Settling in and reflecting on vacation

So as I mentioned before, the last month and a half has been pure chaos in my life I would say. I have been juggling a lot of different areas (only one or two well) and seeing where I land.  I believe that in the last two weeks of transitioning I have re-evaluated some thoughts I had about myself.  First, I think that I am internally reflecting on more than I ever have in the past.  I would have considered myself someone that processes feelings and thoughts by talking to others and thinking out loud.  I have actually done the complete opposite in a lot of areas of my life when I moved to Albuquerque.  I don't think it is bad, but I have given myself time to think of what kind of life I want to set up in this new place.  Secondly,  I believe my opinions on how to experience life are continually evolving.  I am lucky enough to be introduced and exposed to more things that one day I hope to conquer like becoming a rock climber or bigger adventure sport person.  For example of what I am experiencing different compared to Phoenix: I actually jumped at an outing where a bunch of people were going to a bar to watch a local reggae band play on a weekend night.  Phoenix = never happen  Albuquerque= BRING IT ON!!! We get to this bar and there was a pretty good following of the band and people would sing their original music at the top of their lungs and dancing in the middle of the hardwood floors.  I looked around and realized I was nowhere close to doing things my friends and I did back in Phoenix, but I actually had a total blast with these newly met friends!  I am also hoping that I may get to learn how to snowboard this season.  I cant remember the last time I went skiing and the opportunity to get involved with people that do some different things like going out on the slopes has been a great blessing.  Overall, I'd say I am still settling in and trying to understand the atmosphere.  I am a bit homesick having a boyfriend, sister, and huge group of friends back where I used to be, but I think with time everything will become normal.  I was able to complete an 8.5 mile run in the mountains the other day, so I am hoping that helps the training I am doing to get ready for the half.  My half marathon is less than a month away!!!  My first one ever too! I am starting to get nervous with the amount of time I will have in Phoenix that weekend but hopefully I will get to see most everyone when I am back.  I almost booked 10 tickets from ABQ to PHX just to make sure I see everyone pretty often and it was really cheap on Southwest.  If anyone is looking to hang in NM hurry and look at those deals!  I have an apartment waiting for visitors!  Well I have rambled enough I believe so I will be headed to bed.  Until next time kids!  

I'm a New Mexican! :)

Woahhhh!  Can it be?  I see that it has been OVER two months since I last wrote anything and that is just downright lame!  It is funny for me to look at the last post I wrote which touch upon a new assignment I had been given working on key accounts.  Oddly enough, this one is somewhat of the same announcement...I was promoted! :)  I am now working as a Territory Sales Manger over grocery stores all over the West Albuquerque area.  I am/was totally surprised/honored/flattered/nervous/excited in the matter of a 5 minute span when my boss offered me the position for lots of different reasons.  You know I believe I was itching to move in a way and God answered my prayers in a funny way I would say.  I think time and again I am reminded that God's plans for my life sometimes do not come close to the ones I have in mind.  Example A, I dont know anybody in the state of New Mexico (and I feel like I know a lot of people from a lot of different states).  I don't know that I have ever prayed for God to move me to NM, but I am totally surprised how different my predicition of what ABQ would be like was from the truth that I know thus far.  So far I have discovered that NM is way more like CO than AZ.  Did you know that Albuquerque is actually at a HIGHER elevation than Denver? Weird, right?!  So what does that mean or why do I care?  Well the last month of my half marathon training will involve RUNNING in that!  I think I was a little apprehensive about that idea earlier on, but to be honest, I think K and I are ready for the race!  I am actually really excited about it now!  I figure if I can train in the mountains, flat Phoenix should be cake right?  Hopefully so...I guess the biggest obstacle right off the bat here has been the realization I have no friends in this state yet.  I feel like it is completely different moving to a new city for a job than for school, because I remember not knowing a soul at ASU.  It was a bit different because I knew I would find friends through all of the clubs I could be involved in. I am still in the process of finding what ABQ has to offer, so if anyone is aware of anything to do LET ME KNOW! :)  I am in the process of unpacking still as I was moved into my nice 1 bedroom apartment a few days ago, so I am off!  I will update on the job, place, and area in the near future, so stay tuned!

