I started my day off early. I threw in my laundry and off I went to visit Starbucks across the city.

I first visited with Amber, who I had never met before today except online. She is a fellow TR volunteer who one day requested to be my friend. I friend just about anybody on FB who I have friends in common with or who sends me a message with a valid reason to be my friend (the latter rarely happens). I am no good with photos, so I was concerned I would not recognize her. In fact I walked right past her into the Starbucks in Golden. She found me sure enough. We grabbed our caffeine and headed to walk the beautiful downtown area of Golden, CO.  It was an enjoyable meeting and we got to know one another.

After I got done with that coffee I was off to Lakewood to have Coffee with Al at yet another Starbucks. She had to work, so we made it a quick coffee date. Al and I met in Texas last month. We have several friends in common in Denver EMS and became fast friends.

After I bid her adieu I intended to do a little errand running, but as I drove past my old home away from home I stopped. I was anxious about returning to the workplace I had left so many months ago. Those people were my family, but I didn’t know if they felt as strongly about me as I did about them. My luck, no one would be in the office, I thought. Upon walking in the front door I was greeted by so many people. The hugs were amazing. It was beautiful to be back with them. I didn’t stay long as they were all working, but I did snap a photo pretending to steal an ambulance. I needed the photo for FB to let the owner know I had missed him.

Then I wandered off to run my errands, but stopped to grab a bite at my favorite Old Chicago in Broomfield. I used to spend hours there, almost daily, studying at the bar and sampling the new beers. Trish was bartending, I always enjoyed chatting with her. It was a little awkward for me, being in there without drinking. Not drinking made it a much lighter tab, and a quicker trip. After tipping well I made for some errand running. And of course I stopped for another Starbucks!

A few weeks ago I found myself on Tinder, yes, Tinder, I said it! So many of my friends have found boyfriends or friends on there. Not that I am looking for a boyfriend, but I was curious and bored one day, so created an account. This guy, Jesse, and I started chatting and he seemed nice enough. He wanted to take me to a very nice restaurant downtown. I was a little shocked, but agreed to meet him. Rules to meeting anyone from online (boy or girl)… Public place, separate vehicles. Well in this case, I got stood up. Whether it was a Tinder prank or just cold feet, I was left out in the rain (pretty much… it was raining… pretty heavy).

So I did what I do in any situation gone awry… okay, okay… what I imagine I do when a situation goes awry… I bounce back. I sent a message to Al and we went down to the Pub and drank Iced Tea, listened to live (beautiful!) music and chatted the night away. Honestly it ended up being a much better plan than meeting some guy who was probably stinky and looked nothing like his picture.

Wanderers… be willing to take risks, but be smart when you do. If those risks don’t work out, well then bounce right back. When wandering we have already seen that things don’t go as planned, so Semper Gumby!

Now I hope to get to sleep, but my anxiety has heightened. I was distracted by the day, which was good, but I fear the long drive tomorrow. This is one time I don’t think I will enjoy the drive.

Signing Off Denver, CO