Runnin' in Denver

It's an adjustment for sure. You wouldn't think that only another 2700 feet in elevation would make a difference but it does! It's hard! Today I ran for about 40 min. Now I'm not making excuses but it was probably one of the hardest runs I've had lately. Not only is there the altitude, but the fact that my nose runs like a faucet in the cold weather, there are some good hills out there, and I had no idea I was running with the breeze when I started out. So I had to run against it on the way back. Its no wonder that Denver is one of the healthiest cities in the US.

Denver is so for me...I never want to leave. Everything I like is right here...running trails, biking, skiing, cross country skiing, hiking! Seriously, how did I live in FL for 9 years of my life!!! So sad that I have to drive back to Cali on Monday.

Michele's Denver Visit

I LOVE Denver! Can't wait to live here!

We went skiing this past weekend...the temps were in the teens though...awfully cold, but still really fun.

I actually skied moguls on my second day out. I got much better as the day progressed too.

I got cross country skis now too. But I have to wait for the boots to come in.

Dave has to work the next 3 days, so I'm on my own. Thinking I'll venture out for a run today.

I am really not going to want to drive back to Cali after the week is over.

It is so nice to have so many places to choose from to go skiing.

We skied at Beaver Creek on Saturday...no lines and they give out free hot chocolate at around 9am. Service right as you get off the lift! How awesome is that!

Next year we are going to own season passes for sure.

The drive out here was so scenic...Utah was beautiful. I'm hoping that when I do move out I can take a couple of days and stop at some of the national parks.

No News

I'm still trying to remain patient and hopefully waiting for something to happen. I am SO ready to be living in Denver!

But the rest of this month will go by ridiculously fast. I work next week, have training the week after, then I drive to Denver and will be there for over a week!

I am so hoping I can be out in Denver sooner than I was anticipating. Every time I go out there it is so much harder to come back to our house in Cali. I have loved every minute of Cali but I am so ready to move on to our new life in CO!

If you haven't already, check out the blog. I've been posting family sessions. I have more coming too!

www.micheleschankerphotography.com/blog

Latest News

So I finally have something in the works. Keep your fingers crossed that it all works out for me.

I'm off to Denver for the 4 day weekend and I can't wait to see Dave! We're going to go to a tree lighting ceremony, hopefully go skiing, and just enjoy Denver. The nice thing is that I will see him less than 2 weeks after I leave then again about 1.5 weeks after that. So this part should be easy. Just hope I can get out to Denver as soon as possible! I'm so ready to be living there.

A GREAT week ahead

I am SOOOO glad this week has come! It seems like its taken months for it to get here.

Monday - Work, hit the gym, watch MD B-Ball with an Abbey Ale in hand (New Belgium beer rock!)
Tuesday - Work, Watch MD B-Ball ,try and go for a run
Wednesday - Work, Watch MD B-ball, Shadow boxing at the Gym
Thursday - Hop on a plane t0 Denver and enjoy a wonderful Turkey dinner with Dave
Friday - Go to the tree lighting ceremony in Littleton
Saturday - Hopefully go skiing
Sunday - Chill in Denver - shop for snow boots!

So exciting!!!! I can't wait to be in Denver for thanksgiving and Xmas...it will actually fully feel like Xmas there.It gets cold enough here in the AV that you get that feeling, but Denver will be even better. Even though I lived in FL for nine years I managed to never spend a Xmas there. How do you spend Xmas in 80 degree weather!!!!? I hope we'll be on the sloes on xmas day!

Beers of Europe

Me enjoying Copenhagen! No open container law...


I think that camera bag is almost as big as me!

At Carlsberg Brewey...



And this one in Belgium. Nice window light huh.

Trip Photos

So I've been posting Scandinavia trip photos on my photography blog. Sorry but I'm not about to repost here. But you can see them bigger on the other blog. So head on over to check them out. I still gotta cover Copenhagen and Belgium yet. So just make sure you check back in a week or so.

http://micheleschankerphotography.com/blog/index.php/category/scandinavia/

Sprinkles!

