A Farewell to Our Apartment: Last Weekend Bliss Before a Big Move
Hello everyone and welcome back to our little corner of the internet! I hope your weekend was filled with joy, relaxation, or perhaps an exciting adventure. Ours was certainly a memorable one, marking a significant milestone: our final ‘normal’ weekend in the apartment we’ve called home for five wonderful years. It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that in just a couple of weeks, we’ll be waking up in a new place. Five years might not seem like an eternity to some, but for us, it’s the longest we’ve lived in one spot since our high school days. The thought of change, while exciting, also brings a wave of nostalgia and a touch of the unknown. This past weekend, therefore, felt like a fitting and cherished closing chapter before the whirlwind of moving begins, a period we’ve affectionately dubbed our “last hurrah” in this beloved space.
Our journey through this poignant farewell weekend kicked off with an engaging event on Friday.
Friday Adventures: Clay Shooting and Colleagues in Kiowa Creek
Friday saw Mr. B and me heading east of Denver, towards the scenic landscapes surrounding the Kiowa Creek Sporting Club. Our destination was the annual clay shoot hosted by the G.P.A. (Gas Processor’s Associations), a fantastic charity event that always brings together a vibrant community. The last time I attended this particular gathering, I was a complete novice, having never even held a shotgun before, and Mr. B was at the helm, orchestrating the entire event. I regrettably missed last year’s event due to a pre-planned trip with friends, so I was especially eager to return, eager to prove how far I’d come and to simply enjoy the experience.
Fast forward two years, and things had changed considerably. Mr. B was no longer in charge, allowing both of us to truly relax and immerse ourselves in the fun without the added pressure of hosting duties. More importantly, I was no longer a rookie! My confidence with a shotgun had grown considerably, transforming me into a respectable participant who could actually hit a few targets. Our primary goal for the day was simple: enjoy the camaraderie, soak up the outdoors, and have a genuinely good time. The weather gods certainly cooperated, blessing us with a perfect seventy-degree, sun-drenched day. Aside from the typical dry, dusty conditions inherent to a sporting club environment, the day unfolded with seamless perfection, making every shot and every laugh even more enjoyable.
The results of the shoot were quite satisfying, a testament to practice and improved technique. Mr. B demonstrated his consistent skill, scoring an impressive 58. I, too, was incredibly pleased with my performance, hitting a solid 50! For only my fourth time ever shooting a full round, I felt that was a respectable achievement, showcasing a definite improvement from my initial attempts. And perhaps the best news of all? No shoulder bruise this time! Those who remember my last attempt will recall the rather unpleasant purple souvenir I sported for days afterward. This time, I learned from past mistakes and focused on proper form and technique, making for a much more comfortable and bruise-free experience, which was a victory in itself.
After the exhilaration of the clay shoot, we made our way back to the bustling city, where a relaxed dinner awaited us with a couple of Mr. B’s esteemed colleagues. The conversation flowed easily, sharing stories from the day and catching up on various happenings in a warm, convivial atmosphere. However, after a long day in the sun, filled with concentration and physical activity, one glass of wine paired with a comforting, flavorful bowl of Pad Thai was all it took for me to be ready to call it a night. Sometimes, after a day of unique experiences and good company, simple pleasures like a delicious meal and an early bedtime are the most profound and appreciated.
Saturday: Game Day Glory, Blog Progress, and Decluttering for the Move
Saturday unfolded at a much more leisurely pace, beginning with the glorious luxury of sleeping in. We pretty much rolled out of bed just in time for kick-off, a modern convenience for which we heartily thank our DVR! This technological marvel allows us to savor those extra hours of sleep without missing a single moment of the action. Mr. B, ever the thoughtful partner, took it upon himself to make a quick trip to Back Country Provisions, our beloved local spot. He returned with much-needed coffees and delicious egg sandwiches, a true lifesaver for yours truly, who was feeling a bit under the weather. A full day under the hot sun at the clay shoot had left me rather dehydrated, so that morning caffeine and protein hit the spot perfectly, providing the boost needed to face the day.
The college football game against Miami was nothing short of epic! As devoted fans, we were on the edge of our seats throughout, completely absorbed in the thrilling plays and nail-biting moments. I couldn’t be prouder of our “Kitties” – presumably the Kansas State Wildcats – who truly showed up and played an incredible game, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill. The entire team displayed remarkable athleticism and strategy, making for a thrilling watch that had us cheering at every turn. And, as he so often does, Collin Klein absolutely dominated, showcasing a performance that had us shouting “Heisman!” at the television screen. The energy and excitement of game day, even from the comfort of our living room, is something we truly cherish, especially during these last few weeks in our current home.
After the triumphant victory, the afternoon transitioned into a more productive gear. I dedicated a significant portion of my time to working on the new blog site. It’s exhilarating to see it coming together so beautifully; we’re truly on the home stretch before its official launch! The creative process of building a new online space is incredibly rewarding, allowing me to pour my ideas and vision into a fresh platform. Beyond the digital realm, I also tackled some more tangible tasks, chipping away at the seemingly endless process of cleaning out and decluttering for our upcoming move. There’s a certain therapeutic quality to sorting through five years’ worth of accumulated belongings, deciding what stays, what goes, and what sparks joy. My current mantra is simple: the more we thoughtfully sort, donate, and discard now, the smoother and less stressful this transition will ultimately be. One can only hope this isn’t just wishful thinking as the moving date rapidly approaches!
