Lions and Tigers and Kendall, Oh My!

How great is my niece? Seriously. I can't even handle this! 

Reality Show

Yesterday was one of those days where I was reminded of my reality.  Where I place my feet and focus my eyes and laugh with the best of them.  It was a day of reminding me that this is my life - all mine - muahaha.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy my reality show. 

I look forward to every Saturday morning spent inside 4 cozy walls complete with speakers that play John Mayer, machines that brew a perfect cup of warmth, and whose atmosphere is a writer's playground. 

I was going to take a break from running as training for my most recent half marathon left my body in shambles - plantar fasciitis in my left foot, runners knee in my right, and to top it all off a pinched nerve in my back.  But then the weather decided to torture and test me and be absolutely PERFECT for a run.  So what's a girl to do whose slightly obsessed with tying up her sneaks and running amongst the peak of the seasons beauty?  Went for a casual jog that ended at 8 miles.  Oops.  

My roommate, Taylor, went to U of A so it only made sense that we (along with her family that came to visit) would go watch them play in Boulder against CU.

>Start of cheesy but necessary friendship photo caption< 

 I could write a novel about how these two have completely changed my life for the better.  Because of them, I continue to thrive in a city that constantly challenges just how far my comfort zone can stretch.  I'm proud of the women we are becoming and it's only possible by our support for one another.    

Thank you girls for a perfect Saturday episode of my reality show. 

<End of cheesy but necessary friendship photo caption<

Question of the post: What are your episodes showing about you?  

Hint...hint...that means comment below with your answer

One

We all have that "one". That one place, song, smell, photograph, blanket, memory. That one thing that sets us completely in our element, our happy place, our comfort zone where we are most...us.

Too often we get swept away in the rush of it all that we forget about those "one" things because we are too busy with a million others. 

Cars are driving by and people are walking past. There is a cup of coffee on the table, headphones in my ears, and words swirling around my head too fast to keep up with my fingers on the keyboard. This is my form of being content and at peace. This is my "one". This is me. 

Writing. John Mayer. An oversized sweater. Leaves rustling around outside. Feeling like time is frozen as the city rush sits just on the other side of the window. It's quite refreshing and rebellious to turn your head at what needs to be done and turn your head towards what you want to do. 

Listen to that song that takes you back to your first crush and eat that chocolate chip cookie because it reminds you of baking with your grandma. Snuggle with that one blanket you've had since you were a baby and pull out that photograph of you dancing on the toes of your dad when you were 5 years old. 

Go ahead. Get back to you. 

Miss Forgetful

I use to forget to brush my teeth at night. I would crawl in bed, read a chapter from The Babysitters Club and turn off the light. It wasn't until the next morning when my teeth felt like sandpaper that yes, I did in fact forget to do the one thing my mom said to do.

I'm surrounded by people who know what they want. People who apply for jobs that they are qualified for and accept the positions when they are given the opportunity. People who go for it with a clear vision, a strong personality, and a firm belief that their name will go on those business cards.

But then there are other people. People like me who get lost and their vision goes blurry. People who don't know exactly what they want so they sit back and hope that someone will call and tell them what they need to hear. People who are interested in a million little things so every job sounds like "the one".

This morning I accepted a job as a 5th grade paraprofessional. I went into the interview with mixed thoughts. Mixed as in happy and nervous and anxious and hesitant and giddy and about 50 other ones that I'm sure don't even have names. I left the school and knew I was back where I belonged. How? When I realized I had missed the smell of an older building filled with lockers and construction paper and teachers trying to act like they are ready for the year to begin when their room looks like a war zone.

I hung up the phone with my principal and felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. I took a deep breath, ok a really deep breath, and smiled. Why? 

Because today I forgot that no matter how bad I want something and don't get it, there's a reason. No matter how many questions I have in my head, they will slowly get answered. And that no matter how lost I may think I am? I'm not. Plus, what ride is memorable without a few bumps? 

Need Me to Fluff Your Pillows?

Last weekend was memorable; having my niece sleepover for the first time, seeing her running around with excitement amongst the flowerbeds, laughing at my nephew in Victoria's Secret as he rolled his eyes and sat on the floor, getting my nails done with my sister-in-law and talking "real talk" with my brother.  Long story short, enjoying and savoring and soaking in every single moment with my family. 

The hardest thing about me being here and them being there is just that. I never knew how much of an impact living in the same town as your family can have and how a short 2 minute drive to see them is one of the top things I would miss day in and day out. 

But I love that they came to visit and I look forward to many more weekends in Denver with them and whoever else wishes to come. I'm proud of my new city, the people in it and the beautiful scenery in which I am surrounded by. 

Whose next? I'm ready to fluff your pillows!

Where Do You Belong?

We were gathered around the kitchen counter in a house with Pottery Barn written all over it. Hanging rustic chandeliers, dark wood floors and off white couches with metal lamps nestled next to them. I felt comfortable, sipping my glass of white wine and leaning on the kitchen counter, talking and listening and soaking in the friendship moments that were happening.

It had been a hard day. Between the gloomy weather and the job hunting that was and is continually leaving me frustrated, I felt defeated. I needed to vent and laugh and be reassured that I'm where I need to be and all things will work out.

The longer we talked the more at ease I felt about things. I knew I was being irrational when I said I wanted to pack up and go home because it's a phase, one that I get stuck in every once in a while. Don't we all, though? We collapse when things aren't how we want them, instantly looking for the quickest way out even if it leaves us feeling regretful and unhappy.

I left that night feeling blessed for friendships and an even deeper love for white wine. It was nearly midnight but my mind was running and I had blogs that needed to be read. I ended up on Facebook, surprise surprise, and caught myself reading wall posts from years past. Then something happened that left me with goosebumps, a feeling of complete reassurance and a sign that I'm exactly where I belong.

So maybe it is just a silly little Facebook quiz and maybe it means nothing, but I'm just going to ignore all that. Times may be unsettling and family may be extremely missed, but I'm going to ride out this wave with a smile on my face and great anticipation for all things ahead. 

The past week has taught me to look for teachable moments in unlikeable moments. Each day can't be borderline perfect but my attitude and outlook can make it close to that. I have learned to surround myself with others that will pick me up, breaking my moody streak and knowing exactly how much whip cream to put on my strawberries.

Sunday Run-day

The plan was to do a workout at Red Rocks with friends this morning but when I awoke to rain and a text saying we were no longer going, I turned off my alarm and enjoyed a slow and steady morning. Still sleepy and half out of it, I somehow managed to make a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee, all while trying to not wake the rest of the house. Takes talent, people.

I signed up for my 4th Half Marathon about a month ago and realized that I should probably start training for it. I've taken a bit of a hiatus from running and have been focusing more on lifting and mainly just giving my left knee a break.

With the temp around 70 degrees and a cloudy sky above, I decided to hit the park for a run. I was curious to see how far I could go and better yet, how far my knee would allow me to go. I'm 24 and have knee problems so that's really fun and gives me hope of surgery free years ahead.....sigh.....

Finished at 8 miles to round out my Sunday Run-day. Miles 1-3 felt like they were taking forever, miles 3-6 went by in a snap, and miles 6-8 I merely wanted to stop 1209381092 times. The joys of running and your mind playing tricks on you!