Updates galore!

I have been a busy, busy bee working on my list lately. I'm sure it probably seems as though there's not much else going on in my life, but quite the contrary - I've been a busy bee in all areas of my life lately! I completed my first month of grad school in April and got A's in both Pathophysiology and Health Promotion! I'm about two weeks into my second semester now...taking Pharmacology and Health Systems this summer. Haven't gotten a good feel for either of them yet, but I've gotten full credit for everything so far. Outside of work and school I've got plenty going on as well. Yesterday I completed my very first "fun run"which is quite an accomplishment for a girl who does not only NOT run, but very much DISLIKES running. But I always said if I was going to do one of those, it would be a color run because who doesn't want to look like they've been smeared around on an artist's pallet, right? Haha. So when Color Me Rad came to Tampa and a big group of my friends decided to do it, I bit the bullet and signed up too. As you can see below, we started off very clean but it didn't take us long to get colored!! In fact I think at least half our group got color bombed before our heat even begun!

So back to the list! One thing I put on the list that I thought would be incredibly useful, but that I wasn't sure how to learn or if I would be able to remember it was #20 Learn how to change a tire. Well, thank goodness a friend remembered it was on my list because about a week ago I got a call to prepare to get dirty because he was on his way over and was ready to teach me to change a tire!

I admit I was a bit apprehensive because, lets be honest, even though I had complete faith in his teaching abilities, I wasn't necessarily confident in my own (questionable) mechanical skills. But he took his time, showing me not only what to do next but explaining the rationale behind everything. The two biggest things I took away: if I have to jump on the wrench to loosen the lug nuts, I should probably jump on the wrench to make sure they're secured as tightly as possible when I put them back on (i.e. Kristen isn't known for her upper body strength). And two, make sure when I put the lug nuts back on, I should reattach them in a "star pattern" and this needs to be done TWICE to make sure the wheel is secure. 

Admittedly, I did make him ride with me in the car for my first trip after my wheel was reattached just in case something went wrong, but I have been riding on it for a few weeks now with no problems! I'm very exciting about my newly acquired handy-girl skill!

And lastly, I did my first day of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (goal #26)! I'm going to be up front...realistically its going to be a 40 Day Shred or so for me because a) I was so sore after my first day that I had to skip a day before being able to do day 2 and b) no matter how good my intentions, I doubt I'm going to get up 20 mins early before EVERY 12 hour shift for the next month to make sure I get the work out in. But I'm going to do my best! I took my weight and measurements and I'm hoping between that and working out an additional diet/exercise plan with Tiffany this week, I will also be on my way to #5 Lose 3 inches off my waist/hipline. Wish me luck!!

 

Thumbs up after sweating it out to my first SHRED session!

Coming in June: #6 Go zipling and #25 Go to my 10 Year High School Reunion! I'm getting excited!!

Love,

KayCee

30 Before 30: California Edition!

9. Visit California

I could probably write a whole series of blogs about my trip to California, but I won't bore you with too many of the minute details. My friend and I decided to celebrate having a spring break again by planning a last minute trip to California. We spent time in both San Francisco and Napa Valley, as well as a couple days with her aunts who live just south of Napa in Petaluma. I definitely felt right at home on the west coast where so many people are as green-thinking and liberal-minded as me. And her aunts were a hoot! We began our trip with a hike up the coast and ended it in the city. I have to say, the rural areas we saw were by far my favorite parts of the trip. San Fran was a fun experience and I'm so glad we did it, but I guess I thought it would be less of a typical big city than it was. But it was fun to see all the winding streets and ride the trolley nonetheless. Here's a mini album of our adventures: 

 Tiff calls this my So You Think You Can Dance moment

 Tiffany and I after our 8 mile(!) hike to the coast

 beautiful views!

 first trip to the Golden Gate

 Lombard Street was a little terrifying to drive down!

 riding the trolley on our last day in San Fran!

 view of Alcatraz from on the trolley

Fisherman's Wharf

But of course thats not all we did! One of our main reasons for going to California in the first place was:

22. Go Wine Tasting!

The wino in me was in heaven in Napa Valley! This has been a top reason for me to want to travel to California for years and, looking back, Tiffany and I both agree that we would've been perfectly content for our entire trip to have been spent in Napa. We spent two full days exploring and were able to hit up about 6 wineries, plus some delicious food stops (ahi burgers!) and get our very first mud baths at the end to boot! I love all wines but tend to prefer more sweet (though not dessert) wines or, at the very least, the less dry wines. So I was kind of surprised to find that probably 70% of the wines featured at the wineries were red and a significant portion of the white wines featured were Chardonnays...which is usually among my least favorite of the whites. Not one to discriminate though, I tried a bit of everything and happily expanded my palate to include many more reds. 

