Snowy Sunday Brunch

This past Sunday, I was supposed to have my official housewarming party. It was called a Sunday Brunch Affair and I asked friends to wear their Sunday's best as brunch would lead in to the Oscars.

In order to properly prepare, Suzy and I began the work at 7 a.m. I cleaned while she cooked. It was snowing, as it had been throughout the night and as I looked at the window - I realized you could not see the million dollar view. I huffed and puffed as I had put all this work in to this party and you couldn't even see the point of the apartment.

Then, around 9:30 a.m., I got a call from the Wicklers. They were about ten miles down the hill on the drive and had pulled over. It was blizzard-like conditions and they weren't going to make it. Sending their sincerest apologies, they explained that Josh wouldn't even drive in this for a gnar powpow day, which, if you know him, is really saying something.

I took one last look at the window, which was in to nothing because you couldn't see anything, and now the Wicklers/Granquists weren't coming and they are my Denver family and so I made the last minute decision to cancel the housewarming. Now if you know me, you know that this killed me but I certainly didn't want any of my loved ones to feel obligated to go out in this storm, just to come and warm my house, eat this food and drink these mimosas.

I sent a mass text (so against my beliefs but it was already short enough notice as it was!) explaining that due to the weather, I would be postponing the housewarming - rescheduling it for sometime in April when the sun was shining and we could enjoy not only the view of the city, but the rooftop deck, as well. I apologized for the change but told everyone that if they still wanted to make the snowy trek, we had plenty of food and drink to last through the day.

And then, people came. And we ate. And we drank. And we played games. And we laughed. A lot.

It reminded me that it's not always about the event - not always about the planning and the prep and the date set - but it is always about the company you keep.

And let me tell you, friends, I keep damn good company.

T.G.I.F.

Between the week of my annual review at work, prepping for my housewarming this Sunday, trying to figure out how I can get to one of the Legends of Summer concert dates,  and well, life in general...

I need a cocktail.

TGIF, friends. T G I F.

My Morning View

The city got pretty pounded with snow last night - at least what we are able to accept as pounded in this day in age - 4 inches - so I went straight to my window this morning and captured one of the below. The other is the view from my bus stop in Cheesman Park.

Pretty, right? The only thing that could have made this better? These two words:

Snow. Day.

Pep Cares

Pep is good at a lot of things. This list includes (but is not limited to): cooking, hiding Easter eggs, speech language pathology, talking to me on the phone, going to Disneyland and care packages.

This is the latest one:

Inside the magical little box was a spice rack complete with every spice I'll probably never use (just kidding, Ma! Totally cooking as I write this...), treats for Sienna (her favorite from Trader Joe's) and for Sir Gordon (his favorite - oh wait, everything edible - or non-edible - is his favorite), peanut butter M&Ms because why not, our secret special eye makeup remover, brownie mix (complete with Heath toppings) and dried citrus for my tea (or cocktails!) from her tree.

Pep cares. And I love that. And her.

Punch Drunk Sunday

I had a pretty low key weekend - well at least low key for KK. Friday night, Aunt Karen was in town so she, Andy and Ang came over for a cocktail hour in my new place and Andy set up my new TV for me (love you, cousin!) before we headed out to dinner. Saturday, rose early to go skiing with the fam and Miss Miranda, too at Copper. Beautiful day, sun was shining, there was actual snow and aside from Andy's yard sale on the first run of the day, we all skied really well together.

Saturday night, the girls and I spent the evening in with every women's crush, Beyonce, with her documentary on HBO - Life Is But a Dream. It was raw, entertaining and empowering. And her love with Jay. Oh, don't even get me started. At one point, they sat singing Coldplay's 'Yellow' to one another and my heart just melted as I thought 'Good for them.'

Sunday, I met Suzy for brunch at my current obsession before heading to do (more) house shopping in preparation for the big Brunch Affair this Sunday.

And then came Punch Drunk Sunday, thanks to Punch Bowl Social's Trace of Peach Punch. Here's something about me - I LOVE PUNCH. If you give me a list of drinks and there is punch on the menu, that will be it for me. Especially when it is served in a punch bowl with a ladle and cute matching cups. Between the punch and a little bowling action, my Sunday went from productive to playful in just an hour. Perhaps a little too playful for a Sunday night - but hey, some people had the holiday off and I pretended I did, too.

