Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 003-006

Building the Back to the Future DeLorean, Issues 003-006

Yay!  New shipment from Eaglemoss arrived last week.  The shipment was supposed to include a binder for issues.  Instead, I got a note saying they are on back order.  No worries.  Ready to tackle the next four issues of the build.

Issue 003 contents

Issue 003 - Front Wheel

With only five pieces and three screws, this issue was an easy build.  The detail on this is simply amazing.  Eaglemoss even got the tread on the Goodyear Eagle GT tires correct.  One minor 'mistake', they made chrome wheels.  While DeLorean did make some chrome wheels, the screen used car has the light grey powder coated wheels.  No big deal.

Issue 004 contents

Issue 004 - Reactor & Mr. Fusion

These are the parts that help generate the 1.21 gigawatts of power need for time travel.  The Reactor Disc is pretty straight forward.  They even designed it so you can lock and unlock the cap with a twist.  The cap is removable, but there is a base, so I doubt there will be plutonium tubes in the future.  Unless, they give you a new base so the plutonium can slide in.

The assembly of Mr. Fusion is quite involved.  Get ready for a lot of screws, and new tiny screws and springs.  Good idea to have those tweezers handy.  Because of the size and colour of the AP screws, some might find the screw heads are too distracting as they are quite obvious on one side of the Krups 223 coffee grinder.  This does not bother me since my final assembly will be with the nuclear reactor disc.  Dare I say it, I am not a big fan of the Mr. Fusion version of the Time Machine.

We are introduced to tiny screws and springs when putting together the latch for Mr. Fusion.

Pro tip:  When installing the micro springs on the latch system, pre-screw the CP screws on the hinge base (black) with the screws slightly protruding.  Use your handy tweezers to hook one end of spring on to the latch nubs (red).  Then hook other end of spring on to slightly exposed CP screw, then screw away.  Do this one at a time.

Issue 005 contents

Issue 005 - Front Left Suspension

There are seven different screws used in this issue.  This is the most complex issue, so far.   Most of the piece are die-cast, it might be a good idea to pre-tap the holes before final assembly.

Pro tip:  Do not over tighten screws on the control arms until the spring is in place.  You will need the front suspension assembly to be a little loose so you can slip the spring into place.  That spring is pretty strong, you will need compress it as you screw in EM.

I ran into a problem on this build.  The left front tie head did not have holes drilled all the way through.  When trying to screw from the top, the DM screw bottoms out.  You will need to drill out this hole so the screw can sit in properly.

When screwing the brake disc to the same front tie head, the DM screw will also bottom out.  Again, you will need to drill that hole.  Before you start on this issue, check the holes on the front tie head piece, make sure the holes are through.

Issue 006 contents

Issue 006 - Front Right Suspension

This is the same as Issue 005, just reversed.  Now that you assembled the left side, the right side will be a lot easier.  Heck you may not even need the directions this time.

Fortunately, all the holes were properly drilled through on the right front tie head piece.  But, I was prepared with small hand drill in hand.  Oh, do not use a powered drill, just a drill bit and a few twists will be enough.

As with the previous issue, pay attention when dealing the little spring and small parts during the brake disc segments of the build.

Finished assembly of Issues 003-006 should look like this:'

Front Wheel, Reactor Disc, Mr. Fusion, Front Left Suspension, Front Right Suspension

Extra screw count after six issues:  11-AP, 4-BP, 2-CP, 2-AM, 2-BM, 2-EM, 2-CM, 2-DM, 2-DP.

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - October 2017

Exciting time of the year.  We have leaves falling, seasons changing along with retail store displays.  And, as usual, spooky calls from telemarketers.

4 October 2017

  424-356-4658  Inglewood, CA - I have been waiting for this call, our first of the month.  This is also a return caller from last month, no doubt selling the same shit.  Fuck you!

10 October 2017
  310-875-5634  Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica home of hipsters and beach bimbos.  Also famous for issuing random parking and traffic tickets.  Now, they have telemarketers.  Fuck you!

13 October 2017
  310-849-1314  Beverly Hills, CA - Ooh...Friday the 13th.  Could it be Jason Voorhees calling?  I mean, if he talked, it could be him.  But no, it is worse...it is a telemarketer.  Fuck you!

