Pizza In The Moonlight

I left off last with Andy working at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., unfortunately and fortunately he is no longer there.  The more he went to work, the more he realized it wasn't the place for him.  So off he went to find another job.  He knew exactly where he wanted to work, so he dropped off an application, crossed his fingers and waited to hear from the owner.  Luck has it, he got a call and for the most part was hired right away.  He is now working at The Flatbread Pizza Co!  And I will say this, the food is AWESOME!  So awesome, that I had to go buy a scale to make sure that I keep things in check.  Anyway, Andy loves his new job, enjoys his co-workers and the owner and the hours aren't too bad either.  Work for me has been great.  I have been very busy everyday that I am there.  It feels so good to be doing what I love and making people feel there best.  

Now from the sounds of it, you all probably think that all Andy and I do is work.  Well you wouldn't be too far off from the truth.  We don't have a ton of time to do things together since I work days and he works nights, but we definitely make the most of our time together.  Last week Thursday, we took our friend Andrea, to Denver so that she could fly back to Wisconsin for a visit.  Another of our friends, Liz, tagged along and after stopping by the airport, we headed off on our own adventure.  Liz hadn't been to Sam's Club, so we took her with us.  Our first stop, however, was Goodwill!!! I love that store! I found some awesome things, of course for next to nothing.  Best Goodwill I have been to.  Now, Sam's is not so exciting, since it always costs a fortune to go there, but we are stocked up for awhile.  We will try to get back one more time before the snow falls.  It is unlikely that once winter comes, that we will even attempt the drive to Denver.  After a quick lunch at Anthony's Pizza, we headed back to Breck.

Fast forward just a couple days...

Andy and I finally went for a hike!! It was absolutely beautiful!  We chose McCullough Gulch, just based on internet research and it was close to home.  The drive to get there was so wonderful.  Once we got to the drive that leads to the trail head, it got a little, okay, a lot bumpy!  My poor car worked it's tailpipe off(not literally) but the old girl made it.  We parked and hopped out, strapped on the backpacks, and off we went.  The first 15 minutes nearly killed me, no lie!  It was a very steep path that we followed and it made me realize just how out of shape I am.  Better get back to the gym.  We right away crossed a foot bridge that had water rushing under it.  

It was very loud and yet peaceful at the same time.  Moving on, we continued up the trail.  As we walked, you could see tire tracks, and all I could think was, "who can drive up this terrain, it is so uneven and rough?"  Well we found out just who can drive up there and we got the hell out out of there fast!

This photo shows some sort of "camp" that we passed, and quickly.  I snapped it as I walked, there was no way I was going to stop to take this picture.  Outside of the main area read a sign - 

"Trespassers will be shot on sight"

This made me feel so warm and tingly on the inside, or was it the fact that my blood was pumping hard and oxygen was lacking?  Nope, I am fairly certain, that these were some "mountain people" and I didn't want to find out if they would shoot me.  Just keep walking...

The trail was labeled as intermediate and I would like to know just how they grade these sorts of things.  I found it rather difficult, as did the people we met on our way up.  Andy and I stopped a few times so that he could get some amazing photos.  And so that I could catch my breath.  After a short while, things did get a little easier and much more beautiful.  

        

Just a few photos I took along the way.  If I can get Andy to get his photos edited, you would have had better ones to look at.  But since he is at work and I am home, you get my iPhone photos.  Shameless business plug - watch here for his photos!! Our hike took us about 2 hours round trip and once we reached the far end, we got to see the most spectacular waterfall, it made the whole hike totally worth it!  Had that not been there at the end, I wouldn't have been as pleased.

Anyway, this is what we have been up to lately.  Next week we are going to Colorado Springs to go to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to feed the giraffes AND we are going to eat at Culver's!! I need cheese curds and a butterburger! 

Watch for photos and a blog next week, same time, same place!

Much Love - Sarah & Andy

Approaching Two Weeks

Our belongings are here, Andy's parents have come and gone, we have finally realized that this is no longer a vacation, this is our new home... 

So let me start by saying we love our new home! We are becoming familiar with the local hangouts and finding friends. If you sit long enough in one place, you are likely to see several people you know. 

I have started full steam with work. No break for this girl. I actually started last week Monday with orientation and the next few days that followed were set aside for training. All of that went very smooth. Saturday marked my first day doing services. And boy, did I miss doing nails! Saturday started off a little slow but by Sunday I was booked solid!! And everyday since has been that way. I have no complaints! Both of the spas I am at are absolutely beautiful, one being newly remodeled. 

Andy has started his job at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and unfortunately, there is not a lot to say about that. He is there part time and long, late hours. Maybe after his training is complete there will be more to talk about. The food, however, is very good!! I had fish tacos and was very impressed. 

In the last week we have really started to feel better and are becoming more adventurous. We are going out exploring and finding the best places to take photos. If you have ever questioned whether or not you want to visit Colorado, stop questioning and start booking your tickets! 

That is all I have for you guys for now. Keep checking back, as we update the blog frequently. 

Peace and hair grease!

                             -Sarah & Andy

It's Been A Few Days

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but as anyone who has moved knows, there is a lot going on. 

Anyway, I guess I should pick up where I last left off... 

Friday morning, we enjoyed a continental breakfast before loading the car to head to Colorado. This leg of the drive was not nearly as enjoyable as the first half. Jak found it necessary to cry the entire 10 hours it took us to get to Breck. Nebraska was such a long, boring drive but I knew once I got the heck out of there, I was that much closer to home. Per the suggestion of my mom, once we got into Colorado, we stopped to take a photo in front of the welcome sign. It was very hot, so we rushed to the sign, snapped a quick photo and rushed back to the car. Afterall, we had cats in the cars and we didn't want to cook them. 

