March Madness

About a month ago, my mother asked me over our date night if we would consider leaving in March. Her reasoning was that we were more likely to avoid bad weather if we left in March than in January. That's when I realized I hadn't even considered bad weather. It was a wake up call that I needed to take a step back and look at what I'm doing and the decisions I'm making. And I don't mean question my decision to move to Colorado but to make sure I'm taking the necessary and safe precautions to getting us there. I came home that night and talked it over with Jeremy and he immediately agreed. I now realize with the holidays here that time would fly and the next minute we would be out the door to Colorado. I'm glad we are taking a few more months to be with everyone and then do this.

The more and more near Colorado becomes the more I am getting excited and anxious. I am so happy that Jeremy and I are taking this risk. I can't wait to live in a place with new opportunities, new friends, new environment, everything.

Ending yet another post feeling unbelievably blessed.

A Big Check Off the "To Do" List

After months and months (and months and months) of looking for a car, Jeremy and I FINALLY found one! We were able to find the exact car we (and especially I) were looking for - a CR-V (and in my favorite color no less!). We settled on a 1999 (Green) CR-V that has 72,000 miles on it. Only one owner and it's never been in a car accident. Not too shabby I must say.

When Jeremy and I took it for a test drive, we pulled over at this opening and I felt such pride looking over at him as we checked it out together knowing this might be our first big purchase together. But when it actually came to saying "We'll buy it," I was met with an anxious feeling building within me. I was about to sign my life over (a bit dramatic, yes) for the next 40 months to paying this thing off. It is the biggest purchase of Jeremy's and my life. I immediately called my mom right away asking her if this was normal and was elated to hear that it was.

So it begins: We have officially found the vehicle that will be bringing Jeremy and I over to Colorado. And I am happy to report that there is no anxiety at the thought of that.

Now THAT'S something to be excited about.

Jeremy Robinson

I want to take sometime to write about the most wonderful person I have ever met: my husband, Jeremy Robinson.

I am the most blessed person in the world because I have the man pictured above as my partner for the rest of my life. Never have I met a more wonderful and patient being. Never have I adored anyone like I do him. Never have I ever felt so proud and so passionately about someone. I thank God every single day for this man and felt it was about time I shared the most wonderful part of my life on my blog.

To start: Whenever I wake up in the morning, even if he is working later in the day, he is up before I am to make sure I have breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday no matter what.  Because of him, I know how to clean a kitchen like no one you have ever seen before.

He has such passions. Where a typical person has one or two hobbies; Jeremy has 10. He loves doing things... anything. He loves cooking, fishing, hunting, running, reading, the list is endless. Our favorite thing to do with each other is drive around and chat. We love to explore. Jeremy is an outdoors man while I would rather sit on the couch and watch TV all day. He has opened me up to things I never thought I would do. He makes me a better me.

I have never found anyone who makes me laugh harder than him. He is truly the funniest person I have met in my entire life. Every person who meets him, loves him. He has the biggest heart. He is also the smartest person I have ever met. Once he hears a fact on something, he never forgets it. Ask him anything about history and he will tell you the name of the person involved and the year it happened. Or what kind of airplanes were flown in this or that war. Anything! He has such an endless amount of beautiful qualities.

He provides in the most fun and adventurous ways. Are you cold? Jeremy will make an incredible fire for you. Are you hungry? Jeremy will make you the most delicious meal of your life. Or go out and kill the animal and prepare it for you (this took me a little while getting used to :). When he is outside, he is in his element. The picture above is him at our friends house in upstate New York who lives in the middle of no where. This is the outfit Jeremy arrived in on Friday and this picture was taken on Sunday. It might seem a bit unsanitary to you (and hell, even me!) but it has become one of the many things I adore about him. He is so passionate about life and learning everything he can. He has introduced so many fun activities in my life that I never thought I would do. I eat things I never thought I could stomach but in the end enjoy them. I camp. That is an amazement in and of itself.

He is truly the most beautiful person I have ever met.

