Giant Steps

A Near Garden State Experience

2009-10-20T22:32:00.003-06:00

I mean sometimes it takes a year to have a post. and sometimes in that time all you can do is refer to another.

check it out. my talented and wonderful roommate sums up my recent days perfectly.

http://www.ducey.blogspot.com/

2008-12-09T22:45:00.002-07:00

It's been more than a month since I last posted. I have several reasons for this, really I do. but I'll give you one and I think the true culprit.

I have discovered the joy of DirectTV. I feel like I haven't left my house since Nov. 10, the day of Installation. what a glorious day.

the joys of fall

2008-10-22T12:26:00.003-06:00

Cooler weather does something wonderful:
1) I drink port-- current bottle is Graystone Lipizzan white port- delizioso
2) scarves come out of the closet
3) chai makes its way into my mug
4) chili is consumed

Auntie Dee strikes again

2008-10-19T13:15:00.003-06:00

I love this little girl. She is becoming so full of personality. My mom knit her this super cute hat.
She's started pulling herself onto furniture. as you can see she is so proud of herself. look at those teeth!
The next two photos are the first of my many attempts at taking pictures of the 2 of us. She loves my camera but often wants to peer around the camera at me taking her picture. So I tricked her and took them of the two of us myself. The second one is my favorite. I like to think that she is kissing my cheek, even though I'm pretty sure that she is just super sleepy and smashing her face into mine avoiding the sleepy eye factor.

grape season

2008-10-19T13:07:00.004-06:00

Crush season is coming to a close. Pressing the grapes is my least favorite part- that is what is coming. The above pictures show how messy this job can be. My arm, which looks like I have a skin disease, is covered with syrah juice. My face is covered with a combination of motor oil and grape juice. I wish I could say this was as messy as it gets...
Its amazing that it is the middle of October already. My dear friends Scott and Claire are here from Oklahoma. Its weird to think that about 6 months ago I was staying in their apartment in Bologna, ITALY. time flies.

driving

2008-09-29T13:52:00.002-06:00

I normally consider myself a pretty good driver, if not a cautious one. Yes, I have been told a few times that I like to drive fast. I can't help it if my car is an awesomely smooth ride and I find myself going faster than I thought.
Last night I, on my way home from friends, got caught speeding. I had been on the hwy approx. 3.8 seconds when I saw the Sheriff's car lurking in the shadows ready to pounce. I had no idea what the speed limit was at the time. I figured it was 55. wrong. 45. I was driving 62. good lord, in a construction zone. He was nice enough not to charge me double for the construction zone. yet it will still cost me an arm and a leg and a couple of points on my driving record.
I asked about driving school or something to help remove the points. he chuckled. I guess I'll take that as a no?!?

that is so Italian

2008-09-09T21:57:00.003-06:00

I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home, drinking tea, listening to some wonderful new music (Bon Iver-love it) after a full week of birthday celebrations... having fun can sure be exhausting. :)

I'm also reading the latest copy of food and wine magazine and found an article that I had to share a piece of with someone. The article is about Wine Scams- counterfeit, essentially.

"In Tuscany, where Italian authorities found quite a few Brunello producers making their fancy wine with cheap, non-Brunello grapes. You may ask, how did they find it out? The government's fraud-fighting tactics are quintessentially Italian- they began training police-men as undercover sommeliers."

love it. I was in Italy when this broke the news. It was such a big deal. I love the Italians!!

27

2008-09-01T09:34:00.002-06:00

I'm 27 today. Woo-hoo!

Happy Labor Day!

dee @ the DNC

2008-08-25T20:06:00.003-06:00

ok, not really at the Democratic National Covention. But its here in Denver. The city is a buzz and people are everywhere. People are so excited. Its so great to be a part of even if from a short distance of about 3 miles. We even got Obama pins in our tip jars this morning. I'm pouring wine downtown Tues. and Thurs. and plan on taking full advantage of the people watching into the evening...

my theme song has been playing in my ears for about a year now and I'm feeling it all the more as the birthday approaches. check out the song- Sara Bareilles "Many the Miles"

There's too many things that i haven't done yet
Too many sunsets
I haven't seen
You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down
You would've thought by now
I'd have learned something

I made up my mind when i was a young girl
I've been given this one world
I won't worry it away
But now and again i lose sight of the good life
I get stuck in a low light
But then Love comes in

t-minus one week 'till 27. wooh!

A and Ro

2008-08-13T13:20:00.003-06:00

We went to Mt. Evans yesterday. It was fabulous!!
The girls leave tomorrow morning. We've had a laid back, enjoyable, laugh till you can laugh no more, party going, friend meeting, eating out kind of "holiday." Aine and Roisin have met the greater majority of my friends. Which is really something since each of my group of my friends hardly no each other- if at all. I should really work on getting my friends to mingle a bit. may be time for deanna to have a party of her own... my birthday is coming up I suppose.
Its been so great to have them here. Its hard to believe that I met Aine in Italy and she's here now in Denver. the apartment will be lonely without them.

mi amica

2008-08-08T11:11:00.004-06:00

so, I was missing my friends from Italy last week. And just like that, Aine emails and says she's coming. and not just coming but coming on Sat. could it get any better than this? tutto va bene.

2008-07-29T00:18:00.003-06:00

woke up desperately missing my friends from Italy today. I want to go back. anyone interested? who needs to work anyway??

sweet sunday

2008-07-14T11:28:00.005-06:00

After three very late nights in a row I had a sweet sweet Sunday with dear friends. Yesterday I said see you soon to Shalene at her "I'm freaking moving to Kenya" Party. It was a great time to enjoy her, her family and friends. Its hard to believe that the time for her to go has come already. Kenya has returned one friend to call another.

Then I spent the afternoon with Capp, Anne and Hazel. Man, that girl gets more fun and cute each day. She's eating solid food and I got to experience the sheer joy of watching her eat.
Can she get any cuter? We had a great time playing together.
We ate pizza, enjoyed their daughter, told stories and laughed. Just what I needed. I love our family dinners.

to be continued

2008-07-09T12:07:00.004-06:00

As I've mentioned before I'm trying to find a house to buy. People tell me "when you walk in you'll know" or "its like meeting your spouse, you'll just know" or even "if you imagine your life here in this house, the universe will manifest itself and make it happen". I haven't experienced any of those things in any form, particularly the universe manifestation (yikes). so I anxiously search unknowing what those emotions of "knowing" feel like.
over the weekend I saw a place that I thought I really liked. If I got the okay I was going to put in an offer. the space was layed out well, the kitchen small but functional, a few quirky elements- one who is quirky (like me) needs some quirkiness in their house, and a clean slate for a spacious back yard and potential for the most awesome great room downstairs. Then I go see it again with my lovely realtor and she sees so many things that I never think about or honestly know to even look at. and I walk out of the house I liked two days prior saying "oh yes, I see now that this is not a good house for me." funny how one morning in an empty house turns to one sleepless night of potential excitement and then in a blink of an eye I am on a continued search for another place feeling silly about my sleeplessness.

Yesterday Alex and I unloaded 50 cases of wine into the tasting room downtown. yep 50 cases or 600 bottles. I managed to come out with only one battle wound. I ran into a rack and have a purple and sore bruise. I am still pretty sure I am the clumsiest person I know. I keep hoping I'll outgrow that. but it seems unlikely at 26, don't you think?

she is just so cute

2008-07-05T23:36:00.004-06:00

Auntie Dee loves taking pictures of Hazel. This is my recent favorite.

