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.

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!