Archive for the ‘Denver’ Category
My Christmas Makeover
OK, it’s official. I’m FINALLY in the holiday spirit. Woo-hoo. Last night I went to sleep as Auntie Scroogie and woke up as Lady Claus. I’m diggin’ my nighttime makeover.
Not sure what took me so long…I mean just because Safeway started playing Christmas carols two months ago does NOT mean I should be spreading holiday cheer to all. That’s not my job…that’s the Salvation Army bell ringer’s job, right?
So why my sudden transformation?
- Maybe it’s my new condo…
- Maybe it’s the thought of 2012…and all the future blessings yet to be discovered…
- Maybe it’s because I get to see my crazy relatives in just one more day…
- Maybe it’s because I only have one more gift to buy…hence, one more annoying line to stand in…
- Maybe it’s because I went to church last Sunday…
- Maybe it’s the guy who’s 5 years younger who asked me out…
- Maybe it’s my new neighbor who dropped off homemade cookies…
- Maybe it’s knowing my broken heart is on the mend…
- Maybe it’s the impromptu snowstorm that hit Denver this afternoon…
- Maybe it’s the xanax…or the gi-normous bottle of Crown Royal I scored at my friend’s gift exchange party…
Whatever it is…I’m welcoming it with open arms.
On Friday, I head to Texas to visit family, loaded down with my big suitcase and jam-packed schedule. I only have about 1.2 million people to catch up with over 120 hours. Five days of non-stop hugs, conversations, adult libations, laughs, and hopefully…no tears. Yes, it will be a whirlwind…but I’d rather be stuck in that storm than sitting home alone staring at my dog and cat. It’s kinda nice being pulled in a multitude of directions. I’ll take that as a compliment.
My newfound holiday joy was INDEED tested earlier today. A few days ago, I mailed a cute, dainty necklace to my BFF…Brendy…courtesy of the U.S Postal service. I wrapped it in tissue paper, tucked it discreetly inside a card…and sent it on its merry way to Kansas City. This afternoon, when Brendy received the card, she noticed a small hole in the envelope…and low and behold…gasp…someone had STOLEN the necklace. Argh!
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Dear Disgruntled Postal Employee…
I hope you or someone you know needed that necklace more than my friend. Someone like a homeless person…a person with a terminal illness…a person who just lost his job. If not though…that stolen necklace will bring you nothing but bad karma. And I hope your neck turns green…because…sorry to inform you…it’s not REAL gold.
Sincerely,
Your Secret Santa
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Sorry…thief…despite your unruly ways, you did NOT ruin my holiday cheer. I’m better than that. Yes, material items matter to an extent. But the bigger joy of the holiday season is simply spending time with loved ones, giving thanks for the ups AND downs of the past year, and accepting that life is unscripted. It’s also about embracing the new year…and all the potential experiences that come in that shiny package. For me, that could be…a new television show to produce or write, a new love interest, a new travel adventure…and tons of time to remodel my home. 2012 I’m ready!
Speaking of home…did I mention it’s snowing outside? And that my new neighborhood rocks? Earlier tonight, while happily walking back to my pad after visiting a local bar, I realized it finally felt like the holidays. Under the spell of falling snowflakes, my little neighborhood looks like a scene from a snow globe.
I almost hear Christmas carols.
Birthday Smirk-Day
Yep, it’s my birthday this week – or as most women in their 30s call this glorious day…”Holy heck…one year closer to 40.”
Not that I’m afraid of 40. I mean 40 is like the new 21….or so say all those celebrities, fashion designers, and Real Hoochey-mama Housewives. Right? Except the fact you have wrinkles, a mortgage payment, a ticking clock (even the GYNO agrees), a year’s supply glucosamine in your medicine cabinet, and every time you look at a photo of yourself you think…”I look like my mother!” Chances are — if you haven’t splurged on Botox, you’ve at least spent HOURS looking at “before and after” photos online until your eyes glaze over. And suddenly exercise is not something you do JUST for the endorphins… it’s something you do to “keep up with all those trashy 20 year-olds who are stealing your men!”
I admit I’m not in my mid-flirty30s anymore….I’m in my late-flirty30s…I turn 38…GULP… tomorrow. But I guess the important thing is – I don’t feel late 30s. (And I don’t think I look it.) I feel….maybe ….Hmmm….27.
