Tacos, TAcos, TACOS!

So, you can probably guess where I was this past weekend. TACO FESTIVAL!

My new roommate, Jessica, came with me this year as well as my former roommate, Katie, and her boyfriend. There were at least 40 food trucks there if not more plus booths selling t-shirts and knick-knacks. Every kind of taco you could think of -- they offered it. While I prefer normal tacos, my roommate went and got herself a fish taco. SMH

While it was a hot day, it was a lot of fun sampling the variety of tacos there, playing corn-hole for prizes topping it off with a free pina colada at the end of the night. By the time we got home, we were exhausted but happily full of good food.

Chalk Art Festival

One of the things I absolutely love about Denver is the variety of festivals. Just about any activity that exists, there's a festival that celebrates it. It's crazy!

This one was downtown on Larmier St -- the chalk art covered about 4 blocks. I'm not kidding! Take a look at the pictures below!

Another Bucket List Item CHECKED!

Last night, I went line dancing!!! Oh...my...goodness...was it fun! Granted, I bumped into people so many times, but there were others who were worse at it than me. I have always loved western culture and the way of life out here even before I moved to Colorado.

One of the things I love about line dancing is that you don't need a partner. With every other type of dance, you need to follow them and keep their rhythm. With line dancing, you can technically do your own thing as long as you follow the beat and direction haha. There were two guys break dancing in the middle of one song...it was awesome!

I can't wait to go again! I can't wait to go again! I could have just sat back and watched the whole time and while that would be less exciting, it was super cool to watch. I wish I grew up dancing -- sometimes I feel so out of touch with my own generation. Regardless, I had a really great time and I look forward to doing it again. Look below for some pictures!!

Lisa Frank Rollerskating Party

I consider myself a better rollerskater than ice skater and I think that is still true after last night. The theme was Lisa Frank so there were a lot of people who showed up in Unicron outfits and crazy colors. It was super cool seeing all the multi-colored lasers throughout the night and crazy costumes people had one.

One thing I had forgotten about rollerskating....it's a workout. I was sweating buckets. I'm guessing it was also because of the millions of bodies were in the room. Even with the garage like door wide open, it was hot in there.

Gained a new friend (fellow Star Wars fan) as well as ran into an old friend from Reading Partners. We had a blast even though we couldn't find the meetup group we intended to join. We made the most of it :)

By the time I got home, my feet were so tired!! Like I said, it was a workout. Even now as I'm writing this, my left foot is still sore. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun and I'm glad I went.

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!