Yesterday, the Fagan Crew + 1 (me) headed up to Minneapolis to "Rock the Cradle". It's a cool event put on by 89.3 The Current at a museum. Everything is geared towards the kiddie age bracket (about 5/6 and under). There was a disco, a 'Be An 89.3 DJ' section, an instrument room where various instruments could be played by the kids, an art room and a creepy, kid-song room. Ok, the creepy, kid-song room probably wasn't that creepy, but I haven't had much exposure to songs that repeat a letter, word or number. "A One, A One, A One one. A Two, A Two, A Two two." It haunts me.
It's just cool that arts and music are being encouraged. Especially at such a young age! I loved the Disco area! It was a sweet dance party that'd I'd go to with or without the kiddies. There were mini mosh pits:) I SWEAR!! I was following my 2yr old nephew around the dance floor and it looked like lots of mini mosh pits. The kids see something interesting that another kid is doing, they coagulate, they imitate (usually a kicking move), they form pits. Hilarious!
More kiddie tales to come. OOoooo! I have an adult tale to tell.
I played in an indoor pickup soccer game this afternoon. I NAILED a guy in the woo-hoo. He collapsed. Game was paused. He lopped over to sidelines. His teammates laughed and told me to do it again...only harder! :)
1.28.2008
How Many Sheep did I Count?
Imagine, if you will, a King sized bed. Lots of room to move and spread yourself out on. Now, imagine a healthy 5yr old. Small, right? Right. How about an adorable 2yr old. You have one in mind? Excellent! You all know what I look like. Fairly average sized 26yr old.
Now, put all of us on that King bed you thought of. Plenty of room! We could all make snow angels in the sheets if we wanted to...right? That's a big, fat NEGATORY! The 5yr old is curled up on the 26yr old and the 2yr old is somehow squeezed between us and I'm doing my darndest to NOT fall off the bed!
I literally had 7inches to my name on that bed. (Which means I slept on my side. But, I can't sleep on my side. So I laid on my side for about 4hrs till we had to get up.) Lucas eventually scooted over, but still remained on my third of the bed. Jonas started flipping his legs and arms all over the place to make a spot. He may be a 2yr old, but he has a mean kick!! And Lucas likes to swing his arms around. Thankfully, he only hit me in the face. (that's sarcasm folks)
Yes yes. I did try to move everybody over. But, I'm some sort of super-human, hot-baby-body magnet. Those kids produce SO MUCH HEAT! I was kicking the blankets all off. Then I was freezing b/c my gallons of sweat were cooling in the cold night air. So I had partial blankets on and off. That's not the end of the story! Jonas (remember, the one who kicks and was sleeping on me?) he didn't want the blankets on at all. Everytime he was touched by one, the kicking and arm swinging would start again.
So I'm laying on my side (going numb), I'm freezing, I'm burning up, I'm trying to not fall off the bed and did I mention snoring? I think you get the picture. :P
Now, put all of us on that King bed you thought of. Plenty of room! We could all make snow angels in the sheets if we wanted to...right? That's a big, fat NEGATORY! The 5yr old is curled up on the 26yr old and the 2yr old is somehow squeezed between us and I'm doing my darndest to NOT fall off the bed!
I literally had 7inches to my name on that bed. (Which means I slept on my side. But, I can't sleep on my side. So I laid on my side for about 4hrs till we had to get up.) Lucas eventually scooted over, but still remained on my third of the bed. Jonas started flipping his legs and arms all over the place to make a spot. He may be a 2yr old, but he has a mean kick!! And Lucas likes to swing his arms around. Thankfully, he only hit me in the face. (that's sarcasm folks)
Yes yes. I did try to move everybody over. But, I'm some sort of super-human, hot-baby-body magnet. Those kids produce SO MUCH HEAT! I was kicking the blankets all off. Then I was freezing b/c my gallons of sweat were cooling in the cold night air. So I had partial blankets on and off. That's not the end of the story! Jonas (remember, the one who kicks and was sleeping on me?) he didn't want the blankets on at all. Everytime he was touched by one, the kicking and arm swinging would start again.
So I'm laying on my side (going numb), I'm freezing, I'm burning up, I'm trying to not fall off the bed and did I mention snoring? I think you get the picture. :P
1.15.2008
A Day at Fagan Studios
Today was my official first day of work at Fagan Studios.
It started off with me getting there an hour and a half late. Then we went to lunch. Kidding:) I worked a little first. I furthered my electrician skills by installing a couple of thermostats. It didn't go so great! I had to drill new holes and the screws were stripped before I could get them into the beam. Then we went to lunch.
After lunch, using a hacksaw, I removed the stripped screw and got things figured out. (With a little help from the boss, aka Big Brother.) The second thermostat went much better! Until installation. Holes were too big ;( Had to use wall anchors. Jeepers. I'm an expensive electrician.