Still – despite my youthful feeling…You know you’re a few years away from 40 when:
- You’re overdosing on sunscreen, even during a tsunami.
- You’re obsessed with eating healthy and only buy foods that are dark green or bright purple (Although this does not apply to late-night Taco Bell or gas station doughnuts).
- You’ve accepted the fact you can’t wear high heels every day and have been caught sneaking into the Crocs store at Cherry Creek mall.
- You’ve already investigated fertility acupuncture even though you have: A. No husband B. No boyfriend C. No upcoming dates
- You’ve fibbed about your age at least once…or at least…you’ve been “very vague” and kept some guy guessing who was probably younger than your younger brother!
But there is comfort in all of this. My grandmother told me years ago…”You know Lisa, your mind doesn’t age…only your body does.” I wasn’t sure what she met by this until five years ago. What she means is that our emotions don’t disappear along with the progression of the calendar. We still experience the “ah-hah” moment of newfound love, the angst of a job change, the sadness when we are betrayed, and the “jumping up and down” joy when we reach a goal. (Ask my co-workers – I jumped up and down between cubicles when I found out the seller accepted my offer on my new condo.)
It’s AS IF we are still 17 or 27…somewhere in our psyche. And I find this extremely comforting as I age gracefully.
Since my birthday always falls around Thanksgiving…I’d like to reflect on my blessings – or in reality — what I survived this last year… because honestly…it was a doozey.
- Finding “one of the loves” of my life…throwing my heart into it…then realizing it was time to let go…(wretched heartache)
- Politely demanding a raise, not receiving the raise initially, playing tough (so very awkward for Lisa), then coming to an agreement in my favor (Who knew Lisa had balls?!)
- Managing three family weddings – and thankfully no funerals (My own personal episode of “Relatives Gone Wild”)
- Surviving a Denver winter with only a mini-cooper to my name (those miniature snow tires rock!)
- Tackling the beautiful Colorado ski slopes for 13 sporadic ski days – without injuring myself, innocent children, old people, or punk snowboarders
- Traveling to Europe – and encountering delayed flights, bus schedules I never undersood, a bitchy, jealous ex-boyfriend’s mother (so so painful), yet thankfully — stunning scenery, amazing food, and loving company
- Camping with four other girls outside Aspen for a long weekend and somehow not killing each other…because after all…hot coals, bears, and two gallons of red wine don’t mix.
- Buying a condo…if I ever have to hunt down that many paycheck stubs, W-2 forms, or tax forms again…I may move to Canada and live in a tent.
- Surviving the holidays…
- Oh wait…they’re not over yet?? Damn.
This big list makes me wonder…. What will I survive next year? Who will I meet? Where will my job take me? What blessings are just around the corner?
I only know one thing….my emotional and wish-list bags are packed…ready to hop onboard this thing called life.
No, I’m not wearing “mom jeans” (maybe one day) ….but I’m comfortable in my designer jeans…marketed to women not a day over 40.
One of my achievements - becoming a homeowner.... Home Depot here I come!
Pre-Birthday Celebration with the Girls
A Single Gal’s Gusto…to Rent or to Buy?
Decisions…decisions…especially in the wake of a breakup. I mean…what’s a girl to do when she’s desperate to “move on” in more than one area of her life?
OK…here’s the skinny: I currently rent a duplex in Denver’s “nose-in-the-air” neighborhood, Cherry Creek North. When I first moved to the mile-high city, it was the perfect find because my dad knew the “ghetto” was far, far away…and the criminals – even further. And I admit…this set-up HAS been convenient. I safely stroll to trendy restaurants, shops, and bars. My dog sniffs butts with Denver’s finest pooches. In this utopia, everyone has automatic sprinklers, a lawn boy, and not one…but TWO Land Rovers.
The problem is…I live in the token “dump” on the block. You know…the big eyesore — the one where the neighbors pray the elderly landlords will die quickly…so their money-hungry kids can kick me out, bulldoze the lot, then sell it to someone who will erect yet another McMansion. (Think Stepford Wives ambiance.)
Yes, my 1940s place does have historic charm, but it also has the original single-pane windows, a Pepto-Bismol pink toilet and sink, and I’m convinced – NO INSULATION. At night, I feel the breeze…through the CLOSED window. If I run my hairdryer, portable dishwasher, and microwave at the same time…I find myself in the dark, groping for the electrical panel. And every night I pray carbon monoxide doesn’t kill me — as my decrepit furnace coughs and sputters.
