Tae Bo 8 Minute Work Out by Billy Banks

In a forum I am a member of, they were talking about the possibility of losing weight after a fifteen minute workout. It's actually quite possible, especially if you're into Tae Bo exercises. Of course, this is just a starter program. The more you get fit, the more you'll have to increase your fat-burning and muscle-toning regimen.

This routine ends up with a stretching sequence which isn't shown in this video.

But don't go too harsh on yourself. It took me a week to catch up with what Billy Banks was asking in this video. If you're overweight or obese, don't abuse your limit just yet. It's always better to start with walking or jogging just to shed those extra weight (and increase your stamina) before delving into this kind of exercise.

Once your at it, remember that if at first you might feel your knees buckle after 2 days of doing this straight, give it a rest or tone it down a little.

And lastly, to gain the maximum benefit of Tae Bo, check your form and posture in the mirror once in a while. Without an instructor, you might just be surprised how often solo doers do incorrectly.

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Is Blogging a Thing of the Past?

I've just received news that Adgitze is closing down. Previously it had been CMFads. Now, it's Adgitize.

Does this mean the blogging world is dying? Surprisingly, forums seem to be the current trend in the online community. It's odd how quick the turn over from one thing to another is inevitable. Does this mean most bloggers will now start creating forums?

Either way, for those who depend on their online income to keep them afloat, change is already expected to be the constant thing in this world. Which simply means finding the next money making gimmick is constantly sought after.

Happy blogging.

posted from Bloggeroid

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Crocheting: As a Hobby

I started crocheting when I was 8 or 9. My mom and sister taught me how to do chain stitches and half double crochet stitches. More than 15 years later, I'm back to making little bags and pouches as a hobby. 

This Christmas, one of my beau's employers asked me how much it'd cost me to make him a coin pouch. I honestly told him I didn't have any idea. Since I was in a giving mood, I offered to make him one, free of charge. They'd been teasing me these past days due to me bringing my other work. It was a sweater for my dog which I made as a present.

Unfortunately that sweater was pretty big for him that I needed to create a new one. The partial picture of the sweater is located in MyDogsLove.Me

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Thirst 4 by Christopher Pike

It gives me great joy to proudly say I have crossed out Thirst 4 in my "must-read" books for this year. Although I have two more Robin Cooks to read, the thought of finally finishing the Thirst series (at its current state) is something I'm somewhat happy to share to the world.

I'd like to share one of the excerpts of the book which is memorable to me (AFTER THE SPOILER ALERT). Christopher Pike's learned and interesting way of describing the higher beings are what I find most appalling. It had been so long since I could've accepted theories on regarding God and I'm delighted to have found a series of words and descriptions that completely make sense to me.

My beau is calling me a Pike-ist (derived from terms such as Theist and Atheist) because of how I like Pike's explanation of that which are unexplainable at the moment. He is a wonderful writer and I have tracked his books for more than 15 years.

SPOILER ALERT

Thirst 4 is definitely one of his well-written works. Like all the Last Vampire series, this is definitely worth every penny it cost. Alisa Perne makes a comeback as a reincarnate for the first half of the book just to be transferred back to her old body after being stuck as newborn vamp. It had its moments, especially with the 5000 year-old vampire craving for fresh human blood and lacking the skill set she used to have.

She joins forces with the two most important people in Yaksha's life while fighting a force larger than life called the Hydra (as Krishna has described). Thinking the climax had passed, it greatly took me by surprise that one more twist was about to unravel.

I believe Krishna's approach to spirituality was more scientific. He said that whatever path you follow in life, you should uncover small proofs along the way so you know you're going the right way. Otherwise, you could end up chasing illusions.

The quoted excerpt is one my favorite lines in the book. I want to share more of them but that would spoil Thirst 4. I've noticed that Christopher Pike is now into exploring more of the world's outlook on religion and it's nice to read from a fresh mind other than the ones in Youtube or the Church.

My next question would be... is this truly the last of the Thirst Series or will I be anxiously waiting for another one of Sita's resurrection or prequels to come?

