Reflection

A Year in review 2008

The year of the Rat will be etched into my head as the time when I maxed out my life as a concert goer, a time to reconnect with the grassroots, and the break-free of all the hipsters/scenesters around.

Concerts this year: I tried to make it a resolution for max 2 concerts a month... but that got busted in Mar/April.....
Tally: 30+

Memories: Saw great ppl come and go (KC) but will be back
saw ppl leave for awhile
Saw relationships end, and terminate... (people blow up, and shut out)
good, bad, ugly (not so much)
celebrity signings, sightings, and close encounters followed by relentless searching

Top 3 Albums:
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Fleet Foxes- S/T
Sarah Slean - Baroness

Top 5 Gatherings:
1) HG-VI (bigger and betta each year. this edition featured collective pins!)
2) Mah jong nights (series of 3)
3) Grillfest 6
4) Cranium nights (4)
5) Beach days!!!

Top 3 experiences:
ROCK game! a la Buffalo
Summer in TO (first time in 8 years)
Best Birthday in my extistence (recent, but still worthy)

Top 5 Concerts:
Adele - @ Rivoli
Coldplay - Experiencing it for the first time
Celine Dion - I'd do her over again....
Golden Dogs - NYE double show
SPICE GIRLS - FINAL SHOW! (hopefully ever)

Top 3 Newsmakers:
Obama v. McCain
Crash of the sub-prime housing - and market
Michael Phelps!

Here are my Top 5 Photos:

Riverdale: you will be missed, offically done!

(First marathon: great experience, will be better prepped next time)

(CWC and GC - two amazing people that I adore)

(RP: someone who I adore more, like une grande soeur! she's the bomb. This was taken at ADELE concert @ rivoli!! BEST concert!!!! BEST SOUND!!!)

(SAM: Baller cat of JD - one of the other amazing ppl I know, Sam's my OG)

2009 I'm ready for you!
Year of the OX! bull-dozer through the market insercurities, and the trouble with the factions... let's see how this pans out!

To 2008 , you were an excellent year. I LOVE YOU to bits, but it's time for you to be over.

back on track? start of 9

9th week:

Amazing swim in 45min yesterday during work. (I'll try it again next Monday)

W-U
300 Swim
200 (50 swim, 50 drill)
100 (kick)

Main Set
[200 Swim, 100 drill] x 5
odds: IM, MI, IM
evens: Free

Cool Down
250 swim - choice
50 kick
50 drill
50 swim
done: 2.5k

23! on 23! that means champagne for all! or just me. happy happy!
tons of texts, but I'm more concerned about presents galore....

NEW pins to be released tonight :D so excited for them.

Cheers. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

8th - DONE

this is really depressing.

gooseegg.

why?!
Work,
Buffalo-trip (good shopping trip, my credit card reflects that.... now there is NO USING it for 3 months, I slipped, this is now on STOP)
Work. Bookclub (missauga non validating ticket=best times eva)
Work, HOliday Gathering VI (pins-galore)
sleeping in, WORK... hangout dins.
sleeping in, WORK, Indian, SS (amazing show= RP, V, N, JD, 3rd row. I could reach out to her.. WOW)
crashed @ RP, WORK (12 hours), here...

so you see a theme? WORK.. I know... but it's better than me spending any more money.....

09 - back on track, I swear!

7

exams. no training. feels shitty.

finally over all the academic commitments, and can just relax.
After our last exams, the group of 25 of us decided to go out on the esplande and have a merry time, pub hopping at 3:30pm. Great fun! afterwards hitted up the household, and the staff party followed by sizzle's suprise bash @ sutra tiki bar.

Great fun followed for the saturday, when it was V's birthday. Not only did we have a lazy pizza dinner and awesomeness @ Bedford, but clicked on over to Crew's for some drag fun.

Now I'm not opposed to some merry fun in the village... but it quite interesting on this night.

Capped off the weekend with 12 hours of sleep, followed by an amazing pomegranite dinner! it was amazing. but maybe north was bettter, but it was true persian...... to make things betta, lizness made this amazing marble rasberry cheesecake, it was to die for!!!

LOVED IT.

Publish Post

Plans for this week: get better, buffalo, HGVI, SS! Can't wait!

6

First official 0 (goose egg) week.

Besides the fitness I had to do (avg. 37 in benson - slower than last time, but I've been spotty with training)

I'm very hard on myself, and I need to take gordo's advice: the biggest thing that stands in the way of athletes is the self-destruction of a person's health and mental capacity.

NExt week: 4 exams, done done done! Re-focusing is in tact.

Shout out to KC - HAPPY BELATED! you're the bestest. Please have tons of fun @ Celine!

Hearts

Looking forward to the week end of next. triple plans, mega V birthday weekend, start of celebrations!.

REFOCUS, REFUEL, RECOMMIT!

5

.5/42/13

GOT an amazing run in on Monday, the good old Eglington - Avenue route.
Weather conditions were horrid, raining, cold, dark, and just plain undesirable.

Finished with a time around 1:08 (at that was because we almost got run over by a car, that didn't see us at all (need reflectors), near UCC. BOY was that an experience.

Overall, both V and I were totally excited and stoked about everything in general which made the run so much more enjoyable. A GREAT RUN!!!

But then all good things must be offset by something bad. BIKE troubles again. Luckily I was well prepped and used my two legs to get to school and back. gah!

Transformation into nu-rave bike begins in Decemeber. Holiday PROJECT!!!! I think so!

Dates to remember:
Dec 12 - EXAMS ovah, 13- V, 14 - V^2, 16-B, 17-BC10th, 18th- HG:VI, 20- SS, 23!!!!, 25, 26, 30 - Anna, 31, 1!!!!,
2009!!! 5 - E, 6- RP!! 7 - School again!

HOLIDAY JOY!

4

1/62/0

+/- : 10k

BALLIN'

3
Premature count: 1/63/0

This is the facts of an on coming wintery weather in the next couple of days.

This got me sad, and the fact that I won't be able to bike anymore.
In my own honor, I've made a new goal...

to learn about building a bike and making a new fixie over the winter months.

