Random Blurb... Busy Busy Busy

You know what's funny is now that I am back and working, I hear the word busy a lot.  People are busy.  Busy, busy, busy.

Maybe its just me, but I'm still not "busy".  I have time to train and work out.  I walk to work, I go to tennis classes, I spend a lot of time playing video games, making YouTube video and writing articles.

Yup, still have time to call my friends and family on the phone.  Maybe busy is just relative.

Oh yeah a couple of tips:

1) If you're busy - don't answer the phone.  Answering the phone and telling someone you're busy is stupid.  The person wouldn't have called you if they knew you were busy.  Don't make someone else feel bad because you answered the phone when you were "BUSY".

2) Take some time to yourself.  Even busy people need to disconnect.  If you're really busy, maybe you should stop using Instagram, or uninstall that game on your phone or tablet.  Do something truly relaxing, like yoga, meditation - even 15 minutes will do wonders.   

3) Don't be a flake.  Being busy doesn't mean you cancel on people.  If you're busy, your friends will understand.  Just give people advance notice and re-schedule.

and ALWAYS be in the present.

If you're busy and you only have dinner to catch up with your BFF, turn off your damn phone.  Talk story, listen to them, TRULY LISTEN.  It's counter-intuitive since busy people want to purge and vent, but sometimes you'll just need to step back and let that other person know you're important to them...

BUSY - NOT AN EXCUSE.

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

My trip to the Emergency Room

So yeah... This past Sunday I went to the Emergency Room at Queens.

The events that transpired aren't that exciting, but I guess I should write about it more in detail.

First, my weight last week.  160.2 pounds - this kinda fits into the story in a weird way.

So last Wednesday, I cooked dinner like normal, it was kinda exciting because it was my first time cooking dinner in a while - with Safeway ground turkey and the next day I wasn't feeling pretty good.  

I was pretty much taking #2s left and right and vomiting anything I ate or drank.

Friday was pretty much the same thing.  I even went home early.  I tried to make an appointment to see the doctor but apparently, they are busy and my insurance can't be used at any of the urgent care clinics in the area - so I just went home.

Saturday - repeat, but I started to feel really weak and I stopped eating because I couldn't keep anything in.  I started to feel super bad, really weak.  It was from the dehydration.

Fortunately, I didn't have any other symptoms, no fever, headache, just extreme dehydration and weakness.

At the end, I ended up losing 8 pounds, not by choice.

The emergency room couldn't do anything for me except give me an IV and give me some meds to calm my stomach.  They couldn't fix the root of the problem.

So I pooped for another day and Tuesday I am well.

MORAL of the story:  Apparently, you can eat street food from all around the world and questionable things from questionable places - but don't eat ground turkey from Safeway.

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

First time cycling in forever!!

Back in the day, I use to ride my bikes over mountains, across cities, past bridges as far as I possibly could.  Crazy part is, because I still use the same tracking app - RunKeeper, the LAST time I rode on a bike was back in 2012 - when I was in Florida!

Oh my times have changed!  My first time on my bike since 2012 was crazy fun - I remembered exactly why I love to ride my bike... 

I went on a quick bike ride before heading out to work yesterday - while I was sick!  Long story short, I've been sick since yesterday and I'm finally getting over the mild case of food poisoning.

Well, a lot more training to get to 545 miles!  

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

2016 AIDS LifeCycle - ROUTE!

It seems like all I've been talking about is AIDS LifeCycle for the past couple of weeks and probably all I'll be talking about for the next couple of months - well until its over anyways... LOL

Visit my Fundraising Web Page - to learn more and donate =) 

This is the Route for 2016 AIDS Life Cycle - yes cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles!

Here is the complete route:

DAY 1	San Francisco to Santa Cruz	82 MILES
DAY 2	Santa Cruz to King City	109 MILES
DAY 3	King City to Paso Robles	63 MILES
DAY 4	Paso Robles to Santa Maria	91 MILES
DAY 5	Santa Maria to Lompoc	43 MILES
DAY 6	Lompoc to Ventura	88 MILES
DAY 7	Ventura to Los Angeles	62 MILES

TOTAL = 545 MILES!!

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Cycling - The most expensive casual sport!

So... my bike was finally delivered last night and I can't wait to start riding!  Some people have been asking me, "If I have my bike?" and the answer is YES!

(NOTE: Don't forget to check out why I am doing this ride - AIDS Life Cycle - share this link or donate! http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/hawaiiinsomniac) 

However, there is so much more that you need for long distance cycling.  Granted, some of these things are optional, but if you want to take cycling seriously, these things become mandatory.

First, of course the bike!

Yey!  Next up for safety - helmet (that's necessary, right?)  I bought the most basic helmet available at the store.

Next up - bike pump - a must for cyclists!  Tire pressure is crucial.  If you're tire doesn't have the right pressure, its easier to puncture and it slows you down.

  

Next up, in case you do have a bike flat.  Tire lever set to remove the tire.  A replacement tube and the CO2 cartridge to put air back in the tube! and the pouch to put that in!

