Feeling Good

Well its been a pretty productive (comparatively speaking) week. There are still a lot of things I need and want to get accomplished, but at least I am not being a bump on the log like last month. Still not back to the gym yet, but I started doing my home exercises and PT. The knees came back in relatively good condition, but I need to start PT on those too and we are going forward with some shots that will hopefully help minimize the pain for at least a year. I will keep working on getting to the gym.

I had a good time at our Halloween party for Toastmasters and heading out with the ladies in Denver. It was nice to get out and hang out with some people. Had a great weekend to start off the month at the club money wise which was greatly appreciated.

I spent Sunday - Tuesday at Tony's. It is breathtaking out there... and getting there. I swear this whole state just has so much beauty. Tony's was great!! Soo relaxing and his house is chaotic and awesomely filled with love! 5 dogs, 4 adults and 2 kids... it was hysterical and loud and a lot to handle, but it reminded me of being home with my family and it made me very sad to have to leave. Shamus is honestly an amazing little kid. And Tony... well I don't know how to not like him... His dad is awesome! Plus we got to go four wheeling and shoot guns. Tony took me to check out the canyons and I felt like a 5 year old just in complete aw of everything. I was very sad it was over -- with the exception of getting back to my soft comfy bed haha.

I am the only leasing consultant in the office this week so I am hoping to make some big moves and rent a bunch of stuff. Additionally, I really want to get back to looking toward the future and starting to make necessary changes to lead me on a better path... one that is more mentally stimulating and challenging. Here is to looking forward and getting things done!

Cheers!
*Star*

Procrastination is Kicking My Butt

I am very annoyed with myself because I keep putting off very important things, like applying for jobs, exercising, putting things into place. I am working on me on some level, just not as much as I want to be... Keep saying tomorrow or next week or whatever...

I got my knees MRI-ed today, still need to schedule the follow up appointment. Started Physical Therapy for my hip, but have not really done the exercises for them since then. Haven't been to the gym, but at least I keep bugging Rick to get his crap together so we can go together... Once he gets back into it I know I will because we are both too competitive for our own good.

I am doing pretty good about sticking to my financial plan, and it actually makes me pretty excited to keep working toward it. It is hard to see money and not buy some things I have been wanting for a really long time. I am doing ok keeping my self control up, or at least only buying things on really good deals. I keep saying next Sunday I will get the paper and cut some coupons... that hasn't happened yet, but I will keep saying it until it does. I keep having some pretty awesome distractions...

Halloween and all that surrounds it is definitely eating up a bunch of my time. But I love it, so I am ok with it. I dressed up as carmen san diego at work on Saturday and will be a run away bride on Thursday. Tony came up this weekend to surprise Bill for his Haunted House Opening party... which was a little bit of a bust, but he got to hang out with the guys while I was at work and then Sunday was a nice relaxing day. It was so good to see him, and he got to see what sounds like this really awesome house that (without) traffic puts him only 45 minutes away instead of 4 hours. But I am excited to go and see him at his parents house next week -- do some shooting, ride the 4 wheelers, give Shamus his presents, should be fun.

I am giving a speech at Toastmasters this week, and helping organize our special event. I have to make my chocolate chili for everyone. I'm really excited it should be lots of fun. I just hope I can get my costume and all that figured out with enough time to get there early and set everything up and be ready for my speech. Thankfully, I am basically telling an over exaggerated tale of my trip to Salem. I just have to decide if I am going to do the project that focuses on hand gestures or voice variation; either one could work really.

Goals for this week:
- Make it to one more brewery
- Carve Pumpkin
- Get to the gym at least twice
- Do Taft work through next Wed (so I can enjoy my mini vaca to Tony's)
- Look into fixing my car window before it gets too cold
--- also bring it to a new mechanic to have the sensor looked at for AAA


Guess that is a good start. Have to keep reminding myself that goals only get met by taking one step at a time. Its ok to have big goals, but you need to break it down into small pieces to accomplish with deadlines to keep you on track. And with that being said I am off to bed, so maybe I will get up and go to the gym tmrw.

Cheers!
*Star*

Put One Foot In Front of the Other

I feel like it should be Christmas time so I can watch "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and listen to "Put One Foot In Front of the Other" without feeling like a weirdo.  I feel like most things I going on in my life right now are literally one, small baby step at a time. Also, I just cannot wait to come home for Christmas.



