baby blues...

Here's a view from my cubicle of the "blizzard" we had last Thursday. The foothills received 16 to 20 inches... downtown only about five. The sun is so bright here the snow melts very quickly and by Saturday everyone was walking around in t-shirts. Weird.
And now, (drumroll please)I am proud to introduce the new addition to my family (other members including all plants currently keeping warm in the living room) - skis, poles, boots, and helmet. Yes, I know this is completely dorky, but I can't help it. It's like a dream come true. Cheesy you say? I fully agree. But it's true none the less. So, I may be over my head in debt thanks to the little suckers, but they are still mine and I promise to give them a good home. Although a great snuggle buddy they are not - I'm working on it.

fame...

Happy Daylight Savings! Yay - one extra hour of sleep we could all use. So, anyway I wanted to let everyone know about an advertising contest being put on by Chipotle - select universities from around the country were invited and given pretty much free range to participate in creating 30 second t.v. spots. There are two different ways to win. First, the big champion receives $20,000 - split between the school and the student (sweet!). But it doesn't stop there - the commercials are also uploaded on youtube.com at Chipotle Ad Contest and are available for your viewing pleasure. The spot with the most views or best rating, (something like that - I can't remember which) also wins $5,000. Friday during lunch we all gathered 'round for the priemere viewing. Some aren't so great. Othres are terrible. But some are pretty hilarious, as well as a few that are mighty impressive.

I included some of my favorites to check out if interested. It's great internet entertainment... and I know we all have time to burn anyway (honestly, who isn't plugged into myspace or facebook as we speak - mmhmmm). Don't worry, this isn't a shameless plug - although it may appear to be - I simply wanted to spread the word. If you find one you like, feel free to vote!

The Wall
Dryer
Burrito Rocket
Locally Raised

Side note, I keep forgetting to mention I will be in Florida part of next week/weekend. Yes, so I shaved my "groomed for winter" legs (go ahead and eww... but ladies you know we all do it) and will hopefully be enjoying warm weather soon!

trippin'...

I was headed to work this morning - walking down the sidewalk and taking in the sunshine. A (very cute) guy a little ways ahead was walking toward me on that same sidewalk. He was looking at me. Perhaps a little distracted. And then he ran into a tree.

No really. He ran into a tree on the sidewalk.

I thought the day couldn't get much better. Until a singing telegram arrived at the office, dressed as a disheveled chicken (poofy white slip, brightly colored wool socks, Pumas, and a chicken mask - carrying balloons), and serenaded the crowd.

After something such as that, there is really nothing left to say.

go-go gadget...

So both my co-worker and my supervisor are on vacation this week, Kirk is in Florida, and I'm in the wing all by myself. Yep, just me, internet radio, and seven feet of paperwork staring at me from the cubicle. For anyone who has done much filing, you know it can be a dangerous job. I have numerous papercuts all over my hands (the ones across the knuckles are the worst) and I've even broken nails. Yowee.

Today I had been reaching in and out of an expandable file quite a bit, and it wasn't until the task was complete that I noticed it scraped up my entire left forearm. I started walking to my desk and checking out the damage. While doing so I noticed the skin under my bicep jiggle a bit. I take another step. Jiggle jiggle. What? When did this happen?! Surely not. Crap, I need to start lifting weights again and prevent the flappy underarm syndrome that happens during old age. All of this I am thinking to myself while pinching the extra... ahem... skin - in shock. I begin examining it more closely, lifting it over my head to be sure of what I had witnessed. So... why was it then that the director of development decided to pass me by in the hall. Ack! Panic. He looked at me with completely perplexed facial expression - kind of like how a dog tilts its head when confused or puzzled. Obviously there is really no way of covering up my insulation inspection and basically no way of saving much pride. So my face turns red, I muster a "hi", pretend to awkwardly scratch my underarm (as if that were the real reason I was holding it up), and duck into my cubicle.

The moral of this story? Never slack on your bench presses or reverse tricep curl thingies. You never know what type of strange predicament it might get you into.

shiver me timbers...

Holy monkeys it is snowing out there! Denver looks like a postcard today - everything is covered in snow and sparkling. Of course it looked prettier through my window than it felt walking to my car... but I'm ready for winter. No snow = no skiing, so you know where my heart's at.

Anyway, I am all snuggled up ready to battle the cold - flannel pants, oversized hoodie, and worn out slippers are necessary wardrobe items when attempting to not use the furnace. Current thermostat reading... 61 degrees. But I'm holding out. Perhaps until I wake up with blue lips or frozen boogies. It will most likely go on after that.