The wines weren't the only great thing about Napa though. The people and the scenery were amazing too. We made friends with one of the sommeliers at the Robert Mondavi winery and at the end of the shift, he gave us the unfinished tasting bottles for free! And how to describe the views... my pictures will not even come close to doing it justice, but it was one of my favorite landscapes to date. Needless to say, I don't think a trip to California in the future will ever be complete without a day or two in Napa.

 the wine wall at Rutherford Ranch Winery

 V. Sattui Winery

 Robert Mondavi Winery

 the wine caves of Del Dotto Winery

 the castle of Castillo di Amorosa Winery

gorgeous view from atop Sterling Winery (you had to take a cable car to get there!)

12. Go Whale Watching

From the very beginning when Tiff and I were planning this trip to California, I told her my one non-negotiable thing I wanted to do while there was go whale watching. First, because it just seemed like such an amazing experience and second, because whales have meaning in my family. So this was the first thing I researched and booked, even before the hotels. Our first morning waking up in San Francisco, we were up by 6 am, in time to get coffee and cab it down to Pier 39 to meet with our tour. I was practically bouncing off the walls I was so excited. It was cold and windy and the sun was hiding, but I didn't care - I was going to see some whales! The trip started off normal enough, they told us what to expect, pointed out the 'sea sick' corner of the boat, and away we went. 

Well, the tour itself was 6 hours and it took us 2.5 to reach the Farrallon Islands, which was supposed to be our best bet of seeing any whales. I had never been seasick in my life and cruised along just fine for the first two hours, so I never gave taking any medicine a second thought. Unfortunately, after 2 hours of staring at grey seas and skies, I decided to go inside to rest until we got to our destination. That was my biggest mistake. The enclosed area added with the very rocky boat finally caught up with me and I joined the half of the boat who were already turning green. By the time we made it to the Islands, most of us on the boat had been sick at least once. The sun was finally out and we floated for a bit keeping our eyes peeled for any sight of a whale. The captain came on the loudspeaker a few times exclaiming about seeing a tail or two, but to be honest, maybe only a handful of people actually caught the tail. All in all, I managed to see a few spouts and the last few inches of a few tails before they entered the water and that was it. And then back around we turned for the 2+ hour journey back, while once again, most of us hung over the side of the boat, our stomachs losing the battle against the 20 foot swells we were fighting. 

The view on the way back was gorgeous, with the sun finally out and getting to see views of the coast as we got much closer to land, but unfortunately we were barely able to enjoy it. We passed a number of giant buoys in the water with countless sea lions on them that I wish I'd gotten a picture of. And it was cool to see the Golden Gate from underneath and cruise by Alcatraz. (Side note, every time I go to write 'Alcatraz' I almost always think 'Azkaban' first. Ah, the Harry Potter fandom runs deep in me apparently) We finally made it back around 2 pm and it was all Tiffany and I could do to wave down a cab and crawl back up to our room. I spent most of the rest of the afternoon in bed, while she spent it desperately trying to get enough fresh air outside. So all in all, whale watching...not exactly the experience I expected. But would I do it again given the opportunity in different conditions? Absolutely. I'm still determined to see a whale in my lifetime!

 So pumped!! Little did I know...

 I came up for air long enough to snap one photo of the Farrallon Islands

 view from under the GG

 Azkaban I mean...Alcatraz!

one pic to summarize our experience

So that was my trip! I had a great time with my girl and was able to cross 3 more things of my list. I can't wait to go again, but next time: San Diego and southern California!

Love,

KayCee

30 Before 30 Catch Up - Part 1

I've been making a ton of progress on my 30 Before 30 list over the past few months so I wanted to take some time to share what I've done with you! However, there was too much to put in just one post, so here's the first couple!