Health is kind of challenging right now, but a lot of it is fixable, if I focus and work on it one step at a time... and in the instances of my hips and knees it is quite literal. I have only been on my Health Insurance Plan since May 1 and have already almost completely fulfilled by $2500 deductible.. woohoo... But hey most of my medical stuff from here till December will be completely covered haha... Bring on PT and lots of body rehab. Going in for MRI's on the knees and have to schedule physical therapy for my hip. Working on allergies and acid reflux to hopefully kill off this damn cough and fatigue I have been fighting.

With the health improvements I am determined to start eating better -- a lot more fruits and veggies and really cutting out the processed foods. Which as long as I am not too lazy to go grocery shopping I should be ok with. And getting more exercise... whether at the gym (really want to start swimming more), on the pole, or on the exercise ball or yoga mat. I just need to start... I really wish I could find myself an exercise partner to keep me motivated... I am too competitive for my own good haha.

Still going back and forth about Halloween costumes... I am hoping to do a speech for Toastmasters Halloween meeting... but we shall see... I was thinking about talking about Halloween in Salem... because for me that has always been one of the most eventful memories from growing up.

Had a great weekend hanging out with Pete, LJ, Justin and Jimmy. Its always an interesting time -- it was actually a night of firsts -- Avery (one check on my goal list), Lazy Dog, West End... plenty of new beers, and good times had by all. Plus they are always so encouraging-- all of them being like true Bouldites and super athletes.

Super excited because I got to see Tony last Thursday, he is coming up this weekend and then I am going to see him the following. I really enjoy his company. I was so happy because I found his son Shamus the hotwheels version of the car he just bought. I can't wait to hang out on the 4-wheelers and shoot some guns. Guess, its turning into something, which is also kind of nice... even if he is 4 hours away right now.

Still have to get my applications in, but I can work on that tomorrow night. My full day at the doctors and laundromat took all the energy I had... I cannot wait to feel better, I hate this not having any energy. I did get some good feedback from a toastmaster friend and worked on it a bit. I just have to clean it up a bit more and organize my cover letter a little better. And then I found another 8 or so positions that I also want to apply for.

So here is to the start of another week... and taking those steps toward making changes.

Cheers
*Star*

Getting There - One Step at a Time

What a very interesting couple of weeks...

My uncle got stabbed out in Seattle, seriously scary - was in a comma for a week, is just starting to come out now. I wish I could be home for my family.  I won second place in a very large (50 booth) Chili cook-off for my chocolate pudding dessert chili for culinary expression. My best friend and brother has birthdays. Two of my best friends are going through stuff that I really wish I couldbe closer to help them through it. Mark has officially been gone 12 years -- what a strange feeling... So many things going on -- its kind of overwhelming...

So I sat down and went through my finances and tried to set some dates of when I want to have things paid off. I think If I really buckle down, take some tips from Amber about couponing, and start doing a little more planning I should really be able to accomplish it. Which could mean a new to me car for my 31 birthday... which would only be a year pushed out from my original goals for 30, but being that I technically got a new to me car for my 28th birthday.

But that car is turning out to be a pain in the ass. I was on my way to my first real girls night in here in CO and my car died on the way. Third alternator in 7 months. The mechanic does not see to think something is wrong beyond just getting bad alternators, but I am kind of skeptical. Then there is also a potential issue from the flood damage... that may not even be worth claiming through my insurance because the deductible is more.

I surely hope Tony is still a big part of my life when it comes time to buy a new car because he has a knack for it. I was so happy I got to see him on Thursday night. It is always so much fun hanging out with him. I love listening to his stories, especially when he talks about Shamus. I even got to drive his new car - Subaru WRX STI -- I am even more in love with that car than I have been since I rode in Weymo's brother's back in college! I am almost positive that is what I am going to buy when I pay off this annoying loan I took out to get here to CO. 

The gym thing did not go over very well... I went once... so I guess that is better than nothing. I do have two exercise dvd's in the player and have been doing a bunch of handstands on the pole. And my car died again so I have been 3 days without a car so I have been walking and riding my bike a lot. I am still feeling run down when I finally sit down and on my days off. I am not sure if it is the bad working environment I am working in (flooded out office with construction going on all around). But I plan to call the doc tomorrow and hopefully set up an appointment -- I am a happy energetic person and this whole lethargic crap is starting to annoy me.

