I found a kitten...

Today at work, while leaving to go on my second scheduled walk for the day, I heard a noise. I asked my co-worker if she heard it. It sounded like a bird, or a cat.

Sure enough, there was a small kitten in the dumpster near work. We attempted to approach it, but it was scared and we decided to not go any closer in case it got out and ran onto the busy road we work on. I called the animal shelter down the street, but they said they don't pick up live animals unless they are in a box.

Ummm, okay? So you want me to approach a strange scared animal? Sure... Well, as I was heading back outside with a box, two of my co-workers were approaching me holding the little thing.

He's currently sitting on my lap sleeping. I'm taking him to the vet tonight and then my mom will be housing it until either she can convince my dad to keep it or find someone to give it a good home.

We are assuming that it is 6-8 weeks old. I'm trying so hard to not fall in love with it, just in case, but how can you not?

**Update 5/31: The cat is 7-8 weeks old and weighs 1 pound. He is currently living with my parents and they are in love with him. I tried taking him to my house but my cat, Marley, wasn't too thrilled. I would have taken the time for them to get to know each other, but the process is long and we are moving in less than a month. My parents seem to be very happy and so does their new kitty. He does not have a name yet.

Workouts

Last weeks workout schedule:

Monday 5/21: 30 minute run/walk, two 1.34 mile walks, 30 Day Shred- level 1
Tuesday 5/22: 30 minute run/walk, one 1.34 mile walk, Jackie Warner video- 15 minute upper body workout
Wednesday 5/23: 30 minute run/walk, 30 Day Shred- level 1
Thursday 5/24: two 1.34 mile walks, Jackie Warner video- 15 minute upper body workout
Friday 5/25: Rest
Saturday 5/26: 13.1 mile run/walk
Sunday 5/27: Rest

This weeks planned workout schedule:

Monday 5/28: 30 Day Shred- level 2
Tuesday 5/29: 30 minute run/walk, two 1.34 mile walks, Jackie Warner video- 15 minute upper body workout
Wednesday 5/30: 30 minute run/walk, two 1.34 mile walks, Jackie Warner video- 15 minute upper body workout, 30 Day Shred- level 2
Thursday 5/31: 30 minute run/walk, two 1.34 mile walks, Jackie Warner video- 15 minute upper body workout
Friday 6/1: one 1.34 mile walk, 30 Day Shred- level 2
Saturday 6/2: Rest
Sunday 6/3: Love Run 10K

Weigh In- Vol. 4

Weigh-in #4

Weight:

This week: -3.4
Total weight loss: -0.8

Wedding Guestbook

I was having a difficult time deciding on what we should do for our guest book for the wedding. Did we want some thing traditional, such as an actual book? Or something creative. such as a matte for guests to sign which we would later frame with a picture? Or did we want to do something unique (okay, not very unique as it is a growing trend), such as a thumb print guest book?

My personal preference was with the last option, the thumb print guest book, because we are getting married in a walnut grove. I tried making my own, but failed and decided that with everything else going on it would be better for everyone involved, especially my own sanity, to just order one.

The following is our proof, sent to us by the dealer we found on Amazon. Thank you Sugar Vine Art! I can't wait to see it in person and I'm even more excited to see it complete after our wedding.

We chose watermelon, pumpkin and tart olive moss as our ink colors. Hopefully it all flows well together!

Running Memorabilia

While beginning the packing process last night I got sentimental while taking down all of my running things. My bibs, metals, pictures.. They all mean so much to me because I never thought this is where I'd be.

I hated running when I was younger. In high school I dreaded running the mile for gym class. When playing volleyball, I despised hell week. Even while running my first 5K I didn't enjoy it.

I wouldn't necessarily say that I love to run. I find it difficult and time consuming and sometimes painful. But I enjoy the way I feel after. I enjoy the races, even if I will never win. And I enjoy the things I have to remind me of each race. I know the following pictures are more for me than for you, but I hope you enjoy them all the same.

My sock drawer. For some reason I enjoy running in knee high socks.

This is less than half of my collection.

First 5K 

36:24

Mud Run 

1:46:10

5K Gator Run

41:42

5K Calabasas Classic

38:38

5K Turkey Trot

34:16

Santa to the Sea Half Marathon

2:49:47

Rose Bowl Half

3:04:00

LA Marathon

6:15:11

Hollywood Half Marathon

2:59:10

5K Gator Run

33:30

My running inspiration bulletin board.

My metal for completing the Galloway Training program for the marathon.

The dates of all my half marathon's.

The map from the marathon.

  

My certificate of completion.

The best card ever! Thanks mom!



