Katie Does Denver...

Anniversary!

2011-09-13T21:27:00.000-06:00

On August 4th I celebrated my one year anniversary in Denver. Its been an interesting year, but I've learned a lot. It hasn't all be easy, in fact some moments have utterly sucked, but, I'm still here. I'm going to keep on keeping on.

Monday is my 26th Birthday! Em is coming to visit tomorrow! I couldn't be more excited!

A post on that after the visit!

Love to you all...

And Then I Went To China...

2011-07-31T20:25:00.000-06:00

This blog is way overdue...but thats how I roll.

So the summer in Denver has been fantastic. I'm working an HR internship for a great company and gaining a lot of valuable experience.

I did go to China for 12 days in early June. It was pretty fantastic. Asia is a place that i've always wanted to visit. I went to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. All were very different but equally Asian. The thing is, I've traveled a lot, but I've never been to a place where I felt such a culture shock.

China was intense. The Chinese took pictures of us, we weren't allow to drink the water at all, not even to brush out teeth and the pollution was unbearable. It was hotter than North Carolina in July and the food while delicious was pretty interesting.

I saw things I've only ever read about. Climbed the Great Wall, walked around the Forbidden City and strolled along the bund in Shanghai.

I will say the best thing about my trip was the opportunity I had to hold a baby Panda Bear. It was insanely expensive, but oh so wonderful! Those pictures will last a lifetime!

Below are some of the best pictures of the trip.

The new school year starts soon and with that comes a shit ton of work. I'm banking on this being the busiest of my time here in Denver. Hooray!

Some Crazy Food

First step on the Great Wall...

After climbing...so hot.

Aloe Vera drink...yuk!

Eating bamboo like the Panda's

Legit rice paddy.

Gabby's next chapter...

2011-05-08T20:13:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that after Dad died I took in Gabby his older German Sheppard dog. Gabby is 13 and the adjustment to life in Colorado has not been easy for her (or me), she has shown a lot of anxiety and I think is also grieving for the loss of Dad.

After four months of long decision making, I decided I had to find a place for her to live other than with me. This long process has been emotionally draining and I have wavered in my decision countless times.

I was fortunate to find a refuge for her. The name is PAALS. You can check them out here. It is 160 acres where she will live, they also provide homes to people who have lost their own place to live so a beautiful coexistence is created. The dogs are taken care of by the people and in return the people receive unconditional love.

She is now living with a woman named Rita, I took her today and saw her new life.

Its scary and I do ask myself if I made the right decision...but I must stay strong.

Not all decisions are easy, but I think this is best for Gabby, George and myself.

Gabby is a wonderful dog, and I will always think of her fondly and the memories made while she was in my life. I remember going to the pound with Dad and picking her out, her hair was all mated and she had terrible mange. We named her Gabby after the woman who pulled her out of the drop box. I'll think on how insanely smart she is and all the wonderful tricks she learned at such a young age, impressing all who saw.

She kept my father company during the last bit of his life and she watched me grow into an adult. I hope that the end of her life spent on this farm, will be happy, stress free, and full of love.

Thank you for all the good times Gabby girl!

Gabby and I at her new home!

I'm back...sort of :)

2011-04-22T15:24:00.001-06:00

To my faithful readers…all 12 of you, This blog which was originally created as a way for you to all see how wonderful and fabulous my life is out here in Colorado is. I know it hasn’t been updated in a while, and I’ll be honest and say the main reason is because I’m a lazy bum who loves starting projects but fails miserably in finishing them…the other reason is a bit more dramatic and sympathy inducing…my dad died.

(And now I’ll begin to write in uncharted territories…I’ll write about my emotions…something I usually tend not to want to discuss. Maybe I’m brave, maybe I’m crazy, maybe that third glass of chardonnay has kicked in and I’ll regret this in the morning…either way, here it is.)

Even as I write those words the tears fill my eyes. Most of you who read this know that I am a sensitive but not overly emotional person. I’ve never been good at sharing my feelings and honestly am terrible at accepting the sympathy of others. I’ve found through this whole process of death how emotional I actually am.