I found a pretty awesome job for a college in Golden... but I need to rework my resume and get in a submission by next Monday. That is my goal... working for a college has been a goal for a while now and I had lost site of that for a little while, but I think if I can focus, and really express myself I will be able to accomplish getting myself into an established University. Ideally, I would like to have a new job for sometime around my birthday... and I am seriously considering moving closer to Denver, but that might have to wait a little bit. I do not want to tax on any additional expenses that are not absolutely mandatory... Because I really want to be able to reach my financial goals.

On a side note: I am super excited because I took a lot of stress out of coming home. I found a hotel right next to the DIA (Denver Airport) to stay at the night before my flight (which leaves at 8:15am) and leave my car at for the entire time I am on vaca. Which is awesome because my flight is supposed to get back in at 1030pm... and I was really nervous about missing the last bus home from the airport. It is amazing how much stress that has relieved from my mind. Not having to worry about relying on people is amazing for such a control freak.

Equally exciting-- I purchased all of the things to set up the projector, so football and hockey parties here we come! I am so excited! It was all relatively cheap also. Plus I was able to make sure everything got set up. TV and projector will be hooked up thru the surround sound now and I think I can even have the playstation set up through the projector and surround sound. OO the little things that make us happy.

Writing down some goals and how I plan to accomplish them, week by week. Then we can move to more wide ranging goals. I figure one step at a time -- best way to move forward is to put one foot in front of the other. Even if it is baby steps something is better than nothing. Health, fun, organization, -- I will get there. Here is to getting it done!

Cheers

Keeping Pace

Well I remembered to write this week, small bit of credit to me.

I have been very lethargic and quite frankly lazy this last week. I am assuming it is what my body needs so I am just going with it. I have been working on trying to start initiating small changes into my life one at a time. I know that ultimately these small steps will help me work toward a happier, healthier life. I am determined to get back into the gym this week, start making meals again (which means actually grocery shopping and planning meals), and getting back out to try new things and meet new people. As I mentioned last time, I want to get back to reading too.

Most importantly I need to start answering some tough questions about myself and where I am headed. Then I need to update my resume and start looking for the next step. I want to start utilizing my Monday's off to visit different businesses and tour what they do, maybe do some job shadowing and see what I do and do not like. It is very important to me to be onto the next stages of my life as we enter into the New Year. So a lot of soul searching, personal development and goal setting will be happening continuously from here on out.

I was super excited that I got to see Abby and Ryan this weekend. Familiar faces were so awesome! Catching up and just having someone that knows me around was great. Of course time goes by qay too quickly and it was here and gone before I knew it.

It makes me that much more excited to go home for the holidays! I am already starting to plan out when and where I need and want to be places. I am very excited about my decision to stay in New York when I get in on the Monday before Xmas. It has been a long time since I have spent any time in the city. I want to see the 9/11 memorial, do some window shopping, hopefully take a class with Star at Body and Pole (which means I really need to get my butt in gear with regaining my strength and skills), and see everything all lit up for the holidays -- maybe even skate at Rockefeller. I am unbelievably excited for seafood -- I could almost careless if I eat anything but the entire time I am home... shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab, muscles, oysters, all of it!! SOO YUM! lol

I am really hoping I can see Tony sometime next week. I think missing him has aided in my blah-ness since he left. Working so much has made making new friends here a little difficult. Well mostly because a lot of the friends I have made actually do not live in Boulder weirdly enough and getting down to Denver during the week is a little rough. But I am heading to a show this week with some new friends so that is exciting. It has been awhile since I have seen live music.

I cannot wait to find a job that will allow me to only have one job and work hard, but still have time to play -- like normal people. And not have to worry about taking night off to have fun and all that good stuff. I do not mind having to work hard and a lot, I just wish it wasn't all the time and for what seems like little to no personal reward.

Welp, here is to working toward big changes, yet again. I make things happen, and I will make this happen to.

Till next time.

*Star*

Rest is a Wonderful Thing

Well at least it is less than a month since the last time I updated...

There has been a lot going on since I last wrote... Mostly me just letting life exhaust me.

