He Said "Lost My Girlfriend In IKEA"

No, I didn't really get lost in IKEA. I totally could have though. All those simply beautiful furniture pieces and kitchens just waiting to be built? Yes please.
Today Alex and I took our second trip to IKEA and of course found numerous things we love and hope to someday go back for and use in our future home. We were looking because today we also filled out applications to move into a new apartment in September. The new one will be far bigger (two floors) and we will be rooming with Aaron. I admit I will miss walking around in my undies but this will be good. The bigger space will allow Penny more room to roam and Rinpoche more places to hide and leap out to attack! I am a little nervous because this will be the largest place I've lived in outside of my parents' place. There will be more surfaces to clean, and more space to work with. Space is good but it also means new and more furniture (thus the trip to IKEA).
After IKEA Alex and I took Penny to the park. We weren't there that long but she ran around after other dogs pretty much the whole time. A pooped Penny is a happy Penny.

No Summer Time

While I will be able to enjoy the sunshine and possibly get some beach days in, this summer will be the first that I don't have a summer break. I will be continuing with my classes as well as be working pretty much every weekend (aside from that of my brother's wedding). It's tough having free time that doesn't work with that of events or Alex's free time. He can stay up late on Fridays while I can stay up late on Sundays. It'll be nice to some day have similar schedules and be able to go out on the weekends without worrying about sleep. Someday.
Today I mailed out my mom's Mother's Day gift and surprise surprise there is a "post office" just around the corner from me that I totally could have rode my bicycle to. I put post office in quotations because it's actually a shipping company that ships for USPS but don't do any of the other services. It's good to know it's there; I will definitely be riding my bike next time because it seemed pretty silly to drive there. It's kind of like living across the street from the grocery store and driving your car over even though you only need less than a few items.
After the quick trip to the post office Alex and I came back to the apartment and just hung out-- sifted through our Pokemon cards and traded some. Then we took Penny to the dog park on Davis Island which turned out to be a big success. There were numerous dogs there and they were all pretty chill. One was part boxer so they were able to help Penny play to her full potential: boxing and lots of running! I was really happy to see a Great Dane as well-- such a sweetie and so gentle with all the dogs (even the tiniest little ball of fuzz). We stayed for a little over half an hour but that was more than enough time because Penny is super pooped.
When we got home I started on some dinner: roasted potatoes, peppers, onions, and butternut squash. I think butternut squash is my favorite because I never seem to get enough of it. I love it in macaroni and cheese (I totally had the idea before I even knew Annie's has a frozen dinner of that), roasted, in rice-- there is so much potential for this marvelous winter squash.
While dinner was cooking we FINALLY watched the new episode of GOT. Yay! Good stuff, lots of great stories moving along. Overall today was a good day. I wish I didn't have to work tomorrow so I could enjoy what little summer break I have left but I have to go. It's a good job, pays well, and the people I work with are pleasant. To top it off it's pretty easy. I think I'm just ready for something different. I'm looking forward to my field work time, whenever I can finally get it started. I don't think I'll get paid for it but you never can tell, it's possible I'll land a paid internship of sorts.
Hope everyone's weekend starts off well. Enjoy the company and experience of the world around you.

Updating... Updating... Hi I'm Penny!

So I had written this on Friday while on my lunch break at work but the weekend happened which, for me, is: work, being tired, tidying up the apartment, and trying to get in some much needed social time. But, here it is along with my current measurements and a picture of all that's going on here in our little family (though I think once you have two kids -ahem- pets it's a normal size family).

This is what I see when I do my forward fold. 

I want to say right away that Penny is doing great. Alex and I took her to the vet on Thursday and they gave her antibiotics for what they believe is an upper respiratory infection. Afterwards we took her to this beautiful dog park in downtown Tampa. At first she just wanted to smell everything but then other dogs came and she sprinted to play with them. I don't believe I've vet felt so nervous. It was my first time ever at a dog park let alone at a dog park with a dog. The first meeting between dogs at the park is very interesting yet frightening because it starts friendly but then they make growl-y bark noises and it's just frightful. Proves I'm a cat person because although I love Penny and all animals, I don't enjoy that part of dogs-- that inherent nature for territory, boundaries, and sometimes aggression. Of course a well trained dog will have all these natural instincts minimized and controlled. Penny isn't aggressive but I strongly believe she has much to learn before I feel entirel comfortable with her with other dogs and other dogs with her.

Also at the dog park we met a nice woman named Gabbie. I am so happy to have met her because it's been so long since I've met someone new who is so open to new people and wants to get to know them. We stayed at the park for two hours talking with her and watching Penny play with the other dogs. I wish I had taken pictures but you know how it can be when you're having a grand time; you're in that moment-- like really in that moment-- and you don't worry about preserving the memory of how gorgeous the day was or how cute Penny looked while having a grand time. 

It truly was a lovely afternoon and even though Penny got paw blisters and she's super pooped I know she will be happy to go back again. 

I was super tired too and almost forgot that I had made plans with Kaitlin. Luckily I still had my I'm-so-tired-that-I'm-awake-again energy to hang out. It's always worth it to lose some sleep for friends. Especially when you don't get to see them often. 

