The three day weekend was much needed after the exhausting week of work and camping! On Saturday (5/26), Ben and Bill were working, so I had a nice day to myself. I finally had time to unpack and clean up the house a bit. They guys were really busy while I was gone, but I also think they somehow forgot how to use things like the dishwasher, laundry machines, and trashcan. On Sunday, Bill left to drive to Kansas for work. Ben and I had a big shopping day! We went to REI and had a fun time looking at all the gear we are pining for. I got a few things that I figured out that I will need for work this summer (like nice hiking socks to help avoid blisters!) and Ben got some new shorts. I still have a few things on my list that I want, but they'll have to wait until the next paycheck I guess! We spent forever at REI and then eventually made it to Target to get lots of other odds and ends for my work/camping and home.
Monday was a beautiful day! It was nice that we Ben and I had off to go hiking! We met up with Ashley in Boulder, and she treated us to an awesome and crazy delicious lunch at a sandwich shop called Snarf (what a funny name!). After that, we drove around in the mountains for a while until we got to Walker Ranch Park, near Eldorado Canyon State Park. It was the first time Lucille (a new name I came up with for our new car- after Lucille Ball. Both are quirky and cute, and the car is the color of her hair! What do you think?) drove in the mountains, and she handled it pretty well. We did an 8 mile loop trail which was exhausting, but very worth it. The park was very beautiful, and Ashley got some great pictures of all the wildflowers blooming with her new fancy camera. It was cool to see all different wildflowers than we were used to! I think we are still adjusting to hiking at high altitudes, but we made it!
On Tuesday I had to be at work at 6:30 to help see off all the crews! With an hour and 15 minute drive to work, it made for a very early morning! It was great to see everyone in uniform and ready and rarrin' to go! I helped everyone pack up and get ready to go. I particularly helped with the grocery "shopping" that each crew had to do to because I had made the shopping lists, done the shopping, and set all the food up! It was a little hectic, but I think everyone eventually made it out with only forgetting a few things!
The rest of Tuesday and all of Wednesday I had a new focus. Now that those 3 crews were out, we had to prepare for the new crew that is starting in Pueblo next week! It is a special crew because there has never been one based in Pueblo before. Their orientation is going to be longer, more intensive, and hopefully I can help make it more fun! Not only did we have to plan and schedule a whole week of orientation, but there were still people to hire! I spent lots of time making phone calls and setting up interviews. Most of the time, however, I was setting up the orientation schedule, planning field trips, and planning activities to do! I have a lot of ice breaker/team building games planned, but my biggest accomplishment was designing a community mapping project. I got a few basic ideas online, but I came up with everything else myself. I am really excited for this project because it is the first thing that I am designing and leading myself. It will also probably stay in the curriculum for the future, so it will be able to be used for years and years. How cool is that!? Aside from the paperwork and games/activities, we will also be doing a museum tour that I planned, watching an environmental movie (Bag It) and having a discussion about it (that I am leading), and doing a service project at the Nature and Raptor Center (that I coordinated). Ok, so I am feeling a little braggy, but I am so excited to have a job where I can actually make decisions and be important- it is very new for me and it feels great.
On Thursday we drove down to Pueblo. Pueblo is a smaller city about an hour South of Colorado Springs. (My commute all next week is going to be very early and long! At least once I get to CS I'll be on company time.) In the morning, we had 8 interviews set up to do. It was pretty cool to be in on interviews- I even got to ask a lot of questions, which was really fun! We narrowed the candidates down to 4 people pretty easily, but we only have two slots to fill! Nancy and Ryan (my bosses) are making the decisions today (Friday), which is going to be very tough! They even mentioned that they hope someone drops out next week so that they can hire more of the people that we interviewed Thursday.
In the afternoon we went to a tiny (and I mean very tiny- the whole town was essentially a cul de sac!) that has a big and beautiful park that one of the crews is being hired to work on later this summer. The town is Brookside, CO and is West of Pueblo. It is findable on google maps (I was a little surprised!). We conducted a "Site Visit" and got a very in depth tour of the park and trails. The trail was built a long time ago and is a little worse for wear. There is going to be lots of reshaping and rebuilding areas of the trail, but most of the work is going be putting tons of big stone steps throughout the trail because it is incredibly steep. It was cool to see this part of the planning process. Now that I got this introduction to the planning and contracting the work, it will be cool to come back and work on this project later in the summer and see the big changes we are going to make!
After lots of driving, I finally made it home after 7! Luckily, today (Friday) I am working from home. I am working on refining my activities for next week, so it wasn't imperative that I come into the office today. I have them all planned, but I am typing everything out and adding more to the schedule. Although it has been a short week, I am very glad to have a bit of a break today!
