Getting the Groove Back

This is the story of how Stella Nicole got her groove back.

See, I've been battling with myself about this blog, where I want it to go, what I want to get out of it, what the purpose is behind it... and I've finally made up my mind.

Life is a journey, an adventure, an occasion. I've always been fond of chronicling it. Heck, I was a yearbook editor for two years in high school. I was co-historian of CSFL in college (see my roommate and I wouldn't dare run against each other, so we made them create a dual position for us). Coincidence? I think not. I like documenting, looking back, and remembering.

I've never been good at the "what I wore" posts and things along that nature for a variety of reasons. First, I spend 40+ hours a week in scrubs and with a future career in health care, I don't anticipate that changing much. I try to look presentable (at least) when I'm not in scrubs, but truthfully it doesn't matter all that much to me. I love shopping and I love new clothes, but fashion is something that has always eluded me. Every time I feel I'm being fashionable, it comes out looking trendy or forced and I realize these are the pictures I'll look back on and laugh at what I'm wearing, and that's fine by me.

I'm not sure where this puts my shop, as self-promotion is something else I'm not very good at, but I'm open to all the possibilities. An extended hiatus for now. We'll see what happens.

The purpose of my blog is to express myself and chronicle this great adventure of life. Yes, that includes crafts and sewing (so that won't change). If you notice a shift, this is why. I'm good at reporting, narrating, journaling. And most of all, I enjoy chronicling it just as much as I enjoy looking back at it. Even in my blog, I've gotta stay true to myself, so even though things might change a bit, they will be purer and hopefully better overall.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Making the most of this city

Spring is coming, and along with it comes all the exciting outdoor activities. A few weeks ago I made a list of things I want to accomplish in this beautiful city in 2012, specifically by the end of the summer. A lot of the activities are simple: "play tennis." But some challenge me to make the most out of the restaurants, parks and activities around the city. Most take place directly in Denver, but there are a few destination goals such as: "spend a night in Estes Park."

Here are some of the goals I've accomplished so far:

No childhood in Colorado is complete before visiting this restaurant. Home to a giant pink facade, cliff divers, a Mexican food buffet, delicious sopapillas, a haunted cave, arcade games & more, Casa Bonita is a dining experience. Not to mention the South Park episode which helped make it famous to those outside of Colorado too.

This has been a growth experience. I've volunteered here a few times, but for Lent I decided to make a weekly commitment, and it has been eye-opening and humbling.

Bruce! If you want fresh & affordable fish good enough for sushi, hit up Seafood Landing.

Best Zumba teacher for real. He teaches at the Highlands Park 24 Hour Fitness if you're in the Denver area. Thursdays at 7:30, but be prepared to get there early to reserve your spot. He's more popular than free TVs on Black Friday!

What a fun experience! Joined the hundreds of people in line to get a ticket in the morning for the color lottery. We got the 11:30, which is pretty late to score good stuff, but BOOM I got BRAND new hiking boots for $19.83. Someone returned them because they were "too small." For the win! So excited for hiking and camping weather!

I'll periodically update as I accomplish more goals.
How are you going to make the most of your city this year?