Here are some pictures of my garden - www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7313&id=1606565655&l=7b4f3cac42
We just cut down a tree in the backyard that use to prove us with plenty of shade but I realized that my garden wasn't getting enough sun. So now we're coping with the additional sunlight :D
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Finally pictures!
It's been a busy year of races for us. The last one I mentioned was Disney's Duathlon. I've been pretty diligent about posting pictures on FB and now thanks to Norma, I'm now able to link the two together.
www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9430&id=1606565655&l=fdda477ed6
This past July 4th, we competed in Ladera Ranch 10k. It was hotter than we anticipated but so it was slow moving. Carlos finished in 50 minutes, I came in under 57 minutes. We ran the route 2x and had to tackle this long hill but we survived!
The following week - Carlos ran Peter's Canyon #2 race (5 miler) I thought of being a bandit runner but instead opted to walk the course with my friend before the race. Carlos finished in less than 45 minutes - it was HOT and dusty.
We head up north to Santa Cruz at end of month to visit friends and do the Warf to Warf 10k. We're excited, the weather should be perfect!
www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9430&id=1606565655&l=fdda477ed6
This past July 4th, we competed in Ladera Ranch 10k. It was hotter than we anticipated but so it was slow moving. Carlos finished in 50 minutes, I came in under 57 minutes. We ran the route 2x and had to tackle this long hill but we survived!
The following week - Carlos ran Peter's Canyon #2 race (5 miler) I thought of being a bandit runner but instead opted to walk the course with my friend before the race. Carlos finished in less than 45 minutes - it was HOT and dusty.
We head up north to Santa Cruz at end of month to visit friends and do the Warf to Warf 10k. We're excited, the weather should be perfect!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Name Change
Wondering if I should change my blog from "ambitious crafter" to "ambitious runner" or perhaps "compulsive" :D
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I've been lazy
Okay, maybe lazy isn't the right word - I've been unmotivated to write in my blog. I have lots to say, just haven't found the time to write about it.
Here's a recap (pictures as always to follow)
After our 1/2 marathon - I decided to continue with my running regime. I've been running Tues/Thurs/Friday and some Sundays averaging 3.5-6 miles. I do want to maintain my endurance by adding mileage but it's tough. Weekends are the only time that I can really run for more than an hour since I've been training for my upcoming Duathlon at Disney.
Up coming races include: Iron Girl Del Mar (10K) have a couple of friends doing the (5K). I'm so much better prepared for this race compared to last year - so I'm not too worried. I have the Duathlon the week after (they say the course is primarily "flat" but I've heard that before)
It's a run (1.5 miles) bike (10 miles) run (2 miles) and for the costly admission you get to spend the day in the park. I will definitely need a change of clothes and baby wipes to get rid of the funk! I'm doing this one with Priscilla - she's more of a cyclist and I'm more of a runner so I'm hoping we leverage our strengths with one another!
After that, I'm dormant on the races - but I would like to sign up for another 1/2 marathon later this year so I will try to keep up with the mileage (at least 9-10 miles on weekend runs).
I've made the decision to save my pennies and start running on my own, luckily some of the my running mates are the same mindset so I'll have company. I'm also trying to get non-runners on board, so I'll keep you posted on their progress. Kat joined Carlos (+ the dogs) and I on a quick run last friday -she's more of a gym rat and didn't think she could run outdoors. We did awesome time at a moderate pace and she was floored that she could keep up. Most of the time, when we start running we forget to pace ourselves and move too fast so it's easier to give up when we're tired. I've also found that it's MENTAL, it's easy to talk ourselves out of accomplishing out goals!
Gardening & Crafting:
My garden is coming together, Carlos put together an above ground sprinkler system so I no longer have to manually water - it's WONDERFUL. I'm seeing some tomatoes and chiles, I can't wait for the squash and I'm trying to grow melons & watermelons. We'll see how that goes!
I'm seriously considering selling my crafty creations. In this economy, you just never know. I would love to do the tamales but they're time consuming and I really need to do more taste testing of potential flavors before I start advertising. I also need to figure out pricing and all that other good stuff. So I'm looking within myself to figure out what I do best and see if there's a population interested in purchasing. So it's a lot of soul searching and organization - I think that's the hardest part! I'll keep you all posted when I come up with something.
