Telluride Chapter

I am completely aware that I am the absolute worst at keeping a blog up to date. This year Fran I visited Aruba in January, Disney World in March, and a Cruise to Cozumel and Progresso in April. All of which I failed to document in my blog. I wish I could say I have been to busy living an epic life every day this year, but that would be lie. I live a pretty epic life, but only until about 9pm or so. All of or vacations this year have been amazing firsts.

But this post is going to be based on our most recent adventure. On August 21, 2017 we flew to Montrose, Colorado, rented a car and spent 5 days in Telluride. Y'all, this trip was one for the books. I came across Telluride by googling and pinterest-ing small towns in Colorado. I had envisioned a peaceful getaway that involved walking the local streets drinking hot tea, exploring bookstores and local boutiques. I wanted to go somewhere where I had the freedom to do nothing. I wanted mid-day naps and breakfast at 12. Telluride and Mountain Village ticked every box my imagination sought after.   

Fun fact: Colorado temperature is much more welcoming than the Texas summer hell heat.  

Fran and I loaded up our small Hyundai rental and headed towards Telluride with a GPS estimate of 1.5 hours. Let me tell yall, the drive was the most refreshing and the most beautiful experience. We rolled down the windows, drove below the speed limit, pulled over to take pictures and appreciated the now of that day. I am a firm believer that the pace of life is slower in the mountains. And we groveled in it's presence.    

 We were able to check into our resort early and received an upgrade to a room with a balcony. The day only seemed to get better. We had a picturesque view with a beautiful room at The Peaks Resort and Spa. The bed had the softest sheets with a down comforter and pillows I could die happy in. And guess what y'all, it even had a ceiling fan! Literally Colorado had everything I could have ever dreamed.

After freshening up from the flight and drive, I could hardly wait to try out the GONDOLA. 

(Gondola; noun- a cabin on a suspended ski life) 

Yup. The gondola that connects Mountain Village and Telluride is the only free form of transportation of it's kind in the world. Yes, I said free. A free ride via suspended cozy cabin over the mountains from village to village. And yes, it is just as perfect as it sounds. Until, there is a power outage that takes down both towns and you are suspended in the air with four other strangers for over an hour. It sounds unfortunate, but we had overcome so much bliss since we had arrived that we did not even care. We met two locals who owned businesses in town and a young couple on their honeymoon. We exchanged conversations and laughs until the people below could manually bring each cart down from the line. 

Telluride does not have a single chain restaurant or store. Every single business is local and family owned. Remember earlier when I mentioned that daydream of hot tea, book stores and boutiques? That is Telluride. And a nice surprise is that nearly everyone has a beautiful dog with them. I know it sounds strange, but dogs are allowed everywhere in Telluride and Telluride dogs are . questionably and unearthly beautiful. One of our favorite stops was a brunch place called the The Butcher & The Baker. The atmosphere was like a storybook and they had the most perfect blueberry muffin I have ever tasted. It was so good that I found it important to document it in my blog so that it will exist for all time. (It was really that good, really.)   

Telluride has a park towards the end of the valley that has soccer, skate ramps, basketball and a clear water river. It was the perfect place to wait out one of the many afternoon showers. Literally nothing could have upset us this on this trip. Nothing. We were just so grateful to be there.

We spent another day on out trip traveling form Ouray to Silverton. The road between the two villages has the nickname Million Dollar Highway because of the obvious million dollar views that we got to witness the entire day. Driving up the mountains is beautiful and terrifying in all of its one-lane mountainous glory. 

(Ouray, CO)

On our last day I booked us a tour with one of the locals, Herb, who owned a Swiss army vehicle that had the capability to drive us to one of the highest points in the Rock Mountains, Imogene Pass. He also had a dog, Rocky, who accompanied our thrilling excursion. Guys, it was the most breathtaking experience, and I don't just mean the lack of oxygen from the altitude. We saw abandoned ghost-towns. The remains of homes and schools dating back to a hundred years ago when mining was all the rage, I loved imagining the families who lived among the mountains. Again, pure bliss.

It took us a total of four house to climb to the top of the Rockies and make our way down. We were able to see our very first marmot, run our finger tips through lasting snow while driving up the mountain and learn about the city of Telluride. Apparently, the average home in Telluride in over 2 million dollars! There went our dream of purchasing a small home in the little village. We will have to settle for vacationing there, which we are completely okay with. 

