Free hugs ...

I was looking at Top Ten Lists on Time Magazine site. There are some good lists. I was looking at top ten web videos and found this one, free hugs, the most intriguing. Is this the best idea ever? Why not hug people? This is so cool!


p.s. I am very late on discovering this video, because I just saw a GMA segment covering this. Where the heck was I? This Australian with a Hispanic name has a good idea.

Am I a binge shopper?

I went shopping today. Although I do not shop for spending money sake like in my teenage years, I have to venture out to buy essentials for me to get through life. I guess my frivolous spending is done on-line buying electronics. That sounds horribly like what a geek would do.

I bought a long sleeve shirt and a cardigan from Banana Republic. Ralph Lauren was still out of my budget even with sale prices. It used to be a little more affordable. I bought a couple pairs of pants from Macy's. I cannot resist twenty dollar pants when they seem to fit. Boy, I hate shopping. I bought six pairs of running socks from Runner's Den. Now I can replace some of my well worn socks. I also bought one pair of hiking socks and one replacement top for Nalgene bottles from REI. My toes do not have have to be cold when I wear wool hiking socks. YEAH!

I do not feel patriotic although some economists would say spending money is patriotic. At least I bought stuff I needed. If I can just get rid of clothes I don't wear, then life would be grand. Like those tight pants I have not been able to wear for a few years, they should be donated and/or traded.

Hanging with a dear high school friend
I spent about four hours with Garrick, a great from high school. I told him I saw Simone, a pretty girl from our high school, and how I reminisced about our high school days. I do remember having crush on many of the girls. Our school had its share of pretty girls. We talked about other things as well while hanging out at Coffee Plantation and Capital Grille. I really enjoy having a low key outing with good friends. I should do it more often. I really wish Garrick was near by. I forgot to mention, Capital Grille had a great in-house pineapple infused vodka. It is so good you forget you are drinking alcohol. Dangerous!!!

A five time finisher ...

I was reading an old Runner's World magazine yesterday, which featured handsome marathon finisher medals. I was thinking I have five of those. I thought I share them.

My first was Tucson Marathon in December 1999. My goal was to just finish although I was hoping to beat four hours. I was happy to finish even if I did not beat four hours. I learned what hitting a wall at mile 20 is. I was determined to not walk any of the race. It took all I had to finish without walking. I really hated a small uphill finish. My finish time was 4:11:24. I was hooked. I also saw first and only time a lady taking care of number one standing up. Wow.

This is the first and only marathon my parents and grandmother saw me finish.


My second was Rock&Roll, San Diego in June, 2000 with Michelle and her friends. It was great running with friends even if you are not running the whole race with them. We all seem to have different paces. That means they are are faster. I really went for it, but I actually ran slower. I also walked about two miles of the race, and ended with 4:24:17. Oh, well. I had a great time.

Did I tell you Michelle's mom is a great cheer leader? She took my little brother, Josh, and cheered us on at minimum four different locations. She is a great sports mom.


My third was Philadelphia Marathon in 2000. I've been meaning to visit a good friend, Garrick, who was attending UPenn medical school. I thought it was a great excuse to run a marathon.

The course starts and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Arts. You know, Rocky's steps. It was a little cold for this Arizonan. The course is beautiful. It has an old stone road, a river with people crewing, and other famous landmarks I cannot remember. It was great having a familiar face waiting at the finish line. My time was 4:23:12.

It was great to visit Garrick, who showed me around. I ate my first pad thai and steamed mussels. Did you know steamed mussels with fries is Belgium's national dish? Philly's Monk's serves great mussels with great beers!

My fourth was Granma's Marathon in Duluth, MN in 2001. I was probably at my peak shape for having trained for about prior two years. I was very determined to beat four hours. I did not expect what happened. It was a disaster.

I got sick the day before the race. I sat on a toilet most of the time. I am not sure how this happened, but I was not a happy camper to say the least. I got better just in time for the race after staying in bed and taking medicine. As you can imagine, I was pretty emaciated at the starting line. I ran the first half without a problem, but I had nothing more to give. I did not want to catch a ride back. I walked for little while thinking I could pick it back up. I was wrong. When I wanted to start running, my legs would not move beyond the walking range of motion. Darn it all to heck! I walked the last half and had the worst time ever. It was a lousy 5:34:50. I gave up on running marathons although many asked. I was tired.