During this past month: we visited the Huntington Library for Mother's day, got to go camping up in Palomar, installed sprinklers in our front yard, hung out by the beach at least 3 times (which is a record for us even though we only live 8 miles away). I took some pictures so I hope to post all of it by the weekend. Patience D:
Here's a recap (pictures as always to follow)
After our 1/2 marathon - I decided to continue with my running regime. I've been running Tues/Thurs/Friday and some Sundays averaging 3.5-6 miles. I do want to maintain my endurance by adding mileage but it's tough. Weekends are the only time that I can really run for more than an hour since I've been training for my upcoming Duathlon at Disney.
Up coming races include: Iron Girl Del Mar (10K) have a couple of friends doing the (5K). I'm so much better prepared for this race compared to last year - so I'm not too worried. I have the Duathlon the week after (they say the course is primarily "flat" but I've heard that before)
It's a run (1.5 miles) bike (10 miles) run (2 miles) and for the costly admission you get to spend the day in the park. I will definitely need a change of clothes and baby wipes to get rid of the funk! I'm doing this one with Priscilla - she's more of a cyclist and I'm more of a runner so I'm hoping we leverage our strengths with one another!
After that, I'm dormant on the races - but I would like to sign up for another 1/2 marathon later this year so I will try to keep up with the mileage (at least 9-10 miles on weekend runs).
I've made the decision to save my pennies and start running on my own, luckily some of the my running mates are the same mindset so I'll have company. I'm also trying to get non-runners on board, so I'll keep you posted on their progress. Kat joined Carlos (+ the dogs) and I on a quick run last friday -she's more of a gym rat and didn't think she could run outdoors. We did awesome time at a moderate pace and she was floored that she could keep up. Most of the time, when we start running we forget to pace ourselves and move too fast so it's easier to give up when we're tired. I've also found that it's MENTAL, it's easy to talk ourselves out of accomplishing out goals!
Gardening & Crafting:
My garden is coming together, Carlos put together an above ground sprinkler system so I no longer have to manually water - it's WONDERFUL. I'm seeing some tomatoes and chiles, I can't wait for the squash and I'm trying to grow melons & watermelons. We'll see how that goes!
I'm seriously considering selling my crafty creations. In this economy, you just never know. I would love to do the tamales but they're time consuming and I really need to do more taste testing of potential flavors before I start advertising. I also need to figure out pricing and all that other good stuff. So I'm looking within myself to figure out what I do best and see if there's a population interested in purchasing. So it's a lot of soul searching and organization - I think that's the hardest part! I'll keep you all posted when I come up with something.
During this past month: we visited the Huntington Library for Mother's day, got to go camping up in Palomar, installed sprinklers in our front yard, hung out by the beach at least 3 times (which is a record for us even though we only live 8 miles away). I took some pictures so I hope to post all of it by the weekend. Patience D:
Pandora!!!
Most people know about Pandora. It's an online streaming radio interface that customizes the stations to your liking. You punch in some artists you like and it develops a play list of similar artists that you might enjoy. You can always move or remove artists from a particular playlist.
It's AWESOME - you don't have to download anything, just stream off the computer.
I found this interesting article, didn't know they had a paid service but it should pretty sweet. At $36 a year how could you really go wrong? Pandora One- Better than the Free Version
It's AWESOME - you don't have to download anything, just stream off the computer.
I found this interesting article, didn't know they had a paid service but it should pretty sweet. At $36 a year how could you really go wrong? Pandora One- Better than the Free Version
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Important Info.
John Hopkins Update
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY.
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3 When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonou s to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Cast le Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard . He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
Also check out:
Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life - David Servan-Schreiber
SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life - Steven G. Pratt
And Gillian McKeith (Nutritionist from UK) about toned down version of Macrobiotics
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY.
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3 When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonou s to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Cast le Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard . He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
Also check out:
Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life - David Servan-Schreiber
SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life - Steven G. Pratt
And Gillian McKeith (Nutritionist from UK) about toned down version of Macrobiotics
We are the CHAMPIONS!
I officially ran my first 1/2 marathon this past Sunday. Carlos offered to run it with me (which was very nice of him considering he goes so much fast than I do)
We did the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation 1/2 in Irvine. It's for a fantastic cause - pediatric cancer rates have risen in the last decades, more and more kids are being diagnosed with cancer. Figured this was a good way to give back.
The race was tauted to be a flat, fast course running through Irvine. Irvine is pretty spread out though and when I looked at the course map, it really didn't seem like we'd be running on streets - so I figured paved trails.