I call my new concept bike: nu-rave fixie!

Let's see what parts and frame I can get. it'll help me relax and it can be a new hobby.. instead of "still knitting"

Criminal Minds

Best show on the TV nowadays

best quote of tonight's best show - starring Jason Alexander (from Seinfeld)

"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." Martin Luther King, Jr.

what's shaking

Next saturday I will be this - :D b/c

CSI written, lunch with S, study/chill, run/, RP and this.

2

Second week in November - new light, new perspective.
Count: 1/98/12

NO swimming, opted for short swim, I don't consider anything under 2k a swim. Next week.

Crunch time is approaching fast. With 2 tests every week; alternating between 5 courses, and quizzes every week in my other class, it's getting me more focused to understand, compute, and analyze topics at hand. Not just the simple rote memory questions.

I'm glad that 44darts is on his way to the great white north and that his exams went well.

Got in some squashing techniques :D. it was fun!

Here's to the holiday season!

On the plate for this week:
AGO - grand opening
Law assigning - don't understand at all.
two tests. resume revamping.
BBQ fun!

hoping to stick to gordo's mantra! I'll tell you how that goes., and hoping to break those new shoes out of the box.

FIRE ALARM

There is the new book I want to read/get my hands on after exams are done... (not free until Dec 12th) But I'm slowly being booked...

Veganomicon!!! search it. It's apparently quite amazing for recipes in the vegan world!

1

0.5/102/13

teary-eyed

There is a couple things I'd like to address in this post:

1) OBAMA, knew it was coming, but not sure if he can really change all that he wants in 4 years. Let's see if he keeps his promises, and actually survives this economic downturn.

2) Good-bye FB. It was great while it lastest, but it's really draining on me.
As a substitute, I will post thoughts here and set up (re-activate my photo album set @ photobucket / or set up a new one). As much as I loved finding people, I really don't want ppl that I haven't met in real life to judge me by my photos/friends/ etc... without actually knowing me.
It's toooo instant, toooo impersonal, and I really don't want others to know where I am. Also it's a marketing ploy that is amazing at what it does.

3) Le Sigh! Christmas season is here, ALREADY! I know it's crazy.

4) Last thing: I'm glad that I know the people I know. It makes my heart melt everytime I look @ my blog and the picture in the header!!! HEARTS

Until next time.

New training mentality.

new goals:

Swim x2/wk
Run x 5
Bike - for commuting
Yoga/Pilates x1
Weights x3
Core alternate days

I'll post a spiffy schedule shortly.

Here is what a typical Week entails.

Glance ahead to 2009

The Post Marathon lull: has made me rethink my goals (see my friend's site; about Hopes v. Goals). I've decided that I'll register and commit to these ones for the time being.

I'm now offically committed to the following events for next year 2009:

- Resolution run (Dec 28th)
-Practice 1/2 (in FEb)
Going to Boston (Mar break)
- Around the Bay (Mar 29th)
- Sporting Life 10 (OR just do a 10k run with friends)
- Ottawa Full (May 24th)
- Volunteering for new Women's 1/2 (chocolate fountain and all) (May 31)
-Riding my new Cannondale Synaspe 6 when the snow thaws (post to come)
- Writing my CFP
- At Least one sprint Tri, or try a tri...
- Ocean swimming? (open-water?)
Applying for jobs
- Europe Trip??? (2 months?? let's hope, b/c it won't be possible once I start a job)

- Waterfront Marathon - or Toronto Marathon (have to see..... Flat or hills?)
Sept/Oct
New Job

(that's my life/planned events/for the next year)

what now?

hmmmmmmm?

start running again?
start swimming again?

we'll see shortly.

back with limpage

October has come and I'm proud to announce that I've just completed my first FULL Marathon. It was an agonizing run, great learning experience, and I did the first bit with MS whom I adore. Here are a couple of photos to keep you entertained.SS&S!

Clearly I am concentrating very hard on my gait.

Longest 1km of my life. As you can seem I'm in pain. I decided that I was going to focus on my breathing and keep focus.

Nifty ipod video c/o my bro. This was somewhere along comissioner, or Lakeshore. My enemy, that I will need to conquer next time around.

Just finishing up the course.

Let's just say, I'm quite happy I finished in 5hours, but disappointed by my lack of the last weeks' preparation of my focus. Pulled my left hamstring at 29k, and was Pretty much was doing a run/walk the rest of the way. I would focus on 250m at a time, and then have to stop due to the seized up hammie.

verdict: more hydration, more calories next time. Better hydration meaning getting more water the last 3 days leading up to the big day.
more calories - NO CEREAL next time. more like EGGS+ garnola, fruit, yogourt. mmmmmmmmmm

I just wanted to say a huge THANKS! to everyone that sent me a text message, e-mail, FB msg, etc... wishing me a good race, and the congratulations afterwards. Your support and inspiration are HUGE to me. The fact that some even called me their hero, is quite touching.
I'm trying to stay positive and look towards my next racing adventure.

A big sigh of relief. It's done, it's over. NOW when is the next one?

tappering week, and getting into the swing of school

Did my long run for the week with a sick CW-C. it was great med-slow pace going up to UCC and back.

Tappering in preparation for Race day next sunday.

Goals:
1) Completion
2) constant running
3) Sub-4hour.

I didn't think that I would enjoy this change in schooling, but it's been refreshing studying subjects that have more "relevance" to my personal life. I'm enjoying it and going into Week 4. I also get a intersession week in October. WOOOO

Trainings galore, trying to get that sleep in, and getting up early is back on schedule.

I'm going to have to post a piece on personalities and types of people and how they assoicate with others.

Take care,
I'll post of race- packages.

Cheers,
-Cindy

last week of non-sense

0/140/42

Great semi-run on Saturday. Did the eastern portion of the Marathon. I feel like I'm prepped, but can not go at MS's pace. toooo fast, joints super hurting.

Couple of new things have happened in my life.

