April & May 2025

In my brightest colors to welcome spring!

Opening Day 2026

A Denver Hero

Half Marathon Training

Peer pressure got the best of us and we all committed to running the Colfax Half. In this photo, we ran 8 miles down the Bear Creek Trail and landed at the Buffalo Wild Wings to catch some March Madness games.

Top of Green Mountain

Coaching Clinic

In early April, I got to nerd-out with some fellow coaches from CHSAA. It was inspiring to be with like-minded people who share a passion for not only the sport, but also a passion for the art of teaching the sport.

Waterton Canyon

My cousins and I had the bright idea to run our six miles at the start of the Colorado Trail. It was a steady incline the whole way up and it kicked our butts; however, we did get in some great views, watching the fly-fishers, and saw some mountain goats.

Our Cheerleaders in the Canyon

Mid-Run Fun

Right before we hit Sloans lake, we had to hit a selfie with the crew. This was from our 10 mile run. We landed at a random Brunch spot in the Northside and things quickly got rowdy.

Post-Run Bottomless Mimosas

After our run from Lakewood to the Northside, we spent a couple hours resting and hydrating.

Our Designated Driver

She saved the day and escorted us home in her 1971 Monte Carlo.

Last Long Run Day

Senior Volleyball Game

One of my EL students plays boys volleyball for a neighboring school, and he invited me to his last game before graduation.

I was happy to be there as he has been such an inspiration to me as a teacher. Three years ago he joined my program only speaking Spanish, but now, he is proudly bi-lingual and is a leader in the school and he is headed to college. I am so so proud of him and he has inspired me to continue to push past my own comfort zones.

Dream Car

Welcome Gift

I accepted a new job opportunity and I had the pleasure of meeting with my new staff. It felt so productive, mission-driven, and professional. The warmth was palpable and I felt recognized for my own expertise and vision. I am excited for this new chapter.

Disengaging the Rear Axle

My dad knows so much...and is so patient. I've graduated from "hold the flashlight" to an active hand....but I have so much more to learn.

Taking my Baby to the Shop

She's got a leak coming from the main seal. Sadly, we do not have a cherry picker, so....we gotta outsource this labor.

Feeling the Fuschia

Sunshine = Lessons Outside

Last Day of School

Pickle Beer with a pickle shot. Sadly, the pickle beer was a 2/10, but the shot was a 10/10.

Oh, and the book...I am about 3/4 through and I'd give it a 6/10. I love the setting and feel, but it lacks the depth that I yearn for. I had a few people tell me it would be comparative to "East of Eden". And, that was/is very inaccurate. "East of Eden" is lush and philosophical, while this read is a nice pleasure read, but there is not much to glean from it except for the plotline of the story. But, I still enjoy reading a Western about the pre-industrialization of the plains, mountains, and valleys.

Colfax Half 2026

Race Bib Pickup

Sunrise at City Park

For race day, we had to arrive at 6am. It was an early start, but spotting the sunrise against the "Cash Register" building was glorious.

P.S. The Denver Skyline means so much to me, not only because I am a Denver Native, but because my Grandpa, "my popeye" worked construction on those two tall buildings in the center there.

Ready to Rock

Seen during the race: "You may see me struggle, but you will never see me quit".

This man was in his late 70s and out there conquering 13.1 miles. I want to be like him.

Cash with the Grandpa Fit

Looking more like a grandpa than his grandpa.

Best Movie of 2026

On opening weekend, I grabbed a ticket to catch the new Michael Jackson biopic in theaters. I wanted to be absorbed in the screen and be surrounded by his music.

Fortunately, I was not disappointed as the film really captured the spirit of Michael and his nephew resurrected that unique soul. My favorite aspect of the whole film was how poignantly captured his innocence and his desire to be a vessel for inspiration.

Fun Fact: One of my earliest memories is watching a Micahel Jackson music video on the TV. I caught a groove and turned the vacuum on its side so that I could stand on top of it and turn it into my very own stage.

With the Familia on Opening Day

Colorado's Cutest Mascot

I didn't see the "real" Dinger on Opening Day. But I was just as pumped to stand next to the "original" Dinger costume from the Rockies first opening day in 1993.

Fun fact, my sixth grade teacher, Sister Shawn, had a side-gig as Dinger's escort in the 90s/early 2000s. She used to walk around with him and hand out "free beer coupons" when Dinger would accidentally knock over people's beers with his trailing tail.

T-ball, but make it girly

Ready Position

Running Green Mountain

My Tipo is Graying and its so cute

Coaching Clinic @ Arapahoe High School

First Trip to Waffle House

A side of grits with a bowl of love

We're Waffle House Family

We grew up with our parents taking us to Waffle House. We love the All Star Special and sliding dollar bills into the jukebox. Now, we get to share that love with the next generation.

Spa Day @ Monarch

With changing jobs, I ended up having A LOT of days to burn. So, I took a day and ran off to Black Hawk and had a spa day with my mom. We got massages, soaked in the hot tub, and fell asleep in the salt room.

Little Angels

At our school district's end of year "English Language Learner Night" I got to witness the various showcases of the success of the EL students across the school district. I sat behind these little boys and they were so joyful, friendly, and proud. They recited a poem in English and made their parents teary-eyed.

My Grandma Dianna and Grandpa Danny.

Shutting Down Federal for Cinco de Mayo

My momma and Auntie Gina Visiting Their Mommy

Splurged on Some Shades

Cinco de Mayo in Westwood

A Backyard Rodeo in Fort Lupton

A random facebook scroll exposed me to the world of a backyard rodeo. So, I decided to roll North and after being lost in some fields in my Toyota Yaris, I found a wide open field with a small metal pen with two bull chutes. The title of the event was "Cowboys vs. Vaqueros". It was a wild evening and almost ended abruptly as one of the bulls attempted to jump the boundary. It was a solid 10/10 night.

We Had The Whole Stadium to Ourselves

Toddler Activites During T-Ball

A Haven Along the Colfax Half

The choices were Fireball or straight Gin....I chose the Fireball.

Tounge Out; Guns Out

Mexican Elvis

Came to Gregerios to eat a Mexican Hamburger, but was further blessed with the presence of "Mexican Elvis" and his mariachi band. When he strolled in I expected an entertainer type rather than a vocalist....but I was so wrong. This man's voice was strong, emotional, and down-right gorgeous. A true mariachi star in untraditional mariachi attire.

Carmine's Italian Deli

I'd argue, this is Denver's best Italian Deli. I'm ready to fight you.

Best Sign I Saw During the Run

Birding Baby Owls

My Auntie Gina has recently gotten into "birding" and last Saturday she invited me to go and see the baby owls that had hatched on the Bear Creek Trail down by the Stonehouse.

I accepted the invitation and expected to be "hunting" and looking for them for a long time. But, to my surprise they were right off the trail and spectacular to see. She said they are only a few weeks old and cannot yet fly so they stand in this same spot waiting for their wings to be ready for flight. They were so gorgeous and it was also cool to see their mother a couple of trees over watching over her babies before their time comes to fly.