tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15176814390168928572024-03-06T08:43:18.260+08:00Runningtindera's Scratch Postkahel kutinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826375396342221698noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-34280091933565598492024-02-06T00:48:00.003+08:002024-02-06T00:48:48.827+08:00Daily thoughts - Hello 2024<p> I can’t believe it’s been this long since I had the chance to even look at my old blog and have this desire to share stories again. A lot has happened over the past couple of years and it’s always the irony of wanting so much to share but not having the time to share it. I’d like it to be a daily thing but let’s see how this one goes before I lose steam again and come back after 3 years lol. There’s a lot of catching up to do. Although I want to highlight the many important things that has transpired over the period I was away, I feel doing so would seem like too much work and affect my enthusiasm to blog again. I should just start from scratch and if necessary only mention relevant past events if it relates to my current post or if it’s worth mentioning at all. I really would like to make this a spontaneous experience as much as possible just like when I started :) </p>runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-3336351888599275992021-10-26T23:38:00.004+08:002021-10-26T23:48:21.666+08:00Daily thoughts - 2 years went by so quickly<p>Wow its been two years since i wrote anything here. Not that i ran out of things to say really but i just lost the enthusiasm to share random stuff. The world kinda went to shit after that pandemic. We stayed indoors for the most part and there were positive things though that came out from that situation. For one i realized how much I could’ve saved if I had just bought my own treadmill and stationary bike. Those are the only equipment I usually use at the gym. The weights and other gym stuff are usually hogged by patrons . So this works out. Now that we have our own machine it doesn’t matter if the weather sucks, there is no excuse to miss a workout. Best part I can watch my favourite shows any time of the day and still exercise. Anyway I’m kinda looking forward to posting more stories soon. Two year went by so quickly . I miss thumper and since she passed we adopted a few more . Will be posting photos of them soon and sharing their stories :)</p>runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-74328803056361970992019-10-10T06:44:00.001+08:002019-10-10T06:46:53.435+08:00Daily thoughts-ThumpytootsI wrote this entry on July and never got back to it. cant believe how quickly that week went by that I thought I’d have time to write more about Thumper's progress. She was lethargic the past couple of days and one evening she was trying to get our attention and we noticed something leaking from behind her. My heart stopped and I thought it was something serious and could hasten her already deteriorating condition. We brought her to the vet the next day and it turned out she has an anal gland rupture. I was actually shocked . I’ve had cats for many years and I’ve never heard of this. The good news is she didn’t need surgery. It will just require for a daily antibiotics and cleaning the wound with antibacterial wipes. She was a good sport and such a behaved patient. The vet and the staff always say she is a very behaved cat.<br />
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In just a few weeks though things took a turn for the worse. The cancer has spread very quickly and it was so bad that when we brought her to the vet again, she only had probably a day to live before she would suffocate because her lungs were full of tumors. It is was a horrible day for us and we had to make a drastic decision.<br />
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We lost Thumper on August 3 2019 and a part of me died that day. She was a special part of our lives that I am not the same person without her. I cannot even talk about her without breaking down. I cannot look at our selfies together without feeling crippled with that gnawing pain. She died on a Saturday and I had to go back to work the workday after that weekend. looking back i cannot even remember how i managed to get through that day. Just the same, Im partly relieved knowing she is no longer suffering. She gave us more than 10 good years and for that I am grateful. Some people may not even have had that rare kind of happiness and I had a decade of it.<br />
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When Im ready I would like to talk about her more but today I just want to tell the world how blessed I was to have had that chance to share our life with this wonderful angel. I love you so much Thumper! We miss you baby girl and one day we will see you again. Please wait for me by the rainbow bridge. Sleep peacefully my baby girl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18iD5jDM2aaZFpbFxM_16KW1Wa7B1elOdOuz3xN1l0BpxbCR2bra7OeQhMdKj3uD1G-mv5RVP_W8Wu9VaMzghwOGbPr53UqZryDd9DPav3jD74WUATFB8Ww6xnTUOGMIvIC76F0kMJ0c/s1600/thumpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18iD5jDM2aaZFpbFxM_16KW1Wa7B1elOdOuz3xN1l0BpxbCR2bra7OeQhMdKj3uD1G-mv5RVP_W8Wu9VaMzghwOGbPr53UqZryDd9DPav3jD74WUATFB8Ww6xnTUOGMIvIC76F0kMJ0c/s320/thumpy.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumper 12/27/2008 - 08/03/2019</td></tr>
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<br />runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-77300774580300106772019-06-29T11:11:00.000+08:002019-06-29T11:11:01.567+08:00Daily thoughts - Getting back after a 4 year hiatusIt has been a few years since i shared my adventures and thoughts online. The irony of life is when you got a lot to talk about, you just dont have the time to do it. on the other hand, when you got plenty of time, there's just not much going on.<br />
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what prompted me to blog again? a major event made me step back and reassess my life. i want to remember this moment. Some people blog to make money. I would like to be able to read about my thoughts again in the future, many years from now and reminisce and be nostalgic and grateful even. a diary is great of course. ive been writing in journals since 1992 and i still do, but having something online is simple and easy to pcheck instantly. a few days ago i was going through an old blog post i wrote 10 years ago and realized i had so much adventures in the past that and enjoyed writing about it. why did i even stop.<br />
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I moved to NYC Thanksgiving of 2011. it has been almost 8 years and 4 apartments later.I had an awful first job. Found another one that was ok but short lived because the company moved to another state. Became unemployed for 10 months, lived off government cheese for awhile while i looked for a job. trained for a marathon too while waited for that elusive employment to open up. eventually found another job at the start of 2015 been there for 4 years, training again for another marathon (s), feeling an imminent unemployment but hoping not yet soon. took some art classes with one of my instagram heroes as my instructor. rode a bike around nyc for 40miles without training lol. in a nutshell, it was a great 8 years so far.<br />
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in retrospect i wish i wrote down all those fun and challenging experiences on my blog. but yeah sadly like i said life caught up with me and i just did not have the time to share it.<br />
going back to what was it that made me want to blog again. it wasnt just the excitement of all the things i learned and want to do, but the heartbreaking realization that one of my cats doesnt have enough time left. Thumper, my 10 year old little sunshine is dying. last year around March, they diagnosed her as having an aggressive form of cancer and she was given 3 months to live. Her veterinary doctor initially recommended skipping surgery but later on decided to give it a go. We took a risk that paid off. They resected a tumor that grew on her mammary gland and it has been over a year and she survived. Unfortunately you know how cancers are. the fucking tumor is back and its now the size of half of a golf ball. i wanted it removed again but the vet doesnt see the point of it. also it is very dangerous now since the surgery might kill her. So what are our options? Not much really but to literally wait. It is sad to think of it but im not giving up yet until its really over. When i was in medical school, we were taught that the most important thing you can do for your patient is not simply to treat them because sometimes you just cannot make them well again. However, you can can improve their quality of life. that is exactly what i plan to do. give her my best like i always have.<br />
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Thumper is loved. She always has been since we adopted her home from a loving family in Singapore in February 18 2009. We have tried our best in every situation to always do what is best for her and Dapper and our other cats. Some people are fascinated and also shocked to know that we brought our cats from from Singapore to the Philippines and eventually to NYC. We do not have a lot of money but we have a lot of love especially for our pets. My IG account is filled with photos of her and her sister Dapper and the more recent addition to our little family Cheesecake.<br />
Although this platform is mainly to serve as my online journal for myself, i wish to share it in case someone out there is going through something similar. but for the most part, im dedicating this to Thumpy, my brave little girl who has taught me so much about life and love. I hope you enjoy this journey ill be sharing weekly about her and other things i may want to talk about.<br />
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<br />runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-59517761371096098652014-12-10T16:24:00.002+08:002014-12-11T16:06:46.916+08:00Daily thoughts - Panda mini washer and Nina soft spin dry review<div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In my previous <a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2014/12/daily-thoughts-toys-for-my-shoebox.html" target="_blank">post</a> i talked a bit about our tiny but comfortable apartment located smack in the middle of a great neighborhood with access to prime locations in NYC. although i did highlight the many things i think make it a great place in terms of location and accessibility, it doesnt come without some shortcomings just like most apartments. Not a lot, but some I find a little exasperating, like the postman who leaves a pink slip in your mailbox and lies that he knocked to deliver a package (you know he didnt because you were home all day)neighbors who smoke weed almost on a daily basis (i have no issues with weed in general but whatever they are smoking smells stale and stinky, like weed with rat piss or something) and </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">occasional weirdos and crack heads loitering around.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> B</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">ut my rant today arent about those i mentioned. as the title suggests im here to write a review. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But before I get on that review, i see this as an opportunity to whine about doing laundry. I dont hate laundry per se, i hate that i have to do it at the laundromat outside of our building. Laundromats are ubiquitous in NY, but these coin operated machines are like gas guzzlers. They tend to be expensive in the long run. Sometimes I end up spending 10-15 dollars for a week's load of laundry because the dryers take forever to work. Not to mention, even the lowest setting can fry the hell out of your clothes or just leave them damp and have this weird old cabinet or worse, dirty rag odor. unfortunately we arent allowed to own those huge washing machine in our apartment. Not to mention the apartment is too small to accommodate one anyway, and there are no hook ups for it. </span><br>
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I actually like doing laundry. Back in my home country, I have my own full size washing machine that has the washer and spinner. Over here, you need to have a bigger apartment to have a space for that machine. That is if your landlord even will allow it (if youre renting).</span><br>
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For over a year I have been doing the biweekly drudgery of hauling the huge bags of laundry in our grocery cart to the laundromat located 2 blocks away. The first few months were tolerable. I didnt really dread doing laundry. But after I got busy with work and the weather became unforgiving, I felt bored and annoyed with the routine. Sometimes I would show up at the place to find out it's packed. And I just feel it is going to aggravate me more if I had to go back home defeated. I could come back the next day with the same scenario so I I usually, just hang around, waste 1 or 2 additional hours waiting for an available washer, then dryer. Plus some people are disgusting and rude. If you dont remove your clothes fast enough from the washer after the cycle is over(even if its just 1 minute) while you're busy jamming the first batch of wet washed clothes in the dryer, you'll find the second batch of your clean clothes already in one of the rolling laundry carts. Imagine those you-dont-want-to-know-where-it-has-been hands of theirs touching your freshly laundered clothes and probably even checking out your unmentionables. This is why instead of doing laundry every two weeks, i let the dirty clothes, sheets and other stuff pile up and do it once a month. sometimes id go through the drawer and discover I have nothing to wear. sometimes i have to do emergency washes in between so we have at least some clean underpants and socks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wanted to restore my love for doing the laundry (im serious!) or rather avoid all the annoying aspects of it. So one evening while contemplating on what to have for dinner while looking at the bags of dirty laundry hatefully, I thought of surfing the net to see if there are any small washers available. My demands were simple: small enough to fit in our apartment without causing our super to get suspicious, user friendly and affordable.</span><br>
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And to my astonishment, there are a bunch of these magnificent inventions available online. I was happy but a little upset to not have thought of it sooner. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The first one that caught my attention was the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Laundry-POD-LP001WHT-White/dp/B005FD7Z82" target="_blank">laundry pod</a>. The concept is great plus the fact it is environment friendly which is big to me. But there is one major caveat (which i expected because it is eco friendly), it is crank type. ie, manual. I was almost ready to order it online when the husband who overheard me getting all excited over it, asked, "you sure you want to crank that thing for minutes?". My husband makes fun of my puny arms and sometimes refers to me as a velociraptor coz he thinks i have powerful legs and can spend hours running in the cold or warm temperature, but my arms are weak. I can't even do a decent 10 regular push ups. i counter by saying that my arms prepares dinner and wash dishes and a host of other amazing capabilities but yeah he was right. my arms are lazy and cant withstand manual spinning of clothes for 10 minutes. That just takes the joy out of doing the laundry. which brings me back to the reason i wanted to purchase a washer : to restore my love for doing the laundry (lol).</span><br>