I’m certain this sudden surge of sadness is no new leaf I’m turning in the book of my life but more a reflection of the intense loss I feel.

For those of you that were lucky enough to know my dad you know what a personality he was. He was kind, funny, inappropriate and immensely giving.

I’m writing about this now because I find myself sitting sometimes, mainly at night, and googling “the death of a father”, or “how to deal with loosing a dad”… I guess I’m writing this so that if late one night a sad, inconsolable young girl googles those same phrases she might stumble upon this lame blog and find some solace. She won’t find solace in the light at the end of the tunnel (because I can’t see that light yet)…but at least she will see that she’s not alone in her suffering.

When dad died I was very fortunate to have people around me who cared. My friends who came from far away and just sat and filled a chair and listened to me be a hot doped up mess.

Dad’s death was sudden, by some weird miracle I was able to see and talk and hug and kiss him the night before he passed. I think this happened because the powers that be knew what an even hotter mess I would have been without it.

There is one sentence that I keep repeating over and over in my head but have the most difficulty saying and even typing…it’s the ringing in my ears and the eternal echo in my heart (I’m not a poet…but its true). The fact is through this entire process and clusterfuck of emotions the one sentiment that remains constant is simple and pure…I just really really miss my dad.

They say writing is cathartic and I believe that. I started a journal pretty soon after he died and wrote in it every time I felt I was going to have a meltdown. Writing what I was feeling and recounting on paper those last hours I spent with him calmed me. I stopped writing pretty soon after I got back and am still unable to read that journal.

I know that one of the ways in which I’ve been able to successfully continue on with my day to day activities is the fact that I haven’t been present back home. I’ve made Denver my home and while I know he’s gone, there are days that pass where it just feels like I’m here at school and hes back home sitting in the recliner watching Jeopardy and drinking his orange juice. I realize that this “avoidance” is unhealthy…but don’t worry…I’m dealing, all I’m saying is this makes life easier.

I realize for the people I care most about it seems as though I’m running away…and in a sense I do. Its just so difficult to be around those people and talk to them about the man we all loved. I was watching Oprah one day after he died…(yes, Oprah…she’s a genius) and there was a man on there who had gone through a horrendous tragedy loosing all of his immediate family. He made a point that allowed me to be more sympathetic to those who love me most. He said (loosely quoted) “when a child looses a parent they are an orphan, when a husband looses and wife he is a widow and when a wife looses a husband she is a widower…but there are no words to describe losing a child”. If you think about this its true. I was having a difficult time accepting others grief especially my grandparents but through that (and Oprah) I truly saw that I’m not the only one in pain or the only one who lost someone they cared for deeply.

I know you all must be wondering…why the hell is she spilling her guts on the porn themed named website? Well kids…and adults…its so you’ll know that I am okay…you’ll also know that I’m not okay. Since I’ve found that I don’t talk about nor want to discuss most of what I’m writing here with anyone this is a way you can still know how I feel. Lets call it the US Weekly of Katie’s soul.

Its been several months now and the cards have stopped and the creepy sympathy laced looks have faded…people are moving on with their lives but I feel as though I’m still swimming in the thoughts of an entire lifetime of memories. Its hard to suppress those…and I’m sure I wouldn’t even if I could.

I miss my dad calling me just to see what I was doing or to tell me about this awesome shot made at some sporting event that I could of cared less about. I miss lying and saying I was doing homework when really I was just watching tv so I could get off the phone (I also immensely regret those calls), I miss calling him early in the morning to bring me breakfast, I miss having any sports trivia question thrown at me and knowing the one person in the world that would know the answer. Mainly…I just miss my dad. I am not a live in regret kind of person, and do not have many…I only wish I had appreciated the time spent with him more often and just think its unfortunate that my true appreciation for all of his quirkiness came after he left this world. I hope wherever life takes us after death my dad is there, and he is able to at least feel the love I have for him and although it may not of been said enough how much I loved him.

Life has a funny way or working out and I’m still waiting on my solution. Until that day comes, I’ll try to continue to blog but am confident this will be the last post I get uber personal. I also doubt it will stay up here forever. I may be cowardly and delete it.

