A New Day

Today is a new day. Not only literally. Today’s the first day of the another month which incidentally kicks off the 2nd half of 2009! This should be a good day!

There are a lot of things that I want to do. I want to be an active guy, change my lifestyle, improve my body and in effect, improve my life.

I also want to be a driving influence to my wife, my son, my family, and my friends. However, that will require a lot of work, dedication, and focus.

Well, wish me luck!

Before anything else, as usual, I checked my weight this morning. It said 153.6 lbs.

What my doctor friend told me yesterday really stuck in my mind. Aware that I have been indulgent with my eating, I decided to measure my actual intake of food. I took our measuring cup and decided to measure the serving of rice that I will take.

Here’s my brunch this morning.

This is pretty much what I will eat for the rest of my life (well, at least I think I would). I ate Tuna, a cup of rice, a glass (around 300ml) of 100% natural juice, and a glass of water. I found it challenging to finish that cup of rice. I’ll change the cup I used to measure on my next meal. It’ll be smaller than the one I used on the picture.

Since today’s a different day, I thought to change my routine again. This is what I did today:

• 3×12 dumbbell flyes alternate with 3×10 push-ups
• 3×20 dumbbell presses
• 50 declined crunches

Then I thought about cardio. I still haven’t made up my mind about this. However, I did create a playlist that runs for 20 minutes. I intend to use it when I do cardio.

Evening came. I decided to surprise my wife by cooking our dinner. I was so excited! Doing this really was more on an impulse thing and told myself that I have to make this work. I think I was able to make it work because my wife (and myself) loved it!

Here’s a picture:

Before I slept, I did a set of crunches and then I attempted to do one set of push-ups but couldn’t. I stopped at the count of 8. But that’s all good!

I will do cardio tomorrow. Darn. I feel guilty not doing that today. That’s ok, tomorrow’s always there for us to make things right.

Daily Habit – June 30, 2009

I just experienced the longest day of my life. I’m glad I survived this day! More about that later.

As usual, I checked my weight this morning. I guess all the lifting and work-out paid off. Today I’m 153.6 lbs. Hmm. But then, I’m probably dropping/adding weight because of water! I remember I was sweating like a pig the whole day yesterday!

So I went to the hospital to get my blood tested. I had been fasting for at least 10 hours already (my last meal was around 11pm the night before). I was really hoping that this be done as soon as possible because I was getting hungrier by the minute! After all the approvals were done, I proceeded to the lab.

After they drew blood from me, I was told that the results will be released at 4pm. Darn. Tagal pa. It was still 10-ish so I thought to proceed to the LTO for my car registration while it is a bit early, thinking that it’ll be just a breeze.

So, I drove myself to the LTO. It was only when I was halfway through the process that I realized that I made the wrong decision. I should have eaten first. The only food that I had were 3 packs of Sky flakes fit which I already ate. In the end, I went to the mall (Southmall) to eat lunch because the LTO halts its operations between 12noon to 1pm. Inabutan pa ako ng kanilang lunch break.

I like SM Southmall. As the jingle goes, “Here at SM, we’ve got it all for you.” But at the time, all I wanted was a bed. I was so tired and sleepy. Instead, I slept while sitting on a bench on the second floor. I woke up with perspiration trickling between the creases of my neck. Ewww. TMI. Great! It’s time to go back to the LTO.

So, I drove back to LTO around 2pm. Paid the fees, got the new car stickers and the all-so-important OR. Yes! I’m done here!  So, what’s next?

I was about to leave the LTO with another problem. Now, where will I go? I don’t want to go back to Southmall (traffic was getting heavier). I’ve got 2 hours to kill. Then I decided to just go back to the hospital and wait for the results of the tests.

So, I finally got the results at 4pm. Just for comparison, here were my blood test results last January 3. It’s screaming BAD results.

