Run Mission - Potential Hobby?

I've completed the Firecracker run and just fell short of hitting that 10minute mile. What did I get instead? 10 minutes and 1 second per mile LOL darn that 1 stupid second. I'm quite satisfied with how I performed, although I think that I could have done a bit better but that's okay :)


Since the Firecracker run I took an entire week off to clean and organize a few things and back to running mode I go. What's motivating me now?


I signed up for the DISNEY AVENGER HALF MARATHON ON NOVEMBER 16TH!


I know I'm crazy, how the hell did I go from a measly 5k run to a HALF MARATHON!


Here's how... my coworker totally pumped me up and completely talked me into thinking how doable it is. This was the logic and how it all went down. She had completed her 1st half marathon at Disney for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon so she's been keeping up to date on the different runs that they have. Suddenly ... news came out ... that for the first time ever ... they will have an AVENGER run! Immediately I was excited and wanted to sign up right then and there until I realized it was a half marathon...


I told my coworker the most I've ever ran was 5miles continuously ... how in the world am I going to be able to run 13 miles! Immediately shot myself down saying it was impossible... I'll never be able to do it... I'll die... someone's going to need to carry me to the end.


Until then she said well if you think about it ... the runs not until November so from now until then you just need to run an extra mile every month.


BOOM an extra mile a month? That means I only need to run a quarter of a mile extra every week to train for the entire run. DOABLE! I got excited and set my mind to signing up regardless of what the costs because well it's the Avengers how can you not want to do it?!




Plus, who said you had to run the entire thing? It's going to be at Disneyland I'm going to be stopping and taking pictures so I know I won't to running the entire thing. I paid that much for a Disney run to take in all the entertainment that they have.




There you go... training for my first half marathon! Nervous and excited at the same time. I've realized for all the runs that I've signed up for ... I've actually enjoyed it very much and I think that this may actually start to be a hobby of mine. Of course, I'm not going to sign up for every possible run but it motivates to me sign up for more. Plus, dressing up for it is half the fun!






Now to step up my game and train! Along, with other things that I want to work on this year... slowly but surely I'll reach my goal and be where I want to be.




Trying to squeeze in blog time is hard, but that's one of the things that I'm working on as well. I'd like to document my life more so one day I can look back and see all the things I've done and accomplished. I'm already pretty bad at taking pictures but at least this way I can provide something to help me relive those moments with words.




Let's do this!!!!

Getting in to a routine/Firecracker Run 2014

For the past couple of weeks I've been doing some trial and errors trying to find a routine that works for me. I've been trying to fit in a workout more frequently for the longest time but never really truly stuck to one. I commute over an hour to and from work so a big part of my day is gone by the time I get home so working out was never a priority. There was always an excuse not to workout regardless of how many workout videos I see on YouTube that are only 30minutes long. I even see some that are only 15minutes or less!


Whenever I get that sudden urge to work out I start off pretty well but it never lasts more than 2 weeks ... horrible I know. It was time for a change.


I slowly made small changes to my regular routine from getting up just 5 minutes earlier to limiting how much TV I watch so that I can get more shut eye time. So far so good. It's been a little over 2 weeks now and I think I've found what works for me. Of course every now and then I switch things up a little and continue to make tweaks here and there. It's not perfect but it's on it's way.




As part of my work out I've downloaded Nike+ Running App on my phone so that I can track my run. A part of me is a little competitive so I always try to beat my last run either going farther or faster. It's easy and kind of nice to be able to track my work out, as I started to add running into my routine I've noticed that its starting to motivate me to run more. I'm constantly checking to see how much I've improved since the beginning and see the results really makes me a bit giddy. Now I'm a beginner so I'm not comparing myself with anyone else but seeing myself improve feels kind of nice. Of course there are days where I'm not doing so well but hey I made it to the track and that's what counts.


What also motivated me to start running was because my friend signed me up for the Firecracker Run in Chinatown. I was determined to start training for it even though I only signed up for a 5k, hey everyone needs to start somewhere. It pushed me to want to train because I'm thinking CRAP MY RUN IS COMING UP! Trust me, we signed up I think over 6 months ago and once January came by I was in panic mode and was like I really need to start training for this. Yeah, you may think 5k isn't much and it's not like it's a half marathon or even a full marathon. It's not really something you have to train for plenty of people walk it but I didn't want to be that person. My competitive side kicked in and I really wanted to get a good time or well a personal record.


My goal for this run is to do a 10minute mile. So far I've been borderline. Some days I can do it some days I'm close. There is I believe a mile of an uphill for the run this Sunday and it makes me nervous because that's what's going to slow me down. Well good luck to me on that...




Hope this will be a start of something for me.

dineLA Restaurant Week: Mo-chica Review

Hello everyone,




I had my 1st dineLA experience last week at the restaurant Mo-chica in Los Angeles.




