Grand Central Station and Guanella Pass

Come one, come all. The good times keep on rolling in to Denver as our friends from around the country make their way to our pad. Annie and I have been so busy through the month of August. We have had several more friends make their way to Denver for one reason or another and they were sure to look us up while in town. To accommodate my memory, I will start with the most recent and work back. Then try to lay out what the next few weeks will bring.

Today, my college roommate, Matt Roop, left our place for an FCA convention in Colorado Springs. He came in on Friday afternoon from Florida. I picked him up from DIA after Annie's Grandma's funeral in Greeley. It was a beautiful service and everyone is happy Grandma is whole again after many years of Alzheimer's. Matt and I caught up over a burger and beer at Breckinridge Brewery down the street from our place. On Saturday morning, Matt, Annie, cousin Sarah, and Audrey got up at 4:30 to hike Mt. Bierstadt. Bierstadt is the closest 14er to Denver and one of the easiest. We made it to the trail head just shortly after 6am. Five tired bodies crawled out of my Tacoma and began putting on sunscreen, and warm clothes as it was a chilly morning at the top of Guanella Pass at 12,000 feet. I had put my keys in my backpack where I carry them when I hike. My pack was on the back seat of my pickup while I was putting on a long-sleeved shirt. Right before I threw the shirt on, I had reached forward to the front driver's side door to lock the doors since the keys were in my bag. Sarah finished putting on her sunscreen, threw the sunscreen bottle in the back seat (while I was putting on my long-sleeved shirt), and closed the door! I instantly knew something had just changed the course of my weekend. "My keys are locked in my pickup at the top of Guanella Pass!" I told a towing company receptionist over the phone.

"Ok, what are the cross streets?" she asked.

"Cross streets? It's at the top of Guanella Pass. There are no streets up there!"

"Sir, I can't help you unless you tell me an address for your vehicle." she said.

"Guanella Pass road. At the top." I said. "It's 11 miles outside of Georgetown."

"We don't service Georgetown." (even though she told me they were located in Georgetown.)

We never found anyone who could help us get the keys out, so we went to Jiggy's for breakfast and made our way back to Denver where I had to go to work by 11am. That evening after work, Annie and Matt and I drove her car back up into the mountains with our headlamps, coat hangers and wooden pry-blocks to unlock the pickup. It was a chilly, dark evening up there and we worked pressing the unlock buttons of each door until midnight. For whatever reason, the locking mechanism worked but the unlocking mechanism did not. We gave up. *a side not--my spare key is probably at home in Nebraska somewhere because that's the last place I remember seeing it. My parents are sure I "taped it under my pickup somewhere" to which I laugh because that makes no sense and I have no memory of doing such a thing. Also, we would have pictures of all of this but the camera is inside my pickup. SO, here it is 3 days and 2 nights later and my pickup is still waiting for us to rescue it from the top of Guanella Pass. State Farm will cover the expense with no effect on my coverage and no deductible. Thank you again State Farm!

Yesterday, Matt, Annie, her friend Courtney, and I enjoyed a hot day in the sun at Water World. Annie and I both have fond memories of Water World from when we were kids. It was as fun yesterday! WAY BETTER than Elitches! The lines weren't bad and I finally got to do the tall, steep slides I could never do as a kid. We will visit Water World again when Janel's kids come visit next summer! After WW, we all went to church together at Bloom. Annie and I still haven't decided which church we will go to, but we know we will eventually feel a sense of community at one of them and it will be clear. After church, we ate dinner at the Original Chipotle on Evans and Matt treated us to Yogurtland! It's the best Froyo out there! It was great reconnecting with Matt. I haven't seen him since his wedding 4 years ago!

A week earlier, Annie's parents were in town to see Grandma with the news she had fallen and broken her hip and was not doing well. Tom and Bev stayed the night here at the apt. complex in the guest suite. It's just like a hotel room but only costs $50. Pretty good rates for a place downtown!

