2008

2008

I seriously can’t believe that this year is coming to an end. With everything going on in the world it really hasn’t felt like 365 calendar days have passed by. This year has been a landmark year with the 2008 Presidential Election, marred by our given state of the economy and our relationship with foreign countries. I’ve been fortunate enough to embark on 2 trips this year and fortunate enough to see all my family and dear friends. I am also very thankful for having my health.

My 2008 New Years resolution was not to cut my hair. I’m happy to report, “Mission accomplished”.

Also, I have launched my new website (http://hawaiiinsomniac.com). My blog will remain with Blogger as it allows me to post from anywhere I have internet access.

Most Zen Moment
-Leaving Morocco without passport
-Waking up from a bus an hour after I was suppose to disembark in Spain.

Most Surreal Moment
-Riding on a camel in Tamraght, Morocco with a surfboard
-Holding my nephew for the 1st time
-Sprinting across the finish line of the 2008 Honolulu Marathon

Best Concert
-Foxbury Hot Tubs
-Colbie Caillat (in Lisbon, Portugal)

Books
1) Twilight Saga
2) Remember Me?

Technology:
1) Apple iPhone 3G
2) Microsoft Xbox 360

Video Game:
1) Lost Odyssey
2) Tales of Vesperia

Happy New Year!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Very Blessed

VERY BLESSED

Mele Kalikimaka everyone.

I got to LAX airport today at 4:50 for a 6:13am flight. If I'd been 10 minutes later, I would have missed my flight.

I'm just very happy this Christmas day to have my health, my siblings and my friends. The many gifts are just a bonus and I wish I could express how special I feel today.

This is my Christmas clan.

Off to NYC tomorrow.

Have a wonderful Christmas.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

I won! I won!

I WON!

I never win anything from lottery or sweepstakes UNTIL today! I won a $500 Levi.com online gift certificate from levis.com!

I am so super happy! I can't believe it!

Funny thing I just got a pair of Levis jeans in the mail that I ordered.

Thanks Levis!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

2008 Honolulu Marathon

2008 HONOLULU MARATHON

I can't believe I did it and I really can't believe its over. Many "Mahalos" to everyone for your support to the cause I ran for this year. There are a lot of people affected by Leukemia & Lymphoma and thanks again for showing your support. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Team in Training has raised over $900 million since its inception to fighting blood cancers and we won't give up until a cure is found.

This is my 2nd marathon and I improved my time by over 2 hours. I walked the first marathon in Dublin and I am looking forward to the marathon again next year. The hardest part of the marathon wasn't the running, it was the weather. It stayed dry until the gun shot at 5AM and the rain came pouring down. I ran the 1st 10K slow and I expected to pick up the pace, but it never happened. I was running with blisters for pretty much the whole race. I have about 4-6 blisters on each foot and I am very proud of my time given the circumstances.

On that note, I would like to say a special thanks to Buffy Whiteman who is a part of the Team in Training team and ran with me between miles 24-26 (up Diamond head). If it wasn't for her words of encouragement and pace, I would not have crossed the finish line under 5 hours.

I didn't expect to get emotional, but there I was crying at the finish line and crying again when I saw Buffy at the tents.

Some people say, "I can't do that or that's impossible". I know with the support of my family, friends and the community that anything is possible. That is why I have signed up for the 2009 Honolulu Triathlon.

Well, since the marathon I have eaten Carls Jr., Zippy's, Taco Bell, Fried Chicken from Safeway. Ha! I deserve it! :)

Love you all and thanks for everything!

My Official Split Times


The Finish Line (from the day before)


3AM - Day of Marathon - Preparation


Ready to go


After the Marathon



First Meal


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Keys

KEYS

Thank goodness for AAA! I have locked myself out of my car again and AGAIN.

Yes! 3 times this year!

Fortunately, AAA covers it for 4 times a year. I've saved over $150 just on this service alone.

AAA rocks!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Justice

JUSTICE

Don't you ever find pictures of yourself that doesn't do yourself any justice?

