Relaxing July
Another month and it’s now July. Thankfully nothing much going on which is nice for a change. No challenge this month, woo, hoo!
Fourth of July Weekend - Saturday, June 2
Three-day weekends are so nice especially when you have no plans. On Saturday I met up with Sofia for lunch. We ate at Curry House and got our nails done in Irvine Spectrum. She seemed fine although a little weary about her job situation. It’s a tough spot to be in but knowing her, she’ll be fine.
Fourth of July Weekend - Sunday, June 3
And I’m back in FFXIV. In all honesty, I thought I was never coming back. It’s been a year since I bought the game (collector’s edition) and even considered selling it. Good thing I didn’t. There are a lot of things to be done before the installation: renew subscription, log in and organize my stuff before I transfer, and transfer my character to the same server as Legion of Doom moved. Once logged in I started on the quests… Oh man, definitely a year’s worth of quests. Plus there were a bit of adjusting with the new content. It’ll be fun.
Alita sneaking up behind Uo-sama & Uncle Din.
Fourth of July Weekend - Monday, June 4
Morning started out great. I went to the gym and did a double session with my patriotic top although surprisingly there weren’t that many people dressed up. Instead of 30-minute workout, the gym holiday schedule was actually 40 minutes per session. Got more than what I asked for in a good way. The rest of the day was pretty much like any other Sunday: laundry, nap and play FFXIV. The only difference is we watched fireworks from our apartment at night.
View from our balcony.
Mammoth Trip - July 9-11
First time in Mammoth and it’s gorgeous! Maybe next time we’ll rent the mountain bikes and ride downhill from the Gondola stop.
Mammoth Statue
Small but fun trip :)
And of course, I got sick afterwards because my body couldn’t keep up with the constant change of environment: hot in Lancaster, hotter in Manzanar, windy in the Village, cold in Mammoth, normal in Yosemite, and hot back home. My allergies were on full swing while body was so funky I took a week off of gym. However I did start my training over the weekend with 3 miles on Saturday and 6 miles on Sunday. So I wasn’t in too bad of shape when I got back to the gym.
Nice Terror Attack - July 14
This was supposed to be a great day in Nice, France but instead it ended in tragedy. With all the killings this year it would not surprise me if we get into a war. There has been a lot of questionable things this year. The “Brexit” in my opinion is a really dumb move. Then we don’t have much of a choice with our presidential candidates: Hilary the Liar or Trump the Idiot. Yep, not a brought future ahead.
Papa’s Birthday - July 16
My dad’s birthday was celebrated at my brother’s house and lo and behold, Hiroshi came along. I pulled a surprise one on him and actually got him to go hoping he would bond more with my dad. Sadly my brother-in-law and Pauline’s boyfriend didn’t show up so Hiroshi was the only other guy other than my dad and nephew. Good news, there were plenty of king crab legs so he wasn’t as grouchy. He got some good conversations from my sisters too: work with Sofia and cameras with Pauline. He’s still not the social type.
Other than that, my dad is doing pretty good. He was grilling his usual steak and had a blast playing with his grandson, Cayson. Those two are so cute together. Later on he started opening his presents. He got a grill set from Pauline and Roger, Mammoth sweater from me and Hiroshi, iTunes from Sarah and David, and Blu-ray player from Sofia. His most favorite present was the card from Cayson. It really made him smile.
Around 4PM Hiroshi and I packed some food and headed home. We didn’t get a chance to see my aunt and uncle because they were coming late. They’ll more likely talk about my upcoming cousin’s wedding.
Another Run - July 21
Just signed up to another running event and this time with my other sister, Sofia. We’ll be doing the Komen Race for the Cure, the same run we did last year. As much fun as it was last time, I wasn’t thinking about doing it this year because of the crowd. However they were giving out 25th Commemorative medal this year if you make a $25 donation when you register. Sold!
Another small challenge!
Late Birthday Mini Celebration - July 23
Since Pauline missed my birthday last month, she told me she’d take me out on Saturday. She asked me what I wanted for my birthday and what I wanted to do. I told her I only wanted a windshield cover for my car as a present. As for activities, I really needed a massage, I’ve been craving for halo-halo and Filipino spaghetti, and wanted to see Ghostbusters.
In the morning I’ve just completed a 4-mile run to which I actually felt and did good. Pauline and her boyfriend arrived around 11:30AM and our first destination was the masseuse where we got an hour and a half massage. I’m not a big fan of massages but my stiff body really needs it. Oh man, it felt so good afterwards that I just wanted to go home and sleep. For lunch we ate spaghetti and my halo-halo at Jollibee. The craving has been fulfilled.
Then we headed to Pauline’s apartment so I can have a mini reunion with Link. It’s so sweet how he still remembers me. Seeing him really brought back a lot of good memories when we all used to live together along with Ash. Pauline’s boyfriend parted ways as he was going to take his parents to the OC Fair and surprised them how he won in his category. The best part is how this was his very first entry.