Okay. So, thermostats are figured out and my belly is full. Next project? Building a filing cabinet! Piece of cake, right? The cabinet is from IKEA and the directions only have pictures (albeit, some are hilarious!). I like words. Words are good. It took the REST of the day to put this thing together! It was backwards a few times and again, I needed Shawn to help me fix things. I'm an expensive carpenter.
And that was my first day at Fagan Studios!!
www.faganstudios.com
It started off with me getting there an hour and a half late. Then we went to lunch. Kidding:) I worked a little first. I furthered my electrician skills by installing a couple of thermostats. It didn't go so great! I had to drill new holes and the screws were stripped before I could get them into the beam. Then we went to lunch.
After lunch, using a hacksaw, I removed the stripped screw and got things figured out. (With a little help from the boss, aka Big Brother.) The second thermostat went much better! Until installation. Holes were too big ;( Had to use wall anchors. Jeepers. I'm an expensive electrician.
Okay. So, thermostats are figured out and my belly is full. Next project? Building a filing cabinet! Piece of cake, right? The cabinet is from IKEA and the directions only have pictures (albeit, some are hilarious!). I like words. Words are good. It took the REST of the day to put this thing together! It was backwards a few times and again, I needed Shawn to help me fix things. I'm an expensive carpenter.
And that was my first day at Fagan Studios!!
www.faganstudios.com
1.10.2008
Long Version
Starting late Saturday my thought process circled
around "What have I DONE?!?!" The freak-out was
beginning. I figured, no biggy! I was just sad and I'd
fall into happy/excited mode by about Kearney, NE.
No Deal. My brother pointed out that he hadn't seen me
smile ONCE since he'd seen me (first on Sun), and it
was Tues afternoon; I've been getting sick after every
meal; I'd been at the house for 30mins and had already
fallen down the stairs. Great start:)
So, obviously, some self-evaluations were going and I
had a great chat with my brother. The biggest...angst
is/was that I'm giving up my independence. I have as
much an attachment to my freedom as I do to inanimate
objects. So, it's pretty fierce! :) My family knows
who I am and how I get. They (being Mom) really
dislike it, but they raised me this way. The 'rents
wanted me to go to their town Tues night since my
bro/sis-in-law were outta town. I told the 'rents that
I needed "Colleen Time" and that I had a list of
things to get done by weeks end. Mom made fun of my
list. She said to throw it out and enjoy being there.
But, the list is what brought my sanity back. It
focused me. It brought order back to my life. And with
order, there is JOY!! Apparently, I'm Type A. (I find
that insulting!)
So Tues night I put together my room and the bathroom.
I cleaned/straightened up the house (my rent payment!)
and just relaxed. By myself. It was AWESOME!! Exactly
what I needed. My attitude totally flipped with that
list and focus:)
Last night I spent time with Shawn, Shel and Jonas
(youngest nephew) and it was great. Jonas doesn't
really know me, so it worked out great that Lucas was
staying at a b-day party in another town. Jonas and I
are pretty tight now. Lucas showed up this evening and
we've been inseparable. Apparently, he's been wanting
to paint my room since he found out I was moving (he's
4 btw). He wanted to do pink and red with hearts. I'm
not a pink and red with hearts kind-a gal, but he
wanted it b/c he "missed me and was glad I moved
there". That made my heart smile. We cut hearts out of
construction paper instead and he helped me hang them.
He then gave me a fat-lip with a cheap shot to the
face. He's a dirty fighter. :P Brother taught him
well! I love this kid. He chose me to sit next to at
dinner. He sat on my lap while we made hearts and
played with stickers (not grandma's lap, but MINE!).
He wanted me to put him to bed. Jonas has been asking
for MY help down the stairs. He wants to play with me
now too.
Being with this family is...heart-warming. My bro is
amazing to his wife. He's a leader and role model for
his boys. My sis-in-law doesn't nag or push and she
has her own power tools. She's a role model of a
strong woman and wife. And these boys! they have an
infectious laugh.
This is why I am here.
<><
around "What have I DONE?!?!" The freak-out was
beginning. I figured, no biggy! I was just sad and I'd
fall into happy/excited mode by about Kearney, NE.
No Deal. My brother pointed out that he hadn't seen me
smile ONCE since he'd seen me (first on Sun), and it
was Tues afternoon; I've been getting sick after every
meal; I'd been at the house for 30mins and had already
fallen down the stairs. Great start:)
So, obviously, some self-evaluations were going and I
had a great chat with my brother. The biggest...angst
is/was that I'm giving up my independence. I have as
much an attachment to my freedom as I do to inanimate
objects. So, it's pretty fierce! :) My family knows
who I am and how I get. They (being Mom) really
dislike it, but they raised me this way. The 'rents
wanted me to go to their town Tues night since my
bro/sis-in-law were outta town. I told the 'rents that
I needed "Colleen Time" and that I had a list of
things to get done by weeks end. Mom made fun of my
list. She said to throw it out and enjoy being there.
