Eat the Alphabet

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.

Who am I?

I am (in no particular order)...

a LOVER of all things Luci (I am her #1 fan):


a zombie cupcake connoisseur (It's the truth):


a Runner (am I allowed to call myself that now?):


a die-hard knitter (currently) with too many unfinished projects (ie, four):


a star-burst jumper (although I'm not that aerodynamic):


A lover of food...especially food truck foods (I can't say no to a street taco):


a crazy dog lady (who occasionally carries dog treats with her to the gym):


a cupcake feign (Red velvet is my favorite flavor):


a consumer of cool (non)alcoholic beverages in warm climates:


very clumsy (if it can be broken or be dropped, I most likely will):



I am Me.

Easter Pibble

I think it would be wrong of me to NOT walk Luci around the neighborhood like this from now on...I mean, would you be scared of a pit bull that came up to you looking like this? <3

Kissy Kissy Bite Face

Here is Luci and Harley...they did this every day that Harley was staying with us (1 week). I'm sure the downstairs neighbors did not enjoy all the extra ruckus, but I really was in no position to stop the girls from having a good time!





I love watching dogs play with each other...I could probably honestly do it all day.

Fun at the Park

Today we met up with Harley & Lola and their humans at Morley Field...





The girls all had such a fun time...I'm assuming Harley & Lola are tired too because Luci is currently zonked out under a blanket next to me. That's the universal sign of a good time.

The humans and I are planning on making this a normal occurrence. We all love zonked out happy dogs :)

A perfect end to a Sunday.

Friends

Luci has been making new friends left and right lately...

First it was Betty:


Then it was Harley...they secretly plotted together to take up as much space on the sofa and on the bed. It was tres cute, but uncomfortable (for me!):




It's hard to see Harley because she is so dark...but I have a great video of them playing at home...I will have to post that later. They are the best of friends!

And then Luci recently made friends with Lola:


Of course, we cannot forget about our good ol' friends Juni & Chloe...but I don't have a picture of them right now :)

As the weather starts to get better, we can go on more hikes!

Round 2

I had full intentions of signing up and running the Chicago Marathon this year...I like variety! But when I had looked into hotels around the start/finish, they were all way too expensive for little ol' me (since I'll most likely be traveling/running solo).

Sooooooo...


I just signed up for the Portland Marathon...again! I got sucked into the fact that 1) I LOVE me some Portland 2) the food trucks in Portland are calling my name and 3) (most importantly of course) it's the 40th anniversary of the marathon! How could I resist?

So, come October, I'll find myself in one of my favorite cities :)

p.s. - Running is quite the expensive hobby!

Tofu Kimchi Gyoza

Experimented the other day with Tofu Kimchi Gyoza...It was a successful experiment. But then again, I LOVE GYOZA.

Started off with one block of extra firm tofu cut up into cubes, 2 green onions chopped up, one grated zucchini, and a healthy heap of chopped up kimchi:


Mash up the tofu and mix everything well. Add a splash of shoyu (aka soy sauce), 1 beaten egg, mirin and sake (if you have some). Make sure to taste it at this point to see if its seasoned to your liking (can't do this if you're using raw meat sucka!):


Then you become a gyoza wrapping factory...I like to lay out my wrappers and then use a teaspoon to put on the gyoza skins. Make sure you don't overfill! It will make it hard to seal if it's exploding with filling...Dip your finger into a bowl of water and wet the edges of the gyoza skin to help seal the sides.






You can shape the gyoza however you like...this is how I do mine :)


I've found that they keep in the fridge without the skins getting glutonous for one day...apart from that, I'd put them in the freezer for safe keeping :)


To cook: Pan fry in a little bit of oil (I used olive oil b/c that's what I have at home) for 3-5 minutes until the bottom of the gyoza is golden brown and crispy looking. Then, add about 1.5-2 cm water into the frying pan, put a lid on it, and let the gyoza steam until the water evaporates...about 5-7 minutes. Then enjoy! I like to dip mine in a combination of shoyu and rice vinegar to taste.

Why do you run?

I get asked this question a lot. In fact, I even ask myself this question a lot...on Friday nights when I have to stay in b/c of early Saturday morning group long runs, on Saturday nights when I have to stay in b/c of early Sunday morning wake-ups on Race Days, on days I have to pass on eating my favorite ethnic foods in fear that I will regret it the next day, on Race Day when I have to get up at an ungodly hour, every minute up until the race starts and I'm freezing cold, and of course, while I'm actually running. I guess I question my running motives a lot..

Apart from the obvious answer that I love to put the race bling on my dog, Luci, while she looks at me with anguish...I thought long and hard about this question while I was running in the San Dieguito Half Marathon this morning.

And I think I've finally come up with my answer(s).

