I can run... or can I?

Last night, I ran 2.5k after not running for a month. My heart felt like it was coming out of my chest... going faster than I was. I was so out of breath, I couldn't even get deep breaths in no matter how hard I tried. I even got heartburn! Is my heart really that out of shape?

I remember feeling exactly the same when I started training for my first 5k race just a little over  year ago. But I pushed through, and ran my 5k race (and I mean I ran... continuously... with no walking breaks!) just under 35 mins.

It was a really great accomplishment and I was proud of myself for doing it. But now... I feel I let myself down by letting myself go out of shape :( I might be a lot lighter and leaner now than a year ago but I was a lot more physically strong and fit then.

Now, I am in a sort of state of panic. I am running a 5k race again this October and I feel like there is no way I will be ready!

This is a perfect example of procrastination, I tell you.

But I am motivated to get fit by October 17th. I have inspiration. 

This year, I am running in memory of a great friend. He was a close friend of our family, we attended the same church, his daughter and my sis are BFFs and he was my husband's martial arts instructor and coach. He was a God-fearing, loving husband and a wonderful dad of 2 kids. I admired him for being such good shape at his age. He regularly kicked butt at his gym where he trained and mentored a lot of young people to be on top of their game with mixed martial arts, Jiu Jitsu, Muay thai and Yawyan. 

With MMA fighter Jeremy Horn

Sadly, on September 12, 2009, he finally lost the battle with liver cancer. It was only about 3 months before that that he started feeling symptoms and found out about the cancer. So of course, his passing away was a surprise to everyone. But the most amazing thing is that he left with a high spirit. Although he fought his cancer hard, he also didn't waste his time in this world by sharing God's word to everyone he could reach out to. 

Taken July 2009

So on October 17, 2010, I am running in his memory and to raise money for Cancer research benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital. Together with my mom, hubby and our late friend's family, we are making a team to run for this cause.

This is where YOU come in. 

I need YOUR help by clicking on this link. Any amount of contribution is GREATLY, I mean SUPER GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

So if you missed that... here's my fundraising link again...

and again....

and again....

I thank you from the bottom of my heart in advanced.

And I assure you that I will be training super hard to make that 5K race!

Oh and before I forgot, I need another favor...

Please keep our fundraiser in your prayers, spread the word and also, keep our friend's family in your prayers.

Ok, maybe that was a few more favors... 

so Thank You again :) 

May God Bless you always so you may bless others more.

Pondering... Reminiscing... Celebrating...

It's thursday night, almost the weekend guys! Thank you for those of you who have read my 1st blog anniversary post. Although not many of you chose to comment, no worries, I felt the love :) 


And therefore, I'm giving my first giveaway to another mom blogger who is inspiring, talented and super creative...


Loralai's Mommy from Baby Chronicles!!!


I want to thank her so much with all my heart for all her kind words and support with my blog. And her personal blog is so adorable and way cuter than mine! She has so many beautiful creations as well at Sweet L Designs. So be sure to check it out! (I'll message you on facebook Loralai's Mommy to get your info)






On a more personal note, I want to share a short little story with you...

About 4 years ago, these two kids, as young and career minded they were, almost eloped at one point. But thank God they didn't!

And on September 15, 2007 they tied the knot... properly... with all the glitz of a big wedding, in the presence of all their loved ones and in front of God.


Those two crazy kids was obviously my hubby and I.


Fast forward to yesterday when we celebrated our 3 year anniversary...


We thought it would be neat to go back to the old ceremony site. It was on a beautiful garden on a cliff over looking the lake.

It was great to revisit that special day, to stand there where we said our vows and kissed as husband and wife for the first time.

Then, we went to have our anniversary dinner at The Keg Steakhouse. Although I was more opting for sushi, it was hubby's turn to pick since we already went to a sushi restaurant the year before.


But I enjoyed it to bits. It felt to wonderful to sit down and have a meal like adults. I'm sure those of you with children know what I mean. The ambience was romantic, our server Patrick was simply wonderful and gracious, the food was divine and the conversation was a delight. I felt blessed.

Dinner was...


Drinks: Pineapple Juice for hubby; Margarita for me
Appetizer: Crab, Parmesan & Spinach Dip
Hubby's main course: Grilled Top Sirloin cascaded with creamy wild mushroom sauce with baked potato

My main course: Filet mignon wrapped in applewood bacon with twiced baked potato

Side: Trio Sampler of steamed asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and sweet potato fries.

Dessert was compliments of the house! Billy Miner Pie, a mocha ice cream on a chocolate crust with hot fudge, caramel and almonds.

And I could not ever, no matter how I tried, finish my dinner. So leftovers was kindly boxed for me and I had it for lunch today!

During our dinner, my hubby couldn't get over how so much has happened between the 3 years of our marriage. It actually feels like we have been married for way more than that. I guess that just shows how we have grown as a couple since that time. 

