Camping this weekend at the lake

So here I am at work doing nothing. It's not that I have nothing to do, I am just incredibly lazy right now and really don't want to be here.

On a more positive note, I had a great weekend and am looking forward to this upcoming weekend when I will get the chance to hang out with my girlfriends at the lake. We will have all the time in the world (and hopefully all the sun in the world) on Saturday as we camp out on the shores of Boyd Lake. I was really hoping to go with some co-workers to Mt. Bierstadt on Sunday, as they are traveling 1/2 the way up and then coming down (there are some that won't be able to make it to the summit), but alas, I cannot do everything.

This last weekend was a ton of fun! My BF Michael was best man to his brother Bobby. Bobby married his girlfriend of about 2 years on Saturday. They are just so happy together! They were married at a small church in Fountain, a town just south of Colorado Springs. They had a small wedding (only about 80-100 people) and had their reception at the VFW.

I am now at the age when everyone and their brother is getting married, and despite the frequency (I go to a wedding about every 4-6 months now), I love weddings and everything about them. Sometimes I think about wedding planning as a potential carreer path! I think I would be a pretty good wedding planner or assistant to the planner as long as I have learned a thing or two about what it takes to plan things like that.

I will get my shot someday (to plan my own wedding) but for now, I will focus in on helping my cousin Megan, as I am her maid of honor for her wedding next summer. I have paid close attention to the various things she is eyeing such as the kinds of flowers she wants to have in her bouquet, her bridesmaids bouquets, in the centerpieces, etc. She is also still trying to chose the colors of her wedding. I have accompanied her to one dress fitting session, and plan on accompanying her more to these types of events.

I myself need to loose some weight! I really don't want the pictures from my cousin's wedding to show me flabby and out of shape! I think this might just be the semester to accomplish that goal. I want to do it not only to feel better about myself, but to FEEL better physically. Lately, I have been feeling a bit slow. It takes me longer to go up a flight of stairs, and I get winded! Kinda scary. I am 26 years old. I need to start taking care of myself physically.

Anyway, yeah yeah yeah, weddings are my thing- and hanging out with my girls. What's better than roasting marshmellows in an open fire in the heat of the summer night? Sounds like a perfect weekend just ahead!

-E

Thank the Lord

Throughout my life, I have not been an extremely religious person. I was raised Catholic, but was encouraged to educate myself about other beliefs and religions. Today I am comfortable calling myself a Christian. I am happy to have a personal relationship with my lord and savior Jesus Christ. He (I know it sounds cliche) truly is My Rock.

Lately, I have thought a lot about the different things in my life that I have... A great boyfriend, a dog that absolutely loves the crap out of me, a loving and supportive family, a progressing education, and a good job. Oh! I also have some of the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for. I treasure my life and the lives of others around me tremendously. And it's not until one of those things is almost taken away from you when you begin to realize how lucky you really are for having it in your life.

On Tuesday of this week, I received a voice mail from my boyfriend of almost 3 years. Michael had called and told me he had been in a bad car accident. As I listened to his voice mail, I felt my stomach begin to churn. He had hit a guy that ran a red light. He said he was okay, but knowing my BF, I knew that it could be way worse (he tends to downplay some scenarios, which I think is pretty typical of most men).

I was in class (my new Social Networks class) when I received the call on our lunch break. My class is in session Tuesdays only from 8:30am-4"ish"pm. Knowing that each hour is essentially a whole class period, I knew I could not leave. I would just have to walk back into the room to finish class for the rest of the day and do my best to keep my mind off of the accident.

I really didn't know much from briefly talking to him that afternoon. He told me he was okay and that he only got 1st and 2nd degree chemical burns on his left forearm from the airbag deploying. Still, I was worried. Luckily, the topics we cover in class are really interesting to me, and it was easier than I thought to keep my focus on my academics for the day.

Class let out early. I hurried up to my bike, which was parked in the computer lab in the adjacent building at school. I knew Michael would be home as he said the only thing he had to do after the accident was go to the Auraria Campus Medical Center to have his arm checked out. So, I petaled my little heart out heading home. When I walked in the door, I was (as always) almost knocked down by Otis, my psycho Australian Cattle dog/Rottweiler mix.

