So far so good! Miss my family!!!
20101226
20101110
20101101
20101026
SIGNS OF FAMILY
Cousin, sister came and gone. The only signs of them being here are pictures and notes that they left. Short amount of time, but definitely well spent! Hopefully our next reunion won't be another 12+ years.
Thank you my dearest for being such a wonderful host for the family and I. You are the best!!!!
Cousin, sister came and gone. The only signs of them being here are pictures and notes that they left. Short amount of time, but definitely well spent! Hopefully our next reunion won't be another 12+ years.
Thank you my dearest for being such a wonderful host for the family and I. You are the best!!!!
20100924
20100908
20100818
20100817
MEG, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU
I set the alarm at 6 and I snoozed it til 6:20. In my head I can hear Von going "get up chubby and stop complaining to me about how you didn't get up and ride your bike." Meanwhile, there was another voice. Meg "how can you sleep til 8:30 and be at work at 10:00am? I'm a morning person... Blah blah blah."
I love the nagging love and one sided conversations in my head! Good morning to ya!
Hazy morning bike ride!
I set the alarm at 6 and I snoozed it til 6:20. In my head I can hear Von going "get up chubby and stop complaining to me about how you didn't get up and ride your bike." Meanwhile, there was another voice. Meg "how can you sleep til 8:30 and be at work at 10:00am? I'm a morning person... Blah blah blah."
I love the nagging love and one sided conversations in my head! Good morning to ya!
Hazy morning bike ride!
20100815
GETTING BACK INTO THE LOOP
It's been almost 2 months of slacking off and not being on my bike. Well, I've been really busy and that's the truth. I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that, it was pretty "easy" to accomplish something (i.e. the whole bike ride), but it is so damn hard to stick with it when you don't quite have a goal anymore. So, this is what I will do. Set up some goals andhopefully I will stick with it:
Suddenly feel like my life is a mess and missing that rhythm again. Need to start chanting again and chant harder!!!
It's been almost 2 months of slacking off and not being on my bike. Well, I've been really busy and that's the truth. I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that, it was pretty "easy" to accomplish something (i.e. the whole bike ride), but it is so damn hard to stick with it when you don't quite have a goal anymore. So, this is what I will do. Set up some goals and
- bike related
- ride at least 75 miles per week, beginning every Sunday and ends Saturday.
- sign up 3 bicycle rides before winter comes
- photo related
- start, finish, show the "nocturnal" series
- get website done
- think exit strategy
- others
- play some cello in front of a group of people
- and damn it be DEBT FREE ALREADY!!
Suddenly feel like my life is a mess and missing that rhythm again. Need to start chanting again and chant harder!!!
20100715
WHEN IT RAINS...
It pours! No shit Sherlock! That's how you would accumulate water in the reserve! Be glad that it rained and you are super busy! Don't be defeated by some small little things. Life goes on buddy!
Suddenly 7am toso is not bad at all! Maybe I should do the extreme, ride my bike from our apt to NYCC and do toso =)
It pours! No shit Sherlock! That's how you would accumulate water in the reserve! Be glad that it rained and you are super busy! Don't be defeated by some small little things. Life goes on buddy!
Suddenly 7am toso is not bad at all! Maybe I should do the extreme, ride my bike from our apt to NYCC and do toso =)
20100712
20100621
THE TIME HAS COME... TO SAY THANK YOU
Dear kind people,
I really want to give a big hug and thank every single one of you in
person! This email acts as a coupon for a big hug. Redeem your hug
next time I see. No purchase necessary, redeem anytime =)
I finished my century ride on Saturday (06.19), and it was the best
feeling ever! The total riding time was 7 hours 10 minutes, with
breaks it took me about 8 hours 20 minutes. I was walking like a robot
all day yesterday, but I am all recover and ready to ride more today.
As of today (06.21), I have raised $3,720! That's $1,120 over the
fundraising minimum, and $120 over my own personal goal! I declare
this a total victory for this event, and I definitely cannot do this
without your help! There is no way in hell I can do this all alone.
Not the training, and definitely not the fundraising.
