My Dear Denver Days

Today is the eve of two years in Denver.
What a two years it has been.

I look around my apartment, at the picture on the wall. Most everything I see, and everyone in the pictures is from my dear Denver days. I keep in touch with just a few people from Ohio, that happens with time. They don't know who I talk about when I tell them stories, or what my job entails. When I have a good story to tell, I refer to my Denver friends. They fill my weekends and know the 25 year old me in a way Ohio never will, but they don't know my past. My past belongs to Ohio.

I was in Ohio last month, and my friends finally acknowledged that moving was best for me...I did the right thing. Then we laughed about high school or college. Inside jokes from years past. It felt good, but it felt just as good to get home to Denver.

I fit in Denver in a way I never did in Ohio. I think that's the best way to explain it. I don't know how long I'll be here, or where life will take me. But I do know that for right now I am right where I am supposed to be.

OH-IO

Sorry I haven't updated sooner, I was in Ohio. Lets recap shall we?

Wednesday-
I was at the airport for over 7 hours thank you snow delay. Fortunately I made a buddy at the airport and we hung out playing cards. I made it to my brother's apartment a little before 4:00am. Not so fun.

Thursday-
My mom and I went to South Park mall. Hard to beleive I haven't been there in 2 years! It was nice to walk around and just see everything. That night Dan and I went to IMPROV in Cleveland to meet up with Adam. The guy who made the "We aren't Detroit" video performed. Not that funny, but good to see downtown. After Dan and I went to Applebees with Casey and just all caught up. Lots of good times with that group.

Friday-
Jeremy and I went shopping then met up with Cindy and a winery. From there we went to Swensens. YUMMM :). At that point Cindy and I went to her aunts so she can read our tea leaves. Mine was a king poodle. Not sure what to make of that yet. Then we headed back to Cindy's and Dennis came over. He was awesome and drove me all the way back to Brunswick.

Saturday-
Christmas Eve! My mom and I went grocery shopping then headed to my Grandma's house. It was really great to see everyone! White Elephant was great at always, just all around where I wanted to be.

Sunday-
Christmas. This is actually my least favorite day of the trip. Ryan and I got into a fight--just all around stressful. That evening Diana and I went to see New Years Eve. Awful movie, but I'm glad I got to see her.

Monday-
I went to lunch with Jess and Adam. They are adorable together. I'm more excited than ever to be a part of their wedding! Super cute wedding. Mom and I went shopping. Other than that I just hung out w/ her and Ryan. That night we made it to the airport and I made it back to Denver. Carly was nice enough to pick me up.

It was a great visit. I loved seeing everyone and touching base. It did feel really good to get back to Denver. Home sweet home :)

A penguin Tebows

Prepare yourselves: I said no to Jackson's. I know right? I had other plans.

Yesterday after work I went to Celtic Tavern with Carly. Let me just say I love that place for happy hour. It was like a small winter cottage. Food wasn't very good, but atmosphere was. After a little while James, Kenny, and Craig met up with us. From there we went on to find everyone else. They were across the street from Maloney's. We were all supposed to go to the parade, but the large majority complained it was too cold. So it ended up being only four of us going to the parade.

The parade was pretty cool, by Denver standards. It probably helps that this year I was actually able to see it:) AND get this! I made a penguin Tebow!! Proud night accomplishment. Kenny quickly realized it was freezing...it took me a little longer. We ended up leaving and headed to Noodles. Carly called us later so we went and met up with her and James at Sam's for a while--any place was better than the cold.

Today I woke up to snow falling. I am watching Netflicks and eating lunch. Will start homework soon (maybe), and looking forward to later. Have a good weekend everybody!

9/11

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day? I was a freshman in high school-more specifically I was in study hall. I don't think I'll ever forget that day.

My heart goes out to everyone who lost their jobs, while just being at work. What a scary-terrifying way to go. To have to jump or burn? To be in a building collapsing-it's something I can't imagine.  I'm so grateful to the 343 firefighters that gave their lives that day...I'm also above thankful my brother was not there. He would not have left the buildings until everyone he could save was out, my brother would have died. The firefighter thing hits too close to home. They were just doing their jobs.

I spent today at the park. Colorado hosted an all day event to remember. There were speeches, a military parade, gun salute and jet fly over the capital.  There were parts of the twin towers that fell. It was a bitter sweet day. it was nice to take the time to remember everything, and see how far we have come. It's just heartbreaking how many people lost their lives all because of hatred.

