Denver Glamour

Exhaustion rules my body right now as I'm sitting on the couch writing this post. Whew! Christmas shopping is 3/4 done. YES! I should feel elated but my bones and my muscles are incredibly tired, however, not too tired to write. :D

Going to the Christkindl Market today was on the top of my to-do list this morning. While the items were pricey, it was a neat little village they set up. The idea is that it's a market one would find in Germany this time of year. They celebrate Christmas just like we do with the emphasis on Christ or in their words, the Christ kind. It's a fascinating story, which you can read here.

The market Denver set up downtown was quaint and filled with delicious smells. As soon as I saw it, I was glad I found out about this a month ago. I wish I were rich as most items were above $15 and the one I really wanted was $80. As an AmeriCorps member, that just wasn't going to work. When I am CEO, YES! However, I did get to have a cinnamon German pretzel! So good! Those who know of my addiction to cinnamon are probably laughing. I don't care. I LOVE CINNAMON!

The market is on the corner of the infamous 16th Street Mall and the city outdid themselves decorating as you can see below. I love my new city and I can't wait to continue exploring!

Free? Did you just say free?

Who doesn't get all excited when the word free is spelled out!? This Saturday was what Denver calls, First Saturday, where many museums throughout the city are free to enjoy after 5 pm. My friend Paige and I went and we had a blast. Unfortunately, there were just too many museums to see and both of us had never been to any of them. That night we picked the Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science as well as the Botanic Gardens. Next time we will try different ones.

I love the fact that we both were so excited to see animals at the Nature and Science Museum. They had a wide variety of exhibits and while some animals were cool, others were rather displeasing to look at. There were rocks/gems, space ships, "real" Mars mud, dinosaurs and at the end of the special exhibit, Extreme Mammals, we took a picture.

Crazy hilarious! Below are some more pictures of our night on the town!

Oktoberfest

CAD, Colorado Association of the Deaf, had a fundraiser Saturday that was off the hook. I haven't had that much fun in so long. I'm really glad I went. Marilyn, thank goodness, came too. She hosts the ASL Chat I've been going to. At first I thought I'd be going alone which wasn't thrilling to me but I didn't want to miss this. I have no idea how many deaf events happen in Denver.

Everything that is usually at Oktoberfests around the country ware there as well as a Deaf DJ, Nico DiMarco, and going with the theme, they had brats for dinner. They were actually very good, topped with sauerkraut. They also handed out some swag!!! Towards the end of the night we had a raffle! :D I've always loved raffles, I never win anything....actually I did once back in college. This time, no surprise, didn't win anything. The only thing I really wanted anyway was the Bluetooth speaker/cooler. Oh well. My former bosses from Aspen Camp were there and met some new people.  Overall, it was well worth supporting this great non-profit while having a blast.

Those of you who know these dances/songs: the Wobble, Electric Slide, Single Ladies, Y.M.C.A., This is How We Do It and so many others were played,danced to and translated in ASL by interpreters. It was an awesome time for hearing and deaf to come together and just let loose.

I can't wait till the next deaf event!!

Fall for Denver

Today was a gorgeous day. Even though, I didn't do what I really wanted to do today, I tried to make the most of it. Below are some pictures I took. People have told me that the East has more vibrant colors as well as variety during Fall. Whatever the differences, I still love the beauty He has chosen to bless us with each year. No wonder my Uncle Bill wanted us to send him leaves after he moved to San Francisco!

I love my neighborhood so much. I hope to stay around Wash Park; it has the best of everything! Falling for Denver, yes I am!

Mind....Blown

OMYGOODNESS! Some good times up here in Denver. I'm so glad I didn't give up on my job search in this city. I had thought about going back to CT (but seriously didn't want to) or trying a new city like Portland. My cousins want me to move to SF, but I don't know....I already know how expensive it is to live there.

