Pasadena Marathon - May 20, 2012 (REGISTERED!!!)

COUNT DOWN TO RACE DAY
I've officially registered for the 2012 Pasadena Marathon. I have $86.20 of my hard earned money vested in this race and there's no turning back. Time to start putting in the mileage...




WEIGHT LOSS TRACKER

I decided I'll track any weight changes as Race Day approaches. 120 lbs is probably not healthy for my body type but if I truly transform into an efficient long distance runner, than it's possible. Either way, I haven't weighed 120 since college so I believe this to be very unrealistic.

Running Activity 4.00 mi | RunKeeper

Running Activity 4.00 mi | RunKeeper

So I'm trying this new thing when running at the gym. Instead of the usual intervals based on time or distance, I've been alternating my speeds with every song played on the gym's speakers.  Usually the song's last about 3-5 minutes, which is just enough time for me to exhaust myself with the various speeds. Also,the 24 hr fitness by my house plays loud hip hop/rap music so I have no problem whatsoever hearing the music. I was very happy with my run today...running 4 miles in just under 37 minutes. Not bad considering that I just started running about a week ago. Let's see if I can keep up the progress and get a sub 4 hour 30 minute PR for the Pasadena Marathon in May 2012.

I've also decided to track my weight and body measurements to further monitor my fitness progress. In all honesty, I really don't care how much I weigh. My main concern is how I feel and look in my clothes and there is no better gauge of that than body measurements.

As of 10/30/11

Weight: 140.4 lbs

Bust: 33.75 in

Chest: 31 in

Waist: 29.5 in

Abdomen (right at navel): 32.5 in

Hip: 37.5 in

Thigh: 22 in

Calf: 16 in

Upper Arm: 11 in

Measurements were taken at the thickest point for hips, thigh, calf, arm and at the smallest point for waist.

Discovered a new fruit...the Lemon Plum!

I found this new fruit called the lemon plum at the Korean supermarket. Is it a lemon or is it a plum?

How Rich are the Super Rich?

A huge share of the nation's economic growth over the past 30 years has gone to the top one-hundredth of one percent, who now make an average of $27 million per household. The average income for the bottom 90 percent of us? $31,244. 

 

 

 Note: The 2007 data (the most current) doesn't reflect the impact of the housing market crash. In 2007, the bottom 60% of Americans had 65% of their net worth tied up in their homes. The top 1%, in contrast, had just 10%. The housing crisis has no doubt further swelled the share of total net worth held by the superrich.

The superrich have grabbed the bulk of the past three decades' gains.

Old Chicago Pics

Lotsa windows

Be careful when backing up...

Is your protein drink safe? - Consumer Reports

I never knew protein powders could contain so many harmful ingredients!  I'm definitely sticking to natural sources of protein like egg whites and fish.

Hook up Chas with future wifey and win $10,000

Chas McFeely is ready to get married. Introduce him to his future wife, and you'll be $10,000 richer.

Forever 21 donates to the tsunami relief effort

Billionaire-Owned Forever 21 Donating Online Sales to Japan 

results in 

Forever 21 Is Donating $2 Million To Japan

I was able to contribute to the tsunami relief efforts and score some *free* clothes in the process!! 

My shipment arrived today...

Thanks to my cousin George for the strappy wedges!

The photo is a little dim, but this is what the dress actually looks like (with a different belt): 

Culinary Treasures

The Beach House, Kauai

Can't remember what I had but here's proof it was GOOD.

Molten Chocolate Desire -
flourless chocolate mocha tart served hot
with Lappert's vanilla bean ice cream & espresso crème anglaise

Earnest Eats = Good Eats!

I was recently introduced to a company called Earnest Eats.  They make these little food bars that don't look like much but taste amazing! What's great too is that they use all natural ingredients such as organic brown rice syrup, almond butter, and organic whole oats. My favorite flavors are cran lemon zest and almond trail mix. You can find them at Whole Foods and Amazon.com or buy from them directly.

Costco sells everything!

6.77 ct
IF Clarity, D Color
Diamond Solitaire Ring

Only One Available
Platinum
IGI Value: $1,601,875

$999,999.99

• IGI Value: $ 1,601,875
• GIA #: 5121745439
• Metal:  950 Platinum 
• Diamond Shape:  Round Brilliant  
• Minimum Diamond Weight:  6.77 ct
• Diamond Clarity:  Internally Flawless ( IF )
• Diamond Color: Colorless ( D )
• Diamond Cut: Excellent
• Ring Size:  7 - Sizeable to any size  (Costco does not provide this service)

Habitat for Humanity - Cornerstone Spring 2011

Framing a house!

Long Beach crew, March 5, 2011

Perfect attendance Stoners

Sue is teaching me how to install baseboards.

Perfectly taped over door hinges!

Cornerstone Graduation - March 19, 2011

The Cornerstone training course is an intensive, hands-on primer in the basic construction skills used on our sites.  It is ideal for those who want to enhance their contribution as Habitat volunteers.
Throughout the class, students learn skills on hand tools and power tools, framing, siding, drywall, installing case and base and painting.  The course is taught by highly skilled Habitat volunteers knowledgeable in proper methods and tricks of the trade.

Countdown to the Pasadena Marathon...8 weeks left!

Countdown: 55 days remaining
Last run: Friday, March 18
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Mileage for the week ending 3/19/11: 8 miles

Gotta up my mileage big time...and start running on pavement!

This thing called a BLOG

So one day I decided to give this blog a shot

It seemed like something fun and I figured "hey, why not?"

A medium to channel my experiences and writings

A place to post my photos and share interesting sightings

My goal is to refresh this blog more than once a week

I'll try to add material that's different and unique

We'll see how long I keep this up, it's too early to tell

Writing this in rhyme and verse is giving me much hell

Enjoy my site, be entertained and pour yourself a lager

This is my debut, as Ruby Jao, the blogger.