A New Adventure | Peaches Prattlings

{April 25, 2014} It’s Spring…ahhhh gnats!

It’s Spring, finally! and with that comes new life and growth and… gnats!

I have started going for walks outside, which has been great except for the gnats. As you walk, they swam around your head almost following you as you try to enjoy yourself and swatting as you go. I passed one woman swatting her own swarm. We nodded hello to each other and said “It’s Spring!”

Ok, enough complaining, here are some of the great things I witnessed on my walk. I tried to get a picture of the gnats but every time I stopped moving, they flew away.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

New blossoms and growth beginning

Green grass… No snow

Trees on full bloom. I’m imagining the Cherry blossom tree in front of my dad’s house is in full bloom.

This made me think maybe even the forsythia in the back (one of my favorite plants, the entire back fence line beautiful in yellow).

Spring flowers; tulips in all colors, daffodils, crocuses.

Children’s toys in the yards.

Weeds starting to come in or as with with this dandelion… the flower every child picks as a bouquet for their mommy.

People starting to work on their classic cars.

Robin Red Breast show up.

See, even most of the mountains have no snow. (Which was one of the weirdest things to me when I moved here, shouldn’t they have snow?)

Ponds and lakes no longer frozen.

Boats ready to be put in the water and enjoyed.

In full bloom.

Go ahead…make a wish. (Please don’t make me sneeze?)

Not the usual sign you see when going for a walk…though your neighborhood.

There you go, half the mountains have snow.

Such color. Wait, that doesn’t count, (get your groan ready) because it’s ‘for’ever green. Ugh.

Happy Spring, I hope you enjoy it!

{February 21, 2014} A Job!

Here it is, as promised!

A job! A job! I got a job! Can you tell I’m excited? Well, I am! I will tell you about being unemployed some other time, I just want to tell you about this new adventure in my life.

I was applying for a lot of jobs over the last few months and to be honest, I don’t remember all the ones I applied to, I have some records, but not all. I was contacted by a recruiter for a training position, specializing in Epic, multiple modules.

Epic is an amazing company, when I was with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, training Epic: ASAP, I looked the company up and realized I was hooked! The campus, the philanthropy, the mission, the ideology, the naming convention, I wanted it all! Out of all the software applications I have trained on, Epic captured my attention more than any other. One of my goals in life is to go to Madison, WI and tour the campus and all it has to offer. Ok, enough of an Epic commerical.

I spoke with the recruiter and she told me about the position and I was hooked! Everything about it was what I was looking for…Training, on a software application I know and appreciate, travel, which I’ve been wanting to get back to for a while, waht could be better? After I spoke with her, she set up a phone interview with a trainer/manager for the company. After I had my next phone interview, I spoke with the recruiter again and asked if I was available to fly to Chicago for an interview. As it happens I was.

I have never been flown anywhere for an interview, it was exciting, off to buy a suit! I had to get a suit, for the company and the other things I had worn to past interviews, if you don’t get the job, then you don’t wear that again for another interview! I was actually on the phone with JASC while I was looking!

This all happened in a blur! I flew out to Chicago on Sunday, December 15th, had my interview with two people on the 16th, two very different people, giving me a lot of insight into the project and the company. I went home Monday and sat biting my nails waiting! I was told in my first phone interview that if it goes well, they would bring me back in January for a second interview.

I got an email on Tuesday that it was a go and they wanted to move on, whew! Did I have some time to talk? Ok, so even if I didn’t get the job, I had a second interview, so it was a start! Let me tell you, I finally took a breath and almost started crying, I have no idea why, but I was exctied!

Then i sat and waited for her to call. When she did, we had pleasantries, then she asked me what I thought about the interviews, I gave her my feedback and when I was done, she told me that the partners got together and they wanted to move forward, excuse me? They wanted to make me an offer! WAHOO! A job that I really wanted, benefits, pension!

February 10th couldn’t come fast enough! And some of the friends who knew kept asking how the new job was, I kept saying, I’ll tell you in February! And I know I’ve been alluding to a job for a while, but I wasn’t ready to talk about it, I wanted to start before i said anything.