I feel extremely fortunate to know that my friends are superheroes!
You guys are here to support me when I decided to do this crazy bike
ride! I am feeling really good about the outcome of this event, and I
hope you feel the same way too.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all your support and I
will be back for more next year! Until then, here are the pictures
from the ride day, enjoy!
Regards,
Ines
Dear kind people,
I really want to give a big hug and thank every single one of you in
person! This email acts as a coupon for a big hug. Redeem your hug
next time I see. No purchase necessary, redeem anytime =)
I finished my century ride on Saturday (06.19), and it was the best
feeling ever! The total riding time was 7 hours 10 minutes, with
breaks it took me about 8 hours 20 minutes. I was walking like a robot
all day yesterday, but I am all recover and ready to ride more today.
As of today (06.21), I have raised $3,720! That's $1,120 over the
fundraising minimum, and $120 over my own personal goal! I declare
this a total victory for this event, and I definitely cannot do this
without your help! There is no way in hell I can do this all alone.
Not the training, and definitely not the fundraising.
I feel extremely fortunate to know that my friends are superheroes!
You guys are here to support me when I decided to do this crazy bike
ride! I am feeling really good about the outcome of this event, and I
hope you feel the same way too.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all your support and I
will be back for more next year! Until then, here are the pictures
from the ride day, enjoy!
Regards,
Ines
20100618
QUICKIE
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I want to thank every single one of you that donate; both money and mental support! Not only I met my personal fundraising goal! I went over it by $70!!! But don't stop here, because we can keep going!
Today is team traveling day. My bike, Yvonne and I will be on the bus heading out in 2.5 hours, and crap I haven't packed yet! Ok I'll keep this short! Long list of people to thank since the last THANK YOU shout out!
THANK YOU
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I want to thank every single one of you that donate; both money and mental support! Not only I met my personal fundraising goal! I went over it by $70!!! But don't stop here, because we can keep going!
Today is team traveling day. My bike, Yvonne and I will be on the bus heading out in 2.5 hours, and crap I haven't packed yet! Ok I'll keep this short! Long list of people to thank since the last THANK YOU shout out!
THANK YOU
- Sarah - "are you sick?" =) Thank you so much for making donating to my wonderful cost. Maybe we can start a team since you have much experience when you were a kid!
- Fok goh - thank you for your support! I made it pass the goal!
- July - beer/wine on me! After "your" festival and all the RtE activities!
- Debbie - thank you so much for your help and meeting my goal! you did it for me!
- Mary & Yin - want to group you guys together because I want to say: go YWD, Chinese group, movie group and group of ppl that can't really drink!
- Dan - thank you for making the effort to put a stamp and mail out a check! Thanks!
- Sam - thank you for helping out!
- Veronica - teacher teacher! I did it! Both in music and cycling term!
- Michelle (the badminton chick) - thank you so much for contributing to this lovely cause! I will see you on the court soon!
- Sis #2 - thanks for promoting on fb and twitter!
- Sandra - F&D Corp power unleashed! thank you!
- Samy @ Simple Cafe - thanks for allowing me to hold the bake sale and along with your "yummy" donation =)
- Paúl (aka Mr. Giant) - you know you're gonna be on this team next summer now that you bought a bike!
20100611
DOWN TO THE WIRE
8 more days til ride day and damn I am excited and nervous! 100 miles bike ride?! What the hell was I thinking? But heck I am very proud of myself for doing this! We had our send off meeting last night. Got the team jersey and all the info. We went around the room to introduce ourselves. (Not that we don't know each other already, but you'll be amaze how everyone looks different when they are not in cycling clothes and out of context).
I would say half of the people show up for the send off are riding in memory of someone. The other half wih myself included have no personal connection. However, a mentor said that we no longer can say we don't have a personal connection. We are a team now, and someone else's connection becomes ours. We are all riding or the same mission. Suddenly it brings back to the little cards I made for this fundraising: "100 miles, 1 team, 1 mission" It is hard to imagine the battles that the cancer patients face. I, as a healthy person can no longer say, this is too much and I can't do this. Because no tasks are too difficult unless you are battling for your life!