To prepare for the race, Carlos had been doing longer runs about 8-9 miles. I on the other hand, went from 4.5 to 7 mile runs, and was told that I couldn't go too crazy and jump up to 10 miles because I might injure myself. So I got up to 7 mile runs and prayed that it would be sufficient.
Day of the race - we lined up by 7:00am, the day was primarily overcast (perfect running weather). I had all my gear on, my tunes blaring, and had stretched, I was ready to go. We started off at a moderate pace because I didn't want to run out of fumes half way.
The course took us through Irivne's commercial and residential areas. I was happy that it was well marked because I would have gotten lost otherwise. We ran through paved trails, streets, parks, etc. It wasn't as flat as promised, there were various mounds/hills that we ended up climbing.
I was fine at mile 6, but by mile 10, I was wondering - when is it going to end. At this time, a 40 something year old asian woman started us run with us. We had been passing each other up at various parts of the course and I noticed that she was running pretty close to us. She would run between Carlos and I and then right behind me on my shoulder. We finally reach mile 12, the 5k walkers were on the course and it was a little complicated trying to dodge them. I felt my legs getting more and more tried. By this time the sun had come up and had started to warm up the streets.
We opted to move out of the asian woman's way and she was like "I'm not passing you, I'm drafting off her" (ME!!! she was using me) According to wikipedia: "Drafting can be cooperative, in which several competitors take turns in the lead position (which requires the most effort and energy consumption). Or, it can be competitive or tactical, where one competitor will try to stay closely behind another leaving him or her more energy for a break-away push to the finish line." Let me assure you it wasn't cooperative! So as we approach the finish line I see her take off. What a piece of work. I did all the dirty work while she kept it easy :S Now I know better!
Our results:
Time: 2:26:41
Pace: 11:12 min.
I couldn't have done it without Chuck! He's my biggest fan and support system!
After we crossed the finish line he said "I think I could run at least 4 more miles, I feel good" (I'm sure it was because he was running at a significantly slower pace) :D
We did the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation 1/2 in Irvine. It's for a fantastic cause - pediatric cancer rates have risen in the last decades, more and more kids are being diagnosed with cancer. Figured this was a good way to give back.
The race was tauted to be a flat, fast course running through Irvine. Irvine is pretty spread out though and when I looked at the course map, it really didn't seem like we'd be running on streets - so I figured paved trails.
To prepare for the race, Carlos had been doing longer runs about 8-9 miles. I on the other hand, went from 4.5 to 7 mile runs, and was told that I couldn't go too crazy and jump up to 10 miles because I might injure myself. So I got up to 7 mile runs and prayed that it would be sufficient.
Day of the race - we lined up by 7:00am, the day was primarily overcast (perfect running weather). I had all my gear on, my tunes blaring, and had stretched, I was ready to go. We started off at a moderate pace because I didn't want to run out of fumes half way.
The course took us through Irivne's commercial and residential areas. I was happy that it was well marked because I would have gotten lost otherwise. We ran through paved trails, streets, parks, etc. It wasn't as flat as promised, there were various mounds/hills that we ended up climbing.
I was fine at mile 6, but by mile 10, I was wondering - when is it going to end. At this time, a 40 something year old asian woman started us run with us. We had been passing each other up at various parts of the course and I noticed that she was running pretty close to us. She would run between Carlos and I and then right behind me on my shoulder. We finally reach mile 12, the 5k walkers were on the course and it was a little complicated trying to dodge them. I felt my legs getting more and more tried. By this time the sun had come up and had started to warm up the streets.
We opted to move out of the asian woman's way and she was like "I'm not passing you, I'm drafting off her" (ME!!! she was using me) According to wikipedia: "Drafting can be cooperative, in which several competitors take turns in the lead position (which requires the most effort and energy consumption). Or, it can be competitive or tactical, where one competitor will try to stay closely behind another leaving him or her more energy for a break-away push to the finish line." Let me assure you it wasn't cooperative! So as we approach the finish line I see her take off. What a piece of work. I did all the dirty work while she kept it easy :S Now I know better!
Our results:
Time: 2:26:41
Pace: 11:12 min.
I couldn't have done it without Chuck! He's my biggest fan and support system!
After we crossed the finish line he said "I think I could run at least 4 more miles, I feel good" (I'm sure it was because he was running at a significantly slower pace) :D
Friday, May 1, 2009
Really......
I was watching a part of the today show this morning and they were featuring the Tummy Tub.