Later on we headed off to the theater at the District. We still had an hour left before the movie so we went into this small shopping area and had one drink. Aside from talking about the times when we lived together, we also delved into random topics like Pokemon Go despite how I don’t play but rather curious.
Refreshments before the movie.
An hour later we went into the theaters and bought popcorn. Neither of us had any expectations and in fact was a little weary about the movie, hence why we got a drink beforehand. However the movie was a lot better than we expected. It was a really fun movie to watch and I’m glad I saw it. I think they did a great job on making it relevant to today’s time and added some new elements yet kept the original concept. I really don’t know why it got some bad reviews and I wouldn’t mind watching it again.
Overall I had a great get-together with my sister. It was like good old days and I actually miss hanging out with her. We should hang out more often.
Small But Awesome Challenge - July 25
It was like any other Monday workout at the gym except our trainer who got injured from his trip is back. The substitute trainer has seriously been shredding us so much it made my 4-mile run was like a stroll in the park. Anyhow, there was one station with barbells for our deadlifts and I opted for the one with 25lbs on each side (55lbs total with the bar) that gave me a good workout. Of course there was one crazy-looking barbell with had a lot of weights on. Each side had 1x 25lbs and 4x 10lbs hence giving it the suicidal look. It didn’t surprise me how both of my friends, Wenny (once) and Lisa (crazy girl did it three times) nailed it. After all they’re both into strengthening rather than cardio.
After Lisa’s deadlifts she encouraged me to give it a try it and I simply told them I was an injury waiting to happen. Then again, I was rather curious how heavy it was. Making sure my posture was correct and after a brief hesitation, I went for it… Wow, I saw my reflection in the mirror and man what I saw looked AWESOME!!! My arm muscles really came out and seeing myself carrying those insane weights was unbelievable. If anything, I looked relaxed although I felt like I was dying. What’s even more shocking was I didn’t drop it when I put it down. It was absolutely not what I had unexpected at all. Once I put it down, Lisa encouraged me again and I complied. The second time my body straight out said NO. Haha, I guess I could say I did 1.01 deadlifts with 135lbs. One of my best Mondays.
Art Contest? - July 29
So I might not make it to the FFXIV Fan Fest this year but that doesn’t mean I can’t enter the contest. One of the Doom members posted the link to the art contest and we have one month to work and submit our work. The catch is there are only three categories and they removed the comics and favorite character option. So the themes are Epic Showdown (2D), Life in Eorzea (2D), or Crafted Physical Entries (3D). If I were to enter I’ll more likely do a sculpture. I’m still not sure if I’m going to enter. Either way, I have the entire August to work on it.
Yep, July was A-OK! And on to August!
Fourth of July Weekend - Saturday, June 2
Three-day weekends are so nice especially when you have no plans. On Saturday I met up with Sofia for lunch. We ate at Curry House and got our nails done in Irvine Spectrum. She seemed fine although a little weary about her job situation. It’s a tough spot to be in but knowing her, she’ll be fine.
Fourth of July Weekend - Sunday, June 3
And I’m back in FFXIV. In all honesty, I thought I was never coming back. It’s been a year since I bought the game (collector’s edition) and even considered selling it. Good thing I didn’t. There are a lot of things to be done before the installation: renew subscription, log in and organize my stuff before I transfer, and transfer my character to the same server as Legion of Doom moved. Once logged in I started on the quests… Oh man, definitely a year’s worth of quests. Plus there were a bit of adjusting with the new content. It’ll be fun.
Alita sneaking up behind Uo-sama & Uncle Din.
Fourth of July Weekend - Monday, June 4
Morning started out great. I went to the gym and did a double session with my patriotic top although surprisingly there weren’t that many people dressed up. Instead of 30-minute workout, the gym holiday schedule was actually 40 minutes per session. Got more than what I asked for in a good way. The rest of the day was pretty much like any other Sunday: laundry, nap and play FFXIV. The only difference is we watched fireworks from our apartment at night.
View from our balcony.
Mammoth Trip - July 9-11
First time in Mammoth and it’s gorgeous! Maybe next time we’ll rent the mountain bikes and ride downhill from the Gondola stop.
Mammoth Statue
Small but fun trip :)
And of course, I got sick afterwards because my body couldn’t keep up with the constant change of environment: hot in Lancaster, hotter in Manzanar, windy in the Village, cold in Mammoth, normal in Yosemite, and hot back home. My allergies were on full swing while body was so funky I took a week off of gym. However I did start my training over the weekend with 3 miles on Saturday and 6 miles on Sunday. So I wasn’t in too bad of shape when I got back to the gym.
Nice Terror Attack - July 14
This was supposed to be a great day in Nice, France but instead it ended in tragedy. With all the killings this year it would not surprise me if we get into a war. There has been a lot of questionable things this year. The “Brexit” in my opinion is a really dumb move. Then we don’t have much of a choice with our presidential candidates: Hilary the Liar or Trump the Idiot. Yep, not a brought future ahead.
