Month Dalawa

It's been 2 months since I've started with TFT.  Here's my Dalawa (Tagalog to English translation: two) Month Anniversary workout routine:

• 150 pound sand bag drag 10 times
• 100 squats with a 35 pound kettlebell
• 150 bicep curls with a resistance band
• 200 sit-ups
• 100 push-ups

All done within 32 minutes.  I was originally aiming for 30 minutes flat but what's an extra two.  I did it!  Finisher was the tire battle with our 600 pound friend.  

Happy Dalawa Month Anniversary to me!  

1st Date of 2010

This year has been great so far....

I finally went on a date for the first time this year.   It was last night to be exact. Yay me!  I'm usually a tell all person when it comes to my dating experiences.  Maybe because they usually end up a "fail".   And maybe because more than half of my dating experiences have been die hard hilarious and awful!   Let's just say my non-single girlfriends live their single life vicariously through me.  And if I don't have any good entertainment to share, they are let down.  BUT this time - I'm gonna work it a little differently.  Obviously, because the date went extremely well.  I had nothing to pick out wrong about the dude (which I've certainly been guilty of in the past without any doubt).  I had no time to even bother.  Why ruin a completely good night?  I was enjoying the moment.  I just had a really great time. =)

1st Date of 2010 = No Fail + All Smiles

The only thing I regret is oversleeping the next morning and missing out on my TFT Saturday workout.  Sorry Gary and Eric!   I promise to do cardio tonight! 

31.) Work Out So Hard That I Puke

It was a Monday evening.  I rushed my way to the TFT facility for the 6:00pm workout.  I didn't have time to have a pre-workout snack/meal.  Oh well.  I'll be fine.  Workout was great.  We had a surprise finisher - what's new.  Basically, we had to push this 45 pound barbell weight with a 30 pound sand bag on top of it (which is by the way laying flat on a carpeted floor = a lot of friction) back and forth across the room. Just imagine yourself in a mountain climber position while pushing.  The workout totally works out your quads since you have to rely on your legs to make the weights move.  Anyway, Sheryl, April, and I continued to do this relay-style for seven minutes non-stop.  I felt fine.  Approximately, seven minutes after our work out....not so much.  

I was ready to leave the facility.  I got into my car, took a big gulp of water, waved bye to the girls, and then paused for a second.  My mouth started to water.  Uh oh.  I drank another sip of water.  Uh oh.  It's time.  I got out of my car and ran to the restroom hoping that it was still unlocked.  Yes!  It was!  Ran directly to the toilet and then....yakked!  Ugh.

Well, there you go.  I did it.  I finally get to cross out an item off my list.  Accomplished. Yay!

Mother Flippin' Goddess You!!

I'm talking to myself.  You like that?  Ha-ha!

I ain't one to brag, but I'm damn proud right now.  I'm a Freakin' Mother TIRE Flippin' Goddess!  250 pounds to be exact!  This morning with TFT was my first time doing tire flips.  That huge piece of rubber intimated me from the get go.  It would always stare at me during the evening workouts at the new gym location.  Finally....I got to give it what I got and I DID IT!  I thought I needed Gary to spot me.  I waved him off and said, "Nope!  I can handle it from here.  Thanks anyways."  OK, not really.  I didn't say that.  But he stood beside me in case I needed the extra help.  It wasn't necessary.  I was pretty darn impressed with myself.  Hence, the my new temporary title of the day:  Introducing, share-bare a.k.a. "Tire Flippin' Goddess"  TFG baby, TFG!  You like that?  Ha-ha!  I do!!

So, you wonder how I did it?  I have no idea.  I was probably envisioning my dream to have a 250 lb linebacker physique type of boyfriend at the time.  6 feet tall and a few inches.  Topless with gym shorts.  Nice arms.  Nice ass.  Nice thighs.  Nice calves.  Hairy chest is optional.  Tweezed eyebrows a definite no no.  Tan is not necessary.  But, as I approached and stared down the big 250 pounder,  it all changed.  I began to realize the linebacker boyfriend I envisioned was a big time snorer!  Every time he stayed the night, he'd keep me awake with that loud ass snore.  I couldn't sleep.  I had no choice.  The only best thing to do was roll his ass off the bed.  That I did.  Over and over again.  20 times to be exact.  Take that, take that, TAKE that!  After the 20th time, I called it quits and broke up with him.  He cried.  Who wouldn't though, right?!  Ha-ha!  You like that analogy?  I'm a dork.  But the fact of the matter is that I'm a TFG.  Tire Flippin' Goddess!  All day (today) baby!  All day!