  310-849-6837  Beverly Hills, CA - Perhaps Friday the 13th, Part II.  So, am I going to get a call for each damn sequel?  Fuck you!

Build the Back to the Future DeLorean - Issues 001 & 002

Eaglemoss Build the Back to the Future DeLorean, Issues 001 & 002

By now, you should have heard about the Eaglemoss Build the Back to the Future DeLorean project.  This subscription based model kit (if you will) is 130 issues.  Each week, you receive a new issue with new build parts for your 1/8th scale Back to the Future DeLorean Time Machine.  Yes, 130 issues...130 weeks.  If my math is correct, this build will take over two and a half years just to acquire all the pieces.

Each issues includes parts for the build and instructions.  That alone is pure awesomeness.  But, you also get (as part of the instruction booklet) a magazine with articles on the production of the Back to the Future trilogy, behind the scenes stuff, production notes, concept art, cast and crew interviews, facts and trivia, etc.  At the end of your subscription, you will not only have the most accurate Time Machine, you will also have one heck of a book on the history of Back to the Future.

If you are in the UK, Japan, and other countries, you are almost 40 issues in.  So, for weeks...months, those of us in North American have been waiting for this to become available.  Well, it is about time.  If you want to get started with your subscription, go to deloreanbuildup.com

The subscription also includes other goodies along the way:  posters, display stand, license plate, binders for your magazines, etc.

There are plenty of blogs, forums, videos, social media groups, out there on these builds.  You may even see me in one of these videos in the future.  The builds are simple, with about 5-10 pieces per kit, with an assembly time of about 5-10 minutes. For this series, I will just do a 'before and after' format with some random commentary.  The format may change as the build progresses.

Issue 001 contents

 Issue 001 - Rear Fascia

The build starts off with one of the more recognizable parts of a DeLorean, the rear fascia.  This is also (one of) the first part you see of the Time Machine as Doc rolls it off the van at Twin Pines Mall.  Did I mention that this build includes die cast parts?  This is heavy!

Pro Tip:  The kit does come with a screwdriver.  I think it is a #0.  Many have said that this is not the best quality tool and recommend investing in a better screwdriver.  There is and will be a lot of screwing around with this project.  The included screwdriver works fine, at least for now. But, I found that a #1 screwdriver works better for the AP and BP screws you will be working with. While not included with the kits, it is a good idea to have some tweezers and an X-acto blade handy.

The completed Issue 001 kit should look like this:

Rear Fascia, License Plate Bezel

Looks like you will be able to switch out the license plate if/when there is a 2015 license plate option.  Resist the urge to install he license plate bezel until you install the left rear light assembly...which you get in Issue 002.

Issue 002 contents

Issue 002 - Left Front Fender

DeLorean owners and enthusiasts know that the left front fender is a rare part.  Not too many 'extra' panels were made, so these are hard to find and very 'valuable' in the DeLorean community.

The kit also includes the left rear tail light that you have been waiting a week for.  North American customers received Issues 001 & 002 at the same time, so we did not have to wait...although, we are still twenty something weeks behind folks in other markets.

Pro Tip:  While the screws are self tapping, it might be a good idea to pre-tap some of the screw bosses...especially those on the die cast parts.  Slowly and carefully pre-screw a screw into the hole and back it out.  Then put the parts together and screw away.  I had trouble with screwing into the die cast parts on a later issue, more on that in the future.  The screws go in to plastic with relative ease.  Get yourself a little storage container with little compartments for your left over parts* like screws.

The finished assembly of Issues 001 & 002 should look like this:

Left Front Fender and Rear Fascia

You will not need the fender or rear fascia for a while as the next 20+ kits will be wheels, suspension, chassis, and other areas of the car.  So, keep these parts in a safe place.

Pro Tip:  Hold on to the inner and outer blisters from Issue 002.  You can store that coveted left front fender in there for the next few months as you work on other areas of the Time Machine.  Also a good place to store your left over parts until you get a storage organizer.

*Extra piece count after two issues:  5 AP screws,  3 BP screws, extra registration labels.