I am trying to be good about updating my flickr page. She's just too cute not to have as many photos of her on the web as possible (just ask anne and capp), and I suppose a few of the happenings of my life, too.

time

2008-06-26T23:02:00.006-06:00

Doug (my younger big brother) and I haven't taken a picture of just the two of us in years... I liked how this one turned out. Although it was our second try, the first time I was zoomed in and ended up just getting one of each of our eyes and mostly 2 sets of shoulders behind us. maybe I'll psot that one, too. kinda funny, eh? anyway...
I can't believe it but, I've lived in Denver for 3 years almost exactly to the day, I've been home from Italy almost as long as I was gone, and I, despite some kicking and screaming, am approaching 3 years with Starbucks. yikes.
I have been thinking a lot about my trip to Italy over the last few days. I didn't really talk about it much right after my return, maybe I didn't know how to really talk about something so fresh or so crucial to some internal changing but I now have shared more in the last week than the 2 months previous. I was talking to Aaron Espe about the trip tonight and I was reminded about how quickly dreams and plans change. I've done (and am still doing) some crazy things over the last 5 years. I played saxophone with Claire in Bologna and really really enjoyed it. Just over 5 years ago I graduated from college with a music degree and now I don't play or sing any more. (well, I sing all the time just not for people) Aaron asked if playing in Bologna sparked any memories that made me say "oh yeah, this is what I do, I play music." I don't know, I certainly haven't taken the horn out of the closet since my return, so I guess not really. But its funny how certain I felt all those years ago about music, and then food, then wine- "certainty", I'm pretty sure that word doesn't exist in my everyday life... just ask my mom how many ideas I have- every week I have a new plan for my life.
It feels good to look back and see how all of those pieces of me still coexist quite nicely in this strange strange life of mine.
I've basically decided that I am far from hip enough to work on larimer square.

ooohh funny story. So I work at the downtown tasting room on average of once a week (at least so far) and both thursdays I've worked I parked in a lot that is $7 to park until 6pm, and both times I walked to my car at approximately 6:18 pm only to find that the ticket man is literally 3 cars away from writing me a ticket. I swear that the next time I'm there he'll recognize my car and think "dang it, that girl runs to her car and drives away before I can get her license plate to give her a ticket. I'm going to go directly to her car at 6:01 pm and slam a ticket on her dash. yeah, take that." well, mr. ticket man just try it. you just try it.

and I feel fine

2008-06-15T14:41:00.004-06:00

Life has been full. Wine festival season is upon us. That means that during the month of June we have major events every weekend. phew. 2 down 2 to go. AND we've opened a tasting room downtown at Larimer square. Its hard to believe that I work downtown sometimes... I always thought that I was not even close to hip enough to ever work downtown-let alone Larimer square. But I'm there pouring wine and selling as much as humanly possible. Its been fun- and kind of nice to have a new set of faces to pour for (and with).
Things have been, although busy, very good. I'm getting a little sun, riding my bike at every possible chance I can get, looking for a house, loving my realtor, and I just bought a pass to Elitch Gardens. I cant' wait to ride some rides and hang out in the water park a lot this summer.
I've lately been reminded that I am a few years older than some of my good good friends here in Denver. yet although I'm creeping toward the age of 27, I don't feel it. despite the house hunting I feel anti-grown up: could be the company, could be the change of some mentality since my return from Italy, or because I just bought a theme park season pass... HA!
All in all?
I love the summer, I love Denver and I'm feeling good.

the hunt continues

2008-06-04T18:13:00.002-06:00

So Victoria, my realtor, and I went to see 10 houses this evening. oh geeze, there is nothing worth even looking at again. but that's ok.

the hunt

2008-05-24T23:32:00.001-06:00

I'm starting the search for a house. yes, a real house for me to live in, oh and own. AAHH! am I really grown up enough to do this? I guess almost 27 (good grief, 27?) is old enough, right?!?!

sometimes you're just busy

2008-05-20T10:00:00.003-06:00

Sometimes when you arrive home from a long trip you become exceptionally busy. I've been watching my plants grow. (Well, let me explain. I had this small plant growing out of my bathtub when I left for Italy. I thought it would be funny to see what it would be like later- so I left it. Now mind you, I had someone coming to the apartment to stay while I was gone so if it got out of control it could be taken care of)

Then I came home and found it like this.
But since my return I've been to Rockies games, birthday parties, concerts, the first of my summer bbqs,

and of course happy hour with the girls from Starbucks. We went to Sabor Latino to have, in my opinion, the best Mojitos in town. They use real sugar cane!!
All in all since my return I've been difficult to reach. there was a lot to catch up on, I guess.

home sweet home

2008-04-26T09:50:00.003-06:00

For the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of, in the first split second of waking up, not being totally sure of what city, let alone what country I will find myself in. But yesterday I had the joy of waking up in my own bed in Denver.

yep, I'm home. my 2 months of European life is complete. I'll get more photos posted to flickr soon... pro account here I come.

It will take me a while to process, pour through my 800 pictures a few thousand times, catch up on sleep, and realize that I'm home before life will be anywhere near normal again. But I'm getting a good start by working a huge party at the winery this evening. let the fun begin, right?

my phone is on and waiting for your call. ;-)

Thank you all for thinking of me and following with me on this life-changing adventure.

time really flies

2008-04-19T11:21:00.002-06:00

Wow, time really flies. I've been all over the place since my last post. I am currently in the magical city of Paris. But since my last post I was in Bologna (for nearly a week with my dear dear friends Scott and Claire- thank you again!) having some of the best food of my life, drinking wine, going to a jazz bar, playing Claire's sax in an Italian big band- i was totally amazed at how quickly it all came back to me, shopping, attending parties, dancing in clubs and really really enjoying myself. Then last tuesday I left Bologna and spent literally a few hours in Pisa admiring the Piazza Miracole which includes a cathedral, baptistry and of course the leaning tower. Then headed to the Cinque terre for a night and full day. That was a very relaxing and beautiful place. I wish that I had spent another day or two there. I hiked the trail between 3 of the 5 villages - three of the five because as I was literally dropping down into the 4th village I fell and twisted my ankle a little. i know, it could only happen to me... I was warned that the 4th to the 5th was pretty difficult and thought I better not chance it on a slightly twisted ankle. Then headed to Nice, France. Nice is nice. :-)

But now I'm in Paris. Went literally all over the city today. so much to see in so few days.

I'm headed to Switzerland on Tuesday and then to the airport to fly home on Thursday. I can hardly believe that 2 months are nearly up. Contemplated *missing* my flight and heading back to Florence and doing another couple of weeks of language school. But alas I can hear the states calling my name....

Biking, goodbyes and Bologna

2008-04-09T08:53:00.006-06:00

After many requests I, with some help from my friend Scott, have been able to put some photos on the blog and am working on my flickr site with a more complete set of photos. I should have that up with captions very soon. but until then please enjoy the photos that are there and captionless. www.flickr.com/photos/dtillion

This is the Chianti region. It was absolutely, totally and completely beautiful!

This is the duomo from my classroom window. A lot of the month of March was cloudy like this but I still think that it was a spectacular view.

This is Venice- the water taxis were expensive but for photos alone it was worth it. We had a wonderfully sunny first day and a not so sunny but pleasant second day there.

I've arrived in Bologna to spend some time with Scott and Claire. They are incredibly generous to lend me their futon for several days. It will be the first time I've spent the night in one bed for more than one night since the 28th of March. That's weird to think about. Even though I spent many extra nights in Florence I slept in a different room in my hostel every night. I guess that is the risk you take when booking a hostel on a day to day basis in a busy city.

After a lovely weekend in Venice with Aine I headed back to Florence (couldn't seem to get away from that city) for a couple of last nights. On Monday morning I woke up and headed to Ponte Vespucci to meet up for a bike tour of Chianti. What a great experience. It was a 20 km (12 mile) ride. Now, to some 12 miles is nothing... but to me (who is still a very inexperienced cycler) that sounded like a great and challenging ride. It was both. The countryside was breathtaking and honestly so was the last part of the ride. There were two hills in the last part of the ride that were slaughtering me. But I made it to the top and really really enjoyed myself. We made several stops on our ride. The first was a winery in the Chianti Classico region. The wine was quite nice a Chianti Classico and a Chianti Classico Reserva. I very much enjoyed seeing the facilities and a little of the Villa that is a very very fancy hotel. Apparently some of the suites go for 2500 euro a night. yowsah! Then we stopped in a tiny, cute hill town for lunch and coffee. ( a much needed break after all of the wine we had consumed). Then came the long stretch of riding... then at the top of the hill we had cokes and then headed back to the garage. It really has been a highlight to my trip.

I've officially left Florence and do not planning on stopping back there this trip. On my final morning I wondered the streets and reminisced about the past 5 weeks that I've been there (well the last week off and on but still). I walked by all of the places I'd visited, places I'd eaten, places I'd had a few drinks or some that I'd had too much to drink, places I had some life changing conversations and some incredible laughs. It was a great way to say goodbye to the city that I've come to admire and love. After my friends finished school we went to one of our regular lunch spots and I was faced with saying goodbye to people that have become very dear friends of mine. Despite my sadness of knowing that I may not see them again (at least for some time) I know that it is time to move on and see some more of this incredible country and continent.

