July 19, 2012

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” –Jim Rohn

Today is my 27th birthday.

As I thought about what I wanted to say in this post I tried to think of my BEST birthday.  See, birthdays in my family were a BIG deal.  Any of my friends from childhood will tell you that I didn't just have "birthday day" I had "birthday month".  Now, this is clearly a result of my OCS (only child syndrome) but I LIVED for my birthday.  I can't help but smile as I reflect on the many parties, cakes, and memories that filled my childhood.  But BEST birthday?  I don't think I can narrow down to just one.  Certainly, every phase of my life so far has had highlights...

The Washington Dells - Noah's Ark Water Park had this GIANT wave pool.  I remember floating on tubes with my best friend and taking turns jumping off to see how long we could battle the waves.  I remember feeling like I might not make it... and then be rescued back to the safety of my tube once again.  Also, water shoes were perfectly acceptable at Noah's Ark, and I loved the squishy sound they made when you walked. 

Iowa City, Iowa.  Several amazing birthday's were spent here.  My favorite included a large pink boa, a tiara, and some of the most amazing girlfriends I could ask for.

July 19, 2007.  On this day I drove to Denver.  My little red Escort was packed to the brim.  I remember the windows down, blue skies, and music playing.  I remember thinking I was a "big kid" now.

July 19, 2010.  Somewhere between these two dates I met a wonderful man and fell in love.  On this birthday he got down on one knee and proposed to me.  I remember saying, "Are you serious?" over and over.  He tells me that he said yes, and I did to.

July 19, 2012.  I no longer have "birthday month."  In fact, this year my birthday almost snuck up on me.  Now, some may say it is because I chose to marry a man whose birthday is July 20 (hello midnight, it's no longer my birthday), but really I'm starting to think as I grow older time seems to go at warp speed.  And I guess, what I'm slowly learning to embrace, is that change is a constant with age. 

As a little girl I jumped off the safety of a tube into the waves.  I didn't stop to think about consequences or possible outcomes.  I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.

As a college student I moved away from home.  I lived on my own for the first time.  I wore pink boa's and tiaras and probably drank too much.  I think there were a lot of times I was scared, but I know it was fun.

As a young adult I moved across the country with my best friend.  I didn't have a job, I was now responsible for paying bills (please reference OCS above), and I didn't have a real plan.  I think I was scared, but I know it was fun.

As a twenty-something I met a boy, I forged a friendship, I fell in love.  I got a dog.  I got married.  I spent a lot of money I didn't have.  I got a job.  I got another job.  I got a job I really love.  I saved money for the first time in my life.  I took a lot of trips. I laughed... a lot.  I cried.  I made mistakes.  I changed.  I can confidently say I'm scared a lot of the time, but I know it is fun.

So on day 1 of 27, I choose to celebrate change and all that comes with it. I choose to celebrate life and all the blessings I've been given. I choose to move forward, embrace fear, and have fun.  And I hope you will do the same.

Cheers!


Until next time,
A

Love

"When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because that is what love is. Love is not breathlesness, it is not excitement, it's not the desire to mate every second of the day, not lying awake at night imagining him kissing every part of your body. No, don't blush. I'm telling you some truths. This is just being in love, which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love, itself, is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn't sound very exciting does it?... but it is."

Knee High By the Fourth of July

"Funny how a melody, sounds like a memory. Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night. Springsteen." -Springsteen, Eric Church

I was at the grocery store on Sunday afternoon with Matt stocking up on groceries for the week. We go to a store called Sunflower here in Denver. Sunflower considers itself a "Farmers Market" so usually the best deals are on in season foods. The fruit and veggies are always really great (and reasonably priced). I am always excited (yes, lame, I know) to see what new vegetables or fruits have came to the store over the last week. I enjoy trying new recipes and am always up to a new challenge (how many of YOU know how to accurately peel a pomegrante?) As I rounded the corner from the deli section I saw a large bin that was almost empty (empty usually eqauls something good) and then I saw the sign "Sweet Corn." Sweet Corn? On May 6th? I couldn't help but think back to my mom, and my uncles, and well, everyone in Iowa: "Sweet corn should be knee high by 4th of July." I looked over at the store patrons fighting over the last few ears of corn and smiled. I wonder if they have ever enjoyed corn that was picked fresh from the field that afternoon? I wonder if they have ever stopped at a stand on the side of the road and picked corn from the back of a pick-up truck?

Nobody can ever take away your roots. My roots are in Iowa. There are so many things I miss about the Midwest. I don't think you can appreciate miles and miles of corn (or soybeans) unless you hail from the Midwest. Each time I come home to visit I find myself staring out the windows of the car. How perfectly beautiful. How untouched. God has his hand in Iowa that is for sure.

Playing hide and go seek with the neighbor kids...not having to go home until the "Street Lights" turned on.

