Catching up

So obviously, I excel at procrastinating. 

To sum up the last year and a half or so:

I'm still at Massage Envy. I love (most of) my clients.  I'm grateful to have a job, particularly one that gives me weekends off.  That's all I'll say on this subject.

I got engaged this last June, the weekend after my birthday. Took me completely by surprise. My Fiance's name is Josh, and he's good at keeping a secret without dropping any hints whatsoever.  He's a Utah boy, grew up in Magna and went to Cypress High.  We met 4 years ago (!! Doesn't seem that long!) I'll save the 'how we met' story for another blog.

Being best man at his friend's wedding. Looks nice in a tux, no?

 

 Halloween

 

 

I'm currently living in Magna.  Josh's aunt has a basement apartment that was built for her daughter and twin grandsons.  The daughter was moving out about the time my lease was up at my last apartment, so they offered to let me have it for 1/2 of what I was paying at my last place.  My commute has increased from 4.5 miles one way to 18, but that's been the only real downside.  Well, that and their little shih tzu that yaps at me each and every day, no matter that I've been living here for months now, or that he just saw me 5 minutes ago.  Oh well.  Small price to pay for a very nice 3 bedroom apartment, with internet! And cable!  I'm so spoiled now.

 

My cat, Tala, is still my constant little fuzzy companion. She rarely lets me out of her sight for more than a few minutes.  Even when I caught a stomach bug and had set up camp on my bathroom floor for a most of the night, she was right there next to me. Snoring away on the linoleum, even though there are much more comfortable places she could have been sleeping.  She's shy and hides from most of my visitors, and Josh was not happy with me when he found out I had adopted her last year. Luckily, they bonded this last spring while I was away and asked Josh to feed and check up on her.  Now they're good buddies, much to my relief. I wasn't about to give up either of them.

 

After taking last winter off, then easing back into it very, very slowly, I'm back to running.  My IT band is all better now.  Was having some trouble with my 'wonky hip' around the Disneyland 1/2, but thanks to strength training and lots of stretching, that worked itself out so now I'm able to run with no problems. Currently training for the Disney World 1/2 marathon, and am looking forward to our upcoming trip with my entire family!  Also planning on signing up for the Salt Lake 1/2, which is the week before my wedding.

 

Speaking of running, I've got 12 miles to do when I get up, so I'd better get some sleep now. 

Whoever Said Life Is Beautiful Wasn't Cleaning Up Cat Barf.

My neighbor's on again, off again internet happens to be on again at the moment, so I thought I should take advantage of it while it lasts and update my blog a bit.  There hasn't been much running going on since my last posting.  I developed what my doctor referred to as an "overuse injury of the hip stabilizers" on my left hip after my last half-marathon.  He did give me rather hesitant permission to run the Ogden Marathon Relay, and I was able to do my leg in decent time, even with walking breaks, and relatively pain-free.  But the pain was coming back so I took another 3 weeks completely off any weight bearing exercise at all.  And let me tell you, it SUCKED.  I am officially one of those crazies who is addicted to running.  I've been substituting other exercise, like swimming and yoga, but it's just not the same.  Yoga is nice, but it just doesn't get the heart rate up as much.  And swimming is hard.  I can only go a few laps before I'm totally exhausted.  I am running again as of last Saturday, but starting completely over from square 1.  Only a couple miles at a time for now, making sure I'm taking extra good care of my now weakened and stiff hip.  I'll slowly build up to running longer and faster, and hopefully will be back where I was by the time the Disneyland 1/2 rolls around. 

It was my 30th Birthday on the 6th, and my Mom and sisters were nice enough to leave their husbands/children for the weekend and go to Vegas with me.  I had a great time, and I hope they did, too.  I think my favorite part was all the ridiculously delicious (and unhealthy) food we ate while we were down there. (Fluffer Nutter Shake at the Sugar Factory, there are no words.  Crepe Suzette, might beat out waffles as yummiest breakfast food ever.)  And Freemont Street, which was a new and very fun experience for me.  That place is a party!

 I just like being in Vegas.  Can't wait to go back in December.  Again, I took my camera, but it pretty much spent the whole time in my purse.  I really need to start taking pictures of stuff like this!  Luckily Mom and Manda are much better at it, so I will have to borrow pictures from them.  Like this one of a very expensive bench that was basically ceramic seats on marbles.  Yep, MARBLES.  Waaaant!