I had my first Labor Day off in years!  This was built into a mini vacation and it was great! I spent a lot of it exploring -- spent some time in Estes and driving through Rocky Mountain National Park. I bought myself a patio set, new drill and a fun new hat... All very exciting endeavors for me... especially since I hardly ever spend money on myself! Am a tiny bit sad that I missed about Labor Day Bash at Butch's, but perhaps its for the better haha -- they always lead to me getting in trouble. I also utilized my 90 minute massage from living social which was soo greatly needed -- the massage therapist was like I really hope I see you again I hardly even got started.... lol guess I am a bit stressed out!

I officially purchased my plane ticket home Dec 23 - Jan 2. I cannot wait. There is obviously going to have to be a lot of planning... being as which I have family and friends in CT and friends in Boston. I am surely going to need a vacation from vacation! But it will soo be worth it! I cannot wait to see everyone!

I got to see a few friends making their way across country (again lol) which was really nice, and I am happy I brought Tony, he had some great info to share with them -- always helpful to have a local with you. lol

I have freaked out about my life not going anywhere, came to terms with the fact that it is -- just on a different path than I had originally planned, then decided to start setting whatever goals I could think of...

There was absolute scary chaos with the flooding -- I was right in the middle of it and there was nothing I could do... water up to my waist, sooo many people crying and standing in complete shock, I couldn't even get to our other building for over an hour because the flash flood was so strong. My friend Tony being a hero, pulling people out of their flooding homes, wading chest deep in water turning off breakers to keep electrical fires from breaking out. The flooding led to sheer exhaustion, mental, physical and emotional. OO and my closest friend here finally had enough and he picked up moved 4 hours away. Its very sad... but Its not like he just completely disappeared either so that is good...

Over a week after all of the craziness and I finally just got caught back up on sleep, and boy does it feel soo good. I completely rearranged my room to allow for some better Feng Shui, baked a homemade pie, and generally just cleared out a bunch of the clutter...

I was able to catch up with a lot of people which has been very nice. Now its setting to the goals I have set for the near future.

1) I will attend a NFL game this season (a first)
2) I will attend a NHL game this season (another first)
3) I will visit at least two new breweries a month
4) I will go skiing/snowboarding at least 4 times this season
5) I will read at least one book a month (gladly accepting suggestions, although I have a few lined up already)
6) I will visit at least one new state before the New Year (again suggestions and travel partners welcome)

Wish me luck! I will try to keep you updated!

Lots of Love!

*Star!

Holy Hiatus Batman

So apparently my summer has gotten the best of me... and I just realized I haven't posted since the beginning of June. A lot has happened, mostly nothing too exciting.

My move is finally complete, after an absolutely awful experience. I will NEVER use professional movers again! I am still in the process of trying to put in my formal complaint with the company. Fun fun process. My roommate is pretty cool and we get along well enough.

I have been exploring more of Boulder and the surrounding areas. Found this awesome bike park, wiped out hard core! It was a blast. The bike park has a awesome kids park with sweet spinny things. Went to fireworks at the CU stadium, drove through some of the RMNP. Saw my first live and in person humming birds.

I fell in love with a pup at the humane society and was soo very ready to take her home, but obviously I work too much, and at the time she was there did not have a stable home. One day I will be able to have a dog. :-(

I ran in Warrior Dash, which was awesome and cannot wait to do it again next year! I walked with a bunch of fun people in the Electric Run. I need to start doing some more short runs because the stress from the move has had me out of the gym for two months... I say short runs because I went to the doctor and was told I am not supposed to be running because my knees are all sorts of messed up. Also, my pole is up in the new place and I am determined to get back on that regularly!

I am missing family and friends like crazy, but am making new friends here, and am thankful for my work family. They really make it less difficult. Plus, it being so amazing beautiful sure helps.

I gave my 3rd speech at toastmasters, which I was very proud of.  Now its time to start thinking about #4.

I'm watching Rick's (guy at work) daughter near the end of September and then immediately following I will be house/dog sitting for Paula (boss). Feels nice that people who hardly know me trust me with their most precious possessions.

Been hanging out with my friend Tony a bunch, which is fun... keeping me busy. Plus he reminds me a lot of home, so its nice.

Spilled my guts in letter form to Matt... still waiting on that full response...

Going to a women's start up conference tomorrow, hoping I can make some important contacts to help me move-on to bigger and better things with the start of the new year... Sadly I did the math today and even working three jobs I took over a $10k pay cut from last year. :-/


I know this is very short and chaotic, but I just wanted to give a brief update. I have a lot of work to get done so I can enjoy my next two days off! WOOHOO!

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day. Will try to update soon!

*Star*