28 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

What’s Your  Ideal Weight?

This post was inspired by Geri who inquired about my target weight. Well, my ideal weight goal may not be same as yours even though we are basically on the same gender. There is no such thing as preset weight for all women because each woman is different in terms of body-build, body frame and height. Ideal weight is a term used by doctors and health professionals that refers to how much you should weigh based on your height, gender, and age.

With my current weight (114.5 lbs = 52.045 kilos), everybody at work except my fitness buddies thinks I am obsessed for turning myself into a gym fanatic but sh*t when you are 40, whilst signs of early perimenopause—the beginning of hormonal change, is starting to hit on you, you’ve got to do what you need to do to stay fit. I tell you, 40 isn’t too bad right now as I muddle-through this life’s reality well enough to look like I am still in early 30’s, at least people I know thought so ;-)

Alright, I am not trying to lose weight to be skinny. On the contrary, never did I consider Angelina Jolie as sexy nor I envision myself to be as skinny as most fashion models. If truth to be told, skeletal women with no butt look so sick to me! Skinny women don’t appeal to me as much as the meaty yet toned body like JeLo's contour.

Nonetheless, with the body built, frame and height like mine (I am only 4 feet and 10 inches with broad shoulder, boney and a little muscled) The doctor as well as DH and I are in consensus that the ideal weight for me is between 105 lbs (47 kilos) to 108 lbs (49 kilos). I am actually very fond of my body when I weight 108 lbs at the most. So there I am only 8 lbs away to hit my weight goal :-)

But DH and I were really crazy and bad this weekend.  We dined out 2 days in a row. Saturday we took MIL to Ruby Tuesday and then Sunday we rode our motorcycle to St Augustine, FL at 41°F  (so I froze my butt off) and had lunch at Bono's BBQ.  As expected, this morning, I gained a whopping 1.5 lbs!!!

According to this source,

Ideal Weight Chart for Women
Weight in pounds, based on ages 25-59 with the lowest mortality rate
Click here to calculate frame size

Height	Small Frame	Medium Frame	Large Frame
4'10"	102-111	109-121	118-131
4'11"	103-113	111-123	120-134
5'0"	104-115	113-126	122-137
5'1"	106-118	115-129	125-140
5'2"	108-121	118-132	128-143
5'3"	111-124	121-135	131-147
5'4"	114-127	124-138	134-151
5'5"	117-130	127-141	137-155
5'6"	120-133	130-144	140-159
5'7"	123-136	133-147	143-163
5'8"	126-139	136-150	146-167
5'9"	129-142	139-153	149-170
5'10"	132-145	142-156	152-173
5'11"	135-148	145-159	155-176
6'0"	138-151	148-162	158-179

 

Here are some bits and pieces that we all need to be aware of.  Knowing these numbers — and whether they need to go up or down — could save your life.

The main components health experts considered to be the crucial numbers are:
 

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
   
   BMI is a number calculated from your height and weight and represents what you should weigh based on how tall you are. A healthy BMI for an adult generally falls between 18.5 to 24.9; 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 or higher is considered obese.
   
   HOWEVER, BMI is not always an accurate way to determine whether a person is overweight since muscle weighs more than fat, so people who are unusually muscular and lift weights regularly may have a high BMI yet they are very healthy.
   
   For gray folks older than 65, a slightly higher BMI may help protect them from osteoporosis thus it is often better to have a BMI between 25 and 27, rather than under 25.
   
   Use this calculator you find out your BMI:
   
   Here’s the calculator to find out the recommended calorie intake for each individual:
   
    

2. Blood Pressure
   
   115/75 mm Hg is ideal
   120/80 mm Hg is normal
   140/90 mm Hg or above is high
   
    

3. Cholesterol: Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL
   
   HDL levels at 60 mg/dL or above are ideal and can even reduce heart-disease risk;  Levels below 40 mg/dL can increase risk.
   LDL levels should be below 160 mg/dL
   Triglycerides should be below 150.
   