From this sign to Breck, we had between three and four more hours to go, so off we drove! With Jak in the backseat still crying loudly in my ear, I started to lose my cool. It was all I could do to not drop him off on the side of the road. Of course, I would never really do that, but I was at my wits end with him. 

We hit Denver around rush hour. We didn't gauge our timing well and found ourselves in stop and go traffic for an infinite amount of time. As we continue along this way for some time, I begin noticing that my car is starting to overheat. Between the higher elevation, use of A/C and the stop and go traffic, I started to panic. What did I do? I did what any 31 year old does! Call their mom!! I explain what is going on, while sobbing. I was ready to turn it around and head home. It wasn't fun anymore. I wasn't enjoying the experience and I couldn't see the silverlining. But, since moms are always right(and Danny), I pulled over, opened the hood and let the car cool down. Once it sat awhile, we started up and drove to the nearest gas station to rest a bit. We overpaid for gas, $4.09/gallon, but then hung out in the parking lot for about 30 minutes. 

The rain started and it cooled down the air enough to get us back on the road. From this point, we had 51 miles to go. It was breathtaking once we got more and more into the mountains. I took a few photos, quickly of course and never took my eyes off the road and always had one hand on the wheel. I know, I know! You don't need to lecture me! But lucky for you, since I did get photos, you get to enjoy them!

Beautiful, right? We also got to drive through the mountain, via tunnel. I think that I hate tunnels more than I hate bridges, but in order to get there, we have no choice but drive on. 

Shortly after this, we got to Breck. The elevation on the sign says 9600 feet. Let me tell you, you can feel it when you breath. We head up the steps to find our new home and let ourselves in. Wow!! I think that came out of both of mouths! It is beautiful! Our view is spectacular and the condo itself is amazing! Brand new remodel. We really got lucky! 

We slowly began unloading the cars, taking breaks laying on the floor, gasping for breath. I have never felt so terrible in all my life! Andy ended up with a mild case of altitude sickness on Friday night, which is pretty common. We went out for dinner with a friend and enjoyed the place we dined at. We didn't stay long, since we needed to get back so Andy could rest as he was getting worse the longer we were out. 

Saturday morning we got up and went and had breakfast at Daylight Donuts. We picked the right time, because 10 minutes after we ordered the whole place was packed and there was a line out of the door. The food was amazing! And if you come to visit us, we will most likely take you there! Andy had the biggest apple fritter I have ever seen! It was the size of his plate. And I had a belgian waffle with bacon(because, well who doesn't love bacon?)!

We also went for a long walk around town, rode the gondolas and found both of the resorts I work at. The town is so cute and cozy and we feel very welcome here. Everyone is friendly and happy to see us, nevermind the fact that they don't know us. 

So I think that sums up our first two days here. I have started work with training and orientation. In a few days, I will let you all know how work is going for me. Andy is starting at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co this week also, so once I know how that is going, I can update you all. His mom and dad will be here this weekend with the rest of our belongings!! Finally, a real bed!! I cannot wait for that to arrive!

Enough for now... Stay tuned for more. 

                             -Sarah & Andy

Short and Sweet

The day started off way too early, 6am to be exact and after a couple snoozes, we finally got up. A few last minute things before we could get on the road, but those were minor. Our cars were loaded to the point of bursting and yet we still had to get the cats in there. (We did, they weren't happy.)

...and we're off...

Leave it to me to shed a few tears but only after saying goodbye to the first home we shared. It was, however, short lived. Off to fuel up and hit the road!

Our drive was about 9 hours of complete and utter boredom! Thank goodness for the gift of two-way radios to help keep us chatting between the two cars. The cats did pretty good given the circumstances. 

If you have never drove across Iowa, you are fortunate; if you have, I am sorry. Tomorrow we tackle Nebraska and I am dreading it already. Silver lining? Mountains on the other side of the cornfields. We are halfway to our new home! I didn't get any interesting photos, as we didn't stop for anything. I did snap a few shots of the cats sleeping. (I am a cat lady, folks!) 

Such a sweet little face!

Piper had the priviledge of riding bitch the  whole time. She doesn't seem to mind. 

We stopped only twice for fuel, bathrooms and snacks. We made it to Lincoln, NE around dinnertime, showered and ordered in. With full tummys, we are ready to head to bed. We have another long day tomorrow!! But we will be home!

                             -Sarah & Andy

9 Days To Go!

Here we are, with less than two weeks to go -- no turning back now!  We made our decision and it is time for us to live the dream we have been chasing.  

With a job under my belt and a roof over our head, we are about to embark on one of life's greatest journeys together.

WE ARE MOVING TO COLORADO!

Some of you have known for awhile, others may not be at all surprised and a small fraction of people will be shocked.  We have been working overtime at home to get everything ready for our trek to our new home.  Selling our belongings, throwing things away that we never dreamed of and giving Goodwill the donations of a lifetime.  But it is all in the name of adventure!

There have been many, many tears.  Tears of frustration, tears of joy, excitement, even shock.  And if anyone that is reading this knows me even a little bit, you won't be surprised to hear that there has even been a mini-meltdown.  Even now, writing this, there are a few tears.

Now most of you do know, that I don't do anything half-way.  It's all or nothing.  Go big or go home, right?

So if in the next two weeks, we don't see you, please know that we love you just the same.  We will be spending our last days here, working, working and going home one last time to see our families (I can't imagine that is going to be easy on anyone).  

On the morning of July 10, 2014 we will set off, just two cars, two humans and the cats, traveling 1200 miles from all things comfortable to see what else is out there.  

Take Care, Comb Your Hair!

-Sarah and Andy