A couple weeks ago, I went to my first Rockies game where while I was looking for my friend Kristin, a woman asked me if I needed tickets. Mind you, she wasn't one of those guys with pants halfway down their butts selling tickets for half price or anything else for that matter outside the stadium. I had never been to this part of Denver let alone to the baseball stadium here. She looked nice enough so I answered, "No, I'm looking for my friend." She then proceeded to tell me that some friends of hers never showed up and that she has some tickets. I looked up at her unsure if there was an ulterior motive at play. I asked her, "You don't need them?" She told me that she didn't want them to go to waste and if I could use them, she'd give them to me. I asked incredulously, "You sure?!" "Yea, take them." She hands me two tickets. Stunned, I said thanks and watched her walk away. When I met up with Kristin finally, I looked down at the tickets she gave me. They were season tickets. Neither one of us could believe it!

The game itself, we didn't see much of. However, we got to meet quite a few people, which was pretty much the point. Both of us are new to Denver so having a friend in the same boat is AWESOME! I'm so glad I met her and can go to events without having to psych myself up every time. Meeting people has always been a tough thing for me, but I've gradually gotten used to it and since in the end I want friends, real ones, I have to put myself out there.

This past Thursday was the weekly ASL chat I've been going to for the last few weeks. This time a girl who was blind came along with her two not-blind friends. She showed us how to write in braille. My jaw dropped. She told us she's still learning the language, but she can sign really well. She could see a few feet in front of her, but not too far. I had to keep reminding myself to lean forward. I wish I had gotten the chance to tell her about contact sign. She doesn't seem to know about that yet. I honestly have never had an in-depth conversation with someone who was blind before. At first, I had no idea how she was going to communicate since this was an ASL chat meaning no voice allowed; it wasn't until she mentioned how far she could see, I understood what i needed to do so that she could follow the conversation. I wonder if that's how people feel talking to me.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people. I look forward to seeing who else God brings into my life. While there are times where I'm like WHY GOD WHY!? Like when I miss the same bus twice or dealing with the aftermath of my car accident....still and the incompetent people working for the judicial system. However, I try to remember to thank Him for keeping me alive and the people in my life who make me smile.

Loving Denver Every Minute

Today was extremely eventful for I went to Master's Hands Bible Church this morning, which I've been trying to visit since I moved here. Met Pr. Otto whom some missionaries from Church of the Bible, where I grew up, met my parents who knew of this church. I feel like my life is the way it is because someone became friends with someone else. I wouldn't have been able to stay at the Wulf's house last year if they hadn't moved to CT years ago and befriended my mom. I wouldn't have known about Master's Hands if those missionaries didn't know my parents.

The church was nice, small, but it was great to meet some Deaf people. Everyone was over 50 which seems to be typical of good bible churches here. In Ithaca, I had no worries because it's a college-town. Here is a different story. My new friend from a Christian group I joined last week, Kristin, gave me a few names of churches to try. I don't want a mega-church because I feel lost in the sea of people quite easily and the sense of community isn't really there. Also, many (not all) mega-churches teach watered down Christianity; I just have to be careful.

This afternoon after a 20 minute change of clothes and eat lunch, I hoped on a bus to Coors Field where the Rockies baseball team was playing. Their field is HUGE! I don't think I've been in that big of a stadium before. The closest experience was when going to a Josh Groban concert in Boston. Kristin and I had such a hard time finding the group, the Christian Professionals/Social Denver Christians. It must have been a good half hour of searching before we found them. Part of the issue was that we didn't know them. We had met the leader of the Social Denver Christians last week and some other people, but they didn't come to the game. It was mostly the people from the Christian Professionals group. Regardless, it was a lot of fun getting to know more people and making new friends. Didn't watch a whole lot of the game, but the idea was to have fun and that's what I did! Overall, a great ending to the weekend!

To be honest, there is one flaw to Denver -- actually all cities -- which is the amount of times I have to walk by and hold my breath due to the smoke coming from white or brown cylinder items between their fingers. I get dizzy when I inhale second-hand smoke. Other than that, Denver is awesome! Come visit!

Birthday Success

My co-workers are amazing! They are quite creative as you can see....my desk is quite festive. My boss of sorts (she doesn't work directly over me, but in another department) bought me one of my favorite desserts, APPLE FRITTER!!!!!! It was huge, the picture doesn't do it justice at all!