Here's mine.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Honolulu Marathon in 1 Week

HONOLULU MARATHON

In 1 week, I will be running the Honolulu Marathon.

Yesterday, we had our last training run and now its time to taper off, rest the legs and get ready for the race.

I am getting butterflies thinking about it!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

My Website - Beta Format

MY WEBSITE

My new website is up and running. This is the Beta version and there will be a lot of updates and more pictures added. I bought a new printer/scanner, so I'll be scanning in and adding more pictures to my new site.

Please check it out and let me know what you think. I'm sure there is a lot of room for improvement.

Click here!

If that doesn't work, just head directly to http://www.hawaiiinsomniac.com




Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

MacBook Pro

MACBOOK PRO

Its official! I just ordered a MacBook Pro from Apple.com and yes! I got the last model! I went to the Apple Store and I really hated the new glossy screen. It was so hard to see, I could just imagine trying to use it outside where there is light! Not to mention, the new MacBook Pro would have cost $700 more and for what? It has the same processor, same memory, has the same 1 year warranty, same screen dimensions, same built in programs, OS and iSight, same USB, Firewire 400 and 800 connections. The only differences are the physical atributes, a 250 GB hard drive as opposed to a 160 GB (which doesn't matter anyway, since I have all my data on an external HD), a faster graphics card, which considering I am currently using an iBook G4, I don't think I'll be able to tell the difference since anything I buy will be way faster than my current laptop.

YEY! I can't wait! I'll be selling my iBook on Craigslist or on eBay. Let me know if you are interested and I'll cut you a deal!


Product Details

Model Refurbished MacBook Pro
Processor 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 2GB (two SO-DIMMs) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
Display 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 x 900 resolution, TFT widescreen
PCI Express Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
Video Built-in iSight Camera, DVI, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included)
Audio Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
Hard disk drive 160GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm
Slot-loading drive 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Ethernet Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
Wireless Built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11n); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Modem Apple USB Modem (sold separately)
Input Apple Remote; full-size, illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; scrolling Trackpad
Expansion One FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, two USB 2.0 ports, and ExpressCard/34 slot
Weight 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg) with battery and optical drive installed
Footprint 14.1 x 9.6 inches
Thickness 1.0 inch (2.59 cm)
Video accessories DVI to VGA adapter included (other adapters sold separately)
Hardware accessories 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord,lithium- polymer battery


Front View

Opened Side

Closed Side View


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Black Friday

BLACK FRIDAY

During the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of many things I am grateful for. Awesome siblings, my health (I was able to run almost 25km Thanksgiving Day without too much knee pain), super cool friends, lots of food, 4 day weekend and finally Black Friday. Black Friday this year is more important than any other year as Americans (probably the world) are trying to stretch their money as the economy is trying to stabilize itself. I for one, love to shop and I love sales and finding deals because its my nature, I'm pake (cheap) and Filipino.

Thanksgiving Day - Run


My Black Friday team this year consisted of 4 people (including myself). After eating a 5 course meal, the last course being dessert, where I served my take on a Filipino dessert. I made banana lumpia as normal, then coated it with cinnamon and sugar, and it was served with either whipped cream and/or ice cream, and more cinnamon sugar dust on top. I deviate from the topic because its dessert and it was a HIT with everyone. Our team decided to hit Walmart 1st. Which of course since it was 7pm and I consumed enough food for 4 people, I was such in a daze, I couldn't sleep. Plus not to mention, I needed to participate in online Black Fridays, which online retailers like Amazon and Apple participated in midnight PST (Pacific Standard Time), which was 10pm here. I bought a couple of things on Amazon, Apple sales sucked, Macys was great! I purchased a Kenneth Cole Pea Coat for $63.99, originally $250.00. I finally passed out at 11pm, only to wake up at 2am. The doorbuster sales began at 5am, so we arrived at 2:30am, which was the perfect timing. We received a map of where all of the doorbusters were going to be. We separated and stood by our respective items, which I can't discuss as some of you reading this could possibly get a gift that I lost a good night's sleep over.

