Finally, my old point-and-shoot digital camera died and I'm no longer reviving it. For a hefty repair fee of Php6,250, I'd rather buy a new digital camera. Digital cameras, after all, are becoming even cheaper.
You could now buy digital cameras now at a third of their price 5 years ago. And these are popular name brands, by the way.
The Law of the Garbage Truck
This particular "law" has been making the rounds on the internet for sometime now and it's interesting that I got to read it again yesterday after finding a seemingly nasty comment on my email inbox.The nasty reaction was on a comment I made after viewing a Filipino folk dance on Youtube. This was about a month ago. My comment on Youtube was a little more of an observation.
Filipinos Should Learn How to Swim
It's been a year since the rains of typhoon Ondoy inundated much of Metro Manila. My second daughter's high school even had to look for another school venue because all the roads towards their school were flooded. Typhoon Ondoy brought a month's worth of rain in a couple of hours. The metrowide flooding prompted the utility company to shut off power and there were massive blackouts. It took quite a while for the floods to subside and the sun to shine. Laundry piled up and I had to wash the car floor mats due to mud.
Armwrestling - Motivation to Bodybuilding
During one of those classroom lulls in college, students would joke around and generally just talk about "stuff" which is anything under the sun, really - movies, tv, university life, homework, relationships - anything. There wasn't much to do especially if it's just a one-hour class and the professor had to leave half hour early. That's until one smart guy at the back of the classroom egged his buddy next to him to armwrestle.
Chinese New Year Paradox in the Year of the Tiger
As a person born in the Year of the Tiger, I naturally wanted to know what the Year of the Tiger holds for us, the Tigers. After all it's supposed to be "our" year, right? And by that, it should mean a good year.
Well, not exactly.
Imagine my surprise when I read over the internet about Tigers being "in conflict" in the Year of the Tiger. Here's one:
And that's the paradox. How can you be in conflict when it's YOUR year?
Here's another one, although not as bad.
Well, not exactly.
Imagine my surprise when I read over the internet about Tigers being "in conflict" in the Year of the Tiger. Here's one:
Since this year is the same as yours. You are in some kind of conflict. Your money and health signs tend to be weaker. There would be pressure from work. The only recommendation for you is to be conservative.
And that's the paradox. How can you be in conflict when it's YOUR year?
Here's another one, although not as bad.
Meeting Meeting
A week ago, my daughter Karen was in tears and said something about her not making it to college presumably because we may not afford it. DH and I were of course alarmed how she could utter something like that.
Both of us speculated where she could have gotten the idea - friends? classmates? siblings? And so, after dinner, I asked everyone to return to the dining table for a meeting.
Somehow the word "meeting" piqued Renz's interest. I mean he's been hearing the word when we adults talk about with regards to our previous work and my toastmasters club. So he was excited to come down and position himself on the table.
Both of us speculated where she could have gotten the idea - friends? classmates? siblings? And so, after dinner, I asked everyone to return to the dining table for a meeting.
Somehow the word "meeting" piqued Renz's interest. I mean he's been hearing the word when we adults talk about with regards to our previous work and my toastmasters club. So he was excited to come down and position himself on the table.
A Seahorse Toy
Today, my youngest, my 7-year old son Renz asked me to draw a seahorse for him. This was late in the afternoon when I spent the whole day with him. The girls were all in school and DH was still accompanying Che in UP Manila. Tita Gay was in La Union. So it was just me and him.
In the morning, I asked Renz if he wanted to go to our neighbor SM mall. It was too noisy outside as Meralco was cutting down trees with a chainsaw. Besides, I had to get our car registration stickers from nearby Land Transportation Office or LTO (walking distance). And so we went to LTO and then to SM. He was quite happy all throughout.
In the morning, I asked Renz if he wanted to go to our neighbor SM mall. It was too noisy outside as Meralco was cutting down trees with a chainsaw. Besides, I had to get our car registration stickers from nearby Land Transportation Office or LTO (walking distance). And so we went to LTO and then to SM. He was quite happy all throughout.
Too Young to Swim
It has been drizzling in the mornings of the past few days and today was no exception. The photo below was taken last week and yes, it was drizzling then too. But the two boys in the picture below are still in the same pool spot and not really "progressing" swim-wise.
I'm not sure of the intent to enroll kids these young (3 or 4 yrs?), but if the purpose is to have them learn how to swim, then I don't think it'll happen. I think they're just too young to listen and take instructions from a swim coach.