Voodoo Donuts is (according to many Denver residents) the best donut shop in the city. So if you're ever here, I recommend them. They have a weird menu I will admit, but they are oh so good! If you're on a diet, just don't eat any sugar for the next couple days.

Considering this is the first year where I hadn't really planned on anything, I had fun! I'm really glad God helped me get this new position at Reading Partners. I can tell I will learn a lot and these people will become good friends.

(Wish I didn't have to work....but oh well. Can't have it all).

Making New Friends Is the Bomb!

Friends are something that everyone needs. No one likes to be alone. I remember my high school days feeling rejected and as an independent "woman" I strive to go out of my way to meet others that share my values and/or interests. So on Thursday, I decided to go to Deaf Chat at Panera Bread.

With every new venture, nerves creep in but I was also excited because ASL is a language I love and want to continue using personally and professionally. This group was so much fun to get to know. The mix of personalities was just right. In some ways, I felt like a novice because I am not used to putting myself out there. On the other hand, this group made me feel right at home because they weren't signing super fast like my co-workers at Aspen Camp. I want so much to get to that point, but to this group I was the fast signer, which was nice for a change. I was able to teach them some new signs and by conversing with them, I had to teach myself how to sign slowly. I don't know for sure in what capacity I want to use ASL professionally, but this group takes me back to my HOP days as a Director, which I enjoyed immensely signing to my heart's content. This is definitely a group I want to continue growing with and I look forward to getting to know them better and seeing who else joins.

The first few weeks here, I have felt lonely after work simply because my roommate has a social life already with her fiancee and friends. Apart from her, I don't really know anyone in Denver. Though tomorrow, I'm excited to see my friend, Melissa, from Cornell/FCA who lives in Littleton, a town south of Denver. Friends really do make a new place truly feel like home and I'm stoked to continue my journey of making Denver home. Eventually, I plan on joining a soccer team, a gym and a church where I will find more people I can relate to.

My Ithaca friends taught me to be myself and wait for those who want to be my friend to come into my life rather than changing who I am in order to fit in. Some people will like me and others won't. No one should have to be someone else. My motto: Be genuine and others will find your light!

SURPRISE!

Last Saturday, I went back down to Falcon for a "You Survived Your First Week!" party at the Wulf's house. Little did I know, there was something else in store for me. They arrived at my apartment a couple hours after the original time they said, but I just figured that they ran into traffic. You never know with Denver or what the highway will be like between the Springs and here since there's only one direct route.

They arrive early afternoon and they ask about my week at work. It's been stressful, but I know once I get the hang of it, I'll be a pro as someone in the office said to me. We needed to go to Walmart on the way back since my Trolley Dolly, an insulated grocery cart that April found for me a couple weeks ago, zipper doesn't work. After I exchanged the cart, April and Mrs. Wulf needed to get new shoes. I thought nothing of this since April is quite a shopper. We spent maybe an hour in Walmart total. So I just rolled with it.

We get to the house and nothing seemed out of the ordinary though I did see a new car in the driveway. My thoughts were it was either Gina's new car, since she had been talking about getting one, or someone from church. So I didn't really pay that close attention to it. I walk inside and put my things in April's room since that is where I usually crash. I come back out and sit on the couch looking through emails on my phone. I have no idea what the plans are for that night regarding my "party" but I figured they would tell me whenever. No big deal.

I happened to glance up when I saw people standing in the middle of the living room. I then notice one of them has a camera pointed in my direction. Thinking to myself, "What's with the camera?" I'm trying to process what could be going on, when Breazyi opens the bedroom door and as I'm watching her run away from it, I see out of the corner of my eye a head from the doorway.

I look up and see my parents' smiling faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought I was about to have a heart attack. A million questions flow through my brain like, "How did they get here? How did I not figure out this was coming? Is this payback?" According to my mother, the answer to the last question is, YES! Months earlier, I had surprised them Mother's Day weekend.