    

4. Blood Sugar
   
   This is a measure of how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood. High blood sugar can signal diabetes. Levels below 100 mg/dL are healthy; levels between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL are considered pre-diabetes and need to be lowered; and levels of 126 mg/dL or higher typically results in a diabetes diagnosis.
   
    

5. Waist Line - the measurement of waist circumference, and your waist-to-hip ratio.
   
   It's the number of inches around your unclothed abdomen, just above your hip bone. Larger waistlines have been linked to higher risk of diseases because of the fat's proximity to your organs. You want a measurement of 35 inches or below; any higher puts you at greater risk for myriad diseases, including heart disease.

That's all for today.  Next post: What's in your kitchen?

 

    26 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

Buddy Up!

Fitness buddies are circle of friends who commit to helping each other reach consistent healthy goals with good-natured encouragement and regular contact. We all need a buddy who is willing to help keep our weight off; boost our confidence and finally make fitness or losing weigh a little more challenging.

Here are my fitness buddies:
     Home/lifetime partner :  DH
     Work/Gym                   :  Mai, Jessica, Cindy and Kathy
     Online                          :  Ate G, Geri,  Mel, & Sandy
     My consultant              :  Bro Jim Adams, FMS

Some people make the mistake of doing it alone and I know it can be done but sometimes it's just too hard to stay consistent or get going if you do it by yourself.

So if you are considering to get a fitness buddy, look for someone who is upbeat and can hold you accountable without passing judgment during the downtime moments especially when you get discouraged to continue living a healthy lifestyle.   Do make sure the person you are considering to be a fitness buddy is just as committed and eager as you are to get fit. Just because you get along well with this friend of yours doesn't mean he or she will encourage you to do your workout regularly and eat healthy.  

Tips on convenient frozen foods:

In order to eat healthy and conveniently, it is important to READ labels and check for sodium, fat content and not just the number of calories per serving. As we all know, there are a lot of frozen entrees out there that claim to be low in fat and calories however, many of these meals have more fat and sodium than you should consume in an entire day. The American Heart Association  guidelines dictate that healthy Americans should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, (and 8 grams of fat or less that’s limiting fat intake to 35 percent of your total calorie intake per day).

The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend aiming for slow weight loss by eating fewer calories while maintaining an adequate nutrient intake and increasing physical activity.  Just aim to lose from 1  to 2 pounds a week by reducing your calories by 500 to 800 per day. 

I tried to stay between 1100-1500 calories per day (except on some days when I feel like a piglet hahaha) and work out at least an hour   five times a week (3 times a week cardio and 2 times per week strength training).  I can tell you that working out religiously often lead to amazing non-scale victory. I say this because even if I didn’t really shed that much weight this month but all my size 4 clothes are fitting looser.

Health experts suggest you record everything you eat in your food journal that way you know your the total calorie intake per day and make some necessary adjustment like if I consumed closed to 1500 or more calories that day, I usually increased my work out to 1.50 hrs or burn at least 500 calories on treadmill then lift weight for 15 minutes).  I am relieved to know that I actually have lost the 2.5 lbs  that I put on when I was in Ohio two weeks ago :-) 

It's empowering to remind ourselves that we are in control of our life, even if only by controlling our food intake. Yah, right! *rolls eyes*  as if I really have that much self control when it comes to doughnuts, chocolates, ice cream cookies and cakes offered to me free of charge. *sigh*
 

    24 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

It's the Real Deal

Imagine the excitement when Ate G amiably extends her invitation to me to visit her in Ohio for $10 airfare.   At first, I thought it was just a typo and she meant  $100. Still that wasn’t bad I thought considering the increase in gas price lately.    However, shortly after I clicked the link to Skybus.com to check the flight itinerary, I saw with both eyes open a $10 airfare from St Augustine, Florida to Columbus, Ohio! (St Augustine, FL is only about 25 miles away from home even closer than Jacksonville International Airport). So, I immediately phoned Ate G to arrange the date of my visit and viola I booked my flight in a click of a mouse.

