A Year of Firsts...

It's been quite a while since my last post. Several months actually. There were many occasions that I had something to say but not enough energy, courage or focus to sit and type. I was on a roll there for a while and then life happened.

On Sunday, May 4th, 2008, my life changed forever. Sounds a bit dramatic doesn't it?! Well... it kind of is. That's the day my father took his last, peaceful breath. He was surrounded by people who loved him and passed very comfortably in his sleep that Sunday around 9pm. A few short days later, we arranged a beautiful burial at sea and a Celebration of Life Memorial. It was a week or two full of stories, tears, laughter, discoveries, and reunions. We got back in touch with my Dad's side of the family (that for some reason) with which we'd lost touch. My Dad's sister, my Aunt, along with my three cousins and their beautiful kids. It was a nice send off for my Dad.

Through this past year plus, my Mom and I have been on a bit of a roller coaster. For me, my lows got pretty low and as you may know, lead to medication help. In the past several months, something clicked and I feel back to normal... or at least my "new normal". I no longer felt the need for my anxiety/depression medication, so I weened myself (safely) off of them and I feel good about that. I still miss my dad, his humor and wisdom! The difference now is that I can think of him with a smile on my face.

So, I'm back! Back to blogging. The future is a mystery... and I do love an adventure! So, here we go... together, one letter at a time!

Until next thought...

Spring Blizzard in Denver

March Blizzard in Denver

I can barely see across the street right now... May post more pictures soon!

January 20, 2009 - Inauguration Day

A day full of excitement and hope...

Holiday Hustle & Bustle

It's been a few weeks since I've touched base with everyone. My apologies!

I have always admired the people that can "DO IT ALL!" I used to think I fit into that category and now... I'm not so sure!

Those that can have three kids to shuttle to all their after school activities, volunteer at the kid's schools, help coach little league soccer practice, take the dogs for a walk twice a day, help throw their church holiday party, keep up with household needs, do the grocery shopping and all the other errands needed, decorate for the holidays and plan for all the family to come into to town, AND have a full time job, etc, etc, etc!!

This is one of the busiest months I've had in a long time! Month and a half actually. I think everyone knows I sing with the Last Note Singers (LNS) and I've been back to work, with Quest4Events, (Q4E) for about a month and a half now.

Since Thanksgiving week... things have not stopped.

• My Mom visited from FL over Thanksgiving! We LOVED having her! We went to visit my grandfather about 45 minutes south of Denver, which was nice. When my mom was here, I was a little torn between needing to get my work done and wanting to just sit and visit. It was a great visit! It'll be even more fun when she MOVES to Denver!!
  
• With Q4E, everything is new! Planning holiday trade show, database stuff, enormous spreadsheets, setting event connection meetings, etc. My boss is a very nice woman... cares about everybody. She's a bit scattered but she tries hard. I'm trying to help her as much as I can.
  
• With LNS, we've had weekly rehearsals and are now in the middle of our 13 concert series this holiday season all around the Denver Metro area. I also offered to put together "map packets" for all 35 singers. These packets includes about 15 pages filled with maps, addresses and directions, be there times, which costume to wear, etc. 15 x 35... you do the math. Not hard, just time consuming. (Although I learned a few things that will make doing it next season much easier)
• We have 3 family birthdays and half a dozen friend birthdays. We also have an anniversary to celebrate over our Christmas vacation.
• One sparkling jewelry party I hosted at my house.
• Four Christmas Parties including the Christmas Cookie Exchange Party held at my house.
• One Lovely Wedding that I helped put together for a good friend of mine.
  
• Christmas & Birthday shopping, wrapping, and sending to Nashville. (Fingers crossed I can get to post office tomorrow!)
  

Just a small glimpse into our hectic Holiday Season. Please, please don't think I'm complaining... AT ALL! All the items listed above are fun and all items I signed myself up for. Everyone of them!

All I can say is "Hats Off" to all those so organized that really can "DO IT ALL!!" If you're giving lessons... please keep me in mind. I'll work on staying in better touch! I'll just add it to the list!

Barack Obama Elected 44th President

"My friends, we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly."
- Senator John McCain
Whether you voted blue or red, Liberal or Conservative, Democrat or Republican... on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be our country's new leader! With 52% of the popular vote and 364 electoral votes, his victory is irrefutable.