Playing Four Square in Elementary school. When there was still rocks at the bottom of the slides, not wood chips or other soft places to land.

Doing "penny drops" from the bars on the playground.

Gym class. Did you know that some kids in elementary school only have gym as a "track" now in school?

Jump rope for heart. Those large red balls that you'd sit on and bounce across the gym floor.

School "milk breaks", when you were always jealous of the kids that got chocolate milk... or if you were me, the kids that got orange juice.

Book fairs. Invent Iowa.

Being able to walk home from school.

Growth.

Degrassi Junior High being played during "Family and Consumer Sciences"... oh, how we have evloved from "Home-Ec"

Learing how to throw on the potters wheel. Having a teacher who inspired me.

Acting in a play.

Passing notes.

Going to Pella on class trip. Dancing among the tulips. Eating dutch letters.

Having my first boyfriend. Having my second boyfriend.

Having boyfriends.

Having a first love.

Having a best friend who loved me in spight of the boyfriends. Who loved my boyfriends. Who was there after the boyfriends.

Growth.

Running Living History Farms.

Going to Prom.

Going through hard times. Sitting at hospitals. Learning that family means everything.

Working at Dairy Queen.

Working at Ace Hardware.

Going to the Cabin. Going to the river. Going to Okoboji.

Having the kind of friends that dictate you to consider names like "Fearsome Foursome." Because it only seems right, and fitting, because they are family.

A perfect time where you don't really know what "responsibility" means, although you think you do.

Locker partners. Messy lockers. Cleaning out your locker at the end of the school year.

Senior skip day.

Graduation day.

Countless graduation parties. Other parties. Goodbye parties.

Driving away to college as my best friends stood in the driveway of the only house I've ever known.

Growth.

4th floor of Burge Hall.

Sorority rush.

Random roommate.

New roommate. Perfect.

Late nights. Pita Pit, Pancheros, Field House.

So Co and Lime.

New friends.

Kinnick Stadium. Best. Saturday's. Ever.

School.

Drama. Tears. Laughter.

Growth.

Too many Iowa T-shirts to name.

Ridgeland. Friends who would change my life.

Stratford. That red wall.

My grandmother passing. Making whoopie pies in the kitchen. Best friends letting me cry.

Night's at Charlie's with a forever friend.

Graduation day.

Graduation parties. Other parties. Goodbye parties.

The drive to Colorado.

Job interviews.

First bills arrive.

First call to mother to say, "Do you realize how much things COST?"

Growth.

July 19 will be my 27th birthday and will also mark 5 years in Colorado. For all consideration Colorado is now my home. I love it here. I love the weather, I love the people, I love the access to the outdoors. But I think it's easy to say a part of my heart remains in Iowa. Iowa - where thunderstorms can last all day, where rain falls in "sheets." Iowa- where you can catch lighting bugs in the middle of summer. Iowa- Where Saturday's in the Fall are reserved for Football. Iowa- Where "midwest values" are just "values." Iowa- where you can always go home.

And yes, Iowa - where the corn is knee high by the fourth of July.

Until next time,

Annalisa

Be Thankful

"I like to walk alone on country paths,
rice plants and wild grasses on both sides,
putting each foot down on the earth
in mindfulness, knowing
that I walk on the wondrous earth.
In such moments, existence is a miraculous
and mysterious reality.

People usually consider walking on water
or in thin air a miracle.
But I think the real miracle
is not to walk either on water or in thin air,
but to walk on earth.
Every day we are engaged in a miracle
which we don't even recognize:
a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves,
the black, curious eyes of a child--
our own two eyes.
All is a miracle."
Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"


I seem to start all blog posts with, "Wow, it's been awhile." Today is much the same. Over the last few months I have thought often of logging in and updating the blog with my life... and then as soon as the thought comes, it goes. Life has been moving quickly for me in the last year. I planned a wedding, got married, went on a honeymoon, and returned to work. It seems my job is pulling me in several directions each day. And I like that. Although, it seems as of late there are more long days at work than short ones and for some reason time seems to go at a faster pace. Don't get me wrong, I love my work. I've realized in the last couple of years that I have a strong desire to succeed, to grow, to make something of myself. I've never felt more driven in my life -- working towards a goal, surpassing a goal, and setting a new one. That being said, this morning I had an experience that made me stop and realize how blessed I truly am. And while the drive to succeed and live in the fast lane will probably always be a little bit of who I am, I know that when I get going too fast God will always bring me back to what is most important. And so I feel compled to write, to share, to hopefully encourage others to realize what your true blessings are.


