Happy St. Patrick's Day

"There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were."

St. Patty's Day is a favorite of mine. It's the one day of the year where when you and all of your co-workers match, most everyone is in a good mood, and green beer abounds.

My St. Patty's day was a nice, low-key one. Stephanie, Aaron and I enjoyed a couple of green beers at Old Chicago's with our favorite meal in the world - The Sampler Platter.

After stuffing ourselves, getting some people watching in, and listening to a bag piper who wandered through the restaurant, we headed out... as the crowds headed in!

I hope everyone had a fun St. Patty's!

P.S. Here's a look back to St. Patty's 2010 with my dear friend Jessica. Look how short my hair was!

A Visit From the West!

When I moved to California, I made it an adventure. I'd go exploring by myself much of the time, and other times with great friends. In the two years I lived in the Bay, I saw and experienced more than many of my friends who have lived in the Bay their entire lives.

When I made the decision to move back, I distinctly remember telling my dear friend Jessica the things I was going to do differently this time around in Colorado. One of which was making it an adventure. There is so much of Western Colorado I have never seen: Aspen (2.5 hours away), Ouray (2 hours away), Durango, Ridgeway, Telluride (3 hours away...have only been there once). This really is quite embarrassing to admit.

Before I left California, Meggs booked a trip out to visit as that was the only way either of us could cope with the thought of being away from each other. So she came out for a long weekend in February. We went wine tasting, had dinner with one of my best friends and her husband, then went on an adventure to Ouray, CO, which was probably one of my favorite days ever.

Here are a few pictures from Megan's venture East... I forgot just how beautiful Colorado is winter, spring, summer and fall.

World renown ice climbing in Ouray, CO

Literally the first order of business upon Meggs' arrival... visit Mike the Headless Chicken!

Ice climbers in action

Meggs and I having a FABULOUS day in Ouray, CO

Brrrrr!

It has been COLD the last few weeks... getting down to -16 for the overnight low. And that's not bad compared to other parts of Colorado. Needless to say I'm glad Puxatony Phil saw his shadow -- here's hoping for an early spring!

Work has been super busy but I love to be busy and I love my job. The house is coming along, SLOWLY but surely. The painting's all done, except for a door frame or two and the kitchen. My wonderful Uncle Duane is going to clean my carpets this coming week. Once that's done, I'll be moving in! Will still go to my parents frequently for a free meal. ;)

Cliff and I were in the East Bay last weekend for a celebration of life service for a WONDERFUL man, Mark Antes. Cliff's brother is married to Mark's daughter, Natalie. It was a busy weekend and was nice to spend time with the family. There wasn't time to see most of our friends, so another trip will happen - I promise!

My nephew Noah turned 2 last Sunday and Aslyn will be 4 next month. I can't believe they're so old already! My parents went out to SoCal to celebrate Noah's birthday with them. I'm looking forward to a trip out there hopefully very soon. Especially when Aslyn asks me on Skype "LuLu, will you please come to our house again?" I miss my kiddos.

Once I'm in the house and have my computer set up I will be much better at keeping this up-to-date...with pictures!

I hope everyone's having a great 2011 so far and remember, spring is right around the corner!

C.O.L.O.R.A.D.O.

A month sure does go by so fast... yet it feels like so long since I've seen all of my friends and family in California.

Here's a synopsis of the past month:

• Had a week without work to get my great-aunts house cleaned and painted...did NOT complete that task. I still have plenty of painting, sorting, packing, carpet cleaning and unpacking to day. I have a feeling I'll be at my parents a bit longer than anticipated.

• As of two days ago half of the house was painted...painting over already painted wood paneling is harder than you'd think!
• Started work 2.5 weeks ago - love it.
• Have caught up with many friends, particularly two of my very best friends here in GJ (Steph and Carina)
• Began a 13 week financial course through Canyon View Vineyard Church, Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey.
• Cliff came for a wonderful 4 day visit. We went skiing (Cliff boarded) and we had the BEST day ever; it really was just amazing. He gave me a beautiful diamond necklace & earring set (which I wear every day).

• A dear family member/friend, Mark Antes, passed away, so Cliff and I will be going to CA in 10 days for his service.

The last month has been full of changes, heartache and many many blessings but I absolutely know God's hand is leading it 100%.

Bear with me...

The last two weeks have been just so busy trying to clean and paint the new place I'll be living in, among life just happening. It doesn't look like I'll be able to move in for another week, maybe two. Once I'm in the new place I will have my OWN computer set up, will share pictures with you and will keep up on the blog... I promise!

Happy New Year!

The last couple of weeks have been quite busy... and somewhat of a blur. My dad and brother left Colorado on Christmas morning and drove to California to move me back. We arrived Tuesday night and I woke up to snow and cold Wednesday morning. The temperature has been the hardest thing to get used to (got to -10 degrees last night).

I dearly miss everyone in CA but am also glad to be home, beginning this next chapter in my life. I'll write more after I get unpacked, settled in and start work a week from tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year... here's to 2011!

Goodbyes have begun...

Seeing as I'm leaving California in 8 days, the goodbyes have certainly begun. They are never easy, but as someone once told me, "just because I'm leaving California, doesn't mean my friendships end." Thankfully these words are so true. I have made amazing friends and memories in California over the past two years. The Lord has placed each person in my life for a reason and I'm confident they will all remain in my life, no matter my location.

Friday night my dear friend and co-worker, Yvonne Botta, took me out for a nice dinner. She has become my big sister and I'm going to miss her so much.

Yvonne (aka Latte)

Last night my friends/boss who brought me out to California, The Cummings, and my friends the Botta's took me out for a nice dinner. Each one of these friends have touched my life and I'm so thankful for each and every one of them.

Brent, Yvonne, Keagan, Danielle & Toby