There were times in both of our lives that we felt so alone. We felt ostracized by our families, friends. It was a gift from God that we met. Jeremy helped me forgive and forget which I never thought was possible. I am married to the love of my life and my absolute best friend on the planet. It's amazing to think that some of the things he and I went through that were so difficult to have experienced happened because it made Jeremy and I who we are as individuals and who we are for each other. I have complete and utter admiration for him that is unwavering.

I know God put Jeremy on this Earth for me and me for him. I know I love him more than any other human on Earth and him me.

I know God has a plan for us.  

I "love love love" you Jeremy Robinson!

I Got A Job In NH!

What a blessing - I got a job that will start right as my current one is ending and it took me less than a week to find one. What's even more amazing is that I have e-mails from other companies that would like to interview me too. I'm hoping that this kind of luck continues with me to Boulder (Google anyone?)!

My new job is working at an Art and Music (!!) Studio. It's only 20 minutes away from my apartment and I'll be making the same as I do at my current one. The job is doing office work and scheduling little kids to come and practice their instruments and rehearse. I think some of these kids are going to be so cute it's going to hurt. I'm so happy (and feel it's an answer to prayer) that I could have an easy job that includes being around music. I'm feeling very blessed right now. I am definitely going to miss working for my boss who has been so good to me. I'm also going to miss working alone. This new job is going to be an adjustment. I know the next few weeks are strictly going to be getting used to their way of doing things and learning about their programs. Either way, I am so fortunate to have found something so soon.

Another great reason for finding this job so soon is that Jeremy and I are in desperate need for a new car. Our 97 Hyundai just isn't having it anymore. If it's not the oil leak, it's the gas leak. If it's not the windows, it's the tires. Lord help us. So Jeremy and I are checking out a *girly moment alert* adorable 2003 Honda CR-V. We got a loan from DCU and so the only thing we need is a car. I hope this one is it. Very excited! Hoping it's still available and in good shape.

So even though it's pouring rain outside and making me feel as tired as possible, I have so much to feel blessed about. I constantly have people asking me why we are doing this move, why now? Why Colorado? My answer: Why not? I have prayed for years for God to point us in the right direction since I know it's not here in NH. That much I know for sure. And God answered our prayers and I feel like each step has fallen into place. Jeremy and I are so blessed with love and I'm trying to treasure our each and every step of the way to Colorado.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us and please continue to do so! Hopefully my next post will be a picture of me sitting in our new car.

We shall see!

Craigs List Is My New Bestfriend

Job hunting has slowly become my life. My current job is coming to an end within the next few weeks and I have inherited the task of finding some temporary work before having to job hunt AGAIN for Colorado. Practice makes perfect I guess.

Has anyone noticed how impossible it feels to connect with any businesses when applying online? All I can do is try to put as much of my personality into my cover letter as I possibly can and hope that mine somehow stands out amongst the hundreds of e-mails these people must get daily (if not hourly!). Welcome to the 21st century.

The worst part of it is that I am applying for mindless jobs. Ones I could do with my eyes closed. Ones that offer mundane and repetitive tasks and won't pay me what I deserve. If anyone knows of any other job sites (besides CraigsList) that have worked for them, please let me know!

I am praying that when it comes time to job hunt in Colorado I can find something meaningful.

For now I am going to just continue sending my resume and keep praying that whatever is God's will, will be.

Pictures To Get Me Through A Sleepy Monday

This, my friends, is Boulder Colorado: My Future Home.

*sigh* <3

Google

I love Google. I have always wanted to work for Google or a company just like them. Not only are they the ultimate search engine (which I use every 10 minutes to either check if I am spelling something right or to randomly research something) but they are known to treat their employees like gold. I find this to be so incredibly important. I have worked on both sides of that spectrum. When working for someone who truly values you (like my current boss does), it makes the job worth it. Especially when you're working in Customer Service like I am and have to talk to people allll day long. And obviously not every person you talk to is going to be genuinely thoughtful and happy to speak with you.