I wanted to share some quick highlights regarding the wonderful weekend I recently spent in Wichita. I had an awesome, awesome time and, besides the $62 spent in airport parking, the trip couldn't have been better.

Brian's mom picked me up (Godsend) and we kept company for a couple of hours waiting for the still almost newly weds to arrive. I felt like I was talking to a long lost friend - her insight and thoughtfulness was so encouraging and uplifting.

Saturday was entirely planned around college football. Our alarms were set to the pregame show (forgive me if I get some of this sport mumbo-jumbo wrong) and two televisions were carried to the basement in order to fully capture numerous team's activities - ending up with three total. Now I always thought I could multi-task, but attempting to watch three games at once is a feat I may never conquer.

Brian's mom spoiled us with a deluxe indoor tailgate, including everything from lil' smokies (my guilty pleasure) to fruits (with Ashley's amazing fruit dip), veggies, cheese dip, and more.

The main event was the Ohio State game - as their family is chalk full of die hard fans. No really, I mean it. I thought I'd seen intense K-State fans, but you college boys have nothing on them. Although I could get into more detail, it will suffice to say I was gently encouraged to change into Crimson clothing (don't worry - my KSU tee was underneath) we did push-ups everytime they scored (of course they're so good we girls eventually had to start doing sit-ups and even the dog joined in), Bruno, the stuffed mascot would sing the fight song, and we weren't allowed to nap until half-time. I loved every second of it - I was so happy to finally take part in the tradition I've heard about for so long!

That night we went to a haunted house. Which turned out to be a haunted forest, which is in many ways, much creepier. Now, I can look at scary people, or see creepy things, but I HATE loud noises (I know I know, Brick and I have something in common). It completely freaks me out. I get all jumpy and scream and then my heart races... you know. I was doing okay until the blasted chainsaw guy comes roaring out behind me from the middle of nowhere. I jolted so fast that Ashley and I bonked heads and kept screaming. That was probably enough Halloween for me all wrapped up into a half hour. I had a sore throat by the time we were finished. Whew.

Sunday my little bro came and picked me up. I was so happy to see him! We hung out until it was flying time, and we made our way to the airport. Actually we made our way around Wichita all day with no map, no idea of where anything was. And we found things quite successfully. Besides the time we went around the same block three times. But really it was impressive.

I apologize that this kept getting longer and longer - there is so much to share. I was also going to pass along the story of a very blonde moment I had at about 10:30 this evening. But that will just have to wait for another entry. Or perhaps I will spare myself and avoid mentioning it at all.

Thanks to everyone for making my weekend such a success! You have no idea how much your kindness and friendship means to me. I miss you already!!

mike check one two...

I have realized that in growing up, some things are harder to get used to than others. The work environment, for me anyway, has been one of them. Not that I don't like my co-workers - it is just a completely different dynamic going from being with a bunch of college kids who go out most nights of the week, procrastinate homework, and live somewhat carefreely, to adults with children and mortgages and, well, things I can't quite relate to yet. But finally, after almost three months, things are getting more comfortable and I am finding my place in the office. And although part of it simply takes time to adjust, I suppose the company is a big help in fostering a welcoming environment as well.

Today was especially reassuring. Kirk, a recruiter, promised me homemade chicken pot pie for lunch, and you better believe he delivered. He attended culinary school so his eats are always wonderful, and he's a great resource for recipe ideas and out to lunch "what is that on the menu" questions (which I have a lot). Later in the day an up and coming artist performed down the hall, and everyone gathered 'round, grabbed a beer, some chips and salsa, and enjoyed over an hour of live music. He was actually an amazing singer (and soloed on his guitar... what more could a girl ask for) so as soon as I figure out his name, I will pass it along. His music and lyrics hit the spot.

Then we played fetch with the dogs, witnessed a beagle (Boots) attempt, unsuccessfully, to steal the squeeze toy (a squishy burrito) from a black lab (Chappie), and eventually got back to work.

As I looked around the room at all the faces I am getting to know (and more people my age being employed!), it finally felt a little more like home, a little more comfortable, and a lot more inviting. Although I may hear more stories about my supervisor's kids bathing their dogs in Gold Bond powder while daddy wasn't looking, (true story) it is an adjustment that is slowly feeling like "hey, this is my life"... and I'm happy with that.