I don't think it's any secret I've supported Obama from the very beginning and watching history unfold this week with such an overwhelming declaration leaves me inspired and uplifted! Like many others, I've been impressed with Obama's character, his ideals and his vision for the country. If you missed any part of Obama's inspirational victory speech or you want to hear and read it again, take a look.

Regardless whether you agree that Barack Obama is the best choice for our country or whether you voted for the opposition, one thing is for certain... History was made this election! November 4, 2008 will go down in history as the day America elected our very first President of Color. As our new First Family makes their way to the white house, we can all be proud of how far this country has come. A good friend wrote an interesting post that I thought I'd share. The blog includes the Civil Rights Movement timeline which truly shows the distance we've come.

In the words of President Elect Barack Obama... "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where anything is possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, on this election, in this defining moment, change is coming to America."

Happy Election Day!

In the 11th hour....

With the election just a few days away... I've decided I can't sit idly by any longer. So... I've decided to volunteer for the Obama campaign. I've wanted to for quite a while now, but wasn't sure if I really wanted to get "involved". Better late than never I guess!

So, I don't know exactly what I'll be doing yet, but I'm game! It should be fun! Anyone want to join me? Obama/Biden all the way!

Happy Halloween!!!

Tis the season for pumpkins and colored leaves, costumes and candy, tricks and treats.

Unfortunately, we don't get many tick-or-treaters at our house, so we're going over to visit with some friends, Barb & Vicki, to "man the house" while they walk their kids around the neighborhood. We've spent Halloween with them for several years now, carving pumpkins and playing with the kids. It's a lot of fun!

Halloween was one of my dad's favorite holidays. As a kid I remember him decorating the garage with ghosts (soccer balls, volleyballs, kick balls, etc covered with white sheets and tied to wire coat hangers), black lights, and scary Halloween music. Kids would have to come through the scary garage to get their treats. He'd always encourage the parents to come in with their kids and he'd be ready with an overhead light in case the kids were too scared. He used to get a real kick out of the whole thing. I enjoy those memories!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween! Be safe with all the ghosts and goblins out there... and in case you need a few pumpkin carving ideas, here are a few of ours, and my mom-in-law's, from years past.

One Week From Today....

It's fantastic to realize we're only one week from electing a new president. Few other elections have there been candidates with such clear cut opposite views on how to get the country back on track. Many states are offering early voting through the end of this week and reports state that one third of the country is taking advantage of this opportunity and the push for mail in ballots is reaching record numbers. It's very exciting!

Most folks know who they're voting for and have been rooting on their preferred candidate with unwavering enthusiasm. I am one of them. And once each contender chose his running mate... the person that will take over if something happens to him... I knew for sure that I had made the right choice.

If you are still on the fence, there are several websites that help clarify and give details on both sides. As well, there are sites that quiz you to see which candidate you agree with more. One week from today... we'll choose a new President. I, for one, am very excited!

Barack Obama in Denver

Today was a great day in Denver!
Presidential Nominee Barack Obama was in the city for a large rally at Civic Center Park. Well over 100,000 supporters showed up to cheer on the next President hopeful.

Motivating the crowd to cast their votes early was the focus of this assembly. With Obama leading in the poles of this battleground state of Colorado, Barack is closer to getting our 9 electoral votes and this country is one step closer getting back on track.

Here are a couple pictures of the event.
There are only 9 days to go!

Only 10 Days To Go...

Eleven Days and Counting....

Great American Beer Festival 2008

Happy GABF Day!! This is something we look forward to every year!

Today is the day we get to enjoy the lagers, ales, wheats, ambers, and more of approximately 500 breweries serving one-ounce tastings of the different beers each brewery has to present. Some have a mere two beers for tasting while others have ten. Because we're members of the American Brewers Association, we get to go to the "members only" session today. It's going to be a good day at the Great American Beer Festival!! If you enjoy tasting a variety of beer, I'd highly recommend coming with us next year! We'll let you know about our favorites!

To quote our friends at Dry Dock Brewery...
Four Ingredients... Infinite Possibilities!