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I do hand wash clothes every now and then especially for most delicae clothes. Ive even washed a pair of dress pants one time for work. But im not too keen on anything that involves manual washing. It might seem like a good workout for some,but not for me. By the time I get home from work or a run i simply just want to prepare dinner. On weekends although I may do laundry, I want to also relax and do other things. The laundry pod is a good option for those who do not mind doing their laundry every two days and doing it manually. As for me its just a glorified salad spinner with a hefty price tag. The going rate, the last time I checked, was close to a hundred dollars. So no, thank you. If ill be doing most of the work and still shell out that much money, I consider it a rip off. So I crossed that out from my potential list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I looked up other mini washers and I was close to getting either the basecamp or the laundry alternative mini wash. But most of the articles I came across kept mentioning the Panda and the <a href="http://www.laundry-alternative.com/product/The-Wonderwash" target="_blank">Wonder wash</a>. The wonder wash is manually operated so I went for the Panda mini washer instead also because I read numerous excellent reviews on amazon, articles and youtube videos. </span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks can be deceiving.. box looks like garbage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute and small. see that hose inside? its crap</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just an empty box</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cats inspecting their new "toy"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">setting up my new "toy" on a tray table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now with soap and water . snap, filter and ready for instagram!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpHWIL-Vd_Ng21qXXp_J7O3Ow-PxKDYnB6extAkt47AJAEwvZR6dBr_uZk2hFMnWgETd9KMyPaUXMZxIemTwf7wm9ObaPx8t5M4e9jp4kjzsjmkSTk-QRhWA8oG1zrAJi_5D_beo3AeQ/s1600/IMG_9872.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpHWIL-Vd_Ng21qXXp_J7O3Ow-PxKDYnB6extAkt47AJAEwvZR6dBr_uZk2hFMnWgETd9KMyPaUXMZxIemTwf7wm9ObaPx8t5M4e9jp4kjzsjmkSTk-QRhWA8oG1zrAJi_5D_beo3AeQ/s1600/IMG_9872.MOV"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the little beast In action!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqp2aPHegGZNdfZw6P1LfSieVvjw06rjgLq9NHyPGX02anNnRQ6fGe1_I4LOKnj37Sg1_C0B4___4J3LcQiTgvgEDY-EmtD20iDreHTCbPdIfb0TWW8PZxYgjyMEbVIu5jYEk8k2HtWw/s1600/IMG_9922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqp2aPHegGZNdfZw6P1LfSieVvjw06rjgLq9NHyPGX02anNnRQ6fGe1_I4LOKnj37Sg1_C0B4___4J3LcQiTgvgEDY-EmtD20iDreHTCbPdIfb0TWW8PZxYgjyMEbVIu5jYEk8k2HtWw/s1600/IMG_9922.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">perspective: its either the cat is big, or the washer is small.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Below is a simple yet clear self explanatory video I found on youtube (minus the noisy unnecessary narrator)on how to operate the machine. Also as a suggestion, if you ever decide to buy the panda washer, get it directly from <a href="http://ezbyonline.com/">ezbyonline.com</a> to avoid the shipping fee. I got sucked into purchasing it from Amazon where we usually get most of our stuff, but they didnt give s free shipping despite our being Prime subscribers. Boooo!</span><br>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wXM1D0qJP3Q" width="560"></iframe> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I will skip the product specifications which you can view on this <a href="http://ezbyonline.com/product/1" target="_blank">link</a>. Or you can also check out amazon's reviews and product description as well on their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Package-Panda-Portable-Compact-Capacity/dp/B005GM942C" target="_blank">site</a>. </span><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3cl1uDnSWEn55Bf8ugDixzPTUAIFVAl9g-QpgCe6EPWCX5x9xHs2ki1Q0AsSCXvW4kvgB4y4Of4K6hK-p1xsZAlk9wAujuXwk1laJhoit7n0O3B8Ky8Bc3kOnGs7vnL6LFo0FTstAFE/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3cl1uDnSWEn55Bf8ugDixzPTUAIFVAl9g-QpgCe6EPWCX5x9xHs2ki1Q0AsSCXvW4kvgB4y4Of4K6hK-p1xsZAlk9wAujuXwk1laJhoit7n0O3B8Ky8Bc3kOnGs7vnL6LFo0FTstAFE/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="221" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic features</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Here is a </span><a href="http://portablelaundrywasher.findit-here.com/mini-portable-washing-machines.html" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">link</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> that is very useful in figuring out which of the mini washers you think might be suitable for you. And here is another <a href="http://andy033.hubpages.com/hub/Buying-A-Mini-Washing-Machine" target="_blank">review</a> made for the Panda mini washer and other compact washers.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>MY REVIEW ON THE PANDA MINI WASHER:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After one month's use of this mini washer all I can say is it's awesome. End of review. Lol just kidding. I mean this machine at first looked like a toy. It's size was perfect considering the limited space we have in our apartment. I ordered it on my birthday as a present for myself (i know most people buy shoes, bags, electronics and fancy stuff on their special day. but making my chores easier for myself is a treat). It arrived a week later boy was I excited! My husband knows. I ask him everyday for the ups tracking update. I was exhausted that day after a run and lack of sleep, but i immediately went on to set up my new toy in the bathroom. I propped it on top of one of our tray tables and filled it up with water and soap. Then I started doing the laundry.</span><br>
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After one year of dreading doing the laundry, I was excited, immensely enjoying doing the laundry again! Except for the rinse part which I had to do manually.</span><br>
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The table fit perfectly in the bathroom where I can set it close to the tub and also the power outlet. Later on however I decided to just let it sit on the floor. The table was just a tad wobbly but I was worried it wasnt sturdy enough and cause the washer to fall. Then I'd be sad if that happens, my investment down the drain. I didnt want to stand around watching the laundry waiting for that to happen so i decided to just let the machine sit on the bathroom floor. That would also allow me to go around the apartment and do other things while the machine does its job. </span><br>
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After a month of using the panda mini washer, I would like to recommend the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1) Load: Make sure that you dont overload it. I know manual says 5.5 lbs but i usually put 2-3 shirts at a time. For jeans i throw in one pair. The same for fluffy towels. For socks and underwear you can put them all together. 5 undies and 5 pair of socks seem ok. Of course i cant honestly tell if that isn't too taxing for the agitator. What I do is I reach in the tub and sort of do a swirling motion with the socks and undies in make sure if there is some wiggle room (before turning the knob on). I also check the drain hose while the machine is running to see if the soapy water is overflowing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2) Detergent: I know that in laundromats we usually put a capful or half depending on how much laundry we have. but this tiny machine works well with just 2-3 tbsp per 3 gallons of water. dont ask me how i came up with this equation but its an estimate through trial and error. too little and you feel the clothes arent clean enough. too much and youre gonna spend a lot of time rinsing the soap out, plus the drain hose will spew lots of bubbles that could spill over and get your floor or machine (if its sitting on the floor) wet. some videos show the machine on a counter. Unfortunately that wont work for me because the hose that is supposed to go to the water inlet in the machine is just cheap unreliable plastic and it wont fit in the mouth of the faucet. Its too annoying to use but there are tips on the amazon reviews where you can check other users' suggestions. In my case I just use a dipper or a little pail to fill up the tub with water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3) Presoaking or rinsing: I run, a lot. That means i have a bunch of special wick, easy dry technical shirts and shorts designed for work outs. I normally have to soak them in penguin wash prior to hand washing them because that's the only way to get rid of possible odor from sweat. ive tried washing them in the laundromat and drying it using their dryers but it somehow ruins the fabricl. Since I have been using this amazing machine, the only added part of the routine is to just let the machine replace the handwashing. I still soak the clothes for 30 mins to an hour. As for the rest of the clothes, i rinse it a bit with clear water just to knock out some loose dirt or hair from my cats or little chunks of food or whatnots. Then throw it in the washer. For items that are somewhat "dirtier" or soiled, i rinse it a bit, then soak it in basin with a bit of soap and water for a few minutes or hours, before running it in the machine. it sounds like a lot of work but to me the results are really worth it. My husband swears his clothes and other stuff are way cleaner and smells good. Without the icky factor that it was washed along with other people's clothes (i know you dont get venereal diseases from washing machines but its an added relief or consolation to have the peace of mind knowing you didnt have to share a washing machine with one who has herpes and the like).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4) Get a spin dryer and a tree clothes rack. We had the rack before we moved to our new apartment and Ive used it for tiny items in the past and for semi damp clothes from the laundromat. Now it came in handy because if i had not mentioned earlier, this mini washer is just that, for washing. It does not have a spin feature hence my recommendation to get one. For the first few weeks i was using the washer, i had to wring out the water from the clothes and let it sit in the new additional clothes rack i bought. I usually leave it in the bath tub and move it to the common room when it was time for us to use the shower before retiring to bed. Honestly it can get a bit irritating when the clothes come out sopping wet. </span><br>
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5)Comforters and big jackets cannot be washed in this machine. Twin and even queen sized sheets are okay as long as you only put one at a time.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">VERDICT: My overall rating for the mini washer is supposed to be 5 stars. But ill have to take that half a star notch down because of the hose which I dont intend on using because of its poor quality. T</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">he drain hose is made of the same material so i hope that does'nt fall apart anytime soon. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But if this machine holds up for the remainder of the 6 month warranty and hopefully for longer, then ill give it an easy 5 stars.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>
SHORT INCOMPLETE REVIEW OF THE NINA SOFT SPIN DRYER:</b></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is a short take on the dryer. I have had the dryer for a little over two weeks so i decided I' ll write a more thorough review after a month. But so far, like the washer, I am not disappointed. If anything, im actually very impressed at its efficiency. Plus I would like to give a shoutout tothe distributor, Laundry Alternative, for the unexpected quick turn around time. I ordered this item around lunchtime on November 20th and it arrived a little over 24 hours the next day. Of course i found an excuse to do laundry that day despite another sleepless night. Test test time! Please check out the product specifications on the <a href="http://www.laundry-alternative.com/product/Nina-Soft-Spin-Dryer" target="_blank">distributor website</a>.</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aNNsm8Xa10OoLiVF52nLDnyRkRg2gxGidAAeeeMJscB0NO1hGSbQePpWCdIgvzfiaVfFLUG1Ay9dHswXQxNFfmJYeeYtx63IADZqpnIQfAzK_yces8P9NCQc1yXGpEXqiMI09KnR7AE/s1600/IMG_9920.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aNNsm8Xa10OoLiVF52nLDnyRkRg2gxGidAAeeeMJscB0NO1hGSbQePpWCdIgvzfiaVfFLUG1Ay9dHswXQxNFfmJYeeYtx63IADZqpnIQfAzK_yces8P9NCQc1yXGpEXqiMI09KnR7AE/s1600/IMG_9920.PNG" height="320" width="180"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I wish to emphasize that although the clothes come out almost dry, it is expected to be a little damp. This machine just spins the water out and it does not have any heat like conventional dryers.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just hang the clothes on tree clothes rack or a regular clothes rack and its dry in a few hours. The size came as a surprise and is bigger than expected but it comes with a nice handle that allows you to lug it around for use and storage. It looks somewhat like a huge air pot and the design is simple but dainty and not tacky . There is a flat round plastic inside that you will need later on to "stabilize" or keep the wet clothes pushed down. Its supposed to minimize wobbling once you turn the machine on. If the machine does start jerking back and forth or side to side, just open it (wait for the spinning to come to a full stop)and adjust the clothes. I did encounter this issue the first few times but the technique that worked for me is to put the heavier clothes at the bottom and not to overload the dryer. Also avoid placing the wet clothes all rolled up or bunched up because doing so keeps the weight concentrated on one side of the tub and makes it more imbalanced. Youll know when youve done it right if the spinning does not seem to make loud noises and it doesnt rock, just like in the video. </span><br>
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I dont know what else to add at this point except i think the rest is pretty easy to follow. Just watch this you tube video and youll get the idea.</span><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWxQFMZiKLFt2JrBMd9SkBplMhN2zKPAwzS2K4CriT0z4R8kuhSG8Zq45VrOS16MdF5qfZclh49NpGTJZgE2u22nF5sCFVVmbUKrS1-jS9f6IsuPnZQCzel-MGe9OPVZPgVcqzBW6Lmo/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWxQFMZiKLFt2JrBMd9SkBplMhN2zKPAwzS2K4CriT0z4R8kuhSG8Zq45VrOS16MdF5qfZclh49NpGTJZgE2u22nF5sCFVVmbUKrS1-jS9f6IsuPnZQCzel-MGe9OPVZPgVcqzBW6Lmo/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was bigger than i expected</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFB_cv-YEPt5fcz3fXfe6pHIHE1ABj2PgGgkcDFoqpikeAPlJm42qtLaMCY0FpyeFZwOz_TCjWw6BjobwBtHhzHF7k7rBxdJ9HbBbaKETMcIW6_G3t9yXWun1VrH5KXAkPaNZzCnTR8M/s1600/IMG_9898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFB_cv-YEPt5fcz3fXfe6pHIHE1ABj2PgGgkcDFoqpikeAPlJm42qtLaMCY0FpyeFZwOz_TCjWw6BjobwBtHhzHF7k7rBxdJ9HbBbaKETMcIW6_G3t9yXWun1VrH5KXAkPaNZzCnTR8M/s1600/IMG_9898.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">styrofoam inside to protect the tub</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8Wb-PGL61w9DeoAyaQccJ-FufWJI-ElvDMRJlDnLc-zaAMiQe_DFdTph_GGd5XLAoGldC2uaK-1VUFFXUm_keayCk5kaYJ-yTBPWicoDCWmCE5aPGt4y5QX1XYPuld3IhmZu7rLQQpc/s1600/IMG_9899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8Wb-PGL61w9DeoAyaQccJ-FufWJI-ElvDMRJlDnLc-zaAMiQe_DFdTph_GGd5XLAoGldC2uaK-1VUFFXUm_keayCk5kaYJ-yTBPWicoDCWmCE5aPGt4y5QX1XYPuld3IhmZu7rLQQpc/s1600/IMG_9899.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little basin or pail to hold water need to be placed under the spout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p9kPME5UTRjErJdmILBNz1ZNEZVwJGd8tzdZWr5zKozT4xDg9tYRNRtrXQPPRdu8-nxyZQdhzMcysWdfwL1XUFsP58og7J2GfZUwxO7hlmrvbvxdryiABvCWoSfbZMFEEdjP9euGKzQ/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p9kPME5UTRjErJdmILBNz1ZNEZVwJGd8tzdZWr5zKozT4xDg9tYRNRtrXQPPRdu8-nxyZQdhzMcysWdfwL1XUFsP58og7J2GfZUwxO7hlmrvbvxdryiABvCWoSfbZMFEEdjP9euGKzQ/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to rumble</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMV7oVMbqvmo_YNA2cCUzEzeypvqOErwLcjUjY5c9q5y2jw85FTdZ61_ZmoVUV006Jq5D9JyrTuBq4K17QBaCkhBPWK9Jl85V2nkOJjoJVoa61igcsdKH1FDgI0raRfeW2J9YWriBbgw/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMV7oVMbqvmo_YNA2cCUzEzeypvqOErwLcjUjY5c9q5y2jw85FTdZ61_ZmoVUV006Jq5D9JyrTuBq4K17QBaCkhBPWK9Jl85V2nkOJjoJVoa61igcsdKH1FDgI0raRfeW2J9YWriBbgw/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dont forget to remove the metal rod before use</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To sum it all up, Im very happy with my new "toys". And i wish to reiterate,like most people who have shared their reviews online, these items pretty much pay for itself after a few uses. Im just tired of wasting my coins on those bottomless coin operated machines. NO more waiting in line, no more sharing with some rude, nasty customers,and now i can do the laundry while reading, watching tv or playing with the cats</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(lol sounds like a corny infomercial sales pitch)but wait theres's more! </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Especially with winter coming (its already the 30's over here but its not yet officially winter) i feel like a squirrel who can comfortably stay in its hiding p</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">lace safe with all the nuts stashed away when the weather was good. This gives me peace of mind that even with the impending bad weather, i can stay inside the comfort of my shoebox paradise and do my laundry. safe away from possible perverts checking out my laundry "delicates" lol.