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My quest to drop 20 lbs requires not only a good diet, but also, increased cardio work (something I am not particularly fond of).  Yet I do what I must…

Last night, I ran a mile and a half on the treadmill.  I was sweating profusely and just wanted to go home.  Still, I did my oblique exercises that Leo taught me and my incline sit-ups.  Also managed a few sets of bench presses and some lateral pull-downs.  Drove home and did a little more ab work with the yoga ball.   

Today, my legs feel like jelly, my body is a little sore, and I don’t mind a two hour nap (too bad I have work).  All this… in my quest to be leaner and meaner! ;-D

Man, what a way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary…

Friday was the weigh-in…  Having consulted with my doctor and with my personal health physician/pharmacist, Kim, I was advised that losing 10-20 pounds was necessary should I desired to live a longer life.  I told several of my co-workers that I needed to drop a few lb’s, and long and behold, I was included in their competition of the "Biggest Loser".  My weigh-in was 195 lbs, 25% body fat, with a 28 BMI.  Despite a few objections against me (they call me the "Ringer") joining the competition, I was welcomed with open arms.  The final weigh-in is in 6 months (March 21st, 2008).  At that time, the "biggest loser" and his spouse gets a free dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse from all the losers and their spouses. 

There was a huge debate over how to calculate the weight loss as I, obviously, had the least amount of weight, body fat, and BMI to lose.  But we finally agreed that it would be based on % of weight loss multiplied by % of body fat percentage loss.  While some thought BMI should have been included, others thought it should be excluded since some of us were still interested in increasing muscle mass… which would hurt our changes of losing weight as well. 

I don’t know… If anyone knows of a good way/idea to judge our competition, I would be delighted to hear it.

This weekend was also our one year wedding anniversary.  I had something special devised, but it all went out the window when Ali said she signed me up for a massage and a facial for herself at Spa Nordstrom on Saturday.  Having never been to a masseuse/spa before, I didn’t know what to expect.

Saturday started off rainy.  A fitting start for a new diet program for me.  With a positive frame of mind and excitement about the weight loss competition, I proceeded to the 24 Hour Fitness in San Mateo and jogged 1.25 miles.  Afterwards, I hopped on the treadclimber and worked out another 20 minutes. 

Ali told me that our SpaNordstrom appointment was at 2:30 p.m., so we had to stop right there, whereas I would generally gravitate towards working with weights after cardio.  Instead, we drove to the Burlingame library and hunted down my "bibles": "The South Beach Heart Program" and "The South Beach Recipe Book," both by Arthur Agatston.  Next, we drove to Costco and bought the main ingredients to me new diet, mainly meat and vegetables, as Phase 1 of the diet does not allow any breads and sweets. 

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The First Test

After shopping at Costco, we shared a Costco Chicken Caesar Salad.  It was rather difficult to watch all the other customers eat their pizzas and hot dogs.

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Afterwards, we went home, dropped off the groceries, and jumped on BART into downtown SF.  Westfield SF Centre was a madhouse as usual.  We hopped on the elevator straight to the 5th floor, and in a flash, that craziness and hype vanished.  Ali checked us in, and both of us were led to changing rooms.  After fitting into my robe and pajama "massage" pants, we were led to a lounge where two ladies filled some soapy water in two bowls and placed our feets in them.  It felt pretty nice, especially when they started wiping it down and massaging them.  FYI, there were three other women there with us.  I was the only gent.

Afterwards, I was led to a room with dim lights and soft music playing in the background.  The masseuse told me to strip down and get under the covers on the massaging table, and that she would be back in a few minutes.  I did what I was told.  The masseuse returned and started the massage.  The massage involved hot towels, massage oils, and scented (lavendar) pillows.  After 45 minutes of treatment, she left and told me to close my eyes.  15 minutes later, she returned with a glass of water and told me that I need to drink it for the "detoxification" process to take place. 