Cost was $35 per person and it includes an appetizer, entrée, and a dessert.



Here's what we order for each course.


Appetizer: Caviar Causa and Papa A La Huancaina Terrine


Entrée: Pollo A La Brasa and Lobster Bouillabaisse


Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Cake and Pisco Flan


I wasn't able to upload my pictures... but I'll try again another time.


I had arrived early and parked on the street at a meter... it was $5 per hour 2 hour max. Ridiculous! Since I was early I decided that I'll call the restaurant to see if they have any suggestions. They recommended me to park at a structure which was literally a block away. It was $6 with no time limit. Staff was very friendly.


I got seated at the front of the restaurant and waited. Staff was extremely friendly throughout the entire night. Our waiter even cracked some jokes with us and helped me try really hard to pronounce the menu. Trust me it was embarrassing. LOL


We ordered and food took a while to come... especially since when we initially ordered we were the only ones there. We were there at 6 and ordered shortly after. It didn't start getting packed until later on the evening. Can't even imagine how long we would've had to wait if we arrived later.


When the food did arrive it was great! Portion was a little small but I didn't mind since it was tapas style meaning it's a sample of foods which will equivalent to a full meal. I'd still like it if it came a little more thought :) I eat a lot but I think portion wise it was just enough, but I think it was because we ordered a beverage as well that filled us up.


As soon as the place started to get packed it was starting to get warm inside. It could also be because we were seated by the kitchen. It also started to really smoggy inside. When I left the restaurant, my closed smelled. I did take a look at the regular menu that they had and I must say it's pretty pricey. If I were to return I'd probably request to sit in the back.


Overall, I would return if I had money.

Get over it and MOVE FORWARD!

Today I got rear ended on my way to work and it was definitely not fun. Lucky for me there was no real damage just a little minor scuff but most importantly both the driver and myself are okay.


I decided to just let it go. We were both clearly fine and there was no damage so what's the point. Funny thing was I was more irritated by the people honking at us. It was frustrating because we just had an accident and people were more concerned that we delayed their commute time by literally a few seconds... unbelievable. Well that's LA for you. Next thought was that I was going to be late for work, I wanted to leave ASAP! The driver did ask me several times if I was okay and I was. In the beginning I was going to collect information just as a precaution but of course... he didn't have a driver license. Lost cause and I didn't want to make a big deal. Anyways... soon after I was a little shaken up, I was paranoid on whether someone else was going to hit me (someone backed into my car just 2 weeks ago at the gas station too...).


It was a miracle I still managed to get to work on time. I was happy but still unhappy that this was how I started my day. By the way... I kind of saw it coming. I started to have this habit of looking in my rear mirror when I'm at a stop and I noticed him coming and he wasn't slowing down so I tried to inched forward a bit more to give him more space... sure enough it wasn't good enough still got hit. Now that I think of it ... it could have been worst! Anyways, I started to feel a little soreness but I assume it was just because my muscle tensed up when I was hit and now that I'm at a calmer state it started to kick in. No big deal, but I did notice how my typical energetic and attitude was different. I wasn't necessarily in a bad mood, I was just blah about everything.


By the end of the day, I got tired of this funk I was in and decided to not let it affect me. I had plans to go for a run and after the accident I really just wanted to go home lie down and take a nap. Then I realized, why would I let something that was beyond my control affect my entire day? Why should I let this change my plans? I mean it's over, there's nothing you can do about it. Get the heck over it!


That's exactly what I did, I went home got ready and proceeded to my run. As if nothing happened, and that's how it should be. Why let one thing that goes wrong in your day ruin the rest of your day?




That's what I learned, whenever something doesn't go as planned seriously get over it and continue about your day. Continue to move forward, don't let that one thing/situation put you at a stand still. Life's way too short to spend moping around.


Get over it and move forward. Simply as that.




Let's see how I'll be able to apply this to my life more often and not sweat the small stuff.




I hope you all do the same as well!

Saving for Retirement 401k! Start now!

Last week at my work we had a representative from TransAmerica come out to meet with our employees one on one to answer any questions and help you be better prepared for the future, RETIREMENT!


If you're anything like me you're no where near being prepared... well it's not too late!


I know... it's hard to save money. You need the money now. You don't make enough to save. I know every excuse in the book, trust me I've made those excuses myself as well.


This is only an example but think of it this way...


You can either save $100 a month now or wait until next year and now you need to save $200 a month. The longer you wait... the more you'll need to save to catch up on your income.


Okay, that's a horrible example but basically start saving now... or you'll need to sacrifice more later. Start making small changes now and eventually it'll just be a habit. Trust me, you won't regret it.


My company has an automatic deduction where every pay check they automatically take it out and add it to my 401k. Which is what I opted to do because if they take it out then I don't have to worry about it.