I'm not sure of the intent to enroll kids these young (3 or 4 yrs?), but if the purpose is to have them learn how to swim, then I don't think it'll happen. I think they're just too young to listen and take instructions from a swim coach.
First Lunch at the Rent House
Since it’s a Saturday, here’s our first lunch and yes, I’d say we’re pretty much settled in the rent house. I’d rather call it “rent house” coz “rented house” sounds as creepy like “haunted house”.
It doesn’t look cramp in the next pics coz we’re still expecting a few stuff - the big stuff, actually. Awaiting are the bookshelf, divider and the narra bed.
Some of the other stuff that are not likely to be used in the next six months were already transported to one of the units in the apartment (Unit D).
Renz is all smiles for this first lunch photo inside the rent house.
Here's another shot of the gang with me at the living room. That's supposed to be the dining area with a kitchen. I say kitchen because there used to be a kitchen sink behind DH. See that protruding pipe for a faucet?
Renz has become impatient and Karen is starting to give me “the look” coz they hungry and don’t want any more picture-taking.
Here’s one of the last stuff to go from our old house – the Powerpuff Girls Height Chart tacked on the right side of the bookshelf.
Karen has outgrown this height chart already since it is only 5 feet high. I remember the kids getting all excited whenever I took their height measurements. Well, except for Che, that is.
I’m rather melancholic as I write this. It’s been a while since I updated and there were times that I’ve forgotten about this blog. It’s like “does it even matter if I update the blog?”
Maybe it’s the moving… or maybe it’s the lack of comments on this blog. I don’t know. I certainly haven’t gotten any comments for a long time. So hey, if you’re a regular reader, just say something, anything, ok?
It doesn’t look cramp in the next pics coz we’re still expecting a few stuff - the big stuff, actually. Awaiting are the bookshelf, divider and the narra bed.
Some of the other stuff that are not likely to be used in the next six months were already transported to one of the units in the apartment (Unit D).
Renz is all smiles for this first lunch photo inside the rent house.
Here's another shot of the gang with me at the living room. That's supposed to be the dining area with a kitchen. I say kitchen because there used to be a kitchen sink behind DH. See that protruding pipe for a faucet?
Renz has become impatient and Karen is starting to give me “the look” coz they hungry and don’t want any more picture-taking.
Here’s one of the last stuff to go from our old house – the Powerpuff Girls Height Chart tacked on the right side of the bookshelf.
Karen has outgrown this height chart already since it is only 5 feet high. I remember the kids getting all excited whenever I took their height measurements. Well, except for Che, that is.
I’m rather melancholic as I write this. It’s been a while since I updated and there were times that I’ve forgotten about this blog. It’s like “does it even matter if I update the blog?”
Maybe it’s the moving… or maybe it’s the lack of comments on this blog. I don’t know. I certainly haven’t gotten any comments for a long time. So hey, if you’re a regular reader, just say something, anything, ok?
Stuff I'm Thankful for this Year 2007
The year 2007 is about to end. Before it does, I wanna make sure I kick this list in. It's a list of things I'm thankful for that are mostly swimming-related.
I've been pursuing my interest in swimming the past few years and this year has seen some milestones. The milestones are not without their downsides and so I'm listing adding an unfortunate incident as well.
So the list of stuff I'm thankful for in 2007 are:
I've been pursuing my interest in swimming the past few years and this year has seen some milestones. The milestones are not without their downsides and so I'm listing adding an unfortunate incident as well.
So the list of stuff I'm thankful for in 2007 are:
Writing My Sponsored World Vision Kids
Finally, I took (nay, snatched) some time to write a couple of letters to my sponsored kids in World Vision. For those who have no idea what it is, check their site at www.worldvision.org.ph. It is an organization that I contribute to. I even wrote and delivered a speech about it entitled "In the Eyes of Child, A Vision of Hope". Check it out.
Anyway, the reason I've procrastinated for long was not so much so I could write the "perfect" letters complete with graphics and all. No. I didn't even have an enclosed picture.
Anyway, the reason I've procrastinated for long was not so much so I could write the "perfect" letters complete with graphics and all. No. I didn't even have an enclosed picture.