Left over parts after two issues

Bonus trivia:  Today in Back to the Future history, 7 September 1885.  The Shonash Ravine run of the Time Machine that sent Marty back to 1985.  This resulted in the Time Machine being destroyed by an on coming train.  Now, we start the journey of putting the DeLorean Time Machine back together.

to be continued...

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - September 2017

September is a month of change. The end of summer.  School starts. Your favourite television shows are starting up.  New car models are hitting the showrooms.  Telemarketers continue to call.

4 September 2017

  323-454-2892  Los Angeles, CA - What, on Labor Day?  Telemarketers do not even get a National Holiday off?  They do not even let the robocall machine have a rest.  Oh, the humanity.  Fuck you!

5 September 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - This fucknut, again.  Spoofing.  Fuck you!

20 September 2017
  310-777-2109  Beverly Hills, CA - Well, this is a surprise.  Been a long time since our last call.  Kinda felt like a pre-teen girl waiting for that boy to call me.   Finally, after a fortnight, I get a call.  While nothing showed up on a search, this call is from Beverly Hills with the usual no message.  Therefore, according to my logic, it classifies as a telemarketer.  Fuck you!

25 September 2015
  732-865-8789  Farmingdale, NJ - Is it me or does 'Farmingdale' sound like another one of those sappy shows on the CW?  Great looking cast, but just a shit show.  Fuck you!

  424-356-4658  Inglewood, CA - Exciting!  Second call of the day but, from a totally different number.  What if the first number from the East Coast was a set up.  Then  hours later, they call from the West Coast...hoping that I will pick up...so they can sell me some typewriters or something.  By the way, "typewriter" is the longest word one can spell using only the top row of letters on a QWERTY keyboard.  And...fuck you!

27 September 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - Ha, we all know this number.  I wish it was a person on the other end, and not a robot.  I might consider answering next time just to have a chat...nah!  Fuck you!

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - August 2017

Sometimes I get the feeling that telemarketers work on a quota system.  Calls seem to come in waves, usually towards the beginning of the month.  They usually die down towards the end on the month, then get right back at it the next month.  Other times, it is random.

1 August 2017

  310-849-9946  Beverly Hill, CA - First day of the month, first call of the month.  When his happens, I often think it will be a full month of calls.  I also wonder how long they can sustain, how many days in a row can they call me.  Oh yeah, another spoofed number.  Fuck you!

  310-724-6589  Beverly Hills, CA - I write these entries as they come in.  Meaning, as soon as I get the call, and to a computer, I write down the number and city and update the info.  I have no idea when the next call comes, so the previous entry was totally random.  I also do not plan out what I am about to say...as you can tell by my lack of structure in writing.

Anyway, second call of the day. New prefix to a Beverly hills number.  Pretty sure it is spoofing, did not even bother to check.  See, no structure.  Oh, and fuck you!

2 August 2017
  310-849-7163  Beverly Hills, CA - I wish this was some luxury boutique in Beverly Hills calling me.  Unfortunately, it is your garden variety telemarketer calling from a spoofed number.  Fuck you!

3 August 2017
  205-221-3461  Jasper, AL - Whoa, Alabama!  Been a while since I got a call from Alabama.  Now, what business would I have with someone in Alabama?  Nothing!  Of course this is a telemarketer.  I am just happy it was not from Beverly Hills...and kinda excited that August looks like it is going to be a full month of harassment from these assholes.  Fuck you!

  231-209-6437  Suttons Bay, MI - Another call, second of the day.  I kinda like these calls from around the country.  I have thought about getting a map to track every call.  Similar to a 'places I have been' map, but this is a 'fuckers been calling me from here' map.  Fuck you!

I stole this image from the internet.

7 August 2017
  323-274-2573  Los Angeles, CA - Now, how am I supposed to complete my map if I keep getting calls from the Los Angeles area?  Come on, is that all you got?  Fuck you!

9 August 2017
   310-849-8586  Beverly Hills, CA - Beverly Fucking Hills.  Fuck you!

15 August 2017
   310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - They like this number.  For those keeping track, this is the seventh time his number was used/spoofed to call, since May 2017.  How dumb are these fucknuts?  If I am not picking up after the first six times, what makes you think I will pick up on the seventh?  I will patiently wait for the eighth call.  Spoiler alert, I am not going to pick up.  Fuck you!