Santa Maria novella

2008-04-04T09:26:00.002-06:00

Roma! What a city. I loved it! Ana and I packed into 4 days what two normal people could do in a weeks time. We literally ran from place to place. I was exhausted after our trip. It was a wonderful city that is full of life, history and a great deal to see. The weather was fabulous: I'm sure that it was in the 60s every day and I even got a little sunburn on my face- despite putting sunblock on in the morning. The Colosseo and the ruins just blew me away. It was quite an amazing thing to be faced with something that was so old and has so much history.
I am back in Florence for a few days. Of course the day that I arrive in Florence it rains- no pours! figures. But today has been beautiful.
I am staying a lovely hostel and have enjoyed a few days in Firenze by myself (at least in the morning while my friends are still in school). I walked along the Arno river this morning and then stepped into a few churches that I had not been in before. Then after lunch with my friends, I climbed the cupola, bought a new shirt, and headed to the last church on my list to see. Santa Maria Novella. While heading to the entrance I was stopped by a 75 year old Italian man (at first I was not surprised- I have often been stopped by Italian men) but this was going to be a different encounter, I could tell by the first words out of his mouth. He spoke to me about the church that I was about to enter and told me all of the artists that had paintins, frescoes, or sculptures within it. He asked if he could join me in the church and of course I could not turn him down. He told me to put on my jacket because it was going to be cold in the church. I, obeyed, paid for my ticket and in we went. He took me by the hand and spoke to me in clear, slow Italian and was my personal tour guide through this incredible church. He, Giulio, was quite a charming man. He told me that my smile lit up the church and that he was amazed at my knowledge of Italian (I didn't have the heart to tell him that I only understood about 1/2 to 3/4 of what he said... but I guess that doesn't matter). It was a wonderful afternoon.
Tomorrow I head to Venice with my friend Aine (from Ireland) for the weekend. I will return to Firenze for one last evening on Sunday and hopefully take a bike tour of Chianti on Monday before I head to Bologna on Tuesday.
All in all a glorious return to the non-student life. (although I miss working on my Italian everyday in school)
Ciao!

2008-03-28T06:34:00.002-06:00

My last few days as an Italian language student have FLOWN by. Today is my last day in the city for a while. Last night we had an "end of the term" celebration. There were about 15 of us that went out to dinner. Then a smaller group of us went to sing Karaoke. The bar was surprisingly empty and we were really the only group singing- as a thank you the bar bought us all a round. Then an even smaller group of us went to a discoteche. I know. What a night. I have to be honest. I didnt even make it to my last day of school. It was way too difficult to get up (after only a couple of hours of sleep) to go learn about the Future tense.... turns out there were only a few people that actually made it to class this morning anyway.
I had some excitement a couple of days ago, too. I had my wallet stolen on Monday. Well, I assume it was stolen. Its hard to say if I just totally lost it or if it was lifted out of my bag. But thanks to my fabulous parents all has been resolved well enough for me to continue on.
Today is sunny and warm with a few white puffy clouds. Not a bad way to spend my last few hours as a Fiorentina.
Off to Roma tomorrow morning. I cannot wait!

rain rain go away

2008-03-24T07:06:00.002-06:00

The weather in Florence has been miserable for the past couple of days. They call it "crazy march." That it has been. We have had rain nearly every day this week. Not the pleasant make everything pretty kind of rain, but the soaking, drenching, make my feet wet and wrinkly kind of rain. Blegh.
There is a temporary stop in the misery as I type. The sun is out and I can feel my toes rejoicing at the idea of dry streets. But despite the rain I have been ticking off the last remaining things that I plan to see in the city. I do not know how one person can see every museum, church, site in this place without being totally and completely overwhelmed. I know very very little about Art history so some of it is lost on me, but some, like the museum of San Marco, really moved me. Do not miss it if you are ever in Florence.
I head to Rome on Sat. with my roommate for 4 days. I can hardly believe that I am entering into my last week of school in Florence. Time has really flown. Then After Rome time is my own and plans are unmade. Should be exciting.
I am sure this week will be filled with bitter-sweet moments. I love these people, this city, but mostly my new friends. love love love. (yes, love times 3- I use it too, Jules) But part of me is ready to move on and see some new things.

I am totally missing watching College Ball during march madness.
GO UCLA!
off to enjoy the last minutes of sun before it rains again.

2008-03-21T05:54:00.003-06:00

How do I even begin to recount all of the things that have been happening here in the beautiful city of Florence? I can hardly believe that it has been 11 days since I've last posted. It feels like yesterday yet a year ago at the same time. The passage of time is a strange thing. Luckily I have one week left here.

I have seen more museums and churches than I can even recall the details of everyone. I have seen concerts, last night I went to see Verdi's Messe Reqium. Literally it was the best and most moving concert I have ever seen. I'm pretty sure that over half of the audience cried.

I've made friends that will last a lifetime. We eat together, walk the city, climb the towers, admire the beauty and enjoy gelato as much as we can. I can't figure out how to get my pictures off of the camera and on to the screen without causing too much hassle. But I look forward to sharing my photos when I return.
Until next time... things are wonderful and I'm glad I don't have to go home yet. :)

Weekend 1

2008-03-10T07:51:00.002-06:00

Saturday was the Festa della donna (Women's festival). That meant that all state museums were free to women, women were being handed flowers left and right, etc. Mark that day on your calenders because I plan on celebrating from here on out.
I went to Siena yesterday with a few other girls. We hopped on a train around 11am. We did not know that there was a big soccer match between Siena and Firenze (ancient rivalry continued). We sat across the train from a very roudy group of young people that sang, yelled and cheered the length of the 1 1/2 hour train ride. We could only understand a little of what they were saying but none of it was appropriate. As we wondered around the beautiful city we could hear the screams of the crowd everywhere we went. We were able to watch a few minutes of the game from a hight point on the other side of the fence from the stadium. These fans were amazingly into it, makes me want to watch one here in town. Turned out Firenze lost.
Siena's duomo was an unbelievable experience. I have never seen anything like it. It was very very beautiful. Although I love Firenze, Siena was a wonderful change to the hustle and bustle here, it was peacefully quiet and very "old italian" feeling. That could have been from a combo of a cold, rainy day and it being a match day. Hard to know...
We got to the train station 5 minutes too late to catch the train we thought we wanted. So we had to wait nearly 2 hours before the next train. While there, we bought a couple of cheap bottles of wine (thankfully I always have an opener ready) and asked for some plastic cups. Not 15 seconds after we opened the first bottle, another traveler (American) came up and asked if he could join us. He was also headed to Firenze and we enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine with him while we waited. While on the train we also shared some wine with some Sicilians that were on their way to Firenze, also. Wine really brings people together. :)

Life here is good and busy. Every day a new activity... today I bought a leather purse and later visita al Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Ciao!

2008-03-07T09:46:00.002-07:00

My Italian is slow in coming, but am enjoying it greatly. The weather has changed dramatically and it feels more like winter. Cool, windy and rainy. I forgot the cord to my camera so I can't post pictures today but the skies are grey.

Today I walked around the city with 2 new friends (an Irish girl and a Dutch guy) and we saw a lot of true florence. Meaning, we went way past the touristy spots and met up with the true florentines. We got lost (the best way to explore, right) and had a great time.

I went to the Palazzo Vecchio yesterday afternoon. What a beautiful palace. Hard to imagine living in a palace, especially one built like this one. So much history in one city, amazing.

We are meeting up in a couple of hours to eat, go to a bar and then maybe dancing... should be a great evening!

Day 2 1/2

2008-03-04T10:50:00.002-07:00

Ahhh Firenze. Its a wonder there are not more deaths on these streets. I have only been here a few days and have seen so many pedestrians, cyclists and vespa riders come very close to getting smashed by the oncoming traffic. One that is awesome is that the smaller the car you have the cooler you are.
Strange things I have encountered so far:
1) American music plays everywhere. I'm currently in an internet cafe that has Beyonce singing (a song from Dreamgirls)
2) the key board I am using has keys I have never seen and the symbols are all in different places
3) I thought that Disneyland had a lot of tourists-- can't top Firenze...
4) There are more Americans roaming around than I expected.
5) the egg yolks are more yellow than i have ever seen... weird, i know.
6) who ever said that it was cheap to log on to the internet here was cheap is very very wrong
7) all trattorias around the center are geared to tourists
8) if you ever plan on moving to Florence, don't do it on a sunday. everything you need that is not outrageously priced is closed.
I love it here. I am living with 2 other girls and the owner of the house and his girlfriend. One girl is from Portugal and is studying Vocal Music in Berlin and the other is a travel agent from Vera Cruz, Mexico. Ana Maria and Erica, respectively. Language school has surprisingly fewer Americans than I expected. A lot of Europeans and a few from Brazil- probably 30 students in the entire school. There are 10 in my absolute beginners class. Wonderful people, i think that I know the least amount of Italian than the entire class, no problem.

