签证之剩~50天。到现在还没收到更新消息。
或许真的没更新的话，生活计划可要大型改变。。。真烦。希望船到桥头自然直。否则就回家吧
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Best Damn Dog Show Ever...
I wish we all had a dog like Francis.
And on a more somber note, I am still oscillating between 206-210 lbs nowadays. I think that means I have to re-think my diet. Have to be more conscious of what I eat and more conscientious on how much I eat...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
May Jap Trip Part 2 - Daytrip to Kyoto
We did a day trip to Kyoto. It was an interesting way to travel. We went there via midnight (1130pm) bus (kinda like a greyhound) to save some cash. It was about 90 USD to go by bus and 145 USD to go by Shinkanse. It was interesting as it was a 6+ hour bus ride and I got to see the highway oases of Japan.
It looks like they have a supermart inside this particular one. We stopped twice. Once at around midnight and then again at 5+ am. This was the stop close to Kyoto.
Our ticket home. Cos I wasn't going to take TWO 6+ hour bus rides in the same day...
The first order of business was to find something to eat. Luckily there was this 24/7 store opposite the station. Gyudon, somen and tonjiru. Breakfast of champions.
Our first stop was Kiyomizudera (清水寺). It's a long hike up the hill from the bus stop. The temple is up in the hills.
It's in the middle of the forest. Very scenic.
That's the main 'wishing stream' of the temple. Allegedly (I say allegedly because we got this info from grade school kids), the streams are (from left to right) - health, romance and smarts. The metal cups used to get the water are sterilized with a UV machine. Modern technology in a temple, who woulda thunk.
えんむすぶ means to connect a relationship. It's for match making. It was interesting to read all the wishes that people left at the shrine. Some were even in English.
This is from a shrine in the central part of town.I can't remember the name but It's called Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社) and was within walking distance of Kiyomizudera. Which was why we stopped by as it wasn't really on a list of 'to-see' places.
We then went to Nijo Jo (二条城). This is probably the most famous tourist spot in Kyoto. It used to be the Shogun's （将軍) castle. There used to be an outer building and an inner building but through the years, only the actual Shogun's residence has remained. They said that the floors created to prevent ninja assassinations and that the Shogun would have his guards hide in hidden wall panels during meetings with his subordinates. Very cloak and dagger stuff.
The garden was very pretty. And it had a moat. 2 moats actually. One for the outer walls and another one for the inner walls.
This is Shijo Dori (四条通). It's the 'downtown' of Kyoto. It's not too big. But they had a Takashimaya.
I had mini kaiseki (会席/懐石) meal. It was pretty reasonable. Like 30 USD for lunch. I liked the dessert.
After lunch, we went to the World Heritage Site of Kinkaku Ji (金閣寺). The temple has a gold exterior. Whether it's gold foil or something else, I couldn't tell and my japanese isn't good enough to ask.
I found it interesting that the entrance ticket was kinda like a seal. Like those old qiang shi movies. Haha.
For dinner, we went back to the river and Shijo Dori. Apparently, this is the 'Lover's Lane' of Kyoto. And if you see single ladies, you can try your luck. Too bad I didn't get that info till I got back to Tokyo.
Ducks in the canal(?)/drain.
We walked along this street to find a place to eat. It's just by the river (to the right) and quite 'old town' style. The ambiance was nice but the food was expensive. We were considering eating ramen after dinner but had to rush for the train.
Kyoto Tower (Tokyo Tower's lesser known cousin) at night.
Shinkansen! I really can't tell you much more than that other than the leg space was not designed for sleeping. I slept most of the 2+ hour return trip.
Next part will be the Return to Tokyo!
It looks like they have a supermart inside this particular one. We stopped twice. Once at around midnight and then again at 5+ am. This was the stop close to Kyoto.
Our ticket home. Cos I wasn't going to take TWO 6+ hour bus rides in the same day...
The first order of business was to find something to eat. Luckily there was this 24/7 store opposite the station. Gyudon, somen and tonjiru. Breakfast of champions.
Our first stop was Kiyomizudera (清水寺). It's a long hike up the hill from the bus stop. The temple is up in the hills.
It's in the middle of the forest. Very scenic.
That's the main 'wishing stream' of the temple. Allegedly (I say allegedly because we got this info from grade school kids), the streams are (from left to right) - health, romance and smarts. The metal cups used to get the water are sterilized with a UV machine. Modern technology in a temple, who woulda thunk.
えんむすぶ means to connect a relationship. It's for match making. It was interesting to read all the wishes that people left at the shrine. Some were even in English.
This is from a shrine in the central part of town.
