Bend It Like Beckham

Anyone up for Pilates?

Raft3r was introduced to it last year.

Since then, I got hooked. Not only is Pilates a great way to keep the fat off but it’s also a good form of discipline.

Pilates can be very challenging. Specially for someone who isn’t flexible, like Raft3r.

On my first workout, I poured buckets of sweat. Who knew stretching exercises can be so exhausting?

In 10 minutes, Raft3r wanted to wave the white flag. An hour later, my entire body ached. This comes from a guy who regularly plays three hours of tennis at 10 in the morning.

Raft3r went for another session the following week. I wanted to know how much more of this kind of torture my body can take. Eventually, I started to get the hang of it. Alas, my love affair with Pilates has begun.

Plus, there are a lot of hot chicks in my class. They have been really nice to me since I’ve been playing the “I need some help” card for the longest time.

Raft3r has his own yoga mat now. I also purchased a Pilates workout video and other gym essentials online. Ordering was a breeze and delivery was super fast.

I have also been introduced to Yogilates, a lethal combination of Yoga and Pilates. Man, that blows! An hour of yogilates is like 10 repetitions of a 200 pound bench press.

Raft3r has been encouraging friends to join the bandwagon. I bought my best buddy his own sticky mat and so far he has been enjoying the company of female gym goers.

Bringing him to class was a disaster, though. He now gets all the attention.

Virginia Is For Lovers

Another weekend has passed, so you already know what that means - another state has been Raft3rized!

Yes, Raft3rize is a new term I coined. Hopefully, it will catch on.

We went to visit Virginia and stayed at a friend's relative. They were the nicest folks ever. That's the thing about Filipinos. Even if they meet you for the first time, they will treat you like family.

This is my second time in Virginia. I always liked it. Nice and quiet.

There are a lot of romantic places here. Assateaque Island is one. Hence the state slogan: Virginia is for lovers.

Although in this trip, Raft3r didn't get to see much of its attractions. We just went to the mall and that was it. Still it was perfect. Raft3r's a huge mallrat.

The family I stayed with prepared home cooked meals for us. But they served us kare-kare, longganisa, and salted egg with tomatoes. Yummy! Raft3r ate a bowl full of rice.

It's crazy how much one craves for local food when overseas. I miss my sisig.

Anyone back home who sends me one will get an In-N-Out Burger in return.

Money Changes Everything

Raft3r often dreams of being a millionaire. Everybody does, right?
I mean who wouldn't want to have the luxury of buying everything. That would be so cool.

Granted I am a millionaire, I’m buying everything Virgin Megastore is selling. Man, I am even buying the entire store. How's that!

Oh, I also need my own private jet.

Will someone please wake me up?

In reality, Raft3r couldn't even afford to buy any regular priced DVD in that store. Their prices are way jacked up.

These days, I can hardly get by with my per diem. Damn those clearance sales!

Thank heavens for cash advance loan. Whoever invented this is a genius.

Someone from work gave me a number to call. Application is fast and easy.

Now, Raft3r can shop for his nieces anytime.

There is nothing like a good sale to brighten up an otherwise uneventful day.

Eat The Rich

Times are hard.

Raft3r is very much aware of this. Despite the President's positive spin on the Philippines' current economic situation, one can just look around and see the real condition.

No amount of press release can deny the fact that most of the population are barely surviving with what they earn for a living. With weekly price increases in gasoline and basic commodities, people are stressing.

There are also other important factors to key in like school expenses, date nights, vacation trips, and frequent mall visits.

What if there is an emergency and you are all maxed out? Don't fret. The ever reliable fast cash payday loans are always helpful.

Like a good friend, loans are dependable, responsible, and flexible.

Go ahead. Live a good life but still be responsible. Monetary constraints should not be a hindrance. You owe yourself a treat once in a while.

Work hard. Play harder.

Fantastic Four

Who says Monday has to be gloomy and such?

Raft3r is having the best Monday ever!

Here’s some good news. 

Google has just paged rank The Deadbeat Club as a 4! I couldn't believe it myself. Am I lucky or what?

Four, coincidentally, is my favorite number. Although in Chinese numerology, four is considered unlucky since it symbolizes death. That doesn’t bother me.

Of course, a page rank of 4 could not be possible with you - my awesome online readers.

Raft3r has the greatest buddies in the world!

Your continued interest in my mundane adventures remains a mystery to me. But I am truly appreciative. Thank you.

I have to go now and post this right away. Google might suddenly realize its error and take back our new page rank.

Name Game

Pennsylvania, otherwise called the Keystone State, is known for a lot of things.

Funny names of places are one of them.

Consider the following:

Intercourse;

Loyalsockville;

Blue Ball;

Virginville;

Big Beaver;

Long Branch;

Virgin Run;

Beaver Falls;

Bird-In-Hand;

Climax.

Sorry for the innuendos.

Raft3r hasn't had any in a while. It's not even funny.

Whenever You Feel Like It

Girls love to shop.

I guess they are born with the talent to spend loads of money in the shortest amount of time. Raft3r knows this for a fact. I was born and raised in a family full of shopaholic women.

An ex is also a certified spender. She kept tons of crdeit cards in her purse. She used them like there was no tomorrow. At least day in the mall with her is guaranteed a good workout. I had to carry a whole lot of shopping bags.

Raft3r may not be a shopping whore but I sure know the value of having the best crdeit cards at my disposal. Being away from home, I need to have available funds at all times.

I found a pretty good credit card company here and hurriedly applied for one. They got excellent service. Click on the link to find out more.

Having a credit card is a reasonable solution to any money emergency. A sudden DVD sale is a perfect example. Whenever you feel like shopping, swipe away with your crdeit cards.

So far, Raft3r has been very responsible in keeping tabs on all his bills. Being an obsessive compulsive does have its perks.

Crying Shame

After four long years, justice has been served. Yes, America can finally move on.

Give it a rest, people.

Janet Jackson has been exonerated and rightly so.

CBS, producer of the 2004 Super Bowl half time show, will not be fined for the Nipplegate Scandal.

US Court ruled that fleeting, isolated or unintended acts of nudity should not automatically be considered indecent.

This controversy has dragged on for so long that Janet's once stellar career is now on the brink of VH1's: Where Are They Now? status.

It's sad that an icon like Janet who has shattered numerous industry records and paved the way for artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Aaliyah, and even Britney will forever be remembered for wardrobe malfunction.

Pass The Dutch

Over the weekend, Raft3r visited an Amish community in Pennsylvania.

I know very little about the Amish. I have seen For Richer or Poorer. Though that would be a very inept representation of what their culture is really like.

Kill me now but I love that movie. It's funny as hell.

The Amish have a simplistic view in life. They don’t believe in material possessions. They have no electricity which cuts them off from the modern world.

Raft3r would love to simplify his own life. But cutting off electricity is a whole new ball game.

10 Things I Hate About You

1. You always make me wait.

2. You nag me all the time.

3. You make me tuck my shirt in.

4. You often ask, "Do you think I'm fat?"

5. Your idea of bonding is shopping.

6. You treat me as your personal chauffeur.

7. You make mountains out of molehills.

8. You expect too much.

9. You like to talk about your feelings a lot.

10. You always say, "I'm not in the mood."