Christmas Carols Already? Really?

Ok, so I have to admit that I am guilty of listening to Christmas music in June if I am having a bad day.

I am a hypocrite though because I think it is ridiculous that retail stores and radio stations play Christmas music prior to Thanksgiving day...and more specifically before Santa makes his entrance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

However, this year is different. I am in Denver by myself for the Thanksgiving. Even though I have some sweet benefits working for the Feds, I don't have the day after Thanksgiving off. So, I am here in Denver whilst my family is in sunny Arizona at my aunt's house.

To be fair, I won't be alone on Thanksgiving day. My friend Daisy is coming over so we are making dinner for two since her mom is refusing to make Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Here's where I am also a hypocrite...it's not even Thanksgiving week and I have put up the Christmas decorations. That's right, my house is bedecked for the holidays and it's still five days until the first day of the Christmas season in my mind.

My excuse? I work all next week and my mom and grandma get back on Friday while I am work. So, my surprise of decorating for Christmas needed to get done.

I do feel great that it's all done and can't wait for them to come home to Christmas.

Halloween Weekend

To my chagrin, all of the snow had melted that was worth making a snowman out of on Friday. That's how much the weather changes here! There is hardly a trace of snow from the massive piles that plows made in parking lots. I imagine it will be completely gone today.

This weekend, I got to enjoy a lovely dinner at The Oceanaire. I had a MASSIVE Hawaiian Tumbo Tuna steak with wasabi, soy and ginger. Delicious! I couldn't finish the whole thing!

On Saturday, I dressed up as Marilyn Monroe and went out on the town with my friends. There were some great costumes with a lot of creativity.

Lucky Charms and their Leprechaun

On Sunday, I relaxed and reveled in my extra hour with the time change. I was saddened with the Broncos' loss to the Ravens, but we're still in first place in the division, so I can't complain! I also got one of the cutest save the dates from A Colorado Cupcake. Chelsea and David are tying the knot in August next year in Beaver Creek, Colorado and I am so excited for a late summer mountain getaway!

Harry Potter, Rachel Zoe, and Marilyn Monroe
(a/k/a David, Chelsea, and Me)

It's now November and I am excited for the holiday season to kick into full gear!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!

Well, the first worthwhile storm for the "winter" has come to Denver. After more than 24 hours, it is still snowing!

Where I live, we got about 18" of the fluffy white stuff. And let me tell you I am feeling every inch after shoveling my driveway so that my tire tracks wouldn't turn into ice tracks. Then, I had to make some space for my dog Harry on the patio. I think that I will make a snowman for a workout tonight...or take Harry on a walk so that I high-step the entire time.

I love this weather and I love that the roads have been pretty well maintained. As with any storm, secondary and neighborhoods are not as nicely groomed as main thorough fairs, but my little Camry didn't have a problem getting me to work and home again. If there was a stronger wind and less visibility, I would have a tough time enjoying the weather until I was safe at home.

I am so excited for this to stick around, but it will make for a slushy Halloween with the weather predicted to be in the 50's on All Hallow's Eve....

Where do I go?

Traditions

So, a couple of weeks ago (oy. I should have updated long ago.) I went to College Station, TX for the weekend. While there, I got to experience something I never have: a Texas A&M football game.

Now, I L-O-V-E love football. I went to tons of high school games, college games, and Bronco games, but nothing - I mean NOTHING - compares to an A&M game.

Instead of cheerleaders, A&M has Yell Leaders. I know there's a reason for it and probably dates back to when A&M was all-male, but whatever. Anyway, they send a signal through the crowd and EVERYONE bends forward (hump) so that the opposing team can hear us yell. Oh, and this whole time? We're standing. Since A&M is home of the 12th Man, it makes sense. Granted, we stood at CSU games, but we sat as soon as the whistle blew for half-time. Well, that's when the Corp of Cadets take the field. Let me tell you that this marching is INSANE. So mesmerizing. Another tradition that I love is that when the Aggies score, you kiss your date...Field goal? Kiss. Touchdown? Kiss. Extra point? Another kiss. Wish we had that at CSU...

The tailgating is, of course epic as with any southern school, but like I said, INSANE. Kyle Field by the way, seats just as much as Invesco does for the Broncos...I wasn't even at a sold out game and there were 76,000 people there.

Everyone also knows the fight song (without needing it printed on a t-shirt in front of them) and the stadium sways in opposing directions. CRAZY.

