Ups (Slick) and 11 Sandbag Thrusters (60-lb. sandbag), and then a Cash Out of another 2001 Meter Ruck. All that was left were the rucking and additional requirements: "Ruck one mile each day for the 30 days in September," and I completed the last requirements on the evening of the 30th, after work.

October's Goruck Tribe 'Mercy' challenges have dropped. The workout is the “Mogadishu Mile", which is 4 Rounds of 19 Kettlebell Ground-to-Overheads (35lb), 19 Kettlebell Front Squats (35lb), 19 Kettlebell Uneven Push-Ups (each hand, 38 total), and a 400-meter Kettlebell Run, wearing my ruck for the entire workout. The rucking and additional tasking is 5 miles per week, focusing on Elevation/Stairs, "Ruck with weight you plan to wear for CHAD1000x in November". The Book of the Month is Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The F*CK is a retest of my grip strength, from August 2023.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've made some more progress with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I did read Blackout: Tomorrow Will Be Too Late by Marc Elsberg, a well-researched 'disaster thriller' about the fragility of the power grid. I've sat yet another virtual metta.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: I attended the 2024 Oregon EMS Conference. I completed all of my recertification requirements except for a (2-hour) Cultural Competency requirement, completed an extra Wilderness Medicine class, and became certified as a Stop The Bleed Instructor.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: No progress.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: We took a private plane flight over Portland and the Columbia Gorge in a 6-seater Cessna as a birthday surprise. I was lucky enough to have the right seat, and we picked a great clear day to have a great experience. *smile*

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” – Stephen R. Covey


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu classes and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form. We ran this year's Spartan Race, finishing just as it started raining, and we did better than last year. *smile* This completes a goal. I still have the Bimbo 10K and the Turkey Trot as races this year.

September's Goruck 'Reflect' Tribe challenges are ongoing. I still have the workout, the "9/11 Tribute", which is a Buy In 2001 Meter Ruck, and then 9 rounds of 11 Push-Ups (Slick) and 11 Sandbag Thrusters (60-lb. sandbag), and then a Cash Out of another 2001 Meter Ruck. The rucking and additional requirements for the month are to "Ruck one mile each day for the 30 days in September." I have watched the 'film of the month', a documentary, “Refuge” by Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship - a different way to think about class, racism, and various cultures more compassionately. I am caught back up to current on the rucking and additional challenges, and I have completed the F*CK, which was to ruck one mile for time - completed in 16:53.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've slowed down progress with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). One more loving-kindness metta!

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress. I did get my flu, Covid, and Tetanus vaccines.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: We signed the contractor paperwork for the New Shop build, and construction will start in October. I have cut away some weeds and blackberries around the mailbox and garbage pickup area, and I have a lot more machete and line trimmer work to do, as well as clearing out the area where the shop will go. I still have to dig out the doghouse area for the generator and then install it, but that project has been delayed for excavation. I've ordered and received the heavier-duty power cord, and I'm working on scheduling the electrical upgrades. I am still designing planters and a deer fence, and staging garden supplies, at the garden site.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: No progress.

“Life is meant to be a never-ending education, and when this is fully appreciated, we are no longer survivors but adventurers.” - David McNally


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu class (groundwork, forms, and sparring) and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form. I have registered for this year's Spartan Race.

July's GoRuck 'Imagine' challenges were completed, three days late. I completed the "Capture the Flag' workout, which was a 4 Mile Ruck, and after each mile, completing 13 Ruck Push-ups and 50 Ruck Squats (38-lb. Ruck). While I was rucking, I deposited nine books in three Free Libraries, found a keyed doorknob assembly (unopened in the box) and a folding metal sawhorse (in good shape) in another Free Box, and split a newer pair of cargo shorts.

