Britt's November Challenge, Day 17: Cookie Cake.

My favorite sweet treat, the cake I get for every birthday is actually one that doesn't contain any cake at all. Instead it is a giant chocolate chip cookie, baked to perfection then decorated in buttercream frosting. I am salivating just describing it. I am so thankful that Ms. Fields invented this incredibly satisfying treat that continues to never disappoint on any occasion. This week was especially great because my boyfriend, Austin, has been living in Fort Collins for the past 5 weeks, and upon his arrival, he surprised me with a COOKIE CAKE, just cause :)

So today, on day 17, I am thankful for my boyfriend who knows my favorite sweet treat, and allows me to indulge on more than one occasion per year.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 16: Markee, Papa T, partner in crime...

Meet, my step dad, Mark. I could go on forever about how amazing this man is, but I'll keep it short. Not only has he been the father figure in my life for over 15 years, he has made me into the woman I am today. The unconditional love he shows to my mom, to his kids and his overall selfless nature to everyone he meets, is a characteristic I strive to obtain.  Not only is he one incredibly loving man, he is hilarious. Last night, after our usual, pick up a cookie at Ms Fields, and people watching adventure at Park Meadows Mall, we headed across the street to Marshalls.  It was his first time in that place and he was like a kid in a candy store.  He could not believe the prices, the socks that came in a 4 pack and the name brand cologne!  He finds such happiness is the smallest things.

He is one amazing listener, the person I can always count on to make me laugh and he makes any stressful situation seem more manageable. I am so unbelievable grateful to have been raised my such a incredible man. Today, I am grateful for my Mark.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 15: Buddy and Bella

Soaking up the sun

Meet Bella, the princess.

I'm surprised I've waited this long to showcase THE Buddy and Bella. Haha, I am so in love with these two little ones. They are sure to always bring a smile to my face when I go home to my parents house. More than the happiness they bring to me, I am so grateful for how much joy and happiness they bring to my parents. Now that all us kids are all grown up, and moved away from the house, my parents go out with their friends and talk about their "kids" (i.e. the dogs) in conversation.  The Christmas card every year is no longer a picture of the family of 6 people that make up our human family, instead, Buddy and Bella are the only two featured.

So, on Day 15 of this challenge, I am SO unbelievable grateful for two amazingly loving and full of personality little "Malshis"(Maltese + ShihTzu) that bring so much joy to my parents (and me).

Buddy after a long day (and yes, that is an animal print diaper)

                                                                                                             

Britt's November Challenge, Day 14: Meeting new people.

This image really says it all.  Thanks @brittanylove

I am so grateful for every encounter I have with someone new.  I truly believe that people come in and out of our lives at certain times, many for reasons unknown.  I am consciously trying to become aware of the different types of people on this earth while appreciating that everyone brings a unique gift.  It boggles my mind the people you run into, that you may not know you had some far-off connection with until you spark up a conversation. 

I appreciate all the people that I have known in my 26 years of life, that have contributed to who I am today, and I am equally grateful for all the people I have yet to encounter.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 13: Home.

Frame wall. Vintage type writer. Bowl filled with gourds.

Big clock. Guitar (unfortunately, its decorative), books.

If you read the post from yesterday, you probably are familiar with the fact Aurora is not my favorite place to live, I can't see the mountains, there is no place to run outside and the closest Whole Foods is 20 minutes away.  Enough said.  BUT, the one thing about Aurora that makes me SO happy and comfortable here, is my home. My adorable apartment with Rachie, conveniently located on campus, with a garage for my car and free printing for students (I've learned to find value in the little things haha), life is good.




Another thing that is great about this home, is that everyone living in the complex are students.  A nice little community, and sometimes I actually feel like a adult, living in a real neighborhood! It was just the other night, that my friend Casey, from nursing school (who lives down the hall) came down and asked to borrow and egg, an hour later, fresh made brownies at the door!  She knows me well :)

Here are a few pics of the living room in our home, to get the full tour, come visit! We love having guests, come and we'll cook for you. Haha, but seriously.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 12: A good Maté Latte

I love a good coffee shop.  I drink maté every single morning, without fail. Ever since I moved to Aurora, (disclaimer : I live in Aurora ONLY for school, that is ALL) I have struggled to find a coffee shop that is decent.  Not only have I struggled to find a decent coffee shop, it's been even more of a struggle to find a place that even knows what maté is! Living in Boulder for so many years, where there is no such thing as a bad coffee shop, that town spoiled me in SO many ways. BUT, Guess what?!? Drum roll pleaseeee.... I finally found a coffee shop in Aurora AND a decent maté latte all in same place!  Good ol' Colfax, they've got it all, haha!

