A Likely Story!

You Know You're From Colorado If...

(Something I found on the interwebs - enjoy!)

A winter statistic:

98% OF AMERICANS SCREAM BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A SLIPPERY ROAD. THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM COLORADO AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY SODA AND WATCH THIS.

NOW:

You're from Colorado if You'll eat ice cream in the winter.

When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.

It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be canceled.

You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.

You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.

Every movie theater has military and student discounts

'Humid' is over 25%. (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE!)

Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains. (Totally!)

You say 'the interstate' and everybody knows which one.

You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard. 

You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's day.

You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.

You know what the Continental Divide is.

You don't think Coors beer is that big a deal.

You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and as an adult. (But God forbid you eat there!)

You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities. (Not by choice, but yeah!)

You always know the elevation of where you are.

You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow. 

**You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High**

Everybody wears jeans to church.

You actually know that ** South Park ** is a real place not just a show on TV. 

You know what a 'trust fund hippy' is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder 

You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags. 

A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you.

Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders. 

When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.

You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels 'sticky' and you notice the sky is no longer blue

Friday Love List

It's been ages, so here ya go.

* White furniture. I've gone back and forth (white? expresso? black?) and decided when all is said and done, I prefer white. Time to own it & move forward.

* The ocean. I saw it last week and didn't realize how much I missed it. Here, take a look for yourself.

* No more second-guessing myself. 

* Solitude (every now and then, it's a must have)

* Garlic mashed potatoes. Cheese. Bacon. All-rolled-into-one-glorious-meal.

* The possibility of a weekend and all that can be accomplished/experienced

* October in Colorado 

* You :-)

Have a great weekend!!

Happy Birthday Larkin!

It's incredibly difficult to write anything of substance concerning my friend Larkin and not have it sound like I'm part of a huge Larkin fan club...even tho I sorta kinda am a huge fan of him.

Once you meet Larkin, you never forget him. And the more you get to know him, the more you want to know him.

For starters?

Larkin's funny! Outgoing. Helpful. Bon Vivant-ish. Loyal. Introspective. Warm. Kind. Make that very very kind. Authentic. 

I could go on and on but really, all you need to do is read his blog, see him in action, check out his pix...and you'll see what I mean.

Boulder is definitely a better place for having Larkin as a neighbor.  And I'm definitely a better person for having Larkin as a friend. Most definitely.

So happiest of birthdays, Larkin.   If I had to sum up my birthday wishes for you into one quote, it'd be "May life love you as much as you love life".  Cause no one loves life as much as you do!

Hugs,

Kath :-)

San Diego...So Far

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Here's a couple thousands of words to mull over.

Happy Saturday :-)

Gratitude

Long time no post, I know!

House is still on the market. Activity has been steady over the last week but no offers as of this second. Hopefully soon..really really soon  :-)

Leaving for San Diego in a few hours to see my adorably awesome friend Aree. She started out being a client, turned into a really good friend (Jager Bombs will do that to a friendship!) and now she is really part of my 'family' - she's adopted us and we've adopted her. So there you have it!

When the house deal fell thru, I texted Aree to inform her that my trip was off. Didn't see how I could afford a trip at this point. Yeah, the ticket was paid for but everything else? Not so much. No budget for In-N-Out, much less Jager Bombs.

Aree insisted. She said I needed to get away. That I needed a break and she needed a break. She told me that all my drinks/food/In-N-Out runs will be paid for. She's my Sugar Momma for the weekend. And if I didn't get my butt on the plane as scheduled, she would make my life very unpleasant.

Alrighty then!

So I'm packing to leave for San Diego and will spend the weekend hanging with Aree, some of my family, some of Aree's friends, we'll pay our respects to the lovely Pacific Ocean in all her glorious wetness and homage will equally be paid to my all-time fave "In-N-Out'...cause a trip to Cali is not complete without a visit. 

As I've written in the past it's sometimes difficult for me to accept. Giving? Not a problem. Accepting? I'm working on it. And learning that there needs to be a balance.

So many of my friends - all you guys - have been extra giving and loving over this last couple of weeks...the comments, the hugs (especially the hugs!), the help...it's all be much appreciated.

Thanks Aree for this weekend..I can't wait to see you and I KNOW we'll have a blast. 

And one of these days...hopefully soon...we'll reconvene at MY house - where ever that will be - and we'll have our Aree comes to Denver celebration.

Will all of you invited, of course :-)

Happy Thursday!

Take Two

House is back on the market & we're hoping this time will be the charm.

While I am dissapointed, I am not defeated. I hate the phrase 'it all happens for a reason' but I do believe it.

My realtor called at 2:08 this afternoon to tell me the buyer backed out (for privacy reasons, I'm not going to say why) and that she had already put my house back on the market. Shortly before 5, I was notified of a showing for tomorrow morning. So the wheels are already moving forward and that's a good thing.

