Project 35 Things

35

2012-03-18T04:25:00.002+04:00

My birthday has come and gone. My deadline past. Did I finish my list? .. no. Was I happy about it? ... of course not. I would have finished them off if I could but again, I have a very important person in my life right now that no list can trump.

Out of 35 things, I was able to cross out at least 7 items. Even though I've hit the 3 - 5 mark, I'll still try and finish my list and probably add some more to it. But I will probably write updates on my main blog since I no longer have a specific deadline.

Thank you universe for giving me the gift of life, I will enjoy it to the fullest!

#21. Fire a Gun

2011-12-05T20:09:00.001+04:00

Actually, #21 is "Get a Tattoo". But since I'm breastfeeding my little one, I decided to tweak the list (again!).

#21 - Fire A Gun - happened on November 30.
Together with my "brothers", we went to a firing range somewhere in Makati.

I (think I) got a .44 cal.
50 rounds.
It was my first. I was clueless. Luckily I have somebody there to guide me through.
Alfred showed me how to hold the gun, aim the gun, what NOT to do with the gun and how to actually fire the gun.

safety first. don't put your finger on the trigger unless you're ready to fire.

It was a fun experience. I totally made a fool of myself. LOL!
I kept forgetting what to do and what NOT to do. Thank God I did not absentmindedly point the gun at anyone.

I felt great. It felt like I was in the same league as Lara Croft. Only when Lara Croft fires a gun, the empty casing doesn't hit her on the forehead. And I bet she doesn't close her eyes every time she pulls the trigger. LOL!

Too bad we had so little time. And my baby started crying like hell outside (far from the firing range, somebody had to come inside and tell me my baby is inconsolable). Of course I had to stop. Mommy duties comes first.

I would love to do this again.

Back on Track

2011-10-14T17:53:00.000+04:00

It has been six months. Normally, I would say that it has been too long. That I miss blogging and I am moving forward with my list. But six months flew by and I did not miss anything at all.

I was busy with something else... actually, I was busy with SOMEONE.

Where was I?
I was around. I just didn't update this blog.

What about my lose weight/run a marathon goal?
I can now say that I am ready to lose weight again. The reason why I stopped running / training is because a few days after this post, I found out I was pregnant. This is the main reason why I had to tweak my list in the first place.

What about my other goals?
Honestly, I didn't have time to do any of the things I listed down. I was busy being pregnant. I gained a lot of weight and then I had to go on a diet because my blood sugar was out of whack. There were cravings and mood swings. On top of that, I still had to work and deal with "certain" people.

Why start now? Isn't it too early?
Well, I'll be turning 35 soon and it would be a shame if I didn't finish at least half of my list. I gave birth almost a month ago and right now I'm losing those kg's like crazy. I'm not even doing any exercises since I had a c-section delivery. I blame it on the sleepless nights.

All I have to do right now is stay focused and when I've lost most of the weight, I'll be able to start running again (with my doctor's blessings of course).

Will I be able to finish my 35 list?
I really don't know. I'm taking it one day at a time. I realized that the true reason why I created this list was because I felt that my life is not going anywhere. That I have no clear path, no direction. I needed a list to keep me focused.

But now, I have a reason for living. I have a little one that depends on me. A life that I am responsible for.
My number one goal right now is to get this right. That I don't screw up on being a mom.

Nom Nom Nom

2011-03-31T11:03:00.000+04:00

I'd love to run with him. (drool)

Change

2011-03-16T11:50:00.001+04:00

I know it looks like I've abandoned this blog by not posting for more than a month. I haven't. I still intend to do my list ... but maybe a little different from what I originally wrote.

You see, things took quite a turn and I am being steered to a different direction. It's not bad actually, just "unplanned". Not updating here really makes me feel bad and guilty but I have a good reason for it. Something that I'm not yet ready to announce. I will eventually but for now, let me make some changes and hopefully I would be able to actually achieve my goals.

