Rocky Mountain High's

I am going to be blunt here, no pun intended, but if you haven't been to Colorado Springs and to the places I am going to mention...you may want to travel West! Seriously!  Of course, I returned to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a yearly tradition, where I am still trying to figure out how to snatch a giraffe on my way out.  The place never gets old, ever! The views of the city below are amazing too!  I could just feed the giraffe's but I give my attention to the other animals too, I don't want them to feel left out!  Get there folks! It's the only Mountainside Zoo in the US!

Bon Ton's ~ a small-hometown feel restaurant with some delicious bacon...I mean, food. No really, the bacon is to die for! It's located in Old Colorado City, so it's nearby to quaint little shops and many other places to check out.  They have outdoor seating and allow your dog to join...extra points for them!  The people are awesome too!  I wanted to take the newspaper-style menu home...and while debating how I was going to do that, I decided I should probably just ask the server if I could just have it, without "stealing" it.  But it was my lucky day, you can take them without even asking...it says so right on the menu.  I think I'll frame it. 

Tsing Tao House ~ Pre-race dinner and post-race snack! Because you know the servings are always enough for at least two meals! They have great food and their crab rangoon is the bomb!  My Colorado bestie recommended this place and I am so glad she did!  Besides we managed to stop by a couple of liquor stores and I grabbed some local brew, Dry Dock Apricot Blonde...Colorado has some of the best beer I have ever had! Besides the can is orange so that is what drew me in, but now I wish I would have stocked up on it! 

I had to include a pic of Harley girl..a dog with so much personality and so tall she can eat off the counter. She is the sweetest!  Until next time Colorado! 

 

Love To You Colorado!
Shona

Mile High City

I made my annual trip to Colorado recently and it was amazing even though when I arrived it was 100 degrees...what the heck Colorado? I could have had that weather in Kansas! But this time I changed it up a bit by staying one night in the Highland Ranch area with a friend...and get this, we had never even met in real life!!  ...sidenote, my sister was very concerned that I was staying with someone I had never met..."what if she tries to murder you?"  Me rolling my eyes...Shelli, I'll be fine, I'm packing..." Anyway, we became acquaintances through none other than Beachbody and so I reached out to her when I found out she had moved to the Denver area and figured we may as well meet up for lunch! Leah is a real peach and she offered up her new pad, allowing me to stay with her! I'll be honest, I wondered how "uncomfortable" it may be never having met...but it became real comfortable pretty quick as we both stood at the bathroom mirror getting ready like roommates for the evening out!  Makeup, hair, outfits, life, love...you get the drift.  Some friends of hers invited us to a Movie Night to support the Special Olympics, but first we headed to grab some dinner at a local place called Lola's for Coastal Mexican. Our selections: Cochinita Pibil which included waffles and Smoky Chicken Enchiladas...happy plates!  BTW, when I told Leah what my sister had said, she replied with, "The only I might try to do is make you eat unhealthy"...goal accomplished!

After dinner we met up to watch The Sandlot at a local bar, Recess.  And because it was ridiculously hot..we ended the evening at a famous ice cream place, Little Man...we waited in line for like 40 minutes...on a Wednesday night...but it was worth it.  The next morning we decided breakfast was a must so we ventured to a very popular place called, Snooze.  Coffee, Bloody Mary's and Pancakes...and bacon.  Enough said, this place was amazing! Food coma for sure!  I took off shortly after, thankful for the new friendships!! 

I was meeting a friend for lunch later that day, but wanted to make a quick stop at Red Rocks and explore before heading back to downtown Denver.  I have definitely gotten over the fear of doing things alone...and was glad I had the chance to wander around this beautiful place.  The views were incredible.  Literally so many "red" rocks.  I need to return and do a bit more exploring as I found a tap house while driving around the cute little town that I am sure would be worth stopping for! Colorado has some amazing beer! 

Katie and I met for a light lunch at Highland Tap...and by light I mean a hamburger and fries...and two amazing beers.  The favorite, a Ginger Cider, from a local company in Colorado.  I should have asked them to bottle that up for me.  I am not usually a huge Cider fan but add Ginger and hello! 

I made my way to Colorado Springs...where more adventures would begin! Stay tuned for the next blog post about traditions and a few new experiences I shared with my Colorado Bestie.  

To new friends and new experiences!

Shona

Happy New Year #2016

If you read my last blog post, you will relate to this one!  What got me through the year of #2015! My favorite things, people, places, life and Kansas City events!  I seriously could not have made it otherwise.  So here we go!

1. Friends, and I mean a lot of them! Each offering me something different that made me realize I can handle anything thrown my way.  Whether they were handing me a sandwich to make me eat, tucking me into bed to make sure I had sleep, offering advice, throwing one back with me, or just sitting with me in silence...the #1 life saver.

2. Family, it's a different kind of help and support. Family is there for you and it's just expected I guess.  Some were, some weren't, but those that were...their love and support didn't go unrecognized. From helping me move, to letting me live with them (thanks Mom and Phil), to letting my dog out, running errands for me, listening, just being there whenever I needed something.  Offering advice, opening ways for me to see life in a different perspective, these people were there too.

3. Vacations, just getting away is something that always helps me to cope.  I may have over did it a tad in Vegas...oops, but hey, I get a freaking pass for that one!  Colorado twice, Iowa, Lake trips and pool time...although still in KC...I imagined I was at the beach with the salt water pool, it was just what I needed.  Lots of sonic drinks during Happy Hour for sure! I am blaming Shannon for that addiction.

4. Patios, yes, it's true. Nothing better then a warm summer night, a cold beer, fire pits, and good company! I just love Coaches, Brewtop, Maloneys...and a few others! Whether it was watching the Royals...hollaaaa or just relaxing, it's one of my favorite things to do! 

5. Coffee shops or just coffee on my couch, it's one of the ways I like to start my day! It either meant long talks or just being able to stay up to study. I love a good cup of joe!

6. Vodka, yep, it's there.  Shannon and I definitely made some adjustments...we all want fewer calories, right?  Leave it to us, we know what we are doing...and already planning #summa2016 #bereadypool #summashorts

7. The ROYALS!!!!!   I am so excited for Opening Day 2016 and it all started last year with Opening Day 2015...tailgating with friends! Going to the game, watching them on the best patios in the city...there are a few that I am partial to, or just tailgating in the parking lot...I love baseball! These pics could go on for days!!!  #crowntown #countingdownthedays

8. My New Apartment, at first I was upset about having to move into a one bedroom apartment...I have a lot of stuff..I mean, clothes and shoes and apparently an addiction to kitchen glasses...but I made it my own.  Some people would love to be where I am at, so I am thankful for my place! It's all mine...well sort of!

9. Nursing School, getting accepted was one of the best things that has happened to me. New career in the works, new friends, new connections...nursing is where I was meant to be! One semester down, three to go!

10. Alone time..I have to admit, at first, I wasn't a fan. But I have learned to love just sitting in my apartment, reading a book, having that cup of coffee, catching up on some tv, working out or just doing normal household chores...all of that is ok!

So here's to #2016!  It is going to be awesome!
Xoxo,
Shona