Before I even concoct any New Year's Resolution for 2011, I thought it would be good to remember dear old 2010 and think of what went good, great, not so good, and not so great.
Health is Wealth. It seems like eons ago when I was at the prime of my life. I was 20 pounds close to my ideal BMI. I ran a half marathon. I was eating right. Most importantly, I looked good! That was 2-3 years ago. Now, I'm close to 50 pounds heavier than my prime. I can probably not even walk a 5k without huffing and puffing. I'm beginning to eat healthier again by making George Foreman's Grilling Machine my friend again and cereal and soy milk my breakfast. And what's worse is health wise, my ALT/AST has quadrupled its normal levels. ALT/AST measures the amount of enzymes the liver releases when damaged, so it's not a good thing. I'm not sickly to a point that I can't do normal things, but I do feel fatigued, maybe due to that but maybe more due to my being overweight.
Another Day Another Dollar. Work is "okay". I can't complain because there are still a lot of people out of work, some of them very close friends who are very smart and capable but just caught in the worst labor market in decades. While I might have other colleagues or friends who I still envy from time to time who are back to their previous type of jobs and compensation, I still consider myself fortunate to at least have a job. My ego's still bruised I must admit from having to start at the bottom again career wise, but my employer is supposedly secure (although I question that given how things are going all over the country). I did pass my probation at work after one year of service, so that is also a milestone by itself. Twenty four more years to go if I want to get a good pension, assuming they haven't changed the rules by then.
I love and hate poker. I have been playing poker for a decade now, on and off. There are days where I truly love the game and I wish I can play it every day and just make it my job like the Phil Hellmuths, Daniel Negreanu, and Phil Iveys of the world. An example of that was when I got to play in one of my biggest tournaments ever, the North American Poker Tour at the Bicycle Casino in Gardena, California. It was truly a big tournament as I saw a lot of well known poker players, and also poker players who I should have known if I read all the poker news out there. I lasted one full day playing a high stakes tournament and I already consider that a big accomplishment. It boosted my ego for tournament play for a while but it was brought down to earth by not having any success in other tournaments afterwards. I still consider myself a cash games player more than a tournament player, but I still dream of winning a "big one". Big enough to truly just live off my winnings and maybe travel the world while playing even bigger tournaments.
Stars and Stripes. This is the year I became an American citizen. It was bitter sweet for me as I had to renounce my Filipino citizenship in doing so. I know that dual citizenship is possible but I think it is a disservice to both countries to just take advantage of one when you need a specific benefit from being its citizen. I do know our Governator Arnie is a dual citizen, but I don't think about it at this point. Having lived a decade in the United States, I looked forward to having the right to vote, which I eagerly did for the June Primary and the November Elections. I haven't been called for jury duty yet, but I actually want to at least be able to experience doing that once as well.
Travel Bug. I love to travel. If money weren't an object, I would have probably visited every nook and cranny on this earth. Unfortunately, money is an object, so I only got to visit Los Angeles and Las Vegas a few times this year and my farthest trip was to New York and Connecticut. I want to visit a new country next year, and with my being an American citizen now, I am glad that it is easier than it was when I was just a Permanent Resident. My thoughts are to go to either London or Canada, but if I am to go back to my thrifty ways I might have to postpone it for one more year at least.
So there it is, my review of 2010. Not so bad, but of course one always hopes things turned out better in hindsight.
Happy 2011. I hope the New Year brings a better year for all of us!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
On Facebook and Privacy
I love and hate facebook at the same time.
I love being able to make connections with family and friends, especially those outside the United States, because it would cost an arm and a leg (maybe two legs even) if I opted to use the phone and make long distance calls to catch up.
I love seeing photos, witty status updates, and just getting the "pulse" of my network on what is currently on their mind, such as the recently held Philippines elections for example.
I hate the constant app invites. I don't like to clutter my facebook account with apps, not to mention open up my facebook account to be compromised by games or "free" apps which pull in my facebook profile information. I don't really need to see whether a facebook friend is level 99 in mafia wars either. The surprising thing is, I think I've hidden over 50 different types of app updates, yet a new one still seems to pop up every day. I feel like I'm playing "whack a mole" in hiding them.