But, the list is what brought my sanity back. It
focused me. It brought order back to my life. And with
order, there is JOY!! Apparently, I'm Type A. (I find
that insulting!)
So Tues night I put together my room and the bathroom.
I cleaned/straightened up the house (my rent payment!)
and just relaxed. By myself. It was AWESOME!! Exactly
what I needed. My attitude totally flipped with that
list and focus:)
Last night I spent time with Shawn, Shel and Jonas
(youngest nephew) and it was great. Jonas doesn't
really know me, so it worked out great that Lucas was
staying at a b-day party in another town. Jonas and I
are pretty tight now. Lucas showed up this evening and
we've been inseparable. Apparently, he's been wanting
to paint my room since he found out I was moving (he's
4 btw). He wanted to do pink and red with hearts. I'm
not a pink and red with hearts kind-a gal, but he
wanted it b/c he "missed me and was glad I moved
there". That made my heart smile. We cut hearts out of
construction paper instead and he helped me hang them.
He then gave me a fat-lip with a cheap shot to the
face. He's a dirty fighter. :P Brother taught him
well! I love this kid. He chose me to sit next to at
dinner. He sat on my lap while we made hearts and
played with stickers (not grandma's lap, but MINE!).
He wanted me to put him to bed. Jonas has been asking
for MY help down the stairs. He wants to play with me
now too.
Being with this family is...heart-warming. My bro is
amazing to his wife. He's a leader and role model for
his boys. My sis-in-law doesn't nag or push and she
has her own power tools. She's a role model of a
strong woman and wife. And these boys! they have an
infectious laugh.
This is why I am here.
<><
1.06.2008
And Here it IS!
Today was loading day. A bit of a rough start. Pops got lost picking bro up from the airport, which pushed the schedule back. That made me nervous b/c we were on a VERY TIGHT schedule. But, we finished with plenty of time to spare!
My amazing friends Cola and Gary showed up ready to lift and move all the heaviness. What great friends. I'm going to miss them more than words could describe.
What a crazy feeling. I've lived here/there for over 4years. This has been my home! My adult life! And I'm leaving it all. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for what lies ahead. But like I told Shawn this afternoon--I'll be crying to Kearney b/c I'll be leaving my life. I'll be smiling and excited past Kearney b/c I'll be starting a life. Emotions are whirlwinding:) Still. :P
But now we're sitting in the hotel room, watching American Gladiators. Hitting the road before the sun does. WooHoo for a crazy loooong drive ahead!
My amazing friends Cola and Gary showed up ready to lift and move all the heaviness. What great friends. I'm going to miss them more than words could describe.
What a crazy feeling. I've lived here/there for over 4years. This has been my home! My adult life! And I'm leaving it all. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for what lies ahead. But like I told Shawn this afternoon--I'll be crying to Kearney b/c I'll be leaving my life. I'll be smiling and excited past Kearney b/c I'll be starting a life. Emotions are whirlwinding:) Still. :P
But now we're sitting in the hotel room, watching American Gladiators. Hitting the road before the sun does. WooHoo for a crazy loooong drive ahead!
12.23.2007
12.21.2007
I've been hanging with Shannon near Saratoga for a couple of days. It's a winter wonderland up here:) Problem is, my wishes keep getting granted! I know it sounds odd to call that a problem, but I've been feeling guilty getting my way lately. I wanted to get snowed in so I could be with Shannon longer and that wish is happening! Guilty part...I'm supposed to work this weekend and I was covering a shift already. But I DON'T WANT TO GO!!! I'm having a blast up here. Relaxing, hanging out, playing in the snow! (I introduced Shannon to a nice big, fluffy section;P)
We went GeoCaching this morning. It was only a mile away so we walked. 10-15min when dry. Closer to an hour with 2ft of snow! It was fun. The dogs had a great time:) I was supposed to go snowmobiling yesterday, but the guy with the sleds had to work longer than expected. But, I did get to help cut down a Christmas Tree! Shannon works 10-6 so her friends have been keeping me entertained. A seriously great time!
OH! I went snowboarding yesterday too! No chairlifts and snowmobiles are not allowed in that section. So I had to hike up. I'm getting some serious cardio this holiday:)
12.16.2007
Appetites were Brought!
