Cancer and California

As much as I'd like to think I'm the "glass half full" type, I'm probably kidding myself. After all, I typically think worst case scenario....unless it comes to my dog, which, at that point, faith supersedes logic. Also, one thing I very much am is a "bad news first" person, so let's just start there.

Yesterday Alfredo had his comprehensive exam, which he has twice a year. This process checks the overall health, in great detail, of him, and includes blood draws, a deep teeth cleaning, and physical check-up. One of things I noticed several weeks back was a bump near his tail. At a previous appointment, the vet recommended A & D ointment as he thought it was a result of allergies/dry skin (which Alfredo historically has had). Well, turns out, the bump may be some sort of tumor, and after looking at an initial sample under the microscope, another vet, one who seemed more thorough, suggested the cells looks abnormal. So now we wait. The sample has been taken to the pathologist for further analysis. As someone who is carcinophobic - having a phobia of cancer - I can assure you that the waiting game, especially for something like this, is the absolute worst experience. For now, Alfredo's blood work, energy, and appetite are keeping me incredibly optimistic. Well, that, and he still looks as fabulous as ever...

Shall I lighten the mood a bit? I think so. A couple weeks back, the madness of wedding season began for some of my dear friends. First on the list was Whitney, who I met in graduate school. The glorious thing about Whitney is that we share such amazing qualities...as in, having the same birthday, both being from Chicago, having  majored and taught the same subjects in secondary education, and studied abroad. Come to think of it, we were also both engaged in San Diego. The only two differences that come to mind are our height-I got the short end of the stick, literally-and our political views. Well, I  guess there's a third. My relationship never lasted. Hers should. Nevertheless, she made a beautiful bride...

And speaking of San Diego, it's also where her wedding was held. I couldn't think of a better time to introduce Alfredo to the ocean, so that's exactly what I did:

The fact that San Diego is a dog friendly city is just awesome. The fact that the dog friendly beach existed was even better!

Beach Bum!!!

We just had such a great day!

Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts.

Let the good times roll...

Well, for months now I've known that absolute madness was coming due to several important events happening this spring and summer. The kickoff of chaos has officially started as of two weekends ago. The first trip was for a half marathon, a trip that I completely give credit to my good friend Jen for happening. Without her having brought it to my attention or signing up for it herself, I'd still be just four half marathons in. The race, like all half marathons, required dedicated training, and even though I didn't run my best time, I still ran and completed the race, which is all that really matters. Since then, I've toned down the running a bit. Interestingly enough, I'm starting to focus on other hobbies. One of my new favorites is potting plants.

If you didn't know, one of the coolest things about an agave plant is that another agave will form directly next to them. All of these were actually reproductions from an original plant. The one outlined in yellow, who has been named Ocram, is already starting to reproduce another cactus. Too cool. I really want to take one to work, but I sort of feel guilty with the lack of sunlight in my office. 

And yes, I had help every step of the way...

For really the first time ever, my new plants have influenced a spark in interest in terms of purchasing a house so I can garden in a yard. While I am in the extreme infantile stages, I've already envisioned what I want my yard to look like. I found a pretty cool looking Lantana the other day, although I'm not really big on Lantanas. If they aren't maintained, they sort of look like weeds to me. Well that, and Alfredo likes eating Lantana leaves. Go figure. 

While the thought of purchasing my first very own place is incredibly exciting, one of the downfalls should I ever leave the "tuna can" (referred to as the condo I have lived in for almost five years now), is depending on my neighbors who are incredibly awesome. Brent, who was mentioned in my last post, has since received the gift from Alfredo and myself for his cat, who by the looks of it, is enjoying them.

Then of course there's Auntie Stacie, who continuously helps babysit on trips where Alfredo can't tag along.

I really am blessed.

Well, the next trip on the agenda is San Diego. I leave in approximately 12 hours, yet I haven't begun packing. Although I'll be putting the green thumb to rest for the next few days, the legs will get put to work again. I'm planning to get in a run in the morning before the long car ride, and of course I need to get in a beach run while on the Pacific. This will officially be Alfredo's first experience on the beach also, so you know there's more blog posts to come. I'm going...going...back...back to...okay that song is terrible. Adios!