 After the ceremony the Beach Boys gave a concert. It might seem odd, but it was exactly what we needed. We took the time to remember and then celebrated how far we have come. As you can see me and Cathy were front row center. They performed for 2 hours.

10 years from now I don't think I will forget this day. It was one of those perfect amazing Denver weekends. It showed that Osama didn't win. We are still the home of the free and the land of the brave, but we haven't forgotten.

Pride

Whoa. Been a bit, and I was doing so well updating! Tsk Tsk Mandy.

So this weekend was insane busy--in a good way :) Friday was Jacksons (of course) Kinda a drama filled evening, but still fun. Saturday Ellie and I went to Elitches. We got season passes. YAY I now have a place to go swimming all Summer! WINNING! That night the plan was to go out, but after trying to hunt down her friends we were exhausted. We ended up at the Yard House. We had chicken pasta and they forgot the chicken. I know right? So we got to keep what he had, and they gave us another meal. Not to mention they comped it. AWESOME. Sunday was the Pride Parade. As you can see below there was an insane amount of people. It wasn't nearly as good as last year, but it was still worth going to.

Anyways. This is the conversation that made my weekend:
Me: Happy Fathers Day, because you're so much more than just an uncle to me. I love you :)
Uncle Jack: Thank you so much. It's nice things like this that make you seem like a daughter. Love you, Uncle Dad
Me: That just made my day.
Uncle Jack: Great, you made mine.

I smile just reading it back, and I slightly tear up.  I was raised in a VERY normal way. No my, biological father wasn't in the picture. I never knew him though--so there is nothing to miss. My mom has 4 brothers and they ALL stepped up to the plate. Especially my Uncle Jack-and he is one hell of a guy. HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

As for today, I am home sick from work. Hate not feeling 100% I have relaxed a lot though, and I should be good to go tomorrow. Hope you all had a great weekend too!

rolling in the deep

I'm sorry it's come down to this

There's so much about you that I'm gonna miss

I went to the Summer Jam Friday with Sally and Ellie. It was a rap concert, which usually would not be my thing. I have been going out a lot though so I suppose I'm learning those songs. ANYWAYS it was a lot of fun!

 Chris Brown was insane, man that guy can move. He puts on a good show, and no worries. He didn't hit anyone. After we got lost and couldn't find the car for what felt like forever. Thank goodness Sally is a human GPS :) I got to spend a little bit of time with the kids this weekend. yay for that!

Not going to lie, this was one of those weekends when I fell in love with Denver all over again. When the time comes this place is going to be hard to leave. Oh yeah--GO MAVS!

Please let me know if you understand why I love this!

 *no not mine*

Definitely,,,maybe.

You know what I love about movies? They never change, but how you see them does. I watched Garden State today---and I loved it. Maybe even more than I did years ago. (Yes, years. It's tied to my past.) Right now I'm watching Definitely Maybe. I have always liked this movie, but now I REALLY like this movie. I can relate to it in a way I never could before. Again with me relating to things....it's probably not a good thing. Maybe it is though? Isn't that the beauty of life? The whole not being sure where things are headed? 

Have you ever sang out loud in the middle of a Good Times at 2:30am? If not do so immediately. It's sure to be a good time! 

I went to this chalk festival today. Awesome work---just WAY too many people. Still look. Cool huh?

Reason number 5928395 I love Denver. It's a happy detour.

Easter Weekend

I don't want to go back to reality tomorrow. Not even a little bit. This weekend was fun with family, and I was able to fit in time with friends. Of course there was Dawson's Creek too. I'm obsessed. I can't help it. I'm almost done watching it. Really, in a few hours I will be onto season 6. Winning. All in all it was a really good second Easter in Denver.

“She had loved the way that they used to joke together. Repartee, George Orson called it, and it would be terrible if that was gone, if somehow things had changed so much between them, if their old relationship was now lost, irretrievable.”

—Dan Chaon, Await Your Reply

I have re-typed this paragraph 3 or 4 times at this point. Maybe more. I'm not sure what to say, probably because I'm not sure who reads this.I suppose it doesn't matter anymore. Look, I wouldn't change anything about that night. I know you felt like I was yelling at you. I'm sorry for that, but I just don't understand why you did and are doing this. I said what I needed to say, then I did what I needed to do. I left. Those 20 blocks home were completely liberating (Yes, I was THAT girl)

Because you're not mad.
You want to be, but you just can't.
And when you talk about him,
your eyes still sparkle

This has nothing to do with me holding you to a double standard. It's just life. You asked what happened and honestly I wish I knew. At the end of the day I have to ask weren't you there?