I've never been to Sprinkles and I never really understood all the hype with those darn cupcakes. But my mom expressed interest in going there. So yesterday we braved all the congestion on Santa Monica Blvd to track down Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. I am not a good city driver...way to impatient! Anyway we found it and I have to say it probably was the best cupcake I've ever had. The exciting thing is it looks like they are planning on putting one in Denver.

Sequoia NP

This could possibly be one of my last visits to Sequoia NP as a cali resident! My mom is here visiting and shes never been, so I had to take her! We did just about all the touristy things in the parks. Including Moro Rock! If you've never been it's a big rock that sticks out over the hills and you get a great views of the sierras. I did this about 4 years ago and was really freaked out. This time I wasn't freaked out. I think our hikes to half dome and Mt Whitney really helped with my slight fear of falling. Here's the photo from 4 years ago...



and me in 2009...


And one of my mom...


and just a couple more shots from the park..

Not A Good Day...

So maybe blogging will make me feel a bit better. We'll see.

I've been kinda of a mess today. My emotions are running wild. I want nothing more than to live in Denver. As everyone knows I've been trying to find a job out there to get me there. As I apply I never hear anything. I'm super frustrated and now starting to get worried. What if I can't find anything. It is hard being so far away from Dave. I keep wondering is there some way we can pull this off if I can't find a job. But I just don't know how that would happen. I told Dave that all I want for Xmas is a Job in Denver! Deep breath...right...calm down...it'll all be okay! ***Sigh****

Missing Denver

And Dave! I so love Denver. When I move there, I never want to leave. It's just so awesome and so beautiful.

We didn't do to much exciting this weekend. We actually went to the movie theater...I can't tell you the last time we did that! We saw Paranormal Activity. We also drove up to Ft Collins to go to the New Belgium Brewery...the ones that make Fat Tire! That place was so awesome. I love their mentality. They incorporate Green processes and they give employees bikes to try and encourage them not to drive when they are doing short errands, etc... I also loved the story of how Fat Tire started in a basement.

Anyway, Dave took this photo of me this weekend. It was so nice to be in the snow!

Denver!

I know that there is one thing that I really want for Xmas...and that is to be Living in Denver!

I am currently here for the weekend and I just love everything about the area. I know this is where I want to be. I'm a little bit frustrated that I never hear anything on teh job front. And I know with the holidays coming up, I probably won't until early next year. Which is super frustrating. I wish I could just move out here tomorrow.

Yesterday was quite an ordeal. I found out at about 9am that my flight was canceled. Yuck! They rebooked me on a later flight. I wanted an earlier one, but they couldn't get me on it. Bummer, huh! So I take the 8pm flight...which got delayed for 2 hours! Double Yuck! Then I get to the Denver airport and since it was going to be late I booked the Super Shuttle to take me to Dave's Apartment. Well, the guy at the Super Shuttle informs me that there are no shuttles! What! Now what do I do. So I call Dave and wake him up. Of course he's not happy cause he doesn't want to drive. I end up taking a taxi which cost twice as much as the super shuttle. In my opinion Super Shuttle should be paying for my taxi fare! It was a rough night for sure. But I made it and that's all that counts.

Dav's apt isn't bad. He doesn't have much obviously, but its better then what I had when I came to Cali.

I'm off in search of a chair for myself! As there is only a recliner in the living room right now and I brought a movie for us to watch!

What Luck!

Seriously, I feel like I am having some horrible luck these last few days.

Dave left last Wednesday, so I've been by myself ever since. It's an adjustment for both of us. It totally stinks but its kind of the price we have to pay to try and make our dreams work out. I still don't have a job in Denver and I'm hoping something come through soon. The one thing holding me together was that I had a weekend trip planned to Denver.

I said Had...cause my hopes aren't to high about getting there right now. Here is the weather statement for the area...
... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM MDT THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM MDT THURSDAY.