Saturday Evening: A Culinary Quest and a Glass of Red
As evening approached on Saturday, the thought of cooking after a day of intense blog work and decluttering held absolutely no appeal. Instead, we decided to indulge in a takeout treat from what we fondly remembered as our favorite Cajun restaurant, Gumbo’s. There’s a little backstory here: Gumbo’s used to be conveniently located just down the street from us, a true neighborhood gem we frequented often. To our dismay, a while back, it seemed they had closed their doors for good, leaving a void in our local dining options. Imagine our sheer delight and surprise when, through a casual conversation, we discovered they had reopened at a new location! Cue the metaphorical #jazzhands of excitement and an immediate decision to revisit our old favorite.
With high hopes and rumbling stomachs, we eagerly placed our order: two classic shrimp po’boy sandwiches and a shared cup of their famous chicken gumbo. We envisioned the rich, spicy flavors and authentic spices we had grown to love so much in their previous incarnation. However, upon tasting, the verdict was, sadly, a bit of a disappointment. Both the po’boys and the chicken gumbo, while edible, simply weren’t up to the high standards we remembered from the old restaurant. There was a noticeable difference in flavor and quality, lacking that certain zest and authenticity we cherished, leaving us feeling a little… well, let’s just say a “tear” was shed for the culinary past. It was a stark reminder that sometimes, even beloved establishments can change, and not always for the better. But, as is often the case when minor disappointments strike, there’s always a comforting glass of robust red wine to help wash away any lingering bad tastes and salvage the evening. It truly is amazing how a good glass of wine can turn things around and help you appreciate the simple act of sharing a meal, even if it wasn’t a five-star experience!
Sunday: Strategic Planning, Outdoor Exercise, and a Hint of Complication
Our Sunday began with an intentional early start, a conscious effort to make the most of our dwindling time in our apartment. The sun was just beginning to cast its golden glow as we ventured out for coffee and breakfast burritos from Common Ground Coffee House, a charming local spot just a short stroll from our apartment. We secured a lovely table outside, perfect for soaking in the crisp morning air and enjoying the gentle hum of the awakening city. This wasn’t just a casual breakfast; it was a strategic planning session. Over warm coffee and delicious burritos, we mapped out the intense schedule for the next few weeks. The plan is ambitious, to say the least: a much-anticipated trip to beautiful Telluride starting this coming Friday, followed immediately by the commencement of our big move upon our return. As we meticulously detailed the logistics, a collective thought passed between us, voiced as “Is this too much to handle?” The balance between enjoying our mini-vacation and tackling the monumental task of relocating feels like a precarious tightrope walk, but we’re determined to make it work, meticulously scheduling every packing box and transport detail.
After a productive morning of chores and planning, we decided to embrace the beautiful weather with an early evening bike ride. Seeking solace from urban traffic and the mental load of moving, we drove out to what we affectionately call “the boonies” – areas where the roads stretch out flat and inviting, and vehicular traffic is wonderfully sparse. It’s in these quieter expanses that I’ve truly started to discover a genuine fondness for biking. There’s an undeniable sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with pedaling through open spaces, feeling the breeze, and watching the scenery glide by. Even though we only cycled for about an hour, my glutes and legs definitely felt the satisfying burn – a clear testament to a good cardio workout! The physical exertion was invigorating, proving once again that even short bursts of activity can be incredibly effective for both body and mind. However, as with many good stories, there’s a slight twist. Something during that ride, or perhaps related to the intense planning for our upcoming journey, introduced a new layer of complexity. Things, as they often do, just got a little complicated. I’ll be sure to delve into the details of that development in tomorrow’s post, so stay tuned for the intriguing continuation of our adventures!
Sunday Evening: A Spicy Culinary Delight and Future Plans
To cap off an eventful and emotionally charged weekend, dinner tonight was absolutely phenomenal! We whipped up something truly special, bursting with spicy goodness and layers of flavor that perfectly hit the spot and delighted our taste buds. It was the ideal comforting and exciting meal to end such a significant weekend. I’m already excited to share the recipe with you all, so keep an eye out for it either this coming Wednesday or Friday on the blog. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your rotation, especially if you appreciate a meal with a bit of a kick and a lot of character!
With full stomachs and minds buzzing from the weekend’s activities and future plans, we’re now winding down, settling in to catch up on a few of our favorite TV shows. This tranquil end to our final “normal” weekend in the apartment feels just right – a quiet moment of reflection before the exciting chaos of moving truly begins. It’s a moment to savor the last vestiges of routine before stepping into the exhilarating unknown. I sincerely hope each and every one of you had an equally wonderful and rejuvenating weekend, perhaps one less complicated than ours is about to become!