#5 Cat Cuddling 101

So I finally was able to start my volunteer experience. After a smashed in window and several reschedules, I made it happen. I'm a cat cuddler. I know this doesn't sound like a strenuous volunteer experience, but I feel I'm still making a difference. And it's a start to volunteering, a step in the right direction. And an enjoyable one at that.

So what is a cat cuddler you may ask? Well, I'm one of the people at the Humane Society that play with the kitties. Basically, I try to make them more social and less fearful so that they look cute and potential adopters will want them. If you have ever adopted from a shelter, you should realize this is important. I know I always tended to stay away from the hissing or hiding kitties and went for the ones with personality. So, socializing the cats will help them feel more comfortable with strangers. Also, I can talk to adopters about the cats and their personalities and match them up to the right kitty. I think this will be a really nice experience.

I knew this was right for me when during orientation I made friends with Teddy Bear. Yes, that is a name for a cat. The volunteer director (Who had questionable hair. Not one to judge, but a rat tail, really?) Wanted us to practice picking up a cat with the scruff and holding the belly. Teddy Bear, an older gray boy, practically leapt into my arms. He nuzzled my neck, purred away, and I just fell in love. Thank god I already have two cats, otherwise this volunteer experience might be trouble. When it was time to put him back in the cage, it was definitely hard. However, he would get adopted I'm sure. Being here was better then being on the street for him. At least he got out to play for a little bit.

I've always been a huge animal lover. Almost wrecking my car a few times to avoid a chipmunk. Feeding the stray cats and even making beds fro them on the porch in the winter. I have always gotten my pets from shelters to try to help. I love cats especially. Probably because that's what I grew up with. My mom was not a dog person, too much work. I like dogs, but not being used to them they make me nervous. So for now, I go a few hours a week to pet, play, and try to sale cute little kitties that are always so happy to see me. It's hard putting them back in the cage at the end of the day, but I know in a small way I'm helping these small creatures find a better home a better way of life.

With the way things are in this crazy world. I think everyone needs a little help. Volunteering is not only a way to give to others, but it makes you feel good too. ( I know how cliche that sounds, but it's a cliche for a reason. It's true!) I know I just started, but I do enjoy going and look forward to it. I definitely plan on expanding on this in the summer, when I do have free time. I would like to try other organizations. There is so much craziness in the world, I feel just a tiny little something you can do can make such a large impact. If your willing to just go for it.

I've included the sight to the Humane Society in case you are interested in donating, volunteering, or even need a new friend for your home. 

http://www.wpahumane.org/

#20: An Unconventional Dance Class

So when a friend said she had a certificate for a dance class, I jumped at the chance to go along. A fun night out with the girls which doesn't happen very often with the cold winter weather. The unique part of this night was that it was not a typical dance class, but a pole dancing class. Yup, I was going to spend my evening bonding with my girls while learning some new stripping moves. This was definitely a great way to cross something off the list!

Fitness with a Twist is a dance studio that offers exercise classes in the form of pole dancing, hip hop, and lap dances. A one of a kind work out that definitely beats the typical pilates and yoga classes I was used to. It sounded like something fun to try, so I was there.

A group of five of us decided to go to their drop in class. This was a simple dance class to learn the basic pole dancing moves. This included 'the walk', a few spins, and some good old booty shaking. Dressed in tanks, shorts, and our bare feet we got onto the dance floor not really knowing what to expect. We gave each other that nervous giggle that girls do. We were all stepping out of our comfort zone.

Our instructor was a perky, smiley twenty-something in a little tank, tiny tight boy-shorts and stilettos. That was inspiring already. If this class can get me skinny enough to wear that, I'm in! She was very nice and encouraging the whole time. The class started with some stretches and then quickly moved on to business, the pole. We started out easy enough with 'the walk'. Yes, there is a specific way to walk around the pole. You must take slow long strides, leaning outward, with a grazing hand that slides up and down your body. I think it's impossible for anyone not to look good doing 'the walk'. My friends and I had to share a pole. So we took turns encouraging each other with some “woo-woos” as we each practiced our walk. I could do this I thought, no big deal, not even much of a work out. Ya, that was before we started the spins.

