Heart Shaped Cut-Outs of Cheese

Valentine

2012-02-14T11:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, HSCOOC'ers!

Noah and I actually celebrated last night as I am headed to San Diego today for a PR Summit with the Kimpton Group.

Our evening consisted of wine, cheese, chocolate, a speakeasy and new Toms ballet flats for yours truly.

I am one smitten kitten - and I hope you're feeling the love, too today.

Snow Day

2012-02-03T14:55:00.001-08:00

We're in the midst of a blizzard here in Denver. Up to 22 in are expected by tomorrow come noon. The roads are awful so just like the kiddos in school, I had a snow day.

This is my first official snow day and there are a few things I've learned today :

1. Things your father will tell you to have on hand for the storm : Wine, toilet paper and bread. The only thing I think he forgot in that list was cheese.

2. It's possible to get work done, even with Kathie Lee and Hoda on in the background

3. It's 3:48 p.m., I have not showered and find that perfect acceptable

4. It's 3:49 p.m. and I'm already through my first glass of wine, and find that perfectly acceptable, as well.

5. Gordon and Sienna can only entertain for so long. They sleep a WHOLE LOT.

6. There comes a point in a snow storm when you think it's possible that it will just never end.

So, if you happen to be in the Capitol Hill neighborhood - please swing by. I could use some company, I have wine - and Phase 10.

Steamboat

2012-02-01T15:15:00.002-08:00

One of the (many) benefits to living in the state of Colorado is the easy access to some of the world's best skiing. Even with this being one of the worst seasons on record - I was lucky enough to spend 4 days last week living in Steamboat.

The last time I was in Steamboat Springs was in 1991 so I can't tell you how much the place has changed but the way this ski town exudes charm - I would hope not much. We took on that mountain (love you, Tomahawk!), we ate like kings (you must check out Mazzola's Italian), we drank the limit of Rio margaritas, experienced SubStone (a Cold Stone inside a Subway!), we played the tambourine and ukulele (to the best of our abilities), we went to the Western store (F.M. Light & Sons!), we gamed - and basically had the time of our lives. All while surrounded by killer views.

If we've ever been skiing together, you know that the only way for me to end the day is with a beer in the hot tub. And the only thing that makes that better is a sunset like this.

So, yes, as previously mentioned - I enjoy soaking my body in hot water so how is it that I had never been to a hot springs before?!? We wrapped up the trip with a giant hot pool of natural relaxation with a trip to the Strawberry Hot Springs, which was one of the prettiest places I've ever been.

Maybe it was being with people I love, maybe it was the view, maybe it was the drinks but this I know for sure - it will go down as a highlight for 2012. And I'm already counting down to going back next January.

Swish swish. Spring spring.

Blind Pilot

2012-01-31T15:00:00.002-08:00

Last night Noah and I trekked over to Boulder to catch a show. Coming off of four days at Steamboat, going to a concert was not at the top of my list but this wasn't just a show - this was Blind Pilot.

Blind Pilot happens to be the first band that Noah introduced me to, so you can understand why we needed to be there. Especially since they had actually just played the Tuesday following our flight so we were sure we missed the opportunity to see them. But then, as fate loves to help us out - they announced a show in a small theatre, not in Denver - but just over the hill (or 36 W rather) in Boulder.

As we stood two rows back from the stage, me dancing and Noah keeping the beat on my back - it was definitely one of those surreal moments, where you realize that everything has actually fallen in to place quite nicely.

So obviously feeling slightly emotional - I teared up a bit as they played 'Half Moon' - the song that I've listened to every time I've left Noah's since November.

Because these are great days.

And this one, Keep You Right, has become one of my all time favorites.

So I don't know where you are but if your city is on this list, I highly recommend checking out their show. I promise you won't be disappointed.

And don't forget to think of me when that tambourine comes out.

Quite the (rear) View.

2012-01-26T12:42:00.004-08:00

Andy picked me up yesterday afternoon from Scream to head to Steamboat. After we packed a ridiculous amount of things in the back of his VW, we were officially mountain bound.

I've always wanted to capture a great rearview window shot and yesterday, thanks to the 3:30 departure time from Denver, allowing us to hit the Rockies right around sunset - I got it.

Now to the slopes!

Tambourine Girl

2012-01-25T14:01:00.002-08:00

For the past few years, I've wanted to get a tambourine. If you know me, you know I have very little rhythm but has it ever stopped me from dancing? No. So why would I let it stop me from playing the tambourine?

On Sunday afternoon, Michael told me he had a present for me. As he walked in, jingles jinglin', I knew that my dream was coming true. From that day on, I'd be a tambourine girl.

I've got big plans with my tambourine - soon to be totally decked out in ribbons. It's only a matter of time until that leather handle is nice and broken in. We're (yes, me and my tambourine) are even hitting the road this weekend - Steamboat here we come. First stop on the tour.

So next time you see me, feel free to ask me to play you a song. I can't promise it will carry a tune but I can promise to make you smile.

It certainly makes me smile.

Colorado : One Year Anniversary

2012-01-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2012 officially marked one year since I arrived to the state of Colorado. The day before, of course, marked the day that I left Las Vegas - and you know me, I'm always looking for a reason to celebrate. Everything is an event, and this - the one year anniversary of the Great Kate Escape - would be no different.

The original plan was to ice skate and have an Italian (see: wine-filled) dinner at JJ Madwell's but in Colorado form, the forecast called for snow on Saturday - making the outlook on the trip up to Evergreen/Pine less than desirable (hey, I may be one year in but that still doesn't mean I like driving in the snow).

So, we called in Plan B - as in Broncos.

In case you've been sleeping - the Broncos played the Steelers this past Sunday in the first round of the AFC playoffs. The Wicklers, with Michael in tow, came down the hill and we headed to the Irish Snug for a little Sunday game watching action - which turned out to be a total understatement of the word action.

This Sunday turned in to quite the celebration - not only for my one year, and not only for the Broncos actually beating the Steelers in OT - but for the Tebowing Broncos tees that deserved a celebration all on their own. #hysterical

And now, we have something to wear this Sunday. Go, Broncos!

2011 : Year in Review

2011-12-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

2011 was the year I made the best decision of my life.

In 2010, I hoped that that would turn out to be the case and I am lucky that it did. On January 8 of this year, I packed up (understatement) the Jeep, kissed my mom and Sienna goodbye, and hit the road with The Wiz and Gordon as we headed east.

And I've never looked back.

2011 could easily be described as well as the Year of the Mimosa. It started with Mimosa Mondays with the Wiz in Pine. Pep would later admit to me that she was slightly concerned for me but it was the first time in my life that I took a leap of faith and hoped that the net would appear. And while I was waiting for said net, I made the most of my time off from life - and I have to say, I was livin' it up. Tutus and mimosas. Sleeping in until 10, waking up just in time to catch the 4th hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda. Making chocolate-covered gummy worms. Hanging with Gord. And yes, applying for jobs in between.

Then in February - the homesickness settled in. I was no longer the girl who was always 30 minutes late because I had packed too much in to my day - I couldn't be 30 minutes late because I had no where to go. Linz was back in school, Josh was back at work - and the dogs got tired of me telling them stories from my Vegas days. I started to get cabin fever, living in sweatpants with the closest Starbucks 15 miles down the road. I wasn't finding a job, and the sessions I was going to at agencies had me realize my competition was now that fresh faced 22 year-old that I once was when I landed my job at SK+G. Now I was trying to enter a market where I had no contacts and no experience. But I did have passion.

And then my last grandparent passed away and I headed to Pittsburgh to say goodbye to Beppee and be there for Pep. From there brought my first trip back to Vegas and a quick cure to that homesickness I was feeling. Time with my +more, a trip to Don't Tell Mama and a few tapas in my tummy and I was home. I said I never looked back, but in early March, I guess I actually did - I thought about coming back, with my tail between my legs - to my old job, to my friends, to my downtown. But then the net appeared and I landed an interview at Scream Agency.

8 hours later, I was offered the position. 24 later, I was at my desk.

Come April, I had done it - my downtown dream had come true. I was working in LoDo, living in Capitol Hill - riding my bike to and from work every day. That was, on the days that my dog wasn't accompanying me to work. I lived and worked in a place where it was totally acceptable for him to be under my desk or at the bar. This is what I wanted.

And then, I never looked back.

Come June, I turned 28 and was settled and complete with a cow chair in my living room. Michael told me that 28 was going to be a magical year (in fact, I still have that note hanging on my fridge), and he was right. I was busy being a Coloradan, celebrating my birthday in Aspen, riding my bike everywhere, camping at 10,000 feet. Celebrating a family reunion in South Carolina, where the week was spent catching up (see : drinking) with the Knochs and sleeping on the beach. And just like that, it was officially summer - and you know what that means....

Matters of the heart....

I'd spent early 2011 with Bear in a long distance relationship - the distance eventually got to us - but never to our friendship and we, once again, threw in the towel. I decided from that point on to be fully committed to my new love - Denver. I wanted to have two feet firmly on the (downtown) ground before I explored Menver.

By July, I was ready to date. I took a different route than the one that had previously gotten me a whole lot of nowhere and ventured into the world of online dating by joining eHarmony. I was overwhelmed at first - not knowing that it was perfectly acceptable to close matches without even giving them a second glance. I learned a lot but the most important lessons I took away from the experience were : Just because you email with someone for weeks, does not guarantee you will have chemistry when you meet in person. It is all about that first five minutes and if you're not feeling it, leave. Guys can truly be clueless, thinking that admitting to being a Peeping Tom is anywhere close to being appropriate. Just because a guy is a relationship therapist, does not mean he will be competent in his own dating life. Which caused me to live that saying - why do I keep hitting my head against the wall? Because it feels so good when I stop. I also learned that even if he's the nicest guy - and will go to the greatest extremes for you - or at least to take you and your dog to the vet when your pup is sick and you're out of a car - doesn't make him the right one - even if you both deserve it. I learned not to travel to Colorado Springs for a guy you barely know. I learned that sometimes it feels really, really good to tell someone off and that even a man who is only 5'5 can get even shorter in one quick phone call.

And then I learned that you should never dismiss fate. Especially at 30,000 feet. I'd taken the LAS ---> DEN flight two dozen times before but none could compare to the one I took on November 13, 2011.

It's funny, I was just in Vegas for the holidays and I was telling Pep that technically, I was there just six weeks before - but somehow, it felt like a lifetime ago as my life has taken such a dramatic turn since 11.13.11. Yes, I still get drinks with the Wicklers. I still go to the movies. I still hang with Andy. I still have Sunday brunch. I still walk Gordon at Cheesman. I still sit on my couch, watching bad TV and eating Yogurtland. It's just now, on the lucky days - I have Noah by my side, which always puts a smile on my face.

Speaking of love - Gordon at age 3 is loving Denver, loving the snow - loving living in a place where, as mentioned above, he's welcome everywhere. He loves his visits up to Pine the most, where he runs free in a giant yard with the Wicklers' dogs. We call it Camp Wickler. Sienna is finally settled after stressing out so much over the move that she gave herself a UTI. Our place is small but cozy. And it has those exposed brick walls. And that claw foot tub that Sienna still managed to jump in to to do her business. Some things never change....

Short notes...

The Great Kate Escape. PY's leaving Las Vegas note (runaway as fast as you can...).That drive. The First Annual Superbowl Game Face Party (because, yes - there will be more). Mimosas. Snowboarding Winter Park, thinking Andy was trying to kill me on moguls. Mumford and Sons. Discovering Denver. TV nights at the Lackeys. Making my first pot of coffee. +more visit(s). Anticipating Watch the Throne, then not being let down. Dancing with Kristen at Yeasayer (and all around Denver, really). Girl Scout Cookies at My Brother's Bar. Backyard BBQ's. Mimosas. Will and Kate prompting the name change to Kate. Back to Katie. Ultimately ending at callmewhateveryouwant. #hashtags. The Red Onion in Aspen. The Head and the Heart on the beach. Denver Art Museum trips. Botanic Gardens with Kid Sis. Rockies game with Renee. Fresh-cut flower addiction (#theniwentbroke). Meeting Lindsey Jones. M2B. Toms. Bon Iver, Bon Iver. Friend Baby Boom - Welcome Max, Sebastian and Mia! Dog the Bounty Hunter sighting over margaritas at Morrison Inn. Ikea with Anne. Falling over that rock while camping. License plate stacked. Mimosas. Phone calls home to Pep. Denver Cruiser Ride with Linz in clown noses. Lindi Ortega. Meet and Greet and Beer at Le Cirque. Summer OR with Lora. Boyz II Men at Taste of Colorado. Tour de Fat. Holiday Bar. Mimosas. +more gets engaged! Beach Boys with Jennie. Disneyland with Lisa. Becoming BFF's with Sean. Illegal Pete's. X and Tony tie the knot. Flight #784. Dancing with Noah at Herbs. Brunching. Tebow. Being Andy's date to Pinnacle's Christmas party and having my dad call it a dance. Mimosas. Wine and cheese nights with Noah. Booking a flight to Minneapolis for NYE.

My life has been somewhat turbulent (pun intended) - and I remember people telling me that it should just be easy. I had no idea what they were talking about until I had it.

Here's to clear skies in 2012 for me and for you and yours.

Bottomless Trouble

2011-12-19T14:39:00.004-08:00

Jonesy's took Sunday Funday to a whole new level yesterday with the board game shelf.

We'd gone to Brunch (note: walked, because it was 60 - today it is snowing - excited to see you this week, Vegas!), and arrived hungry. The bottomless mimosas were only bound to hold me over for so long so I strolled over the game shelf and returned to the table with two options - Yahtzee or Trouble.

Trouble got the vote and the fun started popping off (get it - because you pop the bubble to roll - ok, sorry - it had been years). Before I knew it, I had a man at home and my french toast in front of me.

Thank you, Jonesy's, for supplying endless entertainment - and bottomless mimosas - for our Sunday Funday.

See you next time.

Shots of Cheese : Thirty : Boyfriend.

2011-12-09T14:59:00.001-08:00

Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting in LAS waiting to board my plane. In typical KK fashion, I was busy making love to an Auntie Anne's pretzel ensuring that every bite was perfectly dipped in cheese, when I noticed a very handsome gentleman across the way, down the row.

Wow. He is good looking. Hmm. Eat pretzel. Take glance. Eat pretzel. Take glance.