All in all, a very pleasurable experience.  Now I see why you ladies are willing to pay top dollar for spas.

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The Second Test

After the massage, we went down to the Bloomingdale’s Food Court.  Despite all the yummy food choices, I had to settle for a Buckhorn Grill Tri-tip Caesar Salad.  It was rather difficult to watch all the other customers eat their Sorabol and Beard Papas.

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On Sunday, Ali’s mom made us an Anniversary breakfast comprised of Turkey Dogs, Ground Beef Patties, Canadian Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs.  My, how news about my diet travels quickly.  As always, I enjoy everything she cooks and scarfed down my breakfast in a fast manner. 

Later that day, we went to celebrate Ali’s step-mom’s birthday at the Elephant Bar.  I never know what to order there.  But a Blackened Hawaiian Ono and steamed veggies mades its way to my side of the table. 

After that, we proceeded home and spent the next 4 hours prepping the food for my new diet.  Boy, it was a lot of work as we made sugarless jello, chicken salad, peanut dip for my celery sticks, veggie soup, turkey sausage and mushroom egg tarts, and poke.

By 6 p.m. we were wiped out.  We weren’t really hungry as we had been cooking all that time.  Despite it all, I dragged Ali out to Cetrella’s at Half Moon Bay, one of my (now our) favorite restaurants.  We had an awesome time, especialy when I was getting verbally chastised and entertained by our waiter for being on the South Beach. 

I told him we were on our 1 year anniversary and he brought out a glass of muscato for Ali to go along with the Hazelnut Ice Cream on top of a Warm Peach Tarte that she ordered. 

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The Third Test

I would usually devour any and all desserts in my vicinity.  That ice cream and tarte dared me to consume it.  Ali apologized for eating it front of me and commended me for being a good sport and having strong willpower.  She offered a bite, and I openly took her up on that offer.  On most occassions, I would of eat at least 60% of our desserts.  So, despite the tasting, I still see that as a moral victory.

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On a side note, after two days on the diet, I feel more energy(despite feeling considerably weaker)… but I’m also noticing a little change in the body!

This week, we faced team 27.

Team 27’s profile:

Sandy: 128 average

Ken: 151 average

Ed: 156 average

That meant we had to give 76 pins in handicap to this team of newbies…

Game 1

Helen, our fearless leader, showed up late but still managed a 156 game against her 145 avg.  Dave shot a piss-poor 138 (171 avg).  And I bowled with my right arm and shot a 161 (204 avg).  We lose by 13 pins.  The 1-man conversation after the game:

MHMICBC: F*ck! 

MHMICBC: We’re bowling to the level of our competition!

Game 2

Helen elevates to a 163.  Dave redeems himself and closes out the match with a 195.  I fatten the lead with a 213.  We win by 41 pins.  Total pin count difference: 41-13 = 28 pins.

The 1-man conversation continues:

MHMICBC: F*ck yeah!

MHMICBC: That’s what I’m f’en talking about!

Game 3

Helen retires early for the night, opening 6 straight frames.  Convinced that her drop off is her lack of focus and intensity, I bark and let it be known my displeasure towards her sudden lackluster performance.

Tylon’s brother (Dave): Man, you got to talk to her.  You can’t stay quiet.  It is too much pressure for her.

MHMICBC: There is nothing to talk about!  She knows how to bowl.  She needs to adapt! 

Tylon’s brother: And you can’t talk to her about bowling also.

MHMICBC: This is f’en ridiculous.  She will f’en figure it out.

And Helen did, to close out the last four frames strong, and managed a 133 game.  Dave struggles to hold par with a 169.  I shoot a 214 and we barely lose again.  This time by 18 pins.  Total Pin Count difference: 41-13-18 = 10.

We barely squeak by with the Total Pin Count victory.  So, we’re 2-2 for this week.  Much disappointment since we knew that it was a week that we should taken all 4 games.

The good and the bad…

Helen:  She is key to our upside.  But she continues to fade in the third game.  Purely psychological.  I have plans to help her improve her game and consistency. 