I called for Michael to see if he was home. As I set down my bike, Michael appeared from around the corner. He had tears in his eyes. He said he had just gotten home from the Medical Center, and just took Otis out for a walk. I could tell that now he was home, the significance of the event had finally hit him. At that moment, we held each other knowing the accident could have been much much worse than it was.

Often, it's events like these (accidents, etc.) that remind us of how precious life really is. I have been in several car accidents in my life, and have developed a true appreciation for rescue workers and emergency responders. They are really heroes. I am always touched at their ability to calm victims down and speak to them in a way that reassures them and lets them know they will be okay. I know Michael was greeted by these kinds of people just after he crashed... They were there for him when he was scared and shocked.

I have prayed a lot in the last couple of days... Not only for a swift recovery for Michael, but for all those people out there who have been in bad car accidents and may not have been so lucky. I pray that God may comfort them in their time of despair and need, and that they may find solitude in His love, peace and warmth.

...Today I am thankful for the emergency responders of my boyfriends accident, and to God for not taking home just yet... Thank you!

E

New Social Networks Class

Okay, so here goes! I have not blogged since the Apprentice Challenge earlier this year! After an extremely busy Spring semester, I decided to take it easy for a while. I have been obsessed with maintaining my MySpace (I know, I know, some of you may think I have no life, but I promise I am on it mainly in the summer when I have nothing to do at work) and reading a couple books.

I have discovered this about myself in the last few years... I am kinda one of those people who doesn't know how much work is too much, and when to say no! For example, I planned a kinda chill fall semester, but somehow I have already set myself up for volunteering at the Denver Dumb Friends League, interning, completing my math requirement (this is big for me... I am MATH RETARDED) and maintaining my position as president of a student organization here on campus! UGH! Why do I do this to myself? Maybe it's because I take after my father who seems to have the same problem! He is a land development consultant and has a well-established business of his own. My mom says it is easy for him to take on too much at once because he is somewhat of a "specialist" in his industry.

Anyway, I am getting off subject here. For those of you in my social networks class, I just wanted to make an announcement: The Apprentice Challenge will be starting up again this year! They will start recruiting for it in the fall, and will begin the second "Go-around" in Spring of 2009! For those of you who do not know what the heck I am talking about here, The Apprentice Challenge is an AMAZING new program here at Metro State created by the Alumni Association and the staff members of the Metro State Alumni Office (located in 9th street Park). The program has Metro State students participating in community projects that involve helping local businesses achieve short and long-term goals! Essentially, it is "the Apprentice" (TV Show) for academics! No one gets eliminated (they may have different rules this next year though) and everyone works together in groups to complete challenges/projects. It was one of the most valuable things I could have done here at Metro and it truly will help me in the future! I have already noticed how I have benefited from it from doing my volunteer work this summer... I am a better listener, and understand the importance of communicating with teammates. I also made a lot of connections (something we are talking about in class)

Regarding Social Networks class... I am soooo excited about this class! I can't believe how interesting it is already! I have to say, the book ain't bad either... A pretty easy read. I think studying the social networking websites we have chosen will provide us with a new perspective on the topic as well. I am really only familiar with MySpace and Facebook and had no idea how many others there were!

I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the class... I am one of those people who likes to skip around to various seats in class. I have never been the type to really sit in only one spot the whole semester... I enjoy getting to know everyone in the class!

Until next time,

Erin

Be part of THE BOARDROOM and
VOTE for ME!
The 2008 Apprentice!
May 1, 2008~Tivoli Turnhalle~7pm
Purchase tickets at
www.mscd.edu/apprenticechallenge

"THE APPRENTICE" will be named THIS THURSDAY NIGHT!!!