Thanks so much to so many of you for your concern, support and love. It has meant the world to me and helps like you can't believe.

My faith and my trust in the Universe, God and my wonderful realtor remain.

Sooner or later (hopefully sooner!) my house will sell and it will be the sale that was meant to be.

So nnsd from here and thanks for being there for me.

:-)

Keepin' It Real...

Not gonna sugar-coat it. There is a huge snag in the process of selling my house.  The buyer has some serious issues they need to fix by this Friday or else the contract is broken and my house goes back on the market.

Of course, no one wants this to happen, especially me, but really - no one wants it to happen.

So for now I am thinking positive and trying to stay calm. It's hard, but I know that all of you are pulling for me, so I'm choosing to look at this setback as a challenge I need to learn from.

Assuming positive intent all the way around yet being realistic as to what can happen. And at this point all I can do (that I have control over) is hit 'Publish' then call it a night.

So nnsd from here and I'll keep ya posted :-)

Check That Off The List!

At last!

Found a cool place to live with a cool roomie and his equally cool doggie!  Yay! I get to live with a dog again!

Signed my lease today and my buddy Rosalicious and her fiance Kev are helping me move a bed, nightstands & a small dresser to my new place tomorrow. I'll continue to drop stuff at the new place thruout the week and will make the final run to my place Friday morning.

Yes, Friday morning!

Seems the buyers wanted to get in a little early and since Oct 12 (my original close date) turns out to be a bank holiday, all parties decided to close this Friday instead.

THIS FRIDAY!  

As in, I don't have a  full Saturday & Sunday night to clean the house before I leave. Yes, some of you may scoff, but it's a personal pride commitment I have to turning over my property. And that is to leave it as clean for them as I'd like it left for me if I was moving in. That, and karma!

So, back to Friday!

The movers (and me) need to be here at the buttcrack of dawn so the house can be finished in time for the closing. Eek!  It's coming down to the wire!  Can I do it? Will I be ready? OMG, this is really happening!

Yes, I can do it. Yes, I'll be ready, Yes, it's really happening.

But if I want any of the above 3 statements to come true, I'll need to get offline and get busy.

So bye for now :-)

Operation Adios KS is almost complete :-)

For Those Playing Along At Home

No news yet on where I'm gonna live post move. 

Soon tho...very soon.

Happy Thursday :-)

Neverending Excitement & General Giddyness Recap

Dudes! Dudettes!  How ya doing?

All's well here in Kathyland :-)

Operation Adios Kansas, aka selling my house, is progessing very well.

An offer was made, I countered, they countered, we signed!

House inspection went off without a hitch - no repairs to anything needed.  Getting quotes on movers tomorrow. House gets appraised next week.

Have talked to several potential roomies but nothing's in stone as of now. Soon, I hope.

Even tho I am under contract, I've kept my house pretty much spotless and in super clean/orderly 'show' mode. My realtor had it staged and the end result was very cute. So I keep it clean to honor the work that went into staging it and cause I like the end result. If anything, keeping it clean and spotless has made me focus on the whole process.  

Even tho it's more work to do as I prepare to leave for work each day, it grounds me and makes me conscious of what this is all about.  Which is selling a place I love and treasure as my private sanctuary and soon it may become (hopefully?) someone else's private sanctuary.

Just a couple of weeks left of my life in KS (cross fingers & knock on wood).

Life is once again being very generous to me and I am grateful in return.

Over and out from Kathyland :-)

Pick 5

Let's say you are packing up the entire contents of your home and putting everything in long-term storage for 6-8 months. Hypothetically.

Not counting clothes/shoes/necessary toiletries, what 5 things do you also take with you?  Creature comforts? Things that you need to get thru the day/week/month?  What would drive you absolutely crazy if you could not use it/see it/hear it/have access to it for 6-8 months?

Reason I ask?

I sold my house! In 4 days. Yippee!

3 weeks from today a moving van will pull up in front of my house & pack up everything I own. All my stuff is going into storage and I'll only have the basics. Have no idea where I'll be living...still working on that detail...but I'm not worried or stressed over it. It will all work out according to plan.

So tell me...what would you take with you? Why? 

I did this very same thing when I sold my FL house and moved in with my buddy Howard. At that time, I took a Queen Bed, one of my 2 nightstands, a small rectangular shelf for my CD's and personal paperwork, and a plastic bin that held all my financial records. Oh, and a really cool -really huge- picture of the dunes in Sarasota, FL. When I found my house in CO, the FL movers took all my stuff out of storage, stopped by Howard's condo to load up my remaining belongings, threw my truck on as well, and I flew out to CO while they drove.

This time?  I'm thinking of taking my King Size bed cause it's the best bed Ive ever slept on and I figure if I'm gonna be in transition, at least I'll sleep well. Still not 100% on that, however. We'll see.

So that's why I'm asking. 

Leave comments or links to your posts.

