Today I'm Thankful For...

I know it, I'm a little early on the "Why I'm thankful" talk. However, with Halloween in a couple of days and Thanksgiving right around the corner I don't think the timing could be much more perfect.

Today I'm Thankful for...

Life, and the way it continues to amaze and surprise me. My life is constantly changing. I've adopted a way of thinking that pushes me to accept every new opportunity that I am given. Sometimes scary, almost always rewarding. My career is speeding along and my personal life grows with each new day.

My fiance. The other day I stepped on the scale and was astounded with the number I saw in front of me. Apparently those cupcakes, cookies, and candy DO matter. I proceeded to have a nervous breakdown and Matt looked me in the face and said, "You're beautiful. You're sexy. I love you." The scale went in the garbage that afternoon. He's my rock.

Wedding planners (ahem, mothers). My mom has taken wedding planning and ran with it. You would think she spent her entire career as an event planner. We are ahead of every wedding checklist because of her. During this process I have realized how like my mother I actually am. When she sends me emails with ideas for the reception, or centerpieces, or escort cards, etc. we are almost always on the same page. She's amazing.

Football Season. So my team has lost a couple of games and that is kind of a drag, however, I love this time of the year. I love the smell of chili cooking on the stove. Tomorrow we have friends coming over to the watch the game (fans of both side of the ball). It's these times with friends that I cherish. When I was little my dad would take me to football games...I loved these moments with him. I think that is why I grew up to be such a fan of the game. In November I'm taking my dad to the Vikings/Packers game in Minnesota. I'm thankful for these times with my dad and that every Fall Saturday when Iowa takes to the field, he is my first call.

Girlfriends. My friend Rachel and I went to Vail last weekend to help her de-stress from wedding planning (she ties the knot next Saturday!!). I don't remember the last time I spent a whole night out with a girlfriend. The greatest moment was when we were on the Vail shuttle (to go to a different side of the village). We were the only people on the bus sans the bus driver and at one moment I just stopped and thought to myself what the bus driver must think of our conversation. Part of this was thinking that bus drivers must hear the most random things during their shifts, but the other part of me was thinking how blessed I feel to have a friend who I can say anything to. It's fun having Matt, and I can certainly tell him anything, but girlfriends are different. I feel thankful that in the short time I've been in Colorado I've made a best friend.

Colorado Sunshine. Winter will come to Colorado soon. The mountains will get snow and the temperature will cool. But the sun will still shine. Enough said.

There are so many things that I am thankful for day-to-day but today these are on my mind. I had someone say to me the other day that they are always happy to ready my status updates on facebook because I have a positive outlook on life. They quickly followed with "this must be an inherent trait of Iowan's." I thought that was really neat. Now, I'm certainly not always the most positive person, but I continually strive to have the glass half full mentality. I think a thought to take with you today is knowing that the road is going to be long and windy (and bumpy and even mountainous at times) but this is all a whole lot easier to take when you're smiling along the way.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next time,
A

Wedding Reflection

One of my best friends from college is getting married on Saturday. You would think I would be getting used to this by now. Several of my good girl friends have walked down the isle and started, what I consider, their "grown up" lives. Every time I attend a friends wedding I revert back to how we met and memories from our friendship together. Most of the other weddings I have attended have been for childhood friends. These friends are rare because you have known them for so long. Your first memories are so long ago that it is hard to pinpoint the time and place of the initial meeting. When my friend Jenny got married (years ago now) it was the first time I realized we weren't little kids anymore. Ashley will be the second friend from college that has gotten married. College is interesting because the friends you meet there take the face track to learning everything about you. Your best friend from elementary school has spent years learning every detail about your life, and therefore, probably knows you more, but it is close. College friends live with you. It's a completely different dynamic. They become best friends in a blink of an eye. The first time I met Ashley was as I entered my first class Freshman year at the University of Iowa. She was standing outside the building with another girl looking at a list of rooms and where classes were held. We quickly found out that the 3 of us shared a "courses in common" program... meaning that we would have 3classes together that semester. Soon we were all hanging out after class as well. When you start college you already think you're a "grown up". You live alone, your parents aren't there to tell you you're staying out too late, and you get to make decisions for yourself. But it's a false reality of being a grown up. Because when you finally finish college and you look back... you realize when you were a freshman, walking up to that first class, you were a baby. And that is why college friends are so dynamic.. is because they've seen you really "grow". And that's why they'll be best friends for life.

So when I started thinking about Ashley getting married on Saturday I realized, we're here. We did it. We're really adults now. We have "big kid" jobs, we pay our rent, we live in different cities, we are in charge of our lives. Don't get me wrong. It's not the first time I've realized I live on my own and pay my own bills. But weddings are one of those moments in life that we all can realize how far we've come. And how far we still have to go.

And weddings, of course, remind me that this will be Matt and me next Summer. How real is it going to feel then? I am beyond excited. So I thought in the spirit of weddings I would give you an update on how the planning for mine is going.

The wedding is going to be August 6, 2011 in Cedar Falls. We will be getting married at the church I grew up in, Nazareth Lutheran in Cedar Falls. The reception is going to be at the Rotary Reserve (TONS of outdoor space, which was important to us). I have been wedding dress shopping with both my mom and dad and my friend Rachel (c'mon it's like the first thing I did once I got engaged). This weekend I think I found "the dress". I kind of want to go back to the store and wear it all the time. When I put my regular clothes back on I was sort of let down. I'm reminded of a Friends episode where Phoebe, Monica, and Rachel all rent wedding dresses and wear them around the apartment because they just like how it feels when they're in them. I think I understand that now.

Other than dresses I have decided on colors.. hot pink, black, and white. I know anyone who knows me is going to be shocked by that color choice. Flowers are still in a discussion phase... originally I was going to go with Gerber daisies...but now I am thinking of other options. Stay tuned.

We are creating a wedding website so you will be able to follow along with updates for the next year. I will try to blog as well (as much as I can).