I just had one of my BEST dinner parties:) And a great mix of music if I do say so myself:)
The Menu:
Spinach and Artichoke dip with carrots and bread as an appetizer
French Onion Soup for a starter
Penne Rigata with Greens and toasted Pine Nuts for the entree
Asparagus and Yellow Peppers with a Parmesan Butter for a side
Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Carmel Swirl topping for Dessert
everybody went home with a goodie box of Choc Chip, White Choc Macadamia Nut and PB cookies and Buckeyes
PumpkinTinis
Wine
VodkaFog (a vodka chocolate yummy concoction!)
I had quite the array of friends over, but there was atleast a small connection b/t 1 person and another in every "group". It went great! People were laughing, drinking, talking, eating and telling stories all night.
My kitchen was a DISASTER afterwards, but it was cleaned up in no time. I sacrificed a few chunks if skin to the cheese grater. (Lots of blood and banging of my head on the counter to distract from the pain.)
I'll get some pics posted later. The bike helmet was pulled out at one point:)
Good Eats everybody!!
The Menu:
Spinach and Artichoke dip with carrots and bread as an appetizer
French Onion Soup for a starter
Penne Rigata with Greens and toasted Pine Nuts for the entree
Asparagus and Yellow Peppers with a Parmesan Butter for a side
Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Carmel Swirl topping for Dessert
everybody went home with a goodie box of Choc Chip, White Choc Macadamia Nut and PB cookies and Buckeyes
PumpkinTinis
Wine
VodkaFog (a vodka chocolate yummy concoction!)
I had quite the array of friends over, but there was atleast a small connection b/t 1 person and another in every "group". It went great! People were laughing, drinking, talking, eating and telling stories all night.
My kitchen was a DISASTER afterwards, but it was cleaned up in no time. I sacrificed a few chunks if skin to the cheese grater. (Lots of blood and banging of my head on the counter to distract from the pain.)
I'll get some pics posted later. The bike helmet was pulled out at one point:)
Good Eats everybody!!
11.16.2007
Brian Regan is HILARIOUS!!!!
This guy came through Greeley tonight. A riot! I was laughing the entire time. Check him out!!
Walkie Talkie
PopTarts
and one more:)
Food Labels
Walkie Talkie
PopTarts
and one more:)
Food Labels
11.13.2007
11.11.2007
Sang this song at church today and it really hit me. Brought a huge smile to my face:)
credit to David Crowder Band
"You make everything glorious, and I am Yours, What does that make me?" Pretty simple, ay?
The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe
why I can believe that
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
From glory to glory From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious.
You are glorious. You are glorious.
credit to David Crowder Band
"You make everything glorious, and I am Yours, What does that make me?" Pretty simple, ay?
The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe
why I can believe that
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
From glory to glory From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious.
You are glorious. You are glorious.
11.03.2007
It's hard to say good-bye to the Dentist
I had a dentist appointment on Thurs. Just a regular check-up and cleaning. I know that majority of people loath going to the dentist, but it was the most relaxing thing I'd done all week:) You have no idea how much I was looking forward to it! The hygenist is AMAZING! She has never stabbed my gums or pinched the inside of my cheek or caused my ANY pain or discomfort. I believe this to be a rarity in the world of Teeth Doctors/Hygenists. She's also insanely nice to me. Always complimenting my clean teeth and how easy I am to work on. She always says nice things about my hair or shoes...If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was hitting on me:) Dr. Heikes is super nice too. I've never seen his face though. He's ALWAYS wearing a mask and glasses. But he's nice. In and Out. He makes fun of my missing bicuspid, but it's become a sort of inside joke. Odd to have a joke with your dentist...
Anyway, they were saying "bye, see you in a few months" and I told them "Negatory. I am moving to MN in Jan." Dr. Heikes came back around the corner and I think he was actually sad. (As sad as one can be behind a mask...That could be the start of a deep thought.) But they became a difficult group to say bye too! I was NOT expecting that! But everybody was really nice about it and I told the hygenist (wish I knew her name) that she was the best I ever had and that I totally appreciated her. The receptionist lady then told me about her parents and how they like to VACATION in Rochester. It was awesome. I knew it'd be hard to say bye to my friends and a few coworkers and to CO in general, but I never knew it'd be hard to say good-bye to the Dentist.
<><
Anyway, they were saying "bye, see you in a few months" and I told them "Negatory. I am moving to MN in Jan." Dr. Heikes came back around the corner and I think he was actually sad. (As sad as one can be behind a mask...That could be the start of a deep thought.) But they became a difficult group to say bye too! I was NOT expecting that! But everybody was really nice about it and I told the hygenist (wish I knew her name) that she was the best I ever had and that I totally appreciated her. The receptionist lady then told me about her parents and how they like to VACATION in Rochester. It was awesome. I knew it'd be hard to say bye to my friends and a few coworkers and to CO in general, but I never knew it'd be hard to say good-bye to the Dentist.
