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.