Oh! I almost forgot to share that we re making great progress between Penny and Rinpoche. What we did to get Rinpoche comfortable again was put up a baby gate between the kitchen and bedroom and feed them both at the same time on opposite sides of the gate. Rinpoche was so unsure at first and continues to be hesitant about being in view or proximity of Penny but he eats his food wherever we place the bowl now. He's also left the bedroom. We took down the baby gate because he was sitting at it like a prisoner even though he could easily jump over. Now he explores areas where Penny is as long as we are there too.

One of the best pictures I've ever taken. My heart, my soul, my spirit.

Since Alex and I went home for a couple of days to see family and friends, and adopted Penny, I haven't had the chance to head over to the Rec Center. I miss my weights. More-so now, though, I miss riding my bicycle. My tube and tire blew up two nights ago so Alex and I headed over to Target to get replacements. Unfortunately, the new tube managed to pop on me, too. Both explosions occurred while in the apartment while immobile. I think my bicycle is giving up on me-- it knows I'm saving up for a new one. I'm not sure what bicycle I'll be getting but I know it's one with a step-through frame so I can hop on easier. I also know it will not be single speed nor fixed gear. I like my gears. I like adjusting to the situation and being able to press on breaks.
So I'm missing the gym but I signed up for an Amrit Yoga class tonight. I'm not sure what to expect as none of the yoga classes I have been to have claimed to be Amrit. From what I read it sounds like it's about holding the postures, breathing and meditation. I myself am a Vinyasa girl (breathing with change of poses/motions) but it's good to try different approaches to the practice.

My measurements:

9.5" biceps

39.25" shoulders

33" chest

29.5" underbust

26" waist

35.75" hips

37" butt

21.5" thighs

13.5" calves

Can't forget a Rinpoche fan-pleasing picture!:

Princess Penny

There's been a lot going on for quite some time now and although I have felt overwhelmed and stressed out, there's a new little angel in my life and her name is Penny. She's so sweet and gentle and literally asks for nothing. She just gives and gives kisses and snuggles. 

Alex and I took her home from Hillsborough County Animal Services on Friday and hopped onto a roller coaster of cuteness and swelling love. It was the least convenient time to get her since we had already arranged to go home to Port Saint Lucie for a couple days but, luckily, Penny wins over every heart she encounters and Alex's friends agreed to care for her while we were gone.

At first she stole Rinpoche's bed (not tt he ever used it) instead of using the doggie pillow I hand-sewed for her. Now she uses both and loves to snuggle with a blanket. We want to get her toys but she shows so little interest in them. We'll keep trying, I'm sure there are toys out there that she'll like.

So here she is, the compassionate princess of the house:

Pharrell William's Happy is so Penny's song when we brought her home.

As for Rinpoche, well... he's not so happy. He's very nervous and I feel awful because he won't come out to play. Thankfully Alex has found a helpful video that explains the proper way of getting him used to having a dog in the house. To be entirely honest I'm very worried that he'll never be playful like he was again... and that breaks my heart. My mom said that when he was at home he came out with Sheba out and about so it's most likely that, with time and adjustment, he'll leave the bedroom. Many of you saw Rinpoche's cute bed time picture I shared on Twitter recently (if not, it's in my feed on the right side menu of my blog), but here's what happens when you put flash for a picture of a kitty. Dun Dun DUN.

I realize I'm due for my measurements but I'm going to leave that for tomorrow's post. Things are heating up with the race to abs so hopefully Alex and I will both be on our game.

Stay dry out there, Floridians!

Namaste.

Hi, My Name Is Catherine and I'm Addicted to Bioshock Infinite

Okay, I'm not really addicted but I'm really caught up on this amazing game. I'm not one for first person shooters or gory-games but the graphics and the story are so amazing I can't help it. I'm happy to repeatedly do a head-shot on a crazed man in a fireman suit, with the vigor of flame balls-- as long as I get my fix of the story in the process. It's quite addicting and there hasn't been one time I've played it since purchase that I haven't stared at the screen for less than two hours. Two hours. Four days since the completion of the download, no less than two hours each day, that's eight hours on this game. Not unheard of and not extreme but when I woke up this morning I realized I didn't have to work and immediately got giddy that I could hop on the computer and play after my morning yoga and breakfast. Not before my shower, of course. At the end of my three-hour fix I told myself that I should probably take a shower.

Then I decided, yes, that would indeed be a good idea. I didn't want to be like Penny from Big Bang Theory. Alex assures me I won't but I still thought of the possibility. In case you don't watch the show, here's a clip to give you an idea (though even this may not help because there are complex relationships and such going on throughout the show).

There's nothing wrong with playing videogames but it's my goal to always choose doing something outdoors or active over playing a videogame (even bioshock infinite).

But, seriously guys, if you like videogames, you should definitely playing Bioshock Infinite. Worth your time and thoughts as it goes far beyond what first person shooters usually offer.

So keep up with those new years resolutions, drink more water, play a little Bioshock, and don't forget to feed your cat! 

Rinpoche wanted to give me and you both a message:

He also typed this lovely little message for you: 

"yhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbh"