It's been almost two months since I moved to Denver and it's been such a crazy adventure so far. A new job where I've already made some amazing friends. I've been able to see all my friends from Boulder, and even re-connect with a lot of old friends as well. The only thing that will make living here even better is once I get my own place, which is happening in about a month. I'm so excited to finally get my own apartment with my friend Meaghan. It's a perfect combo. Many wine nights and dinner parties in our future!
It's been a crazy transition from living at home where I would ask my mom to go get drinks with me because I have no friends in Pleasanton to literally having plans every single day. I'm completely ok with that because I hate being bored, but oh man am I a social butterfly for better or worse. Even though it's only been two months a whole hell of a lot of stuff has happened and I know this summer is going to be the best summer yet. So many Red Rocks shows and patio drinking in my future.
The most significant change that has happened with my move to Denver has obviously been my new job. Evolve has been even better than I expected and not because my job is super glamorous or anything, but because my coworkers make my heart sing. I've made so many awesome friends and we all get along so great which makes me enjoy going to work everyday. I honestly had no idea I would like it as much as I do. From going out after town hall and showing up un-acceptably hungover on Friday to the brunches that go until 2am it's been lovely. I'm excited for even more stories, to make more friends, and to learn more about the industry. I'm not really sure where Evolve will take me, but I do know that Evolve is a massive networking opportunity and I'm excited to meet more people.
I've also been able to reconnect with a lot of friends from college that now live in Denver. It's crazy how in college your friend group and social life just explodes and then it slowly dwindles down after and then you really need to make an effort to see people. I've always really valued the people in my life so I try super hard to maintain my friendships even if its a happy hour ever few weeks or so. It really is the effort that counts and I can tell you that it definitely doesn't go un-noticed. I also love how everyone is just doing their own thing. Back in college we were all working towards one goal being to get a degree, but now all our goals are scattered. Some of my friends want to go back to school while others want to go travel and I love how diverse my friends are. I'm a lucky guy and I'm excited to see where everyone goes!
Although I miss college at times I definitely like having money and being able to have more freedom. I definitely made my time at CU worth while and being able to start my professional career in Denver has been the perfect transition. Yes I still go out and party on the weekends, but as long as you know a balance I think there's no harm in that. I definitely don't go out on Thursdays anymore (unless its town hall haha). I do feel like I lucked out getting a job at Evolve. I feel like I fit in super well and it's also a great place to develop professionally. It's only been a about two months but I'm eager to learn to even more. I like having money, but something my mom told me before I left is that the only thing money gives you is freedom. Truest statement ever and that's why I strive to have a great work life balance. Happy hours are my new favorite hobby.
I don't know how long I'll be in Denver. It could be a year, or it could be 10 years. I'm living my motto from Vietnam and being like water. All you can do is go with the flow and let things happen. I do, however, have just a few goals for my life in Denver:
- Be promoted at Evolve
- Hike a 14er
- Go snowboarding and not fall even once
- Join the Alliance Francaise to keep up with my French
- Raise $2,000 for the Aids Run 5K in August
These a only a couple things I could think of off the top of my head, but I'm excited to see what else is in store for me in Denver. Bring it on!
To be honest I chose this video because I want to party like these guys in the mountains... it's also a pretty cool song though. Cheers!