Apparently, it's big in europe. It looks like a plastic curved waist basket that's suppose to mimic the womb.
So you stick your baby in there and bathe them.
Check it out: www.tummytub.co.uk/about.html
Is it me or does this seem unsanitary? All the mom's please respond.
Apparently, it's big in europe. It looks like a plastic curved waist basket that's suppose to mimic the womb.
So you stick your baby in there and bathe them.
Check it out: www.tummytub.co.uk/about.html
Is it me or does this seem unsanitary? All the mom's please respond.
Racing
Carlos has agreed to run the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) Cinco de Mayo 1/2 Marathon with me this Sunday.
I'm pumped, it's my official first "long" distance race as a runner. I've walked them and it's taken me about 3 hours. Figure I can only get better.
We managed to get a good group of folks to sign up:
Aaron, Jorge, Melissa will be doing the 10k
Jennifer & Anne will be doing the 5k
And for a $10 donation - you get 2 wahoo's burritos and 2 beers
Should be a good time, I'll let you all know how well I do :D
I'm pumped, it's my official first "long" distance race as a runner. I've walked them and it's taken me about 3 hours. Figure I can only get better.
We managed to get a good group of folks to sign up:
Aaron, Jorge, Melissa will be doing the 10k
Jennifer & Anne will be doing the 5k
And for a $10 donation - you get 2 wahoo's burritos and 2 beers
Should be a good time, I'll let you all know how well I do :D
Monday, April 20, 2009
Let's get physical, physical ......
I'm still doing my running camp. It's now a Tues/Thurs/Fri., affair - still at 5:30am. I've become a better runner, I've learned to pace myself and feel like I've come a long way. I've also lost some weight thanks to all this activity and my newly adopted eating habits. Before I was moving but I felt like I had a ton of bricks on my back and midsection, as the weight comes off I do feel faster. And my body is more use to it!
This time around, our coach is focusing on hill training, intervals, and fartleks. My friday run with the girls without the coach are easy runs and the last two weeks I've been able to add some mileage.
May 3rd - Carlos is running the PCRF (pediatric cancer research foundation) Cinco de Mayo 1/2 Marathon with me. It's the first 1/2 I plan to run the whole way - so I need to beef up my mileage. We're only a couple of weeks away and I doubt I'll be in tip top shape but I'm determined to finish it under my 3 hour walking time. Since my expectations are low - I'm sure I'll be exceeding my goal.
June 7th - I'm running the Iron Girl in Del Mar 10k. I did a walk/run at the 5k last year and finished in good time. I know it's going to be HOT but I figured I have 90 minutes to finish the race. That should be plenty of time - even if I walk. I like this race not only because it's a women's only competition but you get a sweet medal, technical t-shirt, and breakfast :D
The following week - June 14th - I'm going to disneyland!!!! I just signed up to do Trek's all women Dualthlon (run 1.5 miles, bike 10 miles, run 2 miles). It's an inaugural event capped at 2,000 participants. Being it's my first duathlon, I do have some reservations but I've started training. I have 8 weeks to get my butt use to my bike seat again.....the running is a piece of cake :D http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com
This time around, our coach is focusing on hill training, intervals, and fartleks. My friday run with the girls without the coach are easy runs and the last two weeks I've been able to add some mileage.
May 3rd - Carlos is running the PCRF (pediatric cancer research foundation) Cinco de Mayo 1/2 Marathon with me. It's the first 1/2 I plan to run the whole way - so I need to beef up my mileage. We're only a couple of weeks away and I doubt I'll be in tip top shape but I'm determined to finish it under my 3 hour walking time. Since my expectations are low - I'm sure I'll be exceeding my goal.
June 7th - I'm running the Iron Girl in Del Mar 10k. I did a walk/run at the 5k last year and finished in good time. I know it's going to be HOT but I figured I have 90 minutes to finish the race. That should be plenty of time - even if I walk. I like this race not only because it's a women's only competition but you get a sweet medal, technical t-shirt, and breakfast :D
The following week - June 14th - I'm going to disneyland!!!! I just signed up to do Trek's all women Dualthlon (run 1.5 miles, bike 10 miles, run 2 miles). It's an inaugural event capped at 2,000 participants. Being it's my first duathlon, I do have some reservations but I've started training. I have 8 weeks to get my butt use to my bike seat again.....the running is a piece of cake :D http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com
Cooking & Eating
I've been busy in the kitchen experimenting. I've never been a big meat eater. I eat chicken and fish primarily, hardly ever eat red meat unless it's a special occasion. But I've never been one to crave it. I remember when I was in high school my sister was vegetarian. It worked for the most part, since we weren't a meat and potatoes type of family. I guess that's where I was first introduced to it.