All of the pomp and circumstance made me realize that all of these traditions are what make A&M fans a super power. While Colorado State has some aspects, over time it hasn't been consistent over the years. Granted, I know that the more things change, the more they stay the same, but I really don't feel the same about CSU's traditions as I do at being merely a visitor at A&M.

I think that I need to start making some traditions with my family and friends so that there's always special things to look forward towards.

Here are some pictures of the awesomeness of A&M:

These are the alumni stands...Same as the student side...but the students stand...and are jam-packed

The Aggies taking on the OSU Cowboys

The painted overalls are another tradition....they were all over the place.

The Corps of Cadets in the T

The only time we sat down I could get a pic of the 12th Man

Little Things in Life

Finding the small things in your day that make you realize that you've got it pretty good really can make your frown turn upside down. (Corny, I know. But I've never said I wasn't just a little corny.)

Here are some of the many little things that make me happy. (And not necessarily in this order, it's just how my brain works.)

1. The Indian summer of Colorado where, last weekend it was the first snow, this weekend it's 80 degrees.
2. Candy corn. I don't like it any other time than the fall. (Stale, perhaps?) And after October, it's Indian corn.
3. Dogs. My dog, Harry, is the cutest thing ever. It's like how parents never stop fawning over their children, that's the way I am about my furry child...he gives me unconditional love...even though he never gets scraps from me.
4. Frosting. It's my weakness and is normally attached to something like cake which is attached to a special occasion which is attached to a party which is attached to time with family and friends. Frosting: It's the glue of fun.
5. Family. They drive you nuts, but make you who you are. No matter what, they have to like you...well, your parents anyway.
6. Friends. They are the family you chose and I love everyone of them. They pick me up when I am down and make me laugh to the point of oxygen deprivation.
7. Contact. While I am sitting by myself on the couch and have had very little contact with the outside world today, I normally like to touch base with those important people in my life on a regular basis.
8. Straws. They help me drink tons of water and they turn into a replacement to gum in a pinch.

Appreciation for what you have and not resting in the disappoint for the lack of your "wants" will make for a happier life and deeper satisfaction. Those little things in life make all the difference and are the most important.

Truck Drivers - err...Drivers of Trucks

As of late, it seems that my commute into work is being pestered with trucks drivers...not the semi kind, but those of the Ford, Dodge, Chevy variety...and more specifically, the Ford F-150.

They are the ones that cut me off and then proceed to go 15 mph slower than what we were originally traveling in the lane. Or, they will slow down and speed up as I signal a lane change. (Note: I ALWAYS use my blinker. After getting pulled over when I was 16 for not using my blinker, I have been scared straight.)

This morning, I was driving in the far right lane (which is like the secret fast lane on this stretch of I-70) and an F-150 came over three lanes without signaling going much faster than the speed limit (so I know that he wasn't trying to be courteous to other drivers and get in the slow lane.) And proceeded to brake. THEN, as I signal to change lanes, he does the same, without signaling and again, brakes. Mind you, this whole time the closest car in front of him at this point is about 150 ft.

Ugh. I don't like rush hour for this reason. People need to realize that the road is the same as the day before and that your car can make the turns going faster than 45 mph.

Oh, and drivers of trucks, don't drive immediately in front of the Camry. I might ram you one of these days.

Ok. Road rage vent over. Looking forward to the drive home tonight. ;-)

It's October and the Official Halloween Season!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween, haunted houses, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, witches, ghosts, and even the fake cobwebs!

It might have something to do with my mom's birthday being on Halloween, but it's one of my favorite holidays. It might also be that Colorado gets the first snow of the winter season around this time of year. Or it could be that it's the first holiday in a string of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year that heralds family time, decadent treats, and holiday cheer. But I don't care what the reason is, I just love it!

For those that enjoy haunted houses, Haunted Denver hosts a website with a listing and reviews of the haunted houses around Denver...I'm not talking an episode of Ghost Hunters haunted, but the kind with Leatherface chasing you with a chainless chainsaw.

I also like to carve pumpkins. Although, I live in an "Old People" neighborhood, so the whole effort seems wasted. I would love to have the artistic ability for something like this:


But would settle for the patience to complete this:


And on the backside to whatever is my first attempt is typically this:
I may have to pull out some of the decorations at home to get into the spirit...

Speaking of, I am trying to come up with costume ideas...do you have any? Last year, we thought it would be brilliant to get a big group together and dress up as the Duggars with all the girls in long dresses and the guys in polos and khakis with name tags of all the kids names that start with J. We could even have one of our pregnant friends go as the Mom who's pregnant with her 19th (!!!) child.

