Instead of buying furniture from IKEA or some local Boston furniture store, I will learn how to build my own furniture. My blog will reflect my progress, challenges, and successes. Hopefully, I will have some fun at the same time. While the cost of the wood and materials will be cheaper, I will probably spend more money total including equipment and time costs.

Here are the plans:

1) Full-sized platform bed

Clearly, I won’t be able to make one that looks as professional, but I’d like a bed that looks like this Loop Bed (but in black):

It would be nice if I could incorporate some of the elements from this bed, including the bamboo. I definitely plan on having a mattress though.

2) A workdesk

I don’t need drawers, slide-out keyboard holders, or anything of that sort. I want a simple desk – something like this:

3) A nightstand

With the cubbyhole, of course

4) Kitchen Dining Set (Table and Chairs)

If I’m feeling inspired, then I’ll try to make a dining table and chairs.

Thus I am switching it up. My previous workout plan has been 5×5x12 at ~70% (5 exercises per each muscle, 5 sets of 12 reps, at 70% of max). I’m switching to 5×5x5 at ~90%. After working out back muscles, I’m in a great deal of pain, but it’s fun. =)

1) Tasty food and desserts
2) Advanced telecommunications network
3) Lots of stores and shopping options
4) Effective public transportation system

The Bad:

1) Lack of healthy food options, particularly when eating out
2) Most gyms lack a lot of basic equipment
3) Rude, reckless drivers
4) Bad pollution
5) Deceptive business practices.

1 cent: Abraham Lincoln
5 cent: Thomas Jefferson
10 cent: Franklin D. Roosevelt
15 cent: Harry S. Truman
25 cent: George Washington
50 cent: John F. Kennedy
$1 coin: Sacagawea

$1 bill: George Washington
$2 bill: Thomas Jefferson
$3 bill: Grover Cleveland
$5 bill: Abraham Lincoln
$10 bill: Alexander Hamilton
$15 bill: Ronald Reagan
$20 bill: Andrew Jackson
$50 bill: Ulysses S. Grant
$100 bill: Benjamin Franklin

I don’t think other people can see much progress – it definitely takes a while to get “bigger.” Personally, I can see some small changes, which is a good sign!

The main area that I hope to improve in is chest, measured via bench press. When I started three weeks ago, I maxed out around 120 (one rep). Now I can do 135 (more than one rep, haha), and 155 on the racked bench press. Let’s see where this takes me!

On the side, still cycling. 200+ miles a week in the mountains, but it’s really starting to get hot here in California. Might hit triple digits this weekend!

Basketball: Lakers fan, all the way. I grew up watching and cheering for the Lakers, my home team. I remember the good old days of Shaq and Kobe’s three championships, the shortcomings of the Fab Four, and now I get to watch them make another championship run.

Baseball: Go Red Sox! For one, they are awesome; and two, you just can’t live in Boston and not be a Red Sox fan. It just makes things so much more fun.

Football: I don’t have any strong ties…I was cheering for the Pats when they almost went undefeated, but football’s not my favorite game to watch.

Cycling: Whatever team Lance is on, of course. =)

Soccer: Undecided.

Hockey: Undecided.

Others: TBD

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know!

I did some basic weights today – bicep curls and bench press – plus some basketball. I’m quite excited for Wednesday morning, however, when I meet with my personal trainer for a complimentary workout. Apparently he’s a Marine wrestler or the like. I’m going to get big, finally! =)

LA Fitness