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Noone is paying me to write this review but I give it a thumbs up and would definitely purchase it again if these fall apart after the warranty period. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I highly recommend both of these items for those who live in dorms, tiny apartments, or those who have babies who need to probably wash a lot of cloth diapers and anyone who need something small, affordable and yet a reliable and powerful machine. Truly worth it!</span><br>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-44601785779587434382014-12-10T13:30:00.001+08:002014-12-10T20:26:26.840+08:00Daily thoughts - My Shoebox Paradise after a year<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We moved to our tiny home a year ago. It was not <a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2013/06/thoughts-for-day-apartment-hunting.html" target="_blank">easy to find</a> this place but we are really lucky we snagged it before the price became too impossible. there is no assurance however that our landlord wont keep jacking up the rate every year though. well if it ever comes to a point it is no longer reasonable then we have no choice but to look around again. in the meantime, im not going to beat myself over worrying about it. Im truly enjoying living in an area where I can see the subway when I get out of the building. not to mention that across street from the corner of ours there is a cop station just 2 blocks down. I know nypd is getting a bad rap right now, but i cant call crackheads when some criminals are trying to break my door down right? Just to prove how quick they are, our alarm went off one time when the touch screen malfunctioned and we could'nt turn the thing off. A cop showed up in 5-6 minutes. Another plus is we live close to a major hospital located just along the same street, 5-8 minutes walking distance. I can also walk to my doctor's office 8 blocks away. During summer we can stroll at a huge park or down by the river edge past the hospital and get a spectacular view of the George Washington bridge and the river. On top of the many great things i can say about our location would be the proximity to our basic needs. There are several grocery stores nearby and a deli at our corner for emergency kibbles, milk, bread and even limited edition haagendasz ice cream that sometimes is sold cheaper than an ice cream sold at gristedes. Gristedes needs to change its name to Greedstedes coz their prices are just a rip off sometimes. Unfortunately most of the exotic ingredients i need for some of my dishes are only available there. otherwise ill have to make a trip all the way to the lower east side to get it. But for most of my cooking needs can be found at the more affordable grocery stores like Key foods, Associated and CTown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">so life is indeed good and i feel we have everything that i consider necessary. In the course of a year we havent really bought a bunch of furniture or appliances out of concern that we wont be able to move freely inside anymore. The apartment is tiny and this <a href="http://thetinylife.com/new-york-tiny-apartments/" target="_blank">trend </a>is pretty common in NYC. Some are even willing to <a href="http://gizmodo.com/a-famously-tiny-nyc-apartment-is-for-sale-for-almost-1-1547377233" target="_blank">pay a fortune </a>to acquire minuscule homes apparently for the same reason as everyone flocking to new york. The excitement, glitz, glamour or just simply opportunity and a tale to tell when someone gets old one day. the empire state of mind as they say. i wont lie and say I have never dreamed of moving to NYC. I was hooked to the show sex and the city and ive always wanted to see New York. But I never thought I would actually move here because I was aware of how expensive the standard of living here is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But sometimes dreams come true and to me that's being with my soulmate and three girls, right in the middle of where all the action is:)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love ny and m&ms</td></tr>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-9885039027496919392014-12-02T15:08:00.002+08:002014-12-12T02:45:15.609+08:00Daily thoughts -Brooklyn Marathon 2014 Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find it impressive when I see people with very busy lifestyles who still manage to write almost a daily or even weekly entries about their latest going ons in life. I love to share what my recent activities are unfortunately at the end of the day I barely have the time to put away some of the things i propped on the bed like the cats' treat dish (my cat likes to have her night snack on the bed) my diary, highlighters, keys, books, notebooks, remote, phone and pens to name a few. November was one busy month and a great one at that. A good friend of mine named Joy flew from California to run the NYC Marathon. I celebrated my birthday at Olive Garden Times Square with Joy and my hubby. I also tried to squeeze in two long runs and a wonderful dinner with some friends before my scheduled marathon last November 16.<br>
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Yes I finally ran my most anticipated first US marathon this year. There are other things Id like to celebrate and share but this was probably the one that i consider the highlight of my month so for this post id like to share that wonderful experience.</div>
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Ive been training for this event for 4 months. Prior to the grueling 4 month training plan, I have been trying to also squeeze in some quality runs just for the heck of it and joined a half marathon and a 4 miler last spring. But even after doing 2 20 miles for my long slow distance runs during the weekend I still didnt feel I could do it. It has been quite some time (10 years to be exact) since i ran something this far and the weather hasnt been that accommodating the past few days prior to the race.<br>
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but i already paid the registration fee and it was too late to back out. that was $95 bucks which is still considered a budget for a marathon ( my friend paid over 200 for her entry to the nyc marathon).<br>
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a week prior to the race i went to brooklyn to pick up my packet a fitness expo. it was not as packed like the fancy race i went to last spring but im glad they still had something for this race albeit it was a small one.<br>
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On the night before the race i tried to go to bed at a decent time around 9pm. Unfortunately i woke up at 11pm got hungry and made myself and the hubby a snack. I tried to hit the sack around 12pm but couldnt sleep anymore. I managed to get some shut eye around 3am. I woke up around 530 and had coffee, oatmeal and two sandwiches.<br>
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I kissed the hubby goodbye before 630am and ran to the subway because the scheduled train was supposed to show up at 632 am. I checked the app the previous night and it says that i needed to take two trains to get to my destination. the train didnt show up on time and when it did it went local. it was starting to really piss me off. another mistake i made was getting off at 42nd street only to realize that the d train doesnt stop there. so i got on the c that showed up and got off at west 4th street. another runner was there with his wife and we waited impatiently for the next train that would drop us off directly at prospect park. I had an interesting conversation with the wife of the runner. Her name is Rebecca and she was a tall gorgeous lady who reminded me of Nicole Kidman. Her husband named Hans was to run his first marathon. She shared how he just decided early this year that he wanted to try this feat. he said he also just got a plan online and followed it. It was such a cool experience to meet someone who was doing the exact thing as me except he was ten years older.<br>
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When the train finally showed up after probably 15 minutes of more, we were all relieved. The train ride didnt take long. finally we got off at our stop at 15th street prospect park. Ive been to brooklyn before near the park before to see the botanical garden and the museum but never got around to seeing the park. I think the trees were absolutely beautiful this fall. I dont have a lot of photos to show though because it was just too cold and i had my gloves and jacket on the entire time. We were all supposed to be at the starting line by 8:15am and we got there at around 8:00am just in time to walk towards center drive and hopefully still use the toilet before the race.<br>
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This race was a small community kind of event. The number of runners who were supposed to participate were capped at 500 limit. the race results show that 413 showed up. It was a simple event and even the baggage check was just a small section of the grassy lot corralled with a string. There were several porta potties by the starting line and when we got there its like everyone who was going to run were all lined up to use the toilet. Ive read reviews of this race course and a lot of the runners were cursing the dreaded hill. If there was something i hated more than the hills it was the nasty porta potties. I used it twice, once before the race and at mile 3 and it was truly disgusting. I tried to take my liquids moderately for fear of having to use the porta potties again. Thankfully i never had to use it again. The weather was merciless. It was extremely cold and I'm not yet quite acclimated to the sudden drop of temperature and running early in the day. During the weeks I trained I did experience rain and cold weather but nothing quite like the one that morning. Also I've never ran earlier than 12pm during my training. I start at a very slow pace at the beginning of my run and tried to just gradually increase the pace but still relatively slow all so i wouldnt end up with an empty tank by mile 20.<br>
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The park was very beautiful and I really enjoyed running around the entire park. however circling that plot of land 9 times is a different story. I may want to visit prospect park in the near future but only when the weather is above 60. The loops got a bit confusing after I was done with the first 2 small loops. i went to use a porty potty and asked two guides whether i should proceed towards the hill or if i needed to turn left and start the third loop from the end of center drive after the finish line. both of them first said i needed to just go straight towards the hill. then changed their mind and said they think i need to turn left first and circle one more lower loop and then go towards the hill, then changed their mind again afterwards. it took them 2-4 minutes to figure it out before finally deciding that the second direction was the right one. i honestly didnt know which was right but i just followed what they told me. fortunately it was the right direction. my concern was, what if they gave me the wrong instruction? i wouldve ran towards the direction of the hill and all 26 miles then still be disqualified because i have missed going back to center drive after running the second loop. There was no colored band on this event and you just have to figure out the map by yourself before showing up.<br>
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i appreciated that there were people cheering us on despite the biting weather. it was really cold and some kids with their parents were chanting our bib numbers and telling us we look great lol although i knew that was a lie because the official photographer just emailed me my photos. my face was all pinched and in agony like i was about to give birth to both a human and a turd hahaha.<br>
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i have only two major complaints about this event. one was why a lot of people were using the same path we were on with their baby prams and some were even walking their dogs. i mean i love dogs and babies but it was kinda difficult weaving in and out of these people. I wasnt running fast but they were just there like rocks with tiny legs on slow mo. someone even wanted to cross the path with her horse. yes a horse! and im terrified of horses (i had a traumatic experience as a kid getting of a horsedrawn carriage. the horse accidentally stepped on my foot. not his entire foot though otherwise my foot wouldve been smashed but still it was enough to spook me out forever). my second complaint was some people who were handing out water and gatorade kept switching the label around. id be grabbing a cup from the guy who would say water only to find out it has gatorade. then when it was time for me to get gatorade, id be getting water instead. what the hell right? but these were volunteers taking time out of their sunday to be there to help make the race a little bit manageable so im not going to be all bitchy about it. other than that, i think this event was handled pretty well. we had bagels and bottled water afterwards. i forgot to mention that the technical shirt was very nice.<br>
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anyway no conceit intended but the hill wasnt as bad as i thought. the hill at central park is a lot steeper and difficult than this one although i had to run this loop 6 times. By mile 22 however I was about to say ive had it. I tried to distract myself with the glory of having to show off my medal to push me through those last 4 miles. It was truly worth it and thank God it didnt rain and I didnt hit the wall.<br>
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i have more respect now for long distance runners because this was not easy. I may not have gotten an astonishing finish time but I was pretty proud of myself that day dragging myself out of bed on a cold morning, putting up with that crazy weather for nearly 6 hours, almost gettting frostbitten when i got to the finish line while eating my bagel. I could hardly walk to the subway but i still managed to make it home in one piece without collapsing. The hubby was so proud of me calling me his champ. For a day it was really great to feel like one. Sometimes you dont really have to technically be on the podium to feel like the real winner of a race. When you go above and beyond what you expect of yourself and come out still smiling then in my opinion you are just as good as the top finishers because you did your best. I have to give myself a pat on the back and a hug except that would look really silly.<br>
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The medal was huge by the way and oh so awesome!<br>
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See you next year Prospect Park!<br>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-27914014075958328812014-10-19T15:16:00.001+08:002014-10-19T15:16:39.845+08:00Daily thoughts - points to ponder on todayAbsolutely no time to write anything. Been running around new york to ensure my mom's visit is worthwhile. she has a bit of trouble walking because of course she is no spring chicken anymore but also she has issues with her joint. so we have to squeeze in everything in a span of 1 week. Anyway here is something i shared on my facebook wall today:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>generosity is relative. a person can give you a million dollars and he can still be called selfish. on the other hand, a poor man can give 100 bucks and be called the most generous man on earth. so how do we gauge who is who? its all in the motive, whats in the person's heart. The million dollar donor could be a thief, trying to use a ruse of philanthropy to cover up his corruption. the generous lad on the other hand, could be someone who despite not being wealthy, just sincerely wants to help because he knows how it feels to be truly hard up. you are lucky if you know someone who is just like the latter.</i></span><br />