21 August 2017
  702-874-3529  Jean, NV - Add another pin to the map.  Pretty sure this is the first call from Jean, Nevada.  Where is Jean, Nevada?  I have no clue, and I am too lazy to Google it.  I did, however, do a quick search on the number.  Nothing came up, but we all know that any number can be spoofed.  No message was left, no one from Nevada would be calling me...so, basically qualifies as a telemarketer call, in my book.  Congratulations, Jean, Nevada.  You have eared a pin and with that a complementary...Fuck you!

23 August 2017
  310-849-6686  Beverly Hills, CA - Boo...no new pin.  Another spoofed number.  I wonder if they will go through all the number from 0000-9999.  That would be awesome.  Maybe instead of that map, I get a chart and mark off every number from 310-849.  Yeah!  Fuck you!

Removing A Broken Lug Nut

Sheared lug nut

While walking around the car the other day, I noticed something strange.  It looked like a lug nut was missing on one of my wheels.  Upon closer inspection, it was obvious that the top of the nut broke off.

The broken nut was a locking lug nut.  It is also possible that the nut was defective and had a crack in it...and while driving the vibrations weakened the nut and the top fell off. It is also possible that the last time the wheel was removed and replaced, the lug nut was over torqued and the top sheared off.  The key showed no damage and it still fits the other locking nuts.   But, there is damage to the powder coat of my whee.

Whatever.  I still have a problem here.  How am I going to remove this broken nut without damaging the wheel any further.  I did some research, and there were a few...I will just say 'options' to extracting to nut.  The best way was to get a twist socket lug removal system.

Twist socket lug nut removal set

Simple to use.  Basically a conical spiral that bites into the broken lug nut so you can twist it off.

One of the 'solutions' I found was to use a hammer and chisel turn a broken jug nut.  The idea was to place the chisel on the top of the nut and hammer it until the chisel bites.  This gives you leverage to, hopefully, spin the nut.  It works, I saw a video of it.  Obviously, there is opportunity to slippage when hammering and the chisel can cutting into your wheel.  Not a good option for someone as clumsy as me.

But, we will use a hammer for the twist socket set.

Hammer time

Hold on to that hammer, you will need it to tap the socket until it bites the lug nut.   On a side note, the above photo is totally staged...and staged poorly.  I mean, really, look how off I am. If  I really swung and hit the socket at the angle, we could be looking at more damage to the lug nut and wheel.

Anyway, it took only a few taps and the socket locked into place.  Also, look at the hammer.  I did not need to bring out the massive hammer.  This was an IKEA hammer that I used, seriously.  The conical spiral design makes sure that the socket will get a good grip on the broken nut.

Another 'solution' I found was to find a pipe that fits over the broken lug nut...then weld it onto the nut.  When use something to grip the pipe and apply torque to remove.  What?  Yeah, this has been done.  The trick is to get a wet rag and place it around the pipe so the heat from welding does not penetrate to your wheel.  Uh..no.  That just sounds crazy.  For one, I do not have (easy) access to a welder, and obviously, there is a better way.

Broken lug nut removed

So, once the socket is tapped in, take the breaker bar and twist off the bolt.  The spiral design allows the grooves of the socket to dig more into the nut.

The processes was way easier than I thought. It did not require a lot of elbow grease.  Much easier than the alternative methods I mentioned.  I am sure I bought a cheap version of this lug nut removal set, and I am sure there are professional versions that cost more than a month's rent. I got my kit from eBay for about $30, and was shipped to me in three days.

Bullet?

Totally random, but the socket leaves spiral grooves on the extracted nut, much like grooves on a bullet fired from a rifled barrel.  Check out the photo, looks like a evidence from a crime scene.

Replaced with regular lug nut

All that is left to replace the nut.  Luckily, I have extra lug nuts.  So, next time you have to extract a broken lug nut, forget those crazy methods that involve chisels and welding...get yourself a twist socket lug nut removal kit...or borrow one from a friend.

