Finally, I'm an owner of the Rosetta Stone software for learning Spanish (Latin America), levels 1,2 AND 3!!! It was given to me as a "gift", downloaded free from the Internet. The whole set costs a whopping $499....whoa. I've only just begun my Spanish adventure with the program, but I do have an advantage. Not only have I taken Spanish all through high school and a few years of it in college (passing with flying colors each time) but I am also half Mexican! My mother speaks Spanish fluently which gives me a chance to practice what I've learned. Many family members on her side don't speak English and some still live on the family's ranch in Mexico. I've slacked big time on practicing the language and I've decided that it's about time I get back on track to becoming fluent. It's one of my goals to visit my grandparents and some uncles in Mexico very soon, but not until I can actually carry a full conversation with them in Spanish. I'm really hoping that Rosetta Stone does the trick. I've only been using it for a few days but so far so good. It's pretty easy since I already have a solid BASIC Spanish foundation. I've read that I have to wait until levels 2 and 3 before it gets more converstional and a bit more challenging.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
¿Habla español?
I'll update on my thoughts and reviews the further I get into the program.
Hasta luego =)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
26.2 miles of Rock 'n' Roll
It was one year ago on June 1, 2008 that I attended San Diego's Rock n' Roll marathon as a supporter for 3 friends of mine who were running it. It was also one year ago on June 1, 2008 that I had decided to run in that marathon the following year. Thousands of people filled downtown San Diego as runners and supporters on the big day. The positivity, smiles and cheers that surrounded the race were pretty overwhelming. I was so moved to see such dedication and determination on the runners' faces and such pride and encouragement from their friends and family. I remember thinking how cool it was to be a small part of that for my friends. I knew I had to come back again as a participant and not just a spectator.
So the training began. Well, not immediately. I didn't actually purchase my way in until January 2009. Once a monetary transaction had been made, it became more definite and final. I had to kick it into gear. I started running more on my treadmill and as I gained more endurance I relocated to the Rose Bowl and would run one lap (3 miles) around the golf course nearly everyday. Eventually, with the help of my friend Alain, I began to run a minimum of 6 miles (2 laps) everyday. To give myself a better feel of what was yet to come, I ran HALF (13.1 miles) of Pasadena's 1st annual marathon on March 22, 2009. I didn't stop once and crossed the finish line in 1 hour 59 minutes. Based on this time, I set my goal finish time for the FULL marathon at 4 hours 30 minutes. After a week or so of recovering I started to focus on faster runs and I threw in a few 9 mile runs. Of course, during these months of training I dramatically changed my diet. I hardly consumed alcohol, counted all my calories so that I wouldn't exceed my daily limit, avoided processed foods and sugars and I drank PLENTY of water everyday. I eventually joined 24 Hour Fitness so that I could incorporate weight lifting in my workouts to improve muscle mass and gain strength. Not only was I better preparing myself for the marathon but my health was benefiting, pounds were dropping and my waist was shrinking :)
As time grew nearer to race day, I reserved a room at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown SD which is only about a mile from the starting line and maybe 3 or so from the finish line. I remember traffic being crazy last year as I dropped off my friends as close as I could to the start and I didn't want to deal with that chaos again. I also decided to bring some support of my own so my BFF, Dominic, joined my little adventure. We headed to SD on Friday evening after I got out of work. On the way down I was actually pulled over by the police on the freeway for what I THOUGHT was for speeding. I was told to take the next exit and stop in the middle of the off ramp as the 2 cops got out of their still moving car and charged mine, hands gun ready. As they approached my car and looked in at us we heard one say "negative" and the other laughed as he told us that my car matched the description of a homicide suspect and that we were free to go. I nearly had a heart attack and couldn't shake my nerves for the next 20 minutes. Insane. That night we stayed at one of Dom's friend's place after going out for some tacos and oyster shooters...YUM.
Saturday, we hit up the race expo at the Convention Center in downtown to pick up my race pack, info, shirt and bib number. We also grabbed some free drink and snack samples and I found special running socks that I had been searching for. They're Injinji performance toe-socks, like gloves but on your feet. They prevent toe chafing and blisters from your skin rubbing together and I have to say they made a world of difference during my race. I walked away with NO blisters or skin irritation...unheard of for me. I HIGHLY recommend them to all runners.
That night, Dominic and I were supposed to have a special marathoner's pasta buffet dinner in the hotel's restaurant but we made it too late. This actually worked in our favor because we walked only a few blocks to Little Italy where we only waited 5 minutes to be seated in an outdoor patio and enjoyed the ambiance of a beautiful, relaxing night and a delicious pre-race carb pasta dinner and ended with a fruit tart and cannoli dessert.