23. Learn to curl my hair

Going all the way back to Dec/Jan, I decided to tackle this one on New Years Eve. Don't ask me what inspired this decision, considering NYE is my favorite (non-family based) holiday and I didn't leave myself enough time to try something else should my attempt fail, but luckily I'm going to call the results a success. My years of dousing my hair with as much Keratin as possible, as well as me having enough hair on my head to easily make 3-4 wigs, made this a bit of a difficult task, but using the techniques my sister taught me a few years ago, I wound my hair into some tight ringlets...which promptly fell to loose waves within 2 hours. Regardless, I was proud of myself for spending the 2+ hours it took to put it together (no, thats not a joke!) and happy with how it turned out. Not sure when I'll find the time or determination to try it again, but I had some compliments so maybe soon!

On the left you can see the tighter curls (this was pre-make up stage people!) and on the right, the finished look, with the much looser curls.

28. See a Broadway show.

Alas, it is doubtful that I will actually make it to New York before I turn 30, so when I found out Wicked was coming through town and my friend wanted to see it for her birthday, I jumped at the chance! I read the book years ago, so I can't accurately state how similar it was to the book (though I'm pretty confident in stating it was just a loose interpretation) but I absolutely loved it! If I'm ever given options to see a live show, I'm indubitably going to ask to see Phantom over, and over...and over again, so it was nice to see something fresh, and not have expectations, but still be vaguely familiar with at least some of the music (thank you Glee!). I definitely recommend this show if anyone ever has a chance to go see it!

I accomplished 3 more tasks out in California, but I figured those deserved their own post! (Largely because the amount of pictures I'm likely to include) But I'm also making progress on other items I haven't finished yet: I have someone lined up to teach me to change a tire. I bought Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, I just need to commit to an official starting day. My sister is going to take me ziplining next time I'm home. I finished the third book in the Game of Thrones series. And I've bought my ticket to my 10 Year Reunion which is taking place next month! It's exciting to see all these checkmarks starting to appear on my list!

Love,

KayCee

Good Things

In this post at the beginning of the year I wrote that one of my new years resolutions was going to be to work on my friendships. I'm happy to say that a few months in, I do feel as though some of my friendships have grown stronger than they were at the beginning of the year. The one highlighted in that post particularly. It really took some time to step away and reflect and then the deliberate act of setting aside time to spend just with that person but I think the relationship we're currently (re)developing is solid. Friendships and relationships are work and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or naive. But as Ben Affleck said at the Oscars they're "the best kind of work" and the rewards can be endless. 

On the note of friendships, I am excited to see the development of two more that I know are going to be very valuable to me over the next few years. My best friend Tiffany and I created a small study group with two other girls in our masters program and this group (or the "Core Four" as one of the girls has dubbed us) has been such a blessing in my life. When Percy died, I was met at study group with flowers and cards and chapstick (my favorite thing!), not to mention hugs and kind words, and I had barely known these girls a couple weeks! Since then, we've each had hard moments and there's been a few breakdowns, but somehow we've had the sense of security to be able to open up and bare parts of ourselves to each other that not many other people in our lives have seen. We all come from very different paths and are drastically different, yet share many of the same fears and values and anxieties. I am so so thankful for my Core Four and know they are going to enrich my life beyond words in the next few years.

And as for school...I am 3 weeks away from completing my first semester in grad school! One class is 100% done and once the extra credit points are factored in, I should pull off a solid A. As for the second...all quizzes and assignments are done, I just need to keep up with a few more weeks of lecture and kick some booty on the final! Getting back to school has been an adjustment (though, considering this is degree #3 it kind of feels like I've never left) but I am really excited for what its going to mean for my life in a few years. 

And one last Good Thing that I know will make everyone smile. Remember how I wrote that Florida Little Dog Rescue was going to name one of their recent rescues after me in honor of Percy? Well I have some pictures of her and am happy to announce that her adoption to a new home is currently pending! Some of the things her foster mom said about her on the website: "Kristen is well behaved and poses beautifully for the camera. She is very shy at first but once she gets to know you, she will be your best friend. She loves toys, cuddling, and giving lots of kisses!" There should be a picture of her with her new family on the FLDR website shortly and I will be sure to share that with you, but for now look at these pictures of how well she cleaned up after a good bath and some grooming!

I love those ears in the first picture and her smile in the second one. What happy girl she is! Percy and her would've been fast friends, I'm sure of it. 