SNOW WILL BECOME WIDESPREAD THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE INTO THURSDAY. SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES ESPECIALLY WEDNESDSAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM 12 TO 24 INCHES WITH UP TO 3 FEET POSSIBLE IN FAVORED UPSLOPE AREAS IN THE FOOTHILLS. NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS AT 15 TO 30 MPH WILL PRODUCE EXTENSIVE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IN OPEN AREAS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

RESIDENTS SHOULD PREPARE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF WINTER STORM CONDITIONS WITH DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TRAVEL ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. EXPECT CONDITIONS TO DETERIORATE CONSIDERABLY DURING THE MORNING WEDNESDAY. CONSIDER COMPLETING TRAVEL BEFORE THE STORM IF POSSIBLE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY... TAKE ALONG A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT.

But I still dream of the day that we live in Denver, have a house there and are all settled in. I see us owning season passes to the local ski mountains and enjoying some great hikes in the summers. It has everything that Cali has but much closer. Dave no longer has a huge commute and it will only take us a little over an hour to go skiing. It's a dream come true for us.

The View From Our Backyard Tonight

I will miss sunsets in the AV!

Random Things From Our Trip

1. Oslo and Stockholm were VERY clean cities!
2. We go to witness Swedish Police chasing and capturing a pick pocketer. We were glad for the girl that they caught him.
3. Estonia was way cool!
4. Overall we did not find the people to be all that friendly. This is compared to experiences we've had in places like Scotland.
5. People in Scandinavia don't really do the whole line thing..they just push. Forget about one row at a time on the airplane!
6.The air seems so crisp and clean there.
7. Copenhagen doesn't have an open container law...way cool...you just buy a beer at 7-11 and go on your merry way down the street.
8. We felt kinda bad for Denmark in learning about their history...seemed like other countries were always picking on them and stealing their navy!
9. Everyone speaks great English.
10 The weather in October can be great, despite what everyone says on tripadvisor.
11. My favorite things were the Fjord in Flam, Galma Stan in Stockholm, Tallin, and Nyvgen in Copenhagen.
12. Food in Norway is ridiculously expensive!
13. The Klaus K hotel in Helsinki rocks!
14. Belgian chocolate was even better then I had expected.
15. Swedish Meatballs were awesome!

A few photos from Scandanavia

Weird Situation in Stockholm

So I think I eluded to this in an earlier post and just had to share an experience we had on this trip.

We're sitting in a restaurant in Stockholm sharing some Swedish meatballs and this guy sitting next to us is talking to himself pretty loudly. He was obviously not all there. He spoke English just like an American…no accent or anything. His food comes and he says to the waiter "I hope you guys aren't trying to poison me"…Okay, weird!

A few minutes later we hear from this guy "Are you Americans?" I'm instantly thinking, uh oh is this good or bad. We both respond and say yes. This guy goes on some tirade about the American government and how they take away kids from their parents. We realize this guys is not wanting to have a friendly conversation so we ignore him. Then he says to us.." I hope you guys have kids and your government takes them a way from you" WOW! This is when we paid the bill and left. Weird huh. Dave and I said to each other as we left…From now on we're Canadian!

Two More Countries Come and Gone

Today was my 32nd birthday! But I got to spend it in two countries that I don't live in. So it was pretty good day. We had great weather again today. We arrived in Estonia at about 11 am this morning. Now it's time for bed as we have to get up pretty early. Tomorrow we fly to Coppenhagen. Helsinki was good, but so much differnt from the rest of Scandanavia. I'll write more later. Got to get some sleep.

Last Day in Stockholm

Sadly, today is our last day in Stockholm. This morning, we got up a little early to get some photos of Galma Stan without tons of tourists around and also the morning light. I think I got some great shots and I thought it was really nice of Dave to be willing to do this with me. Of course the sun doesn't rise until 7:30, so its not crazy early. Then we took a ferry to the island of Vaxholm to see that area. It was really pretty. We wandered for a bit then headed back to the city. Then we ate our last meal of swedish Meatballs...they are sooooooo good! Had a beer and shopped for a christmas ornament. We have a traditon that when we travel we try to buy christmas ornamnets. So far we have one from Norway and one from Sweden. Hopefully we can collect the other countries as well.

I think it's funny that people keep saying to us...why pick October to come to scandanavia. Well...we live in a climate that reaches into the 100s in the summer, so we actually like to go to cold weather. And 50s is actually really nice. With the exception of about 1 day, we have had excellent weather too. And it looks like there is no rain in our forecast! I'm rather excited about that.