Well, this $10 fare promotion that Skyus offers to catch the attention of many travelers is a real deal although after you add up everything including check-in baggage fee, priority boarding, taxes and fees, the total fare (roundtrip) comes up to at least $66.00    ($10 each way ($20), $5 per check-in baggage ($10), $10 priority boarding ($20), taxes and fees ($16).   It still is a real bargain isn’t it? Can’t beat that price really!

But here’s the deal:

• This $10 airfare is limited to the first 10 passengers per flight only – so as expected, this promo sells out very quickly. Now, if you don't see a $10 fare on the calendar that means the $10 tickets have already been sold out.

• You can only book your flights online and there’s no 1-800 numbers or local number to call.

• Tickets are nonrefundable. Any changes you make online cost $40 per transaction.

• You have to come to the airport and check in at least 2 hours prior to your flight.

• Expect not to get any seat assignment number on your boarding pass. Rather, you get a group boarding number assignment (1 to 3) based on the time you check in. Boarding is on a “first-come, first-served” basis and you get to pick your own seat although if you pay $10 extra for “priority boarding”, you get to board on the plane first--ahead of group 1 to 3.

• In most cases, they only run one flight per day so if your flight gets cancelled then you are stuck somewhere or you can wait and catch the next day flight.

• You pay for everything including snacks and etc on board.
        Beverages: coffee, tea, soda, fruit juice & water = $2 to $3; beers, wine, & spirits = $5
        Meals: breakfast, lunch and light dinner items = $5 to $13
        Assorted snacks: chocolate bars, candies & etc = $2

The good thing about Skybus is they fly into smaller, regional airfield where it’s less congested so as expected, it’s a little more convenient to go in and out of the airport. The plane itself is big enough to hold 150 passengers (3 rows in each side and 25 columns (6*25=150). The stewardess wears the untailored Skybus T-shirt, slacks and flat shoes which doesn't look elegant but then it looks very comfortable.  Anyway, my flight from St Augustine to Ohio went very smoothly although we took off 30 minutes late and didn’t land on time in Columbus airport due to heavy rain but other than that, it was a smooth and comfortable ride.

However, on the way back I was stuck in the airport way too long-- from 1:30pm to 11:00pm and I didn’t get home until almost 1:00 o’clock in the morning. Thank goodness, my travel buddy (laptop) and the airport hotspot kept me occupied for over nine hours otherwise I'd go nuts.
(A hotspot is a place with Wi-Fi service available for public use. Anyone can use a laptop and other suitable portable device to get an Internet access for free.)

I am looking forward to find another $10 deal to spend a weekend gateway with Ate G in Ohio or vice versa. Ate G, keep checking on the Skybus website. I can't wait for you and Kuya D to come visit us here as well :-)
 

    16 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

Bonding Time With Girlfriends in Ohio

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Kuya D and Ate G for the very heartwarming accommodation and for making me feel so at home. Your friendship is an extra special gift that I am going to honor and treasure for the rest my life.

The purpose of my trip to Ohio is not to sight see the place rather to hang out with my girlfriends. To me, nothing is more engaging and relaxing than being cooped up in warm lovely home and have an interesting conversation with my two equally smart and admirable girlfriends (Ate G aka Gilda and Geri) whom I dearly hold in my heart as genuine friends. So as expected, all we did really for 5 days was  talked, ate, watched prosperity and life healing videos and played with the smart little cookie, Evan.

Before I meet Ate G in person, my impression of her based on my limited knowledge of her vocation was more of a serious, ecclesiastic type of person whom I can only engage in a wholesome and holistic topics but my notion was proven wrong when I practically spent all night long talking to her. This lady is amazingly generous, gifted, and intelligent with both feet on the ground.    She never runs out of topics to talk about. You name it: Feng-shui, healings, religion, relationships, politics, socio-economic issues, life’s experiences and even the not-so-wholesome topics ;-) See? She’s down-to-earth person too!     A Psychology professor at San Carlos University in Cebu City, Philippines;  Executive Producer of video productions, published newsletters and co-edited two books; Counseling Director of three seminaries in Cebu. She gave countless talks, recollections, seminars, trained students, parents and teachers, community leaders and industry workers.  She initiated projects for the urban poor and peasants. She traveled to different countries in Asia and Europe giving speeches at a national conference in England with a Nobel Peace Price (Laureate) as a speaker. She was interviewed and appeared in a newspaper and TV program in Holland and was even escorted by the mayor of Holland for a tour around their government building. 