Happy Friday :-)

On Your Wedding Day

To my lovely wonderful kind hysterically funny about-to-be-married Jillian -

Today is your wedding day. You've dreamed about this day for your entire life. And while I so wish I could be there to see you walk down the aisle, say your wedding vows, see your first dance with Patrick and watch your special day unfold, I sadly will be there in spirit only.

From my own experience, this day will fly by. You will be the center of attention from sunup to sundown and even later than that. Enjoy it. Bask in all the love and attention and good wishes. Don't forget to eat. I'll say that again...don't forget to eat. Lots of wedding toasts + no food in the tummy = uh oh.

Live in each moment. It might be hard, but try. Not only are you thrilled to see all your friends and guests, but they are also thrilled and excited to see you. You will get hugged more this day than any other day of your life. Hugs are never a bad thing and even more special on your wedding day,  so savor each and every one of them.

Your first dance with your beloved Dad will be awesome & amazing. You two are so close, you are his only little girl (no matter how old you are, you are always your Dad's little girl) and I'm already tearing up thinking how special that dance will be and how you'll treasure it for the rest of your life.

You are a beautiful and loyal friend and Patrick is getting the best possible wife and life-partner ever. In sad times and happy times and trying times, you will be there for him, as you've been there for all your friends...especially for me!

Have a happy, wonderful wedding of a lifetime today, Jillian!

Love and all the best to you and Patrick -

xoxo

Kath

Convo With A Friend

Me : House is on the market

A : Hugh Laurie is single?

Me : As of when?

A : I don't know...you said House was on the market.

Happy Thursday :-)

Operation "Adios Kansas"

...commences tomorrow.

My life is changing. With change on the side. And a smidge of change for dessert.

Early last week I was reading in my room. Couldn't really concentrate on my book, so I vegged out to watch my ceiling fan turn. After several minutes I said out loud, 'OK, just give me a sign, allright?".

The next day my roomie told me she was moving.

Be careful what you ask for, huh??

Taking everything into account, I decided that the time has come for me to bid adios to KS. Now you all know - or should know - that I really don't live in KS. It feels like it tho.

Signing real estate paperwork tomorrow and my house goes on the market on Thursday. I am hoping for a quick, easy, fair transaction. Crossed fingers, prayers, good karma wished and happy thoughts of moving would be greatly appreciated.

Yes I've been cleaning/decluttering/organizing like a maniac.  Yes I am probably gilding the lily cause my house is pretty clean to begin with. Yes, I am continuing to clean anyway cause that's how I roll.

My 'grand plan' is to sell my house and find a room to rent from a friend or friend of friend for 5-9 months, then find a house/townhome to buy. I will definitely move closer to work...that is the main reason for my move. 

So now the cat's out of the bag!

I love my house and wish I could pick it up and take it with me. But I can't. So instead I'm focusing on everything running smoothly...and if it doesn't I will pretend it does :-)...and hopefully being outta here before Nov 1.

Burying a Saint Joseph stature tomorrow cause you can never be too sure!

So there you have it. Ready for the next challenge in my life and can't wait to see how it unfolds.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Next Chapter

My roomie moved out in the wee hours of the morning.

Her requested transfer came thru earlier than expected so she took advantage of her vacation time and jumped on the opportunity to accomplish as much as possible before she heads off to Tokyo next week.

For someone I've only known since late June, and was my roomie from late July, we got to be pretty close.  I was on a mission to introduce her to all my local Denver/Boulder peeps, we went out several times, her Mom came for a short visit and stayed with us, and we laughed at anything and everything.

While I was slightly hesitant at having a housemate once more, I decided to approach it as I approach most anything...open mind, expect the best, and see what I can learn about myself and others in the process.

What did I learn?  

That there are incredible people out there who are kind, adventure-oriented, eat really really healthy, aren't afraid to take chances, and will reciprocate kindness when kindness is offered.  I also learned that I tend to slam the door from the laundry room to the living room (oops) and that I get attached fairly quickly when I find someone I really admire.

Thanks Ondreya for being an awesome roomie :-)

Best of luck in DC and where ever else the friendly skies take you!

Somehow, You Find Yourself Outside The Plane

One of the funniest lines (delivered deadpan) from my buddy Larkin's IgniteBoulder5 Preso

What is Ignite, you may ask? It's THIS!  Bringing it down to the local level we have IgniteBoulder :

Ignite is a night of presentations on a variety of topics, with a twist. Each presentation has 20 slides, that automatically advance after 15 seconds. It is aworldwide movement, and Boulder is hosting our sixth September 16th at 6pm."

IgniteBoulder was conceived by my buddy Andrew Hyde and the first ever IgniteBoulder took place October 29, 2008.  As the year anniversary mark approaches, IgniteBoulder has blossomed into a bi-monthly night of passionate presentations, laughter, geekery and of course, beer.