We then went to Nijo Jo (二条城). This is probably the most famous tourist spot in Kyoto. It used to be the Shogun's （将軍) castle. There used to be an outer building and an inner building but through the years, only the actual Shogun's residence has remained. They said that the floors created to prevent ninja assassinations and that the Shogun would have his guards hide in hidden wall panels during meetings with his subordinates. Very cloak and dagger stuff.
The garden was very pretty. And it had a moat. 2 moats actually. One for the outer walls and another one for the inner walls.
This is Shijo Dori (四条通). It's the 'downtown' of Kyoto. It's not too big. But they had a Takashimaya.
I had mini kaiseki (会席/懐石) meal. It was pretty reasonable. Like 30 USD for lunch. I liked the dessert.
After lunch, we went to the World Heritage Site of Kinkaku Ji (金閣寺). The temple has a gold exterior. Whether it's gold foil or something else, I couldn't tell and my japanese isn't good enough to ask.
I found it interesting that the entrance ticket was kinda like a seal. Like those old qiang shi movies. Haha.
For dinner, we went back to the river and Shijo Dori. Apparently, this is the 'Lover's Lane' of Kyoto. And if you see single ladies, you can try your luck. Too bad I didn't get that info till I got back to Tokyo.
Ducks in the canal(?)/drain.
We walked along this street to find a place to eat. It's just by the river (to the right) and quite 'old town' style. The ambiance was nice but the food was expensive. We were considering eating ramen after dinner but had to rush for the train.
Kyoto Tower (Tokyo Tower's lesser known cousin) at night.
Shinkansen! I really can't tell you much more than that other than the leg space was not designed for sleeping. I slept most of the 2+ hour return trip.
Next part will be the Return to Tokyo!
Saturday, July 03, 2010
May Jap Trip Part 1 - Adventures in Toyko
So finally, I have had some time to clean up and organize my photos. So here we go. Photo trip recollections starto!
My gracious host, my cuz Shaun, came to pick me up from the airport. He's gonna be rich and famous cos he's a lawyer in training.
My room. An actual tatami room. Woah. Note the lack of pillows. :(
A funky washer/dryer setup. The dryer wasn't very powerful nor efficient, but when it's squeezed above the kitchen sink, what can you expect.
How the rich-to-be roll and eat. Fine dining = fries in Tokyo.
I prefer the takoyakis. Takoyakis, how can you not like them?!
This is the before Takoyaki shot.
So this was the first time I've spent some time in Toyko and I was introduced to the nighttime food of champions, the Izakaya (居酒屋). It's kinda like a bar, but with better food. I find japanese draft beer (生ビール) to be weaker than bottled/can beer and weaker than american draft beers. You have a huge selection of stuff to eat but we mostly concentrated on yakitori, kawa and some softbone meatball whose name I forgot. Good eats.
Next part will be my 1 day trip to Kyoto!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Brief Health Update
So, after spending 30 of the last 45 days or so on the road, I'm finally at home for some time. I measured my weight and surprisingly enough, I did not gain weight even though I consumed at least 3000 calories worth of DQ blizzards when I was on-site at various jobs. That's a win in my book. So just for the record, I'm at 207 lbs now. That's good news. At this rate, by the time I go home, I think I'll be around 195-200 lbs, which leaves me about 5-10 lbs off my target of 190 lbs (~85 kg for the metrically inclined readers).
Even though it's only been about 10-12 lbs over the last 4 months, I think I definitely look better and clothes fit better. So that's good. I might consider changing the weight training regime to get better definition. It's just shades and hints of muscle now. I wonder how people can build muskles naturally, without supplements. That's worth looking into...
Even though it's only been about 10-12 lbs over the last 4 months, I think I definitely look better and clothes fit better. So that's good. I might consider changing the weight training regime to get better definition. It's just shades and hints of muscle now. I wonder how people can build muskles naturally, without supplements. That's worth looking into...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saying Goodbye
Up till now, I have had the fortune to not have many loved ones pass away. My grand father passed away in a vehicle accident, I lost a basketball buddy to a hit and run and an army buddy died in college. In all cases, the news of their passing was sudden and shocking, I never got a chance to really say goodbye. By the time I knew, it was too late.
I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer recently. The docs say he had 3 months to live. That clock started ticking in March. I called him to express my sympathy and hope for his recovery but it's a weird feeling, chatting to someone who knows he has only a limited time left. He is literally wasting away in front of everyone - he lost half his weight in 2 months and according to the doctors has only 30+ more days.