1) Started FP - post degree diploma at GBC. 1 year committment. need to re-align my focuses and excel! With more studying hours and less TV, internet, MSN, FB., I will be able to do this.

2) Re-evaluating my life in terms of priorities! I'll have a list when I get around to that.

LAter days.
3 weeks left until marathon weekend.

FROSH-ALOT

Another week of froshness had come to an end, and I've avoided the campus like it's the plague.

For all the loyal fans that might be reading I invite all that are in the area to come to the Harbourfront on sunday and check out the VEG Food Fair happening at Harbourfront Centre.

I'm most interested in hearing the talk that's happening at 2:30pm.
(From the website, below is a profile of the speaker)

Brendan Brazier, Ironman Triathlete

Brendan Brazier is one of only a few professional athletes whose diet is 100 percent plant-based. He’s a professional Ironman triathlete, bestselling author on performance nutrition, and the creator of an award-winning line of whole food nutritional products called VEGA. Brendan was named one of the most 25 Fascinating Vegetarians by VegNews magazine. The concepts of his best-selling book, The Thrive Diet: The Whole Food Way to Lose Weight, Reduce Stress and Stay Healthy for Life will be presented at the Fair.

Any takers?? I'm setting off to go there for about 1pm...

suggested readings: The CHINA STUDY! a book that will prove and de-mistify mis-conceptions.

4 weeks left

...until the Marathon.

EXCITED!

I'm going to try and read some motivational books to keep my head clear and to visualize my goals. There is something to be said about goals, objectives and completion. Hopefully when I've completed the Marathon I can create more goals to challenge myself both mentally and physically. This path that I'm trying to create will hopefully in the future involve doing Triathlons..


as such I'm going to read this book: Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Taosports For Extraordinary Performance In Athletics & Business

Weights suck

miss me much?

been crazy busy,
crazy lazy
Crazy injuired,
crazy
crazy.

will post about being crazy and staying up for 17 nights to watch the olympics. Watched Olympics at a friends party, didn't run to watch events, didn't shower to take in the real-ness of it all. (OKAY that last one is not entirely true).

Came back from MTL, another packed week. Will post about Running soon.

Inspirational Fencer makes the trek back to the homeland

Luan Jujie an expat of China, competed back in the motherland after taking on her new adopted countries flag, Canada. The 50-year, 1984- gold medallist in the Foil event for Fencing.

REad more at G&M.

hot-cold week

First off, let's get this off of my chest: S:1k, B:106k, R: 51k

YUP! Broke the 50k mark, which is HOTT. BUT I only managed to do a 28 k run.

le sigh. The next morning (ie: today), my right ankle was a little tender. Now for those that already know, I broke my right ankle in high-school from a baseball/softball sliding incident. GREAT times. So when I woke up it was sore, not swollen but it took a good 25min to warm it up. It's still a little sore.

Next week I'll be more deligent about getting in my thursday runs.

OLYMPICS!!!

new banner, new site

Hello all,

I rarely do mid-week posts, but I thought it might be interesting for a change. I came across a pedometer site recently and it's the greatest invention ever. This site can track elevation, topography, and see a hybrid real-time bird's eye view of the route that we plan on mapping.

Here is the proposed route we wanna do for Saturday.

Leg 1 starts from the AC - lakefront - high park adventure.

Leg 2 is a modification of the reliable trail route with a modification that we go up to eglington and cut into moore park.

If you've come to my site often enough, you'll notice a new edition that I thought would make my blog a more interesting place. I've photoshopped (quite amateur-ishly ) a photo taken with two people I quite enjoy. C & R. In addition, we are all part of the Asics family, and we rock those shoes like no other. Hearts and stars to them. They jumped on the train when I asked them to come out for a simple 10k run. Fabulous friends, I couldn't ask for better people to be around. I hope they continue to be around me again and again, and to many more group runs.

Did I mention that I heart running with people as opposed to listening to daft punk.

Mid-week pains. burning legs

S:5k, B:144k, R: 33k

Lots of commuting this week because of the good weather, choppy scheduling and just plain forgetting my lunch at home, or forgetting socks to run in.....

I finally did 5 sets of my Interval training.. w0000000. (4min @ 5k pace, followed by 3min EASy) x5..... glad I was able to get it down indoors.

-------
LSD-flop, Caribana happening down there... ekkk.

But check this out. Proposed map for tomorrow's run.

PEACE- BBQ was fab, Beach is waiting for me tmr.

bam bam, thank you rain!

First off: S:5k, B:110k, R: 33k miamichel=god + 10k bike to Jazz fest/ or walking.... not sure yet.


It's been quite the rainy week, with humidity at 50-80% resulting in early early morning runs. The rain was definitely much needed relief with the scrotching heat waves we've been getting this summer. Light rain is good; heavy downpour is acceptable in spurts, but not when you're caught in a giant rainstorm. Great!
On Tuesday as I was biking back to downtown from "across the river" I was caught in heavy downpour where you can't even see 5ft. in front of you. Enough complaining.

_____________________________________________

Saturday morning are my days for LSD runs (Long Slow Distance). Lately I've been stalling at 13/14k as I've been graced with more running partners V, S, and I've gotten into the routine of running/stretching/ breakkie. In my training programme I've actually fallen behind by a week, but I figure it's okay, I'll just be on more mileage and I'll rest up lots prior to my big day of the Waterfront marathon. 42.2k/ 26 miles. A personal Goal to accomplish the task has been my dream since I've starting regularly running for the sake of running and not running up and down a court or field. 5 years, multiple injuiries, times of lapses, lack of motivation, schooling priorities etc.... It's been a long time. I type as if I've completed the marathon... but it's slowly reaching the peak, and I know the next 4 weeks of training will put a toll on my mental physique/ strength and commitment to my training. I have faith!
Point taken, I did a great 19k run this morning :D.

(AC- Rosedale Valley Road- Bayview Trails - David Belfour Park - Mt. Pleasant - Moore Park - south to Brickworks - Bayview - Todmorden Hills - Pottery Road - Broadview - Bloor viaduct - running along Bloor - AC) 18k!!