I do not like the direction of privacy for Facebook. I tolerate it for now, but Facebook seems to be want to really throw out your information out there. I'm comfortable sharing status updates and information with family and friends, even some acquaintances, but anything that's available to just anyone who searches me on Facebook is not what I signed up for.
So that's it. That's my love/hate relationship with Facebook. I'm exploring alternatives right now. Maybe just moving all my status updates to my protected twitter account, or moving to Google's Orkut (it's Google's version of Facebook). I'm not pulling the plug yet (I'm not even sure if that's an easy thing, based on what I've been reading), but I'm taking it a day at a time to see what other brouhaha is going on with Facebook's privacy policy.
I love being able to make connections with family and friends, especially those outside the United States, because it would cost an arm and a leg (maybe two legs even) if I opted to use the phone and make long distance calls to catch up.
I love seeing photos, witty status updates, and just getting the "pulse" of my network on what is currently on their mind, such as the recently held Philippines elections for example.
I hate the constant app invites. I don't like to clutter my facebook account with apps, not to mention open up my facebook account to be compromised by games or "free" apps which pull in my facebook profile information. I don't really need to see whether a facebook friend is level 99 in mafia wars either. The surprising thing is, I think I've hidden over 50 different types of app updates, yet a new one still seems to pop up every day. I feel like I'm playing "whack a mole" in hiding them.
I do not like the direction of privacy for Facebook. I tolerate it for now, but Facebook seems to be want to really throw out your information out there. I'm comfortable sharing status updates and information with family and friends, even some acquaintances, but anything that's available to just anyone who searches me on Facebook is not what I signed up for.
So that's it. That's my love/hate relationship with Facebook. I'm exploring alternatives right now. Maybe just moving all my status updates to my protected twitter account, or moving to Google's Orkut (it's Google's version of Facebook). I'm not pulling the plug yet (I'm not even sure if that's an easy thing, based on what I've been reading), but I'm taking it a day at a time to see what other brouhaha is going on with Facebook's privacy policy.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
On South Beach
I am on day 11 on South Beach, and I have to say that I am a fan at this point. I have lost 10 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks, and while I do miss some types of carbs (ice cream is my kryptonite), I do not miss the excess weight. And I already feel the difference in energy levels! Of course, I have yet to translate that into exercise. I do exercise at least once a week, walking on the weekend for 1-2 miles.
South Beach Pros:
* I eat more veggies. South Beach forces me to eat 1/2 cup of veggies for breakfast (I use mushrooms for an omelette), 2 cups of veggies for lunch and dinner (I've eaten lettuce day and night the past 2 weeks, but I'm trying to switch it up by buying celery and cucumber this week). I do not hate veggies, but I normally don't go out of my way to buy and/or eat them. With South Beach, this is where I get my carbs, so this is crucial.
* I eat lean protein. I used to think low carb meant a license to eat any meat/fish, prepared in any form, as long as it doesn't have any carbs (bread crumbs or sweet sauces). South Beach doesn't even allow me to eat chicken thighs or drumsticks, or pork chops unless they're loin pork chops. Bacon too is not allowed unless it's turkey bacon or canadian bacon.
South Beach Cons:
* Adjusting to life without carbs. It takes time to adjust to a new way of doing things. I have to say, the first 2 days of this diet has been the most challenging. This is where I feel my body craving for carbs, and the temptation was great to go back to regular eating. A daily weigh in with great results kept me in track. It may sound obsessive, but a daily weigh in I do believe is better rather than waiting a whole week to see what happened. This way, it is easier and quicker to do a course correction if you've been bad one day or two.
* Higher grocery bill. Buying leaner protein is more expensive. For pork chops, loin pork chops are 4 dollars a pound compared to 1.50 dollars a pound for just the regular cut. I can't even find 96% lean ground beef if I wanted to. And seafood, of course, is usually 6-7 dollars per pound where I live.
So far so good. The hardest part of these diets is eating out and eating during gatherings and parties. I just have to follow the South Beach mantra and pick my food wisely. No more calorie counting for now.
The most realistic portion of South Beach for me is that it does allow you to reintroduce carbs, although slowly and sparingly. I can eat fruits after phase 1, starting this Saturday. I can even eat starches and carbs after phase 2, but that is the maintenance phase. I am told to find the right carb level for myself where I maintain my weight at that point.
