It's been a week since my last run. Today, I decided since I was off of work at 2 that I should go run. It was definitely a nice day on the bay. The sun was out, the weather was nice. I wasn't planning on trying to beat my mile run from last week which was 11 minutes but I shockingly surprised myself today. I'm going to assume my time was so good because I had healthy food for breakfast and lunch, drank a good amount of water and had 8 hours of sleep. My mile run today was 8:06 minutes. AMAZING!!!! And, I was running against the wind. My goal for my new workout schedule was to try and run a mile under 8 minutes. I thought it would take me months to achieve this time. I am so stoked with my time. Question is, will I be able to achieve close to the same time the next time I run.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Books, books, books
Books are amazing when you really get into it. Not having a television set for the last 2 years has been amazing and frustrating at times especially living in San Leandro. After the death of my television a couple of years back, I was contemplating about buying myself a really fancy 32" Samsung LCD TV. I am glad I came to my senses and opted out of having a brain drain machine. I realized these past years how much hours I had spend in front of it. I could have done more meaning work during that time but instead I was being bombarded with advertisements telling me I am not worth much unless I bought their products. I am still a loyal watcher of several shows, which i watch online, but my television time only occurs when I go back home to Morgan Hill. This said, I have now put all my time and energy buying books and attempting to read them. i might have an obsession with the buying part.
Today, with a gift card at hand i received during the holiday, walked inside a Barnes and Noble Bookstore with an intention to buy one specific book, "Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden life of Garbage" by Heather Rogers. Unfortunately, they did not carry this book in this specific location. So, I ended up walking through the whole store picking up books I found interesting. I do this on a regular basis when I visit a book store and in the end decide which books I will purchase. I had 6 books at hand, mostly environmental books and two about German Shepherds and training dogs (I have to prepare myself for my dog). After 2 hours at the store, I finally walked out with amazing books that I cant wait to get started on. The problem with me is that i buy so much books but don't really take the initiative to pick them up and read the whole thing. I haven't even finished reading the "Omnivore's Dilemma" which I have been trying to read the last 2 months (I'm hoping to finish it soon). I also realized that I have an obsession of buying books about food (where it comes from, how its made, the health issues, etc.) Which brought me to the books I purchased today. "The End of Food", "The Face on Your Plate", "In Defense of Food" , a book about dog training. I recommend, NO, require everyone to read "The Omnivores Dilemma" or "Fast Food Nation." It will truly open up your eyes. Reading these books made my choice very easy. I'm ranting about food once again. Back to the topic. My plan is to pick up a book and read everyday for atleast an hour. I need the stimulation and information to truly keep me occupied.
If you know any good book suggestions, please share!!
Today, with a gift card at hand i received during the holiday, walked inside a Barnes and Noble Bookstore with an intention to buy one specific book, "Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden life of Garbage" by Heather Rogers. Unfortunately, they did not carry this book in this specific location. So, I ended up walking through the whole store picking up books I found interesting. I do this on a regular basis when I visit a book store and in the end decide which books I will purchase. I had 6 books at hand, mostly environmental books and two about German Shepherds and training dogs (I have to prepare myself for my dog). After 2 hours at the store, I finally walked out with amazing books that I cant wait to get started on. The problem with me is that i buy so much books but don't really take the initiative to pick them up and read the whole thing. I haven't even finished reading the "Omnivore's Dilemma" which I have been trying to read the last 2 months (I'm hoping to finish it soon). I also realized that I have an obsession of buying books about food (where it comes from, how its made, the health issues, etc.) Which brought me to the books I purchased today. "The End of Food", "The Face on Your Plate", "In Defense of Food" , a book about dog training. I recommend, NO, require everyone to read "The Omnivores Dilemma" or "Fast Food Nation." It will truly open up your eyes. Reading these books made my choice very easy. I'm ranting about food once again. Back to the topic. My plan is to pick up a book and read everyday for atleast an hour. I need the stimulation and information to truly keep me occupied.
If you know any good book suggestions, please share!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Heron Bay Run
As part of my New Years resolution, I plan on being active once again. My first official day was today. I am lucky enough to live in close proximity to Heron Bay in San Leandro which is also a bird sanctuary. It was very hard to get myself out the door to go for a run. I have to admit, that during the past 2 weeks, I have every opportunity to run but was too lazy. What makes it worse is that the weather was amazing!!! It's too late to whine about what I could have done.
Today, after getting off work at 2, decided to go running (more like jogging.. ok.. more like run.. walk.. run.. walk.. run). I think I did pretty damn well considering the last time I went running was in June. The total distance of my trip was 3.5 miles. It took a while for my body to warm up considering it was freezing cold outside with no sign of the sun in sight. After I reached my halfway mark, I decided to time my mile run (thanks to markers on the paths). My time was 11:01.8. With my goal of mimicking Jillian Michael's abs and legs, I plan to significantly reduce this time by atleast 3 minutes. In high school, I was able to run one mile in 7:30 min. and I plan to get as close to that time as possible. Still no where near that time but I hope that I can atleast be able to run 2 miles straight without any stopping. Only time will tell.
