They'll be Coming Round the Mountain

I started writing mid-October and now it's November and I never got around to finishing. October was a busy month and went by pretty fast. Let's recap...

Oct:
I went to a book signing. The author was Richard Paul Evans and he was promoting his new book The Gift. Evan’s spoke for about 20 minutes before he began signing…what an incredible speaker he is. The only thing that I was disappointed about was that my mom lives too far away to have had the chance to meet him too. I have been reading books by Evans since I was in high school and to actually have had the chance to shake his hand and say hello was pretty special. Hopefully someday I will be able to sit down and write my own stories and publish them as well. How amazing it would be to see my name on the cover of a book that I wrote sitting on a shelf in a bookstore.

The Colorado Rockies have also recently given us something to be excited about. They made it to the World Series and got there by sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2007 playoffs. One thing I have to admit that has been fun about living near Denver is the positive energy and excitement that everybody has out here for their sports teams. I’ve never quite experienced anything like it.

The ski season has officially arrived! We bought our passes just in time to enjoy the first trail open at Arapahoe Basin on the 14th. I still find it hard to believe that we are out snowboarding in mid October. The craziest part is how busy it was. The lift line was packed full of skiers and riders. What’s annoying is seeing all the expensive outer wear and accessories on these people and then seeing them absolutely suck when they get on the hill. It’s crazy how much money people spend on clothing, boards, boots, and bindings so that they look cool, but how awesome are they when they can barely get off the lift and then spend most of their time sitting in the middle of the trail in everybody else’s way because they can barely make it down. The conversations that we overheard were so annoying that at some points it was almost unbearable to stand in line for the 10 minute wait. The trail that was open was jammed full so it made it somewhat hard to enjoy the snow, but I guess I shouldn't complain too much, we have a whole season ahead of us.

Nov:
Has been a whirlwind since arriving. Aunt Gaye and Trina arrived safely in Denver and Mike and I went over to Dan F's for a Sunday lunch to see everyone. We were an hour early because everyone in our house forgot about the time change. I couldn't figure out why all the clocks at Dan's were an hour slow. It seems that I'm the one who's slow! It was nice seeing everybody. We enjoyed the day watching football, visiting, and playing with the little ones. It was a great visit and Mike and I both left with full bellies. You never walk away hungry when you are a part of an Italian family.

Today, November 9, my parents are going to be starting their 3 week vacation and heading west. They will be in CO by the 16th after making a stop in Roswell NM and Santa Fe to see U. Jim and Michelle. I am of course anxiously awaiting their arrival. I can't wait to show them our new place and finally take my dad on the Coors Tour that we unfortunately skipped on their first trip out when they helped us move, which has now been over a year! The parents will be here for a week or so and we will get to enjoy a big family Thanksgiving with Aunt Gaye, Trina, Dan F and Family, U. Jim and Michelle, and whoever else finds their way to Dan's kitchen table. It should be a lot of fun.

The recruiting season has dwindled down to mostly high school visits, but we're now busy in the office getting high school students signed up for college classes and taking prospective students on tours of the campus. How lucky I am to have a job with such great co-workers and one of the friendliest atmospheres around.

The holidays are right around the corner and I've been brainstorming about what to get people for Christmas since October when the stores started putting up decorations. We're already starting to see houses and store fronts decorated with twinkling Christmas lights. As commercial as Christmas has become, I still enjoy the holiday for the warmth and happiness it brings to most. I can't wait to decide on the cookies I'm going to be making to share with friends and co-workers. I'm especially excited for our trip back to NY. It's going to be a long drive for Mike and I, but well worth it in my eyes. A stop in Kentucky to see Micah and then home by Christmas Eve. It'll be nice to spend the Holidays with friends and family. Isn't that what Christmas is really about anyway?

To Those Who Wait

Recently I woke up in the middle of the night giggling. What a great way to come out of sleep. I don't remember my dream at all, but obviously something in it must have been amusing. It's normal for me not to remember my dreams and the majority of the time I feel as though I have dreamless sleep. Then a few nights later there was another exception to my normal and boring sleep cycle, however instead of waking up and laughing I woke, upset and scared. Like I said, I don't usually remember very many details of my dreams and normally I just brush them off, but what I do remember about this particular one was that something bad happened to my mom. So the minute I was lucid enough to relax and take a deep breath, I called her at work to tell her I loved her. I just wanted to hear her voice and make sure she was OK so that I could move on with my day. Minds work in the most mysterious ways. I normally wouldn't try to analyze my dream, but I think it's because I miss her a lot and the distance is hard.

I realized the other day while driving that things out here no longer feel completely unfamiliar and totally opposite from what I'm used to. I know my way around a number of areas and have even figured out alternate routes and believe it or not, a few shortcuts! This is a familiar feeling that I had when I went away to college and before I knew it I could find my way around Oneonta without much difficulty at all. It's just harder out here because 82.9 % of the population of CO lives in the Front Range, so you can only imagine how many people are always around and how annoying traffic is! It makes me happy that I have finally started to adapt, while at the same time I continually think to myself..."this is something that I will never get used to".

