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Sunday, March 3, 2013
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Run Bailey, run!
It's been awhile since my last post, so I thought I would start with today's Woofstock 3K to get my feet wet again!
When I started this blog, I knew that I wanted to showcase the most important parts of my life. Well, today I thought I would chat a little about the main male in my life. He's short, has black fur and snores more in one night than the average person does in a year. He's Bailey the Pug. After today, he's earned an additional title- Bailey the Wonder Pug.
That's right, Bailey was my running buddy for the Woofstock 3K this morning. Being that that the event is geared towards all things that Woof!, I thought he was the only appropriate choice!
Now that you know the name of the event, you can probably guess that there were some crazy human and pooch styles amongst us. With me in my black capri's and grey top and Bailey without any tie-dye painted fur, we just looked boring! It wasn't only the Standard Poodles this year either. Goldens, Labs, Great Danes and even some Bull Dogs were walking around in their '60's best. The man in front of us for most of the course, ran in a purple velour suit. Now, he MUST have been hot and not in a good way, ha! I might have to go for a more fun top next year...
So, the 5Kers were starting to trickle in as we were waiting eagerly for our race. Bailey was the only pug amongst the little dogs and I knew that a 5K would have been too much. But at this point, he was right in there with the rest, chomping at the bit to start. The cool breezy morning was starting to fade; here's hoping to an earlier start next year!
Finally as the clock struck 9:30, it was our turn to go. Bailey and I were towards the back of the crowd, wanting to have our own space as the route went on. Not wanting him to over heat, I wanted room to stop as needed without causing a pooch collision. I felt the adrenaline flowing through me and before I knew it, we were jogging down the first hill in the front of the pack. Everyone has told me that the addiction will soon set in- well it has! Running at the front of the pack continued to push me and Bailey. We got to the first rest stop a mile in and Bailey took full advantage of the gigantic water bowls. It was at this point that I thought his adrenaline might have slowed. But he perked up and we ran the loop around the soccer field. We hit the water once more at the end of the loop, before heading back out onto the trail. My earlier suspicions were now confirmed.
Those of you that know my pug, know that he is not a water/pool fan. At the rest stop, they also had a kiddie pool and like the dog I have never known him to be, he jumped right in! It was at this point that I knew there would be more walking than running in our future. After his dip, we headed out on the trail to take over the remaining .86 of a mile facing us. While there was some light jogging here and there, the last bit was mostly a slow walk with several pug breaks. I was so happy to run the first mile- a great kick off towards my goal of 13.1!
Bailey's health is number one, so we just enjoyed the last stretch. To be honest, the rolling hills kicked my butt- I was just as eager to stroll into the finish! It was a morning of new experiences which showed me that I am just in the beginning of my running journey. Working on my pacing and getting out of the gym for more trail runs is what's next on my list!
About 50 feet from the finish line, I could tell that Bailey was done. They never said that a dog could not be carried over the finish line- and carried he was. We strolled in at 29 flat- slower than I had hoped, but man am I proud of my Bailey - aka the Wonder Pug.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Nope, I'm not your baby, honey, sweetie or sugar...
With my new outlook, I keep finding myself falling into the same pet peeves and wonder why? Turning 30 flipped a switch in my main compartment. I feel like I have gone from the girl who cared about what everyone thought about her to the girl who feels strong enough on her own. (Well, mostly on her own- the occasional advice and help from a good friend is never turned away).
For the most part, I try not sweating the small stuff as past literature has advised. Then all of the sudden, I find myself freaking out over terribly minor offenses. I feel like I should be growing out of these pet peeves, rising above it, finding that deep soothing breath and all that jazz. So, in an effort to avoid a freak out, I thought I would blog about some of my pet peeves followed by some loves because that's just how I roll...
Drama crazy people - I am so over you. If inclined, I favor an escape over into Bravo land for an hour with the housewives of the OC or NYC. I have never been one to thrive on drama, but I'll admit to enjoying a a ringside seat in the gossip arena from time to time. An innocent, casual bystander kinda seat that is. Nothing real. Nowadays I turn out of the drama spin and care less about what people think of me and more that they see me for who I am. Cliché of mountains and molehills, drama-rama lovers I have three words for you. Get over it.
****People who mistreat their dogs or pets in general. Not just because I am a vegetarian and yes I fully admit that my Pug is spoiled with a capital '"S." But leaving your dog in a crate in the bed of your truck on a chilled rainy morning so that you can get your Sunday coffee and paper read on at Starbucks is not okay.
What I love is when people train their dogs as therapy dogs- giving a furry paw-reach out to those in need. Or those who run groups on Meetup that allow dogs and their owners a chance to get out and play together, like my friend Cathleen.
