My "secret" to weight loss...

When P and I first moved out to SoCal we were kindly greeted by all kinds of new and interesting restaurants. Being foodies, we partook in said restaurants quite often and my waistline definitely suffered at the hands of my taste buds bacuse of it. Mind you, yes, I like to eat and eat in large quantities and IMHO the volume you take in has a greater impact than solely "what" you are eating. So, my weight spiked a bit at the beginning of our tenure here and I think I was up to around 215lbs (just a bit less than my all time high of around 220lbs back in '99-'00). Then, over the course of the next year or so, my weight began to decline, and currently i'm down to a fairly trim (for me at least) 185lbs. Funny thing is, that is even lower than the weight I used to compete at in Eskrima back when I was working out 4 hours a day...sometimes 5, 6, maybe even 7 days a week! So what gives? I'm older, my metabolism is slower, and I don't "work out" like I used to, so how is that possible? Well, the answer is, in a word, WORK.

To most people, work is a time of inactivity. Many people sit at a desk, in a cubicle, at an office at work for 8 hours a day. That's 8-straight hours of practical in-activity for the average American. On the other hand, for me, work is a very physical experience. I'm on my feet all day hustling, working on cars, trying to make that all mighty paycheck. On top of that, my dealership's shop has 2 floors, of which I work on the 2nd. Getting cars up and down requires driving up a pretty steep ramp. to the upper shop. I have made it a habit that whenever I need to go get or drop off a car, I run up or down that ramp.

My reason for running is twofold. First, since I get paid "flat rate" (meaning I work on straight commission for the cars I work on), the less time it takes me to get cars in and out, theorhetically the more hours I can make in a day. Running allows me to shorten up the time I waste on retrieving and dropping off cars so I have more time to actually "work" on them, hence allowing me to turn more hours in the day (my all time best has been around 20 paid hours of work in a 8 hour work day). My second reason for running...just for the exercise. I don't have the time like I used to to go to the gym and work out for hours a day so I supplement that through work. I figure sprinting up and down the ramp several time a day has to make a difference, and the scale definitely shows that it does.

Lately, I feel like a lot of people have asked me what i've been doing to lose the weight. My response is always to tell them about work and how physical my job is...or rather how physical I make it by running everywhere I go at work. Then I got to wondering just how much running and walking I was actualy doing. I mean, I always sweat my ass off at work (especially those hot days in the summertime) so I know i'm getting some kind of workout, but I never had any kind of actual yard stick for the level of workout I was getting at work. Last time we were in Baltimore, someone mentioned that I should use a pedometer to measure steps, and I thought that was a great idea. However, I wasn't curious enough to actually go out and buy one. Kellogs to the rescue!

So, I'm man enough to admit that I still eat cereal with milk at times....usually as an evening snack, and usually Frosted Flakes (yes, i'm a sugar junkie!). It just so happens that the last box of Frosted Flakes I bought had a "healthy" theme on the back of the packaging. Instead of a toy inside, they provided a pedometer for kids to go out and measure their steps with. Perfect! A free pedometer! It only had one flaw...the goofy Tony the Tiger stickers adorning the front face. Some peeling and adhesive remover and all was well...I could wear that little contraption at work without fear of mockery. So onto my belt it went for a couple of days at work to track my steps. I tracked my steps from the moment I walked into the door at work to the moment I left for the day with it removed for lunch break and I was pretty shocked by the results.

After a couple of days, I averaged out the daily totals and ended up with an average daily step count of 19,500! According to some info I found online, based on the average American's stride, 1 mile equals about 2000 steps. So 19,500 divided by 2000 equals 9.75 miles! Woah. So, if this is accurate, im walking/running around 9.75 miles a day. No wonder i've lost weight! Apparently, the average American only walks around 2000 steps a day...about a mile. Damn. So, Moral of the story is...get out there and walk your asses off! Then you can eat what you want and not feel gilty about it! Then again, I NEVER feel guilty after a good meal....no matter what my weight is at the time...

Read More...

Summary only...

I've seen the future...

Ladies and Gents...i've seen the future. Well, sort-of. I've seen the inside of what I envision a space station on Mars will look like sometime in the future. Let me explain. Today, we were driving around town semi-close to where P's parents live in Lewisville, Texas trying to figure out where to eat for lunch. We had almost settled on lunch at La Madeleine (since they don't exist in Cali) when we happened to pass this resort/convention center called the Gaylord Texan (Yeah, interesting name, huh?). P's rents suggested we eat at one of the buffet restaurants at this gargantuan resort...