Reason one: I run to cross the finish line. I think it's just that simple. Running has taught me that giving up is easy (too easy if you ask me), but that finishing, as hard as it may be on some days, gives you a sense of accomplishment (even on the bad runs).

Reason two: I think I love running so much, despite my turtle-esque pace, because during my runs is when I get the best mental clarity and often come up with my best ideas, thoughts and inspiration. Running is the one time in my day where I can kick back and think about anything I very well please...And since I do not run with headphones/music (unless I'm on a treadmill), I soak in the sounds, smells, sights around me while running...and these all trigger other ideas, thoughts and inspirations as well. I've smelled horse maneure (gross, like today), seen dolphins jumping out of the water, and met some pretty cool dogs all while running.

Reason three: Running has taught me that we all need to roll with the punches in life. I can wake up and do everything right in preparation for a long run or a race, and just outright have a shitty run or race where nothing falls into place...my breathing is all wrong, my posture is crap, my legs feel like lead...blah blah blah. But then the next time I run, everything magically falls into place and I finish the run/race feeling like gold. It happens to all of us. Running has taught me not to cross off a day because something doesn't go my way or the way I had planned...tomorrow is another day and I need to live in the moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Running has also taught me to not worry about how many miles are left in a race or a run, but instead focus on the mile that I'm ON.

I don't know if I make sense really...I'm not a very good writer.

In any event, I had a good race day today. It was my first half marathon of the year (haven't raced since October) so I was hesitant at first and let my nerves get the best of me. I think I sometimes underestimate my true abilities in fear of poor performance. It's something I'm working on. The course was a lot hillier than I remember it being (I ran it for the first time last year)...I should have known better too since everyone I talked to about the race beforehand commented on how hilly it was...and I was like, really?

Memorable moments included the British lady that dresses up like the Queen on Miles 1 and 12. I saw here there last year too...must be a tradition. They were also serving sangria on Miles 2 and 11 (unfortunately? fortunately? I passed...though I wish it were available AFTER the race)

Felt that my breathing was great the entire race, and I never felt unbearable fatigue at any point in the race (does this mean I'm not pushing myself hard enough?), and surprisingly, I only walked for 5 seconds the entire race (up a steep-ish hill), not even during the aid stations! I also didn't take any gu during the race, as I didn't have any. (The line at Road Runners was waaaaaaaay to long yesterday and since I had Luci in the car, I didn't want to stand in it. This was the first race I didn't take any Gu, and it worked out fine. Maybe my body has finally adapted to tapping into my fat reserves like it's supposed to.)

Finished in a happy (unofficial) 1:57:27 (according to the trusty Garmin)...a vast improvement from my 2:12 performance from last year. Now I need to refuel my stomach. :)

I'm back.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/the-one-new-years-resolution-that-creates-lasting-change/

Read this article...it's great. I've been following this way of life for 2011 and thus far, it's working.

i give up.

I caved in.

And finally bought a new laptop. Now I just need to figure out how I will retrieve all of my music and photos and documents from my now dead laptop. I'm hoping it will magically come alive again later like it did last time so that I can get stuff off of it. Otherwise, I will cry.

LA half marathon 2010

The inaugural LA half marathon has been conquered! I set another PR this month and finished in 1:56:59...finally reaching my goal to break 2hrs. It was an awesome course despite the hills ( hey, at least there were downhills to compensate!) and it was fairly well organized considering it was the first one. The weather couldn't have been better...a little sunny at times, but it was still cool enough that it wasn't miserable. Plentynof runners in Elvis costumes too...which always helps with the laugh factor. I started off the race too fast (why I still make that mistake I don't know) so I know a negative split is out of the question. But, I'm okay with that...Just another lesson for next time! I think I may run in this race again next year! Half marathons really are an awesome distance. Felt great after the race and felt no pain...a far difference from when I run in fulls!

I tried posting a picture of luci and the medal, but I can't post pictures from my iPad for some reason...bummer

I miss you

The Portland Cream donut from Voodoo Donuts:



This meal tied with the pho food cart I ate at in the Pearl District. This meal is from Nong's Khao Man Gai. I can't describe how delish this simple Thai dish is:


I also miss you Rogue...this is the Morimoto Soba Ale:

Portland Marathon 2010

First off I want to say I LOVE YOU PORTLAND. I even might come back to run in your marathon again...because I LOVE YOU THAT MUCH. Please just don't rain the entire race next year :)

I had a great race this past Sunday at the Portland Marathon. I knew I would be running in colder weather than San Diego, but nothing prepared me for running a marathon in 55 degrees in the rain. Didn't Portland get the memo from me that I grew up in Hawaii (hardly rains) and live in San Diego (also hardly rains)?!?!? Geez...My socks and shoes were soaked even before the start of the race, and I knew that was bad sign...

