The Law of Taxi

The moment you let another person drive you, you give them full control of the car and the route that you take. Similar, if you let another person place priorities in your life, you will end up following their path, instead of yours. It is also not a secret that the longer you stay in the cab, the more it will cost you and the longer it will take you to get back. If you do not like where you are going in life, it is probably time to take the initiative back into your hands.

Ever wonder why life seems so pointless at times?
We want something done but we just don't know how.
We want to be at a certain place but we can't seem to find the right path to get there.
We get what we want but there always seems to be missing.

Are all these phrases sounds familiar to you?

To me it is and is what exactly I am feeling right now... the emptiness of life despite the presence of everything. But I halt when I happen to read The 9 Universal Goal-Setting Laws. This article is really worth a read, as good as an exciting apc40. You don't want to miss it as the changes that you need to take may start from there.

exciting apc40

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Tips to a Happy Life

Let’s face it, the word happy is easier to say rather than live it. Happiness is relative but for most of the time it is the temporary feeling of excitement brought by material goods that people often mistake as a feeling of happiness. Is there really a way to be truly happy? The answer to this question solely depends on the person. You’ll be surprised to find out that small changes in your outlook in life could bring positive effects to your gloomy lifestyle.

Here’s the first tip: start your day with a smile. There are self help books on how to cope up with stress, problems and difficulties, most of their suggestions are based on one concept and that is to start positively early on the day. Instead of dragging yourself to work, think of it as another opportunity to learn something and earn a living.

Do not worry about the small things. Some people tend to worry about “future problems” and would spend their time and energy thinking about things that are not even happening yet. Deal with worries one day at a time. Tackle the ones that are in front of you with a rational mind.

Of course financial matters are always an issue. Either you chose to sit on that couch all day or get up and start looking for job. In this tough economy it is very important to spend your money wisely. Look for ceramic washers only if you need one. Avoid going overboard or buying something that you don’t need.

Keep in mind, it is better to start with small things and it will eventually yield a big positive change in your life.

Lynne currently works as a freelance writer and uses her free time traveling and exploring place. Her current project with gulvsliber has provided her with an opportunity to share information about floor sander.

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5 Pounds and Counting

April is when I started running back and this time with a new addition to my weight loss regimen – keeping track of my calorie-intake. Sounds ambitious but I find it really challenging. I aim to meet my goal in 4-6 months, I’m supposed to lose at least a pound or so a week. I’m on my 5th week and I indeed five pounds lighter now. Way more to go.

I got really challenged when my now sister-in-law, Melodie asked me to be in the entourage as one of the matrons of honor on their wedding. I was reluctant at first. I didn’t like the pressure of looking for our own dress to wear at the wedding when I still have an existing problem to address too. But after I found an appliance service man to fix my AC weeks before the wedding, I thought I would reconsider. I eventually enjoyed the dress hunting, the fitting and most especially becoming a part of the entourage of yesterday’s wedding.

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One of These Days

Going to church is something that I rarely do anymore unlike when I was still a kid and even up to my teen-hood.

My High School life most especially was just pretty much all about going to school, spending weekend at home doing chores if not studying and going to the church every Sunday. I find that lifestyle pretty easy. I couldn’t complain because unlike my classmates and friends, I wasn’t really fond of hanging out with friends on weekends back then.

[caption id="attachment_397" align="aligncenter" width="282"] image by Google[/caption]

My parents used to take us to hear the Sunday Mass and how it used to makes me feel so good each time. There’s something in a church and its environment that makes me feel highly secured in every way. And the church hymns… I don’t know how it happens but in one way or another some hymns just suddenly brings tears to my eyes.

And when I have favorite when it comes to other things and places, I also have a favorite church to go to back then. It’s a favorite not only because of its elegant interior and attractive sanctuary furniture but mainly because of its location. Come to think of a quiet place where all you hear are the birds chirping and the gentle blowing of the wind – a perfect place for meditation, that is. I haven’t just visited any church lately but it doesn’t mean I’m not a believer and when I have a chance I would make time to go and visit that favorite church of mine again… one of these days.