On to the next issues.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - July 2017

We have all been getting telemarketing calls from random numbers.  But recently, a lot of us have been receiving calls from local numbers. I am sure you have seen some post from me regarding telemarketing calls from the 'Beverly Hills' area.  Apparently, this is called spoofing.  If your friends and family have numbers that differ from yours, they have most likely be receiving numbers from their same area code and prefix.  This is nothing new, but the telemarketers have upped their game in the last few months.

I am sure most of you are not answering calls from 'unknown' numbers or outside your contact list. This spoofing is obviously designed to catch you off guard.

1 July 2017

  310-849-5434  Beverly Hills, CA - First day of the month, and on a Saturday morning.   Fuck you!

6 July 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - I wish had this many friends from Beverly Hills.  Ah, the art of spoofing.  Its only accomplishment is being on a list of missed calls.  Fuck you!

11 July 2017
  310-849-9946  Beverly Hills, CA - Oh, a repeat caller.  This is interesting.  A spoofed number calling more than once.  I hope the person who actually owns this number knows that their number is being used...and that I am bashing it.  Nothing personal, buddy.  It is not you, it is the telemarketer system.  Fuck you!

17 July 2017
  815-244-6440  Minooka, IL - I kinda like the name 'Minooka', too bad it the town is tainted by telemarketers.

Minooka, IL

According to this robo call, I have been pre-approved for a loan.  Sweet!  Also, fuck you!

  301-469-3733  Bethesda, MD -  I know Bethesda.  The first time I heard about the name was in A Few Good Men.  Lt. Sam Weinberg mentions to Lt.Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway that "the team's playing Bethesda Medical next week".  Since I had not heard the name before, I thought he said "teams' play the Feds and Medicals next week".  So, I was quite excited when I got a call from Bethesda.  Maybe they want to schedule a softball game next week, who knows?

Alas, this is another telemarketing call.  Looks like they have abandoned (for now) the Beverly Hills phone numbers and going back to random numbers.  I wonder what city the next call will originate from.  Until then, fuck you!

19 July 2017
   323-375-5268  Los Angeles, CA - Oh, so we are back to Southern California calls.  Great!  Kinda disappointed, I was hoping for some 'exotic' city of origin, like Bethesda, or at least a call from different state.  Fuck you!

21 July 2017
  800-871-3984  Unknown - This one is good.  Apparently, this is supposed to be Microsoft calling to notify that Windows has expired and need to renew license.  They even use a 1-800 number to make it seem legit.  Good try, assholes.  Pretty sure Microsoft Windows licenses do not expire, I could be wrong.  Licenses will someday be out of date.  When that happens, you get an email, usually for a free upgrade.  Obviously, this is another scam to get your information.  Fuck you!

26 July 2017
  310-849-5294  Beverly Hills, CA - According to Whitepages.com, this number "appears to be a valid caller that presents practically no risk of scam or fraud".  Yeah, until those fucking telemarketers spoof the number. I am sure this is owned by someone legit.  Unfortunately, it has become victim to spoofing...as I am sure your number and my number as, or will be.  Fuck you! 

Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge - Week 2

Week two of the Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge is over and completed.  Here is a quick recap from what I have experienced.  I am not sure I did everything right.  But, I did something, tried something to improve myself, and that is a start.

Daily Affirmations:  1 - Relationship:  Being nice can be hard....especially for someone like me.  I tend to get annoyed when others approach me with their needs.  I should be more open to others' needs. In the two, I realized that just a smile and/or a nod to a stranger not only makes other feel more comfortable, it makes me feel a little better.  Work well and play well with others...simple playground stuff from Kindergarten.

2 - Competition:  Well, what do you know, we won a game.  One forgets the feeling of winning when it has been a while.

As far as taking a loss in a non-game situation, I am slowly, very slowly trying to not want to win little arguments with others.  Let the Wookie win.

Nutrition and Fitness:  Meals were about the same as Week 1. I tried to eat less.  I hope I ate less.  Writing stuff down kinda helps.  Am I not writing enough?  Maybe I should record the amount of food, like actually count calories.  Maybe I can fit back into those nice pants I bought years ago, and have been unwilling to throw away...because they are nice.  I kinda keep them around to remind myself that 'I used to fit in these'.