The other day Matt and I were talking about the wedding day and I said, "I'm either going to cry like a baby or I won't cry at all." He looked at me, smiled, and said, "That's pretty normal, right? I mean it's a big deal to be taking that next step." He then paused a moment and he said, "Well wait, I guess it's really like the first step, right?" I thought that was pretty interesting. It is the first step. Just like walking up to my first class of college was the first step of that chapter, walking down the isle to Matt will be the first step to something new. I can't wait to see what other "firsts" I will be writing about in the years to come.

Here's hoping that you have loved ones in your life that you can celebrate with every day.

Until next time,
A

Happiness

Hello all. Been awhile. Seems I always start my blogs the same way. It's crazy how time gets away from you. I can't believe July is almost coming to a close. Before we know it Fall will be upon us. I must say I am excited for the change of seasons. I'm excited for short and sweatshirt weather. I'm excited for tailgates and football season. I'm excited for the leaves to fall and most of all I'm excited for my house to finally cool down.

Again, remind me next year I need to move to a house with Air Conditioning.

There is so much to report from the last few weeks. One thing is probably most prevalent. Matt and I got engaged on July 18 in Santa Fe! We were on vacation and he proposed with the most beautiful ring (turquoise stone with a diamond on each side). He had picked it out in a little antique store in Santa Fa plaza and will surely be a reminder of this amazing weekend. The proposal itself was unexpected and when I turned around to see him on one knee I was in shock. I remember starting to cry, he remembers me jumping up and down and saying "Are you serious?! Are you serious?!" What a memory.

We had talked about engagement...but I never truly realized how excited, and how sure, i could feel until it happened. I am so unbelievably happy. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. When I moved to Colorado 3 years ago I never expected to meet anyone this fast. I was set to be single and start my career and eventually I would focus on my personal life. God works in mysterious ways.

I remember our first date..., in case you don't know, was a blind date. I met Matt at a restaurant with an outdoor patio and when I walked up my first thought was, "Wow. He is so cute." I was even more intrigued when i realized he was incredibly nice and down to earth as well. We clicked right away, and what was supposed to be an hour long happy hour turned into an entire night of hanging out and sharing stories. Since then I can't remember many moments or memories that don't have him in them. An initial friendship turned into a loving and committed relationship. I feel so lucky.

Our wedding has been set for August 6, 2011... exactly 4 years from our first date. I cannot wait to walk down the isle towards Matt. This has been a wonderful journey. Can't wait to see what's next.

Until next time.

A

Hello from Colorado. This weekend has been rainy and cool... actually a welcomed change from the desert weather (90+ degrees and dry) we have had as of late. My flowers are certainly responding to the change...mother nature's way of ensuring they see another day. Matt and I have spent the weekend indoors, curled up on the couch, watching movies and relaxing. The rain, for some reason, makes me believe that this behavior is okay. I feel completely rested, have had time to catch up on TV shows and facebook, and now have time to post on my blog. Heaven.

Things in Colorado are always changing. Lately, I feel as if many different opportunities have been opened to me (career wise) which are positively reflecting all aspects of our lives. It's crazy to me that July will mark 3 years in Denver for me... as I feel the time has gone by in the blink of an eye. Looking back, however, there has been some really hard times in these last 3 years. I feel that every day really is a new beginning and we need to live those days as if they could be our last. I read friends posts (and look at their pictures) on facebook, blogs, etc. and am amazed that we are reaching the point in our lives that friends are engaged, married, and building families. When did we become adults? My parents came to visit Matt and I over Memorial Day. We had a wonderful time (lots of great food, Rockies game, and many nights sitting outside under the gazeebo just hanging out). The crazy thing was when my dad sent me an email after he returned home to Iowa that said, "you have a great attitude as it pertains to your work. I am very proud of you." Wow. It was one of those "light-bulb" moments where I realized I am no longer a little kid under my parents wing but a young woman on my own building my life. And my dad is proud of me? That was one of the best compliments I've ever received. I think I understand when I hear people talk about their 20's...and they talk about moving into their first house, or living paycheck to paycheck, or wondering if things were ever going to be easy. Because the last 3 years haven't always been easy, and there have been times when we've wondered how we were going to make rent, and I often wondered if there was a light at the end of the tunnel. But I always come back to the power of hard work and if you really do your best I feel you will be rewarded. It's certainly how it has worked in our lives. Every day we wake up and we push ourselves to be the best that we can be. And I am so thankful that I have found a man that supports the decisions that I choose to make. And lately I really have started to feel that things are going to work out for us. And one day we are going to look back at our early 20's and laugh and say, "Wow, we made it through that?!" I'm feeling pretty great about that.

I guess the rain is making me a little sentimental today, huh? I guess my thought for today is stop what you're doing and take a moment to breathe in the moment. Look around you at the people (or pets) who make your life special and say thank you to them for being so wonderful. And know that even if times are sometimes tough (you're normal if this is the case) that the light at the end of the tunnel is right around the corner. And shoot a quick prayer up to God, because he's made this all possible.

Until next time,
A

Colorado Update

Hello Blog. It's been awhile. As I write this entry I am looking out the windows of my office watching the clouds come in over the mountains so they are almost completely covered, vanishing before my eyes. It's May 11 and the forecast is calling for snow. 2-3 FEET in some mountain regions. Brrr. Spring keeps tricking us...popping out for days at a time....warming us with its sunny rays, encouraging flowers to bloom and grass to grow, and then sprinting away into it's corner until it decides to appear once again. I will always celebrate living in a region that has a definition of seasons. At the end of summer I always welcome the cool arms of Fall, the changing of the leaves, and the appearance of the first snow. The same happens in the spring time...but this year Colorado is teasing me. I'm ready for the snow and cold temps to retire for the season. Enough is enough. So I'm sending this wish out there to the universe, hoping that someone is listening, I'm ready for Spring.

~*~

Things are rapidly falling into place for both myself and Matt. Matt started his new job with Charles Schwab a couple of months ago and seems to really enjoy it. His work schedule is good for him as he is currently working 4, 10 hour days with Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday off. The last couple of weeks I've come home on Wednesday evening to a clean house and dinner cooking...something I could quickly get used to.

