Lately...

It's been a BEAUTIFUL fall here in Denver. The colors have really come out the past few weeks and the sun is still shining. I'm trying to take time to appreciate the colors before they go away. After a frustrating and emotionally draining work week last week, I think I'm finally starting to get into the swing of things. There is always plenty of work to be done- but I was able to take a "mental health" day last Friday, which was MUCH needed. I went for a run in the beautiful fall weather, ran some errands, did some cleaning, and got to visit a good friend's new baby. Last Saturday, I was able to visit my friends at the organic farm they live on outside of Boulder. We went on a hay ride, had a potluck, and watched people carve pumpkins. It was nice to get out of the city for a bit and be with old college friends who know you so well.

Kristi and I on the Hay Ride at Frog Belly Farm

Last Sunday, I ran my third half marathon. It was a gorgeous day. It was so fun to run all around the streets of downtown Denver with 1000s of other people. I have really enjoyed doing races. It gives me something to train for and running has really helped me unwind from work. So many of the students I work with go home to pretty crappy home lives. I have a hard time not letting those thoughts consume me. I came to the point last week that so much of their lives are not in my control- and the only thing I can offer them sometimes is to love them well when they are in school, and to pray for them. Monday mornings I have began meeting with another co-worker to pray for other students and colleagues that we work with. We had both been feeling pretty overwhelmed by the heavy stuff people are having to deal with it. I have been pretty disconnected from prayer in the past year or so because of my own personal struggles with the church. I have begun really appreciating prayer and I think it is a healthy discipline. I do think sometimes Christians can get a little cheesy with prayer and that big prayer circles can be overwhelming- but I like taking time alone or just with one or two others can be nice. There is some relief and releasing those burdens to God.
Leslie, Anna, Jess, and I after running the Denver Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon


Tomorrow I get to fly to Chicago to go to my cousins wedding. It will be nice to see family, spend some time with my new nephew and take 3 days away from work. I'm looking forward to having our Halloween party at our new house and getting to spend more quality time with roommates in Denver too- now that life is starting to settle down a little bit!

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