Tag-Archive for » vacation «

Colorado–Part…? 3 I Think!

I forgot that I was suppose to continue on with my Colorado trip until Paula kindly reminded me. Sometimes you get too wrapped up living life to remember to reflect back on past occurrences. Colorado was awesome though so let me keep it going. I need to keep it fresh anyway, to motivate me to get back there more quickly.

The following morning, day 2 of the trip, Daniel A. and I woke up at 7am and hit the streets for a nice jog. The weather was, and always seemed to be, absolutely perfect! We jogged down Mathews street until the road ended, and then we looped around to head back home. I would say it was about a quarter of a mile one way. Not that far but, it was a nice way to get the blood pumping.

We made it back and waited for Daniel R. and Paula to wake up so we could head down town to rent some free bikes from the bike library. I think we finally made it out the door around 11am and took the walk, 5 or 6 blocks, to downtown Fort Collins. Here are some lovely discoveries along the way!

IMG_1640IMG_1642

The bark on many of the local trees were interesting to me. I’m not sure what type of trees these were but they felt so soft and spongy. I had to take a close up. Beautiful. We also kept passing in front of this one particular church that resembled a castle. I loved it.

IMG_1648  IMG_1649

We made it to the Bike Library, a place where they let you rent out a bike and a lock free of charge for 7 days, as long as you bring the bike back. We each picked out a bike and headed out for a nice little ride around the down town area. Something I wish I had taken a picture of was the “Dismount Zone” signs. It was for the high traffic areas, where you have to get off and walk your bikes. I enjoyed the little sign dude. Smile Also, I was really impressed that the grounds had little sensors in the bike lanes that picked up whether a bike was waiting at the light or not. So very cool. I’m a big fan of Fort Collins, it really sucked me in with this first bike ride.

The picture below and to the right is where poor Paula got stuck at a traffic light in the middle of a high traffic intersection, all alone. Sad smile It was so cute though, she came around the corner and up the street just like a pro.

IMG_1653IMG_1652

Daniel and Paula led the way taking us to a little café called Indulge. I’m not sure of the origins, but it was very nicely decorated in a Mediterranean like décor. The interior was beautiful and very welcoming. The woman there was sweet and friendly. We chatted with her about how we were afraid of the winter weathers, being southerners, and the we had heard they were not very pleasant. She assured us there was nothing to worry about and that the winters there in Fort Collins is something  she looks forward to every year, as she really enjoys it so much. She told us that the snow never stays of the ground for very long and that the sun is always shining, so its never dreary or depressing. Sounds like I need to start planning a winter vacation! Winking smile We hung out for a bit, tried some teas, fruit drinks, and nice little treats.

IMG_1655IMG_1657IMG_1661IMG_1663IMG_1664IMG_1666IMG_1675IMG_1669IMG_1674

After the trip around town we stopped back at the apartment for a moment or two, but I couldn’t stay in-doors for long in the beautiful CO weather. Arbour and I saddled up again and hit the streets to go discover on our own. The apartment is only 2 or 3 blocks away form the college campus, so after strolling the streets for a bit (unintentionally, I sent us in the opposite direction) we made it to campus and plopped down on their huge gorgeous grounds! I snuggled up with a book and Daniel with his iPad and we laid out on the grass.

IMG_1680IMG_1681

The bugs started coming out after a bit so we headed home before the sunset.

That night the four of us relaxed and enjoyed each others company. I missed having us all hang out doing nothing together, just like back when we used to live together during college. It felt nice being there with my brother and Paula. Miss them already!

Paula treated each of us to our own little homemade mini apple pies. Perfect ending to our day.

IMG_1687IMG_1688IMG_1690

Day 2 way wonderful there. I loved every second of being in Fort Collins. Remembering this day makes my long for a quick return.

(BED TIME! For real this time! I’m going to be late for work if I don’t head to be NOW! lol! 2nd post complete! Sweetest Dreams, AGAIN!)

Returning Home from Vacation!