I told him to keep fighting and to keep living the way he wants to. But it's really weird to say stuff like 'Just in case I don't see you anymore...' or 'It's been great knowing you'. I wonder if I could have said things in a better manner...
In any case, my wishes and thoughts go out to him. I hope he proves all the experts wrong.
I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer recently. The docs say he had 3 months to live. That clock started ticking in March. I called him to express my sympathy and hope for his recovery but it's a weird feeling, chatting to someone who knows he has only a limited time left. He is literally wasting away in front of everyone - he lost half his weight in 2 months and according to the doctors has only 30+ more days.
I told him to keep fighting and to keep living the way he wants to. But it's really weird to say stuff like 'Just in case I don't see you anymore...' or 'It's been great knowing you'. I wonder if I could have said things in a better manner...
In any case, my wishes and thoughts go out to him. I hope he proves all the experts wrong.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Great Weather /Sarcasm
So I'm on the first full day of vacation and here's the weather outlook for the next week in Tokyo...
Well done weather. Well done...
Well done weather. Well done...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Sigh...
As expected, after the 10+ days away, I'm still at 210 lbs. I must stop eating all those tortilla chips at mexican restaurants.
In other news, the London 2012 Olympic mascots have been revealed. I just have 'WTF' on my mind when I see them.
They even have their own back story. Metallic one-eyed multi-hued mascot origins!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Updates
Well, I've spent most of the last 30 days working on a job site about 600 miles from home. Travel with this frequency is tough. The hotel staff already know me by face and there isn't much to do in small-town America. At least the weather is getting nicer and night shift doesn't really involve bundling up like a yeti anymore.
Trying to control my diet here is tough. Portion control is really really really hard. I'm not looking forward to weighing-in when I get back home. At least I have maintained the exercise regime. I find it getting easier now that there's some kind of consistency and motivation to not break the trend.
But in any case, I'm glad I'm going on vacation this week. Even though that brings the total 'time not spent at home' time to about 30 days in the last month and a half, I think this break will be very much welcomed indeed.
In other stuff, here's an interesting use of light textures on 3D surfaces. I think it's cool that they can simulate depth by running lights in different thicknesses along a surface.
Trying to control my diet here is tough. Portion control is really really really hard. I'm not looking forward to weighing-in when I get back home. At least I have maintained the exercise regime. I find it getting easier now that there's some kind of consistency and motivation to not break the trend.
But in any case, I'm glad I'm going on vacation this week. Even though that brings the total 'time not spent at home' time to about 30 days in the last month and a half, I think this break will be very much welcomed indeed.
In other stuff, here's an interesting use of light textures on 3D surfaces. I think it's cool that they can simulate depth by running lights in different thicknesses along a surface.
ENVISION : Step into the sensory box from SUPERBIEN on Vimeo.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Yami to Hikari
Well, after that previous post, I decided to be a little more upbeat. I haven't had the chance to re-weight myself since the last weigh-in as I was traveling and the place I went to didn't have a commercial scale. The ones that they did have would probably treat my body weight as a rounding error.
Anyways, so there's good news and bad news this time round. The bad news is that I have succumbed back to Team Fortress 2, much to my eternal shame. However, this is day 2 and I have only played 45 mins since I reinstalled. That's a promising start.
The Good News is that I'm now 211. 3lbs in 2 weeks isn't much I guess, but it's better than nothing. Finally being able to have some consistent form of exercising seems to be paying off. I have roughly 15 more weeks till show time. Let's see how far I can do this shit.
Anyways, so there's good news and bad news this time round. The bad news is that I have succumbed back to Team Fortress 2, much to my eternal shame. However, this is day 2 and I have only played 45 mins since I reinstalled. That's a promising start.
The Good News is that I'm now 211. 3lbs in 2 weeks isn't much I guess, but it's better than nothing. Finally being able to have some consistent form of exercising seems to be paying off. I have roughly 15 more weeks till show time. Let's see how far I can do this shit.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
フアン
なんか不安になった。なんでぼくかってもまける？くやしい。
ぼくはもう日本語あまりれんしゅうしないけど、時々日本語でふあんを表したらちょっとらくになった。
ま、こんどもっとがんばります。あとチャンスがある。きっと。
ぼくはもう日本語あまりれんしゅうしないけど、時々日本語でふあんを表したらちょっとらくになった。
ま、こんどもっとがんばります。あとチャンスがある。きっと。
Monday, May 03, 2010
All things TF2-ish
So I know I said I've uninstalled it but there are still so many crazy things people can do with Team Fortress 2 instead of playing. Here are a couple examples.
The Lion King done TF2. There is great lip-syncing and the conversation matches the context, one of the best TF2 dubs I've seen.
TF2 Man - when Mega Man meets the crew, I wonder how he would fare against the different arsenals of the TF2 screw. More guns!
The Lion King done TF2. There is great lip-syncing and the conversation matches the context, one of the best TF2 dubs I've seen.
TF2 Man - when Mega Man meets the crew, I wonder how he would fare against the different arsenals of the TF2 screw. More guns!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Musings
The weather up here can be beautiful at times. I like the vast expanse of sky, sun and clouds. It's one of the nice things to see whenever I travel to the less populated areas out here.
It's easy to see why people have the urge to eat ice cream in weather like this.
Another interesting thing to see when I travel is the 'exotic' names that some of these small towns have. I think this is the 'best' name I've yet to see in the 3 years of travel I've had.
I pity any child that has/had to grow up in this town.
Lastly, the weather here is ridiculously windy. Apparently, it gets up to 40 mph in the winter. I can't imagine trying to work in the open fields with that kind of elemental force battering you all the time. I'm glad that I'm here in late spring and not winter.
For metric users, that's about 40 to 50 km/h...
It's easy to see why people have the urge to eat ice cream in weather like this.Another interesting thing to see when I travel is the 'exotic' names that some of these small towns have. I think this is the 'best' name I've yet to see in the 3 years of travel I've had.
I pity any child that has/had to grow up in this town.Lastly, the weather here is ridiculously windy. Apparently, it gets up to 40 mph in the winter. I can't imagine trying to work in the open fields with that kind of elemental force battering you all the time. I'm glad that I'm here in late spring and not winter.
For metric users, that's about 40 to 50 km/h...Monday, April 26, 2010
Weigh-ins and shootings
So I just weighed myself. No change. Still 214 lbs. I started walking my stairs though, so we'll see if that helps in the long run. But with the weather so nice outside nowadays, I feel an almost pathological urge to eat ice cream and laze in the sun... Well, at least I didn't gain any weight whilst traveling.
Anyways, if you have facebook, you've probably seen Farmville ads at least once if not more. If you're like me, you probably got sick of all that. So how does a chance to shoot (twisted and insane) farm animals sound for a change? You can try your hand at this game. It's not too hard. I got all but the two medals required for survival. Although I did have to reload twice to complete the game... I recommend turning off the sound.
Play Games at AddictingGames
Anyways, if you have facebook, you've probably seen Farmville ads at least once if not more. If you're like me, you probably got sick of all that. So how does a chance to shoot (twisted and insane) farm animals sound for a change? You can try your hand at this game. It's not too hard. I got all but the two medals required for survival. Although I did have to reload twice to complete the game... I recommend turning off the sound.
Play Games at AddictingGames
Monday, April 19, 2010
So Round 2?
I finally bought a scale. It's one of those electronic scales that can measure to 0.2 pounds. It's also made from tempered glass and can track the weight of 2 users. There was another higher tech version that could measure body fat as well but it wasn't as nice looking, almost 50% more expensive and frankly, I think my body fat measurement will be depressing. The weight is depressing enough as it is.
So anyways, for the record it's 214 pounds. Which means that I am sub-100kg! That's a great first step. Haha. Now my target is 10 pounds from now till mid-May. The plan is to:
1. Reduce rice intake to 1/4 cup per meal
2. Only finish 1/4 of the potatoes in an outside meal
3. Eat more seafood
4. Oranges and Apples and Pears baby!
5. Wake up early to exercise. I've been trying but I have to wake up at around 6 to make this work. Means that I have to sleep by 11pm.
Incidentally, I have also suspended my TF2 for now. I need more time to organise my stuff and I want to learn VBA for realz now. Also, I will probably need time to prep for any advanced tests I want to take, be it the Pro. Eng. exam or something else.
Wish me luck. Round 2 int he quest to get fitter and better in life.
So anyways, for the record it's 214 pounds. Which means that I am sub-100kg! That's a great first step. Haha. Now my target is 10 pounds from now till mid-May. The plan is to:1. Reduce rice intake to 1/4 cup per meal
2. Only finish 1/4 of the potatoes in an outside meal
3. Eat more seafood
4. Oranges and Apples and Pears baby!
5. Wake up early to exercise. I've been trying but I have to wake up at around 6 to make this work. Means that I have to sleep by 11pm.
Incidentally, I have also suspended my TF2 for now. I need more time to organise my stuff and I want to learn VBA for realz now. Also, I will probably need time to prep for any advanced tests I want to take, be it the Pro. Eng. exam or something else.
Wish me luck. Round 2 int he quest to get fitter and better in life.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Day 4
Day 4.
In Minnesota now. Let's see how dieting works out when food is paid for.
Weight - DUNNOE.
Breakfast - leftover Spinach with portabellini, ham and onions + rice with brocoli & cauliflower x 1portion. 1 glass of veggie juice. 1 banana.
Morning Snack - n/a. On airplane.
Lunch - BK A1 Steakburger XT + Onion Rings + Diet Coke. ZOMG 940+450 calories. FUUUUUUUU. But it tasted so good.
PM Snack - n/a
Dinner - Grilled Salmon (dry and ugh) x 1. 1/2 baked potato. Unsweetened ice tea. Side salad with fat-free italian. Managed NOT to order the really delicious looking sirloin or ribs. Didn't eat the soft and fluffy dinner roll too. I'm impressed.
Exercise - no time. Have to wake up at 530 tomorrow to work out.
Need to lay off the BK. Zomg. But good work with dinner. Sirloin should be lean enough, I'll try that next time.
In Minnesota now. Let's see how dieting works out when food is paid for.
Weight - DUNNOE.
Breakfast - leftover Spinach with portabellini, ham and onions + rice with brocoli & cauliflower x 1portion. 1 glass of veggie juice. 1 banana.
Morning Snack - n/a. On airplane.
Lunch - BK A1 Steakburger XT + Onion Rings + Diet Coke. ZOMG 940+450 calories. FUUUUUUUU. But it tasted so good.
PM Snack - n/a
Dinner - Grilled Salmon (dry and ugh) x 1. 1/2 baked potato. Unsweetened ice tea. Side salad with fat-free italian. Managed NOT to order the really delicious looking sirloin or ribs. Didn't eat the soft and fluffy dinner roll too. I'm impressed.
Exercise - no time. Have to wake up at 530 tomorrow to work out.
Need to lay off the BK. Zomg. But good work with dinner. Sirloin should be lean enough, I'll try that next time.
Day 3
Day 3.
Weight - Still unknown. Need to buy a scale. Going to MN tomorrow so that's off till when I get back.
Breakfast - 2 Egg (1 yolk) omelet with onions, ham, cheese and almonds (mmmm almonds). 1 glass of veggie juice.
Morning Snack - Dried Mango x 10 pieces
Lunch - Chicken Dumpling Soup + bag of crackers + 1/2 Jimmy Johns sub + Dried mango x 15 pieces. I think i over did the mango but I wanted to finish the bag before I left for MN.
PM Snack - Dried mango x 8 pieces
Dinner - Spinach with portabellini, ham and onions + rice with brocoli & cauliflower x 1portion. 1 orange, 1 banana.
Exercise -
2 x 15lb x 15 reps of bicep/tricep/delts(12lbs)/Side abs
2 x 25 leg raise (w/ 15lb), 2 x 30 ankle raises, 2 x 20 squats (w/ 15lb)
2 x 20 reps of situps, 'superman', push-ups and hamstring curl (using other leg as resistance)
Total time ~35 mins
Sleep earlier!
Weight - Still unknown. Need to buy a scale. Going to MN tomorrow so that's off till when I get back.
Breakfast - 2 Egg (1 yolk) omelet with onions, ham, cheese and almonds (mmmm almonds). 1 glass of veggie juice.
Morning Snack - Dried Mango x 10 pieces
Lunch - Chicken Dumpling Soup + bag of crackers + 1/2 Jimmy Johns sub + Dried mango x 15 pieces. I think i over did the mango but I wanted to finish the bag before I left for MN.
PM Snack - Dried mango x 8 pieces
Dinner - Spinach with portabellini, ham and onions + rice with brocoli & cauliflower x 1portion. 1 orange, 1 banana.
Exercise -
2 x 15lb x 15 reps of bicep/tricep/delts(12lbs)/Side abs
2 x 25 leg raise (w/ 15lb), 2 x 30 ankle raises, 2 x 20 squats (w/ 15lb)
2 x 20 reps of situps, 'superman', push-ups and hamstring curl (using other leg as resistance)
Total time ~35 mins
Sleep earlier!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Day 2
Day 2.
Weight - Still unknown. Need to buy a scale.
Breakfast - Leftover Tequila Soaked Chicken Breast x 1 + rice with broccoli, cauliflower and almonds x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Morning Snack - World Market almond biscotti x 2
Lunch - Panera Bread Thai Chicken Salad + Chicken Noodle Soup + Apple.
PM Snack - Dried mango x 8 pieces
Slightly hungry by dinner but not hungry after working out.