I had a full week visiting the gym, working on everything from cardio, weights, and stretching.

We won our first game of the season.  A teammate mentioned that I was faster than anybody out there, that day. I like to think that nutrition and fitness helped.  Part of it might be the win, but I felt less tired after this game. 

Yikes, the holiday weekend is coming up, I hope I do not over eat...again.  Also, hoping to get some sort of exercise as we do not have a game this weekend.  I will continue this exercise at least through the holiday to make sure I stay on course.

Oh, I weighed in at 171 pounds.  I 'lost' about 4 pounds in two weeks.  Body fat percentage dropped about two points to 21%.  Not bad, at this rate, I should be back to my high school weight by the next Olympics...uh, Summer Olympics...maybe.

Harmony:  You know what, when you let others be, there is one less thing you have to worry about.  I kinda like it.  As long as it does not affect me directly, let others be.  But, there are still times that I have to hold back.

Of course, getting telemarketing calls does not help.  While I do not answer, I do feel the need to comment about...as I am sure you have read.

With the Challenge over, I will continue to incorporate Bruce Lee's philosophy into my every day life. I like to think that I have, like Bruce Lee suggests, "Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own".  This quote is so awesome.  If I was to get a tattoo, I might consider inking that somewhere I can refer to whenever I am in a rut.

As I continue with this, I may not write everything down as much, as in daily food intake and work outs.  But, as always, I when hear a good quote, I write it down.

Oh, the prize for this Challenge.  As Shannon and Sharon have mentioned, the ultimate prize is improving one's life.  But, there is a grand prize of being a guest on the Bruce Lee Podcast and a gift bag.  Although I have submitted my entry, I doubt I will win.  I am sure others have made more significant changes in their life.  Besides, sometimes taking the loss is more important than the win.

I just needed this Challenge from Shannon and Sharon, and really Bruce Lee, himself, to make me take a look at what changes I may need or want to make and make those changes.  So, thanks, S & S!

Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge - Week 1

We are at the half way mark in the Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge.  Here is a quick update from what I have experienced.

Daily Affirmations:  1 - I realized that one of my affirmations meshes with 'letting others be', and not be quick to judge others.  I did not have much encountering of new people, but I have tried to be more approachable to the people I interact with.  This also includes greeting strangers, even if it is just a head nod.

Just a friendly smile and saying, "have a nice day", to someone might make them forget (if) they are having a bad day.

2 - I (we) literally took the loss as our team loss another game.  After the game, a teammate and I analysed the things we did wrong and while minimal, the things we did right.  Build on the positive to minimize the negative.  Kinda like Bruce Lee's quote, "Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own."

Nutrition and Fitness: I did not really change my diet, but I did...well, in the process of...changing the amount of food I eat.  I am slowly experimenting with eating half of what is on my plate.  Oh, but food is so good.  Work in progress.

As far as exercise, for the first time in maybe two years, I jumped back on the bike.  Okay, it was on a trainer, but I did spin for 90 minutes.  Yes, my sit bones are sore.  Unfortunately, during the week, I have been busy at work and have not found time to hit the gym.  I tried to make up for it by doing little exercises and stretching at home.

I played my usual weekly hockey game.  As mentioned, we lost.  I also did a little gardening, meaning trimming bushes for about two hours.  Somewhere between there, I injured my shoulder.  I think it was from carrying my hockey bag.  I should be good for the next game, but I will take it easy as far as shoulder work outs for the week.

Oh, I am 174 pound.  I 'lost' one pound.  Not much progress...I should eat less cookies.

Harmony:  Let others be.  I realized...because the wife tells me...that I am a "side seat driver".  I sometimes react to things I see on the road, which can startle the driver.  I have since tried to let the wife drive in peace.

There were a few times when I wanted to give some of my teammates a few pointers, but in a not so positive way.  I stopped myself as in the end, we are just out there to have fun. There is no need to add pressure to a fun situation.

We will see how things go as we reach the end of this challenge.

Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge

Bruce Lee Podcast Challenge
12 June 2017 - 26 June 2017

The Bruce Lee Podcast, hosted by (Bruce Lee's duaghter) Shannon Lee and a Sharon Ann Lee, issued a Podcast Challenge, a two week challenge to integrate Bruce Lee's philosophy into daily life.