English Camp and Stupid Trillanes' Coup d' Etat
I was under-time at the office today today just to make it at home and take Tita Gay, Sandra and Renz to the Muntinlupa Sports Center in time for the English Camp presentations.
And yes, we arrived there before 6pm, the announced time. Here's a blurry Renz and Sandra trying to kill time at the still empty gym.
And yes, we arrived there before 6pm, the announced time. Here's a blurry Renz and Sandra trying to kill time at the still empty gym.
Physical Therapy Update
It was muscle strengthening time once again today for my left shoulder (bicipital tendinitis). We started with the usual: hot gel packs for 20 minutes and ultrasound for 5 minutes. Then it was stretching and exercises.
The basic stretching was composed of shoulder mobilization. Martin the therapist would take the arm and stretch it GENTLY outwards towards him while I'm lying.
He moves the shoulder around the socket, up and down and then left to right. He would also put his hand under the shoulder blade to aid in the mobilization.
The basic stretching was composed of shoulder mobilization. Martin the therapist would take the arm and stretch it GENTLY outwards towards him while I'm lying.
He moves the shoulder around the socket, up and down and then left to right. He would also put his hand under the shoulder blade to aid in the mobilization.
Happy Days are Over
Again, there was some traffic on the way to the pool. I'd call "slow crawling" for 10 minutes on a 50 meter stretch heavy "traffic". From afar, when approaching the intersection, I'm already groaning at this sight:
Imagine, this is at 6:50 in the morning! (Groan) This intersection was once problematic and then became traffic free, and now this! And this was after a few roads have been widened. Once I get to the end of this tail, it'll be 5 to 10 minutes before I'd get to a stretch of 50 meters. And there's plenty of jostling, no thanx to stupid tricycle drivers and hot-headed motorists. Ah, what a way to start your day.
Once I got to the pool, imagine my surprise when I saw it had no water! No announcements whatsoever. When I peeked inside, I was just told that there'll be no swimming until next year's summer.
The girl also told me that the remaining balance of my membership (1.5 months) can be applied next year. Oh, really? Remember, this resort's up for sale and the new owners (if ever) may not even honor that!
Ah well, it wasn't a total surprise though. I would've appreciated though if they'd posted some kind of announcement for this. I decided to head back and go to the office. Here's a view of the long traffic line, still there on my way back. Terrible.
I wonder how the newly elected mayor (husband of previous mayor) will handle this crap. Most of these private vehicles I suppose are heading towards the Laguna Technopark. The new roads, now with weeds in the center don't seem to help, coz the junction and other roads are just narrow.
Here's another area of jostling - the intersection at the public market.
There's a new bridge and it hasn't been opened yet. I just hope that with this bridge and its new road, traffic here will lighten up.
But in fairness, there's a bit of results especially here with the construction of center islands. Hopefully, those stupid jeepney and tricycle drivers won't be counterflowing traffic by moving on to the opposite lanes.
P was surprised when I mentioned the pool's closure. He said that he was there just the previous Saturday and that he couldn't even see the lane lines WHILE swimming. Yup, the water was THAT murky. But now the lane lines are there to see coz there's hardly water. Ah well, all good things must pass.
Imagine, this is at 6:50 in the morning! (Groan) This intersection was once problematic and then became traffic free, and now this! And this was after a few roads have been widened. Once I get to the end of this tail, it'll be 5 to 10 minutes before I'd get to a stretch of 50 meters. And there's plenty of jostling, no thanx to stupid tricycle drivers and hot-headed motorists. Ah, what a way to start your day.
Once I got to the pool, imagine my surprise when I saw it had no water! No announcements whatsoever. When I peeked inside, I was just told that there'll be no swimming until next year's summer.
The girl also told me that the remaining balance of my membership (1.5 months) can be applied next year. Oh, really? Remember, this resort's up for sale and the new owners (if ever) may not even honor that!
Ah well, it wasn't a total surprise though. I would've appreciated though if they'd posted some kind of announcement for this. I decided to head back and go to the office. Here's a view of the long traffic line, still there on my way back. Terrible.
I wonder how the newly elected mayor (husband of previous mayor) will handle this crap. Most of these private vehicles I suppose are heading towards the Laguna Technopark. The new roads, now with weeds in the center don't seem to help, coz the junction and other roads are just narrow.
Here's another area of jostling - the intersection at the public market.
There's a new bridge and it hasn't been opened yet. I just hope that with this bridge and its new road, traffic here will lighten up.