This goes on until sadly, my pretzel has been devoured and it is time to board. As I stand in line (A28, baby!), I take a quick look behind me to try to see if Mr. Good Lookin' is in the same boarding group. I don't see him and, disappointingly, go on my way.

I take a window seat and am getting situated (see: getting out the Ethel M brittle I just purchased for a mid-flight snack, making sure I have that free drink coupon handy and find my place in my book) as I see Mr. Good Lookin' take the aisle seat.

First thought? Holy. Ok. Keep it cool.

Second thought? Put that Ethel M back in your bag.

Two hours later we landed in Denver and two weeks after that, he was my boyfriend. And yes, this is the stuff that Rom Coms are made of.

So, HSCOOC, meet Noah. Who came in to my life and changed it as quickly as that plane took off.

And this girl couldn't be happier about it.

Boyfriend.
Taken at Steuben's
Captured on December 4, 2011

Shots of Cheese: Twenty - nine : Aspen Livin'

2011-12-08T15:11:00.001-08:00

The Scream team headed up the mountain on Tuesday. Our destination? The Sky Hotel in Aspen.

When I first landed this gig, I knew that the Sky would be one of those dream clients - the kind that make my job just so easy. The property speaks for itself to the media and the team at the hotel totally get "it" - and by "it", I mean everything.

After a company dinner Tuesday night, we darted straight for the hot tub. Surrounded by snow, I had my first Colorado Bulldog as I thought to myself - "Yeah, I could get used to this....."

Aspen Livin'
Taken at The Sky Hotel
Captured on December 7, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty - eight : Fast Friends

2011-12-05T15:40:00.001-08:00

I am so blessed to have the girlfriends that I do, sprinkled all around the country. I grew up as a "girl's girl" - making up for my lack of siblings with the best of friends.

Living in Vegas, I was so spoiled with having the easiest of access to (most of) the amazing women I know. I had SSFS with Eener, countless dinners with Lo, Sunday movies with Benneton, nights downtown with Kid Sis, and trips from the ones who had already spread their wings.

Then I moved to Denver, reuniting myself with Linzi and by reuniting, I mean moving myself right on in to her house. But, all good things must come to an end and once I was on my feet, I moved to Capitol Hill and unfortunately, 45 miles away from the Wicklers.

So when Andy told me he had a girl for me to meet, Suzy, I was eager to hang out. He told me he knew we'd hit it off - and between her fashion sense, lipstick and love of The Bachelor - he was right.

Fast Friends
Taken at the Tavern Downtown
Captured on December 3, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty - seven : Cookie Love

2011-12-01T15:22:00.001-08:00

I'm lucky enough to work across the alley from the Tattered Cover bookstore downtown which is amazing for a number of reasons.

One, I can go and buy a new book for a trip on my lunch break. Two, they've got a great little coffee shop in there. And three, and perhaps most importantly, they sell the most delicious M&M cookies. They've got to be homemade they're so good.

So good that just a few minutes ago, I was wrapping my cookie back up for saving and heard in my head, "I love you, cookie."

WHAT. Normal? No.

But true? Definitely.

Cookie Love
Taken at Scream Agency
Captured on December 1, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty - six : Snow Day

2011-11-30T15:56:00.001-08:00

I heard on the news last night, "Coming up - when we're going to go from these mild days to dangerously cold temperatures."

Today here in Denver, it was 61.

Tomorrow, our high is 28 (even with a low of 10, it's hardly dangerous, 9News - calm it down) with a 90% chance for snow. Which would be fine, as long as it is accompanied with one of these.

Snow Day
Taken at the Lackey's Thanksgiving Feast
Captured on November 24, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty - five : Holiday Puppuccino

2011-11-29T15:15:00.001-08:00

I'm a crazy person about Starbuck's Caramel Brulee Lattes so when Lora asked me if I wanted to grab a mid-morning pick-up for the office, I happily obliged knowing that my favorite holiday drink was a just a few sips away.

Gordon went with me down to 16th St. and as I was waiting for my drinks to come up, I turned to see him sitting patiently on the patio, staring hard in to the window to see where I was.

As my heart filled with warmth, I thought that good boy deserves a Puppuccino - which he was rewarded with upon our return to the office.

Holiday Puppuccino
Taken at Scream Agency
Captured on November 29, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty - four : Snake Cone

2011-11-28T14:54:00.001-08:00

If you know me, you know that two of my greatest loves involve ice cream and gold. The softer, the better on the first one and the tackier, the better on the latter.

These two loves collided at Steuben's the other night when Andy and I met Karen and Doug for a little Thanksgiving-Eve dinner. Thanks to my new snake diamond encrusted ring (totally real, obv) and a delicious soft-serve cone for dessert - yet another reason Steuben's is my favorite restaurant here in Denver.

Snake Cone
Taken at Steuben's
Captured on November 23, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty-three : Gobble Gobble

2011-11-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Love, HSCOOC

Gobble Gobble (aka something KK made in the third grade that is still present at Pep's table every Thanksgiving)
Taken at Pep's House in LV (thanks, Ma! - even though I couldn't be there, glad this guy still made the cut - but not the carve)
Captured on November 24, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty-three : Captain Andrew

2011-11-23T10:40:00.001-08:00

As we were coming out of Warren Miller the other night, there was the most random little ladder leaning against the wall.

Cousin Andy had his captain hat on. Because why wouldn't he?

The combination of these two things made this photo M2B (meant to be - obv). And it brings me a whole 'lotta joy and so happy that I live out here now and get to hang out with this guy on a regular occasion. #cousinlove

Captain Andrew
Taken in an alley next to the Paramount Theatre in LoDo
Captured on November 18, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty-two : Twinkle Toes

2011-11-22T15:34:00.001-08:00

If I had taken off my shoes and put my toes next to his (beautifully stylish) hooves, we would have matched.

Twinkle Toes
Taken at 16th Street Mall in LoDo
Captured on November 18, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty-one : Warren Miller

2011-11-21T15:04:00.001-08:00

Friday night I went to the Warren Miller experience with cousin Andy.

I had no idea what this was when I was invited but Andy explained to me that it was a ski movie tradition that had been traveling around the U.S. since the 60's. It basically got everyone excited for the upcoming season and was totally Colorado. "Do they have beer?" Yes. I'm in.

This year's film was called "Like There's No Tomorrow" but it certainly made me feel like there was - one that hopefully involves oodles of snow and a number of trips to the Rockies.

See you out there.

Warren Miller
Taken at the Paramount Theatre in LoDo
Captured on November 18, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twenty : Neighborhood

2011-11-18T14:55:00.001-08:00

My whole life I've wanted to live in a neighborhood where I could walk around smiling at people who passed me by (and receive a smile back), stop and talk to the guy who walks his dog at the same time I do, visit the local coffee shop, walk my dog around a city park with the most beautiful hanging trees you've ever seen, wander around looking at the houses that have been standing for 100+ years, watch the leaves turn colors come fall and have the ability to walk, bike or cab to everything I need.

I got all that when I moved to Capitol Hill.

What I didn't expect was the pain of on-street parking (although you should see my parrallel parking skills now), shoes strung over the wire outside of my balcony, and my rent to increase an absurd amount thanks for the demand for such a neighborhood.

But hey, you take the good with the bad. And the good is so worth it.

Neighborhood
Taken in Capitol Hill on Corona St.
Captured on November 2, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Nineteen : Gosling Protest

2011-11-17T14:37:00.001-08:00

I did not take today's photo but it brought so much joy to me today, that I had to use it as my photo of the day.

As some of you may know, Bradley Cooper was selected as People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2011. I, along with thousands of other girls (and boys for that matter), have to disagree with this decision.

Don't get me wrong, Bradley Cooper is one H O T man. But everyone knows this was the year of Gosling - from Blue Valentine to doing the Dirty Dancing lift with Al Roker on The Today Show to Drive to Hey Girl to breaking up NYC street fights....Gosling was every.where. and I had absolutely no complaints.

Per mentioned above, I am not the only one who feels this way. Hence the protest outside of the People Magazine headquarters today in New York that Gosling was not named Sexiest Man Alive.

If only I could have been there. My sign would have read "When was the last time you saw Bradley Cooper at Disneyland?"

Gosling Protest
Taken at People Magazine's headquarters in NYC
Courtesy of BuzzFeed

Shots of Cheese : Eighteen : Katie K. + Lisa G.

2011-11-16T15:19:00.001-08:00

Our annual trip to Disneyland may be our day, but it is also a day that I get to catch up with Lisa Marie Hille.

Lisa and I met in the 7th grade. In band class. And our friendship has stayed as classic as the beginning of that story for the past 16 years.

From (stinky) Koston's to her teaching me how to swallow a pill. From high school crushes to grown-up heartbreak. From Vegas to California. From MxPx to Mega Mix #10 to Cat Power. From truck rides to Indian Jones at Disneyland. From Volcom to the Gap. From the beach to Playboy parties (hey, we grew up in Vegas). From the clarinet to car dancing. From trips to Corpus Cristi to York, PA. From laughing so hard to sobbing tears. From potato requests at the In-N-Out drive thru to Yogurtland in her Honda. From 12 to 28. The best of friends.

I love you, Lisa G. Here's to another 16 years. And forever on top of that.

Katie K. + Lisa G.
Taken at Disneyland
Captured on November 10, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Seventeen : Snowdoodle

2011-11-15T16:25:00.001-08:00

I'm not having the best of days so I'm not going to write much.
All I know is that when I'm feeling down, one thing always makes me feel better - and that thing is Gordon.

Ok, and wine. But wine isn't as cute.

Snowdoodle
Taken on Corona St in Capitol Hill
Captured on November 2, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Sixteen : Garza-Planas

2011-11-14T14:59:00.001-08:00

This past week has been an absolute whirlwind.

Between a flight to California, a trip to Disneyland, a drive to Vegas, a wedding, a spa day and a flight back to Denver - I feel like my feet have barely touched the ground.

The wedding I attended on Saturday was for X and Tony, two of my nearest and dearest in Vegas. X is 1/3 of Benneton, writes an amazing column (X = Why) for the RJ, and you may have seen her work here. Tony is also a reporter at the RJ and together, they are absolutely two of my favorite people in the world.

Their wedding, held at the Historic Fifth Street School in Vegas, definitely stood out among the rest. First, their pastor was absolutely hysterical and totally entertaining. Then came their vows - written by two of the most talented writers I know, and delivered from the heart on top of that - there was not a dry eye in the place.

The theme of their wedding was "Old School" so from everything from the venue to the music to the "roll call" for tables - the entire night was full of love, creativity, fun, beauty (see below!) and lots and lots of dancing.

I cannot thank them enough for inviting me to join in on this truly extraordinary day, one that I will remember forever as one of the greatest weddings I have ever been honored to attend. And I look to watching their marriage grow into what I know will be a beautiful lifetime together. Filled with music by Kanye West, of course.

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Xazmin and Tony. With love.

Garza-Planas
Taken at the Historic Fifth Street School, Las Vegas
Captured on November 12, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Fifteen : Esmeralada

2011-11-12T15:05:00.001-08:00

If you recall, part of the annual tradition of Disneyland is me getting my "fortune" read by Esmeralda.

I did a poor job of portraying her beauty that year, so your photo of today is of my psychic. I mean do you really think Disney would hire her if she wasn't legit?

Here is what she had to say this year:

There is very little that I can tell you, because you are so good (editor's note: I like where this is headed). You have a great gentleness, and pure moral principles, a merciful affection and constant heart, slightly melancholy. Inventive genius of mechanical arts, are independent and have little patience with conventional ways of living. Lover of music, very changeable in opinion. After middle age you will inherit a fortune, which you will have to defend in court.

I predict that you will have great success in life, in general, and very small changes in your daily routine are necessary to bring you to the top of the ladder.

One of your lucky numbers is 4.

Drop another coin in slot and I will tell you more (editor's note: nice try, E. See you next year).

Esmeralda
Taken at Disneyland
Captured on November 10, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Fourteen : Our Day

2011-11-10T22:35:00.001-08:00

Every year since 1990, my mom and I have taken an annual trip to Disneyland. For the majority of the years, the day of this tradition has been one of the happiest of my year(s). There was only that certain age from about 14-17 (when I just hated anything that reeked of joy) when I didn't count down the days to our annual visit.

At age 28, I have grown to appreciate this day not just for an excuse to be 7 again, not just a reason to spend a day outside in Southern California in a tee-shirt and cords in the middle of November and not just a reason to be at the Happiest Place on Earth. I have come to appreciate this day as a true treasure and testament to how lucky I am to have the relationship that I do with my mother.

This year, our tradition stood more true and met more to me than it ever had in the past - which is saying a lot. This year was the first that I lived away from Pep, the first year that I didn't see her twice a week (at the least) - and even though there are states that divide us now, we still talk every day. But nothing can quite compare to our day, spent together, annually, at the Happiest Place on Earth.

I love you, Ma. Thanks for an amazing day. And know that I am already counting down to next year.

Our Day
Taken at Disneyland
Captured on November 10, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Thirteen : Ears

2011-11-09T14:07:00.003-08:00

Guess where I'm headed....

Tomorrow at this time, I'll be at the Happiest Place on Earth.

And I couldn't be more excited.

Ears
Taken at home
Captured on November 9, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twelve : Free Pete's

2011-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today, the best thing happened.

Well, actually - two best things happened. One, Arlene showed me this video of Joseph Gordon Levitt performing R. Kelly's 'Ignition' - you know the one, where it's the freakin' weekend baby and we're just havin' some fun.

Second, well first really, from the joy it brought to my wallet and then to my tummy - my lunch at Illegal Pete's was GIFTED to me.

Sean and I (sadly?) figured out that it must be because we're in there at least twice a week, ordering the same thing (a potato burrito for him, queso and chips for me - and I'll take a chicken taco on the side, just so I don't feel guilty about just ordering cheese for lunch). We always play the trivia, we always say our please and thank yous and we always tip.

This, my friends - is what I call good 'ol fashioned karma. In the form of a (free) taco.

Free Pete's
Taken at Scream Agency after a return trip from Illegal Pete's on 16th St. Mall
Captured on November 8, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Twelve : Holiday Stars

2011-11-07T15:46:00.003-08:00

If you grew up in York, Pennsylvania like I did, you looked forward to the holiday season for many reasons - caroling in Glendale, a white Christmas, the steam whistle playing 'Jingle Bells' and Stauffer's Chocolate Stars.