Be afraid...be VERY afraid.  Nah.  I'm just kidding.  *smiles*

LAST Fieldtrip

Earlier today, I volunteered as a chaperone at my son's 5th grade field trip.  Destination - San Francisco Davies Symphony Hall for the San Francisco Symphony.

I was really looking forward to this day.  I usually try to volunteer at my son's school at least twice a year.  And, well, with this being the last year of grade school, I wanted to cherish my final moments as a chaperone.

Eli and I both arrived at his school a little before 8:00 am.  As soon as he stepped into the classroom....he ignored me.  I decided to keep my space and wait outside with another fellow parent (chaperone) to give him some space.  One thing I noticed for about 6 years of chaperoning when meeting other parents was that the introduction at the school campus goes a little like this:  "Hi I'm [insert daughter's or son's name here] parent"  Don't bother even saying the name given to you at birth.  Because, really, no one cares.  It's not important.  Guess that's basic school volunteer etiquette. 

The 78 passenger yellow school bus arrives.  I stand next to Eli hoping that I can sit with him.  He ignores me again.  I end up sitting next to Mary Anne's mother in the freakin' front of the bus right behind the bus driver.  It wasn't my choice but she was the only one willingly to sit beside me.  Even I know, that's the suckiest place to sit.  Behind the bus driver?!  Really?!  You might as well put me in some metal braces and a head gear! Total loser status.  I should know.  I was a kid once in my life.  Behind me was Grant's father.  Yeah, so don't know his real name either.  He must be a regular school volunteer because all the kids talked to him.  I wanted to be Grant's father.  Can I be a cool parent today?  Nope.  Why?  Because I'm sitting in the front of the bus.  *sigh* So during the entire trip, I kept looking back at Eli to make sure he was doing OK.  That's pretty much all I can do at that point.  Boo...

Inside of Davies Symphony Hall

We finally arrive at San Francisco.  We form a single line as soon as we get out of the bus.  I catch Eli with his friend Ariel.  I'm like yay!  We'll get to sit next to each other during the performance.  I ask my son politely if I can sit next to him.  He doesn't answer.  I ask again.  He tunes me out.  Ugh!  I then tugged on his sweater vest.  "I'm going to sit with you, OK?", with a firm voice.  He gives me that look. Nothing comes out of his damn mouth.  Minutes later, he says, "Can you sit next to Ariel?"  I'm like WTF!  "Uh NO!", I say.  "I'm your mom!"  Guess that doesn't matter for a fifth grader.  I finally gave him his way so that he may continue to be the cool dude.  I'm hurt by now.  I ended up sitting next to Felix NOT Ariel.  Felix didn't seem that excited about sitting beside me.  Neither was little Chinese dude to my left.  I felt so unwanted by then.  At least, I forced him into taking one picture with his friends.   He so didn't want me to, but as soon as Ariel agreed, Eli went along with it.  Aww...look what my camera phone captured?  Eli's first smile of the day during my presence. 

From left to right - Ariel, Eli, Felix

Throughout the performance, I was totally in a daze.  I was day dreaming and reminiscing about the good old days.  I remember when he was in Kindergarten, he'd always want to hold my hand.  After around the 3rd grade, holding hands was out of the question.  But he still would want to make sure I sat with him during the bus rides.  4th grade, he still wanted me around.  Around to lug all his brown bag lunch and jacket.  Now, he didn't even want me to be there!  I had to stay at least 6 feet away.  Like hold up right quick!  All of a sudden, he has a restraining order against his mother?!  The one who gave birth to him?!  It was more bitter than sweet.  I was hurt.  My baby is growing up.  He no longer is dependent on me.  Can I go home now?  Somebody please pick me up for the Davies Symphony Hall and bring me to work.  Somewhere, I know I am wanted.

Once the performance ended, we headed back to the school bus.  I paid no attention to Eli.  He paid no attention to me.  I did my own thing.  He did his.  We returned back to school and as soon as we got out of the bus, Eli finally noticed me.  Yay!!  "Mommy, you can go now..."  No yay. 

