Last night, during a fabulous Sushi Den meal and catch-up session (Boyfriend and I hadn't seen each other in awhile. I traveled in Vancouver and Victoria; Boyfriend sat in a luxury suite in LA, watched the Lakers take on the Celtics, and texted about each celebrity sighting; then, Boyfriend took on Mount Rainier with his work buddies), Boyfriend brought up the mid-year review he had with his boss last week.
Long story short, the "move" to New York (mentioned in previous blog post) is not happening in the imminent future. Sigh of relief. Actually, after my initial freak-out session, I calmed down considerably. I talked with a few close friends about the situation, was offered sage advice, and figured I'd worry more about my big decision when I actually had to make it.
Perhaps the wisest words came from my mother, who is apparently cheering for Team Boyfriend. When I told her about the situation over dinner, she mentioned that Denver's a safe, easy choice for me and that my parents would help me financially if I moved. As we left the restaurant and headed for our separate cars, she looked at me and said, "Don't be scared of life."
I thought that was especially poignant and relevant to me, and I'm going to try and follow that philosophy.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Tale of Two Cities
After a fabulous Saturday with Boyfriend (sailing on the Cherry Creek Reservoir, Sex and the City, Sushi Sasa late-night takeout), I was ready to collapse. I was on the brink of sleep when Boyfriend starting rubbing my back and cautiously said, "Can I ask you a question?"
His tone was different, so I immediately got nervous. Did I do something wrong? Did HE do something wrong? As I anxiously started creating scenarios in my mind, he asked, "Have you ever thought about moving?"
Have I ever thought about moving? Sure, I've thought about moving, but in no serious manner. "Why?"
Boyfriend moved to Denver (the city I love) from Manhattan (the city he loves) for a great job opportunity. Now, there's a possibility that there's a new position in Manhattan with his current Denver-based company. He hasn't been asked about the position. He hasn't inquired about the position. However, there's a good shot that he'd be the perfect candidate for it and could easily get it...if he wanted it.
Hence, the million-dollar, theoretical question, "Would you consider moving to New York City?"
I couldn't really respond. I didn't say yes, and I didn't say no. Boyfriend doesn't know what he wants, either. After a somewhat-rocky start in the Rocky Mountain region, he's grown to love Colorado and the healthy, active lifestyle he's developed here. He lived and loved in Manhattan for several of his 20-something years, as have his friends who may be growing tired of the scene. However, deep down, I know he still loves New York. If I had responded, "YES," I truly think his decision would be made.
I love Denver and the life I've created for myself here. I specifically moved back to Denver after college to be near my parents, and I love that they're a 15-minute drive away. I love waking up to fresh air and picturesque mountains every day. I love the laid-back Coloradan attitude. I love that Denver isn't cutthroat or competitive and that people are actually nice, happy, and say hello. I love that I don't spend my entire salary on an apartment that's smaller than a closet. Because I have extra money to spare, I've been able to save quite a bit, as well as enjoy a good and fun life too. And I also love that Boyfriend's a big part of my life here.
It seems like such a lose-lose, Catch-22 situation to me: I can live in a city that I don't love with the person I love, or I can live in a city that I do love without the person I love.
That's not to say Boyfriend would definitely move, though. He debated bringing the conversation up, because he didn't want me to make a big deal out of something that he may not choose to pursue or that may not end up being a possibility. I would hate to see him give up an opportunity for something he wanted because of me though; that makes me feel selfish and stifling.
Of course, I couldn't communicate all of this to Boyfriend last night. I did as best I could, in bits and pieces, in between sobs and consequent hiccups. It was late, I was drained, and all I really wanted him to do was comfort me and tell me we'd somehow figure it out. As if he read my mind, Boyfriend held me and whispered, "It's okay. We'll figure this out." Though that was somewhat reassuring, I still woke up this morning with an emotional hangover and its tell-tale symptoms: puffy eyes, splotchy face, sheer exhaustion.