It took me about 20 minutes to physically cross the start line...and the first 5 miles were so crowded and I was watching my feet to make sure not to trip on anyone. The first 5 miles are always my least favorite because most people (myself included no doubt) dash out hopped up on adrenaline, so keeping a decent pace is difficult to say the least. This time around, I decided that I was determined to run a smarter race and force myself to start off slow so that I would be able to finish strong(er) than the RockNRoll marathon.

It was awesome to run in a different city than I normally train in and get to see all the different neighborhoods. I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more had it not been so cold and wet. I was continually amazed at all the volunteers and spectators that still had huge smiles and loads of support for the runners despite the weather. The entire time I was running I was thinking, which is better, running in heat or in the rain? I've now done both and I think my answer is rain. I feel for all the Chicago marathoners!!!

Anyways, a large portion of the course was through a pretty industrial area...not much to report there. The course was also relatively flat with several rolling hills (all of which felt like were in the 2nd half of the marathon...of course!) Crossed several bridges, which provided for some amazing scenery and ran through many a small neighborhoods where all the residents came out of their homes holding cups of coffee and cheered us on.

I felt fantastic and was running on target up until Mile 21 (actually surprised I felt good until then to be honest) and that's when I hit The Wall. The dreaded Wall. When I hit the wall I started walking whenever I came up to an aid station so that I could give my legs a short break. Mile 22-26 were seriously the longest four miles I have ever ran in my entire life. It felt longer than the 1st half of the course!

But, I came around a corner in downtown Portland and saw the finish line and thought HALLELUJAH Warm Shower here I come! I didn't have any strength left in my legs to sprint to the end (though in retrospect I wish I had). Finished the race in 4hr 22minutes...10 minutes faster than my RnR time from June. I am happy with my time, but now it's making me want to run another one to see if I can beat this time. hahaha

And the best part of running in this particular marathon was that I ran with Team Portland's Marathon for the Cure and was able to raise over $1,300 for the Susan G Komen Foundation. At the points in the race where I felt like utter shit and questioned why I volunteered to run 2 marathons within a four month span the only thing that kept me going were my supporters.

I couldn't have done it without them.

Life is not getting easier...though i had high hopes that it would. I feel like I am a hamster stuck in the my little hamster wheel and I feel the same emotions repeatedly. I am trying so hard to move on, but with each step I take forward, it only seems like I fall back two steps. I am so grateful that through this all I have friends that will sit there with me and listen to me, my dog Luci who will unconditionally love me and that I have running to help clear my thoughts and anxiety. It's hard not to feel like things are my fault, even though rationally I know that it was not all my fault. It hurts to see that he has moved on so quickly with his life while I am left here struggling to keep mine together. I hear certain songs on the radio, eat certain foods, come across various pictures and they all remind me of "us". I have never been this heartbroken before and I really don't know what to do to make myself feel better.

I want to feel whole again. I want to be happy again. I just want to stop being so sad.

Hydration

So I should be hydrating for my upcoming race this weekend...AFC Half Marathon...yet instead I find myself consuming beer.

Cheers :)

and she lives!

I've been lagging in the blogging department.

Partially due to laziness, and partially due to a hectic schedule. Started taking Japanese to brush up on my reading/writing once a week. Put in my two weeks at my current job (last day is this friday) and will be starting my new job next week!

Still running, still training for the Portland Marathon. In fact, I'm currently in the top three fundraisers for the Marathon For The Cure Team Portland! Still have two months to go!

Its been a while

Mon Ami, I've been away for a few weeks...maybe it's only really been a couple of days, but it seems like a long time.

R's been in Chicago since last week Monday for work and I miss him dearly. He's been texting me and sending me pictures of all the delicious food he's consuming...trying to make me jealous! hah!

Luci's diarrhea problem came back this past weekend (I'm assuming b/c she had finished her 3rd round of Flagyl a few days prior). Called my vet tech/soon-to-be veternarian friend and another friend in a panic b/c there was blood in her (extremely) soft stool on Saturday. Also left a semi-choking voicemail at Luci's vet office (they were closed for the day) and called the Vet ER and definitely cried a little while explaining the situation. She's had diarrhea on and off (on after the Flagyl wears off or if she's not on it and off when she's on the Flagyl) for the past two months (ie, since I took her to boarding that one time when our building was being termite tented!!!) Fasted her on Saturday evening and started feeding her white rice & chicken since Sunday. Felt panicked the entire weekend.