Here it is! I am a Project Associate with DELOITTE! Yes, I said Deloitte! http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/index.htm. This is a fantastic company to be a part of, and I’m not just saying that because they hired me! I am a software trainer, training on Epic, specifically the Willow module and I will be in Michigan, traveling back and forth for the length of this project, approximately six months.

I have it all! A great new job for a great company, training on something I really like and enjoy, training, which I love, traveling and have a great group of people to work with and, oh yeah, they pay me! Ding ding, we have a winner!

So, that is my news and for those of you who have been in the know, thank you for all of your love and support through this and for those of you wondering, now you know and thanks for the good vibes!

I’m off to finish packing so I can head out tomorrow, another adventure awaits!

{February 19, 2014} First outing with new co-workers

Tonight, I had my first official social outing with new co-workers and I want to tell you about it.

First, I have been wanting to tell you something, but things keep coming up and my post tomorrow should be about this, but…I GOT A JOB!!! I GOT A JOB!!! I GOT A JOB!!! ok, there you got, it’s out and I’m sorry if I hurt your eardrums, but I’m a little excited. Soon, promise!

So, my job has been in Michigan for the next few months, traveling back and forth to Denver and points in between. There are 27 of us in this particular group, there is another group from the company and another group coming in, we are going to be about 100 strong! Get this, in my particular group, the dynamic is interesting, there are 4 guys and 23 gals, go figure! Girl power!

We have been going 90 to nothin’ as the saying goes, working on all sorts of stuff for both organizations and after Monday, we were separated into our particular tracks that we are going to be associated with and aren’t all going to see each other on a daily basis.

Two people had the great idea of getting together for a happy hour/get together/relax/blow off steam gathering tonight and it worked out perfectly! It wasn’t official or planned early enough, but we still had a really good group and guess what…ALL CHICKS! So, it was kind of a Girls Night Out! We had a good meal, good drinks [I had coca cola with cherries!], GREAT cookies, good conversation and A LOT of laughter!!!

We went to a Max & Erma’s, less than a mile from the hotel, so I walked. The walk wasn’t bad, my choice of footware wasn’t the smartest! Since there is still a lot of snow and ice, sneakers may not have been the best idea, but I made it safely and had mostly dry feet. Guess what I saw when I walked in! They all shouted, turn around a look! It was a University of Michigan MONOPOLY Board! I was home!

So much fun was had! KNOB was the one who texted me initially and got the ball rolling, I texted KS and AAS. When I got there, KNOB, KS, MS, EU, TS, TS, VR, RM were all there getting their happy hour on! I was only a few minutes behind. AAS was the last to arrive and said the funniest thing! She knew we wouldn’t talk about her if she was there! Is that a riot! We definitely laughed out loud!

We talked about our day, what we learned, our thoughts about the things we had learned and what was to come. We talked about our experiences in the field, our experiences with the modules we are going to be teaching, funny stories being road warriors, doing 5ks, traveling, so many things, and honestly, the only thing we said about the people that weren’t there was who was missing! We seem to be a very agreeable group! I am happy and lucky to be a part of this group!

At the end of the evening, we decided that Wednesday nights would be our get-togethers and we would pick a different place each week to go to, giving those of us not from the area a way to experience new places, maybe I can get a group together to do a 5k! The nice thing about getting together now is that in about 7 weeks, our schedules are going to be totally different and scattered that there may not be many opportunities to get together on a regular basis or much at all, well with the entire group.

All in all, a great time and I’m looking forward to the next event and getting to know these people even better!

{February 8, 2014} Activity…fun, realization…bah, visit…yeah!

I know, please explain.

I went skiing today…fun and realized I was an adult…bah. I knew I had a few hours before the visit, and I knew I wouldn’t have a chance to go until next weekend, so I suited up, got in the car and Annie and I headed to Keystone.

We were about (ha ha, when I was telling DCM I said we, he said who did you go with? Annie of course!) thirty minutes from Keystone and hit some traffic, took a less traveled road with a bunch of others to bypass the traffic then got back on the highway. Right before the Eisenhower Tunnel, we all slowed down, there was ice and snow, no where to turn around, so just keep going. On the other side, same thing, slow going, ice and snow, but I was about ten miles from Keystone, I figured I’m here, might as well still go.