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In Pain but I'm Certainly Not Quitting

Did I actually ask how will my muscles react to that new workout routine I am trying to set for myself recently? Well that’s just downright stupid! Of course I knew I wouldn’t be able to get up the following morning. I’ve been there… not once but many times. You know the feeling as if big boulders are up inside your body – making you immobile or walk funny. Imagine how painful that is? Worst is it could cause you unwanted headaches and fever.

I used to just treat it with alcohol rubbed all over my body before retiring to bed at night but that doesn’t seem to work for me now – leaving me with no choice but to gulp pain pills if I want relieved. But even taking pain reliever can’t guarantee an instant relief- meaning I have to endure the pain for however long it last. Well, it’s been two days. I was hoping I could go on today but even thinking of that simple jumping jack would already make me want to pass out. That’s how bad the pain I feel is as of this writing. I don’t know how much longer do I need to suffer but one thing for certain… I sure won’t quit!

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New Workout Routine

I know it sounds a little silly of me saying how I’ve started doing the workout again because this is definitely not the first time that I did say that. After a month or so of enjoying (well not exactly) what I’ve shredded while in a state of depression, I decided to just do it again and guess what…with a new addition this time.

Yesterday, while attempting to organize my hard drive, I found this Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred video. I wasn’t sure if I downloaded it myself some time ago or someone did but I watched it anyway, find it useful and so I thought I would try it out. No, I didn’t just thought of trying it out in fact; I went a little giddy to just do it.

And since I really don’t have a full plate on most of my mornings, I thought it would be ideal to start a day with an exercise so this morning I decided to redesign my routine.

Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred instructional video is divided into 3 levels (20 minutes for each level). I like how the course is designed to tone the muscles and abs. It’s a slow-paced exercise but the use of hand weights is what makes it challenging. Boy, the steps appeared to be just so simple but no they’re absolutely not! Good thing I still managed to do Billy Blanks’ 60-minute Basic Bootcamp after.

Hmm, let’s see how my muscles will respond to this new routine tomorrow. ;)

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"Getting in Shape" Quest: The Kick Off

My first week for this year’s get-in-shape quest was a success. I completed 4 sessions out of 6 - that’s from the second day of the month to day 7 which is today. See why I missed two days here.

I still do Billy Blanks’ Basic Bootcamp training and as usual the first day was arduous considering my muscles are off with the routine for months but thank goodness there’s no passing out for me again this time.

[If you may ask, I got all my instructional workout videos from a P2P file sharing software I’ve downloaded for free.]

Billy’s Basic Bootcamp is a 54:23-minute workout and a combination of basic calisthenics, strength, cardio and combat kicks. This is what I do when I lost 20 pounds in less than 6 months last year. Also after months of inactivity I gained most of what I’ve lost back. Terrible, isn’t it? That is why I have added a special meal plan to pair with my workout this time – the no-rice diet. That way, shredding pounds will be a lot easier.

I know a lot of people think wiping out rice on a regular meal plan is insane. Well for me it’s just a matter of mindset and discipline. Eliminating rice doesn’t mean denying yourself from the same nutrients you can get from it. If you try to look around you will see there are actually tons of rice alternatives that are maybe available to use such as potatoes, bread, cereals, pasta… these types are way easier to digest than rice.

The only thing about it is patience and determination. But hey, nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Living healthy these days I know is quite a formidable task with all the easy way around. Again it’s just a matter of choice. I am definitely not here to convince people to do what I do. But if this story drives you to start making a change for yourself, I’ll be proud. Trust me it is no one else but yourself whom you are giving that huge favor for.

Just because you're not sick doesn't mean you're healthy.

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"Getting in Shape" Quest: The Kick Off

My first week for this year’s get-in-shape quest was a success. I completed 4 sessions out of 6 - that’s from the second day of the month to day 7 which is today. See why I missed two days here.

I still do Billy Blanks’ Basic Bootcamp training and as usual the first day was arduous considering my muscles are off with the routine for months but thank goodness there’s no passing out for me again this time.

[If you may ask, I got all my instructional workout videos from a P2P file sharing software I’ve downloaded for free.]