I know it's silly to sit and worry about the future, but I'm human and it's only natural. So, I guess this is growing up..
His tone was different, so I immediately got nervous. Did I do something wrong? Did HE do something wrong? As I anxiously started creating scenarios in my mind, he asked, "Have you ever thought about moving?"
Have I ever thought about moving? Sure, I've thought about moving, but in no serious manner. "Why?"
Boyfriend moved to Denver (the city I love) from Manhattan (the city he loves) for a great job opportunity. Now, there's a possibility that there's a new position in Manhattan with his current Denver-based company. He hasn't been asked about the position. He hasn't inquired about the position. However, there's a good shot that he'd be the perfect candidate for it and could easily get it...if he wanted it.
Hence, the million-dollar, theoretical question, "Would you consider moving to New York City?"
I couldn't really respond. I didn't say yes, and I didn't say no. Boyfriend doesn't know what he wants, either. After a somewhat-rocky start in the Rocky Mountain region, he's grown to love Colorado and the healthy, active lifestyle he's developed here. He lived and loved in Manhattan for several of his 20-something years, as have his friends who may be growing tired of the scene. However, deep down, I know he still loves New York. If I had responded, "YES," I truly think his decision would be made.
I love Denver and the life I've created for myself here. I specifically moved back to Denver after college to be near my parents, and I love that they're a 15-minute drive away. I love waking up to fresh air and picturesque mountains every day. I love the laid-back Coloradan attitude. I love that Denver isn't cutthroat or competitive and that people are actually nice, happy, and say hello. I love that I don't spend my entire salary on an apartment that's smaller than a closet. Because I have extra money to spare, I've been able to save quite a bit, as well as enjoy a good and fun life too. And I also love that Boyfriend's a big part of my life here.
It seems like such a lose-lose, Catch-22 situation to me: I can live in a city that I don't love with the person I love, or I can live in a city that I do love without the person I love.
That's not to say Boyfriend would definitely move, though. He debated bringing the conversation up, because he didn't want me to make a big deal out of something that he may not choose to pursue or that may not end up being a possibility. I would hate to see him give up an opportunity for something he wanted because of me though; that makes me feel selfish and stifling.
Of course, I couldn't communicate all of this to Boyfriend last night. I did as best I could, in bits and pieces, in between sobs and consequent hiccups. It was late, I was drained, and all I really wanted him to do was comfort me and tell me we'd somehow figure it out. As if he read my mind, Boyfriend held me and whispered, "It's okay. We'll figure this out." Though that was somewhat reassuring, I still woke up this morning with an emotional hangover and its tell-tale symptoms: puffy eyes, splotchy face, sheer exhaustion.
I know it's silly to sit and worry about the future, but I'm human and it's only natural. So, I guess this is growing up..
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Why Tennis is Better Than Gossip Girl
Yesterday was a particularly stressful Monday for me. My to-do list kept getting longer, my need-to-meet deadlines were threatened, and as a result, my m&m intake increased dramatically throughout the course of the afternoon.
By the time I left work, I had a headache from the stress and a stomachache from the chocolate, and this was all before I hit rush-hour traffic (Note to readers: consistently hitting your brakes to avoid slamming into the car in front of you exacerbates any existing medical ailments). As my Honda continued to heave forward, however, I was excited to get home to sit on the couch and watch the much-anticipated Gossip Girl finale. Would Lily and Bart get married, or would she follow her heart and leave him for Rufus? Would Dan learn the truth about Serena’s past and forgive her? Would Blair and Chuck get revenge on Georgina for betraying Serena? Such pressing questions!
Instead of learning the answers, my roomie, E, and I went to play tennis, which is fast replacing boring treadmill runs as our way of staying healthy and active. Slamming tennis balls is such a great stress reliever, as is feeling the cool breeze and smelling the fresh Colorado air. We played for 90 minutes and by the time we were finished, I could breathe again. My stress disappeared, my headache died, and my m&m calories were deleted, so even though I missed the show, I came out on top. Plus, the CW airs Gossip Girl reruns every Sunday night.
