Moving the Blog

So I decided to move our blog. I thought the next chapter in our lives (Colorado) was entitled to a brand new blog...so off to wordpress we go.


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Our First Hike in the Rocky Mountains

Last weekend we did our first hike in the Rockies. We hiked to 13,200 feet. It was gorgeous. We were planning on hiking to another peak but the weather was just horrible. Tons of wind and hail. So we turned around. but check out these views!






Later that night there was fireworks taking place 3 block from our apartment so we walked over with the camera to watch.




Sunday I went for a bike ride. I love all the trails out here. I never have to contend with one car. I feel like I can go forever too. Later that day was the cherry creek arts festival. We had a blast there. Then went out to dinner at Brio.

Monday was house shopping day (after another bike ride). We found this floor plan that I fell in love with. There is one being built on a great lot too. I WANT IT! But it may not be so convenient for Dave.

Livin in Denver!

So I made it..and so did our 10 year old Pontiac. It took me almost 17 hours to make the drive to Denver. I was thinking it would be quicker this time since I wouldn't have winter weather. But instead I had construction. I left at 5am PST and arrived at 11pm MDT. After sleeping in on Saturday and unpacking the car we finally made our way tot eh nearest Subaru dealership where we found an Outback that we liked and purchased it on the stop. Bye Bye Pontiac. You were good to me, but its time for a car with awesome all wheel drive.

This moring we got up and headed to Invesco Field to run int he Stadium Stampede 5K. I ran my best Denver time so far, 23:56 (a 7:44 pace). I placed 5th in my age group out of 46 and placed 11th overall female. I'm very glad to see that my times are improving. Now its off to do some shopping so we can get a little more situated around here.

Tomorrow morning I get up and head to my first day of work. It really feels odd that I'm not flying back to Cali and I'm not going to my job in Palmdale. Its going to be a big adjustment.

Denver Bound!

On FRIDAY! I felt like this day would never come!!!! But after much confusion during my hiring process, I am finally starting on the 28th! Yippee!! I'm really excited to start my new position. I have about 3.5 days left at my current job, which should fly by. Then I pack the car and drive to Denver on Friday. We are very ready to get rid of the Pontiac so as soon as I make it Denver we're going to the Subaru dealership. Then on Sunday we both are running a 5K in downtown. I am planing on driving straight through on Friday. Its crazy that on Monday morning I'll wake up and I won't have to go to the airport! SWEET!

I have decided I have to take a break from my big runs - I guess 5ks only right now. I get the worst stomach aches after long running. The Dr says its probably an ulcer or an issue with my gallbladder. What fun! So until it gets resolved, no more half marathons!

Acomplishment Complete!

I seriously ran the hardest race of my running life today. The conditions were not very favorable. It was cold, but I like that. I run so much better in cold weather. What I had working against me was the fact that I was running anywhere from 7500-7900 feet in elevation. Then there was the fact that Colorado got 2 days of rain! So yes I had to run in the cold and the rain! I think my hands went numb after about mile 3. At first I went out wanting the best time that I could get. I knew my times in CA were around the 1:46 range, after about mile 4 or 5 I remember thinking to myself I just want to survive! It was that hard. Miles 4-7 were pretty much a straight and steady climb uphill. So how did I do? I finished about 10 min over my cali time...1:56. But apparently that was good enough for me to finish 3rd in my age group and as the 13th overall female. I am in no way disappointed with that. In fact I am so glad I did it and I feel really good about it. The funny thing is I wanted to do this race so I could run with the view of the rocky mountains, but the weather was so bad we couldn't see anything for the 2 days we were there. We did see some deer and moose though! We even had a deer run in front of us on the course.

Run Forest Run!