A few months ago I realized — the time had come to slink into a 30-year relationship with a random mortgage company and give the old “heave-ho” to my money-squandering landlord. I considered the “good” of condo ownership (a place to call my “own” and all that sentimental crap), the “bad,” (nosy neighbors who never leave), and the “ugly.” (the toilet that clogs up on Christmas Eve and I have to pay someone’s ass to come fix it) I also gulped at the reality I would venture into this alone…minus “Mr. Right.” Yes, while I felt empowered …there was small pity party brewing — knowing my name would be the only name on the deed.
So alas, my search began. I knew my budget wasn’t huge….but I knew it wasn’t spare change either!
I started my quest with the enthusiasm of a college-bound girl shopping for dorm room accessories. Quickly though, I felt I was perusing at the Goodwill. Every condo I looked at was either A) dumpy and depressing B) full of creepy middle aged men –OR- C) full of old people carting oxygen tanks on shoulder straps (I kid you not). The duplexes weren’t much better. They all sported damp “Freddie Cougar” basements, cubicle sized kitchens, and “sketchy” neighbors. I did fall in love with one condo, but as I evaluated the closets, I spotted two cats sleeping on a pile of sweaters…then my eyes rested on a picture of the SINGLE, 45-year old female seller. I sprinted out of that place in 2.5 seconds….almost in tears, vowing I would never turn into “that woman.” I took a moment in my car and thought, “Is this really all my money is worth? Have my hard earned savings come down to living in a building with twice as many cats as people??”
I freaked out. I THEN decided to stick with renting. I mean…I’m a free sprit…I didn’t want to be tied down!
Over the next month I looked at over a dozen “expensive yet bland” rentals listed on craigslist and apartments.com. I couldn’t believe $1150 wouldn’t even get you a covered parking spot much less a dishwasher! Nothing was the right fit. All the leasing agents acted annoyed that I owned a dog. I mean, this is Denver…the dog capitol of the United States! I was so confused and discouraged…I didn’t know what to do. All I knew…was that I COULDN’T spend another winter freezing my ass off in my current rental.
So switched my mind AGAIN…and returned to looking at properties for sale. Taking a friend’s advice, I also wrote down a description of my “perfect place”…then tucked the piece of paper in a safe place. (Hey, if you write things down, you’ll make it happen.) I also made the best business decision ever and “broke up” with my realtor. He was a friend of a friend…and honestly…he was unorganized from the beginning. I didn’t need his dead weight…or his blank stares when I asked him simple financing questions. It was time to play tough…and he was clearly too wimpy to stay in my game.
Around that same time, my co-worker paired me with an awesome realtor ironically named Lisa. We hit it off from the beginning. I confided in her as if she was my therapist. I told her, “I just went through a painful breakup (the ex-boyfriend, not the realtor) and I’m on the fence about renting or buying. I want to make sure if I buy a property, I will love it now…but also I need to be able to rent it in the future…even in a few years. I’m actively trying to meet someone special at this stage in my life, and I don’t want a property that ties me down.”
Lisa digested this information…and then got to work quicker than a McDonalds drive-thru. Within one week, I started looking at properties with REAL potential. Our next meeting, we looked at five units…both condos and townhouses. I fell in love with the first property – a sunny 2 bedroom/1 bath condo located in the hip historic Baker neighborhood — one block from the funky shops, restaurants and bars of South Broadway. For the first time in over two and half months, a REAL smile appeared on my face. In the aftermath of my breakup, I had become the master of the “fake smile”…this one, however, was genuine and heartfelt. I called my dad with the news.
Things rolled into place after that. I saw the property on a Sunday, made my offer on Tuesday….and “low and behold” the seller accepted my final offer late Thursday afternoon. Within a span of 60 hours, I went from the heartbroken evil American ex-girlfriend (EAG) to the hot, available, single homeowner.
I am lovin’ this new title change!
In just a few short weeks, I move in. I feel positive, invigorated, and most importantly — at peace. This little condo is perfect for my “present”…and provides a solid investment for my “future.”