With so many things that life has thrown at us, I am definitely blessed to have my hubby not just as a support but as a partner in this life.

Those vows we originally promised to each other and to God has now a more deeper meaning to us. 

Looking back to who we were 3 years ago, we certainly did not have the faintest idea what being married really is. 


I thank God that although we were just a couple of kids 
"in-love", He has given us the will power to stay strong and to stick with each other: for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.


And I do declare that these two lovey-dovey couple...

are newlyweds no more...

Niagara Falls

This week was vacation time for me and the hubby. We didn't get to really enjoyed this summer because I just started a new job. Although the hubby got some vacation time, he used the time to do errands because I was working away. So finally, we both got the time off to spend good quality time with our Darling Daughter.

I wanted to jet off on a beach on an all-inclusive vaycay but our budget was not on the same page. So, we got a hotel booked at the Hilton in Niagara Falls instead! 

The room itself was a treat. We never stay at actual hotels when we travel, except for our honeymoon. Somehow we always find a friend or a relative to stay with. 

The view was great... obviously our room face the casino. 

The city view of Niagara Falls can be seen from our room too...

But we had a great view of the falls itself!

We didn't waste any time and headed to explore right away...

First stop... Starbucks... LOL. Well, caffeine was greatly needed.

After our coffees were purchased, we walked towards the Maid of the Mist.

It was a warm and sunny day but it was also very VERY windy.

DD rode the Maid of the Mist boat last year but she stayed sheltered in her stroller with the rain cover on. This time around, she wanted to get out of the stroller to see the falls up close.

I got a few good pics of the US side of the falls. But as we got closer to the Canadian side, the wind was getting stronger and we kept getting soaked with all the mist. DD loved it at first and she was even yelling out, "Splash! Splash!". Soon after, we were right at the bottom of the horseshoe Canadian falls and I couldn't even see.

Next thing I knew, my hubby took DD with him in the more sheltered part of the boat.

My poor baby got shaken by the crazy wind!

Even though the elements were got too scary for my DD, as soon as we got out of the boat, she yelled, "Gate Venture!!!" which translates to 'Great Adventure!'.

As a treat for being so brave, I got her some ice cream.

We sat on a bench underneath this huge ferris wheel while sharing a big oreo vanilla soft serve on a waffle cone. Of course, DD said she wanted to ride it, but I didn't want to traumatize her any further.

Next stop was the Ripley's Believe it or not museum. 

And DD saw some Dinos along the way...

And this is her doing a T-rex Roar!

In the Ripley's Museum, DD did not really let us look closely at exhibits. We were too busy chasing after her as she goes to one thing to another that sparked her interest.

But I think the big piano keyboard really made her day.

Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel room to 

A. get DD to possibly nap (which she never did because she was to excited that she has her "New Bed")

and

B. get ready for our fancy dinner out!

We dined at Romano's Macaroni Grill which is located right inside at Hilton Fallsview. 

DD got a little antsy most of the time and kept moving around her seat. At least she didn't run around the whole place and broke dishes!

By this time my camera went on a fritz. Every pic I tried taking was a big white blob and it told me that it's over exposed even in a very low light condition without a flash. So hence, the rest of the vaycay pics from then on was taken with my Blackberry.

We shared some yummy calamari as an appetizer. 

And for the main course, I had Lobster Ravioli, hubby got the Veal Parmigiana and DD got Fettucini Alfredo that she picked out herself. The kid's menu had pics of each menu item. She was actually tossed between spaghetti and meatballs and the alfredo. She wanted both but eventually made up her mind and chose the Fettucini.

After dinner, we strolled around Fallsview Casino. 

Everything that has to do with water or things that spin really excites my DD. So this fountain was a delight for her.

Of course, it was getting really late so we had to call it a night... No more clubbing or casinos for Mommy and Daddy! Lol.

She's all ready for bed and it was past 9 o'clock and this little girl was still jumping on the bed like a little monkey.

Well soon after two Dr. Seuss books, she passed out no problem. 

I was still mourning after my camera. See how there are lines on the last two pics? Those are two of the three last best shots I got from the whole vacation.

This was the third one. All the pics I tried taking after came out as white blobs. Man, I can't afford to buy a new camera right now!

So that was the end of our first day in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. 

Our next adventure... Marineland! Stay tuned for that post...

Meanwhile, I just had my first blog anniversary last Sept. 09, 2010! I'm giving away Joyce Meyer's book "Look Great, Feel Great". See the details on the last post and don't forget to comment to enter! I would LOVE to hear from you guys!

Bloganniversary!!!

Oh wow! It's been a year since I started this blog!

I remembered making a blogger account after reading countless health blogs and thinking that creating one for myself might work as a great motivation tool. And you know what it worked! Blogging about my weight loss journey really helped me stay on the healthy track (ok, it worked MOST of the time).

