March Noteworthies

Gosh, where did the time go?  The 1st quarter of 2016 has flown by and the only resolution I have been able to stick to is to read one book per month, which brings me to Redeeming Love.

This is a book I strongly recommend.  It is story about a young girl who was born out of wedlock, unwanted by both parents, sold into prostitution, grows up with self hatred, lack of hope, and mistrust toward everyone, but then meets a man who feels called by God to make her his wife.  Through his obedience to God, love, patience, and faithfulness, her journey to rehabilitation, to gain hope and trust in the world again unfolds.  Quick and easy read - definitely pick it up.  

I have also been training for my half marathon scheduled on April 9th, so every weekend has been consumed with long runs.  Luckily, I have friends who join me in this endeavor to make the time pass by a little quicker.  We've discovered that the long runs are much more enjoyable when you have a reward at the end.  I recently starting utilizing the metro by parking my car at a station, running to a cute street with a lot of bakeries and coffee shops where we pick up a coffee after a run and then riding the train back to my car.  It makes for the perfect Saturday morning.

I also coordinated another wedding at the Westin Pasadena and had the best team working with me that day!  Believe it or not, everything was on time and everyone had a blast!  I'll post a separate entry with more photos of their big day.  Congratulations to the newlyweds!

A photo posted by Cameron Leung (@cameronleungphoto) on Mar 26, 2016 at 11:47pm PDT

 

Finally, I have been continuing Echo's agility classes because he just loves it so much.  He can hardly contain himself when we pull up to the building and will whine the entire time waiting for his turn.  I think agility classes really help build a dog's confidence, especially when they are able to conquer their fears.  

He was so nervous getting on the bridge because it wiggles.  
I know one day he will confidently walk through it.

Here he is in slow motion jumping over a hurdle! 

And this is my favorite video of all time.  This was the first time Echo had ever tried climbing the bridge.  I thought he would be really scared, but step by step, he quickly grew accustomed to it and I couldn't get him to stop!  Every time I would release him to start climbing, he would let out a loud yelp out of excitement.  It made my heart so happy to see him so happy!

Classpass Review

I recently decided to take advantage of Classpass which allows you to attend classes at any participating studio up to a 3x times a month per studio, especially because they had a $19 special for 2 weeks option!  I utilized my Classpass to attend a couple Pilates classes at my favorite studio Sweat Pilates.  Each class typically costs $35 for 50 mins, but with Classpass, depending on how many classes I would take in the 2 weeks, the cost was super duper low!

 
I've also always wanted to try kickboxing but with a punching bag so I visited Classic Kickboxing.  The instructor was really attentive and passionate which I appreciated.  There was a lot of downtime in between as he demonstrated the exercises which made it difficult for me to break a sweat (I don't sweat easily).  Also, because it was my first time, I'm sure my technique didn't optimize me for the best workout especially because my wrist was hurting with every impact.  All in all, it was a good experience, but I don't think that would be my workout of choice in the future.

Lastly, I have always wanted to try hot yoga, so I visited Santa Anita Hot Yoga.  Omg, the room was so warm when I walked in I felt like I couldn't breathe and it only got hotter!  I have never sweat so much in my life!  I took the beginner's class and it was a little too slow for my liking (though I am not a yoga expert) and the instructor's exhale came with some sort of whistle sound so it was really distracting.  I did buy a Groupon for this studio that expires in May so I am sure I will be frequenting this studio, but will probably not take this same class again.

Classpass costs $60/month for 5 classes and $119/month for unlimited classes.  I wish I was able to attend a spin class and a barre class, but alas, work got in the way and I couldn't try those classes out.  Classpass also includes 1 hour of gym time at Gold's gym, so I think it's worth it if you like to change up your fitness routine.  For me, I need to go to the gym more than 3x a month, so I have to pay for my monthly gym membership.  On top of that, I already pay for my bootcamp, so to pay for another $119 wouldn't make sense for me right now.  I still recommend it though!!

I've realized how grumpy I get if I don't get a workout in especially after sitting all day.  Here I am at my ghetto 24 hour fitness gym, lol.

