Apr
17
Posted by : | On : April 17, 2012
I went on a couple of hikes during the end of March. I’ve just been a too busy to blog about them, but I was able to find time to edit two videos of each of the hikes. Go figure.
I’ll write about one of the hikes here, and save the other hike for another post.
Pali Puka
The first one is the Pali Puka hike. This is a fast 1.70 (round trip) mile hike up the steep Ko’olau mountains. We parked at the Pali Lookout and made our way to the trail head which is a certain part of the rock wall is is crumbled. Parts of the trail are dangerous, one step to the right and you’re off the pali (cliff in Hawaiian), but luckily the strong winds are blowing toward the forest side of the mountain.
There are some awesome views of the windward side of the island, from Kailua to Chinaman’s Hat. Then if you take a 360 look, you’ll see the h3, and even the Pali highway near the tunnels. Keep looking and you’ll see Nu’uanu Valley all the way to downtown and the ocean on that side. It’s amazing! Of course at the end of the hike (or at least where we stopped, you could probably keep going if you had the right gear and guts) you’re standing in front of (or on top, depending which route you take) the “puka” (hole in Hawaiian) in the mountain. The air was so cool and crisp. My friend and I packed sandwiches and ate lunch up there, talked story and when this group of 4 reached the top, we left, leaving them some time to enjoy the puka and views alone.
Just to be sure I cover my ass, Music by Hot Rain: Take a Breath; edited with Windows Movie Maker and shot with my GoPro HD Hero.
Mar
28
Posted by : | On : March 28, 2012
My adventures in the Warrior Dash:
I was excited last November when I registered for the Warrior Dash and after a few months of anticipation, the day finally arrived! It literally was the craziest day of my life (so far, until perhaps next year?).
I’ve never done any of those types of obstacles and I refuse to jump in water with all my clothes on and would never think to get myself shoulders to toes covered in mud, but that all changed last week Saturday.
There is just too much to explain, but all I can say to sum it up is, lots of fun, mud, strength, running, beers and turkey legs. I made my first video ever and posted it on YouTube. So far there’s over 100 views which I’ve probably accounted for half of them (showing it off to all my coworkers).
*Sorry, layout issues, don’t mind that the video is too big for the layout. =P
I tried to make the video the best I could with the footage that I got. Unfortunately, it was my very first time using my GoPro camera and wasn’t used to the settings. So stupid me, was turning the camera on while I thought I was turning it off and vice versa, so I didn’t get too much footage of the obstacles until the very end. Let me know what you think of the video and “Like” it if you can.
The Dash- Comments:
- I was feeling quite anxious on the ride over to Dillingham Ranch since I didn’t know what to expect
- Seen on Twitter that some of my friends had already completed it, or were heading there
- Seen some of the finishers all cleaned and wondered if there was a “clean” option to take instead of crawling through the mud
- Kept looking around the area for the “water trucks” to clean off…not knowing they have you clean off in the pond.
- Lined up for our 12:30 wave, and found out after the race that my good friend from high school was in the same wave as I was, but didn’t even see her the entire race.
- I had a bunch of 8 guys or so dressed in full body suits (you see them in the video) which cracked me up, especially seeing the zebra printed thong through the orange guy’s suit. It was then I realized not to take this race too seriously and just have fun!!
- First obstacle: teetering. I suck aat balancing especially seeing that if I fell, I wouldn’t know how to get back up, plus everyone was watching. So I crawled. Haha!
- Next few obstacles: climbing walls. I loved it! I’m so glad that I train my upper body. I felt so strong pulling myself up with the ropes. I was getting a little scared when a girl ahead of me didn’t make it over the top and slid back down the wall. Yikes. May I just add that these obstacles, I swear, are designed for tall people and totally forget that Hawaii is filled with short Asians like myself. I felt like the steps down the back of the wall, I was hopping down them, rather than climbing down.
- The “waist deep” water walk, so the obstacle maps states, was NOT waist deep. In fact, I couldn’t reach the bottom and almost went in to a panic. I tried kicking my feet to swim, but my shoes were weighing me down. Lol. Instead, I grabbed grass–yes, fricken grass–to pull me along.
- Attempted to hop over the floating hurdle and ate it. I managed to get a “battle scar” on my knee which I’m really proud of…until my inner hypochondriac got worried that I was gong to get lepto.
- Crawling through mud is hard…to…do. It’s so thick, and when you stand up out of the mud, it feels like your clothes all slid down and off.
-Finally made it through the Finish Line, crossing it at 55 minutes. It was under an hour and I’m so happy with that! 5k, 12 obstacles, 55 minutes.
