Life update

Hey there. It’s been a while since I’ve posted a regular blog post or maintained a Sunshine with Savannah schedule.

I think it’s time we catch up. Here are some updates—what’s been going on in my world for the past few months.

Softball season

The biggest and most substantial life update (and main reason for my blogging absence) is that I spent the past several months assistant coaching for the Basalt High School softball team.

To sum it up, it was a truly crazy season for us. It’s almost too much to describe; Basalt is the only school that offers softball in the Roaring Fork Valley, so we had girls from New Castle, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt all playing together—many who didn’t know each other at all. On our first day of practice, only seven girls showed up. (As a reminder, a team needs nine. Minimum.) Somehow, through the power of persuasion and luck, a few more players trickled in, leaving us with a roster of eleven at most.

Honestly, the girls surpassed my expectations. Several of the girls had never thrown a ball before, and didn’t have a basic fundamental knowledge of the game, at all. Some of the girls could make up a beginner JV squad. And a few—about three or four—were absolute studs. One girl in particular is going onto the next level someday, I know that for a fact. Together, they made a hodge-podge squad that somehow won a handful of games and grew tremendously.

By the end of the season, injuries and sickness took out several of the girls. They were worn out and tired from a crazy schedule, and we had to forfeit at least four games the day-of because we couldn’t suit up a full nine.

We actually made it to the playoffs, by some miracle. However, we had to withdraw because of numbers and sheer safety. I’m bummed for the girls but excited to see where we can go from there, and I’ll miss our lone senior dearly. I’m also excited to retire my 50 minute daily drive to Basalt in the middle of the work day. 😉

Wedding

Our very good friends got married in early October! Phil and Megan threw a lovely wedding and it was such a pleasure to celebrate their love. Chad was in the wedding and we offered up our hotel room as a get-ready spot, so I was lucky to spend some extra time with the gang.

My favorite part, besides a poppin’ dance floor, generous rehearsal dinner drink tickets, and reuniting with college friends, was a crazy party bus with a golden retriever to end the night.

Nails done

I got my nails done! It had been about four or so years (possibly my wedding ???) since the last time I got my nails done at a salon, so I decided to treat myself prior to the wedding while Chad was busy with groomsman duties.

COVID

And of course, I got COVID. Lol. This was quite a big interruption of my life, and all I can really say is that I’m so grateful to have been vaccinated. (You can read more about the entire experience here.)

New client

New client alert! It’s my dad! Lol. He stepped down from management to once again own an insurance agency for American Family Insurance. I’m taking over his social media and helping spread the word to Grand Junction, Colorado about how amazing he and his team is.

Wally’s hair crisis

Wally’s hair is in dire shape. The poor dood is cuter than ever, but looks like a mangey maniac. With softball season and a busy summer, we couldn’t get him in soon enough for a spa day, and we dropped the ball on at-home brushing. We have a grooming appointment for him this week, and I’m dreading a big chop or shave to get rid of some matting. RIP to the floofy do.

Sushi and mini golf

During our time in Denver, Chad and I had a few opportunities to have a little date fun. We chose to hang out in the Belmar area of Lakewood and treated ourselves to a new-to-us sushi bar called Wasabi. While we (I) ordered entirely too many rolls (lol), it was all delicious. Top remarks for a boozy pear drink and the pork buns—sheer perfection.

The next day, Chad and I decided to play mini golf. We had a blast with a course all to ourselves. I loved giggling our way through 18 holes and kicking some butt.

TV watching

On bed rest, I’ve watched a lot of television and movies. Here are a few.

• The Bachelor – Ben’s season
• The Bachelorette – Jojo’s season
• Bachelor in Paradise
• The Titanic
• My Girl
• Succession
• Black Widow
• Invincible
• Goliath
• Ted Lasso
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Reservation Dogs
• The Vault
• The Circle
• Mystic Pizza
• As Good as it Gets
• Nine Perfect Strangers
• Bend It Like Beckham
• We Are the Millers

Missed a wedding

Thanks to COVID, we also had to skip a wedding. We were extremely bummed to miss out on our friends Heather and Connor’s delayed celebration. Sending all of our love to them!

Family time

Prior to the wedding (thank goodness), Chad and I spent the night at my brother’s house in Denver. While we were there, we got to spend a little time babysitting our niece, Nora. We had a blast following her around as she showed us the ropes. At the moment, she’s a huge fan of the Rockies, Trevor Story, and Elmo.

