Saturday, May 29, 2010

Ceramics

I have been posting about my running, but I can't forget my other hobbies! One thing I love is ceramics.

When I moved back to California in 2007, I went to Glendale Community College so I didn't have to pay my student loans quite yet...and I enrolled in an introductory ceramics class. I had always been drawn to clay, and hand built with sculpey, but I have always been intrigued with wheel work and stoneware.

16 weeks, and I was hooked! I learned how to throw on the wheel and had quite a few items, and then, just like that, the term was over. Right after that semester was a bad, hard and difficult time in my life. I had to work three jobs to make ends meet, and I didn't have any time to pursue my hobbies. The only thing I had keeping me going was my friends and my future husband.

But then! Fast forward a few years and McGroarty Arts Center (Where I had taken ceramics when I was like, five) had classes! So in late 2009 I enrolled. This next summer session will be my third semester and I am very happy! I came back to the wheel -after not throwing since my few weeks in '07- and i've been re-introducing myself slowly!

I threw today, a few bowls and a few vases. I am VERY leery of trimming, i just cant seem to center my leather-hard items on the wheel! Luckily, a friend from work had an extra pottery wheel and donated it to me! I am so very fortunate!

4 miles!


Its been a few days since I ran. Anibal, after dinner tonight asked if I wanted to go for another jog/run/walk. It sounded awesome, so I agreed. So Anibal, Macky (My running partner) and I set out for our three mile path. Anibal and I (even Macky) were still energetic after mile two, so we altered the course a bit. Macky had a great time (less "marking" and more enjoying the surroundings). I ran for at least two of the miles. It felt good... I was even jogging slowly and I heard Anibal behind me talk to Macky, "...Daddy's out of shape, Macky".

After the run, Anibal and I were wondering how much more our miles were... I guessed 5 miles, he guessed "six, maybe eight...". We went in the car and set the odometer and...

Four Miles!! We were both wrong (but I was closest!) And it took us one hour and ten minutes!! I believe that averages out to a 17 min mile... but I didn't even run for most of it!

So now that I am getting miles on my shoes, On my right insole... I write the date, mileage and pace. Heres a pic for today... I can't wait to see what it will look like in a few months!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

New shoes!




I am running the Honolulu Marathon this december, and we are training, starting June. I want to get a leg up and re-introduce myself into running, so I have been taking baby steps. Yesterday Anibal (My fiance), Macky (my dog) and I walked a three mile course I had mapped out in my car. Today, I purchased groovy new Saucony's at A Runners Circle today. It was a good experience, and anyone looking into purchasing shoes for running, I highly reccomend them. They had me take off my shoes and walk barefoot to watch my gait, and once they brought out shoes for my foot type (My ankles run inward, who knew?) they even encouraged me to run outside to try them out!

I tried on three pairs, and ended with the saucony's (they were the "squishiest") So, very excitedly I put them on, and had Macky (my dog and training partner) go with me on my first run! But, I quickly learned that Macky dislikes hills, and dislikes running! So for the first third of my trail (all uphill) I walked a block, ran two. Then, once we were on flat ground, I ran the whole way! I feel so good about this, and what a great way to get exercise! (I'm not sure how Macky feels about the whole thing, though. I did, however, get kisses when we were done. :)


Friday, May 21, 2010

New adventures

Hello there!

This is a new blog i'm starting in order for me to chronicle all of my adventures! My current one is my upcoming wedding in October to my wonderful, amazing partner, Anibal. I am also currently in training and fundraising for the AIDS marathon this December in Honolulu! I will be posting my fundraising and training goals for the marathon, along with my fun planning of the wedding!

Click the direct link to donate for the Aids Marathon