Dinner - Almond crusted chicken breasts (pan-seared then roasted) x 2 + portabellini mushrooms x 3. Ate too much? Probably. Almonds taste good with mushrooms and caramelized onions though...
Exercise - 30 minutes on elliptical. 20 minutes of (2 mins 7mph + 1 min 5 mph) sets, 10 mins of warm up/cool down. 2.8 miles. Chin-ups 4/3/2.
Needs - try to stick to low carbs, high protein. Maybe more snacks in the day?
Weight - Still unknown. Need to buy a scale.
Breakfast - Leftover Tequila Soaked Chicken Breast x 1 + rice with broccoli, cauliflower and almonds x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Morning Snack - World Market almond biscotti x 2
Lunch - Panera Bread Thai Chicken Salad + Chicken Noodle Soup + Apple.
PM Snack - Dried mango x 8 pieces
Slightly hungry by dinner but not hungry after working out.
Dinner - Almond crusted chicken breasts (pan-seared then roasted) x 2 + portabellini mushrooms x 3. Ate too much? Probably. Almonds taste good with mushrooms and caramelized onions though...
Exercise - 30 minutes on elliptical. 20 minutes of (2 mins 7mph + 1 min 5 mph) sets, 10 mins of warm up/cool down. 2.8 miles. Chin-ups 4/3/2.
Needs - try to stick to low carbs, high protein. Maybe more snacks in the day?
Monday, April 05, 2010
First Day of a (hopefully) New Age
Ok. So this lose weight thing needs some recording so this is it.
Day 1.
Weight - Unknown. Need to buy a scale.
Breakfast - Chinese Leftovers x 1 portion + rice x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Lunch - Chinese Leftovers x 1 portion + rice x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Dinner - Tequila Soaked Chicken Breast x 1 + rice with broccoli, cauliflower and almonds x 1 portion. 1 portion of melon medley and 1 orange.
Exercise - Weights 15 lbs, no extra weights. Standard 2 x 15 reps
Needs - try to stick to low carbs, high protein.
P.S. Totally random but whoever did this is genius.
Day 1.
Weight - Unknown. Need to buy a scale.
Breakfast - Chinese Leftovers x 1 portion + rice x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Lunch - Chinese Leftovers x 1 portion + rice x 1 portion. 1 glass of veggie juice.
Dinner - Tequila Soaked Chicken Breast x 1 + rice with broccoli, cauliflower and almonds x 1 portion. 1 portion of melon medley and 1 orange.
Exercise - Weights 15 lbs, no extra weights. Standard 2 x 15 reps
Needs - try to stick to low carbs, high protein.
P.S. Totally random but whoever did this is genius.
Brazil Trip - Part 1
So some of you might know that I recently went to Brazil for some work. So here's the pictures and stories I have from that trip.
I took the late flight from Chicago to São Paulo and arrived at 10am on a Saturday morning. My first task was to go from the international airport (São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport) to the domestic airport (Congonhas Airport). To do that, I could either take a cab or take the 'Airport Bus Service'. I went with the bus service as it was more economical (31 reais vs ~100 reais) and I had time to kill on the first day anyways as my flight inland was on Sunday morning.
It's a trip from the east of São Paulo to the west and took me about 50 minutes. The bus basically takes you through some parts of the city and then on the outskirts for others.
It's a big city. Lots of sprawl and many tall building as well. Oh and the weather was great too. Blue skies, white clouds, 28 degrees C...
Either the Mystery Machine has gone into catering or this is a blatant copyright rip-off. But I guess everyone wants Scooby-branded baked goods and snacks.
There is some weird architecture here as well.
When I first saw the row of stuffed toys on the road divider, I was wondering what was going on, until I saw the lady hawking the stuff. Just like here, there are people who try to make a living from the road divider and at traffic junctions.
For a city of ~18 million people, Congonhas Airport doesn't look all that big or modern...
This is the hotel I stayed at the first night. It's like the Holiday Inn of Brazil. Unfortunately, their website isn't too informative in English.
Well, that's it for this first post. I'll continue later. I'm tired and it's bed time now.
I took the late flight from Chicago to São Paulo and arrived at 10am on a Saturday morning. My first task was to go from the international airport (São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport) to the domestic airport (Congonhas Airport). To do that, I could either take a cab or take the 'Airport Bus Service'. I went with the bus service as it was more economical (31 reais vs ~100 reais) and I had time to kill on the first day anyways as my flight inland was on Sunday morning.
It's a trip from the east of São Paulo to the west and took me about 50 minutes. The bus basically takes you through some parts of the city and then on the outskirts for others.