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<br />runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-79035648219305821792014-09-24T15:14:00.000+08:002014-12-02T15:15:11.197+08:00Daily thoughts - Finding my unlikely "sole" mate<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I was in College, the official shoes sponsored by our university for our varsity team was Asics. Back then, Asics was not that popular yet, it was Nike and Adidas that was the all time favorite. For our track team however, Asics was the cheaper yet more reliable bet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After graduating from College I still continued running but not as regularly as I used to. I've always been loyal to Asics though because I have never had any issues with it. Occasionally, Id get Nike if it was on sale and also Adidas. In Medical school I still ran every week and switched brands from Asics, Nike and Adidas. I dont mean to diss Nike but everytime I got a pair of their running shoes, the sole just comes off. It looks great but does not deliver, not to my standards that is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I quit Medical School and moved to Singapore, I ran almost everyday. Running is pretty popular there but I didnt really join a lot of races. I mostly ran because I enjoy it. The shoes in Sg are a bit expensive and Asics was no execption. When it was on sale, i got myself the first Asics DS Trainers and then later on the GT 2140. I had to replace them eventually when I moved to the Philippines after my 3 years stint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Asics ceased being affordable once the running bug hit the Philippines. The running fever has caught on quickly that even couch potatoes I knew back in college are ardently pursuing running. For whatever reason they have, because of trend or health, its still not a bad idea. Fitness is something that I believe will never go out of style. However as is the case with anything that's considered hip, the demand for the outfit or gear necessary for the trendy activity consequently gets a hefty price tag. Nike has always been expensive and i never really cared too much for it. But I was disappointed when Asics in the Philippines followed suit. I never purchased another Asics in the Philippines because the prices are a rip off. The last brand I got was a Mizuno Wave precision 11 which was 3 years ago. I thought it was an excellent pair of shoes and was reasonably priced as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Fortunately here in the US, you will always find an array of amazing and affordable running shoes. the only drawback is that since there are so many choices and great reviews, it is'nt easy to pick out the right one. Finding a perfect pair, which is not really impossible is trial error. Its almost like looking for a good husband. Lol. You truly have to try on a few to know which one works for you (the shoes I meant). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I bought an adidas and two Asics when I first got here. I paid almost 500 usd just for running shoes. Im not into heels or other fancy shoes so i invest in sneakers. The Asics Nimbus was the last pair I bought. It was awesome and although I hated the color (shocking pink), I thought it served me well. It was light, almost had the perfect snug and didnt chafe my ankles. But it was a little tight on the toebox and it left me with semi dead pinky toe nails. Also it was not cheap.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZC7iiEKZkZrflp8r4Zih94kCtqCbX-qQlYzF7j1TXmoHZgzSQB6EnoA7032SLCW5Y3CQKqp-pN0d_FGwCqL4K3lpJXiduzEEUBtJQKAeB3q5Ale41jmhJIt0ZxNI4Bh0uoMuoyk2f70/s1600/asics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZC7iiEKZkZrflp8r4Zih94kCtqCbX-qQlYzF7j1TXmoHZgzSQB6EnoA7032SLCW5Y3CQKqp-pN0d_FGwCqL4K3lpJXiduzEEUBtJQKAeB3q5Ale41jmhJIt0ZxNI4Bh0uoMuoyk2f70/s1600/asics.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">asics nimbus 14</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">It was time to look for a new pair because my old ones had to retire. The basic requirements I look for in a pair of running shoes are the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1) roomy toebox -snug but allows you to wiggle your toes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2) lightweight - but doesnt have thin soles you can almost feel the ground</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3) affordable- of course. whats the point of getting awesome shoes when the price is not equally great. i want to run, but i also want to be able to eat well and pay my bills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After thoughtful consideration and exasperating experience on reading shoe reviews, I decided to just go out of the box and try any shoe at the specialty store that felt "right". I didnt want to restrict myself to any particular brand that i have been accustomed to. After my shift from work last March, I went to Jack Rabbit to try out their shoes. The lady who assisted me asked me a couple of questions to help me find the kind of shoe I needed. I told her I ran every week and I prefer something that wasnt too bulky but provided enough support. I unsure whether i was an under or overpronator so she asked me to run on the treadmill. (she said I am an <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/pronation">overpronator</a>). She didnt ask me if i had any brand preference and neither did she suggest any either. I thought it was cool because I didnt feel like i had to choose from the usual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">She brought out a couple of shoes for me to try on. I tried a pair of saucony, asics, mizuno, adidas and lastly brooks. I chose the brooks ghost 6. It was the only pair with the roomy toebox. I have these weird flat feet and urban dictionary has a term for it. Its called the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Duckbill%20platypus%20feet">duckbill platypus feet</a>. One of the reasons I always have trouble finding the right pair of shoes is because of this. I was so glad I finally found a pair of running shoes that has that wide wiggle room for my not so dainty toes. And it was inexpensive too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7 months later Im still so in love with this pair that if i could id even sleep in it. some people suggest that you use your running shoes only when running and alot other kind of shoes for other activities. But these shoes are so amazing that I feel like im not wearing anything when I run or walk in it. I want to use it forever but ive abused it to death that my last long run was so uncomfortable I had to accept the sad reality its over for my favorite pair of running shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The good news is, I now know what kind of shoes are perfect for me. After 21 years of running its a little strange I never figured it out that I had platypus feet and I needed something with a bigger forefoot space. The Brooks Ghost 6 is the best pair of running shoes I have ever had. It had the lightness of the Asics DS trainer, the stability of the Adidas Glide and still manages to look fashionable (although the last one is the least important quality to me). I am seriously considering on replacing these shoes..not with the newer model but the same one but a new pair! yeah it may sound stupid to some but im close to running my long overdue race and im not taking chances by getting a different pair of shoes that may not even hold up that well. Another perk of getting the same model is that since its successor has recently come out, i can get a new pair of the old model for 60 dollars less. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Search is over. I may switch to another model in the future but the <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-6-womens-running-shoes/1201381B984.070.html?mr%3AtrackingCode=79503312-1DC0-E211-ACC7-001B2163195C&gclid=CjwKEAjwtIShBRD08fKD1OWSik4SJAAuKLovR-rRoKt1k1-caINKWP-7lPTv2qJ1QAiGoHglywCYtxoCYFbw_wcB&mr%3AreferralID=NA&mr%3Adevice=c&mr%3Afilter=95176702346&mr%3Aad=44314101506&mkwid=iS3qGyLt&pcrid=44314101506&mr%3AadType=pla">Brooks Ghost 6</a> is by far the shoe that was meant for me. It would've been great if it came in orange though. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTX6zOg7DhF_pR3U6XwCUJl1WQ3lZUn_Y4xOOyuci-PFkwDE2nRU4Q0lW7xWfAkN8kk37OIYJ-gFHGpdKkirXAMlnKJ0WAWHu9YX59xDbkN-L1wtlVQZE-yo1Bp-jhChNByc77Siymjw/s1600/brooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTX6zOg7DhF_pR3U6XwCUJl1WQ3lZUn_Y4xOOyuci-PFkwDE2nRU4Q0lW7xWfAkN8kk37OIYJ-gFHGpdKkirXAMlnKJ0WAWHu9YX59xDbkN-L1wtlVQZE-yo1Bp-jhChNByc77Siymjw/s1600/brooks.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Brooks Ghost 6<br />
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</tbody></table>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-66527587055678079662014-09-22T14:13:00.002+08:002014-09-22T14:26:57.009+08:00Daily thoughts - Positives of the week<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even if I wanted to I cannot get around to writing my daily positives. I just dont have the time. Nevertheless I dont let a day go by ignoring the many things I am grateful about. I will highlight a few of the many things that stood out from this wonderful week.</div>
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1) Grateful to have a fridge stocked with good food! I was able to cook a couple of awesome dishes because I had all the necessary ingredients.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEW34AFFGIn1Aq8jH7oy7oDya8IqJWCDOCfaGbezfWEIlhS2La7LCuENjSgI0Ib2MuXuKK9hnRnlyTsB8gF8w_1WMV_ZKBUNUlHUs3Tzi1ZyCOODd8g2BR7NATdd1xK1U_6UZZM6cJyw/s1600/IMG_7170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEW34AFFGIn1Aq8jH7oy7oDya8IqJWCDOCfaGbezfWEIlhS2La7LCuENjSgI0Ib2MuXuKK9hnRnlyTsB8gF8w_1WMV_ZKBUNUlHUs3Tzi1ZyCOODd8g2BR7NATdd1xK1U_6UZZM6cJyw/s1600/IMG_7170.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu in green curry</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CQlgm_34NaKfj_qVowSf4tfW0kCx7N7dLvRs8gtV9HS_dPnBq0BRJmIkK19puezorcdCDQ7icAm6Fyy5_b9Y3QPeap7YpBshVloRK7QSS7L1X6C_SEaAWZIXb5I1JZG_lpQvboMVavo/s1600/IMG_7230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CQlgm_34NaKfj_qVowSf4tfW0kCx7N7dLvRs8gtV9HS_dPnBq0BRJmIkK19puezorcdCDQ7icAm6Fyy5_b9Y3QPeap7YpBshVloRK7QSS7L1X6C_SEaAWZIXb5I1JZG_lpQvboMVavo/s1600/IMG_7230.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickenless sopas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gIhyx9baD6dcrlOfL-Nsasb5dbq7ddSfKImtSvjIT-Eg06VMFzdqgrEwXpaljLx6GdcZjlBqRprtsMUs9xM_7hDkSpERUKffREC0UEwXmO3gMjquHO_TewyBSCZbIy_Lvgazmp7n0t8/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gIhyx9baD6dcrlOfL-Nsasb5dbq7ddSfKImtSvjIT-Eg06VMFzdqgrEwXpaljLx6GdcZjlBqRprtsMUs9xM_7hDkSpERUKffREC0UEwXmO3gMjquHO_TewyBSCZbIy_Lvgazmp7n0t8/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grilled salmon with turmeric,lemon, pepper and cumin. sauteed snow pea shoots</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQoM6A_xvWnr-Rxa1jbYSswVIF7mV1t1i_Zvwlqf174wkcFhiriyIiGlh0q86u6yljU2DzimkLqVo9Y2wvSg7z9EkFLhB8NGucK7NPYzfGb0P8X_YJInYuaPVcCOmMlknAX3T8-eqaKQ/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQoM6A_xvWnr-Rxa1jbYSswVIF7mV1t1i_Zvwlqf174wkcFhiriyIiGlh0q86u6yljU2DzimkLqVo9Y2wvSg7z9EkFLhB8NGucK7NPYzfGb0P8X_YJInYuaPVcCOmMlknAX3T8-eqaKQ/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">creamy mushroom soup from scratch</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShhp7CRYeb6Ok7qGyT3mPxqCeI7SHMC0s0dYilCgxf7LNqkAF-3w7qLQmiGH1QMamTSQQib4nCYuBoL-kkyoo5Bqgml1wS6phICWPtptnDBN28_BqVCDKqwfbKz_xibdaPn8WxmPJgoM/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShhp7CRYeb6Ok7qGyT3mPxqCeI7SHMC0s0dYilCgxf7LNqkAF-3w7qLQmiGH1QMamTSQQib4nCYuBoL-kkyoo5Bqgml1wS6phICWPtptnDBN28_BqVCDKqwfbKz_xibdaPn8WxmPJgoM/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimchi Bibimbap</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DG-UK2CWJLDPtzq1UugVPh0kypEIltrY37Y51UVskWW_FacWUhjudgUY4qDoLYF3f4MZVD_9zW_tZAb2Zj1dIEcwwubKKm0JbG7Yjd58Bz5CfL64MaTsLbbS1frsUbyT9osurgITJ_E/s1600/IMG_7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DG-UK2CWJLDPtzq1UugVPh0kypEIltrY37Y51UVskWW_FacWUhjudgUY4qDoLYF3f4MZVD_9zW_tZAb2Zj1dIEcwwubKKm0JbG7Yjd58Bz5CfL64MaTsLbbS1frsUbyT9osurgITJ_E/s1600/IMG_7456.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porridge and tofu</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymqo_E1gADezGqOPSWA-9X9Jo-QmvJYTPJQ11cuJZ4Dgvsh0jLSWGU_QdasnxCImm-vVYeGJLUb7CveOFYuJyTzVS2YIhgURDxVI83se9f30R5TLliVZQlJiv6Q3bpTkdMpHi9NN_Ok/s1600/IMG_7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymqo_E1gADezGqOPSWA-9X9Jo-QmvJYTPJQ11cuJZ4Dgvsh0jLSWGU_QdasnxCImm-vVYeGJLUb7CveOFYuJyTzVS2YIhgURDxVI83se9f30R5TLliVZQlJiv6Q3bpTkdMpHi9NN_Ok/s1600/IMG_7476.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac&Cheese, veggie links and steamed broccoli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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2) Hubby was down with a cold but he is now recovering. Cheesecake our cat was also having some issues with his breathing but he seems ok now too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbWf2YJQ_kv2qrCw7I4w_m7FTRkX0a0vEwuw9V-JGYzdeh0NyBZ3Rgs9ezdxn-imZm5msR2vltus3p1MSl9ET5fu0rBIMRLLwz32Cy9A9cgIrQHXoEhK5TDhuVELogeE1KhnO1KpaGUQ/s1600/IMG_7461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbWf2YJQ_kv2qrCw7I4w_m7FTRkX0a0vEwuw9V-JGYzdeh0NyBZ3Rgs9ezdxn-imZm5msR2vltus3p1MSl9ET5fu0rBIMRLLwz32Cy9A9cgIrQHXoEhK5TDhuVELogeE1KhnO1KpaGUQ/s1600/IMG_7461.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looks pissed like we woke him from his beauty rest</td></tr>
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3) Did my workouts without sustaining any injuries. Praying it will stay that way.<br />
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4) And of course I am forever grateful for another day of being alive. the greatest gift of all is the gift of life, to be in the company of those I love and cherish. For having a great husband who gives me massages and appreciates everything I do for our little family.<br />
<br />runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-37459473552362438462014-09-22T13:54:00.001+08:002014-09-22T13:54:17.606+08:00Running thoughts - 13 mile run on Sunday September 14 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Sunday I dragged myself to go out for a run. Im currently following a training plan and Im supposed to do a 13 mile long slow distance run for that day but I was too sluggish and not in the mood to do it. But I had to coz the race day is 2 months away and its paid for already. I have to just suck it up and be as excited the day I decided to sign up for it. </div>
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I started running at a very slow pace and the usual run route view by the river was not as exciting. It kinda mirrored my mood, overcast, blah, boring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSRGr1Qo_c1zp5ftDdZl7zESLzLRdu6-JzNQHLDOJcxjCwfuEKsB_Hke2wqnf3h6xTOZSHhLzO0eB4CycaSPAaC0Sa1U0QpW3ntzbVw5UU0iOiIx31m_hpYHWQp50evCJQ2hphuPcqWY/s1600/IMG_7086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSRGr1Qo_c1zp5ftDdZl7zESLzLRdu6-JzNQHLDOJcxjCwfuEKsB_Hke2wqnf3h6xTOZSHhLzO0eB4CycaSPAaC0Sa1U0QpW3ntzbVw5UU0iOiIx31m_hpYHWQp50evCJQ2hphuPcqWY/s1600/IMG_7086.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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But I went on my way and decided id finish the run at central park. I dropped by at Jack Rabbit along 72nd street to pick up some energy gels because I only had a bagel for lunch. I didnt even bother to bring water which is a must especially when going out for runs longer than an hour. I tried to look for a small bottle of spring or distilled water but all the food cart i checked out had those humongous ones that were too bulky to carry with me. I decided to just get this thing over and done with. Normally Im happy when I go running. this wasnt one of those days, it felt more like a chore. </div>