The instructor told us we were next going to do the fireman spin. Basically, you walk around the pole once, wrap your legs around it and spin your body until your on the ground. It's definitely a little scarey at first. You must be very trusting that there is ground under you and your tush is big enough to land on. ( I did not have a problem with that.) All five of us manged this, laughing and yelling cat calls at each other the whole time. Next, came the fairy spin. A little more advanced, you spin with one leg bent behind you and the other is wrapped around the pole. I have to say, this I mastered. If I can be proud of any of my pole dancing skills, this is what counted for me. I jumped up on that pole, swung my ass around and got myself to spin. Was it graceful, I don't know. But it was kinda fun. Some of the other girls struggled with this. You really need to have trust in your self, some upper arm strength, and the ability to not be afraid to look stupid. (Once again, this is something I'm starting to get good at.) The last spin was the forward hook. This was not happening. Both arms on the pole and both legs bent behind you. We did not look graceful and we realized quickly this could never be an occupation for us. We fell over and over again. But we did at least try it. In fact, we tried every move. Finally ending with the proper way to shake the booty. Which if your wondering is to keep the knees very very slightly bent, isolate the hip muscles, and shake only the butt side to side to create a jiggle. Watching my butt in the mirror, I feel I did pretty well at this too. Finally, the class was over with one finally show. The disco ball came down, lights darkened, and the music turned up. We walked in a line and went to each pole (there were about 8) and did a move. It was very motivating and we showed off what we learned to the class.

All in all, it was the best exercise/dance class I ever had. We couldn't stop smiling, proud of our out of the box experience. We were drenched in well earned sweet, and we had a great time together in a very comfortable atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this for a fun girls night out or even as a regularly workout. I woke up with sore muscles all over and just a little more comfortable in my own skin.

#5 Needs a Raincheck

So I had Wednesday all perfectly planned out. I was going to begin #5, volunteering. I had the idea of working at the Humane Society a few blocks from where I work. I've always been a lover of animals, growing up with mostly cats but a few birds, fish, and even an iguana too. (Not all at the same time, of course.) I have two cats now, and I always swore that if I get a house I would add a dog to the mix. So this type of volunteer work seemed like a good fit.

Well, Wednesday came and I went to work. The orientation to the Humane Society wasn't until the evening, so a friend agreed to meet me for dinner beforehand. I had suggested staying in the neighborhood so that I didn't have to worry about being late to the orientation. I left my car in front of my work, and we drove her car to the restaurant. We had a really nice time eating and catching up on our lives. Afterward, she took me back to my car and that’s when I saw it.

My front passenger side window was smashed in. There was shards of glass over the two front seats and floor. Nothing was left of the window. I was shocked and stunned for a minute not even knowing what to do. I had never had this happen and it made me nervous and a little thrown back. My friend, Nikki, thankfully had her wits about her. She came over and after she saw what had happened, she told me to check what was missing. I looked threw the different compartments. Opening and closing drawers and looking around, I didn't see anything missing at first. Until, I remembered my GPS was on the floor. The only thing they took was an old outdated GPS that was laying on my passenger side floor. We went back to her car, I called my parents first and then the police. The officer, was very nice about it all and explained that this happens a good bit. A lot of times it happens for a lot less like loose change in a cup holder, a jacket thrown on the back seat, a few Cd’s laying around. Considering I had a bag of laundry and an extra coat in the backseat with a CD holder filled, I guess it could have been worse. He was honest and said that they really couldn't do anything, and with a 500 dollar deductible the insurance wouldn't be much help either. Nikki asked if we would ever get the GPS back. The officer said it would probably be sold on the street for 5-10 dollars! So there I was in shock and out hundreds of dollars because I left my stupid GPS out. I would have given the robber the 10 bucks if it meant not going throw this!

So I left the scene of the crime and went straight to my dad's house. Now I didn't really grow up with my dad, but over the past few years we've been rebuilding our relationship. So, it was really great to have him help me with this. He covered my window with plastic, found the number for a repair service, and offered to help me pay for it. This really meant a lot considering I'm usually overly independent. But with this I was so shaken up, I simply was appreciative and thankful.

So here it is the next day. I took the day off of work to get my car fixed. I emailed the Humane Society to reschedule orientation. And I have now learned to never leave anything in my car ever. Please learn from my mistakes too. Trust me, it's not worth the aggravation, the money, or the unease you feel from being robbed. It wasn't the GPS that bothered me. It was the fact that someone broke into my car so easily. It's scary and very unnerving.

Progress

Over the next couple of months, I feel a lot of exciting things will be happening for me to blog about. So, I just wanted to update you and give you some sneak peaks on what is happening.

I completed the paper part of my application for the summer camp Italy job. It was accepted, and now I move onto the next part of the application process, the distant learning course. If I do well on this, I might just have a job in Italy this summer. Trying not to get my hopes up, but I do really want this.

My sister and I have started to train for the Race for the Cure 5k. It's nice that she's doing this with me. Any cancer related charities are always important to both us considering a considerable amount of our family has been affected by this. Also, it gives us a goal to help us get in shape. Our plan is to add a mile each month to our running routine. It's very sad how out of shape we both our, but it's fun having a workout partner. Let me tell you, I do not need a personal trainer with her. She is like a drill sergeant. I think we're done at 2 reps on the crunches, and she has us do 2 more. But it's good because I tend not to push myself enough.