It rained today- I am looking forward to seeing the Duomo after the rain. Molto Molto Bella!

Ciao!

fast forward

2008-02-25T21:56:00.003-07:00

alright who hit the fast forward button on my life without me knowing?

Well, I leave the day after tomorrow. holy crap, the day after tomorrow.
Just cleaned the bathroom and scrubbed the kitchen, purchased the last remaining items I think I'll need (lets hope), now I need to do at least a thousand loads of laundry make about 10 phone calls and get on the freaking plane!

2 weeks

2008-02-14T09:49:00.003-07:00

yeah that's right. In 2 weeks I will be on a plane flying to Italy- well technically Switzerland and then I'll take a train into Italy.
#1 on my to-do list is to practice packing. I have to figure out what to take how much am I willing to carry on my back for a month and how much space do I intend to leave to take things home. I've already resigned to the fact that I'll send wine home. No way I'm going to carry wine around with me (except a few bottles to drink...) to take home- that stuff is heavy.

There is still stuff to do before I go. But it doesn't seem like it'll be too crazy. We'll see how much sleep I'll lose over the next two weeks before it all gets done. my mom reminded me that as long as I have my camera, some clean underwear, and a way to get some money I should be alright. Any world travelers out there have any suggestions on what kind of clothes I should bring? I don't plan on bringing much- i'd love to buy things to wear there. I mean geeze I'll be in Florence!!

the countdown

2008-02-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

We're at 21 days and counting until I leave for Italy.

I was laying in bed last night (after seeing Atonement-great great film) and realizing my to-do list is getting no shorter while the days until I leave is quickly scooting past me.
Having never been Europe, let alone for 2 months, I'm having difficulty knowing what I should be doing let alone planning for. So, I'm giving in to the fact that there will be some terribly stressful and scary moments for me in this trip. But that's part of the experience for me. I'm learning to not be so uptight and not so concerned about the unknown. I feel like I'm making extreme progress. but the true test will be 21 days from now as I'm flying into the unknown. :)

2008-01-16T15:00:00.001-07:00

at some point in the not so far away past I decided it was okay to have a glass of wine at 3pm.

oh, how my life has changed. not complaining, just sayin' is all.

countdown to italy?

6 weeks and 1 day

Italia

2007-12-03T22:36:00.001-07:00

I'm going to Italy in March. all of march, really, in Florence. And April, too.
Language school, here I come!!

2007-11-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

Folk music. That's what is streaming through my veins these days. I can't seem to get enough. I think its the stories, the easy to understand music yet more passion than I can explain, and how the words stay in my head for days.

I bought a Christmas tree for the first time. It was 5 dollars.
best part? it came with 2 strings of lights. but they didn't work.
I bought it with Doug at a yard sale a couple of weeks ago. I think it has a grand total of 12 ornaments on it and 30 feet of lights. The first time Doug and I strung it with lights and turned them on we nearly fell on the ground laughing. It looked like we'd hog tied it with lights there were so many on there. Needless to say it is a very bright 3 foot tall tree.

1st Friday of November

2007-11-02T22:07:00.000-06:00

I love my job. The winery has been such a great place for me to be. I work quite a bit. Lets just be honest I am a work-a-holic. I can't seem to help it. I think it is in my genes. But I can't imagine a better place to spend my time. I get to talk wine, make wine, drink wine, hang out with wine people... can you imagine a better life?
Tonight was 1st Friday. My favorite of the ones so far. Maybe because I liked the artist. Spencer Tomberg is a good guy, nice family, adorable baby, and genuinely interested in what we do. But more than that I left work tonight thinking that the past 3.5 hours didn't really feel like work.

awesome, eh?

up to the eyeballs

2007-10-27T23:46:00.000-06:00

I've tried to update and keep running out of time. Such is my life. I've been literally up to my eye balls in grapes: crushing, pressing, mashing, selling, drinking, and then cleaning up the mess that I've made in the process. I'm finding this job is terribly messy. I've stained jeans, shirts, hands, hair, and shoes all purple. I'd like to say its in honor of the Rockies, but lets just be honest about it, that would just be silly.
I've been filling what little off time there seems to be watching baseball, hopelessly attempting to win my Fantasy football games (That game takes way too much time for me to succeed at. Blasted Sean and Capp), dreaming of Europe, reading dear friends blogs in far away places and hoping that someday soon I too can join the foreign blog train.
I'm thinking about language school in Florence. I know I know. my ever changing life plan is really ever changing. But Europe has been calling my name for sometime. Now the trick is keeping my wine job and going to Europe for a period of time longer than any one human should be able to do and keep her job. maybe??
The Rockies are breaking my heart.
despite the heart break, I did a jig tonight after Holliday's homer...
literally did a jig.

SWEEP

2007-10-16T21:03:00.002-06:00

We're going to the World Series. Just thought you all should know.

Go ROCKIES!

the rocks

2007-09-30T10:36:00.000-06:00

you should've seen the Rockies last night keeping their playoff hopes afloat.

it was a great game, watching with a great friend in great seats.

Buena Vista

2007-09-24T22:31:00.001-06:00

Spent the weekend with dear dear friends. We laughed, we gamed, we froze, we reminisced. A short drive from their home is a view like this. Lucky, I know.

um.

2007-09-11T21:34:00.001-06:00

Sometimes this is my life.

ah, fall

2007-09-09T23:31:00.000-06:00

My favorite season is upon us. I wore a long sleeve shirt, pants and flips this evening and was a little chilled. amazing how it goes from summer to fall overnight here. I love it.

Beginnings of fall

2007-09-03T12:57:00.000-06:00

Great birthday weekend. Thanks to all of you who helped me celebrate and made my birthday so great.

I love the fall. Its my favorite season. My birthday always marks the last hoorah of summer and the beginnings of fall.

I saw Becoming Jane this weekend. I really enjoyed it. Its a really great story of Jane Austen. A sad, yet great story. I definitely suggest seeing it.

the countdown to 26

2007-08-26T22:44:00.000-06:00

People are still in awe of the fact that I moved here practically by myself. Its funny to think about it now, having lived here over 2 years. I was talking with a brand new friend after church about what it is like to live by myself (she having only had roommates and now a husband) and moving to a completely new place, etc. I chuckled at her questions and genuine interest in this strange path that I've chosen. As the 9 of us made our way to dinner, I realized what a gift I have been given. I have finally found a church that I am proud to be attending and have some people that I can sit with and go to dinner with after the service. Although I barely know these people and I am the only single in this group of long time friends, it feels good to eat together, laugh, tell stories and hear of their history together. Sure, it makes me very aware of how much I miss my college friends and our history together, and my singleness is all the more apparent when the bill is split by couple and then me. But just one year ago I doubted all of my decisions leading to this point and wondered if this is all actually worth the work it takes to live so far from all of the people I love. Now I can't imagine living anywhere else. I think its funny how life takes surprising twists and turns.
I was talking to a friend today, over Chipotle, about how transitional my life still feels, despite these great things in my life. As I face turning 26 head on, I have gone through an internal crisis about what my life looks like and how desperately I have tried to make decisions to feel settled or at least less transitional. yet the truth is I am a real adult, pushing myself down an unknown path which leads me to somewhere also unknown. Yet, God is faithful, he has a plan and it is for my good. I know these things. and I do have faith that they will come into fruition. But I realized being transitional is okay. Moving from apartment to apartment is okay. Not knowing where I am headed is okay. Hoping for something more permanent is okay. Feeling unfotunately single in a sea of married friends is okay. And that riding my bicycle all over town is freaking awesome.

bicycle, bicycle

2007-08-23T21:19:00.001-06:00

just start calling me biker-dee instead of chef-dee

that's right, I bought a bicycle. I am so excited about it. I plan on biking all over town, using less gas, less wear on my car, and in a way I'm really trying to make my life a little more "green."
I'm pretty sure that the last time I rode a bike for any length of time was when I was in Jr. High. So, this is definitely going to take some serious practice and some coaching from my friends but I'm going to get good at it. But don't worry too much, Mom, I bought a really good helmet.

i'll post pictures soon.

holy humidity

2007-08-06T23:06:00.001-06:00

I forgot, did I move to the South or something? the humidity has been torturing me. The air has been so thick that it is sometimes uncomfortable to breathe. I don't know how you southern folk do it. I guess gallons of sweet tea would help...
Last night we had the most incredible thunder and lightning I've ever seen or heard. As I was going to bed it was nonstop. INCREDIBLE to watch and kind of scary to listen to.

umm, yeah.