Here's to better health!
South Beach Pros:
* I eat more veggies. South Beach forces me to eat 1/2 cup of veggies for breakfast (I use mushrooms for an omelette), 2 cups of veggies for lunch and dinner (I've eaten lettuce day and night the past 2 weeks, but I'm trying to switch it up by buying celery and cucumber this week). I do not hate veggies, but I normally don't go out of my way to buy and/or eat them. With South Beach, this is where I get my carbs, so this is crucial.
* I eat lean protein. I used to think low carb meant a license to eat any meat/fish, prepared in any form, as long as it doesn't have any carbs (bread crumbs or sweet sauces). South Beach doesn't even allow me to eat chicken thighs or drumsticks, or pork chops unless they're loin pork chops. Bacon too is not allowed unless it's turkey bacon or canadian bacon.
South Beach Cons:
* Adjusting to life without carbs. It takes time to adjust to a new way of doing things. I have to say, the first 2 days of this diet has been the most challenging. This is where I feel my body craving for carbs, and the temptation was great to go back to regular eating. A daily weigh in with great results kept me in track. It may sound obsessive, but a daily weigh in I do believe is better rather than waiting a whole week to see what happened. This way, it is easier and quicker to do a course correction if you've been bad one day or two.
* Higher grocery bill. Buying leaner protein is more expensive. For pork chops, loin pork chops are 4 dollars a pound compared to 1.50 dollars a pound for just the regular cut. I can't even find 96% lean ground beef if I wanted to. And seafood, of course, is usually 6-7 dollars per pound where I live.
So far so good. The hardest part of these diets is eating out and eating during gatherings and parties. I just have to follow the South Beach mantra and pick my food wisely. No more calorie counting for now.
The most realistic portion of South Beach for me is that it does allow you to reintroduce carbs, although slowly and sparingly. I can eat fruits after phase 1, starting this Saturday. I can even eat starches and carbs after phase 2, but that is the maintenance phase. I am told to find the right carb level for myself where I maintain my weight at that point.
Here's to better health!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Weight Loss Challenge, Take 3
I sure hope the third time's the charm.
During the past five years, I had already lost weight. I had lost 20 pounds, almost completely due to WeightWatchers and a little exercise, only to regain all those pounds back (albeit slowly). Then I had lost 22 pounds, using a combination of calorie counting through CalorieKing.com plus joining a half marathon training program, only to regain all those pounds back plus about 15 more pounds. So, not only had I gained all the weight I lost in my two tries, but I actually netted a gain of 15 pounds in those five years.
Obviously, I was upset. I wasn't sure what to do next. Should I diet again, only to gain all those pounds back, and maybe even more? Or just give up and try to just at least maintain or just slow down my weight gain at the very least.
Giving up is not an option. I actually have a condition called "fatty liver", where due to my excess weight, my liver is clogged with fat, which is not a dire problem, but something I must address long term, as the liver is a very important part of the body. Luckily, with "fatty liver", I had already proven in the fast that when I am at a healthy weight, my elevated liver enzymes are back to their normal levels.
A conversation with a co-worker actually triggered me to think about my weight loss goals. I told her "I'm afraid to lose, just to gain it all back". "Lose the weight, then worry about gaining it all back later," she replied. Makes sense, akin to counting your eggs before they even hatch.
And so I now attempt to try the South Beach Diet. I did some research over the internet this morning. It actually is a healthier version of atkins. It does not advocate eating a KFC Double Down Chicken Sandwich every day. It focuses on lean meats and vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts for snacks. I have tried calorie counting, but the reason I think I failed eventually is that I tire of entering all the food I eat, even though I did close to a year in WeightWatchers and CalorieKing.com. I just want a diet where you focus on eating healthy foods, and that's it.
The first two weeks will be difficult, as it cuts out carbs altogether. I have tried atkins in the past, and I could feel my body craving carbs. Thankfully, South Beach reintroduces fruits after two weeks, so I feel that is a palatable sacrifice. I will miss ice cream, junk food, and all that other bad processed food, but I will think of this diet as a lifestyle change, not a temporary effort.
On your mark, get set, go! Wish me luck.