I was getting out of shape and needed a motivation. I ran a relatively close Las Vegas Marathon in 2004. I was hoping just to run and finish no big hope. I was using Penguin's run a mile and walk a minute method.

I talked Trace into going to Vegas as I did not want to drive back home after the race. Trace agreed to drive me back. We had a good time hanging out although I did not want to stay out too long the night before. There are too many distractions in Vegas for racers.

The race itself was pretty fast. I was running and feeling very well while running the first half. I guess I always feel this way during first halves. I was singing a different tune as the second half brought a strong wind coming right at runners. It became a struggle. I took more breaks during the last four miles. I still managed to finish my personal best 4:07:07. I really thought I had a chance to beat four hours until my twenty. Darn!

I may run more in the future, but the daunting training and my lack of motivations keep me from running for now.

Nelly Furtado is a good live act ...

I just watched AOL live concert of Nelly Furtado. She is great. I knew she was a good singer, but I did not know her latest album, Loose, had several good songs. I like her Say It Right, Glow, and All Good Things. Her mainstream hits Promiscuous and Maneaters are okay. If you have a little time, then you should check out her concert. I did.

p.s. I was so impressed I wikied her. Nelly is named after a gymnast, and she is a Portuguese Canadian. She speaks English (duh), Portuguese, Spanish, and Hindi. Wow.

Yet Another Bronze ...

I entered a Vienna lager last September into a homebrew contest sponsored by Arizona Society of Homebrewers. I finally got my result back about three weeks ago. It was less than what I hoped.

My Vienna lager scored an average of 33 points, which is very good. This was good enough to score a bronze, but I am not very satisfied as I have won bronze and silver medals in numerous occasions. At least, I got a cool beer glass, an ounce of hops, and $10 liquor gift certificate as prizes. I scanned the following comments from the judges for your reading.

Comment 1
Comment 2
Comment 3

2006 in review ...

I have a brand new little brother, Brandon. My old little brother, Josh, graduated from high school. If you like to bee a Big Sister/Brother, then you should check out this website.

I took a few trips with my friends.

• Wolf Creek Snow Boarding Trip
• Bryce Canyon Trip
• Grand Canyon Trip

I am still running although I have not run any races this year.

I am still brewing beer and enjoying it immensely.

I almost adopted a stray puppy.

Karen, A good high school friend, got married.

Cenya, my dog, is almost six years old. She is doing great!

Have safe and happy holidays!

X-Mas Cards ...

A part of growing old is getting personalized holiday greeting cards from your friends. This year I've gotten more than ever. I am really enjoying them. Hope you like them too!

Plutocracy ...

Did you know top 400 earners in US make as much as a half of all US (500 million households), which translates to $1.25 trillion? What is wrong with people making obscene amount of money?

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with a person making unimaginable amount of money. What I find disturbing is rich is getting richer and poor are getting poorer! Our middle class is disappearing. We as a society is regressing. I have been taught that first world countries have a big middle class. I guess US do not want to stay a first world class.

I know people always say there are trickle effects, but I don't think these are enough. I mean just look at our pathetic minimum wage.

These ultra rich people are getting so influential, now we have to worry about the country being run for and by the ultra rich! Plutocracy. I sure hope they use their wealth in benevolent ways, so there won't be an uprise by the poor like those other countries we see on news.

p.s. "There's class warfare, all right, but it's my class, the rich class, that's making war, and we're winning." -- Warren Buffett

p.s.s. I got the above quote and facts from this article from The Nation.

More Grand Canyon photos ...

Day 4 of Grand Canyon Trip ...

November 13, 2006

We woke up and started packing soon after our breakfast. I think everyone is ready to hike out and get home by reasonable time. Again, we all hike out at different paces. Nick and Amanda in the leading position, I in the middle, and Colby, Josh, and Debra in rear. Once the steep switchbacks appeared, I was feeling the workout I was putting in. I slowed tremendously. I did not want to flame out and keep resting frequently. I put my legs in low gear and walked slower as the switchbacks got steeper.