But in fairness, there's a bit of results especially here with the construction of center islands. Hopefully, those stupid jeepney and tricycle drivers won't be counterflowing traffic by moving on to the opposite lanes.
P was surprised when I mentioned the pool's closure. He said that he was there just the previous Saturday and that he couldn't even see the lane lines WHILE swimming. Yup, the water was THAT murky. But now the lane lines are there to see coz there's hardly water. Ah well, all good things must pass.
Resort's Up for Sale
I was late at the pool today (7:30am) coz I brought Sandra's baon to school. DH (on CIL) woke up late this morning and rice was cooked late.
Today at the pool was the resort owner, old man Randy. I've never seen him swim and for an owner, I would've thought he'd kick ass with awesome swimming. Nah, nothing like that. The guy wore speedo trunks alright, but he had the whole enchilada gear of mask, snorkel and fins. He probly forgot his kickboard, buoy and paddles.
Anyway, all he did was freestyle, and some kicking (no stroking) laps - nothing extraordinary.
Me, I did the lengths, coz he took my lane and was doing lengths. Yah, okay, he's the owner, right? So I took another lane and proceeded to do a mix of the four strokes, free, breast, back and even fly! My, I should do these lengths more often. The pool floor seemed cleaner this time. The pool boy's must've known the owner would be swimming.
Sometime later, a henchman came and talked to Randy. I couldn't help over hearing, but yup, it's confirmed: the resort's up for sale. He said the 4.5k sqm property is being sold for Php6k s or close to Php27M. He said his kids aren't interested in coming home from America (old news to me) and so he's selling it. Too bad. But I'm wondering who'd have that chunk of money to buy it? It'll probly be a corporation or partnership that'll spruce up the place. Sometimes, I wonder what it'll be like if I had my own pool at home. It'll probly never be cleaned.
Sure I love to swim, but the idea of maintaining a pool, ugh, from what I've seen, turns me off.
Today at the pool was the resort owner, old man Randy. I've never seen him swim and for an owner, I would've thought he'd kick ass with awesome swimming. Nah, nothing like that. The guy wore speedo trunks alright, but he had the whole enchilada gear of mask, snorkel and fins. He probly forgot his kickboard, buoy and paddles.
Anyway, all he did was freestyle, and some kicking (no stroking) laps - nothing extraordinary.Me, I did the lengths, coz he took my lane and was doing lengths. Yah, okay, he's the owner, right? So I took another lane and proceeded to do a mix of the four strokes, free, breast, back and even fly! My, I should do these lengths more often. The pool floor seemed cleaner this time. The pool boy's must've known the owner would be swimming.
Sometime later, a henchman came and talked to Randy. I couldn't help over hearing, but yup, it's confirmed: the resort's up for sale. He said the 4.5k sqm property is being sold for Php6k s or close to Php27M. He said his kids aren't interested in coming home from America (old news to me) and so he's selling it. Too bad. But I'm wondering who'd have that chunk of money to buy it? It'll probly be a corporation or partnership that'll spruce up the place. Sometimes, I wonder what it'll be like if I had my own pool at home. It'll probly never be cleaned.
Sure I love to swim, but the idea of maintaining a pool, ugh, from what I've seen, turns me off. Brush with the Grim Reaper
I actually didn't plan on writing anything else other than my swimming today but heck. Anyway, I thought I was a goner this morning when I almost rammed against an oncoming truck. Well, "almost" is a relative word here. Some folks (speed maniacs, basically) would probly dismiss the incident as simply ordinary. But for me, it's enough to get scared. And it was my fault.
At that bridge (crossing the expressway) in San Pedro, it's a daily torture to have these slowpoke tricycles plying the area. In several instances I was lucky to have overtaken these turtles and sometimes snicker when other vehicles, especially the macho ones (pajeros, patrols, fortuners, etc.) can't manage to do the same.
Today, there was a tricycle going up the bridge and closely followed by a jeepney. I looked as my eyes allowed me to see the unobstructed view and thought it was safe to pass. It SEEMED okay. But as I was moving on to the bridge's crest almost overtaking the tricycle and jeepney, the truck approaching from the other direction seemed so much faster! And why not, it's uphill for me but downhill (and so much faster) for the truck. Gosh, I thanked my lucky stars I made it through that small (small for me anyway) space. The tricycle driver was probly scared as well (for me, that is). As I approached the tollgate, I just paused for a moment and pondered how much worse it could have been. The truck was heavy and was speeding downhill. Had I hit the truck head-on, it would've dragged me all the way down the bridge or worse, the truck could've hit me and me hit the tricycle AND the jeepney in a chain reaction. Scary.