So back to Google. I have been looking for jobs in Boulder so that the closer I get to the Winter/move, the more I can start applying to jobs. I've just been searching through Craigslist when I came upon a job opening in Boulder working for Google doing Marketing and Communications. Can we say, "Dream Job?". Yes, yes we can. It is times like these I know these types of jobs are going to go fast and it's so frustrating that I can't just walk into their office now, tell them how worth it I am and tell them to hold on for a few more months cause I'll be there soon. My life coach, Michelle Ward, is wonderful. She has not only encouraged me to blog, but to also keep these companies I want to work for and that are in Boulder in mind for when jobs open in the future. I can't imagine people wanting to quit Google but whenever they do, I will be ready.

I hope you're ready for me Google!

Free Internet Radio = Love

There is a possibility that I may be the last person on the planet who has yet to own an ipod. Even my 7 year old cousin has one. My husband has owned 3 and where ever they may be, RIP. Recently, with my mother and father's birthdays and anniversary close together they decided it would be a great time to buy an ipod for their jogs and drives together. Great. So I now have a 7 year old cousin, mother AND father who own an ipod and I still do not. On top of that, thanks to my hamy-down (no complaints there) '97 Hyundai, it came fully stocked with ... a tape player. So no ipod or cd player. And let's face it, a lot of the stuff you find on the radio today is beyond difficult to listen to never mind repetitive. I'm stuck my entire ride home from work scanning every radio station that will come in over and over again.

The background story on me is that I went to college for Music Industry with a desire to be in Radio - either as an On-Air Personality or Production. Going to college for music I was constantly creating, listening and recording music daily. When I graduated and moved back to New Hampshire to live with the 'rents, I quickly realized the big N.H. was not exactly stocked full of music jobs. So here I am: currently an Office Manager for a Sealcoating company.  With the lack of music in my life and the lack of a CD player in my car, I was dying to hear some music. Since it's normally just me in my office, it can sometimes get a bit too quiet. I was looking for anything I could pump my fist to (Reminder: I work alone. This is acceptable). A wondaful lady I know recently told me about Pandora online which was phenom. The only downfall is that I can't freely fast forward past bands that don't appeal to me. Pandora only allows me to bypass about 10 songs and then my quota is up for the day. I know the whole point is to listen to new music that also sound like bands I love but sometimes I am just not digging it. So I started to search online for music - anything that I could play and enjoy throughout my rather quiet day. I started searching around and finally stumbled upon a site called "SHOUTcast" which is free Internet radio. I love music. I love radio. And I certainly love free. Here is a win-win situation.

SHOUTcast has radio stations from all over the world. They also have every different type of music you could think of. German Disco anyone? Just simply go to the right side of the web and click the type of music you like. From there, they normally have even more specific genres of that genre. Once you've found the one you like, click on it and it will bring up different radio stations you can choose. And it's unlimited - you don't have a set limit on how many you can listen to and it is available 24/7. So there it is: If you've used up your good graces with Pandora, there is still music out there for people (who like me) are looking for unlimited music in a much limited situation.

Enjoy!

Stay Strong Boulder!

As Firefighters Gain Control of Colo. Blaze, Another Fire Erupts


AP LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 13) -- A new wildfire tore through northern Colorado Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to flee and destroying one home just as residents 35 miles away returned to scorched homes in Boulder after one of the worst fires in state history.
The wildfire near Loveland quickly grew from just a few acres Sunday morning to more than 600 acres - or about a square mile - by the evening and it was pulling some of the resources from the fire in the foothills of Boulder that burned 10 square miles and destroyed 166 homes.
The fire has also destroyed four outbuildings and an RV, but no injuries have been reported, said Merlin Green, the division chief for Loveland Fire and Rescue. Officials said the blaze was 10 percent contained Sunday night.

A plane drops fire retardant Sunday on a burning ridge west of Loveland, Colo.

Fire officials said crews would remain on the job through the night amid word late Sunday night that the blaze was burning at a slightly slower rate.
"Tonight, even though fire growth has slowed, we'll be hitting it hard with engines and ground crews," the Larimer County Emergency Management said on its website.

