January.

The first month of the new year has come and gone.

And I would have to say, it was quite successful.
If this past month is any indication of the coming year, 
I think 2016 is really going to be a good one! 

To start the year and this month off, 

a few of my college roommates and I headed to Granby for a girls weekend.

We rented a little (and I mean little) hotel room and let the good times roll.

Just like old times, we spent most of our time eating way too much food,

playing all the board games possible, and laughing

until the wee hours of the morning! 

Our girls weekend consisted of three days of reconnecting and exploring.
When the weather was nice, we found ourselves on a snowshoeing adventure.

We snowshoed a three mile loop around the beautiful Grand Lake - where 
we were  able to enjoy the bluebird skies, warm (for January) weather,

and each others company. 

Snowshoeing group! 

After our hiking day, we headed off to the hot sulphur springs.

We enjoyed soaking in just about every pool they offered,

even a magnesium pool, which was reportedly supposed
to remove toxins from our skin and to calm our nerves!
Although it was a bitter -10 degrees while we were there, and

our hair and towels were frozen solid as we soaked in 

the 110 degree pools, it
was an excellent end to our girls weekend. 

Time spent with my girls is always precious.

And it was definitely a great way to welcome in 2016!

Part of the Crew (not pictured: Paige, Abbi or Ryan)

The rest of the month seemed to fly by.
I am waiting to begin my microbiology class, so my days have
mainly been filled with making ice cream and crossfit! 

Front Squats (Photo Credit: Kelli Blue)

To wrap up this month, I got to spend some much needed time
with my sweet best friend, Kristi.
I was fortunate enough to spend some time in her classroom, and 
experience first-hand what an amazing teacher she is.
Kristi teaches 5th grade in Greeley, and works with a very difficult 
population of children; however, you could feel the love
and passion she has for her class.
It was amazing to see her in action and to see her using her talents
to help improve the lives of the children in her class.

Kristi's official teacher desk!

To enjoy a rare sunny day in Colorado (before a huge storm moved in),
we decided to tackle the ever elusive "Manitou Incline."
The Incline was originally created as a railway to carry supplies to Pikes Peak.
It later became a tourist attraction, where people could climb to the top.
The Incline is about a mile long and climbs over 2,000 vertical feet.
Essentially, it sucks (but it's also great)! 

View from halfway up the incline. 

I thought I was going to pass out and wanted to turn around once or twice.
But with every step I took, I felt myself getting a little stronger.
Both physically and mentally. 
I was tired and sore and couldn't breath, but making it to the summit
was one of the greatest feelings of my life. 
And the view from the top didn't hurt thing either. 
I even think once I regain use of my quads and calf muscles, 
I might plan another trip to the top of that little incline! 

Summit of The Incline!

Looking forward to the coming months! 

Interested in climbing The Incline?...Check out this link! 

2016: The Beginning

As the years go by, I find it harder and harder to put time aside

to sit down and share my life on my blog.

When I first graduated from college, this blog was a safe

place for me to adjust from the academic world into "adult" life.

However, as the years have passed, I've neglected my blog

and grown further and further from my safe haven.

As it is the beginning of a new year (hello, 2016), I've decided to try

my best to get back to the blogging life.

I like the idea of having a place to store my memories and to share

the adventures I experience throughout the year.....

even if I do lead a rather lack-luster lifestyle!

As I sat down this morning to delve back into the blog-o-sphere,

I noticed that I didn't post a single thing last year.

So, here is a recap of my 2015.....

I became an auntie to the world's most amazing and 

precious little boy.

My nephew (now 10 months old) is one of the happiest, most

outgoing, smartest, loving babies I have ever met.

I am completely wrapped around his finger! 

First time meeting my nephew - two months old!

I gained another brother-in-law!

In July, my oldest sister got married in the beautiful Woodland Park.

The ceremony, with Pikes Peak in the background, was

absolutely breathtaking. 

And now, I am the last girl standing.....

My family!

I finally decided my path in life - I am going to

 become an oncology nurse.

I applied to programs in early April and unfortunately was

not accepted; however, rather than feeling discouraged,

I began volunteering more at the hospital

and have worked my butt off to improve my GPA to a 4.0.

I will reapply this April....fingers crossed! 

I suffer from chronic migraines. 
While I have had migraines since middle school,
this past year marked the beginning of my journey with 
taking daily medications to prevent headaches and auras.
I am thankful for the daily relief the medication provides me; however,
my medications make me extremely tired and confused,
so it has been a year of adapting and learning how to function
in my new reality.

I attended just about every country concert that came to town!
My concert list this past year included Kenny Chesney, 
Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Hunter Hayes, Sam Hunt,
Lady Antebellum (for the third time), and Taylor Swift!
But hands down the best concert I saw all year was....
The Band Perry!!
Do yourself a favor, and buy tickets to their next show.

Kristi and I with The Band Perry!

I was able to coach for my third year at Conifer High School.
It wasn't our most winning season, but 
I am always thankful for the experiences and time
I get to share with my girls.
Looking forward to this coming season! 

Crossfit continued to be a main fixture in my life.
I found a wonderful crossfit to become a member of almost
two year ago, and I absolutely love them.
Crossfit Encounter changed my life for the better.
The people I workout with have become an extension of my family - they support me,
encourage me, and love me unconditionally.
I could never have enough kind words for my Encounter buddies!

My people! 

Other updates?
Still making the best ice cream in the state of Colorado.
Joined a co-ed slow-pitch softball league (and we won the championship).

2015 League Champs - Team Hold Onto Your bats!

Still volunteering my weekends away at St. Anthony Hospital. 
Developed my skills as an amateur quilter. 

A work in progress.

Enjoyed a lovely family vacation in the Florida Keys.
And got to visit two of my best friends in North Carolina.

Me and my girls!

And with that, I close the door on a wonderful 2015!
Looking forward to this coming year and
all of the exciting things in store.

Let's go, 2016!