The next morning we woke up at 4:30am with only about 4 1/2 hours of sleep. My nerves kicked in as I began to suit up for the race and make it out in time to catch the shuttle to the starting line (which was pulling away from the hotel as we walked out the door and had to chase down!). My frantic morning routine consisted of freaking out over my running tank top being too big (because i didn't try it on when I bought it), taking my over sized (medium) official race shirt and tying a knot in the back to make it fit tighter, applying body glide on any skin surface that had the potential to chafe (under entire sports bra, under arms, on armpits, under iPod arm band), pinning my bib on the front of my shirt and trying to braid my hair and bobby pin it together...all the while Dom is patiently following me with my water bottle that I keep misplacing to keep me hydrated and with pretzels that he's hand-feeding me so that the salt retains the water I've been drinking. Thanks Coach Dominic!
Upon arrival at the starting line block, we picked up some complimentary bananas, water and mini bagels and stretched. I really didn't eat much before the race which is a no-no. The 20,000 runners and I began the race at 6:30am. I was so excited! I had so many thoughts and emotions hitting me at once...I became teary-eyed a few times during the first few miles just over the fact that I was doing something I set out to do a year prior and had been preparing for over the last few months. I had barely even begun and already I was so proud of myself and of the thousands of other men and women of different sizes, shapes, color and age...all coming together to make it happen. Along the way I saw a lot of men run off the route to pee on a tree or in a bush (in clear view) and even saw a few women pop a squat that couldn't hold it or didn't want to wait in the lines for the porta-potties. There were hundreds of people along the route cheering us and their loved ones on, shouting words of encouragement and holding up signs with clever messages. High school cheerleaders gave spirit along the course, too. At every mile or so, local bands were set up on small stages rocking out and keeping our feet moving. Runners would shout and cheer as we ran by. I saw a few people running the marathon barefoot, one girl was practically naked in some barely there booty shorts and sports bra, and many Elvis runners rocked there way through, too. At one point, the race route brought us onto the 163 freeway which was pretty crazy. Because there were so many sights and sounds to keep my attention I remember the first 6-8 miles going by so quickly. At mile 13 I remember thinking how great I still felt, much better to how I felt at the end of my half marathon back in March. I still had not stopped once.
During all of this, Dominic is skating around town with a map of the route trying to figure out at what time I'll be at which mile so he can cheer me on as I pass. He did see me at mile 9 but I was on the opposite side of the street and probably had my music up on my headphones so unfortunately I didn't see him. I was able to keep my energy constant by grabbing water AND Cytomax cups (performance drink that sustains electrolytes) at designated stands along the way. I also brought 4 PowerBar gel packs (Chocolate flavor) to swallow starting at mile 10 and then one every 4 miles after that. Finally, at mile 24 I saw Dominic and his friend Paul! They skateboarded along side me for a few minutes to check in on how I was doing and to encourage me to keep it up. Dominic was surprised to see how strong I still was at this point. I was keeping a steady pace and was passing up a lot of the others around me. I was surprised myself, but I had found my zone at the starting line and didn't stray from it once. Seeing the guys really gave me a final boost of motivation to pick up the pace and carry out the last 2 miles and across THE finish line. I had just run 26.2 miles without stopping once in 2 hours 26 minutes...4 minutes faster than my set goal time! I was covered in sweat, not an inch of me was dry. I received a medal, a cold wet cloth, and free food (fruit cups, banana, apple, chocolate milk, water).
I waited a while in the family reunion area for Dom and Paul. I was so sore, I could barely squat to sit down on the grass. All the runners also received 2 free cups of BEER! I had one and gave the other to Coach Dom. I have to say, that was the best beer I'd ever tasted :) Paul dropped us off at the hotel so that we could pack up and so that I could shower. I have to say, that was the best shower I've ever had. We headed back to Ocean Beach to chill and have burgers at Paul's. I have to say, that was the best cheeseburger I'd ever tasted. We went into a food coma and napped on the couch for a few hours before heading back to LA. I remember Dominic would every now and again randomly say, "uh, you just ran a MARATHON!"...haha. YES I DID! =) We were both very proud of me and my accomplishment. I'm very thankful for Paul's hospitality in letting us stay at his place and for joining Dom to support me at the race. I'm also very thankful and appreciative for Dominic's support not only AT the race, skating at least 5 miles that day trying to track me down and providing moral support over the weekend...but also months and weeks leading to race day, by keeping me in check with my workouts and making sure I was running as much as I should be. He knew how important this was to me and wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I could be. You played an important role in helping me achieve this major goal. Many many thank you's =) Take some time off, coach, before I initiate training for NEXT year's marathon! Yes, that's right...I'm running this bad boy AGAIN...with a faster goal time and an experienced supporter! ;) I now get to cross off another goal from my life list...and THAT is how it's done.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Biggest Loser Update...