That was, until my alarm went off at 7 this morning and reality (read: hangover) sunk in. But celebrating Presidents is totally my style so we'll call this one worth it.

Colorful Colorado

It may be in the 30's here today. And the middle of February.

But the sun is shining. Especially on Larimer Square, one of my favorite blocks in the city.

And just another reason to love being able to call Colorado home.

My Valentine

Indulge.

Fresh (Tracks) in February

"What time should I expect you?"

"I'll be to you by 6 a.m."

"Do we get to stop for coffee?"

"I'll bring you coffee. And a muffin."

This is a conversation that can be heard around Denver the eve of a snow storm in Colorado. We must get to the mountain as early as possible to get first chair, fresh tracks. But my calculation, a 6 a.m. pick up was going to get us to Winter Park by 7:30. First chair isn't until 8:30. What in the world were we going to do for that hour that couldn't be better spent sleeping?

But, these are not the questions you ask when you refuse (thanks to your rear-wheeled drive Jeep - thanks, Vegas) to drive to the mountain on your own. No, instead, you better make sure your sleepy ass is up and ready. That coffee and muffin will totally be worth it.

Sure enough, we arrived to the mountain at 7:45 and entered the lodge where we sat, with all the other anxious skiers until 8:15 which is apparently - line up time.

The anticipation was like Christmas morning, I've realized how much I feed off of people's energy and when the clock turned 8:30 and the chairs started rolling - everyone in line cheered and there was even confetti thrown (thanks, Mardi Gras). The whole experience made me think that maybe I should make this whole first chair thing happen more often...

When we arrived to the top of Mary Jane, it was a giant white blanket of snow, just waiting for us to carve in to. This was day ten of the season for me and sadly, the first day that I had experienced powder. It's more work, for certain, but also very, very worth it. My confidence built in every turn and then we did it again and again and again.

Until I got too cold. Then I went in to warm up and enjoy a Bloody Mary. Because guess what, Winter Park/Mary Jane is my backyard. As is Copper. And Keystone. And Breck. And Vail. And if you want to go just a little further - even Steamboat. So if I get three hours of amazing fresh powder skiing in and can no longer feel my toes, I feel OK to call it a day because I'll be back out there this weekend.

See you on the slopes, Colorado.

Pantysnacker

Gordon gave me a good scare Saturday morning.

And I deserved it.

For those of you who maybe haven't gotten to hear my lecture about why people cannot leave socks/underwear/other small clothing items lying around when Sir Gordon is present - I will give you the brief on my problem child - I cursed him with the name Sir Gordon Snacks A Lot. Over the years, that has included: socks, blankets and yes - even underwear.

Due to my lack of responsibility upon my return from Steamboat (aka: the shutdown after the breakup), I failed to immediately unpack my suitcase which apparently, Gordon took as an invite for to go digging for a panty buffet.

Of course, the moment I realized what was going on - the suitcase was unpacked and everything was put in it's proper place. Unfortunately, the damage was already done as he threw up four pairs over the course of a week.

So Saturday morning, I was a little late to rise and normally, this little guy is doing his breakfast dance if it's any time past 9 a.m. He seemed to lack some interest and when I put his bowl down in front of him, he walked away.

That, my friends, has only happened once over the past four and a half years.

So I went straight in to Mama Bear mode. I called the vet, had Miranda drive us to my car that we had (responsibly) left on S Broadway and drove out to the Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital.

There, I explained Gordon's history to the technician (who apparently hates the world panty so I apologize if I am offending anyone here with the use of that term), she called triage on us and we were in to see the Doctor within minutes. Upon examination, Gordon seemed to be fine (besides the whole tail between the legs/terrified to be at the vet thing) but we all knew that it was the x-rays we needed to get through.

The Doc threw out some numbers to me and, of course, I just said yes, yes whatever the cost.

Luckily, no foreign objects were found inside Gordon. We were given a full walk-through of the x-rays (kinda cool to see all the working parts inside that doodle), given an anti-nausea medication and were told to call if he was still not eating. The good news? The minute we walked through the front door back at home, Sir Snacks A Lot went straight to his dish and ate up his entire breakfast.