Home Chapter

One week from today (hopefully) I will be a homeowner. Yup, you read right. A 23 year old home owner. It's all very exciting (and a bit terrifying). We are buying furniture, fencing, a lawn mower, scheduling movers, and getting insurance and lender emails daily. Who knew buying a home meant signing your life away? 

I wanted to write this post so that I have something to look back on when I do settle in and begin my more "stable" journey. 

Let's start with how we got here. Fran and I lost our roommate 2 months back and we had to pick up another 1/3 of the bills. Realizing that renting was fairly expensive, we decided that when our lease was up that we would look for a cheaper option that still allowed us to live how we wanted. 

We looked into building a tiny home. I love the idea of a minimalist lifestyle with less time wasted on cleaning. I also took pleasure in the idea of actually owning something on this great big Earth that would actually be mine. We looked at builders who wanted $60,000 for 400 sq ft. Then we looked for land, which deemed impossible. Land was WAY expensive and needed to be cleared and/or had no water or electricity. So, $60,000 became $200,000 fairly quickly. 

Then we considered buying an RV and living in an RV park..... Yep. We even spent an afternoon touring RVs and fifth wheels. The idea of $300 per month in rent was appealing. But then we would need to buy a truck and more insurance. And let's face it, no wifi or consistent hot water is a killer. RV =$40,000 Truck= $30,000 plus rent and utilities each month was still money wasted. But,

I knew I wanted small and affordable. 

Then, there it was in all it's little white glory on Trulia.  It had been listed for 1 day and I immediately texted my realtor. I went and saw it a couple days later. I walked in and fell in love. The price was a bit daunting, as well as the three acres and I left feeling like "I couldn't have this." I didn't sleep even an hour that night. Maybe not even 30 minutes. All I could think about was the 1100 sqft farm house on 3 acres of perfect earth. I couldn't shake the obvious push. I spent the weekend with my family and put in an offer 4 days later. They countered and I accepted. I was approved for the loan. The inspection passed with flying colors. The appraisal was spot on. The taxes were less than normal. And it all has happened in less than a month. I truly feel that when things fall into place so easily that it is what is meant to be.  

So now I'm dreaming about my little house and feel overwhelmingly anxious to get my hands on it. I picture myself, Fran, Molly (and maybe a new four legged fur child soon) on that little farm. I see myself grading papers on the front porch with hot tea in fall overlooking the cows across the street. I have had visions baking with an apron and a record player in the distance playing James Bay. 

We have a lot of dreams. Fran wants to grow with his job at the gym and I'm feeling the push to teach. And having a place to come home to after failing and accomplishing check points in life feels necessary and real. We've discussed a hot tub, a work-out room, a screened in porch, and even a place on the lot for my mom. I feel like you're doing life right when you have dreams. Here's to the next chapter of adulthood. Ready, set, GO. 

Mindful Reminder

My job requires a lot of human interaction with a lot of different humans. Most are forgotten among the new, but few will stay with me. Today I had the honor of meeting a middle-aged couple, Lee and her husband Mike.  I went to greet the couple like I had 12 other times this week. As soon as I approached I noticed that Mike had cords leading from under his hat and into the backpack sitting on the floor beside him. I shook their hands and asked how they were today. Lee responded, "any day that we have air in our lungs is a good day." 

Mike had terminal brain cancer. He was diagnosed in January and was given only three months to live with his wife and two sons. He had beaten the odds, with it being July. It wasn't the cancer that made me so drawn to this couple, it was their new outlook on life. 

I have always found it fascinating to ask questions to people who had a real reason to reflect on life. After learning the details of his cancer, I began to dig on their current mindsets. I asked if they had learned anything from their experience since January and if they had any regrets. 

As it turned out, Mike had plenty of regrets. He spoke of his pre-cancer life as being filled with long work hours and lack of quality. "It shouldn't be about how big your house is or how much money you have in savings, because you can't take anything with you and it doesn't truly matter." His wife had begged for his attention and time away from work in the past and he could not see the value until it was so close to being taken away. The had become closer than ever because of the cancer. They had plans to revisit Arizona, where they first fell in love with ditching the norm and focusing on family.

Mike knew he would never be able to see his sons drive or graduate. He accepted that his wife's birthday celebration would probably be his last and that he would never see himself turn 50. But he refused to be negative or sad about the unfair and heartbreaking circumstance. 