So don’t you worry, Gossip Girl, you know I still love you. XOXO, Kantzie
By the time I left work, I had a headache from the stress and a stomachache from the chocolate, and this was all before I hit rush-hour traffic (Note to readers: consistently hitting your brakes to avoid slamming into the car in front of you exacerbates any existing medical ailments). As my Honda continued to heave forward, however, I was excited to get home to sit on the couch and watch the much-anticipated Gossip Girl finale. Would Lily and Bart get married, or would she follow her heart and leave him for Rufus? Would Dan learn the truth about Serena’s past and forgive her? Would Blair and Chuck get revenge on Georgina for betraying Serena? Such pressing questions!
Instead of learning the answers, my roomie, E, and I went to play tennis, which is fast replacing boring treadmill runs as our way of staying healthy and active. Slamming tennis balls is such a great stress reliever, as is feeling the cool breeze and smelling the fresh Colorado air. We played for 90 minutes and by the time we were finished, I could breathe again. My stress disappeared, my headache died, and my m&m calories were deleted, so even though I missed the show, I came out on top. Plus, the CW airs Gossip Girl reruns every Sunday night.
So don’t you worry, Gossip Girl, you know I still love you. XOXO, Kantzie
Friday, May 16, 2008
San Diego with the Mandiego
Two weekends ago, Boyfriend and I went to La Jolla, California for our first romantic getaway.
This wasn't our first trip together. We've gone to New York twice; Trip 1 was a "Meet the Respective Friends & Family Vacation"/birthday present and Trip 2 was for his 25th birthday bonanza. We've also been to New Jersey for his cousin's wedding. All of the past trips have proven that we're definitely travel compatible (sigh of relief!). In fact, I love having Boyfriend around on flights because I squeeze his hands during takeoff, landing, and any unexpected turbulence. However, all of our past trips have also had a purpose behind them. This time, we went just because.
The trip started off an interesting note when Boyfriend's ex-girlfriend/hookup/something of the sort drunk dialed him to let him know she had just been proposed to and that she was unhappy about it. That's a rocky start to a romantic weekend; but random calls aside, the weekend was amazing!
San Diego/La Jolla is gorgeous. We stayed at an amazing Spanish hacienda-style hotel, La Valencia, we walked the beaches, we brunched overlooking the Pacific, we watched seals, we relaxed poolside with tropical drinks in hand, we played ping pong and he schooled me time and again, we browsed the boutiques, we joked the entire weekend about being in the whale's vah-jay-jay (I hope you've seen Anchorman to appreciate), and we had an amazing "anniversary" meal here. Our dishes: date salad, halibut ceviche, garlic roasted chicken, hanger steak, buttermilk panna cotta, truffles, and lots of wine! Restaurant randomly thought we were celebrating an anniversary, so they treated us like total VIPs the entire evening.
The weekend was wonderful; I totally recommend San Diego as the perfect destination for a romantic retreat (as does the current issue of Cosmopolitan, which we learned on our flight there!).
You stay classy, San Diego.
This wasn't our first trip together. We've gone to New York twice; Trip 1 was a "Meet the Respective Friends & Family Vacation"/birthday present and Trip 2 was for his 25th birthday bonanza. We've also been to New Jersey for his cousin's wedding. All of the past trips have proven that we're definitely travel compatible (sigh of relief!). In fact, I love having Boyfriend around on flights because I squeeze his hands during takeoff, landing, and any unexpected turbulence. However, all of our past trips have also had a purpose behind them. This time, we went just because.
The trip started off an interesting note when Boyfriend's ex-girlfriend/hookup/something of the sort drunk dialed him to let him know she had just been proposed to and that she was unhappy about it. That's a rocky start to a romantic weekend; but random calls aside, the weekend was amazing!