As to life here in CO...

Its lovely, the people are fantastic. I now have two dogs…I took one of dad’s dogs Gabby. She is 13 and a handful…but what can you do. She is up for adoption if I have any takers.

This past Saturday I went to take some images at sunrise of a very famous place in CO Springs called the Garden of the Gods…google it.

I’m going to China in June, which I’m stoked about. (Yes, I say stoked now…I’m west coast)

I’m also hoping to visit Norway for another school trip in August before the new semester starts.

I hope this updates you on my head and my heart.

The offer is also open to come visit if any of you would ever like. I promise I wont cry…unless I’ve had a bottle of wine.

Love to you all,
Katie

Garden of The Gods, Colorado Springs

2011-04-21T16:17:00.002-06:00

The other day I visited the Garden of the Gods, Its an area located in Colorado Springs about 1 1/2 hours outside of Denver. For more information visit HERE!

I went with a friend Philip who is more into photography than I am. We got up at 4 A.M and drove South. We got there before sunrise which I was a bit cranky about, but it was well worth it. We did about a 10 min hike and once we were on top of that mountain it was all worth it! It was really beautiful watching the sunrise over the mountains, we could see Pikes Peak in the distance. Below are some of the pictures I took. Hope you enjoy them.

Love,
K

Heather Visits Denver!

2010-09-16T23:17:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posts...I have a strong feeling they will be more sporadic as school and social life increase! Lets do a quick update and then I'll tell you about the first visitor in my new home!

So, today marks the official end of my first week of school, I'm taking statistics, accounting and a business course that is meant to teach you moral and ethical responsibility.
Classes have gone well, accounting will be my most challenging!
I've made a group of friends and see potential for many more! The people are great and I have a lot in common with them, I'm super happy and really enjoying my time here!

Over Labor Day weekend my good friend Heather came to visit. We went on a hike at Red Rocks and then visited some popular areas downtown. We also celebrated my cousin Liz's birthday which was fantastic!! It was great having someone from home visit and see where I live! I'll post some pics below!

After Heather left I went to the Scissor Sisters show here at the Ogden theatre....it's a really cool place, check it out online, the concert was AWESOME!!

This weekend is my birthday weekend! Another good friend, Lucian is visiting! We have a big bash planned with some of the girls from school! I am so excited! Everyone has been so lovely! I've gotten several cards and some awesome hiking boots from my mom!!

Also the weekend after next I'll be out of town for one of my classes. We are going up to a nature lodge to hike and do team building activities...you know that I am NOT a nature girl...so this does not excite me. I'll keep you posted on that, I'll be able to use my new hiking boots!! :)

Until then, I miss you all!
Love,
Katie

Coming Soon...

2010-09-08T10:47:00.001-06:00

Working on a new posting of my wonderful weekend with my frist visitor Heather...check back soon!

Chatfield State Park trip...

2010-08-21T16:58:00.000-06:00

So George, myself and a new friend ventured out to Chatfield State Park today. It was awesome.
Check it out!
They have 78 ares of lovely park. George is almost three (his b-day is Dec 2nd FYI) and he has never gone swimming. They have ponds and a stream that dogs play freely in. There is a designated off leash area that all dogs are invited to play in.
The park costs 7 dollars to enter and it is WELL worth it.
We got there, and the weather was beautiful! Due to the 300 days of sunshine and the heightened elevation the sun tends to burn you a little faster (I learned that first hand today). We started walking and I was nervous b/c there was no fence and George has never been in an off leash area outside without a fence surrounding him. He did GREAT! He would walk about 15 ft ahead, stop...turn around and check to make sure all was still good!

Then we met the water! At first he was having none of it and was super terrified, other dogs were fetching and swimming and just enjoying the day. Not my boy...fear set it. He toyed with the edge for about 10 min...then...out of NOWHERE lept about 5 feet straight into the pond. I guess we are related, the "go big or go home" mentality is something I'm familiar with. He was so scared that the didn't know what to do so he stood in the water neck deep for about 2 min...the other humans were all watching him, I think even the dogs had stopped their playing to see what he would do next.