With all this talk of eating organically and conscious eating, etc.... I've started to venture out into alternative cuisines. Gillian McKeith's Book - You are what you eat (also has a show on BBC America) is so insightful. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way becoming a vegetarian - I love food to much. I'm just becoming a more informed eater. McKeith introduces parts of the macrobiotic diet but isn't so extreme.
Things I've started to do:
1. Grow veggies & herbs (introduce them at most of my meals)
2. Eat more veggies and fruit
3. Eat more non-animal proteins (nuts, legumes, lentils)
4. Eat more times a day - so I don't stuff myself at dinner
5. Shop organic (farmer's markets, local markets, etc.) stay away from processed food
6. Reduce sugar in-take or fried foods
7. Say no to refined processed flour (sticking with whole grains/wheat)
8. Trying new things (Mediterranean lentil salad, juicing, veggie salad)
Carlos hasn't complained, he's found some of the stuff surprisingly good :D
So far so good, I'm eating more and I don't feel stuffed. I benefit is that I have more energy and feel revitalized.
With all this talk of eating organically and conscious eating, etc.... I've started to venture out into alternative cuisines. Gillian McKeith's Book - You are what you eat (also has a show on BBC America) is so insightful. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way becoming a vegetarian - I love food to much. I'm just becoming a more informed eater. McKeith introduces parts of the macrobiotic diet but isn't so extreme.
Things I've started to do:
1. Grow veggies & herbs (introduce them at most of my meals)
2. Eat more veggies and fruit
3. Eat more non-animal proteins (nuts, legumes, lentils)
4. Eat more times a day - so I don't stuff myself at dinner
5. Shop organic (farmer's markets, local markets, etc.) stay away from processed food
6. Reduce sugar in-take or fried foods
7. Say no to refined processed flour (sticking with whole grains/wheat)
8. Trying new things (Mediterranean lentil salad, juicing, veggie salad)
Carlos hasn't complained, he's found some of the stuff surprisingly good :D
So far so good, I'm eating more and I don't feel stuffed. I benefit is that I have more energy and feel revitalized.
Crafty
I'm back on the wagon when it comes to knitting....made a couple of scarfs, two beanies, and various other goodies. Knitting is very relaxing but after a while my wrists hurt - so I need to take it easy. Luckily, I've been pretty active and haven't encountered too much pain. I have some pretty cool ideas and I'm about to come up with my own label...so stay tuned.
Some potential projects I'm contemplating:
couple of baby blankets
more beanies
more scarfs
**notice that my projects usually average a couple of hours...I know myself, if I tackle anything too big, it's hard for me to finish - I lose interest.
I'm also going to start sewing again. I have a couple of minor alterations to do for a friend but I would like to make a couple of aprons and a dog coat or two for my furry children!
'Tis the season to Garden!
The garden is coming into it's own .....I've had to weed, removed, replant, till, water a lot these last couple of weeks (in the back and front yard).
In order to plant new species you need to prepare the soil. If you've had preexisting plants in area, you have to dig them out and aerate the soil before you start your new crop. It's been moderately sunny up until this past weekend. We had record heat hit the south land. Many cities set new records but it was amazingly clear and blue. What can I say we're luck to be living in Southern California
Things I've planted for this season:
11 tomato varieties (including some heirloom tomatoes)
more jalapeno & serrano plants
basil
crocked neck squash
spearmint [but I'm keeping this in a pot - very invasive (like rosemary)]
zucchini
honeydew
non-edibles: marigolds, false heather, spanish lavender to attract the bees
(Did I mention that last season I was pollinating my own squash plant!! Yes, every morning I would walk out and inspect the squash to see if any "female" flowers were open and I would assist the "male" flowers in pollination by removing the stamen of the "male" flower and introducing it to the "female" flower.... it was invitro fertilization for plants (without the petri dish). Anyhow - that's when I realized how valuable bees are - they do the dirty work so you don't have too. Got to love mother nature's humor.) http://www.ehow.com/how_4468625_hand-pollinate-squash.html
Plants I removed:
lettuce (romaine & bronze leaf)
chile plants out (the heat was too much for them)
cauliflower and broccoli too (season was over)
Still waiting for onions, purple cabbage, and baby beets....so we'll see when they're ready to harvest.