These people made me so grateful for the full life that I have before me. I should not be stressing about work, or having the yard mowed, or even having a large sum of savings. Nothing of that substance will matter when we stare death in the face. It's the  experiences and memories that we create with the ones we love. That's all. The next time you find yourself complaining and griping, stop, and think about how much worse it could truly be. I pray that I will forever remember these two and the lesson the taught me. Do not wait until there is no time to make time.

The Wizarding World

There is something so precious in the act of visiting a place you have read and dreamed about. Some people it may be Venice, for others it could be the Light Houses of Cape Cod. But for me, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida took the cake. 

In the weeks leading up to our 3 day getaway, I had Fran prepare by watching all 7 films in the appropriate order. He quickly fell in love, obviously. 

Upon entering the parks at Universal Studios, our first stop: Hogsmeade.

The hostess of the Three Broomsticks (who was perfectly in character) kindly took a photo of us in front of the entrance. 

Be able to see all of potential magic and topsy-turvy wooden homes lite a certain fire in my gut. The snow felt so real, despite the 80 degree weather in the middle of February. 

Not to mention the perfect instrumental hum of all the HP theme music throughout the park. We first found Olivanders, and made the obvious decision to go inside. Standing the small, dark, and magical room stood THE(ish) Olivander, surrounded by wands up to 3 stories high. He chose some unbelievably lucky little girl to play a part in the wand choosing experience. She tried a few "absolutely not" wands, which resulted in moving drawers and flashing lights. But cue the spotlight, hair-blowing wind, and success music when she found the right wand. We did not hesitate to snag a picture with the greatest wand maker of all time before heading out to the next adventure. 

Next stop was the roller coaster of Hogwarts. It was no-doubt unbelievable. We decided to avoid the long wait lines after taking 15 minites to find an empty locker, and take the single-riders route. We were some-how lucky enough to still sit next to each other after cheating the 1 hour wait-line with a 10-minute wait. The ride exceeded our expectations. The 3-D virtual roller coaster had scenes that the characters had filmed. We flew through a quiddich match that involved death eaters and heard from Harry, Ron, and Hermione themselves. 

Lunch at the Three Broomstcks deemed appropriate then. After another unfortunate and unavoidable wait, we  ordered our food and say amidst the mismatched chairs and table under the glow of candle lights. This was also when I had my first experience with Butter Beer. Thoughts: love. 

We wandered through the streets of Hogsmeade and enjoyed all of cluttered shops and sights. 

Up next: The Hogwarts Express

Stupid coll experience guys. Another wait was in order, but it was well worth it. 

Technically going from Hogsmeade to London is all backwards, but still perfect. The set you in a train cart signaler to the movies. The "window" shows scenes of leaving the castle, passing Hagrids home, and the mystical Forest. There is also shadows and voices of Harry, Ron, and Hermione passing by the door. The experience was unbelievable. The train halts to a stop and we are (un)officially in London.

Once leaving the station we immediately see the bus for lost wizards. The talking head and bus-boy both spoke to us and both were hilarious. 

We saw the house of Serious Black and Kreature peaking through the window before heading through the secreat entry to Diagonal Alley. 

We admired the sights, bought wands, and drank the infamous Pumpkin Juice. At this point the jet-lag and sore feet kicked in. We decided to walk around the rest of universal for some simple sightseeing. We enjoyed an A cappella group competition. Fran drank a duff energy drink from The Simpsons park. before deciding to purchase matching HP sweatshirts for the next day's events. We called an uber back to the hotel and took a nap before having a quick dinner behind the hotel at Wendy's to rest up for another full day tomorrow. 

To Chicago we Go

CHICAGO (06•18•15 - 06•22•15)

Currently daydreaming about our trip to Chicago last month. 

Friday, we checked our bags and ate some of American Airlines best Mexican food, Papasitos and had drinks for dessert. We borded the plane for napped for the next 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival, we instantly noticed the change in temperature, followed by the realization that Ern and Keenen lost their luggage. 

Our disappointing arrival didn't end there. Our rental car also failed work out, which resulted in a $75 can ride to our hotel. 

To change our pace and mood, we ordered an Uber and went for dinner and drinks at Hooters. About the time the jet lag began to kick in we payed our tabs and went back to hotel. 

Work came too quickly the next morning, but the obvious excitement on working at our company's off site made the morning attempt more doable. 

We were instantly impressed the stores' modern feel of flatscreens and photos. 

After work, we changed and used an uber to get to the train station to go into the city. 