Billy’s Basic Bootcamp is a 54:23-minute workout and a combination of basic calisthenics, strength, cardio and combat kicks. This is what I do when I lost 20 pounds in less than 6 months last year. Also after months of inactivity I gained most of what I’ve lost back. Terrible, isn’t it? That is why I have added a special meal plan to pair with my workout this time – the no-rice diet. That way, shredding pounds will be a lot easier.

I know a lot of people think wiping out rice on a regular meal plan is insane. Well for me it’s just a matter of mindset and discipline. Eliminating rice doesn’t mean denying yourself from the same nutrients you can get from it. If you try to look around you will see there are actually tons of rice alternatives that are maybe available to use such as potatoes, bread, cereals, pasta… these types are way easier to digest than rice.

The only thing about it is patience and determination. But hey, nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Living healthy these days I know is quite a formidable task with all the easy way around. Again it’s just a matter of choice. I am definitely not here to convince people to do what I do. But if this story drives you to start making a change for yourself, I’ll be proud. Trust me it is no one else but yourself whom you are giving that huge favor for.

Just because you're not sick doesn't mean you're healthy.

Continue Reading

Gearing Up for this Year’s Get-In-Shape Quest

Contrary to what I believed as still popular these days, I was surprised to learn that a great number of people have long been casted the thing away from their faculty now too. To them making a New Year’s resolution or a list of things one wants to accomplish for the year is nothing but a waste of time seeing a lot of these makers (probably including themselves then) are not actually making any of it. Can’t blame them though! It is indeed easier to make a change when you know exactly you can make it for yourself regardless of time.

Well as for the subject of this post, getting in shape is nothing new to me. It isn’t a failed 2011 New Year’s resolution either but rather a regimen I’ve been trying to keep for over a year now though I must admit it has downtimes too on the process. But it’s not like it is something I felt badly crazy about. I know exactly what I want to achieve and know when to start. And yes, for the entire holiday I made an exception. I bet you who are on the same grind did the same too.

Now it’s time to get back on track.

This morning I was asked to shop for party supplies for my niece’s birthday tomorrow. I took that chance to grab this pair of knee caps I can use for doing push-ups. I still find it hard doing the conventional way so I’m on my knees most of the time.

I also have my other workout accessories ready. I doubt if I can kick off tomorrow though with all the tasks assigned to me for the party but let there be no more excuses come the next day. Time waits for no one. In achieving something, let this phrase be our guideline instead.

Continue Reading

Gearing Up for this Year’s Get-In-Shape Quest

Contrary to what I believed as still popular these days, I was surprised to learn that a great number of people have long been casted the thing away from their faculty now too. To them making a New Year’s resolution or a list of things one wants to accomplish for the year is nothing but a waste of time seeing a lot of these makers (probably including themselves then) are not actually making any of it. Can’t blame them though! It is indeed easier to make a change when you know exactly you can make it for yourself regardless of time.

Well as for the subject of this post, getting in shape is nothing new to me. It isn’t a failed 2011 New Year’s resolution either but rather a regimen I’ve been trying to keep for over a year now though I must admit it has downtimes too on the process. But it’s not like it is something I felt badly crazy about. I know exactly what I want to achieve and know when to start. And yes, for the entire holiday I made an exception. I bet you who are on the same grind did the same too.

Now it’s time to get back on track.

This morning I was asked to shop for party supplies for my niece’s birthday tomorrow. I took that chance to grab this pair of knee caps I can use for doing push-ups. I still find it hard doing the conventional way so I’m on my knees most of the time.

I also have my other workout accessories ready. I doubt if I can kick off tomorrow though with all the tasks assigned to me for the party but let there be no more excuses come the next day. Time waits for no one. In achieving something, let this phrase be our guideline instead.

Continue Reading

A Need to Get Motivated Again

It was around summer when kids over at mom’s household busted my old bathroom scale. When asked who did it, no one wants to say anything. Ok, I get it, one of them did! Or maybe all of them, I really have no clue neither a choice but to get a replacement. But that replacement shopping plan didn’t happen until yesterday when I finally got the chance.