San Diego/La Jolla is gorgeous. We stayed at an amazing Spanish hacienda-style hotel, La Valencia, we walked the beaches, we brunched overlooking the Pacific, we watched seals, we relaxed poolside with tropical drinks in hand, we played ping pong and he schooled me time and again, we browsed the boutiques, we joked the entire weekend about being in the whale's vah-jay-jay (I hope you've seen Anchorman to appreciate), and we had an amazing "anniversary" meal here. Our dishes: date salad, halibut ceviche, garlic roasted chicken, hanger steak, buttermilk panna cotta, truffles, and lots of wine! Restaurant randomly thought we were celebrating an anniversary, so they treated us like total VIPs the entire evening.
The weekend was wonderful; I totally recommend San Diego as the perfect destination for a romantic retreat (as does the current issue of Cosmopolitan, which we learned on our flight there!).
You stay classy, San Diego.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Our Love is Legit
I've been dating Boyfriend for more than 19 months. It's officially my longest relationship ever. It's also officially my only real relationship ever, but we don't need to get too technical.
Three of said 19 months don't really count, however, because we were casually dating and the relationship wasn't exclusive. I kissed a boy or two, he smooched a girl or two, so the relationship truly began in February 2007.
I'm proud to say that, as of yesterday, we took a deep and meaningful step in our relationship. Yes, after almost a year and a half of blissful togetherness, I changed my Facebook status to read: In a relationship with [Boyfriend]. I can only imagine what will come next!
Three of said 19 months don't really count, however, because we were casually dating and the relationship wasn't exclusive. I kissed a boy or two, he smooched a girl or two, so the relationship truly began in February 2007.
I'm proud to say that, as of yesterday, we took a deep and meaningful step in our relationship. Yes, after almost a year and a half of blissful togetherness, I changed my Facebook status to read: In a relationship with [Boyfriend]. I can only imagine what will come next!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What a Jagged Little Pill
As I've mentioned, I recently celebrated a milestone birthday: 25. And now, I'm already starting to exhibit behaviors associated with the elderly, including:
(A) Memory loss (e.g. misplacing keys and iPod, read Luck Be a Lady? post for further details)
(B) Old Lady Syndrome (choosing quiet nights in over wild nights out, retiring to the bedroom by 10/11 p.m. on weekends)
(C) Using the little pill box.
Yes, I admit it. I actually went out and purchased one of those pill boxes that has mini-compartments for all the days of the week. I was getting sick of forgetting this pill or that pill at home. Plus, it was annoying and space-consuming to carry numerous pill containers in my purse. It's actually a lot smarter and resourceful to consolidate pills and vitamins into one container.
So although I feel like I'm 75-years-old, at least I feel like an organized 75, which should help offset the memory less. At least a little.
(A) Memory loss (e.g. misplacing keys and iPod, read Luck Be a Lady? post for further details)
(B) Old Lady Syndrome (choosing quiet nights in over wild nights out, retiring to the bedroom by 10/11 p.m. on weekends)
(C) Using the little pill box.
Yes, I admit it. I actually went out and purchased one of those pill boxes that has mini-compartments for all the days of the week. I was getting sick of forgetting this pill or that pill at home. Plus, it was annoying and space-consuming to carry numerous pill containers in my purse. It's actually a lot smarter and resourceful to consolidate pills and vitamins into one container.
So although I feel like I'm 75-years-old, at least I feel like an organized 75, which should help offset the memory less. At least a little.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Dining in Denver
I've been on a Tour de Denver Restaurants recently. I love trying new places and frequenting familiar favorites, so it's been a fun and calorie-heavy couple weeks. It helps that Boyfriend's a total foodie who treats me to mmm-worthy meals and that I have friends who like to explore Denver's dining scene. Of course, many of these dining occasions were birthday-related, so they were necessary and don't count, calorie wise (everyone knows calories consumed during birthday celebrations are void).