My job is amazing. When I moved out to Colorado in 2007 I took a job leasing apartments as a way to pay the bills. I had just graduated college and it was my first taste of being a "big kid." I quickly realized having a job, any job, was necessary if I wanted to live indoors. Finding a job in Denver was more difficult than I expected and when the opportunity to lease apartments for $10.00/hour arose I took it immediately. I never thought Property Management would be my career. 6 months after starting in leasing I was promoted to an Assistant Manager position in Boulder, Colorado. I worked for a company that had a great education program but not much advancement opportunity. I got tired and burnt out in my position and decided I needed to find something different. In 2008 I accepted a position as a Financial Rep for Thrivent Financial. The company supported my decision to get my Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and I spent the next year in the financial industry. While the interaction with clients was ideal, the 100% commission was not. It was last July (2009) that I decided I needed to return to a salaried position once again. This time I interviewed with Greystar Real Estate Partners to re-enter the property management field. I landed at a property in South Denver as the Assistant Manager. The next 7 months were crazy as the property was in much need of some TLC. At the beginning of March 2010 our owners decided they wanted to bring in a different property management company to continue on now that the property was in a stable place. I found myself without a job. To be honest it was the best thing that ever happened. I was ready to move on. My last day at my property was a Friday and I started at a new property with Greystar on Monday. This time I found myself in Brighton, Colorado as a floating manager. We had just acquired this new property and again, it needed some help. 1 week after starting out at the property I was offered the Assistant Manager position at Alexan Downtown Littleton, a luxury property in Littleton, Colorado, still in its Lease Up Phase (had just finished construction in January 2010). I jumped at the opportunity to begin work at a property that was brand new...but even better...had a marketing budget to work with. Since graduating in 2007 I have rarely had the opportunity to use my marketing mind in any other capacity except "Our budget is zero, do what you can with that." Now a whole new door has been opened to me and I am excited to run with it. A big part of my job will still be the accounting on the property but now my other duties will include outreach marketing, planning resident retention events, and working with social media. Yesterday I looked up from my work and realized it was 5PM and I was having fun. I am so excited to continue my time here. In August my manager will be leaving on maternity leave and I will be the acting manager of the property. I am excited to continue my advancement in this industry and am now seeing it as a career, not just a paycheck. My company is the #3largest property management company in the country so the opportunities are endless. We have the ability to move almost anywhere we would consider (seeing as both of our companies are in many big cities)and best of all we are enjoying the 9-5. I'm pretty ecstatic about that.

On the home front we have been enjoying the warm weather (as it shows up). Last Sunday we went hiking up Green Mountain in Boulder...it was a short hike and had beautiful views at the summit. I am ready for more hiking, camping, and biking this summer. I am so grateful and blessed that Colorado is my home. I'm really loving where I am at.

Until next time.

A New Day

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good



Hello blog world, it's been awhile. Since my last post I have seen some change in my life. I decided to stay with my current company (if you may remember the apartment community I was working at was getting taken over by a new management company, thus forcing my company out). Currently, I am working as a "floating manager" and have been coming to Brighton, Colorado to manage a new property we just acquired. This in itself has not been easy. The property needs a lot of work and the files/admin side of things were in a bad place. I think I have made a difference here and have started the turn around. I am now ready to leave the rest of the work to someone who wants to make this their permanent home...and move on.

My next stop will be Littleton, Colorado. I have accepted an Assistant Manager position at Alexan Downtown Littleton, a brand new luxury property that is still in a lease up phase. I am excited for this new challenge as I have never worked at a new property and know I am about to acquire a new set of skills. Exciting to say the least.

Things on the home front have been going really well. Matt and I have decided to renew our lease at our Highlands home for another year (our lease is up at the end of the May). This is exciting to me for many reasons. The number one reason, I am actually staying somewhere for more than a year! I moved to Colorado in July of 2007 with my friend Shelley. We moved into an apartment in Westminster, Colorado. At the end of our lease Shelley decided to move back to Iowa so I moved to an apartment in Broomfield, Colorado with Matt (our first home!). Last summer we decided to move down to the Highlands are of Denver and that is where we are at now. We absolutely love our house, and location, and were having a hard time deciding if we should move to a less expensive house come May. After searching out and brainstorming other possible options we decided we couldn't give up our house and so will be staying for another year. Yay! This weekend we spruced up our backyard... revitalizing a flower bed that had seen better days and constructing a gazebo. I am excited for summer nights, BBQ's with friends, and spending time with Matt and Cooper in our home for another year.

I think that there are days that I get so caught up in the day-to-day struggles that I don't take the time to step back and view the whole picture. But when I do, finally, step back and see the picture...I'm amazed. I feel so thankful to have a beautiful home, a boyfriend that I fall more in love with everyday, a dog who brightens my life, parents who support my decisions (even if they don't always agree), friends who help make memories worth treasuring, and an awesome state and exciting and vibrant city for giving me something new to discover and explore on a daily basis. I can't believe I am this lucky. Truly an awesome and powerful God is at work.

Until next time.

A

Unstable

Right now I'm sort of feeling that my life is mirroring a Jackson Polluck painting. All aspects of my life are splattered across a canvas, crossing each other, bumping into each other, and merging together. And when you look at the canvas it's still asthetically pleasing to the eye...but its confusing...and in a way you're a little nervous, unsure, about what it all really means.

This week I found out that the owners of the property I work at have decided to get rid of my property management company (the company who hired me and I'm employed by). They have allowed us the chance to stay on with the new company if we choose to, however, it basically means starting at square one (just like a new job). I would be without health benefits for 90 days (thankfully I can jump on Matt's plan at Charles Schwab if this happens...which actually might be more cost effective for us in the long run), don't qualify for vacation for 6 months, and in essence am a "newbie" in the position I have held of 8 months.

