06 Subaru 2.5i Borla Rep and Test Pipe

New upgrades to my ride. Hehehe. This was coming home from the track. Of course, it's no longer this loud anymore. I did this so I could hear my car rev through my helmet while racing on the track.

Pick Up Your Jacket!

If you read the title, and you recognize it, you've probably seen the new Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. I got a chance to see it with Crystal Friday night and it was simply awesome.

The movie is very simple and it actually reminded me of the original film. The direction of the film built inspiration from beginning to end. If you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend it. It's an easy watch, and what I mean by that is that you don't have to listen to the words verbatim like in some movies.

Go out, have fun, relax, and watch the Karate Kid!

Crystal's Turn =]

...because Duke has been slacking, and because I'm avoiding writing a 5 page reaction paper on social stratification...

I had a blog my first semester of college for a history class. I told myself I would never blog again, but here I am.

Since Duke's last post many events have occurred... I'm not sure in what order exactly, but it goes a little something like this:

Duke's poor baby =(

Last weekend Duke went snowboarding at Snow Valley with his brothers. After that he was going home to Lancaster because one of his Aunties was visiting from the PI. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but the car in front of Duke hit a tire, Duke didn't have enough time to react, and ended up running over the tire also. His bumper was hanging off and fog light was missing. His dad bought special glue and used it to hold the bumper together, but with the drive back down to FV, the glue didn't hold well. So, Duke decided to do what the racers and drifters do-- stitches with zip ties. Yes, zip ties.

Mechado.

Before we moved out here four years ago, we always had the best homemade Filipino food made by Duke's parents or my mom. Now we only get it if we go back home, or if Duke cooks. I absolutely LOVE that Duke loves to cook. Last week was Mechado. (I think I like his version more than his mom or dad's. Shhh, don't tell them.)

Tennis.

Duke and I are always up for trying new sports. This time it's Tennis. We were supposed to get racquets around Christmastime... Finally, at the end of April, Duke bought two racquets and a 12-pack bag of balls. The racquets were on sale for $10. Can't beat that! We've played a couple of times since we got them. We're not very good, but it's fun =)

I'm Graduating!

When we entered college, four years seemed like forever. Now, four years later, I can't believe it has arrived! These pretty things are being mailed this week =] And soon enough, Duke's announcements will be following =) I'm so proud of us!

Now...time to write that five page paper.

Earth Day!

This package came in on the perfect day. One night I came to bed and Crystal was on my laptop. I wanted to tell her, "Babe, turn that off, it's so bright!" But then I looked at the screen to see what she was doing and it looked like she was trying to design a bag. She looked very confused; however, I could see that she was trying to be creative. So I decided to help her with her design.

What she didn't tell me was that it was a contest for Ralphs. I thought she was doing it because she was going to buy the bag and wanted to decorate it. Anyway, we submitted our design but we wanted a hard copy for our effort. Thankfully, Ralphs gave us the option to buy our design so it all worked out. I checked the mail today and there it was, our very own design on a reusable grocery bag. The design was not intended for Earth Day, but it very much displays love for nature. If you like our bag and you would like to vote, click this link: http://www.designareusablebag.com/vote-for-designs/search-results.aspx and vote for us. It is labeled bag# 24724. Hope you guys like it!

Bon Appetit!

A home-cooked meal is always more satisfying than take out. Tonight Crystal and I prepared a dish from Jamie Oliver's cookbook. We watch his show "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" and we saw him make this dish on TV. Jamie made it look so simple to make so we decided to tackle it tonight.

Crystal had the ingredients ready by the time I got home from work so cooking went by even quicker. This was probably the first dish we made from a recipe that we didn't know how to cook that tasted the best. We wondered how Jamie's other recipes would taste knowing how well this one turned out.

This dish is not only home-made but also healthy. If we learned anything at all from Jamie Oliver, I would have to say that cooking a meal from scratch is a great way to start eating healthier. He emphasizes that in order to have a healthy diet, we should all AVOID eating "PROCESSED" ingredients. Always use fresh ingredients to have a good ol' fashioned, wholesome meal. Well boy oh boy, this recipe was delicious!

I felt like Julia Child tonight; with an excitement for food, we cooked with passion and could taste every ingredient in the dish. It was a wonderful blend of vegetables, beef, and pasta with an oriental twist. I feel healthier already.

So, we wanted to challenge ourselves. Would it be possible for us to cook all of his recipes in 365 days? It's just an idea for now. So far, I came up with the idea of using a poll every week to see which recipe you guys would like for us to make. Although, I don't think we can accomplish all his dishes in a year, I think a better goal is to cook all of his meals at least once. Once we decide on what to do, we will let you know so stay tuned for updates!

Project Subie: Front Lip Install

Brand new in it's package.

Sanded and painted flat black.

Ready for mounting.

Finished product.

Uh, Don't Interrupt. RUDE

Today, I went to a customer's house who was having internet problems. When I tried to explain to him why he was having an issue, he rudely stated that I was wrong and that he knew what he was doing because he was a network engineer. I have never met such a dumb network engineer who couldn't figure out the basic principle of IP addresses. He insisted that the computer picks up the same address whether it's connected to the router or directly to the modem. I simply said, "Okay sir, let me do my job and fix it for you." I reset his modem and problem solved. Dumb ASS.

Jumping Into the World of Blogging

After much debating, I have finally decided to create a blog to show the world my interests, hobbies, passions, dreams, and love. I have a few friends that have a blog and I enjoy reading about their lives. I would have to say it is a healthy dose of reality, not the kind you see on TV. I admit I watch some of it, but sometimes, there is just too much bloody drama. The drama that you can't stand even when it's not on TV.

My very first inspiration was Ivan, who concentrates his blog to the world of fashion. I am a big fan because I am somewhat jealous of his sneaker collection. I have found the Mexican male version of Imelda Marcos. Although, I'm sure his shoe fetish barely compare to hers, Ivan sure has an astonishing collection. A collection that most sneaker heads dream to accomplish.

One of my coworkers who I became good friends with is having a baby soon. His wife started a blog about the progression of her pregnancy. Whenever we read updates on their blog, it brings joy to Crystal and I to see their excitement as they prepare for their baby. What they go through as a couple is something Crystal and I can relate to. It's like watching a TLC reality show only it's better because we actually know them.

Tonight couldn't have been a better night to start our blog because Crystal and I watched the movie Julie and Julia. Seeing Amy Adams perform Julie Powell's character ignited the fuel in my gas tank. I don't know what appealed to me more, her passion for cooking or her talent as a writer. It just goes to show that you can't accomplish something overnight but if you set goals, you might just get somewhere.

There are so many things that are going on right now in our lives that I just can't help but share. But whatever it might be, I hope it can be helpful or just another dose of reality. =)