Today is the 3rd weigh in. We've been at it for 3 weeks now which means we're a quarter of the way through. I'm not positive but I believe a few people dropped out of the competition. I worked really hard this week to make up for gaining weight during week 2. I was bummed but knew it would happen since I was out of town for a few days and didn't work out or have my healthy food available to me.
This morning I ran what I think was the COLDEST 6 miles I've ever ran. I took one step out the door to my house and went right back in to put on another sweater. After the run my lips were completely numb. It's finally feeling like January. Anyways, once I get the email from Heather I'll add my total percentage weight and in what place I'm in. I guess I should take my measurements again, too.
January 26, 2009-Week 3: 139 lbs
Total weight lost since January 5th- 7 lbs :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
LOL
This video is intended only for those who need a good laugh. No, a really good laugh. This is so ridiculous that I cried a little from laughing so hard. I breathe easier knowing that there are actually people out there in our world like him...just like him! It's fascinating how diverse people are...and how they come to be. It makes me wonder what kind of children I will have, and after raising them, what kind of adults they will grow to be. Will they be like this man? I wonder what MY mom dreamed I'd be like when she had me 26 years ago. I wonder ifthe laughing yoga man's parents had ever expected their son tobecome...well...this. =)
This also reminds me of the scene in Mary Poppins where they're all floating towards the ceiling from laughing so hard. Ahhh it's great.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Connections
Ugh...
I think maybe the new year is responsible for this...
I've seen one too many commercials on TV for Eharmony.com, Match.com, etc...I can't remember all of them, there's so many.
They all ask the same thing, "Wouldn't you like to know who YOU would be matched up with?" To which I always respond with "Yes" (outloud, ha). That's exactly what did me in about a year ago when I kept hearing the dumb commercials. I'm a very curious person so of course I checked it out. The commercials tell you that you can set up a free account to see who your matches are. Wrong. You can set up a free account and then READ about who your matches are. You can't see their picture or communicate with them in any way. At least that's how Eharmony does it. After a few weeks of just browsing over profiles for fun...curiosity kicked in again. I was reading so many great profiles from guys that seemed really cool, of course I came across much more that weren't so cool. I gave in! I wasn't even really interested in finding someone at that time, I wasn't looking for a relationship. I was living in San Diego and enjoying the single life.
*AHH! I just heard a Match.com commercial right now! haha.
Oh by the way, I have trouble watching infomercials without purchasing what's on the screen. I'm a proud owner of the Magic Bullet! It's a food blender, processor thingy. I've only made chocolate mouse and salsa with it. Wow, I really should dig that out of whatever box it's hiding in and test out a few more recipes...I mean, it does come with 101!
So...it was killing me to NOT push the button to buy a few months of Eharmony so that I could actually see faces! To avoid death by suspense, I finally did it. I spent like $130 on 3 months of Eharmony! Haha. It wasn't long before my inbox was full with requests to get to know me. I denied hundreds over those months. It wasn't until the very last month that I said to myself, "Ok dork, you impulsively bought this service, you might as well use it!" As weirded out by it as I was, I actually talked to one guy on the phone...who was soooooo boring! Oh...my ...word....we spoke for about an hour about things that I could care less about! I was being nice, I didn't know how to hang up with him...or say no to a date! Ha. I never went on it though, I told him I was sick and then continued to ignore his calls/texts. I need to learn to reject with class and tact, I know.
I actually DID go on a date with one guy from Santa Monica. Oh wow, it was a big fat mess. I'm not going into details...no way. I just look back and laugh.
So here I am AGAIN!!! I'm hearing the same commercials x 2! But this time I'm in a different city (LA) and I'm in a different stage in my life. I'm definitely ready to meet someone. I've been single for a little over 3 years now. I finally feel like I'm figuring myself out and I'm up for the challenge of figuring someone else out! I feel like I have so much to give...love, laughter, loyalty...and it isn't being used to its full extent; I want to give it away and I want this energy reciprocated.
Hhmmm...should I do it?? Should I give Eharmony a second chance? I've never met an actual couple that has met through this, but I've heard of plenty. This is my year for happiness, I've already determined that. But is it possible to find it online???
Monday, January 12, 2009
GREETINGS!!!
I can't believe it's been 5 years since I have made a greeting card! My friend, Alain, came over to my house last night until around 2am to make some cards with me. He made a really funny one for my brother and we left it in the bathroom for him to find this morning. Anyways, I dug all these out of my craft drawers in the garage; the back are signed by me and dated 2003. I also used to scrapbook way back when and make quilts, too.
The inside of some of these cards are decorated as well with maybe a border.
