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.

Almost 24 Hours

I moved in yesterday afternoon and it has been quite an experience. I'm so glad I only live on the second floor. Getting the mattress from the pickup truck to my bedroom was awful to say the least. You'd think that the frame (metal) or the dresser (wood) would be heavier. NOPE! I could barely hold my end of the mattress for more than 15 feet. I've never felt so out of shape. (I will be scouring the neighborhood for gyms).

Now my bedroom is complete and there are only a few items needed for the kitchen but other than that, I'm alright! So far, so good. Moving forward, I know I'm in good hands. So many blessings one after another. Can't wait to see what He brings next.

Today was my first attempt at exploring. While it didn't quite go the way I wanted to, I did buy some necessary items and got to walk along the 16th Street Mall. I will say that I got my exercise. Walking from the 16th Street Mall to the Denver Public Library to a shopping center at Broadway and Alameda back home was exhausting, but it gave me a feel of the city as a whole. My phone says that I walked 13744 steps today! I was able to avoid most of the sketchy characters though one of them decided to be sarcastic (I'm assuming) since he said loudly, "All hail to the queen" as I walked by. I didn't even acknowledge him, so I can't be 100% sure of all the words. Taking the bus downtown was in its own way interesting because I'm not used to one way streets. So many times I thought to myself, "Wait, we're going the wrong direction." Then two minutes later turn onto another street going the correct "direction." I've only taken a city bus a handful of times in CT and then with roommates/friends in Ithaca. Once work starts, hopefully I'll have a better handle on Bus Life.

Tomorrow, I think, I will take it easy. My feet are killing me.

Goodbye Falcon, Hello Denver

Oh my goodness. Today is my last official day living in Falcon. It's been quite a ride being in the country, yet down the street from Walmart. The winters though....I'm glad I don't have to drive in that again -- hopefully. However, Falcon hasn't seen the last of me since I will be coming back down here for my celebration party the Wulfs are holding, my second court date from the car accident in April, my birthday, card parties and Rustic Hills Baptist Church events here and there. I will miss the people that have made me smile and laugh. They will forever be in my heart.

Most of you know my new address but if you don't, feel free to contact me or my parents! I already moved most of my stuff on Thursday and got the keys. The move now feels so official! The place practically perfect and I'm trying not to think too much about the fact that I will only be there roughly 10 months due to my current roommate getting married next summer. I know it's all in God's hands and I try not to overthink. I love that my new apartment is near two parks and 20 minutes from work. I'm actually super glad I don't have a car because of the annoyance of parallel parking and just having to read the street signs five times to figure out if I can park on this street on what day between what times.

Another thing I'll miss about southern Colorado is the proximity of the mountains and hiking trails. My friend Justin and I went to Red Rocks Open Space a couple days ago. My back is still paying for it; I'm so sore! However, it was fun and I took lots of pictures! Justin kept complaining that I walk too slow, but I was just enjoying the scenery! It was gorgeous, as you can see.

I LOVE COLORADO!

Camping in the Mountains

This past weekend was hot, dirty but enjoyable. We had a good time filled with laughter (they shared stories about when they lived in Connecticut), peace and beauty of the mountain scenery. Some of us fished (I did not) and the rest played games and took mid-day naps.

Though the worst part about weekend vacations is the feeling that you need a vacation from that vacation. Setting up two tents, a canopy, four chairs, two tables as well as figuring out how to layout the sleeping quarters was exhausting! Like I mentioned before, the peace and quiet and being away from the busyness of life was worth the effort.

We were one of the few people at 11 Mile State Park Camping Grounds that pitched tents. Most had RVs as you can see in the pictures. I wonder what it would be like camping in one of those. Though to me, it's not real camping since you have basically a small house. I would, however, love to rent an RV and travel the United States someday. In regards to real camping, the only thing I do not like it is the lack of running water/bathrooms. I'm not sure which is worse, finding a remote spot in the woods and digging a hole or using an outhouse. You have no idea how overjoyed I was about coming home and closing the bathroom door.

Camping in the Rockies is amazing and I encourage you to give it a whirl some day!

Only in the Country....

So for the past few weeks there has been a Poultry Swap. Yes, you read correctly. When I first read the sign, I honestly thought I needed to get closer. Nope. When I was 100% sure of what I saw, I backed away. I know exactly why they are swapping poultry to begin with and I had no intention of being involved.

I realize I love chicken and turkey, but it doesn't mean that I actually want to know how it gets into the freezer all nice and neat. There are just somethings I prefer not to know.

New Things Just Across the Prairie

It's been awhile....I know. My apologies. So let's just jump in here.

Officially, I'm moving to Denver for a new job starting in August! Everything has been falling into place and I thank God that I wasn't like Abraham jumping the gun trying to have a child. While I can't say I'm happy that it took so long to find something worthwhile, I'm stoked that it came! For awhile, I thought it never would and I'd be doomed to spend my post college years working a job that a high school student could do. Thankfully, that's not the case.

So, like I said everything has been falling into place quite nicely. I have a new job and an apartment with almost three weeks to spare. Can't be more happy right now. The position is with a nonprofit called Reading Partners and I knew from the first interview that this was a place where I could make a difference while using the talents given me that I've developed and enjoyed using. I'm just glad we both were on the same page throughout the entire process. The area I will be living in is a quiet neighborhood that's less than a mile from just about everything a city can offer a 20-something -- including food since I can't go more than four hours without sustenance! (Sugar doesn't count though I wish it did). Plus it's only a 20 minute bus ride to work! I know I'm going to love it there!

I honestly can't wait to see what else God has in store in Denver and I'm looking forward to growing, meeting new people and exploring!