sunday: the day of rest

     it is quite amazing to think that i have been in colorado for only a week.  it seems like much longer than the 8 days it has actually been.  i've had a terrific time so far and can't wait for the adventures that are in store for me over the next few days, but today i took a much needed day of R&R before the craziness sets in.  i did find a new church this morning that i think is a very great fit for me.  and while fundamentally i have minor issues with attending church in a strip mall, it was actually a very nice service and a fabulous message.  i do greatly appreciate a place where worship is so heavily focused upon and the messages make you laugh just as much as they make you think.  today's sermon was on the holy spirit and how we have to embrace christ within us to fully be able to act upon his teachings.  i really appreciated the fresh perspective and humorous approach to such an important topic.
      after church becky and i went on my first container store adventure.  i have to admit that i am seriously saddened by the fact that there is not a container store near champaign.  it is a truly amazing place, kind of like a baby ikea and has all sorts of fun, if completely useless, boxes, bags, and other storage items.  we also had burritos at del taco, which probably was not the healthiest lunch i could have eaten, but was quite tasty.  however, as good as they might be, a taco place should not serve french fries.  potatoes might be important parts of mexican cuisine, but adding a crinkle cut to them before you fry them up and salt them simply does not work.  don't get me wrong, i like a salty, fried, starchy snack as much as the next person, but i don't really think that french fries and burritos are the best culinary pairing.
     having every intention of taking a walk in the beautiful sunshine, i changed my clothes and sat down to pick a walking route.  however instead of picking a trail and heading out for some exercise, i fell asleep and took a 2 hour nap.  it was truly delightful and apparently much needed, but not at all what i had intended for my afternoon.  i did manage to find some clothes to wear to work this week and researched some recipes so that i can decide what i am going to bake this week.  i'm thinking about doing a fruit tart, though chocolate cake is also a possibility.
     so now i am trying to decide what i want to do with my last truly free colorado day for a while.  i think i will throw the bike in my car and head for a nice trail to ride, though it sounds like it could be incredibly windy so i might sit outside on the deck and just enjoy the sunshine instead.  after tomorrow, my life is going to get seriously crazy for a while.  on tuesday, i start my new job, which should be truly fantastic, but i am also expecting hard work and a great deal of exhaustion.  i will likely work tuesday and wednesday and then i have an early morning flight back home for andy's graduation festivities on thursday.  i am loving colorado, but i am glad that i get to see my family this weekend.  there are several things that i wasn't able to finish up before leaving illinois and it will be good to get a nice mom fix in before i start classes in 10 days!  holy schmoly batman, i start pastry school in a little over a week!  i cannot believe that everything is happening so quickly.  i'm still in shock that i managed to find a job my first week here and a little in awe that i get to just dive into a life of pastry so effortlessly. 
     things are going to get exciting very quickly folks!  stay tuned for more kitchen adventures and mountain tales.