Personally, I am contributing about 2% of my income to my 401k when really I should be more about the 6%-10% range. At this time, 6% is a huge contribution and will take some adjusting to so my plan is to gradually increase my contribution. So I'm starting off at 2% as of last week :) once I start seeing what is being taking out I can start adjusting my lifestyle and know more of how much I can spend on a monthly basis. After about 2 months or so I'll increase my contribution to 3% and etc.


Another thing you can do is if you have an annual increase of say 4% automatically add that 4% to your contribution. A good way to think of it is that the 4% is extra income. If you've lived off comfortably without that 4% you can continue to live that way. If you want to loosen the strings a bit contribute 3% instead of the full amount that way you feel like you've gotten a raise :)


I know a lot of people are relying on getting social security when they retire but the truth is... you don't know how much you're going to get and whether you'll get any type of assistance at all. If you're young and are in your 20-30s the truth is you'll may not get any... so you're on your own!


If you don't start saving now, do you really want to have your family have the burden of taking you in? Don't put that stress on then and prepare for the future.


Even if you can't contribute as much as you should, any amount is better than none. Start somewhere. JUST DO IT!

Exploring LA: dineLA

I had a friend visit me from out of town and it was then when I realized that I'm the absolute worst tour guide ever! I had absolutely no idea where to take my visitor or even any suggestions of where to eat (of course with the help of YELP! We were covered in that area). I have absolutely no knowledge of anything in LA the buildings the history... none of it... nada! Well needless to say it was a very scattered and random day.


Now I've made it a mission to explore LA like a tourist and try to become a "real" local. Know all the ins & outs of LA and finally provide some educated information to any visitor ... no guarantees though -____-' I may read about it but whether I'm capable of retaining the information will be a difference story but I will make an honest effort.


In my efforts of checking various websites of what to do I've realized that dineLA week in January!


From January 20th-31st a number of featured restaurants will be participating in dineLA. This will give you a chance to try amazing food at a fraction of the price. You won't get to choose your meal from the full menu, they will have a separate menu for you to make your selection from.


You can choose to have lunch or dinner. They do have set prices which is nice and lunch can be anywhere between $15-$25 and dinner between $25-45 depending on the restaurant you select. Some locations even have a menu out already so you can make you decision based on that.


What I recommend is checking out Yelp to see which restaurant you'll like to try, trust me it has definitely helped me make a decision. There's just too many choices!!




This will be my first dineLA experience so I'll share my experience when I get a chance. I'm hoping that I'll be able to add one more place before the event is over but we will see :) maybe a lunch since it's generally cheaper.




For more information check out the following website:
http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los-angeles-restaurant-week




Maybe the place I visit will end up being one of my go to places :) *drools*

Phone Interview Tip #1 & 1st Impressions

I've been a Full-time Recruiter for almost 3 years (more if you include my internship). Basically, I do a whole lot of interviewing both on the phone and in-person. Although, I'm not the main decision maker on deciding who gets hired at my company, I'm the 1st person you need to impress.


I phone interview everyone. If I don't like you or think that you are even remotely likeable, well you'll never hear from me ever again. Plain and simple.


Much like 1st impressions, you have a small window during your phone interview to impress the recruiter. Heck, sometimes I'll know whether your a yes or a no the minute you speak. Most of the time, I'll write a big fat NO on your resume before we even get a chance to get through even half of the interview. Even though recruiters know right away whether you're a yes or a no as a courtesy we'll continue to talk to you for another 5-10minutes. That's just how it is.


Anyways, my tip or pointer for the day is RESEARCH THE COMPANY! Sure, recruiters will catch you off guard and call you at the absolute worst time. It happens all the time. That doesn't mean that you have to take the call right then and there, recruiters are perfectly fine with calling you back at another time when you can put your best face forward. So, simply ask if it's okay to schedule for another time so that you can give them the utmost attention. Trust me, it's much better than doing a phone interview when your distracted, walking down the street, driving, eating dinner, or having pets barking in the background.


One of my biggest pet peeve when recruiting is when I reschedule the phone interview and I ask them what they know about the company and they simply say that they don't know. No matter how you say it, it'll irritate me. It doesn't take long to do a quick search on Google and just quickly glance at the companies website. Seriously, take the 2 minutes to do it. It'll make a difference.


Moral of the story. Phone interviews are as important. I digress on that.


While we are on the subject of impressions... let's briefly go over 1st impressions.


People say you only have a few seconds to make a good 1st impression. To be exact, you have 7 seconds to impress someone. You are judged immediately based on how you look, your handshake, how you interact with everyone, basically EVERYTHING!


You may think 7 seconds? That's bogus. Well it's true. ACCEPT IT!


Check out these articles on the topic:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2011/02/13/seven-seconds-to-make-a-first-impression/


http://www.businessinsider.com/only-7-seconds-to-make-first-impression-2013-4


The articles may be old but the context remains true. You have 7 seconds, make it count.




I hope someone somewhere out there finds this information useful.




Goodnight world.