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On the 9th mile of my run I saw a couple of runners headed towards the Jackie O reservoir. I remembered that a few weeks back I was running at that loop, part of the are was closed off so I decided to run on the outer lane of the park. I followed the crowd anyway to see what was going on.</div>
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The runners all stopped to admire the view. The hue from the sky was just spectacular so I whipped out my phone and took a few snaps. I uploaded it right away on facebook and instagram and was getting a lot of ooohss and aaahhs and wows immediately. I didnt even need any filter to show how amazing this view was. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpTH5maW-Rrt75pCAH0mjXI5lSXEUFKGwQkQn3LrdsP2Mt_3GsRV2ztT4Xs5NGbt25y-d_elILw6vGH1hknb822J7ut_5_8mdLs3uBHnEWVKpkoTOQCyjOyAQdkZD-OAB3Zec8SdRTWg/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpTH5maW-Rrt75pCAH0mjXI5lSXEUFKGwQkQn3LrdsP2Mt_3GsRV2ztT4Xs5NGbt25y-d_elILw6vGH1hknb822J7ut_5_8mdLs3uBHnEWVKpkoTOQCyjOyAQdkZD-OAB3Zec8SdRTWg/s1600/IMG_7091.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q_ign-jAQMyqj8kGMtmZjvv7SZvOoxIDvQROJBB7ZjxhSsuXUVOHfPvCdpStBKGQRlTaYaBVMLZZ0-A5Lq9HQQ7JRTIGww-BUhwDBIDXC-pm5gJ36B6Ln-hr0qh3LpYlcOjG_HQB3yc/s1600/IMG_7093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q_ign-jAQMyqj8kGMtmZjvv7SZvOoxIDvQROJBB7ZjxhSsuXUVOHfPvCdpStBKGQRlTaYaBVMLZZ0-A5Lq9HQQ7JRTIGww-BUhwDBIDXC-pm5gJ36B6Ln-hr0qh3LpYlcOjG_HQB3yc/s1600/IMG_7093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was not expecting that the sunset would look so beautiful that afternoon because while i was running at the riverside park, the sky looked gray, sad and unlike the past couple of days. it was like signaling the end of summer. But to my surprise, my otherwise uneventful day and run turned out exciting because of this magnificent view. Its kind of a metaphor in life. When you least expect it, there is something beautiful out there at the end of your day waiting, but you have to look for it to find it. Lol mushy mode.</div>
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It was getting dark though and I had to make my exit from the park after I ran 11 miles. After that <a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2014/08/daily-thoughts-ran-for-my-life-tonight.html" target="_blank">incident</a> a few weeks ago I never thought I would put myself again in a crazy compromising situation. When I reached 11 miles I was running deep in the park, in a semi lit part of the road but for what probably seemed liked 5 whole minutes, there was no one else other than an old dude who I just ran past. I was scared once again but it was too late to retreat because the road was going downhill now. If i ran back where I came from, it would take a toll on my legs and I had just a bit of fuel left in my tank. I just removed my headset, tried to be alert and ran until I found a well lit place with more people and looked for an exit. That's the last time I try to beat the sunset in Central Park. Running is fun but not when you're being chased by sexual predators. That could set a new PR though but what if you tripped right? lol game over. </div>
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I went to Fairways Supermarket after my run to pick up a few items. But before that I had to replace the electrolytes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5nT0DqXcZYOafjnuVlh_RckbUVaA0N1zEcSSBIlaao8rdSiBv6dZGoT6SHaTa98p5Jum6SqpThB4UZ3Lkam8sIPNnCQ35xX-IY7RVk5HtR5zkP3Q1HNWNuAzgYwTsLnhkdOTrupGQOs/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5nT0DqXcZYOafjnuVlh_RckbUVaA0N1zEcSSBIlaao8rdSiBv6dZGoT6SHaTa98p5Jum6SqpThB4UZ3Lkam8sIPNnCQ35xX-IY7RVk5HtR5zkP3Q1HNWNuAzgYwTsLnhkdOTrupGQOs/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everything would have been great until I found out the damn train had to stop at one station and wont go any further. Everyone had to get off and take the shuttle.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocHC0xYl8IA0iaG7cnHsH1PFLuyqey92SvxbkB1cnvGdGET_QSuv7D3Ph9Wp9texyMqaOvwebnHJW592SZgZjqJdJfv_5j0yu8vBcqVJ7q4i9FuTWRtrARMOAN6PKs7qvDtgqZ_lkLGI/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocHC0xYl8IA0iaG7cnHsH1PFLuyqey92SvxbkB1cnvGdGET_QSuv7D3Ph9Wp9texyMqaOvwebnHJW592SZgZjqJdJfv_5j0yu8vBcqVJ7q4i9FuTWRtrARMOAN6PKs7qvDtgqZ_lkLGI/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed train ride</td></tr>
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When I got home I still managed to cook a very awesome dinner. This is true love. Cooking dinner even after a rigorous 13 mile run. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmse6Sf4m-i065guy0c1xqggvUUYmjnskwqSu6BicGb8yQ3iJxpPieEiFD8Ydn-b5Tu61VSYFoYKxHXRf_oFNBeIz6rGI6OPZkDTFnl624DuFg_RfXhpXrl6qSX6fdprHoHk5xxc6qtio/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmse6Sf4m-i065guy0c1xqggvUUYmjnskwqSu6BicGb8yQ3iJxpPieEiFD8Ydn-b5Tu61VSYFoYKxHXRf_oFNBeIz6rGI6OPZkDTFnl624DuFg_RfXhpXrl6qSX6fdprHoHk5xxc6qtio/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilapia with lemon, butter, garlic and parsley. Ready to be baked!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp2Uhv8Nu6XdWjxY72rZQkWQ3xPJ4OKGS9taXLznPcDSmmPE5tlioGdADZTDQ6E78NHIAa7kYfNFSOXGy8DMbyY_OkGeBTOd-791XITYdzilAYGLPn2HtVixN6bWIbIKudzAOUi72VRI/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp2Uhv8Nu6XdWjxY72rZQkWQ3xPJ4OKGS9taXLznPcDSmmPE5tlioGdADZTDQ6E78NHIAa7kYfNFSOXGy8DMbyY_OkGeBTOd-791XITYdzilAYGLPn2HtVixN6bWIbIKudzAOUi72VRI/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product with rice and sauteed kale. </td></tr>
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What a glorious day. That run was'nt so bad after all. </div>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-55825291747653372712014-09-22T13:00:00.001+08:002014-10-19T12:13:03.088+08:00Foodie thoughts - Salmon with Chraimeh sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />My husband bought the Jerusalem cookbook a year ago and I've been looking at this recipe for months and never got around to making it. The ingredients were'nt really that hard to find but it just looked like it was too taxing to make. But i knew eventually i was going to make it coz the photo in the book just looked so good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So one sunny day I decided I needed to make it because I couldnt find it in any restaurants in new york anyway. I went to Fairways (were I get most of my groceries) to pick up some of the ingredients I could'nt find in the supermarket in my neighborhood. Once I got everything together I was unstoppable in the kitchen. lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I basically followed everything on the book which can also be found on this <a href="http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Features/Jerusalems-flavors-311834">link</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is the full text: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>SALMON STEAKS IN CHRAIMEH SAUCE </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>This recipe is from Jerusalem: A Cookbook.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Authors Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi write: “In Jerusalem, just as famous as gefilte fish is chraimeh, the ‘queen’ of all dishes for Tripolitan [Libyan] Jews... Families pride themselves on their particular chraimeh recipe. It showcases the true skills of the Tripolitan cook – and, with variations on this theme, of other North African cooks – evident in the texture of the sauce, its color, piquancy, and heat.”</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Sea bass or any type of white fish can be used instead of the salmon.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>“Chraimeh is served as a starter, warm or at room temperature, with challah for dipping, a slice of lemon, and a jug of water to calm the heat. This dish is easily reheated and the sauce is so tasty that you may want to double the amount so you have more for dipping the bread.”</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Makes 4 servings </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>110 ml. (scant 1⁄2 cup) sunflower oil </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour salt and freshly ground black pepper </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>4 salmon steaks, about 450 grams (1 pound) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>2 tsp. sweet paprika </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1 tsp. caraway seeds, dry toasted and freshly ground </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1 1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin rounded </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1⁄4 tsp. cayenne pepper rounded </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1⁄4 tsp. ground cinnamon </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1 green chili (hot pepper), coarsely chopped </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>2⁄3 cup water </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>3 Tbsp. tomato paste </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>2 tsp. sugar </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges, plus 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro (fresh coriander) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Heat 2 tablespoons sunflower oil over high heat in a large frying pan for which you have a lid. Place flour in a shallow bowl, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss fish in it. Shake off excess flour and sear fish for a minute or two on each side, until golden. Remove fish and wipe the pan clean.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Place garlic, spices, chili and 2 tablespoons oil in a food processor and blitz to form a thick paste. You might need to add a little more oil to bring everything together.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Pour remaining oil into the frying pan, heat well, and add the spice paste. Stir and fry for just 30 seconds, so that the spices don’t burn. Quickly but carefully (it may spit!) add the water and tomato paste to stop the spices from cooking.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Bring to a simmer and add the sugar, lemon juice, 3⁄4 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Taste for seasoning.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Put fish in sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, cover pan and cook for 7 to 11 minutes, depending on size of fish, until it is just done. Remove pan from heat, take off the lid, and leave to cool.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Serve fish just warm or at room temperature.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><b>Garnish each serving with cilantro and a lemon wedge.</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4GRBWQlEWfYml-NhxJ8SH1WHXy6rsoaN2TueKH_lHqWuSxgfO5TMObquDFp1gJ1SZt3pMisV37MmsLNQlHTFm7oLKhzACUR8r1QL2wQucr88Bl61SgKri63JReyl4fDZOe7uwhn3rP8/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roasting the caraway seeds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU14NXk4xt8usFOhfr5HBYmRQz8-uTTSyyrTvclvh2WYERLVhV5C8qJn3PuKTc6px75DqTE6w-30rEXffE1C9-RWKG6KY2foN-ioMwWuWB1XhWwyDbGqGZUtunjSm0XP5yK1ol2aIFsps/s1600/IMG_6362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU14NXk4xt8usFOhfr5HBYmRQz8-uTTSyyrTvclvh2WYERLVhV5C8qJn3PuKTc6px75DqTE6w-30rEXffE1C9-RWKG6KY2foN-ioMwWuWB1XhWwyDbGqGZUtunjSm0XP5yK1ol2aIFsps/s1600/IMG_6362.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLJm8mobi65LCgkHakmlgG2JbRlUQLFFkW0paZp9Bd4GC4dye6hqNkXs4baQPNwWq6rgeauw68Y1EygOVwXsj2eX1kOcAI_4HAgsOwoP9iuD52IhTJ1EfqIl_ZiL77ZE_O7YspMQ5wtI/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying the salmon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa3-qr8r1aYcig0mGODapNCpI8RhUCBFiWJKj9_vxrlaklmfih13P-6dCr6MvvVPPUbN79_8nh3RDa52v1xQcZaJkzTsLlVE2I8IIXO6RJtuEhpX1Gx3qTgiVp2dxmM1yK1bJJpz9vwA/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spices and other ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAWOugLDtvih5EtZWX_n1ZIiZPSbCp3CNyZpW8Xll2ptuVAJuRICUKHlJHYOZDHHq2Dwi_vuMNcRWgzkTAfCLFowD2Y_lwqg_IcPZiJjingAdG_rhUSJVEQJaZNrbhncnzyO-TI7sQe8/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish and the chraimeh sauce</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAWOugLDtvih5EtZWX_n1ZIiZPSbCp3CNyZpW8Xll2ptuVAJuRICUKHlJHYOZDHHq2Dwi_vuMNcRWgzkTAfCLFowD2Y_lwqg_IcPZiJjingAdG_rhUSJVEQJaZNrbhncnzyO-TI7sQe8/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3tIYYaZEE4Q_c43p6odi-zHSnMqVrFGImvKUTknMXWqKtab49w6-0sMLC5AKgZSar8MWdOj7Xhw4OvK4Oeq8BY-wReJTS1hcoVkdJ1_0H92a1bW8c_R7bUID3RMnIVB9scJc7hdqH_E/s1600/IMG_6368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3tIYYaZEE4Q_c43p6odi-zHSnMqVrFGImvKUTknMXWqKtab49w6-0sMLC5AKgZSar8MWdOj7Xhw4OvK4Oeq8BY-wReJTS1hcoVkdJ1_0H92a1bW8c_R7bUID3RMnIVB9scJc7hdqH_E/s1600/IMG_6368.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product with Asparagus and Couscous:)</td></tr>
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I am not trying to sound like an expert but the sauce was truly outstanding. Best of all the hubby said it was probably one of the best meals he has ever eaten. Restaurant quality. Yey mission accomplished. the guinea pig is happy.</div>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-4312685806489527102014-09-18T01:28:00.001+08:002014-09-18T01:40:01.378+08:00Daily thoughts -4 Positives of the day<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I dont have time to get on the pc as often as I want and I wonder how some people have the time to even blog every single day. I dont know if that's something enviable but it's kinda cool to be able to do that. Or even post new photos of the cool stuff I see when I go running or even just my cats. I also would love to share the things that made my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For starters I would like to share my Facebook Wallpost yesterday that a few people shared on their wall (flattered!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><i>"When you constantly cheat, take advantage or take for granted the people who care for you and they remain silent don't always assume they aren't aware of what you are doing. It could be their silence is them slowly withdrawing from you. Then all of a sudden you're not just unfriended, you're simply just not part of their lives anymore."</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">I honestly dont meant to sound like a crabby old bitch by saying something like that. But its the sad truth. I truly dont understand why there are people who dont value the kindness, love or trust you show or give them. it's not that you expect them to do cartwheels over everything you do, but at least they should'nt go out of their way to deliberately lie, and treacherously manipulate you or take something from you at every opportunity they get. Then again there is that worn out saying that goes, if you allow lousy behavior then dont be surprised if it continues. So yeah thats what I thought. If they wont change, its truly up to you to do something about it. Sever ties for your own good. Its okay to forgive if youve been wronged but i dont think the trust can easily be restored. Forgiveness is possible but it does not always have to be inclusive of trust. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-align: justify;">On a positive note id like to highlight the things that stood out from my day yesterday:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-align: justify;">1) Ran 4 miles today without incident. I didnt get enough sleep so I was expecting id conk out out somehow but that didnt happen so im grateful for that</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">2) Cooked something hearty for the hubby. Chickenless sopas which is somewhat one of his favorites when we used to live in singapore (except the original had chicken in it). He is feeling a little under the weather</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">3) Finally found someone willing to buy the old iphone 4s we had for 2 years. There's nothing wrong with the phone and the truth is we wanted to hold on to it for a few more years until it fell apart. Its in good condition and even comes with the otter box. If Sprint wasnt such a douchebag and unlocked it for us then we didnt have to purchase a new one. but the evil greedy bastards that they are, they have a policy of not unlocking their phones even after youve paid the hefty installment fees for 2 years. they must be really hurting for money or customers otherwise they would have just honored their word 2 years ago and let customers do as they please with their phones as soon as the contract is over. In short, they didnt want us to part with them and move on to another carrier, because they are just so awesone..NOT! oh well that would be for another post because i said positives for the day :p</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">4) Last and not the least, I am grateful to the Lord for giving us another day to be alive. Happy to be healthy and in the company of my amazing husband and our 3 babies. they are <b>My world</b> in this shoebox paradise. With a fridge stocked with food and a great fast, reliable (sometimes) internet connection. Oh and the cold water is back too. For some reason, we only had hot water for 3 days. I realized that it's crazier and more annoying than the other way around. Because when the water is hot and you have a tiny bucket to stock water, you wait forever for it to cool down. First world problems? Lol. I remember a few years ago, the problem was not having water at all. haha</span></div>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-57331635915117777122014-09-12T14:05:00.002+08:002014-09-18T00:57:37.853+08:00Daily thoughts - "Love" contributions of random people on the subway and from my fb friends<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A couple of days ago I came up with this idea of asking people on the subway what they thought about love. I wanted something original and a one liner but unfortunately it was not as easy like i thought. Most people I asked had to get off their stop before they could give me their thoughts. I was able to get only 2 or 3 answers from the train so I resorted to facebook to get some help from friends. I intend to compile all the answers until I come up with a hundred. in the meantime, here's what I gathered so far. Some dont seem like original ideas to me because it even came with the photo of the quote taken online somewhere lol. Oh well Ill change the rules next time but for now id like to share these:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So what is love to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1) Love is abandoning a promising future to be with someone you arent sure would do the same thing for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2) Love is not having to ask if it would hurt -Louie Y. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3) Love is helping someone for Jesus sake eventhough he can never return the favor - Ruth P</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4) Love is sacrifice - TJ T</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5) Love is giving someone the power to destroy you but trusting them not to - Red R</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6) Love is what makes you smile when youre tired - Red R</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7) Love is putting others' needs before yourself -Maila M</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">8) Love is a decision</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">9) (here is my favorite) <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Love is waking up to the sound of my baby crying because she wants me to hold her. Love is changing your daughter's nappy so she remains comfortable. Love is hearing my daughter ask me to take selfies of the two of us together. Love is gazing into the big beautiful eyes of my daughter as she smiles happily and innocently at a world where evil does not exist. Love is knowing that the people you care for are safe and content with their lives. ...love is my daughter and loved ones (friends and relatives alike)- Sonnyboy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">10)Love is a blessing - JOhn Dee</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">11) </span></span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love is, still laughing at the same jokes your husband has been telling you for years -Ariana</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">12)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">The ability to gulp the arroz caldo leftover of your granddaughter after she spew a spoonful over the bowl because she had one too many serving already. - Attorney Joe</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">13) </span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">Love is a happy and crazy feeling i felt in high school. Whenever i see him, i felt bongo drums thumping in my heart. Whenever he comes near again my heart skips a beat like an old carburator of a dilapidated car. If he smiles at me i see flowers everywhere. It is a crazy and funny feeling. The sad part is, i did not even knew his name.- Atty Joe's friend carmencita</span></span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"> </span></div>
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14) <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">love is a deep sense of contentment and security because you know youll never be alone in the world and that you'll always be with someone you care for deeply and who feels the same way about you. it is being with someone you can have a great time with and be yourself with and that person will always be there for you - Brutus</span></span></div>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-57517073019043010432014-09-12T13:01:00.005+08:002014-09-12T13:20:01.336+08:00Daily thoughts - September 10 positives of the dayI decided that everytime I have the chance to get on my pc I will enumerate at least 4 positive things that stood out from my day.<br />
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facebook wall post of the day (hehe)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i>My highschool teacher passed away 2 days ago and I can't help but mourn his death yet at the same time celebrate his life. Life is indeed short and I believe that this is reason enough for us to pursue what makes us happy. Time to give up the frivolous activities that only interferes with our passion and opportunities to enjoy life. I'm not saying give up your day job, just don't put off having fun too long or life could be over before you appreciate it.</i></span><br />
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1)Yesterday was truly a great day. for starters I managed to squeeze in a work out before going to my Wednesday class in the afternoon.<br />
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2) I called an important person and we have resolved a 4 year conflict. I am really very happy to have spoken to her and this is the start of a beautiful relationship again.<br />
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3) This is probably one of my favorite highlights of the week and not just today. I ran into the yogurt guy who I always get my afternoon snack from when I worked at Wall Street. The last time I saw him was on July 18 2014 when I said it was the last time I will be getting yogurt from his truck at that spot because our company was relocating to Texas. I remember how sad he was hearing the news. I told him that I might still see him around though because I know he is at Union Square by evening and sometimes I do go there. He seem relieved by that though. He has met my husband too and one time even gave us two free cones of yogurt! He is that cool. So anyway I saw him and boy was he so happy to see me too! he even told me he missed me and I said I missed him too. I told him that i wont be going back to that same office because they really have moved to TX. He still remembered my usual order and when it was time to pay, he adamantly refused to accept my money. I tried but failed. this man is truly awesome not because he always gives me free stuff but this isnt the first time he has shown me so much kindness. A few months ago he gave me a box of green tea and even a bag of mint. The reason why this particular experience is important to me is because my friend, Soufian, is a Muslim from Morocco. I know right now that Muslims are getting a bad rap because of the evil activities of the fundamentalists. And its not uncommon that they are lumped in altogether under one stereotype. But I dont believe that they are all the same. This example clearly demonstrates that there are Muslims who just want to coexist peacefully with anyone regardless of their religious belief. I cannot help but be truly overwhelmed by the simple yet generous display of his kindness to me. Oh and he was also apologizing so profusely that they ran out of strawberries. isnt he great?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovy-StHH12i8Gu8lDh4C0K0vOhxSGZSuC4iO3HwxA42muOMGy61DMksupr8pPtqM2RvvQj4TMBuRTt2zxh8xhl42qFzIr-Af8FcSUTxXTc7Olc9L4C1BJu_aQaUN89JRdQwn9Mfwx5xw/s1600/IMG_6882%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovy-StHH12i8Gu8lDh4C0K0vOhxSGZSuC4iO3HwxA42muOMGy61DMksupr8pPtqM2RvvQj4TMBuRTt2zxh8xhl42qFzIr-Af8FcSUTxXTc7Olc9L4C1BJu_aQaUN89JRdQwn9Mfwx5xw/s1600/IMG_6882%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soufian getting my order ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYY8fMdeV4MWStPBxNDiPmDvlOtXJfj-xvkg-tTMc6iw_5ctPq8sWsnfFMAcxOgZQIOGVX8BdPKbcuxy6BShg_GyRPpI7aRN5GxT5YHDMr3sObHfYaDP4ioly0K4qYRcOF43V_g3dBco/s1600/IMG_6883%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYY8fMdeV4MWStPBxNDiPmDvlOtXJfj-xvkg-tTMc6iw_5ctPq8sWsnfFMAcxOgZQIOGVX8BdPKbcuxy6BShg_GyRPpI7aRN5GxT5YHDMr3sObHfYaDP4ioly0K4qYRcOF43V_g3dBco/s1600/IMG_6883%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the awesome yogo yogurt</td></tr>
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4) last but not the least of course is waking up alive, happy and healthy to be in the company of my amazing husband and my 3 brat babies. Life is always beautiful and meaningful because i have these wonderful blessings from the Lord that give me so much happiness and reason to keep believing that one need not a lot of money in the world to be happy. The essentials are those that matter and that is family and being content with what one has.runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-35239892040709519122014-09-12T12:40:00.001+08:002014-09-12T12:40:20.900+08:00Daily thoughts - Looking back on the brevity of life <div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of days ago I received news from my brother and highschool friends that our Algebra teacher passed away. He was only 47 years old, single and has no children, yet was very successful as a professor. It was like dejavu because I remember a couple of years back that my thesis adviser, also young (early forties), single, no children and yet very successful suddenly died. I even wrote an <b><a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2011/02/daily-thoughts-brevity-of-life.html" target="_blank">article</a></b> about him and my thoughts on the the brevity of life. </div>
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I feel sad knowing he passed away but it was an eye opener too. You never really know when it is your time. Life is indeed short. </div>
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I reread my old article and here I am again pondering on the same sentiments. Although I have rearranged my priorities in the past few years and have been in pursuit of what makes me happy, there is still something left undone. Ive been stupid believing that I have all the time in the world, still putting off that plan to truly move on. I needed to take that step and forgive otherwise I cannot truly get on with my life harboring these grudges. </div>
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So yesterday, I made a major decision to bury the hatchet and call a person I havent spoken to in 4 years. I called, she didnt pick up. But after a few minutes here she was calling me back. I answered it and she didnt know who I was at first. When I finally told her it was me, there was something magical that happened.There was sincerity that she really was happy to hear from me. And she asked for forgiveness. </div>
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It was a first step but a huge one for me and im truly happy and relieved to have let go of that pent up anger. Forgiveness indeed as they say is a gift you give yourself and not just the one you give it too. </div>
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Life is too precious to waste being angry and hateful. There is so much we can do when we do not have any of that animosity. We are more productive when we are happy. </div>
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I am free=)</div>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-33912996532803637682014-08-31T14:24:00.002+08:002014-08-31T14:24:33.966+08:00Daily thoughts - 4 positives of the day<div>
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1) of course at the top of my list is i managed to get home after that crazy experience i had while running today. grateful i didnt fall on my face or ran into a sex criminal while i was running in the dark at a semi secluded running path tonight. <div>
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2) waking up energized and in the company of those I love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtq68dB_qKzryfsm6_r7VR6J6NEGuKVHnkXuQxnNoxX_KprzdL1qB43u_ze7GorFAFm_Flg497jLdx2vXguOuqgouNTfYyzhIfUv00yS2q0BDnawqoivHMQZAjJR_3d4CxRRmmxk3OaA/s1600/sleep+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtq68dB_qKzryfsm6_r7VR6J6NEGuKVHnkXuQxnNoxX_KprzdL1qB43u_ze7GorFAFm_Flg497jLdx2vXguOuqgouNTfYyzhIfUv00yS2q0BDnawqoivHMQZAjJR_3d4CxRRmmxk3OaA/s1600/sleep+cat.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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3) Had a nice brunch, dinner and dessert today with my sweetie. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dessert. a little bit of good and bad</td></tr>
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4) I feel always healthier and stronger every day because of this healthy diet and workout regimen. I thank God for giving me the strength to finish every run uninjured. </div>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-75618855223226180562014-08-31T13:55:00.001+08:002014-08-31T14:50:49.549+08:00Daily thoughts - Ran for my life tonight!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I ran 7 miles and an unplanned additional 1.22 miles tonight.</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is not about my run today. I have a separate blog where I post photos of my running route view and the details of my workout.This is rather about how I had to sprint for 1.22 miles because I failed to get out of the right exit. This is about how scared I was during that short period of time that could have changed my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I left the apartment around 6PM tonight to run my planned distance of 7 miles. I usually take the route by the river side park. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUrk4pc4FPOLOcB1diTr9jAlaCgzN8h51flBxch7CP_Lh-BzfOxtK00nj6Oi04d3PDvUaLzZedG7aDv_ChrRiY9mdthBrhhZi-gnivT4bnWMiyE3g7Ixk7VPWaDAUOpoxDrM90KcHe7g/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUrk4pc4FPOLOcB1diTr9jAlaCgzN8h51flBxch7CP_Lh-BzfOxtK00nj6Oi04d3PDvUaLzZedG7aDv_ChrRiY9mdthBrhhZi-gnivT4bnWMiyE3g7Ixk7VPWaDAUOpoxDrM90KcHe7g/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path going to riverside park (From 160 something street)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Summer is almost over and the sun set has moved around 7oclock something. It was also overcast and a bit dark today.I ran the first four miles by the river and moved to the the riverside residential area. on my 5th mile around street 74 I descended the steps from the park, and went back to the riverside area by Pier 1. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWVCGXHNrhvEwkyGDppGFj7vBQlw0oOA2qe2pnM5_0juPTeSV8JuUxWyqQSZMO5i0BbN99ZM-aUavvF_e67Os1AwOnu3IQ3dnP22R5XYJ5vSZS1HHonyyhC4yo33rxSZzRWY0L0pOB74/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWVCGXHNrhvEwkyGDppGFj7vBQlw0oOA2qe2pnM5_0juPTeSV8JuUxWyqQSZMO5i0BbN99ZM-aUavvF_e67Os1AwOnu3IQ3dnP22R5XYJ5vSZS1HHonyyhC4yo33rxSZzRWY0L0pOB74/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird near Pier 1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When I reached my 6th mile I thought of running back towards 96 street and then get off from the park to an exit tunnel leading to Broadway. When my phone signaled that I reached my 7th mile, I walked to cool myself down and took a few photos of the path and the ducks by the river. It was starting to get dark and I was seeing less and less people on the running path. I saw a couple who took an exit somewhere by 90 something street, and a family with a baby carriage. A few minutes later I wished I had joined them. Because when I was about to get to the 100th street i just saw a few bikers and runners. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When the sun disappeared I realized there was no way I can get through another exit from the riverside running/cycling path until I reached 125th street. At this time I was already exhausted from my run and also for walking another mile or so. I was starting to get worried and scared that if I walked all the way to 125th, it would take me forever. While I was contemplating on whether to run or not, I couldnt stop thinking again of what happened to that poor girl in the Philippines named </span><a href="http://diversityhuman.com/hollywood/index.php/2014/08/17/anria-galang-espiritu-rape-slay-calumpit-bulacan" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;" target="_blank">Anria Galang Espiritu.</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> This morning I watched a reenactment of the grisly crime that everyone is talking about right now in the Philippines (I might write a separate article about her tragic death). I was just sharing with my husband about the numerous times I came home late when I was younger. I was telling him how lucky I am for making it home in one piece. I added that my Dad scolded me on those occasions and in retrospect I totally understand why he had to. It is very dangerous to come home late in the Philippines, or probably anywhere else in the world nowadays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sometimes it doesnt even have to be late at night. I read about this girl named <a href="http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/classics/chelsea_king/1.html" target="_blank">Chelsea King</a> who was murdered while she was out running in a park by herself. Then there's the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park_jogger_case" target="_blank">Central Park Jogger</a> who was left for dead but lived to tell her harrowing tale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It is more often than not that during the times we put ourselves in compromising situations that bad things happen. I am not saying that it is a woman's fault why she is raped or murdered. I have read countless stories where girls, women even babies, were raped and murdered in their own homes. You dont have to wear anything provocative to make a criminal want to hurt you. there are just people evil out there and you have to make an extra effort to really be careful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And thats exactly what I was thinking while I was walking in the dark. How stupid I was to not have taken the exit at 72nd street instead and finished my last mile there. I did see a few people riding their bikes every 2 minutes. And although there were cars going by the highway I couldnt really take any comfort in that. If a pervert or criminal was there hiding behind the bushes and really intent to hurt me, they could just grab me or push me to the river and none of those cars would stop to see what's going on. If a car stopped, there would be a pile up on the highway. im sure the drivers are too focused watching the road than glancing on the side to see if some runner was being attacked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I told myself, I will never do this again. I wanted to cry because I haven't felt this terrified in a long time. Then I saw a young man run past me. He was really fast but I tried my best to catch up to him. In a few minutes he was like 100 meters away from me but I didn't stop running. I tried to reassure myself as long as I can still see him, Ill be ok, but I remembered he had his headphones on, shit. During this time I also saw a couple of joggers and cyclists going the other direction. I just kept telling myself, I could see the billboard of fairways supermarket from where I was. It's not too far now. I had to get out of that running path soon and get to 125th street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After running for what felt like eternity (but was actually just 11.30 mins at a pace of 9:27 mph and 1.22 miles later), I reached my destination at 125th street by West Harlem River Park. I was very very exhausted but happy and oh so relieved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love running and seeing wonderful things while I run. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">No one is telling me to stop running but I just need to be aware that if I want to keep doing it, I have to take care of myself and avoid situations that could endanger my life.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I felt that I was a big idiot today for risking my life out there to be adventurous. I have heard of crazy things happen to people here while they were just minding their own business. I just cannot be that careless again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I learned my lesson and Im glad it was not the hard way. Although I thought I almost busted my hamstring running as fast as I could in the unlit part of the path, while also dodging tree branches to my destination, </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I cannot really complain. I am still very fortunate to have come out unscathed from potentially injuring myself for running in the dark..or running into someone evil.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPY57ABWd7AolmFDKICkCURUYJhDXNrIBvuuXTHeBXvwd5K_pgo0PRv9WCUNhSru9EbUBgL9ExIx0gbzWutUOaG4i0hXiZMLqoeccn7Dp8cePdxRTk7aU8oF_dsFYWnMnb1OpQpx7Ek4/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPY57ABWd7AolmFDKICkCURUYJhDXNrIBvuuXTHeBXvwd5K_pgo0PRv9WCUNhSru9EbUBgL9ExIx0gbzWutUOaG4i0hXiZMLqoeccn7Dp8cePdxRTk7aU8oF_dsFYWnMnb1OpQpx7Ek4/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of ducks</td></tr>
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<tr><td><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2tHBtubUkT3JhssDmkXfeuKadd-8Y0UOECeQECYQumQvycxyUUfkpIUGuXTLxeQAXYEnnrWY8BfEpoVHDvMhyphenhyphenWk-zrArNdM5cEc4HgtstGi9N3rlKcTBY2G9loMJsvqW1SyrOMPavPg/s1600/photo+5+(1).JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Running path from 100th street</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-o3IkxidIAXtaApVZnM_wpD0b4vpUzHGg19QT52KVJcyfg1hTh35AYmJdFIxhH1ZXigvPA-gYRPDgnuNZfI2yV-zqM8TTNsdpp94rWi0ZS8t4I1MlrCYkH0BDo8cOgdIS4x3aBsZ-os/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-o3IkxidIAXtaApVZnM_wpD0b4vpUzHGg19QT52KVJcyfg1hTh35AYmJdFIxhH1ZXigvPA-gYRPDgnuNZfI2yV-zqM8TTNsdpp94rWi0ZS8t4I1MlrCYkH0BDo8cOgdIS4x3aBsZ-os/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks by the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xuMPJJgilxjWJJOVmvy6uo0nXFTUtQzZ0Wdy13-HRLZ0bvE7PsvZLAgXlZz5sAlcKMrZ-m5QkK_3ylDJ9g6aLBf9D-4KokPC-JTlcEE5kUOFlsCjQR7RWktMJdupGX3Yzc2tE_lNbBo/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xuMPJJgilxjWJJOVmvy6uo0nXFTUtQzZ0Wdy13-HRLZ0bvE7PsvZLAgXlZz5sAlcKMrZ-m5QkK_3ylDJ9g6aLBf9D-4KokPC-JTlcEE5kUOFlsCjQR7RWktMJdupGX3Yzc2tE_lNbBo/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" height="300" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">man listening to bob marley music (filter used) and smoking weed lol</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W1N_dLuxfSDGsTxPi8x2jftQ9F2KnK16XBPBrCYfT7dWKxLyMM7DrUeppQPRwaVJBfnBPqPjZsjEgNqEaHQFDsn9KW28dSjLe5Qy-6Vxztby4ZRr3Wa80uCUzpUxlqz0-_7DwLatFbo/s1600/photo+3+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W1N_dLuxfSDGsTxPi8x2jftQ9F2KnK16XBPBrCYfT7dWKxLyMM7DrUeppQPRwaVJBfnBPqPjZsjEgNqEaHQFDsn9KW28dSjLe5Qy-6Vxztby4ZRr3Wa80uCUzpUxlqz0-_7DwLatFbo/s1600/photo+3+(4).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at my destination</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVV1gsRJNASaKc4_yshDt3Z3Sh7m0VMgpIOPZAPOwRca45EoQEv7R3CB6ZLVQEBrBBkfXHBJapAqrOKgrCehrLxuC8DrX32feYTQvalDZ29Tz2nSfctcfsBO0A7cnLZ8TCuaTDZrFzSE/s1600/photo+5+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVV1gsRJNASaKc4_yshDt3Z3Sh7m0VMgpIOPZAPOwRca45EoQEv7R3CB6ZLVQEBrBBkfXHBJapAqrOKgrCehrLxuC8DrX32feYTQvalDZ29Tz2nSfctcfsBO0A7cnLZ8TCuaTDZrFzSE/s1600/photo+5+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Harlem River by 125th street. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-75545573266326992672014-08-28T14:22:00.002+08:002014-08-28T14:30:24.409+08:00Daily thoughts - Daily positives<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I spent most of the time just relaxing and preparing little meals for me and the spouse. We went downtown for our wednesday evening classes. its past 2 am here but I still wanted to do my daily positive because I cannot help but be grateful for each day I am alive, healthy and in the company of those I love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) I dont know how to make this one sound really positive. My friend's brother was murdered 2 months ago and I didnt know it was him until I went over the news article. The man's name is Enzo Pastor and he is an international race car driver from my home country. the first of his kind to rise to that kind of status and prominence. His promising life was taken in one terrible instant on the night of June 12, 2014. He was brutally, mercilessly murdered on his way to Batanggas to transport his race car for a scheduled competition. Check this </span><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/633058/businessman-cop-arrested-over-racing-champ-enzo-pastor-slay-reports" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>link</b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> </b>on the recent update about his case. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So why is this part of my daily positive. This is obviously a tragedy and this news actually made me sick to my stomach this morning. His sister is my age and we came from the same university. on the other hand, Enzo and my brother are from the same highschool and came from the same batch. I cannot imagine how id deal if this incident happened to my baby brother. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my home country, justice is elusive. finding suspects in high profile cases as such is like finding a needle in a haystack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news is the cops have arrested the suspects in the grisly murder of Enzo. I dont know what to make of the widow because currently she is still at large and is also a suspect. I honestly dont want to judge her because the investigations arent over yet. But im just glad that the nbi (our countrys version of the fbi) have done a good job in swiftly finding the perpetrators of this heinous crime. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">To me that is a positive because justice is hard to come by in my country. This is a feat that despite this tragedy, we see progress as a nation when people are cooperating to help bring justice to the victim and his family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) Waking up alive, healthy and happy in the company of my loved ones is always among my daily positives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) We werent late for class today. Lol. to me that is a big deal because the train is always flaky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) Lastly, had a wonderful time just being with my hubby today. We had a small snack at au bon pain and when we got home I prepared some bulilit (it means tiny in tagalog) burgers for our 2nd snack. </span></div>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-52454085786491097832014-08-27T13:31:00.001+08:002014-08-27T13:31:08.631+08:00Daily thoughts - Daily positives<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I completed my 4 days of positive challenge but I decided that if I have the time, I would like to highlight he 4 things that made my day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">1. Waking up refreshed and happy, in the company of my bashert and our 3 babies=)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #37404e;">2. Checked the id number of </span><b style="color: #37404e;"><a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2014/08/daily-thoughts-another-sad-story-hoping.html" target="_blank">Pluto</a> </b>on google and he is still on the Downey shelter website. That means, they haven't euthanized him yet.. Im still praying and hoping someone out there would read my article and share it with a potential adopter or rescue group. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #37404e;">3. Ran 4 miles today. I was feeling a little tired and not quite in the mood for it, but i still managed to finish my run in less than 45 mins, pace of 10:20 which isnt so bad. Thank God for giving me that extra energy!</span></span><br style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;" /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fffeff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">4. And just like yesterday's positive, I want to say again I am grateful to be alive, healthy and with internet connection d a fridge full of food!. I cooked seitan curry today too and the hubby said it was really good=) </span>runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-87561917242217254802014-08-26T11:10:00.004+08:002014-08-26T11:10:55.266+08:00Daily thoughts - Four positives for my 4th day out of 4days challenge<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Day 4 of 4: My 4 positives for 08/25/2014</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">1. I slept for 8 hours today. For the past 9 months I was employed, I seldom slept for more than 6 hours. so each day I have the privilege of being lazy is a blessing. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">2. I was offered to do a commissioned sketch yesterday by a friend. Even as I was adamant on saying ske</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">tching is just a hobby and I dont consider myself that good to actually be paid to do a drawing, my friend insisted my work is good enough. It was quite a shock but I feel very flattered.<br /><br />3. I had a short chat with my baby brother (who is 6 years my junior) today and he really made me smile.I havent seen him in almost 3 years and I miss him and his family very much. 15 years ago, we lived in a studio type dormitory room in Dasmarinas Cavite. He was a freshman in college and I was freshman in medical school. He was supposed to go to DLSU Manila but instead he moved to the provincial sister school in Cavite so that he could "look after me" while I finished my degree. It was quite the opposite though coz I looked after him instead. It was quite a ride to hang out with him. He is always the life of every party and made my stay in cavite bearable. For four years we managed to not kill each other and I consider him one of my best friends in this world. cant believe it has been that long! Im just always grateful at every opportunity to communicate with any of my brothers ( I have 4!). Family is everything.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">4. Just grateful to be alive, healthy and with internet connection! lol and a fridge full of food. not everyone is as lucky so i just cant help but say Thank you Lord.</span>runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-72056576611703915642014-08-25T03:55:00.001+08:002014-08-25T04:04:40.077+08:00Daily thoughts - Enjoying what's left of summer and trying to complete my 3rd out of 4 days of positives<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: justify;">