Long Time Coming

So I suppose it has been a while, since the last blog I wrote about my hair and whatnot.  There has been sooooo much going on in my life!  First of all I was recently given a new assignment and new opportunity at work.  My role involves calling on accounts like Target, K-Mart, and Danny's.  I get to work with the buyers on these accounts and sell at a key account or chain level which will for sure allow me to expand my skill sets currently!  I am really excited to see what Pepsi has in store for me, so I have been working all kinds of crazy hours!  Lets see...I have traveled the past TWO weekends, so lets touch upon that.  Well weekend one was yet again a Vegas inspired girls' weekend!  Honestly I can only sum the weekend up with one emotion: LAUGHTER!  I don't know that I have danced/laughed so hard on both car rides. 

This weekend I traveled to my dream home city of CHICAGO!!!! I had many reasons for going on this particular weekend.  First and foremost to see Mary, one of my best friends from school.  I don't know about ya'll but I have a few friends that live pretty much across the country from me.  They somehow seem to be my best friendships though.  I think having the ability to not see someone in person for several months at a time, but being able to be yourself and feel like we never missed a beat when I do see them is so valuable.  Mary is one of the only people from college like that for me.  Secondly, I ventured to the Windy City to see my unbelievably inspiring aunt run the Chicago Marathon!!!! I didn't know this but this specific marathon draws close to 50000 people every year!  Just watching these people run the streets of Chicago was enough motivation to continue training and pushing for my half marathon in Jan.  There is something about the Chicago lifestyle that makes me feel inspired all together.  I think it is the idea of so many people living/working/moving around is just the epitome of what being someone in their early 20's needs to experience at some point.  It what every chick lit book is about, either that or NYC.  I didn't know if there would be any way I would live in a huge metro city like Chi-town, but after my few visits I could legitimately see myself there at some point.  All I have to say is if you haven't been to this wonderful place you will have to visit!!! The highlights of places we went were the 3 story H&M, having drinks and appetizers on the top of the John Hancock Building, going to this hipster place in Bucktown called The Violet Hour, and breakfast at EATT Cafe.  I have a couple of weeks back to recoop before California November starts!  I will be making not one but TWO trips in the month so stay tuned! :-)

More life, less hair

I guess I should start this blog by reminding anyone from back home that doesn't know where I have roamed off to after college that I still reside in Arizona, one of the hottest states in the entire country (temperature wise).  Now since moving from Tennessee to Arizona for college I don't think I have really cut my hair more than a couple of inches in efforts of growing it out uber long.  I don't know how I actually made it through the summer last year with this long hair but this summer I have been thinking that it needs to go.  For some odd reason I also thought if I'm going to cut my hair I want it to be pretty short and easy to maintain.  In that thought process of going for short hair, I began thinking I really have enough hair to donate somewhere.  I don't know how many of you (mainly talking to the girl audience) remember when you were younger cutting your hair for Locks of Love or knowing of friends that have cut their hair for that cause. 

Here is the Locks of Love mission:
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics.
Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

My heart strings tugged at this mission thinking I could potentially help other people with such a simple action.  I looked further into it and explained to the hair stylist what I wanted to do and asked if I could donate to this cause.  We measured it out and I qualified to help!  I won't lie, this whole process of investigating and researching before cutting my hair was maybe 24 hours.  My sister was in total disbelief that the hair I had grown for probably close to 7 years was going to be chopped off in a matter of minutes.  However, I couldn't help making the quick leap!  Anyways, I am now 10 inches lighter and couldn't be more happy!  I encourage anyone that has thought about doing something similar lately to look into Locks of Love and support this cause or find another one that really tugs at what you are passionate about.  The thought of doing something insignificant like cutting your hair benefiting someone in need just continues to make me realize that the small things we do can make a big impact on others!  Until next time!! 