Tylon’s Brother:  He is distracted.  He is bringing the intensity I like in a teammate, but I can tell he is thinking about his wife and soon-to-be child.  How you say?  The guy gave the Classic Bowling Center number to his wife and he checked his phone every 3 frames to see if she called or not.  Obviously distracted, but understandable.

MHMICBC:  Difficult lane conditions.  We bowled on lanes 9- 10.  Lanes 1-10 are usually where they put the bumper bowlers and the drunk peeps.  As such, the oil track is sorta whacked.  Nonetheless, I was able to fight through it to manage a couple of 200 games.  But off the bat, disappointing that I had to piss away one game to figure out the lanes.  Also, it was a night that I had to bowl in the 230’s-250’s.  But last night, the lanes would not allow that to happen. 

Overall, it was our first wake-up call that it is not going to be easy to win this league.  Especially if we are dropping games to the bottom feeders.  But there is some fight in my teammates that have me assured for now that we’re going to be okay. 

Next week, we face the sandbagging team of Angela Woo.  I usually don’t dislike the women in our league… even the OBB.  But in Angela’s case, I take joy in destroying her next week.

On a side note: Ali, Judge, & Will went 3-1.  They’re now 7-1.  We’re 5-3.  Only two weeks, and we’re in the hole already! ;-D    

Friday night…

Played for the Swing Kids.  I was feelin’ pretty good all day (especially after my Thursday night jog with Ali), and was looking forward to softball.  3-4, single, double, and a triple… 0 RBI’s…  This team is in need of some offensive infusion, and I was happy I was able to supply some of it despite a losing effort.  Still, it was a fun game as the Kids were in it throughout. 

After the game, I made the trek to Moscone to play for the Black Sox.  Only my second game for the Sox, and boy, were they happy to see me.  Well, most of them.  Benny, the Black Sox manager was absent, and appointed the 1st baseman, Mike, to be the acting manager.  Mike, who sucks, always seems to find every chance to play his son in the game.  His son (I don’t even know his name), sucks just as bad. 

Game starts, I look at the lineup and I see I am batting 6th.  Usually, I don’t care where I’m batting, but for this team of powerless hitters, I need to be placed in an optimum position to bring in runs.  Mike’s son is batting 2nd… go figure.

1st inning… Louis gets on base with a single.  Mike’s son forces him out at second and almost gets double off if not for his marginal speed (after all, he is faster than daddy).  Jesse (our third hitter), forces out Mike’s son.  Matt, our clean up hitter, takes a walk.  Reid, batting 5th, loads the bases with two outs.  I finally come up.  Curtis, the home plate umpire, gives me a handshake much to the shock of the opponent.  Our opponents (24-26 year old Chinese boys) remain defiant, as the manager yells at his team that "He (I) is not that good!"  Enraged by this lack of respect from these chumps, I proceed to jack the ball into the other field (against the wind).  GRAND SLAM.  As I cross home plate, Curtis looks at me and laughs.  I stare down the other team as they put their heads down in shame.

Long story short, Mike’s son does not make a single play.   Botches 7 plays.  I grumble and cuss loudly to show my displeasure as I continue to fire shots into third base.  On one of my throws, the third baseman, unfortunately, did not know he had to make the tag as it was not force out.  He caught the ball, tagged 3rd base, and threw the ball back to the pitcher.  The runner was as shocked as I was.  Where in the world do they find this fools to play?

We lose 18-13.  2 for 3, with a home run and 5 RBI’s…  I am reminded why I don’t make it a priority to play with these guys. 

Saturday…

After going to Dave and Jessie’s daughter’s birthday, I proceeded home and took a little nap.  Ali, who has been caught up with her new Ipod library, tells me she is pretty tired, but wants some mac and cheese because the Food Network was showing a mac and cheese competition.  Lazy as we are, we go to Boston Market at Foster City.  I thought the mac and cheese was horrible there, but Ali didn’t seem to mind. 