In the front yard - I added some lavender and roses. I had a black thumb when it came to roses until my mother-in-law provided me with some essential tips.
In order to plant new species you need to prepare the soil. If you've had preexisting plants in area, you have to dig them out and aerate the soil before you start your new crop. It's been moderately sunny up until this past weekend. We had record heat hit the south land. Many cities set new records but it was amazingly clear and blue. What can I say we're luck to be living in Southern California
Things I've planted for this season:
11 tomato varieties (including some heirloom tomatoes)
more jalapeno & serrano plants
basil
crocked neck squash
spearmint [but I'm keeping this in a pot - very invasive (like rosemary)]
zucchini
honeydew
non-edibles: marigolds, false heather, spanish lavender to attract the bees
(Did I mention that last season I was pollinating my own squash plant!! Yes, every morning I would walk out and inspect the squash to see if any "female" flowers were open and I would assist the "male" flowers in pollination by removing the stamen of the "male" flower and introducing it to the "female" flower.... it was invitro fertilization for plants (without the petri dish). Anyhow - that's when I realized how valuable bees are - they do the dirty work so you don't have too. Got to love mother nature's humor.) http://www.ehow.com/how_4468625_hand-pollinate-squash.html
Plants I removed:
lettuce (romaine & bronze leaf)
chile plants out (the heat was too much for them)
cauliflower and broccoli too (season was over)
Still waiting for onions, purple cabbage, and baby beets....so we'll see when they're ready to harvest.
In the front yard - I added some lavender and roses. I had a black thumb when it came to roses until my mother-in-law provided me with some essential tips.
- Roses love sun, keep them watered at all times.
- When a bud blooms (and dies) remove it immediately. Count down 5 "branches/leaves" and angle cut it when you see a new buddling.
- Fertilize with Bayer Rose and Plant food every 2 months (pellets)
- If you see yellow, white, black spots on the leaves treat with Ortho's Rose Care insecticide.
- Add new rose soil - (Whitney brand is what I use) every couple of months to keep them nourished.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
RuPaul's Drag Race
Carlos questions my show selections, I go from one extreme to the other. I like to keep it interesting, what can I say. I'm all about diversity!
Nina Flowers 
The first season of RuPaul's (or as industry folks call her "Ms. Ru") Drag Race concluded. I was on the edge of my seat. I had seen the finalist compete week after week in various elimination challenges and wasn't sure what direction it would go.
The finalist were:
Bebe Zahara Benet
Bebe Zahara Benet Bebe was very elegant and poised. She wore some of the freakiest outfits, leopard print pant suit paired with this lion mane wig, black cat suit with a big while hat and sparkly stuff dangling off her head. You had to see it, very impressive.
Nina Flowers Nina was a sweetheart with a true drive and passion. She looks mean but she's so personable. If I ever go to Denver, I'm making a pit stop at her club.
Rebecca Glasscock
Rebecca was blah, she complained too much and was extremely unprofessional but I guess her looks got her far. This isn't a very flattering picture of her, I've seen her better.
And the winner is: Bebe Zahara Benet
And the winner is: Bebe Zahara Benet
Headed up North
Read Carlos' blog for an accurate account of our trip. This is my condensed version :DWe drove up to Santa Cruz to visit our friends Heather, Josh, & Thomas over the weekend. Couldn't have asked for better weather, it was brisk but clear! In order to get to Santa Cruz, we had to pass through various farming communities (Castroville, Capitola, Watsonville, etc.) and I can't tell you how excited I was. I felt at home, driving through the fields. I got to see some artichoke plants in full bloom and realized that my plant has a ways to go! I'd never been up to Santa Cruz, so it was refreshing to go somewhere new.
We spent some quality time with Heather & Thomas, caught up on some new reality tv shows, ate some delicious food, and on our way down we stopped at one of our favorite places - The Point Lobos State Reserve. It was an amazing short trip!
Friday, March 20, 2009
OMG
I guess I'm not the only one with a veggie garden :D
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2009/03/20/sotvo.michelle.obama.garden.cnn
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2009/03/20/sotvo.michelle.obama.garden.cnn
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Running Camp
So after 8 weeks, my running camp has concluded. It was bittersweet, I've grown close to those ladies and they sure do keep me on my toes. I'm on the fence as to signing up for another camp (primarily due cost). All we've been hearing in the news and everywhere else (for that matter) is the dire need to save. America needs to buckle down and save as much as possible. With the uncertainty of this economy, you just never know.