1/2 Marathon Progress

So as I have mentioned earlier, I am training for a half marathon this year.  I am going to run the PF Changs Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon Jan. 16th, 2011, and I officially signed up last night!  There's no backing out now :) 

I have been consistently running about 3-4 days a week with a couple of other activities thrown in between (mainly Zumba classes with Stacy).  In the last 3 weeks I've actually learned a lot about myself, so I thought I'd share.  One reason I picked running a half marathon is I am by no means a runner.  Actually, I think if you asked any of my friends and family if they have ever heard me say "I think I'll go for a run" the response would probably be laughter and/or an immediate "NO!"  I believe I would laugh at the thought of me running long distances which is kind of why I wanted to defy that opinion I have created about myself.  Secondly, I have heard a lot of people say its a different kind of release.  I have actually noticed myself reflecting a whole lot more and just actually creating an appreciation for more things that I have going on in life.  Lastly, I think this is a great way to challenge myself in a constructive way outside of work. 

I have found that at work I tend to stress over things which carry over into my personal life after work.  I really didn't like the fact that even though I was away from work I was thinking about work.  If I wasn't thinking about work I was preparing something for the next day.  I decided dedicating to something bigger than myself maybe would relieve that and put me in a better place.  I'll say right now I believe it is working, because I am thinking about what playlist I want to put on my iPod to run to or what new place can I go run by to change up scenery. 

As far as actual progress that I have had in 3 weeks, I am becoming very consistent in being able to run about 4 miles at a time where I started around 2.  Granted I am pretty slow but Kellie and I have decided we are really okay with that.  We will be tackling a 10K around mid October- mid November, so I'll keep you tuned in for that as we figure it out more!  Gotta run!! :)

Realizations of Relationships and Otherwise

It has been a little while and I have taken a little time away to think about a few things going on in my life.  One thought I have been referencing back to over and over again the last couple of weeks is around relationships.  It began with one of my best friends getting married in Ohio a couple of weeks ago.  She was the first friend from back home that I had attended a wedding for since leaving Tennessee and it somewhat became surreal.  I am in a stage of life I have found where people are grown-ups....kind of.  Everyone around me is going isn't it so odd that persons X and Y are getting married?!  The reality is after this phase will be the baby phase and I'm sure many others that will surprise us all when they come as well. 

I by no means feel like a relationship expert, but today in church we touched upon things that we ultimately worship that consumes our mind other than God.  As I am sitting there I realize that relationships in general is what I worship or crave.  Making sure that my friends and family are taken care of and that I am truly invested in them is honestly what I live for sometimes.  That's not to also say that dating isn't in that bucket as well.  In just looking at the foundation of this, I wonder is that really what life is all about.  Is it healthy to consume your thoughts and actions around people.  I would hope that through out my lifetime I impact people positively and can say I had significant relationships with people.  I also realized though that we are human.  I know big revelation right?  I know Chelsea; I am a human.  What I'm trying to say is that people are a risky investment.  All of this time is spent on people that will no doubt go through phases and change with time.  I suppose I have no control no matter how much time I spend, because there is always a chance that someone will take action without my control.  I don't know where this all leaves me except I continue to ponder about it and felt like sharing.  It may be a bunch of nonsense, but in my head it all works itself out. 

Now I'm out like a light y'all!  Goodnight!

Stacy and I attempt cooking casserole...

So as I attempt to get in shape for this half marathon I'm attempting cooking as well.  Now anyone that really knows me understands I do not cook.  Growing up, our family considered meals-in-a-box as "cooking".  Don't get me wrong; I loved macaroni and cheese and Hamburger Helper most nights!  However the time has come to expand my horizons, so I've enlisted one of the best, Stacy!  I was sitting in the Columbus Airport waiting to go home from C's wedding (simply beautiful and I will expand my thoughts at a later post) and found an amazing magazine!  It's called Cooking Light and we made a Rosemary Chicken and Rice Casserole by Mary Dennen Ankar, Tiffany Vickers Davis, and Julianna Grimes.  I am going to leave the recipe for everyone, because it was an amazing first try!  Gus and Thatcher totally agreed as we tested it on them so here it is!  Let me know if anyone has any great, easy recipes or comments on this one!