2007-07-21T21:54:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to come up with something to write for an update for weeks. Still nothing comes to mind.
I'm alive, working a lot and loving my life. I think that pretty much sums it up.

ps. check out an itunes "cheap and worth it album" that I've grown to love already. Little Voice by Sara Bareilles.

HEAT

2007-06-25T11:15:00.000-06:00

It's been record breaking hot around here. I can't wait to get to the Central Coast of Cali for a few days! Pacific Grove here I come!

3rd time is the charm

2007-06-03T12:48:00.000-06:00

I can't even believe it but I'm entering into my 3rd summer in Denver. I love the summer. It is the season of concerts in the park, wine on the front porch, flip-flops every day, back yard bbqs, house parties that last into the late night and I'm still comfortable in a t-shirt, and afternoon thunderstorms. i don't think it gets any better than this.

At a party last night I was amazed at how many people are just like me here. They've moved from other places and have been wooed by the city of Denver. so few are natives and even fewer plan on leaving. Although I met a girl last night that is from a small southern town and said that Denver doesn't feel like a community that knows each other. I told her that I felt totally opposite. I guess its all a matter of perspective. LA v. Denver, small town v. Denver... two opposite view points.

I'm still LOVING my job at Bonacquisti! I've helped bottle ~ 200 cases over the past 2 weeks. That is tough yet satisfying work. We had an Art Show event on Friday that was interesting and am totally looking forward to our next one in July.

All in all life is really really good.

Wining

2007-05-13T16:46:00.000-06:00

edit: I forgot to post the link to where I'm working. Check it out- Bonacquisti Wine

ok, so I'm not actually whining, I'm "wining". I very recently got a job at a local winery, (yes, denver does have wineries). Basically the job description is pretty vague at the moment. I'll be working in the tasting room, helping with the wine making/bottling process and I'll be helping to do some marketing and hopefully get a wine club started. We should have 10 wines by the fall in the line up. I'm STOKED at the idea of getting some experience in the wine industry. I had my first day in the tasting room this afternoon. I had a great time, nothing better than talking to people, selling and drinking wine!

the Decemberists

2007-04-23T10:59:00.000-06:00

Great show. great, great show. If you haven't heard their music before you should check it out.

insomnia

2007-04-21T12:05:00.000-06:00

I'm really glad that this week is over. I haven't really slept much, or at all really. But I believe that the torture of not sleeping is over. I went to bed last night a little after 11pm and woke up a little bit after 11 am. everyone is so excited about it there is dancing in the streets...

Busy weekend! I went to see my friend Anne's musical last night in Idaho springs. I forgot how incredible high school musicals are- and by incredible I often mean hilarious. It was fun and they did a fine job. Good job directing Anne! I work tonight and then I go and see the Decemberists tomorrow night! I'm so excited to see them and hang out with some work friends outside of work. and then next week? volunteer for earth day, try to get a job at a local winery, pair wine with cheese, and then GO TO CALIFORNIA! thank goodness for time away.

23 years

2007-04-17T10:52:00.000-06:00

I'm amazed at the passage of time. My mom sent me an e-card yesterday celebrating the fact that I became a big sister 23 years ago. 23 years. My brother is an amazing man. Weird for me to say man, but he is. He holds a fabulous job, has a fun car, has lived out of our parents house for many years, has good friends, makes good, sound, logical decisions, been on some amazing adventures, and has a great future. But 23 years? To me, turning 23 felt like a huge jump from 22. It sounded older. I'm not sure how, but it did. All that to say, I'm proud of you, Doug. Happy Birthday!

I spent Easter Sunday with my dear friends (and family away from family) the Oldroyds. I am so glad to spend holidays with this family. They make me laugh, include me in family time, we eat great food, drink wine and coffee. pretty much my favorite things. The Oldroyd's love puzzles. When I arrived they were working on what seemed like a pretty difficult one. And this puzzle kind of reflected how I feel about my life right now. There were so many pieces all seeming to fit together yet not actually fitting. Potentially a beautiful puzzle, but if you can't get it to fit that's all it is. pieces.
A good friend asked me the other day if I felt like God had a plan for our lives. I thought about it for a minute, answering "of course He does". The more I thought about it I wished that I'd said, "He'd better, cause I sure don't."

my friend and mentor

2007-04-15T10:44:00.000-06:00

After 35 years of working at APU, Al Clifft will be leaving to teach at Cal Baptist. He touched so many lives during his time in Azusa, and was such a central part of college for so many of us. Join with me in thanking Al for all he did for us by reposting this blog and sending it to all your friends who know Al.

Before this school year is over, take a minute to send Al a thank you note in the mail. Thank him for whatever it was that he did for you and wish him well as he starts a new challenge! Wouldn't it be great if one of his last memories of APU was receiving hundreds of thank you notes from his former students?

You can send the notes here:
Azusa Pacific University
School of Music - Al Clifft
901 East Alosta Ave
Azusa, CA 91702

love & hate

2007-04-09T19:04:00.000-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my tile floors. I love them because they look great, easy to clean, and overall fairly indestructible. I hate them because they also are very destructible to my belongings. I dropped one of my baking stones and it shattered. At least 15 pieces. dang it.

Homestyle

2007-04-07T21:30:00.000-06:00

I have a new addiction. Pop-Secret's Home style popcorn. I can't get enough.
It actually tastes home made... nothing like the Cathey recipe that I secretly looked forward to every Sunday/Wednesday during the good years of Alias ( heck even the bad years) and our Lost evenings.
Still praying for you Rod! the news is getting more encouraging as time passes.

I dyed Easter eggs with the Capp's tonight. I haven't done that in years. We had a good time and of course I ended up with blue, green, yellow and orange finger tips. classic.
Jen comes to visit on Tuesday! yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Happy Easter everyone. He is RISEN!

How does this even happen?

2007-04-05T12:43:00.000-06:00

My dear friend's dad had a massive seizure the other night that was caused by a brain tumor. Join me in praying for him and his family.

UCLA

2007-03-31T22:44:00.000-06:00

Don't mention the game. I'm not ready to talk about it... grr.

i'm official

2007-03-31T16:21:00.000-06:00

I have my first level certification as a Sommelier. April 14th I go in for my 2nd level certification test. Look out wine world, I'm breaking in.

LOST

2007-03-28T22:00:00.000-06:00

All I can say is, OH MY GOSH!

new cell number?

2007-03-26T22:57:00.000-06:00

I'm considering changing my cell number to a local number... just putting it out there.

new hair

2007-03-24T11:58:00.000-06:00

Amazing things happen when you have friends that are stylists.
I thought I gave myself a black eye last night. turned out it just needed an hour of ice and all is well. phew.

tips

2007-03-20T16:43:00.000-06:00

This was probably the best tip I have ever receieved. not the greatest beer in the world, but excellent in intention.

2007-03-19T13:50:00.000-06:00

The weather has been really great around here. I think that the city has come out of hibernation. I've been walking the lake at the park near my house. I really love the park. The kids, the walkers, the joggers, the joggers that really should be walking *I'm often in that category*, the ducks and geese, the city fishermen. I often see some pretty amazing things like ducks with mohawks and geese doing yoga, but my favorite part about walking the park are the neighborhoods around the park. I've been "house watching" a lot recently. Every street in this part of town is like a new neighborhood, the houses are different on everyone. This really gives me the urge to buy! (not like I can, but i love the idea)
Basketball fever is upon me. My bracket is getting filled out diligently, I anxiously wait for the games to start, scream and yell at the TV, and when I have to miss them due to something else, I can't wait to get home to read the recaps. I know, I've lost my mind completely. I just can't help myself. Go Bruins!
I volunteered last night for a fundraiser called "Chefs upfront". Its for an organization called Operation Front line. They are eager to stop childhood hunger in Colorado. I definitely can stand behind that! Anyway, the whole thing was pretty awesome. Chefs from probably about 25 different restaurants came and put on a table side dinner for their table of 10. I was a server for a modern Mexican restaurant called Zengo. I really enjoyed it. I'm going to look into seeing if I can help OFL any on a regular basis... we'll see.
anyway, things are good. I'm just desperately trying to figure out a way to give my number to my coffee crush...