LOVE

a different cool way to look at our route.

great week, must increase mileages (kilometers.)

Last week: S:5k, B:142k, R: 32k

nuff said!

hot summer days

It's mid-July, and it's been quite the scorcher of a week with temperatures rising to to 30+ and with humidity in effect it's like 40+ with lack of wind.
I've learned that hydration is essential. Lately I've been keeping myself careful NOT to drink tooo toooo much water, as I know that's bad for your body as it flushes electrolytes.

To combat this situation, I've been avoiding the peak hours of sunlight 11-3pm. Instead I've been running at 6/7am, or 5/6pm. I'm not one for the night runs, as I feel they really do exhaust you until you're pooped and then the next day I feel quite sore. Whereas the morning runs, I'm able to walk it out and stretch the REST of the day off.

Lastly, I've been getting super TANned. I'm almost past Hawai'ian and inching closer to Indonesian/Thai.
Post results later in the week, but thought I'd do a update post.

I dislike INTERVALS.

running on time

This week has been an elevated success for my mental strength, determined soul and lastly my running legs. Not only able to keep to the schedule that I'm following, but got in some runs even though I knew my legs couldn't take it. It was definitely the PUSH I needed to increase my level of training.

As of Friday:
S:6k, B:94k, R: 27k

Mon: short Wed: Rosedale Valley Road, Thurs: Eglinton...
Tentative Saturday run ~ 13-15k.
That's what it should look like!

I've just been getting into this excellent running log site called RunningAHEAD. Not only does it allow me to create courses to run, but also gives me a database of other routes that users have online in Toronto. It even shows your pace time, and takes into account weather, road conditions, and intervals. With the courses, you are also able to see the elevations of your route.
I give it a panda claws paw of approval.

Excellent runs, got in an amazing swim. My swimming days are slowly ironning out.... Today I was able to spend alittle bit more time in the Summerville Pool.
1k WU, 4x (200 x 3 - Drills, Swim, Kick), 600m WD
--------

I actually SWAM 4 km and was proud of my swim. Even my tan on my back was fine, very few lines. It might have been because I tanned on wednesday afternoon, and then applied quite liberaily sunscreen onto my back before departing my dwelling. I'm quite proud of myself. :D

end post. enough send, I'll give an update on my saturday run once it's completed.

cheers!

Let's keep this up.

EDIT: saturday final tally: S:6k, B:108k, R: 42k W: think tourist feet.

what a great week

end of long weekend, 2nd cousins once removed came in town. explored toronto.
kidnapped papes, and saw my twin fly off to the Island. First swim outdoors = tooo hawt.
LONG run finally! capped off with ETOBICOKE IKEA day.

S:6.6k, B:101k, R: 20k miamichel=god

barista brat is BACK!

heart hearts hearts!

T Jul 15th - FLOW,
Free screening @ Innis Town Hall 7:30pm.

SYTYCD=GOLD

S:1k, B:101k, R: 24k :eurotrash T.T

end of story

PRIDE PARADE!

First time that Canadaian Armed Forces were in the parade. Torontoist got it right when they did a piece/ review of the parade. Personally didn't think the parade was ALL that wow, but the village was hopping! Plus I saw my Jay working his POLAR ICE stage... go dance music!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

in action........

wowzers.

back in action.
did a 12k beach runWent to the end of neville park loop. Nursewood Ave. or something of that effect.
Say the beach guards out in full effect, school children running around and bunches of people playing beach vball and strolling along the boardwalk.

I must say, it was great to get in the running again... man, just not allowed to do that again.

Nice weather, good breeze, excellent run.

I hate this week

weekly total: S:1k, B:83k, R: 5k :eurotrash T.T

distractions!

can't beleive I didn't run. why?! shitty weather, feeling like crap, and just laziness.

Next week I promise to do better.

But I probably did rack up a lot of mileage walking around E.T. Seaton Park all night for Canadian Cancer Society.

Good cuase, good people, excellent job being frozen. good sleep afterwards.

update on the actual walk, and my virgin experience with the event at the next post.

product placement

I'm a sucker for all things football.

Recently I've been watching the Euro 2008
and I caught the Adidas commericals featuring D. Beckham, S. Gerrard & co. in the Isles of Sicily videos. They are sooo inspirational kids v. Adults.

While on their site soaking up all that is football (American - Soccer) I came across their workout planner. I downloaded it and it's quite nifty, not sure how much information goes to Adidas but I'll be pimping it out for a while as I get back into Running.

Here's a couple of pictures to leave you with:

Church and King?

Then The Ting Tings rolled into town. that was a lot of T's. T^3

father's day, thunderstorms, exhaustion

weekly total for the week of sun Jun 8-Sat June 14
S:3k, B:102k, R: 7k <--------- PASSED the 100k mark for commuting plus more.

REALLY REALLY tired/exhausted and not enough time to run this week. gah.

Did an amazing bike ride on saturday while the weather was great.

Sunday- work work work REM
Monday - work, baking, training, SATC
T- biking, working, Dinner
W- work, Sushi w/ Anna, Einstein's - exhaustion
R- photo shoot, varsity stadium, FRESH, hardwood viewings, Big Chill, Work, Hair of the Dog
F- Work, work, work, Taste of Little Itlay, Downpour, running through rain, drenched, change of clothing, drop dead gorgeous, wet
S- work work bike work work, exhaustion, exhaustion exhaustion.

sunshine, lollipops and rainbows

weekly total; S:4k, B: 81k, R: 32k

Friday - 5:45am run 6k through rosedale
7am- swim 1.6k
7:45 work

Adele in concert was amazing, I was a little toooo excited, and probably annoying.... -_-!
Check her out here
This morning: 20k run (Trails, Yonge/Eg [uptown], back)
Going to DCFC/Stars on the Island.

(Stars - tooo bright for their concert lights)
(Ben Gibbard -Sweaty after 2 songs. DEATH CAB for CUTIE!!!)

beautiful day, good weather, excellent friends (for both days)

It's like that.....