February Noteworthies

This month, I finished yet another Emily Giffin book and I actually liked this one better!  Where We Belong is about a woman who is living the dream in New York City, but gets an unexpected surprise one day that changes her life completely.  This is a heart warming story that is an easy read - highly recommended!

I also ran in the annual Firecracker Run, but this year, I ran the 10K.  This was an arduous run requiring runners to climb 600ft over 3 miles.  Luckily, I trained for those killer hills, but it didn't stop me from feeling like I was about to keel over on the very last climb.  In fact, I achieved a new PR with 9:11/mi!

And yet another hideous photo of me at the finish line, but I think that the expression on my face says it all - I was exhausted!

Lastly, I watched An Act of God starring Sean Hayes at the theater (fancy schmancy!) after a friend raved about it on Facebook.  I think that in order to have fully enjoyed the show, I had to have been up to date with current events and have basic knowledge of the Bible.  I got the latter down, but I have no idea what is going on today in this world (I know, shame on me).  So, a lot of the jokes went right over my head, but as I looked around, I wasn't the only one.  A lot of the audience had fallen asleep in the middle of the show - at least I stayed awake!

Have a wonderful week!

January Noteworthies

Gosh, the first month of 2016 sure flew by.  Aside from my usual routine of going to work and working out, here are a few more noteworthy activities this month!

I finally finished another book.  My goal was to read one book per month in 2016.  Fewer than avid readers but really darn good for me.  

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors starting with Something Borrowed.  I do have to say that her subsequent books have not been as captivating as her first three, but it's not going to stop me from reading another one of her new publishes in February.  Definitely a non-thinking book if you want to just take your mind off things.

I enrolled Echo in agility classes because I have noticed how jumpy and easily startled he is.  Supposedly, agility classes help build confidence in dogs and the classes were offered at his daycare, so why not?  It's been really fun watching him progress throughout the weeks and he surprises me every class by conquering a new obstacle.  For example, never would I have ever imagined he would run through a small opening!  The first few tries, he would very cautiously dip one paw in then run back out.  Once he made it through though, he couldn't wait until it was his turn again!

I also went to an escape room for the first time, and it was a really fun time!  It's a great option to host a birthday at or to just have a unique good time with friends and family.  You are put into a room with 7 other people and as a team, you search for clues and piece them all together to escape the room before time runs out.  The one we went to is called Enigma Escape Rooms.  Parking was a little tough, and it initially feels a little sketchy because it looks like an apartment building, but it's totally legit.

And last but totally not least, I got to hang out with my new nephew!!  My favorite moments with him are when he is crying, but stops once I pick him up.  He is so precious!

Turkey And Zucchini Quinoa Pasta Casserole With Mozzarella

One of my girl friends told me about this recipe and I couldn't wait to try it especially because the recipe would make enough for 5 servings.  And, one serving contained tons of protein, which is always a good thing!  I am all about meal prepping and freezing these days so that I don't have to cook as often.  This was an awesome addition to the two ziploc bags of white chile chicken and one ziploc bag of turkey chili I already had in my freezer.

If there were such a thing as a lazy cook, that would be me.  In order to not have to wash another cutting board, I squished everything onto one.  Two tomatoes, half a red onion, minced garlic, one bell pepper, and two zucchinis.

 Cook the red onion and minced garlic first.  Then, throw in 2lbs of ground turkey.

Mix in the veggies once the ground turkey is almost fully cooked.  Add one cup of chicken broth and 2 cans of 6 oz. tomato paste.  Cover the pan, lower the heat, and wait for it to simmer.  

 While waiting for the meat and veggies, you can split the quinoa pasta into 5 mini loaf pans.  Then, pour the mixture on the top of the pasta and top with mozzarella cheese.  Pour a little bit of the remaining chicken stock in each pan to ensure moisture.  Then stick all five into the oven at 375F for 20 mins.

 Voila, all done!

 Pretty good!  I would just add that it can be a little bland if you don't add any salt (which the recipe does not call for), so season to taste!  Also, I had leftover meat even though I packed each loaf pan to the max...probably enough for 2-3 more!

 Here's the nutritional value of the casserole based on my portions.  Thumbs up for 32g of protein in one serving and not having to cook the next few meals!