After the shock wore off after a couple hours, I was able to enjoy their visit and now that they are gone I'm kinda of sad. Funny, how the more time you spend away from your parents the more you actually miss them. There are times when all I want is to talk to my mom. It's weird yet good to be on my own, but still have my parents' numbers on speed dial. <3

One Week Down!

I survived my first week as Reading Partners' new Development Coordinator VISTA!! YAYYYY! I wish it were more exciting, but like every job....you have to go through training before one does anything remotely interesting. Unfortunately, this week has been a bit of a headache, no one's fault but nevertheless annoying.

Day 1 was all about team building and having fun and we did just that. I can already tell I will have a great time at work and after work with this group. They are all outgoing and enjoy being silly (the men too; there are only three of them). It's tradition every year -- each Reading Partners office creates a video welcoming the others to the new year. Our video was to the whole network from CA to DC. We decided to do our video as if we were all a part of Reading Addicts Anonymous.(Get it!?!?!) We were each a different city or state that Reading Partners was located in such as Sacramento, Twin Cities, NYC, North Carolina etc. As Jess panned the room with her Iphone, we each introduced ourselves as the state or city we were acting as while wearing or holding something that represented it. I had South Carolina and I was pretending to eat a peach. "Hi, my name is South Carolina and yes....I'm a Reading Addict." "Hi South Carolina!" says the group. I can't wait to see it!

Tuesday through Friday were tough for I had trainings to do online as well as getting myself familiar with SalesForce, a platform we use to organize donations from organizations etc. It's a whole nother world to me because of language I don't know and the protocol I have to learn as well. On top of all that, the person who had my position last year left before his full year was up. As an AmeriCorps member, you're required to serve a full year unless something urgent happens and in this case the person joined the military. Also, the Development Manager, who is supposed to be "in charge" of me and train me quit unexpectedly and therefore the Executive Director has been doing that instead. She's super supportive and I already love her, but she's swamped every single day and I'm just glad she wants to be there for me.

Plus, I know more problems!? Yes, for whatever reason I didn't have access to email until Tuesday afternoon. The National office in LA had been sending me important emails since early August that I hadn't gotten till then. So all week, I was playing catch up with paperwork that needed to be done and office programs that I needed to learn my way around. Then there was an issue with getting into these different programs and setting up an account and all that. Then there was an issue of getting my own computer, meaning a computer without someone else's passwords already saved. One computer locked me out completely after trying to reimaging it (setting it back to factory settings). Another computer would only let me into my email and Sales Force, nothing else. Finally tried another computer today and the WiFi won't turn on. Crazy huh!? I guess the computers are boycotting my presence? Maybe it's just cause they are all Macs. (I'm not a fan of them either).

Oh, well. Monday will be a new day and possibly a better one. This weekend, I'm going back to Colorado Springs for the Wulfs are throwing me a "You Survived!" party. lol  It should be a fun weekend!

Below are pictures from my office. Don't I have such a magnificent view! So glad we are on the 7th floor and not the basement!!

Until the next installment of Ruth's escapades! See you later.

Pre-Service Orientation

Just a few hours ago, I returned from my PSO (Pre-Service Orientation) and have been catching up on emails and relaxing. Basically, around 100 of us serving in CA,OK, AK, AZ, CO, MO, TX and LA were gathered together in order to better understand what AmeriCorps is all about and to learn things about being in service as well as nonprofit work and poverty. We had group, solo and paired activities that allowed us to practice our elevator speeches, writing a targeted recruitment message and assessing what poverty is exactly. The time was well spent and some of us wish it were longer so that we could better understand everything. The sessions were so jammed packed with things to cover that I think some of it went over our heads.

Each day went from 7am breakfast to 5:30pm dinner with about four sessions each day. I arrived via taxi on Tuesday, which was an experience in itself to the hotel, Westin Westminster around 2:30pm. I used an app called Ztrip and was trying not to panic since I didn't get a confirmation at all until 5 minutes prior to the time I wanted a taxi (1:30). I told the man the address of the hotel and he didn't seem to understand his ipad's keypad at all since he took a full two minutes or more trying to type in the address. We finally got going after what seemed like more than five minutes of getting it put in correctly. Other than that, the trip went smoothly. Thank goodness, AmeriCorps is reimbursing me for the ride since it cost $45.