Anyway, a heads up for all you future chaperones or parents of younger children.  Cherish your moments while they are young.  Don't!  I repeat don't bother going to a field trip once they hit 5th grade.  The only exception is if they ask BEG you to.  I don't want you to go through what I've just been through today - Unloved.  *sad face*  

Twinks Time in 30

I'm pretty excited to work with Twinks soon.....I can't wait to see her work as I'm a HUGE FAN of gfm:photography.  Like, if I get married, I'd so want her to do my wedding but that probably wouldn't go too well if she is my future bridesmaid.  It might be a tad bit overwhelming for her =)  I already hired her to do my engagement photos.  Date is yet to be determined.  You guys will be the first to know.  Hehe.  Because, I really do think that far in advance sometimes....RIDICULOUSLY FAR! 

Above were a few examples from my prior photo shoots from three different photographers.   The MV (Michael Vincent) ones crack me up!   Talk about porn star status.  Don't bother googling me, though OK?  If you do...heads up.  I'm so not the sex scandal chick from Davao!  Believe me damnit!!!  And NO, I ain't a wannabe model and crap.  I'm not some vain, conceited chick, either.  If you wish to think that of me, then  you can feel free to stop reading my blog.   Have a nice life!  Just call me a chameleon because in reality, I don't have the talent and/or desperation to be a famous or annoying celebrity.  Although, nowadays it doesn't take much to be one     "Aah.....AAH SNOOKI!"    "gesunheit"    

By the way- were you just singing the song, "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club just now? Or was it just me?  Ha-ha!  Moving on...

I think I'm content with being an Accountant by day and Mommy by night.  This stuff is just for fun.  Forty to fifty years from now, I want to show my grand kids how cool their Mama was back in the day.  They'll be like, "That's you, Mama?!"  And then, I'll go, "Yes... yes indeed... that's me, my dears..." *in an old wrinkly lady voice* LOL!  Yeah, I'm a dork.

Back to gfm:photography!  If any of you readers have any ideas?  Let me know.  I'm open to anything, obviously....I mean, can't you tell?!

gfm:photography

I had this in my drafts for a while and totally forgot to post it.  Let's do a little redo, shall we?

Anyhow, my very good friend, Ginger a.k.a. "Twinks" is now official!  Her photography business that is.  Now open for business peoples!!! She even launched her cool website.  It's been up for some time now.  My apologies for the delay.  Check out the link:  gfm photography

In exactly 31 days I will have to honor to work with her.  Exciting!  31 days to slim down a little more, too.  31 days to find ideas, as well.  I usually like to step outside my element so I guess we'll just have to see.... =)

Note to Self

Do NOT wait 6 days or more to resume your workout routine
Do NOT skip any workouts or else you'll pay big time
Do NOT get lightheaded during a workout.  Fight your body!
Do NOT take unnecessary breaks.  Your break is when you sleep.
Do NOT puke....yet.  (Your body is NOT ready at this time)
Do NOT stop doing what you need to do.  Procrastination or long pauses do not exist in my book!
Do NOT be lazy.  Get yo ass up!
Do NOT be afraid.  It's not a horror flick!
Do NOT let the rain stop you.  It's better than getting a heat stroke!
Do NOT get shin splints.  I don't want to buy ANOTHER pair of running shoes.  Ugh!
Do NOT be late.  It's just disrespectful. 
Do NOT avoid abdominal exercises.  Think Rock Hard Abs!
Do NOT half ass anything.  If so, just go home.  You're wasting my time.
Do NOT lose hope.  You will get there!
Do NOT be ashamed of sweating profusely.  Just remember to bring a towel next time, OK?
Do NOT forget to stretch.  It will avoid injuries and warm your body up for the REAL work out.
Do NOT forget to eat within an hour after a workout.  You need the protein!
Do NOT eat carbs after 6pm or else your muffin top will grow
Do NOT complain or whine.  Just smile and shut the f@#$ up!
Do NOT avoid the veggies.  They are good for you.
Do NOT say, "I can't" because I know you can do it!
Do NOT think negatively.  Be in The Secret state of mind
Do NOT make any excuses or else I'll be disappointed in you
Do NOT be weak, be STRONG baby!

Is it me or does saying the phrase 'Do NOT' to yourself repetitively starting to sound weird?  It's making me question my grammar for some odd reason.  Eh.  Whatevs.  Thanks TFT for the good workout this evening after my week long break.