Test	Result	Normal Value S.I.	Result	Normal Value Conventional
FBS	4.80	3.89 ~ 5.83 mmol/L	87.273	70.72 ~ 106 mg/dl
Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	5.73	2.5 ~ 6.5 mmol/L	16.050	7.0 ~ 18.2 mg/dl
Creatinine	142.6	53.0 ~ 115.0 mmol/L	1.613	0.60 ~ 1.3 mg/dl
Cholesterol	6.67	0 ~ 5.2 mmol/L	256.538	0 ~ 200 mg/dl
Triglyceride	3.77	0 ~ 1.7 mmol/L	342.727	1 ~ 150 mg/dl
HDL Chole	0.63	0.91 ~ 1.56 mmol/L	24.231	38.46 ~ 60 mg/dl
LDL Chole	5.29	0 ~ 3.9 mmol/L	203.462	0 ~ 150 mg/dl
SGPT (ALT)	68	0 ~ 41 u/L	68.000	0 ~ 41 u/L
SGOT (AST)	33	0 ~ 40 u/L	33.000	0 ~ 40 u/L

Now, here’s the result of my blood test today.

Test	Result	Normal Value S.I.	Result	Normal Value Conventional
FBS	4.66	3.89 ~ 5.83 mmol/L	84.727	70.72 ~ 106 mg/dl
Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	5.14	2.5 ~ 6.5 mmol/L	14.398	7.0 ~ 18.2 mg/dl
Creatinine	93.5	53.0 ~ 115.0 mmol/L	1.058	0.60 ~ 1.3 mg/dl
Cholesterol	3.77	0 ~ 5.2 mmol/L	145.000	0 ~ 200 mg/dl
Triglyceride	3.22	0 ~ 1.7 mmol/L	292.727	1 ~ 150 mg/dl
HDL Chole	0.29	0.91 ~ 1.56 mmol/L	11.154	38.46 ~ 60 mg/dl
LDL Chole	2.83	0 ~ 3.9 mmol/L	108.846	0 ~ 150 mg/dl
SGPT (ALT)	54	0 ~ 41 u/L	54.000	0 ~ 41 u/L
SGOT (AST)	20	0 ~ 40 u/L	20.000	0 ~ 40 u/L

I was able to reduce my LDL points! Yey! Problem is, my triglyceride was still way too high. That score puts me under “high” risk. Also, my SGPT score is high. Plus, I need to find a way to increase my HDL, it’s too low which also increases a risk of heart disease.

My doctor friend told me to be careful of what I’m eating. That I should follow a strict diet = eat right and stay away from “bad” food. Most importantly, he said, that I should exercise. He encouraged me to run. Bottom line, a good cardio will really help me.

Told myself that I will do something about this. I’ve successfully quit smoking. I don’t drink alcohol (for the longest time). I don’t drink sodas and I stick to water or natural juices. I don’t even drink iced tea! Why can’t I do this? There’s just no reason why I shouldn’t.

Tomorrow will be July. I think the timing of it all is perfect. I’ve got a new medication to start (yeah, another one of ‘em) but I’m armed with a new positive attitude. I can do this! I will get healthy. I will see my son become successful, marry his girlfriend, and have kids. I will be a positive influence to my son, my wife, and my family.

This is a new challenge! Well, bring it on!

Daily Habit – June 29, 2009

I really don’t know what to say. As I got up this morning and did my usual things, I checked my weight and my jaw dropped. It says 155.2 lbs. Sigh. The idea really is to be consistent. I felt guilty for not working out yesterday. I should have.

Do you remember the video I posted about the Samsung Omnia II? Well, here’s the Samsung Jet and looks to me that what we’ll expect from the Omnia II is a little similar to what Samsung Jet is offering (hell, I love the Jet as well, so if ever budget becomes a concern, I’d choose the Jet instead). See what Samsung is offering.

Because I’m such a lazy boy yesterday, I forced myself to do some lifting today. I did 3×12 flyes, 3×12 bicep curls, 3×15 presses using 15-lb dumbbells. I also did 50 crunches.

I’m on FTO! That means I am on vacation. Yes, 1 whole week of no work. Problem is, my wife went back to work (last week, she was on a 1-week sick leave). Sayang, sana nagkasabay na lang kami.

I’m going to the hospital tomorrow to have my blood tested. I should’ve done this last month but I kind of skipped on my medication so I had to do it all over again.

I’m also going to have our car registered. I hope there aren’t too many people in LTO.

Surprised that I changed the “format” of my blog? Well, just think of it as a break from the usual stuff. I still might introduce a couple of changes. Who knows? I might change my mind and stick to my ‘old’ format.