Tonight we are going to see a hockey game. Then tomorrow morning we head to the airport again.

Stockholm, Sweden

I really like Stockholm! One thing I've noticed so far in Scandanavia is that all of the cities are very clean. The leaves are changing right now, which just enhances our expereince. I'm rather glad we came here in the fall.

We've had great weather...in the 50s and no rain!

What we've done...

Visited Skasen...we got to see reindeer
Saw the Vasa Museum
Took a boat tour of the city
Saw the changing of the guards
Toured the Royal Armory
Walked...a lot...my feet really hurt
Seen some of the cool areas of the city
Enjoyed the Absolute Ice Bar

Tomorrow...we are thnking about taking a ferry out to an island to explore for the day. In the Evening we are going to an Ice Hockey game.

Then on saturday morning, we are off to Helsinki for a couple of days. And Sundy is my birthday...I'll be spending it in Estonia! Way cool...huh!

Where in the World are the Schankers'

Sortry I haven't wrote anything latley! I should always know that we never have much free time on these vacations!

We are now in Stockholm, Sweden after spending 5 great days in Norway! The trip is going by so quickly!

We have left..Helsinki, Tallinn, Coppenhagen, and then Brussels.

I do love Stockholm...especially Galma Stan!

But as of tonight...Dave and I have decided we are now Canadian...I'll explain later!

We visted the Aboslute Ice Bar tonight....boy was that expensive...but a way cool experience.

We'll be in touch soon!!!

Travels and Oslo

I'll try and post onto the blog as much as possible while we're traveling. But we didn't bring the laptop, so sorry no photos! But rest assurred I am taking plenty!

So we left on Wednesday night. We got the airport only to discover our flight was over an hour dealyed. Which meant we had 4 hours to kill in the international terminal of LAX! The flight was good. Surprinsingly the food was good too. I took a couple of sleeping pills after the meal and fell right to sleep. I didn't wake up until we had an hour until we were landing! Then it was a 3 hour layover in London and a short 2 hour flight to Oslo.

We've quickly learned how expensive it is here though!

Today we woke up and were not to jet lagged as we got to the hotel at 11pm last night and went straight to bed. So up we went for a day of slightseeing. We went by the parliment building, royal palace, Vigeland Park, the harbor, walked aroudn teh fortress, took a 2 hour boat cruise, and wandered the streets. Now its evening on our 1st night and were off to find dinner. Tomorrow is more Oslo sightseeing. Then on SUnday we baord a train to do the Norway in a Nutshell Tour.

Ready to Go

The house is REALLY clean (one of my kinda OCD quirks....I have to have the house really clean before vacation)

Yard work is done

Client orders are complete

Backpack is filled with clothes and other stuff

Camera gear is packed

Located a place that will clean my camera the same day - taking it in on monday

Bills are paid

Mail has been put on hold

I think we're ready for 18 days of nothing but traveling! Scandinavia here we come!

Chopped!

Wish I had a before photo...but check it out...I finally chopped off my hair! It was out of control! I had them take off a lot and I love it.

Anxious and Excited

I have nicknamed Oct 21st...D Day...its the day Dave leaves! I don't have a job yet and I will be here in Cali wishing I was in Denver. So I am feeling a little anxious. The big question...How long will it take me to find a job?

But I am super excited to have things settle down in denver!

Things I will love about Denver (in no particular order)
1. Hanging out with the MHP photography club
2. consistent COLD weather
3. Snow storms
4. only driving an hour to go skiing at an awesome resort
5. Owning a season pass to Breckenridge
6. Maybe investing in some cross country skis
7. Drinking Blue Moon on tap at almost any restaurant
8. The Rocky Mountains
9. Living close to a city and being able to get there quickly
10. Seeing Rocky games at Mile High Stadium
11. Becoming CO avalanche fans
12. Having great locations for photoshoots
13. Being able to run on trails and not the roads
14. Being outdoors a lot!
15. The highs in the summer not being 105!
16. Lots of trees
17. Rain

Things I will miss about Cali (in no particular order)
1. Yosemite NP!!!!
2. Camping and hiking in the eastern sierras
3. Wine Tasting
4. The sunsets
5. Our house
6. Our friends
7. The desert in the evening...it can actually be rather nice.
8. Being able to be in the mountains and the coast in the same day
9. All of the amazing locations
10. Seeing the seals and sea lions
11. My job and coworkers.