It took me about 2.5 hours to get there, not turning around! I geared up, the boots went on much easier this time! Of course, it helped when I realized they were on the wrong feet! Oh brother! My shins are a little bruised from the boots, but I kept going. I got on the gondola, made it to the top, put on my skis and pushed off.

This is where I had my realization. As I started down the mountain my body started to inform me it was not completely happy with me. My shins hurt, my knees were protesting. Now, if I was younger or had purchased a one day ticket, I would have said forget it and kept skiing, all day. Here I was, in a little discomfort, it started snowing, which looked very pretty by the way and I knew I had to drive home.

Grownup me said, when I get to the bottom, I’m done, going home. Pook. I’ve had a few defining moments, well, not monumental moments, but for me they were defining moments, I was a…ugh, don’t say it…Grownup! I went to Savanna once and went on a tour of the city, voluntarily! The first time I went to Epcot on my own and enjoyed the science and learning stuff, heaven forbid! I’m a big kid at heart, but I’m starting to listen to reason, sort of.

So, down I went, enjoyed it, admired the view, the snow and then headed to my car. Activity, fun…realizing I’m a grownup…bah.

Got home, took Annie to the car wash, she was sooo happy! finished straightening up, blew up the new air mattress, made the bed with new sheets and comforter, hung a curtain and we were good to go! DCM got home and we were off to the airport to pick up…DCM!

She just spent the last two weeks in Las Vegas with her sister, brother-in-law and LB and her sister LSS! DCM requested that his daughter bring his granddaughters with her, but for some reason she didn’t listen! However, LB was so distraught when her aunt Pow Pow, you know her as DCM, left, she cried at the airport, all the way home and for about an hour after that! She didn’t want her Pow Pow to leave and wanted to come to see Grandpa and JJ! So sad, cute and sweet at the same time!

We got there in time to wait for her to come up the escalator, then wait on her luggage, apparently there was a back up in holding. We headed to the car, dinner at Fazolis, a fast food Italian restaurant that we all used to go to in Atlanta, no longer, so it was a nice treat. On to the new CEC sales office, great job by the team headed by JS and TT for her fabulous mural, very cool. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures!).

Then home, meet the kitties, get a five cent tour of the apartment, settle in and get comfy.

Who knows what’s on for tomorrow, I’m sure it will be fun! I’ll keep you posted!

{February 7, 2014} Today…Annie skated and then I went skiing!

Let me explain…

I was going to go skiing on Tuesday but it started snowing in the morning and continued well into the evening, that was out. Yesterday the roads were too slick for driving, so stayed home. Today, I was going! The roads had cleared up and it wasn’t too terribly cold, just minus 4, so why not?

Last night and tonight it’s -16, you have to use the numbers…writing it out doesn’t seem to have the same impact! When I left the apartment this morning, it was -7, then got up to a balmy 0, but no too windy, so good to go. I headed to Keystone where I went two weeks ago, I was comfortable and wanted to run there again, I’ll try something else soon.

The funny thing was that it was -4 here, as I was driving into the mountains…it got up to 27! It was 22 when I got to Keystone and stayed there most of the day. When I got home about 5:30/6, it was back down to 4.

Driving most of the way was fine, even on the mountain roads, no problem, got to the highway, still good, then I decided to take the pass, 6W, not the brightest idea. I had taken it last time and thought it would be ok, not completely. We made it safe and sound, I say we, my car, Annie, and I. This road was covered with snow and some ice, not too bad, but not really the ideal conditions for a beetle bug. There were a few times that there was almost no visibility, that was fun. So, as I mentioned in the title, Annie skated, more like slid a little and thank you for the warning indicator that we are sliding, I couldn’t tell! The interesting thing is that as we got closer to the resort, the road was clear, up in the mountain, what happened to the rest of the road. Needless to say, we did not go the same way home! Took the highway the entire way, will remember that next time!

I was also smarter this time, I ate lunch before I left and had a snack with me and a bottle of water. I got there, boots went on a little easier headed to the lift and up I went! This time was much better! It took me 26 minutes to get down the mountain, about 3.43 miles, not too shabby, wish that was my running time!