Oh yeah - cycling apparel.  Fortunately, I saved some from when I use to train and I also bought some in Spain - thanks Decathlon!  So much cheaper than anything here in the U.S.

What's not pictured here?!  (I've already ordered this stuff)

Lights!  The bike comes with reflectors - which is ok, if you're only riding in the day.  For Hawaii athletes, you know you have to train earlier to beat the heat - so lights are necessary!  

SPD cleats!  For short rides a regular pedal is fine.  Just use your regular shoes and ride away!  However, if you're going to start riding 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 or more miles, you'll want clip on shoes and pedals - why - you don't have to worry about your feet sliding and you can focus on rotation!

Yes, I've already spent almost $1,000 - and I got one of the road bikes on the lower end! 

And there are still more thing I need and want.  

I even started an Amazon WISHLIST 

(in case any of you are feeling super generous)

1)  SPD shoes (not included in wish list - I have to buy these at the store to try them on!) - the cleats are just what attaches to the bike - I'll need to buy special shoes to latch on to the cleats

2) Special Bike tools - not super expensive, but its like a screwdriver set for adjusting things on your bike.

3) Bike Rack - I'm currently storing this in my room and I'll probably continue doing so, but this way at least its feasible.

4) Bike Lock - With a bike lock, my rides aren't restricted to coming back home, I can go somewhere else and secure the bike - with a more expensive bike - you'd kinda want a more secure system.

5) Phone Mount (completely optional), but hey after an hour of riding it'd be nice to listen to some music, no?

Yeah - After that - that's about it.  Focus on riding - getting back into shape - then in the future - nutrition! 

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

My New Bike!

It's official!  I can start training for the 2016 AIDS LifeCycle - well starting Friday afternoon when my bike is delivered.  Make that Saturday morning, because I am hanging out with Michelle Friday night.  Actually, Saturday afternoon.  I have to go to Best Buy and return the laptop I bought and get something better for video editing.

Yeah, Saturday afternoon, closer to evening, because its really hot in the afternoon with the blazing sun.  

Anywho!  In addition to the bike, there is TONS of new gear that I bought and more I have to buy.  I have a new helmet, bike pump, Co2 cartridge, rear mount pouch to put everything in.

I still have to buy lights, clips, cycling shoes, aero bars (in the future), water bottle, maybe a phone mount, ooohhh, maybe one of those LED lights that goes around the tire!

Anywho, thanks everyone for following along this journey with me.

If you haven't done so, please check out my fundraising page, any donation will be greatly appreciated.  Sometimes I have to remember who I am doing this for.

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Day 0 - 2016 AIDSLifeCycle - I'm am SO out of SHAPE

To some people I have done some unthinkable things in my life.  Go to Ukraine during a civil war, eat an insane amount of food, get married!

I feel like this time around I am going to do another unthinkable thing again - get back into shape.  Apparently, drinking beer in large quantities doesn't help you get in the beset shape of your life - contrary to those beer runs which sounds like a great idea!

Today, like many times before, I ran around the marina.  Except today, it was really really hard to do so and to be honest, it'll probably be like that for a couple of weeks!  No worries though, I plan to whip this completely into shape, without dieting.

Soon, I plan to work out twice a day, a quick 30-40 minute run in the morning and an hour in the afternoon.

Actually, once I get a bike - that would be a really big help!  How can I compete in a bike race without a bike?  Unfortunately, there is no bike shops near me and it might be even cheaper to get a bike shipped from the mainland - crazy right?!

Oh yeah, if you want to donate - click here!  I am $300 of my goal to raise my first thousand by the end of the month!  This is going to be a hard fundraising endeavor.  Normally, the first thousand is the easiest - so if I can't even raise $1,000 - imagine the next $2,000 I'd have to raise!

We'll stay tuned to my blog... I'll be writing more and keep you abreast with what's going on in my life!    

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

How are you feeling?!

Since I've arrived, one of the first questions that my friends ask me is... How are you feeling?

To be honest, I am not exactly sure.  I have been quite emotional recently, probably for the last couple of weeks.  Wresting with the idea that my backpacking days are over (for now), and going back to work (it's been over a year) and the first time since 2010 that I'll be working a 40 hour work week - crazy, right?

Besides the emotion caused by the logistics of moving back, other emotions, such as humbled, joy, lucky, blessed, also pop into mind.  

It's kind of crazy - most of you already probably know that I am doing a cycling event - from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for HIV and AIDS related NGOs.  Crazy part is I am so amazed who is supporting me.  Friends from all over the world (who do not get the tax deduction), from Australia, Spain, Canada, Guatemala - I mean, how lucky am I to have the support of these awesome people.

On the flip side, I've only raised $700, and that is a long way to go until $3,000.  Considering that the first round of donations are the easiest - the last $2,000 is going to be a bumpy ride, but that's ok, I have some fundraisers planned pretty soon! 

Well besides fundraising, there is also the issue of getting back into shape - which will probably be a completely separate blog.  I have partied hard this summer and I've gained about 15 pounds, which isn't that big of a deal, my weight normally yo-yos, but getting started is always the hardest.