Daily Habit – June 28, 2009

Laaaaaaaaazy day today.

Did nothing.

Checked my weight this morning.

I’m 154.2 lbs.

Now I’m going back to sleep.

Daily Habit – June 27, 2009

It’s my birthday! When I was younger, I’ve always thought 28 was old and now I’m 32. I’m in the quarter of my life. Wow.

Last night, we dropped by my parents house to get Carlos. Before we left, my mom gave me her present (which my sister picked). I love it (see picture).

It was time to open my wife’s gift when we got home. We were both excited. Her gifts usually are presented well. She usually takes time to think about how the gift should look. That’s why all her gifts look very nice and elegant.

And so I opened my gift, and to my surprise, this is what I got (see the collage).

My wife was laughing when I opened the box. She said, it was funny that all of them were thinking of the same thing: giving me a bag for my birthday. Yeah. I love bags. Big, medium, compact. It doesn’t matter. So, these are my presents.

It’s June 27. I woke up at the usual time. 8-ish. I checked on Carlos. He’s still asleep. My wife isn’t in bed anymore and I could hear some noise in the kitchen. She’s cooking our breakfast. I got up and drained my bladder. Went to the other room to check my weight and as I went back to the room to record my weight, I saw this (see picture).

She caught me off-guard. I thought the gift ended with the bag. I was truly pleasantly surprised. It was so very thoughtful of her to give me a greeting card with a personal note inside (sa akin na lang yun). This is how the card looks like (see picture below). Isn’t she the sweetest?

You are the one I turn to when I need comfort and support.

I love your quiet strength.

You are the one I count on to lift my spirits and make me smile.

I love your sense of humor.

You are the one who understands me and accepts me just the way I am.

I love how you love me.

On your birthday and every day. I love the man you are.

Happy Birthday.

Got caught in really heavy traffic on our way to MOA (Mall of Asia). We got there at 5-ish. Imagine? We had lunch at 5pm?

Because it is my birthday today, I didn’t do any of my exercises. I’d like to call this day as a "day off" from work-out.

My weight didn’t change. It’s still is 154.8 lbs.

Daily Habit – June 26, 2009

Wow! It’s a Friday again! Yes! Yes! Yes! Tomorrow is my 32nd birthday. Wow. I wonder what my wife bought me. It’s wrapped in a red wrapper with a ribbon. Curious.

Here’s my list today:

• Yesterday, the boys invited me to join them on a gimmick. When my wife said she’s ok with it, I went. Everybody went home with a smile.

• Sad sad news. Farah Faucet, one of the three original Angels died battling cancer at the age of 62. But the most shocking news ever is Michael Jackson’s passing. He was 50. In his memory, I will be playing his songs throughout the day.

• I was able to buy those 2.5-lb dumbbells I was talking about yesterday. See picture below.

• This morning, I felt guilty. I didn’t do any of my routine last night. But now I feel better. I made up by doing the exercises just before lunch. I revved up my routine again. Using 15-lb dumbbells, I did 3×12 inclined dumbbell presses, 3×12 inclined dumbbell flyes. Also, 2×25 crunches (with rests in between sets, of course), and 2×10 push-ups.

It’s inevitable since I didn’t do anything yesterday. I gained weight. I’m 154.8 lbs ulit. I guess I’m building muscle too that’s why I’m having a hard time dropping my weight.

Daily Habit – June 25, 2009

It’s color-coded Thursday! Given that, I brought my car and went to my mom’s house to borrow their car. Swap ba.

My random list:

• A friend shared this video from youtube. I thought it was hilarious.

• I have been trying to import my journals to wordpress using the tool provided by wordpress but I couldn’t! It’s frustrating! Dammit! I guess I have to do this manually! This sucks.

• I plan to buy four (4) 2.5-pound plates so that I can add resistance on my weights by 5 lbs on each side. I found it difficult incrementing the weights by 10lbs. I could do one or two sets but couldn’t finish succeeding lifts.

• The boys have been inviting me to go out and chill. I’m kind of intersted (because I’m curious), but at the same time, medyo tinatamad ako.

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At least bumaba ang weight ko ulit. It’s 153.6 lbs this morning.

Daily Habit – June 24, 2009

It’s “Happy Day” today! Time to celebrate!