Only here

2007-03-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

I have a great weekend planned.

Sat: work until one, head to Boulder and have a BBQ with the Oldroyds
Sun: go to church and then go snowshoeing

only in Colorado can you have an outside BBQ and go snowshoeing in the same weekend... LOVE IT!

Laundry

2007-02-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

I did laundry at the landromat this morning. Last time I checked, my feet haven't been this small for like 25 years. I guess I aquired this in the process.

My new place!

2007-02-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am still SO excited about my new place. This is how I've celebrated!

new place

2007-02-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

I totally moved onto the corner of 44th and Hooker in Denver. HA!
need the new address? email me, I'll send it to you.

Who is Craig anyway?

2007-02-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

got my plates and drivers license for this nice state. the deed is done, i officially live here. yeah yeah, i know i've lived here over 18 mos. already but now its official. you can catch me sporting the 361- ONN all around town.

I've been searching for a new place to live. And the only logical place to look is Craigslist.com. I love craigslist, i love reading the missed connections, checking out what people are giving away for free and even what jobs are posted. But spending hours scouring for places in the dead of winter--- not smart.

Who is this craig guy anyway? and how did his list become so popular? questions the world may never answer.

the struggle of choice

2007-01-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

Life is a series of choices. Some are small and often insignificant. what am I going to wear today? curly hair or straightened? tall or grande? Some aren't.
I hunger for truth, for direction, for purpose and meaning. The answers are slow to come.

"You still the hunger of those who you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I-- in righteousnesss I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satifisfied with seeing your likeness." Psalm 17: 14b-15

Yeah Saturn!

2007-01-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Today is supposed to be a balmy 35 degrees. Never in a million years would I have been expected to be pleased to see a high of 35 degrees, but I guess when it has been below 20 for the past week and well below zero in the nights 35 sounds pretty darn good. :)

I've been home in Denver for a little over a week after a glorious 17 days in California with my family and friends. A lot has happened since I last posted. Let's start with the biggies, shall we?
1. I graduated from Culinary school
2. I bought a beautiful new car. 2007 Saturn Aura.
3. Started working only one job and having no school or homework
4. Had more snow than I've ever seen in an incredibly short period of time
5. Left for california after a blizzard and walked over people sleeping in the airport because their planes didn't leave. I felt incredibly bad, but not bad enough to give up my seat to them... geeze.
6. my car looked like a giant snow man while I was gone.
7. had a GREAT time in Cali.
8. Came back home to denver to an arctic blast of cold.
9. Been working only one job and have never felt as if I've ever had this much free time.

What happens next? that is the question everyone has been asking me. The answer is that I have NO IDEA. First and foremost I need to figure out what the heck I want with my life and then go after it. Easier said than done, right? I love starbucks but is it what I want with my life? most of me says no but on other days i can't imagine giving it up. maybe open a cafe someday, who better to learn the coffee business from than the big boys...
anyway, I have a lot to figure out and a lot of time to figure it out, thankfully.

The new year brings lots of change for this one. Hopefully it does for you as well.

Holiday Blizzard 2006

2006-12-21T08:35:00.001-07:00

Yes, a blizzard. I may be stuck here for a few more days... DIA is shut down, the roads are a giant snowman, my car has so much snow on it that I can't even see it, I can't open my back door without snow coming in the house. It is a mess outside. Starbuck's is closed so I get a snow day.
I plan on watching movies all day long.

I'm done!

2006-12-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, not officially done but close enough. I turned in my final projects this afternoon. I am thrilled about it all. I have 2 days at the restaurant this week and then I graduate on Friday. Time has really flown by, I can hardly believe that a year and a half ago I made this incredible move to Colorado and started this crazy life I've lead. needless to say, I'm so proud of myself and so thankful that God has seen me every step of the way! awesome.

good friends, good food, good wine = great time

2006-11-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was fabulous. good friends, good food, good wine = great time. I think that is my new life motto.
Winter has come back. It's cold and snowy outside and I love it. Especially when I get to sleep in and lounge in my super warm and super comfortable bed until the late morning while listening to my ipod.
The finish of school is fast approaching and my motivation for completing my work is diminishing just as quickly. But never fear my work will get done and my projects will not suck.
I've been looking to buy a new car. I'm still not sure what I'm getting.
I made a fried egg sandwich this morning for breakfast, I forget how much I like fried eggs.

I've been waiting

2006-11-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

there are a few of things that I've been anxiously awaiting for some time now.
1) Cosbys, Mckensies, Pinas come to CO for Thanksgiving. CHECK
2) I graduate from Culinary school. (December 15)
3) Vacation in California (December 22- Jan. 8)

I am seriously unbelievable

2006-11-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

I closed the store this evening like I do most Saturday nights. It was laid back and an easy close. As we were walking out the door I grabbed the newspapers to be recycled. We walked out and I locked the door.
The other 2 closers were headed to their cars and both offered me a ride to mine (I was parked the furthest) and I turned them down, like always. I walked to the recycling dumpster and through the newspapers into it. I realized at that exact moment that my car keys were no longer in my hand. I freaked out. I had just thrown my keys into this giant dumpster filled with smashed cardboard boxes and mountains of old newspapers. How am I going to get out of this one? I ran to Art's car to ask him to wait a minute while I find my keys. I go back to the dumpster and slowly move things out of the way to search for them. It is pitch black outside due to the clouds covering the moon... Of course. Art pulls his car to the dumpster and attempts to put some light on the situation to aid me. I'm still rummaging through the piles of cardboard, to no avail, when he gets out of his car to help. He climbs into the dumpster smashing any chance of me feeling like a normal human being...
After what seemed like ages I called the police for help. I didn't know what else to do. We had no flashlight and what felt like no hope of finding anything without one. Of course all officers were busy with more pressing matters. Art is in the dumpster, I'm terribly embarrassed and the dispatcher says "call someone else to help you find them and if you absolutely cannot find them I'll place a call for an officer to come and assist you." oh great. That could be hours. Who am I going to call at this hour? This is the point in the evening that I realized more than ever that I desperately need a life and more friends...
Art offered to take me home to get my spare keys and then drive me back, bless him. He got back in his car and I opened the passenger side door when I told him that I just needed to double check that I didn't leave them on the table or something where the newspapers were. I went to peer in the window. THEY WERE SITTING ON THE TABLE! He spent at least 20 minutes in the dumpster and they were sitting on the table. Thankfully the store keys and my house keys are on a separate key ring that stays in my pocket while I'm working. I unlocked the doors, totally afraid that I will set off the alarm and send the police anyway, grabbed them and reset the alarm. Totally embarrassed, I wave, thank him at least a dozen times and go to my car.
geeze, I am such a dork.

SNOW DAY!

2006-10-26T15:09:00.000-06:00

one thing I love about the Art Institute? they love to close down when it snows. I dont' have to go to school tonight. yippee.

pondering

2006-10-22T14:06:00.000-06:00

A couple of things I pondered today:

1. Since I moved away from California all of my trips have been going back to California. How am I ever going to reach my 50 by 50 at this rate?
2. How does it go from snowing and cold to sunny and mild in say 15 minutes?
3. How am I ever going to finish my homework if I keep procrastinating?

something terrible

2006-10-11T14:44:00.000-06:00

I don't normally post about bad things that go on but I couldn't help but post this. This morning while working at Starbucks a 14 year old girl was run over by a group of highschoolers (in their car) right outside of my store. It was about 6:40 am and was still dark so luckily we didnt' actually see anything happen. But some of the girls say they did see her underneath the car when the ambulance came. She is in serious condition and are not sure if she's going to pull through. It's a horrible thing when anyone gets injured in an accident but it is even worse when it is a group of high schoolers...
please pray for her, her family, friends and the poor girl driving the car.

peppermint mocha

2006-10-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

I had my first "winter season drink" this morning. it was wonderful!