My 35 Things

1. Skydiving -- so near, yet so far. I might not be able to do this in the next few years. Maybe in my 40 before 40 list?
2. Bungee jumping -- not in the near future.
3. Scuba Dive in Palau -- I checked with my bestfriend and she's actually in the Philippines right now, not in Palau. So, I will have to move this when she goes back.
4. Conquer Mt. Pulag -- As much as I want to to do this when I go home in August, I physically won't be able to.
5. Pyramids, Pharaohs and Luxor aka Visit Egypt -- Well, considering the situation in the Middle East right now, I don't think traveling there would be a good idea.
6. Go to France -- I think I'll skip the traveling altogether.
7. Visit 3 Continents
8. Achieve my ideal weight -- I still intend to do this but I won't be concentrating on the losing weight part for now.
9. Run a marathon -- Will try to do this before 35.
10. Have an emergency fund. -- in progress.
11. Learn Pole Dancing -- I do want to learn but there's no way I'd be able to find a pole dancing school in Dubai. I feel so stupid for putting this in the first place. doh!
12. Learn Another Language -- in progress. I decided on French.
13. Wakeboarding -- maybe early next year.
14. Learn to play an instrument -- according to my brother, a guitar is waiting for me at home. YAY!!
15. Have a portrait of myself. -- Ahhh, I will do this definitely.
16. Try a proper Moroccan Bath -- planned.
17. Attend a concert -- still looking for a concert that I'm interested in.
18. Visit places mentioned in the Da Vinci Code -- someday.
19. See the Stonehenge -- someday.
20. Try Indoor Skiing -- maybe early next year.
21. Take the day off on my birthday. -- will happen on 2012!
~~22. Movie Marathon: Lord of the Rings~~
23. Donate Blood -- soon
24. Get a Tattoo -- undecided ... I want to but something is stopping me. You'll know soon.
25. Have a family reunion (parents & siblings) -- definitely happening!
26. Watch 1o Best Movies Ever Made -- only 4 movies left.
27. Defeat King Koopa!! -- I honestly stopped playing. I'm stuck at level 8 with hundred lives!
28. Hot Air Balloon Ride -- I'll have to arrange for this soon before summer hits big time.
~~29. Earn Extra $$~~ -- hope to continue having extra income streams.
~~30. Make our family tree~~ -- finally done!
31. Try Ice Skating -- maybe early next year.
32. Have an "Indoor" [Herb] Garden -- happening soon. Maybe start with a tomato.
33. Do Volunteer Work -- still looking for a cause to join.
34. Wear a wig and false lashes -- I got myself falsies and failed at putting them on ... twice! I still need to buy a proper wig.
35. COMING SOON =)

As you can see, traveling and serious activities might be put on hold. It's because of my current condition. I will be having regular check ups and my blood sugar and pressure will have to be monitored. I just want to be healthy so I can live life to the fullest!

Because a lot of stuff might not happen, I'll post a revised list soon. Promise.

Adjusted!

2011-02-12T18:22:00.001+04:00

A couple of weeks ago I was able to score a wonderful deal. 85% off on chiropractic consultation and adjustment. SCORE!!

I have always felt pain on my back, a dull kind of pain. Something tolerable, really. Little did I know that it's becoming worse. Upon initial check, the chiropractor told me that there's a lot going on in my spine. And surprisingly, my left leg is shorter!! whoa! She explained that my muscles compensated for the deformity so it really doesn't show. She convinced me to have a few more sessions with her to make sure everything is in place. (Ok, I could be explaining this the wrong way but that's how I remember it. LOL)

Dr. Neda was very nice and accommodating. She really did a great job in explaining my situation and why I should continue the treatment. After the preliminaries, she told me to lie face down. My back was massaged to "open" me up a bit. Then some electro-something something was placed on my back to stimulate blood flow. After 10 minutes or so, the fun started. She started adjusting my neck and spine!

HEAVEN!!

Definitely going back for another appointment.

New Shoes

2011-02-02T11:30:00.000+04:00

My Asics Nimbus Gel 10 is just a few months old right? But I got convinced that somehow the shoes are to blame for my sore shins and blistered foot. (I mean getting blisters every time? That's a dead giveaway right?)

So with closed eyes and a screaming wallet, I bought a new pair. This time I went with Saucony. The attendants at Saucony - Dubai Mall were so much better than the Asics girls. Benjamin (sales attendant and a marathoner --- what better combination could there be??), helped me pick the right shoes for me.