These pictures were taken 15 minutes because chaos ensued and everyone swarmed their respective items in the middle of the isle covered by black plastic. My mission was successful and I obtained my 2 items (8 of 1 item and 5 of the other) successfully. Though the doorbusters was over in 10 minutes as the maniacs scoured the sales floor like their life depended on it, we did not leave until closer to 7am. One of our teammates was in line for a camera, plus the check in line was crazy. I even made a Starbucks run for us, right after I discovered my battle wound.

Black Friday - 1


Black Friday - 2


Black Friday - 3


My Black Friday Injury


After Walmart, we decided to head to Office Depot and yeah, there was nothing exciting there, so I stopped by Nordstrom Rack for 5 minutes and I realized there weren't even having a Black Friday sale, so off to Sears! I've been wanting a pair of Levi's 511 jeans for sometime. Online Levi's had a major discount, $40 your order of $100, of course, they didn't have my size. The Levi's store here at Ala Moana doesn't have my size. I called Levis.com customer service and they had no way of pulling up store inventory like other companies like Nike. At Sears though, I learned a very valuable lesson. The Levi's 511 skinny fit jeans were on sale and there was no sizes for me. I normally wear a 28" x 30", but since these are super tight on the thighs, I like to wear a 29" x 30". Well, I'm not one to just give up if something isn't on the sales floor, Black Friday or not, so I asked an associate if they had the size and she said, "You know what, they probably wen sell out at 5am, but you know, if you that small, go to the boys section, the size 18 or 20 should fit you, you know, cuz my son, he da same size as you, that's why." Needless to say, I'm a happy owner of Levi's 511 jeans, Size 11.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and hopefully you had an awesome Black Friday.

Boys - Size 18


Shoutouts to Jamie and James in Vancouver, they just had a had a beautiful baby daughter.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

W. O. M (Waste of Money - Part deux)

WASTE OF MONEY - PART TWO

Since iTunes came into the scene, it has been very rare that I have bought CDs. I have purchased a couple of CDs here and there but I have been looking forward to the holiday season as musicians release their CDs in hopes of making million of dollars on minions like me.

I have purchased 4 CDs the past week and I am very disappointed with 3 of them.

Beyonce - I am... Sasha Fierce
More like Sasha boring. This 2 disk set, 1 CD for Beyonce (boring ballads) and 1 CD for Sasha Fierce (currently in training). Besides Single Ladies, there are no real songs that I see on here as possible singles or really good songs. Though Beyonce will sell millions of albums, its just sad as it seems this is really a watered down CD from the Beyonce we know. Don't expect "Ring the Alarm", or "Crazy in Love" or "Irreplaceable". 1 out of 4 starts.


Taylor Swift - Fearless
I have been listening to more country music this year more than ever and this is one of the artists responsible. Her sophomore album Fearless is a major disappointment. All the songs sound similar to her 1st album. She will also sell millions of copies of this CD but this CD is more a disappointment from the artist I have come to love. 1.5 out of 4 stars.


David Archuleta - Self-Titled
Save yourself some $, but the single "Crush" and that's it. 1 star our of 4.


David Cook - Self-Titled
This CD is the best buy out of the 4 if you were planning to purchase a CD. However, this probably won't enter your replay vault as the songs seem to run together and might give you a headache from all the screaming. 2.5 stars out of 4.


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Another half-marathon...

HALF MARATHON

Another 1/2 marathon in the books!

3 weeks until the marathon.

CLICK ME!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

College Acceptance

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
Whoot whoot!

I have been accepted to college at University of Hawaii - Manoa for Fall of 2009!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

My Nephew @ 3 months!

Here is a slideshow of Aiden.

He turns 4 months on November 23.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

NXE - New Xbox Experience

NXE - NEW XBOX EXPERIENCE

I downloaded the new xbox experience this morning for my xbox and I love it!

Not only do we have Avatars (mine below, its the closest I can get my avatar to look like me). There are also numerous updates that I love!