It was (a very expensive) reminder to me that I have a problem child and no matter what is going on in my own life, I need to ensure that my #1 boy is taken care of. So thanks Gordon, for reminding me of what matters the most.

You.

Katherine and Her Ducks

One of my favorite things about my new building is that on each floor, when you exit the elevator, there is a historic photograph of Denver.

I've joked about taking an 'art walk' through the building, stopping on each floor to admire the photograph - wine in hand, of course.

So far, my favorite one I've seen is a piece featured on Floor 4.

Katherine and Ducks at City Park from 1904.

If this were current day,  I imagine it reading Katie and Sangria at City Park, 2013 (the countdown is on Jazz in the Park!).

KK's Tool Kit

I recently experienced my second holyshitwheredidthatcomefrom breakup in a year so at this point, I'd say I'm pretty much an expert.

So - heart hurting? Here are my suggestions to get back to feeling like your(sassy)self.

1. A Task Force - a group of girlfriends (or guyfriends) who are willing to listen when you need them to, talk when you don't feel like it, and remind you that no matter how you're feeling in this moment, three months from now - you'll all be sitting on a patio under the summer sun, talking about something (or someone) else.

2. Jamba Juice - that first day, nothing sounds appetizing but your body is telling you it needs something. Enter the power of Jamba.

3. A Treadmill - burn off some of that steam.

4. Beyonce -  so when a song like this comes on, you can listen to her instead and dance it out in your living room.

5. Work - it's true that I couldn't make it to my desk the day after but come the day after the day after, I was ticking through my inbox and getting. things. done.

6. Pen/Paper - I've written more in the past week and a half than I had in six months.

7. Fresh air - sometimes, you've got to just take a walk.

8. An ex - the guy who would tell you something like this. and offer to take you skiing.

9. Pets - for snuggles.

10. A full calendar - a busy body only gets busier when she's afraid what will happen when she stops. #keepgoing

11. Wine - no explanation needed.

12. Delete Contact - because you know that after #11, sometimes you just can't be trusted.

Steamboat on Skis

Just the week before last, Lauren and Scott flew in from Vegas to pack up Andy's (fancy) new car and we headed northwest. A short three hours later, we were in my favorite ski town - Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

It was our second annual trip, this time with a larger condo which meant more friends and more good times on the mountain.

Since our last trip, I had made the switch back to skis after being on a snowboard for a decade. Best decision I've ever made. Snowboarding just never clicked for me, I could never ride with ease the way Laura or Scott do. The only great day I'd ever had riding happened to be the same one when I broke my arm. So, come to find out, I'm better on two planks and thanks to skiing five days in one week, I can say I am pretty confidant I'm the next Lindsey Vonn.

Ok, that might be an exaggeration. But I am keeping up with the team now at least. And looking good while I do it thanks to all new gear from my wonderful parents for Christmas.

Come Sunday, I was not ready to say goodbye to Ski Town, U.S.A. but alas, I had an anxious puppy and a pile of work awaiting my return. Thankfully, I get to return come this March when Carl Knoch visits me for some quality father/daughter time on the slopes.

Until then, Steamboat, you're looking real good for 50. Keep it up (just try to have 50 in. + accumulation come when I'm there next time, not the days following).

FanGIRL

I realize I'm a little behind on this whole GIRLS takeover. I mean they're in Season 2 and I am just now blogging about this new found love.

I started hosting Vondays every week - basically, four girls come over - we drink wine, eat some apps and watch The Bachelor before a few episodes of GIRLS. The joke has been made, and more than once, that we should just skip straight to GIRLS.

It's smart, it's funny and it resonates.

So when this showed up in my mailbox yesterday, I squealed.

As all GIRLS do.

Fresh in February

Now that Justin Timberlake is back doing what he does best, I figure I should get back at it, too. So, I'll be bringing you something fresh every day in February.

First up - you should know that the New Year brought in new views and a new roommate for me.

Every morning that I wake up, I turn over, look at my new roommate and light up as I wonder to myself how I got so lucky. Because even on cloudy days, which we've had quite a few of recently, this one never looses it's gleam.

So, everyone, meet my new roommate.

Denver.