IgniteBouder 3 was my first Ignite (Andrew asked me to wrangle the mic-ing of the presenters and I was happy to oblige) and I've been attending ever since. After IgniteBoulder 4 a Planing Committee was formed (disclaimer -I'm one of the Planning Crew) and IgniteBoulder 5 brought with it a venue change and a close to sell-out crowd at the Boulder Theatre.

Getting involved with IgniteBoulder has honestly been one of the funnest, most amazing, life-changing choices I've ever made. The friends I've made have welcomed me into their lives and in turn, I've brought several of my close friends into the IgniteBoulder fold, which has served to add additional talent, strengthen bonds of friendship and overall enrich our little community.

I've learned so much!

For starters, my buddies Ef, Blake & Brandon can belt out a tune like no one else!

Also discovered I shouldn't have wasted all that time and money going to college cause  everything I need to know I already knew in the 4th Grade

Erika gave us the 411 on Freebies from Victoria's Secret

Terry spoke on Community (and continues to practice what he preaches to this day)

No decent night of presentations would be complete without a least one mention of bacon and thankfully Rick Bakas  didn't let us down

So. That's what IgniteBoulder 5 was like. IgniteBoulder 6 is now taking submissions for presenters. Talking to you. Yes, YOU!

What are you passionate about? What makes you laugh? Smile? Swoon? What bits of knowledge would you love to impart to the rest of us?

This is your chance, baby. The spotlight calls...will you answer?  Don't keep us from knowing the awesomeness that is you!

Sign up to speak & vote on presentations here

Watch IgniteBoulder5 YouTubery here

See you at the Boulder Theatre on Wednesday, 16 September, doors open at 6 pm. It'll be a night to remember. Especially if you're there!

WHAT A Weekend!

It's Sunday morning and I'm working the late shift today (yay for hiring events!) so before I head off I wanted to share the fabulousness that has been my weekend. It rocked. On so many levels.

Not being one to waste a second of time when it comes to weekending, got busy with the having of fun at 5:01pm on Thursday. First stop? My Dentist!

Yeah, I consider the every-6-month-visit to get your teeth cleaned as a fun event. Not that I think having sharp pointy ouchy objects in my mouth is fun - I totally don't - but the end result where you have super clean teeth is a win.  I'm a huge fan of something you have probably never used before.  I'm the only one at my Dentist's practice that requests it. It's messy and loud but the end results are totally worth it. Feels like you have brand new teeth.

With that out of the way for another 6 months, I was off to see my buddies Jeff, Floyd & Seth (better known as MCQ) at the Boulder Fringe Festival.  I've been a loyal (very loyal!) fan of MCQ since they were hatched and I can honestly say this was one of their best shows, if not the best. Endearingly goofy and musically talented they sang new songs and old (let's hear it for 'Commando'). And they made me laugh. Lots. Which is always good.

Afterwards I introduced them to the awesomeness that is Rio Boulder w/ margs to die for!! which are best enjoyed while on the roof of the Rio. Some kids don't get out much...count MCQ in that category :)

Ended my foray into Boulder by hanging out with my buddy Larkin  (Hi Larkin!) who pretty much defines the phrase 'awesome & amazing'. 

Started my Friday the way I start all my Fridays...sleeping in!!  Highly underrated and always a bright spot in my weekend. Another bright spot in my weekend was meeting up with my friend Shmeder (Hi Shmeder!!) to catch up over a really late breakfast which sorta kinda turned into lunch and afterwards we descended upon our buddy HDW (Hi HDW!) to catch up and giggle and snort and learn the special secret on how to get your iPhone to work when it decides to die. Anyone?? Anyone out there know what to do?  :-)  Finally, Shmeder and I got the 411 on the coolest new decorating tip hitting the Lowry area. It involves books. And is rad!

Good times!

Ok, still with me?

Headed back home to hang with the roomie for a bit. Yes, I have a roomie. She is darling. She is not a dog (which was was all of my friends thought at first) but a real live human being  :-) And she rocks! She doesn't blog or Twitter so until that day comes she'll be fondly known as Roomie. 

We chitted and chatted and soon it was time to leave for my 3rd social soiree of the day...dinner with the darling Jess & her husband Torsten (and doggie Montana) and our favorite wine-expert & all around badass blogger Rosie & her fiance Kev (and their doggie Chloe)

 

I'll be the first to say that as organized as I can be and want to be, sometimes I drop the ball big time. Like showing up to Jess & Torsten's house 15 minutes early...only to realize I had totally spaced and FORGOTTEN TO BRING A SIDE DISH!  Eeek!!

I'd been so determined to get the directions right (thanks iPhone GPS) that I'd spaced on stopping by Whole Foods on the way. No problem (or so I thought) I'd Google where the closet WF was and pop right on over. Suffice to say my plans didn't pan out, I got wicked lost...twice (yes, I know, I know, GPS....whatev!) and showed up way past the time for being politely late. Way to make a good impression, Kath!