Here are my unsolicited, unbiased opinions of some of our latest jaunts. I'm no food critic, but I like to pretend I'm somewhat in the know.
Cherry Creek Grill: Boyfriend works in the CC area and suggested trying this popular place one Monday after work. I've heard good things, and I've been to (and l-o-v-e-d) Bandera, a restaurant from the same group in Scottsdale, so I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. CC Grill is upscale casual American dining, and it's delicious. For an appetizer, we split the "famous" cornbread in a skillet. I understand why it's famous; it's warm, it's spicy (in a good way), and it's impossible to stop devouring. For dinner, I had a sashimi tuna salad, complete with mango and avocado, and topped with a cilantro ginger vinaigrette. Heavenly. Boyfriend enjoyed trout and Riesling, both of which I tried and loved. I can't wait to come back in the summer to enjoy patio seating and the exact same meal.
Osteria Marco: We went here for my birthday dinner. It's a cute Italian restaurant in Larimer Square. Decor is charming (black and white awning, walls adorned with flying pigs, exposed brick...my personal favorite, a wine rack slash wall that separates the main dining space into two areas). Service is great (we were given complementary limencello). Food was just alright (not bad, not amazing). My starter salad was good, Boyfriend's roasted beets/hazelnuts were tasty, but the pizza we split was sub-par. I would try Osteria again (perhaps it was an off-night), but it's not at the top of my list.
Vita: Boyfriend, E (my roommate), a friend, M, and I headed to Vita last weekend. It's in the Highlands, a trendy neighborhood that's a 5-minute walk from our apartment. After glancing at the menu online, my initial thought was the place was going to be overpriced and under deliver. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a perfect date place; it's dimly-lit and sexy, and there's live jazz to keep you entertained. Before our meal, we were treated to a mushroom spring roll, courtesy of the chef. This started the night on a good note. Then, we ordered crab cakes for the table, which were baked in some incredible "chowdah" sauce. Meals: delicious scallops (me); steak with the smoothest and richest (read: most fattening) mashed potatoes I have ever tasted (Boyfriend); lasagna, complete with winter squash, spinach, fresh ricotta, and sage pesto (E); and avocado-seared ahi tuna (M). Everyone loved their meals. We ended the night by splitting a scrumptious gourmet smore. Guaranteed we'll be back this summer to enjoy drinks and another meal on the rooftop patio.
The 9th Door: The 9th Door is trendy and award winning, so it has to be expensive, right? Wrong! This tasty tapas restaurant is beyond reasonable, which makes me love it even more. Boyfriend and I enjoyed a 9th Door dinner last weekend (only our second ever). As we devoured dish after dish, I repeatedly commented, "I can't believe we haven't come here more!" We enjoyed both cold (avocado/shrimp salad; scallops with lemon aioli and arugula) and hot (lamb meatballs, sauteed mushrooms) tapas. Our dessert was raspberry gelato, and strawberries and pears, all in a sangria sauce. Not only do I plan on coming here more than twice a year for dinner, but I also want to arrange a night out here. Around 10ish, the place turns into a lounge, and the music's incredible. It's a great blend of Spanish music and random good songs (we heard Jamiroquai's Canned Heat and Michael Jackson's P.Y.T.). Good crowd; good ambiance; we'll be back!
Zengo: Zengo is Latin American/Asian fusion, and it's right in my neighborhood. It's a little too expensive to be a "regular" spot, but it's fun for special occasions...especially if we're feeling lazy! I enjoyed a birthday dinner at Zengo with a couple good friends. Zengo means "give and take," so we shared a bunch of appetizers: empanadas, edamame, won ton tacos, a chicken salad, and Kobe beef that you cook on a stone they bring to your table. Everything was amazing, including the churros/three dipping sauces dessert. I recommend!