****Terms of endearment from people who I do not and will not ever know other than for our brief moment in passing... not a fan. Drivers who almost pass a car backing out, wanting said spot, that then back up themselves blocking the said car and forcing the line of cars behind them into a chaotic mess. Dude, you passed it- it's no longer yours.
Getting a sincere thank you from a stranger, for changing their life - love it. Running an errand for my parents so they can enjoy a little more of the retired life- love them, love helping out.
I posted the "loves" because I think that it is important to see the good things that are happening. Learning how to let the good stuff trump the pet peeves, is a daily lesson for me and a reminder that evolving as a person is a constant learning process. What are your pet peeves?
With my new outlook, I keep finding myself falling into the same pet peeves and wonder why? Turning 30 flipped a switch in my main compartment. I feel like I have gone from the girl who cared about what everyone thought about her to the girl who feels strong enough on her own. (Well, mostly on her own- the occasional advice and help from a good friend is never turned away).
For the most part, I try not sweating the small stuff as past literature has advised. Then all of the sudden, I find myself freaking out over terribly minor offenses. I feel like I should be growing out of these pet peeves, rising above it, finding that deep soothing breath and all that jazz. So, in an effort to avoid a freak out, I thought I would blog about some of my pet peeves followed by some loves because that's just how I roll...
Drama crazy people - I am so over you. If inclined, I favor an escape over into Bravo land for an hour with the housewives of the OC or NYC. I have never been one to thrive on drama, but I'll admit to enjoying a a ringside seat in the gossip arena from time to time. An innocent, casual bystander kinda seat that is. Nothing real. Nowadays I turn out of the drama spin and care less about what people think of me and more that they see me for who I am. Cliché of mountains and molehills, drama-rama lovers I have three words for you. Get over it.
****People who mistreat their dogs or pets in general. Not just because I am a vegetarian and yes I fully admit that my Pug is spoiled with a capital '"S." But leaving your dog in a crate in the bed of your truck on a chilled rainy morning so that you can get your Sunday coffee and paper read on at Starbucks is not okay.
What I love is when people train their dogs as therapy dogs- giving a furry paw-reach out to those in need. Or those who run groups on Meetup that allow dogs and their owners a chance to get out and play together, like my friend Cathleen.
****Terms of endearment from people who I do not and will not ever know other than for our brief moment in passing... not a fan. Drivers who almost pass a car backing out, wanting said spot, that then back up themselves blocking the said car and forcing the line of cars behind them into a chaotic mess. Dude, you passed it- it's no longer yours.
Getting a sincere thank you from a stranger, for changing their life - love it. Running an errand for my parents so they can enjoy a little more of the retired life- love them, love helping out.
I posted the "loves" because I think that it is important to see the good things that are happening. Learning how to let the good stuff trump the pet peeves, is a daily lesson for me and a reminder that evolving as a person is a constant learning process. What are your pet peeves?
Monday, March 14, 2011
If you shoot Macro and you love it, clap your hands! Part One
Thanks to a fun idea, a great knowledge base and fabulous instruction from a fellow photographer and friend, Kim B., myself and a couple other friends are conducting our own Macro class, maybe workshop is a better name. Either way, the Macro discovery process has been an incredible one. I remember getting my first grown-up camera when I was 13, a bulky, base model Canon point and shoot. That camera recorded trips to Hawaii, trips to Sea World, Magic Mountain and Disneyland and in high school a three week trip to Europe that I would have killed to have my zoom lens of today for, a silly covert op at a concert...
Trips and memories saved aside, that camera also introduced me to a little camera icon that looked like a tulip. Being a very girly girl that was obsessed with Sunflowers, I would stand out in our the backyard for hours pushing the little tulip and hoping for something pretty. While there were a few that were pretty and definitely saved, one could also see that I had no clue how to really use that pretty little tulip button. Flash forward to now, photography classes under my belt and the beginning of a small business as a goal- I know that the pretty little tulip icon is more than just a pretty little tulip.
When you search macro photography on google, millions of flowers, bugs and dew drops come up. I could live without seeing most bugs that close up and find dew drop after dew drop a little boring. But I have to admit that they are beautiful shots and while I am looking outside of the box for our workshop, a few dew drops and rainy day snails might make an appearance.
Aside from my normal blogging, my Macro discovery will get to play in the limelight for a fun little series. I'm excited to share my exploration into all things Macro! Now, it's time to start editing and get some ideas and questions ready for the first class held over Italian food at Granito's. The one thing I know for certain is that a night out with these ladies is always a welcomed addition to the week. Maybe dinner will become less of an ordinary part of the meeting spot and more of a subject for the class? We shall wait and see!