I turned back to check on the group behind me whenever I could. I started to worry about Debra as she looked like she was having a hard time with her knees. I thought to myself I might have to go back and help out later.

When I got to the top, Nick and Amanda were waiting. I told Nick that I probably need to go down and see if Debra might need some assistance. Not long after, the trio showed up. I was relieved to them. I mean I was ready to go, but I did not want to.

We took another mandatory group shots, and boarded the park's natural gas powered bus to the parking lot. We all took turn weighing our packs to see who was still carrying rocks in their packs.

We said good bye to Nick and Amanda as they left us for New Mexico. We found a bottle of beer. I was the lucky recipient and drank it faster than I ever drank any beer in my entire life. I guess hiking up Grand Canyon works up a thirst. Josh drove us to Flagstaff where we met up with Nick and Amanda again for a quick bite. We said our good bye once again.

I volunteered to drive. I had to fight drowsiness from lunch and fatigue. Everyone slept as I drove while fighting drowsiness. Thankfully, the drowsiness did not last. We arrived at Colby's safely early evening. What a great time! We said we should do this again soon.

I am so sad ...

I am so sad to report that Bundle the friendly pup ran away. I left the pup with my dog Cenya in my backyard while I was at work on Wednesday. Well, he was gone when I came home. I looked around my house. I looked around my neighborhood. No luck.

I am sicken to my stomach. I blame myself for the little one being lost again. I should have looked to make sure the backyard does not have any little escape holes. NOOOOOOOOOO!

I spent one adventurous and fun night with a great little puppy. Enjoy my only footage of the cutest puppy I've ever known.

I found a Bundle ...

I went running last night. I did not have to go very far before an energetic puppy came after Cenya (my dog) and me. I lead the dog to the house from the direction it came, but the man said it is not his dog. Darn it. A runaway or lost puppy!

I still wanted to finish running and the puppy was following me haphazardly like a drunken runner. I decided to finish running with the drunken puppy running behind, front, left, and right of me. Of course, my dog is all freaked out that there is another dog.

The puppy nearly gave me a heart attack when it decided to go into the SRP canal. I thought I had to go after it, but luckily it climbed out. Wow!

When we got to the turnaround, a cyclist told me that he saw two coyotes up ahead and be careful. I actually saw coyotes last Sunday night, so I was not surprised. I started to worry that the little pup would be picked on. I really did not want to carry the pup. Crap!

For about a half mile, there was not any sign of coyotes. I was really squinting my eyes to see in the dark while running. When I thought we were safe, I saw two coyotes. At least the coyotes were not big. Or maybe it is their normal size. One was stalking us with a little distance. I started to yell, "No." We ran faster while keeping one eye on the stalker. Once we got off the SRP canal and got on paved road, I felt much safer although the stalker did not leave us until lighted traffic started to appear.

Well, I guess I need to start looking out for a lost dog sign and find the owner for this pup. In the mean time, I think I am calling the puppy a Bundle. I should start contacting people to see if they would like a really friendly and energetic puppy.

Day 3 of Grand Canyon Trip ...

November 12, 2006

Woke up early. Rain stopped and ground is not too wet. Thank God for that! Wanted to take some more sunrise pictures, but no dice this morning. When I came back, some of our campers started breaking down their tents as they depart this morning for the top. Amanda, Colby, Debra, Josh, Nick, and I are only climbing out half way to Indian Garden today.

Amy, C0lby, Janna, Anthony, and Cindy went for their reserved breakfast at Phantom. Mm, bacon!! David, Gina, and Pam went to send up some of their camp gears via mule. That is nice. Rest of us stayed and ate whatever fancied us. I am still not a fan of oatmeals.

The breakfast group came back with a story. Well, I am always up for a story. Apparently, the breakfast seat assigner dude got on the wrong side of Amy. As there were enough seats for the group, Amy sat where she was not assigned. Of course, the dude got into it with Amy. Well, he picked a wrong lady start something. Apparently, Amy laid into him. Go Amy! I would like to been there to witness this.

After the mule group came back, we finished packing their bags. We posed for the customary group photos before saying our goodbyes. They had a ten-hour hike ahead of them. Ouch!