Who knew a girl could get so excited over double pane windows, a WHITE toilet, and a furnace covered by a warranty?
Rekindling with Old “Non-Flames”
Everything comes full circle, right? Even in dating. Guys you thought were “Bye-Bye” are suddenly saying “Hi Hi”… a year later. In droves!!
Here’s the scenario… You meet someone date-worthy…make a connection…hit the town a few times…and he suddenly drops off the planet. No hurt feelings, because the sparks never ignited. Regardless, 12 months later, you find yourself answering an “unfamiliar number” only to hear a “somewhat familiar” voice on the other end. Yep, it’s one of “last year’s guys” trying to hop back onboard the spaceship and orbit in your galaxy. Or perhaps you run into an old “non-flame” innocently one night, and then realize, “Wow, maybe he is a cutie.”
There’s nothing WRONG with this… In fact, kudos to sincere guys who try to reconnect after a lengthy hiatus. Because, after all – timing is everything!
I found myself falling “lucky victim” to this scenario recently…
First: I ran into “Dakota Dude” in downtown Denver. Not sure why, but we just never clicked last year when we went out on the “traditional match date” consisting of two drinks, one appetizer, and 1.5 hours of staring at each other. (Come on, you’ve been there.) It WAS fun to see him after all those months…so good that he snuck in a late night kiss after one too-many-beers at the bar. Thankfully, I’ve kissed enough of my guy friends to know smooches can be strictly innocent in mucho beer-drinking situations.
Second: Scooter Guy surprised me one Sunday morning calling me at 10 AM sharp. I let the unfamiliar number go to voicemail, praying it wasn’t an emergency work call or the local firefighter’s union asking for cash. Turns out Scooter Guy had just broken up with his girlfriend of eight months and wanted to reconnect as friends, asking for a “non-date-date”…whatever the heck that is. Actually, I’m quite open to this, considering my sweet southern side loves making more friends. Plus, later, when we actually did meet up for the infamous non-date-date, I hopped aboard the scooter, hung on tightly, and enjoyed the breeze – feeling “oh-so-super” urban and chic as I cruised through Denver’s Platte Park neighborhood.
Third: Early one morning, the “Aussie Therapist” shot me a nice email asking for a second chance. He even told me, “I don’t know why we never went on a second date, but now I’m regretting it.” I had to crank back the old memory log from a year ago and remember our brief time together…but it went something like this… We wined and dined…laughed all night…he walked me to my car…texted a bit afterward…then he disappeared after the first snowfall. I wasn’t really upset by his departure, as I had a few other guys in the batting cage ready to make their move. But I always wondered…”What if?” Now I’m wondering if the accent will still make him irresistible?
So why all these old “non-flames?” It’s actually fairly simple.
Think about it…dating forces you to be a player…you can’t deny it. Here’s why… In a typical dating season, you’re juggling roughly three people at once. You really like Guy #1….but you must experience three awesome dates before it gets serious. So even when you’re at the “second date” benchmark with Guy #1…you gotta go on a first date with Guy #2 just to keep the train rolling and your options open. (Because at any given moment, Guy #1 could drop the ball and leave your galaxy entirely.) Meanwhile Guy #3 enters the scene. Yes, he may be a GREAT guy, but if you make it all the way to date #3 with Guy #1…guys 2 and 3 are usually left in the dust. (Are you still with me?…or are you lost?)
Of course with this post, I’m not advocating you take back the asshole who cheated on you with the 21 year old hairdresser…
Or the real estate investor in Vail who dumped you for his ex-girlfriend…
Or the short Boulder guy who stood you up for the Red Rocks concert…
But maybe, you should give certain “non-flames” a “second chance.” You never know…you might make it to the third date with one of those lucky fellas.
I’ve Been a Bad, Bad, Bad Bloggy Girl
Let’s face it. We’re all bad sometimes.
My biggest sin – the absence from my blog the last few months. Heck, as a former catholic schoolgirl, I need to go to confession.
My sincerest apologies go out to all my readers who wandered away…I pray you come trickling back. In droves. And bring some new friends too.
Perhaps the group most affected by my bloggy absence – my poor family. They’ve had to actually resort to PICKING UP a cell phone and asking about my dates and tribulations the old fashioned way – through vocal prose. Gone were those days when they could simply surf to a public site and receive a free “Leaza” update, courtesy of my busy night-owl fingers. I had them spoiled. I’m surprised my mom survived without her weekly laughs and/or gasps.