I have 9 races that I'm currently signed up for and always looking for more. Who would have thought that I would ever be waking up early to get a run in during the week, waking up early on a Saturday to meet with our running group to run and spending money to enter into a race that I will never win. I don't know what it is about running, but it's addicting!

May Goals- Check In

The following were my goals for the month of May:

1. Buy a scale, weigh in and accept it- no matter what.
2. Walk and/or run 100 miles.
3. Start my photography portfolio.
4. Complete Bucket List item #39: Complete a cross-stitch.
5. Make a workout schedule weekly and stick to it.

Here is an update:

1. Scale was purchased. I have weighed in every Monday since. Results are currently pretty bad. Planning on doing better.

2. Currently at 45.49/100 miles as of this morning. More than likely not going to be reaching the 100 miles this month, however I should be over 80.

My current running shoes. I need to get new ones as these were my marathon shoes.

My two favorite running accessories. My GPS watch and my interval timer.

3. Have not started printing pictures. Still trying to decide which ones to print, which size I want my portfolio to be, etc. Here are a few quick examples from the memory card I have with me. Pretty random, but I like them..

4. In progress. Also will not be done this month, but I'm getting better about spending more time working on it.

This is what I have completed.

The flowers will be going all the way around the wording.

5. The workout schedule never actually got written down each week, however I have been more active and when I plan on working out I've been better about keeping my word.
This weeks schedule:
Mon- morning run, afternoon walk, 30 Day Shred
Tue- morning run, afternoon walk, arm DVD
Wed- morning run, afternoon walk, 30 Day Shred
Thu- morning run, afternoon walk, arm DVD
Fri- afternoon walk
Sat- morning run
Sun- rest

30 Day Shred. 

Finishing our cool down last night.

Yes, I am weak and only use 3 pound weights... For now.

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

While at the grocery store this weekend, I picked up a new cupcake mix and frosting. Pink lemonade flavor!

I made the cupcakes and decided that they needed a little something extra, so I got some lemon flavored Starburst's and shaped them into lemons for the top.

I would definitely make these again, however I don't think they were lemony enough for me. I will probably add some lemon juice and zest next time to give them that extra kick for summer.

Thank you Pillsbury! Great cake mix!

Weigh In- Vol. 3

This week was bad. Really bad... I didn't track anything and it definitely shows on the scale. I'm pretty embarrassed to post this actually.

Weigh-in #3

Weight:

This week: +3.8
Total weight loss: +2.6

I really have no excuse for gaining 3.8 pounds in one week other than I didn't track anything and I let myself eat what I wanted. I'm getting really frustrated with myself for being on plan for a week and then going completely off plan the next.

I want this so bad and yet I can't seem to stick with it. I really need to find my motivation and fast.

The plan for this week is as follows:

Monday- am run, afternoon walk, 30 Day Shred
Tuesday- am run, afternoon walk, arm workout
Wednesday- am run, afternoon walk, 30 Day Shred
Thursday- am run, afternoon walk, arm workout
Friday- afternoon walk
Saturday- am run
Sunday- rest day

Let's Go Angels!

Ever since I was younger (around 7) I've been an Angel's fan. I enjoyed baseball and my first game was a Dodger's/Angel's game. My family rooted for the Dodger's and I rooted for the Angel's. I can remember my dad saying that I was going to get my butt kicked for rooting for the opposing team, but I didn't care because my dad was there and he'd protect me (even if he straight up said that he wouldn't).

When I met Patrick I was relieved to find out that not only was he a baseball fan, but that he was a die hard Angel's fan. Living in California, we have five teams. 5. Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Angel's of Anaheim.

We have been to quite a few games together since we started dating. Sometimes they win, but I dread when they lose. Patrick is a very sore loser when it comes to the Angel's (we call him "passionate") and the ride home is never pleasant.

For Mother's Day, Patrick gave me tickets for him and I to go to an Angel's game. I was so excited because it's already the middle of May and this is our first game this season. The team hasn't been doing so well this season. Their current stats (including last nights game) are 17 wins 21 losses. Even with the $240 million dollar 10 year contract for Albert Pujols. Le Sigh.

The pulled it out last night with a 7-2 win! And we witnessed Pujols second home run of the season. What a great night!

My reminder for Patrick.

The Big A.

In the parking lot before the game.

Our first bobble head.

Angel stadium.

Waiting for the game to start.

Calling all Angels.

After Pujols home run.

Fireworks after the game.

I love fireworks.

Angels

Win!

Rally Monkey!

Final Score: 7-2 Angels

Light that Halo Up!



Keep it up Angel's! It's not too late to turn the season around!