During the past five years, I had already lost weight. I had lost 20 pounds, almost completely due to WeightWatchers and a little exercise, only to regain all those pounds back (albeit slowly). Then I had lost 22 pounds, using a combination of calorie counting through CalorieKing.com plus joining a half marathon training program, only to regain all those pounds back plus about 15 more pounds. So, not only had I gained all the weight I lost in my two tries, but I actually netted a gain of 15 pounds in those five years.
Obviously, I was upset. I wasn't sure what to do next. Should I diet again, only to gain all those pounds back, and maybe even more? Or just give up and try to just at least maintain or just slow down my weight gain at the very least.
Giving up is not an option. I actually have a condition called "fatty liver", where due to my excess weight, my liver is clogged with fat, which is not a dire problem, but something I must address long term, as the liver is a very important part of the body. Luckily, with "fatty liver", I had already proven in the fast that when I am at a healthy weight, my elevated liver enzymes are back to their normal levels.
A conversation with a co-worker actually triggered me to think about my weight loss goals. I told her "I'm afraid to lose, just to gain it all back". "Lose the weight, then worry about gaining it all back later," she replied. Makes sense, akin to counting your eggs before they even hatch.
And so I now attempt to try the South Beach Diet. I did some research over the internet this morning. It actually is a healthier version of atkins. It does not advocate eating a KFC Double Down Chicken Sandwich every day. It focuses on lean meats and vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts for snacks. I have tried calorie counting, but the reason I think I failed eventually is that I tire of entering all the food I eat, even though I did close to a year in WeightWatchers and CalorieKing.com. I just want a diet where you focus on eating healthy foods, and that's it.
The first two weeks will be difficult, as it cuts out carbs altogether. I have tried atkins in the past, and I could feel my body craving carbs. Thankfully, South Beach reintroduces fruits after two weeks, so I feel that is a palatable sacrifice. I will miss ice cream, junk food, and all that other bad processed food, but I will think of this diet as a lifestyle change, not a temporary effort.
On your mark, get set, go! Wish me luck.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Lost: Tangled
Okay. After watching tonight's episode of Lost "Everybody Loves Hugo", I feel obligated to blog about Lost, where I think it's headed, and how I think it will end. I am doing this more to organize my thoughts and see if what I think makes sense. Super spoiler alerts ahead (if I am correct, that is).
It is looking more and more like the Flash Sideways will be the ending as I have originally foreseen. Desmond, after his episode "Happily Ever After" is now looking for all the castaways of Oceanic Flight 815, hoping to remind them of their time in the island. He was able to do this successfully for Hugo and for Libby. As the last four episodes unfold, I believe the Flash Sideways will turn into one big Happily Ever After for that alternate universe. It was also cool to see as I began to wonder why Locke was in the Flash Sideways (he was killed by Ben before Juliet detonated the bomb, so he should still be dead in my opinion). Desmond answered this by running him over. I believe the Locke in the Flash Sideways was the Fake Locke or Men In Black that got out of the island and into the Flash Sideways.
The current timeline/universe where Flocke (Fake Locke) or MIB (Men In Black) had finally gathered all the candidates will now be marching on to use the plane. Desmond is trapped in the well, but he does not seem to care. Is that the well holding the wheel that Ben turned and traveled/time traveled to Tunisia? It may be. If so, he might turn that, and trigger the island to "hide" and go flashing in time again. I believe this is how this current timeline/universe will end.
I thought Walt was actually MIB in disguise, but per his explanation, they are all just stuck souls in the island. Are they really all dead like Richard Alpert said? If so, how are the dead dead different from the alive dead? That is still confusing for me. Where does Jacob fit in the finale? Is he the kid showing up to mock Flocke? If so, why? How does Jacob "win" in the end?
I believe all the characters have already been featured in Flash Sideways, so it might all be just how each of them lead their final lives in their Flash Sideways, with Desmond reminding them of their "Lost" island memories. I have a feeling there might be a twist in all of this. It seems too all wrapped up right now to me. There must be a monkey wrench that the writers are waiting to throw at the last few minutes of the finale to kill all our conspiracy theories and make us stand up in our feet and say "Bravo, Lost Writers! Great Finale!".