Cooking Spray
1 cup chopped onion
1 (8oz) boneless skinless chicken breast half
1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
1 14oz can fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp butter
1 (8oz) zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 (8oz) yellow squash, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 tsp minced Rosemary
 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup (2oz) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese, divided
1/4 tsp salt

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat pan with cooking spray.  Add onion to pan saute 5 min, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle chicken with pepper; add chicken to pan.  Cook 6 min or until browned; turn chicken over.  add broth to pan.  reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 min or until chicken is done.  Remove chicken from pan, reserving broth in pan.  Let chicken stand 10 min.  Remove chicken by shredding and placing in large bowl.
3. Bring broth to a boil; cook, uncovered, until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 10 min).  add broth mixture to chicken.  melt butter in pan over medium-high heat.  Add squash to pan; saute 3 min until lightly browned, stirring frequently.  add squash mixture, rice, and minced rosemary to the chicken mixture, and toss gently to combine.
4. Place flour in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth; bring to a boil.  Cook 1 min. or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Remove from heat; let stand 30 min seconds.  Add 1/4 cup cheese; stir with a whisk until smooth.  Add remaining 1/4 tsp pepper, milk mixture, and salt to chicken mixture; stir to combine.  Spoon chicken mixture into a broiler-safe 8 in ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle remaining cheese over rice mixture; bake at 350 degrees for 20 min or until thoroughly heated.  remove casserole from oven.
5. Preheat broiler.
6. Broil casserole 5 min or until golden.  Makes 4 servings (1 1/4 cup per serving)

Calories- 337 Fat 9.7 g Protein 24 g Fiber 2.8g

Music Suggestions for My First Half Marathon

So I was sitting my lovely gray 4x4 cubicle at work listening to iPod like normal when I realized that I need to add some more music to my library.  The last time I added music I believe involved the newest John Mayer CD (LOVE IT!), Lady Gaga, Whitney Duncan, and The Band Perry.  Kind of all over the place, but that is the epitome of my music taste.

I want to get some more "work out" music as I train for my first half marathon in January!! That's right!  I didn't think those words would ever come out of my mouth, but the tides have changed!  I think in the back of my mind I have always wanted to try something like this, but I always thought it was out of reach.  I have had a change of heart and think that really anything is possible with enough commitment and drive.  My friend K. will be motivating my butt and joining me along for this journey, so I'm sure more updates are to come! 

"The only way of find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the possible."- Arthur C. Clarke

Lady Gaga Concert

So last night was the Lady Gaga concert I had bought tickets months ago on pre-sale!  I will admit that I am a HUGE gaga fan and this night was a celebration of all things Gaga!  Stacy and I pull up to the downtown Phoenix area to find every person in their best "Gaga wear".  I'm talking about drag queens with painted faces, people without tops basically, and hair as high as the eye could see!  Every Gaga photo ever taken was represented with someone who dressed as her.  Stacy and I felt as though we were in the Twilight zone and that WE were the abnormal people at this place!  We get inside the show take a seat after our $40 t-shirt purchases (a must to document this event!) and see the opening act stripping on stage.  No joke a full on costume change took place on the middle of the stage!  Stacy and I in disbelief, laughing really hard, make our way to meet up with her friend who happened to be at the concert.  Homeboy was decked out in a purple American Apparel shirt, silver skintight leggings, black suspenders, black boots, and a purple lightening bolt on his face.  You could not avoid the craziness so we embraced it.  The second Lady Gaga hits the stage we went into a zone.  The whole audience goes insane and the rest of the show was a performance of a lifetime!  It was possibly an experience I will never be able to compare.  There is fire, lights, fog, people popping up from below the stage, dancing, crazy boots, and insane costumes.  After experiencing that you feel like you have taken a look into something so far from reality that you want to spice up your own life!  I don't think I will go as far as Gaga fans do, but it is just a motivator to not get stuck in the day by day routine.  Can't wait until the next concert experience in October, but this time Carrie Underwood!  A little different but will most likely prove to be an amazing time as well!   

Vegas Part Deux

I told you I wouldn't let ya'll down with filling you in on the latest Vegas Saga so here it is!