Besides work, another exciting (and a little scary!) thing happened this week! There is a restaurant that is being remodeled next to our apartment building. On Wednesday night, it was on fire! We had our screen door opened and smelled smoke. At first, we thought we had left the stove on or something. We realized it was coming from outside and we looked out and saw flames! I was thinking of calling 911, but thankfully a few seconds later we heard the fire trucks coming. We went downstairs to check it all out. We hung out by all the fire trucks for a while, which was pretty cool. There were about 20 fire trucks and more emergency/police vehicles everywhere. They even closed down our section of the street. At one point we heard a really loud bang that we thought was probably a gas tank exploding inside the restaurant. We saw the fire trucks put out their bracers and rise up. We saw hoses on the big ladders spraying water onto the roof of the building where the flames were. It was all pretty efficient and they got the fire out really fast. After we went home to go to bed though, there was still lots of noise while the fire fighters took axes and chain saws to the building to let the smoke out and make sure there were no more flames. I took some pictures of the ordeal, but it was really hard to get them to turn out. I found a website with some really cool pictures- you can check them out here http://5280fire.com/?p=26741 . They are similar to the ones I took- just way better! Today, the building looks the same as ever, as if nothing happened there at all!
We don't have any plans for the weekend yet, although it sounds like Ben is going to be very busy working. I'm hoping we'll get to visit his coworker's newborn son, Hudson. He was born last Friday! We each picked out a little cardboard book for him that was one of our favorites as kids. I picked out Harold and the Purple Crayon, and Ben got him Caps for Sale. It is a little early for him to enjoy reading, but I know he'll love them as he grows up!
I have to get back to work! Have a great weekend everyone!
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Friday, June 1, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
I got a job! And a car!
It has been a busy couple of weeks!
Most importantly, I got a job! It is with Mile High Youth Corps, which I mentioned in the last post. I heard back about a week after my interview and went in for a second one on Wednesday. After that interview, I felt very confident about getting the job because I had to fill out paperwork for a background check and go in for a drug test. On Friday I got a call telling me that I was being considered for another position, called ACLC. That stands for AmeriCorps Leadership & Conservation corpsmember. Basically, it is similar to the regular corpsmember position, except that there is more responsibility and there is more involvement with the organization. That sounded really cool to me because I would get to do the outdoor work and also lead some projects and get more involved! The main concern with this position, however, is that it is filled in Denver already so I would have to work out of the Colorado Springs office, which is about 60 miles away. I had a phone interview on Monday for the ACLC position, and was told I would hear in a few more days. Apparently though, the woman I interviewed with called to get some of my files from the Denver office and they realized there was a decision to be made because both offices wanted to hire me! So I ended up getting a call right away explaining the situation. I ended up deciding to take the position in Colorado Springs because not only is it a more well-rounded program, but it is also a 6 month term rather than a 3 month term (that I would have done in the other position). Accepting this job meant that I was going to be doing a big commute- I wouldn't be able to take the train or bus there. So, we had to do something about that!
On Saturday, we decided to start looking at cars for me. I didn't have the job yet (although I essentially knew that I did), but we wanted to get a head start. We first went to look at Smart Cars! We wanted to find something sensible and with great gas mileage, and Smart cars have the best rate and price for a non-hybrid or electric car. The dealer near us with smart cars is actually a Mercedes-Benz dealer, and it was pretty fancy! We worked with a really nice gal and we got to test drive a smart car. It was pretty fun, cute, and, of course, tiny! We couldn't make a final decision yet, since I didn't for sure have a job yet, so we decided to come back later. Meanwhile, Ben had been doing some research comparing different small and efficient cars. He came across one called the Scion IQ that looked pretty neat! We didn't know much about it as it was just released within the last year, but we decided to check it out. It has the best gas mileage next to the Smart car (it's pretty darn close actually), a comparable price, and has a ton more features, comfort, and is safer. Also, it's just way more cool!