I think I've officially been a runner for about 7 years now. I go in waves, cause I battle severe shin splints that WILL result in stress fractures. (been there!). So this spring I was pretty stressed with my job situation in Denver...so what did I do to combat the stress. What any normal human being would do...Run, a lot. Okay, maybe not everyone handles stress that way, but honestly it took my mind off of everything for about an hour out of my day. I was running 30+ miles a week. Before I knew it I was just short of half marathon distance. The last time I ran a half I ended up with a stress fracture. But here I am running 10-12 mile runs on a weekly basis. So what did I decide to do, enter a half marathon in CO. But not any half marathon, one that will be held at 8000 feet in a town where elk and moose are known to roam.

Wish me luck..its next Sunday!

But today I decided to run 12 miles...it turned into 14+ miles, in which 6 was total torture. It was hot, and I guess I've pushed myself so hard for the last few weeks that my thighs decided they had no gas left and couldn't run anymore. Needless to say, I'm taking it easy this week.

Bolder Boulder

I ran my first 10K in Colorado today! Got up at 5am to get up to Boulder for my 7:09am start time for my qualifying wave. I ended up with a slower time than I wanted, but that is okay as the elevation is a big deal. I was 42nd in my age level out of 692. So now I have a goal for next year. Get back down into the 48 range. So I remember next year. Here are my split times.

Mile 1: 7:33.40 (started out good, but just couldn't maintain it)
Mile 2: 8:05.34
Mile 3: 8:20.47 (Must have been a big up hill here!)
Mile 4: 8:01.86
Mile 5: 7:52.57
Mile 6: 8:08.48

In two weeks I will be running a half marathon at 8000 feet! Not expecting a good time there.

The really cool part is I finished in the top 6% of my age level. I was aiming for top 5%, so I was close.

Race Time

I have taken some time off from racing and have just been exercising for myself. But now that I will finally be living in Denver I am getting excited again about racing...therefore my training has become more hard core.

The current plans...
The Bolder Boulder 10K on memorial day!
the Stadium Stampede 5K at Invesco Field
A Duathlon in June if me and my bike are there in time.
the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in October

More will be coming I'm sure. But these are the ones I know I want to do for sure.

So excited! Living in Denver is so going to ROCK!

Takin Tomorrow Off!

My weekend of exercise:
Friday - over an hour of cardio at the gym - burned about 900 calories
Saturday - ran for an hour, biked for an hour
Sunday - ran 10.3 miles

I think I deserve a day off from cardio, agree?

But I think I'll be ready for my races in Denver!

Spillin The Beans

Ok, things are more official now, so I can let you all know what is going on. Didn't want to Jinx anything before by saying much.

In Feb I was offered a job with another company (we'll say company B). I was torn. I wanted to get to Denver but didn't want to leave my company. I actually fell apart on the airplane crying one day. I had to accept it cause I had nothing else going for me. About 2 weeks after I accept the job I get an email about a possible job opportunity with my current company. The job I accepted was contingent on contract award so I had some time to find out what this was all about. Turned out it was for a position I was really excited about and kept me with my current company. Then company B won their contract...uh oh..I now have a job in Denver!!!! But I have anther possibility that I really want. So I was in a tough and stressful situation of how to deal with it all. Finally I got some information that allowed me to feel more comfortable in making a BIG decision. It was risky, but I turned down the job with Company B. This was in late March. After lots of being patient and hoping things would work out I got my offer letter...signed it and sent it back. So for the 2nd time in about 3 months I now have a job in Denver! And I am super excited!

I am extremely lucky because I am getting everything I wanted. I am super excited to be reunited with Dave and to be living in Denver for the rest of our lives. We have no intention of ever leaving Colorado!

Good things come to those who wait, right!

Well, I am off to celebrate.

Lovin the City Life

So on Friday, I go to work and randomly decide to see how much an airline ticket is to Denver for the weekend. To my surprise direct flights were $149 leaving that night! Being that I don't mind being spontaneous I bought a ticket! Left work at 3 to go home and grab my tennis shoes and computer and drive to LAX. We spent Saturday wandering around Denver. It was kind of the Schanker Pub Crawl. We went to the Cheeky Monk (a Belgian bar), Great Divide, and Blake Street Tavern. Then it was off to the Avalanche Playoff Game. Unfortunately they lost. On Sunday we walked to North Cherry Creek to have Crepes for lunch. Then we walked over to the new Bike Kiosks to rent bikes. We rode the bikes into downtown and walked over to Coors Field to see the Rockies play. They won 8-3! Go Rockies! While we were there Dave got part of his bday present early - a jersey and I got a t shirt. It was a great weekend and I was really glad I went. Now I'm back in Cali - waiting for good things to happen.