I got to the bottom and headed to Kickapoo Tavern, where a very nice Lindsay waited on me. I had a cup of chili and some hot tea, just the right amount. It fueled me to go back up, next run was 3.21 in 21 minutes and the third run was 3.19 in 19 minutes, something like that, apparently I’m getting faster. Someone said it takes them 5 minutes, I’m good with taking my time.

It was nice on the mountain, not too crowded and it snowed a little, very pretty.

There was a guy on one of the gondolas with a flask, I don’t know if I’ve ever actually seen anyone drink from a flask, outside of a movie or TV show.

After three runs, it was a little after four and I was a little tired and my knees weren’t thrilled with me and I decided it was time to head home, especially with 1.15 hour drive home. It was a pleasant drive, made it just after DCM got home from work.

The pass I got is the Epic Local pass, http://www.snow.com/epic-pass.aspx, it gets me into ” Unlimited, unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton and Arapahoe Basin with limited restrictions at Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar & Kirkwood. Also includes a total of 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with holiday restrictions.” Not too shabby, huh? Thank you daddy!

And when I saw the price of a day ticket, I have to go exactly four more times and it has paid for itself! I have a few more days in Colorado to use it and I will be using it in another location soon (details on that coming soon). The cool thing was when they scanned the bar code, I was greeted by name, always a plus and then I get emails with stats on my runs among other trivia.

Here are a few pictures from my day.

Man…I want a Go-Pro camera! When I get one, I’ll post video!

Today wiped me out! Goodnight!

{January 22, 2014} I went…

Skiing! Today I did something I haven’t done in almost twenty years! I went skiing!

(I talked to dead, GES, SDL and DCM, so sorry guys that you’ve heard all this already!)

My sister and I grew up skiing and I continued until I moved to Georgia. I even took a skiing class my last semester of college! It was great, we went to a mountain, had a twenty minute lecture/lesson and then we skied for an hour, how do you beat that? Thanks mom and dad!

My sister continued to ski after she moved to Boston, actually met my brother-in-law at a ski house they both had time in, that’s serious! And now, my nieces, 6.5 and 3.5 are both taking lessons, awesome! I was even on a ski slope the day I found out I got into college!

I used to love it and then when I moved to Georgia, I just didn’t go, said I would, but didn’t, there’s not a lot of skiing in Georgia, you can go to South Carolina, Virginia, places like that, just didn’t, so when I knew I was moving, I was stoked! And you remember the post about me buying skis, boots and poles? Well, now I need to use them.

For my birthday I got the Epic Local Pass, http://www.snow.com/epic-pass.aspx, how cool is that! My dad and my sister made it possible for me to go skiing today! I got up headed out to get pants, goggles and gloves and then I was off. It was about an hour and fifteen minute drive to Keystone and the drive is beautiful! I’ve made it a few times, going to Grorgetown, Breckenridge and a few other places to go sightseeing.

When I left Broomfield, it was 59 degrees, as you get deeper into the mountains, the temperature drops really quickly! By the time I got to Keystone it was 35! But the nice thing, no humidity, so it never gets too cold. Don’t get me wrong, cold is cold, just some cold is worse.

I found a place to park, free…wahoo! Geared up and headed towards the lift. Since it’s been a few years, ha ha, since I skiid, I asked what they recommended. I boarded the gondola and headed up to the top of the mountain, that’s where ski school was, along with green dot for beginner, blue square for intermediate and black diamond expert.

I was a little nervous and all I kept thinking on the way up in the gondola was “please let me like it again! please let me like it again and come back to me” I was afraid of not remembering what to do and not enjoying it and wasting all that money. I got off the gondola, put the skis on the ground, stepped into them, locked them in place and pushed off….

It was…awesome! Like muscle memory, I remembered how to push off, turn, speed up, snow plow, ball of it! It was an awesome feeling! I headed for a green dot and stayed with that the entire run. I took my time going down the mountain, slaloming and swooshing back and forth, going fast, going slow, taking some breaks in between, talking to the people who worked there who keeping an eye on the mountain and skiers. I laughed because during one break, there was a stereotypical group of snow boarders behind me, talking about shrooms and smoking the sweet stuff, that made me laugh!