Nick, Josh, Colby, and I went to the river. Josh and Colby wanted to fly fish. Neither one had any luck when I was there. I went back to the campground. I ate what little provisions I had left. I felt little low on food so I bought a bagel from the store. I also bought a postcard so I can send it to a friend whose birthday is today.

Nick, Josh, and Colby were back when I came back from the store. Josh was wet on one side. I suppose he slipped when he caught his eight-inch rainbow. Colby swears that he has a picture of Josh catching and it is not a fisherman's tale. Colby also caught another fish. We started packing so we can head out for Indian Garden after Nick, Colby, and Josh ate lunch. Unfortunately, I found a coffee cup from Phantom, and I did not feel like leaving it. I again went back to the store to return it. When I got back, everyone had a strange grin on their faces. I suspected that they put some extra equipment in my bag, but I was lazy to check. I also felt I should carry extra as my bag always end up being the lightest.

It was a little sad leaving a slice of heaven down in Grand Canyon, but it was time. I felt every step when I walked downhill. Luckily, most of the hike is up. I don't understand how my muscles felt more achy today after so much rest. Hmm. Nick and Amanda are fast hikers. I tried to stay close, but my comfortable pace cannot match their pace. It was about 4.5 mile hike, but felt much longer. Especially after the Indian Garden sign, which was not nearly close enough to the actual campground.

We all eventually got there around five. Sun was starting to go down. We all hurried to Plateau Peak even in our fatigued and achy conditions. We still wanted to be there to see Grand Canyon from one of the most scenic point. The hike was well worth it. With the sunset, we were all awed at the scene. Lots of photos. Too bad Amanda turned back.

When we got back, we were famished. A can of cheese was sacrificed as well as a couple sticks of salami. Per capita consumption of summer sausage and salami must have went through the sky when we embarked on our journey into and out of Grand Canyon.

We had our last freeze dried dinners except for Debra who still carried with her another half a dozen. Colby consumed a can of beef (one pound) along with his dinner. Good luck to his tent mates.

Just before turning in. Nick treated us to an x-rated shadow puppet show from inside his tent. I guess that goes along with a ski trip Debra might go on that night.

P.S. Did I mention how funny Nick is? Although there was not any knife fights for settling disputes, but he entertained us with Borat's "inferior potassium song" all day. Even Colby and I started singing it.

P.S.S. We heard from the other group that they made it out safe around seven. I think.

Light a match. Or not ...

I just read one of the funniest news articles ever! One lady just got barred from American Airlines for lighting a match after her odoriferous restroom visit. The poor woman did not volunteer this information when asked about sulfurous smell caused by the match as she must have been very embarrassed. This omission caused a delay causing other passengers to empty our the airplane. For every embarrassing detail, look at this yahoo article.

Photos from the Grand Canyon Trip ...

Here are some of the pictures I post-processed. I will post more of the photos as I finish.

Too much ...

Piggy back

Ounce of prevention ...

Postcard shot

Plateau Peak

Sunset at Plateau Peak

Jacob's ladder

Where are Colby and Josh?

Easy way down

Mule train

Trail workers

Untitled

Life is a trail. I want to walk it all night long!

Self portrait

Day 2 of Grand Canyon Trip ...

Date: November 11, 2006

I woke up early, because I had to take care of my morning business. My legs felt mildly stiff, but I did not feel any pain that would require medication. YES! I guess training paid off. (Mental note: climb Squaw Peak more often.)

I saw a mound on top of our picnic tables. It turned out to be Debra sleeping in her bag. I was surprised since she was supposed to be sleeping with Pam in a tent. Huh? I wondered if there was a problem. Maybe the tent was too small?

After taking care of no.1, I decided to walk around the Bright Angel Campground and scout locations for photos and/or video footages as my campmates were not up yet at six a.m.

I walked to Black Bridge and Silver Bridge. I was looking around when I noticed a brilliant sunrise. I ran to the campground for my equipment. I say I ran, but I mean I moved as quick as I could without discomforts. Others were still sleeping. I made it back to the sunrise location where I video taped and took photos. Wow, what brilliantly red clouds to go with the great location. I also got some photos/footages of deers and campgrounds.