Yup ...another VISIT to Denver

I should be out there soon. I hope! But this weekend was another visit. I promised Dave I'd come out to help him move to our new apt. It's in Cherry Creek...a really nice area of Denver. The exciting park is being able to live the "city" life. so on Friday was walked to a brewery for dinner. On Saturday we walked to a bakery to get cupcakes and then to dinner. Then on Sunday we decided to go to the zoo and we walked there too. There were a few trips over to super target as well. I decorated the apt too...put up photos and bought new bath rugs. I so love the way the bathroom looks right now..its all blue and brown. Hopefully I can carry everything over when we have a house out there. We're getting closer to being settled.

The Best City Ever!

Denver seriously Rocks! There is always something to do, something fun, something active. I'm looking forward to being here for good! Already excited about Memorial Day weekend...I forsee Baseball games and Denver Day of Rock in our future.

This weekend we hit up the beer festival at Breckenridge. It was freezing, but a ton of fun. I had to go buy hand warmers, then I was all good.

A few photos...

Down to Weeks Left on Cali.

So much going on! Hopefully I'll have final news soon to share. But I am anxiously awaiting my move to Denver. Although I am really going to miss our house. I wish I could just pick it up and take it with us.

Some randomness:
It was in the 40s and VERY windy yesterday. Today its in the 60s. So crazy.

I'm hoping I will be going to Denver this week/weekend.

Have you heard the new Angels and Airwaves album, its pretty sweet!

We bought tickets to see them in May and the concert is like 2 miles from our apt.

I realized today that I may not be able to ski the rest of the season! That stinks

I'm so glad I'm not a pack rat and that we are not the type of people who like clutter. But I still feel like there will be a lot of stuff to move.

I apparently got de-friended on facebook this week...but I think its rather funny.

Our Life on Hold, but Resuming Shortly

Another successful and wonderful Denver weekend! But guess what - I have no more airline tickets! And I'm hoping I don't need them! If all goes as it should I will be living in Denver with Dave sometime in April!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ski season will be over, but now it will be time to focus on the hiking season!

So Dave is living in this area called Highlands Ranch..its total suburban Denver. I really like it, but we needed a place to live until we find a house. As we were talking and trying to focus on where we would want to live for a little bit, we started to entertain the idea of living downtown! I'm totally not a city girl, but what an experience that would be. We looked at 3 or 4 places right by Coors field, but they were pretty pricey when you said 6 month lease. Then I thought, well lets check out Cherry Creek. Cherry creek is about 4 miles from Coors Field and has tons of restaurants, shopping, etc... In our search we found an apt complex that said we could get out of our lease if we bought a house and gave them 60 days notice! We were sold! SO we will be living the city life. I think the only time we'll really drive places is to work. Other than that we plan to walk to go out to dinner, the movies, etc... On Sunday afternoons we're planning on riding our bikes to games at Coors Field or to museums downtown. The apt is a one bedroom and will be small, but we'll be having tons of fun. Our place will be on the 10th floor overlooking the Rockies. There is also a 22 miles bike path right by the apt and public tennis courts. Yippee!!!

Another Fantastic Denver Weekend!

This time I spent 4 days in Denver! We met up with 2 friends of ours for a weekend of skiing. We spent the entire time at Steamboat Springs. Which was an amazing place to visit. I know that Dave and I will be back many times for some weekend trips. It snowed all throughout our first day on the slopes. Which made for a great second day...lots of powder. The best part was that I was in pretty good form that day. I seriously felt like I could do anything that day. After skiing lots of powder and in the trees. We decided to try a double black diamond! It was a blast! We were all kind freaked at first. But we all survived. I made it down and never fell. We actually ended up going down 2 double blacks that day. I'm really proud of all four of us for doing it.

