I had been in town only 2 weeks when I took my first trip to the big city...Denver! My friend Emilie lives there and she invited me to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with her and her family. I had racked up a list of errands to do in Denver anyway, so I thought it would be a great idea. I only had less than 2 days to be there, but I just wanted to see a friendly face. I hit traffic going through the mountain pass (how could that be...it was so insane) because of an accident and it took be over 3 hours to make an 110 mile drive). That didn't make me happy at all...but its the only road down, so you make do.
When I drove into the city, I felt like a little girl going to the big city for the first time. My eyes got big with all of the restaurants and stores. Oh my...I was just amazed. See, this is what happens to someone that has the options of Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Office Depot, Sports Authority and Pier 1 Imports. Yeah, there are a lot of little shops, but who can afford to shop there. Even with my very sizable raise, I can't afford it! I really was amazed at how excited I was to see all of it. Mind you, I don't think I am unhappy with living in this little town at this point, I just think I will be going to Denver regularly to have the world of convenience that I am used to. And, actually, over time, I might need it less and less. I just have to get up on some skis and I think that will fill a bit more time!
On the ski note, I am trying to get some skis, but still haven't successfully found a good deal on the ones I want. I am hoping that this week I will be the proud owner of a pair, so maybe next weekend I can hit the slopes. I really want to take advantage before everyone shows up here. This is a "slower" time for the resorts, before Christmas holiday. And I have to take a lesson before I really hit the slopes. Oh, and I have asked for snowshoes for Christmas. I have heard it is a lot of fun and very easy. So, why not get outside a bit more and enjoy the beautiful country. I am learning that the outdoors is life here and I need to start taking part!
I have digressed from my Thanksgiving message...but I guess the rest isn't that exciting. Had a nice holiday with my friend and her family and then got up way too early on Black Friday to get a cheap laptop, but never got the cheap laptop...store minimums are a bitch when you are number 20 in line! I got a free label maker! Exciting times... Then it was back to work on Friday.
I wish I had more exciting things to talk about...I finally got my wireless network up...so I can move all around my very large (750 sq feet) condo...if I didn't work for WT on the side, I wouldn't care, but I fall asleep to easily doing work in my bed. That is not the way to make extra money! Well, I guess there are some that find ways to make money with their computer in their bed, but well, that's not my line of work!!
I will try to take some pictures this week of the mountains. It is finally going to snow all week, so I should be able to take some good pics of the snow covered mountains, with the pine trees all aglow with Christmas lights. We haven't had snow for like two weeks. I WILL NOT HAVE A BROWN CHRISTMAS...I live in the mountains for pete's sake!!! I will WILL it to happen, do not doubt me!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Psychotic Ravings of a Mountain Girl
I have lived here for almost 2 weeks now. And I haven't cried once. I think I should get an award for that! I only staved off tears when my dad was leaving ...otherwise I haven't even had the urge to cry. I am really surprised...really. I am a crier...as many of you know all too well. I am not good at keeping emotion bottled up. So, either I have gained a new skill (which would not be a good skill to obtain) or I am doing good. I am going to choose option B.
There are so many people that I miss, really I do. I think of many of you often. And some of you get bugged by me via Instant Messenger...not giving you much opportunity to miss me! :-) But it has been really nice having my own place and I am still emptying a few boxes, moving stuff around. And my lack of communication with some of you isn't at all personal. I have exceeded my cell phone minutes for this month and I didn't want to make it worse. And with the two hour time difference, calling at 11 pm EST doesn't sound like such a good idea. But tomorrow starts a new month! I will be calling like mad!
I have been to a couple of work-related social events which has gotten me out of the house. Mind you, most of the attendees are older and not at all my social scene, but at least I am making small strides to getting out of the house. My first day of work, we had a party at the CEO's house...got to know more of my co-workers at the parent organization. Tonight I got on the freeway for the first time in like 10 days. I probably have driven all of 25 miles in that 10 day span too! I am really saving on gas! Yeah, life in a small town is well, small. I am sure I will go further afield as my social life starts to sprout a bit, but right now, life revolves around this little town of Avon.