Now you might need some background on my situation to really understand why this desicion is so difficult. When I signed on with my company last June I elected to come work at a class C property (properties tend to be rated in tiers. Tier A being your luxury property, Tier B being your mid-level property, and Tier C- I like to call them the "Properties in Transition"). When I arrived on site I discovered many problems at the property. There were cockroach and bed bug infestation, residents who were being allowed to continue occupying their apartment when rent had not been paid, and the files and accounting were a mess. Thankfully my management company had brought on a new manager at the same time as me and with his wonderful leadership (and hard work and dedication) we were able to turn the property around. Today, I can honestly say we have made huge steps toward a positive future. However, this all came at a price. When I signed on with my company I was promised that if I could contribute to this property and help make a difference then I had a solid future ahead of me...biggest inclusion...advancement. The possibility of managing my own property. Now here I am with the choice to stay on with a new company and start my "clock" over if you will. Advancement with a company who knows nothing about me is not in my foreseeable future.

So you might ask...why not stay with my current company? This is what I am currently attempting. However, as you may know in this economy...people who have jobs aren't giving them up easily. So there is a possibility that there will not be a position available for me to slide into. And where does that lead me?

Well, I don't really know.

I'm currently tracking down some information regarding my employment. If I choose to not sign on with the new company does that, in essence, mean that I am laid off? Or does it mean I quit? I don't think I can be forced to accept a position with a new company, but I don't know. This is where my Employment Law attorney will come in. I KNEW Law school was a good idea, ha.

Matt sems to think this change could be a blessing in disguise. It could provide me with the chance to get out of a property that has been a real difficult place to be for the last 8 months. I think I have learned a lot, but I certainly have struggled in the process. We will see.

So right now a lot of things are up in the air. But, I have to be confident, that like any Jackson Polluck painting that you look at long enough...things will eventually make sense.

Spring

"The air is like a butterfly
With frail blue wings.
The happy earth looks at the sky
And sings."
~Joyce Kilmer, Spring


I love days like today. The sun is shining...in the shade the temperature is a little cool for my taste, but in the sun it is perfect. I automatically become more optimistic about life and the "little" things that seemed to bother me yesterday are no longer on my radar. Because I'm smiling. And today is not the day to worry. Today is the day to enjoy.

It's Spring.

For today anyway.

What does Spring mean to you? What is the first mental picture you get when someone says "Spring is here?" Me, it's lame...but I see my house...lit up with rays of sunshine. The windows are open and a soft breeze is blowing the curtains back and forth. The house smells like pledge because we've just dusted all of the furniture and the wood floors are gleaming because they've gotten cleaned (not just swept) for the first time since the snow started to fall. I also get this ridiculous picture of a clothesline in my back yard....with big white sheets swaying in the breeze...the smell of clean laundry...the feel of clutter leaving my life. Spring clean. A new slate.

Many people say January 1 is your new slate. Your way to start the year on a different foot. Hey, I was there too. This blog is a product of that new start. However, for the next three months you can find yourself stuck in a rut...the snow melts but then immediately returns. The weather dips below freezing. The clouds hide the sun and force you indoors. It's hard to really make that new start a reality when you don't want to leave the confines of your bed.

But now, Spring! Daylights savings leaps you forward (okay, pushes) that first day with less sleep can feel like hell. But then you're here...the days are longer. When I get off work the sun is still shining on my way home. Rush hour immediately seems less of a pain... I roll my window down, turn the radio up, and smile. And if you look around you can swear everyone else is smiling too.

Spring is when all the patios in Denver open for business...friendly staff serving large, delicious, healthy salads (because in the Spring you WANT a salad...and no longer does the grease of winter appeal to you). And that ice cold beer with the sun beaming down is the most delicious beer you've ever had.

And you take a hike or a bike ride in the park. And you're laughing. And you're thinking, "Is this really my life?" because you swear this moment is from a book, carefully constructed, a beautiful picture that can only be that...a picture. Surely not reality. But it is. It's your life.

Because it's Spring. And the sun is shining. And it's time to make that new start...so take a step forward. The world is waiting.

Self-Discovery #435

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given to you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Today I was reading the blog of a friend and I was wildly impressed. His eloquent tongue and journey of what I consider self-discovery was astounding and entertaining and impressive. Sometimes I feel like you get rare chances to really see a person and it's a treasure. Pure gold for your soul. So while I sat reading these blog posts I started reflecting on myself...and where I am at on my path. I thought a first step to discovering who I am today is to talk about my passions, my loves, those things that get me through. And from there perhaps other answers will come to me as well.

I Love...

My parents. They are my rocks. Sometimes it's like I'm a kite and it's gotten a little too windy and they are holding on to the line and they have to pull me back in...but all the while still letting me soar. Cliche? Maybe. But it's true. I can say with all honesty that I am the woman I am today because of my parents and the experiences we've had together. And those experiences haven't always been good. In fact, some of them have been really crappy. I'll always hate hospitals and I'll always hate phone calls in the middle of the day that start with "Is someone there with you?" before bad news comes. But in retrospect the hard times with my family have been the reason that we are strong, and close, and always living in the moment. The hard times are why we never go more than a couple months without seeing each other, and hardly go days without emailing or talking on the phone. And the hard times are why we always say I love you. The hard times are why my family is the most important thing to me in this life. And for that, I am thankful for the hard times. My dad is my hero, and my mom always has all the answers. Together they are perfect and I'm so lucky that they are mine.

My Boyfriend. What a crazy crazy ride. Totally unexpected and so brilliant at the same time. Matt is confirmation that things really do happen for a reason. The reason people move across the country without jobs, and leave best friends, and family, and the only life they've really known. And what could have been a really hard change became a really great beginning. And the best part is the story is still going. Matt really is the definition of a best friend. And that's all I could ask for.

My puppy. Everyone says their puppy. But Cooper rocks. When you're sad Cooper will just crawl over and lay his head in your lap. He has these big eyes and he'll just look at you..and he smiles! And he'll play with you and cuddle with you and give you kisses. How could that NOT make you happy?!

New people.
New experiences.
Really good glasses of wine.

Best friends. Like the "since first grade" variety. The best friends who no matter what you've done or what you've said or how far apart you've grown can snap you back like a rubber band and get you back to the right place. The type of best friend who is waiting at the end of the hall in a crisis, has shared in all your precious "becoming a big kid" experiences, who has seen you cry (a lot), but even more has seen you laugh...the kind of laugh that makes it so it is hard to breathe. Those types of friends are rare. And mine is Shelleron.

