Changes, changes, changes!

I've been toying with the idea of change for a few months, multiple changes to be exact. This week some actual change occurred. First, my dog moved into his new home. His new place has a huge backyard and lots more space inside than I've had in years! He was a little sad to see me go but I think he will be super happy with the new arrangement, especially considering he already likes his new "mom". And how am I handling my "empty nest"? I've been kind of avoiding my apartment, actually. It's weird to be there without him. In some ways its a lot easier to do things, like walk; but it's odd not to have company for a movie or when I'm sleeping. So... I'm moving! [Do I run away from things or what?!] Seriously though, I don't really care for my current neighborhood and I was trying to decide if I would stay or go from Denver...

Josh saying goodbye to Simon. Sniff, sniff...



On for the second change that occurred this week: I had a phone interview for a job in Iowa and shortly thereafter decided that I'm not ready to leave Denver. I had not realized how hard leaving here would be! I have a ton of friends here and we're not just talking "acquaintances". These are true friends that are there for you when you're down or supportive when you are working on a big decisions or just to hike with, have a beer with or chill in grubby clothes after a long day. That is hard to come by... and leave, especially such a big group! So I decided to reassess my finances and look for a short term, less expensive apartment. I found one on Craigslist the first day I looked. I looked at the apartment today and I will not be seeing any others. It's perfect! The location is just blocks from two friends' home and therefore, closer to all my girlfriends, on top of being a much nicer location anyways. The price will save me a good amount of money without losing much space. The apartment is nicely kept with fresh paint and new carpets and cabinets. And it's a sublease for a girl that is moving into a house with her fiance' and the lease ends at the end of the year. Perfect. She and I agree and now we just need to go through the official channels. I'll be moving in two weeks. (Anybody wanna help?? :D )

The other thing, that I had decided a few weeks ago is that I will be starting school in January. Now I have a place to live until then. Between now and then I have two major goals: to find a second job to help get my finances ready for school and to figure out where I'm going to do this schooling (Iowa with a new job or Denver).

That's all the major stuff that I have going on. Oh and I'm supposed to go on a first date on Tuesday...



Ah, the adventures of Jen...

Funny story

So the past week or so has been entertaining to say the least and while I have many stories, right now there is just one I want to share.

A very good friend of mine is moving back to Denver (YAY!) and she decided to drive her apparently old, non-air-conditioned car the 1800 miles it will take to get here. She was telling me how she was going to drive 12+ hours days and get the trip done in two days, which originally would have put her arriving today. Well, she didn't get started driving until last night due to a variety of things, including super hot weather so I wasn't expecting her until tomorrow at the earliest. And no big deal really- I'll be excited to see her whenever she arrives! I called her a few times last night to check in and keep her entertained on the road. At one point she tells me that she doesn't think she will make by Wednesday night. My response is that I'm not surprised and didn't expect her until Thursday because of how late she left. She then says, "You are going to laugh at me. Part of the reason I won't make it until Thursday is because..." wait for it... " i have a date in St Louis". Yes, you read that correctly, she has a date during her road trip!!! OMG!!! I had a friend tell me once that you shouldn't drive more than 1000 miles for sex but stopping on a road trip for a date (no sex!)- unheard of! At least in my world. It's not like she is on a fun, sight-seeing road trip- this one is quick and to the point so she can start school and work. But on the other hand she has no reason to rush, so when a guy she knows asked her to have lunch with him, no better yet catch a baseball game, since he'll be visiting St Louis while she's driving though, why would she say no?! And to top it off, another guy wants to meet up with her after the game! Neither of these two fellows live in St Louis, they just happen to be there at the same time as her. I'm speechless (well apparently my hands aren't) all I can do is laugh! And I'm still laughing about it!

This girl is a riot and I love her to death! Life in Denver is about to get much more entertaining! Can't wait!!

The silence...

It was a rather intense week with a variety of stressful things popping up. The previous weekend was busy with very little sleep due to some early morning activities. While many good things have happened in the past week too, I was ready for a quiet weekend. My dog is on a trial run with a possible new family so I'm all alone in my apartment. My only set plans for the weekend was a baby shower this afternoon, that I very much enjoyed. And it's raining... and gray... and rather cool... and I can't think of anything more perfect right now. The peace in the sound of the rain, the calmness of the gray skies, the lack of responsibility to anyone but me is all rather blissful right now. It's a rare moment. It is a blessing. And while I do feel a little lazy for not working on all the many things I need to be, I feel like I shouldn't pass up such a great opportunity. Peacefulness isn't a given; silence is a rarity; a two day weekend not completely planned is as refreshing a deep breath of cool, moist, mountain air.

*sigh*

Bliss.

Tomorrow I'll be busy cleaning, organizing, and catching up on bills and applications; but today I'm enjoying the silence.