So many times I say, "Wow, I wish we had a bigger house" or "We can't fit in this house!" or "I'm going to go crazy if we don't move to a bigger house!" The fact of the matter is we have a house. This morning I walked outside to see two women rifling through our recycling bin and taking out cans. One of the women looked at me and said, "I'm so sorry." and it just broke my heart. A couple of years ago Matt and I went two months without any paychecks... we both were transitioning from our jobs (which happened to be at the same company) and it was a tough time. We jokingly refer to it now as "The summer of no paychecks" and remember about having to ask family for help, putting rent on our credit cards, and eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly and ramen noodles. And then I think of us, two years later, having conversations about our life now. Both very lucky to be employed with great jobs, returning from an amazing vacation, being able to pay rent with ease and afford dinners out and time with friends. And yet sometimes, selfishly, I still find myself saying, "When we make THIS much money we'll be able to do this"... and this morning seeing those women slammed me back to reality. Even in the "summer of no paychecks" we had each other, we had our home, we were able to go to the grocery store and put food on the table, we had family, we had friends. Today was a true testament to me about giving back. There are so many people who do not have what we have. I'm sure the same can be said for many of you. Take a moment to appreciate all that you have, and if able, make a point to give back. There is so many little things that really would make a huge differnce in someones life.

Slow down, reflect, be thankful.



Until next time,

AL

Love: Post 1

From my journal:

August 23, 2007

I've met a boy. His name is Matt. I'm still sorta on the fence about the whole situation. He is an awesome person and I love spending time with him. He is also a lot different than me. We are truly coming from different places - and we approach things in different ways as well. But I feel a connection there I know I wouldn't pursue if I didn't think it could go somewhere, but I honestly didn't think I would meet someone so quickly after my move. Obviously it is nice to get to know someone and have some instant stability - but on the other hand I know I can't handle being hurt right now so I am hesitant to put myself out there - fully anyway.

He really is awesome. I don't think I've ever had someone treat me with the kindness and respect that he gives me. And he has these eyes that I was to stare into. And he has the greatest laugh. And I love when I say something that makes him smile. He has a way, already, of putting my mind at ease- and I love when he grabs my hand or puts his arm across my back. I love when he says "hey pretty lady."

I know I am falling into "like" with him. I know I need to explore it more and see what really is going on. I wonder where this will go.


*~*

And that was just the begining. What a wonderful journey.

Becoming a Big Kid: My Bucket List

"Every man dies - not every man really lives"


On July 19 of this year I will turn 26 years old, I will have lived in Colorado for 4 years, and I will be 18 days away from getting married. When I moved to Denver I was fresh off what I now realized was a very comfortable life. I remember calling my mother during month three or four and saying, "Do you KNOW how much they charge you for cell phone service?!!" Paying all my own bills was only one of the realities of becoming a "big kid." I moved here thinking I knew it all. I thought I had "grown up" in college and I was an "adult" and I no longer needed advice or wisdom or anyone telling me how things should or were going to be. The realization now? I'm still a kid. I'm still growing. I'm still learning. I'm still adapting. And I don't think that will ever change, at least I hope not. I want to be able to keep that young eyed version of myself alive... where every new experience is better than the last and the more you learn the more you appreciate who you are and where you've been. Today I am feeling blessed that I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and the perfect partner in Matt to continue to learn and grow with me.

So many things have happened in the last four years and while my usual M.O. in blogworld would be to look back and remember those moments (sentimental me), today I want to talk about what I envision and hope for the future. A lot of life has happened and even more life is left to live. I hope I can take advantage of it:

Annalisa's Bucket List 4/15/2011

-Get Married! I cannot wait to marry Matt and start a new life with him.
-Travel. First stops: Africa, Croatia, Italy, and Denmark.
-Live by the ocean: I envision a beach cottage with wood floors that always seem to have sand on them no matter how much you sweep.
-Open a ceramics studio: a life long dream.
-Run a marathon
-Ride the cable cars in San Francisco
-Drink wine at a vineyard in Napa Valley
-Drive along the 101, in a convertible, with the top down
-Take more creative writing classes
-Write short stories
-Write a book
-Ride in a hot air balloon
-Ride a camel AND an elephant (not at the same time)
-See the Northern Lights
-Zipline through the rainforest
-Give someone a total and pleasant surprise
-Take my parents on vacation abroad
-Swim with dolphins
-Own a home
-Own our DREAM home
-plant a garden
-Continue our love of cooking
-Visit all of the big art museums around the world
-Kiss in the rain
-Explore a castle
-Get a picture in a red telephone booth in London
-Learn how to sail
-See a play on Broadway or see many plays on Broadway
-Have a successful career
-Be recognized for having a successful career
-Be invited to speak somewhere about said career
-Have babies, see Matt be a dad
-Be a good parent, make family a priority, strive to be like my parents
-Build a tree fort
-Achieve debt freedom
-Take my best friend on a trip of her dreams
-Live in another country
-Take a gondola along the Venice canals in Italy
-Go to Mardi Gras
-Learn to surf
-Stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora
-See Niagara Falls lit up at night
-Walk into an airport and buy a same day ticket for somewhere appealing
-Continue to see live music
-Say yes to change and accept new opportunities


What's on your bucket list?