After the mac and cheese run, we drove to Bridgepoint and visited Toys ‘R Us.  We purchase some board games (The Game of Life & Monopoly) and head home. 

We bust out Life and re-learned how to play, as this is a new version, equipped with Stocks, Loans, Career and Salary pairings, and Real Estate choices.

Final: Ali retires with $1,020,000.  I retire with $900,000.  3rd time in 24 hours I lose. 

Sunday…

I’m enjoying the start of the NFL season.  The games are exciting, and I have a pretty decent fantasy team.  So to rip myself away from the TV to play softball for the Cannons is unusally difficult.  Still there are 9 other guys counting on me to be there.

The Cannons accrue 5 hits.  Final score: 16-0.  Enough was enough!  I looked all around at my teammates.  Sure, they were already dejected… but I went ballistic.  From what I recalled from my emotional tirade, I told them, "I don’t understand why the f*ck we can’t get the ball out of the f’en infield!  We’re all grown men yet we’re hitting like a bunch of f’en p*ssies!  I can’t stand this sh*t anymore!  Why the f*ck am I driving 25 miles every Sunday for this kind of weak sh*t!?  I’ve been quiet for a long time now and I see we are playing f*cken worst.  3 f’en hits!  (I was wrong, it was 5)  F*ck it!  You guys aren’t going to quit on me!  I’m going to quit on you first!  F*ck!"  And I stomped off. 

After I got into my car and took a deep breath, I felt really bad for going off like that.  But hell, these guys have been playing too long to be so bad.  I’m sick and tired of it.  This team is in need of some new blood for a while now… and it may be time to dismantle it and rebuild.

Final weekend tally: 0 Wins, 4 Losses

You might be thinking from the title that I met someone 3 times the size of Fat Jerry… but the fact is, on opening night for the Chinese Bowling Club’s long season, I faced Fat Jerry and his new band of cohorts.  That makes 3 straight weeks that I have had to bowl against Fat Jerry.

The night started off with an hour long meeting.  Way too long in my opinion.  What’s there to talk about?  Just bowl.  The intricacies and details about the league will manifest on their own right.    Usual start time is 8:30 p.m.  Yesterday, we were still practicing at 9:30 p.m.  I was already tired from staying out late for the 49ers season opener the night before, so it was purely adrenaline that was keeping the engine revving. 

Needless to say, Fat jerry was not too happy to see me.  I could tell.  He got really quiet and became unusually focused.  On other nights (when I am not his opponent), you can hear Fat Jerry laughing and joking with his dirty lookin’ friends 15 lanes away.  But tonight, he was facing the MHMICBC.

Helen and David seemed amped and ready to go.  Helen showed us her new engagement ring from Big Vic, and how Big Vic had to go to surgery the next day after proposing.  Apparently, she was operating with only 4 hours of sleep as she stayed by her new fiance as he was recuperating.  We congratulated her and joked that Big Vic wanted to lock her down in case he needs her to wait on him for the rest of her life.  After that, we got back to the misson at hand: Taking down Fat Jerry and (dirty) Friends.

Despite the volatility of our team, there is high hopes and expectations.  Having bowled Fat Jerry for two straight weeks, I knew we had to get off the line quick as I admit that once he gets confidence and momentum, he is difficult to take down.  Also, the league was using my summer average of 204 versus my previous book average of 180… so off the bat, we lost 24 points (a major hurdle).

1st Game:

Helen and Dave bowled 5-10 pins under their book average.  I storm out with a 233.  We destroyed Fat Jerry’s team by 80 pins. 

2nd Game (after waiting 10 minutes for one of Fat Jerry’s teammate, Trung To (Mah) to get his smoke on and come back):

Some bad breaks and fatigue had finally set in for me.  The adrenaline from the first game had wore out.  I managed only a 167 game.  I placed my new team on a difficult position to have to make up 35 pins against my average.  Helen readily complied with a 172 against her 145 average and Dave held steady with a little to spare with a 182 against his 171 average.  We win the second game by 40+ pins.