It felt great! And all I kept thinking was, “let me get better, I want to be a black diamond again!”. GES is hoping that when she gets back on skis, she has just as easy of a time, I know she will, she’s skied longer and better than me!

I will tell you, one of the things I didn’t like was not eating before I went up the mountain, it had been about four hours since I’d eaten anything and halfway down, I didn’t feel so not, luckily, I got something to eat after I finished the run, which helped a little, I then decided it was time to go, I would be back! It’s always easier to leave someplace you enjoy when you know you’re coming back soon. I’ll also have to come up with a solution, I have a beaded ankle bracelet that I made when I was fifteen, this thing is not coming off the skis rubbed so hard I have blisters! Live and learn!

Bottom line, I have to tell you, it was soooo much fun! Especially when it all came flooding back to me again! One of the reasons I was so excited to move to Colorado..skiing! I am excited to go again!

Who’s coming with me?

Thanks again daddy and GES!

{October 8, 2013} Another stellar Girl Night Out!

Tonight we had another great GNO! It was quite creative!

We went to Mudslinger Pottery, http://www.mudslingerspottery.com/, in Louiseville, CO, about 10 minutes from us and a WAY cute town! Lots of shops, restaurants, pubs, actual tree lined streets, it was charming! I found out that Louiseville was named the number 2 safest city in the country! I can see why. http://www.louisvilleco.gov/

We started with a lecture that lasted about 40 minutes, we learned about the four S’ s [scoring, smoothing, something and something], then we learned about throwing clay, the wheel, sponging, making sure clay is centered. We would ‘leave’ with having potentially made 3 items [we left them there to be ‘bisqued” so we could come back and paint them – you know when you go to a paint your own pottery? Those are bisque so that you can paint them]. We will go back next month to paint.

We took our ball of clay and worked the clay into a cup of sorts, get the feel for sides [by putting your thumb through the center and working out], I made mine more into a petaled cup, I liked it. Then we worked on the wheel, I had serious issues for 2 balls of clay, bad when they go flying and the guard goes flying too! Third time’s the charm! I scored the bowl on the inside, way cool!

Then…i decided to make something on the tableetop, i cut out pieces, using the rolling pin, scoring, smoothing, and imprinted this cool flower stamp on the base and the back, I was inspired! I then put 9 holes in it, MG’s menorah!!! I can’t wait to paint it and give it to her! [For EJ, I made her a bunch of animals out of fimo] It’s going to be fun!

We had a great time, I had clay all over my face, we had Ghost moments, clay everywhere, good food and lots of laughs and some great pictures, you should join us next time! [not telling you what we’re doing, you’ll have to tune in]

{September 19, 2013} I came in 5th! Call, Raise, Check, Can I fold now?

I don’t know if you remember me telling you about DCM and his love of Texas Hold ’em.

Back in Atlanta, he would run a game once a month with some friends, he controls the entire thing and a few weeks ago I told you about finding Blackhawk and DCM entering a poker tournament, where he didn’t have to run a game, it was a new experience.

A while ago I had blogged that since he is so into playing Texas Hold ’em, I probably needed to learn to play, so…one Saturday night, he remembered this comment and decided that it was time to teach me to play. He pulled out the table top, full chips, chip holder, the whole nine yards and we sat down and he taught me to play Texas Hold ’em.

Well, he’s been jonesing for a monthly game again and has trouble scheduling one due to…people’s schedules. He sent out the invite two months ago, he had 3 people attend, it just didn’t work out for a bigger group. This month, he sent out the invite and we had 12 people total, including us. It was a lot of fun!

I wasn’t sure if I was going to play, but I knew we were having people over, so I had to be a hostess and feed the masses! We went grocery shopping last night and as I told you, I made hummus and baba ganoush, among other things, shoot, I should have taken a picture! There were dips and chips and popcorn and pretzels and cookies [oh my!], just to name a few! DCM said when he hosted, he put out a few bags of chips and pretzels, I on the other hand, put things in bowls and on platters! Even JS commented on it. How could I not? I come from a long line of women who like to entertain!