On a light note, I got new tires for my handsome bike. Not just new tires, but mew matching tires! (Von: "you are so shallow!", Ed: "the shit has to look good!") Please excuse my little moment hahah.
bike traffic on the bridge?!
where is the Stark Expo?!
new profile picture!
slick new white tire!
I got a mission, what about you?
P.S. - my first ever cello recital is this coming Sunday. Ekkkk! Wish me luck!
8 more days til ride day and damn I am excited and nervous! 100 miles bike ride?! What the hell was I thinking? But heck I am very proud of myself for doing this! We had our send off meeting last night. Got the team jersey and all the info. We went around the room to introduce ourselves. (Not that we don't know each other already, but you'll be amaze how everyone looks different when they are not in cycling clothes and out of context).
I would say half of the people show up for the send off are riding in memory of someone. The other half wih myself included have no personal connection. However, a mentor said that we no longer can say we don't have a personal connection. We are a team now, and someone else's connection becomes ours. We are all riding or the same mission. Suddenly it brings back to the little cards I made for this fundraising: "100 miles, 1 team, 1 mission" It is hard to imagine the battles that the cancer patients face. I, as a healthy person can no longer say, this is too much and I can't do this. Because no tasks are too difficult unless you are battling for your life!
On a light note, I got new tires for my handsome bike. Not just new tires, but mew matching tires! (Von: "you are so shallow!", Ed: "the shit has to look good!") Please excuse my little moment hahah.
bike traffic on the bridge?!
where is the Stark Expo?!
new profile picture!
slick new white tire!
I got a mission, what about you?
P.S. - my first ever cello recital is this coming Sunday. Ekkkk! Wish me luck!
20100605
20100601
20100524
SO DAMN SORE
70miles ride! That's the longest I have ridden, and I did great! Took out a zipcar and picked up a teammate in Brooklyn and head to CT 7am. It was a very long day, but it was well worth it! The route was beautiful and the scenery was stunning! There were waterfalls, and we went around Saugatuck Reservoir. At one point of my ride I heard nothing but the breeze through the trees, the sound of my breathing, the chain moving when I was pedaling, and tires of my bike and the concrete. I felt like I was dreaming. The scenery was just beautiful! I really wanted to get off my bike to take pictures, but there were all these rolling hills. I knew if I got off I will have a hard time getting back on the bike. So I guess those images will stay in my mind...
Too sore and too tire to say more... and only 2 pictures were taken from the ride. Oh well!
I LOVE ZIPCAR
all ready to head home after 70miles bike ride!
70miles ride! That's the longest I have ridden, and I did great! Took out a zipcar and picked up a teammate in Brooklyn and head to CT 7am. It was a very long day, but it was well worth it! The route was beautiful and the scenery was stunning! There were waterfalls, and we went around Saugatuck Reservoir. At one point of my ride I heard nothing but the breeze through the trees, the sound of my breathing, the chain moving when I was pedaling, and tires of my bike and the concrete. I felt like I was dreaming. The scenery was just beautiful! I really wanted to get off my bike to take pictures, but there were all these rolling hills. I knew if I got off I will have a hard time getting back on the bike. So I guess those images will stay in my mind...
Too sore and too tire to say more... and only 2 pictures were taken from the ride. Oh well!
I LOVE ZIPCAR
all ready to head home after 70miles bike ride!
20100521
KICKING ASS
Just as I thought there are 2 more long rides left, the head coach of the team sent out an email today saying the Montauk team will have 2 more additional rides! So yippie to 4 more long rides for the weekend! I was actually feeling a bit sad that it will be over soon. This whole event is not only about raising money to a good cause, but came to a realization that we as individuals can really make a difference! I can't say I did a lot for LLS, but the retrospect. This event in terms of both fundraising and the physical training made me push myself beyond what I usually thought was the limit.
Prime example: the first long ride that I did after I came back from my vacation. We were riding up this hill (which now I say a little slope). I couldn't do it, and I stopped and fell off my bike. I simply gave up thinking it was just too hard. Then the remaining day, I fell another time going up another hill because we got lost. Then fell again toward the end, because in my head I said "That's it. No more! I'm tire and I'll just push my bike up the hill". 3 falls that day thinking I can't ride anymore up the hills.