I can now stream Netflix movies without a computer! Not that I could do it at home because I don't have IE (Internet Explorer). I need to update my queue to include more watch it now movies.

Now I will probably need a part time job as knowing Microsoft I will have to pay to get new clothes for my avatar. I need slippers and boardshorts!


My Avatar


Netflix program (shot of my TV)



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Twilight

TWILIGHT

This movie has a lot to live up to. I loved the 4 books that have been released so far.

It better be good! I can't wait to see it!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Tattoolicious

TATTOOLICIOUS
I have decided on 2 new tattoos. The exact design and location hasn't been decided nor when I am going to exactly get them, but I really want these 2 designs somewhere on my body.

Which design and where? :)

TRAVELER


ZEN


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

An Apple Conundrum

AN APPLE CONUNDRUM
To MacBook or not to MacBook?
To iMac or nor to iMac?

Those are the questions that have been plaguing my mind for the past 3 weeks.

I have decided to get a new Apple computer. I deserve it and also my iBook G4 though recently revamped is getting sluggish for my multitasking needs.

The new MacBooks look great. I have played with it at the Apple Store and the graphics processor is super fast. I can scroll down 1000s of photos and I see photos as opposed to white squares on my iBook while the photo loads. The biggest downfall? No FireWire port. I have 300GB of iTunes library on my external hard drive and I need FireWire as USB is way too slow to access data from the external HD.

The iMacs have always been iCandy and it definitely has the processing power of everything that I need to do. Not to mention if I get a new one, a large HD, I don't need a external HD to access my data. I'll just use it for Time Machine. The only downside? Its not portable. There are 24" iMacs on Apple store that are refurbished for $1499.

I am debating on waiting until MacWorld convention in January to see what Apple unveils before making a decision on any purchases or maybe if Apple has a great deal on Black Friday maybe I'll just jump on board.

What to do?




Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

No Sleep

NO SLEEP

What makes for no sleep? Ice tea + Battlestar Galactica on DVD.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Election - Pokemon Style

ELECTION - POKEMON STYLE

A great example of Obama's battle for presidency.

 

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Inspirational Video

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO

This video of Matt Ortiz. He died on May 13th, 2008 at the age of 24.

This was discovered after he passed away.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Vote 2008

VOTE 2008

Whomever you choose to vote for this year, we can all agree that thank goodness that the election is here. The route to this election has been the most exciting and I've never seen so many people engaged in politics.

Make your vote count. I have.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Gas Prices

GAS PRICES
Last time I filled up on gas it was $4.079 a gallon. That was about a month ago. Yesterday, I filled up on gas and it was $2.60 a gallon. I should note that yesterday I waited in line at Costco like 1/2 of the island because regular gas down the street was at $3.17.

What I don't understand is airlines have been quick to raise fares, charge for bags and fuel surcharge fees to the consumer in order to account for "increases in gas prices". Now that gas prices are on the decline, can't airlines purchase oil by the boat load? If I recall correctly its called wedging. If an airline practices this shouldn't they start passing on some of the savings to the consumer? Perhaps by eliminating fuel surcharge fees or lowering fares so people are more apt to travel.

I understand that people are in a bind and are stretching their dollars to the maximum, but as an airline wouldn't you rather have people fly at a lower cost than have that seat empty?

Soon with RyanAir coming stateside, US airlines, you better come up with a way to earn loyal clients.

Just my $0.02.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

24" iMac

24" iMac

I had purchased this new 24" iMac. Awesome specs, free printer and after lugging it home (its not light) I got home and yeah... I was so excited at the store that I forgot to get the one with the bigger hard drive. You think a computer for $2000 would come with more than 320GB of hard drive. I mean you can get a PC desktop for $500 with the kind of storage. Needless to say, I returned it and got a gift card.

After talking to a couple of friends I am debating on buying it now or waiting as soon as the new ones come out. Apple has just refreshed the MacBook line and I don't see any reason why they won't do the same to the iMacs right before the holidays.