He asked me to step on a board to check the arch of my feet. Then he asked me about my weight. He explained the importance of factoring in these things when buying shoes, especially for running. He told me that I should get Saucony Pro Grid Hurricane.

Apparently I have man-feet! Women's sizes don't fit me well so I got the one designed for men. Oh well.

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT CONNECTED WITH SAUCONY AND THIS IS NOT A PAID POST.

Weigh Day Feb 1

2011-02-01T09:04:00.000+04:00

It's weigh day and I'm not very happy about it.

No more Hello Kitty socks

It's the same numbers as my last weigh day. I can't say it didn't move because it did. It moved up. It moved down. But it moved up more. (Maybe I have to make sure that my body understands my goal...it's to lose the weight...to move down...not up!!) I'm over 6.8 lbs from my supposed target weight today (212.4 lbs).

No excuses.

Today is another day.

On other "list" related news, I finished watching "Gone with the Wind" last night. All four hours of it.

Zabeel Park - Run with FRU

2011-01-30T23:15:00.001+04:00

I said I'll be running with the guys and gals of Filipino Runners UAE (FRU), and I did. I freakin` did!! (Well, run is an exaggeration. I ran a couple of minutes, then I started walking then I waddled the rest of the way. gaaaah!!!)

It's very intimidating being with people who can really run. As in run fast. And run long. I felt like a poser, a scam. Every fat of my body screams FAKER!!!! But what the heck. I still joined them and just ignored the voices in my head.

They were actually nice people. Very inspiring and they encouraged me the whole way. I'm just disappointed at myself though. I wanted to do at least two laps but my leg gave in again. Stupid shin splints!

As bad as my performance was, I was still ecstatic! Two people actually said that they read my blog. SOMEBODY. READS. MY. BLOG!!

Sheila's shiins = -10 points.
Sheila's blog = +100 cool points!

I really do have to apologize, I'm bad with names. If you are reading this, please do comment. Please please please...it would really make my day!!

I'll see you on Tuesday guys!! Let's make this happen.

Dubai Marathon 2011 - Pictures

2011-01-29T21:54:00.000+04:00

Warning: picture heavy.
These are random pictures taken during the Dubai Marathon (and some are from our annual "office get together") If you are in these photos and you'd like to be edited out, please send me an email.

Money collected for "Takbo para kay Kabayan" Fund Raiser

Representatives of Filipino Runners UAE

I'll be training with these two guys starting tomorrow (I'll be the person trailing behind, panting and wishing I was dead). I know it will be hard keeping up but weigh day is just a few days away so I have to suck it up and just go for it.

Unbelievable!

2011-01-25T12:29:00.000+04:00

After eating mashed potato, potato soup, salad, calamares, beef stroganoff, fish and chips, lots of iced tea, and a slice of chocolate cake ... I still lost almost a pound today! Un - freaking - believable!!

I'm not complaining... this is me being happy! Really happy! (and just so we are clear, I didn't eat all alone...I had a nice dinner with 2 friends and we shared the meal)

*happy dance*

2011-01-24T09:05:00.000+04:00

this clown really does long distance running and makes it fun too!

3 days after the Dubai Marathon...

... will upload photos soon.

2011-01-20T07:31:00.001+04:00

In keeping with my mini goal, here's my breakfast:

glare!!

Raisin Oatmeal. I skipped the milk.

I got a neat hack too! Instead of buying those pre packed flavored oatmeals, I repackaged them! It would look like this:

Photo courtesy of The Simple Dollar

Check out the recipe/procedure at The Simple Dollar. Good for the tummy, good for the wallet!!

I'm seriously doing something wrong...

2011-01-20T06:27:00.001+04:00

*this is going to be a bullet point post...*

I have been yoyo-ing on the scale front. =(
Seriously, who can resist rice? (obviously not me...)
I need to change my eating habits, seriously!
Dubai Marathon is tomorrow!! (will be watching and cheering on the sidelines)
Currently reading : The 4 Hour Body - Tim Ferris. (will probably do a review later)
I was able to score a chiropractic treatment at 80% off! GoNabit FTW!!
Money in, money out -- will be paying off some loans today.