"Sometimes you just have to turn your back and walk away... whether you're walking out on your friends, your family, or the love of your life... sometimes walking away is the hardest thing to do, but the best thing in the end."

Oscars!

Weekends go by too fast.

I went to the movies on Friday. We paid to see Just Go With It. Which I LOVED! It starts out a little slow then its gets really good. Go see it! After we snuck into No Strings Attached. I'm a rebel. Ha it was good, but it wasn't as great as everyone has been telling me it would be. Maybe because the entire concept isn't possible?

Yesterday Myhisha and I went to the UT/CU basketball game. She made me wear UT stuff, which was alright. BUT my loyalty lies with CU. I may have cheered for them a little--in my defense their cheers are adorable and completely cheesy. Right up my ally. It was very awkward that UT lost though. After we headed to Estes Park. It's gorgeous there. No denying that. We went to the Stanly Hotel aka the hotel where the Shinning was filmed. We missed the ghost tour, but we were still able to walk around. It was really cool. After we tried to find a place to eat. It took forever! The town was creepy deserted and we were more than happy to head back to Denver.




Today I did my usual Sunday stuff--so not much. I watched a lot of Dawson's Creek. I decided to rewatch it, so far it's good. I can't believe my mom let me watch it. ha I don't think I understood any of it though.

Today was supposed to be spent writing an essay and applying for a grant for Webster, I haven't actually done that yet. I'm running through a lot of thoughts in my head right now. I feel at peace with one of my plans though. More to come later.

Currently I am watching the Oscars. I'm rooting for Mark Darcy from Bridget Jones's Diary. Just because he was in that movie and it's one of my favorites :) Aww yay they are talking about Titanic. Love love love it! It should win another award, because its that good.

Peace out!

Happy One Year!

I'm mad at myself for not posting this Monday the 17th. It was my one year anniversary with Denver!!!

I would like to take this time to say that moving to Denver is the best decision I have ever made. I did it. When I look back at my life I think this will be one of my favorite accomplishments. I moved away from everything I knew and I made a life for myself on the other side of the country, and I'm happy.

It makes me tear up thinking about this past year. There have been ups and downs. The campaigns. Siigh. I could talk about them for forever. They have brought on some of my favorite and least favorite Denver memories. I would do it all again-mind you I would do some things differently.

In the end it was all worth it

Thank you to everyone who has made this year what is was-I love you all!

Snowshoeing!

Hi hi
I went snowshoeing and I didn't feel like I was going to die! lol It was actually fun! Go figure.

Things with Denver are going really good. It's crazy to think that in 6 months I'll be headed to Europe. There was an announcement for a concert in July and it hit me I won't be able to go--not that I want to, but I don't have the option. It's just sad to think that life in Denver is going to go on without me here. Siigh. I love it here, and I'll be sad to leave. This program is important and I need it to get to where I am supposed to be.

I...I feel sad when I see people going through the Quarter Life Crises. I understand, I really do. Been there done that, I don't know how to tell you to get to the other side. But I promise it does get better. Please just relax and have faith that life has a plan for you.

I'm going to be in Ohio in less than a week--I think if this week goes like I think I will be more than wanted, but needed.

Home Sweet Home

She'd trade Colorado if he'd take her with him,
Closes the door before the winter lets the cold in,
And wonders if her love is strong enough to make him stay,
She's answered by the tail lights
Shining through the window pane

I was talking to my mom about coming home. I mentioned that I feel like I'm supposed to be in Denver right now-there is a lot happening. She agreed, she said that even being out of this state for a few days right now would make me antsy. I don't know what that means for Christmas. I'm not too worried about it. I mean what does it mean for everything? I didn't like being away from Denver for more than a couple of days. At what point did Denver become home?

I talked to Jere. We were avoiding each other, because we knew what the other had to say. It was an over due conversation though-he just confirmed what I was thinking. I'm lucky to have such good friends. I think this everyday and it's so true. Both in Colorado and Ohio.

LeBron was back in Cleveland. The fans booed (which they should have!) I like this article a lot: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/12/02/lebron.return.cleveland/index.html#ixzz1722OAUG9 There are other that were good too. You don't understand what it means to Cleveland unless you're from Cleveland.

Home Alone

I'm watching Home Alone. What a great American classic. I'm seeing it from a different point of view now that I'm older (note that I did not say old.) I still love it and can not stop laughing. They get schooled by an 8 year old.

