First visitor from Columbus

So two weekends ago, Janan became my first official visitor from Columbus. Technically, my friend Brad was my first visitor, since he helped me move out here, but I didn't really know how to host visitors yet, so I'm not counting that.

Friday during the day, we headed up to the Red Rocks Amphitheater, and just hung out. Unfortunately, I had an appointment with my knee doctor, which delayed us getting there a little more than I had anticipated. I had wanted to make it to Garden of the Gods, but we didn't have time. Friday night, we went and saw the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse game, which was basically anarchy with sticks, pads, and a tiny ball. Believe it or not, there's more fighting than in hockey. We had a blast though, and Janan got to meet most of the people I spend my time with.

Saturday, Brett joined us for some sightseeing and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. We got to see some really cool birds, elk, sheep, deer, and of course, the lovely mountains. It was snowy where we hiked, but super warm, which was weird for Janan. I remember feeling the same way last year when Brett and I did our first hike as Colorado residents. It was a fun day, and that night, Brett and Andrew joined Janan and I in watching the Avalanche defeat the Minnesota Wild in the NHL playoffs. The game ended early enough for us to finish watching an OnDemand Warren Miller ski movie, which we were watching during the intermissions. It wasn't as crazy as Friday night, but we had fun.

Sunday morning, I ran Janan to the airport, and I think she enjoyed herself.

10K for the Cubbies!

I'm just now catching up on some blogging, but I have to say how awesome it was to see the Cubs win their 10,000th game. The game was on April 23, 2008, and I was joined by Brett, Allison, and Allison's friend Betsy. Unfortunately, Betsy was rooting for the Rockies. It was a tight game, and towards the end, I wasn't sure if the Cubbies would be able to pull it off. The rockies pulled ahead, but Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer, which put the cubs up by one. Shortly thereafter, the Rockies scored another run, which sent the game into extra innings. In the end, the Cubs managed to get a run in, hold the Rocks, and pull off the W. I had no idea I was going to be seeing history when I bought those tickets. The Cubs are the second team to ever get 10,000 with the first being the Giants.

Grande Weekend

My knee has been a pain in my side (actually my leg) for the last 2 years. You may recall such fascinating blog entries as "Bury My Skis at Wounded Knee" or "Knee Update". Well, as of this weekend, things have definitely taken a turn for the better. Saturday, I was able to join Brett, Tony, and Shelly for a fun filled day of skiing at Loveland Basin. It was awesome!!! The knee held up, and I got to ski on the last weekend of the season. I was not expecting this at all, and was totally thrilled to get to do this. I also got a great lesson from Brett, and I didn't do half bad, so I'm looking forward to next season. It gets better though. Today, I was able to go rock climbing in Boulder canyon with Brett, Tony, Shelly, and a friend from Miami. M'Linda is her name, and she, Brett, Tony, and I were in the Outdoor Adventure Club at Miami University. She lives in Telluride and was up to the front range for the weekend with her boyfriend Jon, so they took us climbing. It was a blast. I haven't been climbing in a year, so it felt great to get out on some rocks. I also came home to find homemade cookies and pizza in my apartment courtesy of Allison. What an awesome surpise! That just about wraps up the best weekend in a long time. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.