A New Chapter

     I guess I took an unintentional hiatus.  

     Initially, I was so energized and excited about starting a new chapter of my life that it felt like I could do anything and everything.  I didn't realize how exhausting it would be to really start adjusting.  

     As soon as I was starting to feel at home and normal in my new environment, my priorities changed.  I made new friends and spent time doing things other than go to work and to the gym.

There were margarita nights and date nights and karaoke nights.  

Large margarita at Mexico Lindo.

There were Bloody Mary Sundays and brunches at Luce or at Uncle Loui's. 

Bloody Mary bar at Bowery Bros pub at the Radisson. http://instagram.com/p/ekqFHwlMNa/

There was beer and a lot of whiskey.  

Leinenkugel Summer Shandy at Germanfest in Milwaukee!  http://instagram.com/p/cR_fgMFMKW/

There was travel for work and travel for fun.  

Trip to the Cooper Lighting facility in Denver  http://instagram.com/p/hM-WtbFMPj/

There was hip hop, punk rock, and Bob freaking Dylan.  

Trampled by Turtles and Atmosphere http://instagram.com/p/bNgqO5lMNw/

There were art fairs at Bayfront and second Friday exhibit openings at the Prøve. 

Labradorite and butterfly wing necklace by ISMS (based out of MN) from the Bayfront Art Fair.  http://instagram.com/p/dPMUdhFMCQ/

There was beer. 

All Pints North Summer Brewfest tasting glass and program.

There was a gin bucket and tequila before noon. 

Gin bucket at a Halloween party

There were bonfires on beaches both at sunset and at sunrise, and even one in the snow.

Beachfront bonfire at Glensheen mansion for the company holiday party.  http://instagram.com/p/jDZU4plMM5/

There was the symphony orchestra, the ballet, a pizza filled scenic train ride, and a haunted ship. 

Not even half of the programs and tickets I acquired.

Did I mention there was beer?

Surlyfest at the Surly Brewing Co grounds http://instagram.com/p/ek0_OfFME4/

There was a graffiti graveyard. 

Some kind of adventure.  http://instagram.com/p/Z8FtufFMMN/

There was gay pride weekend and gay marriage legalization.  

Wedding cake at the first gay wedding reception at Tycoon's.

There was dancing, fashion, and retail therapy.  

Highlights from Envision: Artopia Fall 2013  http://instagram.com/p/ehvPhGlMGl/

There was also beer. 

Sampling Colorado brews in Denver  http://instagram.com/p/hNJ2MHlMMG/

There was loss and a lot of facing fears and testing limits.  

     Even through the ups and downs, things are going just fine.  I'm learning so much at work and have made great progress since I started.  I'm registered and studying for a few professional certification exams and am excited to achieve those qualifications.  I'm now the secretary of my Toastmasters club which helps the club (and me) stay organized.  Also hoping the added responsibility motivates me to keep working at completing the projects on the path to becoming a DTM.  I have met a lot of great people here in Duluth through work, Toastmasters, meetup.com, and just from going out on the town whose company I enjoy and hope to continue making memories with.  

I'm excited about all these things but now that they're feeling less new (and stressful) and more normal, I can get back into writing about my explorations in local fashion and culture including all about Voltage, Envision, and some of the boutiques around town.  Thanks for reading and I hope to write more soon.