January is coming to a close already and February is around the corner. I sit here now in my new room with the piggies back home in Colorado. I am still adjusting to the time difference as well as this "new" life I have chosen to embark upon. I am delighted to be back with the fam and with my Cliffy Cakes and I feel good about this decision and the new challenges I will be faced with soon. I also feel a sense of loss having to leave behind such great people that I met back in Jasper. I just hope that I am able to develop such friendships here in Colorado as I did there.
My good friend Vicki, wrote an e-mail sending me to tears and her words re-assured me that the person I strive to be everyday is the person I have become. Little does she realize, it is her and her family that has made me an even better person now than I was when I first moved to Jasper.
A few words from her letter:
"I know that you will do wonderful things. Just don't forget that having a great career will not be your only contribution in life. I see people light up when you are around. It is truly a gift to make other people smile and laugh. I know that you have had that effect on me and my family. Your positive attitude is infectious."
Not always is it easy for me to be myself around others. It takes a certain connection for me to allow myself to open up. I cannot say how touched I am to hear that when I am myself I come off in a positive light. I am relieved when I am able to meet people who I can have that instant connection with because there is nothing better than knowing you can be yourself with no restrictions lol. My attitude towards life has been my saving grace and I can only hope that others are able to feed off of that. There is nothing better than knowing you can put a smile on someones face :o)
So...between packing all my belongings into the back of a trailer, saying goodbye to great people, road-tripping 17 hours with my mom (much needed mother/daughter time B.T.W.), getting the pigs situated in their new little corner, getting myself situated, starting up my photography facebook page, writing this blog, and preparing for this new job...its been a lot to handle within the last week. I am just taking it all in, one day at a time, and rolling with it. I have many things I need to wrap up still and focus on, but I am confident I will get to where I need to be within a few months.
I must also mention that since being back, which has only been for 4 days, my time with my Cliffy Cakes has been amazing! We always laugh and enjoy our time together no matter what we are doing...for instance on Sunday we hung out and at his place doing his laundry and taking out that god awful trash of his...that poor trash can lol. Did we enjoy it?? YES we did! just joking around and being silly. It also helped that we went to pinkberry for dinner :o) And the last two days since I am not working yet, we have met up for lunch in Brighton. He got to experience Famous Daves for the first time, Loved It! and I am so glad they have sweet tea there! and Today we had Village Inn... breakfast and apple pie! I am looking forward to more days like this to come :o)
I am starting my Job Thursday, driving down to the Castle Rock showroom and I cannot be more ready to get this going! My weekends are going to be busy filled with get togethers and my photography stuff so I am sure many photos are to come and many great stories! No photos on this blog unfortunately, but hopefully you all hung in there and it wasn't too painful to get through this blog without them :oP
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Thank You is not enough.....
As I start my journey this year on a new path back to Denver, Colorado, I wanted to say Thank You to everyone that has gone out of their way with the kindness of their heart to make me feel welcome in Jasper, Indiana. Within this last year, I have seen more hospitality from people who hardly knew me and I them than I have in my entire lifetime. Sad, but very true.
Aside from some family members and close friends in Denver, I have yet to see this type of hospitality there. I can count them on one hand...
You all have taught me much and I will take with me this hospitality and try to instill that in my life toward others as I move forward in all my years to come. I want everyone here in this small town to know that I take nothing but good thoughts and moments back with me :o) This place has given me a very different viewpoint on life and I am very much grateful!
Taking away all that I have experienced this last year, I will take this new year of 2012 and work toward the following:
I stole this from PINTEREST...thought it fit well here!
Aside from some family members and close friends in Denver, I have yet to see this type of hospitality there. I can count them on one hand...
You all have taught me much and I will take with me this hospitality and try to instill that in my life toward others as I move forward in all my years to come. I want everyone here in this small town to know that I take nothing but good thoughts and moments back with me :o) This place has given me a very different viewpoint on life and I am very much grateful!
Taking away all that I have experienced this last year, I will take this new year of 2012 and work toward the following:
- Make sure those who are close to me, know that I appreciate them and love them to the best of my ability
- I will take advantage of every possible opportunity to create new strong relationships with different individuals
- I will work hard at making my passions a reality resulting in true success so I can inspire others
- I will drink more water!! (This is much needed as I hate water)
- Get my savings jar out and name it: "Getting "Down" with the Beach House". I will start saving up for this "one" dream of mine for a down payment...anyone want to come visit?
- Getting my second savings Jar out and name it: "3 month Escape" for my trip to all my dream destinations!...Anyone who wants to come along may also want to start saving haha! This will be one fantastic adventure!
- Getting my Third savings Jar out and name it: "VROOM VROOM" cause I may need to get myself a new car soon...
I stole this from PINTEREST...thought it fit well here!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The last month in 2011...Bring it on 2012!!