Then the worst started to happen...he was sinking. The first head under scared me...the second had me preparing to leap and swim out for a water rescue...then...just like a movie he started to paddle like a gay shark (dolphin) and swam to shore. I swear there were 20 people watching him and we all simultaneously started to cheer. It was a very proud moment as a parent...and a very thankful moment that I didn't have to go in for a water rescue.

We had such a lovely morning/afternoon and I took a few pics, enjoy! I will definitely be going back here for weekend adventures!

Click on pictures to enlarge!

Updates...

2010-08-16T21:36:00.001-06:00

I've added a few things to my apartment, I bought a cure end table that I may replace for a different color (green)...I also FINALLY printed out my pictures and have now personalized my place. I am short a few pictures and frames so if you don't see yourself it's not because i don't love you!

Center Piece

The last box is unpacked...

2010-08-11T13:59:00.004-06:00

I can finally say i've moved in! My last box is opened and it's contents sorted appropriately!

I've moved in!! Whoo Hoo!

I've received a new visitor, he/she (not sure yet) likes to come and hang out by my window...for hours.
I don't have air conditioning so I like to leave my windows open...with my new "guest" that makes it impossible. It's suppper loud, so George is NOT a fan! Lot's of meowing...i tried to shoo it away...no luck, it just moved to a new window.

I've included the updated pictures of my finished apartment! I think it's very cute, and it represents my taste. I still need one side table, but I'm good for now!
I also took a few pictures of the front and the street I live on! Let me know what you think...and when you are coming to visit! :)

My "new" chairs I recovered!!

I love my lamp!

Add caption

Updates...

2010-08-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

This won't be a long post, just wanted to update you all!

*I had an interview today at the University for a Graduate Assistant position. They are VERY competitive so it's awesome that I was even interviewed. It went well, so I should find out on Friday if I got it. Fingers crossed!!!
*George is doing great, the only issue we've been having is he won't poop when I walk him on his leash. He doesn't poop in the house either...the only place he poops is at my cousin Liz's house...I think it would be a little inappropriate to bring him over to use their house as a toilet...I'm going to change his food to something I think he will like and maybe that will help.
*I saw the old couple again today...no barking this time, maybe it was just a fluke.
*I unpacked the last of my boxes today. Tonight when I get home I'm going to re-cover my dining room chairs, then I'll take pictures of the finished apartment! It's pretty cute if i say so myself. I still need to hang one or two more pictures and maybe get one more side table...but it's looking great!

I'm going to take some finished pictures after I finish the chairs so you guys can see the place. I'll also take pics of the building and the surrounding areas.

Remember you are all invited to come and visit!

It's getting hot in here...

2010-08-08T22:32:00.000-06:00

So...one would assume moving to the mountains would equal a cooler climate...not true. Don't get me wrong it's MUCH cooler here in general than Smithfield...but it is still not up to my cool standards.

I do not have air conditioning in my apartment...I've only lived in one other place that didn't have air and that was in Denmark where it is super cool and I could leave the windows open (I can leave the windows open here...but i'm scared and people can easily climb in and abduct me :)). Today was unbearable and poor George has been feeling the brunt of it... So, with that being said i did was any heat stroked southern girl would do...I went shopping.

Apparently winter is coming to Denver in a month (joy), so no place around here sells portable air conditioners. I went to 5 different stores, drove over 40 miles around town and spend 5 hours shopping. I came home with a humidifier and two box fans.

It's better...but it's still a Nelly song.

On a happier note, George and I have started his new walking routine. We get up pretty early and walk to a park called Hungarian Freedom Park. It's only a block away and he seems to enjoy it. There is a large apartment building really close to my apartment and I pass it every time we go for a walk, I think the majority of the residences are retired people, I've seen a lot of elderly citizens. There is one particular couple that I've seen on various benches EVERY time I walk. They are there at 8:00 A.M. and again at 7:00 P.M. They just sit and smile, it's really sweet and I always say hello...well today, as I was walking by they mentioned how cute George was (which is totally true) and we chatted, as i was walking away...the lady barked at me. So now it's a mystery, sweet old couple may of turned into weird old couple in an instant. I'll keep you posted on their mental health status, if she continues to bark at us I may change routes.