Feel the sensation

2006-10-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

I made my favorite things tonight for family dinner: York peppermint patty brownies! It's a good thing I'm trying to watch what I eat because otherwise I might eat the whole rest of the pan.
I saw the Science of Sleep last night in Boulder. I really enjoyed it. It's made by the same people who did Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I laughed a lot, mind you it was kind of a strange movie. I definitely suggest seeing it unless you're Heidi, and then you might want to wait until it comes out on video... Maybe to strange for you Heids.
I start my last quarter of school tomorrow. For the first time in a while I'm actually kind of nervous about the start of a quarter. Maybe its because this is the last one and the end symbolizes more decision making or maybe because I'm still exhausted from the last quarter... Either way it all starts tomorrow despite my nerves. :) What are my classes this quarter, you might be asking, well I'd be happy to tell you.
1) Asian Cuisine
2) Menu Management
3) the School Restaurant (the class is actually called A la Carte cooking, but who knows what that actually is?)
That's it. I know. 12 units and I'm outta there. yesssssssssssssssssss

Comforts of the comforter

2006-09-18T10:39:00.000-06:00

I pulled out my big comforter last week and placed it on my bed. I have been sleeping fabulously since that night. It hasn't been quite cool enough yet to warrant it, but there is something wonderful about my sleeping with a giant, warm, heavy, beautiful comforter. The colors are s-l-o-w-l-y beginning to change 'round these parts. My favorite season is upon me. AUTUMN!
Today is the start of finals week. This quarters round of finals is not giving me any surprises, nor any really difficult things to work through, thankfully. But I have never looked more forward to being done with a school session... Maybe it is the knowing that I only have ONE MORE LEFT. I seriously cannot wait.
I've started researching cars. I plan on buying a new car (whether that's new-new or new-to-me has yet to be decided) around the end of the year. There are so many choices to make and options to choose, where does one even begin? My dear old Sammy the Saturn has been good me, and I will miss her. but the time has come to say goodbye.
I'm thinking pretty seriously about staying with Starbucks full-time come the end of school. I love my job and I love the company... So why not continue and take it one step further and join their management program? It is a definite option to consider. We'll see.

here comes the fall

2006-09-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

The weather is changing and I pulled out the box of scarves and beanies this morning. Yes, I have a whole box labeled "winter wear" in my closet, so what.
Becky Boatwright has been here with me these past few days and it has been a pleasure to have her to visit with. Last night we went to Mimi's for dinner. We ate so much food. It was like we hadn't eaten in 7 days. We had the best waitress and tipped her fantastically. Because it was Becky's first time at Mimi's we received 4 free muffins. Who knew that they did such things? I don't remember receiving muffins the first time I went to mimi's. But then again I'm not Becky...
she has such charisma.
We went to Starbucks this morning and ate those muffins, drank our drinks and watched the fog lift from the lake and the city scape behind it. What a sight. We were such "grownups" we drank, read the paper and had serious conversation.
I'm turning in my two weeks notice to Wild Oats tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to working one job again. These past months have been really rough. The new Starbucks store is opening this Friday and I'm really looking forward to the changes ahead. School is coming to a close for the quarter, too. Then on October 2, I start my FINAL quarter of culinary school. Can you even believe it? I sure can't. When I think about it I am amazed at how time is such an odd thing. It has flown by and seemed to creep by all at the same time. I'm still trying to figure out what happens next (after school I mean). All I know is that I'm looking forward to being done.
I downloaded Derek Webb's new CD for free and am enjoying it so far. I suggest checking it out at freederekwebb.com

that's the trouble

2006-08-18T23:52:00.000-06:00

I've been working a lot.
this morning I was 45 minutes late to work. That, as I'm sure some of you know, is a horrible way to start the day. I woke up at 6:22, I'm supposed to be at work at 6. It takes me 20 minutes to get to work. yes, I was out the door in 3 minutes. I was amazed, too. It worked out fine, they made fun of me for most of the day and then I went to my other job. I guess that's the trouble with over working myself.
I had a dream about a chef at my school the other night. it's especially weird because I don't even know this chef. it kind a creeped me out.
I started talking about moving back to california the other day. I'm not sure where I'll end up. Talked to my folks about moving into one of my grandpa's rent houses that I've always loved. They seemed to think that it could work. (my mom loves the idea of me being 1/2 a mile away) Then I got to thinking about who I would hang out with? could I afford to pay the rent on that large house by myself? job? you know, the usual "deanna's freaking out questions". Then I read on Cory's blog that they're moving back to Ripon. One question answered. rent? I can probably work a deal. job? i've got skills. so that thought is on the back burner of my brain.

Anyone want to come live in a large 3 bedroom country home with me in Ceres?

you order chinese food, you come pick it up!

2006-07-28T23:52:00.000-06:00

Well, I've definitely felt the push to blog more often. Unfortunately folks, I'M REALLY BUSY. So, in the last blog I mentioned that I was starting a new job at a Cafe, well those people are STUPID and it never worked out. I trained for 4 days like a month ago and then they kept putting off my "start date" until she finally called and told me that they didn't need me. Now I have to get some courage to confront them on paying me for those training days (its at least 24 hours worth)... blast! But the great news is that I already got another job, thanks to some excellent connections (thank you Anne Capp), at Wild Oats Market. For those of you Californians that have never heard of this place, it is very Trader Joe's-esc but HUGE. (there actually is one in Pasadena and 2 in Santa Monica)
I'm going to be working directly with the Food Services Manager learning purchasing, ordering, inventory control, training, scheduling, etc etc. They've essentially created a job for this internship of mine. I hope to be there 18-24 hours a week at S-Buck's 24 hours a week and in school approx 22 hours a week and then study/homework time. Yes, I know how many hours that is... hence the busy-bee mentality. despite being busy I'm really pleased with how things are turning out. and yes, I do get to sleep. :)
I'm continually battling with my car- it's been broken into twice in the last couple of months, overheated, gradually losing all capabilities of cooling me down with the A/C, replaced pressure cap on the coolant thingy, urged to replace other things and said "NO FREAKING WAY". poor saturn.
I love my ipod, blockbuster online is awesome, my garden is flourishing, its cool in the basement I live in, my house-mate is nicer than expected, I'm cooking some amazing food at school, i've lost a some pounds *despite the great food*, i drink far too much coffee (and proud of it) and last but not least i got a lovely message from a chinese food place reminding me to pick up my cheesy wantons. HA!

so much to post

2006-07-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

Since the last time I posted there has been so much to talk about. So I'll spare the details and make a list.
Since I last posted:
1) I finished my 4th quarter of school (2 to go)
2) I got a contact (no more glasses)
3) I started vision therapy
4) thought I was going to have to have back surgery- thank God I don't
5) saw my younger brother graduate
6) fell in love with a bed and breakfast in Pacific Grove, CA and hope to someday work with the people that own it
7) received a promotion from starbucks-- 1.60 increase in pay, yessssssss!
8)moved into a tiny basement apartment and like it (I'm saving tons)
9) started a 2nd job baking at a cafe in N.W. Downtown
10) my wonderful mom came and helped me move
11) learned how to watch movies (that are on my ipod) on my TV for far less than apple would like to know
12) watched fabulous fireworks with dear friends in Boulder
13) stayed up way too late at Pirates of the Caribbean and then had to work at 4:30 am the next day
14) enjoyed being young for the first time in a while (see 13)
15) it's rained here every day for at least 5 days... It's so green and beautiful here right now
16) had a professional massage and facial on Friday and LOVED it!
17) drove through the tiny foothill town of Golden, CO and remembered why I moved to this state- gorgeous.

and tomorrow I start school again. Only 22 more weeks of class! Can you tell that I'm anxious to be done with school and live a more normal life?? Well, normal being a relative term. :)

maybe this could be it

2006-05-27T13:53:00.000-06:00

We watched a film on Alice Waters (a chef, restauranteur [sp?], author) in my nutrition class on Thursday. I'm not sure how I feel about her on a whole but she has done is doing some pretty amazing things for the food industry. She's apart of this school program called The Edible Schoolyard. I checked out the website this morning and really loved the idea of combining kids, teaching, gardening, cooking and let's be honest potentially normal hours into a job. Maybe, just maybe this could be what I've been looking for.
Yes, I know. I have a million ideas but for this week I like this one. :)

Culinary professional?