Weekly count: S:3k, B: 73k, R: 45k

This morning I went on a quick 6k run. home- Northern Dancer Blvd.
completed in 30min.
It was really hott outside, considering it was only 7:45am

rainin saturday

Raining it's pouring, I got soaked while bikin

this mornings run. Mt. Pleasent- Bayview - Brickworks trail

Distance: 13k (From Vash's place)
Weather - Overcast, with drizzle

Feeling: GREAT
Time: 1:00 - +/- 3 min with several 30 s walks (totaling 800m)

Now I'm off to St. Lawerence and then NY!!!


On thursday it was beautiful, Here's a back post:


Distance: 12 +/- .5k
All the way to Munro park baby (hill session at the end of the beach
Felt: beginning, like I couldn't get started,
After: slower than normal
Weather: SUNNY! 24!
Result: Got a Tan!!! and a Tank and short-shorts. great apparel for this run!

sprint

Weather: 12, with gusts of wind,
Feeling: Chilly
Apparel: long-sleeve, and shorts.Distance: 3.2k To the Park
Did 5 Sprints around a 400m lap (avg. 1:35, tons of wind.) with 1:30 walk around lap (1/2 - 3/4 lap) Total: 3kish
Run home3k

Total: 9k (Sweet....) +/- 500m

Then I did CORE. I HATE YOU!

weekend of niceness

Sunday had an "awesome" time at work... let's just say it's almost equivalent to doing a marathon.

At the end of work we did some CORE! it's sooo tiring In Total 3 cycles.
cycle consisted of:
15 crunches
15 leg jacks
15 leg raises
1 min plank
2x 30 s side planks
15 push-ups

Afterwards, we followed it up with this run:
(sidenote: I love being able to use MAPS @ Goggle. )

(Total distance: 7k Loop. Probably ran 6k, walked 1k)
Felt: like I could keep going.

After the run I was very exhausted but was still loving the fact that I'm slowly getting onto my marathon training, which is now being post-poned until Sept. (gah)

taking it slowly, but I wanna go.

oh sunny day

No OTTAWA MARATHON = SAD!

So it's time for the OTTAWA RACE Weekend, but unfortunately I am not there this year. Registered and everything, but long-story.

This morning went on a nice run, after a week of recover due to ankle issues.....

I dub this the: End of Broadwalk Run

Total Distance: 11k

Felt: GREAT.
thoughts: shorts tans are the best.

Stats this week: [S:5.2k, B: 62k, R: 15k ]
Got a good 2.2k swim on wednesday evening... hmm I'll have to start swimming again too, if I want my goals to be accomplished.

Just had a lovely expedition to Lil India .... DOSA! great times

enjoying the lovely weather with abook and a drink.

rain, rain, drench

This long weekend was set-up to be rainy, gloomy, and cold.

All of the above were true. Even though I love the rain, and the smell of it on a puesdo-nice day, I wasn't going to be stuck at work for 4 hours to wait out the rain....

As I rode home, I stopped off at CT and picked up some produce. In the 5 minutes it took me to get there, I was already pretty wet, so I decided if I'm already drenched while biking home, I might as well just bike past my house to bulk barn and avoid the change of unnecessary clothing.

BULK BARN

Is a bulk food retailer that has over 4,000 items for sale. But I needed to pick up some choco chips, walnuts, and falafel mix. All great things! but the best is the choco-covered raisins!!!

So the point of my story was to say, if you're already drenched might as well make an adventure out of it.

UPDATE: post-bike fall my knees are bruised, but nothing too serious. except my right wrist that is a bit irritating and hurts when I turn it counter-clockwise... I'll get it checked out if it continues. No swelling though.. sooo... hmm, ICE that baby.

cut-off, crash, fall!

Weekly total:
S:3k, B: 82k, R: 23k

Saturday morning run. 10k. Good, ankle doing okay. knee holding its' own.
verdict: a lil chilly! but no shorts tan this time around.

Breaky- after a night of indian and narnia =great combo.

My transit to the place resulted in several on-road vehicles cutting me off, or just plain HORRIBLE signalling.
FREE TIMES= FAB 4. hhhmmm, wonder who I'd be if we were the cast of Sex and the City. (random?! much!)

on the way home, I was biking at my regular speed, and the daunting corner once again haunted me.
Parliement and Queen.

Its been a while since I crashed at this intersection, getting my tire got stuck in the streetcar track. But the ghost of karma, past, struck. They say that "things never happen twice" and so it didn't.

This time, a LARGE WHITE ESCALADE decided it was going to turn out of it's parking spot. Granted, I saw it signalled and was slightly slowing down, hoping that it'd turn into the appropriate lane. From what I recall, there were no cars, since I had just crossed the intersection as it was approaching yellow.

NO MOVEMENT, kinda turning, BRAKE. .... I slow-down, but BRAKE HARD since it was clearly going to turn into the moving lane. What resulted was myself, flying over the handle-bar and landing right onto the palms of my hands, and my knees taking the brunt of the fall. I literally flew over my handle-bars. Thankfully no cuts, but tons of bruises.

What made it sooo much better, was the fact that the car zoomed right off... thanks!
There were a couple of nice ppl getting into their parked car, who asked how I was doing.... I walked it off, and largely was checking the state of my bike and my hands.

THANKS! brakes ajarred, palms were stinging, I was slightly shaken, but was very apprehensive while riding over the river.

thanks!

enjoy the rest of your long-weekend.

Finally

I'm BACK!

Woke up late, lazied about, and then decided it's time for me to RUN!

Total distance: 13k
Total Time: 78 (58 min + 20 min cool down walk)

Decided to do a beach run!

Got off strong!
Went to B in 35 min. and got to the 10k- ~50min
Decided that it wasn't enough distance, so I went to River and Queen.

Walked back to my starting point to pick up bike.


Felt: ekk @ 7k, knee was giving in, but then I pushed through, and it was fine.
After feeling: AMAZING! great run, great walk.
Ran to: HOT CHIP - Made in the Dark
This is amazing! I'm back to run, gotta take it slow though.