One big eye opener here in Avon is the Latino population. Hey, Zimri...you can visit, your people are here!!! You know, I am joking...seriously! But I am very surprised at how large the community is. And also, I will probably interact more with the Latino population here than any other place I lived (even So Cal) because it is such a small town. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart and the City Market (grocery store). I live right above an "authentic" Mexican restaurant which is right next to a Mexican grocery store. I think if I put some effort into it, my Mexican cooking could really skyrocket living here! It just wasn't something that I expected in the middle of the mountains in Colorado.
My time at Wally World has gotten bad though. I have probably been there more times in the last 2 weeks than I have in the last 10 years of my life. It is a must and just a convenience since it is all of a mile away. Believe you me, when I get a chance to go to Silverthorne (30 min away), I will got to Target, but in the meantime, Wally is my store! Someone come save me... ;-)
I am going to start taking a yoga class...it is actually offered free through my work. Not bad. And all you skiers out there...this tidbit is for you. I get a VIP pass to the World Cup Birds of Prey race that is put on by my parent organization. It is the only men's World Cup race in N. America and I can go to whatever I want for free!!!! How really cool is that?
I tried to buy my first set of skis this weekend...oh, they are expensive and its just so dang hard to figure everything out when you know nothing about any of it! At least the ski companies have narrowed it down for us ladies...they make skis specifically designed for women. That cuts out almost 2/3 of the possibilities! Yeah! Now I just have to struggle with the other 1/3... Hopefully, by the end of Thanksgiving weekend, I will be a real girl...a real ski girl that is!
Ok, my ramblings about absolutely nothing important really should come to an end. I mean, you have sat through me just going on and on about random, weird stuff in my life. Yeah, it might seem more interesting because I am doing it in the Vail Valley of Colorado...well, yeah, it is more interesting! I could describe how I went grocery shopping, but just knowing it is in the mountains...its cool! I do dream well, don't I?!
Stay tuned for my adventures to the big city...will she be able to survive Thanksgiving in gasp...Denver...now that she has acclimated to the small town life? Will she be overwhelmed by the shopping options? The people...oh, the people...how will our heroine, Mischa, survive? Stay tuned for the next installment of The Chronicles of MischaBelle!
So very corny...however have you put up with me for this long?!
There are so many people that I miss, really I do. I think of many of you often. And some of you get bugged by me via Instant Messenger...not giving you much opportunity to miss me! :-) But it has been really nice having my own place and I am still emptying a few boxes, moving stuff around. And my lack of communication with some of you isn't at all personal. I have exceeded my cell phone minutes for this month and I didn't want to make it worse. And with the two hour time difference, calling at 11 pm EST doesn't sound like such a good idea. But tomorrow starts a new month! I will be calling like mad!
I have been to a couple of work-related social events which has gotten me out of the house. Mind you, most of the attendees are older and not at all my social scene, but at least I am making small strides to getting out of the house. My first day of work, we had a party at the CEO's house...got to know more of my co-workers at the parent organization. Tonight I got on the freeway for the first time in like 10 days. I probably have driven all of 25 miles in that 10 day span too! I am really saving on gas! Yeah, life in a small town is well, small. I am sure I will go further afield as my social life starts to sprout a bit, but right now, life revolves around this little town of Avon.
One big eye opener here in Avon is the Latino population. Hey, Zimri...you can visit, your people are here!!! You know, I am joking...seriously! But I am very surprised at how large the community is. And also, I will probably interact more with the Latino population here than any other place I lived (even So Cal) because it is such a small town. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart and the City Market (grocery store). I live right above an "authentic" Mexican restaurant which is right next to a Mexican grocery store. I think if I put some effort into it, my Mexican cooking could really skyrocket living here! It just wasn't something that I expected in the middle of the mountains in Colorado.