It's a big city. Lots of sprawl and many tall building as well. Oh and the weather was great too. Blue skies, white clouds, 28 degrees C...
Either the Mystery Machine has gone into catering or this is a blatant copyright rip-off. But I guess everyone wants Scooby-branded baked goods and snacks.
There is some weird architecture here as well.
When I first saw the row of stuffed toys on the road divider, I was wondering what was going on, until I saw the lady hawking the stuff. Just like here, there are people who try to make a living from the road divider and at traffic junctions.
For a city of ~18 million people, Congonhas Airport doesn't look all that big or modern...
This is the hotel I stayed at the first night. It's like the Holiday Inn of Brazil. Unfortunately, their website isn't too informative in English.Well, that's it for this first post. I'll continue later. I'm tired and it's bed time now.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I'm not dead yet!
Haha, at this rate, I'm gonna be considered the walking dead.
But things have been fairly ok with me so I don't really see the need to post too much. However, the recent financial incidents around the world and back home here deserve some airtime on my blog I think.
As we all know, the world is not in the best shape financially speaking. This has translated to high unemployment rates in the states and countries like Greece getting buffeted by people betting against any financial plans they can concoct to improve their finances.
I am currently waiting for the Q1 report from Greece and seeing what actions the EU will take to 'bail' them out. It's reprehensible when corporations get rewarded for greed and mis-judgment but it's a whole other level when COUNTRIES indulge in such unethical behaviour. It's also sad when in the end, those countries will also not suffer too much for their willful wrong-doings.
However, it is through the actions of others that we can reflect on our own. The States might not be in as dire straits as Greece or other PIGS nations but the national debt has soared over the course of the crisis (to 80+ % of GDP) and the Obama administration is still talking ABOUT ADDING MORE DEBT!! Like seriously, WTF dude. I don't consider myself Red State material by a long shot but this splurge by Congress and the Obama administration is ridiculous. A new bill just passed in Congress that adds $149 BILLION to the already ginormous $12.5 TRILLION national debt. They just increased the duration of unemployment benefits from 52 weeks (already extended from the original 26) to 99 weeks. NINETY NINE WEEKS. At this rate, the unemployed can grow roots at home before they will stop seeing $$ from the government. I understand people are having a tough time trying to find work and all in this economy but 2 years of cash for free?? Does Obama think he can do this?
The States has no Obama Wii. The only way it can meaningfully reduce debt is to do it like how everyone else does it. Spend less and save more. Please Donkeys, don't be bleeding hearts - You're gonna bleed everyone dry.
Already, I have the highest big city tax at 10.25%. My city's mayor made a joke of a deal to the devil (actually a Morgan Stanley subsidary) - allowing them to control the city's parking meters for 75 years, in return for a mere 1+ billion. My mind is blown by the incompetency shown in the city's leadership...
Sigh, it's late already and I should go to bed. But sometimes, I can see how they can say the States will not be the power in this 22nd century. I need to blow something up to relieve some steam...r
But things have been fairly ok with me so I don't really see the need to post too much. However, the recent financial incidents around the world and back home here deserve some airtime on my blog I think.
As we all know, the world is not in the best shape financially speaking. This has translated to high unemployment rates in the states and countries like Greece getting buffeted by people betting against any financial plans they can concoct to improve their finances.
I am currently waiting for the Q1 report from Greece and seeing what actions the EU will take to 'bail' them out. It's reprehensible when corporations get rewarded for greed and mis-judgment but it's a whole other level when COUNTRIES indulge in such unethical behaviour. It's also sad when in the end, those countries will also not suffer too much for their willful wrong-doings.
However, it is through the actions of others that we can reflect on our own. The States might not be in as dire straits as Greece or other PIGS nations but the national debt has soared over the course of the crisis (to 80+ % of GDP) and the Obama administration is still talking ABOUT ADDING MORE DEBT!! Like seriously, WTF dude. I don't consider myself Red State material by a long shot but this splurge by Congress and the Obama administration is ridiculous. A new bill just passed in Congress that adds $149 BILLION to the already ginormous $12.5 TRILLION national debt. They just increased the duration of unemployment benefits from 52 weeks (already extended from the original 26) to 99 weeks. NINETY NINE WEEKS. At this rate, the unemployed can grow roots at home before they will stop seeing $$ from the government. I understand people are having a tough time trying to find work and all in this economy but 2 years of cash for free?? Does Obama think he can do this?
The States has no Obama Wii. The only way it can meaningfully reduce debt is to do it like how everyone else does it. Spend less and save more. Please Donkeys, don't be bleeding hearts - You're gonna bleed everyone dry.