Girlfriends. You collect acquaintances throughout your life but a precious few stay really close. The kind that are spread across the country but can reunite and be right back where you started. Who can live in small, dark, college apartments with you, and have danced at the field house with you, and have shared in so many amazing moments and memories its hard to list them out. But they've loved you. And while they are all so different in so many ways, really you're all the same. Elizabeth. Megan. Amby. Rachel. Ashley. Anna.

Friends from High School who have helped shape you. Friends who you gossiped with, and shared drama with, and felt heartache for the first time with. Friends who you'll always check in with, and make sure things are okay, because that is what you do. Nicole. Jen. Rach.

A best friend who became a brother.

The smell of fresh cut glass.
Ceramics. Sinking your hands into clay, molding it, making something out of nothing.
The mountains.
Snowboarding.
Holding hands.
Waking up without an alarm.
Breakfast in bed.
Nice sheets.
Sunny days.
Rainy days that force movie marathons.
Chocolate. Every. Single. Day.
Watching my friends get married.
Hearing my friends are pregnant. Seeing pictures of their babies for the first time.
Facebook. What would life be without stalking?
Pictures. Every moment is a memory that should be preserved.
Vacations.
Camping. The tent is growing on me.
Hiking with Matt and Cooper.
Watching Coop swim. Watching Coop chase tennis balls. Watching Coop grow up.
The feeling after you get done working out at the gym.
Hugs.
Pretty purses.
Fancy dinners.
Movie theater popcorn.
Good music. Songs that explain exactly what you are feeling.
Dancing.
Martinis.
High heels.
Pilot Gel pens. Yes, they are worth the money.
Books. Books. Books.
Hooded sweatshirts.
Iowa Thunderstorms. When the rain comes down in sheets.
My grandmother's whoopie pies.
My grandmother.
Ugg Boots. Made fun of them and now total believer for life.
Gerber Daisies.
Tulips.
Daydreams.
Feeling beautiful.

God. Because he gave me all these things. And without him, this wouldn't be possible.

I love.

How to Be Single

"And that was why I loved Georgia. And that's how this weekend I ended up spearheading an outing with my mismatched set of friends to make her feel like life was worth living. Because at the end of the day, it's night. And in New York, if it's night there's nightlife, and when there's life, as most optimists will be happy to tell you, there's always hope. And i guess that's a big part of how to be single. Hope. Friends. And making sure you get out of your damn apartment."

Cool quote, huh? I'm reading this new book, "How to be Single" by Liz Tuccillo (she was coauthor of "He's Just Not That Into You" a great book and a funny movie). And I am loving it. The premise of the book is easy...narrator has a friend who has just divorced her husband and so she takes her out on the town with her single friends to show her a good time. Somewhere between before-dinner cocktails at the steakhouse and emergency room visit at the end of the night she finds herself wondering how women all over the world do it. The big IT. Being single. Now I'm only a couple chapters in and the narrator (Julie) has made her first stop in France. She's revved up because she has just read a statistic that there are more single women in the United States than married ones...and there's always a quest to find "the one" and often you end up disappointed anyway. The french give her insights to love (and how to keep it), marriage (how to make it work), and life (you only have one, so live it), and this is only her first stop on her journey.

The coolest thing I find about this whole topic is not WHY are you single but HOW are you single? And clearly a TON of women are single because (gasp) they like it. Certainly the world we live in today is different than our parents, and much different than our grandparents. No longer is it common to see young ladies marrying right out of high school and while many of my friends have the ability (and desire) to be stay at home moms it is no longer the norm. The book had a cool preface, "As more and more women become economically independent, their need for personal freedom increases, and that often results in not marrying so quickly." I struggle with this fact. I can only speak for myself, and being in a relationship I guess I can't speak as a single lady, but I am not married...and I DO think part of that is because of my desire to want to figure out where I am going first..and know that I can do it on my own...and knowing that while some days I do wake up and say "WHY am I not married yet?!" there is the other side that does tell me that I am going to get to a place that I am happy with myself (financially and otherwise) and my other half will do the same...and so when we do get married all we will need to concentrate on being married(at least for that first 10 minutes until another road block jumps in our way). And whether this is a product of my mother's teaching, or society's change, or some little drive inside of me that wants something different in my life right now...I don't know. Maybe it's fear.

I question the differences in commitment between now and when my grandparents got married. Back then you got married and you didn't get divorced. Now days 1 out of 2 couples are going to get divorced. What is this? And is this enough to make you want to stay single? It is certainly a scary thought. And how do you know the person you want to marry when you're 22 is the person you'll want to be with when you 35 or 53 or 89 on the porch in the rocking chairs. And is it worth the risk to find out? And why is it okay for a man to be older with greying hair and he is a "great catch" and a woman is in the same place and it's "too bad for you, the good ones are all taken."

You know what I heard today? A co-worker (female) in my office told me that she thought having babies at 30 was too old. What?! Really? I only have 5 years left? I asked her why she thought this...and she told me that a young woman's body is ready to have babies and can bounce back quickly after giving birth...where as an older woman's body is not as easily ready to do that.

Don't get me wrong. I want to get married, and have babies, and have the house with the picket fence and the rockers on the porch when I'm 89 years old. But I have to believe that I would be okay without those things too. To me the interesting aspect of this whole rambling is how do we do it? When everywhere I turn someone is asking me, "When are you getting married" or "When do you think you'll have kids" or I hear someone ask my friend, "Why are you single? You're gorgeous!" How do you stay in the place you are, if you're comfortable being there, without needing an "excuse?" The other day I told someone in my office that if I go to law school it's possible I won't get married for another 3 years (at least) and she told me, "Oh, Annalisa that's silly. You can get married when you're in law school." as if I needed to have "hope". How frustrating. If a man said, "I don't know if I'll get married in the next 5 years." nobody would hold his hand and tell him not to worry, his time will come.