We also had some time with my brother’s elderly dogs, Autumn and Brinkley. Sadly, a few days later, Brinkley passed away. He was a fantastic dog, a handsome silky terrier, and such a longstanding member of the family. He’s missed!

Also: Chad and I have gotten to spend some valuable time with my parents in Grand Junction. We got to see my god parents, Julie and Brad, and enjoy a last swim of the season. We also saw my mom and dad this past weekend, which was filled with wonderful moments like pumpkin painting, a winery visit, lunch at our go-to Mexican restaurant, a real estate open house, French toast, and seeing James Bond on the big screen.

Moving fantasy

I’ve been fantasizing about moving to somewhere new. Honestly, a place with a low cost of living sounds divine—especially in a city! For some reason I’ve been looking up homes for sale in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. Random, I know.

Chad is definitely not on board, lol. After doing a quiz with my parents, I’m also interested in places like Flagstaff, Medford, Eugene, Pocatello, and Duluth.

Happy birthday, Mom!

My mom celebrated her birthday on October 16. We were in isolation (stupid COVID), so I’m excited to celebrate belatedly soon. My mom is beautiful, creative, talented, kind, sensitive, sharp, and supportive. All the love to her!!!

PS — a great present might be to order one of her amazing Dancing Lotus cards! 😉

Went for a walk

Maybe this doesn’t seem like too big of a deal, but I went for my first walk post-COVID. It was just around the block, but you would’ve thought it was a marathon. Lol, it was awful and I had many regrets.

Baby lovvvve

Sending all the love in the world to our besties Alexis and Jessica, who are having a baby! Bills-Bustillos pumpkin is due March 2022. <3 <3 <3

Other birthdays

We also celebrated a few other birthdays from afar. My bestie Alexis was August 11, my grandma Shirley was September 16, our bestie Jessica was September 25, my nephew Everest turned 5 on September 27, my grandpa Bert was October 16 (the same as his daughter!), my brother-in-law Steven is October 28, and Chad’s grandma Kay is October 29.

Love is in the air

On November 4, Chad and I will be celebrating ten years of being together! This is nearly impossible for me to fathom. I honestly cannot believe it.

To celebrate, I booked us a two-night stay in Vail, CO. It’s only an hour-ish away, but I’m excited to stay in a fancy-pants hotel and have some time outside the house. The last time we were there, we celebrated Chad’s 23rd birthday, when we were still broke post-college and pre-wedding (I don’t think Chad had even started his job yet, LOL) and stayed in a bizarre German-themed Airbnb. This time around, I expect things to be a little nicer, though it’s all thanks to off-season pricing. 🙂

Note: I hope to really have a full trip to a tropical getaway this winter to truly celebrate. We deserve it!

Cheers to us!!!! <3

Magazine writing

I was kind of swindled into writing for Glenwood Springs Magazine! I didn’t realize I committed when I said I was interested in learning more, but the editor replied by formally introducing me to the rest of the team as the newest staff writer. Finally the deadline is coming up, so I will be sweating to finish several articles. Lol.

Life goals

I’ve had a lot off time to think about the mortality of life and what I want my life to look like. (This time was also influenced by an anxious fear and frenzy toward the possibility of life never returning to normal, mind you) (#COVIDThoughts).

In the end, I realized a few things that I want for myself, that I want to earn. I want to work less and play more but to also rise and grind and be the best version of myself, whatever that looks like. Is it financial freedom, structure, expanding, fitness, community building? I’m not sure, but I’d like to find out.

I want a thick passport, countless destinations crossed off my travel list, and endless stays at hotels and vacation rentals that are cultural and unique and beautiful. Or, nothing like I live at home.

This is a little surprising, but I also want to treat myself to bougie experiences, like regular nail appointments and eyelash extensions and lip filler and facials and hair blowouts and Lasik eye surgery. I want to go on coffee dates and to delicious restaurants, weekends away, sunset cruises, and have plenty of champagne-popping moments. Likewise, I want to live in a house of my dreams, jump on a king-sized bed, wake up to relentless puppy kisses from several massive dogs who are happy to see me. The house would be beautifully furnished and well-lit and neutral and anything but boring. I feel as though I want to give myself these opportunities rather than wait around; to achieve rather than settle. Life is short and I’m interested in tasting the finer things for a bit.

And along with a little luxury and many experiences, I just hope to have many laughs and cuddles and memories made with the people who matter most. Dance floors and pool parties and brunch and movie nights and bowling and traveling and nights in, eating takeout.

Back to life

Most importantly, I’m back to living my life. Thank you for being here with me.

🖤