My time at Wally World has gotten bad though. I have probably been there more times in the last 2 weeks than I have in the last 10 years of my life. It is a must and just a convenience since it is all of a mile away. Believe you me, when I get a chance to go to Silverthorne (30 min away), I will got to Target, but in the meantime, Wally is my store! Someone come save me... ;-)
I am going to start taking a yoga class...it is actually offered free through my work. Not bad. And all you skiers out there...this tidbit is for you. I get a VIP pass to the World Cup Birds of Prey race that is put on by my parent organization. It is the only men's World Cup race in N. America and I can go to whatever I want for free!!!! How really cool is that?
I tried to buy my first set of skis this weekend...oh, they are expensive and its just so dang hard to figure everything out when you know nothing about any of it! At least the ski companies have narrowed it down for us ladies...they make skis specifically designed for women. That cuts out almost 2/3 of the possibilities! Yeah! Now I just have to struggle with the other 1/3... Hopefully, by the end of Thanksgiving weekend, I will be a real girl...a real ski girl that is!
Ok, my ramblings about absolutely nothing important really should come to an end. I mean, you have sat through me just going on and on about random, weird stuff in my life. Yeah, it might seem more interesting because I am doing it in the Vail Valley of Colorado...well, yeah, it is more interesting! I could describe how I went grocery shopping, but just knowing it is in the mountains...its cool! I do dream well, don't I?!
Stay tuned for my adventures to the big city...will she be able to survive Thanksgiving in gasp...Denver...now that she has acclimated to the small town life? Will she be overwhelmed by the shopping options? The people...oh, the people...how will our heroine, Mischa, survive? Stay tuned for the next installment of The Chronicles of MischaBelle!
So very corny...however have you put up with me for this long?!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Nebraska, My Nemesis
I have had so many hits on my myspace blog page today...clearly my new blog about my travels is in high demand! So, I am tired and probably not as funny as I normally would be, but I am writing this blog before I go to bed tonight!
Day 1: We first hit the road to go to the Udvar-Hazy Center (Air & Space Museum branch) since my dad has spent his career in aerospace. It was so awesome to hear his stories of how he designed engine parts for all of the different plans and helped design pieces of space shuttles, etc. I was so proud to be his daughter that day...it is just so cool to have your dad be a part of "history."
Once we had done that museum, it was time to actually leave the DC area. A bit hard, I gotta admit. Stopped for fresh cider on the drive which was definitely a bonus! And really put my Sirius satellite radio to the test. Oh, I love it!!! We listened to 3 different NFL games that day. On Saturday, I was able to listen to the ND game. Music, everything. I LOVE SIRIUS!
Day 2: May the drama begin... We stayed the first night with a friend of my Dad's in Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh. I guess, I really have to start this story on Sunday, the day before. Chidi had given me a going away gift from Sears. It didn't fit, so we returned it. I was browsing around the store while my dad was dealing with the return. They asked for his driver's license, so he gave it to them. Jump to Sunday night outside of Pittsburgh...my dad cannot find his driver's license...guess where it is??? Yeah, Sears in Falls Church, VA. And what are we doing together? Yeah, DRIVING cross country. Good times...so, Monday he is trying to get a hold of Sears to get his license somehow...needless to say, we didn't leave the Pitt area until after noon and we had tickets for the Bulls game in Chicago for that night. They tried to fax us a copy of it, but that really didn't work well...but we went with it. Sears then graciously UPS'ed it to our hotel in Nebraska so he would have it to get on a flight from Denver a few days later!
If you have gone to my MySpace blog, you have seen the Bulls blog...so I am not going to repeat here. Suffice it to say...amazing and definitely worth the extra hours of driving! I have pics of me in front of the United Center with the MJ statue, but they are on my phone and I don't know where the card reader is (not unpacked yet), so I cannot add photographic evidence in this blog!