I didn’t get a chance to stop at the bank to get cash, so DCM helped me scrape together $20 [we raided the change bucket!] and I was in! Everyone started to arrive, JS, her husband PS, EL, unfortunately, TT wasn’t able to make it, MH and GW were the newest members of the CEC family, DW and MD, MB and BR and his wife NR rounded out the group.

DCM entered everyone’s name into an app he has on his iPad, which assigns people to tables, [one table was made by DCM, it’s really nice: blond wood with a purple velvet center to the top and cup holders cut out, the other is a nice table top that I got him for father’s day.] keeps up with the blinds and times everything [please don’t ask me what the blind is, I’m still trying to figure it out, I just know when I need to put my chips down and how much.

We went to our assigned tables, EL, who was ready to “take DCM down!” was at one table with all the guys while NR, JS and I were at the other table. NR swore she was a novice, but that was not the case, she held her own quite well! Her husband, BR said that she always wins and when they go to a casino, he never loses! GW kept getting dealt the same two cards, at least 7 times! It was driving him batty! MH was a monster, when we consolidated tables, he needed two chip trays!

JS was a monster as well, as soon as she was out, she was the dealer for the table, it went by quickly! After about 1.5 hours, we were down to the next blind and we combined the tables, guess who was moving on to the next table? Your truly! Can you believe it! I would like to think that I didn’t play too much like a newbie! I have a pretty good idea when I should play and when I should fold, I don’t think I made too many rookie moves/mistakes which sometimes frustrate seasoned players. But…it’s still funny when I show my cards, not realizing what I have and I’m told I won because I had a flush!

There was a lot of laughing happening, you know me, to the point of snorting! Here we were getting down to the wire and there are 5 of us! Me, PS, MH, GW and BR! Can you believe it? Me at the table with the big boys! My next hand, I had a pair of 4’s, the blind was something like $3,000, I ended up going all in [including my chip tray!], why not, I took a chance and when I saw the dealer throw a 4…I about lost it! I won about $7,000 on 3 of a kind!

I ended up going out after going all in again with 2 pair, one pair in my hand and one that matched a card on the table [I know I’m saying this all wrong, but for those of you that don’t play poker, maybe you’ll understand] which would have given me 2 pair, pretty good and someone had the same hand, but Ace high, pook, I was out!

The game went on another hour, thinning the crowd out until it was me, DCM, JS and NR watching and PS, GW, MH and BR down to the wire, we were pulling out the black chips at that point! PS finally went all in and lost, he and JS went home.

In the end it was MH first, BR second and GW happy because he doubled his money! [$48, $72, $220] Not a bad payout for a few hours of fun and the chance to take home a little green [and silver in this case!].

I don’t think I’ll be watching too much WSP [World Series of Poker for those of you not in the know] or Poker after Dark, but I just might play in next month’s game!

I came in 5th! No money, but bragging rights! Sounds good to me!

{September 4, 2013} A first grader!

There were other things to tell to about my weekend,but I have to tell you something way more important!

I am the aunt of a FIRST GRADER!!!

Am I crowing? Am I proud? My sister is the mother of a first grader! I still remember the day we brought her home from the hospital! What? I remember meeting EJS for the first time, she was two weeks old and today..she got on the school bus and went to her first day of school and she was a champ!

The day started early, I set the alarm for 5:45 so I could call EJS and wish her well on her first day of school. The first thing she said was “I know what I want to be for Halloween!” My sister said, “slow down! How about Hi auntie J, how are you?” We were laughing so hard! “Hi Auntie J, how are you?”

I asked all the questions I could think of: What are you wearing? What’s in your backpack? What’s for lunch? What are you most excited about?

While we were talking, MGS wanted to show me all the dolls she was playing with and said “I can’t see you!” She thought we were doing FaceTime and couldn’t figure out why she couldn’t see me!

EJS and I talked a little more about school and what she was most excited about, I was so excited for her and I couldn’t wait to see pictures! After she was done talking about school, it was time to get down to the next important order of business…what she wanted to be for Halloween. This is a very important discussion and as I am in charge of getting the costumes, I need to know what she wants to be!