Mini fitness goal: photograph foods I eat.

Edited to add: I'm crossing off # 30 - Make our Family Tree. I have completed my immediate family and included a whole lot of relatives in the process. 3 down, 32 more to go!!

Weigh Day

2011-01-15T22:08:00.000+04:00

It's weigh day today. I'm happy to report that I lost some weight since the first weigh in. Actually, I lost more than this. I knew I'd regret having nachos and dip yesterday. nachos, dip, popcorn and soda. Arrgh! I should resist cinema food.

yes, another hello kitty sock. I have 3 of those, don't judge =D

Second weigh in at 219.4.

On a related note, I chanced upon a post about The Line Diet. You basically plot your current weight vs. your goal weight and draw a straight line across. Then you weigh yourself everyday, if your weight for the day is below the line, you eat whatever you want. If it's above the line, you have to eat low calorie food for the day and hope that tomorrow you weigh less. (If you find my explanation a bit confusing, please read all about it here.)

Now, I'm getting different opinions on weighing yourself everyday. Some people would prefer to set a specific weigh day and not be obsessed with the scales. For others, weighing everyday works. Right now I'm trying this Line Diet, it somehow makes sense.

What about you? What are your thoughts on weighing?

[If you would like to try the Line Diet, you may download the excel file via Daily Dose of Excel or use the online version]

Dubai Marathon 2011

2011-01-12T11:11:00.002+04:00

I've been putting off posting this but since the Dubai Marathon is just a few days away, I think it's just appropriate to address the issue (HAHAH!! I sound so ... dramatic!)

Well, I knew since a few months back that I won't be able to run this marathon (bad back, low endurance, leg pain that never goes away! etc...) I have resigned to the fact that the marathon will have to be pushed to a later date. Besides, I still have to train properly and slowly build my way through. I should run a 5K, a 10K, a half ...then a full marathon. Right??

However, all is not lost. I will be watching the marathon on the 21st of January to have a feel of what its like. And to support my colleague who is running for a cause.

The Filipino Runners in Dubai has organized a very wonderful project to help our less fortunate "kabayans" in the UAE. The goal is to raise AED 35,000/- to help our fellow OFW's. For more information, you may check the following sites:

The fifth guy on the photo above is my co-worker. He's going to run the full marathon and he's quite excited about it. We will be there cheering him on. And hopefully next year I will be there running with him.

#12 Learn Another Language

2011-01-09T22:37:00.000+04:00

My friend, Lyn, was able to score an Italian phrase book with audio tutorial. It made me realize I haven't done anything with regards to the #12 in my list.

Which would be better?
Spanish ... a lot of Spanish words are already incorporated in Tagalog/Filipino. This wouldn't be hard (I think) but it would still be cool to learn how to converse in proper Spanish.

French ... I've had lessons in French for two semesters (I forgot all about it though)

Italian ... well, have you watched Eat, Pray, Love? Plus Lyn gave me a copy of the audio tutorial. We were saying "scusi, scusi" a lot while having coffee. So much fun!

I asked my friends in Facebook which one is better. So far, I got 2 votes Spanish, 4 votes French, 1 vote Italian. What do you think?

Which language you think would be cool/easy to learn?Market Research

Breathe

2011-01-04T21:27:00.000+04:00

I got the best tip ever!

Put the word “Breathe” as a screensaver or desktop pic, or put it up as a note on your wall or fridge or on your desk. Then do it every time you see the word.

More about Breathe here. - Zen Habits.

First "Official" Weigh In

2011-01-02T08:54:00.000+04:00

Let's welcome 2011 with my first "official" weigh in. I meant to do this yesterday being 1-1-11, but ... yeah I forgot. [embarrassed laughter here]. I got too excited with our "New Year's Day Breakfast", I just went at it like no other.

I say "official" because I've had weigh ins before but this will be the first time that I'm actually going to post what the scale says. And It's fitting too, because I will need all the support and motivation now that I have to deal with the holiday weight.