We may just be past Halloween but the holidays just got a whole lot closer thanks to the arrival of a little care package today from my stepmom.

If you haven't had a chance to try these gems - dark chocolate coated graham cracker stars dusted in white sprinkles - come by my place and we'll get in to the holiday spirit together.

Holiday Stars
Taken at Scream Agency (I got the package at work and could not possibly wait until I got home to open them up!)
Captured on November 7, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Eleven : Sunday Funday

2011-11-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Today around 11:30, Josh, Linz and I strolled in to Jonesy's Eatbar.

We were there for two things: food and bottomless mimosas because nothing gets a Sunday Funday started like a full tummy and a bubbly buzz. Add a game of Taboo at the table while we waiting for our brunch and our party growing from three to five when Bill and Cam to meet us - and you have what Sunday Fundays are made of.

Sunday Funday
Taken at Jonesy's Eatbar
Captured on November 6, 2011

Well the above and then coming back to relax in front of the TV while cheering on the Broncos. And then watching them win, which can be rare. Not rare? Sunday Fundays and for that, I am thankful.

Shots of Cheese : Ten : Let It Snow

2011-11-05T18:13:00.003-07:00

Andy came to pick me up today for some brunch time at Steuben's. After filling ourselves with pancakes and mimosas - we headed the Colorado Ski Expo, where I purchased my first Colorado ski pass.

Let it Snow

Taken at the Colorado Convention Center, Ski Expo

Captured on November 5, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Nine : Martina Navratilova

2011-11-04T14:31:00.003-07:00

Last year at this time, my blood, sweat and tears were getting poured in to a little event called the Ethel M Cactus Lighting (or Katie's Crazy Cactus).

This year at this time, my blood, sweat and tears have been poured in to a little event called the Annual Women's Luncheon by The Women's Foundation of Colorado. It's the largest Luncheon in the state - and this year, the keynote speaker was only one of the best tennis players in the world - Martina Navratilova.

I'm surprised I could spell her name correctly, I'm so sleep deprived. Then again, I've typed it about a thousand times in the past few months so I bet I could do it with my eyes closed.

The Luncheon is almost exactly like the Cactus Lighting - just take all the chocolate and replace it with estrogen. It's a lot of writing, a lot of pitching, a lot of feeling like you need a drink at inappropriate times of the day, a lot of media - and ultimately, very rewarding.

Martina's speech was incredibly inspiring. I am not sure if you would ever have the opportunity to hear her speak but if you do, I highly suggest stopping in for some motivation. And if that doesn't happen, try to live by the words that the WFCO does: Think Big. Be Bold. Stay Focused. And Accomplish More.

How's that for some girl power?

Shots of Cheese : Eight : Music Night

2011-11-03T15:45:00.001-07:00

You know those nights when you walk in to a bar or restaurant and you see a stage getting set-up and you know that it could either make or break your night?

Last night was one of those nights. GB and I went to get some seafood last night in the Highlands. We see the space being set up, and I'm sure the thing the both of us thought immediately was whether or not they would need a harmonica player to join in.

We take a seat at the bar, order a plethora of seafood - and some NZ Souv Blanc for yours truly - and ask who is playing tonight. The bartender starts going on and on about how amazing these guys are. In fact, he tells us, two of them are leaving tonight to go meet Bono to tour with him. If you know me, you know that those four letters hardly act as a selling point. If anything, it made me nervous to know that Bono loved them. Then again, I suppose that's how the Killers got their start so....

Well, kids, Bono may have awful taste in sunglasses, hair styles and attitude in general - but apparently, he knows how to recognize talented musicians because these guys were
A M A Z I N G.

Music Night
Photographed at Highland Pacific
Captured on November 2, 2011

They played everything from reggae to blues to pop and did it all in their own style, with the ability to have me want to get out of my chair and dance the night away.

But I didn't, instead I drank wine and tapped my foot. And took it all in. And wondered how well I could play the tambourine along with Tori Pater and Friends. And maybe, just maybe, hated Bono a little less by the time we left.

Shots of Cheese : Seven : Come Together

2011-11-02T12:58:00.003-07:00

Every day on my bike ride home, I ride up 14th in LoDo.

Every day on my bike ride home, this makes me smile.

Come Together
Photographed at 14th and Curtis in Downtown Denver
Captured October 31, 2011

Shots of Cheese : Six : Tebowing

2011-11-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

Speaking of Michael Granquist, he had me in stitches the other night when he pulled out this move.

Tebowing
Photographed at the Allen's Halloween Party
Captured on October 29, 2011

For those of you not familiar - Tebowing is the new Planking and is defined as: (vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

See here.

You see, it's all the rage. Especially here in Denver where we are home to Tim Tebow. Although most of us wouldn't admit that after Sunday's slaying.

Shots of Cheese : Five : Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to a Halloween party held at the Allen's - Linz's cousins. My original plan was to dress as a ballerina this year - for the Ballerina Comeback of 2011 and all - but the ballerinas made such a comeback that even I was over it come October. Then again, I was dressed as a ballerina for the majority of January 2011.

So I was an Indian. It was warm, and I got to wear a feather in my hair without committing myself to a trend that has been stale for the past year.

I can tell that Michael Granquist took this photo because I think this is how I look at Michael 99% of the time - out of love, of course.

Happy Halloween
Photographed at the Allen's in Conifer, CO
Captured on October 29, 2011

Shots of Cheese: Four : Pumpkin Mummy

2011-10-30T19:48:00.002-07:00

I look forward to Halloween every year for multiple reasons.

1. I love candy.

2. I love any reason to get dressed up.

3. Pumpkin carving.

Unfortunately, as much as I love my new apartment - it doesn't give me a ton of room to do something like gut and carve a pumpkin. So this year, I went for the un-carved approach.

The result:

Pumpkin Mummy
Photographed October 30, 2011
Captured at home

Shots of Cheese : Three : Sloan's Snow-Capped View

2011-10-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

This morning - OK, afternoon - I took Gordon for a walk around Sloan's Lake. As I'm sure you know, it snowed masivally - ok, some, on Wednesday here in Denver.

The result = snow-capped Rockies surrounded by fall colors.

Sloan's Snow-Capped View
Photographed October 29, 2011
Captured at Sloan's Lake

Shots of Cheese: Two: Ms. Pacman

2011-10-28T14:34:00.002-07:00

This has got to draw up some nostalgia for some of you, or at least get you in the Halloween spirit. I, personally, was a crazy Pacman player as a whippersnapper so I was G A M E to volunteer to wear the suit for the Scream Scram.

The Scream Scram is a 5k run/walk (if you're in a Pacman suit) that Lora (owner of Scream) started 12 years ago to benefit MS - now goes to Boys and Girls Club who actually run it now, but Scream still adds the creative touch and we are therefore, still heavily involved and supportive (of course).

We wanted to go with the art designed for this year's race so we went as Ms. Pacman and the ghosts. Here is the outcome:

Ms. Pacman and Co.
Photographed on October 21
Captured at the 12th Annual Scream Scram at Wash Park

30 Shots of Cheese : One : Fall Wonderland

2011-10-27T15:02:00.002-07:00

No, I am not talking about Patrón shots (for once). Or actual shots of Cheddar. Although I wouldn't put it past me.

I am talking about my new challenge. A photo a day for 30 days, inspired by my friend Tiffanie's blog and my lack of challenging myself here on HSCOOC since Pieces of Cheese - which was a year ago!

Plus, I miss you guys. Plus, my photogenic eye has been feeling rather inspired lately. And the next month includes a lot of good old fashioned fun - I mean in one week alone I've got a wedding and Disneyland. My heart is smiling just thinking about it.

Enough reasons there? Good. Well then, I give you....

FALL WONDERLAND.

Photographed on October 26 - the first day of snow here in the Denver metro area.
Captured at Cheesman Park at dusk.

Kids.

2011-10-20T14:19:00.001-07:00

mrs. +more

2011-10-18T15:27:00.003-07:00

About a month ago, my +more called me with some news. It's the kind of news that I will always remember where I was when I heard it (walking Gordon, on a Sunday morning during a return trip from Dazbog, down Downing St.). It's the kind of news that as a best friend, you wait for your girlfriend to share with you - even if you two have been guessing when it said news was going to come for months. It's the kind of news that changes a girl's life for eternity, and if you're lucky enough (as Lauren is) - that change is for the better. It's the kind of news that puts a ring on that left finger.

It's the kind of news that makes your girlfriend scream over the phone, while walking down the street..."YOU'RE ENGAGED?!?!?!? YAAAAYAYYYYYY!!!!!!"

So if you haven't heard yet - and couldn't hear that scream all the way from Denver - you have now. Ms. Lauren Bruner is engaged to Mr. Scott Robydek and they are to be wed in the year 2012.

I could not be happier for the two of them. I've had a few family members ask, "Well, do you like the guy?" and I could not be more honest when saying that yes, I love him - Scott is one of the nicest people on the planet and I believe that he will make my +more a very happy woman for the rest of her life.

Lo was out here the weekend before this past one, partly so I could see her ring - partly to talk wedding - and partly to eat and drink a Friday - Sunday away. We did all of the above, sometimes in combination with another - i.e. looking at her ring while toasting blood orange mimosas in celebration, eating while discussing the possibility of venues.

I am truly honored to be a part of her big day - there is a lot of planning to get done, a lot of champagne to be drank and a whole lotta love to look forward to.

Congratulations, Lauren and Scott - from the bottom of my heart - CHEERS!

The Head and the Heart

2011-10-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Head and the Heart were the soundtrack to my summer. I had their self-titled in constant rotation from the beach to Vegas to the mountains - in fact, I cannot tell you how many times I listened to 'Down in the Valley' in the month of June. So when I found out they were performing at The Gothic on October 10 - that date immediately had hearts drawn around it in my moleskin datebook.

I have the tendency to set my expectations too high - this stands true to movies to boys to a few fallen friends to concerts (think Britney's return circa 2009). The Head and the Heart did not disappoint though - in fact, I would go as far to say that they exceeded expectations. That's right - exceeded expectations.

They harmonize in the most heavenly way. And luckily, Kristen and I met Andy and Angela there who totally scored the perfect spot - about third standing row in, with just enough room to sway and close enough to see that yes, they really are that good looking. And Charity (the girl in the group) was so adorably shy every time she was put on the spot to carry the song, that I wanted to just put her in my pocket and promise that she could just sing to me from there forever. Safe keeping and all.

Also, it's rare that I get there for the opening band - mostly just out of typical lateness - however, my new friend Sean, who's music taste I trust 100% got so excited when my response to him asking who was opening was "Umm - Thao and The Get Down - " he jumped in here, "Thao and The Get Down, Stay Down!???" NOOOO! Yes. He promised I would love her/them and so I made sure we arrived by 9 to catch them and wow so glad we did. I have a feeling that if HATH was summer - Thao and her-most-fun-name-for-a-band-ever will be fall.

And don't even get me started on the tambourines. OH THE TAMBOURINES. Just in case I wasn't sold on quitting my job, packing up Gordon in the Fiat (a girl can dream) and hitting the road as a tambourine girl - well, the HATH and Thao sold me on making that dream a reality last night.

So HATH, I hope it's not Rivers and Roads until I reach you again. See you on the road. With my tambourine.

Steve Jobs, 1955 - FOREVER

2011-10-07T09:39:00.002-07:00

As the girl who bought the first iPhone like a total sucker for $650.

As the girl who believes that Apple makes the sexiest products on the planet.

As the girl who types this on her mac, listening to her iPod.

As the girl who has this blog name engraved in to the back of her iPad.

My heart broke on Wednesday.

R.I.P., Steve. And thank you. The world is truly a better place because of who you were and what you created.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”

Fall Foliage

2011-10-04T15:34:00.004-07:00

Sunday afternoon, Gord and I took a drive up to Pine, for a little doggie playtime and a little mommy mimosa time.

As we were taking the (long) drive up 285, I can't believe we didn't crash. You see, I've never really lived anywhere to witness the change of the seasons. Sure, I grew up in the Maryland and Pennsylvania area but when I was 7, I think I was way more concerned with jumping in to the leave pile than appreciating the true beauty of them being on the tree before the fall.

Eventually, I pulled over - for Gordon's safety - to take some photos (filter free) to share with you here because you should see this.

If time (and weather) abides, I would love to get up to Rocky National Park or Aspen, to lie on my back and take in all the colors.

And yes, then jump in to a giant pile of leaves.

Happy fall, my babies.

Good Vibrations

2011-09-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know how much more Americana you get then The Beach Boys.

Yes. I may be biased. If you know Carl Knoch, my father, you can understand why. The Beach Boys were my very first concert at Merriweather Pavillions in Columbia, MD. I was 5-years-old and enjoyed the view from my father's shoulders.

Another....my dad, obviously, a huge Beach Boys fan - wouldn't allow us to listen to the Beach Boys on our way to Stone Harbor for the annual Knoch family beach trip - until we could smell the ocean. I remember every year, rolling down the window, sniffing as hard as Gordon - trying to get just one whiff of saltwater in the air so I could tell him, "Dad, it's time."

More? Ok. Depends on who you ask - but my dad and I are convinced that my first official word was Ba-Ba-Ba because of Barbara Ann - you know, the one to take your hand who's got you rockin' and rollin' who made you take a chance when you were lookin' for romance.

Last one. I promise. 'God Only Knows' has been on every single love mix c.d./playlist I've ever made a boyfriend. Did you date me? Then you know it's true. It's one of the greatest love songs ever written (next to 'Escape' - the Pina Colada song) - that and 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' - which, wouldn't you know it - is another song by the Beach Boys.

Obviously - these boys from California have been a huge influence on my life, so you can understand my excitement when I found out that they were performing at Colorado Remembers - a free concert on the 10th Anniversary of September 11th at Civic Center Park (five blocks from my place). I immediately shared on Facebook (I know, shocking) that I was so excited to re-live my first concert at age 28. My new friend, Jennie, responded with a "we're so going!"

Leading up to this date - I watched a ton of September 11th specials. The 'Dateline' with Tom Brokaw - tears - so many tears. We all spent the weekend talking about where we were, who we were with and how we couldn't believe that it had been ten years. By the time the actual date of September 11th rolled around on Sunday - I was ready for a celebration of life. Thankfully, this celebration happened to be led by the Beach Boys.