After the A.M. walk we head home and do the tasks for the day. I try to have the last walk be a short one and end around 9:45 a.m. I'm still a little apprehensive about walking around alone late at night...but I'm getting better.

Check out the park...Hungarian Freedom Park

Settling in...

2010-08-08T01:07:00.001-06:00

So I've been "living" in Denver since Thursday night. It's been a lot of fun, but also a lot of work! Renato and I unloaded the pod in about an two hours, we would of been finished much sooner but my couch was a nearly impossible task. It took an hour to get in it and we had to take the legs off of it. By the grace of god it squeezed through and it now is sitting proudly in my living room.

I'm going to show a few sneak peeks of the new place but keep it mind it is not finished.

My Aunt Judi and cousins's Liz, Jeff and baby George have been wonderful!

Judi bought me my first round of groceries which was an amazing help! Liz has been feeding me AMAZING dinners prepared by Jeff and letting Renato and I crash at her lovely home.

Renato and I have done a few activities besides unpacking. We went to the Capital and today we went to Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado and then we went to Red Rocks. Red Rocks is a really cool outdoor amphitheater and there are hiking trails all over the place. We tried to walk around but there was a band...the name was "Pretty Lights", we had never heard of them, but the crowd was a pretty eclectic group.

George is adjusting wonderfully! He loves his new friend Otto, and I think is enjoying his new apartment. Tomorrow I'm going to run a few errands and pick up a few essentials for the new place...number one on the list is a mini air conditioner. It's freaking hott!!

Hopefully I'll be able to go to Campus this week and check things out.

I just want everyone who has helped me during this journey to know how much I've appreciated it. From putting together a complicated lamp, lending out your husband, packing a box, feeding me, housing me when I didn't have a place of my own, loading a pod, giving me people magazine, and just loving and supporting me. Those actions and emotions really do help fuel my desire to go out and do the things I believe are right for me. While I may not always be the emotional type, please know that your actions, love and support are so appreciated and needed!

Keep an eye out for a finished apt blog post! Pictures included!

Rocky Mountain High!!!

2010-08-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

So I made it!! I have officially arrived in Denver, Colorado!!

The day started off pretty early, we've been really good with time this whole trip. We left around 7:30 and headed West. All day except for the last 2 hours were spent in Kansas. It's a large state. My impression of Kansas wasn't great due to yesterday's stress, but it really was lovely riding for 8 hours through big blue skys and lush green fields.

We were pretty spontaneous today and had a few surprise stops. The first one was just a random bilboard we saw that turned out to be the official Wizard of Oz museum...I mean...we are in Kansas!

The next surprise happened soon after...as we drove endlessly down the same road there was a large bus at a rest stop...that bus belonged to Lady Gaga!! OMG!! I of course turned the car around faster than you can say poker face...much against Renato's wishes, rode and parked right behind it.
I went up and knocked loudly on the door all the while saying "hello...lady gaga"...she didn't answer :( She must of been having a bad romance so I forgave her. I still took a picture and told her through the window that I was her little monster ;( Rarrrrr!

We saw some pretty awesome wind mills, and then it was time to cross the State line!!

Once we crossed the line we had about 2 hours until we arrived in Denver, we spent that time taking pictures of the mile markers...and George!

We arrived at cousin Liz and Jeffs, saw Judi, said hello to baby George and then headed to my new apartment to get the keys for move in day tomorrow! We met the landlord Lisa and she gave us a run down on the place...it's so freaking cute! I'm so excited about decorating it!!I have no doubt that it will suck major ass...but at least I'll have Renato to help me out!

There was a torrential down pour when we first got there...large hail smacking my car...welcome to Denver!!!

My Apartment!! Whoo hoo!!

George has a new bff, Otto...they have bonded to the max...i'm so happy George will have a bud while here!

Tomorrow I sweat...maybe i'll take pictures of...hopefully...for my sake and yours I wont! I'm really excited...the apartment looks great!