Later on 2 weekends later, up a constant slope up the 9W. It was a long slope! I calm myself down, thinking I need to get into a rhythm to do this without falling. First thing came to mind was chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo". **NOTE: I don't usually get all religious and thinking chanting will get everything solve, but chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is very rhythmic in 6 counts which works well cycling up hill** So basically chanting put me in a zone that I'll just pedal, pedal and pedal. In the end, I finished the 50miles ride without falling and conquer all the hills.
Then last weekend: up the Bear Mountain was not easy but it wasn't hard either. I pushed myself to go faster than I usually ride and really made an effort. I sweated, I was sore the next day, but I felt good! This was the feeling that I rarely encounter in my little shell. I want the feeling of kicking butts and feeling great, feel like I get shit done and accomplish my goals!
So lately, I really try to drop all of my negative bullshit and get the fire ball rolling! I don't usually do stuff without knowing the expected result, which most of the time prevents me from moving forward. I am afraid of being turn down and simply don't have thick enough skin to take anything. I simply take things personal when it's professional. So I said to myself, "Dude get over it! You really need to snap out of it, or you'll never progress."
Trippy thing: the next day on the subway as I was on my way to an interview I read this in Living Buddhism:
THE RIDE
Exactly one more month left! I'm actually nervous about flat roads. What the hell is going on?! So this weekend will be the longest ride because we're doing a 100km ride in Connecticut. I'll charge up the camera and take some pictures of the pit stop and the food stand. Now that I think about it, it should be an easy ride. There are pit stop every 20 miles, filled with food and drinks. That should motivate everyone to ride faster!
THANK YOU
Just as I thought there are 2 more long rides left, the head coach of the team sent out an email today saying the Montauk team will have 2 more additional rides! So yippie to 4 more long rides for the weekend! I was actually feeling a bit sad that it will be over soon. This whole event is not only about raising money to a good cause, but came to a realization that we as individuals can really make a difference! I can't say I did a lot for LLS, but the retrospect. This event in terms of both fundraising and the physical training made me push myself beyond what I usually thought was the limit.
Prime example: the first long ride that I did after I came back from my vacation. We were riding up this hill (which now I say a little slope). I couldn't do it, and I stopped and fell off my bike. I simply gave up thinking it was just too hard. Then the remaining day, I fell another time going up another hill because we got lost. Then fell again toward the end, because in my head I said "That's it. No more! I'm tire and I'll just push my bike up the hill". 3 falls that day thinking I can't ride anymore up the hills.
Later on 2 weekends later, up a constant slope up the 9W. It was a long slope! I calm myself down, thinking I need to get into a rhythm to do this without falling. First thing came to mind was chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo". **NOTE: I don't usually get all religious and thinking chanting will get everything solve, but chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is very rhythmic in 6 counts which works well cycling up hill** So basically chanting put me in a zone that I'll just pedal, pedal and pedal. In the end, I finished the 50miles ride without falling and conquer all the hills.
Then last weekend: up the Bear Mountain was not easy but it wasn't hard either. I pushed myself to go faster than I usually ride and really made an effort. I sweated, I was sore the next day, but I felt good! This was the feeling that I rarely encounter in my little shell. I want the feeling of kicking butts and feeling great, feel like I get shit done and accomplish my goals!
So lately, I really try to drop all of my negative bullshit and get the fire ball rolling! I don't usually do stuff without knowing the expected result, which most of the time prevents me from moving forward. I am afraid of being turn down and simply don't have thick enough skin to take anything. I simply take things personal when it's professional. So I said to myself, "Dude get over it! You really need to snap out of it, or you'll never progress."