The image above, incidentally, was my wallpaper many years ago back when wallpapers are just starting to be a rage. I remembered it and pasted it here as it is fitting in today's post.
I think I've misplaced my amber Speedo goggles. I've been using them for quite a while and didn't expect to lose them in this pool. I've asked the pool boy and he said that the tykes in the free swim lessons must've seen and taken it. Well I do have several pairs more and I'm not expecting it to be returned.
I saw Albert and Jeanette there at the pool today. Their kids were having lessons.
At that bridge (crossing the expressway) in San Pedro, it's a daily torture to have these slowpoke tricycles plying the area. In several instances I was lucky to have overtaken these turtles and sometimes snicker when other vehicles, especially the macho ones (pajeros, patrols, fortuners, etc.) can't manage to do the same.
Today, there was a tricycle going up the bridge and closely followed by a jeepney. I looked as my eyes allowed me to see the unobstructed view and thought it was safe to pass. It SEEMED okay. But as I was moving on to the bridge's crest almost overtaking the tricycle and jeepney, the truck approaching from the other direction seemed so much faster! And why not, it's uphill for me but downhill (and so much faster) for the truck. Gosh, I thanked my lucky stars I made it through that small (small for me anyway) space. The tricycle driver was probly scared as well (for me, that is). As I approached the tollgate, I just paused for a moment and pondered how much worse it could have been. The truck was heavy and was speeding downhill. Had I hit the truck head-on, it would've dragged me all the way down the bridge or worse, the truck could've hit me and me hit the tricycle AND the jeepney in a chain reaction. Scary.
The image above, incidentally, was my wallpaper many years ago back when wallpapers are just starting to be a rage. I remembered it and pasted it here as it is fitting in today's post.
I think I've misplaced my amber Speedo goggles. I've been using them for quite a while and didn't expect to lose them in this pool. I've asked the pool boy and he said that the tykes in the free swim lessons must've seen and taken it. Well I do have several pairs more and I'm not expecting it to be returned.
I saw Albert and Jeanette there at the pool today. Their kids were having lessons.
White Cracs and Kite-Flying
Yesterday, Saturday, we went to Southmall to buy a couple pairs of Cracs. Cracs is what we jokingly call these Crocs knock-offs or imitations. We were planning to buy one pair for Renz and another for myself. Unfortunately, the kids' sizes were no longer available. I was even lucky to get my size and it was the last pair! I already have the army-green color of Crocs which I showed here. But these Cracs are so cheap at Php179! That's almost only 10% of what I bought for the originals.
But the reason I bought this pair is for office use. Why white? Office shoe attire needs to be white and so we also bought 6 pairs of white socks to match. Anyway, I've gotten used to long walks right after the 10am brunch and the 3pm break. Unfortunately the first few days were hard on the feet since I wasn't used to walking long distances. By long distance, I mean going to the lobby, turning back and then walking all the way towards the Facilities offices, taking a drink at the drinking fountain and then turning back. I take a long drink at the fountain so the turning back doesn't look so conspicuous since folks there don't regularly see me there. It's that simple.
I don't walk outside - it's too darn hot to walk. Now with the white Cracs, I'm hoping to walk more, like maybe a couple of 'laps' this time. I'm finding these walks to be mind-refreshing especially when I'm composing email or blog entries. Too bad, I don't see others doing the same thing, or maybe it isn't just obvious to me. Nonetheless, these long walks help me clear up the clutter in my mind and is a welcome break from the long sitting position infront of the computer. Hey, it'll be part of my overall workout too!
The bigger surprise in yesterday's shopping was this pair of cheap table tennis rackets that were priced at Php79.75 and Php99.75. The more expensive one at the right has a flared handle with a design. Imagine our surprise when they were made even cheaper when we got to the cashier. The price that came up in the register was Php25 for EACH! I suppose these were last stocks and were on clearance. Although we bought them at SM Dept Store, they were really from Toy Kingdom.
On the homefront, Renz wore this flashy outfit. Kinda makes him look like a superhero.
