Cupcake Party!

Since I now have a set schedule and more "normal" to the majority of my friends, I've been inviting friends over for dinner or hosting a party. Today, I hosted a cupcake party! Who doesn't love cupcakes?! If you say, "I do" there's something wrong with you and you need to make an appointment with your doctor pronto.

There were four types of cupcakes featuring the party: no-egg chocolate with cream cheese frosting, vanilla with colored icing, funfetti with colored icing and cookies 'n cream! OMYGOODNESS! So much to choose from. We all had a great time laughing and trying to figure out which ones we wanted to eat.

I love spending time getting to know people and make new friends. I look forward to fun times I get to spend with so many amazing people here in Denver. I'm so glad I made the move even though I was -- and still am -- sometimes nervous. It's a great city with so many millennials and things to do that interest me. Connecticut was not for me and maybe Colorado won't be either in the long run, but I am glad I am here now.

Exciting Chapter!

This week, I started my first full-time real career-related job! I'm officially Urban Peak's new Grants and Database Coordinator. I can't be more thankful and excited to start this chapter of my life. This is exactly what I've been waiting for and God couldn't have picked better coworkers. They actually have a book club that meets once a month along with a potluck. One coworker is a writer. They are all easy to talk to and are more than willing to show me how to do something/find something etc. My manager is amazing! She's funny, understanding, patient and truly wants me to be able to navigate the ins and outs of Urban Peak.

For those who don't know, Urban Peak is a nonprofit organization that strives to encourage youth ages 15 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness to become contributing members of society. We have a variety of services: shelter, Drop-In Center (laundry, breakfast, classes, showers), short-term housing to fit their needs (disabilities, sobriety, learning how to rent an apartment/go to school), education center (obtain their GED, mock interviews, job hunting tips, resume/cover letter help) and a medical center. My job is to help my manager write grants for all our services as well as general operational needs. Also, I will be in charge of the database where we do gift processing so the Finance team will become my best buds.

Everyone is so supportive and I love that I'm jumping in (though sometimes it does feel like I am holding on for dear life). My first week has been a whirlwind but I'm looking forward to learning more and being able to know what I'm doing without asking a million questions or hitting roadblocks trying to complete a project.

Haven't decorated my little office a whole lot but hopefully soon besides my lonely picture of my mom, uncle, and aunt.

So much information has been thrown at me this week -- I felt like I needed a nap when I was getting ready for work Friday morning haha Soon, I'll feel a whole lot better, I'm sure.

National Western Stock Show Parade

As many of you already know, one of my dreams before moving to Colorado was to see a rodeo. That was check-marked off my list when I moved to Colorado Springs. I loved it!

In Denver, every January there is a stock show that lasts about two weeks maybe more. Every single day is jammed packed with horse shows, rodeos, you name it. It's similar in some ways to the Big E in MA. They also have companies and individuals from as far as California to sell their products.

Last year, I missed the parade that started the whole thing off with a bang. This year, I was able to see some of it. I have always loved western culture, horses, and cowboys so this parade was really neat to see, minus the poop.

Besides the Taco Festival, this is one of my favorite activities in Denver!

Mom VISIT!

This past week has been so much fun and I was able to knock some things off my Denver bucket list! It was really great to show my mom my new home and introduce her to those who have made an impact on my life. For me, since leaving my hometown I've grown closer to her. Growing up was hard and I felt like she and I never seemed to mesh well. I'm happy that we have gotten to the place where we are sad to see each other go when it's time to leave.

The aquarium was probably the highlight since I love animals! There was a shark tank which was a little unnerving..... However, the Parade of Lights was definitely a great time. The chill in the air was there but it was bearable. We enjoyed seeing all the neat floats and the high school/college bands dressed up in lights. The flutes in one of the bands all had candy canes for mouthpieces. SO COOL! 

Even though I am not able to go home (again) for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I'm glad she was able to come out and have fun with me! It's during the holidays where I wish I didn't live so far on top of working in fast-food. Hopefully, I won't have to ever again after this. I miss home.