Happy Halloween (Month)!!

FALL Into the Season!

Inspired by my girls C & G (A Colorado Cupcake and The Pink Polka Dot), I have compiled a list of my favorite things about fall...

With scenery like this in Aspen, the changing leaves really add dimension to the mountainside. Although the human eye can pick up so much more than any camera, it's still a lovely Colorado day.

For the layering that is mandatory in a state where we will use the heater AND the air conditioner in one day, sweaters and jackets are great mainstays to any wardrobe. I love argyle sweaters paired with oxfords or polos and the swing raincoat above are cute ways to be stylish and stay warm from the brisk fall weather.

No ensemble would be complete without boots! They are heels that keep you warm! There are so many different heel heights, calf heights, and colors that picking just one is going to be tough.



OPI has come out with a new line of polish inspired by Spain. Coleccion de Espana has an intriguing hunter green type color (Here Today...Argon Tomorrow) and a purple/wine (Give Me Moor!) that I think I will have to try. Of course, the pinks are always a good choice.

And once I am dressed, manicured, and some place gorgeous, I will need my favorite fall drink: the Pumpkin Spice Latte from the 'Buck! Curling up next to a fireplace with a good book and this delicious treat make for a perfect fall afternoon...

I know that I have more favorite things about fall...like football...but for now, these will have to fill my fall daydreams...

iPhone = iAddiction UPDATED

So, I am a sucker for technology. (Thanks, Dad.) And now have the 3G iPhone. I had to upgrade so that I could send picture messages when AT&T was ready for it. (Friday, September 25th is a day that will live in infamy.)

Here are some of the many reasons that I use this thing CONSTANTLY:

• One stop shop - It has the phone, the email, the texting, the internet, the facebook, the weather, the camera, the maps, the calculator, the iPod. In a word? EVERYTHING.
• Facebook Mobile - In earlier posts, I have talked about how facebook is an evil and I am still waiting for a 12-step program for social networking, but it's a great tool for uploading pictures taken by the aforementioned camera.
• Camera - I forgot to bring my actual camera with me to a wedding and I still managed to take great pictures with the iPhone.
• Maps - I can search for a restaurant or store and the maps function will show me nearby locations and I can get directions to there. But you've seen that in an iPhone commercial.
• Chipotle App - Yes, you can order from Chipotle from your iPhone and skip the line during the lunch rush. It's just like ordering online, but in a handy app.
• Movies - From one of many apps, you can find movies playing at select theatres or even where a certain movie is playing.
  
• Restaurants - Urbanspoon is my current favorite app for finding restaurants in the area. You can sort by price, neighborhood, and cuisine. Not to mention, you can find restaurants based on your current location if you're not quite sure where you are or what is near you.
  
• Music - Since the iPhone would not be complete without an iPod, it's nice to have some tunes when you need to pass some time while waiting at the doctor's office, the DMV, or for your hair to process...
  
• Contact Information - With Bump, you can share your information, pictures, files, etc. with another iPhone that also has the app. It's a quick way to share your contact info - email, phone, and/or address.
  
• Backing Up - Having a MacBook and an iPod, the iPhone syncs seamlessly into both. If I forget my phone, my iPod has all my contact information in there. My MacBook acts as a backup for my iPhone should I have to restore it, or in the case of the upgrade, get everything from my old phone to my new one. I won't be one of those with the mass message of "Lost my phone, send me your number"...

UPDATE:

• Books - I have found FREE classic books to read: Alice in Wonderland, Count of Monte Cristo, A Tale of Two Cities, etc. Now I have something enlightening to pass the time!!
  

I'm sure that there will be better phones created by other manufacturers, but the iPhone fits so seamlessly and has all the bells and whistles that keep me occupied for now...

Now, waiting for my latest techno-widget - the Garmin. I asked my dad for it for Christmas knowing that he would love to investigate and research all the options, pricing, brands, etc. However, once he knew which one he wanted, he bought it and has been taunting me by having it since August but not letting me have it until Christmas. My logic of getting 5 extra months of usage was to no avail...So, until then, I will have to obsess over my iPhone...

Stay-Cation

So sorry for my longer than expected absence!! I have had so much going on, sitting down to blog hasn't crossed my mind until my cousin mentioned it in an email. So, without further adieu, here is the first of many "catch up" posts...

In the middle of August, I played tour guide and realized that Colorado is really, well, rad! I got to show off Denver, my alma mater, the best microbrewer, my favorite, accessible view of the mountains, and really, the true sunshine state!