Well, ever since I started, I have taken pics of myself to track the weight loss visually. I have always wanted to post them but never had the guts too because well... it's too darn embarrassing!

I figured that since it's my blog anniversary, I want to celebrate by letting all my fears of ridicule aside and post that dreaded "BEFORE" picture. 

I have probably taken 5 or 6 pics in the last year  or more but I decided to post just the one when I was the biggest that I ever was. 

Ok... brace yourself....

Gosh...

I can't believe I'm doing this....

Before   

                                                                                                 

December 2008: Ranging from 178 to 182 lbs.

After

September 2010: Happy and healthy at 145 lbs.

There it is... ummmmm... yeah...

Sorry, I can't think of anything to type since I'm still not over the fact that I actually uploaded these pics (and it is permanently stored out there in the big web called Internet).

In my first post, I originally stated that my goal weight is 130 lbs. Well, I'm not in any hurry to get there now. It took almost 2 years to get rid of more than 30 lbs. the right way by working out and eating clean and fresh. My main focus now is to be healthy and stay that way.

I have also learned that weight loss is addicting. It makes you vain and narcissistic almost. I can honestly say I was that way at one point in time and man, I despised myself for being like that.

Right now, I'm just so happy that my clothes fit and I have the energy to run and keep up with my rambunctious toddler.

Oh and before I forget I have a 

GIVEAWAY!

I am giving away this copy of the book I'm currently reading. I started reading this in the bookstore during my DD's nap and about a quarter through it, I bought two copies, one for myself and another one for one of my blog readers.

I just actually saw her speak in her conference just a month ago and she is inspirational. Well, the word of God is inspirational but the way she delivers it touches my heart and smacks me in the face at the same time. So this book is great for those of you, like me, struggling with body image because of years of unhealthy lifestyle.

To win this: you can COMMENT below and.... that's all! 

Oh and I just might give a bonus gift to the winner if they posted a link to this post on their Facebook or Twitter! The little extra gift will be coming from one of my regularly visited shops.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced next week, Thursday, September 16, 2010. I am willing to deliver to any part of the globe that you can mail to so feel free to comment wherever you may be!

I just want to thank all of you reading this for following my rants the past year. I also want to give a BIG Thank you to my family for supporting me through this journey and telling me that I can't eat the bag of chips or I might regret it. Thank you for my loving husband who still loves me with all my insecurities aside and for telling me I'm beautiful even though I didn't feel I was. 

And most of all I thank God for giving me the patience, the guidance and the comfort while I struggled fitting in this crazy, Uber-superficial world we live in.

Here's to another year of blogging!

Speedy Dinner

Oh blogging world, how I missed you!

I have been insanely busy and stressed out lately, as you can probably tell from my M.I.A.ness. And as I'm typing this post, I realized how much calming and stress relieving blogging is! I should know that the more crazy and hectic life gets, the more I should blog.

Anyway, the past month I always take pics and have ideas to post here but it never got posted. Like this one time a few weeks back when I made this super easy dinner!

I have created pizza using this as a dough...

I love president's choice products, don't you?

Well, I unopened the package and laid it out on a baking sheet and topped it with all kinds of goodies...

 

If you are wondering what's on here, it's really nothing special. Just ingredients normally found in my fridge and pantry. 

Roasted red peppers, Spinach (sauteed with garlic), Sundried tomatoes (sliced), chopped leftover baked pork chops and the one ingredient that made it all cheesy without actual cheese...

Veggie Slices! The jalapeno flavour gave it a great kick too. I preheated the oven to 400 degrees....

Stuck it in there and watched the whole thing go all melty and golden brown. So really, I didn't time it but it was about 15 minutes or less.

And there you go! I had pizza less than the time it would take to order one...

I had it with a bowl of spring greens and mom's organic backyard tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Delicious and easy!

Going to a totally different topic, I have a little tidbit for you...

Did you know that on 09/09/09 (September 09, 2009), some woman who was bored and tired of being unhealthy started this blog that helped her lose major poundage?

And yes, that woman is me! Yay! My 1st blog anniversary is coming up!

I'm working on some exciting and possibly a very revealing blog post on September 09, 2010. 

And you what it includes? My first giveway!!!! I have already shopped for my first one to give away to you guys, my awesomest readers. 

And I know that my #1 most loyal fan will be probably jumping up and down for this giveaway but I'm sorry MOM, you are disqualified because you are a blood relative. LOL.

So, I will surely give you all the details on Sept. 09 and even though I will be away in the middle of vacation that day, I plan to post an anniversary post where ever I maybe! (Thank God for my Macbook and hotel WiFi, which I hope is free, and if not, I'd have to hit the nearest Starbucks).

So goodnight for now, and I'm so excited for the next blogging year ahead. I have so much to share that has been going on the past month, but first things first... I need to pack for my VAYCAY!!!

Enjoy Labour Day ya'll....