Day 3 & 4 (am): The drive to Nebraska...one of my most hated states to drive through. So boring and flat. And long...ugh! But low and behold, in Kearny, NE they have a diamond in the rough...a Mecca for tourists...you just won't believe what can be found in this small Midwestern town. the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. You haven't planned your next vacation for this exotic location? Why ever not?! Yeah, my sis and I had seen it the last time I had to drive through Nebraska, but she wouldn't let me stop there. My dad was suckered into it and we drove out the country road to see this marvel of engineering and yeah, only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What museum has hours like that? Crazy...but here is a pic of the Archway Monument to whet your appetite for a trip to Kearney, NE!!!
Day 4 (pm): So, we finished up NE (finally!) and then moved onto Colorado. I never guessed how desolate CO was...outside of the population centers, not much around. It was extremely windy during this part of the drive and as some of you that have lived out West know, CO is a desert. So, where the wind blows, the tumbleweed blows. It just was hilarious, especially the photo below...
Yeah, I was driving and I drove right into it. There wasn't an exit for miles after it became my hood ornament, so it stayed there for at least 3 miles. I can only imagine what the truckers were saying on their CB's as we drove by.
After the tumbleweed invasion, we started the trek up the mountains and arrived in Avon on Wednesday night. I had to sleep on the floor and it was the worse night of sleep I have had in so long. I couldn't wait until morning, so I could wake up!!
Day 5: Unload day! My stuff was being delivered on time and we had figured out a system to unload the truck. Not the best...a decent amount of walking between the truck and my condo. But we made do... The hardest part was finding a ramp for the truck. Yes, everyone assumes it should have come with my stuff, but ah, no, it didn't. We tried the Depot because we were told they rent everything. Yeah, no, they don't. So, we had to drive 20 miles to Eagle, CO and rent one from United Rentals. It was a 10 ft ramp that had to go in the trusty Subaru (who did a magnificent job of getting us to CO without any problems...small miracle!)...it hung out so bad! Then when we finally got to the truck at the condo, we determined it was really quite steep...but we didn't have any other options. So, we set it up...and my dad started to unload. I had to stay up in the condo for the cable guy to come and install my cable. Once he was done installing, I looked outside and say pretty nasty clouds. Dad and I tried to get as many things inside as we could before the rain came. Alas, we didn't get that completely accomplished before the rain. We were moving the couch down the ramp...i was the caboose and the ramp was slick from the rain...can we see where this is going? Yup, landed on my ass! And the couch on top of me. It was one of my better moments and no, I don't have a picture of that! Oh, and the internal screen of my cell phone didn't like the couch much and decided to shatter on me! Yeah, good thing I was sucked into that warranty/insurance through the wireless company. New phone is coming my way!
Post Arrival in Avon: After unloading the truck, it was pretty uneventful. We just emptied boxes, assembled furniture, lamented the lack of storage space, etc.
I am fading so fast...I am beat. This very, very long blog will have to do for right now...but I will finish up my thoughts tomorrow night! I promise!
Day 1: We first hit the road to go to the Udvar-Hazy Center (Air & Space Museum branch) since my dad has spent his career in aerospace. It was so awesome to hear his stories of how he designed engine parts for all of the different plans and helped design pieces of space shuttles, etc. I was so proud to be his daughter that day...it is just so cool to have your dad be a part of "history."
Once we had done that museum, it was time to actually leave the DC area. A bit hard, I gotta admit. Stopped for fresh cider on the drive which was definitely a bonus! And really put my Sirius satellite radio to the test. Oh, I love it!!! We listened to 3 different NFL games that day. On Saturday, I was able to listen to the ND game. Music, everything. I LOVE SIRIUS!