So I left Friday around noon with a new pair of blue Calvin Klein heels in tow and about a quart sized baggie full of jewelry ready to jet set back to Vegas for the second time THIS MONTH!  Now as I have said before, this is not a typical trip for most.  Even for people that live as close as I do here in AZ most think I was crazy for going.  However, Lebron was calling my name!  I jump on the airplane, hightail it to Vegas, and find out that we are on a list for Lavo to see Lebron James who happens to be in town.  Now anyone thats from Vegas would say "Whatever, there are always celebrities in Vegas every weekend".  I don't think they could say that Lebron AND the Twilight Wolfpack were available in the same day!  Thats right! Wolfpack attack would be at the pool Saturday.  As it turned out, L, C, and myself went to dinner at First, a rock diner in the Palazzo and had the most PHENOMENAL meal overlooking the Treasure Island pirate fight!  We went off to Lavo and then to the Palms later to run into a bachelor party.  I feel like everyone is either celebrating getting married or having a birthday in Vegas as a sidenote.  None the less, we loved our Friday night, rolled into the Planet Hollywood where we stayed and woke up early to embark on buying Cirque tickets.  For anyone that has not seen LOVE at the Mirage, GO SEE IT!  I had seen it once before but to be completely honest, it is my favorite show in Vegas.  We did the typical pool party and went to the show to then embark on another night of fun!  Sean Kingston played at Haze in Aria which was a pretty neat place. 

Sunday rolled around too soon but the crew was on a mission.  We wanted to lay by the pool with frozen drinks and get some sun!  So after finding our frozen drinks we walked to the hotel pool only to be told no food or drinks were allowed!!! You can drink on the actual Vegas strip in public but we found the ONE place that didn't allow us to bring our drinks to our pool.  So how did we solve the issue?  We watched the Ochocinco Show on VH1 and drank until we could feel alright about leaving our drinks in our room to go outside by the pool!  We met another party and ended up sitting in the sun until about 30 min before I needed to leave for the airport. 

Hair wet, sunburned, and disorganized suitcase together I made my taxi ride to the airport and got on the airplane to meet the most talkative guy I've met to date!! I know some may be thinking "Chelsea YOU are the most talkative person I have EVER met!", but I'm telling you people, this guy is the real deal!  I literally had my headphones over my head eyes closed and he insisted talking to me!  I kind of laughed in my head trying to think of ways to make him stop but I don't think he would have understood the hint.  My two other attempts were failures, but I managed to land back into reality with my senses still intact. 

Now that I have successfully made it back from this trip, I look forward to my trip to a friend's wedding in Columbus, Ohio in two weeks!  I haven't ever been to Ohio ever I don't believe, so it may prove to be interesting.  I'm not too worried because another adventure with L. and C. will be welcomed with open arms.  Its amazing how you can do nothing, but if you are with your best friends it seems like the best times in the world!  I'm so blessed to have them by my side as partners in crime despite a significant amount of distance!  Living and loving life with ones you love is all ya need I think!  I'm out like a Vegas night light!

Some good ole memories

So I guess it has been a few days since the last post but I was in my car listening to the radio when a song came on and it hit me with a bunch of memories.  I don't know if ya'll have heard the song "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert, but if you haven't checked it out you should!  I would say I have had a lot of houses that have "built" me through time.  The idea of the memories in your childhood that ring through again and again just come to mind and inspired me in a way.  Most you probably know this but to an extent I was raised a good portion of my life in the South.  I think of Houston as some of those Golden years where a home feels like a home and the only place you will ever live.  I think back to one Christmas in our house on Kensington Ct. where my sisters and I tip-toed down the stairs to find motorized scooters with bows standing.  We were so excited that we could barely keep from squealing!  Then flashbacks to our home in Brentwood came to mind.  There's a time when you are in high school and where you feel invincible.  I remember sitting on my front and back porches talking to boys and laying in yards of grass looking at stars.  I realized that these are parts of a childhood and what these country songs become about for me.  Another song "American Honey" always makes me feel a similar way.  The excitement of mudding in trucks or wearing your cowgirl boots out and getting dressed up is just something I actually miss a ton!  I am realizing that for me there is such a strong connection to music.  I am not blessed to be musically talented, but I LOVE that music makes you feel so many emotions.  There are so many aspects of music that inspire me to go places and feel things, and I am hoping that some of you read this and agree.  If you don't, you are missing out!  It doesn't have to be country, but it just has to move you.  Be moved and move others!