Trips and memories saved aside, that camera also introduced me to a little camera icon that looked like a tulip. Being a very girly girl that was obsessed with Sunflowers, I would stand out in our the backyard for hours pushing the little tulip and hoping for something pretty. While there were a few that were pretty and definitely saved, one could also see that I had no clue how to really use that pretty little tulip button. Flash forward to now, photography classes under my belt and the beginning of a small business as a goal- I know that the pretty little tulip icon is more than just a pretty little tulip.
When you search macro photography on google, millions of flowers, bugs and dew drops come up. I could live without seeing most bugs that close up and find dew drop after dew drop a little boring. But I have to admit that they are beautiful shots and while I am looking outside of the box for our workshop, a few dew drops and rainy day snails might make an appearance.
Aside from my normal blogging, my Macro discovery will get to play in the limelight for a fun little series. I'm excited to share my exploration into all things Macro! Now, it's time to start editing and get some ideas and questions ready for the first class held over Italian food at Granito's. The one thing I know for certain is that a night out with these ladies is always a welcomed addition to the week. Maybe dinner will become less of an ordinary part of the meeting spot and more of a subject for the class? We shall wait and see!
Back Burner.
There isn't anything better than a brisk Northern California morning where my MacBook and a Starbucks Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai are in hand. Well except for the fact that I have chosen the smallest Starbucks in the area. Working early mornings has made a habit of early mornings for me on days off as well. So here I am, it's 7:30 on a Monday morning and I was hoping for a cozy seat inside. No such luck. The people inside look like they are bears hunkered in for the long winter. While I feel my big writing plans squished, I can't help but enjoy the beautiful weather and a chance to think while I sit outside, awaiting for one of the hibernating bears to wake up from their long winter naps.
Despite it's small size, there are people double parked everywhere and there is an endless line of complicated to incredibly unique coffee orders piping in and out. Which makes me wonder, is the old adage of the complexity of the coffee order a direct correlation to the level of high maintenance in that person or is it just as simple as being applauded for knowing what we want out of our cup of joe?
From a personal standpoint, I feel that I should be applauded as my coffee order is one thing that never fails me as a decision easily made. November through December - it's a Tall Christmas Blend, hands down. The rest of the year, no matter the temps, it's the Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai. Most of my friends and family will tell you that I am rubbish at making decisions- with so many major decisions being sent to live on the back burner.
Eureka, blog pause - I am about to become a bear in winter... Oh, this purple plush velvet chair and the heated air that come along with it are just glorious.
Heading into my 30's has given me more clarity than I could have ever thought. It's like a switch has been turned on and there is a tangible feeling that a new chapter has opened. Maybe I relish in the ease of my coffee decision because everything else in my life was waiting to walk through that next door.
I can't help but think of my grandmother today as she is a day away from being 91. She is my only living grandparent and is vital proof that strength can carry you through life. Taking my health back is turning into a major strength for me- a decision that has needed to be the focus for a longtime now. Running, something I thought I would always hate, has finally become something that I desire. A desire as strong as the pull to the Coach store in the mall or MAC when I walk through Nordstrom's. Now, I can't say that I love it yet – but we are on kinder terms.
I feel like it's too grown-up to talk about financial strength, but that has been a focus too. When I moved back to California, I cashed out my first 401k. I can't regret that, even with the penalties, it kept me on my feet until I was able to support myself. Probably not the best decision in the long run, but not a regret nevertheless. At least I was able to really use it, unlike the Social Security I pay into every week that I will never see... ah, but I digress. Several years down the road now, I have a 401k back in place, all of my original student loans will be paid in full by the end of the year and the one credit card I have allowed myself is paid off monthly.
Going forward, I have to think to myself – what awaiting decision gets to come off the back burner next? For now, I'll settle for a second Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai...
Despite it's small size, there are people double parked everywhere and there is an endless line of complicated to incredibly unique coffee orders piping in and out. Which makes me wonder, is the old adage of the complexity of the coffee order a direct correlation to the level of high maintenance in that person or is it just as simple as being applauded for knowing what we want out of our cup of joe?
From a personal standpoint, I feel that I should be applauded as my coffee order is one thing that never fails me as a decision easily made. November through December - it's a Tall Christmas Blend, hands down. The rest of the year, no matter the temps, it's the Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai. Most of my friends and family will tell you that I am rubbish at making decisions- with so many major decisions being sent to live on the back burner.
Eureka, blog pause - I am about to become a bear in winter... Oh, this purple plush velvet chair and the heated air that come along with it are just glorious.