I went to Montana today. I'll post pictures soon. Anyways we went to Billings-which is pretty much the only "city" in the state, and it's the closest city to Cody (90 miles!) It's pretty here..but not as pretty as Denver. I might be biased on that.

Speaking of Denver, I will be back there bright and early Monday morning. I'm missing it. Doug told me I was running away and I should come back. lol If I was running away I wouldn't run to Montana. Silly boy :)

On a sad note my mom's uncle Jack died last night. She was able to be with him in Florida and held his hand at the very end. That means a lot to my Grandma. She lost her little brother, and even though he had a good life and passed on peacefully it's still rough. She knew him 84 years and it's never easy to lost a loved one. I can't imagine how deep a relationship has to be that spans that long. So please pray for my Grandma and her sisters. It's just the girls now.

RIP Jack Bernard

What do you want?

I turned in my application to grad school. Should know the status in a couple of weeks...so more on that later.

It was a good weekend. Friday night me Sam, Karisa and Hilary went to Elitch Gardens. It's a really small amusement park in Denver. It was their beer night, but there was no one there. So we got to ride the rides like 5 times in a row and walked on to everything. Good thing because I don't think I would have liked it otherwise. It's no Cedar Point (Yes Sam I went there AGAIN) Just A LOT smaller. Very cute though, and right in Downtown. AND it has fantastic views of the city.

Saturday me and Lyndsay went to Arvada to be in their parade for Ken Buck. Well Lyndsay locked her keys in her trunk so we had to wait for forever for AAA to get there. Then we went to a Jefferson County Republicans baseball game. Our team (the Ken Buck team) won the first game, but lost the second :( sad, but a lot of fun. That night I went out to dinner with Sally, Mere and Kyle. We went to the Mexican place downtown--yyumm.

So Since I have been in Denver I have interned on the Scott Mcinnis Campaign. I'm working with the Scott Gessler Campaign and volunteering on the Ken Buck Campaign. I was called a political junkie. Oh my gosh--when did that happen?! AND a Republican Junkie none the less. Go figure.

Other than that things are good. My mom will be here Tuesday morning. We are getting plates and a License for me that day. Wednesday I have to work, but that night I we are going to head to Aspen. Spend the night there and hang out there on Thursday. Aspen is far enough away from the highway so it should be good. It's so sad about that fire though. I was just there a few months ago with Sally. The small town we went though and everything is probably gone :(

It's just a nice fit here. I love the city. I would love to go abroad and travel, but I could very well end up back here. AND I think that's a good thing. For now though very excited for my mom to be here in 2 days!!!

Taste of Colorado

I fell in love with Denver all over again tonight.

It was the taste of Colorado this week. Which basically means the city shuts down a big part of downtown and turns it into a festival. It's an awesome setting, and it's free. I don't know of many cities that shut down main streets for music and fun! Did I mention it's a block away from my apartment? ANYWAYS tonight me and Sam went and saw Bret Michaels! There were a ton of people so it was super crowded, but we made it to the front. It was just really cool.

I was apprehensive but it turned out to be a good weekend. Last night me and Sally went out for $1.75 margaritas. Yummy! then we met up with a couple of her friends and had a mini-dance party. Sally referred to the night as Epic. Ha.

Tommorow I must finish my essay for grad school. Other than that all I have to do it wait for one more letter of recommendation to come in then I am good to go. Application complete and I will know in two weeks. If it doesn't happen that just means there is something different I'm supposed to be doing. I'm excited to find out :)

Vegas!

Las Vegas!!
LOVE that city! Got there on Monday with Karisa, Jess and Katherine. We stayed at Cearsars Palace. We all went to MargaritaVille then me and Karisa met up with Sam and we went dancing. Saturday was pool time and then we walked around the strip for a while until it was time to go to the Golden Nugget. Then we hung at the pool some more until the rest of our group (Ashley, Cole, and Jill) flew in. We ended up at a Russian restaurant that was pretty cool. WednesDAY was training then that night we all headed back to the strip for dinner at MESA and the fountains. Once back at the hotel I met up w/ Ash and we hung out. I fell in love w/ the city and can not wait to go back again. Even the plane ride home was great. Really good conversation--and I got someone to vote Scott! Rock on! I came back w/ more shot glasses for my collection.

Aside from Vegas things have been really busy. I have everything I brought to Denver moved into my apartment and organized. I'm pretty sure my brother is coming out next weekend to bring the rest of my stuff. Yay for that! Tomorrow is my McInnis time, I miss those people like crazy. It's odd that while I was in Las Vegas I was homesick for Denver. Yet since I have been in Denver I have not been homesick for Ohio. It's just strange. Speaking of Ohio...Lebron James. All I am going to say about that is that he made a bad life decision.