Love,

KayCee

My Favorite Things: Oscar Edition

It's been awhile since I've done a 'Favorite Things' post so even though its a couple weeks late, here is my Favorite Things: Oscar edition. 

1. My favorite dress of the evening goes to Amy Adams. I love the soft blue color against her pale skin and red hair. I love the way the bodice fits and I absolutely love the full, feathered skirt.  It's perfect for the event, but could I also see this in white as a wedding dress? Absolutely. 

2. Les Miserables cast performance. If you haven't yet seen this movie, you need to put down the computer right this moment and drive to the theatre. Granted, you're going to want to make sure you've got at least 3 hours to kill and know ahead of time that the entire movie is sung. But with those two things in mind, it was definitely one of the most captivating movies I've seen in a long time. The Oscars focused a lot on the return of the musical and when the cast of Les Mis took the stage and sang, I had goosebumps. 

3. Samantha Barks. Most of you know that for years now I've had a bit of a crush on Keira Knightley. Can't put my finger on it, but something about her off-beat beauty and pouty mouth has always captivated me. But ever since seeing Les Mis, seeing her red carpet interview, and watching her sing with the cast at the Oscars, Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine in Les Mis (and was actually plucked from the London stage where she was playing the same role, to play it in the movie), has grabbed my attention. Apparently I have a thing for abnormally skinny, British women? I never thought I had a big thing for accents, but maybe I was wrong. Here they are side by side. What do you think?

4. Jennifer Lawrence. Who isn't captivated by the Girl on Fire these days? She caught my attention playing Katniss in The Hunger Games but she really impressed me as Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook. I had very little expectations walking into that movie, but it was definitely a winner all around. But more than her roles, I love her completely humble and self-depricating personality. I hope she never changes! These are two of my favorite videos from the night: her answering reporters questions after her win and her run-in with Jack Nicholson backstage. 

Love

KayCee

Puppy Love, Part 2

So last time I wrote, I was mourning the loss of my Percy. I still miss him everyday but I am excited and touched by some of the good that has come after his passing. I donated to Florida Little Dog Rescue and after reading my post, my sister Katie followed suit and did the same. One of the things I love about the group is that they will post pictures of all the dogs they want to save and then credit the person who donates to allow them to save each dog. So Katie and I both got to see who our money saved.

And then there's my mom. Not only did she donate money, she took it upon herself to write to FLDR tell them about me, Percy, and this blog. Here's what she wrote:

Dear Little Dog Rescue,

I have made a donation to your group this evening, following the example
of my two daughters, Kristen and Katie in honor of one very special

little guy.  Three years ago Kristen adopted a miniature poodle from LDR

(originally named Snowflake) and renamed Percival, aka "Percy".  Sadly,
Percy passed away last week, but not before making a big impression in many
people's lives.  Kristen writes a blog about various events in her life.  I
thought you might enjoy reading the blog post she wrote about Percy.  I
have attached it to this email.  Thank you for all the hard work you do and
the difference you make in the lives of so many dogs.  Your site pulls at
my heartstrings just as Percy did.
Sincerely,
Jane

Then, amazingly, they wrote back. 

Oh Jane....

I am so saddened to hear about Percy. My heart is breaking and tears are flowing.  He was so blessed to be so loved. What an amazing gift your daughter gave him, for him to truly know "the good life" before he crossed the Bridge.  In that last picture you can really see how safe and loved he felt.  There are not enough words to express our thanks for Kristen giving him that comfort and love.  You raised your daughter well, she is one special woman:)

I will be thrilled to save one in his honor.  I met a very special little girl tonight at Osceola Animal Control, a very scared 7-9 month old silver yorkie mix.  Her owners just dumped her off when they decided a puppy was too much work, and honestly, given her condition, I don't think they ever did any "work" with her.  The kennel manager asked me to come up tonight and see her, to see if we could please rescue her Monday morning when her hold time is "up". (this is how I spend my Friday night - dropping my kids off at dance and going to see emergency dogs at animal control after hours!).  I told them of course we would save her.  

That is who your donation will save, and if it's ok with you, I would like to name her Kristen.  I have attached her picture here.

