Denver

So much has happened in the 2 1/2 years I have lived in Denver. It wouldn't feel right if I didn't do a quick recap before taking off on my next endeavor. Every move I have made - Davenport, IA to Iowa City, IA to Maine, to Scotland to Georgia to Denver- They have all impacted me greatly. In a good way.

Denver probably the most.

March of 2008 I moved to Broomfield, CO and lived with a co-worker's divorced mother-in-law. (I hadn't met either of them before I moved in- little did I know this would be a good exercise for what will happen when I get to Australia) Great accommodations...not exactly what I had in mind though. So I quickly moved to Denver. The heart of the city. I am surrounded by amazing friends, and have been since I got here- there are so many Iowans here it was impossible not to be! We joke that Denver doesn't go by the 6th degree rule, rather closer to the 4th degree. Everyone knows someone you know- it's comical and I love it.

A good sized city for me.

Colorado has taught me:  to Ski | Explore | Shop | to be Active | Eat Healthier | Work Hard | to be Alone |Try Anything Once | be Confident | to be Me.

Denver has treated me well in 2010 with new friends, a new job and an exciting accomplishment. I would be mad at myself down the road if I looked back at this blog and didn't mention that I finished my first half marathon this year.

I started running when I moved to Denver because EVERYONE else around me was.

My first trek around Wash Park in 2008 - 2.7 miles - was hard.

By 2009 I was ready to do 3 laps - 8.1 miles-  that was plenty.

Ah, what the heck. 2010 bring on 13.1-  exhilarating.

2011....Nope, not a marathon. Ready for a bike.

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Well it's official. I am unemployed for the first time since I was 15. Oddly tough to admit. 

 The support from my co-workers and friends has been unbelievable.

The goodbye's began about a month ago...

 A girls wine night- a nice little surprise that my roommate put together! Everyone brought a bottle of Australian wine and a tip about the land down under!

Last Friday I got to see all of my favorite Denverites in one place and it was quite a party! We started at the Rio and then took over the Gaslamp. We had the place to ourselves and it allowed me to see exactly how many amazing friends I have in Denver.  

A dinner at Earl's with 8 of my co-workers and my roommate was a wonderful way to say goodbye (for now) to work. We devoured a plentiful amount of food and wine while enjoying each other's company outside of the office. I am lucky to have worked with such great people and excited about the thought of working with them again when I return.

I cheers-ed (a word?) to unemployment with my favorite ladies at Bistro Vendome and then turned the party up a notch when we met an Aussie from Melbourne at the Red Square. Lisa and I are in for a real treat. It is going to be tough to keep up with these Aussies!

 I do not like goodbyes. But when they are preceded with events like these- they can be a lot of fun!

 Thank you to everyone that made this goodbye such a celebration.

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Time to load up my car. Iowa bound tomorrow.