Until next time,
A

Little Moments

Today I woke up to snow. A heavy, wet, pile of snow. While my dog loved running around the backyard burrowing his head beneath the drifts looking for his beloved red ball I sort of resented it. Not watching Cooper but the idea of what snow brings. Traffic. Slow, miserable, icy, traffic. I immediately found myself in a bad mood just thinking about it (I wasn't even on the road yet!!). While getting ready I talked myself off of the ledge and told myself I was going to be optimistic about my day. I filled my travel mug full of delicious coffee (okay and like 1/3 cream because, after all, I was HAVING a bad day) and got in my car to come to work. By the time I arrived (1.5 hours and 2 country cd's later) I was much more positive (thank you caffeine and zac brown). I walked into my office, responded to work emails, and dutifully checked all of my social media sites and blogs. What killed me was apparently everyone else was having a bad day today too. I found the "glass half full" mentality slowly starting to fade as I read about everyone elses troubles and struggles. It was then that I realized I really haven't blogged in awhile. Every time I have a moment to post I don't seem to have anything to write about, at least anything worth reading. But today while reading peoples facebook posts, twitter updates, and blog entries I realized my "today" is actually pretty great. And then I almost felt bad for feeling good! How crazy is that? So I realized that I need to blog about the little moments. I need to celebrate those daily things things that may not seem very important to note because all together they are what make my life really great. From now on each post will include a "little moment" that I truly treasure.

Today's "Little Moment": The green light on the coffee maker. Green, in case you non-caffeine addicted friends don't know, means "on". It means the coffee is hot! It means you are about to receive a jolt of pure energy. In my case it means I have an amazing fiance who makes coffee for me each day. Yes, he is up before me and yes, he drinks coffee too but the feeling I get when I walk into the kitchen after he has already left for work and see that green light makes me feel as if he just left a silent "Have a good day" for me to enjoy.

So today I urge everyone to think of one of their "little moments." I guess this means I should go play with my dog in all that snow...once I get home from sitting in traffic, of course.

Until next time,

A

New Year, New Me, New Us?

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot


Wow, 2011! We made it. I can hardly believe we're back to New Years Resolutions. Last year my resolution was to write more and to actually keep my blog updated. If we're comparing to the infrequent posts of 2009 I think this was a success, however, I am hoping 2011 allows for even more improvement. Writing for me has always been the ultimate de-stressing tool. It is a time when I can completely shut out everything else that is going on around me and just say exactly what I am feeling. Do you remember when you were in 5th or 6th grade and your teacher would have you do "Free Writes?" You would have ten or fifteen minutes to just write whatever came to mind. You weren't allowed to go back and erase and you couldn't put the pencil down until she called time. That is sort of the approach I take to blogging. I just go for it. And sometimes when I'm finished I go back and I realize I either wrote something really great that I treasure... or I realize I just vented for 20 minutes about how I can't seem to have a good day. But either way I love blogging for a medium to express my thoughts, feelings, and attitude towards what "today" brings. And I love that I can share it with friends and family too. So here is to another year of blogging and a continuation of last years resolution. My hope is for 36 posts this year!

While we're on the subject here are the rest of my resolutions for the year:

*Pave the road to a stronger, healthier me: I will never give up the chocolate cake, glass of wine, or my favorite pasta in garlic cream sauce but I can choose a healthier path when I'm not consuming these favorites. In 2011 I want to continue to try new recipes that feature fruits and veggies, take advantage of local farmers markets, shop locally, return to my love of running (including at least one race this year), and, as always, take advantage of Colorado (hiking, snowboarding, biking, etc.)

*Stay in better contact with those I love: I suck at calling my friends. Enough said. In 2011 I hope to stop ending phone conversations with "I promise not to wait 3 months next time!"

*Be a better girlfriend/wife: First, can't believe I will be a wife by the end of this year. Can we just take a moment to say "AHHHHH." Okay, I'm better now. When Matt and I get married in August we will have been together for 4 years. Which, I realize, in the scheme of a lifetime is a drop in the bucket. However, if there is one reason why I know I can spend the rest of my life with this man it is his ability (since day one) to show up to our relationship everyday. My wish for 2011 is not to be perfect but to make the continued effort that we not only show up to our relationship each day but that we continue to learn and grow as well.

*Give back. Last, but certainly not least. I cannot be more appreciative of the blessings that I received in 2010. Because of this I think the master hope for 2011 is to spend more time giving back. A few causes I want to support this year: Jefco Action center, American Cancer Society, and St. Jude's. If you are able to give your time this year I urge you to support a charity that you love. This is truly how we will all make a difference.

I hope your resolutions stick and you have a happy and healthy 2011.

Until next time,

A

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....