For some reasons my big sister couldn’t make it so I went to escort my niece, Inah on their Educational Tour (a.k.a. fieldtrip) yesterday. The last part of the tour happens to be everyone’s favorite - a 3-hour shopping at one of the malls in Davao. That was quite plenty of time allotted for shopping alone so I grabbed that chance to look for what I need and this was it…

I’ve been dying to know how much I’ve gained back since I stopped working out. So as soon as I got home last night I immediately run to check and oh geez… I definitely need to get motivated again and ASAP! I couldn’t be feeling any guiltier than I already do.

Along with that new personal bathroom scale, I also bought a month worth supply of that Kankunis tea plus the no-rice diet is on again.

So help me God!

Linking this post to Wednesday Whites

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A Need to Get Motivated Again

It was around summer when kids over at mom’s household busted my old bathroom scale. When asked who did it, no one wants to say anything. Ok, I get it, one of them did! Or maybe all of them, I really have no clue neither a choice but to get a replacement. But that replacement shopping plan didn’t happen until yesterday when I finally got the chance.

For some reasons my big sister couldn’t make it so I went to escort my niece, Inah on their Educational Tour (a.k.a. fieldtrip) yesterday. The last part of the tour happens to be everyone’s favorite - a 3-hour shopping at one of the malls in Davao. That was quite plenty of time allotted for shopping alone so I grabbed that chance to look for what I need and this was it…

I’ve been dying to know how much I’ve gained back since I stopped working out. So as soon as I got home last night I immediately run to check and oh geez… I definitely need to get motivated again and ASAP! I couldn’t be feeling any guiltier than I already do.

Along with that new personal bathroom scale, I also bought a month worth supply of that Kankunis tea plus the no-rice diet is on again.

So help me God!

Linking this post to Wednesday Whites

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No Rice Diet. Now on my 2nd Week and Counting

The quest has started and here are the recent proofs. Click image to view full size.

Foodies I've had and made myself over the first week

On losing weight I realized no matter how hard it is exercising alone can't do it all. So I had to redesign my plan. See On Reducing Rice Intake post below.

So far I already have lived a week without it. Funny because I didn't even seem to miss it!

I try to keep each meal as sufficing as possible then I won't have to look for in between grubs.

Bagged chips are recently out on my grocery list now too. Well except for those potato fries "wanna-be' up there. It's really just plain stuffs. Like popcorn kernels, you just have to fry it and it pops.

Way to go!

Wish I could get a new bathroom scale soon. A regular weight check is hard without it. Mine got broken when the kids had it for their plaything - without me around of course otherwise, they will just leave it alone and not touch it. Oh well... such are kids! I may just have to look for a new one when I get the chance... hopefully soon.

Linking this to Yummy Sunday

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No Rice Diet. Now on my 2nd Week and Counting

The quest has started and here are the recent proofs. Click image to view full size.

Foodies I've had and made myself over the first week

On losing weight I realized no matter how hard it is exercising alone can't do it all. So I had to redesign my plan. See On Reducing Rice Intake post below.

So far I already have lived a week without it. Funny because I didn't even seem to miss it!

I try to keep each meal as sufficing as possible then I won't have to look for in between grubs.

Bagged chips are recently out on my grocery list now too. Well except for those potato fries "wanna-be' up there. It's really just plain stuffs. Like popcorn kernels, you just have to fry it and it pops.

Way to go!

Wish I could get a new bathroom scale soon. A regular weight check is hard without it. Mine got broken when the kids had it for their plaything - without me around of course otherwise, they will just leave it alone and not touch it. Oh well... such are kids! I may just have to look for a new one when I get the chance... hopefully soon.

Linking this to Yummy Sunday

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On Reducing Rice Intake

I maybe wanting to cut down my size through constant exercising but I never had once considered eliminating rice in my daily meal plan. Rice as we have known is a vital source of carbohydrates which gives us energy. However, excessive rice intake could be one cause of rapid weight gain more so if the body has poor metabolism. Unfortunately that is my case! I easily gain weight and can hardly lose it. So recently, I have decided to cut my rice intake.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo images

But in in order for me to do that, I had to create my own mini kitchen. That way, I can cook what I want for myself and avoid seeing rice which is obviously what my mom’s dining table has every meal time. They’re not on serious diet. I am now.