So, today on Day 12 of Britt's November Challenge, I am thankful for a decent coffee shop that will fulfill my maté latte cravings.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 11: US Military.

God Bless America

Day 11 is a no brainer. I am SO thankful for all the men and women who are serving in our US military protecting our country and defending our freedoms. The work these strong men and women exude often times goes unnoticed, but today is a celebration for their unbelievable service. I am beyond grateful. Thank you.

My adorable brother, Connor. (US Marine Reserve)

Britt's November Challenge, Day 10: Colorado Seasons.

Photo at: http://dizorb.com

As much as I LOVE fall, It makes me really happy to know that Colorado has four seasons.  This beautiful state we live in really doesn't allow us get to comfortable with one type of weather for very long. This morning I didn't even need my jacket, by 10am there was a big rainstorm, an hour later we saw hail and tonight, we see snow. The grass outside is just lightly dusted with snow and that brings a smile to my face. Winter is upon us, and on Day 10, I am grateful for Colorado's vastly changing seasons.  Keeps me on my toes, and I never get bored, how thoughtful.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 9: Sweat in groups.

I love to workout. I love to sweat. I love to take the hardest workout classes on the planet and sweat like you wouldn't believe, I personally cannot start my day, in a good mindset at least,  without a good workout. Now, with that said, even more than getting my own personal "sweat on," I love to workout with other people, now lets take that a step further- I am absolutely OBSESSED with teaching a class full of energy, hard working, sweat dripping, motivated athletes! On this glorious Friday morning, I was fortunate enough to teach my regular 5:30am class, and sweat my heart out with 15 other incredibly hard working, inspiring, motivated members at the gym.  I truly cant think of a better way to start my day, so today, on Day 9, I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach cycling classes and share my passion of health and fitness with my community.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 8: Education

Today I had the opportunity to sit in on prospective student interviews for the College of Nursing at University of Colorado, Denver.  Needless to say, it was an absolute honor to interact with the majority of the students. Their life experiences, authentic motivation, positive attitude and vast diversity was refreshing and I couldn't help but get excited about these future nurses. Not only were these students drawn to the University of Colorado, Denver for a multitude of reasons, they were specifically drawn to the College of Nursing for the reputation,  available resources and state of the art facilities. I admit that as a student, after getting through the first couple of weeks, when everything is new and exciting, and being months into the program now, I have stopped appreciating all that is around me. Today was a real eye opening experience, not only did it remind me to slow down, appreciate and enjoy this "ride" called nursing school, it also allowed me to reflect on how fortunate I am to not only be in nursing school at the University of Colorado, but how easily accessible education is in the US. It seems like a no brainer, but, after hearing some of the applicant's cultural experiences, education is nothing short of a gift, and for that I am beyond grateful.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 7: Flu shots

That's correct ladies and gentlemen, today, I am thankful for flu shots. Haha, more specifically I am grateful to be able to apply the skill I have obtained through my nursing education to real people and not just an mannequin in a lab. Today we administered flu shots to the employees, physicians, nurses, PTs, OTs, and everyone working in the hospital as it was policy to be vaccinated. Although some people were not happy about the requirement, we tried to make the "needle poking" experience as fun as it could be while learning a lot about the uniqueness of patients, mechanisms to increase comfort and things to NEVER do. It is in the clinical setting that I am able to apply my knowledge from the classroom to real people and ultimately be the best nurse I can be. So on day 7, I am thankful for flu shots and the requirement by the hospital for all employees to be vaccinated, so I am able to practice.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 6: The Hayes boys

Today I was able to pull away from the school work and spend a few hours with my two favorite kiddos. Carson and Holden Hayes. I have been babysitting these two since they could barely walk and am so blessed to have maintained such a strong relationship with the Hayes family, that allows me to still hang with them. They are, by far, the coolest 6 and 10 year old boys I know.

In my wise age of 26, I have realized that true, authentic and lasting friendships are very rare. It takes both sides being very invested in maintaining the friendship for it to actually last and these two boys are a perfect example of the people I want in my life forever, and have proven they will be.

Today, on day 6 of Britt's November Challenge, I am most grateful for: The Hayes boys.