When I arrived to the hotel, my room wasn't ready. Really, at almost 3pm? This is a fancy hotel, by the way. Whatever. There were plenty of places to sit plus, I still had to check in with AmeriCorps. Within 45 minutes, I got a call saying my room was ready. So I went up and it was gorgeous! The bathroom was huge! the view was amazing! Every day I love Colorado more and more. The diverse landscape never ceases to bring a smile. So after unpacking, I took a walk since I had a little over two hours before dinner. Like every where else it seems, there's construction. On my walk, I passed an ice-skating rink, a man-made pond with a fountain in it and quite a few stores/restaurants.

One thing I must mention about PSO is the food! OMYGOODNESS! Our first meal was delicious. We had strips of tender beef, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls. For a fancy hotel, yea they better have good food, but I wasn't expecting this! Almost every meal was like this; just filled with mouthwatering you-have-have-seconds food.

The sessions were fun and I especially liked our instructor, Jean. She's very creative and allowed for all learning styles. The first day, she explained why there were markers and toys on the table. If we needed to do something while listening to her, we could. I am one of those who can't for obvious reasons so I only drew or colored during break time or if I finished my assignments early. I hope be able to keep in touch with her!

I met a lot of cool people and a few serving in Denver at various organizations. I love the fact that I could connect quite easily with most and am glad I made this choice more than ever! It's amazing to feel appreciated and valued versus how I was treated growing up. I've had many conversations filled with laughter and love. When you meet people who have a heart for others, it comes out every time one open's their mouth. I have a feeling I will always remember this experience.

Overall, I think it was an enjoyable time and I look forward to starting my year with Reading Partners as a VISTA! Thank you Lord for everything you've given me.

Feeling the Love

I went back to Colorado Springs/Falcon this weekend and was greeted so warmly it was overwhelming. Some people like "Uncle Dan" weren't as nice as they could be, but I could tell they all missed me. He reminds me of my real uncle, Uncle Bill. They are both sarcastic and love to joke around. Though I was only gone a week, Sue practically jumped on me when she saw me on her lawn Saturday morning. "You came! You came!" she shouted.

The card party was fun as always and they all wanted to hear about my first week in Denver. I was happy to be with my other family and share my experiences such as getting a bit lost and trying to find the rest of the items I needed to get my started on this life on my own. While I'm not completely financially independent yet, I am proud of how far I've come and been able to manage money and be my own person. Dona and Mrs. Wulf taught me how to play Mexican Train, which honestly is so difficult to learn at first. When the Wulfs had taught me Head and Foot, my mind was on play and rewind at the same time. Like anything new, it takes time to learn and to get the hang of it. Will have to continue playing if I want to get good at it like I am at Dutch Blitz.

At church, everyone was so surprised to see me. (I think I like surprising people). The looks on their faces are priceless and it always feels good to be loved. After going through four years in high school feeling like I didn't matter, this is a great change. I'm glad I held on and overcame adversity. I will surely miss them as I already do. I hope the next church I choose will become another family.

<3

Turned Around

This morning I decided to jog around the other half of Washington Park. The first time I had gone along the path parallel to Downing St. This time I went parallel to S. Franklin St. (Side note: sometimes I wish the street names made more sense such as Iowa St being next to Illinois instead of Mexico). Anyways, one of the things I'm beginning to love about jogging in this park is the fact that the people are always so friendly. They smile and nod instead of "giving you a once-over for simply looking at them.

Speaking of people I've "met," I was walking down Emerson on the way to Cherry Creek this afternoon when I saw a huge lawn sprinkler really close to the sidewalk. I tried to avoid getting wet but it was inevitable. When I reached dry land again, a young man was walking the opposite direction dressed business life wearing earbuds. He immediately took one out and said to me, "Thank you. I didn't even see that until you stepped off the sidewalk." I had laughed and said, "I saved you!"