I've talked it over with Carlos and he told me that if I decide to sign up, the cost isn't that horrendous and that he knows I will maximize the 8 weeks. He brought up a good point, we could save in other ways. He's also noticed a definite improvement and confidence in my running ability. We'll see what it comes down too, we have a week off and start back up end of March.
Whatever happens, I hope to keep this crazy schedule with 4:40am walk up calls on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I'm finding that working out in the morning and getting it out of the way leaves minimal room for flaking. Especially if people are counting on you to show up :D
I've talked it over with Carlos and he told me that if I decide to sign up, the cost isn't that horrendous and that he knows I will maximize the 8 weeks. He brought up a good point, we could save in other ways. He's also noticed a definite improvement and confidence in my running ability. We'll see what it comes down too, we have a week off and start back up end of March.
Whatever happens, I hope to keep this crazy schedule with 4:40am walk up calls on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I'm finding that working out in the morning and getting it out of the way leaves minimal room for flaking. Especially if people are counting on you to show up :D
Time Change
Not sure what the general consensus is but this year's "spring forward" is killing me. I haven't adjusted to the time change like other years. I'm finding it harder to hit the hay because I'm wide awake. I'm not exhausted like I should be when I go to sleep (which allows me to sleep soundly). I'm also having to wake up in darkness. It's so much harder to peel myself out of bed when it's pitch black.
So I've come the the conclusion, there is no way I'd ever be able to live in Alaska or Iceland where they have the freaky summer schedules (over 20 hour of sun then darkness for the rest of the year). So if you're planning on taking me - I can visit but I can't live there :D
*Even the dogs are having a hard time adjusting, Carlos goes in and opens up their crates - they come out to greet him with lots of hesitation and they crawl back in.....it's a sure sign, they're not ready to be up yet ;D
So I've come the the conclusion, there is no way I'd ever be able to live in Alaska or Iceland where they have the freaky summer schedules (over 20 hour of sun then darkness for the rest of the year). So if you're planning on taking me - I can visit but I can't live there :D
*Even the dogs are having a hard time adjusting, Carlos goes in and opens up their crates - they come out to greet him with lots of hesitation and they crawl back in.....it's a sure sign, they're not ready to be up yet ;D
OC Chili Winter Race Series #2
Brief note: check me out on the official website for the OC Chili Winter Race Series http://www.bookthatevent.com/Trail_Run/Home.html, scroll to the very bottom and you'll see a picture. I'm the awkward runner on the left hand side wearing a long sleeve green shirt with black shorts. I appear to have stick straight legs, which I blame on the creek we were having to cross. Race #1 was done on a cold rainy day, I think I was trying to figure out a way to minimize getting my shoes wet. So much for that - I got soaked and as I continued on my merry way, I was making squish, squash noises. Luckily, I wasn't alone!
This past Saturday, Carlos and I did the second race in the series. Since we got rained out for the 1st race (that route was modified and we ran primarily on paved trails) this time around we ended up hitting the hills. Carlos as always wanted to start at the front of the pack, since my left knee was tender and my right foot was being itself - I decided to take it nice and slow. I ended up runing/walking with Tom & Heather - husband and wife team that are members of OC Trail Runners. We started out of the gates in a moderate running pace, we inch over to our first hill and end up having to wait 5-10 minutes. The trail that we're suppose to be on is a single track - one person trail. So everyone pretty much had to wait their turn to start the climb. We were all clustered in various parts of the trail for at least the first mile (steep up hill) on the moderately flat and down hills we would run.
We were doing pretty good time and around the 3rd mile marker I somehow lost Tom & Heather. So I made the executive decision to start running at a moderate pace. I got to the finish line at 1 hour 8 minutes (it was 4.88 mile trail). As I kicked up my legs towards to end to propel myself to a strong finish I noticed the photog and decided to pose .... here it goes, check me out: http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=byr_7608681798&event=OC_CHILE_WINTER_TRAIL_RUN_2_2009&password=&start_list=72&max=91&event_cat=002.opc and here's Carlos: http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=byr_7608681798&event=OC_CHILE_WINTER_TRAIL_RUN_2_2009&event_cat=002.opc&password= .