There was no electricity when we woke up today, Sunday. Maybe it was the rain. I don't know, but I wished the electricity went out last night instead when the idiotic noisy candidates were giving their speeches. I was talking with DH last night about Pinoy's penchant to loud and garish events. It's as if LOUDNESS = HAPPINESS. It's a sad state of the times, in my opinion.
Since there was no electricity, we had a nice breakfast breakfast outside at the laundry area. It was bright and there was a slight breeze.
Here's Renz making a point while everybody listens. Well, except for Ate Che who still looks sleepy.
Ah, mangoes. Can't imagine the severed limb of the tree could still yield this bunch of mangoes!
Che and Karen brought the Nemo Kite we bought for Renz and Dada during Taekwondo class at the Fresnedi Sports Center. Here's the two trying to fly the kite in the shade. That's the Laguna bay behind them.
Dada isn't doing the Cha-cha, but is doing continuous kicks in Taekwondo class.
After class, the two, Renz and Dada tried the kite. Here's Renz holding the kite string.
Dada flying the kite with the MunSci building in the background. See the kite? It has the image of Nemo the Clownfish. Afterwards, we proceeded to St.Peregrine Church to hear mass.
But the reason I bought this pair is for office use. Why white? Office shoe attire needs to be white and so we also bought 6 pairs of white socks to match. Anyway, I've gotten used to long walks right after the 10am brunch and the 3pm break. Unfortunately the first few days were hard on the feet since I wasn't used to walking long distances. By long distance, I mean going to the lobby, turning back and then walking all the way towards the Facilities offices, taking a drink at the drinking fountain and then turning back. I take a long drink at the fountain so the turning back doesn't look so conspicuous since folks there don't regularly see me there. It's that simple.
I don't walk outside - it's too darn hot to walk. Now with the white Cracs, I'm hoping to walk more, like maybe a couple of 'laps' this time. I'm finding these walks to be mind-refreshing especially when I'm composing email or blog entries. Too bad, I don't see others doing the same thing, or maybe it isn't just obvious to me. Nonetheless, these long walks help me clear up the clutter in my mind and is a welcome break from the long sitting position infront of the computer. Hey, it'll be part of my overall workout too!
The bigger surprise in yesterday's shopping was this pair of cheap table tennis rackets that were priced at Php79.75 and Php99.75. The more expensive one at the right has a flared handle with a design. Imagine our surprise when they were made even cheaper when we got to the cashier. The price that came up in the register was Php25 for EACH! I suppose these were last stocks and were on clearance. Although we bought them at SM Dept Store, they were really from Toy Kingdom.
On the homefront, Renz wore this flashy outfit. Kinda makes him look like a superhero.
There was no electricity when we woke up today, Sunday. Maybe it was the rain. I don't know, but I wished the electricity went out last night instead when the idiotic noisy candidates were giving their speeches. I was talking with DH last night about Pinoy's penchant to loud and garish events. It's as if LOUDNESS = HAPPINESS. It's a sad state of the times, in my opinion.
Since there was no electricity, we had a nice breakfast breakfast outside at the laundry area. It was bright and there was a slight breeze.
Here's Renz making a point while everybody listens. Well, except for Ate Che who still looks sleepy.
Ah, mangoes. Can't imagine the severed limb of the tree could still yield this bunch of mangoes!
Che and Karen brought the Nemo Kite we bought for Renz and Dada during Taekwondo class at the Fresnedi Sports Center. Here's the two trying to fly the kite in the shade. That's the Laguna bay behind them.
Dada isn't doing the Cha-cha, but is doing continuous kicks in Taekwondo class.
After class, the two, Renz and Dada tried the kite. Here's Renz holding the kite string.
Dada flying the kite with the MunSci building in the background. See the kite? It has the image of Nemo the Clownfish. Afterwards, we proceeded to St.Peregrine Church to hear mass.
The Essence of a Relaxing Backstroke
I knew it! Last night, I walked with DH to Mercury Tunasan (my first time there!) to buy new batteries for the radio. I was hoping to get Energizer but there weren't any. I suppose they'd cost so much for size D. Anyway, I tried them at the pool today and I was right. The old batteries were dying and this was the cause of my losing the right radio frequency and the fading volume. The radio was on maximum volume recently but still couldn't hear it. So I was a happy camper. At least it wasn't a failed or broken potentiometer or some innards of the radio. Sadly though the topic today sucks - it was so mushy and fluffy.