Cherry Creek mall isn't that far from me about a 20 minute walk. So I went and found some items I needed/wanted. Just an FYI, this mall is a lot like Westfarms in West Hartford, but even more expensive. They had Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Aldo, Coach, True Religion and stores I'd never even heard of before. The only ones I recognized/would shop at were Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop, Claire's, Forever 21, H&M and Macy's.

After leaving the mall, I had thought I was headed down the right street in order to catch the bus but it wasn't until 10 minutes later that I realized I was on the WRONG street to begin with. I had thought my surroundings had looked different, but I figured I just wasn't paying attention on the way there. I tend to think so much as I'm walking or even driving that I don't notice what buildings are there. Since I had already walked quite a ways I decided to try and figure out a different route. So I pulled out my phone and saw that I had gone south instead of west. Sigh. So I picked up my bag and walked down Alameda, which I knew headed towards home. The walk took me a little over half an hr. I was so sore when I plopped onto my bed. Still am. At least, I know I will sleep soundly tonight!

Strangers Become Friends

Today I wrestled within myself as to what to do. So I began will a chill day: ate breakfast, did light exercises, had devotions, recorded a song in ASL for my friend Naomi and then watched Pitch Perfect. I had thought about going to Cherry Creek, but I think I will go tomorrow. Mid afternoon rolled around and I felt like I needed to move/stretch/get out from these four walls. While it's not a cramped apartment by any means, I still like to do things rather than be in my room all day if I can help it.

So, I headed for a nearby park called "Hungarian Freedom Park." I'm going to have to go back and read the whole memorial because I'm still not sure what the idea behind it is. I had taken a book to read and found a place by the old water fountain. There was only one other person there so it was quiet apart from the traffic of the beginning of rush hour.

One thing I wish the Mile City didn't have....bees or more specifically yellow jackets. They seem to be more of them here or maybe it's my crazy overactive imagination. In Aspen, there weren't any. I was in heaven! Anyways, wound up moving twice because of them. I'm trying to read here, you little stinging flying annoying things!

After about half an hour, I took it as a sign to move elsewhere. I remember asking, "God is this you trying to tell me to move on?" It must have because soon after I had sat down at the Alamo Placita Park a couple blocks away, a dog came up to me wagging its tail. He had a ball in his mouth and dropped it by my feet. An older lady came up behind and smiled so I asked the dog, "You want me to throw this?" He backed up slightly looking up at me, tail still wagging. I must have thrown the soggy tennis ball at least 10 times. During which, I stood up and talked to the dogs's owner, Debra. Found out the dog's name is Mackie and they live across the street from the park. She is retired and has lived in Denver for 40 years. I also found out that she has a grand-daughter who goes to school in upstate NY and plays hockey.

Funny how God works sometimes. I should be mildly upset with Him since using bees (my worst enemy) to get me to go from having a "meh" day to and awesome one is so not cool! Also funny how I didn't see a single one at the Alamo Placita Park......I guess that's where I'm going to go when I want to relax and possible read a book.

The last picture is a sticker I saw while walking back home. HILARIOUS!

Getting Around

Today I decided to go for a jog around the infamous Washington Park, which is a little over a mile from my place. It's like the Central Park of NYC since it has just about everything from swimming pool, tennis courts, running/walking/bike paths, a playground, areas for fishing, a basketball court, a community center and wide open fields for every other sport. While it was hot (94 degrees), the breezes helped me to fully enjoy the area. I didn't go around the entire park since it was a good 15 blocks long and probably 10 wide, I did get to see a good portion of it including some pond animals and a flower garden.

Later, I went to the library (of course...where else would I have gone to spend my afternoon). Those of you who know me, are already shaking your heads. Yes, I am an avid reader and proud of it thank you very much. So I'm super stoked to say that I now hold a Denver Public Library card!!! Surprisingly enough, I told myself I wasn't going to get any books this time because I'm leaving for orientation next week. I'd rather have plenty of time to read without feeling rushed or risk returning them late. Next time however.....I will be getting those that I had my eye on when I was in there today.