The view from Red Rocks Amphitheater

Keystone runs- without the snow...

Lake Dillon

And last, but not least, my favorite, most accessible view of the mountains. It's on I-70 westbound just at the Buffalo Bill Grave/Lookout Mountain exit.

Even though today's weather was more like winter than fall on the last day of summer, it's one more reason that I love Colorado. Playing tour guide around my favorite places in Denver and the front range made me have new found appreciation for my home state.

April 19, 1995

When I think back to that day, I think of being a typical 12 year old who is gossiping on the telephone with her best friend about how "all this news coverage is interrupting my TV shows". At 12, I did not fully understand the magnitude of what it meant and what consequences (both the negative and positive) arose from that moment at 9:02am.

I was in Oklahoma City for work this week, and being that I work for the U.S. Courts, I was across the street from the Memorial site. Being the gracious hosts that Oklahomans are, my contact in the District Court gave us a personal tour of the Memorial site as well as private areas that are not preview to the public.

After my personal tour and visit to the museum (Oklahoma City National Monument & Museum) I could start to grasp the weight of what happened. As a 26 year old, I could now relate the images I saw from September 11th to the images of April 19th. A federal building was targeted by terrorists that had no regard for human life - especially those of the children in the day care center located on the second floor. One hundred and sixty-eight people died because from the bombing. The Museum & Memorial is organized as a time line of events, relating how the day began and how the weeks, and years, that have followed continue for the residents of Oklahoma City.

What has impacted me the most is that there are over 1,200 survivors, less than 700 are listed on the Survivors Wall - granite salvaged from the Alfred P. Murrah building. Of those names, there are names I see everyday at work. These are individuals whom I never considered to be affected.

Overall, I have a greater appreciation for the human spirit in times that seem utterly hopeless. I encourage you to, at the very least visit the Memorial & Museum website. If your travels take you to Oklahoma City, take the time to visit the site and find, in the human spirit, what I have.

Below, I have included some pictures of the Memorial:

This is the end gate of Fifth Street. This is when Oklahoma City showed all that is good in the human spirit. The space between the gates represents the moment in time: April 19, 1995, 9:02am.

This is towards 9:01am gate. To the right is the Field of Empty Chairs.

The small grassy area on the Alfred P. Murrah Building Plaza was the playground for the day care center.

The Field of Empty Chairs. The smaller chairs represent the children that died. The placement of the chair is indicative to where in the building the victim was at the time of the explosion. The glass cubes are etched with the victims' names.

The Field of Empty Chairs towards the 9:01am gate. The American Elm tree in the far background as originally in the parking lot next to the Murrah Building. It withstood the brunt of the blast, but has, miraculously, survived. The American Elm has become the symbol of the survivors and the Memorial itself.

What We Say and What We Mean

So, I know there are chain emails out there about what guys say and mean and what women say and mean, but as of late, I have noticed some oversight in these understandings. Below, I have seen what women say and what we mean when talking to men in general, as in, not in a relationship. It's not extensive, but it's a start...so, without further ado...

"Can you take a picture of us?"
Simple? Yes. Straight-forward? Somewhat. When a group of girls ask a guy to take their picture, it means that they want all 15 faces (on their good side) from waist up and, if possible, leave off the arms of the peripheral girls. That it does NOT mean is stand as far back as possible to get the full body shot of those 15 girls. Nor does it mean that you should use the zoom on the camera to pull the frame in so tight that cropping could leave an opportune college student with 15 fake ID pictures.

"Shots!"
Drinks all around!! What we would like is something that will not require a chaser, is tasty, and will allow for the novice/pickiest of drinkers will at least be appetizing to take. That does NOT mean that Jim, Jack, or Johnny should be the main ingredient...and although I personally like Jose, most ladies do not and that makes him the four wise man that's wise enough not to be in a round of ladies' shots.

Do you known of more? I'm sure that there could be a blog solely dedicated to the mis-communications between the sexes and hilarious examples of what happens when it does go wrong...

A Second, Consecutive Weekend in Denver

To celebrate my second, consecutive weekend in Denver this summer, I had several celebrations to attend.

Friday:
On Friday night, I joined my friends Nicole, Mandy, and Mariyah, and Nicole's daughter, London, dad, Kevin, step-mom, Joanelle, brother, Bennie, and Ben's girlfriend, Vanessa for a birthday dinner for Kevin (turning the double-nickles - that's 55) and London's FIRST birthday.