Among others, her charitable trust and noble work gained a highest admiration in the humanity; she was awarded the "Most Outstanding Woman of Cebu" when she, together with her missionary teachers founded and implemented the Education for Peace Children's Mission Schools in Cebu and Davao, Philippines. She's the Director of Children's Mission Program handling 9 teachers, 7 schools with over 200 children every school year.  Her program provides education and psychological rehabilitation for those who are less fortunate, children in specially difficult situations in far flung mountain villages otherwise these children never would have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of education.   DH & I have come to embrace her charity work and we pledge to make donation every year.  So my dear readers, if you have a generous heart to help out these poor children finish at least elementary school, please contact Ate G at mgcr168@yahoo.com.  

Ate G, you are one of the highly esteemed, and  most venerable persons I am so honored to have established a genuine friendships with.  I am so proud of you!!

Ate G's Flying Knight otherwise known as Kuya D short for David, is equally affable and very accommodating too.  I have exchanged short emails with him before but this is the first time I met him in person. I don’t know what it is but he’s got this saintly charisma that made me extend my arms to give him a big hug when we first met at the airport. Now, I don’t normally do this with men except with a very few ones I knew, befriended and trusted for a long time like my favorite former boss in the Philippines, Bro. Jim Adams who now lives in New York City. Kuya D, you finally made it to my virtuous list of honorable men!   You two are heaven matched couple.

Geri’s opinion, knack in writing and painting enthralled me to connect to her at the Fil-Am Forum where I was a member four years ago. Little did I know the exchange of ideas went beyond online friendship! She’s the first online friend who eagerly welcomed me to her home in Chicago for 6 days three years ago. Now, that’s more than I ever expect from an online friend you know. Her candidness and sincerity along with her trust in me as a friend made her to the list of the admirable persons I look up to. Just like me, she re-echoes the same expectations in friendship.  Back stabbers, beware!!!

Oh last Sunday, we all heard the mass at Sacred Heart, that’s the Church DH and I would really love go to every Sunday and become well acquainted with fellow parishioners. You know why? It’s because the Church has the character of being old fashioned and traditional church with less than fifty worshippers.

Anyway, as we head out the place of worship, I get excited with the possibility of exchanging pleasantries with the priest so I went ahead and introduced myself to him. After the short conversation, I walked out with the missal book in my hand and didn't realize it until I open my purse to get the camera. Ate G and Kuya D teased me for stealing the book. I hurriedly ran back inside the Church to return the book and as soon as I walked in, the priest was still there talking with another parishioner, and I said, "Excuse me Father, please forgive me for stealing your song book". The priest pretended to give me a stern look and said, "You people from Florida! We won't trust you anymore ". I said, "sorry, Father I didn’t mean to.. I promise I won't do it again" and he laughed. Still, I was a little embarrassed.

After the church service, we all got invited for doughnuts, cakes and coffee at the annex room of the Church and I got to meet Ate G and Kuya D's uncle, aunt, cousin and friends. I must come clean here, otherwise my conscience won't let me sleep for not telling the truth. I had 3 doughnuts, 1 slice of rich chocolate cake and a cup of coffee!   I wish I had Geri's determination and self discipline when it comes to portion control.  Her portion is only like the size of my palm and that's all she eats.  What about me?  Well, I was good the rest of the days except Sunday.  I figured I was bad that morning, so I might as well blow it. At lunch time, I pigged out on pork humba, pork adobo and white rice. Yum! However, when Kuya D offered me some ice cream for dessert, I graciously decline it.. see Darling? I still have a little self-discipline :-)

Then comes dinner time, Delia (Ate G's first cousin) invited us over for supper at her lovely home about 20 minutes drive from Ate G's house. We had sweet and sour sautéed shrimp, glazed grilled salmon, roasted pork and noodles. I was glad she didn't serve any rice; that saved me from pigging out again. Thank you, much Del and it's a pleasure to meet you! Lahi gyud diay mo sa mga guapa ;-)

 But you know how much I gained for 5 days? It's only 2.5 lbs... DH gained 6 lbs... Oh well, time to get back on track again. 