Here let me sport my new mini kitchen!

People around me asked why spend when I can get free meals off my mom’s kitchen? I had to make them understand. Obviously my diet regimen is nothing easy. I have to start from scratch. But like they say, “nothing worthwhile is ever easy”.

UP NEXT... I am I am going to talk about what I’ve had in my kitchen lately. See you then! ;)

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On Reducing Rice Intake

I maybe wanting to cut down my size through constant exercising but I never had once considered eliminating rice in my daily meal plan. Rice as we have known is a vital source of carbohydrates which gives us energy. However, excessive rice intake could be one cause of rapid weight gain more so if the body has poor metabolism. Unfortunately that is my case! I easily gain weight and can hardly lose it. So recently, I have decided to cut my rice intake.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo images

But in in order for me to do that, I had to create my own mini kitchen. That way, I can cook what I want for myself and avoid seeing rice which is obviously what my mom’s dining table has every meal time. They’re not on serious diet. I am now.

Here let me sport my new mini kitchen!

People around me asked why spend when I can get free meals off my mom’s kitchen? I had to make them understand. Obviously my diet regimen is nothing easy. I have to start from scratch. But like they say, “nothing worthwhile is ever easy”.

UP NEXT... I am I am going to talk about what I’ve had in my kitchen lately. See you then! ;)

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In So Much Pain

Recently I've been whining about a few pounds I've regained and how I need to get myself back into the workout routine. This time I feel so beat up and can hardly move around.

Should I say thanks to the power interruption we have had the whole time yesterday, I was able to finally grab and make use one of my newest workout accessories - the resistance tube set? Good heaven it was even tougher than lifting 2 (2lbs) dumbbells all at the same time! But I had to try. Otherwise, there's no way my muscles can get used to it.

By the way, I did Billy Blanks' Basic Bootcamp training using these bands. It is a 56-minute workout I used to do on a regular basis along with other programs. Can you imagine how it feels doing it again after being inactive for months? The muscles pain is driving me insane right now that I need to take a pain suppressant pill. If not, I would remain a junky for days.

Anyway, that was at least a start. Soon everything will be in place and I can be just as fine doing the routine just like the old times.

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In So Much Pain

Recently I've been whining about a few pounds I've regained and how I need to get myself back into the workout routine. This time I feel so beat up and can hardly move around.

Should I say thanks to the power interruption we have had the whole time yesterday, I was able to finally grab and make use one of my newest workout accessories - the resistance tube set? Good heaven it was even tougher than lifting 2 (2lbs) dumbbells all at the same time! But I had to try. Otherwise, there's no way my muscles can get used to it.

By the way, I did Billy Blanks' Basic Bootcamp training using these bands. It is a 56-minute workout I used to do on a regular basis along with other programs. Can you imagine how it feels doing it again after being inactive for months? The muscles pain is driving me insane right now that I need to take a pain suppressant pill. If not, I would remain a junky for days.

Anyway, that was at least a start. Soon everything will be in place and I can be just as fine doing the routine just like the old times.

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Too Lazy to Workout

I'm becoming too lazy to work out these days. Writing jobs and offline errands- these are what keeping me from doing my exercise routine and it is getting frustrating how I've started gaining few pounds back already. Yea, I can tell so even without the help of the weighing scale to validate it. I've been eating a lot and doing nothing to burn those calories and fat out my body. Sitting back in front of the computer pretty much all the time sure doesn't help but worsen the issue instead. SIGH! I badly need to get my ass up...and soon! Not later, not whenever I want to but real soon. That could mean anytime today!

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Too Lazy to Workout

I'm becoming too lazy to work out these days. Writing jobs and offline errands- these are what keeping me from doing my exercise routine and it is getting frustrating how I've started gaining few pounds back already. Yea, I can tell so even without the help of the weighing scale to validate it. I've been eating a lot and doing nothing to burn those calories and fat out my body. Sitting back in front of the computer pretty much all the time sure doesn't help but worsen the issue instead. SIGH! I badly need to get my ass up...and soon! Not later, not whenever I want to but real soon. That could mean anytime today!

Continue Reading