Planting Roots

Mid-October delivers the optimal Fall weather in urban Denver. The weather during the weekend of October 15th and 16th could not have been more ideal. The temperature rose to the 80's by midday (though cooler in the morning and afternoon), the sunshine was abundant, and the vibrancy of the leaves was maximized. By this time, however, the phenomenon had already come and gone at the higher elevation of the nearby mountains.

Since I was still adjusting to my new job and schedule, I laid low that weekend and stayed in the city. However, I still spent the majority of my time outside, going for runs, bike rides, yoga class, and reading in the park.







As October comes to a close, I feel at peace with the world; content with the way that my life is unfolding. From a professional perspective, I find that I no longer need to live paycheck to paycheck, yet I still enjoy my weekends off. Balance.

In addition, I've started to get back into both swimming and running. On one Sunday morning in particular, I recall a long run through the Washington Park ("Wash Park") neighborhood. This quiet area is tucked away just South of busy downtown. Several blocks of quaint tree-lined streets surround the popular park, each containing long rows of charming homes. Most houses have a distinct bungalow-type style, with large porches and big open windows. Not particularly enormous, but with just enough age to provide ample character and history. Some houses, however, do become more grandiose as you move closer to the park's border and even further into neighboring Cherry Creek. The area reminds me vaguely of the Shadyside neighborhood in downtown Pittsburgh.

Although I still love my neighborhood that lies between Capitol Hill and Cheeseman Park, Wash Park would be my ideal location to invest in down the road (despite the rising real estate costs in Denver). This realization, combined with my deep satisfaction in the city's culture, pace, weather, and proximity to the mountains, indicates that this is a place that suit me; a place that I could envision planting roots someday--something that I have not felt since living in Spain.

Now more than ever, I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to live in such a wonderful city--even if just for a little while. I say that because I recently found out that I have been selected to commission as a U.S. Air Force Pharmacy Officer! Throughout the past year, this path has become my long-term career goal. I will be reluctant to (more than likely) be stationed outside of Colorado, yet I am eager to embark on this unique and incredible adventure. I am excited to continue to travel and live in various areas across the country and the world, knowing that I can always return to the places that I call home.

Until I am called for service, I intend to continue living my beautiful life in Denver, making the most of my time in a city that has delicately touched my soul.
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Omnicare

My first week as a pharmacist was successful overall. Omnicare is a nationwide company that dispenses medication to longterm care patients (i.e., nursing homes). Managed care is a niche that I had little exposure to during school, but I was intrigued by the opportunity during my interview with the lead pharmacist. In general, it is more "behind the scenes" than a typical community pharmacy that experiences constant patient interaction.

I am scheduled to train full-time for the first three weeks of my employment, where I will learn the ropes to the various roles of a managed care pharmacist. Afterwards, I will work part-time, which is perfect for what I want/need at the moment.

So far, I have enjoyed the variety of tasks on a day-to-day basis. In addition, my co-workers are extremely friendly and helpful. The commute is also not terrible (although I would still ideally ride my bike). Omnicare is located in Golden, which is 10 miles directly West of my apartment.

This transition is not only my first experience in the "real-world," but also my first position as a pharmacist. I will never forget the feeling of verifying my first medication order or having a technician ask me whether or not they pulled the correct drug. Only months ago, that tech was me. It is an enormous role swap that requires responsibility and accountability. As a new graduate--at only 24 years old--it is important for me to reflect confidence and maturity as I begin my professional career at Omnicare.

Rita and Mike returned to Denver after their week in the mountains in order to spend their last weekend with family. On Saturday, we took a tour of the Coors Brewery in Golden. The self-guided and informative tour of the large brewery provided samples at the end. The only negative was the crowds (we waited an hour and half to begin the tour), but it is a free event--so no complaints!

Back in Denver, we spent the afternoon in RiNo (River North Art District), which is just North of Anna and Alex's neighborhood. We indulged in tacos at Los Chingones and brews at Ratio Beerworks.

We said goodbye to Rita and Mike on Sunday after a hometown Steelers win. It was a great reunion, and we are looking forward to the next one over Christmas!
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Aspen

Before I began my first job as a pharmacist, my sister Rita was in town to visit Anna and I (and the mountains, of course). The night she arrived, we saw Mumford and Sons in concert at Fiddler's Green Amphitheater. Excellent performance, underwhelming venue.

We spent that weekend in Aspen. On Friday afternoon, Anna and Alex set off in one car, while Rita, her boyfriend, Mike, and I set off in another.

Aspen is a 3-4 hour drive Southwest of Denver (roughly 150 miles). We stopped in Vail for a German dinner.

The city of Aspen is split between two towns--Aspen and Snowmass Village--and four mountains--Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Our weekend lodging was a large condo at the top of Snowmass Village.

Saturday morning was dedicated to hiking. We got an early start to explore the famous Maroon Bells. Located in the Elk Mountains of White River National Forest, Maroon Valley encompasses a reflective lake surrounded by snowy fourtneer peaks. Years of sedimentation and erosion give the "Bells" their distinctive color.

Sunrise is the best time to see the Bells reflected in Maroon Lake. We were surprised to see the outline of the lake already lined with awed spectators and photographers. It was a beautiful sight indeed.



Crater Lake Trail is a four-mile hike from the Lake, consisting of a rocky ascent through aspen forests.

The sun was not yet high enough to warm the valley, which made for a chilly morning hike.

At last, we reached Crater Lake at 10,076'.

The return journey offered a unique perspective to the scenery in the mid-morning light.

As you might have guessed, fall is one of the best times to visit Aspen due to the brilliant yellow palette of the trees. The shimmering golden specks are truly captivating.

The Scenic Loop Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that follows a stream through alpine meadows and aspen forests.

Eventually, we arrived back at Maroon Lake.

 

We followed the Maroon Creek Trail downstream a short piece on our way back to the parking lot. Although we did not spot any moose, we never tired of the glowing aspens.

 

That afternoon, we explored downtown Aspen. The charming mountain town has several quaint shops and restaurants. Aspen Brewing Co. has a small, sunny deck with a front-row view of the slopes--making us hungry for ski season!

On the short drive back to Snowmass Village, we stopped along the side of the road to greet some friendly horses.

On Sunday morning, we hiked around Snowmass. The Rim Trail is a challenging eight-mile trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. We only hiked part of the trail, however, climbing steep switchbacks to reveal breathtaking views of Snowmass Village.

By noon, we hit the road in order to allow time to drive through Independence Pass--max elevation of 12,095'.

While Rita and Mike stayed in the mountains for the week, I returned to Denver with Anna and Alex to start my career on Monday!