The 4 days before Tom and Bev came, we had a great time with my cousin Jaclyn from Arizona. We had FroYo with her, hiked 3 (THREE) fourteeners and proved to Jac that she was stronger than she thought she was! Annie and Jac spent all day Friday together while I was at work and they had a great time around the city! I love how the families are growing together! We always have great discussions with Jaclyn and hope she too will make her way to go to college somewhere close to us and get out of AZ for a time! (wink)

The weekend before Jac came, we were in Scottsbluff for our family reunion. A tradition filled with german food and softball that continues thanks to my grandpa! Annie and I had a great time going for a run with Janel and we stopped to teach Annie how to set an irrigation tube! Grandma Esther drove down from Montana. She's still doing things to keep her young!

The weekend before that, we were in Grand Junction for a wedding shower for Annie's high-school friend Sammie. We went mountain biking with our new bikes which we replaced by State Farm (thanks again) after they were stolen out of our parking garage. Fruita is one of the most beautiful places to mountain bike in the country. I have also learned that that part of the country is well know for it's amazing produce (Palisade Peaches, Rocky Ford Cantaloupe, and Olathe Sweet Corn).

Between the trips home, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Paul, Bobby and Alexandra all came over for dinner. We grilled again downstairs and watched the Rockies on TV. We could hear the cheers from the stadium and then watch the big play on the patio TV 5 seconds after real time. It was really fun having them over!

The next few weeks don't promise to slow down. This weekend is Labor Day weekend and Sammie is getting married at the same church where Annie and I were married almost 3 months ago. We are planning on being there Sunday but I work on Saturday. When we get back, my friend Paul, from St. Louis, is on his way through Denver. He's going to stop by for coffee or a visit to the new brewery down the street. Then, an old friend of mine, Crista, from Moody is moving to Denver from California and we are going to help her get settled. On the 14th, Jason Kennedy (deejay of our wedding) is in town for a conference and is coming over for dinner and we may hike Mt. Massive one morning. We do know how to say "No." as some of these friends have asked to stay the night but we need the place to ourselves for a while so a brief meeting will suffice.

Again, there are probably more pictures to post, but they are in my pickup...

Non-stop...

Over the past few weeks, Annie and I have had several friends in our downtown apartment. Guests in our "home" have been non-stop it seems. I guess it really started with Annie's friend Arielle and my friend Adrienne--having them over at different times for ice cream. Severin and Shandra were our first dinner guests the day we got back from Grand Junction after the wedding and before the honeymoon.

We had lunch with them before they flew back to Washington. Then, Aaron and Glori stopped in that evening and stayed the night before we left for Costa Rica. We had a great time with both couples. Aaron and Glori stayed in our apartment while we were in CR and they had a good time downtown Denver and driving to the mountains a couple different days.

When we returned from CR, cousin Sarah Emerson came over for our first Rockies game as Denverites.

Sarah was over again last night for brownies and ice cream to inform us about her recent trip to Chicago to see Chris. We always have good conversations with her!

Annie has had several of her friends over. Rachel came over a few weeks ago and stayed the night so we could all get up at 4am to hike Torres/Grays fourteeners. Hollie Butler and co. stopped in that same evening for a baseball game. Probably the most exciting game I have seen. A bad call by the ump in the 7th allowed Milwaukee to take the lead. The Rockies fought back and took the lead by one but the Brewers scored two more in the ninth and won the game. The following night we had uncle Scott and Aunt Barb and Will over for Chocolate eclair dessert. The night after that Annie's friend Carrie Rush (from Lincoln) was in town and we used one of our Groupons for Indian food. Yum!

On Tuesday after the Fourteeners, Annie's friend Jillian from the Springs came up and we

enjoyed breakfast together at our place. The next day, our friends Erica and Paul Adams stopped by on their way home to Scottsbluff from their honeymoon in North Carolina. We made them breakfast then went down to REI and the river and Starbucks. It was a good morning to visit and then I had to work but caught up with them on my breaks.

Nate and Sarah were next to stop in. We BBQ'd burgers downstairs and drank beer. We are getting to know many of the local brews here in Denver. After drinking beer here in Denver Budweiser is going to taste like water compared to these microbrews. Sarah gave us a set of BBQ utensils last week since we didn't have any when they were over.

After a really great message we heard at DCC (one of the churches we have attended) we decided we should not take our time getting to know our neighbors. We knocked on the door next to ours and invited Hayley over for rhubarb pie and ice cream. She is from Pittsburg. As we talked she was surprised to hear that we didn't have a tv or internet. She told us to use her internet and gave us the password so here we are with free internet. Hayley also invited Annie to be a part of their soon-to-start book club. Annie went out and bought "Room" to read for the club and she has enjoyed getting to know those girls!