Jennie and I danced our butts off to Sloop John B, Be True To Your School, Help Me Rhonda, Surfin' USA, I Get Around, Kokomo and, of course, Good Vibrations. And thanks to Mike Love and co. - we were, indeed, feelin' those Good Vibrations on a day that certainly needed a little California sunshine.

Drive.

2011-09-19T14:33:00.002-07:00

My undying love for Ryan Gosling is no secret but even I have to admit when I saw the trailer for 'Drive' I was like 'Hmm - fast and furious?' but at the same time - I knew that my boy does not sign on to a bad movie.

Fast forward to this past week as the buzz started to build around 'Drive.' 97% on Rotten Tomatoes as of Friday. Rave reviews from my most respected film critics. And then EW listed it as their #1 MUST for the week.

SOLD.

So last night, I met Andy and Angela for dinner at (the newly remodeled) City o City before seeing catching a 7:20 showing of what I will now list as one of my favorite movies.

The entire movie was totally unexpected. Violent at times. Intense. Gosling, even with limited lines, does not disappoint. And in case me telling you to go or the fact that it stars the hottest man alive isn't enough to get you to go - then the soundtrack should. 80's electronica heaven. Preview here.

You can thank me later.

Beers and Bikes: Tour de Fat 2011

2011-09-12T15:16:00.001-07:00

Part of moving to Colorado requires one saying goodbye to her love of Michelob Ultra and hello to a better beer drinking future. I chose to adopt New Belgium as my favorite CO brewery after tasting Mothership Wit for the first time on our camping trip back in June. If you know me, you know that I have the tendency to become very, very loyal to brands (i.e. their dream consumer). For example, 1995 - 2005 I wore all Volcom, all the time - which has now been replaced with all H&M, all the time. Toms on my feet. I've got six pairs (three with holes now in the upper left toe which makes me feel like a hobo and causes me to question said loyalty but I digress...). And since moving to CO and discovering another requirement - that of the Nalgene bottle - I now own three and have a forth picked out as soon as they launch their translucent line next week.

As part of adopting New Belgium as my brand for beer, I made sure I was not going to miss their annual bike parade party for the people aka: Tour de Fat.

Tour de Fat is an annual tour put on by New Belgium that travels across 13 cities with the mission of connecting people with bikes, beer and community. And that they did here in Denver on Saturday. With the best of New Belgium beers priced at 1 per token and tokens only costing a 5 spot a piece, it's no wonder $50,000 was raised to benefit Bike Denver. We also were incredibly Denver in the fact that we were at 93% sustainable thanks to New Belgium's Composting Offices and, well, us being Denver.

Josh, Linz and I had to get creative with our bike lock-up when we arrived to City Park where the event was taking place. See here. That's three bikes on one U-lock.

Kristen and Jake (recently back from their summer in Alaska....YAY!) joined us, as well and overall it was an afternoon full of people watching, costume commenting, games, beer and biking. They had Rideable ARTifcats where you could ride these crazy bikes with shoes as wheels or wheels of wheels. The boys played Toss the Tire and this girl even got herself a tour tee-shirt which she hasn't done since Britney back in 2000.

We had so much fun we had no choice but to recover by picking up Popeye's Chicken on the way back to my place - making it the first, and possibly not the last, time I ever had fried chicken in my basket.

We've already all made the pact to get up nice and early for Tour de Fat 2012 and I'm pretty sure Josh is going to start sewing our costumes together next week.

I mean - honestly, what is better than an afternoon filled with the above? Love live the tour!

Q-U-E-E-N-O!

2011-09-07T15:17:00.008-07:00

I attended Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary's last night with my friends Taylor and Tommy. Prior to last week and seeing Taylor tag himself at said Bingo, I had no idea that something so genius existed, otherwise, we all know if would have made the Discovering Denver post.

Hosted by Empresses' Jackie Summers and Brittany Michaels - this is not your grandmother's Bingo. The ladies will call you out for just about anything, their language will make you blush and the shapes you have to get marked on your Bingo card - well let's just say they're not your traditional hard ways.

As I'm drinking my glass of wine, thinking about how my stomach hurts just from laughing so hard and likely those free coconut shots the ladies brought around last round - this girl goes ahead and gets B-I-N-G-O.

Yup, that's right - first time with the Queens is a charm, my babies, and this blondie has $15 to blow at Hamburger Mary's.

So if you're looking for me on a Tuesday around 9 p.m. - look no further than 17th and Pearl. I'll be the one with the boa on...oh wait...well, ok, I'll be the one in flats.

SSFDenver

2011-08-30T15:28:00.004-07:00

Hey, Denver - could you feel the ground shake a little bit last week? Yeah that was from Eener and I shakin' it to Watch the Throne. Could you hear the giggles coming from Apartment 17 in Capitol Hill? Yeah that was Eener and I dying over the latest episode of The Soup. And could you hear my heart break Sunday around 6 when I had to return Eener to the airport so she could get back to Vegas and being a mommy to Max?

It was a great weekend - full of eating, drinking, laughing and catching up as two girlfriends who haven't had one-on-one time in months usually do. We took it easy with Gordon - had brunch filled with mimosas and Bloody Mary's - visited Morrison - and caught a Rockies game. All in less than 48 hours.

Leaving Vegas was easy in lots of ways - but it was hard in a lot of ways, too - and Eener, you were one of those hard ways. Thank you so much for taking your first "Mommy-Free" weekend to come and visit your Knochers.

I miss you already.

Discovering Denver #32: AQUA GOLF!

2011-08-25T11:13:00.004-07:00

Much to my (pleasent) surprise, I was told by my date on Monday that we would be heading to Aqua Golf for our Tuesday night outing. You mean the place where the driving range is located over a giant lake and you just hit balls in to the water?!? Once he confirmed, that yes, that was indeed the idea of Aqua Golf - I think my response was something along the lines of....

SO. EXCITED.

I'd been to a driving range once before - and I'm pretty sure that once before was some time in high school. Now my put-put skills are pretty much on lock but um actual golfing skills - eh, not so much.

As my date was trying to show me that there was a tab bit more to golf than just swinging at the ball and trying to hit it as far as possible - I started to think that Old Fashioned (or two) I'd had over dinner may have not been the best idea. I could not remember to not swing my arms or my hips, letting my upper body do the work all while keeping my left foot firmly on the ground.

Luckily, I had a very patient teacher and eventually - about 100 balls and likely 132 swings in (I may have missed the mark a few times)- I got the hang of it**.

*Kind of. *And am still so incredibly sore two days later.

Watch out, Tiger. Or maybe this means I can finally play in JT's Shriners Open. Hey, a girl can dream.

Discovering Denver #25: Brunch at Jonesy's

2011-08-23T10:09:00.002-07:00

Every once in awhile, I have to go back to either my 100 post or my Discovering Denver post and most of the time - I realize that I have since completed something on the list that I can now cross off and share with you.

Since my last visit - I've realized that thanks to my shiny new dating life - I've not only done one thing on my Discovering Denver list but I am going to be able to mark off another come tonight.

I had brunch at Jonesy's a few weekends back. I had the French Toast that is served with maple syrup (dad would be proud) and vanilla bean whipped cream (which I would have eaten as an entire plate itself). Unfortunately, I was heading up to Pine that afternoon so I was unable to take advantage of the bottomless mimosa offer but the coffee was superb. As was the company. So overall - Jonesy's gets a five-star rating from me and I am sure it won't be long until I return.

Afterall - I've got to get back for those bottomless mimosas.

Denver Cruiser Ride

2011-08-18T15:15:00.005-07:00

Last night was my first experience of the Denver Cruiser Ride. And let me tell you, it will not be my last.

Even before I moved here, I had heard about this gathering of bike riders every Wednesday night throughout the summer in Denver. From what I gathered, it was some kind of bar crawl with a route map that people followed and each week had a theme. So I thought it would just be some kind of fun community get-together that got people out and active and drunk in the middle of the week. Well I am here to say - it is much, much more than that.

I had marked my calendar months ago for the Circus themed week, knowing that it would be a carnival of sorts and seemed much more me than the Rave theme that is next week. There are three start bars to choose from - Linzi and I picked the Skylark which is about a 3 mile ride from my house. We were slightly afraid that we were going to pass it but as we pulled up on our bikes - we quickly realized there was no way in hell that could ever happen. Hundreds of people, along with hundreds of bikes, were out front of the bar and I'd say 50% of them were in some kind of circus getup.

Pumped and ready - I went to pull my i.d. out of my fanny pack (some things never change and/or go out of style, my babies) and realized that I LEFT IT AT HOME. 3 MILES AWAY. In typical Linz and Kate style - we decide not to bike back but instead call a cab, have him run us back to my place, grab my i.d. and get a ride back in time to ride with everyone to the second stop of the evening. Well, (our) luck would have it and by the time the cab got us back to Skylark - the masses had departed. Making lemons in to lemonade - or rather jager into jagerbombs - we took this opportunity to take advantage of the empty bar and drink in peace before biking the 3 miles to the next stop.

By the time Linzi and I arrived to the C.O.D. (Circle of Death) in Civic Center Park - a crowd of oh, I'd say 3,000 (not an exaggeration) had gathered. I am being totally serious when I tell you that I have never quite see anything like it in my life. There were guys dressed as clowns, people half-naked running around with balloons tied to them, girls in spandex and then a giant circle of people just riding bikes around - I am sure - intoxicated (hence the C.O.D.). There were unicycles and carts and lit-up bikes and the best people watching experience you can imagine.

If you think your city has a bike scene - I challenge you to come experience a summer Wednesday night in Denver. This city made me proud last night - while also, blowing my mind.

I cannot believe that this has been happening five blocks from my house for the entire summer and I had no idea. It is truly, truly something to see. I've checked the theme schedule for the remainder of the season (rides happen through September 28th) and you can bet your front wheel that we will be back.

PINteresting

2011-08-12T14:35:00.004-07:00

The inspiration continues....

Anne sent me an invite yesterday to a new(ish) site called Pinterest and I am just giddy over pinning things now. Basically, you create mood boards of things you like. You can create as many boards as you wish in different categories and pin as many items on the internet as your little heart can desire!!

I played around with it for a bit today and am just getting started on my boards but you should check it out! And make boards - I promise to like and share your pins...build away!

Find me here.....http://pinterest.com/knochers/

Writer's Block

2011-08-10T14:51:00.006-07:00

Well hey there, my babies! My apologies for being absent from the blogosphere for a few weeks now. I've been suffering from something they call writer's block - luckily though, I have not been suffering from life block.

As summer has progressed, so have the experiences, friendships, travels and memories. I took a little trip back to the Home Sweet Neon for Pep's 60th birthday, I traveled to Salt Lake City for the Summer Outdoor Retailer show where I got to spend a few hours with Miss Ann Westlake (Ann, how in the world did we not take one single photo together?!), I was involved in a hit-and-run car accident, I met Sebastian Evan (pictured below!), I threw a Meet and Greet at my apartment complex where I encouraged my neighbors to come down and enjoy a cold one with me and my curly dog, I finished up another season of Waka Kickball, I caught up with friends, I visited SK+G, I went to see Fleet Foxes at the Filmore, I house-sat up at the Wicklers while they went to visit the Schumachers up in Oregon, I went to WaterWorld with Andy - where we were two cousins, at age 28, acting like a bunch of 8-year-olds running around a water park on a Saturday morning, I crashed my bike, I got my car registered in Colorado (so official!), I ate empanadas for the first time, I watched thunderstorms, and today brings my first trip to Colorado's Ikea with Anne.

So, you see, it's not that I've been lacking in life - it's just that looking back on my last few posts I felt like this blog had become very "This is what we did and here are some photos." What kind of creative writing is that? Not that I don't love sharing all experiences with you guys - it's just this blog is not to recap my life - it's to be an experience all on it's own.

I've been reading a lot lately - trying to get some inspiration through others. So as I work that out, I've put together this little recommended reading list for you - and I'll even throw in some pictures so you know this isn't some kind of an impostor but just a girl getting wrapped up in life.

Read:
Freedom by Jonathan Frazen
This article from the New Yorker
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
This new column from Benneton's very own Xazmin Garza
About Ryan Gosling from Esquire
Any current copy of Entertainment Weekly

Look:

+ Mores in CO

2011-07-13T15:18:00.013-07:00

Over the 4th of July, I was not just celebrating the Independence of America but also, the arrival of my +more.

Wait...have I ever explained the whole +more thing to you guys? Because if not, you're probably WTF'ing right now. A couple years back (2 maybe?), Lauren and I were shopping at Patty's Closet in Vegas. There was a man there, who seemed a little light in his loafers but was certainly following Lauren around the store as if that wasn't the case - but I digress. We tend to get the sister question a lot. Gee, I have no idea why.

So, the man, who was an employee of Patty's Closet, asked us if we were sisters. Lauren answered that no, we were just best friends and I felt the need to chime in "and more!" - because, apparently, I just didn't feel that the term BEST FRIENDS really captured us and what we have. It still doesn't. You know what does though? +more.

Moving on.....+more came in on a Friday night and in our typical style, we decided to scratch going out for a drink and just pick up a (Sexy!) pizza, enjoy some wine, exchange some gifts and spend the next 3 hours catching up as if we don't talk on the phone 6 times a week.

Saturday brought Dazbog and bagels in the Cheesman with Gordon, followed by meeting Andy for lunch at Parisi in the Highlands. Yes, we like to eat, OK? It's like our thing.

We then headed to DAM to check out their newest exhibit - Marvelous Mud. And you know what was truly marvelous about this particular trip? It was FREE. Yeah, thanks to my shiny new Colorado license, we were officially residents and got to roam the museum for free. Which was especially good since we got there at 4:15 and the museum closed at 5 (really DAM, on a Saturday?!).

Saturday night brought more eating - this time at City O City, a vegetarian restaurant in my neighborhood that makes the best Moscow Mule in the city. Then bars bars and more bars and stump stump stump

We, appropriately, coined it 'redneck golf' as you basically take turns hammering a nail in to a tree stump - this quickly became Lauren's favorite discovery of the trip. ...Before sleep sleep and then eat eat (yum Steuben's for breakfast) before heading to Morrison for a little...oh, what's that.....DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER ACTION?

Oh yes, my friends, that is not Sasquatch much to man's belief, but Dog himself. In the flesh. At the Morrison Inn.

I know, we couldn't believe it either so we had no choice but to burn off some of our excitement by a few games of good 'ol Big Buck Hunter. Which, as you know, and is evident below, we take very very seriously.