Trippy thing: the next day on the subway as I was on my way to an interview I read this in Living Buddhism:
Sometimes our challenges seem so hard that we might feel as though there's no way to succeed. Giving up often seems the easier option. But on certain thing about giving up is that it guarantees failure. Trying hard may not guarantee success, but it's guaranteed that success won't come without trying. In a way, giving up is the only real failure. Consistent effort brings consistent growth.So for the rest of this week, I picked "myself" up and snapped out of it. I pushed myself to cold call architects and show my portfolio. Because if I don't show my book and "fail", I will never learn how to "sell" my work. Result: 1 interview and 1 drop-off. Wish me luck!
THE RIDE
Exactly one more month left! I'm actually nervous about flat roads. What the hell is going on?! So this weekend will be the longest ride because we're doing a 100km ride in Connecticut. I'll charge up the camera and take some pictures of the pit stop and the food stand. Now that I think about it, it should be an easy ride. There are pit stop every 20 miles, filled with food and drinks. That should motivate everyone to ride faster!
THANK YOU
- WMC aka OH - thank you for all your help in everything: from driving me to my fundraising events to hanging out at the "flop" wii tournament to donating! wait until this ride over, it's your turn to have me on weekend rides =P
20100517
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
What else I can be doing? Biking to Cold Spring was pretty awesome! I have never went that "north" before. Bike or car. The hill going around Bear Mountain was a slow climb, but I managed it very well! But before all that, I decided to ride with faster group that day, but looks like my group was jinxed! First off, 5mins into the ride, one of our team member hit a pothole and flew off from her bike. She injured shoulder and broke her arm, but she's fine now and in good spirit! Go Mary!
After the 30mins delay, we are on the road again. Another 15mins into the ride, someone lost her sunglasses and we had to stop for another 20mins. Then we were in business for 45mins.... someone has a flat.... in fact 2 flats... Our group was basically 1.5hrs behind schedule. But it was all good, cos none of us care and we just want to get to Cold Spring and sit at the park. All I wanted to do was to take a park nap!
4.5hrs of riding later, we finally got to Cold Spring! It was beautiful! Even the ride up the mountain was beautiful! Have I mentioned that I kicked ass and climb up the Bear Mountain was not as intimidating as I thought! Boo-ya!
the stash of bikes
bike is taking a park nap
Bear Mountain
Sunday = Photo Fest
i <3 yvonne ng
THANK YOU
What else I can be doing? Biking to Cold Spring was pretty awesome! I have never went that "north" before. Bike or car. The hill going around Bear Mountain was a slow climb, but I managed it very well! But before all that, I decided to ride with faster group that day, but looks like my group was jinxed! First off, 5mins into the ride, one of our team member hit a pothole and flew off from her bike. She injured shoulder and broke her arm, but she's fine now and in good spirit! Go Mary!
After the 30mins delay, we are on the road again. Another 15mins into the ride, someone lost her sunglasses and we had to stop for another 20mins. Then we were in business for 45mins.... someone has a flat.... in fact 2 flats... Our group was basically 1.5hrs behind schedule. But it was all good, cos none of us care and we just want to get to Cold Spring and sit at the park. All I wanted to do was to take a park nap!
4.5hrs of riding later, we finally got to Cold Spring! It was beautiful! Even the ride up the mountain was beautiful! Have I mentioned that I kicked ass and climb up the Bear Mountain was not as intimidating as I thought! Boo-ya!
the stash of bikes
bike is taking a park nap
Bear Mountain
Sunday = Photo Fest
i <3 yvonne ng
THANK YOU
- My beloved bu - thank you so much for being here and supporting me in everyway! You complete me =)
- dai so - dude you're awesome!
20100513
WEEK 15
Coming up this weekend: CRAZY 50 miles ride to Cold Spring. Roughly 10 miles past Bear Mountain. I've never been up to Bear Mountain and it's a great park to hike in. Many many many hills, so I hope my thighs are ready for it! After this ride, I have 2 more group rides. Next Sunday would be an interesting one too, as we will head to Connecticut. I'll be Zipcaring with 2 other teammates. How would this work? 3 people, 3 bikes and 1 Honda Civic?! Will we all fit? We shall see!
Crazy route!