Two Thursdays ago, Annie and I were out for a bike ride as I got off work in the afternoon that day and we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful, 75 degree afternoon. On our way back we stopped at Confluence park where there was a concert starting. At the concert we met up with one of my co-workers, Frank and his girlfriend Lisa. Frank is a 60 year old comedian at work and everyone knows he is full of it. We had been talking about meeting at the park for a double date with our girls and Annie and I stumbled right into that date that evening. They shared their dinner in the park with us and we invited them over for dessert afterwards. We had a really great time with Frank and Lisa that evening.

Last Saturday to Wednesday, Julia flew up from AZ and we filled those days with adventure. We started off by renting a kayak from REI (for free) and putting it on the Platte river near Littleton and paddling to REI to return it. We sunk it a couple times in rapids but it was fun since the river is so shallow. We also go season passes to REI so people can come with us for free and Annie and I can go any time we want to atleast cool off in the waterpark.

Last Wednesday, Annies old friend from Waldon stopped by when she was in town. We BBQ'd downstairs and enjoyed brats, corn, potato salad, and watermelon with Joy. Annie hadn't seen her in many years so it was a really good time to catch up.

Alexis had planned on a business trip to Denver this week but it was cancelled due to a very demanding schedule for her at work. So now we have all this food and drink so I guess we better find someone to come help us put it down on Friday evening! Uncle Paul, Aunt Kathy, Bobby and Alexandra are coming by for BBQ.

It has been really fun meeting several of Annie's friends from her past. Our new place is in a really fun spot so it's not hard to get people to stop by.

the first few weeks...

Whirlwind... This is the word I have used most often to describe the first few weeks of June/married life. It seems like it was just a couple days ago that I was working on the final details of the bachelor camping trip to the Maroon Bells near Aspen.

Now I am trying to find time to record a few thoughts on here before I go to work for the day at REI. I posted honeymoon pictures on Facebook.

Our first few days in Denver have been amazing. They have been filled with shopping -- got to use up those gift cards! Actually, we did use many of them but are still trying to get some of the basic needs for our apartment. It is taking shape. Most recent purchase as a 6 x 9 shag rug from Crate and Barrel. It was 60% off so it is actually a good deal. We didn't get much from C&B though because it's so expensive.

Yesterday Annie and I went to Denver Community Church and had a really great time. We met a couple of my old friends there but the message was really good and it set the bar very high for us as we will continue to go to other churches for a while. After church, one of my friends came over for lunch and we grilled brats and corn and Annie made strawberry shortcake. It was a great day for a bbq! Following a brief afternoon nap, we got on our bikes and rode to City Park for Jazz in the Park. A free weekly concert where more than 10,000 people converge with their blankets and chairs for bbq, frisbee, volleyball, and good music. On the way home we rode our bikes back on 16th street the whole way because it was bike friendly with a bike lane. On Sundays bikers are allowed on the 16th street mall. That was such a magical ride through the city! So many people out enjoying the warm, dry weather of Denver. The smell of bbq in the air. The city of Denver recently put some old, uniquely painted upright pianos on 16th street mall--about 2 per block. As we rode our bikes down the street, many of the pianos were being played and the mixture of the sounds of the pianos was one of the coolest things I have heard.

Once we were back at our apartment, Annie and I popped open a bottle of Champaign and enjoyed a couple glasses at the hot tub where we met a new friend Brodi who had just peaked one of his first 14ers, Mt. Princeton. We had some good conversation to end a great Sunday!

Annie and I tried to wake up early this morning and then we went for a morning run along the river before breakfast. Now it's off to work for the rest of the day. Gotta bring home the bacon!

19 days and counting...

"It's just around the corner!" I've been hearing that phrase for the past 10 months. The ironic thing is that it has always been true. Perhaps only getting truer with every day. Today, it's a stormy dayin Denver. My plan was to landscape for the Sanders but therain has kept me indoors. Thus, a blog u
pdate! I have been able to accomplish much more as I near the end of my time in the 303 coffee shop. Wedding details have filled the afternoon. Here's a list of the details Annie and I are discussing:

-Wedding Party table placement for reception.