Of course, there are prizes, including being a guest on the podcast and goody bag.  But as they say, the ultimate prize will be the improvement in health and life.

Challenge is for two weeks and starts today!  

More information can be found here.  But I will copy/paste just so I have it here for myself.

Daily Action Items for the 2 Week Challenge:

1.  Affirmations - Identify something in you that makes you feel alive, something that you want to grow.  Write at least one (preferably more) of your own affirmations (you can use Bruce Lee's affirmations to supplement if you don't come up with more than one or two).
Make a five minute daily practice of saying your affirmations aloud every morning before starting your day, carry your affirmations with you, and return to them as often as you like throughout the day.  Journal any changes in your outlook, anything that opens for you or any sudden moments of understanding that you have.

For reference here are Bruce Lee's Daily Affirmations:

Willpower - Recognizing that the power of will is the supreme court over all other departments of my mind. I will excercise it daily when I need the urge to action for any purpose; and I will form habits designed to bring the power of my will into action at least once daily.

Emotion - Realizing that my emotions are both positive and negative, I will form daily habits which will encourage the development of the positive emotions and aid me in converting the negative emotions into some form of useful action.

Reason - Recognizing that both my positive and negative emotions may be dangerous if they are not controlled and guided to desireable ends, I will submit all my desires, aims, and purposes to my faculty of reason, and I will be guided by it in giving expression to these.

Imagination - Recognizing the need for sound plans and ideas for the attainment of my desires, I will develop my imagination by calling upon it daily for help in the formation of my plans.

Memory - Recognizing the value of an alert mind and an alert memory, I will encourage mine to become alert by taking care to impress it clearly with all thoughts I wish to recall and by associating those thoughts with related subjects which I may call to mind frequently.

Subconscious Mind - Recognizing the influence of my subconscious mind over my power of will, I shall take care to submit to it a clear and definite picture of my major purpose in life and all minor purposes leading to my major purpose, and I shall keep this picture constantly before my subconscious mind by repeating it daily!

Conscience - Recognizing that my emotions often err in their overenthusiasm, and my faculty of reason often is without the warmth of feeling that is necessary to enable me to combine justice with mercy in my judgments, I will encourage my conscience to guide me as to what is right and what is wrong, but I will never set aside the verdicts it renders, no matter what may be the cost of carrying them out. 

I kinda have two.  Not sure if these qualify, but I think these are things that I would like to improve for myself.

Relationship  (working well with others)

Learn to accept others as they are.  Often times their story is deeper than what they show on the surface.  Welcome them with open arms as they approach you.  See the situation through their eyes before reacting.  

Competition 
Sometimes, taking the loss is a better alternative to winning.  Failure is an option...sometimes.

2. Nutrition and FitnessAnswer this question: “I would feel better in my body if I…..” Be specific.  Once you’ve identified the answer, practice this every day. Journal any changes in your outlook, anything that opens up for you or any sudden moments of understanding that you have

For me, "I would fell better in my body if I..." move more, move better, move with ease.  This includes reducing that tubby gut by getting more exercise; weight training, cardio, stretching.  Reduce the amount of 'extra' food (especially junk food).  For each serving of junk food, drop and do 20 push ups or hold plank (for at least 30 seconds).  Try not to stay stationary for too long.  Once in a while, get up and...walk on.

As of this morning, I am 175 pounds.  I would like to think that is muscle, but the scale also tow me that have have about 23% body fat.  This is the most heavy I have been.

3. Harmony:  Try this practice: Letting others be. Practice living in harmony by not saying anything negative about anyone else or yourself for the 2 week challenge period. Try to reframe any negative thoughts into positive ones or inquiries. Journal any changes in your outlook, anything that opens up for you or any sudden moments of understanding that you have.

This one is tough, they are all tough.  Any change is tough.

While I have occasionally tried to implement Bruce Lee's philosophy into my everyday life, I kinda need this 'challenge' to make me really do it.  I will check back in two weeks and see how things go.  As the rules state, I will be keeping a journal of my progress.