2006-05-09T15:16:00.001-06:00

That is the question they keep forcing down our throats. What is it? How will we make it happen? "consider the future options" they keep saying. All these things I've taken into consideration.
By that I mean I've attempted to at least pretend that I know what that means. So, I've started making plans and BIG ones. :) for those of you know that really know me I'm a big dreamer and have all sorts of high hopes and sometimes they can get a little carried away... just ask my mom. She hears about 14 million ideas a year. (thanks mom)
So here are my current plans in the mix:
1) I applied to be a personal chef to the mayor of Denver
2) attempting to start a small catering business with a couple of girls from school (maybe called 3 chicks catering- cheesy I know)
3) possibly moving to FRANCE as soon as this summer to work in a winery/vineyard/restaurant/culinary school. (quite possibly the coolest and most exciting plan yet)
4) looking into super part-time baking at a bakery near my new place (while keeping the s-bucks)
5) Cooking "romantic dinners for two" for friends and their friends for a small price of ~ 50-75 bucks plus ingredient reimbursement
6) planning on talking to Ralph (my wine teacher) to find out how I can put this knowledge that I'm learning and loving into something I can get paid for NOW.

What a crazy life I'm now leading. I'm just praying that one of them happens seriously. (number 5 is really happening for at least one friend and hopefully more!) something wild and exciting will happen, I know it.

Found it!

2006-05-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

Strange things happen to me. and often.
Today I went to get my car serviced. I was patiently sitting at the desk while the paperwork was printing for me to sign. Then my purse tilts over and spills some contents onto the floor (not strange yet, I know). I reach down and pick up my mints, chapstick and a pen and stuff them back in my purse. I sign my life away to Saturn and notice that my phone is no longer in my purse. Weird. But I often leave it in the car or, God forbid, at home. So I walk back to my car and check it out. no phone. I'm not freaking out at this point. I ask if I can check under the desk to make sure that it isn't there. it isn't. I'm sure now that it must be at home. Although, I distinctly remembered putting it in my purse before I left because I almost always call my mom at the dealership, I don't know why I do but I do, and had planned to again. So I wait my 2 hours for a 30 minute job and enjoyed my book. no big deal, the phone is at home.
I get home and then can't find it. I frantically call the service desk before they close to ask again if they'd seen it or at least if they'd check under the desk again. They checked and didn't find it. I head out to my car to check one more time. not there. then I call my phone for several reasons: a) to see if I could hear it at my house b) check to see if there were any messages and c) to see if they might hear it.
not one minute later the dealer called. "uh, ma'am. we found your phone." you'll never guess where it was. It had fallen INTO the desk. yes, into the desk. somehow it managed to get into some crack or hole and was inside the desk paneling. They said it would take a few minutes to figure a way to get it out and then I could come get it.
WHAT? how does that even happen? Oh that's right we're talking about the person whose keys fall down an elevator shaft from the 4th floor and are hanging by the hand of God within reach on the bottom floor, or the girl who threw a hotdog at a retarded Asian boy or who manages to trip outside on the sidewalk and skin her knee and rip her pants at 23 years old, or falls and is not helped up by a lady ladies carrying at least 10 grocery bags or the girl who although in culinary school doesn't get cut by knives but vegetable peelers...

Needless to say I shouldn't have been surprised.

well poop

2006-04-29T22:28:00.000-06:00

I tried talking to my apt. manager today about getting out of my lease early. NO GO. It would cost me at least my left arm and probably more. I'd have to pay back all of the "discounts" they've given me for the whole year that I've lived here plus one month's rent at the "market rate."

11(760-575) + 760= I think not.

So I guess it means living in two places at once for 2 months. I don't like it but I can do it and hopefully it will be worth it.
I also started the give away pile again. Geeze, it feels like I am constantly deciding that I don't need this or I don't need that... Who gave me all of this crap anyway? oh yeah, probably me.

2006-04-26T13:42:00.000-06:00

I'm moving again. I signed a lease to move in June 1 to someone's basement apartment. Well, not a complete apartment but as close as I can get for 350 per month. I have my own room, my own bathroom and a tiny living room to myself. We'll share the kitchen, backyard/garden and parking spaces. It's in a wonderful neighborhood and really close to the Capp's current place.
Making decisions makes me so nervous. There are a few issues here that will take some work to understand/deal with. ok, let's be honest. I really like living by myself and sharing anything will take an adjustment and ... she smokes pot, this decision, though will save me about 250-300 dollars a month. I think dealing with a pot-head is worth 300 bucks a month. ok she's not really a pot head. She assured me today it's just a once in a while type of thing. And she'll smoke in her bedroom...

all in all I feel ok about the decision. And I could really use the extra cash more than anything.

I guess there is a first time for everything

2006-04-21T12:20:00.000-06:00

I'm 24 years old. I've pretty much always been as my fellow culinary students call me a "good two shoes." I can't help it, ok? But yesterday I had a strange thing happen. I bought a pack of cigarettes. No Mom I didn't start smoking. One of my chef's asked me to run to the store between classes and buy him a pack of cigs. what? I said yes. can you believe it?
He told me what kind to buy, handed me some cash and away I went. I walked in and have never felt so uncomfortable. And the best part? there was a table set up outside for some people representing D.A.R.E. "DARE, to keep kids off drugs." And here I was buying cigarettes. I walked into his office and told him that I was 24 years old and this was my first pack of cigs that I've ever bought. He looked amazed, chuckled and asked if they'd even carded me. of course they didn't.

domination

2006-04-10T15:28:00.000-06:00

Last night's nertz scores:

Anne Jonathan Deanna
55 91 140

needless to say, I dominated.
next time i'm sure it will be the other way around...

new love

2006-04-09T16:34:00.000-06:00

Artichoke hummus with pita chips. enough said.

ALIAS

2006-04-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

I'm officially caught up on ALIAS season 5 (or is it 6?). Yes, i know it hasn't been the best season but I'm so glad that i'm all caught up. I felt that I was betraying a good friend for not watching. sad, i know. I've decided that the only way to watch TV is on DVD. Thank you Joshy for the DVD of this season... Thank goodness for Tivo.

My grandpa went home a week ago on Tuesday. He's living there with a 24-hour nurse. Which, thank goodness is working out well. Although he went into the ER last night with super low blood pressure and erratic heart beat. Supposedly they think it has something to do with his pacemaker. Hopefully he'll be able to go home soon and get into some sort of normal routine that will keep him safe. He still needs prayer!

Spring is here in full force! it is absolutely gorgeous outside, we had snow/rain yesterday morning and it has been all sunshine today. just glorious! I love this time of year. makes me want to have a cheeseburger. :)

good news

2006-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

well, my grandpa passed a swallow test this morning. which is such a relief. this means that he can in a few days be moved to a rehab facility to start his recovery process. so as of now things seem to be improving dramatically. Praise God for that!

so for now I will be here through finals.

Go Bruins!

2006-03-16T21:24:00.003-07:00

despite my own heavy burdens I was thrilled to cheer (from my sofa) UCLA to victory against Belmont in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

I've not been myself. i've been in a hard place.

my grandpa had a massive stroke on Monday night. He laid on his floor in his own house all night unable to move because he was paralyzed on his left side. I'm tentatively making plans to miss my finals to be at home with him and my family. of course no one wants someone they love to die, but i especially would have a very hard time recovering from it right now.
He needs healing like only the maker can give.

I came across this song by Jill Phillips on my friend James' blog
It's been a great comfort to me.

Oh gently lay your head
Upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
And the tide can change so fast
But I will stay
The same through past the same in future the same today

I am constant
I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy
I am wise
I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires
Your heart’s desires

Oh weary tired and worn
Let out your sighs
Drop that heavy load you hold cause mine is light
And I know you through and through
There’s no need to hide
I want to show you love that is deep and high and wide

I couldn't, ok.

2006-03-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

I tried watching "What Lies Beneath" tonight on TV. I couldn't do it. I was too scared. I know what you're thinking, it's not that scary, geeze. But it was. I couldn't do it, ok? I tried and got too scared. So I rummaged through the channels most of the evening remembering why I try to go out on Sat. nights.
It snowed yesterday, at least I think it was yesterday or maybe it was the day before... but that really doesn't matter. what matters is that it snowed and it's been cold the last couple of days. Which seems so weird to me because just last week we were breaking records for how warm it is. this place called Colorado is weird.
I'm nearing the end of my third quarter at school. I've been wishing that it was my last quarter. I'll be really glad when it's done, that's all. tempted to quit again...
I'm coming home after the quarter. I'm really really looking forward to it. My pops is taking me wine tasting. It's gonna be great!

practical

2006-03-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Finished my practical on Tuesday for the plated desserts section of my class. It was really tough and am so glad that it is over. I'm sure i did fine, but I found myself very dissapointed with my results when i took them to my chef for critique. I haven't seen any scores yet but more than anything i'm glad it's over. This section is bread. Can't wait to get into it.