2011 came and went like a leaf in a breeze. I welcomed 2012 in the arms of my Cliffy Cakes, watching fireworks off of his balcony. The sounds of cheers from below, car alarms going off, music, and cracking of the fireworks were surprisingly peaceful considering I was not partaking in the craziness below, but nestled in the warmth of great company and a great glass of wine. A new year, a year to start over, a new beginning- the celebration is the same for everyone across the country. If this isn't the best reason to light a fire under your ass to be better for this next year, than I am not sure what is. 4 words...IF NOT NOW, WHEN????
As for me, I spent 10 days back home in Colorado for the Holidays. Finally more time given than a weekend to spend with my family, friends, and John. My first night arriving back home, John picked me up from the airport and we met up with my bestie Ashley and our friend Rick at this little Italian Restaurant called Patsy's. This place may not be in the greatest neighborhood, but it was delicious, one of those little hole in the wall places off of 38th Ave and Navajo. I highly suggest if anyone is a freak about Italian food as myself, you check it out! Afterward, we met up with some of Johns friends at Scruffy s downtown. It was great seeing everyone again, and many drinks later....TAXI!! With the snow on the ground, me in heels, and cold winter air on top of being tipsy... it was much needed! Luckily Cliffy Cakes gave me some water and Advil before bed cause I woke up feeling pretty darn good Saturday Morning-Christmas Eve!
Here is where I must pause and let you in on a little secret...The past few months have been quite difficult for me, being here alone in Jasper. I realized that being adventurous is a part of who I am along with my determination in making my career a success. I enjoy providing for myself and allowing myself to live within my means and enjoy the "little" things in my life. I have met great people here and I am grateful to have had this opportunity to move here. In a way being here by myself helped me realize more of who I am and what I want to become. There is so much to life to experience and so many opportunities to take advantage of and unfortunately I have reached a dead end here in Jasper. My creativity has been suppressed for long enough, and it is time to look into other opportunities to expand my wings and get me back to a place where I can enjoy those "Little" pleasures in life. "Keep my Options Open" and "See whats out there"...I began this search when I got back from Charleston over Thanksgiving. An opportunity in Colorado Springs, one in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and 2 in Denver. I applied to all of them.
Back to Christmas Eve....I had a an interview that day at noon with a Denver Job and 2 weeks previous to that, the Colorado Springs opportunity came through and we were in a negotiation process. Both jobs offered the ability to expand my creativity and to allow me to be in control of what I made. John took me to the interview in Denver, poor guy stayed in the car waiting for an hour 1/2 until the interview was done and....I got hired. At this point, I had no idea what I was going to do and I had one week to accept the job. The job in Colorado Springs was having difficulty getting back to me...long story and I am not about to get into it, but I had basically shut this opportunity out. They were unorganized and unprofessional to keep it short.
Anyway...what a great start to a Christmas Eve right?!!! Now it was time to get ready for all the family events of the Christmas weekend! Christmas Eve we stopped by Johns Parents, then to my moms place. Typical dinner, presents, and dessert! John got his parents and my mom this peppermint pie from Village Inn - My mom loves this stuff! I had decided to do something different this Christmas, be more creative and make my Christmas gifts. When I was in Charleston with Ashley, I wrote in the sand and took pictures, imported them into PowerPoint and made this great personalized piece of framed artwork! I just hope they like them all as I enjoyed putting it all together! See below...just imagine it in a frame hanging on the wall ;o)
View from John's Balcony Downtown!
Here is where I must pause and let you in on a little secret...The past few months have been quite difficult for me, being here alone in Jasper. I realized that being adventurous is a part of who I am along with my determination in making my career a success. I enjoy providing for myself and allowing myself to live within my means and enjoy the "little" things in my life. I have met great people here and I am grateful to have had this opportunity to move here. In a way being here by myself helped me realize more of who I am and what I want to become. There is so much to life to experience and so many opportunities to take advantage of and unfortunately I have reached a dead end here in Jasper. My creativity has been suppressed for long enough, and it is time to look into other opportunities to expand my wings and get me back to a place where I can enjoy those "Little" pleasures in life. "Keep my Options Open" and "See whats out there"...I began this search when I got back from Charleston over Thanksgiving. An opportunity in Colorado Springs, one in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and 2 in Denver. I applied to all of them.
Back to Christmas Eve....I had a an interview that day at noon with a Denver Job and 2 weeks previous to that, the Colorado Springs opportunity came through and we were in a negotiation process. Both jobs offered the ability to expand my creativity and to allow me to be in control of what I made. John took me to the interview in Denver, poor guy stayed in the car waiting for an hour 1/2 until the interview was done and....I got hired. At this point, I had no idea what I was going to do and I had one week to accept the job. The job in Colorado Springs was having difficulty getting back to me...long story and I am not about to get into it, but I had basically shut this opportunity out. They were unorganized and unprofessional to keep it short.