Kansas City here I come...

2010-08-03T21:27:00.000-06:00

Day 2 has been the longest most boring day. Riding through some of these middle states is painstakingly slow. We've driven through so many states I can't even keep track anymore...We left Nashville bright and early then headed straight into Kentucky, that wasn't so bad.

This is the only time I got out of the car in Illinois

We followed this truck a good 200 miles...the tires are the largest I've ever seen...oy.

We entered Missouri and were trying to find the state line sign, but it was impossible, so we settled for actually going to the famous arch. George, Renato and I walked around and it was insanely hot, the car thermometer said 105 in St. Louis.

After St. Louis we headed to Kansas...seriously saw NOTHING. Our hotel is nothing impressive and I'm exhausted. I smell even though I've had a shower...but I am excited about arriving at my new home.
I'm so grateful Renato has been able to come along for the ride, I would of been so lonely without someone to talk to!

I'm ta ta ta tired....and people from Kansas suck at driving...we have to drive through the rest of the state tomorrow...joy :/

It's definitely not a Nashville party...

2010-08-03T21:02:00.000-06:00

So...I'm doing this in two posts so I can keep the days separate. The long awaited trip started without any complications. I had a lovely farewell breakfast with my parents, hugged my grandparents goodbye and then hit the road with Renato and George.

Getting into Tennessee was the longest haul, but once we arrived in Nashville we were greeted by lovely Sarah, her husband Scott and their canine child Rogue...George wasn't so sure about her until the end :)

We went to the main downtown area of Nashville, had dinner and walked around for a bit.

I of course took the standard tourist photo....Renato was kind enough to take pictures of me at every state line so I'll post those on here as well.

We hit the sac pretty early all in preparation for day number 2...more to come!!

Bingo, Weddings and Moving...

2010-08-01T21:09:00.002-06:00

The past few days have been eventful...I was lucky enough to play Bingo with HB on Friday! It was a smoke filled haze but ohh so fun! I of course didn't win anything, but reliving the memories was priceless!

One of my oldest friends got married on Saturday, what a beautiful bride she made! It was so nice to visit the beach, especially considering the lack of beaches in Denver.

Tomorrow is the big day...I leave home. My first stop is Nashville, TN...i'm excited. My car is packed to the max...poor George is not going to be happy, but hopefully the ride is smooth and life is easy! I pick Renato up at 8 A.M.

I plan on taking photos along the way and keeping everyone updated.

Here we go...:)

Bruise and life update...

2010-07-29T18:00:00.000-06:00

It is now black, blue and purple!

Today has been productive! I'm nearly there and getting more and more nervous each day! George had a bath today and was trimmed up! He looks so handsome if I do say so myself! Really looking forward to breakfast with my family tomorrow morning, then it's off for a haircut!

3 Days to go...oy vey!

2010-07-28T21:37:00.002-06:00

So...there are 3 full days remaining until I take that giant leap and drive out west! Things are much better now that Polly is gone, my stress level had lowered, and so overall I don't feel like a train has hit me multiple times.

I have a wedding of a dear friend on Saturday and then it will just be one more night before I depart!

Today, I thought it would be a great idea to clean out and vacuum my car...it was all going according to plan until I busted my ass on the front steps. I'm talking, fall and break your shoes (both of them) kind of tumble...almost similar to this lovely lady.

I've got a bruise that resembles a flounder...and it hurts...a lot. I can't even sit down, hopefully it goes down by the time I head out because at this point I cannot imagine spending 10 hours in a car with a bruise the size of Colorado on my ass. Maybe I'll just look at it as a casualty of war...the war being the move?

Like I said, pretty epic.
My room seems so bare, its strange living in a place where nothing really belongs to you. George is getting a bath and trim tomorrow in my attempts to prepare him for the move. I hope he adjusts well, I'm worried he won't be happy...but I've just got to stay positive!

Tomorrow is step one...

2010-07-26T22:54:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow the pod leaves. It is packed thanks mainly from the help and support of my friend Tori, she has lifted more boxes then I can even count. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you to everyone else who lifted a box or gave an encouraging word, it was really appreciated!