I can’t wait to see if it’s coming back to Hawaii next year. I also want to sign up for the Makahiki if they do it next year. I’ve been checking on the Tough Mudder if it’ll come to Hawaii next year. These obstacle courses seem like the next “in” thing here, and I love it.
Mar
18
Posted by : | On : March 18, 2012
I know what you’re thinking…
WHAT?! Who likes Monday? I know, I’m normally have that Monday-hating mentality because I really enjoy my weekends off, but this week it’s different.
My professor was nice enough to push back a ton of assignments the last 3 weeks, making them all due tonight, and of course, me being the procrastinator that I am, decided to wait until this week to read 3 chapters, take 3 quizzes, and finish 3 excel assignments. That with a full time job and other responsibilities, it was tough. I’m taking a break from working on it now, but all I know is that come Monday morning, it’ll all be over, whether I finished them all or not. I won’t have to worry about it. You’d think I’d learn after all these years in school to STOP waiting until the last minute to do shit, but no…if it’s one thing that I didn’t learn in college, its how to manage my time wisely and not procrastinate. Word.
Monday also brings a new day to go running!! I bought a new pair of Asics and insoles in high hopes that it will be the (obvious) cure to my shin splint problems. I can’t wait to take them out for a run on the pavement tomorrow during my lunch break run. Is it unusual that I’m excited to go running? Don’t answer that.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a great weekend! I certainly did, even though today I’m rushing around doing quizzes and assignments, I had a chance to hang out with my friends this weekend for some good food and laughs. We played FRIENDS Scene It game together and totally kicked the boys’ asses.
Have a nice week everyone! ^_^
Mar
11
Posted by : | On : March 11, 2012
I’ve neglected my blog for the past few weeks since it’s been such a busy time! Let’s see, what happened after I ran the Great Aloha Run?
Bachelorette Party Madness…
Well, that week I was running around all over trying to get the last minute things for my friend’s bachelorette party, which was on Saturday (2/25). The morning of the party, I was all over the place. I woke up at 5am and ran my little heart out at the gym because I knew I wasn’t going to have any time the rest of the weekend to workout.
The bachelorette party was tons of fun! There were 8 of us girls with the bride-to-be. We all met at the hotel to get ready, set up and have some wine before heading out to dinner. We went to Sansei at the Marriott for sushi and drinks. It was so good and not badly priced. I’d definitely go there again. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel where we waited for the “surprise guest” to show up. Now, most parties have a stripper or exotic dancer involved. Not us. Those guys are gross and so uncomfortable (my friend had an incident where the dancer licked her leg…AND SHE WASN’T EVEN THE BRIDE-TO-BE). Instead, our rated-G asses hired a balloon artist to come in and make adult themed balloons and shapes. Can I just say, he was amazing? Check out some of the pictures for his work. It was hilarious and bride-to-be was relieved that it wasn’t a stripper.
Baby Shower…with jell-o shots
I had a baby shower to go to the day after the bachelorette party. Seeing as I had tons of jell-o shots left over, I took them over to the shower. I questioned if it was appropriate, but my Aunty said to bring them over. The guys were there anyway drinking beers, so it was fine. Too bad the guest of honor was the only one who couldn’t have.
The Wedding Weekend!
The couple-to-be rented a sweet beach house in Kaaawa for the weekend of their wedding. It was open to all the wedding party people. The house was beautiful and overlooking the beach. It was a rainy weekend that miraculously cleared up for the day off the wedding, and that was it. It went back to raining the night after the reception was over. The wedding was awesome, I got to see my best friend from when we were in elementary school get married to her boyfriend of almost 11 years. :) I did my MOH speech with the help of a LOT of liquid courage. It was so much fun and the bride looked sooo beautiful, despite the brown hem of her dress because of the mud from the weather.
In other news…
So now life is pretty much back to normal. I’m still trying clean out my liver from all the drinking, but it’s hard because there’s all this extra alcohol in my house from the bachelorette party and the wedding, so there’s only one logical way to get rid of it…consume it with friends. I’ve been trying to keep up with my school work at the same time, which is really tough, but I’ll make it work.
I bought a new pull-up bar from Sports Authority and can’t walk past it without trying to d a pull-up. I can only do one chin up with my palms facing in, but am still working out pulling myself up with palms out, and the wide grip. Hopefully before summer. It’s still fun to have though. I also like doing leg raises to tone the abs on it too.