Anyway...what a great start to a Christmas Eve right?!!! Now it was time to get ready for all the family events of the Christmas weekend! Christmas Eve we stopped by Johns Parents, then to my moms place. Typical dinner, presents, and dessert! John got his parents and my mom this peppermint pie from Village Inn - My mom loves this stuff! I had decided to do something different this Christmas, be more creative and make my Christmas gifts. When I was in Charleston with Ashley, I wrote in the sand and took pictures, imported them into PowerPoint and made this great personalized piece of framed artwork! I just hope they like them all as I enjoyed putting it all together! See below...just imagine it in a frame hanging on the wall ;o)
This one was made for my sister and E!
John and I exchanged the gifts we got for one another that night when we got home. He got me the "True Blood" season 1, and the book series. He also got me Seasons to "Mad Men", and a necklace with a dead spider in it...haha, so not funny! I threw it across the room! which he found to be hilarious then kept trying to tease me with it! Thanks Babe...that thing very well could have given me never-ending nightmares!
I had never seen True Blood or Mad Men, but we planned on watching a few episodes during later on in the week. I got my Cliffy Cakes a Down Comforter (if any of you have not experienced the comfort of a down comforter, you are missing out B.T.W.) and an orange duvet cover to go over it as a joke! It is indeed bright orange...kinda wearing on me though haha! I can do so much with that color now that I think about it! I also made him a framed art piece as well to hang in his office at work (he said he needed something in there to hang up) why not hang up my mad creative skills!?
I had never seen True Blood or Mad Men, but we planned on watching a few episodes during later on in the week. I got my Cliffy Cakes a Down Comforter (if any of you have not experienced the comfort of a down comforter, you are missing out B.T.W.) and an orange duvet cover to go over it as a joke! It is indeed bright orange...kinda wearing on me though haha! I can do so much with that color now that I think about it! I also made him a framed art piece as well to hang in his office at work (he said he needed something in there to hang up) why not hang up my mad creative skills!?
I took pictures of letters around downtown Charleston...not too shabby!
Christmas morning, we had the pleasure of enjoying some Mimosa's at our friend Ali Cakes place. Ashley met up with us for a few as well and we had a good short time together before she had to go. Can I just say...Mimosa's are pretty damn good!!! Yummm! we played Apples to Apples the rest of the afternoon and continued on with many laughs until it was time for John and I to meet up at his parents house for Christmas dinner. His mom is so cute, she got me my favorite wine and a starbucks gift card...perfect!! I must add as well that I never saw so many varieties of cookies at one place in my life...she baked so many!! Talk about being taken back in time, after dinner we ended up watching "Are You Afraid of The Dark" with his brother while his parents played games with their neighbors that had come over to join us for dinner. There are no words for that show...haha!
Bringing us to Monday, a day in Colorado Springs where I gladly did a photo shoot for my sister, E, and their 4 legged kids. My mom and her husband Mike met there as well to join in on the day with us. It was a bit cold out so we found a colorful spot for a back drop and quickly got through as many pics as we could before calling it quits. My sis was tired as Lola, the piggy that they were watching kept her up most of the night lol. If you know my sis and I, no sleep is a sure way for the grump in us to come out! Below is a sample of some photos and a link to the full gallery!
Check out the full gallery at: http://fritz-photography.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=20847188&AlbumKey=TnX46n
How could I not take pics of Lola while I was there! Too cute!!
That night...L.P.T!!! (Loungy Pants Time) as we had an exhausting few days and Tuesday was a day we could do whatever we wanted with no time restraints. Of course I got my starbucks...every morning during my visit :o) Got my Noodles and Company and PinkBerry as well! Enjoyed some snuggle time on the couch watching True Blood and Mad Men and eating left overs from Christmas. I definitely enjoy these calm relaxing moments just snuggling up to my Cliffy Cakes! Wednesday, John worked so I enjoyed the day walking around 16th street mall and then meeting up with an old co-worker until John got home. We had a nice dinner at the Rock Bottom Brewery, had a fantastic Sangria from there! we had a nice conversation, then left back home for more L.P.T!! whoo hoo!!
Thursday, John had to work half day...he woke me up early to drive him to work so I could take the car for the day. To do what? I had no idea, this was Brighton and the only thing to do is shop...which I did and really really didn't need to be spending my money. That evening was my Christmas with my dad at my grandmothers house. John and I decided to see a movie before heading over there, not realizing how long the movie was actually going to be...needless to say we ran late getting to my dads and we had to leave the movie early so we didn't get to see the end of "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo". Who knew as well that the Colorado Springs job would call me right when the movie was starting to tell me they were interesting in bringing me on...yet, they were unable to send me the offer before the next day when I needed to make my decision on accepting the Denver Job. Geesh...this place is really somethin! haha.