Game 3

The Olive Garden dinner was trying to creep out of my ass, yet I wanted to do my business at home and not the nasty bowling alley stalls.  Determined to keep my crap in check, I mustered a 165 game.  Helen faded to a 122 and David managed a 167.  We lose by 16 pins.

Final score: 3 wins (2 games & the Overall Points) and 1 loss.

Not a bad start considering the conditions (late night, and tired team) last night.  I’m proud of how my teammates performed and the mentality they brought into the start of the season.

3 week record against Fat Jerry:

Week 1: 4 wins, 0 losses

Week 2: 1 win, 3 losses

Week 3: 3 win, 1 losses

Final for the 3 weeks against Fat Jerry: 8 wins, 4 losses 

On a side note, Ali, Will, and Judge won all 4 games against a depleted Wong Sistas team.  But I must give credit where credit is due.  All of them shot over 500.  Off the bat, they are in first place!

Went to the 49ers home opener of the 2007/2008 season… and man, did their offense look bad.  Their defense was remarkably better with the new additions of Clements, Lewis, and Willis.  Their offense, on the other hand, was one-dimensional, and plagued with a quarterback that simply cannot throw.

As I sat at the newly named, "Bill Walsh Field," with all the "Faithful," many would not adhere to the notion that their number one draft pick of 2005, the man they committed to pay over 50 million, was and still is… a BUST.

Look people, sure the 49ers are no longer my favorite team (I left after the days of Montana and Young, and more recently T.O.), but I still like to see them do well, unlike their cross-bay neighbors (The Raiders).  But as much as I like to support them, I also try to look at their development objectively. 

The 49ers are not going to be in Super Bowl contention this season.  That’s a fact.  Anyone who disagree is delusional and is nothing more than a lameass "HOMER".  Playoffs?  Only if the stars are aligned… and I mean a lot of stars. 

Problems are ineffective and uncreative play-calling that is partly to blame from a lack in confidence with their quarterback.  Throughout the game, all I saw was Alex Smith with "Happy Feet".  The guy hops three times before he throws the f’en ball.  The better defenses will be able to read that and jump his passing lanes or sack his weakass. 

Unfortunately, the 49ers invested a lot of money in him, and he will be their quarterback for the immediate future.

Sadly, my opinion with Smith as QB is another 7-9 season and no playoffs.  With someone better (let Trent Dilfer play), 9-7 and a higher chance of making it to the playoffs.

Just had a nice weekend…

Saturday, Ali and I went to Sausalito to do a little sightseeing.  It’s been a year since we’ve visited Sausalito (went there for engagement photos), but as always, we enjoy perusing the shops and the local cafes.

At night, we went to Michael Minna for dinner.  Spent a fortune there, but we were amazed with the quality and presentation of the dishes.  The service was also dramatic and top-notched.

Sunday, I spent watching the Opening Weekend of the NFL.  I’m so happy football season has started, especially with my Oakland A’s not going anywhere this year.  Later that night, we went to Sunnyvale to celebrate Greg and Sue’s son’s 100th day (I think it is a Korean custom).

Today, after work, Dave got me a ticket to go to the 49ers opener.  They’ll be playing the Arizona Cardinals at 7:15 p.m.  I know both Dave and I will be focused on the game as we both have players tonite that will determine if we win our first week matchup in fantasy football.  I’m nursing a 15.5 point lead, where as Dave is trying to make up a 42.5 point deficit.  Looks to be exciting!