The Gaylord Texan is true to the state it is built in. This place is huge. And I don't mean just huge....it's HUUUUGE. It feels like Vegas on steroids with a Texan, cowboy twist (minus the casinos). The main hotel building is like a small city...indoors. Well, here's where the space station part comes in. The place is built to look like you are outdoors in a texan town but it is all enclosed within this elaborate glass roof so the lighting is all natural. It's got a western movie set feel with the weird glass and steel structure to top it all off...just like I imagine space stations of the future will be like. To add to the space stationness of the place, the whole inside is climate controlled (it must cost a small fortune to run the A/C in this place!) to a nice, comfortable and cool temperature. Meanwhile, outside it is scorching hot....kinda akin to the surface temperature on Mars I imagine. Anyway, feast your eyes on the pics and tell me if you don't think it looks a little space station-like. I've seen the future I tell ya...mark my words. 30 years from now I bet we'll see something like this again....except that it'll actually BE on Mars...

Read More...

Summary only...

iAnnoyed...a little...

So, Apple has put out another software update for the iPhone...1.1.1. After reading some other posts about the problems people (like Browser Metrics) have been having with updating to 1.1.1 I was a litte apprehensive, but whatever...I went and updated my phone anyway. I mean, I gotta have th latest and greatest from Apple, right? Thankfully, I have stayed away from the hacks for the iPhone as reportedly this update renders those hacks useless. Apparently it even permanently disables iPhones that were "unlocked" to work on carriers other than Apple-approved AT&T. Man, Steve Jobs is a hardass. I guess I would be too if I got screwed as bad as he did back in the day by Bill Gates...

So Anyway, I hooked up my iPhone to my MacBook and fired up iTunes. Did a search for new software and Voila!...a new update 1.1.1 is available. Followed the prompts and updated the software on my phone. Wasn't too bad, took maybe a total of 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. After reading some of the horror stories out there, I was worried that my pics and music, etc wouldn't be there when all was said and done but luckily it was all there....or so I thought. I went about the rest of my day (Visiting the inlaws in Texas currently) until later that night when I was going to make a phone call. Went to access the contacts, and there were none to be found. I hooked up the phone to my MacBook and sync'd the contacts...nothing. Tried it several other times...still nothing. That's annoying. I ended up having to do a complete restore of my phone before the contacts would sync properly. A slight setback, but annoyin none-the-less.

So, how is the update? Hmm...other than the new shortcut to the iTunes WiFi store, I didn't really notice any immediate changes. I'm really waiting for the REAL updates that are rumored for the iPhone...like SMS, iChat, iWork, etc. for the iPhone....Not just this lame mobile iTunes store crap.

Speaking of that iTunes store....man is Apple good....good at marketing and selling stuff. They're downright GENIUSES I tell ya! A way to buy music from iTunes directly from your phone?! Brilliant!...from a marketing standpoint....not that I plan on using it at all. Look at the stores, the hardware, everything...it practically sells itself it's so well packaged and marketed. Not to mention the fact that Windows can now be run natively on the Intel based Macs and this gives PC users even more of a reason to switch. If you ask me, it's Steve Jobs' way of saying, "Doom on you Cockbreath!" to Bill Gates. Apple is now poised for world domination...Muhahaha!

Read More...

Summary only...

Greetings from Texas...

Had a 3 day weekend this weekend so we took a trip to Texas to visit the inlaws. Man is it hot here. Dry, and hot. Or, maybe i've just been spoiled with the near perfect weather in SoCal. Then again, maybe i'm just getting old and more sensitive to the weather extremes. I dunno.
Anyway, Texas is an interesting change from Cali. That whole saying, "everything is Big in Texas" definitely rings true. Big trucks, big highways, big hats, big strip malls...the list goes on and on. Speaking of Strip malls...this place is definitely the land of the strip malls. I feel like everywhere I go it's just strip mall after strip mall and they all look the same. Same big department stores. Same generic chain restaurants. I think i'm gonna re-nickname it the cookie cutter state. Every strip mall is a cookie cutter carbon copy of the last strip mall. Anyway, it's a nice change, but I can't wait to get back home to the dogs. I miss the dogs...

Read More...

Summary only...

Did the rains bring the swells?...Nope!

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was gonna try to hit the surf today. Well, I spent the morning doing some junk yard diving for P's car. Then we met A & C (with Ian in tow) for some lunch downtown. After we came back to Hermosa Beach, I squeezed in some beach time hoping that the recent storms brought some swells with them. I couldn't have been more far off. Not sure what it was like in the morning, but I did't get out into the water till around 6PM and honestly it wasnt' even worth paddling out. Was only 1-2 feet and choppy with an onshore breeze. On top of that, the beach was practically empty and I was the only person actually IN the water.

Being in the water alone is an interesting thing. On one hand, It's very serene and calming to be out there alone. It's a very soulful experience....just you and the ocean. At the same time, it is also a very eerie experience. I couldn't help but think, "It's just you and the sharks...". Nice. Well, despite the crappy waves I at least got to catch a great sunset. That alone was worth paddling out for...

