In like a Lion

Where I come from, the saying goes, "March is in like a lion, out like a lamb." Well, I'm not so sure that saying exists in Arizona, unless you are referring to how my hair looks from driving around with the top down all the time. I know I know, rough life. Despite the high hovering in the mid eighties to low nineties lately,  which might I add, seems way too warm way too soon, the last several weeks have meant lots of time in the great outdoors. My fifth half marathon training is going rather smoothly, so very much so that I'm hoping to PR in the race. As much as I love running this time of year, Alfredo can't ever seem to get used to it. The second I grab my sneakers, he's on me like glue. His face also immediately turns from excited to somber. And please, pay no attention to my face as I am pre-run mode in this picture...not the most attractive looking part of my day.

See what I'm talking about?!

Another one of my favorite outside activities to do during the month of March is attending spring training. I can't get enough of it! Sadly, I've only been to one game thus far. Thank God there's still time. Go White Sox!

I sure wish dogs were allowed in the grass on spring training days, but to no avail. The little munchkin will have to wait for Bark in the Park, even though watching the DBacks, in my opinion, is brutal. I think Alfredo must agree. He spent the majority of last year's game looking anywhere but the field.

Anyway, despite not being able to take Alfredo along with me wherever I go, he sure manages to spend time outside on his own. One of Alfredo's most frustrating charming attributes is his stubbornness, displayed here:

  
Now that it's tis the season for open windows, I often find Alfie parked on the Papasan, specifically when he knows I'm getting ready to leave for somewhere. Nine times out of ten, I cave and he gets what he wants. I guess that one time I stay firm by forcing him to come inside, he still wins, because the only way I can get him inside is by persuading him with his favorite: Louisiana alligator treats. I'm not kidding when I say he rules the roost.

Let's see...other happenings this Lenten season. Oh yes! So a first for Alfie this March was attending (which ended up being participating in) a garage sale. Now, I didn't have much to spare other than some odds and ends things, but I did end up making some money, which is always fantastic. Alfie, of course, was the star of the show. He greeted people, actually let someone hold him (very few people get this luxury), met a cousin (another Boston Terrier from the neighborhood) and made quite the statement by randomly jumping and laying on a table.

Now, where he landed is quite ironic. Not only did he land on one of his items (a doggy raincoat), but we are talking about a dog who absolutely despises the rain. It gives me reason to believe he really didn't want me selling it, even though he also doesn't fancy clothes much. What can I say? He enjoys being naked. He's also a desert dog. He's definitely a product of the wild west.

And speaking of wild, after all the hype, I am finally getting with the times and reading the 50 Shades series. Before I mention anything, a disclaimer: 50 Shades is absolutely most definitely not my type of book/movie (although I have yet to see the film). I'm into non-fiction, documentary types, especially when it comes to books. I know. Boooorrrring to most, but I think otherwise. With that being said, I'm certainly out of my element. If anything is keeping me inside this month, other than work, it's reading this crazy series.

I can't even blame the books for keeping me inside. As shameful as I am to take any of them outside, here I am lounging with book #2 at the pool.

    
Maybe I'll share my opinion upon completion of the series. If I had to make a blanket statement one and a half books in, I'd like to proclaim that dogs just might be way easier to understand than men. Similarly to the month of March in most places and of the Christian Grey's in the world, you just never know if you're going to get the lion or the lamb.