But I was there and it was great to see everyone and as I sat to join them for dinner which was well underway, my roomie texted me. To ask if I was home. ???? Which turned into a whole series of calls, texts, juggling phone calls between my neighbors and 911, hanging up on 911 (total accident) and lots of confusion since my roomie was convinced someone was in the house. Long story short, no one had broken in, my roomie was fine, the cops were cool, my neighbors relieved and I got to rejoin everyone mentally for dinner.  Without the drama. Which I'm allergic to :-)

Dinner was AWESOME!!  Jess & Torsten knocked themselves out and we all had the best time chatting and getting to know our newest blogger friends. Jess & Torsten have a lovely house (which we got to tour...yay...love house tours!) and I'm so excited to hear that they plan to stay here A LONG TIME!  Yippee! It was also great to catch up with Rosie and Kev who I (sadly) hadn't seen in way too long. If you read Rosie's blog (and you should!) you know that there's a wedding in their future so we got to hear all the latest and greatest details about their special celebration. We all left close to midnite and I smiled all the way home; I was that happy to have been included and had such a wonderful time.

Saturday brought another day of sleeping late (FTW!) and another late breakfast out, this time with the roomie. Normally I am not a breakfast eater but when the situation arises to share a meal with a friend, I am there! Especially if bacon is involved :-)

After breakfast it was the normal weekend stuff...laundry...bills...cleaning, the usual. 

Then?

It was time to head to The Pepsi Center  for an event I'd been anticipating for the last 6 months. Green Day!!

I'd always wanted to see them but it never worked out. This time? I bought tickets the second they went onsale.

Here's where I sat...

Seriously, there is something to be said for live music. Especially my favorite kind of music, all that is Alternative.

It's a combination of so many things, at least to my way of thinking. The excitement of the crowd leading up to when the band hits the stage, the energy when they first take the stage, the emotion in the songs, the non-stop dancing, screaming, clapping and singing along to all your favorite songs. A live concert is the best workout in the world. It rocks my world and when I'm at a live event of this magnitude I always ask myself why it's been so long? Music is one of my 'must-haves' in life, and I was sorely overdue for a show of this magnitude.

In a word? Awesome!! Best Concert Ever. And I've been to a lot of concerts. This was epic and I took pix for Facebook and Twitter all night so I'd remember the songs that matched the shots. Seeing Green Day in Denver is a memory I'll have for a long long time.

And that was my weekend in a sorta kinda wordy nutshell. I got to visit friends, have fun, reconnect, appreciate the people in my life and events that are special to me. And sleep in!

I so love my life and my weekends!  Thanks for sharing this one with me :-)

Assimilated

Had the weirdest dream Monday night. That's not unusual...I have them all the time and for the most part remember them in great detail. This one particular dream? I've been thinking about it non-stop ever since Tuesday morning.

Seems I turned into a robot. Went to bed a human with a human body...and woke up with a mechanical shell. Inside I still felt human...had the same physical feelings...I could hear my heatbeat, think, swallow, feel hungry...but my outsides were robotic. My body was along the lines of This Eva-ish look and instead of legs there were two polished titanium stalks. I was tall, too! Probably a little over 6'3" which is tall to me considering I'm 5'5".

So there I was, all robotic and everything. Sorta like a dream within a dream, I couldn't make out if it was real or a dream...but then I decided it was real and I'd better adapt. And that was pretty much all the freaking out that occured. Like going to bed human and waking up a robot happens every day.

With no need to shower...or wash my hair...or blow dry my hair...cause I HAD no hair...I left for work. Yeah, I just got in my truck and drove into work. You would think the visual of a robot driving would cause attention or maybe a doubletake or two, but nope...nothing of the sort.

Work was very understanding about the whole Kath-turning-into-a-robot thing and told me to hang out in the warehouse...where I am most of the time anyway. I had a voice...it wasn't too off from my human voice...so I kept doing what I always do at work. 

The one awesome change was I could read the minds of all the computers. And so many tech details that had evaded me for years? I knew them..I knew it all..down pat. And that was probably the one thing that's had me recalling this dream so much over the last week. I was now a tech know-it-all. I was a de facto expert by default. Brain dump accomplished. And the talking to & with computers part? It was magical. Their thoughts were so smooth...polished...totally reeking of logic...unless their logic board was bad. They told me what was wrong with them...how they wanted to be fixed..how they had been abused and mistreated...and how they had been loved and cherished. 

The new insights and knowledge I'd acquired thru my assilmilation was calming. Yeah. I was no longer a human. And thoughts that now I'd NEVER have any type of human relationship (ie boyfriend/husband) did linger in the back of my mind. Also, I'd look nothing like my family anymore. Resemblance goes out the window when you're a robot. Instead of doctors and dentists, I'd have to find a place for checkups. Who would I call? Robots 'R' Us?