Fourth of July- Las Vegas Part 1

So this is a bit delayed I suppose, but there was so many adventures and wonderful memories from Fouth of July with my sister and friends in Vegas!  One thing I have realized about Las Vegas is I totally buy into the concept of it being a getaway.  It is totally an escape from the stress I have in life, but I would say it is a release in a different way than most.  Being outdoors in a pool, at a resort, meeting new people is something I can do here in town.  However, the idea of leaving my work cell and computer behind without any responsibility only lies when I'm out of town.  I guess you could say this is the root of my love for traveling.  Whether it is taking a road trip an hour away, or traveling to another country, the risk and adventure consumes me!  The idea of going to somewhere and getting to experience life to the fullest is the only thing I ever want! 

So as far as the Fourth went, we saw fireworks go off at Caesars Palace which was incredible!  The whole city was even more lit up than the usual madness of lights if you could imagine!  We lounged out at Rehab, a pool at the Hard Rock, earlier that day and ended up meeting a group of guys from Houston.  Oddly enough one of them actually lived on the cul-de-sac street that my family lived on of 12 houses back when I was in the 8th grade!!  Needless to say, my weekend was so relaxing! 

So what did I do?  Planned another trip to Vegas two weeks later!!  My two best friends from Tennessee will be joining me for their first experience so all I have to say is WATCH OUT LAS VEGAS!  It's my birthday and I plan on taking over that city as soon as I see the Welcome sign! 

My First Blog EVER!!

I have been thinking about this day for a while now...It began a while back when I had multiple people tell me that my life belongs on reality TV.  I couldn't find a way to express all that has been going on in my life, so I've turned to a blog.  Ive been told I'm a pretty good storyteller, so this should be easy...right?  I didn't think I would be creating one, because I hear there needs direction and a focus.  My opinion is I will write whatever is on my mind, and I am hoping that anyone that runs across it will enjoy it!  

So I guess I will start off by discussing my many travels lately.  About a month ago I traveled to a little state called Nebraska for my very first time.  Whenever I would mention that I hadn't been to Nebraska, the typical response ended with "I don't know anyone that exactly WANTS to go to Nebraska."  I was really stoked for the weekend though!  A few friends and myself traveled into Omaha and drove down to Lincoln, the hometown to one of my friends.  Our intent: to attend the last year of College World Series Baseball at Rosenblatt Stadium before it was torn down.  I won't lie, the trip was a pretty last minute decision and would be a quick turnaround (a little over 48 hours total).  We had a one in four shot of seeing our alma mater ASU play in the stadium, but we found out as we got on the plane heading there that we would surely miss them.  They played Sunday evening and our flight was out just an hour after that game would begin.  Despite that slight adjustment, we were totally stoked to find we would be experiencing all that is "College World Series".

J. and I arrive late Friday night, greeted by his parents and awaited our other friend M. to arrive on a slightly delayed flight.  We come to find out that her flight was delayed so many hours that the best option was to drive to Lincoln, drop J.'s parents off, hang out for an hour, and then head back around 3am.  After finally grabbing M. from the airport we set our gameplan.  Get home at 4:30am and wake up by 8 to drive up to Omaha, get an awesome spot to celebrate the festivities, and enough time to scalp tickets for the game.  Needless to say, that changed a little and end result was we did not see games Saturday. HOWEVER, we did have the most AMAZING steak and potato dinner I have ever had!  Seriously I considered moving to the state for the steak and potatoes alone!

That Sunday happened to be Fathers Day, so we headed back up to the game, tickets in hand, only to hit a bit of rain.  We decided to walk around and discovered a barbeque joint that rents out this church every year for the CWS.  The initial shock of having a beer in a church was a little weird I have to say, but the environment was just so fun!  The rain, thunder, and lightening trifecta rained our game out until later than the ASU game was supposed to start.  We ended up missing the game we intended to go to, but the good thing was they postponed the ASU game until the next day.  I unfortunately watched ASU tank, but the weekend actually made me miss a piece of home (Nashville).  I missed the weekends where you just hang out with a group at a house, grill out, and just relax.  

I guess where I'm at with life here in Arizona is that everything seems to move really quickly.  I enjoy slowing things down a little and really embracing good friends and good times.  I'd like to embrace things at a slower pace and really understand the beauty or positive energy of something.  More to come next time!