Ron and Carol Christensen confirmed that the fire destroyed their home on Turkey Walk Trail, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald. The Larimer Humane Society was able to rescue their sheltie.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Boulder residents evacuated by the wildfire that has burned in rugged terrain since Sept. 6 were returning to their scorched homes Sunday. They were surrounded by the dreary sight of burnt trees, melted mailboxes and uneven patches of blackened ground.
"We found grandma's sterling, melted together" said Frances Smith, who along with her husband, Mike, sifted through the ashes of their home for their belongings. They also wondered about their daughter, who was among those ordered to evacuate because of the Loveland fire.
Firefighters inched closer to fully containing the Boulder blaze that has burned 10 square miles and authorities investigated what caused it.
A senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told the Denver Post that authorities are looking into whether a resident's fire pit sparked the wildfire. The newspaper did not name the official.
The sheriff's office is aware of the Post article but won't comment on the cause or origin of the fire because it's under investigation, said Sarah Huntley, a spokeswoman for the fire response.
Like other Boulder residents, Nancy and Jim Edwards picked up a permit Sunday morning to re-enter their neighborhood, but they found out that the roads leading to their area were still closed. Jim Edwards said they might drive as far as they're allowed.
"We might take a ride, but it is really heartbreaking to see the stuff," he said.
Edwards said he spotted their house through a telescope from Flagstaff Mountain outside Boulder and saw that it was destroyed.
"It looked like a nuclear disaster," Nancy Edwards said. She said they plan to rebuild.
At one destroyed property, all that remained was a stone chimney surrounded by walls of brick about waist high. Saplings in the front yard were burnt and barely their trunks remained. A barbecue grill lay upside down, along with seven metal mailboxes nearby. The house's separate garage had been reduced to a heap of ashes.
Fire officials warned that much of the area is dangerous because of downed power lines and poles, damaged roads and exposed mine shafts.
Still, Boulder firefighting operations were being scaled back and some crews were being relieved six days after the wildfire erupted and quickly destroyed at least 166 homes. Officials said full containment was expected by Monday evening.
Fire spokesman Terry Krasko said Sunday firefighters have been overwhelmed by the community's gratitude and are especially touched by a wall of thank-you notes at their command camp.
"That's probably one of the hardest walls for all the firefighters to go up to," Krasko said. "They really have a tough time with that. The community support has been tremendous for them."
So far, the fire has cost more than $6.7 million to contain. The Boulder Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. The loss of homes surpassed that of the 2002 Hayman fire in southern Colorado, which destroyed 133 homes and 466 outbuildings over 138,000 acres, or more than 215 square miles.
Sponsored Links Insurers had no immediate damage estimate for the Boulder fire. The Boulder Daily Camera reported the wildfire destroyed at least $76.9 million worth of property, based on a database of buildings confirmed burned and their valuations listed in Boulder County property records.
In Loveland, about 100 firefighters from 16 agencies are working the blaze, along with four helicopters and nine air tankers. Residents within a four-mile radius of the fire are under a mandatory evacuation order. The cause of the fire hasn't been determined.

Andy Hiller, a Loveland spokesman, said the city sent evacuation notifications to more than 1,700 phone numbers.
At a Loveland church were a shelter was set up, families watched television coverage of the fire on a big screen. Others were outside, looking as helicopters drop hundreds of gallons of water on the fire near their homes.
"I don't know if it's gone or not but it's sure hard to tell because I can't get up there," said Amanda Mitchell, 31, as she watched the air attack on the fire. She said she fears her home has been destroyed because she saw aerial footage of flames about 50 feet from the home she built with her father 10 years ago.
Associated Press writer Ivan Moreno contributed to this report from Denver. Peipert reported from Loveland.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Where To Live, Where To Work

As I mentioned in my first blog: My husband and I are taking a big leap of faith, packing up and moving to Colorado. We are moving away from our families, friends, comfort zone, everything we've known. As much as I know it would be so easy to just stay here in the know/in what I am used to, there really isn't any excitement in that. Just, eh. Not very poetic but it's how I feel about it.
Last night I had dinner with my best girlfriend of over 10 years. We were sitting there laughing at things only long-time friends could while admiring her 2 year old running around with my purse pretending to be a working woman. It's moments like this that make me sad and think maybe I should reconsider this move. But I have to remind myself - they will be here when (and if) we move back. There is no reason to stay in a place that holds no future or hope. I am such a lucky person to have friends that I do but they will be here, even if I am not.