Unfortunately, just after we got home my cat got sick.  (Which is scary for me, being for the first time the sole responsible party should this sweet thing die of a curable ailment.)  I won't go into the gory details too much,  but I had to invest in some carpet cleaner and was getting tired of the sound of vomiting cat.  Obviously, the poor thing was pretty sick, but I didn't know why.  She's an indoor cat, I hadn't changed her food, so why is she suddenly so miserable?  Turns out she had at some point eaten about 5 or so inches of what looked like plastic safety seal that goes around the lids of food containers, like for yogurt or cottage cheese.  Not good for little kitty's digestive system.  That was Friday, and for most of Saturday she seemed fine.  Then she started sneezing.  And sneezing.  And sneezing some more.  Sunday night she was sneezing so bad that neither of us slept much.  I felt silly calling the vet again, and I almost talked myself out of it.  But figured its better to err on the side of caution. So back we went on Tuesday.  Luckily it turned out to be a minor upper respiratory infection that's common for cats to get after they've been stressed. The vet didn't even charge me! (Phew!!)  So finally things are settling down here in my little apartment.  Shouldn't be too long before I can spend a whole day without worrying about cat barf or snotty sneezes.  It's a good thing she's cute.

Nap attack while playing with a toy. 

I just blogged about my cat again.  That's it, next time there will be boyfriend pictures just to make myself feel less loser-y.

SLC 1/2

   Last Saturday was the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. I'm starting to lose track of how many I've done now that I've been at this 'running' (Still not really fast enough to feel comfortable calling what I do running.) thing a while. I think this one was #8. Or around there somewheres.

     Friday I has taken the night off of work to go pick up my packet and make sure I got to bed at a reasonable time. That, and I just wanted a day off. And it was niiiiiice! Wish I could afford to take 3 day weekends more often.

   I wasn't too nervous about the actual race, but I was nervous about getting to the starting line on time. Usually I have other people with me who I let do the worrying and I just sleepily follow along. But this time it was just me all by my loners, so I had to be the responsible one.

   My alarm beeped me into consciousness at 3:30 in the morning, which is when I'm usually getting ready for bed on a weekend night/early morning. Made myself some oatmeal, grabbed all my things I had gotten ready the night before, and made my way to the Gateway. It's pretty impressive how much faster I can get there when it's too early for anyone else to be on the road!

    On the way it had started to rain, and by the time I got there it was falling pretty steady. The weather reports said any rain would be light and brief, so I wasn't too worried. I parked behind the Gateway so I could escape easier after the race. This is totally off subject, but holy craaaap, I saw the BIGGEST RAT! At first I thought it was a cat, but then I noticed it was not cat shaped, although it was cat-sized. Rats don't bother me much, but I was so surprised I just stood there and stared at it crossing the street until it disappeared behind a car. I didn't know we got them that big around here.

   Anyways, Trax was going early to get all us nervous runners to the starting line.  The train was very crowded, and more people would try to push on at every stop. The doors won't close if people are standing in the stairwell, so at almost every stop we had to wait  . . and wait . . . and wait through repeated announcements before whoever was there would get the hint and either get back off or squeeze in a little further.  Once the driver had to come down and tell people to move. We finally got up there at about 6:30, so only had 30 minutes to stand in line for the potties and eat my Clif Bar. 

  The starting line was under the Legacy Bridge up on the U campus.   We wound through neighborhoods, and went around (but not into) Sugarhouse park.  We even ran part of the route I use for my longer trainging runs!  I was starting to lose steam a little about Liberty park.  Should have brought an extra energy gel.  No matter what I do I always get hungry about 90 minutes in.  It was around this time that I totally got passed by a race-walker.  I had to check my Garmin to make sure I wasn't going slower than I thought I was, but I was cruising along about 6 miles an hour at the time.  Oh well, more power to her.  There was one last push up a hill on State Street downtown that just about did me in, but once I got up that it was literally all downhill. I sped up as much as my legs would let me and finished at 2:15:45. Still not very fast, but faster than my previous time by about 4 minutes 15 seconds. ( Yay progress!)  Met up afterwards with my good-lookin' boyfriend, who spent the rest of the day making sure I ate enough, and even massaged my tight calves for me.

  I used to not care what my times where for my half-marathons, I was happy just to survive.  Lately, though, I find myself caring.  And wanting to do better.  Might have something to do with getting totally schooled by that dang race walker.  So I've set a goal for myself:  run a half marathon in 2 hours or less by the end of the year.  Sounds kinda intimidating, but my times seem to improve by 3-5 minutes each race I do.  I've got 4 more half marathons planned, ending with the Rock 'N' Roll one in Las Vegas December 4th.  Should be totally do-able by then if I put just a bit more effort into training and stay healthy.  Right?