My next thoughts were of what I COULD do! Would I still be afraid of heights? Could I possibily fly? Hmm...I hadn't tried that yet...maybe I should? What would my endurance be like? Could I do an Ironman? Could I float? Still swim? How would I be powered? And HOW FREAKING COOL would it be if I could be solar-powered? That would rock!! A green robot. In CO, of course...what else would you expect?

So why did I have this dream? Who knows...why do I have any of my weird-ass dreams that I remember in great detail days, weeks, months later?  Maybe it had to do with living in a different place? I've been house/dog sitting in Boulder since Monday night...the night I had the dream.

And maybe it's a sign that more changes are about to occur in my life...physical, mental, work, academic?  I would definitely love to be more tech-savvy.  And I've always said that in my next life I want to come back as Gabrielle Reece (she is sooo hot & athletic & kind & outgoing). And being taller than 5'5" would personally rock in lots of ways. Plus, robots have always fascinated me. Not sure that I'd actually want to BE one :-)

I'm gonna keep thinking about this and what it might mean. Feel free to deconstruct what you think it might mean as well. The possibilities are endless :-)

Not Even Close To Friday

But I'm gonna pretend it is and whip out another Friday Love List. What?? You don't know of the Friday Love List tradition? Then you must not follow the always funny, simply precious darlingly charming Meg

And that's a shame, so I'll wait a sec...maybe 3...whilst you pop on over to Meg's site.

(Cue Jeopardy theme)

Ok, welcome back!!  Now that you've had a chance to peruse Meg's Friday Love Lists, I'll give you the Kathyland rendition.

The Official Kathyland`Love List for Monday, August 3 2009

- Love that Thursday is my Friday (it's true!)

- Love dog/house sitting. It's funner than fun! And satiates my dog craving.

- Taking a cold shower after a sweltering hot day/workout/whatever

- Sunrises. And sunsets. Especially in CO.

- Long newsy catch-up calls with good friends

- Hi, How are you emails for no reason

- Waking up to cool breezes thru open windows

- Waking up to birdsong  (the original Twitterers)

- Grasping a techy computer-related concept that has eluded me in the past

- A-Ha moments in general

- Knowing that I can help someone financially, emotionally, logistically

- Freshly washed 1000 Thread Count Italian sheets. TO. DIE. FOR!!!

- When friends send me  pictures of their In-N-Out Burgers 

- When my Dad calls me by my nickname

- Boulder Dushanbe Tea House  Visited for the first time last week...Amazing!!

- Lots of ice in my cold drinks

- No ice on roads, freeways, tollways, sidewalks, parking lots

- Love the possibility of possibility

What are you lovin' in your life right now?

Post your list (or a link to your list) below!

Still Over You...

That was then, and this is now.

When I decided to give up cable back in January, I hoped it was a step in the right direction and I promised I'd report back. 

My take on it now that it's been over 6 months?  I wish I woulda done it sooner. Seriously.

OK, I will admit that NBA season was tough. Tortured during the playoffs since I love me some NBA action. But other than basketball, I really don't miss it at all.

Speaking of basketball...I resorted to watching playoffs at various sports bars. Yes, a bit spendy. But? It got me out of the house and in social mode. Living out in KS does not translate into throngs of visitors, so it was a trade-off.

The litmus test was when I visited my parents in June. They have every channel known to man. And one day while they were out running errands, I turned on HGTV to see if it still held the same allure for me. Nope. Not at all. I'd lost that lovin' feeling.

These days, even when I have the chance to watch cable at a friends house, I don't. I use my laptop to watch DVD's. Use my laptop for Hulu. Typing this while doggie-sitting in Thornton in a house where they not only have cable, but Direct TV and Apple TV.  Watched maybe 15 minutes of HGTV and I can honestly say that addiction is over.

All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to give up cable and TV in general. I definitely pay less than I used to and I've become more involved in other interests that get me out of the house and interest me in other ways.

Of course, this is just me and my own personal decision...to each his own, ya know?  If you love TV and can't live without it, well then don't!  Do what makes you happy. 

And just in case watching NBA playoffs make you really happy, you know who to call in case you want company :-)

One Week

One week ago I started  my day in the most productive way.  Up earlier than necessary, got tons of extra chores done and still managed to make it out the door with 20 minutes to spare. Chalk it up to a gut feeling telling me to do as much as possible as soon as possible.

While backing out of the garage to make a run to the mailbox around the corner, noticed my new roommate had left her window open all night. Oh well, not the end of the world, right? So I grabbed the mail, came back to the house to run upstairs and close the window. Forecast called for a  wonderful sunny CO day, free of rain, wind or hail. Again, gut feeling told me to close that sucker up. Done and done. (Coincidentally, that night it rained and poured and hailed in proportions not seen in years. Yay for gut feelings!)

Minutes after leaving home, my truck broke down. 4 blocks from home it gave up the ghost and refused to accelerate. Uh oh. And that sinking feeling in my stomach where I know that something is REALLY wrong came to stay.