Wow! What an amazing trip this has been. I am so happy with the way things have turned out this semester. I worked hard, kept my head up, and never gave up. I am really proud of myself. I have learned so much too. I have learned that you have to be patient with the process that comes with taking on a lot in your life. You have to have faith that things will get done and that they will work out in time. I am still learning the value of putting forth positive energy and thoughts towards things. I am beginning to see how powerful the human mind really is. It IS TRUE that when you put your mind to it, anything can be accomplished!

I am looking forward to Thursday night. My family and friends will be there to cheer me on... which is more than anyone could ask for. I have the most amazing supporters- everyone including those I work with to those in my classes have encouraged me along the way by asking how things are progressing and letting me know there is a light to the end of the tunnel!
For that, I THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you to Karen Krupar... As my academic mentor, you have inspired me to keep my head up no matter what and to put my best foot forward.

Thank you Wendy Petersen for helping me with school assignments this semester and your words of encouragement... Our conversations have meant a lot to me!

Thank you Dad and Mom for giving me insight when it was most needed and for helping me stay grounded. Thank you for reminding me that life is more than just school. You have taught me to keep in mind the entire picture... to remember that everyone makes an impact in the lives of others no matter how big or small you think you are! You have reminded me of how much I have grown and that I AM a good role model for others. You are the most amazing parents anyone could ask for... I love you soo much!

Thanks to Meg, Pattie and Brynn for giving me "free moments" (those moments when we can just be girls... When our conversation provides laughter and smiles and takes me away from the everyday stress of school and other forms of work) Those"girl" moments have helped me through... They remind me that life is not all work, that it is smiles and fun too!

Most importantly, Thank you Michael. You are the love of my life and my companion. You are my best friend and have been so much more than a shoulder to cry on this semester. You have encouraged me, reassured me, and comforted me the most. Your positive attitude has rubbed off on me. I am so honored to be the girlfriend of one of the bravest, strongest, biggest-hearted veteran on the planet! You ROCK! I love you babe!

I am happy and sad that things are coming to an end. On one hand, I can see how much I will miss our Apprentice Challenge projects, and on the other I will be happy to just have work this summer and just one class!

This program has given me insight into my future. I can now truly see myself working as a professional ...on a team with others who love working together to get things done AND working independently. I can see myself accomplishing great things throughout the rest of school and after graduation. I never imagined the amount of confidence this program has given me. I will take this experience with me forever, and will always be PROUD to be a Metro State ROADRUNNER!

~E~

Will miss Winter, but lookin forward to WARM WEATHER!!!!

So I haven't blogged in a while... I have been working on school projects and getting ready to move. This weekend we (Michael and I) were pretty productive with getting things cleared out and hauled to Goodwill. It's really amazing how much stuff accumulates over about a year or two.
SOOOO...







I AM SELLING MY SKIIS AND BINDINGS(size:180), SKI BOOTS (size: 8 or 8.5) and LARGE WHITE COLUMBIA SNOW PANTS!!! I am keeping my ski poles because I still use them for snowshoeing. If anyone wants these, let me know! The ski pants are going for $20 (I got them last year, they are in great condition, as they have only been used once). The skiis are Elan brand skiis and are about 4 years old... need to be waxed and sharpened. BINDINGS ARE SOLOMAN. Boots, bindings and skiis are going for $50. If anyone is interested, please email me at ekasch@mscd.edu. Thanks!

Anyway, I am selling this stuff because I have used them enough to know that I do not skii on a 180 ski. When I bought them, I thought a 180 would be right, but as it turns out, I ski best on 155's. Plus, I do not get up into the mountains near enough anymore. I only get up there to skii every once in a while, so I would rather rent.

Anyway, speaking of skiing, I had such a blast at Winter Park with my teammates. The ski train was awesome! Ill have to remember that for next year! Poor Noah... He hit his head hard that day several times... I was kinda worried about him. My parents are great skiiers and have told me lots of stories of people needing to be hauled off the mountain from their days of being ski instructors at Breckenridge. I thought Noah was gonna be one of those peeps! I think it was a combination of being dehydrated, hitting his head from falling, and just having tired muscles from learning how to snowboard.