Wish me luck!

New hobby

So, the once a week posting thing might not happen. My life can be summed up most days pretty simply: "Got up, ate food, went running/worked out, ate food,went to work, ate food, came home, ate food, went to bed." Yes, food is the highlight of my day. Ok, my life. This routine does alter slightly on weekends. Instead of 'went to work' insert either 'date night with Josh' or 'went to church', (and the occasional nap), and that's pretty much my routine. Not much material for frequent blog posts. There have been moments when my cat has done something particularly adorable that I'm tempted to post something. But then I'd be one of those women who live alone and blog about their cats, and that just seems sad somehow.

.

This week I have started what I hope will become a new hobby. I am learning to play guitar! Sometimes the creative mood strikes and I don't have many outlets for it. Used to go fidget with the piano back in the day, but now it's a 40 minute drive away and I sure can't afford to buy one of my own. So after looking online at different starter packs I ordered a starter guitar. I got some beginner guitar books with a gift card, plus borrowed one from my mom. I messed around with it a little last night before bed and some more today after work. Distracted myself so well I lost track of time and totally forgot to do my miles today. Oh well, I'm supposed to be tapering anyway so no biggie.

My Guitar

I've made a little progress, memorized a few basic chords and can play a couple of the easiest songs in my book. As I type this I can tell I've lost some feeling in the tips of the fingers on my left hand, so I guess I'm on my way to building callouses. Hopefully that won't affect work too much. Not sure how I'll feel about it in a few weeks, but so far it's been fun! Well, other than the sore fingers. One day when I have the time and money I'll get actual lessons, but for now will content myself with figuring it out using books and the internet. If anyone has suggestions or advice, feel free to share!

So, it's been a year . . .

Therefore I'm not going to attempt to re-cap. Just gonna jump right back in to where we are now.

I've been in my little 1 bedroom apartment for a year now. Living roommate-less has been enjoyable for me. It appeals to my selfish nature, I guess :-) Just me and my 'keets, Jack and Fred. I've been thinking about getting a cat for a while now. I used to be able to drive up to Mom & Dad's for my feline fix, but our 'kittens' hadn't been kittens for over a decade, and they both passed away at a ripe old age. Bailey, our not too bright but unfailingly sweet dog had gone not too long before. I admit I've been totally missing having something warm and furry around.

So after a few months of talking about it and buying supplies here and there, I decided Thursday night I'd go up to the Utah Animal Adoption Center before work on Friday and take a look around. They're a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescue adoptable cats, dogs, and even horses who had been in other shelters and were scheduled for euthanization. They have listings online and there were a few descriptions that sounded like good candidates. I had certain cat in mind, but found out when I got there he was 12 or 13 years old. He was so eager for affection I seriously considered taking him and giving him a nice home for his few remaining years. Still feel kinda guilty that I didn't. But seeing what Harvie and Beef went through in their old age, just not ready for that. There was also a cute little black cat who loved to be held and cuddled, but the worker said he'd probably need another cat buddy or he'd be too lonely, so had to pass him up, too.

I was starting to think I'd have to wait a couple weeks and try again,when we came to Tala. Biggest, bluest eyes I've ever seen on a cat. She reminded me of a mix between Beef and our old cat, Rainy. She loved to be petted and purred so loud while she was in her small kennel, but didn't want to be taken out. The woman in charge said she's very nervous around other cats because she's been declawed on her front feet, and so almost never left her cage. She'd been adopted out, but recently brought back because the family had dogs and Tala just never adjusted to them, which the lady said is common for declawed cats. (Message of the day: don't declaw cats. It's mean.) I had a good feeling about this one, so I signed the papers and took her home with me.

Trying to show the blue eyes. In true cat style, not cooperating.

Considering what I knew of her history and how she was at the shelter, I was figured it would be a day or two until she adjusted to her new home. I've heard that cats will often hide for a few days when taken somewhere new. Not this cat. As soon as I opened the door to her carrier, she was out and exploring, purring like crazy. After she finished her tour, she followed me around, wanting attention until I had to leave for work. She doesn't really like to be picked up or held in my lap, but she sticks close by and curls up next to me when I hold still long enough. Turns out she's actually incredibly mellow and very sweet and affectionate. She doesn't follow me around like she did the first day or two, but if I'm out of sight too long, she'll come find me. I gotta say, I love having her around. She makes me smile :-)

Gonna need another pillow, this one is hers now.