Day 2: May the drama begin... We stayed the first night with a friend of my Dad's in Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh. I guess, I really have to start this story on Sunday, the day before. Chidi had given me a going away gift from Sears. It didn't fit, so we returned it. I was browsing around the store while my dad was dealing with the return. They asked for his driver's license, so he gave it to them. Jump to Sunday night outside of Pittsburgh...my dad cannot find his driver's license...guess where it is??? Yeah, Sears in Falls Church, VA. And what are we doing together? Yeah, DRIVING cross country. Good times...so, Monday he is trying to get a hold of Sears to get his license somehow...needless to say, we didn't leave the Pitt area until after noon and we had tickets for the Bulls game in Chicago for that night. They tried to fax us a copy of it, but that really didn't work well...but we went with it. Sears then graciously UPS'ed it to our hotel in Nebraska so he would have it to get on a flight from Denver a few days later!
If you have gone to my MySpace blog, you have seen the Bulls blog...so I am not going to repeat here. Suffice it to say...amazing and definitely worth the extra hours of driving! I have pics of me in front of the United Center with the MJ statue, but they are on my phone and I don't know where the card reader is (not unpacked yet), so I cannot add photographic evidence in this blog!
Day 3 & 4 (am): The drive to Nebraska...one of my most hated states to drive through. So boring and flat. And long...ugh! But low and behold, in Kearny, NE they have a diamond in the rough...a Mecca for tourists...you just won't believe what can be found in this small Midwestern town. the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. You haven't planned your next vacation for this exotic location? Why ever not?! Yeah, my sis and I had seen it the last time I had to drive through Nebraska, but she wouldn't let me stop there. My dad was suckered into it and we drove out the country road to see this marvel of engineering and yeah, only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What museum has hours like that? Crazy...but here is a pic of the Archway Monument to whet your appetite for a trip to Kearney, NE!!!
Day 4 (pm): So, we finished up NE (finally!) and then moved onto Colorado. I never guessed how desolate CO was...outside of the population centers, not much around. It was extremely windy during this part of the drive and as some of you that have lived out West know, CO is a desert. So, where the wind blows, the tumbleweed blows. It just was hilarious, especially the photo below...
Yeah, I was driving and I drove right into it. There wasn't an exit for miles after it became my hood ornament, so it stayed there for at least 3 miles. I can only imagine what the truckers were saying on their CB's as we drove by.After the tumbleweed invasion, we started the trek up the mountains and arrived in Avon on Wednesday night. I had to sleep on the floor and it was the worse night of sleep I have had in so long. I couldn't wait until morning, so I could wake up!!
Day 5: Unload day! My stuff was being delivered on time and we had figured out a system to unload the truck. Not the best...a decent amount of walking between the truck and my condo. But we made do... The hardest part was finding a ramp for the truck. Yes, everyone assumes it should have come with my stuff, but ah, no, it didn't. We tried the Depot because we were told they rent everything. Yeah, no, they don't. So, we had to drive 20 miles to Eagle, CO and rent one from United Rentals. It was a 10 ft ramp that had to go in the trusty Subaru (who did a magnificent job of getting us to CO without any problems...small miracle!)...it hung out so bad! Then when we finally got to the truck at the condo, we determined it was really quite steep...but we didn't have any other options. So, we set it up...and my dad started to unload. I had to stay up in the condo for the cable guy to come and install my cable. Once he was done installing, I looked outside and say pretty nasty clouds. Dad and I tried to get as many things inside as we could before the rain came. Alas, we didn't get that completely accomplished before the rain. We were moving the couch down the ramp...i was the caboose and the ramp was slick from the rain...can we see where this is going? Yup, landed on my ass! And the couch on top of me. It was one of my better moments and no, I don't have a picture of that! Oh, and the internal screen of my cell phone didn't like the couch much and decided to shatter on me! Yeah, good thing I was sucked into that warranty/insurance through the wireless company. New phone is coming my way!
Post Arrival in Avon: After unloading the truck, it was pretty uneventful. We just emptied boxes, assembled furniture, lamented the lack of storage space, etc.
I am fading so fast...I am beat. This very, very long blog will have to do for right now...but I will finish up my thoughts tomorrow night! I promise!
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