I admit – I got in a rut…a big Tonka Truck one. It was mostly fueled by a domino effect of dating dilemnas, job stress, summer lovin’, and an endless stream of visitors. Every time I thought, “I need to blog”…something more important came up…like flossing. Or reading the Instyle autumn September issue. Or attending the largest microbrew tasting in the US – conveniently located only 5.3 miles away!
I guess the “best” part of being gone – is that you feel missed. I received numerous emails with the term, “Are you alive?” and “Please say you didn’t get married” in the subject line. Geez, I never knew so many people in Iowa were following my dating adventures! Hugs. I even had close friends offer to “take over the blog” while I got my act together. It’s as if I was driving a tanker with no hands and my bffs wanted to hop aboard and turn this baby into Operation Bloggy Rescue. That, my friends, is teamwork…or at least unconditional love.
So…just to briefly catch you up on the life of Leaza…here’s the scoop. First, I switched to a new HGTV show as a full-time writer. Let’s face it, I’ve been so busy documenting someone else’s story, I forgot to document my own. (Thankfully my life does not involve home remodeling.) Second, both of my grandmothers ended up in the hospital at the same time. This makes you the ponder the term, “Life is short” along with “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I now refuse to let “that asshole” at work affect my mood…it’s not worth it! And third, I’m officially back on the dating market, eyes peeled and hair curled. Yep, I’ve already swooned on some great dates, secretly suffered through some others. But all in all, fall is off to a great start. It’s “hunting season.”
So dearest Blog,
Please forgive the neglect. It’s as if no time has passed, right? I swear I haven’t cheated on you with facebook.
Love, Leaza
P.S. If you’re new to my blog, consider checking out a few “oldies but goodies” –
Exhausted from Pimpin Myself Out
Finding 7 Minutes of Heaven in 8 Minutes of Speed Dating
Celebrating My Anniversary, NOT the Marriage Kind
Tick, tock…tick, tick, tick….
Native I’ll never be…but a Colorado transplant I’m happy to be. And a lucky one at that.
It was ONE YEAR AGO this month when I packed up my mini-cooper in Dallas, blazed a fierce trail to Denver, and started my life OVER. (well not really, but close enough) Yep, that’s what a cross country move does – it encompasses more than just a new chapter – it’s a different book entirely.
I had a love affair with Colorado from 1997 to 1999 when I attended CU-Boulder for graduate school. After living in the dreamworld of the Rockies, I found myself moving to a small Texas tv market to start my journalism career and “pay my dues” (aka starve to death and cover boring-ass city council meetings). In the back of my mind though, I always thought, “Colorado….I’ll be back!”
Over the next 10 years, my personal zip code and television career landed me in Little Rock, Kansas City, and Dallas. Sure the people were nice (news flash: people are nice everywhere), and I made some amazing friends, but the weather SUCKED! And the scenery – no comparison to Colorado. One day…my heart told me it was about time I did something for myself. So I opened the vault, found my dream, landed a job with a solid tv production company in Denver – and MOVED.
When you’re a newbie in town, time DOES fly. And to mark my big anniversary, I’m posting the top 10 things I have learned about “starting over.”
1. Learn to be alone – in public.
Bottom line – you must “go at it” alone at first – to have a handful of good girlfriends for the future. The only way to meet people – is to force yourself to be social through groups, outings, meet-up events, work happy hours, etc. Throw yourself to the masses and focus on other “newbies.” It’s a numbers game. Some people will stick, others won’t. It’s kind of like dating – minus the free dinners.
2. Don’t worry about buying a lot of new clothes.
New co-workers and friends will think your clothes from two years ago are brand-new since they’ve never seen them before! It’s quite liberating. That “old shirt” suddenly looks “new” again. Chances are – one of your new girlfriends will want to borrow it!
3. Pets are like family…usually better than family.
Furry friends help you survive the lonely weekend nights before you know ANYONE to rock the town with on a regular basis. Also, they don’t argue over which DVD to rent. Even my cat, Waylon, helps me feel safe at night despite having no claws.