Arrghh! I want a new computer!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Single Ladies & Single Man

SINGLE LADIES
You have to watch both videos! Both quite entertaining. :)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

First
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)



Second

Single Man


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

$1,000,000,000,000

$1 TRILLION DOLLARS

I don't normally like to post to other links and such but this was just too interesting...

Basically the United States of America has spent $1,000,000,000,000 on the war on iRaq (sorry bad habit with the iPhone, iMac, iEverything) and what we could have done with the money instead.

Link - 1

Link - 2


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Applying to Uni!

UNI APPLICATION
Well just in case I go next year, I might as well be ahead of the game, so I will be sending out my college application!

Wish me luck!



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Funny Election Video

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Holiday, schmoliday

HOLIDAY
I was originally going to spend 11 days hanging out with friends and family. Then I thought to myself, what am I going to do when everyone goes to school, or work? I don't really have the desire to see anything in LA, so with the mortgage industry the way it is, I started looking at plane tickets from Los Angeles for a quick getaway.

Puerto Rico - $600
Costa Rica - $650
Buenos Aires - $900
Lima - $700
El Salvador - $650
Panama City - $500

$500! That sounds like a winner to me and I was planning to use miles to get to LA, so that ticket is only going to cost $2.50, not to mention I found a hostel in Panama City for $15/night! I can probably get by on $40/day (if not less).

Perfect timing! I'm going to South America in 2009, and I am going to visit central america this year!

Panama here I come!





Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Unmotivated.

UNMOTIVATED.
Work - blah
Life - blah
Everything seems to be so blah.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Knee Problems

KNEE PROBLEMS

I've been having knee problems since last week and this past Saturday when I ran, it was really painful. I've been icing it for 3 days and taking ibuprofen and my appointment with a sports medicine doctor is on Thursday. I think my knee is seriously messed up this time. No fear though, I will complete the marathon one way or another. I owe it to everyone who has shown their support.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Make a Difference.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I have been a long time advocate of Kiva organization and for good reason. Instead of grants and such, Kiva is basically microlending. Kiva allows for people to help themselves. Today, I have lend to my 100th business via Kiva.org.




Make a difference.

My Lender page.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Its Britney Bitch!

Britney...
Ok, I officially am brainwashed and love this song... after hearing it everywhere... not to mention seeing her video... its hot!!

Womanizer - Britney Spears


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

BRITNEY VS. CHRISTINA VS. HILARY DUFF

BRITNEY VS. CHRISTINA
WOMANIZER VS. KEEPS GETTIN' BETTER VS. REACH OUT

Womanizer by Britney Spears will no doubt hit #1 in the US Charts but not because its a great song, it'll be due to all of us not getting enough of Britney Spears, and the sad thing is this song is not really all that great. I don't want to hear Womanizer again. She mentions it over 50 times in the song. Why doesn't she sing anymore? I saw her sing in Star search and I swear she sang better then instead of just talking in her song...

To hear womanizer: CLICK HERE

Keeps Gettin' Better by Christina Aguilera will probably not hit #1 (a top 10 hit no doubt) but this song definitely showcases her talent in a restrained manner. A good pop song. Though after hearing both songs, they sort of sound similar. I just wish Christina was releasing a full album instead of a Greatest Hits Album.

To listen to Keeps Gettin' Better: www.christinaaguilera.com (enable pop-ups)

Reach out with Hilary Duff (a top 40 song if she's lucky) is a new single which will be included in her Greatest hits album Nov. 11, her 2nd greatest hits album... (are you serious?) I love Hilary and adore her last CD, but honestly all these songs sound the same...

Listen to Reach out..


Can't wait to see the videos...

NO WONDER I LISTEN TO COUNTRY NOW...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

VP Debate

VP DEBATE

Hmmm... I wonder if this is true... I did watch the debate and I enjoyed watching Sarah Palin.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Transition

TRANSITION
With multiple websites and blogs, everything will soon be incorporated into 1 site.

www.hawaiiinsomniac.com

I am working the site and should be 100% operational by November.