I think it's time to stop eating and blogging and instead go running.
Here are my unsolicited, unbiased opinions of some of our latest jaunts. I'm no food critic, but I like to pretend I'm somewhat in the know.
Cherry Creek Grill: Boyfriend works in the CC area and suggested trying this popular place one Monday after work. I've heard good things, and I've been to (and l-o-v-e-d) Bandera, a restaurant from the same group in Scottsdale, so I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. CC Grill is upscale casual American dining, and it's delicious. For an appetizer, we split the "famous" cornbread in a skillet. I understand why it's famous; it's warm, it's spicy (in a good way), and it's impossible to stop devouring. For dinner, I had a sashimi tuna salad, complete with mango and avocado, and topped with a cilantro ginger vinaigrette. Heavenly. Boyfriend enjoyed trout and Riesling, both of which I tried and loved. I can't wait to come back in the summer to enjoy patio seating and the exact same meal.
Osteria Marco: We went here for my birthday dinner. It's a cute Italian restaurant in Larimer Square. Decor is charming (black and white awning, walls adorned with flying pigs, exposed brick...my personal favorite, a wine rack slash wall that separates the main dining space into two areas). Service is great (we were given complementary limencello). Food was just alright (not bad, not amazing). My starter salad was good, Boyfriend's roasted beets/hazelnuts were tasty, but the pizza we split was sub-par. I would try Osteria again (perhaps it was an off-night), but it's not at the top of my list.
Vita: Boyfriend, E (my roommate), a friend, M, and I headed to Vita last weekend. It's in the Highlands, a trendy neighborhood that's a 5-minute walk from our apartment. After glancing at the menu online, my initial thought was the place was going to be overpriced and under deliver. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a perfect date place; it's dimly-lit and sexy, and there's live jazz to keep you entertained. Before our meal, we were treated to a mushroom spring roll, courtesy of the chef. This started the night on a good note. Then, we ordered crab cakes for the table, which were baked in some incredible "chowdah" sauce. Meals: delicious scallops (me); steak with the smoothest and richest (read: most fattening) mashed potatoes I have ever tasted (Boyfriend); lasagna, complete with winter squash, spinach, fresh ricotta, and sage pesto (E); and avocado-seared ahi tuna (M). Everyone loved their meals. We ended the night by splitting a scrumptious gourmet smore. Guaranteed we'll be back this summer to enjoy drinks and another meal on the rooftop patio.
The 9th Door: The 9th Door is trendy and award winning, so it has to be expensive, right? Wrong! This tasty tapas restaurant is beyond reasonable, which makes me love it even more. Boyfriend and I enjoyed a 9th Door dinner last weekend (only our second ever). As we devoured dish after dish, I repeatedly commented, "I can't believe we haven't come here more!" We enjoyed both cold (avocado/shrimp salad; scallops with lemon aioli and arugula) and hot (lamb meatballs, sauteed mushrooms) tapas. Our dessert was raspberry gelato, and strawberries and pears, all in a sangria sauce. Not only do I plan on coming here more than twice a year for dinner, but I also want to arrange a night out here. Around 10ish, the place turns into a lounge, and the music's incredible. It's a great blend of Spanish music and random good songs (we heard Jamiroquai's Canned Heat and Michael Jackson's P.Y.T.). Good crowd; good ambiance; we'll be back!
Zengo: Zengo is Latin American/Asian fusion, and it's right in my neighborhood. It's a little too expensive to be a "regular" spot, but it's fun for special occasions...especially if we're feeling lazy! I enjoyed a birthday dinner at Zengo with a couple good friends. Zengo means "give and take," so we shared a bunch of appetizers: empanadas, edamame, won ton tacos, a chicken salad, and Kobe beef that you cook on a stone they bring to your table. Everything was amazing, including the churros/three dipping sauces dessert. I recommend!
I think it's time to stop eating and blogging and instead go running.
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