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Today, after getting off work at 2, decided to go running (more like jogging.. ok.. more like run.. walk.. run.. walk.. run). I think I did pretty damn well considering the last time I went running was in June. The total distance of my trip was 3.5 miles. It took a while for my body to warm up considering it was freezing cold outside with no sign of the sun in sight. After I reached my halfway mark, I decided to time my mile run (thanks to markers on the paths). My time was 11:01.8. With my goal of mimicking Jillian Michael's abs and legs, I plan to significantly reduce this time by atleast 3 minutes. In high school, I was able to run one mile in 7:30 min. and I plan to get as close to that time as possible. Still no where near that time but I hope that I can atleast be able to run 2 miles straight without any stopping. Only time will tell.
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The trail I jog is also on the bay.. very beautiful... minus all the homes the the back.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
10 New Years Resolution
Every year I create my 10 New Years Resolution. Although I never seem to follow on most of my goals, I am hoping that this year will be different. Here is my list.
1. Workout to achieve Jillian Michaels abs and legs (I'm giving myself 6 months)
2. Bike to work once it gets warmer.
3. Drink the recommended amount of water every day.
4. Reduce the amount of junk food I consume (I will miss fries the most)
5. Start a vegetable garden at home.
6. Volunteer
7. Floss on a regular basis (I get pretty lazy once it's time to go to bed)
8. Hike and go to the beach more often
9. Once I get my awesome bike, bike most of the weekends
10. Live my life like it is the last and have no regrets.
I made it realistic this time around and I hope to follow through on all of them.
Second choice
1. Workout to achieve Jillian Michaels abs and legs (I'm giving myself 6 months)
2. Bike to work once it gets warmer.
3. Drink the recommended amount of water every day.
4. Reduce the amount of junk food I consume (I will miss fries the most)
5. Start a vegetable garden at home.
6. Volunteer
7. Floss on a regular basis (I get pretty lazy once it's time to go to bed)
8. Hike and go to the beach more often
9. Once I get my awesome bike, bike most of the weekends
10. Live my life like it is the last and have no regrets.
I made it realistic this time around and I hope to follow through on all of them.
1 of 2 possible options
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Guinea worm
People find my conversations about parasitic worms stomach turning but on my drive home last night, I was listening to NPR about the ever increasing environmental problems facing African countries. What I found alarming with the show from last night was the ever increasing occurrence of the Guinea Worm disease.
For those who are squeamish, DO NOT continue reading this post.
According to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, Guinea worm disease is a parasitic worm infection that occurs mainly in Africa. It is also called dracunculiasis [dra-KUNK-you-LIE-uh-sis].Guinea worm disease is caused by Dracunculus medinensis, a threadlike parasitic worm that grows and matures in people. Worms grow up to 3 feet long and are as wide as a paper clip wire. People get infected when they drink standing water containing a tiny water flea that is infected with the even tinier larvae of the Guinea worm. Over the course of a year in the human body, the immature worms pierce the intestinal wall, grow to adulthood, and mate. The males die, and the females make their way through the body, maturing to a length of as much as 3 feet, and ending up near the surface of the skin, usually in the lower limbs. The worms cause swelling and painful, burning blisters. To soothe the burning, sufferers tend to go into the water, where the blisters burst, allowing the worm to emerge and release a new generation of millions of larvae. In the water, the larvae are swallowed by small water fleas, and the cycle begins again. A few days to hours before the worm emerges, the person might develop a fever and have swelling and pain in the area where the worm is. A blister develops and then opens into a wound. When the wound is immersed in water, the worm begins to emerge. Most worms appear on the legs and feet, but they can occur anywhere on the body. After the worm emerges, the wound often becomes painfully swollen and infected. Infected persons usually do not have symptoms until about a year after they drink water contaminated with infected water fleas. There is no cure. The only treatment is to remove the worm over many weeks by winding it around a small stick and pulling it out a tiny bit at a time. Sometimes the worm can be pulled out completely within a few days, but the process usually takes weeks or months. No medication is available to end or prevent infection. However, the worm can be surgically removed before the wound begins to swell. Antihistamines and antibiotics can reduce swelling and ease removal of the worm.
You can see the worms in the x-ray.
So this is a warming for people deciding to travel to parts of the African continent. Be very aware of the many diseases one can contract while abroad. Just remember to boil your water before consuming.
For those who are squeamish, DO NOT continue reading this post.