Coming home from vacation is exhausting. I had the perfect week long vacation of waking up to perfect weather and fresh air each morning, strapping on my running shoes and jogging, or taking the bike around the down town area of Fort Collins, CO. It was perfect! Going from complete freedom and then hopping off a plane and waking up for work the next day takes a lot out of you. Re-adjusting to the weather, and the schedule, and the florescent lights rather than fresh air an sunshine… ::sigh::

IMG_1699IMG_1716

After making it home Sunday afternoon I was so full of energy I cleaned my entire house! I was emptying boxes that had been sitting around since the move in (::cough::a year ago!::cough::). I was so refreshed and full of energy! I made plans to head straight to Whole Foods the next day after work to get a bunch of fresh produce and prep a few meals so I could have something healthy to bring to work for lunch all week. I was pumped!

Well, after 4 hours of answering constant ringing phones, having my eye balls glued to a computer monitor, and tediously punching in insurance information, (with no open windows and a fluorescent light shining on me all day, might I add!)… I WAS READY TO CALL IT A DAY! And I had 4 and 1/2 more hours to go! I looked like poop, my eyes were burning, my ears were ringing, and I had a headache the size of Montana! Gah!! By the time I got off of work you probably could have poured me out of that chair, I was so limp and drained. (Can you tell, I’m being a total bummer in this post… Oooo, yea, I need to re-adjust my thinking!)

I almost talked myself out of my Whole Foods run, but I convinced myself if I didn’t make it, it was going to screw up my entire week of eating healthy as I had no other time to go (with kick ball practice and games and having a guest over Wed night). So, I downloaded Pandora Radio on my iPhone, pumped up the Beyoncé Station, rolled down my windows and headed across the Causeway! And I’m so glad I did! Singing, cruising over the lake, and shopping for colorful nurturing foods was just what I needed for a revival!

IMG_2328Here’s what was on my list! I needed beans! And lots of them!  Need My Protein, People!! And fiber!! lol! Winking smile Also some peppers, both red and green, onions, corn, cilantro, and dressing for a huge batch of my Mexican Bean Salad! Then I got some apples, bananas, raisins, and celery (I was thinking for healthy shakes and “Ants on a Log” snacks for breakfast and the office).

I also needed some bulk dry goods! The bulk section is my FAVORITE in Whole Foods!!!
Its like the adult candy store! Saves you money and there are so many yummy choices!IMG_2331 I had brown rice on my list as I had finally run out. I also needed the raisins for my celery, sun-butter, raisins snack. I’ve been wanting to try quinoa as I  keep reading over and over again how healthy it is and how it’s a complete protein, so I finally remembered to nab some of that. But while I was in the bulk section I had to grab some bulk raw organic nuts! Almonds and walnuts are my favorite! 

When I arrived home I got straight to work making a huge batch of this stuff so I have a healthy go-to food for the week:

IMG_2337IMG_0949

And after that I gave a new recipe a go! It was inspired by something I saw in the grocery store the other day that looked so tasty but wasn’t vegan friendly. I took note of what was in it and made my own version. It was quite good!! I call it Broccoli Crunch! *Recipe to come!*

IMG_2347

Well, I’m running out of precious minutes! I have to head off to work again, as its about that time. Hope everyone has a beautiful day! And if you happen to be off and outside in the sunshine, enjoy it a little bit more than usual, just for me! :)

*Today I’m grateful for preparation and planning ahead (my meals and exercise, that is… but with everything else…I’m all for spontaneity!), as it seems to make my life a little bit easier when I have some much to squeeze in.

I’ve Been in Colorado!

I have much to fill you in on, but I’ve been enjoying my vacation in Fort Collins, CO! SO! Many posts to come! A few topics being my 26th Birthday Shenanigans, The New Orleans Red Dress Run, and the amazing that is Colorado! Here is a little teaser! :) IMG_1356IMG_1747

IMG_2279IMG_1824IMG_1831IMG_2125IMG_1835