We dined at Zengo, an amazing modern Mexican cuisine restaurant. It is truly one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. When we order, it's more tapas-style because you really want a little of everything on the menu. However, one of the signature entrees is the Kobe beef that you prepare yourself at the table on heated stones.

These are my recommendations from the dinner menu:
Ceviches - Both the Camaron and Mahi Mahi

Sushi Rolls - Angry Zengo, Kobe Beef Tataki, Volcano, and Crispy Softshell Crab Roll

Appetizers - Edamame XO Style, Won Ton Tacos, Empanadas, Tuna Tartare

Soup - Chipotle Miso

Entrees - Char Broiled Black Cod, Kobe Beef

Just looking at the menu again made me salivate...and to quench your thirsts, Zengo also has amazing mojitos. I prefer the traditional cucumber, but the passion fruit one is delish, too.

After dinner, we took Bennie and Vanessa around LoDo bars, and of course, had to take them to Cowboy Lounge. It's an urban honky-tonk...meaning that they play hip-hop right after "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy". Bennie, being the super-popular, hip-hop DJ in Sacramento area even got recognized at CL...which is really weird...on another weird note, Nicole and I managed to clear half of the dance floor with her custom choreography to "Devil Went Down to Georgia"...nothing feels weirder than being stared at while twirling and lassoing the air....

The group at the CL

Saturday:
Saturday morning started with a bridal shower for Christy (Wedding #6 if you're tracking). The morning was nice with delicious brunch prepared by Miss Kalyn. The theme for the party was lingerie, but in true style, it got a little naughty. Surprisingly, not because of me! Although I think Christy will have quite the interesting honeymoon - and Quintin, you can thank us later. ;)


For Saturday evening's event, I got to officially celebrate Chelsea and David's engagement with both of their families. You can see Chelsea's planning process on her blog A Colorado Cupcake and with her articles for the Broomfield Examiner on bridal style and planning.

Chelsea and Me, the Faboosh Bloggers that we are...

Mr. and the Future Mrs.

Another reason to love summer and time with friends is relaxing on a cool Saturday evening in the backyard while being serenaded with acoustic guitar and music just floats through the air. David is an amazingly talented musician and, with the help of his sister, Ashley, the duo brought tears to people's eyes.

David and his sister Ashley serenading the party

Sunday:
To cap off a weekend of celebrations, a day in the park with friends and cake for London's first birthday was a MUST!

Celebrating one year seems a little odd when you think about it. But, when you think about how much your life has changed in that one year, your eyes open to all the possibilities for where life's road could have taken you.

London was so cute with her cake...she simply kept sticking her finger in the frosting and licking it....she got a little messy, but to her mom's appreciation, not so messy that you would have to hose her down.



Here's to everyone that I got to celebrate with this weekend:

Kevin: May your next 55 years be as amazing as these last 55 years.

Christy and Quintin: I am excited that I get to share the first day of your lives together as husband and wife.

Chelsea and David: Although your wedding is a year away, I can already see the love that you have for one another and I am also excited to get to share the first day of your lives together as husband and wife.

London: You are a little miracle in more ways than one. I cannot wait to see the little girl that you will become, and better yet, the woman you will be.

Fourth of July Weekend

Having the hard life that I do, I had to suffer through four straight days of enjoying sunshine, friends, family, and fireworks. I am such a martyr.

For my first weekend in Denver in two months, I started with errand running,

UPDATED: I got to enjoy a Mexican feast at Blue Bonnet with a former co-worker after many trial and tribulations with Apple and updating my iPhone. We got caught up on life and PITAs in our lives. (That's Pain In The Ass)

followed by well deserved Rio margaritas with my cousin, Nic, who is also my hero. He's currently serving in the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA and came home for a week to be with family and friends.


For Friday, I got some friends together to celebrate a weekday without work and had a picnic in Wash Park. We enjoyed the sun, the company, and played badminton - which turned into Getting David's Flip Flops Out of the Tree. I guess I should explain the rules to Getting David's Flip Flops Out of the Tree...

1. While playing badminton, play near a large, leafy tree.
   
2. Next, make sure to get the birdie stuck in the tree with no extra birdies to continue play.
   
3. After that, throw logical items at the various branches to get the birdie out.
4. Naturally, when one flip flop gets stuck (See below), throw the second flip flop so the PAIR gets stuck.
5. After attempts with a full water bottle that is so heavy, even girls throw like girls, try anything else you have with you on your picnic.
6. A Nalgene bottle with some water and ice in it have a great balance for throwing and turning the game into modified catch.
7. The game can last from 5 minutes to one hour...depending on aim, objects, and location.