<><
10.29.2007
10.28.2007
God Plan 'PP' is in action!
Plan PP
Step 1:
Pick a date to end my job
Step 2:
Tell boss what that date is
Step 2b:
Fire Chee
Step 3:
Decide where to move
Step 4:
Move
I can check steps 1-3 off the list:)
January 11 will be my final day with IEH! and I am moving to...wait for it...Rochester, MN!
What a week. I know I posted a few weeks ago about taking control back, but that only lasted a few days. But I held on to what I had and started making some decisions. They all feel great so I'm guessing that I'm FINALLY on track to what God has for me. And this weekend has been a reminder of what my life used to be like:) I stayed in my PJs till about 11 then went geocaching on a brisk, chilly Saturday afternoon. I fell into a funk when I went to WalMart, but who wouldn't be depressed at WalMart on Saturday! TOO MANY PEOPLE! and I got into my head too much. But, then, I went to Target and everything was better! I LOVE walking around Target! Even if I don't buy anything, there's just something about Target that I enjoy. That afternoon I realized that I had accidentally recorded over my Tae Bo tape. No more Billy Blanks doing "Double Time!" :( I have a small part of the tape left atleast. About half the double time. ahhhhh I'm so funny.
At church Saturday evening I saw a friend, went to say hey and completely fell apart. I was crying all over the place! Now: I cry at cheesy-sappy movies, I cry when I bring animals to the pound and I cry when I see other people crying on TV. These are all silly cries. I don't actually cry that much. But I've been stressed, exhausted and just a huge emotional wreck the last couple of months. All I wanted to tell her was HI! But she asked how I was doing and I just...I was laughing through it though too. I told her about my resignation and moving. She was excited for me (she's been praying for my guidance and talking to me for a little over 2 years now about God's plan!) but then she got a bit misty eyed and that set me off again. It felt good I guess. That release was needed and it hit me that I AM MOVING. I AM MOVING. In 2 1/2 months I AM MOVING.
The new adventures waiting for me in MN are very exciting. Watching my nephews grow up and being a part of their lives is very exciting. Being close to my bro and sis-in-law is very exiciting. Living near my 'rents...not so much:) (kidding Mom! I love your meatloaf!!) I'm just not looking forward to starting all over in the friends department. I've become a little more extroverted over the years, but I'm either super shy or come across as this wicked-tough, ornery chick. Still have some things to work on.
The soccer game that was cancelled three weeks ago was finally made up today. I couldn't have asked for a better Fall day for a game! FYI, I was on a Champion team:) And again, sad b/c it was my finally game in the shadows of the mountains. I have goose poopy fields to look forward to now.
Step 1:
Pick a date to end my job
Step 2:
Tell boss what that date is
Step 2b:
Fire Chee
Step 3:
Decide where to move
Step 4:
Move
I can check steps 1-3 off the list:)
January 11 will be my final day with IEH! and I am moving to...wait for it...Rochester, MN!
What a week. I know I posted a few weeks ago about taking control back, but that only lasted a few days. But I held on to what I had and started making some decisions. They all feel great so I'm guessing that I'm FINALLY on track to what God has for me. And this weekend has been a reminder of what my life used to be like:) I stayed in my PJs till about 11 then went geocaching on a brisk, chilly Saturday afternoon. I fell into a funk when I went to WalMart, but who wouldn't be depressed at WalMart on Saturday! TOO MANY PEOPLE! and I got into my head too much. But, then, I went to Target and everything was better! I LOVE walking around Target! Even if I don't buy anything, there's just something about Target that I enjoy. That afternoon I realized that I had accidentally recorded over my Tae Bo tape. No more Billy Blanks doing "Double Time!" :( I have a small part of the tape left atleast. About half the double time. ahhhhh I'm so funny.
At church Saturday evening I saw a friend, went to say hey and completely fell apart. I was crying all over the place! Now: I cry at cheesy-sappy movies, I cry when I bring animals to the pound and I cry when I see other people crying on TV. These are all silly cries. I don't actually cry that much. But I've been stressed, exhausted and just a huge emotional wreck the last couple of months. All I wanted to tell her was HI! But she asked how I was doing and I just...I was laughing through it though too. I told her about my resignation and moving. She was excited for me (she's been praying for my guidance and talking to me for a little over 2 years now about God's plan!) but then she got a bit misty eyed and that set me off again. It felt good I guess. That release was needed and it hit me that I AM MOVING. I AM MOVING. In 2 1/2 months I AM MOVING.
The new adventures waiting for me in MN are very exciting. Watching my nephews grow up and being a part of their lives is very exciting. Being close to my bro and sis-in-law is very exiciting. Living near my 'rents...not so much:) (kidding Mom! I love your meatloaf!!) I'm just not looking forward to starting all over in the friends department. I've become a little more extroverted over the years, but I'm either super shy or come across as this wicked-tough, ornery chick. Still have some things to work on.