As for volunteering, I have an orientation this week with the Humane Society. I love animals, and it's close to my work. I think this is something I'll really enjoy.

My friend K asked me to do a pole dancing class with her and some other girls. Definitely out of my element, which means it's something I have to try.

And lastly, I will be visiting a friend in April in San Diego. Pacific ocean here I come.

I'm excited about all the upcoming events. Some I've planned and others just fell nicely in place. It feels good to start accomplishing some goals, and I think if I complete this list I will have learned about myself and what I'm really capable of.

#3, Skydiving, Bought and Paid For

It's going to happen. The ticket has been bought and paid for. I have a good friend on board and a deadline is set. Within one year, I'll be jumping out of a plane with a man and a parachute strapped to my back. Am I scared? Terrified! This is the girl who not only gets scared on the little kid's parachute ride at an amusement park, but also hates ski lifts and not a huge fan of top floors. But it's on the list, so I'm doing it. 

Why would I put it on my list you ask? Well, I don't like being afraid of things. I don't like the fact that something as simple as fear will stop me from trying new things and enjoying my life. Skydiving seems like a good way of facing this fear, even if it is a little extreme. Also, it is something me and my friend J have talked about doing for a long time.

J is one of my oldest and best friends. It's kinda funny that although she is probably one of my most logical friends, she is also the friend that is there when I do crazy or stupid stuff. She never judges, but she always has the first aid kit or Kleenex box ready. Like when I decided to pierce my tongue to celebrate passing algebra with a C; she had the ice bags already made up in the freezer. When I decided to drive cross country alone; she was my midway stop with food and coffee ready. This is why I was so excited that she wanted to do this with me. I'll be scared and nervous. But with my best friend with me, I'm sure it will make it easier.

#19 A Date with Myself

     So after a crazy busy holiday full of family and friends, I was a little drained. I had spent literally every night for almost two straight weeks out. I know I'm very lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. People who want to spend time with me, and who I love hanging out with. However, I was a little bit tired and had started to miss a very important person in my life, myself. Over the years, I have realized a few things about myself. One such thing is that although I prefer to be out with people; I do need some alone time to recharge. During this past week that's exactly what I planned, a little one on one with me. With this in mind, I figured this was the perfect time to complete #19, see a movie alone.

      Now I find nothing wrong with people who go to movies and restaurants by themselves. In fact, I think my friends who do this are very confident and self-assured. Traits that I'm striving for in myself. However, I myself am always worried about how I look to others, and what people are thinking of me. I thought I would worry that people might pity or think strangely of me. But, I put this on my list for a reason. I wanted to have more confidence and be more secure with my own self.

      So last Wednesday I planned a date for myself. I marked it in my calendar and even turned down plans with a friend. All this to make some much needed time for myself. It started with a little apartment shopping (working on #22), and then treating myself to some dinner at Panera Bread. I then walked across the street to the large multiplex. My heart was starting to race a little and I felt a little weary asking for a ticket for one, but the man behind the booth didn't seem startled. He took my money, handed me my ticket, and I moved along. I thought, this was easy and not nearly what I worked up in my mind. Still the bigger challenge was up head, sitting in the movie alone. I walked into the theater, of course anxious, found a seat and looked around. Not very crowded, mostly couples and one other byselfer (don't really want to call us loners). I started to relax and really enjoy myself. I mean seriously I had both armrests to myself, got to sit where I wanted, see the movie I wanted, and as a bonus not worry about people talking during the show.

      Then as my favorite part started, the previews, two cute boys decided to walk in and sat right in front of me. At first, I felt mortified. Here I am with no friends, sitting by myself in a theater with two cute guys a few feet in front.. They glanced back a couple of times. This only made me feel more insecure and stupid. But I started to think how I was actually having a nice time. Then I realized how stupid and immature I was being and strangely I started to relax. Who cares what they think of me. I was actually having a good afternoon. I had good food, great shopping, and now I was seeing a movie I really wanted to see. I simply stopped caring. Well, honestly, for the most part I stopped caring. I mean there were still two cute boys in front of me who turned around a few times glancing at me (in retrospect, maybe I should have struck up a conversation). All in all, though, I did enjoy myself.

       So now I know, spending time with yourself outside of the house not so scary. It can even be fun. Now would I choose to see a movie alone instead of with friends, probably not. I still really enjoy being with other people. Nevertheless, if a movie comes out that no one wants to see, I'm there with one of my favorite friends, myself.

      Oh by the way the movie, Black Swan pretty good. A very dark thoughtful movie. If those are your type of movies, go see it. If not, you may want to rent it. Natalie Portman was excellent. So number 19 complete! I had a great date all by myself.

Christmas busy

Got really busy with the holidays. Will start on the list again soon!