Spice of your life

I usually only write in a journal or something when I am upset, so this whole blog thing has been tricky. Especially considering I'm not upset. Things are going good.

I had an interview on Saturday morning. It was really awkward though. There were 20 of us interviewing and we all had to stand up and speak for 20 minutes as to why we would be the best person for the job. Uh--seriously? I think I did alright, met a Sigma Nu in the process. He gave me a weird look when I told him I had his frats sweet heart pin. Maybe I should have explained that better? lol I have another interview Wednesday evening and during the day Tom and I are going to try to sneak into DU's career fair. It's all Government and non-prof jobs. So it can't hurt to try :)

This past weekend was good. Friday I did a late happy hour with people from the campaign and Saturday I went out with the Kappas and Kyle. We went to the Rio Grande then back to Sally's and played Apple to Apples. I think it's the first time since I got to Denver that I have been anywhere near drunk. lol Good Times.

Happy Easter

HAPPY EASTER!

This weekend was good...but it was also exhausting. I took MANY trips to the airport and I spend A LOT of time with small children (one of which is now banging their crib against the wall..) Anyways. Aunt Debbie flew in Wednesday. On Thursday we went to the Olive Garden with the kids. It was a nice day. Friday we went to The American Girl Doll store. If you ever have the opportunity to go there DON'T. If you do don't say I didn't warn you. It was just bad, children everywhere. Complete chaos.

Uncle Jack arrived Friday night. Saturday we spent the day preparing for Easter. That night we went to Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant. There entire restaurant is Forest Gump theme--I had a blast. AND it's near 16th St. Mall which is just super adorable. So it was a good night. When we woke up Aunt Deb realized she had the stomach flu--poor thing. So Bret and Mandi came over as planned but the entire day was a little off, because now Deb was down for the count. We had two meals to prepare AND two small children on a sugar high. Needless to say I am not exhausted and looking forward to the week so I can take a break. Sigh.

Have you changed your clocks?

Things in Denver are going good. I had an interview on Friday and I have another one on Tuesday. Score. This past weekend I had the entire house to myself. Friday night I met up with Tory at a Young Republican thing. We started at an Irish Bar then we went to the oldest bar in Denver called My Brothers Bar. They are known for their burgers. Saturday I went to the outlet mall then me and Sally hung out and went to a movie. Today I just hung here cleaning/laundry and watching The Cutting Edge Marathon on ABC family. It was fantastic! It has been a long time since I just had a day to chill. Ya know?

So Brady Quinn was traded from the Browns to the Broncos--what an upgrade for him! I don't really follow football but I think he is adorable, so I'm good with it ;) This is me saying Welcome to Denver Brady---I mean I could uh you know show you around?? ha.

Speaking of sports the Cavs beat the Celtics!!! I just want Denver and the Cavs to be in the finals...that way they play some of their games here!

Break Even

I deleted my twitter...not on purpose. Freaking lame is all I have to say about that. So stay tuned...I'm going to have to make another one. Right now I'm just to upset at Twitter to do that.

So for my internship we are supposed to actively partake in blogging and commenting. Well people are mean on the blogs, really it's bad for my self esteem. Today was fun though me and Brenden went around Denver filming for a youtube video. I think I am more familiar with downtown Denver than Downtown Cleveland. AND I am adjusted to one way streets (they actually make sense now) and the highways. I just HAVE to learn how to parallel park asap.

This was a hard week. The weekend was boring, and parts of it were awkward. Which is alright, and really it's my first weekend here where I didn't have a lot to do. It's about time I felt kinda homesick. But what makes this week harder is well I was offered a job. BUT (big but) it was only $10 an hour. No benefits Really? Yea I could eat and get gas with that, but I want more than that. I moved here to become completely independent and be a grown up. I want my own place and I need to be saving for that. So I turned it down, and it was still hard. Because what if something better doesn't come around ya know? Well luckily today I got a call and I have an interview on Friday for a job that is $12-14 and has benefits :) Upgrade. So I hope that goes well. AND the women said they could prolly work around my internship. Cheers to that! (VERY important to me)

I finely made it to the Tattered Cover, which is a popular book store in Denver. It's adorable, and I respect the people who told me to go there even more!

So yea thats that. The fam is in california this weekend so I have the place to myself!!! What should I do?????