Warrior Dash is slowly creeping up. I can’t wait to get muddy and dirrttyyy.I keep thinking..what am I going to wear? =/
Feb
25
Posted by : | On : February 25, 2012
I didn’t make my goal of 1:40. :( But I did beat my time from last year, so that’s something to be happy about. And I ran my first mile, straight…no walking breaks. That was a big accomplishment for me because I’ve always been the run…walk…run…walk type. I’m so motivated to improve and do better next year! In fact, to practice, I signed myself up for another run on April 1. It’s only a 5k, but it’s a start to my training efforts. It’s the Diva Run, and I’ll be honest, what caught my attention was the tiara and feather boa you get when you’re finished, but still…it’ll be good practice for me.
Anyway, here’s just some pictures from the race on Monday. I wanted to get a good time, so I didn’t stop to take pictures of random things I seen while I was running. And there were some odd things! I seen a Domo kun running, two guys in full green spandex suits, covered head to toe (with basketball shorts on over it, thank God)! Seen some hula dancers running in grass skirts. Some of the side line cheerers had cute signs too, one that read: “Run faster! I just farted.”
It was a good run, I’m happy with my time, but know I can do much better with more practice. :) Next race…Warrior Dash!
Feb
23
Posted by : | On : February 23, 2012
I’m subscribed to this daily devotions e-mail, Girlfriends In God. Usually I’ll just read it in the morning and go on with my day, but I really liked today’s devo and the list it gave on how to stay young so I wanted to save it and share it. Whether you’re a believer or not, I feel like everyone and anyone could use a point of two from this list.
How to Stay Young 1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members to fill that need. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain idle. 4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that is all you can afford. When they are in college that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don’t take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country – but not guilt. 10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get. Never assume they know. 11. Don’t worry about things you cannot change or do anything about. Accept them and move on. 12. Read more and dust less. 13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working. 14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. Recognize these moments now and cherish them. 15. Do not “save” anything. Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see. 16. Wear your best outfit to the market. 17. Don’t save your good perfume for only special occasions. Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank. 18. “Someday” and “one of these days” should vanish from your vocabulary. If it is worth seeing or hearing or doing, go and see or hear or do it now.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! It’s almost the weekend, hang in there! <3
Feb
19
Posted by : | On : February 19, 2012
Tomorrow morning is the Great Aloha Run. I still have one exam to finish up and must wake up by 4am in order to get to the start line on time. Gun shot is at 7am. Wish me luck, I’m hoping to achieve my goal from my old 30 before 30 list, but we’ll see. Praying that my shin doesn’t mess up and screw me up for 8+ miles.
Let’s just say this, if I boast about my time, I passed. If I don’t say a word…then you know what happened. Shins attacked.
Good luck to all the other racers entering tomorrow!
Feb
19
Posted by : | On : February 19, 2012
What a busy busy weekend! I’ve been trying to do a billion things; bake, practice making jell-o shots, banking errands, 4 exams/midterms, pick up my bridesmaid dress and pick up my race number for tomorrow’s race. Then some other unexpected things came up, like taking my car to get serviced, an emergency pit-stop at bride-to-be’s house to help her calm her (with my jell-o shots, oh by the way) and help with the wedding reception seating arrangements.
Somehow, with all that madness, I was still able to find some time to do a little shopping. :)
(Shorts + Top from Macy’s, American Rag — Accessories from Icing)
Since pastels are the new thing, I decided to buy myself a pair of light aqua blue shorts, and buy a white pair too, since I don’t have any white shorts. I found a white sheer peasant looking top as well. I found another pair of big black stud (that sounds…interesting…hm) earrings in heart shape, because I love big studs…as earrings. Never mind.The last thing I bought were a pair of colorful feather earrings, inspired by Bunnie’s feathers. I figure they’d match with a bunch of clothes in my closet.
Feb
13
Posted by : | On : February 13, 2012
I’m not at all bitter that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and I’m single–the old Jen would curse this day by wearing black, rolling my eyes at all the couples, and call it “Single Awareness Day” thanks to my dear friend Bobby O. The past two years, I wasn’t single, and it really wasn’t that much more awesome than any regular day, so I figure, I was really wasting my time being bitter all those past years.
So Valentine’s day 2012, I am definitely not bitter. In fact, I’m sweet! :) Or…I made sweets. My inner housewife has been coming out lately (though I lack the time) and I’ve been dying to make little cutesy desserts, finger sandwiches and all things dainty and girly.
The easiest, quickest treat you can make: Oreo and cream cheese truffles. The only thing I don’t like about these is that they should be stored in the fridge. They’re made with Oreo cookies and cream cheese (I made these last year for Valentines day after seeing ahanbarbie making them on her YouTube channel) so it shouldn’t be out for too long. I wish they could so I could show them off because they’re so cute!! (JC has an awesome step-by-step guide to making these–complete with yummy pictures that’ll make you drool! Check it out)
I also made my easy microwave mochi stuffed with peanut butter, but those were boring to take pictures of, so I left them out.