4. In your 30s, it’s a small dating world after all.
Even though it’s a new city and you’re starting “fresh”….it only takes about five months until you see guys you’ve already dated before at a local bar. (Asshole Andy and Belgium Boy just to name a few) Every now and then, suck it up and go on a date with a dude in the burbs.
5. Facebook will get you through the hard times.
Of course you can keep track of girlfriends, secretly stalk old flames, and check in on your siblings. Better yet, you can post pictures of yourself in your fabulous new town, experiencing all its fabulous new adventures….hence making everyone else jealous.
6. If you’re forced to downsize, you won’t miss the extra space.
Trust me, even though it’s more expensive than “your old town,” you’ll be just as happy with less square footage in your “new town.” I’m more giddy on a daily basis because I have one less bathroom to clean. Less IS more. And I never miss my old, scary Freddy Kruger basement.
7. It’s fun playing tourist in your new hometown.
Chances are…you’re seeing more in the city than most people born in that particular town. I’m always amazed when I meet people raised in Colorado who have NEVER tried snow skiing. That’s like living in New York and NEVER shopping.
8. Much of your future success and happiness comes from people you do not know yet!
Weird to think about this, but very true. People walk in your life when you least expect it – they can impact your personal and professional life in more ways imaginable. So be nice to everyone (well, at first anyways). That bee-atch who at first seemed cold, could actually help you get a job promotion someday.
9. Good friends will come and visit – and it’s easy to pick up right where you left off.
Usually the “picking up” involves wine, sangria, outdoor patios, giggles, shrieks, laughs, then hangovers…in no particular order. Once the word spreads you live in a “cool” place, expect more visitors. Stock up on tour guide materials. Before you know it, friends and family expect you to plan their vacations.
10. And finally….one of my favorite quotes (author unknown)…to sum up starting over:
“If you resist change, or hold on to the past, you postpone all future blessings awaiting you on the next level.”
In lieu of anniversary gifts, I am asking that you comment on my blog. Or pass it on to someone who wants to make a change, but cannot find the courage.
The day I moved...
and the state I moved to...
Some Things THANKFULLY Never Change
Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know the drill…the ole familiar mantra. Life is about change, right? Change is inevitable. Change forces you to grow. Blah blah blah. (Damn those motivational speakers!)
Don’t get me wrong. I do relish some change…in certain situations. I enjoy changing my hairstyle, my toenail polish, my sheets (oo-lah-lah), underwear, and of course my address (when I moved to Denver). On the flip side, I HATE changing my own flat tire.
But some things…I just want to stay “the same.” For comfort reasons.
On top of my “no-changes-allowed” list…tried and true friendships. You know….the ones you can count on one perfectly manicured hand.
Thankfully, the bond I have with certain girlfriends has never changed (sounds cliche but true). I don’t have “blood” sisters, so my girlfriends are my “true” sisters. Yes, our lives have transformed over the years…but our emotional connections haven’t. True BFFs survive a typhoon of marriages, divorces, hangovers, cross country moves, breakups, breakdowns, newborns, new jobs, bad jobs, no jobs, 50 cases of PMS, and about 1.2 million bad and good dates. And I haven’t even mentioned the mini-makeovers, pounds lost, pounds gained, and all those damn exercise hours in between.
This comforting reality hit me last week when one of my BFFs (aka Brendy) visited moi from Kansas City. (I used to live there a few years back.) As any good hostess, I showed her all the beautiful “mile-high” city highlights. We sauntered down Larimer Square, rubbed elbows with the cougars at Elway’s, burned some laps at Wash Park, and even conquered Rocky Mountain National Park.
More importantly, though, we just cut to the chase and fell into our old BFF routine….the one that never changed. Same friendship…just a different location. Our fears…plus our dreams….all rolled into one conversation. Minutes in, Brendy and I were “in the zone”…best described as a combination of hot gossip, emotional details, genuine reactions….coupled with spurts of laughter, “oh-my-gods,” bedroom details, and various bitch sessions.
Bottom line…who cares about salutations and fluff…when you can get to the heart of the matter efficiently? Throw in some red sangria and watch the conversation run rampant.
A few days in to Brendy’s visit…..I realized something. Spending time with her…made me miss her EVEN more! Of course I had missed her the last few years….but as her departure loomed ahead…and the clock seemed to speed up….we realized the scope. It was huge…and special. Something I hope every woman experiences.