Oh! And I actually shook hands and introduced myself to the CEO today. That was kind of a big deal too.

rock on...

"Don't you know that your hand is only as big as your fist?"

-- My wonderful momma (after one too many margaritas)

My parents came out to visit this weekend. Dad said he could hardly take it - waiting one more second to get to Colorado would have been too much. And it was great to see them. I get a little more homesick here than college years... hmmm... maybe it takes awhile to appreciate all you have. My little brother hasn't made it over yet - he is busy with school and work and girlfriend stuff. But I hope he can soon. I miss him!

Sunday we went for a driving tour to see the fall foliage in the mountains. We didn't really know where we were going, but I think we found where we wanted to be. The road led us to Red Rocks - an amazing, amazing naturally made amphitheatre in the middle of the foothills. It is one of the top entertainment venues anywhere, according to artists and performers around the world. Hey, who can compete with perfect natural acoustics and an open sky? Next year I will definitely have tickets to one of many concerts hosted there!

We then traveled along a winding road, along creeks and trees and mountains. Many of the leaves have already turned and fallen, but the remaining colors were still beautiful. The day was a little cold and dreary, slightly damp and overcast - but the trip was well worth it, and we really didn't seem to notice. We ended up at a cozy Italian restaurant in the middle of an itty-bitty town, filled our bellies, and headed home.

So, in reflection of a relaxing weekend and good times with the parents, here are some pictures to capture the moment, as well as other dorky moments, brought to you by my family, goofiness and all.


Daddy and I showing off the red rock. See... it really is red!

Mom and I at the creek we hiked down to. Somehow she managed to be taller than me - not fair!
Umm... if you ever questioned where my kid-like nature came from - it's a pretty safe bet to say you're looking at him :)
Another Red Rocks photo-op with my momma.
Okay, so this one isn't family. But I think it's amazing, and I'm the photographer - so up it goes. You can see part of the seating as well as the view. Wow!

That's all for now. Nighty night.

powder puff...

Ski season is officially one month away. ONE MONTH! ...Not that I have been thinking about it much, dreaming of owning ski equipment, counting down the days, or waiting my whole life for a real ski season.

Okay, so maybe I just did an Irish square dance to celebrate the occasion. If there was a Coloradian dance I probably would have done that too.

for the purple (and the white)!...

Last weekend I finally got to make it back to the home country - what a refreshing trip it was to be reunited with my roomies and friends I hadn't seen in a long, long time. Everyone was able to get back together - quite an amazing feat for seven girls in four different cities and three states.
We kicked it off at the 'Ville Friday night, hanging out on a patio while it drizzled rain all evening. It was somewhat strange to be at the old stomping ground. It seems as though things change so quickly. People move away, new ones enter the scene, there are less familiar faces to run into. But I guess I should know by now that that's just how things go. In a way it made my visit easier, knowing that although I miss my college buddies (terribly), they will soon too be gone and on their own, forging their lives in the wonderful world of work. And although I will, and do, miss the best college town on this planet, it's also okay to move on, and forgive the cheesiness, take the memories with you. Because sometimes that's about all you can do. And although it would be nice, I can't stay a K-State student forever. (Tear)
Okay, enough sappy reflection. We all had a great time together, starting game day with an official tailgate beautifully orchestrated by Bridge and Meggie. Yummy! The girls thought of everything, all packed into Bridge's trunk and ready to go. Well... almost everything. It was a little difficult to figure out how to make eggs without a skillet... haha. But of course, that is what nice neighbors are for! The night before I had pushed everyone to wake up extra early, have a quick start on the morning, and get our booties to the field. Needless to say, uh... I was the last one up and showered. Ooops. But we were still there by 8AM. Woo-hoo! That night we played cards and pong with Meggie's boys, then headed to the bars, where dancing, shots, and drunken conversation ensued. Anna and I stayed up late that night, probably in order to avoid the next morning, when we would have to go our separate ways. We ordered Jimmy Johns, and inhaled both sandwiches, which we very much regretted the next day. But hey, it is tradition.

Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the weekend was going to church with the girls, like old times, and then having lunch after - of course, you know where. We finally said our goodbyes and headed off in numerous directions.

It was so nice (and needed) to be back! For the two days I stayed it felt as though I had been living there forever - like nothing had changed at all (minus living out of a suitcase instead of two walk-in closets, and a very adorable kitten added to the family). Thank you so much to everyone for everything - I hope to see you again soon!