YES! high-five!

Planet Earth, planet not!

BEST NATURE DOC around!

Planet earth episode 1 was viewed tonight, but not everyone was actually watching it.............

Great times, great people, great food- (needs work though!)

LOVED IT.... and I noticed you tooo//// before we even knew each other -_-!!

hearts, stars!

it's nice outside, so what?

Weekly total from commuting:
S: 5k, B: 95k, R: 10k

let's hope I can run this week, I'm starting on Monday!!!! let's not press it though.

Went bike shopping. Saw some really good stuff... more later.

Such a great saturday, off to the patio I go to read in the lights of my back porch!!

SPRING, here I come.
missing everyone that I haven't seen in 3 days, it's kinda sad, but.......... I'll see them all on monday!

NXNE - not very exciting... Major makers? maybe

Viva la vida

This morning, I really didn't feel like getting out of bed. Most likely it's because I'm kinda tired, and sick.... I got to work and was uplifted by the beautiful people that I share the morning with.

I bought new cordless/wireless phones and they're different from before, but they were COOL.

Got home, from my bike ride, with ANOTHER FLAT.!!! I'm getting a new bike!

But I've been vegging out to CBC Newsworld ALL afternoon. I love love love that channel.
and I just got to download and listen to the new single from coldplay. Viva la vida!

two words: MAGIC EVERYDAY.


thoughts?

(photo: aroma expresso on Bloor West , sugar and hears make my life, plus the kool people that attended FLOW with me.)

First weekend of MAY!!!

This usually indicates the beginning of patio season, all this spring, mother's day and the start of a great spring-summer running season!!

SERIOUSLY!

Saturday the weather decided it would like to start off with the remaining April showers... so it did.
I took in an awesome blue jays game v. Chicago White Socks.

We won.5-2 (WP: Jesse litch)

Then had a great outting to EAton Centre while walking in the rain.

Sunday:
Meant the Sporting Life 10k, which I've been dreading!

Finished in 1:03.... pretty lame... but It was my knee's fault.

To the right is the Asics Family - Cass, Robs, Cin.

Too bad I couldn't do a PB.... I really wish I didn't have runner's knee/ meniscus problems.

weak week

to run or not to run?!

concerts week= ok,
Kate nash, Woodhands, (midnight juggernaught)

work, work , work.

RUn run run, bike bike bike, swim swim swim!

Sporting life 10k tomorrow, let's see how this is.

running in 1hour, hopefully!

end of hot docs; beginning of concert week

Hot Docs wrap-up.

Thursday: The Art star and the Sudanese twins

Chronicles Vanessa Beecroft and her journey, struggles and set backs of the process of adopting a pair of Sudanese twins. Vanessa Beecroft is a contemporary artist showcasing real humans as her artist pieces. Recently giving birth to her youngest child and travelling to Sudan to start research for another piece of art; she offers to nurse these two twins while doing a photo shot. Her attachment grows from the instant connection she develops with these two youngins. The documentary follows her journey and shedding light of the realities of international adoptions. As she sets of on this mission, she's so focused on getting these twins that her other relationships receive less of her attention and seem to suffer at times. Her husband, is not very sure if this passionate and driven artist can handle two more children, while she still raises two of her very own in the suburbs of New York. A Piece more on the interesting life of this artist, her humanistic approach and the art that she creates molds this film into a beautiful story.

Saturday;
Flow: For Love Of Water

Such an important film showcasing the struggles, corporate strangle-hold and ownership rights of a common resource: Water. Directed by Irena Salina, a beautiful 5-year journey through the trials and struggles of developing countries to acquire, maintain, sanitize a basic right of clean water.
Living in N.America, clean water that gushes from our pipes are a luxury to those living in developing third world countries. Boliva, South Africa, India, China were just some countries that major water purification companies (for-profit organizations) try to exploit and reap these poor citizens of a basic need. Humans can survive with no food for several weeks, but without clean water our bodies can not function. Salina provides shocking facts that help us to understand how these for-profit groups, along with WB and IMF, create a voracious cycle that creates more debt for those who need clean waters to survive. Providing alternative means to these large corporations, Salina touches upon water harvesting, UV light technology, water purficiation plants, and the road blocks encountered by many countries that do not have the infrastructure and monetary funds to provide their citizens of a basic human need. Saddening, frustrating , and shocking at times, this film deserves the rave review warranted for a ground-breaking topic that should be on the foreground for everyone to become aware and to stop drinking bottled water. Not only is clean, potable water essential to life, it's essential to human-kind.

So I say STOP buying bottled water; boycott companies that profit on selling water, and visit the website for FLOW. Critically important, and just starting to scratch the surface of this pressing issue.

For more information, read works by Maude Barlow.

Sign the petition @ Article 31

Get more people on board, for companies like Nestle to get out of countries by sucking up groundwater, and treating if with many chemicals (which will never leave the water), and bottling it into plastic (garbage dump filling material) bottles for the mass market to consume. Let's take action and STOP this injustice.

last note: Beginning of concert week, more info later.
thanks Ang, Sizzle, V for the amazing night on friday (besides the TTC strike.... LAME)

docs are my life;

monday was the greatest day eva!
I saw menard return, paper visited, shoping w/bro, saw a DOC, got my book to read, and I chilled.

HEAD WIND:
- documentary about obtaining illegal American/ outside world influence through satelliate signals.
Showed how Iran is pretty oppressed in terms for finding out what the government doesn't want them to find out.

Sunday I watched "all together now" a doc about the Cirque du Soleil's Beatles' influenced LOVE. AMAZING scenes.

Today I went to see MEMORY BOOKS.

Set in Uganda, showcasing the affects of HIV/AIDS and how some parents are starting "memory books" for their children to remember their roots. beautiful, touching, sad... heart felt!

hot docs adventure 1

So now I have a stalker... (much more on that another time)

As many know, I' ve been quite a big fan of the hot docs festivals since I found out in highschool... it's been an amazing ride.