That Sunday night, as we head back home, we got a little snow showers but Monday morning, as I peeked out the window, the snow continues to drizzle steadily so I bundled up, grabbed my camera and went outside for picture taking ;-) This handful of snow is for you, Ice.

Man, time went by quick when you are having fun. It didn’t feel like I was actually there for 5 days. I tell you about the saga of my $66 roundtrip ticket to Ohio next time I get a chance to update this page.  Meantime, I need to  study for my AARP Tax Training this weekend and take the IRS Tax Certification Exam on Monday.
 

P.S.
Paging Ate G (Ohio),  Ger (Chicago), Judy (Chicago), Kim (Michigan), Mel (Oregon),  Sandy, (Oregon)  Darl (Texas) and Tess (New York)

The schedule for the next get-together at Lani’s home in Michigan will be on August 21-25, 2008. Oh what fun!!!

 

    10 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

The Unexpected Hits Me

As humiliating as it may be to share this news, but it’s the truth.

Believe me, when people around me lost their jobs, I share the same pain too but I wasn’t prepared for the unexpected. All my life, never had I been faced being laid-off myself so I didn’t realize how painful and frustrating it is to get laid-off until it hits me. Yes, I was being let go/laid-off in my part-time job (that’s a gracious way of saying I got fired!). I just couldn’t believe it!! I was in big denial at first because I used to be the “bankable salesperson” in this company and everybody just loves Rhebs hence I always get my way around ;-) Now, how come the management is letting me go?

My manager even went to a great length to show me how hard it is on him to let me go but he can’t do anything because the new management is slowly making cuts in their budget as the “transition” so to speak progresses. He even assured me that if the “on going negotiation” with the third party pushes through (Tigerdirect.com is making an offer to buy out all CompUSA stores throughout Florida) that I can always come back to work with them again anytime. I guess that was his way of consoling me so I won’t get tainted with the idea of getting fired but still the reality hurts.

I must admit I was partly to be blamed. Called out sick few times last week and I wasn't really enthusiastic to come to work lately. The main reason I went back to this company rather than tried my luck in other computer/technology stores like Best Buy and Circuit City is because of the commissions and other sales incentives during holiday seasons---that’s on top of $10 per hour base pay not to mention the employee purchase program where we can practically buy everything in the store at cost. But like everyone else, as soon I as I know the company got bought out by some Liquidator Company and we are only going to get paid on straight hourly rate, my productivity drops like a rock! I thought I just hang in there until the company closes down sometime next month but as it turned out, I got laid-off. Ouch!!! The only consolation I had after the meeting with the manager was nobody ushered me out of the building. In fact, I was given an option whether to finish my shift an hour later or go home straight.

So I went home feeling sad and hurt that day. On the other hand, my DH & MIL couldn’t be any happier because they didn’t like my idea of working two jobs but I do it anyway. Well, I am doing this for the most part while I am still able to work two jobs to shelter my own retirement benefits. You know it's easier to get somewhere when you know where you're going right? I really don’t plan on mooching with my family/relatives when I retire besides I don’t have children to mooch on anyway :-( 

Anyway, I swear to myself  that I won't look for another part-time job until DH gets down to at least 196 lbs. That a promise and hopefully he'll be able to hit his goal before the end of this year.

 

    8 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

The Freedom of Using Wireless Technology

At last, I found the best Bluetooth headset that works both for my Razor Cell phone, HP Laptop and iMac. I actually have owned and used several different models of Bluetooth headset over the years you name it: Motorola, Jabra, Logitech but this Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset with Multipoint, Noise-Canceling Technology, I must say is simply the best. Reception is excellent, volume is adequate and the people I talk with said that I sounded loud and clear. It’s also very clear inside the car even at highway speeds. Although a little bulky but I must say it’s comfortable to wear and doesn't feel like it will fall off my ear.  This thing also makes my ABS-CBN-Filipino Channel and Netflix online movie viewing troubleless.