Government Bail Out

I received this email from a friend of mine and I thought I'd pass it on! It's an email written by "Jerry"... I don't know who "Jerry" is, but I like his thinking...

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.
Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves Enable
Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. (Although that's something!)
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG liquidate it!. Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can 'never work.'

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC. And remember, this plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Kindest personal regards,
Jerry

Abandon Ship!!

The Titanic has hit the iceberg and she is sinking fast!

There was a tiny gleam of hope for about 2-3 hours last week and then poof!! All gone! The owner truly has no clue how to run a restaurant.

• The head chef quit as well as two other main "people" that have been at the restaurant forever. Now the guy running the kitchen has little experience and keeps horrible records, not to mention, he's not that great of a chef.
  
• Still no manager to run operations.
• The "head server" is now writing the server/bartender schedules and doing the liquor orders. He let me know that we were out of a few different liquors and that we wouldn't be getting them in anytime soon because the liquor supplier hasn't been paid.
• Oh... did I mention that there are only 35 wine glasses in a restaurant that can seat 300+ guests and another 200+ in our venue. 35!! I had a group of 75-100 call about a wine and appetizers party... yeah right! "He" says "we'll rent more if we need them". IDIOT!!

So, now.... I have "resigned" too. There's no point to sticking it out. Truly, "He" has no bleeping clue how to run a restaurant. Say la vie!!

Off to bigger and better...

I have an interview for week at a local country club to be their event planner. I'm excited and curious about this position. Hopefully it'll be something fabulous that "fits" with me and visa versa. I also have two other possible opportunities to investigate this week. So, wish me luck!!

I'll keep you posted!

Kitchen Nightmares in Denver

Gordon Ramsey, Help!!

About a month and a half ago, I landed a job at a local restaurant as the Director of Marketing and Events... are you impressed? I was sold the vision, the potential, and the endless possibilities of this new exciting opportunity. Well... plluugh to that! Couldn't be further from reality.

The owner of this restaurant, we'll call him "He", was originally the silent partner, but due to the asinine behavior of the active partner, "Y", "He" took over. The reputation of this restaurant is in the toilet because of "Y". On the flip side, "He" is an incredibly successful businessman that owns several software companies around the world with connections any self made millionaire would envy. The catch is.... he has very little knowledge about how to run a restaurant.

He fired the manager that hired me... the man that HE hired to turn this disaster of a restaurant around; hence the Kitchen Nightmares reference. Then, the ONLY other manager quit due to all the chaos!! His last day was Saturday. So, we have nobody to run the restaurant at this moment. The head chef, sous chef, and cooks are all out interviewing for jobs elsewhere. I know that the head chef and sous chef both have an offer on the table... so we'll see.

It has taken me 6 weeks to nail down a banquet menu for this place simply because it's taken that long to sit down with the head chef. Don't even get me started on the restaurant's website! Ugh! As I've been out "marketing" the new vision of this place (aka lying my ass off), potential clients often ask if I can send them a menu, or a banquet menu with our policies, or if they can get our banquet menu from our website... the answer to all of the above is NO!

Oh! Did I mention the comment from our head chef last week that Sysco Foods has " cut us off" because we haven't paid our bill? Oh yeah... that was good for a belly chuckle.

Oh! And we only have 3 servers. Funny right! I mean, are you kidding me?

So... with that very brief insight into my new job... you can only imagine how confident I am booking events for 50 - 100 guests for this restaurant. We'll see how it goes. In anticipation of the day I show up to work to find a "business closed" sign on the door, I am, of course, open to any other opportunities that may come my way.

Though the direction, stability, and future of this restaurant are completely unknown... One thing is for sure! It provides me continuous humor and sometimes the absurdity of the whole thing has me laughing so hard I have to wipe my eyes.

By the way... last week, the fleeing manager assured me that Mr. Owner will give us some notice that he's shutting the restaurant down. However, in the case that I do go to work and discover that "Business Closed" sign, I'm keeping good records of the events I'm booking so I can call them on my way to happy hour to let them know that... "So sorry to tell you that your event has been canceled because the restaurant has shut down."

I'm not even sure Gordon Ramsey can fix this mess!!

Keep you posted...

A Long Time Coming...

Well... it's been a while since my last post. Nearly a month. A lot can change in a month...

