JustinMar.com: The official website of Justin Mar

After thinking long and hard; I've made the decision to take this blog down. Too lazy to update it and it just occupies too much of my time. I've also decided to scrap all my computer electronics and send it off to an e-waste facility. Who needs all these high tech gadgets that keep you preoccupied all day? Stomped on my Blackberry too. I hate that annoying piece of crap that alerts me when I get a new email from work. You won't see me checking my blackberry anymore. If you want to contact me, send me something through the US Postal Service....or a telegram via Morse code. Swung a sledge-hammer through my 50" flat screen and cranked my Vienna Acoustic speakers so loud that they blew out. Great....more e-waste. Lastly, I'm selling both my cars. Donating the Vibe GT to charity and the Cobalt SS is sitting on the street with a FOR SALE sign in it. I've decided to spend my money on bicycle. This will be my new form of transportation. Condo is for sale to...

I'm not that big on being an environmentalist, but this worldwide event call Earth Hour is a really cool aspect to consider. Turn your lights out at 8PM tonight. It'll be cool to see everything outside with the lights out. That's only if people are aware and participate. They had a similar event in San Francisco last year, and we did a stroll through the city. Probably only 25% of people participated. Do it for the environment or do it for the coolness factor.

Poor Mickey. I've been a bad owner. I let his hair grow out too long and he had some serious poodle "dreadlocks". For better words, "knatted" hair or "hair knots". The worse damage was around his ears, so the groomer at PetSmart had to completely cut the hair off his ears. No more cute floppy poodle ears. It looks funny, but it'll grow back. Next time I'm going to a better job at getting him groomed earlier. Here's how Mickey looks now after his grooming. His ears are really short! Especially in comparison to the stuff animal look-alike. Who you looking at?

Went to a Whole Foods Market today for the first time. I tend to stay far away from yuppie stores like these (no offense to yuppies). I keep my distance especially when this grocery store is classified/nicknamed as the "Whole Paycheck". Yes, they do serve quality, wholesome, non trans fat items, organic foods, fresh local farmed produce; but at a high price! At high prices that only a few Americans can afford......aaahhemmm....just the healthy and wealthy! Everyone knows that Mac & Cheese is what Americans call good ole' American comfort food. It's also an inexpensive staple of some low income families. I am in no way making fun of low income families that eat Mac & Cheese, but you can automatically ask anyone who grew up on government issued foods, they will tell you they ate Mac & Cheese. Made from the box or from the blocks of government cheese given out. Why, because it's cheap and hearty. Now back to the topic of Whole Foods. Here is what I fou...

Yeah Baby! Carbon Fiber !!! Lightweight, strong, and stiff! When I think carbon fiber; I think automotive! It is a very versitile compound that is super strong and looks cool too. The demand for it is high and it's generally used in aircrafts and performance automobiles. In fact, a lot of aircraft companies are buying up all the raw carbon fiber compounds, making the demand for carbon fiber really high. I'm happy that I have these custom carbon fiber orthotics under my feet. They are light as a feather, but can withstand the weight and abuse of my 205 pound fat ass. The hard part is trying to get used to wearing these suckers. It takes time for your foot to conform to the new mold and support it offers. Since I'm flat footed, this will help my develop an arch, and also protect the metatarsal joint issues I've had in the past. The painful part is getting my foot to conform to these inserts. Carbon Fiber is faster. Not sure in my case!

I guess you can say that I'm on a spending spree! The good thing, I'm buying items that are functional and useful. Not just something that going to sit and collect dust (like my cars). My latest and greatest purchase is the Le Cruset Cast Iron Round Oven. It's a 5.5 quart pot that is capable for making soups, stews, or any other dishes you can make out of a pot. What makes this oven/pot so special and so expensive? Because it's French? The cast iron material helps for the retention and distribution of heat with very easy clean up; especially with it's enamel coating. There are no cold spots (even heat distribution), you can sear, saute, fry, braise, roast...and just about anything else. It just can't do the cooking for you. I've been shopping around for deals online, at retail stores, and finally purchased this round oven (in FLAME color) from the Le Cruset Factory Outlet in Vacaville , CA. I was in perfect time for this deal because the sales person ...

Yes, another expensive toy purchase. To many who know me, this purchase would sound like just another implusive Justin purchase. Honestly, I waited and did a little bit of shopping beforehand. I even waited for the deal . This is the Garmin nuvi 360. It's rather popular for it's small size (=stack of playing cards) and it's bluetooth capabilities. For the longest time, I've been borrowing my dad's Garmin nuvi 350, and I've always found it handy; especially when travelling. I figured why spend the money when I could always borrow it from my dad? Sure enough, I have a job that requires me to be on the road. There are countless times where this tiny little device saved my ass from getting lost or calling around frustrated trying to get directions. So for peace of mind and it's purpose for work, it's money well spent! Now, there's no excuse for me getting lost or relying on my sometimes inaccurate human navigator with AAA maps. :)

Happy Valentine's Day! A special day to express your love with the people you love. In reality, you can make Valentine's Day on any day of the year. Again, it's just a commercial holiday for retailers and florist to start their earnings off strong for the year. I must admit that I was with the rest of the last minute "guys" standing in line buying a dozen long stemed roses at Costco . Costco has the best bargain in town! Don't call me cheap! It's the thought that counts! Tonight we're heading over a friend's house for filipino style BBQ. No fancy dinner. Just enjoying the evening with friends and eating lots of protein. mmmm.