This weekend, Jeremy decided to do a little research and take a look at Boulder online and see what it looks like. He and I have never been there and it was me who started this whole thing so he has just held onto his hat for the ride since. The only area we have been to is Vail which is right in the Rocky Mountains. Every place you look is spectacular. Even driving down the highway is an experience. Since doing our research, we discovered that Boulder is right on the outside of where the mountains start. Since being in the mountains is part of this whole experience for us, we are having a minor dilemma. My first (not-so-mature) thought is "Phooey." My next, more thought out reaction is, "Hey, it's not New Hampshire and I know it's going to be beautiful." The "Phooey" side of me imagines myself literally sitting on a mountain and calling it home. The more realistic side of me simply thinks Boulder looks beautiful. From what we've heard, it can be compared to Burlington, Vermont which is wonderful. The other plus is we can walk to everything which is so crucial to Jeremy and I because we love walking around and exploring. When it comes down to it, we will be in Colorado. We can't lose. So Boulder (or somewhere around there) it is! We now are trying to figure out if it's worth paying the extra money and saying good bye to extra square footage to just move into Boulder. Our friend Lauren, who is the one who encouraged us to make this move, lives 15 minutes outside of Boulder in Longmont. She absolutely loves it there and still has mountain views. This is where the next blind leap of faith comes in: We are literally counting on someone we don't know well but well enough (who BTW has great taste!) to go to the apartments we like and make a decision for us. I guess it's part of the whole adventure.

So it's a slow day at work today and I've decided to start looking at apartments available in Boulder. On a side note: According to the news, Boulder is currently burning to the ground. Not such a great thought when looking at future apartments. But in all seriousness my thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost their homes and the ones who are still at risk. I hope these fires get under control and fast! Here's to hoping for less humidity in that area and some well deserved rain!

So according to Rent.com, a small (almost studio sized) apartment in Boulder starts at $645. We are currently paying $550, so not too bad a difference (though it's easy to pay that here with already having somewhat stable jobs and with living in Colorado it's going to be more expensive and we don't even have stable jobs yet. Thinking about these things gets my blood pressure up. But I have to stop - I can't allow myself to think about things I can't control. This is all about a leap of faith; seeing the big picture. Alrighty. Well, here ends my small therapy session.) So back to Rent.com. So Boulder starts at around $645 but there are very few places that cost that little so it makes me worried what we might be moving into. If I broaden my search to Longmont, where Lauren lives, we are surprisingly looking at the same amount but there are more options and bigger living spaces. Jeremy's thoughts are to move to either Boulder or some town that is closer to the mountains and then commute to Boulder. I don't have as much enthusiasm for that idea because we are moving to a place we don't know and I would like to be near Lauren and her husband if possible. Lauren said that in Longmont she can literally walk to anything she needs - grocery store, farmers market, pubs, book stores. Literally everything. I thought I could hear angels singing when she wrote to me what she lives near. So yes, would I love to be as close to the mountains as one could get? Yes. But I think with us moving there, not knowing anyone, looking for work... it just might make more sense to live in Longmont (or Boulder). So I guess I haven't really made any decisions yet but I feel like I may be getting closer to making one.

So there you have it. Where to live, where to work? Still don't know. But we are making progress. That's more than I could ever ask for.

Love,
Me

Behind "The Big Picture"

So here is the beginning of something new: A Blog.

I will try to update this as much as possible. I'm looking at this as a new therapy for me. So, hang tight.

The reason I named my blog "Here's To Looking At The Big Picture" is because that is what my new goal is. I've noticed I tend to let momentary things take over my entire attitude for life. What a waste. I am very lucky I have such a wonderful husband who is so good at looking at the big picture. I am ready to take his look on life and apply it to my own. My plan is to feel fortunate each and every day for the blessings that make up my life. I guess the word of the day is: Life.

So, here is what's behind the "Big Picture":

We buy a car
We save up money
We move to Colorado in January as planned

I will not let my inner-self question these goals Jeremy (my husband) and I have planned. I'm ready to STOP worrying about the momentary things but instead, look forward to what's ahead.

So there it is: The reason I've created a blog talking about my (word-of-the-day) life and our plans for it.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Love,
Me