Brendy and I boo-hood like teenagers leaving summer horseback riding camp the night before her flight back to Kansas City. We hugged on the couch and felt pretty darn “Hallmark-card” pathetic. Heck, I’m surprised we didn’t buy cheesy friendship pins…or carve our initials into some poor tree.
After she left, I was seriously depressed all day…secretly sniffling to myself while editing video at work…trying to write an episode. Brendy texted me from the plane equally as bummed. Sigh……our big adventure was officially over. When I got home…I scarfed down potato chips, crawled under a blanket, and watched a chick “Sundance film festival” movie…attempting to think about something OTHER than my best friend’s absence.
Later that night, “Eye Guy” came over to attempt to cheer me up. Like any man, he wanted to “fix” the problem…then “make out. :) And like most women mourning the departure of someone special, I told him I needed my space (aka “get lost”) and to call me the next day. My pity party was my own and no one else’s…and would certainly not be ruined by some dude.
When the alarm rang the next morning, I made a conscious effort to find my “big girl panties.” I pulled my mood out of the gutter. And suddenly….all was “right” again in the world. Driving to work,….my acoustic satellite music channel acting as a sappy soundtrack…I pondered my blessings
As women…we need each other. It doesn’t matter what stage of life we’re currently “in”…or moving “into”…or “leaving.”
The lesson here….good friends really don’t change…instead…they help you roll, conquer, and survive all of your own life changes. And distance…well, it’s just a small detour.
If you like this post, send it to one of your BFFs.
A Diggity Dog Weekend in Colorado for Pups
As everyone knows (I’ve heard your giggles), I’ve been carrying around a stuffed dog named Pups the Traveling Labrador the past week. Pups “mom” found my blog, then sent Pups for a Colorado visit. For the last four years, he has traveled the globe…posing in front of random, beautiful, breathtaking, and humorous locations. I’m proud to add Vail to Pups’ list of favorite destinations…
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Let me introduce you to the traveling labrador dawg named Pups…
Who said a lot more than “woof” and “ruff-ruff.”
Visiting his new friend, Leaza, Pups headed west…
And gave Denver (along with Leaza’s kids Waylon and Lilly) his doggie-do best….
First to the Colorado State Capitol to check out the sights…
Next to High Noon Entertainment to his doggie delight.
He wrote a script in Leaza’s TV producer cube…
Then worked in the editing bay with his quick creative moves…
Finally before leaving…Pups made a new friend…
Emma, a therapy dog, who had a helping paw to lend.
Early that evening, Pups cruised west on I-70…
Heading to Vail, he knew fun and craziness would be a-plenty…
The night began in Vail Village via a shuttle bus…
He and the crew met many people – including a granola guy named Gus.
A quick stop at Vendetta’s yielded some awesome pizza as a kicker…
Pups finally cut loose and ordered his own pitcher!
Next – dancing at “The Club” – making friends with the ladies…
Pups thought he had died and gone to heaven…and barked, “Oh baby.”
Pups found his way onstage – hanging with the band.
Posing as a backup singer – he felt this was his “life-doggie plan.”
The night ended (in the morning) with Pups snoring in bed….
With visions of snowboarding and Vail blue skies dancing in his head.
Day one of snowboarding started with a bang.
Pups rode up the lift from Lionshead with Leaza and her gang.
Pups picked up pointers from other boarders who offered assistance…
Soon he was riding on his own – this dawg growled persistence!
Before long, Pups was boarding where no dog “had gone before…”
Also – meeting new friends – eternally partying from his inner core…
He bumped into his Scooby Do, his favorite compadre and hero…
Then conquered some more mogul turns…before his energy dropped to zero…
Day two of skiing and boarding…Pups arose tired and feeling a wee sick.
A cup of strong coffee, some advil, and H2O quickly did the trick!
The last day of Vail Closing Weekend began on a lift heading up…
Leaza and her “dressed-up” gang brought along Pups as he considered himself one “lucky duck…”
Adorned with shades, Pups caught some rays atop Blue Sky Basin…
Hanging with fellow dudes, picnicking, and enjoying periods of just lazin’…
Putting his snowboard aside, he ponied up to some beverages on ice….
Checking out crazy costumes…he howled with laughter and thought, “Dude, this is nice!”
Later that night, Pups recorded all his memories in his pawesome personal book…
He thought to himself…”After a long weekend in sunny Colorado, I’m hooked!”