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Freerice.com: Donate Rice Through Playing

Getting bored of Facebook games? Having spare time to play a game for charity? Visit www.freerice.com. It's a word game wherein the player guesses the definition of the word in order to advance to the next level.

Free Rice 2.0

Not only will you be able to enhance your vocabulary, but you will also be helping feed children in impoverish nations. 

For every right answer you give, 10 grains of rice of are donated to the United Nations World Food Program. Check it out

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Boarding Gate 1 (NAIA)

I'm a little out of words at the moment so I'm just going to post a GIF I created. There's one more photo I'll be adding soon once I'm done compiling it.

Happy Sunday.

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Crazy, Stupid, Love Movie

Rotten Tomatoes wasn't short of approval when it gave Crazy, Stupid, Love a mark of freshness from its critics. It was funny, smart, romantic, and has a lesson worth sharing about dating, sex and picking up strangers from a bar.

My beau and I were both laughing at how their predicament sounds like what we were going to experience after 20 years of being married. I couldn't help but look at him and smile while watching Steve Carell getting out of the car while Julianne Moore was still pouring her heart out. Seriously, how hard is it for men to find a little time to listen. It was pretty obvious that Emily (Julianne Moore) wasn't really intent on asking for the divorce. She probably just felt that she had to say something stronger to provoke Cal's feelings.

I've enjoyed watching Emma Stone in Easy A, it's not a surprise her role in here would be something  of sexual nature. Still, I did enjoy her date with Ryan Gosling. The "Seriously!?! It's like your Photoshopped scene!" was one of the best parts in the movie. And here's one of those quotes I loved hearing.

Jacob: Are you Steve Jobs?
Cal: What?
Jacob: Hold on a second. Are you the billionaire owner of Apple Computers?
Cal: No.
Jacob: Oh. Okay. Well, in that case, you got no right to wear New Balance sneakers ever.

The Weaver's son Robbie was great at giving advices for his parents and his passionate enthusiasm to woe his babysitter Jessica was creepy yet sweet.

Overall, it's definitely one of those movies worth watching with a spouse, a partner or some friends.

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What a Week: Bathroom Construction

Life is so harsh. I'm so tired today because of the mini-construction going on at home. We're tiling the bathroom and fixing a portion of the house. It's been an endless week of fitting in schedules and making time to check the foreman's job.

A couple of weeks ago, we were experiencing mini-earthquakes. I was wondering what the cause of it was, as there weren't news of any occurring. To my surprise, the foreman in-charge of tiling and "prettifying" the bathroom informed us that the cemented portion of the house is slowly sinking. There was a big gap between the wall towards the other rooms and the wall of the bathroom. The cemented portion is leaning at an approximately 10 degrees angle. Not only was it funny, but devastating as well.

Who would've thought that the cemented part was the first one to get damaged. So now, aside from the issue of fitting the the entire bathroom renovation in the number of labor days I and my sister ( courtesy of my generous BIL) could afford, I had to spend extra to put braces at the bottom of the kitchen, to help support the weight of the cemented walls and floor.

I chose blue tiles because those were the best looking ones I've seen. Unfortunately, this also means that the room could turn into an insect touring spot. Let's just hope the white wall will deflect them- even in the slightest way.

After the construction ( and the paint job me and my beau will be doing), we'll have a brand new bathroom my mom will be happy of... hopefully.

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Dexter Season 5

I'm not sure if I loved this particular season or not. I was done viewing it in less than a day. Maybe I did like it, but it hasn't elicited much reaction other than I can't wait for the next season.

Having Julia Stiles as his new partner was a breath of fresh air from the usual solo flight. I partially hoping she'd stay, but then I do initially dislike her. Fortunately, since she was on a majority of the episodes, she's grown like a moss in favor of Dexter's new love interest.

I was hoping that she'd stay for a while, but maybe that's too much to ask. Dexter seems to like blond haired women. Astor was right, though. It seemed too soon for him to have someone new when even I would've waited a little while before they'd replace Rita.