This year, their enjoying the 15th anniversary of the festivals inception. There are many adjectives I could use to describe the awesomeness that embodies the 10days of great movies but I'll just touch upon what was view this afternoon.

First up: shout out to paper for joining me for the first movie! I heart! (ps: you're probably the only reader)

Emoticons, but first up: Kids + Money.

review:
Kids+Money=Gold.

Fast paced, colourful, candid, great comments about kids in LA speaking opening about fashion, trends, social cliques and money. Money, money, money and where they want to spend it. It was a great short film. gold stars all-around.

Emoticons= :-(

Badly titled, mis-leading, just painful to view. Too personable, and not enough story. too much dialogue not enough drama. I apologize... but to make up for it, awesome food @ fresh.. I think so


Then to top off my day of movies, I went solo to see the Last Continent.

GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT MOVIE!!

Taken from hot docs site:

For 430 days, a crew of scientists, sailors and filmmakers live on a schooner in the Antarctic to study the impact of global warming in this gloriously cinematic adventure, full of awe, joy and life-threatening danger. Gale-force winds threaten to dash the crew on the rocks in one of the most nail-biting scenes ever seen in a non-fiction film. Abnormally warm temperatures prevent the formation of the deep pack ice needed to stabilize the schooner and provide a birthing ground for seals. When desperately needed winter arrives at last, the camera goes overland to scenes of unbearable beauty and beneath the ice to a magical undersea world of never-before-photographed species. A marine biologist by training, Jean Lemire's acclaimed 2006 feature The White Planet focused on the Artic. The massive devastation from climate change he shows at this, the other polar extreme, is a powerful reminder of the fragility of our world.

More information check this link.

Thoughts on the movie:

First off, the cinematography is amazing. Editing was fabulous.

Strong messages of climate changes and it's effect on the enitre ecosystem resound throughout the entire film. The rare moments of human nature shine through when the ice freezes over to allow a sensible game of hockey to be played out. Phew, words really can't explain the beauty of this movie. GREAT on all levels. Definitely up for best movie award in my eyes.

If you get a chance to watch this you should. Sunday 12:45 @ bloor.

or when it's released in theatres later this year.

nice sunny day #2

This week is looking more and more fabulous..

I had a nice little bike ride up to Sunnybrook park today.

It's located about Leslie and Lawrence E.

approx. 34km bike ride, but since I got lost getting out of Sunnybrook park (couldn't find the path to the women's hospital) it was probably 38k

Time: almost 2 hours, got stuck in major street traffic on the way back.. :(

sunny sunny

Cranes galore!

Look at the plethora of cranes! Multi-coloured assortment of beautifulness made in the name on Menard. Over the last couple of weeks, she's been tres tres sick. Sick to the point of EMERG. worthy. She's feeling a lot better now, but it's just everything cumulating to a tipping point, and it did tip. Seeing, as my resolution was to be more asian, and recalling a book everyone read in elementary school of a girl with cancer folding 1000 cranes to get better... I decided that last WED I would make her a crane mobile.

So folded about 55 cranes +3 from xie xie and jaybo. WE even stayed late to get it all ready for delivery the next day. It was a fun time. I did it while watchin Juno....
Juno; verdict: SO refreshinly cool, with a hint of realism and point blank truth at its' peak. Very laid back considering the topic at hand: teen pregnancy.


TODAY's weather is 18. SUNNY SUNNY. in celebration I biked to scarborough and back, and read What is the What by Dave Eggers.

To end this; I wanted to tell all my readers.. ie: the few that visit this site....

I"M BACK TO TRAINING!

did some CORE exercises and did 15 min of biking, not running yet, but will hopefully do that tomorrow! A full 45 minutes of conditioning. W00t w00t.

side note: I hate planks!

NO MORE WINTER! MORE BIKING! MORE OUTDOOR TRAILS!

let's bring on the patio parties!

I'll end with a link to some awesome music:

HOT CHIP
ADELE
and lastly: Midnight Juggernauts (MAY 3rd)

Concerts concerts.

Last night I went to a Tape N Tapes concert at The Opera House, in the east end of the city.

The night was filled with mixed emotions as the sound quality mixed with the lackluster enthusiasm of the crowd lead to a less than stellar performance of the guys. A spark for the White Denim, a band from the meanest place in the south. White Denim; from Austin, Texas, performed an amazing set for the few that dared to show up early.

White Denim, played a continuous stream of music that got the crowd slightly riled and excited for the main act Tapes n Tapes. Playing many songs from their latest material, the drum heavy bass-sounding act was a treat for the night.

The indie rock classicist known as Tapes N tapes from Minneapolis, MN, played a mediocre set. The beginning played the lucks of their new album, with mixes and new compliations of the hits from the loon (2006). Yet even with the mishaps of the sound levels, the guys ended with demon apples. At times the crowd was dancing along, while other times the crowd was less than receptive of their new material. Given the fact that they released the latest album less than a week prior to the performance, only loyal fans had gotten the new album. There was some momentary bright moments, when Guitarist and lead - Josh and Bassist Matt did a little dance number and created a melodic twists of chords that entangled the crowd and transformed them into a wave of dance. Yet, the night was certainly only soured by a group of hipsters unfamiliar with Monday night concerts.

The normal concert going experience is usually tainted with a few overly drunk, obnxious people in your surrounding area. Recently, it has come to my conclusion that I've become a douche-bad magnet. The following is a rant, and a play-by-play of the situation that went down.

I'm at my usual spot. DEAD CENTRE 3 rows from the stage enjoying my spot, since there aren't any super TALL people in front of me, still allowing some space for people to move around, dance their heart out.. you name it.

A couple of songs into the show, 4 very drunk 20somethings decide that they want to be in row 1.5 and 2 in front of the stage. Except their more along the lines of row 2.5 and 3 and clearly in my personal space. As a stubborn person that I'm not but wanting to enjoy the concerts sans douches around I found myself not budging at all and standing my ground firmly, hoping that they would move. These 4 drunks youngin's consisted of 2 5' stuck up blonde and brunette girls. the Other 2 were their male counterparts or annoying friends, both wearing ballcaps. Now I'm not against ballcaps, I'm just against those that are clearly in my personal space blocking my view of Josh the Lead vocals....