Thats why I skiied at Winter Park rather than learn how to snowboard. I wanted to be able to walk the next day! I give my teammates props though for learning. They all did a great job! Michael also skiied with me that day. We had fun in the morning. While Kaleigh was teaching the group how to snowboard, Michael and I got several runs in all over the regular mountain. I didn't ski Mary Jane in the afternoon because I got separated from Kaleigh and Michael.

As much as I am going to miss the winter, I am really happy it is finally spring! There are flowers blooming all over campus. Every day that it is nice out, I am having an increasingly hard time being indoors to work or do schoolwork. Later this week, my spring fever will really kick in because I am getting my hair done! I am putting a ton of blonde in it! Yay! I am soooo excited! I have never had a whole lot of blonde in my hair... I have had highlights before, but not the whole top of my head. I am planning on leaving brown underneath, and only putting blonde on top! I am kinda nervous about it... but I know it will be a good change! Gotta love those tax returns!

Anyway, I should really get back to my reading. I have a lot of it for my various papers and projects.

Signing off!

E

Start of our 4th and Final project...

Well, well well. We have finally made it to the fourth and final project. (sigh) What a trip it has been! This program has really been more of a challenge than I ever thought. But now that we are almost through, I have realized I am capable of a whole lot in my life.

We had our assignment day just this last Friday. We will be working with the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado and the Green Heart Institute to conduct an "Eco Audit". This project will have us working with a local restaurant to evaluate thier impact on the environment. We will also work on proposing ways for them to minimize thier impact using the Eco Audit.

I am learning a lot about sustainability and what it means to "be green". I have to say, I have not really put much thought into being green, but now that I am, I am noticing everyday how much more I want to conserve. For example, I am now paying attention to turning out the lights in my house when I am not using them. I also want to start buying energy-saving light bulbs. I have talked with my boyfriend Michael about the whole thing... He is pretty excited because a lot of what we are doing is right up his alley. Michael is an environmental science major at Metro State. His is a sophomore and is really passionate about helping people and the environment. I have enjoyed our talks about "vertical farms" and what a "carbon footprint" is.

I really feel as though I have grown through this whole process. I have learned that I tend stress about all the little things A LOT! Through out this program, I have learned that there is only so much you can do in a day. The best thing to do is make a "map" of all the things that need to be done in a given day, and then do your best to get JUST THOSE THINGS done. Thats all you can do. I have learned that I am only human, and that there is only one Erin Kasch. I do my best... and that is all I can ask of myself. There is no reason to freak out and stress about things that will get done at a later time.

I read Benjamin's most recent blog today. I think he makes a really good point. Have FUN! Enjoy life. I think sometimes I take things too seriously. I have figured out that I do that because I have already been through a time in my life when I didn't care at all. About 6 years ago, I didn't take anything seriously. Life was just a big party. I was the biggest partier ever, and had absolutely NO DIRECTION in my life. Since then I have developed this "seriousness" I think because I am afraid of what I might be like if I am not serious. I am a naturally free spirit, and have the tendancy to be a crazy scatterbrain from time to time, so lately I tend to be a litte more "unaproachable" or "serious" because I want so badly to make something of myself. I now want to be proud of myself and my accomplishments.

Now I am happy with where I am. I have come so far! I remember when I first decided I wanted to come back to school to finish my bachelors degree. I had about 54 credits that I had transferred into Metro from UNC in Greeley. I remember my first visit to Karen Krupar's office (my advisor and mentor). My first thought after our meeting was "I have a long road ahead of me and it's gonna take forever to get through school". Now I am almost a senior! UGH! Amazing! Time just flies.

I am a proud Metro Student. I have a tremendous love for my school because I have had the most amazing professors and mentors to talk to. There is also something different about the school's environment. Sure, sure, it IS a commuter campus and it can (sometimes) be difficult to get students "plugged in" to the school and all it has to offer but in reality, the campus is the most diverse place in Denver! I enjoy days when I can just sit outside near the flagpole to "people watch". Fashion is the first thing I notice about the students when I sit and watch. So many young people on this campus express themselves through their clothing choices. I like it. I always think to myself "What would this world be like if we didn't have diversity?" ...My dad always said that when I was little, which has taught me to value diversity of all kinds.