We at dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant before the train arrived. We were impressed with the idea of traveling by train. The cheap admission and lack of concentration required to get into the busy city anticipated us all. We visitors the Sears Tower first. 103 stories high makes it the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere. The elevator ride up caused enough pressure to pop our ears and increase our nerves. It was late and the view was breathtaking. All you could see for miles was city lights. The limit were endless until it reached the bay of Lake Michigan. 

We took plenty of photos and bought all kinds of souvenirs for our friends and family. 

After the Sears Tower, we explored downtown Chicago. We visited The Bean and other local art. 

The next day after work we immediately headed to the train station once again. This time we visited the Navy Pier. Unfortunitly, it pored down rain, but we were fortunate enough to snap a few memories before the storm. 

We got a drink and enjoyed the sights, while Keenen made friends with some of the locals during the rain. 

We ordered an uber and took the boys to the Michael Jordan statute to fuel their love for the Windy City.

On our final night, we once again enjoyed and explored more of the city. We met an amazing Uber driver who drove us all around downtown. We were about to see the zoo and Lake Michigan during our trip to the city. We visited Wrigley Field and walked the streets of Weigley Ville. We ironically had dinner at a BBQ joint and bar. Our glasses were servered in mason jars and the entire staff wore boots. It reminded us too well of home, but we enjoyed a laugh when we learned that none of the local "country girls" had ever 2-stepped. We walked the streets and the bay of Lake Michigan while sharing laughes and drinks before returning back to our hotel for one last time. 

The majority of the next day was used to catch up on sleep. We slept on the plane and then in the car on our way back to FW. It was the trip of a lifetime with some of my favorite humans. Until next time, Chicago. 

Dallas Day Away

You know how sometimes life catches up to you and then before you know it, it seems to be passing you by? Work, dinner, dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, and rent. (repeat these steps every week for the rest of your life.) Last Monday, Fran and I knew it was time to get in the car and leave all of those monotonous chores behind. 

After having a headboard fall on top of me and making a useless trip to the U Haul store, we finally hit the road to the big city of Dallas, TX! First stop, Six Flags. It feels good using a season pass for a second time. It gives off this sense of instant gratitude of, maybe I didn't waste my money after all.

$20 (for parking) and $120 (for flash passes) later, we were finally inside our little sanity break abode that is Six Flags over Texas. We rode in the front of the Batman and Mr. Freeze (my personal favorite). But don't worry, Superman, The Titan, The Shockwave, and the Texas Giant were not left out. We also allowed an antique car ride to take some of our day. We gave into a brisket sandwich, cheese fries, a turkey leg, a funnel cake, and two pink things as well. I do not think I will ever understand the instant gratification that expensive, park food can give a person. Once the sweat and blisters began to sink in, we decided to escape to our hotel for the rest of the evening. 

The NYLO has become one of our favorite retreats in Dallas. We have stayed at the Southside location twice before, and decided on trying out the Irving location for some change in scenery. The brick walls, extraordinary light fixtures, and exposed pipes welcomed us the instant we stepped foot through the lime green door. It was only a few seconds after we received our room keys that we decided to change into our swimming attire and hit the pool (which was heated and obviously awesome). 

Dinner came after our toes and fingers became too prune-y. Spinach artichoke dip and a BBQ flat-bread satisfied our bellies. The hotel had a seating area that had 6 giant egg-pod-things. Fran and I chose one and remained there for about 10 minutes before retreating back to our room and passing out. 

 

Tuesday was not wasted on out day away either. We enjoyed a perfect brunch at our favorite restaurant in Dallas, Ellen's. We, once again, filled our bellies and enjoyed sweet tea and each others' company. We made and quick stop at Texas Teachers for some information ;), and chose our final destination before leaving town, Ripley's Believe it or Not!!

The Wax Museum was up first, in which case we repeatedly commented on their terrifyingly realistic their eyes seemed. Harry Potter amd Johnny Depp were the highlights of my day, while Fran enjoyed playing President and hanging out with Superman and Batman. We also spent time in a glass maze, the Ripley's museum of weird, and failed an attempt at escaping a laser maze. Before we left we, we bout a dream catcher and $45 worth of random candy. 

 Our day-away trip was a complete success. We ate a whole lot and laughed even more. The sanity break was just what I needed before start yet another week of work and household chores. I wouldn't trade my life anything and it's amazing how just one night away can remind me of how blessed I truly am. <3