We went to the Toyota/Scion dealer on Monday and worked with a really awesome dude. He was one of the youngest employees there and we were some of the youngest customers they've had, so we got along great. We got to test drive an IQ and we totally loved it! It is small, but slightly larger than the Smart car. There is actually a back seat to it, although we wouldn't put anyone we like back there longer than a few minutes. It handled a lot better and was much more comfortable. It also comes with really cool features like bluetooth phone and music, hd radio, fog lights, and essentially a gazillion airbags. In the Smart car, we would have had to upgrade just to get a radio, air conditioning, and power windows and locks. After getting a quote pretty close to what we got for the Smart car, we were pretty much sold. We deliberated a bit and decided to lease one. We obviously can't afford to buy a new car, and buying used from a dealer or otherwise wouldn't have worked either because we just don't have cash we could have paid upfront. Leasing is more expensive in the long run, but it makes sense for us right now. Anyway, we had a choice of dark purple or silver for the car, but we decided to ask if there were any more colors available, just in case. We were in luck! The sister dealership had a "hot lava" orange one that could be transferred over. So, we did all the paperwork on Monday, and picked up our spicy orange car on Tuesday! This one actually has even more features than the others we had seen, such as 7 colors of interior accent lights! It is pretty silly, but also awesome. I've always wanted a purple light to shine on my feet while driving! Sure.
Ok, so two more things about our awesome car. The main thing is that even though it is only 10 feet long, it is actually quite spacious. I get uncomfortable in cars really easily, but this one has enough space in front that I could even cross my legs in the front seat and not be uncomfortable or in the way of the driver. It is a tiny car, but it doesn't feel too tiny to drive or be in- basically they just chopped off everything behind the front seats. The other sweet thing about it is the turn radius of 12.9 feet. Considering the size of the car and comparing it to the turn radius- there isn't much difference, is there. This means that you can turn on a dime and do awesome doughnuts in the parking lot and feel like you are spinning on a stationary axis. This is way fun, and a little scary when Ben does it really fast! Now, we are just trying to think of a name for it; let me know if you have any ideas!
We have also been up to other, slightly less exciting things, too.
Before I found out about my job (and for many months before), we had been working on getting a dog. We have gone to the shelter a few times and met a few cute ones! We almost took one home in April, but it was right before Bill left on his work trip to Hawaii, so he didn't want to get a dog and then just ditch it. I almost talked Ben into getting a different dog more recently, but we knew we didn't have the funds to take care of it and for the increase in rent. Unfortunately, now we are realizing that a dog is even less feasible that we previously thought. Once I start working, I'll be working long days on top of a long commute and might be doing some travel and be gone for up to a week at a time. Meanwhile, Bill has been gone and may often be gone/ working long hours over the summer and Ben has also been working a ton and even overnight as well. There might be days at a time where there wouldn't be anyone in the house to take care of a dog :( Now, I am thinking I might be able to talk them into getting a cat at least! We'll see...
I had another fun shopping trip with Ashley a couple weekends ago! She had done some shopping on her own and returned the cowboy boots (aww), but bought the final pair of wedding shoes (yay)! I met up with her downtown where she was at a bridal shop trying on her entire wedding ensemble- she had just gotten her veil and now she could finally see the pieces all together! It looked great and she looked beautiful! We then proceeded to have a great time shopping and wandering around down town and then at the mall. Ben had been working that weekend, but once he got off, he called us and said he was heading over to a coworker's house for a crawfish boil and that we were invited! It was a fun party even though we didn't know anyone and the food was delicious once you got over the creepiness!
In between car shopping, Ben and I finally got to go hiking this weekend! We have been itching to go for months now, but Ben has just been so busy with work! We ended up going to a beautiful place called Roxborough State Park. It is about 45 minutes south of us, and it is sort of at the base of the mountains. There were amazing, huge, red rock formations all over, and we hiked up the big peak in the park and only made it back to the car right after the park had closed! The ranger actually had to let us out, oops! It was a very fast but still very fun hike. I want to go back again soon- it was so beautiful! It also showed me that I should work out some more to get in better shape for my job! If you'd like to see some more pictures I put some on my facebook and deviantart pages.
Well, I have a few days before my job starts on the 9th. I think I'll spend it driving around in my new car, and also taking care of the house before I start work and won't have time to anymore or I'll be too exhausted to do it! Bill is still in Hawaii and will be for a while yet. Ben might be going back to California soon, but I'm hoping he'll be able to stay (or come back before) til I get settled into my job!
Thanks for reading!
Most importantly, I got a job! It is with Mile High Youth Corps, which I mentioned in the last post. I heard back about a week after my interview and went in for a second one on Wednesday. After that interview, I felt very confident about getting the job because I had to fill out paperwork for a background check and go in for a drug test. On Friday I got a call telling me that I was being considered for another position, called ACLC. That stands for AmeriCorps Leadership & Conservation corpsmember. Basically, it is similar to the regular corpsmember position, except that there is more responsibility and there is more involvement with the organization. That sounded really cool to me because I would get to do the outdoor work and also lead some projects and get more involved! The main concern with this position, however, is that it is filled in Denver already so I would have to work out of the Colorado Springs office, which is about 60 miles away. I had a phone interview on Monday for the ACLC position, and was told I would hear in a few more days. Apparently though, the woman I interviewed with called to get some of my files from the Denver office and they realized there was a decision to be made because both offices wanted to hire me! So I ended up getting a call right away explaining the situation. I ended up deciding to take the position in Colorado Springs because not only is it a more well-rounded program, but it is also a 6 month term rather than a 3 month term (that I would have done in the other position). Accepting this job meant that I was going to be doing a big commute- I wouldn't be able to take the train or bus there. So, we had to do something about that!