Its currently working and pics are available for viewing.

:)

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

W.O.M. (Waste of Money)

WASTE OF MONEY
Alright, let me begin by saying that I am huge Christina Aguilera fan. That being said, her new CD is going to be a complete WOM (waste of money). Her new song, "Keeps Gettin' Better" was released today and her album "Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade of Hits" will be released November 11, 2008.

Are you serious? A greatest hits album? You've had 3 albums. Most of your fans have purchased these 3 albums, and you're going to record 2 new songs and re-make 2 old songs, throw in your previous singles and call it a greatest hits?! Come on Christina! Ok, well if you do want people to buy your "Greatest Hits" album, how about you don't sell your single "Keeps Gettin' Better" on iTunes. Once people buy your new song, then there is NO REASON whatsoever to get the new "Greatest Hits" album.

I don't know, it just doesn't make sense to me. I don't particularly enjoy the new single and I don't have any reason to buy your greatest hits album as I've purchased the previous singles you have released.

Why don't you just release a mini-album like you did previously with Target and Justin Timberlake. I honestly doubt people will shelve out $10.00 for this album as a whole.

Maybe next time, Christina.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

I like men with BIG....

I LIKE MEN WITH BIG....

Vocabulary...

I have decided to test the waters and see what the gay online chat world has to offer me and its quite sad, really quite sad. I would receive emails with "sup", and not just from people around my age, but people in their 40s. What is "sup" anyways? It is hello? Is it go fcuk yourself? What ever happened to, "hi, hello, how are you doing?"

I deleted my online profile. I'd rather be alone than chat with "sup".

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Time Zone Challenge

Time Zone
Its 3 am and I am awake as a bird. I was trying my hardest to get on a routine schedule, I even had caffeine so I wouldn't pass out at 8pm. I went to bed at a normal time 10pm, but here we are contemplating the importance of doing things we're suppose to do.

yawn. I'm going to toast some English muffins. Yum



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Safely home...

SAFELY HOME...
A little cold, a little jet-lagged, but other than that happy to be home and its been quite an exciting holiday. This is just a small kine preview. I'll be working on the website hopefully this weekend.

=========
9 Flights
6 New passport stamps
6 Buses
A Ferry
and an overnight train....

I'm still recovering as I only slept 3 hours last night.

A lot of "first time" from this trip...
...meeting my nephew
...in Portugal
...going to Africa
...surfing in another country
...surfing in a wet suit
...riding a camel

not to mention, catching my biggest wave ever...

9 flights


camel


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Wednesday Night Television

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TELEVISION
After Bikram yoga, I got home, cooked dinner and started watching my DVR.

US Open
The US Open was on my DVR and for a very good reason. The Williams sisters are playing in the Quarterfinals. Last time they played was at the final of the Wimbledon. What an exciting game that was and this match was no exception. Venus was up a break in the first set. Serena was able to rally and break back and force a tie breaker. Venus has 2 break points but Serena managed to rally and win the tie breaker 8-6. The second set was the same story. Venus up a break, and was up 40 - love to serve for the set. OMG, Serena manages to win 5 points in a row to stay in the set 4-5, and win her serve to tie it up 5-5. Venus wins her serve and had another break point to win the set on Serena's serve and Serena wins the point for deuce and after 4 additional deuce points, Serena forces the tie break for the 2nd set. This time around Venus wins the first 3 points and serves a double fault. The 7th point on the tie breaker was the craziest point ever! I was standing up and yelling for Venus! Loses a point and wins another one and Venus sets up 3 set points. Like the first set, she was up 4-2 in the change over. Like the first set Serena came back to win 9-7 tie breaker. This will stay in my DVR like the Wimbledon finals as it truly was an exciting game. I wanted Venus to win, but now that Serena is through, I have no doubt she will win the US open. The remaining women don't have the caliber, fierceness that Serena and Venus has. The match lasted over 2 hours.