Side note: not sure about you all but when I run my nose tends to run profusely, I'm use to it so I usually carry a paper towel with me to manage the mucus. So as I'm approaching the finish line, looking like a rock star (in my mind). I make it in and by the time Carlos sees me (at least 6 people see me before he does) he gives me this weird look and tells me "you have a bugger on your cheek". All I could do was wipe it in a panic and laugh. ONLY ME :S
This past Saturday, Carlos and I did the second race in the series. Since we got rained out for the 1st race (that route was modified and we ran primarily on paved trails) this time around we ended up hitting the hills. Carlos as always wanted to start at the front of the pack, since my left knee was tender and my right foot was being itself - I decided to take it nice and slow. I ended up runing/walking with Tom & Heather - husband and wife team that are members of OC Trail Runners. We started out of the gates in a moderate running pace, we inch over to our first hill and end up having to wait 5-10 minutes. The trail that we're suppose to be on is a single track - one person trail. So everyone pretty much had to wait their turn to start the climb. We were all clustered in various parts of the trail for at least the first mile (steep up hill) on the moderately flat and down hills we would run.
We were doing pretty good time and around the 3rd mile marker I somehow lost Tom & Heather. So I made the executive decision to start running at a moderate pace. I got to the finish line at 1 hour 8 minutes (it was 4.88 mile trail). As I kicked up my legs towards to end to propel myself to a strong finish I noticed the photog and decided to pose .... here it goes, check me out: http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=byr_7608681798&event=OC_CHILE_WINTER_TRAIL_RUN_2_2009&password=&start_list=72&max=91&event_cat=002.opc and here's Carlos: http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=byr_7608681798&event=OC_CHILE_WINTER_TRAIL_RUN_2_2009&event_cat=002.opc&password= .
Side note: not sure about you all but when I run my nose tends to run profusely, I'm use to it so I usually carry a paper towel with me to manage the mucus. So as I'm approaching the finish line, looking like a rock star (in my mind). I make it in and by the time Carlos sees me (at least 6 people see me before he does) he gives me this weird look and tells me "you have a bugger on your cheek". All I could do was wipe it in a panic and laugh. ONLY ME :S
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What's wrong with these people????
I was reading the newpaper and there's so much craziness happening.
Rihanna "getting back" with Chris Brown. He was just charged with two felonies. I read the police report - he didn't just put her in her place. He was actually going to kill her. I forget the stat but I remember that vicitms of domestic abuse are more likely to be killed by their abusers than any random act of violence.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/05/chris.brown.charged/index.html
This moron in Mission Viejo stabbed a puppy with a sword (WTF????)
http://www.ktvl.com/articles/puppy_1189278___article.html/mission_year.html
Then I find out that this Britisth actor - Robert "Rob" Knox, the kid who played Marcus Belby on Harry Potter (you need to see his face to remember him - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Knox) was killed and his killer was just convicted: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/03/04/uk.potter.star.murdered/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Dysfunctional: RIO DE JANEIRO - A Roman Catholic archbishop says the abortion of twins carried by a 9-year-old girl who allegedly was raped by her stepfather means excommunication for the girl's mother and her doctors. Is he on CRACK????
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29531755/
And my last one for today: MESA, Ariz. - A 2-week-old Arizona girl has died after being attacked by the family's dog in their home. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29530295/
I hate to be focusing on bad stuff, maybe next time I'll take the extra time to focus on "feel good articles" :D
Rihanna "getting back" with Chris Brown. He was just charged with two felonies. I read the police report - he didn't just put her in her place. He was actually going to kill her. I forget the stat but I remember that vicitms of domestic abuse are more likely to be killed by their abusers than any random act of violence.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/05/chris.brown.charged/index.html
This moron in Mission Viejo stabbed a puppy with a sword (WTF????)
http://www.ktvl.com/articles/puppy_1189278___article.html/mission_year.html
Then I find out that this Britisth actor - Robert "Rob" Knox, the kid who played Marcus Belby on Harry Potter (you need to see his face to remember him - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Knox) was killed and his killer was just convicted: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/03/04/uk.potter.star.murdered/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Dysfunctional: RIO DE JANEIRO - A Roman Catholic archbishop says the abortion of twins carried by a 9-year-old girl who allegedly was raped by her stepfather means excommunication for the girl's mother and her doctors. Is he on CRACK????
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29531755/
And my last one for today: MESA, Ariz. - A 2-week-old Arizona girl has died after being attacked by the family's dog in their home. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29530295/
I hate to be focusing on bad stuff, maybe next time I'll take the extra time to focus on "feel good articles" :D
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