Today's coaching at the pool, I realized something that coaches teach students and seems prevalent. Prevalent, in that I experienced it too when I was getting lessons. And this is the coach telling students to splash a lot of water when beginning lessons in freestyle. They want the legs out of the water, faster kicks, stronger kicks, really kicking up a storm! And then, when the students are fairly advanced, the coaches (and swim literature even) tell them not to raise the legs out of the water. What's UP with THAT?
The lady student must've had some difficulty straightening her legs on the freestyle kicks coz here's the coach tying on something that look like splints so as not to bend the knees too much. I've been wondering what the coach was fiddling with the student's legs. It turns out to be some kind of cardboard wrapped with packing tape. This method is certainly new to me!
Here's the lady kicking furiously as coach instructed. No wonder she gets all winded and tired - as I was when I started getting lessons.
It's been quite a while since I reported a breakthrough or milestone in this blog and was afraid that I've been plateauing my improvements. But just when I least expect it, I've reached one again.
Today, I think I've mastered the art of a relaxing backstroke and discovered to do this, you need to be able to do a super slow stroke. I found this almost impossible to do in the past (as in last year). But today, I could do it at will, anytime! I was so happy that I figured I could do the square workout with the slow backstroke as I did when I was drilling with the heads-up freestyle. Man, today's workout was awesome. I did a couple of these square workouts - one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. At first, I was thinking how best to do the turns coz backstroke is so disorienting, not knowing where you're headed and therefore when to turn. So what I did was simply to pause when it's safe to turn, do a mild heads-up breast and then resume the backstroke. Nonetheless, the square workout was successful and I'm sure I could improve more on it.
After I got out of the pool, rain clouds formed and in the shower, I thought it would rain and was worried for the radio. Well it didn't, but it did drizzle as I was driving out. Whew!
Today's coaching at the pool, I realized something that coaches teach students and seems prevalent. Prevalent, in that I experienced it too when I was getting lessons. And this is the coach telling students to splash a lot of water when beginning lessons in freestyle. They want the legs out of the water, faster kicks, stronger kicks, really kicking up a storm! And then, when the students are fairly advanced, the coaches (and swim literature even) tell them not to raise the legs out of the water. What's UP with THAT?
The lady student must've had some difficulty straightening her legs on the freestyle kicks coz here's the coach tying on something that look like splints so as not to bend the knees too much. I've been wondering what the coach was fiddling with the student's legs. It turns out to be some kind of cardboard wrapped with packing tape. This method is certainly new to me!
Here's the lady kicking furiously as coach instructed. No wonder she gets all winded and tired - as I was when I started getting lessons.
It's been quite a while since I reported a breakthrough or milestone in this blog and was afraid that I've been plateauing my improvements. But just when I least expect it, I've reached one again.
Today, I think I've mastered the art of a relaxing backstroke and discovered to do this, you need to be able to do a super slow stroke. I found this almost impossible to do in the past (as in last year). But today, I could do it at will, anytime! I was so happy that I figured I could do the square workout with the slow backstroke as I did when I was drilling with the heads-up freestyle. Man, today's workout was awesome. I did a couple of these square workouts - one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. At first, I was thinking how best to do the turns coz backstroke is so disorienting, not knowing where you're headed and therefore when to turn. So what I did was simply to pause when it's safe to turn, do a mild heads-up breast and then resume the backstroke. Nonetheless, the square workout was successful and I'm sure I could improve more on it.After I got out of the pool, rain clouds formed and in the shower, I thought it would rain and was worried for the radio. Well it didn't, but it did drizzle as I was driving out. Whew!
Despedida at Lovely May?
It's back to Villa Lovely May Resort Pansol for Jhe's Despedida. I left the office very early (before 5pm) and naturally got there too early and so I rested a bit. Alex, Rey, Rommel and Jay took along their wives and kids. I managed to do lots of backstrokes. It's really different once the tummy is full. I left with Dada at around 11pm. Here are a couple of pics with gang.
I learned later that the despedida isn't all that. Jhe changed her mind. I wonder why.
I learned later that the despedida isn't all that. Jhe changed her mind. I wonder why.
Whole Length Backstroke
pc1/91/80-100
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Renz: Mama, bakit po sila mayaman?
DH: Kasi masipag sila.
Renz: Tayo po, hindi?
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