Read More...

Summary only...

Aaahhh...so THAT'S what rain looks like!

Heh...rained pretty hard here in SoCal the past couple of days. Honestly, I can't even remember the last time it actually rained more than just a short little sprinkle, but we definitely needed it. Long Beach had already declared a water shortage and was restricting the water usage of it's residents. It was only a matter of time before Hermosa Beach did the same. I wonder if the storms brought some swells with them? Maybe i'll have to go hit the surf tomorrow morning to find out...

Read More...

Summary only...

Ode to the Bullies...

Even though I have a specific blog dedicated to the dogs I felt like posting some pics of them here anyway. My Ode to the dogs if you will. Tonka and Moses bring a great deal of happiness and enjoyment to my life so I think it's the least I can do for them...

Dogs are such a wonderful thing and can bring a great deal of pleasure (and grief!) to their owners. In fact, it has been a proven statistic that dog owners have a lower level of stress as a whole than non-dog owners. Who couldn't use a little reduced stress these days, right? I love the fact that after a hard day's work, I can always come home to dogs that are always happy to see me. They never hold anything against you...even when you scold them or correct their wrong-doings. They love you regardless of the kind of day you've had or what else is happening in the world. They're always ready to give you a loving kiss or to receive a hearty petting and they're always ready to give so much in return.

I also find that I take a great deal of pride in our dogs. Every time P and I take a trip out with the dogs in tow, we are bombarded with comments and compliments of how cool they are, how good looking they are, or strangely enough, how "manly" they are. As strange as it is, I take great pride in these compliments. Just the other day, I took the Dogs to the dog park in Redondo Beach and was complimented by another dog owner when she said, in reference to Tonka Truck, "He's such a good looking bulldog. You should put him in movies."
Yeah, he's a good looking dog, but she obviously didn't know his level of obedience....or rather, lack thereof. Now, if only he were like Tyson the Skateboarding Bulldog...maybe then he could be a star. Alas, Tyson they are not, but I love them both none-the-less...

Read More...

Summary only...

Baby Mench

Just thought you east coasters might want to see some more recent pics of Baby Mench...aka Ian. Man, he already looks so different than the early pics that Blue Ryder took when she was out here.

A and C seem to be taking to parenthood pretty well and I think Ian is adjusting nicely to his new surroundings. We've already taken several little trips out to eat dinner and such and he's always been so good...sleeps most of the time. Man, he's cute.
Anyway, Enjoy...

Read More...

Summary only...

Home...is Where the Heart Is

It's no secret that I love Southern California...or SoCal as it's otherwise known. The Beaches are endless, the weather is amazing (I can't even remember the last time it rained out here), and the car culture is a notch above any other place in the country...all traits which are big "plusses" in my book. For a long, long time I've wanted to move to the LA area...it just has so much to offer to a person with my interests. Pretty much every hobby that I have ever had a passion for, from cars to snowboarding to paintball to bodyboarding to mountaing biking to the Filipino Martial Arts (or any Martial Arts for that matter)...you can pretty much find some of the best places for those hobbies in or around (within hours) of the LA area. What can't I find in good ole SoCal? My Family and close knit group of friends...

I have always felt very blessed to have the friends that I have and have always taken a great deal of pride in the friendships I have built up over the years. I have friends that I have known for a long, long time (some from as far back as second grade), and friends that I have been through thick and thin with. This, in addition to having a very close-knit family definitely made it hard to decide to move to a place over 3000 miles away. Why did I do it then? Well, I didn't want to turn 40 (which isn't too far away) and look back and wonder "what if?". I didn't want to look back and regret not making that decision and trying something new. And it hasn't been without it's ups and downs.

On one hand I kinda like being away and doing something different from the "norm". I like being out and about "doing my own thing". However, I do miss the sense of community that I have with my family and friends back home. That sense of community isn't something you can create overnight....or even in a year or two. Our most recent trip back to Baltimore for R&R's wedding definitely placed emphasis on this for me. During our previous visits back to Baltimore, I have always enjoyed our time there and very much enjoyed seeing everyone, but I did't necessarily feel sad when leaving and heading back to LA (Am I dead inside? What's wrong with me?). For some reason, this time was different. This time, on the plane ride back I found myself feeling a little sad...Feeling like I really missed that sense of community...like I was missing out on something. I'm not sure why it was different this time, though. Maybe it was getting to see almost everyone at the wedding and getting to hang out like old times or maybe it was the fact that the kids now seem to out-number the adults and we (P and I) are missing them grow up. I just dont know. The fact of the matter is, it made me sad to leave...regardless of the reason.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't miss Balimore as a place at all. Deep down inside, I am totally through with Baltimore as a place. The ONLY thing I miss are my Family and Friends...but as we all know, those are definitely a HUGE part of what you are....part of your being. Now, If only I could get all of my family and friends to move here to SoCal...now THAT would be heaven! But I digress...
Anyway, to my Family and Friends that may be reading this...I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you are, for everything that you have ever done for me, and anything that you may do for me in the future. I thank you for just being a part of my life and want you to know that you are very much appreciated. I learned a long time ago that you should cherish every moment you have with people as that time could be cut short at any moment and I wanted to acknowledge you all for being a very important aspect of my life. I have the best family and friends in the world and that means more to me than anything...