Called AAA, called my truck dealership, called work to say I'd be late, and called my Dad for advice. And I Twittered. Of course I Twittered. 

Almost immediately my friend Tom  tweeted that he would come pick me up if I needed a pickup and I was free to stay with he and Dale. Just like that, no questions asked. Cause that is how Tom and Dale roll.  They've rescued me in the past and I can't think of a crisis I've gone thru where they weren't there for me in one way or another. 

Wound up having my truck towed to the Dealer and got a shuttle ride into work. My stomach was in  full-on stress mode, since I don't exactly live close to work. Not close at all.

Long story short, the news was not good (as in horrible) and it became apparent I needed to find a way to get back and forth to work for the next week. So I accepted Tom & Dale's kind offer to stay in their beautiful home while my truck was in the Isuzu ER.

Something you may not know about me is that I have a very hard time accepting help. Giving help? No problem! I am there...I'm your chick. But accepting? It's difficult...always has been.  I always feel like I must repay and repay the act of kindness right away. Add to that a small degree (some of you would say huge boatload) of control-itis (total control freak here) Do I require or expect that from those that I help? Oh hell no...not all. I'm a big fan of paying it forward. When the shoe is on the other foot, however, all that goes out the window.

Please understand this is just me being the quirky unique individual that I am. I was told repeatedly by both Tom and Dale to 'relax..don't worry..everything is fine...we are happy to help'. And they were. And are. It was humbling for me to accept, especially being in a situation where I could not repay immediately...not even close. I've had this happen while staying with other friends too. That's just how I am.

So over this last week I looked for the lesson in all of this. What could I learn? How could I grow as a person? How could I be the best houseguest possible? And how to graciously and lovingly accept help from two wonderful friends that neither asked or expected anything in return?

We don't really know WHY something happens...all we can do...all I can do...is guess and deduce and go with what feels right.

Maybe Isuzu needed the business? Maybe Tom and Dale really really really wanted to catch up with me? Maybe Tom wanted an iPhone cohort to discuss why AT&T stupidly does not provide more than 2 bars at any given time to his cell? Possibly it was meant that I meet Tom & Dale's wonderfully funny neighbors Sam & Anjanette? Maybe I needed to be in the presence of two people who truly and deeply love each other and live as  deeply committed and loving partners? (Always a plus to witness a loving relationship, no matter what the circumstance). Maybe I needed a reminder that love does happen and when it happens, it's wonderful..and that wonderfullness can give hope to others that might (might??) be open to the same thing but haven't been lucky enough to have it happen to them just yet. And just maybe it was meant that I wind up getting a free 1 day rental from my truck dealer and finding out that Nissan Sentra's are pretty zippy little cars that get really good gas mileage. Finally,  it could be  nothing more than my truck wanting some 'me' time...who knows?

I left Tom & Dale's lovely house (with their equally lovely and darling doggies Millie & Zoe) tonite shortly after work.  Some good karma came my way and I was able to keep my rental car for another day so I took that as a sign to come home.

Tom and Dale, you both are wonderful friends. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you the most. You both went above and beyond and you will never know how much your kindness means to me.  Finally, thanks for reminding me that life's not always about giving...it's also about receiving.

Message received, loud and clear.

xoxo

Watch This Space

Something will be written in the next 80-90 hours...I promise

The Last....

If you've read my blog (or know me IRL) for any length of time, you know that I hate to cook. Not a fan of the kitchen. Unless I'm cleaning it. Cooking...the act of buying ingredients, mixing them together- correctly- then putting said ingredients together to form something resembling a tasty, healthy and fun meal....scares the hell out of me.

I mean yeah, I can cook. I can survive. It's not my favorite thing in the world to do...probably one of my least favorite things to do. In my last house, I used my oven 4 times in almost as many years. And on one of the nights I did use it, my roommate at the time was astounded...he figured the oven was broken, which is why I never cooked.

I may (may?)  (No! Will!!) be heading in a new direction which will change my concept of kitchens and what they mean to me.

Last night I got together with Terry, who I met when he presented at Ignite Boulder 5. And by meet, I saw him on the stage, loved his presentation, and started following him on Twitter. And last night was the IRL meeting.

Over the weekend, Terry put out a call asking for people who hated that they hated to cook. Which sorta kinda described me.

Last night at bSide lounge over tasty organic mint Mojitos's we can up with a plan in where we cook...and like it, dammit!  Or maybe we cook, and no longer quake with fear? Or? We cook and don't run screaming from the kitchen in utter horror.  You can guess which description fits me.

And before you go getting all judgemental and stuff, please remember what you may find easy I may find impossible, and vice versa.