“Dear Leaza” he wrote…”You are a loyal ‘dog’s best friend.’
In lieu of more laughter, mountain views, and partying….Please let me know when I can visit again.”
Call me Crazy, but I’m Toting around a Lovable, Stuffed Dog!
Listen up peeps…Leaza has a visitor this weekend. Yes, I know I’m usually dishing about dating…but for the next week…I’ll be dishing about my new sidekick – Pups the Traveling Labrador.
Before you call me “crazy,” let me explain. Pups is somewhat like the Travelocity gnome you see posing in pictures all over the world. His purpose simply is to spread doggy cheer. He’s a “Good Will Ambassador” of sorts…for pets and humans alike. Pups has traveled the globe for over four years and has visited DOZENS of countries. He loves posing for pics in front of the world’s most recognizable sites.
His “mom,” Paula, recently discovered www.myflirty30s.com…and asked if Pups could visit Colorado. Sooooo…..Friday, April 16th….Pups heads with me and my “posse of friends” to Vail Closing Weekend! He’s ready for a weekend of skiing, eating, watching concerts, howling at the moon, and enjoying select libations. Maybe he can help Leaza pick up some hot ski dudes!!??
I figure Pups will be a great icebreaker! Stay tuned for more pictures…
PUPS CHECKS OUT THE COLORADO STATE CAPITOL IN DENVER
WALKING UP THE CAPITOL STEPS....
THIS CANNON ROCKS!
GOODBYE DENVER....HELLO VAIL!
To All the Guys I’ve Loved (Not Really) Before…..Surprise, You Have New Names
What’s in a Name? Judging by my long list…a heck of a lot. And I’m not talking about my own name…I’m referring to the laundry list of guys I’ve dated the last six months. You know…the list that comprises of “at-first” seemingly normal men – then turns into a roll call of “what was I thinking” men.
First and foremost…I must apologize for being AWOL on my own blog the last week and a half. Sometimes I do not control my life…instead my allergies, job demands, mediocre dates, snow skiing obsession, and grocery store visits run full throttle and take over. And secondly, I apologize for writing a blog post somewhat inspired by Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias
So….what’s in a name? Evidently A LOT if I look at the string of recent Denver dudes who have recently “tolerated,” or been “graced by my presence.” Some of my favorites….
Metrosexual Mark – Wore more designer clothes than George Michael and George Clooney combined.
Ivy League Cowboy – Harvard grad who worked on a dude ranch…I hope the horses appreciated his degree.
Gaydaddy.com – Had perfect hair…and a perfect son. Secretly wondered if he should move to San Fran. Too too feminine.
Transitional Man – Moving from Morrison to downtown Denver…quickly turned into “Sent me an email asking for a 3rd chance,” then “Stood me up” Man. LOSER!
Mr. Gold Chain – Sporting ugly, thick gold chain all night…Possible Jersey Shore wannabe.
Mr. NYU – Became snotty when I honesty admitted I did not know the NYU mascot. (Turns out it’s the Violet…HOW LAME!)
Scooter Guy – Showed up to my house on a scooter for our date. Then told me he stopped at REI on the way to buy a sweater because he was so cold.
Bipolar Boy – Found the meds in the medicine closet when I was snooping around for dental floss.
Bipolar Boy #2 – What are the chances? Learned my lesson the first time…so BYE BYE!
Nutty Professor – Was actually writing a research paper on crazy baseball fans. Glad our tax dollars are hard at work.
Asshole Andy – Basically he stood me up on my birthday. Yes, this is his REAL name.
Overbite Boy – Need I say more?
Belgium Boy – Sexy accent, but ended up being OCD about money and investments. He literally asked me if he should buy another oil well or finally furnish his empty condo????
No Job Bob – Felt bad for the guy (we’ve all been there)…but probably not the best time to be searching for Mrs. Right.
Boulder Brent – Obsessed with Boulder in every shape or form…thought of it more as a utopia than just a bunch of rich people living in a bubble.
Barenaked Brian – Decided he would shed most of his clothes off in 3.2 seconds with no warning to moi – for a moment I thought I was in a Sex and the City episode.
At least this list – is long and distinguished. And it’s growing by the week. I wonder what they say about me? Hmmmmm…..