August's GoRuck 'Serve' Challenges are ongoing. The workout is “The 13”, honoring the 13 Troops killed during the final days and withdrawal from Afghanistan. It has two parts: Part 1 is a 13 min AMRAP of 13 Sandbag Man Makers and 13 Ruck Lunges (each leg), and then immediately after Ruck 1 Mile, and Part 2 is also a 13 min AMRAP of 13 Sandbag Get-ups and 13 Ruck Push-ups, and again immediately Ruck 1 Mile. The rucking and additional challenge requirements are to ruck 31 miles, broken up any way throughout the month, but add 10 lbs. to the baseline weight you normally carry. The F*CK is Max Reps Ruck Squats in 2 Minutes, and the book of the month is The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. I have already read the book this year, so I am substituting Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chögyam Trungpa. I have already rucked more than 23 of the 31 miles of the rucking/additional challenge requirements and started the book.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've continued to make more progress with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I have restarted my meditation practice, twice virtually 'sitting' another guided meditation on metta (loving-kindness).

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress. I got another morning of target practice, shooting slightly better than last time with better technique and focus. I registered for another Stop the Bleed class in September.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: I found and saved $300 on a larger generator, and delivered it to Base Station. Next, I have to dig out the doghouse for the generator and then install it. I have put a composter at the garden site and started to clear some of the overgrown weeds and grass.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: On a whim, I decided to go to the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. Once I arrived and paid for parking, I went in and prepared to pay the admission fee, but they asked if I was a first responder (apparently I looked like one), and they let me in free. It was an interesting morning spent learning about forest management and global perspectives on trees and forests. I practically had the place to myself. *smile* Having another free morning, I decided to go to the Oregon Historical Society (free admission if you live in Multnomah County), for the second museum I'd never visited, finishing a 101 goal. Fascinating artifacts, from Bud Clark's overcoat (yes, that one) to a KKK hood to the Portland Penny. I'll go back there.

We also spent an evening at Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the Mean Jeans and Dillinger Four opened for the Descendents - and then a night in Bend to see Mudvayne open for Megadeth, and then the next night in Ridgefield to listen to Loverboy opening for Sammy Hagar. Three concerts in five nights!

“We must not only remain open to new information, we must actively seek it out and try to gain a more complete understanding of the world as it really is.” - Hyrum W. Smith


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've attended no Shaolin Kung Fu class (one class again canceled) and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form. We did complete the Lakefair 8K in Olympia.

July's GoRuck 'Imagine' challenges are ongoing. The workout is a 4 Mile Ruck and after each mile, you are to complete 13 Ruck Push-ups and 50 Ruck Squats (30-lb. Ruck). The book of the month is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. The F*CK is 100 Russian Kettlebell Swings for time.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've continued to make more progress with the books in this entry. Still in progress: The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I've read some other fiction/thriller books for pleasure.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress. Taxes paid.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: I attended a 5.11 ABR Academy/USCCA tactical defense class, How to Identify a Public Threat. A short, useful class where I learned a few new things about situational awareness and preparation.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: No progress.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: We visited the LeMay Collection at Marymount, and saw several hundred classic and lovingly restored cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, including a 1948 Tucker (from the movie) and one of the German touring cars from the Indiana Jones movie. This weekend I will be a Firefighter Lead at the SHIFT Festival.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." – Maya Angelou


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've attended one Shaolin Kung Fu class this week (one class was canceled) and no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form. Unfortunately, I seem to have contracted COVID again. My healthcare team has prescribed me antivirals, and I am quarantining at the Hideaway. My plans will be delayed for several days.

However, June's GoRuck 'Mentor' Challenges were completed. The F*CK, which was a Max Ruck Hold for time: "You pick 10, 20 or 30 lbs. Hold your ruck out in front of your chest with straight arms." I picked my full 38-lb. ruck, and held it for 42 seconds. I also completed the workout, in honor of the 101st Airborne at Normandy. It was a 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Lunges, another 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Swings, another 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Squats, and yet another 400-meter Ruck.