We stayed up in Pine that night where Michael, Lauren and I took Linzi and Josh for everything they had (or just their pride for that night) in an intense (or just really fun) game of Cranium (and of course) - SHOTSKIS!

Monday brought grill time followed by a last hurrah dinner and a movie for +mores.

As always, having a piece of home in my new home made this for a highlighted weekend of the summer.

Love you +more! Can't wait for our next reunion (3 weeks!).

Discovering Denver #9: Camp Anywhere and Everywhere

2011-07-08T14:31:00.009-07:00

Ok so I haven't quite gotten to the "everywhere" part of this one but I did go camping in Colorado two weeks ago. Alongside my partners in crime, I headed to Geneva campgrounds at 9,800 feet. I was warned to bring warm clothes. And lots of beer.

After loading up the four-wheelers in Evergreen, we took the trip up and over the mountains. As we kept driving, I couldn't help but think "You're not in Vegas anymore" - snow on the side of the roads in late June? Trees and greenery for as far as the eye could see? I took it all in and then pitched my tent. Well, Michael pitched my tent - but I was there to assist!

We spent the day hiking around, drinking those beers and chasing the dogs down. I rode a four-wheeler for the first time in my life and was loving it! I, of course, preferred the one that drove more like a car but that was only because I felt more comfortable there putting the petal to the metal.

Hiking through the back forest and watching the sunset through the trees was honestly one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.

There was something incredibly refreshing about being totally disconnected from the world for two days. No Facebook, no blog, no cell service. Just good friends, breathing taking views, cold beers and lots of dogs.

Temperatures dropped at night but it wasn't unbearable...between a few layers and some s'mores - we made out A.O.K.

We were woken up early by the sun and spent a few hours enjoying the fresh air before heading back to civilization. Not before, of course, I drove my car up on to a tree stump**.

#typical.

**special thanks to Josh and Michael for, once again, saving my ass and getting me off that tree stump thanks to a jack, neutral and some manpower.

Knoch Family Reunion 2011

2011-07-06T12:39:00.011-07:00

You all remember the Reunion of 2009 - right? The one where I ended up on a chairlift horizontal? Good times.

Well, I am proud to say that we Knochs survived a family reunion, this time beach side, with absolutely no injuries! We all gathered in North Myrtle Beach, SC from June 11 - the 18th for a little fun in the sun.

It was the epitome of a vacation - I only set my alarm one day and that was to see the sunrise over the Atlantic (which turns out, was slightly off of the horizon but beautiful nonetheless)...

I read and listened to music, I sipped on cocktails with good people and great conversation and I ate ice cream almost every night. What more could a girl ask for?

Oh, that's right....a bed. Which I eventually got but only after dealing with the pullout for the first few nights. You see, as the single one in the family and the youngest - I am consistently cast away to the pullout. Katie doesn't need any privacy - she's single and young! I knew this was coming - so I had actually drafted and sent a letter to my family, calling this the "Pullout Free Vacation for Katie of 2011!" I even told this entire story to a man I met on the plane - I felt like he would understand my pain, being in the same boat as I as the single, young one in the family. I broke it down for him - told him I was standing up for myself and there would be no pullouts in my future, I had had enough. After my speech? He turned to me and said "Oh, you're F'ED."

Well, come to find out - he was right. Apparently, nobody was buying it.

Now, I do have to give credit where credit is due...Andrea and Seth did offer to squeeze their bodies in to whatever bed is the size between a twin and a full - and share a room with me. Now, what kind of fun does that sound like for anyone? NO FUN. Then we are just all miserable - it's fine, I'll take the pullout. Now, it's rare that I get heated but at this point, I was so incredibly pissed off that I literally had to take a walk, cool myself down and decide that this was absolutely no reason to ruin an entire week at the beach with your family. Even if they do make you sleep on a pullout.

And you know what? It ended up being a fantastic week. My family may be small - but we are all so close. Everyone took turns cooking dinner every night, we played a lot of Bocce Ball on the beach, poked fun at each other, ate pancakes, clinked glasses in celebration and even caught a movie while we were there (Super 8!).

So until next time, Knochs, here is to a great week of catching up, filled with laughter and memories. And alcohol - and, of course, photos. I love you all.

Super (2)8

2011-06-30T14:19:00.004-07:00

**more photos to come**

Michael Granquist told me on the eve of my 28th birthday that a woman once told him that 28 was a magical year. We're only a few weeks in at this point but I can tell you, it feels pretty damn magical already.

This was my first year celebrating my birthday outside of Las Vegas. It certainly had a different feel without Pep, my girls, my piece of Pie, my dance downtown and tastes of sangria and tapas on my tongue. But I am all about embracing the change in 2011 so we headed up to the mountains to kick off the birthday weekend celebration.

Timing worked out perfectly as I had my first media event at the Sky Hotel in Aspen. Come 4:45 a.m., I was rising and shining for the drive from Denver to Aspen. Lora (my boss at Scream), Gordon (dogs are welcome at all Kimpton properties and Aspen is consistently voted one of the most dog friendly towns!) and I arrived to The Sky just in time for yoga on the deck at 39 Degrees, immediately followed by a meeting, followed by a shower, followed by the media tasting. After working with the media in Vegas for five years, it's really refreshing to be around a more laid-back mountain media group. We enjoyed food and cocktails and S'MORES table side and wrapped up around 4 - just in time for the Wicklers to arrive.

Now that the job was done, we were able to relax pool side with a few cocktails with Lora and her family. And, of course, we took full advantage of Kimpton's hosted wine hour with their summer sangria offerings. Mmm. After a walk with Gordon around the streets of Aspen and a quick dinner in the room - we put on our animal print robes and headed for the jacuzzi. We greeted Michael on our way out, who made it up just in time for the evening activities. 39 Degrees was recently named one of the top ten places to bar hop in the world by USA Today and after experiencing it - I know why. It's a beautiful property (and I am not just saying this because they are my client) - there is something about sitting in jacuzzi at night or lying by the pool during the day and seeing the peaks of Aspen in the backdrop. Apres ski destination, indeed. I can't wait to go back in December.

Like most things in the ski town, the jacuzzi shut down around 10. At this point, I was totally wiped but it is my birthday weekend and it was time to rally. After a quick change in the room, we begin to wander around town - looking for a bar or three to stop in. We run in to this group of bachelors who suggest we check out The Red Onion, the oldest bar in Aspen. From the moment we walk in the door, I am happy that we did. It's got a great vibe inside and you can feel the history oozing off the walls - plus there is a cute guy parked at the bar. Before I know it, we're 3 jagerbombs deep (I said we needed to rally, didn't I?) and Josh and I have made best friends with cute guy at the bar. And yes, cute guy at the bar does have a name...Anton and he is the essential Aspenite, the guy hasn't lived a summer in five years - the moment the end of June rolls around, he is off to Chile to run a cat skiing company with his father. During the hours we spent talking to Anton (and the hours I've spent since talking to Anton) - I developed a major crush on this guy and meeting him was the perfect way to kick-off what is predicted to be a magical year.

Back at the Sky the next morning, we immediately requested a late check-out and spent the day lounging poolside with the Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar nearby. Come 3 p.m., we headed back down the mountain - Independence Pass to be exact which was by far, the prettiest drive I've ever made in my life - and just like that, we were back in Denver for night two. Aspen had pretty much sucked the life out of us so we took it easy with drinks and dinner at Tavern Uptown.

On the actual glorious day that is June 7, I actually...wait for it...wait for it...worked for the first time in my life on my birthday. AND IT WAS HORRIFIC. Ok, that's a little dramatic...the girls at Scream surprised me with a chocolaty muffin that would only be justified eating for breakfast on your birthday and I received a beautiful bouquet from Brian that put a smile on my face and fresh floral scents in my nose for the rest of the week. I then got home to the surprise of having my apartment decked out in birthday decor courtesy of The Wicklers (they really are too good to me) - Kristen met us over there for a champagne toast before we headed to dinner at Shells and Sauce.

Then Linz and I were left to do what we do best....drink. We stumbled up and down 13th, stopping in different bars for drinks before finally ordering a (very large) slice of pizza for the walk home.

So it certainly was not Fremont Street followed by a pool session at the Golden Nugget - but it was my first mountain birthday and the perfect way to kick off Super 28.

I look forward to sharing the magic with you all.

Living Moo(m)

2011-06-23T13:58:00.004-07:00

A few months ago, I stayed at a the Hotel Monaco in LoDo, and fell in love with their faux-fur cow throw. Feeling inspired, I thought "wouldn't it be cool to have a cow chair?!" I have Pep's chair from 1974 which, at the time, was a green velvet that I had covered with a brown chair cover in Vegas, and I just dreamed up covering it in a cow print. Upon announcing this idea to Mr. Wickler, he exclaimed, "I could do that for you."

Now, if you know Josh, you know these words come out of his mouth quite often as he is a man of generosity, many talents and flat-out likes "projects". Come to find out, he used to reupholster furniture at a little shop in Denver so the man has this skill.

Little did I know, that it would turn out even better than I ever could have dreamed. Especially seeing as how he picked it up the day of my 28th birthday and returned it to me last night. It completes my living room, it is a total statement piece and I have already said that I am going to be that guy with his chair in a relationship - you know, the kind that won't give up the chair, it's got to make every move because it's my chair.

I've asked Josh to be a guest blog about his creation of my new favorite thing so look for that in the coming weeks. And his Etsy site and as long as we're going there, his show on HGTV because COME ON....look at this beaut.

Summer Slip-Ons (with a cause)

2011-06-09T15:00:00.004-07:00

I've been a huge fan of TOMS since PY gave me my first pair five years ago. Not only are they stylish but also the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. And more importantly, every time I press purchase, I know that I'm also putting a pair on a kid somewhere who has probably never even had a pair of shoes before.

So that is how I justify this problem. I recently ordered my sixth pair. It was the day they sent out their summer line announcement email and within 8 minutes, I had a new pair on the way. That's what we call #SUCKER.

But - seriously - how could I resist? I'd been dying for a pair of yellow TOMS for years now - and with the classic boat style reminding me of Carl Knoch...they just had to be mine.

They scream summer. Oh, the places we will go this summer, new TOMS. Starting with South Carolina this weekend for the Knoch Family Reunion.

#goodtimestocome

Gordie! You're 3!

2011-06-06T16:12:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it's been 3 years since I picked up my little fur ball that was (and still is) you, Gordon.

We've been through a lot this past year - from Hats on a Doodle to moving to Denver together in a jeep with your Aunt Linzi to your first day at work to your first drink to exploring Aspen together this past weekend. You continue to be my number one companion and I am so happy that we live in a place where that is accepted.

Even though you still have a nasty habit of eating things you're not supposed to - you are my pride and joy. Your little body kept me warm snuggled up against me on those cold nights in Pine. I was so happy to find out that you love the snow (but hated that your paws have the tendency to freeze up). It makes me so happy to see you get so excited to go to Cheesman Park every day after I get home from work to play with your new friends.

Gordon, you are my son, and I can't imagine my life without you.

Happy Birthday!!

Oh, Hey June + Discovering Denver #34: A Show at the Ogden

2011-06-02T10:02:00.004-07:00

My month of happiness has arrived. Although, I do have to say that 2011 has been pretty happy all around. Nothing beats mon amore, June, though.

I kicked off the best month of the year by attending my first show at Denver's Ogden Theater last night to see Yeasayer.

The 1917 building is located a short two blocks from my apartment so Kristen came over for to tailgate and we took a summer stroll to the show. If you ever have the chance to see Yeasayer - I highly suggest catching their show. They incorporated some great light visuals in to their show, Chris Keating - the group's lead singer has a haunting voice that carried so well throughout the old theater and not to mention - the dancing.

Their performance of Tightrope was my favorite last night - here is the song, try to imagine it live.

Theme for the summer: If you want get it big time, go ahead and get it get it big time.

Fresh-Cut Sundays

2011-05-27T10:56:00.004-07:00

Now that I live in a place where things actually bloom and survive for longer than a day, I've gotten really in to keeping fresh flowers in my place. There is something just so simply romantic about a fresh-cut bouquet.

There is a place in the Highlands neighborhood called Perfect Petal. They keep a walk-in of fresh cut flowers, allowing you the freedom to design your own bunch. I usually can't get in and out of there in less than 45 minutes. The name of the shop pretty much sums it up but I think the photo will do it better justice.

Pretty, right?

My place smells like a garden right now. Perfect timing for the hosting of my guest. Kid Sister arrives tonight at 11 p.m. which should make for one helluva fun, responsibility-free, long weekend in which I am in much need of.

Denver gets a bit of Vegas this weekend, sister style.

R-O-C-K-I-E-S

2011-05-16T15:23:00.008-07:00

On Sunday, I attended my first Rockies game. Lucky for me, I know that there will be many more and hopefully not too many like Sunday. I only say that because it was FREEZING COLD. And not like Vegas freezing cold - Denver freezing cold - at least for May. It was oh, about 45, probably - with no sun in sight.

Oh and we lost. 8-2.

The day was not lost, however, we still had a fantastic time. The Wicklers along with Michael, came to my place at 10 a.m. to tailgate. Afterall, there is nothing like having PBR and Sexy Pizza in your system by 11:30 in the morning. Even Gordon was in the spirit on his purple blanket.

The cab came to pick us up at 12:30 and by 12:50, thanks to my forgetting my i.d. that didn't even work at the game thanks to the hole through it, we were at Coors Field. Andy, Erin, Greg, Kristen and Jake met us and we hiked up the stairs to our $7 (!!) seats.

There was not enough beer to keep us warm so come inning 6, we were down in the bar with the rest of Denver.

I am so happy to have some teams to call my own now. Rockies, I know that this is our season. See you at the next game.

A DAM Good Friday

2011-05-05T15:09:00.011-07:00

This past Friday was one of the best nights I've had since moving to Colorado. Kristen, my newest girlfriend, who I adopted from Linzi, came over after work for Bloody Mimosas to toast the royal wedding with me as we snacked on some cheese and crackers.

Our plan has been to B-Cycle for a night out but, as I am finding out, you can't depend on the weather here in Colorado. Just because it was nice enough for you to ride your bike to work in a dress, does not mean you will not need your down coat for the ride home. Sure enough, it was one of those days and we were thankful we opted for the car as the (hopefully last!) snow fell on this Spring night as we were leaving the museum.