By the time I got back to the campground, everyone was up and getting ready for breakfast. They were heating water for oatmeal and coffee. It would seem people like oatmeal in the morning when they camp, because I never see anyone ordering oatmeal in restaurants. We were talking about various things, but there were no complaining. What troopers!

Somehow we ended up talking about yoga, and I thought it was a good idea to do some poses. I know it always makes me feel stronger. Especially, the warrior pose! Amanda and Debra joined me. Amanda is a tremendous yoga practitioner. Everyone was impressed. In fact, people broke out their cameras to take pictures. I suppose for Amanda's unbelievable poses and my comical poses.

We broke into groups as some wanted to hike, and some did not. I stayed back with Nick and Amanda. We talked and joked around a little. It would seem Nick likes to settle things by knife fights. It is a good thing I brought my pocket knife.

About lunch time, we decided to walk over to the only store/restaurant/canteen to get bagels. We came across two wild turkeys. Not the kind I am used to anyway. One of them even had a chest beard. They were aggressive. I thought they looked like velociraptors when they started to come at us. I did not want an altercation, so I ran away. In retrospect, it is kind of funny how I ran from the turkeys.

Everyone came back to the campground around mid afternoon. We sat around the tables and chatted, ate, and drank. After eating, Cindy, Josh, Anthony, and Janna made their way to the store for souvenirs.

Colby started putting together his fly fishing rod. Suddenly, Gina shouted loudly about a bug. I thought, 'weird, I don't see any bugs.' For the second time, Gina got freaked about a bug. This time she leaped up, and started brushing off a bug with her hands. Pam started bawling with laughter. Colby then started to laugh as well. I was not sure what was happening. Apparently, Colby touched Gina's ear with his fishing rod. Pam kept on laughing. Poor Gina.

Amy, Colby, Gina, Pam, and I went to the Colorado River. We wanted to hang out and watch Colby fish. I also wanted to get a video footage of it. We had to walk through some brushes, but it was nice to be near a noisy river. It did not take Colby too long to catch a rainbow, which was about 12 inches. We decided to come back in time for us to make the steak dinner. I mean who wants to be late to the best meal ever!!!!!

Thanks to Cindy, I had a reservation. I sat with Cindy, Josh, Pam, Anthony, and Janna. The dinner was served family style. We ate as much as laid out and asked for more if needed. We got a salad, a baked potato, corn and peas, a steak, corn bread, and chocolate cake. The meal was great.

It still did not measure up to the dinner I had here last time. I wondered if the meal does not feel as good because this is the second day rather than the first day like last time. I would still rank this meal way up there in memorable meals. Everyone was in great mood.

We went back to our campground as the stew reservations were coming in for their turn at eating. We played Battle of the Sexes. We wagered ten minutes of massaging. Men took off fast by answering questions like five mother sauces. When it was said and done, women still won by one question. I suspect a foul play as men never doubted if we were ever behind. I figured guys would not win by arguing about it anyway. Hanging Chad? Let Nick settle this by a knife fight with Debra?

Did I mention it started raining half way through the game? It did not matter as Josh and Nick was determined to go for a night cap. Who am I to stop them? I did the only sane thing, and joined them. We used whatever available to make it to canteen dry. According to Josh, I looked like the yellow M&M with the plastic cover I was using. Isn't that the dumb one?

I bought the first round. Mm, Tecates! We sat down to play fanga aka fake Janga. Josh struck up a conversation with a woman named Nicole, and she joined in our game of fanga. We were having a grand ole time building our wooden block very very tall. Yours truly did not lose once. Colby joined us about two games into it. It is always nice to have more when you are drinking and having a good time.

We close the place down. This only means ten o'clock! I was a little worried about sleeping outside, but I was under a canopy. I hoped it would not rain heavily over night.

Am I An Art Snob?

I just received prints of photographic arts from Christopher Colville. He was my most recent photography instructor. I think he is a great artist. I had a chance to order prints from his work done during his summer trip to Iceland. I wrote about it here. He included a letter, which thanked his patrons, and another, which told background information about the prints.

I never really thought I would start purchasing things like prints of fine arts, but here I am with three great looking prints. Unfortunately, I have to part with two. I hope people who receive them really appreciate the prints.

He is having a gallery show his work. Look below for details.