-Salads ready and waiting on the tables or served after the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Cash and Annie Stricker.

-Cupcake frosting color and how many of each color.

-Guest list revisions for rehearsal dinner

-Vows: we both plan on writing our own and mine are done. Revisions to come...

-Music - Wedding party entrance, processional, and playlist for the dance.

As for me, I planned the Bachelor camping trip to the Maroon Bells near Aspen today. 4 of my closest friends are able to come in early to tap the rockies. I also have the unrendered version of our wedding biography video done.

Above, I mentioned landscaping for the Sanders. This job came through a connection with a friend from REI. He had extra work he couldn't handle so he handed me one of his clients. I'm now personal gardner/landscaper for a psychologist in Highlands Ranch. My hope is to hold on to this job throughout the summer as added income. Here are some before pictures of the property...

Taking Shape

Life is underway here in Denver. Annie just finished her classes at UNMC and college is a thing of the past for both of us, however, she still has Credits to take on Tuesday in Lincoln. Credits is the Practical Final as opposed to the written one she took in Denver two weeks ago. Life is going to be changing so rapidly for each of us in the next several weeks. Denver has been beautiful this first week with temperatures in the 70's. I sunburned the "Chaco Z" into my feet yesterday while I was filling out applications for more jobs. This past week has been full of training sessions at REI (Values, Benefits, Safety, Backpacks, Loss Prevention, etc...). I have also been filling in gaps for Urban Mattress as an added job as well! While I was waiting for training to begin, I snapped some photos on a glorious morning around my new work place. There are bike racks all around the city where you can rent a bike and return it to a different rack in another part of the city - like RedBox! I'm excited for the next couple of weeks!

One Step Closer

Today I was offered a position at the Flagship REI store in Downtown Denver. I'm excited! After a group interview last Monday, I was "befuzzled" at how the management would make a decision to hire any of the 9 of us in that room. There were 4 more group interviews after the one I was in (that's about 5o people interviews for limited positions)! I felt pretty confident going into the interview since I had stopped in to the store two times prior to the interview and spoke with two different managers. When the I got the phone call almost 2 weeks ago now asking me to come in for the interview, the HR person on the phone said she had already heard so much about me. I guess more than 600 people applied for the openings that were posted!

I plan to stick with the company for some time so I can move up and make a little more money than a sales specialist position. The hard part may be saving my money and not spending it on the gear we get at a discounted price. I'd like to be in some sort of a management or supervisor position within the first year. Ambitious? Maybe not enough... I will also probably have to work a second job just to provide enough income for Annie and I to live off of so she can apply her income to her school bills! Woohoo! Our plan of action with our limited money is: give (tithe), pay (bills), save (pinch), and then play (hike 14ers and kayak and concerts and restaurants and Rockies, and Nuggets, and Broncos and rock climb, and visit home, and frontier days, and happy hour, and water world, and Elitches, and museums and...). So we'll see how that goes. No debt is not the goal - Its our standard.

So there's a bit about the future work force and finally an answer to the big question of "Where will Cash work once he's married?"

Denver Bound

Today I find myself at the REI Starbucks doing some more job hunting. So far I have decided not to take jobs at Patagonia and Starbucks for the hope of better paying jobs. I am waiting to hear back from REI in the next 48 hours. A sales position in the Camping/Hiking Dept. would be great and the opportunity for advancement seems reasonable. The community here would rock. AND, Annie and I would be living across the Platte River Park from the store. I also have resumes and applications out there for the following businesses:

-City of Denver (Park Ranger)

-Home Depot (Garden Center)

-Sales (Conglomerate of Craigslist findings in Downtown)

-Landscaping business for upscale houses and communities

-Urban Mattress (another sales position with the prospect of opening my own store in 2 years)

Annie and I will be living at the Skye 2905 apartment complex. We are excited about living here and having a view of the mountains and city.

I have a few connections to get plugged into churches in the city. Here are some of the churches we will visit: Denver Community Church, Bloom, and Fellowship Church. Through a community of people who approach life through the freedom, joy, love, peace, kindness, and journey provided Jesus, we hope to blend in for a while and become involved in missions (both to the city and overseas) over the next few years.

So there is life today. Will I be in Denver next week beginning work? We shall see...