I also forgot the gifts I made for my dad and grandmother....wow what a great start to the night eh? haha, they didn't mind of course and we had a good dinner catching up and eating lasagna. Since I forgot the gifts, that meant we had to make an extra trip on Friday to my dads work in Aurora. Seems as though we were driving all over Colorado this week! haha
I also forgot the gifts I made for my dad and grandmother....wow what a great start to the night eh? haha, they didn't mind of course and we had a good dinner catching up and eating lasagna. Since I forgot the gifts, that meant we had to make an extra trip on Friday to my dads work in Aurora. Seems as though we were driving all over Colorado this week! haha
Wow, Friday already??? I had a feeling the week would go by really fast, sometimes I wish you could slow down time. To top off the day, I did call and accepted the job in Denver...thats right, I am coming back home!! I am ready for this new adventure in 2012 and ready to spend more time with John and my family. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and creating great relationships within my new job opportunity. I can finally let loose and be creative!!
...ok back to the events of the day...I got to see my dad once more for a few minutes at his work, which was nice other than being hit on by old mechanic men haha. The night was a celebration for our friend Chris's birthday, a surprise event and I think there were about 20 people who showed up at this lounge off of 10th and Lincoln downtown. He was extremely surprised so it was a great success, thats 2 for 2 surprise events our Ali Cakes set up to be a success! Go Ali!! John and I kept it low key on the drinking, only had a few throughout the night and once we left the lounge to go to this bar called La Rumba, the night really slowed down as it was such an odd place of people. Over and over again I keep telling myself "don't wear heels out"...and what do I do and regret it later? yup, my feet were killing me!!! Luckily I have a super amazing Boyfriend who gives me foot massages :o) oh they are fantastic! thanks babe!!
I was extremely surprised that I did not take my camera with me everywhere taking tons of pics like normal, no pictures to report of my New Year weekend other then the first picture from the balcony of the fireworks. I just enjoyed my New Years Eve having a relaxing day and evening with John to bring in the New Year, I finally talked him into putting up his new end tables his mother got him...8 months ago haha! he just hates putting stuff together that takes time, but now he is sooo glad he has his new tables! I am too, as the old tables probably had an inch of dust on them causing my allergies to go insane :oP Oh my Cliffy Cakes...I don't know what it is, but I just love his way of life, it cracks me up!
It was a great way to spend my last day together before I headed back to Jasper... :o( only this time, it was only going to be temporary! :o) I have much to do before the big move, but by the end of this month, I get to call Denver my home again! I will have one busy year ahead of me with juggling a potential 3 jobs, but I am determined to be successful in every one of them! Yours truly - soon to be best kitchen designer with JM Kitchen and Bath, Independent designer for Masterbrand Cabinets (pending), and Owner of Fritz Photography! I already have a few shoots to schedule...things are starting off great this year! WOOT WOOT!!
...ok back to the events of the day...I got to see my dad once more for a few minutes at his work, which was nice other than being hit on by old mechanic men haha. The night was a celebration for our friend Chris's birthday, a surprise event and I think there were about 20 people who showed up at this lounge off of 10th and Lincoln downtown. He was extremely surprised so it was a great success, thats 2 for 2 surprise events our Ali Cakes set up to be a success! Go Ali!! John and I kept it low key on the drinking, only had a few throughout the night and once we left the lounge to go to this bar called La Rumba, the night really slowed down as it was such an odd place of people. Over and over again I keep telling myself "don't wear heels out"...and what do I do and regret it later? yup, my feet were killing me!!! Luckily I have a super amazing Boyfriend who gives me foot massages :o) oh they are fantastic! thanks babe!!
I was extremely surprised that I did not take my camera with me everywhere taking tons of pics like normal, no pictures to report of my New Year weekend other then the first picture from the balcony of the fireworks. I just enjoyed my New Years Eve having a relaxing day and evening with John to bring in the New Year, I finally talked him into putting up his new end tables his mother got him...8 months ago haha! he just hates putting stuff together that takes time, but now he is sooo glad he has his new tables! I am too, as the old tables probably had an inch of dust on them causing my allergies to go insane :oP Oh my Cliffy Cakes...I don't know what it is, but I just love his way of life, it cracks me up!
It was a great way to spend my last day together before I headed back to Jasper... :o( only this time, it was only going to be temporary! :o) I have much to do before the big move, but by the end of this month, I get to call Denver my home again! I will have one busy year ahead of me with juggling a potential 3 jobs, but I am determined to be successful in every one of them! Yours truly - soon to be best kitchen designer with JM Kitchen and Bath, Independent designer for Masterbrand Cabinets (pending), and Owner of Fritz Photography! I already have a few shoots to schedule...things are starting off great this year! WOOT WOOT!!
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