So, let's start with the road trip, shall we? Longest drive of my life... but I had some good company. We stopped a couple of times to stretch our legs and saw parts of the country neither of us had seen before. And let's just say there is NOTHING in Kansas. If I never saw that state again, I would NOT be mad. (No offense to you Kansas lovers out there...) The one thing that I thought was incredibly interesting were the miles and miles of wind turbines. There would be fields of them as far as you could see. That's how much open space there was in Kansas. Woof.
Obviously had to stop at Superman's Hometown.
St. Louis.
Miles and miles of nothing. But the occasional wind turbine field.
And then... all of the sudden... we came across the most fabulous thing we had seen in approximately 1300 miles..... a sign welcoming us to a small slice of Heaven.
We obviously weren't that excited....
Naturally, the entire 4 days Fiance stayed here with me were spent exploring our new state. We were so thankful for GPS.... and the fact that Mom and Pop sent us traveling with a bag full of AAA maps and tourist guides (which I made sure no locals saw.... I think the AL tags on the car give enough away...eeekkk). I was absolutely blown away at the sights of the Rocky Mountains. I didn't dream they would be this breathtaking... and still are every time I get in my car and drive anywhere in the westward direction.
I mean. Come. On.
Then, as quickly as we'd arrived, Fiance was gone. And it was just me. To figure this new place out on my own. I was more nervous about just being in a new place that I knew close to NOTHING about than scared. I knew that I would have no problem meeting people and making new friends. It's just always a challenge learning a new place. Luckily, I was blessed with an awesome temporary roommate who made me feel right at home. First thing we did after Fiance left was take a little trip to Red Rocks. For exercise purposes, of course. I had no idea people went there for any other reason than to party at a concert.... learned something new. And about got my butt kicked by the "altitude change". It's been my excuse for long enough I think....
The following week, I started my job. I could not have been blessed with a better position here in Colorado. I LOVE all of the people that I work with... and actually really enjoy what I'm doing. I'm getting to work directly with patients and am learning so much every single day. Everyone on my team has been incredibly helpful in getting me oriented to the new job and is extremely willing to help out whenever I need it. I've met some awesome people so far.... and can't wait to see what else is in store.
After a couple weeks of trying (unsuccessfully) to find a place to rent, I decided on a little mountain therapy. A nice run/hike at the mountains in Red Rocks. It helped me clear my head and helped remind me again just why it was we wanted to move out here. Like I mentioned before... every time I take a good look at the mountains and scenery here, I'm overwhelmed by the beauty. This place is more than I bargained for. And I couldn't be happier.
Tell me that just doesn't take your breath away. And this is just in the Foothills!
The next day, I was convinced wanted to do the Incline at Manitou Springs. Let's just say I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I agreed to this. Had I been hiking this type of mountain anywhere in the south, I might have died due to the incredible humidity and sweltering heat... but something about the dryness in the air here made it a little more bearable. This "Incline" I am referring to is over 2,000 steps made of mostly railroad ties straight up the mountain. It is only a 1.02 mile hike.. but combined with an average of a 41% grade the entire way and a summit of 8,585 feet, it is far more difficult than it sounds. Good thing I brought lots of water!
Not even halfway there.
FINALLY halfway there....
And BOOM... I made it to the top. Still alive and kicking. Kind of.
Coolest part of all... the view from the top! Made it all worth it.
After that... it was back to business. Time to get serious and find us a place to live. And find I did. All coming together. It's a super cute little house in Arvada. Fits perfectly for what we need right now.... and best of all has a park right down the street with... you guessed it... a FABULOUS view of those stunning Rocky Mountains I've been gushing so much about. I know, I know... I'm in love. Sorry, Fiance...
So, with all that being said, I've made it. Ladies and Gents, I've survived nearly 6 weeks out here in this little piece of Heaven on my own. Done a little exploring. Discovered a little more about myself. Realized that I CAN take a leap of faith and enjoy it on my own. And realized just how dern excited I am for all the upcoming adventures this breathtaking state has to offer. Not to mention the company I'll have joining me FOR GOOD this Sunday. Life is good.
Cheers!
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