Heading into my 30's has given me more clarity than I could have ever thought. It's like a switch has been turned on and there is a tangible feeling that a new chapter has opened. Maybe I relish in the ease of my coffee decision because everything else in my life was waiting to walk through that next door.
I can't help but think of my grandmother today as she is a day away from being 91. She is my only living grandparent and is vital proof that strength can carry you through life. Taking my health back is turning into a major strength for me- a decision that has needed to be the focus for a longtime now. Running, something I thought I would always hate, has finally become something that I desire. A desire as strong as the pull to the Coach store in the mall or MAC when I walk through Nordstrom's. Now, I can't say that I love it yet – but we are on kinder terms.
I feel like it's too grown-up to talk about financial strength, but that has been a focus too. When I moved back to California, I cashed out my first 401k. I can't regret that, even with the penalties, it kept me on my feet until I was able to support myself. Probably not the best decision in the long run, but not a regret nevertheless. At least I was able to really use it, unlike the Social Security I pay into every week that I will never see... ah, but I digress. Several years down the road now, I have a 401k back in place, all of my original student loans will be paid in full by the end of the year and the one credit card I have allowed myself is paid off monthly.
Going forward, I have to think to myself – what awaiting decision gets to come off the back burner next? For now, I'll settle for a second Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
13.1
Let's just start with the truth: I hate running. Period. Full stop. The end, goodbye.
Disclaimer aside, I am about to start a fitness mission that will end with me at an undisclosed finish line of a 2012 half marathon. The girl who loves her sweets, french fries and fruity drinks is trading trading in her couch time after work for a pair of running shoes. Turning 30 has me thinking that I can no longer use the excuse of "college" and life's darker moments to stay as unhealthy as I have been the last half of my twenties. While at a bar this past weekend for my big birthday bash, I was convinced by a sister and a good friend that running could be apart of my life. Maybe it was the vodka cran talking, but the motivation and determination to never go back on a promise to start struck, and thus a deal and a handshake followed...
Growing up, I spent most of my summers in the pool at 6:00am on the weekdays and at meets on Saturday's. I lovingly blame my carb addiction on these years:) But blame no more, it is time to get back in shape and spend my thirties and beyond living life to it's fullest. Why 2012, you may ask? Well, I am all about getting back into shape the right way. If I can make one in 2011, great, but the goal is to do this with the least injury as possible:)
I have great friends who run 1/2 and full marathons, even one that is in training for an upcoming Ironman- each inspiring me to find the courage I've needed. I am eagerly awaiting the moment when my hate turns into love, as it has yet to be seen. I know it must be coming though!
So from here on out I am getting rid of everything toxic, setting goals and saying goodbye to all things junk and alcoholic (well, maybe a glass of Cabernet or two on special occasions- I wouldn't want to go cold turkey on everything- it's all about the moderation, right?!?!). Here I come 13.1...
Hope for the Best...
Turning 30, sigh. Tomorrow morning at 4:44am I will have lost the most anticipated decade of my youth, my 20's. While I have no desire to go back and relive 21 or 25, even 29, I feel like a part of me has been docked and the new me is heading forth towards a new station. The last ten years have come with their triumphs and sorrows, hope, laughter and love.
In my early twenties, I surrounded myself with fabulous friends, new additions to the family and my wonderful Sigma Kappa sisters. I continued to travel and see new parts of the world. Through a coworker and friend, I was introduced to a Pug puppy that changed my life, adding endless amounts of joy, laughter (he is such a goofball) and love. Hmm, I should probably add that he is not perfect, while he has had his share of stubborn moments and vet visits- I wouldn't trade him for the world! I experienced loss with several family members, the biggest, being my father. A man that I will miss every day of my life; I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by family, friends and a pug that have carried me through.
Later on, came a big move back to California and the “Ah Ha” moment rediscovering my love of Photography. I have captained Team Jimbo for four, soon to be five years in an Nor. California MS Walk, taken first place in the Snowflake Art Show and thanks to a dear friend had a piece of my work published. Defining what my 30's should be sounds too daunting of a task to think about, but looking back I can see that my 20's were full and without regret. I want this decade to be full of life, adventure, happiness and everything that I love:
* Family * Friends * Photography * Bailey the Pug * Great Food * Great Wine * Hope *
I am starting this Blog to share what I love with the ones that I love and in the hope of documenting a new decade. Hope the Best is spread across my family's crest and it's only fitting that it's part of what defines me. So here I come, “30, Flirty and Thriving,” I can't wait to see what you have in store for me and I am sure there will be a lot of love, laughter and hope along the way...
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