The soccer game that was cancelled three weeks ago was finally made up today. I couldn't have asked for a better Fall day for a game! FYI, I was on a Champion team:) And again, sad b/c it was my finally game in the shadows of the mountains. I have goose poopy fields to look forward to now.
10.14.2007
Finally...
I've taken control back. I refuse to let my job get me down any longer!
As many of my friends know, I've decided to quit my job after the new year. That decision has turned into such a blessing! My job stills blows, but I know I don't have to do it much longer which makes it easier to grin and bear.
As usual, I was pretty exhausted on Friday. But, I had made plans to meet a friend for Happy Hour and go to a party that night. So, I dragged my bum to OCs and we had a very nice chat. She's one of my good friends here and we talked out some of my options after leaving my job and what not. It just felt good to tell her what was going on and to give her a heads up that I may not be around in a few months! Neither of us are emotional people, but we both started to tear up:) We've sort of been each others rock over the last few months and it'll be hard to leave if that's the choice that's made.
So. Happy Hour was Happy, I headed home to change and headed to the party where I told everybody that it was going to be a short night for me. I gave the head's up so I wouldn't get crap later on when I left. Apparently, being tired, nay, exhausted, isn't a viable excuse though. One guy continually asked if I was mad. If I was mad at him. Did he do something wrong. Why am I mad. He was actually pissing me off for asking what was wrong when all I was was tired!! But, he's called "Drunk Jim" for a reason and what I was saying wasn't getting through. Friday's start and end were not very nice.
Saturday. Now Saturday was the day I'd been looking forward to all week! I had no plans for the day. I could sleep as much I needed. Nothing was pressing to get done. Except, did I mention that my computer broke on Friday? It did. I forgot till Saturday morning when I needed it! My carefree day now required me going to the library to get directions to the Apple store in Broomfield. I had to contemplate buying a new computer that day, I couldn't forget to email directions to a friend for a party that I was going to that night and I got a call that could lead to me working through Sunday night/Monday morning. So not only did I wake up and IMMEDIATELY think about work I was now angry driving down I-25 and thinking of nothing but work. I was listening to Christmas music and that wasn't even distracting or enjoyable!
Where have my weekends gone?! Where has the girl gone that doesn't let things bother her because it all works out in the end?! Where have I GONE?! I've been struggling with that question for months now.
And out of nowhere...there I was! The real me had just been sitting there. Waiting. I took control back. I made the decision to not deal with work till I was done driving. Then I decided to not deal with it till I got to the Apple store, made an appointment to check out my computer. Then, I decided what the plan would be so one person wasn't working straight thru the night. It'd be best to break it up. I found a quiet area, made the phone calls, updated the boss-man and went on my merry way. Done and Done! I was in control again. I was back:)
I haven't been to a mall in ages and Flatirons is a really nice place, so after the Apple guys squeezed me in (SUPER nice guys) I walked the mall, listened to music and hit some sales. Found some new work clothes (business-casual, right Shawn? wink wink 87% sure) that were on sale. I had my no pressure, pleasant afternoon after all:) Even got some Christmas shopping done! Shannon came down for the weekend and we went to a friend's 40th b-day party. Hung out, had a nice time, had an earlier than expected night. Soccer was cancelled, but it worked out. I got my apt cleaned and am working on some other presents for folks.
Turns out though that I am that person working through the night:) Oh well...3 more months...
<><
As many of my friends know, I've decided to quit my job after the new year. That decision has turned into such a blessing! My job stills blows, but I know I don't have to do it much longer which makes it easier to grin and bear.
As usual, I was pretty exhausted on Friday. But, I had made plans to meet a friend for Happy Hour and go to a party that night. So, I dragged my bum to OCs and we had a very nice chat. She's one of my good friends here and we talked out some of my options after leaving my job and what not. It just felt good to tell her what was going on and to give her a heads up that I may not be around in a few months! Neither of us are emotional people, but we both started to tear up:) We've sort of been each others rock over the last few months and it'll be hard to leave if that's the choice that's made.
So. Happy Hour was Happy, I headed home to change and headed to the party where I told everybody that it was going to be a short night for me. I gave the head's up so I wouldn't get crap later on when I left. Apparently, being tired, nay, exhausted, isn't a viable excuse though. One guy continually asked if I was mad. If I was mad at him. Did he do something wrong. Why am I mad. He was actually pissing me off for asking what was wrong when all I was was tired!! But, he's called "Drunk Jim" for a reason and what I was saying wasn't getting through. Friday's start and end were not very nice.
