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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