Saying Goodbye

I hate goodbyes--I'm not good with them and would just assume never having to deal with them (but don't we all?). Today is a very bittersweet day for my family and me; today is the day we leave our home in Kansas to set out on a new adventure in Colorado.

Moving to Colorado is something that Brandon and I have been talking about since we first started dating--Brandon had only been to my home state a few times before meeting me and fell more and more in love with it each time we went back to visit my family. We knew from the start that it would be our home one day.

Today is that day.

I treated Brandon to the "real Denver experience" (that is not a marijuana reference, I promise) for his 25th birthday--we visited Red Rocks, the Botanic Gardens, and Casa Bonita (of course!).

Moving to my favorite city really is a dream come true for me--I'm so excited to take Jackson around to all of my favorite childhood spots: the Denver Children's Museum, Butterfly Pavilion, State Capitol, Denver Zoo, Washington Park.. I can't wait! But all of this comes at a price: leaving the place I've called home for the last 3 1/2 years.

When I first moved to Hays in August of 2010, I wasn't a happy person; in fact, there weren't many aspects of my life that I was happy with. I was actually on the verge of dropping out of college when my mom suggested checking out other schools--that's when I found Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. My mom is originally from Kansas, so I was familiar with Hays--it was the town with the Applebee's (that I would eventually work at) and two-story KFC.

Come to find out, there was a lot more to it.

Hays is..

..where I really learned my craft: journalism and marketing

..where I first tried whiskey (I'll save those stories for another time..)

..where I pulled way too many all nighters

..where I decided that anything Grunge was my jam

..where I grew out my bangs (which only took 21 years)

..where I made some of my best friends

..where I started this blog

..where I had my first "real" job (pertaining to my field)

..where I found my sisters in Christ

..where I met and married my husband

..where my son was born

..where I found myself

Not pictured: Miss Mary

I will never forget my time here in Hays--these have been the best years of my life and I am so thankful for all of the experiences I have had and for all of the friends I have made. Thank you to everyone who had any part in my Hays adventure--you helped make me the person I am today and for that I am grateful. 

It's time to close this chapter in my life and open the next. 

Stay tuned for the new adventures of Brandon, Annie, Jackson, & Bitsy--we're just getting started!

What Are Your Life Dreams (and a Giveaway!)?

Happy Monday, friends!

It has been a very busy week/weekend for this girl. I went home to CO for a few days (which was great!) and picked up my brother for spring break (yes, my brother is spending his spring break in Kansas.. but I'm an awesome sister so he doesn't mind)! We've been busy cheering on KU, visiting friends, watching SNL reruns and antiquing--pretty perfect weekend in my book!

We were also able to visit our Grandpa Julius on Friday--he is just amazing! It was so nice visiting with him and I can't wait until the next time we get together (he turns 91 next month)!

He's been through a lot these last few years but he's still as funny and ornery as ever. I love him!

I have been working on my Carabox for my friend Anna over at The Days When I'm Not a Nurse (P.S. check out her blog--she is awesome!). We were talking last week about our interests and hobbies when she told me that her dream is to someday open her own bakery.. how cool is that?! It really got me thinking about my life goals and dreams. 

I think dreams and ambitions are so important for everyone--but it's hard to think ahead in this here and now world.

Today, I'm challenging you to make a list of 4-5 things you want to do in the future; it can be something you want to do next week, next year or after your kids are grown and you've retired. This isn't necessarily a 'bucket list'--as you'll see from my list, I more than likely won't be able to do all 4 of those things in my lifetime. But you know what? It gives me something to think about and it makes me happy. If I only check one of these things off my list, wonderful! If not, that's okay too!

Own my own flower shop

I have always dreamed of owning a flower shop after I retire. I have no knowledge in horticulture or managing a business, but it's still something fun to think about (I even know what I'd name the shop: Velora's (after my Grandma Velora). Velora's would be located on Old South Gaylord (my favorite street in Denver) and would look something like this:

Wouldn't owning a flower shop be the best job ever? Growing and arranging beautiful blooms day after day sounds like heaven to me. (Source)

Own my own boutique

As stated before, I probably won't be able to own this many businesses in my lifetime, but it's fun to think about. I LOVE the boutique Wish in Denver (which just so happens to be on Old South Gaylord.. coincidence? I think not.) and would love to own a boutique exactly like it; full of fun and quirky home decor, yummy candles, and beautiful clothes. And seriously, how fun would it be to go shopping for your store inventory?!

Too much fabulous for one store! (Source)

Write a Book

I have started writing countless books; one about the amazing life of my Grandma Mitz, one loosely based on my family, the beginning of my memoir, etc. One of these days, I will finish writing one of these books..

Have My Own Talk Show

It doesn't even have to be national (I mean, it'd make sense if it was, but..); I just want to have a talk show!

A talk show for a video production class.. it was named after me and everything! (Source)

What's on your list? 

While you're thinking about it, check out a BIG group giveaway hosted by my friend Beth from Arrow in the Eye! The Rafflecopter will walk you through the steps :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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