Here goes:

Excuse the glare/flash ... and the grey polka dotted Hello Kitty socks. =p

So what's the damage? I gained about 4 lbs, more or less. I had it coming though. Holiday feast, nasty leg pain and pms cravings [sorry for the TMI bit], they don't go together, really!

There you have it! Now help me get rid of this fast...I need to hit my mini goal by May. (170 lbs, is that possible or even healthy?)

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T15:09:00.000+04:00

Dear 2010,

I must admit, you were so much better than 2009. There were no MAJOR financial screw ups, there were no deaths in my family ...

You were nice but really sneaky. I had so much hope for you, that things will be good finally. And then you gave me bad news. You broke my heart because you messed with somebody close to me. Somebody whom I love so much. After sometime, things were good. We were good.

But just as we were feeling better, you messed with my heart again. You just had to give me one more bad news before you leave. You just played with my emotions over and over again.

I can't say I hate you, no I can't do that. But I'm just relieved that you are leaving. That we can all still start over. Thank you, 2010 for making me stronger.

Welcome 2011. We're going to have a blast!

Pain, pain go away...

2010-12-28T11:52:00.000+04:00

and don't ever come back. =(

This is the best illustration of the pain I feel on my legs. I'm guessing shin splints, but I don't know for sure since this is the first time I've felt it (when I started "running")... and I still haven't gone to the doctor to have it checked.

According to doctor Google, no running and go RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). I bought calf compression sleeves just in case.

With all the eating and celebrating.. I need to do something!! HELP!!

Crunching ....

2010-12-27T23:09:00.000+04:00

...the numbers.

Just 5 minutes in the process, I'm already spacing out...

Have you heard of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Make Over? I'm giving it a try!

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Present & Future Me

2010-12-18T21:57:00.000+04:00

Just to give you an idea ...

217 lbs

I am now at 217 lbs (more or less).

174 lbs

This is my goal weight. To be at 174 lbs by May 2011. (and to be honest, I'm failing miserably... I'm waaaay behind schedule already. )

135 lbs

And this, this is my healthy weight. Someday I will be at 135 lbs.

fingers crossed.

Got 56 Seconds

2010-12-15T22:30:00.000+04:00

My uber lame attempt at planking. Even with this "modified" plank, I had a hard time keeping my core steady. I was shaking the whole time. Hmmmm....

At least this is better than 16 seconds. =D

Here are some cool planking photos.

List Recap

2010-12-13T13:06:00.001+04:00

Central Perk (Dubai)

How many items on the list were attempted? 10 items.
What did I do?

Cross out # 22 : Lord of the Rings Marathon - I planned to watch it one after the other but it was just soooo long, I had to take a break.
Cross out # 29 : Earn Extra - (earn extra from blogging, to be exact). I did not earn millions for a gig but I did earn something so I crossed it out. Maybe I'll discuss tips on how to earn from blogging next time. And this also helps with my # 10.
For #'s 8 & 9, I'm trying to get fit and ready for a marathon. I decided that I'll start with a 5K and work my way up. Unfortunately, I've been having lower leg pain for two weeks now. I've been getting different advises too. Don't run. Rest. Go run, it will go away... :p
For # 14, I've been checking music stores for cheap beginners guitars. Asked friends to tutor me. I'm planning to go full throttle on this after 3 or 4 months. (So if you're planning to give me something for Christmas or my birthday... this is it. *hint hint* - Samsung Galaxy Tab won't be a bad idea too.)
For #'s 26, 27 & 30, I'm happy to report that I'm almost half way done. Yey!!!
For # 32, I have started checking out gardening tools and stuff. I'll probably do this after we've decided if we are going to move to another apartment or not.

I still have two slots on my list. I have so many things that I want to do that I still have not decided which one will be included in this little project. In fact, I might have to change some of these items. I might have been too excited with my list that I didn't consider the time (and money) constraints. I might not have time to make all of these trips. Priorities, priorities...

I know I sound like a loser but it'll be more pathetic if I stick to this list and ending not doing them at all. For the sake of total disclosure and honesty, there will be changes in this list. Sorry. =(

[edit: By the way, if you're also doing your list...please leave your link here or go to List-o-logy tab at the top of the page...please please please! Let's link up!!]