Now I'm kind of starting to sound like the poster child for not getting married. My boyfriend might just enjoy this blog entry (and use it against me I'm sure). And I'll be honest, I may have asked my boyfriend, "When are we going to get married" from time to time (ha), but I guess what I'm realizing from this book is that there are so many other factors to my life that I want right now. And to focus on marriage as that one thing I "need" to do right now...well that just isn't who I am at this point in my life. And to all my married friends don't think I'm dissing you...I think it's wonderful that you have found a person to love and you're in that place, and you're happy. To me, this discussion is more about realizing as a woman that we don't need to always be searching for a man for our life to truly begin. We should all be living it right now regardless. And even if you do have a man, my thought right now on keeping it work is never losing the part of yourself that knows that being a woman without a man rocks. (Cue BEST highlight from that night in college, or high school, or life when you're having the best time with your girlfriends) If you, right now, are choosing to be single (whether for career reasons, self-exploration reasons, or just because you're not settling for anyone less than the best) I applaud you. And if you're married, having babies, and living your life as you always dreamed it, I applaud you too.

American Honey

She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American Honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American Honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American Honey

Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Tryin' to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yeah

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American Honey

Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somewhow
To American Honey

Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American honey
And American honey

Cancun!!

Hello blog! It's been awhile. I spent the last week in Cancun, Mexico soaking up the sun (and warmth) and thought I would share some of my time there with you. You will be happy to hear that I left Cancun (where the weather was in the 80's every day) and landed in Denver Sunday with overcast skies and a balmy 23 degrees. We got snow here yesterday (awesome commute by the way) so I am back to reality. PERFECT time for a blog entry to get my mind back to the beach...

Tuesday, February 2nd

I arrived in Cancun late Tuesday afternoon. This was my first time out of the United States so customs/immigration was a new experience for me. I made it to the resort around 5:30 in time to find Shelley already in the pool! After a huge hug (travel clothes now soaking wet) I knew vacation had begun. After getting a beer from the resort pool bar I headed upstairs to get changed for the evening. Dinner Tuesday night was spent at the Japanese restaurant and then drinks at the outdoor bar. Ahhh paradise.



(picture of the Resort)

Wednesday, February 3rd

Wednesday we woke up early and headed down to breakfast. After breakfast we met up with everyone in the lobby to head to our destination: Catamaran boat trip for the morning! We went out on the boat and spend 1 1/2 hours sailing around the ocean. We stopped outside of Isle Mujeres and went snorkeling. I saw SO many different kinds/colors of fish, coral, starfish, and even a baracuda! This was a huge step for me as usually I won't even jump in a lake for fear that the fish will bite...here I was actually SWIMMING into schools of fish...they were so close to me I could touch them! The experience was pretty amazing and after we were done we stopped on the island of Isle Murjeres to shop and walk around. Then it was back to the boat for a sail back to Cancun. Wednesday night we had dinner at the Brazillian Restaurant at our hotel. It was an early night for everyone as we were all tired from the full day and the wedding was Thursday so everyone wanted to feel their best!








(picture of us on the boat, on the beach before the boat, and at the Brazillian Restaurant).

Thursday, February 4th

Thursday was a big day (for the wedding party, anyway)! Shelley left me in the morning to go get her hair done and I had a nice day by the pool. I was reading the last Twilight book (and almost at the end) so I spent the day reading and relaxing. Around 2PM I headed upstairs to get ready and then went over to Wendi's room where all the bridesmaids were getting ready with Wendi. I took pictures of Wendi with her mom and dad and all the girls out on the balcony. I also took pictures at the wedding with Wendi and Shane's nice camera so that they could have some pictures of their big day! That night we had dinner at the steakhouse at the resort and then headed to the outdoor bar and then the DISCO (yes, it's called a disco) at the resort to dance the night away! The wedding and day were perfect!



(picture of Shelley and me before the wedding)

Friday, February 5th

Stayed up too late Thursday...had to sleep in. Shelley and I headed down to eat lunch around 11 and spent the next couple hours by the pool. Around 2PM a storm rolled in and the rain started falling. It was a perfect excuse to spend the afternoon napping and watching movies. We took it easy at night too...nice day to recover from the wedding craziness!

Saturday, February 6th

Our last full day in Cancun and we made the best of it! We woke up early and headed downstairs to find a GORGEOUS day before us! We had breakfast outside by the pool and then laid by the pool to soak up some sun. At 10AM Shelley and I had appointments to get massages at the hotel spa (wonderful), and then we headed back to the pool. We ate lunch (theme of the vacation, lots of eating, laying around, more eating, and drinking). We then headed down to the ocean to swim around and then it was back to the pool bar! The resort had a swim up bar which I thought was the coolest thing ever...so you will see many pictures documenting this! They also had an "infinity" pool which looked right over into the ocean...it was so neat! Saturday afternoon we went upstairs and got dressed for dinner. We headed off the resort with a big group and did some shopping and went and had dinner at an authentic mexican restaurant "Calypso's". It was a great time and the owner of the restaurant even lined us up a row of tequilla shots to take behind the bar in celebration of the bride and groom! This was a perfect way to say goodbye to Cancun.








(pictures of the ocean, laying by the pool, swim-up bar, and last night in Cancun)









Sunday, February 7

Sunday morning Shelley and I woke up at 3:45 AM to meet our shuttle to the airport in the lobby by 4:30AM. My flight left at 7:45 and Shelley's left at 8AM. It was so sad to leave Cancun behind but what a trip! I can't wait to plan my next tropical vacation....

Love Song

Yesterday I purchased the new Lady Antebellum CD (for any country music lovers I would certainly reccommend it!) This morning on the way to work I heard the song "Home is where the Heart is" and completely fell in love. Ever hear a song that you think applies to your life? This one did it for me this morning. I've subsituted some of the cities/states for those that are applicable to me, but other than that I think it's pretty much perfect.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend with those you love!