Saturday. Now Saturday was the day I'd been looking forward to all week! I had no plans for the day. I could sleep as much I needed. Nothing was pressing to get done. Except, did I mention that my computer broke on Friday? It did. I forgot till Saturday morning when I needed it! My carefree day now required me going to the library to get directions to the Apple store in Broomfield. I had to contemplate buying a new computer that day, I couldn't forget to email directions to a friend for a party that I was going to that night and I got a call that could lead to me working through Sunday night/Monday morning. So not only did I wake up and IMMEDIATELY think about work I was now angry driving down I-25 and thinking of nothing but work. I was listening to Christmas music and that wasn't even distracting or enjoyable!
Where have my weekends gone?! Where has the girl gone that doesn't let things bother her because it all works out in the end?! Where have I GONE?! I've been struggling with that question for months now.
And out of nowhere...there I was! The real me had just been sitting there. Waiting. I took control back. I made the decision to not deal with work till I was done driving. Then I decided to not deal with it till I got to the Apple store, made an appointment to check out my computer. Then, I decided what the plan would be so one person wasn't working straight thru the night. It'd be best to break it up. I found a quiet area, made the phone calls, updated the boss-man and went on my merry way. Done and Done! I was in control again. I was back:)
I haven't been to a mall in ages and Flatirons is a really nice place, so after the Apple guys squeezed me in (SUPER nice guys) I walked the mall, listened to music and hit some sales. Found some new work clothes (business-casual, right Shawn? wink wink 87% sure) that were on sale. I had my no pressure, pleasant afternoon after all:) Even got some Christmas shopping done! Shannon came down for the weekend and we went to a friend's 40th b-day party. Hung out, had a nice time, had an earlier than expected night. Soccer was cancelled, but it worked out. I got my apt cleaned and am working on some other presents for folks.
Turns out though that I am that person working through the night:) Oh well...3 more months...
<><
9.19.2007
Peak or Bust...literally!
With a heavy-laden bag on my back, 4 hours sleep and ambition to distinguish myself...to conquer something...I set off to climb Pikes Peak.
At 14,110 feet, it isn't even the tallest 14er in Colorado. But it was to be MY 14er. It was to be ME conquering the seemingly unconquerable. It was going to be between me and the mountain.
Aunt Mary Ann, Cousin Billy and I started on Barr Trail at 5:45am. We beat the sun to the trail! It was a beautiful and eager beginning.
Aunt Mary Ann starts us off on a great pace and we have nothing but confidence that we would get to the top long before our ride down (the Cog) left. I even brought a book along thinking I'd get bored at some point! My how that idea changed after 7 miles:)It was a beautiful trail. Steep, but beautiful. The crisp cool air on my skin. The smell of leaves turning yellow and red. The heat of the new sun on my face. Beautiful. Perfect. Serene. Tiring. There was about 5mins of level trail in the whole 9 1/2 hours that it took us to climb. We took every opportunity to rest and let our hearts catch up. Every corner offered a photo op:)
I'm not a quitter, but I'm not exactly a go-getter either. I'm very much a middle-of-the-road type of gal. So I was fighting with myself ALOT around mile 10 on whether I wanted to continue and finish the last three uphill miles or take the 10 down.
I took the three. It was a fight, but I went for it. And it was worth it...
Sadly, I had to leave my aunt and cousin behind. Every time they stopped to breath, my legs would cramp and I had the hardest time starting up again. So I told them I was going to take it slow and if they caught up, great, if not, I'd meet them at the top! So I soldiered on at my back-breaking turtle speed. I was walking so slowly that winter showed up. It snowed on me! We could all see the clouds moving in. The angst of the other folks on the trail was palpable. As the thunder started to clap everybody's pace quickened. High elevation and storms with lightning do not mix well! Thankfully, it started to snow and the clouds rolled by without incident.
Nine and one half hours later, I reached the top. Oddly, at the time, I wasn't excited. Sure, I was happy to be done. I was happy to use the restroom (not too keen on peeing behind a rock on a barren slope with people above and below me!). But I wasn't elated to have accomplished the goal. I was flat out exhausted. That's pretty much it. Exhausted. The last mile or two I was cursing what ambition I had to make me want to climb the mountain. I was cursing the mountain for being there. Yet, at the same time, I met an amazing group of people who had the same ambition, same goals. They were having the same struggles and every single one of them was an encouragement. At every new switchback you could hear people telling complete strangers "You can do it!" "You're almost there!" "Burn in Hell you Damned Mtn!" (ok, so that was in my head, but you could tell others were thinking it too!) I met some Army guys who had done the climb before. We were talking about the "16 Golden Stairs" at the end of the trail. He said that he liked the name because they were the stairway to heaven and it was pure hell going up them. But, once to the top, you were in Heaven. Things like that and "See you at the top!" is what kept my feet moving.