It was not an easy process, especially in 103 degree North Carolina summer...but it's done.

I was able to fit so many things in there that I thought would have to ride in the car with me! I'm so grateful for the pod, and the advantage of not having to drive a great big truck for 3 days!

Hopefully things will arrive safely in Denver and in one piece. The next time I see my stuff will my in my NEW HOME! I'm very excited, but nervous...this is a big f'ing deal!

Some pictures of the finished product!

Tori was a life saver!!

The Pod has arrived...

2010-07-22T20:10:00.002-06:00

The big day came...and went.
The pod company (AVF) called me in the morning around 7:30, I of course wasn't up yet...they said they would be at my house around 9:00.

The pod arrived, it was on an 18 wheeler, it was loaded onto a fork lift and then dropped in my front yard. The whole process went very smoothly. As soon as it was secured they rode away and I was left alone with the pod who I will refer to from this moment on as Polly.

The first thing you should know about Polly is that she was small....really freaking small. I started to freak out, my things were NOT going to fit...or were they??

My uncle came over as did my friend Tori and we began the loading of the largest furniture. I really wanted to try and load it today so that in the unfortunate situation my things didn't fit I could make the appropriate adjustments with my life.

Thank the lord and sweet baby Jesus my things fit. Like amazingly fit. There is even room to spare, so whats a girl to do...go shopping for some more things.

I'm sore, i'm exhausted and I have cuts and bruises all over my body. It was a hard process, but Polly does hold a lot and it hasnt been too difficult. I cannot give a full review until this whole process is over, but so far so good!

12 days to go!

2010-07-21T17:41:00.007-06:00

Tomorrow is the start of this epic journey, the POD arrives!!! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time...excited because I'll be able to load it up and get this adventure started...nervous due to the amount of shit that is inhabiting my house at this moment.

Let me explain what a pod is...it is essentially a metal box that my life will fit into. It's 6x7x8, they drop it off tomorrow empty and then pick it up loaded on the 27th. It then is transported to Denver on an 18 wheeler. Once I get out west I'll call them and they will bring it over to my apartment, park it...I'll unload it and then they will whisk it away.

The reason I chose this was so I wouldn't have to drive an uncomfortable truck for 3 days and spend hundreds of dollars on gas (I remember the "tank" all to well (RIP :()) To check it out and learn more about this process visit www.upack.com. I will be posting a very honest and detailed review of the service, so if you are moving in the future you can consider this as an option. It also ended up being about $100 less than the truck rental services.

Like literally mounds of boxes are all over the place. George isn't even able to walk around the house.

My biggest fear is that it won't fit, and I'll be screwed and I'll cry.

Pictures of the pod and me attempting to pack will be posted tomorrow!

Countdown begins...14 days...

2010-07-18T22:12:00.003-06:00

Hello blog world! I figured I start a countdown leading up and continuing on after the big move to Denver. Most of you (hopefully only a few creepers stalking me) know that I am moving to Denver, Colorado to attend graduate school. I'll be attending the University of Denver and obtaining an International Masters of Business Administration...sounds fancy huh!?

I'm hoping to keep a blog of what life is like for this loud mouthed southern girl out west!

I'm sure there will be posts of sadness,fear, loneliness, and drunken accounts of the night, but mainly I just want to use this as an outlet to keep in touch with those I hold dear.

I'll post thoughts of the day, pictures of my surroundings and of course bombard you with pictures of a true stud...George.

August 2nd is the big day, my lovely friend Lisa has so graciously offered her husband (Renato) up to drive across the county with George and I. I am using a "pod" to move instead of the generic U-Haul...I'll keep an account and post pictures of this decision...hopefully it will work out in my favor.

I do have an apartment, it's lovely (of course) and I will post pictures of that once I'm out there.

I am excited but am very aware of the impending fear that will soon set in.
I am not a journalist or an English major...my grammar sucks, and I often misuse their, they're and there. I am writing this to have fun and share this journey with everyone, and even better to document it for myself...I mean really...paper journals are so 1999.

So...hop on, check back frequently and don't judge me.