I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to also admit that I still get homesick. I don't think being this far away from friends and family is something that I'll ever get used to and I don't think it's giving up or giving in to want to move back to the East when we're ready to settle down. At least once a day something out here makes me think of home, whether it's a dog that reminds me of Tillie, a meal that's being prepared, the air on a particular afternoon, or just a feeling I get waking up some mornings. I'm not saying that every day I spend out here I wake up and wish I was back in NY, I just know that home is near family and if I'm not near family I will never feel at home. The best part about feeling that way is that it means that I grew up well and came from a good family, that I'm proud to be a member of and have good friends that I need to see more than once a year.

I've been pretty disapointed the last few months because I haven't been able to figure out a way to get home for Christmas. A recent phone call with my parents has turned that around. Mike and I will be driving my Focus home and then trade my parents for the Jeep which means...WE'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS! I have a week of paid vacation and I can't think of a better way to spend it. Plus, Mike hasn't been home since last October and this will give us a chance to finally travel together. So it's a mini vacation for us and a chance to spend some time together. I can't wait! I'm freakin' pumped! Everytime I think about this trip it makes me smile. What a great feeling. The first year we spent in Colorado was pretty hard, but things are starting to feel better. It's awesome to have some good stuff to look forward to, and I think the next few months are going to fly by.

Lets Review

The things you find out about yourself when you move 2000 miles away from home. I still can't believe that we've been out in Colorado for over a year now! I'm happy to report that things have been really good lately for me. I had some lofty aspirations when we moved and I've come to realize that these kinds of goals take time and by time I mean months or longer. Lets not forget to add in there hard work, patience, and determination. Is that a light I see at the end of the tunnel?

Being hired at ACC is one of the best things that has happened to me since our move. Not only do I finally feel like my education is finally starting to pay off, but I feel at home here. My boss is awesome and so are my coworkers. I landed a job where they constantly feed me and give me free stuff! Does it get much better than that? My fall schedule is quickly filling up with high school visits, college fairs, presentations, workshops, and events. I can't wait to start recruiting in a few weeks and talking with seniors about their future options. I think I've found my niche and that feels pretty damn good. This job was my saving grace. I've already learned a ton and I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead.

Mike, Joe, Fuji, and I went camping this past weekend. The hike up the mountain was tiring but what amazing views the trail offered. My legs, back, and shoulders were pretty exhausted when we got to the top, carrying my pack and doing my best to keep up with the boys. It was such a relief the next morning when we started on our way because the majority of the hike was down. That was when I had a chance to take pictures of our mini adventure. I have to post the pics so everybody can see how beautiful it was. As important as it is for me to take pictures to document our good times and the beautiful landscapes CO has to offer, they never do it justice. The only way to really take it all in is to view it in person. The Rockies dwarf the Adirondacks in size, though the Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes stomp the teeny mountain lakes and man made bodies of water that should more appropriately be labeled as ponds. The yellow and gold leaves of the aspens are a nice contrast to the evergreens in the fall when the leaves change, but the East Coast's maple's rainbow of oranges, reds, greens, yellows, golds, rusts, and coppers that illuminate the hills back home are impossible to beat. Can you tell I'm still bias?

Two of my best friends are getting married next year. It's going to be a challenge to save for the dresses and the airfare, but I'm honored to be in both weddings and excited for the celebrations. I have a feeling both weddings are going to be here before we all know. I can't even imagine how beautiful both Julie and Carly are going to be in their wedding gowns. It's crazy how so much can happen in just a year! So on that note I'm sad that I probably won't be able to make it home for Christmas this year unless we hit the lotto. "Hey, you never know." right? So anyone interested in having Christmas in Colorado this year is more than welcome to come celebrate with us! Any takers? I get the week off between Christmas and New Years so start making your travel arrangements everybody. My parents are heading out for Thanksgiving though and I couldn't be more excited for their arrival. Coors Tour here we come!

Moving Right Along

This summer has really moved along! I can't believe that it's already into August! Where does the time go these days? August has potential to be a pretty big month. Nic is on his way out for a visit. Should be good times. I know Mike is excited to see him.

We finally got the rest of our pictures unpacked and hung up. I spent the last two weekends hauling out the back room. It was the extra bedroom that since we moved ended up being the catch all for empty boxes, boxes that never got unpacked, and all sorts of other odds and ends that we didn't get around the taking care of. Now it looks great! I spent a lot of time cleaning and organizing everything back there. I feel good every time I walk in the room now.

A couple weeks ago I also got a new car! Well new to me. 2005 Scion xB. Pretty much a box on wheels. It's awesome! They look so small on the outside, but the room on the inside is fairly unbelievable. All I can think if is a clown car at the circus....that should be there next commercial. I think I'm onto something...The car is cool and the best part is that it gets great gas mileage.