Romantically Challenged

You know....I used to think I was romantically challenged.  Come to think of it, I had it all wrong.  I can be a die hard romantic.  The problem is that I just haven't had the opportunity to romance someone lately and that's the plain and ugly truth!  And who says that men have to do all the romancing.  I, for one, believe that women can do just a good of a job.  I'm sure I can save a few boys out there from thinking of ways to .

So, yeah...I'm not romantically challenged.  I'm more like PDA challenged.  I'm a private person when it comes to expressing my feelings towards someone.  But, if I'm happy.....it definitely shows. 

Washington Redskins?!

REALLY!?  Are you serious?

I'm dumbfounded right now.  This is shocking news.  Confirmed.  My man, Donovan McNabb was traded to the Redskins today.  It must be awesome news for Kevin Kolb now that he's the starting Quarterback (I think). I don't get it though. The Washington Redskins are the Philadelphia Eagles' rivals!  This will be a very very interesting football season.  I wonder how fans will react when Donovan McNabb goes up against the Eagles this Fall. Also, I wonder what's going to happen to QB Jason Campbell.

One thing that immediately came to mind was:  I don't look good in RED, White, or even yellow!!  I don't know what to do.  Even though there were several rumors about him leaving, I didn't want to believe it.  I was in denial for a bit.  Honestly, I thought he'd stick with the green until it was time to retire.  I slowly started to prepare for the worst.  If it was the case that he was leaving, I was seriously praying for the  Oakland Raiders to at least get him.  It turns out McNabb did not want to go there.  Gosh Darnit!  So wrong!  Buffalo Bills were also not in the cards.  It would have been super  duper convenient for me if he was traded to the Raiders considering he would reside in the Bay Area for a while.  To think....I was even considering getting Raiders season tickets for this coming NFL Season.  Kiss that good-bye share-bare!  I mean...Donovan McNabb was the primary reason why I became such a huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.  This is not good.  First, was Brian Dawkins going to the Denver Broncos.  Then, Brian Westbrook  gets released with an unknown future within the NFL.  Now, Donovan McNabb says good-bye. It's too much for me to handle right now.  I'm torn.  Completely torn.  What team am I going to root for later this year?!  Stressed OUT!   I want to cry.  Should I?  I haven't felt this way since the Eagles lost the NFC Championship game for the  4th time against the Arizona Cardinals.  But the feeling that I'm feeling right now is not as bad as I felt when they lost the Super Bowl in 2005 against the freakin' New England Patriots (I still hate them with a passion).  I mean I can't be mad about that.  They made it to the Super Bowl!!  That's all that mattered.  I still hate Tom Brady though.  

So...does all this spell disaster for the Eagles this year? 

RealTalk

The blog title says it all and that person knows exactly who they are.

I was bored at home and was searching for a file I created in my Gmail Inbox.  I found the file.  I also found a very old chat between a former good friend and I.  We had a lot of good chats, I have to admit.  A lot of joking around and a lot of realtalk.  I learned so much from this certain individual.  He even opened me up and let me freestyle via Instant Messenger.  I never would have even thought I was capable of that until I actually gave it a try 3 1/2 years ago.  I was pretty fresh to dope!  Ha-ha!  Who am I kidding...  Anyway, I just felt the need to rant about this dude.  We no longer talk due to conflict of interest and different priorities in life.  I definitely respect that. 

There are many people that come into your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.  He definitely was for a reason and I'm thankful for that.  Now, if he's ever willing to accept me back into his life as his friend, I will surely oblige with full blown happiness (without any hesitation whatsoever.)  Until then, do your thang and I will continue to do mines while holding your kicks hostage.  Peace Silly Rabbit!   

TFT Rocks!

This morning was my Saturday group workout with TFT.  Unfortunately, I woke up with the runs and was not able to attend the scheduled 9:00am workout at their new gym location in San Bruno.  I was extremely disappointed. *sad face*

I chanced it.  I texted Gary and told him I wasn't feeling and will miss out on the 9:00am work out BUT also slipped a question and asked if there was possibly another workout session at 10:00am.  I figured I'd give it a try.  He said "No..." *super sad face* ...."BUT me or Eric can stay if you want to get in some work!! :)"  Eric, by the way, is his new business partner.  TFT consists of two kick ass trainers now!  How awesome is that?!  More bang for my buck!! 