Papa’s Birthday - July 16
My dad’s birthday was celebrated at my brother’s house and lo and behold, Hiroshi came along. I pulled a surprise one on him and actually got him to go hoping he would bond more with my dad. Sadly my brother-in-law and Pauline’s boyfriend didn’t show up so Hiroshi was the only other guy other than my dad and nephew. Good news, there were plenty of king crab legs so he wasn’t as grouchy. He got some good conversations from my sisters too: work with Sofia and cameras with Pauline. He’s still not the social type.
Other than that, my dad is doing pretty good. He was grilling his usual steak and had a blast playing with his grandson, Cayson. Those two are so cute together. Later on he started opening his presents. He got a grill set from Pauline and Roger, Mammoth sweater from me and Hiroshi, iTunes from Sarah and David, and Blu-ray player from Sofia. His most favorite present was the card from Cayson. It really made him smile.
Around 4PM Hiroshi and I packed some food and headed home. We didn’t get a chance to see my aunt and uncle because they were coming late. They’ll more likely talk about my upcoming cousin’s wedding.
Another Run - July 21
Just signed up to another running event and this time with my other sister, Sofia. We’ll be doing the Komen Race for the Cure, the same run we did last year. As much fun as it was last time, I wasn’t thinking about doing it this year because of the crowd. However they were giving out 25th Commemorative medal this year if you make a $25 donation when you register. Sold!
Another small challenge!
Late Birthday Mini Celebration - July 23
Since Pauline missed my birthday last month, she told me she’d take me out on Saturday. She asked me what I wanted for my birthday and what I wanted to do. I told her I only wanted a windshield cover for my car as a present. As for activities, I really needed a massage, I’ve been craving for halo-halo and Filipino spaghetti, and wanted to see Ghostbusters.
In the morning I’ve just completed a 4-mile run to which I actually felt and did good. Pauline and her boyfriend arrived around 11:30AM and our first destination was the masseuse where we got an hour and a half massage. I’m not a big fan of massages but my stiff body really needs it. Oh man, it felt so good afterwards that I just wanted to go home and sleep. For lunch we ate spaghetti and my halo-halo at Jollibee. The craving has been fulfilled.
Then we headed to Pauline’s apartment so I can have a mini reunion with Link. It’s so sweet how he still remembers me. Seeing him really brought back a lot of good memories when we all used to live together along with Ash. Pauline’s boyfriend parted ways as he was going to take his parents to the OC Fair and surprised them how he won in his category. The best part is how this was his very first entry.
Later on we headed off to the theater at the District. We still had an hour left before the movie so we went into this small shopping area and had one drink. Aside from talking about the times when we lived together, we also delved into random topics like Pokemon Go despite how I don’t play but rather curious.
Refreshments before the movie.
An hour later we went into the theaters and bought popcorn. Neither of us had any expectations and in fact was a little weary about the movie, hence why we got a drink beforehand. However the movie was a lot better than we expected. It was a really fun movie to watch and I’m glad I saw it. I think they did a great job on making it relevant to today’s time and added some new elements yet kept the original concept. I really don’t know why it got some bad reviews and I wouldn’t mind watching it again.
Overall I had a great get-together with my sister. It was like good old days and I actually miss hanging out with her. We should hang out more often.
Small But Awesome Challenge - July 25
It was like any other Monday workout at the gym except our trainer who got injured from his trip is back. The substitute trainer has seriously been shredding us so much it made my 4-mile run was like a stroll in the park. Anyhow, there was one station with barbells for our deadlifts and I opted for the one with 25lbs on each side (55lbs total with the bar) that gave me a good workout. Of course there was one crazy-looking barbell with had a lot of weights on. Each side had 1x 25lbs and 4x 10lbs hence giving it the suicidal look. It didn’t surprise me how both of my friends, Wenny (once) and Lisa (crazy girl did it three times) nailed it. After all they’re both into strengthening rather than cardio.
After Lisa’s deadlifts she encouraged me to give it a try it and I simply told them I was an injury waiting to happen. Then again, I was rather curious how heavy it was. Making sure my posture was correct and after a brief hesitation, I went for it… Wow, I saw my reflection in the mirror and man what I saw looked AWESOME!!! My arm muscles really came out and seeing myself carrying those insane weights was unbelievable. If anything, I looked relaxed although I felt like I was dying. What’s even more shocking was I didn’t drop it when I put it down. It was absolutely not what I had unexpected at all. Once I put it down, Lisa encouraged me again and I complied. The second time my body straight out said NO. Haha, I guess I could say I did 1.01 deadlifts with 135lbs. One of my best Mondays.
Art Contest? - July 29
So I might not make it to the FFXIV Fan Fest this year but that doesn’t mean I can’t enter the contest. One of the Doom members posted the link to the art contest and we have one month to work and submit our work. The catch is there are only three categories and they removed the comics and favorite character option. So the themes are Epic Showdown (2D), Life in Eorzea (2D), or Crafted Physical Entries (3D). If I were to enter I’ll more likely do a sculpture. I’m still not sure if I’m going to enter. Either way, I have the entire August to work on it.
Yep, July was A-OK! And on to August!