Jabra A125S Bluetooth iPod Adapter

This Jabra A125s is the only adapter that I’ve used that promises decent wireless integration with my iPod and it perfectly matched specifically for the Jabra BT620 Bluetooth Headset which I already owned. The two devices work together very well except for the initial "pairing" problem. But once I mastered the pairing procedure, within a few seconds, I started listening to my iPod wirelessly. Aah the freedom of using wireless technology. I love it!

These were few of my mother-in-law's cool Christmas gifts to me. Of course I specifically asked for them.  Thanks, Mother for my new toys. DH also got me the coolest toy I less expect to get it this year ;-)   I will write a separate review about it once I get the chance to explore the whole thing.

We Support Our Troops

I just had to make a shout out to Bless' husband, a US Army who is called by duty to secure our safety.  He got deployed to Irag few days ago leaving his wife and eight month old baby girl behind.  

Bless, your hubby is a person of distinguished heroism and we admired his brave deeds and noble traits. You've got a real hero there. We salute on him!! May God bless him; keep him protected and praying that he'll come back to you and your daughter safe and sound.

Hats off to you for being a very supportive and courageous wife too.  We are so proud of you guys!!!!

 

    1 January 2008 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

New Year, Fresh Start!

As much as I love the spirit of the season, the Christmas tree and the lights, the rum balls, the gifts, the traditions and fellowships with family and friends but it really pains me to think that getting fit is a real struggle during this time of year as we always tied every gathering with loads of sugary treats and unhealthy foods that it’s so damn hard to resist.

This is a very alarming phenomenon especially DH and I had considerably gained weight (I put on 11 lbs and DH 39 lbs) in the last four months but now is the right time to get a brand-new head start. We are again determined to get back on track that is eating healthy and exercise regularly. We’ve done it before so I am sure we can do it again this year.

I really don't have much to say except to share to you some of our pictures during the holidays.

December 22, 2007: Jacksonville Pinays’ Christmas Party. The party was spearheaded by Lesley; hosted by Sheila and grace with the presence of Josie, Hillary, Marie, Janice, Susan, Juliet, Ana, Virgie, Gretchen, Ann, Gesley, Annie and Moi.

Our main course: Lechon (Pork Roast) and Steamed White Rice of course!
Sautéed Shrimp, Mac and Cheese, Fried Chicken, Pork Sinigang, Pansit, Chopsuey, cookies, strawberry cake and other goodies.
 

December 25, 2007: Our Family Christmas Gathering
Photographer: DH (that explains why you won't see him anywhere here)
Chef: DH (directed by his mom)

Menu:
Baked Whole Turkey with Stuffing, Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, Green peas, whole grain brown rice, cookies and cinnamon rolls (baked by DH from scratch), French Silk Pie and Apple Pie


January 1, 2008:  New Year’s Get-Together with special guests: Marie, Bill, Will, Alexi, Marilyn & Chuck

Chefs: DH & Moi

Menu:
Grilled Bangus (Milk fish), Lechon paksiw, Pork Sinigang, Steamed White Rice, Sotanghon, Steak Sirloin, Sausage/Hotdog and buns, Macaroni salad, Cinnamon Muffins, Chips and dip
 

Weather Update:  Hard freeze hits here in Jacksonville today and tomorrow morning will be the coldest out of this 3-day freeze. One more lighter freeze is expected on Friday morning.  Wind chills will be in the 20's early in the morning.  I was feeling a little better yesterday but today's freezing temp is making me sick again.  As you can tell, I don't do well with cold weather nowadays.

That's all for now.  I will be off to Columbus, Ohio next week to visit Ate G and Kuya D, and meet up with Geri and Evan for 5 days.  I hope the weather will cooperate with us. 

Cheers for the New Year!!!