According to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, Guinea worm disease is a parasitic worm infection that occurs mainly in Africa. It is also called dracunculiasis [dra-KUNK-you-LIE-uh-sis].Guinea worm disease is caused by Dracunculus medinensis, a threadlike parasitic worm that grows and matures in people. Worms grow up to 3 feet long and are as wide as a paper clip wire. People get infected when they drink standing water containing a tiny water flea that is infected with the even tinier larvae of the Guinea worm. Over the course of a year in the human body, the immature worms pierce the intestinal wall, grow to adulthood, and mate. The males die, and the females make their way through the body, maturing to a length of as much as 3 feet, and ending up near the surface of the skin, usually in the lower limbs. The worms cause swelling and painful, burning blisters. To soothe the burning, sufferers tend to go into the water, where the blisters burst, allowing the worm to emerge and release a new generation of millions of larvae. In the water, the larvae are swallowed by small water fleas, and the cycle begins again. A few days to hours before the worm emerges, the person might develop a fever and have swelling and pain in the area where the worm is. A blister develops and then opens into a wound. When the wound is immersed in water, the worm begins to emerge. Most worms appear on the legs and feet, but they can occur anywhere on the body. After the worm emerges, the wound often becomes painfully swollen and infected. Infected persons usually do not have symptoms until about a year after they drink water contaminated with infected water fleas. There is no cure. The only treatment is to remove the worm over many weeks by winding it around a small stick and pulling it out a tiny bit at a time. Sometimes the worm can be pulled out completely within a few days, but the process usually takes weeks or months. No medication is available to end or prevent infection. However, the worm can be surgically removed before the wound begins to swell. Antihistamines and antibiotics can reduce swelling and ease removal of the worm.
So this is a warming for people deciding to travel to parts of the African continent. Be very aware of the many diseases one can contract while abroad. Just remember to boil your water before consuming.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Start of my New Years Resolution
I have thought long and hard about my ten new years resolution. I have already implemented some of these resolution but the one I truly wanted to start has been a failure. I am talking about running... actually it is exercising in general. I have no excuse as to why it has not occurred. Actually, my reason is laziness. I can't seem to get myself to dress-up in my grungy workout clothes and step out of the door to face the cold. To make matters worse, the weather has actually been really pleasant for the last two days. How will I ever reach my goal of achieving Jillian Michael's body if I don't step out of my comfort zone and workout. It's a bit disheartening knowing that I use to be a workout junkie. I would run in the morning for 2 hours, go to the gym for 2 hours, and if daylight permitted would run again in the evening. Though my circumstances are completely different know (I was only going to school at the time) it is still not an excuse to slack. I need motivation to get my butt out of the door and start hitting the pavement. My next target date to run is the day after Christmas. Wish me luck. I hope to have amazing abs like Jillian. I have a long way to go.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
pet for 1 pet for all
For the past couple of months, I have been trying to convince my mother why she should get a dog. There are many reasons as to why dogs are integral to our lives.
First and foremost, they are amazing companion and they truly love you unconditionally. They will be there for you through thick and thin and everything in between. Unlike men, they will beg for forgiveness immediately and show their love to you with no question asked.
Secondly, they are awesome guard dogs. This only applies to big dogs. I'm sorry but a chihuahua will never in this universe be considered more than just an accessory to celebrities sadly dressing them up in pink tutus. Nothing says more dangerous than a chihuahua in a tutu. Dogs should never be aggressive towards others but should only be a warning system for people who decide to break into a home and take your precious belongings.
The third and most important reason is that they are too adorable to say no. How can any person say no to a puppy begging to be loved and taken home. The puppy dog eyes really do work!!! I myself have fallen in love with one these puppies. Although I have not met her in person, I do not want any other dog but her. Her name is Emma and she is a 6 month old German Shepherd. What is amazing about Emma is her will to survive. She was found in southern California caught on a coyote trap. Her back right let was badly injured and diseased that they had to amputate it. She is now a happy three legged puppy that doesn't even act like she is missing a limb.
Hopefully, in the next few days, my family and I will be able to visit Emma to determine if she is the dog for us and if my mother can truly handle a three legged dog. If all goes well after we meet her, we will be taking her home possibly before the new year.
First and foremost, they are amazing companion and they truly love you unconditionally. They will be there for you through thick and thin and everything in between. Unlike men, they will beg for forgiveness immediately and show their love to you with no question asked.
Secondly, they are awesome guard dogs. This only applies to big dogs. I'm sorry but a chihuahua will never in this universe be considered more than just an accessory to celebrities sadly dressing them up in pink tutus. Nothing says more dangerous than a chihuahua in a tutu. Dogs should never be aggressive towards others but should only be a warning system for people who decide to break into a home and take your precious belongings.
The third and most important reason is that they are too adorable to say no. How can any person say no to a puppy begging to be loved and taken home. The puppy dog eyes really do work!!! I myself have fallen in love with one these puppies. Although I have not met her in person, I do not want any other dog but her. Her name is Emma and she is a 6 month old German Shepherd. What is amazing about Emma is her will to survive. She was found in southern California caught on a coyote trap. Her back right let was badly injured and diseased that they had to amputate it. She is now a happy three legged puppy that doesn't even act like she is missing a limb.
Hopefully, in the next few days, my family and I will be able to visit Emma to determine if she is the dog for us and if my mother can truly handle a three legged dog. If all goes well after we meet her, we will be taking her home possibly before the new year.
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