Already, I have the highest big city tax at 10.25%. My city's mayor made a joke of a deal to the devil (actually a Morgan Stanley subsidary) - allowing them to control the city's parking meters for 75 years, in return for a mere 1+ billion. My mind is blown by the incompetency shown in the city's leadership...
Sigh, it's late already and I should go to bed. But sometimes, I can see how they can say the States will not be the power in this 22nd century. I need to blow something up to relieve some steam...r
Monday, February 08, 2010
Superbowl Commercials
So some of you guys might have heard that Superbowl XLIV (44) was played yesterday. The result was the New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17. Not the best of results for the team I supported but at least the Saints were led by a fellow alumni, Drew Brees. So GO PURUDE! WOO!
Anyways, since most people don't really know or care about American football, I'm just gonna display the Superbowl commercials that I found most interesting. The Superbowl is probably the most watched TV event in the US and each 30 second ad costs around 2-3 million. So you get some pretty interesting and refreshing ads.
Starting with some gratuitous skin shots, we have Megan Fox selling some Motorola cellphone. I don't know what it is but who cares, it's Megan Fox.
Next up, we have a violin playinggopher beaver. Who doesn't like musically inclined furry animals?
Most of the Superbowl ads are funny, but this Google one was quite poignant and touching.
I am quite excited for the upcoming Avatar:The Last Airbender movie. Even though it's based on a Nickelodeon cartoon, it is still damn cool.
Lastly, this is my favourite commercial. Don't mess with his Doritos nor his Momma!
Anyways, since most people don't really know or care about American football, I'm just gonna display the Superbowl commercials that I found most interesting. The Superbowl is probably the most watched TV event in the US and each 30 second ad costs around 2-3 million. So you get some pretty interesting and refreshing ads.
Starting with some gratuitous skin shots, we have Megan Fox selling some Motorola cellphone. I don't know what it is but who cares, it's Megan Fox.
Next up, we have a violin playing
Most of the Superbowl ads are funny, but this Google one was quite poignant and touching.
I am quite excited for the upcoming Avatar:The Last Airbender movie. Even though it's based on a Nickelodeon cartoon, it is still damn cool.
Lastly, this is my favourite commercial. Don't mess with his Doritos nor his Momma!
Monday, February 01, 2010
So it's been awhile
It's been 2 months since my last post and I think it's time I restarted this thing again. I had a rather busy Dec/Jan with work and vacation. So I think I'll just write about a couple of things on my mind this 2010.
First of, Happy New Years to everyone out there. Yes, I know it's really belated but better late than never eh?
Anyways, the other day, some idiot in my complex damaged the apartment garage door and it could not close properly. Management had someone stand guard outside and cross reference everyone who entered with a residents list. How the guard checked my identity was quite interesting to me - He asked me to confirm my unit, which I did, and then he said "Thanks so much Mr Lee". I totally did not get that it was a test and was kinda irritated at him when I responded " No. Tan". Only when he said "Thanks again sir" did I realize I just got juked by the guard. Now I'll look out for instances where people try to trip me up and perhaps I'll use this method to check for consistency from other people in the future as well.
I've been trying to wake up early to exercise so as to try to adhere to previous resolutions but it's proving to be really tough. If I wake up at 6am to workout, I'm a dead man walking by 2pm. I have to adjust my sleeping pattern to accommodate this new plan... But with a new year, there is a new hope. So I'll just keep plugging along.
Well that's enough ramblings from me for now. I have to get ready to sleep to try to follow my workout plan. Wish me luck.
First of, Happy New Years to everyone out there. Yes, I know it's really belated but better late than never eh?
Anyways, the other day, some idiot in my complex damaged the apartment garage door and it could not close properly. Management had someone stand guard outside and cross reference everyone who entered with a residents list. How the guard checked my identity was quite interesting to me - He asked me to confirm my unit, which I did, and then he said "Thanks so much Mr Lee". I totally did not get that it was a test and was kinda irritated at him when I responded " No. Tan". Only when he said "Thanks again sir" did I realize I just got juked by the guard. Now I'll look out for instances where people try to trip me up and perhaps I'll use this method to check for consistency from other people in the future as well.
I've been trying to wake up early to exercise so as to try to adhere to previous resolutions but it's proving to be really tough. If I wake up at 6am to workout, I'm a dead man walking by 2pm. I have to adjust my sleeping pattern to accommodate this new plan... But with a new year, there is a new hope. So I'll just keep plugging along.
Well that's enough ramblings from me for now. I have to get ready to sleep to try to follow my workout plan. Wish me luck.
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