Rain, Coffee, and Good Friends

This past weekend Dave and I took off to Seattle, WA. We have multiple friends up there. I have a friend I new from college and we also know a couple that lived here in Cali and moved up there 2 years ago. So we decided it was about time to go to Seattle and visit them. We had a really good time and it was great seeing everyone. Thanks Alli, Cory, Kevin, and Ashley for a good time.

Fire and Denver

Ok…It's official.

I've been keeping everyone guessing for a while now.

Our BIG news….Dave is accepting a job with a small company in Englewood, CO! Yup we're moving! Well...I guess at this point...Dave is moving.

Dave will be leaving Cali on Oct 21st…after we get back from our vacation.

What will I be doing…I'm looking to get a transfer with LM to the Denver area. I have no idea how long that will take, but we will be separated for a bit. But this is somoethng we are willing to do in order to get the chance to live in CO. We knew Cali would be temporary, just didn't know how temporary…3 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc…

But Dave's commute has really worn on him and we're both ready to live in Denver. So despite the horrible housing market we've decided to make the move!

It's going to be stressful and hard for a while as it was when I moved to Cali but I know we'll get through it in the end and everything will work out.

I have to say there is one thing I will not miss about cali...wildfire! I wish I had some photos to share. I've actually thought about trying to drive over to Acton and get some shots. But just haven't done it. I think Sunday would have been my best day to do that, but I didn't. Essentially the Station fire (its all over national news) burned up the mountains and over into Acton (about 15 miles south of us). So what does that mean for us…ash falling from the sky, lots of clouds, and the smell of smoke. Usually we don't get any us this in Palmdale…being that we are usually north east of the fires, with the way the wind blows were usually pretty lucky. But with the fire being closer it’s a different story. Sunday was so eiry…huge towering red clouds filed our sky. They say it won't be fully contatined until Sept 15th!

Looking forward to big snow storms instead.

Wedding Reception Candid Moment

So I'm shooting this wedding this weekend and I look over and see this....too cute!!!

Thailand Slideshow

I FINALLY posted a slidehow from our Thailand Vacation that we took in Dec and Jan. Enjoy!

Thailand Slideshow

News!

Lots of people want to know what's going on...but I haven't spilled it just yet cause it's not 100% official.

Here's some hints...
1. Oct 21st will be a big day of change
2. I'm looking for a transfer!
3. It's going to involve some much colder weather
4. Great skiing!
5. We're very excited
6. This has been a dream of mine since I was about 22!

Did I give it all away without really saying what is going on?

San DIego

Yes...another weekend out of town! It's almost getting to be to much. But we're home next weekend.

We had a great weekend. On Friday I learned that two of my photos from Thailand won awards at the fair in the Pro category. On Saturday we went to Del Mar to enjoy the afternoon at the horse track.








Then on Sunday I compete in my 1st duathalon. I told Dave I'm not really expecting to do great I just want to go an experience it this time. He did not like that attitude and told me ...no you're there to do your best. Well..I placed 2nd in my age group and 7th overall female! Sweet, huh.









So it appears we may have some big news to share later on this week. So stayed tuned.

Denver!

So last weekend we were in Denver, CO. I've never been there in the summer, but I loved it. If there is one city in the US that screams Michele...it's Denver. Trees, grass, lots of outdoor space with trails for running and biking, reasonable temps, and huge mountains in the background. I can totally see us living there at some point.

Just a few photos I captured in the city:

Okay I didn't capture that one...have to credit Dave for that shot.







So Saturday we wended up touring the Coors Brewery and seeing Green Day at the Pepsi Center. But before that we wandered around Littleton, CO including the historic downtown area. We walked around and enjoyed some homemade rootbeer.