So she's been on that steady diet of white rice and chicken...and FINALLY had two decent (yet very small) solid poops yesterday (I did yell Hooray! in public when this happened) and also picked up a HUGE bag of Z/D from the vets (unfortunately this was the only size they had) The vet is hoping that this all points to a (severe) food allergy since the diarrhea stopped once I started feeding her white rice & chicken.

What's strange about all of this is that Luci was already on a high quality kibble (D/D...for her sensitive skin)!

I just want my wee lil' fur baby's tummy to feel better. Her energy level has remained high this entire time...but I assume feeling squirmish in her tummy is no fun (definitely not fun for me either).

Doesn't help that I have hypochondriac tendencies and want to take her to the vet for EVERYTHING IMMEDIATELY. My wallet has not thanked me at all this year.

Keep your fingers crossed for her :)

San Diego-a-go-go...2010 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Accomplished and fully rocked! I have lost my marathon virginity and loved every minute of it (well, that may be a slight overexaggeration)

I had my doubts going into the race knowing that everyone was saying how hot today was going to be (record heat and humidity compared to recently or something like that). But it didn't really start to get hot until I had reached around mile 10.

Started off the race in Corral 19-20 with a pace of 10:15 min/mile...I figured I could run that for 3-5 miles and then I could pick it up. Accomplished that much, and then accidentally picked up the pace too much so that I was running a 9:15-9:30min/mile which I knew I would not be able to maintain for the whole race. But ended up running at that pace for a good 3-4 miles since I was trying to keep up with my friends (3 faster running males!...bad idea!)

Once we made it to the 163 (awful freeway that is majorly banked...and long...and at an incline...for 3 miles) I had to take it back down on my pace. This is where it started to get majorly hot. It didn't help that because the freeway is long, I could see miles and miles of people ahead of me (literally).

But this time we were at mile 11 or something, and I had vaguely remembered R saying that he would be at Mile 11. But he was hanging out with his coworker (who's wife was running the half...slightly different course), so I couldn't remember if he went Mile 11 on the half course or Mile 11 on the full course. Scanned and scanned for his sweet face, but couldn't find him. Eventually found him and his friend on Mile 11/15 (half/full) and couldn't be more thrilled. Filled up my water bottle with fluids I brought from home (the course was supplying something I had never drank before and didn't want to upset my stomach). And then kept on going.

I'll admit, by this time thoughts running in my head were: "Why am I doing this? Am I crazy? Oh wait, I must be crazy because I signed up for the Portland Marathon too! Are we there yet? Is my sports bra tan getting worse? Why is it so hot!!!" haha. But hearing the crowds cheering all the runners on and listening to all the live bands playing pushed me forward.

Once I got to Mile 19 I knew I was on the home stretch (albeit a long stretch). I had ran that part of the course numerous times, so I thought it would be easy...specially considering it was super flat! But no, I was wrong. We ran around Mission Bay and onto Fiesta Island. The loop around Fiesta Island was, I don't know, like 3 miles or something...but it felt more like 8. The number of bands and onlookers on the island were lacking, and it made it difficult to push through. But I told myself I KNEW I could run 4 miles and it would just require me to take things one step at a time. Oh yeah, and I had somehow managed to pick up a small pebble in my right shoe around Mile 16 or something and I couldn't get myself to stop to untie my shoe and take it out. So I ran with it in there until the end.

Once I hit Mile 24 (I think this was on Fiesta Island towards the end), I could taste victory (but only a little. hahah). This is where I think I may have hit a wall (I guess I should be happy that it hit so late in the race). I kept running (only walked when I came upon the aid stations throughout the race), albeit slowly (maybe 10:45-11:00/mile) but I told myself running slow was better than walking being so darn close to the finish. MAN I WANTED TO WALK SO BAD. My legs were building up so much lactic acid and that darn pebble hurt by this point. I could feel myself loosing steam and salt.

Finally came upon the last aid station (0.8mi from the finish line)...it was glorious! The volunteers kept on chanting 0.8mil from the finish! 0.8 mile from the finish! And I was like YES SWEET JESUS I LOVE YOU! But let me tell you, that was longest 0.8 mile I HAVE EVER RAN IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF MY RUNNING HISTORY. hah!

Came around a corner, saw a tent and thought "yes! That must be the finish!" but it turned out there was another 0.2 miles to go (talk about mirage!). Forced my legs to lengthen their strides and propelled myself to the finish line!

You know I threw my arms up when I crossed that finish line! I am very happy with my time of 4hr 32 minutes 6 seconds...I couldn't have asked for a better first marathon experience. Like with other races I have ran, I see areas that need improvement (ie, my 1st half pacing) for future races, but I finished today looking forward to running the Portland Marathon!

(I admit though, I cried just for a brief second when I saw R at the finish because I was SO sore, relieved & happy to have finished. And yes, I am currently still sore!)

Go Long, Go Strong!