For some reason I feel compelled to fill you in about one of the biggest changes... how I'm feeling. Some of you know, others may not... I've had a pretty tough time dealing with my father's death. It was the last straw in what has probably been the hardest year and a half of my life.

Here's a brief recap: Quit a job I enjoyed due to my toxic, nightmare of a boss. Learned of my Mom's cancer, her major surgery & recovery, chemotherapy and more recovery. Cared for both parents in FL and spending as much time with my dad as I can in between caring for my mom. Sold a house, rented a house and bought a house all in four months. The back & forth between FL & Denver. Not to mention the financial stress put on my hubby while I was out of work. Finally, my Father's death. I can handle a lot and stress is normally something I can manage pretty well... but dammit! That's a lot!

So... in the process, I gained some weight, cried a lot, stuffed my emotions down and ultimately found myself depressed and caring about hardly anything. Nothing felt important enough to warrant my attention. Some days, it was all I could do to get out of bed and go through the motions. Every time I turned around, something would set me off and the tears would start flowing uncontrollably. I'm an emotional person by nature (I get that from my mom) but the person I had turned into couldn't be further from who I really am.

So, with the encouragement of a good friend, I went to see my doctor. She did some blood work, talked with me about how I was feeling, and suggested I temporarily try an anti-anxiety/anti-depression medication. Sceptically, reluctantly, and judgmentally, I said OK. I say it that way because I kept "should-ing" on myself. I should be able to bring myself out of this low on my own. I should be able to snap out of this funk I'm in. If I exercise more or eat differently, then I should feel better. If I can get to the grief counselor and talk it out, then I should eventually run out of tears, right?! (By the way, I made three appointments with a grief counselor and canceled them all.) I think there's stigma attached to admitting I need help and further, realizing that the help I need comes in the form of a depression/anxiety medication. Well, the cat's out of the bag. Today, I think it takes courage to admit all that.

I've been on the meds for almost four weeks now... and WOW! What a difference! I'm starting to feel like myself again. Positive. Energetic. Optimistic. Excited. I'm still sad about my Father's passing and I miss him very much and yes... I still cry sometimes. The difference is that now, I don't burst into uncontrolled sobbing every time I think of him. I'm more excited to get out of bed and participate in life. I care about things again. I find myself laughing again and feeling happy. I feel somewhat liberated from my sadness. I can smile now when I think of my Dad and remember all the life lessons he taught me, as well as the many funny life stories he lived. I still plan to meet with the grief counselor and this time I'll actually go and be able to hear the knowledge and advice expressed by the therapist. Things are looking up!

Like I said... a lot has changed this past month. All of it good! I'm feeling much better. Eric got a great new job. I've lost a few pounds and I even landed a new job. (More on that next post.) Right now... I'm off to get a full body massage! Oh yeah baby!

That's the latest on this end. Until next post...

An Evening With The Nadas

It starts with two friends all prettied up, a drive into the mountains to a local favorite bar, an entertaining band to dance and sing-along to and wha-la! You got yourself a fun night out on the town.

My friend Mara and I went to see The Nadas in concert at the Little Bear Saloon in Evergreen. It was a lot of fun! We've seen The Nadas several times through the years and the Little Bear is one of the band's favorite venues. Aren't we lucky! And... they'll be in Denver at the Gothic Theater in October. Yeah!

We met this fantastic couple that shared their front row seats with us. Dennis and Estell are their names. They're in their lively 60's and out really living life. They danced right along side of us for most of the night. They're an inspiration so I thought I'd include their picture too. With any luck, we'll run into them next time.

When I lived in Orlando, I went out and listened to live music all the time. I was in the know of all the locals bands. I think I forgot how much I love live music. I think it's time to visit more front row seats in different venues around Denver. Wanna come with me?

A Silly View of Election 2008

Everyone has an opinion about our country's upcoming election. Conservatives and Liberals alike are rooting for their favorite... the one and only each optimistically believes will be answer to all of our American prayers. We seem to loose our sense of humor; taking the jabs spewed from party A against our faultless party B very seriously and personally.

There is, however, one comical team that has an equal opportunity political satire about our campaigning politicians that elephants and donkeys can both enjoy!! Take a look at Jib Jab's newest video.