I'd been to the Denver Art Museum before - years ago when I brought Superchunk to Denver for his 30th. We took photos throughout the exhibit, checked out the gift shop, I got locked in a phonebooth - it was good times. The experience that I had with Kristen on Friday night was totally different though. We had been wanting to check out the BLINK! exhibit before it left town on May Day. DAM does Final Fridays (doesn't that have a nice ring to it?) where the museum stays open until 10 p.m., they have DJs performing out front, live music upstairs and oh, WINE - so if not now then when became the question. The first thing I thought of as we started to explore the museum was "I just do not remember it being this large!" Apparently, they've added a whole new expansion since I was there last in 2007.

The BLINK! exhibit was fascinating. We were there for an hour and a half or so - mainly because we didn't get there until 8:30 and knew the place shut down at 10 but we could have spent an entire day there - taking photos, watching the band, exploring the exhibit. BLINK! was very interactive as it explores light, sound and the moving image. For example, one of the rooms we went in to had a bunch of old televisions sitting right side up with the screens toward the ceiling, 3 groups, each scene/sound had a different color assigned to it and we were in the middle of Vietnam. Instead of me wasting your time trying to explain the incredibly moving experience, watch for yourself here. Just imagine sitting in a dark room, surrounded by art, instead of in front of your computer.

Amazing, right?

So, understandably, we got lost in ourselves while exploring BLINK! at DAM. And, as previously mentioned, it was snowing by the time we left the museum. There was only one thing to do at that point - head to the bars. We ended up at Dougherty's on the Broadway South strip to see if Erin, Linzi's cousin, was working. She was not but she was there with her brother, and the night ended up being one for the books.

You can tell Summer is coming when nights like last Friday come your way.

Sir Gordon Drinks A Lot

2011-05-04T09:17:00.003-07:00

A major appeal of moving to Denver was how dog friendly this city is. For example, yesterday after work, Gordon and I met Linzi at Tavern Uptown for Happy Hour.

We sat on the back patio and Gordon behaved himself, minus trying to jump on the waitress when she came back with our drinks. It's OK, Gordon, I got excited, too.

Also, apparently, the love of Moscow Mules is genetic. Looks like I'll be picking up some copper mugs in the near future.

Royal Perfection.

2011-04-29T10:22:00.002-07:00

Words cannot begin to describe.

Congratulations to the royal couple - Princess Kate Elizabeth and Prince William.

My First Place

2011-04-28T11:11:00.005-07:00

As my new place is coming together - I thought it was time to look back at my very first place. And all of it's clutter. Seriously so much clutter. I remember moving out of 7151 S Durango, thinking I'll never live like this again. I dumped a lot of stuff before loading up the storage unit for Denver.

My new apartment is about 100 square feet smaller than my last and I still have a lot of work to do. Once it is complete, I will, of course, share with you.

7151 S Durango holds so many fine (and some not so fine) memories for me, including:

The very first day of moving two buildings over after Ann and I moved out.
Bringing Sir Gordon home.
Ordering prints on Etsy to decorate.
SSFS with Renee.
Sitting on the balcony with Ann for hours the night I broke up with Superchump.
Pool days with Lobo.
Bear fixing my bed by putting 900 screws it in.
Panda picking me up at the gate for many occasions.
Pre-gaming kickball with Kid Sis.
Linzi and Josh staying over with Gordon sleeping on their heads.
Studying for school.
Cooking. Or at least attempting to.
Dance party in the living room the day MJ died.
Midnight stop-ins from Spadoni.
Getting ready for Britney with Anika Jones.
PayPie Sienna-sitting for me and sending me photos of him dressed as Max.
Nights by myself, on the couch, with fro yo and Gossip Girl and feeling so content.
Dropping off rent, in person, every month, to my Long Island landlords - Corky and Joanne.
Lying in bed, realizing it was time to leave Vegas.

So yes, it may have been cluttered with junk but it was also cluttered with memories. I love you, 7151 S Durango, you were a fantastic first place.

Welcome to Colorado

2011-04-27T14:35:00.004-07:00

Welcome to your new home, Sienna Miller.
For those of you who do not know, I left a part of my heart back in Vegas with Pep when I decided to leave Sienna behind for the first part of the move. She, like most cats, does not do well with change so I figured the less I had to put her through, the better. So when Carl and I went to load up the UHaul, we also loaded up the cat and brought her to Colorado.

She is enjoying the new place - especially since there are currently boxes everywhere for her to climb in and out of. Her only complaint? She can't get in the claw foot tub to go #2. Don't worry - she hasn't decided to start acting like a lady by using the litter box for #2 - no, no - she is just going on the bathmat.

Sigh. Oh, Sienna.

Regardless of where she decides to unload - I am so happy to have the three of us back together in our new home.

Discovering Denver: #3 Get a Pancake Flight at Snooze

2011-04-18T11:02:00.004-07:00

Andy and I have been eating pancakes together since we were old enough to tear them apart and stuff them in our mouths. One of my greatest memories of all time is watching that boy eat 4 dozen dollar pancakes at Uncle Bill's in Stone Harbor, NJ.

So when Andy called asking if I wanted to do breakfast Saturday morning at Snooze before a trip to REI- I was all over it - "I'm getting the Pancake Flight - it's on my list!"

Snooze is THE CUTEST breakfast place I have ever seen. Very retro, with a friendly staff, killer coffee mugs (I even inquired about purchasing one but changed my mind at the $18 price tag) and pancakes done right. They were totally worth the 40 minute wait - especially since the wait comes with unlimited self-service at the coffee and water station.

For my flight - I got original (you know me), Chocolate Chip (you know me again) and Red Velvet. I loved the variety. Best. Idea. Ever. And so PRETTY! Next time, we'll be sure to order the Mimosas, too as we were seated at the bar and it sounds like they offer quite the variety in that arena, too.

Commuting.

2011-04-11T14:27:00.002-07:00

This past week I was in Vegas for all of 15 hours. I flew in on Wednesday night where I met up with my nearest and dearest at Chicago for a few drinks - thank you to all who came out on a school night after 11 p.m. to visit with yours truly....Lord knows we're not all 22 anymore....it was lovely to see your faces.

Thursday morning, we packed up the Uhaul (thanks for your muscles, Ann...really took me back to shipment days at HotCats!) - had lunch and then Carl, Sienna and I hit the road. It was a father and daughter road trip across 3 states. Sienna didn't stop meowing the entire ride, poor thing. We stayed in Grand Junction that night and hit the road for the last leg of the trip Friday morning. Dad was smart enough to bring his iPod with his radio adapter along so we were riding along to hits from Joe Cocker, Elton John, Rod Stewart, ABBA and James Taylor. Thankfully, Vail Pass didn't fail me this time and we made it in 4 hours to Denver - just in time to sign my lease and get my keys!

Friday night Dad and I hit up Crossroads with the Wicklers where w shot a little pool, ate some food, shot some bucks and enjoyed a cold one or three. Saturday was rise and shine day for the big move. BIG shout-outs to my moving crew of the my dad, the Wicklers and good 'ol Michael Granquist - who had sworn he would never move me again after the whole two flights down, 200 yards over and three flights up move of '08 but as luck may have it, I followed him across states and he could not deny my plea. And bribe of Sexy Pizza and Beer.

We got done within 90 minutes. But my work is far from done. I was able to Gordon-proof the place last night so I go to pick up that guy tonight to finally reunite him with his big sister and walks in the park.

Plenty of posts to come over the next few weeks as I explore my new neighborhood. I started today by biking to work.

Goodbye hour long commute - hello 15 minute bike ride.

Preview of Summer

2011-04-03T09:45:00.005-07:00

Yesterday it was 78 and sunny so we spent the day on the deck.

Grilling + Beer + Jell-O shots (yes, we took it back to '03) + Poker Night =

Summer, we are officially ready for you.

Discovering Denver: #2 Eat Girl Scout Cookies at My Brother's Bar

2011-04-02T12:54:00.003-07:00

I got two marked off the Discovering Denver list yesterday.

The first one I share with you is my visit to My Brother's Bar.

Yesterday was not only opening day for the Rockies but it was also Denver's first absolutely beautiful day of the year. And it happened to be Friday. And it also happened to be my first pay day since January 1.

We decided to celebrate all of the above by meeting for Happy Hour at My Brother's Bar. It was a perfect day to sit on their vined-out patio, drink beer and eat Girl Scout Cookies.

Then again - what day isn't perfect for that combination?

#37: Learn to Make a Pot of Coffee

2011-03-31T14:54:00.002-07:00

So this was an easy one. Or, at least, it should have been an easy one.

I love coffee. Usually by "coffee" I mean a Mocha Frap Light add Vanilla Bean and Caramel Sauce. Or a Vanilla Latte. But, thanks to burning the stick at both ends - and trying to live on a budget - I've started drinking coffee coffee. Usually this coffee coffee was supplied by SK+G. And then when I moved in to the Wicklers, there was always a pot brewing.

I've been spoiled.

But the other morning, I woke up and since it's spring break in the house - Josh and Linzi were not awake. And no one set the coffee on auto-brew. I've gotten accustomed to making my hour drive to work with a warm cup of Joe in my hand. What now?

Time to conquer #37, my babies.

What should have taken me 2 minutes took me 15 since I was trying to figure out measurements - water vs. grinds. But it happened. I made my first pot of coffee. Given, Josh had to add some more water to it to make it right but I still made it happen. A crash course in coffee making 101 and now I'm all set to do it on my own when I move out of the Wickler's next week.

Barista Kate. It's got a ring to it, no?

Discovering Denver

2011-03-30T15:29:00.002-07:00

When I first made the plan to move, I had a few things I needed to take care of:

1. Find a job. Check.

2. Find a killer apartment. Check.

Now that those items are can be marked off my "To-Do" list - I have created a new list. Westword (Denver's Weekly), came out with their Annual 'Best Of' List today and as I was purusing, I got out a pen and paper and I have made a new list -things to discover in Denver - to add to the other 100 things I need to do. A lot of them have to do with food - or alcohol - but a girl has her passions.

1. Attend 'Dance Your Brunch Off' at Beauty Bar Denver. Held Sundays 11 am - 5 pm, it features a Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar and a DJ. Need I say more?

2. Eat Girl Scout Cookies at My Brother's Bar - Denver's oldest bar also sells America's favorite cookies.

3. Get a Pankcake Flight at Snooze.

4. Attend the Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market when it re-opens in May.

5. Go to Interstate for Happy Hour and try the popcorn.

6. Take Gordie to the Comfy K9 Indoor Dog Park (reserved for a rainy day).

7. Drink beer at Freshcraft.

8. Eat Sticky Buns from Wooden Spoon Cafe and Bakery.

9. Camp. Anywhere and everywhere.

10. Shop @ Decade for all things gifting.

11. Visit Spuntino for their homemade popsicles in the summertime.

12. Get an RTD Eco Pass and take the bus more.

13. Go to Boulder's Farmer's Market (and maybe get #7 marked off the 100 list).

14. Go thrift store shopping at Rewind in Golden.

15. Have drinks at the Green Russell. Although - you may never know this happened since I won't be able to check-in. This speakeasy has rules - including no cell phones allowed.

16. B-Cycle around town, try to visit at least 10 different stations in one ride.

17. Get some stationary and/or cards from Wordshop.

18. Have wine and cheese at the Village Cork.

19. Go see the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls in a Derby.

20. Eat at Beatrice and Woodsley (I promise you, Flippin!).

21. Play skeeball at Ernie's Bar and Pizza.

22. Have afternoon tea at the Denver Tea Room.

23. Attend Showcase Showdown at Comedy Works.

24. Shop for a(nother) tutu at House of Arden.

25. Brunch at Jonesy's EatBar.

26. Go the Dazzle Jazz Club.

27. Shop at 5 Green Boxes for knickknacks ('cause I need more of those).

28. Drink at Bar Car.

29. Eat at Table 6.

30. Visit the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys.

31. Have a slice of pie from Bill's NY Pizza (although Sexy Pizza, you are my boyfriend).

32. Mini golf at Aqua Golf.

33. Shop at Talulah Jones for I don't know what yet but there's only one way to find out!

34. Go to a show at The Ogden.

Alright, Denver, I think that's a solid start. Let's do this.

Sir Gordon, Publicist

2011-03-25T11:09:00.002-07:00

Guess who got to join me at work today. He remembered his bow tie but forgot his briefcase. First day on the job, figured we'd let it slide.

(Downtown) Dreams Do Come True

2011-03-23T20:17:00.004-07:00

My apologies, my babies, as I have been a little busy since my return from Vegas. I got back to Denver on Tuesday, applied for a few jobs, got a call on Wednesday for an interview on Thursday and had an offer by 6 p.m. Thursday night.

That's right. Katie Knoch is once again employed.

I am the PR Account Executive at Scream Agency. A smaller creative agency, 15-years-old, located right downtown (Wazee and 15th to be exact). I work with 3 women, all whom I believe will be some of my closest friends I make here. I've got a great list of clients to work with - including a Kimpton run hotel in Aspen and the Lodo's - the bar that throws the biggest St. Patrick's Day party in Denver - Keggs and Eggs.

This was day 4.

It was absolutely insane. We were there at 7:30 a.m. and this is what the place looked like - just mix that with the scent of beer and you'll be close to knowing what it was like.

I am loving every second of it though - I am so happy to be back in the daily grind. Not to mention that when I move in to my new place in two and a half weeks, I will be a short 2.8 mile bike ride to work.

I am living in Capitol Hill and working in Lodo - so I am here to tell you, babies, that sometimes when you choose happiness....it chooses you back.

Home Sweet Neon

2011-03-09T16:29:00.006-08:00

I arrived in Vegas the night of Thursday, March 3 and as I walked down the tarmac, my eyes began to water and I cried over the pure happiness of being home.

It had been an incredibly tense week building up to my trip. My mom and I got a phone call on Friday, February 25th letting us know that my Grandma (aka Beppee) was not doing well. My mom asked, "Should we come now?" and the doctor told us, "Yes." So that night I packed my bags, trying to figure out how I was going to fit everything from a dress for a funeral to sweats to jackets to dresses for Vegas in two bags. But I did, and early Saturday morning I took off from Denver to Pittsburgh. We drove straight to the hospital Saturday afternoon, prepared to say our goodbyes. Luckily, she was coherent enough that she knew that we were there and shed a few tears over us being there with her. But come Sunday and Monday, she was drifting. Monday the hospice people came in and asked us if we told her it was OK to go, that sometimes that helps. We wanted her to be at peace so that is exactly what we did, we told her it was OK to go. And she went. 2 am Tuesday morning. After a viewing on Wednesday and a funeral on Thursday - I needed a trip home more than ever.