That and not having enough for a bike, which is actually no longer the problem since I sold nearly all of my high-end electronics.  I sold two of my laptops (Alienware M18X R2 and a MacBook Pro 13 Retina), and 2 phones (iPhone 6 64GB and Huawei P8 Lite). 

Great thing is now I have money for a bike, bad thing is here in Hawaii, it is really overpriced.  I kind of wished I had an extra day in San Diego to go shopping for a bike.

That leaves me to the fact that I do not have transportation at the money, so I'll be walking about, which isn't a big deal for me, since I don't work that far from home, but it would be nice to already have a bike or also a car, but that's not going to happen until I have finished the 2016 AIDSLifeCycle.

Another thing right now is not having the space and things right now to properly organize.  I have to help my roommate clean out some things, which I don't mind, but I kinda wish I could just do it all and get it done.  Speaking of which, if you know anyone who wants this huge entertainment center - let me know.  Letting it go for free, just need someone with the manpower and a pickup truck to haul it away!

Shopping is also an issue too, I don't want to spend that much money on things right now, so the pantry is quite limited, but I'm alright with that too...

 Well, I am getting tired, sorry for the randomness which are my feelings, but the lack of sleep and natural light maybe too hard to overcome...zzzz. lol

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

My 35th Birthday Wish!

There is only 1 thing I want for my 35th birthday!  Since I am currently car-less and my old bike is rusty musty sitting in storage, this is all I want for my birthday!

Yup, I am going to be selfish this birthday and ask for something!

This awesome Dawes Lightning 1500 bike will get me around, nearly everywhere I need to go!  It is currently on sale for $599 (at least there's free shipping!)

xoxo and thanks in advance!

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Bucharest, Romania - Week 1 (more like 10 days)

Aloha everyone,

I can't believe that I've been here 10 days.  I feels like I've been here for months... Then again time does seem to fly by when you're in good company.   I haven't written in so long I am starting to feel scattered brain.

The past week has been kind of surreal.  I am staying at a hostel about 3km away from the city center and I still haven't been to the city center (with the exception of 1 day for moving stuff), so basically my thought process is to explore this area before moving into the hostel in old town, which I will have plenty of time to explore and get to know the older city.

So far, my main highlights here in Bucharest has been, sightseeing wise, hanging out at the park with a beer, running around the park (no beer), checking out the Mega Mall, and hanging out with some awesome people I met here at the hostel, mainly the other volunteers.  My main accomplishment so far has been developing a British accent, since two of them are Bree-tish, and the other guy is from Brazil.

Budget wise, so far so good.  Including a night of completely getting plastered and grocery shopping and drinking beers (nightly), I have spent less than 2 night (maybe even 1) in London.

I did go to a gay bar with some cool shows!  (ask me for more details).  

Oh yeah - guess what?  I'll be working for the same company I left 5 years ago.  It's time to go back (after this awesome summer trip - of course).

Well, off to bed.  I should write something else, but next time.

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Why Mariah Carey's new album, "#1 To Infinity" is stupid.

Let me start off with, "No, I am not trying to bash Mariah Carey" so calm down.  With that said, all of us Mariah Carey fans have most of the songs on her new album #1 to Infinity.  If you don't have your favorite #1 Mariah Carey hits, preorder/buy this album here.

Now, the album retails for $9.99, and to be honest, there's tons of ways to get it cheaper!

Track Listing for #1 To Infinity

You can buy Mariah Carey #1's for $0.01 (used + shipping) or $3.98 (with free 2 day shipping, if you have Amazon Prime). Which has 17 songs, and then just buy the hits you want after 1998 (and you probably already have the Emancipation of Mimi anyways). If not, get it on Amazon too, same price as #1's.

Considering that this is her first album since that last year's flop Elusive something thing, she could have recorded more than 1 song (which is completely shady and hateful towards the father of your kids).

#pass.

By the way, here's her newest single, Infinity.

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Road Trip 2015! Salt Lake City and Omaha!

I've been crazy blessed this year!

I've been on 3 roadtrips so far: 

First one: Salt Lake City and Omaha, NE

Second One: Las Vegas!

Third One: San Francisco, Ventura/Pasadena and Ensenada, Mexico!

Not only that, I am leaving for 4 months backpacking Europe on Tuesday!

Its been a while since I've written a blog (but I'll be writing more and more!)

OMG. Who would have thought that I would love Salt Lake City and Omaha, NE!? SERIOUSLY?  

Salt Lake City has a really cool vibe, its somewhat spread out, so its not so crowded, but there's enough people so it feels like a city.  I love that its so outdoorsy too! 

Omaha was beyond fun too!  I imagined corn fields and nothing, but I was met with friendly smiles (everywhere), not to mention the biggest gay bar I've been to is in Omaha (named The Max) hahaha!

Recommendations:
Salt Lake City: The Park Cafe 

Omaha, NE: The Max 

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

O_O

Just wanted to write a quick hi and hello.

It's been a while.

blurb

Taken by yours truly... with Note 4!

YouTube: http://goo.gl/0vks5e 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.