Tala is a 5 year old Siamese/Manx mix. Because of the Manx genes, she has a '3/4' tail, meaning her tail is about 3/4ths the length of normal. The shelter made sure she was, fixed, and up to date on shots, so I don't have to worry about that right now. She also has a microchip. I don't plan on letting her defenseless self outside at all, so I'm hoping it's never really needed, but it's nice to know it's there just in case.

Let the 'crazy cat lady' jokes commence.

My New Place At My Old Place

I have seen many apartments these last couple of months. I have discovered that the stereotypes about West Valley are really kinda true. I have learned that leasing agents can be a lot like used car salesmen. There have been ghetto apartments I could easily afford, but would fear for my property (and life). There have been some in-between ones I could have lived with, but were pretty far from work, or didn't have hookups for my washer and dryer. There was one truly beautiful complex in a perfect location, with correct hookups, that had advertised reasonable rent. Unfortunately, after they tack on another $200 in monthly fees (that's $200, every month, no exaggeration.), it's not exactly 'reasonable' anymore.

Yesterday on a whim, or out of desperation, I thought I'd try calling the apartments Amanda and I lived in a couple years ago. Good location, nice complex, probably too expensive, but doesn't hurt to try, right? Turned out to be a good decision. They did have one unit that met my requirements, that happened to be on special and therefore in my price range. First thing this morning I went in and filled out the application, and waited all day to be approved. I was mostly sure I would be, but still I didn't want to get too excited until I heard for absolutely sure. Finally got the voicemail at work, and did my happy dance right there in front of everyone. I'm so sick of apartment searching, if I had to start again I probably would have cried. A lot.

I'm still in shock, I'm not often this lucky. One bedroom apartments with full sized hookups are hard to find. I also get a patio, fireplace, and an accent wall painted for free! It's 2nd (top) storey, close to the pool area and fitness center. That fitness center will save me $25/month in gym membership. My commute has been cut in half. It's a good neighborhood, so I can go for runs or ride my bike without being too nervous. Basically, I'm really stinkin' excited!

Too bad before I get to live there, I have to pack, clean my current place, transport all my stuff over there, and unpack it all again. Ugh.

Quick update and some pics

It was requested quite some time ago that I post pictures of Josh. Sorry it took so long. These are from his friend Reyes's birthday party on Saturday night.

Disclaimer - I was not warned that we were going anywhere, so showed up to Josh's sans makeup and dressed in comfy t-shirt and jeans. We almost didn't go, but kept getting guilt trip texts so we finally gave in and showed up around midnight. So he looks all dapper while I sport the grungy look.

Almost an 'aww' picture, but he blinked.

It was a Mardi Gras theme, and don't worry, they gave those beads out for free at the door. We didn't 'earn' them ;-)

Even though I reeeaaaallly didn't want to go, I did have a good time once we got there. They're a goofy bunch, as all guys tend to be when with their buds, but good guys and always go out of their way to make my goody-goody self feel welcome.

We didn't do anything very Valentine-y, since I'm not a fan and Josh is, well, a guy and therefore was glad to not have crazy expectations to live up to. But he did have roses for me and got a heart-shaped pizza for dinner. He'd probably be mad at me for telling this story, but the reason we were late for the party was Josh insisted we watch Bridges of Madison County, which came on TV that night. He even got sniffly during the sappy parts, which he admitted freely at the party later and of course got some good ribbing over. At least one of us is a romantic.

In other news, I'm still at Massage Envy. We've been pretty busy lately, I hope that lasts a while. It's nice to get paychecks that don't make me feel like crying. Still keeping an eye out for a spa job, but I am more or less content for now.

I'll be moving again in about a month. Downtown is an expensive locale, and I can't afford it any more. My roommate has found herself another apartment and we've put in our notice to vacate. I don't know yet where I'm moving to, still working on that part. There will be plenty of calling around and looking at apartments this week. Quite a few places have lower than usual prices right now, which is good since I'm going to try not having roommates this go-round. Finding a place that's close to work, not too ghetto AND that has washer/dryer hookups is where it gets challenging. I'll be happy when I've saved enough to buy a house or condo and will be able to stay put for a few years. Moving sucks and I'm tired of it.