Read More...

Summary only...

Yup...That's my real name...

Yes folks, I do indeed dare to post under my real name. No screename or abbreviation to hide behind. No alias or handle to give me a false sense of internet security. It's just me and my real name out there for everyone to see. You see, in the time that i've used the internet i've seen so much of what I like to call "internet bravado"...people that are willing to post garbage and talk so much trash to other people just because they are on the internet and can hide behind a screename. General respect for your fellow man (or woman) just seems to get thrown out the window in that void we know as the world wide web. Ahhh...the beauty of human nature. Well, ladies and gents, it's time to take a stand...

On every web forum i've ever posted on, i've always signed my posts with my real name. Never solely under an alias or screename. To me, posting with your real name gives you credibility...tells the world you have nothing to hide and are willing to put it all out there. It keeps you accountable for your actions and statements...something that seems to be inherently lacking out in cyberland. But then again, that's just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. Opinions are like assholes...everyone has one and they all stink.

To my friends, etc...don't worry. I'm not saying everyone has to share my thoughts and beliefs. What fun would that be? I respect other people's decision to stay anonymous and to use screenames or abbreviations. If I make reference to you in this, or one of my other blogs I will maintain usage of an abbreviation or anonymous reference if that's what you desire. If you make reference to me in one of your blogs, you can use my first initial if you wish or you can feel free to use my real first name. Makes no difference to me...

Read More...

Summary only...

Alvin & The Chipmunks...The Revival.

As long as I can remember, I've had a problem with introducing myself to people. When I introduce myself as "Alvin", that's almost always immediately followed up by, "Huh?...Allan?". Am I mumbling?! Did I not enunciate the "V" enough?! Don't know what that's all about. Either that, or they hear it right and it's immediately followed up by either an, "AAAALVIIIIINNN!!!" in a Dave Seville type of yelling voice or a question of, "where are Simon and Theodore?". Now, I don't mind the references to The Chipmunks, but I hate going through a conversation with someone that keeps referring to me as "Allan".

My solution for both has always been to just nip it in the bud and introduce myself as, "Alvin...as in Alvin & The Chipmunks". The function of this is three-fold. First, there's no mistaking what my name actually is since most people are familiar with the old cartoon about some rockstar rodents and their weird human manager. No more, "What?...Allan?" replies. Nice. Second, it works as a bit of an ice breaker and usually generates a slight chuckle that eases conversation. Finally, it puts the brakes on any future Alvin & The Chipmunk jokes, references, etc. I already made that joke myself so the other person would end up looking like a fool doing it again. Perfect. But wait!...there's a kink in this plan. Or at least there was...

My Wife, P, has always kind of made fun of me for doing this (she makes fun of me for A LOT of things, actually). It's always worked for me and I have no plans on changing it, but about a month ago she made the comment that, "someday you won't be able to use that because people aren't gonna be familiar with that old cartoon anymore." And I started thinking. She was right...That cartoon was a long time ago, and the popularity of The Chipmunks isn't what it used to be. One day I will say, "Alvin...as in Alvin & The Chipmunks" to someone and it will be followed by...*blink*...*blink*..."What?...Allan?" Aaaarrgh!

Alas, there is a light at the end of this tunnel! Well, sort of. I recently saw something that will save "this little thing of mine"...recently saw a trailer for the live action/CGI Alvin & The Chipmunks movie starring Jason Lee as Dave Seville that is due out this Christmas. Interesting. Now, I can't believe they made a movie out of it and in all honesty it looks pretty bad (will probably go see it anyway just for curiosity's and old time's sake), but this movie ensures that my "intro" will have a much longer life expectancy! Rock on Alvin & The Chipmunks!

Read More...

Summary only...

Hmmm....

Well, finally jumping on the bandwagon with this whole blogging thing. Didn't really understand what a blog was before when everyone else was talking about it, but here I am. I guess it really makes sense for me...while i've never been the journal keeping type, I do kinda enjoy writing and sharing my random thoughts on the world around me. So, here goes...

Read More...

Summary only...