$Free.99

We rationalize buying a $250.00 North Face jacket because it will keep us warmer than that other jacket that looks identical but costs half has much and sipping a cup of coffee from Starbucks because let’s be honest, it’s just better than that stuff we make at home.  We put a SOLD sign in our front yard to move somewhere bigger and better, only to fill up those four walls with belongings we don’t need or use.  We get our nails done every two weeks because we swear that’s what everyone judges us on and we put gasoline in cars that we can’t afford and will mean absolutely nothing to us when we pass. 

This weekend I was reminded of all the free memberships I own.  The memberships that encompass everything that happiness includes and so, so much more.  Church?  It's like clicking "restart", cleaning up the messy parts of your life and setting the mood for the week ahead.  The outdoors?  They are there to remind you to slow down, look around, and soak in the beauty and crisp air that is around you.  

Surround yourself with friendships that don't need to be held together by taking shots downtown and instead take a walk outside around the neighborhood.  Take a break from retail therapy and try a different kind of relaxation, whether it be a long, hot bath with candles or writing alongside the sounds of John Mayer.  

What do you have free memberships for that you have forgotten about? 

Never Listen to Yourself

How often do we tell ourselves that we can't do something and days or weeks or even years later we do that something? We set our own boundaries around certain things because we are too scared to see what's on the other side. We are comfortable and perfectly fine where we are but know deep down we would love to just peek over that ledge. 

I told myself I would never live alone.  I moved miles away from home into a one-bedroom apartment. 

I told myself I would never run more than a 5k.  To this day I've run 4 half marathons. 

I told myself I would never eat broccoli, oatmeal, and rice cakes? What the hell are those? These are always on my grocery list and always on a plate or in a bowl in front of me daily. 

I told myself I would never go to church solo. Going to church by myself is my favorite way to worship.

I told myself I would never be that person who gets to the gym before the sun is up because those people are insane. Hello 5:30am alarm and hello 6:00am gym dates every morning.

I told myself that I would never read a book for leisure. I have a stack of four books just waiting to be read and highlighted and finished. 

I told myself I would never drink red wine. I became an adult who works 40+ hours a week. 

I could go on...and on...but I think I've made my point. Never limit yourself because you never know just how limitless you really are. It's scaring and challenging yet beautiful and marvelous when you can reflect back at what you once built a stone wall around and how you've knocked it down with your perseverance, drive, and confidence. 

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!