All of them are hand made by me! Some have my drawings and others use stickers.
Not all the ideas are 100% mine. I looked through craft magazines to find inspiration.
They also come with an envelope.
I only have singles. None have been duplicated.
I plan to get back into this more this year! I've got a serious crafty side to me, and it's time for me to get in touch with it again...wake it up! More cards, more scrapbooking, more quilts and more painting!
Who knows, maybe i'll try and make some money off of these some day. For now, their sole purpose is for me to put a smile on a friend or family member's face...to let people I care about know that I'm thinking of them =)
"Loser" update!
It's been ONE whole week since the biggest loser challenge began. I worked very hard, sweat a LOT, ate appropriately and consumed NO alcohol =) Yes, I feel the burn...it hurts to stand and sit today. That still didn't stop me from doing a small workout this morning. BUT...I feel amazing on the inside! After running, I'm incredibly happy, can't stop smiling, nothing in my world is wrong, I feel like I could do anything. It's a thousand feelings at once that you can't get from anything else...it's so worth it. No pain, no gain! Anyways...here's my progress in numbers:
Oh, first let me say...I'm actually going to give up my initial weight...GASP! whhaaaattt???!!! I KNOW! I can hardly believe it myself....BUT...i've given it a lot of thought. Why have I been hiding behind a stupid number? It doesn't define me. It doesn't make me any less amazing than anyone else...no one will cross me off their list of friends after hearing it! Quality not quantity, right? And I know without a doubt that I am quality....it manifests through my actions, not my appearance.
However, the pounds I carry show a bit of carelessness and represent internal struggle. I know I have been an emotional eater and I turn to either food, shopping or alcohol to temporarily void the issues (dumb Pisces addictive personality). This is my attempt to take responsiblity for my actions. I'm owning up to all the poor choices I've made by putting them out on the table, looking them over and making a change. I know there will be times that I give in to temptation, but this is a process; have patience. Nothing happens overnight, and what's important is how I deal with minor setbacks. I'm choosing to no longer beat myself up over small slip-ups, instead I'll forgive myself because tomorrow is a new day to make things right again and because...well, I'm human.
Ok, ok....the numbers:
Pounds...
Week 1:
January 5, 2009 - 146 lbs.
Week 2:
January 12, 2009 - 141 lbs.
*The heaviest I've ever been is 165 lbs!!!!! Unacceptable. Never again.
Inches... (over the past few weeks)
Bust: above (under arms)
lost 1 inch
lower (under bra)
lost 1/2 inch
Waist: lost 1 1/2 inches
Hips: lost 1 inch
I think I'm off to a good start!
*Nothing tastes better than what thin feels like
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Polaroids are back!
I WANT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just one more reason to look forward to spring =) A possible purchase with the $$$ I win from my "Biggest Loser Challenge"... I could have so much fun with this thing.
Check out the link:
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Biggest Loser Challenge
My friend, Heather, has organized a new year challenge for all who are interested in participating. It's a weight loss challenge inspired by the show, The Biggest Loser. It's THE greatest show on television...in my opinion. This season has the biggest contestants in history and they've added a few new twists to make things a little more interesting. The new season started yesterday, and just in time to motivate me to get my ass in gear...literally. I haven't missed an episode over the past few seasons. Actually, I really want to buy the first few seasons on DVD since I was a little late jumping on the bandwagon. I'm always so pumped to work off calories after each show I watch. Watching last night was the reason I was able to roll out of bed this morning at 5am and run 3 miles. Everytime I'm too close to backing out and being lazy, I visualize all of those obese people who are biting the bullet and pushing themselves to their limits. If they can do it, I can do it. I also picture these 2 old men (60s) that walk around the Rose Bowl (3 miles) around 4 or 5 am, like 3 times everyday! If THEY can do it, I can do it. People inspire me. I want to inspire people, too.
OUR challenge is this: beginning January 5th (2 days ago) you weigh yourself and email the pounds to Heather. This is done every Monday at the same time of day to ensure a consistant weight over the next 3 months of exercise and hard work, until March 30th. She calculates the percentage of weight you've lost each week and then notifies the rest of the participants with everyone's progress via email. Our actual weight remains unknown until the final weigh in. We also inform her of our ultimate weight goal; mine is to lose 25 lbs! That may be a bit of a stretch but I think I can do it. It averages about 2 lbs each week. There are now 14 players, each putting $40 into the pot. At the end, whoever has lost the most percentage of weight wins $520!!! The runner up gets their $40 back. I'm TOTALLY excited for this. To help keep my eye on the prize I've begun to write little reminders on post-its to stick all over my...life; bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, my classroom at work, in my car...maybe even stick one on a cat!
Wish me luck!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