When she was little, I used to get costumes, I had a lot of fun choosing, now that she’s getting older, she is making the decisions, which makes things a little easier for me! I miss picking something myself, but it is great to see her making her own mind up and this year, as of right now, it’s the pink power ranger, did you know they were still around?

Then as quickly as we started talking (I think this post is longer than we were on the phone!) it was time to go to get on the bus, good luck, I’m proud of you, have fun and I love you!

Photos went out, I asked how she did and GES said she was a champ! I expected nothing less.

In the afternoon, I checked to see if they were home and they were, FaceTime! EJS was excited and told me all about her day, riding the bus and making a friend, coloring, meeting the principle, gym, lunch, after care and mommy picking her up. I asked what her favorite part was and it was lunch, because being in the cafeteria with everyone made her feel grown up.

After telling me all about her day, she was done with me! I got to catch up with my sister and then, as luck would have it, about five minutes later, in comes MGS and we got to chat for a few minutes until she was done with me!

I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling! I have a niece who is officially in the big leagues and I am so very proud of her! (And my sister for keeping it together!)

{September 1, 2013} Is it snowing yet?

Oh friends, as I was writing tonight’s post, I realized I was digressing left and right, sorry! But now you’ve been warned!

No, I’m not wishing the fall away, promise, it’s my favorite season! [and not just because because my birthday is in this month, but I love when it starts to get a little cooler, there is a crisp chill beginning to be felt, i might have to start wearing a sweater with the top down in the beetle bug! the leaves start to change, are you sensing a pattern?] [so many people are apparently excited because there are pumpkin flavored drinks happening, not my taste, I’m waiting for Starbucks Eggnog!!!] wow, what a digression!

Today, I had an Aunt Selma moment. Ok, a little back story and family history here. My great aunt Selma was my grandmother’s sister and my cousin JFS’s mom, she was an interesting woman and as stubborn as the day is long, hmmm…just like her sister, family trait? Well, one day, my dad was taking Aunt Selma to pick up a cake, he parked the car, she got out, walked into a pizzeria and came out with the cake! [one of my favorite stories to have him tell!]

So, for my Aunt Selma moment…DCM had something to do at the Boulder array, something technical of course. Digression…what is an array you ask? Well, the company he works for is Clean Energy Collective and they build solar arrays, rows and rows of solar panels. It’s a really cool company, check out the site. http://morecleanenergy.com/. We went to the array, he gave me a tour and about 30 minutes after we got there, I went into Boulder to get a pizza from a great pizza joint, Abo’s Pizza, LOVE it! They have real NY style and size pizza and DELICIOUS! http://abospizza.com/.

I ordered the pizza and headed out to kill some time. I killed some time by heading across the street to Sports Authority, having a huge tent sale on winter sports equipment! Uh oh! One of the things I was most excited about moving to Colorado was the opportunity to get back on the slopes and ski, ski, ski!

My sister and I started skiing when we were kids and loved it! We kept skiing, my sister even met her husband at a ski house! My senior year of college, needing 3 credits to graduate, I took skiing, painting and dance! Once a week, we went to a slope, had a lesson and skied for an hour, what could be better. Unfortunately, I haven’t skied since I moved to Georgia, it’s time people!

So, in I go to just take a peek at what they’re offering and we’re talking half off or more on skis, boards, boots, poles, clothes, everything! R was a very nice guy who helped me fit boots and…my smartfeet fit! I am set! I also found out that my left foot is half a size bigger than my right, who knew! I now have Salomon boots! They were $189 marked down to $89! Wahoo! After the boots, I needed skis, we walked to the appropriate section and in about 3 minutes, I had Salomon skis that had retailed originally for $499 [$699 on Salomon’s website] and I got them for…drum roll please..$99!!! I got poles for $30. I also got the 2 year package for adjustments and they are fitting the boots and skis as we speak! All in all, I walked away with a new package for $283! I saved $430!!! Go me!

Next, I’ll go back for clothes and the last thing will be a slope pass!

So, there you have it, my Aunt Selma moment…as DCM said…I went for a pizza and came back with skis!

Sorry for all the digressions, but would you have me any other way?

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What was I thinking?