"I felt I was spinning my wheels
Before too long the road was calling
I packed everything I own
So sure that I was leaving this small town life behind for good
And not a single tear was falling
It took leaving for me to understand
Sometimes your dreams just aren't what life has planned

Mama said home is where the heart is
When I left that town
I made it all the way to Denver
And that's where my heart found
Exactly where I'm supposed to be
It didn't take much time

That's when I saw the brightest pair of
Deep blue eyes walking straight into my life
And every night we talked till it became so clear
And I could feel those dreams inside shifting gears
Cause love brought me here

And I'm standing in my veil about to say I do
As mama smiles with tear drops in her eyes
And then I realize there's something mama always knew
Love is what I really left to find

Mama said home is where the heart is
When I left that town
I made it all the way to Denver
And that's where my heart found
Exactly where I'm supposed to be
It didn't take much time."

Target Gold

Target Journey #1326

There is something in the air at Target. As soon as you walk through those Automatic Doors, grab your cart, and pass the Starbucks (if you can actually pass it without succumbing to a skinny cinnamon dolce latte) you know you are home. Target encourages impulse buying (in my case anyway). I can't seem to walk by any classically decorated endcap without grabbing said item and putting it into my cart. "It's only $2.99" I think to myself as I throw another bag of peanut butter cups into my cart, "AND they are heart shaped for Valentines Day!" (totally legitimate argument in my mind). I keep walking through the store reminding myself that I am Only. Here. For. Q-tips. I get to the health and beauty section and see that there is now 45 different kinds of Q-tips to pick from. How will I ever choose? Well I do, its a value pack, because everyone needs 250 Q-tips, this pack will last me until June. Okay to the checkout...

But wait somehow my cart finds itself into the clothing section. Well I obviously need that scarf, it's only $5.00. How can anyone resist? So many colors...maybe I'll just get two. Or three. That purple one will look really good with that new shirt I just bought. Yes, I definitely need the purple one. OH and the cream color. That will look good over that one pink sundress. Yes, throw that in the cart too.

Ok. I must leave now. My lunch is almost over. Oh Edward! (No, not a person I've ran into) the last Twilight Book! (My cart has now found its way into the Electronics Department). I'm going on vacation next week...I might as well go ahead and buy it... Does it come in paperback? All I see is Hardcover...oh well...It's only $6/more...

...and now here we are in the jewelery section (in my defense its right NEXT to the checkout lanes). Maybe some new earrings for my trip? Yes. For the wedding. Excellent idea. My dress is pink and my shoes are gold sandals. Have I mentioned my extreme distaste for gold jewelery? I think I own one pair of small gold hoops from like 6th grade...and besides that I am all silver. Well somehow I find myself looking at the gold earrings, and gold bracelets, and gold headbands (HEADBANDS?! Who am I?!?) Fortunately, I set the hair accessory down...but keep a firm grip on the earrings and bangles (bracelets plural) and they find themselves sitting on top of previously mentioned scarves in my cart. I walk away imagining myself decked out in all my gold accessories...and liking it?!

I make it to the checkout. (cue audience applause here).

Two last thoughts.

There is something in the air at target. It causes one to be extremely irrational and impulsive. It's dangerous.

I just spent $45.73 for a box of Q-tips. Next time I'm sending Matt.

Travels 2010

Happy Friday blog! A 3 day weekend lies ahead (Thank you MLK JR) and the weather forecast is saying sun and upper 50's (awesome). I had planned to snowboard this weekend but now am rethinking this plan as I had a vision of myself in a leg cast laying on the beach in Mexico (in 2 weeks!) and have decided I wouldn't enjoy those tan lines. So I see a lot of cleaning and laundry in my future (plus the fist use of my new vaccum cleaner!) And yes I'm far too excited about the prospect of the "pet hair" component. Also, the Vikings play on Sunday against the Cowboys to advance in the playoffs! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. Go Vikes! Anyway, since I was thinking about Mexico (and all that warmth and sun) I thought I would share some of my travel plans for 2010 (both planned and hopeful):

1. Mexico: I only mention it once or twice a day. I head to Mexico (my first trip out of the country) on February 2! My best friend from like forever (I think we figured out we've been friends for 18 years already) has invited me as her date to her sisters wedding. I am SO excited to see Wendi get married as I have a lot of great memories with the Butler family and am glad I get to share in this one too! I think it promises to be a pretty crazy and wonderful time.

2. Lavoiefest: This is a yearly snowboarding reunion for Matt and some of his family (cousins, siblings, etc.) that usually happens in March (over Spring break time). I'm not sure if it's going to happen this year...but I always have a great time with his family and usually its full of snowboarding, music (have I mentioned his entire family seems to be musically inclined), and fun. SO this is a hopeful event for this year.

3. Uncle Jerry's 80th Birthday: Back to Iowa to celebrate the birthday of my favorite Uncle! My family is awesome. This should be a great time if everyone comes!

4. Ashley's bachelorette party/Wedding: Asheley's bachelorette party in Chicago in July and Wedding in Iowa City in August. Not only one of my favorite people these events also encompass two of my favorite places. I can't wait to see Ashley get married!

5. North Carolina/Rhode Island: Matt and I have gone up to the northeast for the last two summers and spent time in Newport, Rhode Island with his cousin. I hope we can continue the tradition this year as this part of the country is BEAUTIFUL and I feel like everytime we go I love it more and more. We defenitly need to make a trip to North Carolina this year to see Matt's family as we have not been since last year. Summer seems like the best time to visit (Matt's family lives on a lake and his sister lives by the ocean), however, the temps are always pretty balamy to me (with my Iowa roots as a comparisson).

6. Thanksgiving/Christmas: These holidays are still up for grabs. I'm thinking a Thanksgiving holidy with both of our families would pretty awesome...might have to see if we can make that happen.

Hopefully some other short trips will make the list this year. With plans of movin and schooling still up in the air a lot could change... traveling is one of my favorite things and I hope we'll be able to make 2010 a good one.

Mountains in my Future?

Good Morning Blog! Another beautiful day here in Colorado. The weather has been in the upper 50's and sunny all week and the weekend promises the same. *Happy Sigh* this is why I love Colorado.