Things at work are starting to pick up also. The next couple of months are going to be my busy time. High school visits, college fairs...It'll be fun and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll never need to buy pens again! The last event I went to, I swiped all sorts of trinkets from other college's set ups. Good times.

Looks like a couple of my best friends are getting hitched. Julie next Julie and Carly next October. A big congrats to both couples. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to fund two trips back East. I'm really excited for both weddings. Should be lots of fun.
I have a feeling the next couple months are going to fly by. Work will be picking up, and visitors. Nic in August, Carrie and Josh in Sept/Oct, my parents for Thanksgiving! I'm really excited! I can't wait for everybody to see our new place.

Oink Oink Beep Beep!

There are certain aspects about living in CO that I'm still adjusting to. Food is one of them. You guys know me, I love food! Growing up in New York and now living out here has made one thing perfectly clear. I am a pizza snob! It's really hard to find good thin crust pizza out here. It's not like there aren't colleges with hungry students looming around. What gives? Also, for those of you who are soft serve lovers...I have yet to come across a soft serve ice cream stand. You know...like Footies. They just don't exist. And for the last time...Subway subs aren't real! So for those of you considering the move...I'm just giving you a heads up.


However, two things you'll never run out of...really good Mexican food and Starbucks! You're pretty much guaranteed to find Starbucks no matter where you are. In fact...some shopping plazas I've seen have one on each end of the parking lot. Down town Denver has a Starbucks on pretty much every corner. It's true, people who live in Denver walk around with shaking hands looking all jittery. Caffeine high. Ask anyone. What's amusing is that when they ice your coffee it costs more!


Real Mexican though...you can't beat it with a stick. It's unavoidable out here. Breakfast burritos kick some major butt cheeks. Something that always makes me laugh though...you can go down any block and come across authentic Mexican food...no problem, but the parking lot of Across the Boarder is always full. Mexican Applebees...What is wrong with people?! Just this morning my boss brought me a breakfast burrito and it was delicious.


So pretty much every trip back home to NY, I plan out just what restaurants I'm going to hit up. King subs, Pudgies, Melody Land...how crazy am I?! No, really?


My last trip home was amazing. I had such a great time! It went by so fast. On my way back I packed my suitcase full of wine and marinades. I brought back some Lucas Tugboat Red and now one of my friends out here is addicted and wants to order a case. I really do love New York. People might act like a$$ h*les when they drive, but out here, they actually drive like a$$ h*les. Mike can attest to that. I've never seen his middle finger fly out the window so often. Also, South Park really does exist and soon enough Mike and I are going to head to Cave of the Winds to try to get a glance of Man Bear Pig.

Root Root Root for the Home Team

I've been known to spend the 4th of July listening to my dad play in the Old Timers Band at Little York, watching fireworks, eating hot dogs, drinking some beers, and hanging out at Virgil Stock. Like the rest of this year, our holiday was a little different than usual, but definitely one that won't be forgotten.

Our roommate Jason had extra tickets to the Rockies vs. Mets game and even though Mike and I are pretty much broke, we decided to splurge and buy the tickets anyway. This was my first Major League baseball game and to top it off there was going to be a fireworks show at the end, so there was no passing up this one. (A girls gotta have some fun sometimes.) We got to our seats...5th row center field (home run territory)...early enough to watch the players being called out onto the field. About 3/4 of the way through the National Anthem, 4 military jets flew over in formation which was a fantastic way to start out the night.

Mike and I had a great time from start to finish. The Rockies kicked some major ass. We almost caught a home run if the fat dude in front of us hadn't deflected the ball 6 feet to the left. The music was loud and cheesy, the beer was cold, and the fans were in the mood to make some noise. At one point the wave went around the stadium 3 times and after having a couple beers I was jumping out of my seat, hands in the air, screaming with the rest of the crazies. The game ended with the Rockies stomping the Mets something like 17-6.

After the game, our section was ushered down to sit on center field to watch the fireworks show. Yes...we were going to be sitting on center field of the Rockies Stadium at our first game. I have a feeling that there were some jealous natives. On the way, I decided to stop in the bathroom that was along the hall. I had to pee and it wasn't going to wait. I couldn't get the door to lock and I didn't have time to mess around so I decided to take my chances. Mid-hover some jerk walking through kicked open the door, but luckily my cat like reflexes kicked in and my pants were up before anyone walking past could see me peeing. (That was just a little side story for all of you who know about my shy bladder.)

Any who...so we were herded down under the stadium and then onto the field. It was awesome! Mike and I ducked under the ropes a little early and got yelled at by some old guy, but because we are so bad ass we just kept walking. I had the option to sit on a blanket, but there was no way I was going to pass up sitting on the nicest grass my ass cheeks will ever rest on. The fireworks were amazing. One of the best shows I've ever seen.

So that's how Mike and I spent our first 4th of July out in Colorado. It was one for the books.