July's GoRuck 'Imagine' workout dropped early - it's a 4 Mile Ruck and after each mile, you are to complete 13 Ruck Push-ups and 50 Ruck Squats (30-lb. Ruck). The book of the month is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. The rucking and additional tasking requirements dropped slightly late; this month we are to ruck Ladder Style (1 of Each): 5 Miles, 4 Miles, 3 Miles, 2 Miles, 1 Mile, done with “event standard” weight for time 30lbs for over 150 lb bodyweight. The F*CK is 100 Russian Kettlebell Swings for time. I've already started my way up the rucking requirement 'ladder,' completing the 1 and 2-mile rucks.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've continued to make more progress with the books in this entry, including The Inside Track: An Inspirational Guide To Conquering Adversity by Peter Sage, The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor). I've finished the last books in the Alex Fletcher series, by Steven Konkoly, and also The Valkyries, by Paulo Coelho. My brain is currently not allowing much focus.

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: I had my dental appointment. No cavities, but a fractured filling that got fixed last week.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: I've met with the first contractor for a bid for the Shop Build. We've started cutting back the weeds and prepping for the Shop Build, emptying the RV trailer, and redistributing and using up expiring supplies. The Pump House also still needs a bit of maintenance.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: No progress. I DM'd the Deviance Party at Club Privata, attended a DMRG training on verbal de-escalation, went target shooting, and went white water rafting on the Upper Clackamas River near Estacada.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” - Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Suess)


Body/Martial Arts/Physical Improvement/Testing Myself: I've kept up with one Shaolin Kung Fu class a week but no Qi Gong/Yang Tai Chi classes these last two weeks. I've made no progress with the Yang Staff Form.

May's GoRuck 'Remember' challenge tasks are completed. The rucking and additional tasking were, "1 mile Ruck each day for the month of May. You choose the load. Challenge yourself by switching up what you carry. For example, add a little more weight to your ruck, put on a weight vest, add a sandbag, or do a farmer's carry." I kept up with at least a daily mile ruck. I completed the May F*CK, which was supposed to be a Murph Prep: a 1-mile ruck, shuffle or run with ruck or weight vest for time (you pick the weight), a May 2023 Retest. I completed it in 16:59, almost two minutes slower - but I was rucking with my baseline ruck (almost 40 lbs.) and with an asynchronous carry. I repeated the F*CK the same day with my 20-lb. plate carrier, for a time of 16:09. I'm about a minute slower than I was last year. I've also completed the April F*CK, which is the 60x60 (June 2023 retest), a Max Sandbag Burpees in 60 seconds with 60-lb. sandbag, with 7 Burpees, same as last year.

June's GoRuck 'Mentor' Challenges have dropped. The workout, in honor of the 101st Airborne at Normandy, is a 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Lunges, another 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Swings, another 400-meter Ruck, 101 Ruck Squats, and yet another 400-meter Ruck. The Rucking and Additional Tasking are to ruck the same distance as the Allied Forces did in WWII with the three beaches in Normandy: Sword Beach (9.3 miles), Juno Beach (9.9 miles), and Omaha Beach (5.6 miles). The F*CK is a Max Ruck Hold for time: "You pick 10, 20 or 30 lbs. Hold your ruck out in front of your chest with straight arms." The book of the Month is The Common Sense Way: A New Way to Think About Leading and Organizing by Pete Blaber.

Mind/Spirit/Centering/Health: I've made progress with the books in this entry, including The Inside Track: An Inspirational Guide To Conquering Adversity by Peter Sage, The Disaster-Ready Home: A Step-by-Step Emergency Preparedness Manual for Sheltering in Place by Creek Stewart, and Hidden in Plain Sight: Esoteric Power Training Within Japanese Martial Traditions: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power, by Ellis Amdur(editor).

Maintenance/Shit Got To Be Done: No progress.

In Case of Zombies/Disaster Preparation: No progress.

Base Station/Ol' Number 3: We'll be cutting back the weeds next week, and prepping for the Shop Build. The Pump House also needs a bit of maintenance.

Travel/Adventure/Doing Stuff: Last weekend, I went to SOAK, the regional Burning Man festival. I taught hose and nozzle operations on Thursday, worked a 12-hour shift on Friday as the Fire Safety Shift Lead, ran the aggressive hose line for the MBS on Saturday, and was the RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) Firefighter for the Temple Burn on Sunday.