Ugh, I am starting to ramble. I should wrap it up!

We have new teams now! Me, Ben, David, Noah and Heidi are a team, while Giedre, Kaleigh, Ashley, Cindy and Chris are a team. We were all suprised to see during project 4 assignment day that they (alumni staff) were going to have us choose our duties and our team randomly out of a hat. We were randomly placed in new teams. With that said, I would like to say "Welcome" to Ben. It is good to have you on the team!

This switch up may be a good change. I know Ben will bring new ideas to the table, which will help us develop new strategies. I usually have a very open mind with regards to change, which is why I think it might be a good thing.

On the other hand, it may not be such a good thing because if we loose this one, Ben will be the only one out of all ten of us that didn't win a single project. If we win project 4, then Kaleigh, Ashley, Chris and Cindy will have lost 4 projects. =( Thinking about this has me thinking it may not be fair the way it ended up. It may have been better to keep us all in our original teams not only because of this, but also because both teams have learned a lot from each other so far. Both teams have developed a trust and cohesiveness with each other regardless of wins and losses.

Oh, well, it is what it is now. We are all moving forward in this last project. I am excited to see my teammates tomorrow. We are meeting up at a new place instead of the typical Starbucks across the street from campus. It will be refreshing to meet somewhere new.

I will end with that. I think spring is beginning to take effect. A new team, new meeting place, new project. Oh! And soon I will have a new house! My boyfriend and I are moving to the fifth floor (east side) of our apartment building in Capitol Hill. Things are changing and evolving all the time... and that change is certainly a good thing!

E

The month of March has just flown by...

Wow! Here we are at the end of another month. In a way I am happy. Things are moving right along (as they should) and there are plenty of changes occurring. On the other hand, I am freaking out! I only have about a month to complete some very big projects for my classes- yikes!

For me, this month began with the wedding of one of my best friends from high school. Lance and I dated for a short time our freshman year of high school, and since then have remained close. He met Kristin shortly after we dated, and they have been together ever since! I think that makes 7-8 years. They are the cutest couple and I couldn't be happier for them. I loved dancing with my dad at the reception. I think thats where I get my dance skills- My mom was also burnin' up the floor (more than I had ever seen) ...to the bee gees of course!

My boyfriend Michael, my mom and dad attended both the wedding and the reception which had a black, white and red theme. The night was such a good little getaway. Throughout the years, I have realized weddings tend to do that- take your mind of anything and everything. The only thing that seems to be is the bride and the groom in all their happiness!

The second week of the month was pretty hectic as usual. I forgot to do my payroll (in IT we have to do our own payroll... I know, you're thinking, "Do your own payroll?" ...I agree- strange concept... I won't get started on this) so I was pretty broke this month. I have worked for MSCD IT for over a year now and still do not understand why each employee has to do their own payroll. I have never had a job like that. Every other job I have had you simply must clock in, and you will receive a paycheck. It's that simple! UGH Whatever.

So anyway, back to this month. St. Patricks Day was really nice. Michael, myself, my baby sister Brynn, her man Zach, my cousin Megan and her fiance Chris went over to my sister Pattie's house. Since we are on the topic of sisters, I'll just clear this up here and now. I have a total of four sisters... Yes that's right folks, my mom had five girls! Now, as you can imagine, this put my dad in an interesting position. I jokingly say to others when the topic comes up that even all the dogs in the house were female from time to time... This of course significantly contributes to the level of tolerance, understanding and patience my dad now has for not just women, but all the bitching, whining, crying, sassing, smart-mouthing things in the world.

Of course, we are all his angels, and if he reads this post he will say we (my sisters and I) are the love of his life and are not... to put it frankly... a royal pain in the rear anymore. What I am talking about here is the significant chunk of time we were in our pre-teen and teenage years- that is enough bitching, whining, crying, sassing and smart-mouthing (from 3 all at once) to really change a person... Its no wonder he really loves our significant others now... The give him an "out" so-to-speak. From time to time my dad will call up Michael and want to know if he would like to go with him to catch some jazz at Dazzle or get a beer at the local pub close to our house.