My left foot has been giving me some serious problems. For better words, "serious pain!" It's my typical male mentality to just ignore going to the doctor when I have some sort of health issue, but this time the pain was bad enough for me to actually get checked out by a doctor. Honestly, I don't know how I managed to mess my left foot up. My right foot is fine and dandy. In fact I'm almost embarassed to tell everyone how I developed this pain that causes me to limp around. Ok....I'll tell. A few Sundays ago, S wanted me go for a nice walk around the neighborhood. As much as I dread walking; wait, I'm just plain lazy! She convinced me to walk down the street to the coffee shop. What was planned out as a 45 minute walk turned into a 15 minute walk because we decided to head back home because of some last minute plans with friends to eat out. So much for exercise when your stomach overruled the walking agenda. I really didn't notice the pain until a few ...

Happy MLK day! May we all have "a dream." Just wanted to share one of my new discoveries. It's probably not very new, but very new to my tastes buds. Allow me to introduce... Han's All Natural Goumet Sausages Costco carries their Chicken Sausage: Spinach, fontina cheese, and roasted garlic in a 3 pound pack. What's great is the fact that the chicken used was raised with no antibiotics, no added growth hormones, no nitrates, nitrites or MSG added....not much artificial stuff either. My intentions were to pop these babies on the BBQ grill, but it is so cold and rainy here in the bay area....I was forced to use the George Foreman grill instead. Tasty with every bite. Not oily and filled with fat pockets. You can taste the flavors of the spinach and garlic. Fontina Cheese is almost like a mozzarella....so I can barely taste the cheese. A damn good sausage! Don't get me wrong, these aren't the most healthiest sausages you can eat, but it's good...

I'm still in shock that it's 2008. Time sures does fly by fast! Our NYE celebration was a blast. We invited friends over for food, games, drinking, and celebration. It was fun! Tons of great food. T made lion's head soup, and zh a jian mein . S made her yummy chicken wings, and I made korean style bbq short ribs. Plus we prepared some frozen dumplings. Our guests deep fried some various goodies like nuggets, tater tots, and shrimp chips. Again, plenty of food to consume before we start our resolutions. Our guest also brought plenty of alcohol and bubbly to add to the celebration. We played this game called " Apples for Apples ." It's a really fast paced and totally hilarious to place. Rather than explain the game, our friends at Wikipedia explain it the best...so click the link. Super fun game to play at parties, and there are also different variations on how you can play the game. We also played Risk 2210 A.D is a futuristic version of the...

At last, we approach the most awaited day of the year! The time gift exchanging, over eating, and spending time with loved ones! Also let's not to forget the celebration of the birth of Christ. Yes, it's a hectic time, but we suffer through it anyways to remain in the spirit of giving. I was able to spend a good amount valuable time with my parents. They decided to come over to our place to spend the holidays since our families decided have their own individual celebrations rather than a huge family gathering. It was a different change because we're so used to the huge gathering, but it was also nice to have this small intimate immediate family gathering. As with all traditions, we always open our gifts at the strike of midnight on Christmas day (Christmas Eve to Christmas Day). We exchanged and opened gifts. The tearing, crunching, and crumbling of wrapping paper fills the room with echos of cacophony . Smells of chocolate fill the air with an aromatic sweetness that is ne...

Yes, another year to mark on the tally. Can't believe I turn 31 today. Geez , I'm getting old. Older, wiser, and fatter. No big celebration bash like last year . This year, I just want something simple. Just a small dinner. Sure the big celebrations are fun, but as I get older...simplicity is just easier and better. As I reflect back on the year as being 30, I can honestly say that it was the year of change. So many dramatic changes have been made. Just recently I made a career change. I spent nearly half the year trying to find myself and planning out my career goals. Luckly, I found a career that is less stressful, more flexible (time wise), and I work from home! Can't ask for a better job! This is the secret I was hiding in my last post. Other than that, I just looking forward to the holidays and new years! Just less than eight more days until Christmas!