Hence the tears.

Thursday night I stayed the night at Lauren's since Pep stayed back to wrap things up in Pittsburgh. We had dinner and she made Mimosas with Blood Orange Juice (TO DIE FOR). We spent the evening catching up and since Payton lives with her now, too, it was a perfect instant hit of home that I needed. Friday brought a much needed trip to Globe Salon and time in the chair with my girl Megs followed by lunch with the old SK+G PR team at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza. Then I headed to Blue Martini to meet Diana for some Pomegranate Martinis over Happy Hour. Went home, spent some time with the family (and Miss Sienna Miller who wouldn't speak to me until Saturday) - then headed back out to meet my girls for dinner at Macayo's before we headed downtown for First Friday festivities. Walking into Mama's was like coming home. I had missed that place SO. And don't even get me started on the smile on my face the entire time at The Get Back. I was outside in a tee-shirt, jeans and a pair of Tom's with a drink in my hand, a dance in my feet and friends all around. Maybe that is why I didn't get home until 4 a.m.

Saturday was lunch and a movie with my parents before meeting Lauren, Scott, Kid Sister and Payton for dinner at Firefly. Holy sweet sangria reunion. It was totally worth the hour wait. We then headed back downtown to catch Del tha Funkee Homosapien. We stopped for drinks first at the Griffin to then find out that the show (at Beauty Bar) was sold out. Hearts were broken. Then a friend of a friend said they could get us in with Del. We just had to meet in the back alley behind the Beauty's trailer park and he would walk us in. We figured it was worth a shot but that shot ended up being watching Del sit in the car "prepping" for the show for an hour before Megs and I decided just to head over to the Griffin and finish the night off there.

Sunday and Monday involved more eating, spending time with the family, catching up with friends (glad we got to squeeze in that happy hour, X!), meeting baby bumps with the Bordinhaos and a very special introduction to Mr. Maximus Alexander - son of Renee and Jay Losey. He is absolutely adorable and was such a gentleman the whole visit. Congrats you guys!

I got back to Denver early yesterday morning, and figure that I will be spending the rest of the week trying to catch up on the lack of sleep I had in Vegas.

Thank you, Vegas, for reminding me that although it was time to go, why you will always be my home sweet neon.

Idling

2011-02-20T13:10:00.005-08:00

As of today, I have officially lived in Colorado for seven weeks. I've become nice and settled in at the Wicklers, spent lots of quality time with my cousins, hunted some bucks in Morrison, dined in Golden, visited the Granquists in Evergreen, took to the slopes at Winter Park, threw one helluva Superbowl party, ate at Sexy Pizza, shoveled a deck, visited the Beauty Bar, looked at apartments in Capitol Hill, took Gordon on a muddy walk, revisited 1999 while seeing the Get Up Kids where I found out mosh pits still exist, spent a few happy hours at Tavern Uptown, saw George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic with old SK+G friends, played more than a few games of Cranium and have had a few bottles of wine in between.

It's good. I am happy. I know that moving here was the best thing I could have done for myself at 27 because although it feels like I am idling here now as I wait to land that dream job, I was really idling in Vegas.

But homesickness has finally started to set in. I cried for Vegas for the first time this week. It was during a drive home up 285, I had spent the afternoon at Linhart PR's Inside Scoop, met a new friend in Boulder for drinks and stopped to pick up Girl Scout Cookies from Hailey. And all of a sudden, it hit me. I missed home.

I think the shine of being out of work has warn off. I was the girl who was always going 90 miles a minute in Vegas. If you wanted to grab lunch, we had to plan it for two weeks in advance. I was always taking on too much at once and I longed for days where I would just lay around all day catching up with the Kardashians. Now, those days are called Mondays.

I am ready to work. Come to find out, early retirement is not for me. I'm hungry to write some releases, pitch some stories and tweet for someone other than myself. I am ready to get up every morning early enough to catch the Matt and Meredith portion of the Today Show instead of Kathy Lee and Hoda (although I have been enjoying that wacky pair). I want to put on make-up and dress pants and walk in to an office. I want to find that company I want to give another five years (plus) of my life to. I want to make friends over after work drinks.

But until that phone call comes, it'll be champagne Mondays, episodes of Ellen and days with the dogs between sending out applications and cover letters.

Oh, and a trip home.

Vegas, I'll be there March 2 - 8. I cannot wait to reunite with your people, your lights and your restaurants.

See you soon.

Game Face 2011

2011-02-08T11:52:00.005-08:00

When I first arrived to live with The Wicklers, I told them that we should throw a Super Bowl Party. And by throw a Super Bowl Party, I meant have us, and Michael, watch the game while eating lots of snacks and maybe even incorporating a few drinking games in to the event. This, of course, was also just an excuse to wear my giant Giants jersey and draw lines on my face.

So as Game Day greeted us with another snow day, Linz and I headed across the mountain to pick up Michael and some necessary supplies. Josh was in charge of snacks and beer. We were in charge of face paint. And as expected, that ended up being the highlight of the party, as the photos show.

Josh and myself had an intense bet riding on the outcome of the game and I now owe him $3.50. The drinking games consisted of having to finish your beer if the enemy scored a touchdown, one drink for car commercials (a lot of those), two drinks for beer commercials. Guess what the commercial is about before given away, you get to order a friend to take x amount of drinks. As you can imagine, the face painting continued to get a little more creative throughout the game/night. My personal favorite ended up being Josh in the mouse ears.

The official after party consisted of more game playing with Smart Ass and Cranium on the table. And, of course, some friendly competition.

We're still enjoying the memories of Sunday as the paint was not as "washable" as the box claimed it to be so I got to go to the gym yesterday with a faint pink heart on my cheek.

The party was so much fun, we have decided to make GAME FACE a tradition. Although I can imagine that another face painting party is just around the corner....

Any design suggestions?

What Saturdays Look Like Now

2011-02-03T11:02:00.004-08:00

Have you guys seen my new backyard?

For the past few weeks, Cousin Andy and I have been planning on going up to ski/ride. But now that I actually get to PICK AND CHOOSE my days - I shoot for ideal (aka spring-like) conditions. The first weekend I was sick so that was a no-go, the second weekend was cold and windy so that was a definite no-go but this weekend....38 and sunny. Sign me up. We're going riding, kids.

I met eager-beaver Andy at 7 a.m. in Evergreen so we could ride together up to Winter Park. He was a peach (as always) and had picked up Einstein bagels and coffee for us and we then took one of the prettiest drives of my life up the mountain.

Come to find out, Winter Park is a little more skier friendly than it is snowboarder. Andy made the switch back to skiing last Winter and his friend had done the same, and I realize that it's easy to forget how difficult it is to go DIAGONAL across a mountain on a board rather than with skis and poles. I'd been considering making the switch myself as I skied from age 3-18 before making the trendy switch to a board and have never been as strong on a board as I was on a pair of skis. I was a mogul maniac back in the day. Now, I won't go near those things with a 10 foot pole (or board). I figure sometime this season, I'll get back on a pair of skis to see how it goes.

But I digress, after sharing my feelings of frustration with Andy, we made a few changes in our trails and I ended up having a fantastic day of riding. The sun was shining, I only ate it twice getting off the lifts, and according to Andy's watch calculations, we got over 9 miles taken care of that day. Not to mention the breathtaking views. Winter Park gets you above tree-line, providing magnificent views like this...

A little Kanye in my ears, a little Katie on a board, and a whole 'lotta mountain made for one hell of a Saturday morning.

What Mondays Look Like Now

2011-02-01T10:06:00.006-08:00

So I am on the job hunt, I really am. But there is only so much a girl can do. So, the rest is left to entertainment.

I got a few really great going away gifts before I left Vegas. One was an oven-mit/ice scrapper hybrid from Xazmin, along with a bottle of Kate Spade perfume that is appropriately named Sparkle and reads "She had a cocktail in her hand and confetti in her hair." Another was a FABULOUS gold sparkle iPhone case from Arlene that screams a rich combination of Katie + Vegas, and one that I get compliments (really more like a "wow, that's fancy?") on all the time.

But, no gift could top what my PY, Audrey, gave to me. Along with a heartfelt note that ended with "Runaway as fast as you can....." came a tutu and ballerina slippers. If you know me, with my love of Kanye West and my belief in the ballerina comeback....you know that this gift was perfection.

Linzi happens to not have class on Mondays. So, this is what last Monday looked like...

Enjoying champagne cocktails in a tutu with pearls with a B.F.F. by my side, I am here to tell you, kids....dreams do come true.

About the Great Kate Escape and "How It's Going So Far"

2011-01-26T09:52:00.014-08:00

Greetings from CO! And my sincerest apologies for dropping off the blogosphere the past few weeks. I had to give myself a minute to get two feet on the ground (although not quite there yet), gather my words, and promise myself not to cry as I recapped the Great Kate Escape.

First off, thank you to everyone who came out to bid me farewell. It meant the world to me to be able to pop that bottle of bubbly (thanks, Mama's!) with all of your smiling faces there, eager to share with me in the bittersweet celebration of my move to Denver. We had a meal with the soon-to-be mama's (Renee and Arlene) at Firefly before heading to Don't Tell Mama where we spent more than a few hours listening to Spadoni, Dre and even a special appearance by Bianca, singing our favorite tunes. Around, oh I don't know, 3? - we headed to the Griffin for a late-night dance party in the back. It was a fabulous way to kick off 2011.

The week following the Great Kate Escape was my last in Vegas and mostly focused on wrapping up things at SK+G and squeezing in as much time as possible with my nearest and dearest. My last day at SK+G was the first time that me leaving actually hit me. I had packed up all of my stuff, set my out of office to something along the lines of "I no longer work here" and was heading out to my farewell Happy Hour with the crew. Just as Ellen was walking up to my cube to walk out with me, I felt my eyes fill up. I had done so much growing at that agency. I still remember my first day like it was yesterday. Pulling up, fresh-faced at 22, ready for the challenge of my first job in my career. Meeting Stacy and Arlene, and the snack cabinet. Bagel Mondays, weekly staff meetings, lunch at Sammy's followed by Yogurtland, lounges, press releases, new business meetings, lunch and learns and most importantly, the people - so much to miss about SK+G.

I got a special visit my last week in town from Chloe, who was on the westcoast to visit her boyfriend, Patrick and the two of them came out to Vegas for a night of sharing hummus at Paymon's and champagne at Arlene's. Always good to see Chloe and extra good to see her so happy in her new relationship.

My last night in Vegas happened to be the First Friday of January and I had flown Mrs. Wickler in to Vegas in order to do the drive to CO with me - which only meant one thing, we were headed downtown. But not before I got to squeeze in one last trip to my new favorite restaurant, Crab Corner. Let me ask you something...are you from Maryland? Do you now live in Vegas? Do you love seafood, more specifically, blue crabs? Then drop what you are doing and head to Crab Corner on Eastern and Flamingo right now. This place is owned by two brothers, who I actually played kickball with, but that's another story all in itself, and offers fresh blue crabs at a reasonable price. Place opened in December and I couldn't believe the timing - ate there six times in six weeks to make up for it but they promised that whenever I got a craving, they'd be happy to ship some off to DIA for me. So it was Crab Corner with Pep and Sam and a few of my besties, followed by the Griffin, ending with a nightcap at Don't Tell Mama after a few run-ins on Fremont East. I got to say goodbye to a few faces I hadn't had the chance to at the Great Kate Escape and left Vegas feeling - ready. Sad, but ready.

We stayed out later than we should have but still got up to rock-n-roll around 8:30. Spent some time with Pep in the morning, knowing that she would be the hardest to leave. I am so lucky to be so close with my mother, but it made the decision to move ten times more difficult. Linz and I got everything squeezed in the car - all the necessities as you can see from the photo below - the LOST board game, a tutu and Beggin' Strips - and hit the road around 11.

The whole move started to feel a little cursed starting with me getting a speeding ticket an hour outside of Vegas. I was going 89 in a 75 and got a $250 ticket - even with my sob story about how I just quit my job and was taking a chance by moving to Denver - but it was on an Indian reservation so it doesn't get reported to the DMV or my insurance and I have until March 11 to take care of it. The first 1/2 of the drive went super smoothly, I didn't have to ask Linz to drive until the snow started really coming down right before we got in to Grand Junction for the night. We ordered pizza in, popped a bottle of wine and watched SNL to get up early for part two of the drive the next day.

The morning greeted us right and white where Sir Gordon really got his first taste of snow. Which has become his new best friend over the past three weeks. This doodle was meant to be in the snow - he digs in it, rolls around in it, eats it (not the yellow, Gord!) and looks like he belongs in it. Don't you agree?

The second part of the drive didn't go quite as smoothly as we hit some pretty awful weather and ski traffic through Vail Pass and then again about 20 miles from the house. But long story short, we made it! I am here and happy. The first week was a little weird - it didn't feel like everything was sinking in the way I expected it to. I think I expected to have this big break down about leaving the city where I had lived and loved for the last 20 years and even now, on week 3, I still haven't had that happen. Don't get me wrong, I have certainly shed a few tears here and there because I miss my people but I think ultimately, I was just really ready for this change.

I'm living in Pine with the Wicklers while I look for job and get settled. Pine is about 45 outside of Denver so I make the trip a couple of times a week to get acquainted with the city. I've spent some time with my family who is here. Andy and his girlfriend, Angela, and I get together a few times a week and I'm making a new tradition of spending a night of tv and food-in at cousins' Tracy and Devin's house where time is spent with little 6-year-old Hailey who read me a bedtime story last time I was over and just melted my heart. The other days and nights are spent with Linz and Josh who have just been so kind to open their house and hearts to me. We go to Morrison to have drinks with Michael and hunt some bucks. And this weekend, I am heading to snowboard at Copper on Saturday with Andy and going ice skating with the Granquists on Sunday. The job hunt is going pretty well. I've applied for a few positions - two at an agency that I totally have a crush on - and I even have my eye on an apartment in Capitol Hill that opens up March 7.

It's certainly been a bit of an adjustment, but I am excited for what lies ahead. Just getting used to having this as my view instead of the neon lights. It is quite breathtaking though, don't you think?

This Moment.

2011-01-05T16:42:00.003-08:00

"There will be a time when you believe everything is finished.