Nifty little app (Cyclemeter)! Got it last night after reading many reviews. It's a cheaper solution for mapping out your route. I thought about getting a bike GPS, but will I be really using it as often as now?! Not only it maps out the route, but also send notification to people via email. I know someone gets worry when I'm out on rides, so she can keep track of where I'm at and that I'm still alive. Also a great way for people to stalk you on twitter and facebook, which I will be turning off. So here's my test going to work.
short but nice ride
THANK YOU
First I like to thank you everyone for allowing me to "spam" your inbox with my lengthy email =) I really appreciate and hats down to everyone who reads them, because I can be long-winded and go in circles! My latest email heroes!
Coming up this weekend: CRAZY 50 miles ride to Cold Spring. Roughly 10 miles past Bear Mountain. I've never been up to Bear Mountain and it's a great park to hike in. Many many many hills, so I hope my thighs are ready for it! After this ride, I have 2 more group rides. Next Sunday would be an interesting one too, as we will head to Connecticut. I'll be Zipcaring with 2 other teammates. How would this work? 3 people, 3 bikes and 1 Honda Civic?! Will we all fit? We shall see!
Crazy route!
Nifty little app (Cyclemeter)! Got it last night after reading many reviews. It's a cheaper solution for mapping out your route. I thought about getting a bike GPS, but will I be really using it as often as now?! Not only it maps out the route, but also send notification to people via email. I know someone gets worry when I'm out on rides, so she can keep track of where I'm at and that I'm still alive. Also a great way for people to stalk you on twitter and facebook, which I will be turning off. So here's my test going to work.
short but nice ride
THANK YOU
First I like to thank you everyone for allowing me to "spam" your inbox with my lengthy email =) I really appreciate and hats down to everyone who reads them, because I can be long-winded and go in circles! My latest email heroes!
- Jen M. - rooting all the way from West Side! Thank you dear!
- Rowena - hardcore badminton lady! Learn to ride a bike and train some "jit gwa" legs!
- Meow - for donating and I promise the kittens and puppies will appreciate you doing this instead of donating to SFSPCA this time.
- Kevin - for fasting during lunch for today and tomorrow.
- Ida - for the definitely not "chicken feed" donation!
20100512
20100511
20100508
20100507
THE RAMEN ADVENTURE CONTINUES
They advertise this as thick pork broth and it is true! It is pretty close to the ones I had in Tokyo. So it seems like ramen in NYC is not bad at all, because it does peg up with the "real" ones I had! The pork is nice a fatty, but almost too fatty. I think the reason being is that the soup base had a thick layer or oil, so when I scoop some soup and have it along with the slick pork, it was almost a bit to fattening. Either that I mellow down a lot on fatty and greasy food. The layer of oil also serves as a "protective" layer for the noodles from getting cold. The price is not too bad consider is $9 for a bowl and $12 for a set with gyoza, fried rice or curry over rice. Woooo and one more thing: the grilled squid was really really good! It was nice and tender and juicy! The best I've ever had!
P.S. this happens to be my 200th post! nifty!
They advertise this as thick pork broth and it is true! It is pretty close to the ones I had in Tokyo. So it seems like ramen in NYC is not bad at all, because it does peg up with the "real" ones I had! The pork is nice a fatty, but almost too fatty. I think the reason being is that the soup base had a thick layer or oil, so when I scoop some soup and have it along with the slick pork, it was almost a bit to fattening. Either that I mellow down a lot on fatty and greasy food. The layer of oil also serves as a "protective" layer for the noodles from getting cold. The price is not too bad consider is $9 for a bowl and $12 for a set with gyoza, fried rice or curry over rice. Woooo and one more thing: the grilled squid was really really good! It was nice and tender and juicy! The best I've ever had!
Terakawa Ramen
18 Lexington Ave
(between 22nd St & 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
P.S. this happens to be my 200th post! nifty!
20100503
This time Fort Lee NJ. 60 miles total an average speed of 14-15mph.
Which means hopefully when I am done with my 100miles bike ride on the
race day it will be before dinner time! I am aiming to finish around
tea time. How long you think it'll take me to finish 100miles bike
ride? Now accepting bets.
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