So Terry and I are off to a smashing start. It was cathartic to trade tales with someone that GETS IT like you GET IT!  Terry didn't look askance when I shared that the first dinner I made for my college boyfriend sent his brother (who came along for the ride) to the ER. (Musta been a bug going around, cause my family was fine...but whatever). And that I might enter my kitchen once a week, if that, and if there's no milk or Coke in the fridge why do I even bother going into the room, which instead of calling it the kitchen I now call it the room at the front of the house.

Anyway.

I got to thinking

What if this were my last Summer on earth?  I mean really...what if it was? Knowing me, if I KNEW that for a fact, I would try to do as much fun, crazy, wild, passionate, transforming activities and events as possible. So I decide to act like it is. Then REALLY act like it is.

I know peple say 'life is short' and 'live each day as if it were your last'. But how many people actually DO THAT? Practice what they preach. 

As of last night, me! I'm gonna do it.

So between now and the end if Sept, I'm gonna go all out. If it's fun, I want to be there. Same for educational. Inspiriring. Thought provoking.  Helpful. Challenging. Especially the challenging. Techgeeky. That too!

I want to love to cook. And cook at least 5 meals really well. I want to spruce up my deck. Go on a hike. Climb more than 2 feet upwards in a climbing gym (me and my huge fear of heights). Take a trip to Royal Gorge and cross the bridge (again with the height challenge) To sit perfectly still and quiet in a secluded space and watch the stars. A concert at Red Rocks. Film on the Rocks. Margs at the Rio Rooftop. Run a mile. Capture the most beautiful sunset ever and make a holiday card from the picture. Spend a long weekend in the mountains in an area I've never visited (and since I've only been to Estes Park and Vail, that leaves a sizeable list of choices). See some killer concerts where I scream my head off and dance the entire time (ahem, Green Day Aug 15 have awesome tickets...oh yeah!).

If I could do each and everything on my list I'd be thrilled. Beyond thrilled. And if this summer really was my last, what a fitting way to go! 

So I challenge you to do the same. Go balls to the wall and live it like it's your last. Don't waste a day, an hour, a minute.

Get out there and attack Summer like you really mean it.

Then get back to me in early October and regale me with tales of your Summer of 2009.

#BDNT...& 5 Ways To Make It Better

#BDNT is the hastag for Boulder Denver New Tech Meetup.

I attended tonite's presentation...my 4th in as many months.

The concept is simple. Quoting from their site 

"5 companies this month take the stage for 10 minutes each, 5 minutes to demo and 5 minutes to answer questions".

Tonite's meeting was packed..as they all are...and some really great companies gave us the rundown on what they're all about.

It was good...don't get me wrong...but here's where I think #BDNT can be better.

#1- Turn on the air conditioning!!  Hello? It's July. The temperature inside the packed-to-the-gills auditorium was hot. Freakishly hot. Sweltering hot. I left without hearing all the companies present because I got so hot I thought I was going to pass out. I wasn't the only one. Look, you have these great companies...don't you want their message to be heard?  And don't you think their message would be better received if the audience was comfortable?  Really, you have to do something for the next meeting before someone passes out from heatstroke.

#2 - The music intro was nice. It was way too loud to faciliate ' hi, nice to meet you' conversation, though.  And hopefully the Michael Jackson was a one time thing.

#3 - General Housekeeping - At past events they've asked who is there for the first time then they advise how to get online. That didn't happen Tuesday night. Too bad. Keep the 'how to log on' info up so more of us can access the internet. Finally, repeat yourself. The door prizes are wonderful and a very nice touch. But when someone wins? Repeat what they said to win. Or have them repeat it. The seats at the back and people near the door miss a lot of what is said.

#4- Could we turn down the lights just a bit?  It would make the screen easier to see and might even make the room a degree or two cooler. Just an idea?

#5 - Consider a larger venue. Maybe Chem 140? #BDNT is a really great event and once announced the seats are snapped up asap. Larger venue = more people can attend?  

Robert, you put so much work into #BDNT and I for one am very grateful. And if I didn't care, I wouldn't speak up. 

If there is anything I can do to help with #BDNT, please feel free to reach out to me.

One of the strengths of Boulder and the Tech Community specifically is their passion for being open to new ideas. Not saying all my ideas are wonderful and MUST be implemented...not saying that at all. But if even one of my suggestions can help to improve on the quality of the #BDNT experience, that would be awesome. 

As always, just my 2 cents. 

I'm In Love...

Yeah, I'm in love. With Colorado!  Am sure it comes as no big surprise to you.

Ever since I moved here in January 2006, not a day goes by that I am not enamored of CO. Yeah, it can be rainy, windy, snowy and icy and I'll still be in love with CO.

Driving home from a BBQ on 4th of July, I was smitten by the beauty surrounding me as I drove on Hwy 36. While these aren't the clearest or prettiest pictures, I just had to take them as a remembrance of the day and the moment. 

Seriously, I could have the best camera in the world and the sharpest eye for photos and it still wouldn't do justice to how gorgeous CO is in person.

So what are you waiting for? Come for a visit!