That will be the beginning."

-Louis L'Amour

A Preview.....

2011-01-03T16:28:00.003-08:00

Mother Nature decided to bless Gordon and I with a preview of our upcoming new lives this morning in Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, Gordie wasn't too thrilled with the result - as you can see in the photo below of him walking AROUND the snow to get back inside. Better get used to it, bud. Maybe it will be more fun when there are FEET of it instead of just a slight coating.

2010: Year in Review

2010-12-28T10:04:00.004-08:00

I kicked off 2010 in Denver, which, ironically, is where I turn to for a new beginning in 2011. This is the biggest decision I have made thus far in my life. Relocating was something I have had in my head for quite some time although I officially decided to start moving forward with a move to Denver after my trip in July. So for all of you who think I am nuts for moving to Denver in the middle of January - come see me in July and find out why I fell in love. So no matter what else happened in 2010 (and there was a lot) - I hope to look back on this year as "the year that I made the best decision of my life."

Moving means leaving my job. But I am a strong believer in going out with a bang - which I certainly did this year. I ran the department as VP of Public Relations for the first 3 months of the year while the rest of my team was out having (adorable) babies. I built Facebook pages, attended (and hosted) a number of Tweet-Ups which were all the rage for about 3 months of this year. Stacy and I put together the launch of the My M&M's Experience at M&M'S World on the Strip - with help from Mr. Gabe Ortiz, we turned the Welcome to Las Vegas sign into an edible spectacle made out of over half a million bite-sized candies. I got a new client, Tivoli Village, which has been a great project to brainstorm for and I can't wait for Vegas to see it all come to life come Spring 2011. And, of course, spent the year falling in love with a local through my Ethel M client. From Lover's Lane to an Art Walk benefiting Opportunity Village to over $310,000 in media coverage for the Holiday Cactus Garden in 3-D (inspired by this trip) - it's been the best year of my career yet.

Social media, as mentioned above, became even more all consuming than it was in 2009. I became obsessed with "checking-in" and gaining Mayorships all over town. If you were with me somewhere at some time in 2010, everyone knew it as I was busy tagging you and letting the world know where we were and what we were doing. I grabbed on to quite a few Mayorships that I was proud of, had a free grilled cheese thanks to FourSquare and continue to receive a discount at H&M thanks to Facebook Places.

I had some great trips this year - both in and out of town. A staycation with Chloe in March brought a lifetime of memories for the both of us and brought us even closer than we were before. That single trip narrowed the space between New Hampshire and Vegas and I will always fondly look back on that week knowing that, even if we tried, we could never recreate the amount of fun that was had. I was in Denver quite a bit - from a trip to surprise The Wiz for her birthday to a week in July spent imaging what life would be like when and if I did move to the Mile High. There were quite a few reunions thanks to visits from Lisa G, Linzi and Josh, PY, Ann and even one with my B.F.F. from 5th grade, Miss Lizzie Erickson. It was a year with a lot of girlfriends which always bring me a lot of laughter and plenty of photos in my back pocket so thank you, to each and every one of you, for taking the trip or generously hosting me. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Speaking of friendships....Benneton was made official in 2010 with the launch of our Facebook page and a blog that truly does us justice, thanks to X. Since she always says/writes it better than I, I suggest a brief intermission for you here. Just know that these two women are my older sisters and if we have crossed-paths and if you ever, somehow, crossed me...these were the girls to tell me what to do and how to handle it. B.F.F. Benneton Fucking Forever.

I used the f word on my blog for the first time ever here, and now again just above. My apologies, mom and dad.

30 blogs in 30 days - twice. Thanks to 30 days of happy in June and the traditional 30 in 30 in September and October. I hope that 2011 provides enough material to top that with 30 blogs in 30 days 3+ times.

I blushed as I was named one of the Hottest Singles in Vegas by VEGAS Magazine.

And quite a year of a single girl it was. I started it off with Spadoni and for those of you who know, you know. And for those of you who do not, let's just say that dating a musician really is everything they say it is. But I did get to listen/watch a few songs come together and that was an experience like none other. I got my groove back with a brief encounter with Harry Watson, who looked like he had just walked off the set of Gossip Girl and into my life. I had breakfast with Superchump which led to many a cordial nights down on Fremont East which have reminded me that I am a bigger person than I ever thought possible. I reunited with Chad which took me to 40 hours in Flagstaff where somewhere between healing crystals and miniature beers, we lost ourselves and unfortunately, realized that it will never be again what it once was. There were a number of Mikes but the Grossest one is the one who was my favorite but ultimately, the one who put shame on me as I allowed him to let me down not once, but twice. I had a boyfriend. For 3 weeks. Jeffrey James, I am sorry for whatever it is that I did for you cut me off in the way that you did. I never meant you any harm and only did what I felt was right for me. You know that I wish you the world and hope that one day, when I run in to you in the city we will soon share once again, that you allow me to buy you a beer and catch me up on your new beginning. I robbed the cradle with Joey, the sweetest thing, who can only be described in two syllables A-DORBS. I am ending the year back in contact with Bear whom I had fiercely missed in 2010.

I finished another semester in my Master's in Elementary Education. Gordie got sick which put me in a bit of debt but as most of you know, you cannot put a price tag on the kind of love I get from my dog. Gordon is my son, and as my mom rolls her eyes from how much I spill over him on a daily basis - I thank my lucky stars that he is healthy and as happy as ever. I burst into tears on the treadmill as I found out that I will be Auntie Knochers with the birth of Renee's son, Mr. Max Losey, come this February.

I joined a kickball league where I became a 2 time champ to then switched to a team where we never won a single game. The teams were equally fulfilling and after meeting so many great friends and toasting so many cold beers, I definitely plan to join a team come summer in Denver.

Short notes. Picnics. Hair Therapy at Globe. A whole lot of wine. LOST and still not really understanding. A White Trash Bash. Martini Mondays. A shaved Sienna. Loving Vegas. Introduced the world to Club Monster Curtis and Baby Bruce. Nights with Kid Sister. My Telenovela. Discovered gummy vitamins. Meeting and loving Pie. The L.A.P.D. Experience. Turned 27, which was not-so-serious after all. San Diego with Lo. Yelping. Karaoke at Dino's. 1,000 movies. Hats on a Doodle. Boots. Moving home. Concerts. Kings of Leon. Phoenix. Twice. Passion Pit. Band of Horses. Fictionist shows. The Get Back. LV and Denver editions. Ponchos. #36 Bikram Yoga. Bundt Cakes. Bonnie Springs. R.I.P. Kobe. Sunrises. Sunsets. Tapas and Sangria.

Most important thing I learned this year? You have the right to choose to be happy. I choose to be happy in 2011. I hope you do the same.

Happy New Year w/ Love,
HSCOOC

Kick-off 2011 Right

2010-12-27T11:56:00.008-08:00

All of the Lights

2010-12-22T13:24:00.003-08:00

A few weekends ago, my friend James had us over for a housewarming party at his new place at Panorama Towers.

The view from his private balcony was well - this....

I've already volunteered him to host a New Year's Eve party. I can't think of a better view for a toast of champagne to one of my last nights in Vegas.

And this song would be the soundtrack.

A Happy New Year, indeed.

Denver Bound

2010-12-20T10:51:00.005-08:00

On Saturday, January 8, I am packing up the Jeep with a few of my belongings (including warm clothes and a snowboard), Gordon and Sienna and am heading for the Mile High city of Denver, CO.

This move has been in the process for a few months. I hit a point in my career when I knew that it was probably time to make a move. When I started thinking of my options, I realized that they were endless. Here I was (am) a single, 27-year-old girl, with the world in her hands. I took a good look around at my life, knew myself to be very blessed but found myself idling.

I've been in Vegas for 20 years, I have never lived anywhere as an adult (I hardly count that semester in Reno when Linz and I were 18 and rarely left our rooms thanks to Captain Morgan and Dominos) and I was ready for a major change.

I'd been looking for something to jump start my life for awhile now. School had filled that void but thanks to Sir Gordon's vet bills and life in general, that plan is on hold for now.

I considered my options - I love the beach and California, but a little too expensive. Manhattan is a beautiful fantasy but knew that the reality would be much different. Austin? Could I roll the die on a place I'd never even visited even though I had always been told I'd love it? Even looked at an agency in San Francisco...

Then, there was Denver - a city I had had a crush on for a number of years. The benefits: Linz and Josh, Andy and Angela, Tracy and Devin, the whole Granquist clan, a 2 hour flight home to Vegas that has never cost me over $200, culture, seasons, the outdoors (including Copper Mountain) and even a piece of home at The Get Back on Third Fridays. Not to mention that Cory shared with me that he was out to lunch with a few girl friend's a few months back who lovingly referred to the place as MENver due to the guy to girl ratio (not to mention the beards). The drawback? Leaving my family and friends - although that wasn't specific to Denver - and learning to drive in the snow.

I decided that the pros outweighed the cons and started applying for jobs in the Denver area. I found the neighborhood I wanted to live in, I fell in love with an agency, I spruced up my resume - wrote a ton of cover letters and even made it to the second round at a few places. What it ultimately came down to was the fact that I wasn't living there. Someone with an 80203 was way more likely to get the gig than myself with my 89117.

So, I committed to my plan 100% to relocate and moved home to save up some money to put my plan in to place. That was back in October. Earlier this month, I gave notice to my job and I continue to buy boots and sweaters and waterproof items (you'd think I was moving to the North Pole the way I am preparing). I talk quite often on the phone to Linz, both of us getting excited to reunite - I text with Andy, making sure we get a number of trips up to the mountain in and I feel myself getting more and more anxious as January 8 approaches.

I am moving without a job. Plan to stay with the Wicklers until I get on my feet (and a HUGE thanks to them for opening their beautiful home to me - the photo above will be my view come January 9). For the first time in my life, I am taking a leap and hoping that the net will appear.

And it feels really, really fucking good.

Though all bittersweet as it was an incredible difficult decision for me to make. Vegas is, and always will be, my home. The people I have met here have changed my life (and most of them, for the better). This city has given me so many opportunities and has shaped me into the person that I (proudly) am today.

Thank you, Vegas. It's been a extraordinary 20 years. Know that I plan to carry your eternal glow with me - everywhere I go, I will shine for you.

300.

2010-12-13T17:15:00.005-08:00

For post 300...I give you 300 words about Vegas.

Neon. A big small city. Opportunity. Family. Fremont East. Drinks. Best Friends. Yogurtland. Globe Salon. Club Monsters. Love. Shine. Girl's Nights Out. Joe's Stone Crab. Local. SK+G. Bliss. UNLV. Experiences. Memories. Growing up. The Huntridge. Smoke Ranch. Modern Holiday. Town Square. Don't Tell Mama. Celebrity Sightings. The Griffin. Mountains. Cocktails. Cimarron Memorial High School. McCarren Airport. Slots. The Golden Palm. Gloss. PT's. Villa Pizza. The Get Back. Brinley Middle School. Lost. The Strip. Cactus Lighting. Hard Rock Hotel. Lee Canyon. Art Bar. Suites at the Palms. VMAs. Roulette. Learning lessons. Body English. Paymon's Hookah Lounge. Hills Park. Beauty Bar. Metro Pizza. Firefly. Glamour. Fake Eyelashes. Spearmint Rhino. Party. Happiness. Fong Elementary School. Exhilarating. Free parking. Downtown Cocktail Room. Staycations. Rehab. Afternoons by the pool. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Bagel Mondays. Goodbye parties. Baby showers. Weddings. Receptions. Lounge. Photobooths. Eating caviar with Mr. Trump. Table Dancing. Jet. First apartment. Beauty. Deception. Attraction. The Arts District. Glow. First Friday. Macayo's. Intense. Optimistic. Mixer's Juice Co. Patios. Sequins. Mist Karaoke Mondays. Citycenter. Dino's Lounge - Vegas' last neighborhood bar. Cosmopolitan. Hotcats. Risque. Ex-boyfriends. Magoo's. The Fashion Show. DJ AM (RIP). Getting attacked at Pure Nightclub by someone 9 x my size. All of the lights. Coolio + McNuggets. The Venetian (the restaurant, not the casino). Studio 21 Tattoo. Champagne. Opportunity Village. Island Brook Dr. Happy Hours at Blue Martini. Sammy's Woodfired Pizza. Birthday hikes at Red Rock. The Lodge at Mt. Charleston. Champagne's Cafe. Sparkle. West Flamingo Animal Hospital. Red Bull + Vodka. SSFS. Heartbreak. Heartbreaker. Benneton lunches and movies. World's Largest Gift Shop. Chicago Brewing Company. Big Buck Hunter. Game Nights. Pinball Hall of Fame. VEGAS Magazine Parties. Shower cube. Playboy Club. Austin's Christmas Eve parties. The Peppermill. Charm. Home. Vegas, I love you, but I am leaving you. January 2011.

Heart Shaped Cut-Outs of Cookies

2010-12-12T18:10:00.003-08:00

After one helluva fun weekend that involved everything from Panorama Strip views to a Modern Holiday to the Playboy Club to PJ Bunch at Simon's - I spent the afternoon in the kitchen baking my favorite holiday cookies with Pep.

Nothing says MERRY quite like little pieces of crisp, sugary goodness.

Glow Party at Passion Pit

2010-12-10T16:30:00.005-08:00

Last night, one of my favorite bands, Passion Pit, performed at House of Blues. I had heard mixed reviews about his performance at Cochella last spring but this was one dance party I couldn't pass up.

Arlene picked up the glow action for us, I got the tickets, and the date was set. Have you ever heard the one about the Wide Mouth Frog? If not, ask Pep to tell you it the next time you see her.

Michael, the lead singer, has a mouth SO LARGE that the only thing I could think of every time he opened his wide mouth was that damn joke! But I digress....Michael was hitting high notes that would make Mariah Carey quit her day job and become a full-time mom.

And the party just did. not. stop. I am EXHAUSTED from my hands being in the air like I just didn't care for the entire performance (and from holding that tall can of Bud Light prior to).

Oh and did I mention that the most-adorable-ever-on-the-planet Michael Cera was in the opening band last night? Yeah, he plays bass for Mister Heavenly. Look 'em up, they were actually really good! Although all of his adorableness was rather distracting, especially when he busted out a disposable camera.

But again...back to the dance party....Passion Pit = GOOD TIMES. Just be sure to wear your dancing shoes. And glow glasses.