Two switchbacks left. One switchback left...
13 miles. 9 1/2 hours up. 1 hour down. Endless satisfaction. I can say that now. As I drove home Sunday morning, I was looking at the peak in the distance and kept telling myself "You climbed that. You CLIMBED that!" It's now starting to sink in what I have accomplished. Maybe I'm not so much of a middle-of-the-road type of gal anymore...
9.08.2007
A friend (Davida) and I have become fans of a band called The Elders. So much so that we headed into Estes Park Friday night for a Ceilidh. Pronounced Kay-lee, it's essentially an Irish Party.
Thing is, it didn't start till 10:30pm, didn't end till 1ish in the morning. I wasn't to keen on the idea of driving home through the canyon at 2 in the morning so we decided to camp out. A friend's, in-laws own property near Estes and they let us throw a tent in their woods. It was a fantastic, beautiful, serene sight. We got camp set up as the sun was setting and headed to town for dinner and the party.
And yes, I pitched a tent in heels and tube top. Kinda weird.
The party was awesome! Lots of fellas in kilts, great tunes and some decent dancing. Heading back to camp was scary. I thought the canyon was gonna be bad! I lost count of how many times I almost went off the road. There was a section of switchbacks that was absolutely INSANE! Turning onto the road to our campsite we saw a bear. Yes, a BEAR! It was a big cub, but a bear all the same. After we finished screaming we had a decision to make. Sleep with the bears or challenge the canyon by driving home. Of course, I liked the idea of sleeping by a stream under an unbelievable sky of stars and not worrying about the bears. But, Davida wasn't into it. I actually tore down camp while she sat in the car with a Mack flashlight. I had her roll her windows down enough that she could hear me scream, but not enough for a bear's claw to get into:)
I climbed into bed about 3 this morning and didn't roll out till 11. It's a beautiful Saturday (I'm still in my PJs @ 1!).
9.04.2007
GeoSlasher Public Premier
Okay. I THINK I finally have the guts to post my short film. I may remove it tomorrow.
I made this movie earlier this summer during a rough patch and it's probably the most fun I've had in a long time. It was a classic horror film setting, I was totally alone and I needed to leave my world for a bit.
I'm putting a PG rating on this. My 4yr old nephew watched it and got sorta freaked. It took the whole weekend to stress the fact to him that it was fake, it was a movie, I was totally fine...or was I???
So...check it out, enjoy it for the B flick that it is and don't judge me too harshly:)
Much Love,
COLLeEN<><
sorry, one more thing before you get your popcorn out. I'm still working on my editing skills, so there's about 4mins of dead air after the movie. feel free to stop it at the end of the credits and start it over! thx.
I made this movie earlier this summer during a rough patch and it's probably the most fun I've had in a long time. It was a classic horror film setting, I was totally alone and I needed to leave my world for a bit.
I'm putting a PG rating on this. My 4yr old nephew watched it and got sorta freaked. It took the whole weekend to stress the fact to him that it was fake, it was a movie, I was totally fine...or was I???
So...check it out, enjoy it for the B flick that it is and don't judge me too harshly:)
Much Love,
COLLeEN<><
sorry, one more thing before you get your popcorn out. I'm still working on my editing skills, so there's about 4mins of dead air after the movie. feel free to stop it at the end of the credits and start it over! thx.
8.31.2007
Can Our Lives be this Boring?
I check out a few friend's blogs regularly. Nobody (besides Shawn, but he hadn't blogged in months) has written of their lives recently.
Option1: We are all sooooo insanely busy with work that there is nothing going on in our lives. Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Option2: We are out of the country and have limited access for blogging (wink wink Karen!)
Option3: We all found a mountain to climb, climbed it, got misplaced (not lost!), spent some recovery time in a hospital, met the man/woman of our dreams and don't want to rub it in the faces of our single friends.
Option4: Our lives are boring.
I would LOVE to say that option3 is my excuse, I'd even take option2, but sadly I must opt for 1. Which, I guess, also contributes to option4. My excitement for the week? I have curly hair today. It'll be gone tomorrow. woohoo.
Option1: We are all sooooo insanely busy with work that there is nothing going on in our lives. Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Option2: We are out of the country and have limited access for blogging (wink wink Karen!)
Option3: We all found a mountain to climb, climbed it, got misplaced (not lost!), spent some recovery time in a hospital, met the man/woman of our dreams and don't want to rub it in the faces of our single friends.
Option4: Our lives are boring.
I would LOVE to say that option3 is my excuse, I'd even take option2, but sadly I must opt for 1. Which, I guess, also contributes to option4. My excitement for the week? I have curly hair today. It'll be gone tomorrow. woohoo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)