With Love from Chicago!

Last week I embarked on my first business trip with Flood & Peterson to none other than Chicago! It was an absolutely wonderful experience, I was able to get to know some of my colleagues and I began the transition away from the 'new girl.' Needless to say we dined like royalty the entire trip and drank the finest wine! We went to Harry Carey's which was very fun and an experience all together! My favorite was a lovely family Italian restaurant called Ballo, it was great to sit and enjoy fine dining with new friends. Oh and yes the seminar was very informational and I learned quite a bit. Here's a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!

Tobias enjoying some pre-Halloween festivities (he unfortunately didn't get to go to Chicago with me)!

I took this picture in my hotel room just as I looked out the windows for the first time . . . I have to admit the city took my breath away.

This was my favorite part of my hotel room!

The view from Sear's Tower!! Such an amazing sight . . . what a wonderful city!

Some of the F&P crew enjoying the House of Blues!

Thursday night we went to this wonderful Italian restaurant called Ballo. It was an absolutely amazing experience! If you're ever in Chicago you must go this family owned restaurant.

Our feast at Ballo! Truly some of the best Italian I've had since Noni's cooking . . .

This picture is taken from my room . . . I sat on the couch for over an hour sipping on a glass of white wine watching the big city bustle about even through the rain.

Ahhh the view from the plane . . . on the way home. When you rise above the clouds it seems as if you could reach out and touch the very face of Heaven.

A little bit of Life

I have to admit that I feel like I have finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My last job I realize now how much it was actually chipping away little pieces of my heart. I was miserable and it followed me in every aspect of my life. Unexpectedly a new job fell into my lap and as sad as this sounds I was a bit hesitant to start all over again. However I took a leap of faith and jumped in with both feet . . . and my goodness I am so blessed. This new job is a breath of fresh air and I'm starting to feel like myself again. This new job is incredible and I couldn't imagine going back to banking! I'm so grateful to those (mainly Brooke and Dan) who have put up with me over the past year . . . I know I wasn't always easy to handle and I'm sure glad you didn't judge me for it. I'm heading off on my first business trip next week to Chicago! I'm very excited as I've never been there and of course the new company does everything in style!!

There have definitely been some fun memories over the past month: Dan's birthday, Breckenridge, Counting Crows concert and the Broncos game. Here are some fun pictures hightlighting the events!

Part of the crew Dan, Brooke and Brian getting ready for the game! It was a bit chilly but what football isn't fun without cold weather and a beer?!?!

Miranda, Jana, me and Dan getting ready to go in . . . yes that is schnapps in Dan's hand. We brought it in and it mixed perfect with hot cocoa. Gotta warm the soul some how!

The view from our seats! Yes they were a little high up but I think this is where the 'real' fans sit! We had so much fun and really it isn't as far as it looks.

Dan and I taking up a great picture opportunity atop Hoosier Pass during our weekend up in Breckenridge. It was so fabulous to sneak away for the weekend with the people I love most Tobias and Kingstin! Er um just kidding!! Me, Brooke, Dan and Brian and yes the pups got to tag along with us.

Vail Mountian and all her glory!! I can't wait for snow . . . I just bought new skis so I can't wait to try them out.

Jonckowski/Hopkins' don't mess around when it comes to video games!! Me and Brooke having fun in Breckenridge.

For Dan's birthday I took him to the Capital Grille for dinner in Downtown Denver. We had such a wonderful time . . . the food was phenomenal, the wine out of this world (so great we ordered two bottles), the service outstanding and my company priceless!

Dan and I at the Capital Grille . . . Yum!

Mary and I . . . we ended up meeting up with a couple of friends after dinner. Perfect way to close the evening.

Brooke and I enjoying a beer at Lucky Joes . . . oh we were still so tan. Sigh Mexico!