I suppose if it makes Dexter happy, then the viewers are happy. The entire season revolved around Julia Stiles doing most of the killing. It's too bad their bond had ended there. I found it funny how she found herself a kill outfit just like Dexter's.

Well, at least Harrison is already starting to talk. His first words- no pun intended- was die-die. That portion had been awkwardly hilarious.

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Thirst 3 by Christopher Pike

 
Ahhh, another book by Christopher Pike tucked safely in my mind. After re-reading the first two Thirst books also known as The Last Vampire novels, I'm glad I was able to finish this one sooner than I expected. I started reading it while I was waiting for my flight home and had just finished it a couple of minutes ago. Now, like a new-born vampire, I am craving for Thirst 4, anxious to find out what adventure awaits the famous Sita.

In Thirst 3, Sita faces two giant enemies- one in the name of the Telar ( an ancient race eager to disseminate the entire human race) and the IIC ( who possesses a powerful weapon in their hands). Both are after her, yet it is still a puzzle as whether they want her dead or alive. Surely, dead -as she's been that way 5000 years ago but definitely in a state where she can still share her worldly knowledge ( by torture or by.... umm, torture).

She meets an interesting personality by the name of Matt and Seymour is back in the picture. For those who've read Thirst 1 and 2, Seymour is an HIV-ridden high school friend who's supposedly written the manuscript of her life.

What's nice about Thirst 3 is that before the story gets deep into the action, Sita (Alisa Perne) visits Seymour and her whole life is summarized in 2 to 3 pages. That's right, there's no more need to read the first two books! But I'm sure most of the people reading this 3rd masterpiece of Pike have already done so.

Christopher Pike's newer books about Alisa have a more updated tech to it. Aside from the old school guns this particular vampire has in her arsenal, she is now accompanied by a mysterious and powerful being (whose name and parents I won't divulge) with a knack for state-of-the-art weaponry and gadgets.

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Dexter Season 4 Series Review

Sorry for being a little late on the review of this particular season. I stopped watching TV's favorite serial killer for some time because of other priorities. I've been warned prior to viewing this season that a "WTF" moment will occur.

Damn you, Arthur !!! Now, even the baby's damaged.

And indeed, it stood true. Now, I am cursing the entire last episode for making it feel that all was well whilst keeping the climactic end a secret until the last few minutes of the show.

Superb acting. You shouldn't have prolonged the anticipation. We all knew you'd get your killer anyway!

John Lithgow was superb in his role. I've also noticed that Jennifer Carpenter ( Debra Morgan) is getting better at cuing her cusses to her facial expression. I hated her during the first season due to her awkwardness. But now, she's getting better at being a detective (and her acting) and I'm sure a number of anti-Debras have decided to switch sides and see what the following seasons will be for her.

Ah, the pleasure of success...

So, the worst is over  for Season 4. I can't wait to see what it's going to be like with the marriage of Lauren Velez ( Lt. La Guerta) and David Zayas ( Angel Batista). I can also feel that there's a possible threat in the name of Joey Quinn ( Desmond Harrington).

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Banapple: The Third Wave

Last Stop, Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes...

They say the third time's the charm. Well, this is the third time I've gone to Banappple at Katipunan Avenue and I'm loving it more than ever. We ordered our food to go. Accompanied by a Dark Choco (105 php) and Mocha Fudge (105 php) Smoothie, we were both feeling bloated even before reaching NAIA (or maybe it was just I who felt that way).

NOMS!!!

I had to have a taste of the much promoted potion pie- a wonderful blend of chocolate and caramel with an almond-winged chocolate fly on top of every slice- and taste it I have!  The display full of scrumptious cakes was just enough to revitalize my appetite (even after having eaten lunch right about 30 minutes ago).

MORE NOMS!!!

We ate the baked creamy cheesy penne (185 php) two hours after my sister's shift started. We'd been so full with our veggie lunch that eating the pasta was more of a burden to the tummy. But the taste was... well... heavenly. CHEESE!!!

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