On Saturday, we decided to start looking at cars for me. I didn't have the job yet (although I essentially knew that I did), but we wanted to get a head start. We first went to look at Smart Cars! We wanted to find something sensible and with great gas mileage, and Smart cars have the best rate and price for a non-hybrid or electric car. The dealer near us with smart cars is actually a Mercedes-Benz dealer, and it was pretty fancy! We worked with a really nice gal and we got to test drive a smart car. It was pretty fun, cute, and, of course, tiny! We couldn't make a final decision yet, since I didn't for sure have a job yet, so we decided to come back later. Meanwhile, Ben had been doing some research comparing different small and efficient cars. He came across one called the Scion IQ that looked pretty neat! We didn't know much about it as it was just released within the last year, but we decided to check it out. It has the best gas mileage next to the Smart car (it's pretty darn close actually), a comparable price, and has a ton more features, comfort, and is safer. Also, it's just way more cool!
Ok, so two more things about our awesome car. The main thing is that even though it is only 10 feet long, it is actually quite spacious. I get uncomfortable in cars really easily, but this one has enough space in front that I could even cross my legs in the front seat and not be uncomfortable or in the way of the driver. It is a tiny car, but it doesn't feel too tiny to drive or be in- basically they just chopped off everything behind the front seats. The other sweet thing about it is the turn radius of 12.9 feet. Considering the size of the car and comparing it to the turn radius- there isn't much difference, is there. This means that you can turn on a dime and do awesome doughnuts in the parking lot and feel like you are spinning on a stationary axis. This is way fun, and a little scary when Ben does it really fast! Now, we are just trying to think of a name for it; let me know if you have any ideas!
We have also been up to other, slightly less exciting things, too.
Before I found out about my job (and for many months before), we had been working on getting a dog. We have gone to the shelter a few times and met a few cute ones! We almost took one home in April, but it was right before Bill left on his work trip to Hawaii, so he didn't want to get a dog and then just ditch it. I almost talked Ben into getting a different dog more recently, but we knew we didn't have the funds to take care of it and for the increase in rent. Unfortunately, now we are realizing that a dog is even less feasible that we previously thought. Once I start working, I'll be working long days on top of a long commute and might be doing some travel and be gone for up to a week at a time. Meanwhile, Bill has been gone and may often be gone/ working long hours over the summer and Ben has also been working a ton and even overnight as well. There might be days at a time where there wouldn't be anyone in the house to take care of a dog :( Now, I am thinking I might be able to talk them into getting a cat at least! We'll see...
I had another fun shopping trip with Ashley a couple weekends ago! She had done some shopping on her own and returned the cowboy boots (aww), but bought the final pair of wedding shoes (yay)! I met up with her downtown where she was at a bridal shop trying on her entire wedding ensemble- she had just gotten her veil and now she could finally see the pieces all together! It looked great and she looked beautiful! We then proceeded to have a great time shopping and wandering around down town and then at the mall. Ben had been working that weekend, but once he got off, he called us and said he was heading over to a coworker's house for a crawfish boil and that we were invited! It was a fun party even though we didn't know anyone and the food was delicious once you got over the creepiness!
In between car shopping, Ben and I finally got to go hiking this weekend! We have been itching to go for months now, but Ben has just been so busy with work! We ended up going to a beautiful place called Roxborough State Park. It is about 45 minutes south of us, and it is sort of at the base of the mountains. There were amazing, huge, red rock formations all over, and we hiked up the big peak in the park and only made it back to the car right after the park had closed! The ranger actually had to let us out, oops! It was a very fast but still very fun hike. I want to go back again soon- it was so beautiful! It also showed me that I should work out some more to get in better shape for my job! If you'd like to see some more pictures I put some on my facebook and deviantart pages.
Well, I have a few days before my job starts on the 9th. I think I'll spend it driving around in my new car, and also taking care of the house before I start work and won't have time to anymore or I'll be too exhausted to do it! Bill is still in Hawaii and will be for a while yet. Ben might be going back to California soon, but I'm hoping he'll be able to stay (or come back before) til I get settled into my job!
Thanks for reading!
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