Yay!  I'm jumping for joy at this point.  Kind of, sort of like the "Dance of Joy" - Balki Bartokomous and Larry Appleton style.  OK, not really.  But, I felt like it!  Instead, I had to literally run back to the restroom for the 10th time.  Ugh.  Of course, to express my deepest gratitude, I had to treat the two trainers to coffee.  They rock big time.  So,  Before I headed out to the gym, I swung by Starbucks for their hot caffeinated beverages. 

Every workout begins with a warm-up.  I won't bother you with the details of that.  After wards, 3 sets of the following.  First set for 60 seconds straight.  Second set for 45 seconds.  Third and final set for 30 seconds:

• Jogging up and down the ramp with sand bags
• Rows with the beautiful braided resistance band (that I am itching to steal from TFT)
• Undulation rope workout
• Slam 12 lb medicine balls
• "Prowler" pushes
• Dumb bell curl and press
• Step Ups
• Push Ups

For the record, I still hate push ups.  They are killers.  Oh and in case you're wondering what the "prowler" is, check out this video below:

You wanna try it out?  You gotta go and train with TFT !  Just do it!  I still haven't puked yet.  But, Eric was willing to help me out with that.  He said that he can easily make me puke by taking it to the track.  Hmm...not today Eric but I might take you up on that offer one of these days.  Rain check please.  Thanks!

Part Time Lover

I'm enjoying a pleasant conversation with a dude at a Chinese restaurant.

Reality - OK...maybe not a conversation.  It was more like placing my take out order for salt and pepper fish with hot and sour soup via telephone.  It's Good Friday and I don't know how to cook seafood or fish! 

On my way to pick up my dinner, I drive by a hot police officer who smiles at me.  Could this be real?  An attractive police officer in the small town I live in?!  Shocking!

Reality - OK, OK..maybe he wasn't exactly smiling directly at me.  Maybe he wasn't smiling period!  It was more like he took a quick glance at me because I may have been driving a tad bit over the speed limit until we made eye contact.  But to my luck, he couldn't do anything about it at that point because he had already pulled some random person over.  Thank you random person!

I don't know what's more pathetic:  1.)  Making no plans on a Friday night or 2.)  Planning a Miranda  Hobbes (from Sex and The City) type night consisting of lonesome self, Chinese take out food, my cat dog, and my DVR.

Reality - OK, OK, OK...Miranda didn't have DVR back in those days but who's keeping track here?!

Keep in my mind that I have no child obligations whereas my son is spending the weekend with his dad.  Is there a slight possibility that there is such a thing as a Part Time Lover?

Reality - OK, OK, OK, OK...maybe the term 'lover' seems a bit overboard.  I'm not looking for a booty call.  Let me rename it to Part Time Snuggle Buddy.  Only required once a month to keep me 1.) sane until I actually want to go out on Friday nights; 2.) away from a pathetic Miranda type single life until a BF potential arrives at my door;  and 3.) warm preferably until late Spring - early Summer.  The earliest of the two to reach consistent 70+ degree weather since I don't like operating the thermostat in my apartment.  It sickens me to even imagine how much dust accumulates in these decade old vents AND it's a waste of money.  We're still in recession here peoples!

I love to snuggle with the opposite sex - REALITY!

 

Embrace Life

I'm a planner.  I may be a messy, unorganized scatter brain, but I love to plan.  What has been a bit bothersome is me always trying to plan my life.   

Am I a control freak?   My answer is yes.  

I sit and daydream practically everyday.   Every now and then, I feel like I'm in a stand still.  Like literally.  For a few seconds, it's like everything around me is at a pause while I take a moment to catch a daze.  I just stare into nothing  and trip how life has been presented to me so far.  Makes me wonder if someone on this Earth is doing the same exact thing as me.  That kind of trip.  A pretty deep trip, yeah?  You still following me, here?  (No, I'm not lit...LOL!)

 

Am I satisfied?  Am I content?  The answer is yes to both.  

The year so far has given me so many opportunities to be to myself and just reflect on my life -  accomplishments and failures.  Life events come and go and usually not in the order I would prefer.  I've come a long way.  Let me just tell you.  As much as I feel the need to grab and fix everything and have it function my way, I've taken life and accepted it as it is.  It's beyond my control in a good way.  I believe that I will get my reward soon enough.  Reward?  Eh, maybe 'reward' isn't the right word. 

Embrace it, accept it, and move forward.