DETERMINATION


PROJECT RUNWAY
The challenge this week was with Diane Von Furstenberg. She issued a challenge to make a design based on a movie Foreign Affairs. The winning look will be available to purchase by American Express card members and part of the proceeds will be donated to CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). The winning look was designed by Leanne and its truly stunning. The coat hides some of the details and the back of the dress was extremely beautiful. Kudos, that's 2 wins in a row Leanne!




ANTM
Yes, today was the season premier of the 11th cycle of America's Next Top Model and I'm afraid I will have to watch it tomorrow as its really late!




Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Fried Chicken

FRIED CHICKEN
I ate too much. My friend chicken turned out really well. I used panko breading.

I'm full and watching the US open. What else could I ask for?



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Productive Saturday

PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY
I decided to go to training today and I didn't expect to do this well. I hadn't ran in 2 weeks because of my infected tattoo. A 1/2 marathon in km is 21.097494km or 13.1 miles. Well, I was able to run a 1/2 marathon + an extra 2 km in less than 2 hours! WOW! I really didn't expect this. I felt fine after, just a little tired, but not tired enough to do some upper body workout. I knew I couldn't surf immediately, but I decided to get on my board and paddle back and forth Ala Moana. 3 complete laps to be exact. Then next thing you know Guillaume calls me and wants to go surfing, so after grabbing some Pho, Walmart, Best Buy and Costco gas station, we went surfing. I lasted a good hour and I literally felt like jello. I swear you'd think I was Michael Phelps, I made myself a pasta dinner and yeah I ate about a pound of pasta... at least I'm so full that's what it feel like. Well, I am going to enjoy the US Open on my DVR.

Hope your Saturday was productive.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Love & Hate - Apple

LOVE & HATE - APPLE
I was super excited yesterday night when I got a phone call that my laptop was ready. (Click here for regarding earlier post) During my lunch break, I drive to Kahala mall to see my laptop and I honestly couldn't tell any difference, but then again, everything that was changed was internal. After work, I rush home to get my iBook started. Super grateful for the fact that I had Leopard Operating System, why? Because it has Time Machine (a super awesome feature), and I had backed up my laptop the night prior the incident.

I turned on my laptop... Great Leopard graphics come on... Then, it asks, so I already own a Mac and if I would like to transfer my files? Yes, please, I'd like to transfer my files from a previous Time Machine back up.



After that, it asked which information I wanted to transfer (everything of course)



5 minutes later..



An hour later.............



Once the transfer was completed, it restarted itself and welcome me to the home screen where a familiar picture appeared (a picture of me). After entering my password and hitting enter, the large icon wiggled from left to right, indicating that had input the wrong password. I tried my password again, as it is 12 alpha-numeric characters. The icon said no again as it showed my password hint. Of course I know what it is! Hello, its the same password I've had on the laptop for 3.5 years! So maybe they reset the password, so I just hit enter, no luck. I called the Apple Store immediately and told them the situation. They said to come in as its hard to diagnose a computer via the telephone. Another trip to Apple Store Kahala Mall. I was ready to throw the laptop out the window. Once at the Apple Store it was pretty quick, he plugged in an external HD, booted up my laptop via the external OS, and reset my password. Since I was having problems with passwords, he wanted to erase my keychain (password saver), but guess what? The letter K wasn't working. Weird because everything was working the night before it broke. Easy solution...

A new keyboard...



I'm at home now and everything is great...

SUMMARY...
4 trips to the Apple Store
First trip, diagnosed my iBook and it was going to cost $280.
Second trip, deciding to fix my iBook and dropping it off.
Third trip, picking up my iBook during lunch.
Fourth trip, getting the password fixed and a new keyboard.
$280 + taxes

Was it worth it? Yes! Yes Yes! They replaced the logic board on my laptop along with the hard drive, and a new keyboard. Parts alone would have set me back $700. I basically have a brand new laptop. The first go lasted 3.5 years and I won't be surprised if this lasts another 3 years or more.

Why do I love Apple? They're at your beckon call.

Love you Apple! Welcome back iBook!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.