This is what the chutes are like! (not my photo, just one that I found online)

The Olympics and other Random Stuff

Realizing I don't blog to much anymore, huh.

This week is kind of sad, as the Olympics started and we are not there. Our original vacation plan was to go to Vancouver for 2 weeks. I loved our Scandinavian vacation, but I am really missing the Winter Olympics. It is so hard to believe that we were in Italy just 4 years ago and heading to the Olympics. Today is valentines day and I clearly remember us having dinner in Florence, Italy on V- Day. I loved everything about being at the Olympics. I really want to make sure we can focus hard on going to Russia in 4 years.

At the same time I don't know how I could have gone on a 2 week vacation at this point, since there is a possibility that I could be moving in weeks! So I guess everything may have been a blessing in disguise.

Why did we not go - it just wasn't as easy to plan as Torino was.

So yes, I could be moving to Denver soon. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Travel

Tonight it took 5 hours door to door to travel from the Apt in Denver to our house in Lancaster. Not bad since they are 1000 miles apart! I still think it was so weir that Dave was in Florida and I was in Denver! At least I got to see the Kitties. I spent the whole weekend being sick and really didn't do much. I took my camera anticipating I would wander and take photos, but nope I was not up for it.

I did determine that X-Country skiing is a great workout. As I have not been this sore in a long time. Glad it will be become part of something I normally do eventually.
Although I did realize that I do need to dress differently. I dressed like I do for downhill and that was a mistake as I was getting really hot. Next time, 2 weeks from now, I'll go a lot lighter.

Tonight we flew over the snow covered grand canyon at sunset...talk about beautiful!

More Denver

Been in Denver the last two weekends! Seriosuly feel like I know the Denver airport way to well!

The weird thing is this weekend Dave is not here.

I got sick for the 3rd time this winter this past week. Stupid colds! I blame it on all the airplane rides.

Yesterday I didn't do to much, basically went shopping until I felt horrible and rented a movie, then took NyQuil and went to bed! Yeah an exciting Friday night.

Today I decided I should go Cross Country skiing! It was fun, but a mistake, as I felt horrible. Stuck to the green trails as I'm not a very good X-Country skier. I'm great at downhill, but have a lot to learn with X-County. I still fell twice going down hill. I just got freaked out.

Luckily the Terps were on ESPN2, so I was able to watch them Kick NC State butt!

Tomorrow I want to go running, but don't know how my cold will handle it. If not, think I'll be hitting the outlet mall instead!

I'll be back in 2 weeks and hoepfully by March I'll be out here for good!

2010 Goals

On a more positive note, I thought I'd jot down some goals for myself for the year. I usually have this kind of stuff in my head, but figured my blog is a good place to actually write this stuff down.

1. MOVE!!!! Move to Colorado ASAP! Hopefully with a job and relocation, but if it doesn't work out, then just go!
2. Order sample albums and more sample products for the photog business.
3. Start up the photography biz in Denver.
4. Hike another 13000 ft+ mountain with Dave
5. Complete in at lest 2 duathlons this year and maybe one tri (as long as its not in the ocean!).
6. Rework my website!

YUP!

Things just are not going my way! This is definitely a big test for me, huh..a test of how well I can hold together. I think I'm failing so far.

What To Do...

I had an awesome time in Denver. I loved it there so much. I had a really hard time driving back to Cali. Broke down crying when I hit Utah. Now I'm back and more upset then ever. I have been very negative and I can't seem to stop no matter how hard I try. I know I can't do this past April or so. So if no jobs in 3 months, then what. Seriously, what do I do with my life? And its not like there is really a lack of jobs. Yes its not the best time to be looking, but jobs are being posted and I just can't get anyone to give me the time of day. I'm super frustrated. And I really don't know what I will do...any ideas? Become a ski bum? LOL.

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.