Almost a month ago a facebook friend of mine tagged me in a <a href="http://kahelkuting.blogspot.com/2014/07/daily-thoughts-26-weeks-of-vacation-and.html" target="_blank">post</a> where I am supposed to enumerate 3 positive things for 4 days and tag friends for each of those days. The month is almost over and I have only tagged a few people and did the 2 out of the 4 day challenge. Can you believe that, 4 days and I cannot even manage to do that tiny deed. I am not going to say I have been really busy because sleeping for over 12 hours doesnt count as productive kind of busy. I know im sort of catching up for the 9 grueling months that I had to do overtime for work while cramming other activities in my packed schedule. But still picking out 3 positives for just 4 days shouldnt be hard work. I love the idea and in fact I should do it more often. So for the challenge I will just complete the 4 day request and try to do this on a more regular basis.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Day 3 of 4: My 3 positives for 08/23/2014:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1. Had a wonderful church service and I feel refreshed reading and hearing about the good word </span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">2. Our cat Cheesecake aka Cheesebolah was wheeled in the ASPCA ANIMAL HOSPITAL yes</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">terday. We waited for 4 hours but he was never checked. We decided to go home and look for other reliable veterinary clinics in Manhattan online. Cheesecake did not have one major episode of sneezing and hacking the entire evening. He slept peacefully last night and was still snoring this morning.<br />3. Had a wonderful dinner with the spouse and watched our current favorite show Copper on Netflix without internet interruption by Time Warner. Yipee<br /><br />Bonus 4. Managed to cram on a short blogpost about Pluto the dog who needs to be saved from Downey Shelter. Here's praying my friends from facebook would share the post I wrote though.</span></i></span></div>
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As for Summer, we didnt really do anything that grand other than see Philly to check out touristy historical hotspots. I ran a lot this month too despite the sweltering heat (not as bad as last year) and went to fort tryon and central park. We also squeezed in that trip to staten island a month ago where we visited the historic richmond town. i loved it. later this week we will watch a baseball game. Im not that crazy about baseball because Im not American but who knows I might enjoy this upcoming game. </div>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-5707412068007238242014-08-24T12:42:00.001+08:002014-08-24T13:29:04.458+08:00Daily thoughts - Another sad story hoping for a happy ending <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A friend adopted a stray dog whom she and her son has learned to love. The dog followed her son home one day and was so amiable and super friendly that my friend decided to take him in. She named him Pluto. It could have been a wonderful forever home kind of story for this apparently sweet dog. Everything would have been great if only the older dog accepted Pluto. After almost 4 weeks, my friend concluded that its not going to happen. The two dogs getting along seem like a remote possibility. The older dog just wont accept Pluto.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another major issue to consider is that the older dog is 5lbs and Pluto is 20lbs. At one point even the kindest animal will retaliate and get physical if subject to this constant hostility and eventually this will be a real problem. Sadly, my friend knew how this was going to end. One has to go. It was not an easy decision for her and she has begged family members to give the dog another chance but she had to understand, one day Pluto will get tired of being pushed around and it might end ugly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reluctantly and with a broken heart she drove Pluto to the closest shelter, prayed and hoped for the best, a miracle even. She checks on him everyday to see if there are any updates but so far no one has stepped in to claim or adopt Pluto. She also has tried to coax her husband to hopefully change his mind and he said no.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Truthfully, I dont blame my friend's husband. If my husband would have had his way, the new cat we adopted last february wont be here anymore with us either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just to share, a few months ago, our new cat, Cheesecake, attacked our older cat Thumper. The squabble got ugly or rather bloody when my husband intervened and Cheesecake attacked him instead. My husband decided, the cat had to go. I cried but I knew he was right. So the next day instead of bringing the cat to the shelter, I just let him stroll out of the door. He actually ran quickly out of the apartment like he hated living with us. I was broken because I have grown to lovethe new cat but I knew we just couldnt have that kind of arrangement. We live in a shoebox apartment with 2 cats already and we cant deal with this kind of hostility or bloody drama on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didnt want to surrender Cheesecake to the shelter because I knew if I did that, they will put him down if noone claimed him. NYC ACC has a reputation for being a high kill shelter and that is exactly why i adopted Cheesecake in the first place. I figured it is best to let him out to the surroundings where we got him where he has survived for a number of years. I know it doesnt sound right but when we found him on that winter night, i have always wondered how he survived all those years out there by himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I opened the door an hour later to leave for work, guess who decided to waltz back in. Cheesecake. And we let him back in alright, observed him for a couple of days and weird enough he acts nonchalant about it like nothing happened. We havent had any incidents after that. We try as much as possible to prevent fighting between our 3 cats. Thank God also so far it has been a peaceful coexistence . But God forbid if it does happen again, we will also have to resort to the option of rehoming. I pray it doesnt come to that though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I understand why it is a dilemma for my friend and her husband to reconsider adopting Pluto. Evidently also, the size of the animals in the picture is an issue. Cheesecake is 2-3lbs heavier and slightly bigger than my other cats. Pluto on the other hand is 20lbs and the older dog is 5lbs. they are just avoiding a catastrophe from happening. Sadly the reality is that you cannot just part with a pet you have had longer. It is just the way it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now we hope and pray Pluto finds a foster or rescue group while he is in the process of finding a more permanent home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If there is a potential adopter that already has a dog, we do hope that other dog wouldn't mind having a new friend around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now we are crossing our fingers, praying that someone will give Pluto a chance. Because just like the rest of us, he simply wants someone to love him, because he has a lot of that to give.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4scgVRxMh1OT31xV6b5vMZkSNY7TGNj9HIGNp7ooG_yyS_9hnkBxnmXeJLGBD1G-gT3A7indDgLW2RtTGE_v-n9oFJJdx-_w1xGu_r7iIFHXJY0dDeM4p0hdQX9pjHJQkbAzXOTshUFw/s1600/pluto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4scgVRxMh1OT31xV6b5vMZkSNY7TGNj9HIGNp7ooG_yyS_9hnkBxnmXeJLGBD1G-gT3A7indDgLW2RtTGE_v-n9oFJJdx-_w1xGu_r7iIFHXJY0dDeM4p0hdQX9pjHJQkbAzXOTshUFw/s1600/pluto.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzZYTEAK910IgAliXqyVVSdU6Y1veRHs-VA06K8ZYbbajFHfMfrNrv9vxwyxpZwA-9FauTyDB8RkUTT20coOEfrZXXZzBZkAiBemRSs0ntxCrXjJePexFMS_6ku-j8y5hRds_N2enhBQ/s1600/pluto+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzZYTEAK910IgAliXqyVVSdU6Y1veRHs-VA06K8ZYbbajFHfMfrNrv9vxwyxpZwA-9FauTyDB8RkUTT20coOEfrZXXZzBZkAiBemRSs0ntxCrXjJePexFMS_6ku-j8y5hRds_N2enhBQ/s1600/pluto+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please click this <a href="http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/acc" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: magenta;">link</span></b></a> if you or anyone you know is interested in giving this poor dog a chance. Enter the intake animal ID number </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>A4746111</u> </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when looking through the <b><a href="http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/acc/!ut/p/b1/04_SjzQ2MTQwMTIyNtaP0I_KSyzLTE8syczPS8wB8aPM4t0MDAzc_Z2CjQz8TI0MPP0cPSwdfUON3Y1NgAoikRX4-5g5AhX4m7sG-rgbGfibEKffAAdwNCCkP1w_Cp8SAydTAgpCjNAVYPEDWAEeR_p55Oem6udG5bhZemYGpDsqKgIAKkDjAA!!/dl4/d5/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SmtFL1o2X0YwMDBHT0JTMjBONTIwSU5BSDlBTVUzRzA3/" target="_blank">view our animals tab</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pluto is currently at the LA COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K1x9RcPm32zF2n5VD46N4cthHU0DLSAP1wlwb0DgiYODX0Jjo8FgutC2LURH7ea3N7hyu_kJ2S_uCgM5njatMdc00juPdMQ52ptOakoL5FRjU3YyJJpURqYU2Bc_P67qd1mpB48SRcM/s1600/pluto+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K1x9RcPm32zF2n5VD46N4cthHU0DLSAP1wlwb0DgiYODX0Jjo8FgutC2LURH7ea3N7hyu_kJ2S_uCgM5njatMdc00juPdMQ52ptOakoL5FRjU3YyJJpURqYU2Bc_P67qd1mpB48SRcM/s1600/pluto+3.JPG" height="118" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a side note, I want to share that I adopted 3 cats from Singapore. I have moved them from that country to the Philippines and now to the United States. It wasn't easy but love makes you do crazy and almost impossible things. People I knew dissuaded me, and thought i was insane saying how costly it is going to be. But I did it, I moved 3 stray cats across the globe. Even with the limited resources I had then and even now, I have managed to give them (and continue to do so) a wonderful life and I don't regret a single day that I gave them the chance. I know what its like to be given a chance too. and i know that these pets are capable of giving unconditional love and are as vulnerable as we humans are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who knows one day you might say the same thing about Pluto.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for reading this post and I hope you share it too.</span></div>
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<br />runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-6493390334199392872014-08-15T12:58:00.001+08:002014-08-15T13:12:17.717+08:00Daily thoughts - Saying goodbye to Mork, Peter Pan, Mrs Doubtfire or simply to one of the best, the talented Robin Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is with sadness that the world had to accept the untimely demise of a real talented genius. The death part was already shocking, but finding out he took his own life was truly unbelievable. I have always loved Robin Williams. I watched him as a kid in our black and white television as Mork the lovable "alien". Growing up I went on to watch his many other successful movies. I think I have watched most of his films. I even bought the John Irving Novel the World according to Garp to supplement the movie with the same book title. I have always enjoyed watching him in funny movies and marveled at his versatility for also playing serious roles. Hook was one of my favorite movies where he played the hypothetical "what if he got old" Peter Pan. When I was in Medical School, I was inspired by the true to life adaptation of Patch Adams' story where again Robin Williams delivered a stellar performance. He is one of the best actors around and when he topbills a movie, most of the time, he gets a positive reception.<br />
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One of his movies that I couldn't forget was What dreams may come. I have always been mystified with suicide. Ive always wondered what goes on in a person's last few days or hours before he decides to take his life. Having experienced overwhelming sadness myself I have always contemplated on it. I have experienced being on the verge of ending it all but never mustering that courage to actually do it. Fortunately, I manage to snap out of it somehow and move on. In that movie, What dreams may come, the mother succumbed to suicide because she could no longer bear the pain of losing her two children. I was young when I saw that movie but the gist of it gripped me like I can totally relate. I know what it is like to love someone deeply. that that kind of loss is devastating. crazy as it may sound to some, I always mourn the death of my pets. It takes months for me to get over it. Up to this day I remember all the names of my pets and sometimes i still cry when i remember how happy they used to make me feel. Now, I cannot even fathom how it would be if i lost my children or even my three cats. Moreso, I dont even want to imagine losing my soulmate, who is the love of my life.<br />
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When I lost my Dad 4 years ago, I was so sad I couldnt go out of the house for a month. The pain is not as bad anymore now, but sometimes I would still have these terrible depressing spells that would immobilize me and i just want to spend the whole day in bed, asleep. But I have never brought myself to commit suicide. I do not know what I am afraid of, or maybe someone out (or UP ) there was just giving me enough strength to go through the day. Or maybe im just really a coward to finish the job.<br />
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Robin Williams as we all seem to know him, may have had everything in the world. He had a beautiful family, fame, money, the privilege of being associated with the upper echelons of society. But he probably just had an unshakable kind of loneliness that cannot be treated by therapy or even the seeming insulation of all the good things life has to offer. not fame, wealth, even love. I will not judge him for what he has done. In fact i would rather hope that wherever he is , he has found comfort and peace. I also pray that other people in the same predicament he was in, would find the help they need, on time.<br />
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It is really sad to think that in a world full of so many people, one can still feel so alone. That even amidst the all the beauty, what stands out is the pain, the ugly chaotic world. The kind of hopelessness that can dissuade even the most seemingly blessed people.<br />
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I said my prayers last night and thanked the Lord for giving us a wonderful talented man like Robin Williams.<br />
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But before I retired for bed, I also had to thank the Lord that even in this cramped apartment I live in, with my 3 rowdy pets, an uncertain job and paycheck, I am, at the moment, at peace with myself. And in retrospect, I feel nothing but gratitude that in those very dark moments of my life, the Lord somehow has pulled me out of that desperation and reminded me there is still hope. Thankful that He has always provided me and my husband with everything we needed. He always kept us safe,well fed and sheltered.<br />
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The days wont be great all the time but at least today it is.<br />
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Again, Thank you Robin Williams for entertaining us all these years. For bringing out the laughs and tears. You will be sorely missed. Thank you most of all that despite this tragedy, you have also reminded us to appreciate what we have. That fame, wealth isn't all that. That even people who seem successful can feel pain and be unhappy. It is not right for us to assume that sadness is exclusive only for regular folks like us.<br />
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Thank you for being a part of our lives even for just this brief moment. I truly hope you are happy now wherever you are.runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517681439016892857.post-84422000626577319742014-08-09T12:21:00.001+08:002014-08-09T12:21:13.704+08:00Daily thoughts - Positives amidst the negative things going on around the world..<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 2 of 4: My 3 positives for 08/01/2014:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1. The fact that Im alive. waking up next to my soulmate and my 3 furry babies. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2. Made it back to the apartment on time for Shabbat, the most important day of the week. A gift from God</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3. Had an awesome meal at home, salmon, couscous and kale for dinner. food and shelter, something some people take for granted each day.I am always grateful for having a warm bed to sleep on, food in my fridge and a warm body to share the food and bed with=) God is good. </span></i></div>
runningtinderahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567732974930222862noreply@blogger.com0