Laurie

I'm not ashamed to admit it...by the end of that second letter, the tears were streaming down my face. Saving animals is hugely important to me and honoring Percy through donations means so much as well. But to have a little one actually named after me touched me more than I could have expected. I am so happy she's getting a fresh start and I can't wait to follow her journey through grooming, foster care, and eventually a furever home. And of course I promise to share that journey here. But until then, please meet my namesake, little Kristen :)

Love,
KayCee

Puppy Love

My Percival passed away last week. He'd been having many health problems over the last 6 months and eventually his little heart just couldn't take it anymore. But I like to think that his heart just wasn't big enough for how much love he tried to hold in it. I got him as an older adult from a rescue group 3 years ago because I wanted to give my love and home to an animal who needed me, but who didn't necessarily require the time and attention a new puppy would. Little did I know, Percy would reignite my passion for those who have lived unfortunate lives and cannot speak for themselves. He'd been picked up as a stray and it was obvious by his weight and the length and state of his hair that he'd been fending for himself for quite some time. It took a little bit of time for him to grow accustomed to knowing he could trust me, but once he did, he showed me why dogs really are (wo)man's best friend. Never have I felt such amazing, pure, unlimited love from such a little creature. And I will forever be thankful for all the cuddles, nub-wags, and happy squeaks awaiting me every time I would come in the door. He was the highlight of my day over the last three years and the apartment feels so much emptier without his little 6-pound body. Percy, your mama loved you so much and misses you every day. But I find peace knowing you're at rest now, without pain, and that Prancer was across that rainbow bridge waiting for you.

Percy cuddling up on his warm mountain of freshly washed sheets

Bravely showing off his bandage after one of his procedures last fall

My little man and I getting ready to celebrate New Years Eve 2013

The two of us cuddling the day before he died. In his last few days, resting on my chest seemed to be the only thing that helped him breathe easier. Today, I am so thankful for this last picture with him.

So, number 16 on my 30 Before 30 list is to "Donate $50 a month to 12 different causes I feel strongly about for one year." In honor of Percy, January's donation went to Florida Little Dog Rescue which is the rescue group I adopted Percy from. I cannot say enough good things about this group. All of their animals are dogs that they've saved from Death Row at animals shelters. Every single one of these dogs would be put to sleep if FLDR hadn't of stepped in. And not only do they save the healthy dogs, but they are not afraid to step up and save the special needs dogs, the animals with problems that need medical or surgical attention before being placed for adoption. These are the animals that are usually put down without a second thought because they're not "worth" the time, attention, or money it would take to rehabilitate them. These are the animals that need us the most! Here are some of these animals stories:

Here is Houston, who was dubbed a "throw away" dog because his owners literally just discarded him. A lab mix, he came in incredibly underweight at only 26 pounds with gashes on his ear, a fever, skin rashes, and actively throwing up. FLDR gave him the vet care and medicine he needs and he's now being fostered until they find his forever home.

Above is a before and after of Rojo, who came in severely underweight and suffering from pneumonia. Look at what a turn-around he made in less than a month of just a little TLC!

Above is a picture of Liam, who picked up by Animal Control, unable to walk due to a shattered pelvis and two broken back legs. Through FLDR and their donations, Liam had extensive surgical repairs and is on his way to a full recovery. And here he is, all happy and healthy after a bath:

These are sweet, loving, beautiful dogs that don't deserve what life has dealt them. FLDR unselfishly donates time and money to the rehabilitation of these animals. Each dog will be individually fostered in a home so when that dog is adopted out, the foster parent can accurately account for the dog's likes, dislikes, fears, behavior, etc. And when you adopt a dog, whether its from FLDR or another rescue organization, you are paying $75-300 for an animal that comes fully vetted with all their shots, spayed or neutered, and the knowledge that the money you're paying is directly going towards the care and rescue of another animal in need. You can't get that confidence or feeling from a breeder or pet store! 

I urge you all to go to the FLDR website and take a look at all the work they do. Their special needs cases are chronicled so you can read updates and all their adoptable and recently adopted dogs are showcased with pictures and stories. Additionally, there is a place where you can make donations. Forty-five dollars can save a dog from Death Row. Seventy-five dollars will not only save a dog, but will guarantee the care of a special needs dog who just needs a little extra help to get their life back. 

In honor of Percy, once known to FLDR volunteers as Snowflake, I am donating $75 to kick off my year of donations. I know Percy would be proud to know the people who once saved him from a life on the streets are being provided the means to continue to save the lives of more deserving souls. 

Love,

KayCee