Tomorrow, the Chinese Bowling Club will start off its long season (36 weeks) again.  Paired with a new team (Dave & Helen), I have high hopes as I am bowling at the highest level of my life.  I must admit though that I possess some skepticism as to how well we will function as a team.  Both Dave and Helen have bowled together for a long time, and throughout their time together (w/ the Judge), they have had a tendency to flame out… or as I often say, "Crash and Burn".  Dave appears amped up this season as he knows that I am his best chance to acquire a trophy in this league of cheaters and *ssholes.  I am also a little saddened to not bowl with my usual teammates, Ali and Will, albeit, I think my time away from them will help them become better bowlers.

Tomorrow, the MHMICBC will once again emerge to take down the likes of "Big Kahuna", "Fat Jerry", "Muscle Bones", "Nintendo Boy", "OBB", "F’en Pogie", "The Beautiful Melissa Gonzalez", "Judgie", and a "Jackal". 

8:30 p.m.

Classic Bowling Center

"Bring your popcorn…!"

It was rather busy for what was suppose to be a low-key Labor Day Weekend…

Started off the weekend with Rob Zombie’s Halloween on Friday night.  Loved how the movie illustrated Michael Myer’s transition into the psychopath that kills almost everyone in sight.  Compared to the original 1978 movie, this version is not as dark, but more violent, and possesses a lot more boobies.  My grade: B.

I woke up Saturday with a craving for dim sum.  My wife recommended we try out Asian Pearl Pavilion on El Camino Real in Millbrae (sister restaurant to The Kitchen, also in Millbrae).  Food was great.  Service was noticeably better than The Kitchen.  And the best part, the wait was not long.

Afterwards, we proceeded down to Half Moon Bay and spent the rest of the afternoon walking down Main St.  The street is littered with cute stores that sell a multitude of items including jewelry, ornamental decorations for the house (wind chimes, statues, etc.), and yummy delicacies.  Well worth the short drive.  I can’t help but feel refreshed each time I head to the coast (Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Carmel).  Must be the ocean breeze…

After HMB, we drove to the city to have dinner at Buca di Beppo for Doris’ birthday.  She was in good spirits as always.  Her husband, Rob (aka "The Pirate"), did an awesome job of rounding the troops and then forking out the bill for the 26 of us.  A hefty tab that was seeing as how all of us can really chow down.  Afterwards, Ali and I joined the Che’s as they wanted to go to Old Navy on Market St.  First time I’ve ever visited the store.  Probably will be my last.  I couldn’t find a single article of clothing to my liking.  Ali, on the other hand, purchased a few pieces.  Here’s hoping that she’ll wear it more than once before we donate it to Goodwill (which we seem to do on a regular basis)

On Sunday, we headed up to Sonoma and enjoyed a BBQ at Ali’s mom’s condo.  The condo looked fantastic after the remodel and served wonderfully as the gathering place for this family gathering/party.  I plopped down on the couch and watched the TV broadcast of Jean Claude Van Damme’s "Bloodsport".  This was JCVD’s first major movie after Cyborg, and was based on the true events of Frank Dux, a champion fighter.  While my wife always laughs at me for enjoying this movie so much, I find that the storyline, acting, and dialogue (however cheesy and comical), still brings a smile to my face.  Also, the music (by Stan Bush) and the backdrop of Hong Kong just glorifies the 80’s.  Make fun of me all you want.  I still love this movie.

After sweating and laboring through the BBQ’ing, I proceeded to jump into the pool for a cool down.  Nothing like 95 degree heat to make a pool feel just right.  As we (Ali, Grantland, Alana, Albert, Colin, Will, Siu, Kim, & Kyle) threw the football around, I was reminded how nice it is to not only be married to Ali, but married into her family, as they all know how to have a good time.

Monday was suppose to be a rest day, but we didn’t want to waste the day lying around.  As such, we went to have lunch with Ali’s grandmother.  Sweet lady, and despite her age, she is sharp as hell and wise.  Each time I talk to her, I find her calming and astute.  Only a handful of people that have that effect on me.  After lunch, we brought her out to Clement St to buy some groceries and called it a day. 

By late afternoon, I was already complaining that the three-day weekend was too short.  :-P