One of my favorite parts of the Park Day was gaining a shadow. Her name is Lilly and she is the daughter of my friend Heather. It takes Lilly-Boo awhile to warm up to you, but after that, we are best of friends. She'll be celebrating her second birthday, which also happens to be her Golden Birthday, next month, so you'll get to see more of my new shadow. She did also like to play with Obie, David and Chelsea's dog, once she realized that Obie liked her, too.

For the Fourth of July Independence Day festivities, I went to my friend's downtown loft where we could watch the fireworks from Coors Field on his rooftop...being only 3 blocks away, it was like front row seats to the best fireworks display in town! I wasn't able to capture the display with my slow shutter speed, so you'll have to settle for a stunning view of Union Station from the rooftop.

To finish off my four-day weekend, I went to the racetrack to catch up with Kalyn and her family since I haven't really seen them since my trip back to Holly in May. Hammes Racing didn't have any horses running, so I got to enjoy the whole Hammes clan without stress of a horse not placing....or Mama Hammes yelling at Nick and scaring bystanders...

All in all, the weekend was a perfect for celebrating all things American: Friends, Family, and Fireworks...not to mention the margaritas, wine, hot dogs, barbecue, gambling....

Literally, Caffeine and Cocktails

I had an epiphany yesterday and thought that I would actually post my choices for caffeine and cocktails...well, current choices, anyways...

Caffeine

Skinny Sugar-Free Latte from the 'Buck or a Northern Lite Latte from the 'Bou
(That's Starbucks and Caribou Coffee, by and by.) I really like the Cinnamon Dolce, Caramel, that good, old standby, Vanilla, but the 'Bou has a Turtle flavor that is decadent...I go between iced and hot depending on the weather, the day, or just me. For an extra jolt, read: Monday, I just add a shot of espresso.

F My Life, a/k/a Mocha Frappacino Light
I superimposed the letters on the side of my cup once and an F My Life was created. The baristas at the local 'Buck know me, so when I order an F My Life, they know what I mean. They think it's funny, too having since being directed to fmylife.com. It's a nice little dose of chocolaty coffee that's blender-ed with ice....yummy....


Sugar-Free Red Bull
Having some wicked hangovers from regular Red Bull, I swore off the Bull altogether fearing the same nauseating result. However, in my recent time-travel in time zones and not allowing my internal body clock to adjust, the sugar-free version was reintroduced to me in small doses and surprisingly, I took to it very well. With only 10 calories for the 8.4 oz can, I can't complain...oh, and the price tag is a little nicer from the 'Buck and the 'Bou.

Cocktails

Grape Soda
A grape soda is simply grape-flavored vodka and soda. It tastes like grape soda. Simple and delicious.

Sweet Tea
This little gem will really get you into trouble...it's Sweet Tea Vodka, water, and ice. You don't taste the alcohol and that's where the trouble begins...it's so good once it hits your lips.

Bacardi Melon and Sugar-Free Red Bull
It's like a delicious melon ball with some energy behind it. As part of my reintroduction phase to Red Bull, I was served this masterpiece of non-alcoholic tasting awesomeness.

Wyoming Cream Soda
Served tall (meaning in a taller class to allow for more mixer, one serving alcohol), this little glass of heaven tastes like, you guessed it, cream soda. I call it a Wyoming Cream Soda for the person that made me my first glass. I can tell you that I was initially hesitant to taste Captain Morgans and 7Up, but with the right ratio of 2 parts 7Up to one part Captain, it's magnificent.



I hope that you will try some of these concoctions and share yours! I'm always looking for the next signature drink....

Wedding, She Wrote

This weekend, the last of my two months of traveling, was spent in Michigan with my dad and one hundred of his closest friends and family.

I should have known that it was something more than just a BBQ, but when I asked my dad point blank if this weekend was really a secret wedding, he said, "Nah. This is just how Sharon does parties." So, putting it from my mind, I played one-handed croquet (it's one-handed because you were required to hold a beer the entire time) and sitting back listening to the band play. (Perhaps clue #2)

After thanking everyone from coming, my dad told everyone to go to the maple tree because he and Sharon were going to get married. By the way, the officiant was found on the Internet and he's also a flight attendant who left right after this to fly to Miami. Oh, and he was the only one in pants. (Perhaps clued #3)

For the most convenient terms, I have two step brothers and a step sister, who has a son, so technically, my dad is a grandpa and I have a nephew of sorts...weird. Although, I don't think that this will be awkward because none of us will be living with them and have to argue about touching someones drums or making our beds into bunk beds so that there would be more room to do activities.
Now that my travels are over for some time, it has been pointed out to me that where ever I go, there seems to be a wedding. Thinking back, I have gone to a wedding the four of the last five weekends and I am sure that there were numerous weddings in Vegas to make it 5 for 5. Apparently, I am the Jessica Fletcher of weddings. Instead of going somewhere and someone gets murdered and I investigate it, I go to places, people get married and I party. It's a much better version, I think. Jessica Fletcher never caught on that all these people would die around her and apparently her friends didn't either because they kept inviting her.