Today is my little sister's birthday. As we get older and the numbers get higher, I still see her as my little sister despite our three year age difference (plus she's shorter than me). It's sad how we're getting older, but at the same time I can remember all the birthday parties we've shared since both of our birthdays land in December. Birthdays are special not only for the cake, but also the gathering we have as a family. Sure, no more huge parties celebrated at home with classmates and mom's homemade cupcakes with candles. Or a party at the local McDonalds with Ronald McDonald and an appearance of Santa Claus! My sister and I were fortunate that our parents always made a wonderful effort of having a fun celebration on our birthdays. Awaiting all the toys and gifts to open. Ahhh ...to be a child again! The reality now is just a small gathering with family with a simple dinner and the traditional cake. As I get older, I'm slowly appreciating life...

Ahhh....the day that many Americans celebrate family togetherness to celebrate their thanks followed by the beginning of holiday shopping! Like many holidays, it's good to remind yourself of true meaning of these holidays. Thanksgiving Day just isn't about the turkey, all the fixings, food, and football. Sure it's a day to celebrate eating, travel, and family togetherness as well. These are all important factors, but I think we should always reflect on the small and large things that we are thankful for. Enjoy this day of eating and prepare yourself for the crazy crowds of shopping on Black Friday. Take advantage of all the DOORBUSTER sales and spend all that hard earned money on your loved ones. I am specifically thankful for my health, my life, my loving family, my loving girlfriend, and the ability to live with freedom under the American dream. The list can go on and on. I'm happy that we can reflect on this special day all the special things we are thankful fo...

Free stuff and "hand me downs" are always great if you can put them to use. They can also generate more clutter in your household as well. A few weeks ago, my girlfriend (aka "S") brought home a messenger bag that resembles a medium sized Timbuk 2 messenger bag that her co-worker Johnny gave to her. Me being a big fan of "orange"; S knew this bag had my name written all over it. In reality, it had a Rare Medium logo on the part that is orange. We received the bag, with signs of usage, and black dirt/oil spots on it. All it needed was a little TLC. So I brought out the "oil eater" and sprayed the rest of the bag with "Shout." Threw the bag in the washing machine with a few pair of jeans and "Voila!" NEW BAG AGAIN! Since I already have two Timbuk 2 bags in my collection, I had to find a good use for the newly acquired bag. So what did I use it for? A Bass Trombone Mute Bag! As you can see, it can hold my Cup Mute, my trombon...

Trick or Treat! Yes, it's that day where we dress up in costumes and settle that sweet tooth fixation. I used to remember going door to door back in the days when the grass was green and it was a little more safe. Today, FORGET IT! There are way too many psychos out there! It's good that I live in an area that rarely gets any trick or treaters. In fact, it's hard to find our place when it's not even Halloween. I guess that's good in some ways. For all those die hards that still go door to door; BE SAFE OUT THERE!

Every morning, I'm awaken by annoying telemarketers calling about free cell phone promotions, mortgage refinancing, carpet cleaning, newspaper subscriptions, and satellite dishes promotions. I get enough calls to the point where I'm tempted to buy caller id. Since I get so many calls on our home telephone, I've decided to have a little fun with the people who call. Too bad it's illegal to record the conversations, because some of the phone calls I reply to are hilarious. I know that they record on their side. This morning I got a call that I know is out sourced from India. You obviously can tell because of the long distance "echo" and the strong accents of the caller. The promotion was for a free Sprint Cell Phone. You could totally tell that a lot of these telemarketers read off a script. The fun part is distracting them from reading and asking them questions where they actually have to think and attempt to sell you the product. I'll ask random ...

Wow! Time flies by too fast. It's October already! In any case, I was walking around a new asian market that just recently opened up in South San Francisco on El Camino Real. The name of the store is Pacific Supermarket which is an independent asian food store chain similar to Ranch 99. Since their opening for only a week, I've been to this place twice. I just wanted to share some of the interesting products sold in the market. There was just one item there that caught my eye. For those who understand Spanish slang, the word "Puto" is the Spanish word for B*tch. Just thought it was the funniest thing to see. The other ironic thing is the company name..."White King" Is there some hidden message I'm missing here? This product is made in the Phillipines and I'm not sure of "puto" has a different meaning in Tagalog. I'm sure there is some close relation since the Phillipines does have a Spanish influence. Other than the funny product name, ...

Yes folks, I just couldn't resist the temptation of not having a smartphone! In my previous post about the death of my Palm Treo 650, I decided to get the somewhat newly released Blackberry Curve offered through ATT . I've been loyal to ATT way back when it was Cellular One, then ATT, then Cingular, and then ATT again. A loyal customer for over ten years! Purchased this phone through Amazon.com , because they offered a great deal in comparison to other offers out there! The retail ATT stores sell this phone for $199 and I only paid $74.99! Score! I can also trust Amazon as well. My friend of mine who works for ATT Wireless suggested the Blackberry Curve to me as a replacement for the Palm. He said, "screw getting the iPhone, it'll be outdated with a replacement by January 2008." Ooops...did I spill out a secret? This could also be just a rumor as well. Don't rely on me as the source. I love the Palm Treo devices but they are so big, heavy, and I get numerous ...