I hope they really wrap up this series in the best way they can, without any cop outs or forced twists or big questions still unanswered.
And please don't leave things unanswered just so you can make a movie. I think a "Lost: The Movie" would actually ruin this great franchise.
It is looking more and more like the Flash Sideways will be the ending as I have originally foreseen. Desmond, after his episode "Happily Ever After" is now looking for all the castaways of Oceanic Flight 815, hoping to remind them of their time in the island. He was able to do this successfully for Hugo and for Libby. As the last four episodes unfold, I believe the Flash Sideways will turn into one big Happily Ever After for that alternate universe. It was also cool to see as I began to wonder why Locke was in the Flash Sideways (he was killed by Ben before Juliet detonated the bomb, so he should still be dead in my opinion). Desmond answered this by running him over. I believe the Locke in the Flash Sideways was the Fake Locke or Men In Black that got out of the island and into the Flash Sideways.
The current timeline/universe where Flocke (Fake Locke) or MIB (Men In Black) had finally gathered all the candidates will now be marching on to use the plane. Desmond is trapped in the well, but he does not seem to care. Is that the well holding the wheel that Ben turned and traveled/time traveled to Tunisia? It may be. If so, he might turn that, and trigger the island to "hide" and go flashing in time again. I believe this is how this current timeline/universe will end.
I thought Walt was actually MIB in disguise, but per his explanation, they are all just stuck souls in the island. Are they really all dead like Richard Alpert said? If so, how are the dead dead different from the alive dead? That is still confusing for me. Where does Jacob fit in the finale? Is he the kid showing up to mock Flocke? If so, why? How does Jacob "win" in the end?
I believe all the characters have already been featured in Flash Sideways, so it might all be just how each of them lead their final lives in their Flash Sideways, with Desmond reminding them of their "Lost" island memories. I have a feeling there might be a twist in all of this. It seems too all wrapped up right now to me. There must be a monkey wrench that the writers are waiting to throw at the last few minutes of the finale to kill all our conspiracy theories and make us stand up in our feet and say "Bravo, Lost Writers! Great Finale!".
I hope they really wrap up this series in the best way they can, without any cop outs or forced twists or big questions still unanswered.
And please don't leave things unanswered just so you can make a movie. I think a "Lost: The Movie" would actually ruin this great franchise.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Drive Through
left turn, right turn
all i want is a straight path
fork in the road?
i took one of them
it led to a u-turn
i wish i had a GPS
it can give me directions
but i still have to determine
where i want to go
my gas tank is near empty
i need to refuel
i hope i don't get a flat tire
i have already had those
twice in my lifetime
i have been driving slow lately
at times to avoid a ticket
but i think more so
that i could admire the scenery
there's a hitchhiker on the road
i pass, i don't want to take a risk
then again
do i not want another passenger
so i can enjoy this road trip?
i turn the car stereo on
music shall be my companion
i prefer for now
to be alone in my thoughts
all i want is a straight path
fork in the road?
i took one of them
it led to a u-turn
i wish i had a GPS
it can give me directions
but i still have to determine
where i want to go
my gas tank is near empty
i need to refuel
i hope i don't get a flat tire
i have already had those
twice in my lifetime
i have been driving slow lately
at times to avoid a ticket
but i think more so
that i could admire the scenery
there's a hitchhiker on the road
i pass, i don't want to take a risk
then again
do i not want another passenger
so i can enjoy this road trip?
i turn the car stereo on
music shall be my companion
i prefer for now
to be alone in my thoughts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"The Shredder"
*** A repost from an email from a friend. ***
A young engineer was leaving the office at 3.45 pm. when he found the
Acting CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
"Listen," said the Acting CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important
document, and my secretary is not here.. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young engineer. He turned the machine on, inserted
the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the Acting CEO as his paper disappeared
inside the machine, "I just need one copy."
Lesson: Never, Never, ever assume that your boss knows what he's doing.
A young engineer was leaving the office at 3.45 pm. when he found the
Acting CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
"Listen," said the Acting CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important
document, and my secretary is not here.. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young engineer. He turned the machine on, inserted
the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the Acting CEO as his paper disappeared
inside the machine, "I just need one copy."
Lesson: Never, Never, ever assume that your boss knows what he's doing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