Easter was also really nice. Michael and I attended church at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception close to our house and then traveled out to southeast Aurora to have dinner with my family. We had baked potatoes and honey baked ham. MMMM... So good. I love my family. I am so happy we are so close in proximity to each other. Even my oldest sister and her family who live in Ft. Collins will be moving to Denver soon, which will put us all within a 30-40 mile radius of each other.

Though that might change when I graduate. I still have this desire to see what another city and state is like. I think the Pacific Northwest is beautiful. If I was offered a job there, I might take it and live there for a few years. Ultimately though, when it comes time to have kids, Michael and I have agreed that wherever we are, we would move back to Colorado to be close not only to my family, but to his as well (Michael's brother and mom live in Colorado Springs and his sister lives in Ft. Collins).

All of this talk about moving reminds me that another very cool thing happened this month. Our apartment building management staff called us up to let us know that a 5th floor apartment on the east side will be opening up. The people who live there currently will be out of their apartment by the end of April and we will be able to move in come early May! I was soooo excited! We have been on the waiting list to get up to floors 5-9 since September of last year. We currently live on the 2nd floor of our building and face the west side. We have a view of the alley and the brick sides of rowhomes directly to the west. We can also see the pool in the back, which is nice, but our apartment is not high enough to get enough light.

My cousin Meg and her fiance Chris moved to the 4th floor early summer of last year. They painted their apartment and get so much more light than ours currently does because they are higher. It really helps their place look so much "homier". My cousin and I are really into plants.
We found from our growing season last year that plants grow better on the east side because they get intense sun in the morning and then subtle, indirect light in the afternoon. I am so excited to move... I know this will help me feel better, as I am the kind of person that needs lots of natural light in a living space.

This week was spring break. It is already Saturday of break and we only have Sunday until we return to school. Even break has gone by fast! I thought break would be a nice long week of relaxation and rejuvenation... Not the case. I think spring break went by so fast this year not only because we (the 5280 Closers) were working through it to complete project #2, but also because my boyfriend Michael's good friend Sheila was visiting us from Ohio. Sheila was Michael's pen pal when he was serving our country in Afghanistan. She participated in the "Adopt-a-Soldier" program and began writing Michael about 3 months into his tour. They have remained close since then and has now become Michael's "2nd Mom". She is a wonderful woman.

Wednesday of this week I decided to get away with Sheila and Michael and the three of us went to Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bill's Grave Site. We also had lunch in Georgetown. It was so nice to just enjoy each other and to be in the mountains. I really wish I could get up into the mountains more, as that is where I am happiest.

This month I was also able to go to my cousin Meg's wedding dress fitting. I am her maid of honor, and was happy to go with her and Chris's mom Laura to the bridal shop where she bought her dress. Meg wants to keep the dress a secret from as many people as possible so it is a surprise the day she walks down the aisle- which I think is really smart. We were also able to go pick out some potential brides maids dresses. I tried a couple on at David's Bridal, and have figured out I really need to loose some weight. I know I am not fat by any means, but I felt a little frumpy in such nice dresses. It is something I have been meaning to do for a while, but school, work and other activities have filled up my schedule so much that I truly don't have enough time to get on a regular schedule of working out. Hopefully I will have that time available this summer.

This summer I plan on only taking one class and working about 30 hours a week for IT. I wanted to complete my internship this summer, but might not have the time to get it set up this semester. I am thinking spring of 2009 will be a good time for that simply because if I graduate in spring, I might be able to stay on with whichever organization I choose to intern with. Many of the PR firms work their internships this way. They want someone who will be graduating so they can keep you and move you up into a permanent position.

Anyway, now that I have written a book I will sign off. I have enjoyed the month of March tremendously. So many changes, so many events... I am glad my life is moving right along. I feel I am growing and learning so much right now. I thank God every day for my life and they way things are progressing!

E