How annoying was it when not only did they proceeded to dance obxinously but doing gangstar hipster moves into my line of sight. ANNOYING! To cap it off, they started to CHAT and yell quite loudly and discuss non-Tapes n tapes related topics. WOW, did this piss me off. This continued for 2 songs before I got really really upset. I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt that they'd be respectful and quit the chatter as I opted to do dirty looks at them and thought the dirty looks were enough to keep them from starting up their chatter.
Clearly, it wasn't the case, as the 4 ineberated folks decided that they would try and push me aside and kick me out of my spot that my friend and I had for the entire Concert. PEEVED was I?
So I tried to tap on one of the guys shoulders and proceed to ask them to stop talking.
"can you guys stop talking, please. I'm trying to listen to the music over your chatter"
" Seriously can you guys stop, I'm trying appreciate the music."

Something along those lines... it got them to mock my asking them to stop talking..they proceed to momentarily say lines "shhhh, you're tooo loud." "keep your level down"

2 songs later those drunks decided they needed more booze in their system on a monday night, so they left but gave me cut eye, and were mimicking the "shhh" sign...
In petty retaliation, I decided to clap loudly, and shouted cheers of screams into their ears. TAKE THAT BIOTCHES.

I was able to block up the area and proceed to enjoy the rest of the show.

BOY was I wrong. they decided to hang out 10m to the RIGht back of me.... and continued to make fools of themselves and talk loudly. THEN to top it off, they try to dance their way in... oooo did they mess with the wrong person. I quickly danced the blonde one out.
They continued to be overly drunk and annoying.

At the end of the show as the crowd was unreceptive of their performance, we knew they weren't going to play an encore for a lackluster, uninterested crowd... So we were about to head out on our merry way, well those 4 A-Holes came into our spot. As we were leaving, I heard whispers of ooo let's not be too loud, and she's so rude.

wtf! talking behind my back?! This might have been very immature and confrontational, BUT
I stared back at them and asked them, what their problem was and whether they'd like to say anything to me.... then they gave me 4 shocked looks.... puullleeze! (insert eye rollings).

Can't beleive they were even that low too give me dirty looks for asking them to shut UP during a concert.

ANNOYING, DOUCHE bags are attracted to me. HELP. I need a repellent.

knee is still not better

I went to see some physio treatment....
and it turns out that I've aggrevaited a ligament in my left knee... which sucks balls... (quite literally) because it entails me to sit on the sidelines. Such is the time to be thinking of other things.... like making sure I get enough mile-age before the FULL marathon in Ottawa.... this is really hampering on my finish time, if it even happens.

MAY 25th look out for panda claws.
Hoping to get my first workout in 3.5 wks into, I'll do weights. I've been too depressed with my knee to actually do anything weight bearing or sweat-barring. OH how I love it.

gah knee

ag

wow

Well, the best defence is a good offense...

Girl #1: (after nearly being hit by a car with veteran license plates) Whoa! You'd think they'd have taught him to maneuver a vehicle at veteran school!
Girl #2: You mean the war?
Girl #1: ... I said what I said.

-- Oxford St., overheard by Tiffany

posted by Overheard at Western at 12:24 AM

back with a vengence/

So where have I been...... Around.

Too many concerts and parties making me sick... thus, unable to run or do anything other than think about sleeping.

I'm back now, and it's less than a month till Around the Bay in Hamilton.

I'm super excited, but I know that I have to UP my training like quick-fast!
Longest run to date: 18k, want to do up to 25/27k before March 20th. It'll happen.

Tmr I'll do a 17k run/.... we'll see if the weather is co-operating.

On to a rant:
There is a work-pawner, that feels entitled to pwn off clients onto other instructors.... this enfurriates me. Not only do we NOT know your clients but their parents are there too and wonder why you are teaching their kids..... To make matters worse, work-pwner is the boss....

ooooo lordy. Just becuase I'm not teaching right now, doesn't mean I automatically get to teach your client so you can have a break... or prepare for the next session.... (rolls eyes)

another good week

[S: 3k, B: 1k R:36 k]

First of the year.... let's see how committed I am

It's that time again, when ppl make resolution to come and swim more often and blah blah blah..

I, for one, AM ANTI-THAT! but I do want to say that this last week, was pretty good.
DEc 30- Jan 5th.
[S: 2k, B: 13.5k R: 36.5k]

Sunday: Resolution run (5k) - 25, followed by a nice bike ride to the beaches and back.
Mon- didn't wake up till later, and kinda bummed around seeing as it was NYE!!! (dance my heart out at the golden dogs double set show!!!) that was a workout
Tues: JAN 1, woke up feel swell and decided to go for a little RUN..w/ DAFT PUNK accompanying me..

(For those that haven't checked out the Alive 2007 album , which emcompasses remixes/mash-ups of Daft punk on daft punk.... that's almost asexual)

Long story short, I mustarded? up 10k, very impressed with myself. That was aboot 1 hour of running, I def. had to push myself to attain that time.. but DAft punk, combined with the Pens v. Sabres game kept me occupied, and kept me distracted.

WEd: 1st Squash game ever, quite the workout! Seriously it's looking like this game will be quite the challenge of 08

R: OFF

Fri; WORK, GOOD 11k run, NOBKE (pool game), followed by dancing... (phew)

SAT: another 8k, def. sore from the previous nights!!!

g'day '08, bye 07

I LOVED 2007, I really really did. I forsee 2008 as being even better!!!!

resolutions that I would like to share:

1) Pick up a new sport- SQUASH!!! committed
2) Continue with Cantonese language classes/studies
3) complete a marathon
4) Limit myself to NO more than 24 concerts
5) SHARE more

did an awesome run today!!! this week rocks!
completed the resolution run - 25 min/ 5k not bad, considering I fell on my bike ride to the venue, and just got there on time! and First time running outdoors this season of winter.