Some progress has come since my last post. Matt and I have talked a bit about moving/job change/scenery change/life change/school change in the last week and I've done a lot of thinking myself. I applied to the University of Iowa as a non-degree seeking student (to go back and finish some of those pre-pharmacy credits) and found out that I will no longer be able to apply as an in-state resident. I immediately took this as the sign I needed that Iowa is probably not in my immediate future. I've really been trying to put ideas out there for the universe (and a higher power if you believe in that sort of thing, which I do) to help me make some of these big decisions. I loved the University of Iowa and the more I think about it the more I like that Iowa City will be my first home away from home...and maybe its good that it stays that way. I will continue to always go back once a year for a football game (Go Hawks!) and any other chance I can get during trips back to Iowa to see family/friends. Iowa City will always be close to my heart but I think in the next couple years I need to continue to move forward, to experience new places and new things, and accept the challenge of a new road.

That being said, I now have a couple of NEW options to consider...

#1: Making a move to the mountains. Matt and I have often joked around about the idea of living in the mountains and finding jobs merely to pay our bills and pay our rent. Why not? I found out I can take my pre-pharm classes at Colorado Mountain College for $45 credit hour, how awesome is that? Not to mention Cooper would love all the new hiking trails and we would love the ability to get up and go snowboard anytime there was some fresh powder (without the hassle of driving from Denver! First tracks? We could ACTUALLY do that)! Plus how fun to not have to worry about being a "big kid" for a year...just the thought makes me smile.

#2: New State. Something inside me is very enticed by the idea of packing a bunch of our stuff in storage, taking what we need, and traveling to a new place. Some ideas that we've thrown around are Portland, Oregon and California. Moving more West seems ideal...although we are moving farther away from family which in my mind is the biggest negative. I think Colorado will be my forever home, however, I know I want to travel and see new places before I put down permanent roots here.

Our lease is up at our apartment in June so we still have a couple months to figure things out and make some decisions. Who knows - we might still be in Denver next year. But for now I'm open to the opportunity of a change and if it happens I intend to embrace it fully every step of the way.

Until next time.

A

Decisions...

Good Morning blog! Are you surprised? Post #2 of 2010 has officially begun. I'm a little surprised at myself even...but I guess that is what resolutions urge you to do (actually stick to them, for the first couple weeks at least). I remember in college I would go to the fitness center on campus...and I would always get SO angry in January because the "lose weight resolutions" would cause crowds in my gym and I would always have to wait for a machine. Although, I will say, it was entertainment to watch people slowly drop like flies...the gym usually got back to normal around mid-February. SO this post is dedicated to the hope of posts after February!

DECISIONS

Today I have been thinking about my future...mostly centered on the decision to go back to school. My undergrad was spent at the University of Iowa and I loved it. My degree is a bachelor's of business and I also received a minor in studio art. I had high hopes of working in marketing but, as many things do, did not pan out like planned. I have spent the last year considering the option of going back to school and it actually makes me really excited. I am still considering my options...law school, Masters in Health Administration, and lastly Pharmacy. I am attracted to the idea of Pharmacy school, however, would need to go back and finish up some undergraduate pre-pharmacy credits. This brings the first of many dilemas...

Dilema #1: Going back and taking undergraduate level classes as a graduate student (someone with a bachelor's degree) is considered a non-degree seeking student status. This means I can't qualify for financial aid and would have to pay for school out of pocket. Ouch.

Dilema #2: The move: I would like to continue my education at the University of Iowa and that would mean moving back to Iowa for the next few years. Not horrible sounding... until you consider I now have a boy and a dog to think about. Not understanding? Try contemplating making someone move to Iowa who grew up in balmy North Carolina...

Dilema #3: School for 4-5 more years. This is a huge commitment. Am I ready? I would finish school the May before my 30th birthday. This means putting off a lot of life decisions for the next few years. However, the income potential after school (and you know, enjoying my job) are huge pro's.

Decisions Decisions. What would you do?

Desk Drawer Ramblings

Hello blog. It's been awhile. Happy New Year. My Resolutions for the year? Eliminate some credit card debt, find a career/living location that makes me feel happy, and stick to my blog. And by stick, I mean averaging more than 1 post a year. So really, no need to make my blog one of your "favorites" until you see at least 4 of these posts go out into cyber space. Unless, you know, you like feeling let down (I'm great at bringing people back to reality). :)

SO another year. Why stick to the blog you ask? I've always liked to write. Over the course of my education I've taken many writing classes and always wish I had the wit and ability to write a novel. My favorite author as of late? Jen Lancaster. You may know her by great works such as "Bitter is the New Black" or "Bright Lights, Big Ass." If you haven't read her you should check her out. She is one of the rare authors that has me laughing out loud after nearly every page. Anyway, she has inspired me to start a notebook of short stories at work entitled: "Desk Drawer Ramblings or My Quest to write a Memoir During the 9-5". Today, to kick off 2010, I thought I would share my first entry....

KILLER SHOES

A new leasing agent came in to the office today to interview for a position. Her attire far bettered my black Bermuda shorts and aged pink cardigan. The best part of her outfit? The 4 inch shiny pink (dark pink not baby girl pink) alligator scaled pumps that adorned her feet. I quickly shuffled to my office, embarrassed by my $20 DSW shoe find I was so excited about this morning.

I need to go shopping. First, new dress pants, much needed as my office is always -100 degrees even when the weather is a balmy 85 degrees outside. Second, equally important, dress shoes...beautiful, tall, leg slimming, adorable shoes. Now must find surplus in my tight budget for said purchases. Ufta... (See Danish Dictionary for adequate explanation of the many uses and definitions of "ufta")

In case you were wondering I work in Property Management. I am an Assistant Property Manager of a 372 unit property in Denver, Colorado. Basically this means I'm the property accountant. I handle all the money issues as well as resident relations issues as they arise. (I have been known to yell at people if they are stupid or make me mad. I'm flawed. It's true.) The job is stable...which is all you can ask for in today's economy. I worked in finance for a little over a year starting in the summer of 2008. I've always been great at "timing" job moves. Sure! I'll take a 100% commission job in finance right as the entire economy begins to crumble (hence previously mentioned credit card debt). Anyway, here I am now...a "time thief" (see Office episode "Business Ethics" Season 5, Episode 2), working for the weekend...Dreaming of those killer pink pumps.