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Today’s highlights:

• This morning, I felt guilty that I didn’t do any exercise yesterday. It didn’t help that I gained a pound. After some time, I gave up. I couldn’t ignore the guilt feeling any longer. I did 3×20 Dumbbell flyes, 2×20 Dumbbell presses, 50 full crunches, and 10 dips on the push-up bars that I bought yesterday (see picture).

S Push-up Bars

• According to weather reports, the storm “Feria” is going to hit Manila between 8pm to 10pm today. I’m deeply concerned because we are bringing Carlos to his pedia to get a vacinne shot.

• Everybody played this online game where you fly a paper plane. I got the highest score at 104 meters, but after a couple of hours, the guys found a way to beat that! Everybody’s pushing 110+ meters?! Heck the latest scores landed at 125+ meters! Somebody found a technique or a cheat in youtube. The game wasn’t fun anymore!

• At 4:16 pm, I logged out from work and went straight ahead to Megamall to meet my wife. We headed our way to Makati to meet Carlos who was with my sister and my parents. Carlos and I will get vacinated today!

• At around 5:03 pm, we were in Powerplant mall. Had a difficult time looking for a parking slot because there were so many people there! Seems like a lot of rich people don’t care that “Feria” is just a few hours away.

• Yey! We’re reunited with Carlos! We met them at Jollibee. He’s very playful and is in a good mood. I think he’s very fond of Jollibee. Maybe he remembers their first meeting?

Carlos, Mommy, and Jollibee

• Later, I found myself eating Jollibee’s Crispy Bangus with rice. Ginutom ako e.

• Doktora requested that we come in before 6 pm because she had to leave around 7. I wondered where she was because it’s past 6 already. Finally she arrived. Darn. I remembered. I too will get the shot! Wish me luck!

• Got home around 8pm. Just as we arrived at the gate the rain started to fall. I guess “Feria” is near.

• Took a picture of my arm where I got my shot.

My Shot

• Dinner. Last full meal of the day. Napadami ulit ako ng kain! Sarap kasi ng luto ni misis e.

• I did my nightly routine. 3×15 dumbbell flyes, 3×15 inclined dumbbell presses, 2×10 push-ups, 2×25 crunches and 1×25 mediocre (yeah, you read it right, m-e-d-i-o-c-r-e) declined crunches.

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As I said earlier, I checked my weight and I gained! Darn. It’s 154.6 lbs. I hope it changes (for the better) tomorrow.

Daily Habit – June 23, 2009

You might have noticed that I haven’t been updating my journal daily. Actually, I still do. I just save them as drafts. I promised myself that I will regiously track my weight and one good way to record them is to write daily journals.

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Random stuff:

• I bought a pair of push-up bars before I headed home. I bought the cheapest but simplest one. I’m actually glad I bought it! Thought it was a good buy!

• I’m left with 1 defect to finish. The one I just finished gave me a headache.

• My “karma” is almost 50! A few more plurks and replies then I’ll be on the next level! It is interesting to know who else “plurks” out there.

• Finished another juice today. It’s Mango-Orange. I wonder what juice is next?

• I couldn’t wait for the Omnia II! Have you seen it? Yuga just posted it on his site. I’m so anxious. I wonder how much I’m going to sell my ‘old’ Omnia (which is barely a year old)?

• Found High School schoolmates in Facebook. It’s just interesting how much a person could change. Most of them have put on weight (just as I did)!

• Is Facebook pinoy’s new Friendster? I wonder.

• I didn’t do any exercises today. Kakatamad e.

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Weight today: 153.4 lbs

Daily Habit – June 22, 2009

It’s Monday again, start of the working week. The sun is shining! I’m so thrilled! Nga lang, ang init naman! It’s so damn hot! This is one of those times when I miss the rains. The office is half empty. Two or three people were on leave.

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Random stuff:

• My wife had to stay home today. We heard that the Tektite had a fire in the basement which caused power problems in the building. Not all elevators were working. No power in the restrooms! Imagine if you need to take a pee but couldn’t see anything when you open the door!

• Again, I wasn’t able to do my “routine” today but that’s ok. There are other streneous activities besides lifting weights and doing crunches. Basta, I’m one happy guy!

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Weight today: 153.6 lbs