Perhaps with all this blogging and wedding-going I should start a novel series: Wedding, She Wrote. Ha.

Racking Up the Miles

Today, I realized it has been over a month since my last post. To be fair, I have really only been in town for three to four days at a time before jet-setting across the country.

My weekend in Holly was the first of seven weekends in a row that I would be traveling, so now that I am upon my last one, I thought that I could play catch up, in several parts.

Weekend #1: Holly, CO - See also: "Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town"

For your visual entertainment, I will include a photo of me and the grad before her first of two graduation parties.



Weekend #2: College Station, TX

I had never been to the Aggies' home base, but I had a great time while I was there. I got to see some baseball, a lot of East Texas, and had a great night in Northgate. Here's something that Denver should look into: Shot Bars. While I can see the logic that most people in the winter will not go to a bar for a shot or two and then move on, however, it is a promising business in the other seasons...Having a menu spelling out what is in shots also creates diversity in my drinking palate. At a stop on our impromptu bar crawl, I met Mr. Madras, here. What you can't see in this picture is his matching white leather loafers. Awesome.


Weekend #3: Lakewood/Morrison, CO

Ok, so I live only about 15 miles from these two towns, but since I was A) without a means of my own transportation, B) I was living out of a suitcase, and C) I didn't go home from Thursday to Sunday, I consider this a trip.

This weekend was for my friend Kathryn's wedding. She went from K-Ro to K-Mart. Things started on Thursday night with a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party slash Meet-and-Greet for friends and family. Friday brought about the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (beer pong and pizza - AWESOME.) Saturday was the big day...It was a gorgeous outdoor ceremony right next to the historic Red Rocks Amphitheater. From there, we danced and drank the night away! It was a fabulous fete! Sunday, clearly, was left for recovery.


Weekend #4: Las Vegas, NV

To celebrate my friends Nicole and Shira's 30th birthdays, a group of girls got together in Vegas. We stayed at the Hard Rock (my first time), had a delicious dinner at Nobu, danced the night away, and went to Rehab on Sunday. If you haven't seen the TV show on truTV, let me tell you that it is crazier than the show. It is wall-to-wall people and you should be inebriated to think it's a good idea to get in that water....yuck. It was a great weekend away and a fun time with my "circle of friends that will never be square." (Mariyah's toast.)

Seriously? Icky-poo-poo.

Weekend/Week #5: Littleton, CO/Pittsburgh, PA/Morgantown, WV

This was one long weekend that turned into a week. On the Saturday of this weekend, I actually stuck around Denver and attended my friend Shannon's wedding. It was exquisite and definitely a party. In true Shannon style, the shoes were, of course, Manolo.


On Sunday, I headed to Pittsburgh/Morgantown to hang out with my friend Katie for her wedding the following weekend.

Weekend #6: Washington, PA

The most recent weekend was to celebrate Matt and Katie and their kick-ass wedding. Katie and Matt were told by the hotel and the DJ that it was the best wedding that they had ever had there and it was. Everyone at some point was on the dancefloor. And after the wedding, did everyone retire to their rooms? No! Everyone went to the hotel bar and continued the party until last call. There was another wedding there that night, so everyone was in a party mood.

Double-fisting on the dancefloor. That's my girl.

It's not the most flattering picture, but it's fabulous.

Weekend #7: Lansing, MI

So, this weekend hasn't technically occured, it does involve a family reunion of sorts with my dad, my uncle, my godparents, my future step mom, her family, a live band, and alcohol. Details and photos to follow.

I promise that I won't let so much time lapse between posts!

Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town

This past weekend, I went to the hometown of former Colorado governor Roy Romer. I'm talking about Holly, Colorado. It's in the southeast corner of the state - about 3 miles from Kansas and about 45 miles from Oklahoma. The drive from Denver takes about three and a half hours and takes you through many small towns. We stop in Limon for dinner, then a pit stop in Eads to catch up with some family friends, then into Holly. On the way out, there may be a pit stop in Eads, but there's the Loaf 'N Jug in Hugo for a pit stop, fill up, and leg stretch. Side note: who knew that you could acquire a gift card for AMC theaters (nearest location over 200 miles away) at the Loaf 'N Jug in Hugo?

I was in Holly for my friend's little sister's graduation from high school. The class was 15 people and was a quick, one-hour ceremony. I had people asking me (since I am from the suburbs of Denver) what my high school graduation was like. They couldn't believe that I had over 700 people in my class, that I had to hand a slip of paper with my name and phonetic spelling on it to a teacher, and I didn't know the two people that sat next to me. Much less could they fathom the thought of a three-hour ceremony.

The ceremony for the 15 really could have been completed in 20 minutes if it were conducted similar to my high school graduation, but the small class allowed for a lot of personalization to the ceremony. Every student was able to hand a rose out to individuals in their lives that had made an impact (sobbing ensues), a video of the students through the years - from babies to their senior picture - and even as a whole class from kindergarten. The recognition of their achievements on an individual basis made this ceremony more memorable for me because I felt like I got to know all 15 students.

Which brings me to the title of this entry "Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town". Miranda Lambert has a song of the same title that really is the epitome of small town life. Everyone in the town is like family, if not family by birth or marriage. I know more about half the town because there is always someone talking about friends and family and since my friend Kalyn lives in the city now, of course, she needs to be caught up. I realized all of this because I, too, not only asked about people, but people mentioned to me things that had been going on in my life since my last trip for Holly Fair (a weekend in September with horse races - read: tailgating - a town dinner prepared by the senior class, a street dance, parade, livestock auction, and parties) and realized that the grapevine was in full effect.

There is a certain charm to small town life. It has it's own pace of life. I don't know if I could live the life, but weekends at a time, it's a great life. And who wouldn't want to be famous, if just for a weekend?

Jen Lancaster Love or Why I Realize I Am Not the Only One Who Thinks Asshats Are Everywhere

Last month, my friend Chelsea, a/k/a A Colorado Cupcake, started a book club. See Bright Lights, Big Ass. She chose the second book from Jen Lancaster. Naturally, I needed to read the first (not needed nor required, but I thought, I had a month, why not?) book to get myself acquainted with her writing style. By the way, it is super easy to read along with her train of thought because it is essentially every neurotic thought that every woman has while trying to complete the most mundane to the most exhilarating task. Her books read like journal entries, retelling stories from her day and adventures that she had dealt with. At the beginning and end of every chapter, you get a little slice of hilarity sandwich with a one-sided email or letter to her neighbors from a fake home owners' association.

Bitter is the New Black:
Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered, Smartass, or
Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office

Bitter is the story about how Jen and her husband Fletch went from an internet boom, power couple, to living unemployment check to unemployment check, being evicted, living in the "ghetto" of Chicago (not the Southside), and how slowly, their lives would turn around. From hitting rock bottom, Jen realizes that she was irresponsible with her money and vows to never reach that level again. Even if it means temping at the worst imaginable places possible.

Bright Lights, Big Ass:
A Self-Indulgent, Surly Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or
Who Are All These Idiots and Why Do They Live Next Door to Me?

Bright Lights is a continuation of Jen's foray into professional writing and preparing for all that entails. From the tour, to editing, to realizing that she's surrounded by idiots, Jen talks more of her neuroses with Fletch and why people never cease to amaze her in the levels of f*cktard they can achieve. She also speaks of the Revised Holy Trinity: Target, Trader Joe's, and IKEA. While Denver doesn't have a Trader's or IKEA - read: please open one soon - I do know the joys of these retailers from my sojourns to find them. Jen is literally preaching to the choir.

Such a Pretty Fat
One Narcissist's Quest to Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big, or
Why Pie Is Not the Answer

Pretty Fat is the book that really solidified why I think I am Jen Lancaster, just 16 years younger. We have the same sense of humor, the self-confidence, and the ability to ignore external factors that would down-trodden others. I know that I may never be a size zero, I will be a fit bitch. Ha.

Pretty in Plaid:
A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or
the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase

Pretty is Jen's latest book. Although I am currently reading for this month's book club (Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin) I plan on running out to pick up my copy of Pretty - along with campaigning that Jen have her book tour extended to include a stop in Denver.


For more from Jen Lancaster and to see where she will be on her book tour for Pretty in Plaid, visit jennsylvania.com.