Run, run, run!!

This has nothing to do with the post, but it made you look at another picture of Asher! This time, helping me study. Such a smart kitty:)



This past weekend I ran my 4th half marathon and I finished with a time of 2:01 (much improved from 2:31, 2:10, & 2:07 times). Although I was aiming to finish under 2 hours, it was my best time yet so I am proud of that. I guess the elusive 2 hour mark with have to wait until my next race. Not sure when I will run again, but sometime in the Spring I'm sure I will get the urge. Dave had to work on race day so my parents and mother in law came out and supported! Thank you very much Mom, Dad, Beth and Dave (because I know it was hard for him not to cheer me on in person). Running is not the most exciting thing to watch, so any spectator is an awesome one!! Thanks for battling the cold weather and millions of blond runners that could have been me:)





On another note, I leave for South Korea in 8 days. I am flying there to meet my new niece (due any day now), help out my sister Carrie, spend time with my almost 5 year old niece Carlie and maybe see Joe when he isn't working. I am extremely excited to see everyone, travel to a new place and do it all on a break from school! I am blessed to have been given about a week and half off school and Carrie was able to talk me into traveling to Korea. Which truthfully didn't take that much work. I thoroughly enjoy traveling, encountering new cultures, and getting the opportunity to be there for a sister is a wonderful gift to give (to her and to me). I guess Carrie will owe me in the future since there is no telling where Dave and I will be once we have kids;) Ha, ha, ha, no but seriously, Carrie, Joe, Carlie, and new baby, you better prepare.

Late Celebration

Dave and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary about a week late due to our work schedules, but we were able to go have a nice dinner out downtown. Yes, we scooted there! We went to Rodizio Grill which is a Brazilian Steakhouse, but it was disappointing compared to a different one we have been to. Non-the-less, we enjoyed time together and celebrated another wonderful year together.

Family and Games...

In early August, my parents came to Denver and we went to watch a Colorado Rapids game (which is the professional soccer team here in Denver). It was a nice night outside and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.



This past Saturday we headed to Coors Field and were able to watch a Rockies game with Dave's parents. It was a beautiful day outside and it was wonderful to see his parents.

Four Years Ago...

I married my best friend, my biggest fan, my closest ally, my confidant, my everything. I am so thankful we met and started dating nearly 8 years ago. I never could have imagined being where we are today. I am so thankful for our health, our families, our careers, our kitty, and the wonderful times we spend together.

Happy Anniversary David Richard Finney Otten! I love you!

Right back at it...

Dave and I got to spent some great time together this past week. I had a break from school and he had a week off, so we took advantage (knowing full well, this won't happen again) and went away for the week. We headed to the western slope since we had never seen much of that side of the state. We camped outside of Telluride in Ridgway State Park. It was incredible! We hiked, fished, played in the river, visited Telluride, ate some delicious s'mores (with toasted coconut marshmallows), visited Ouray, drove to Crested Butte, rode a tandem cruiser (which was a highlight!), walked through 5 foot high wildflowers, drank a few beers, and just plain enjoyed hanging out with the one I love.

Dave and I have been together close to 8 years and will celebrate 4 years of marriage on the 25th of this month!! Wow, time really does fly! Never could I imagine being so incredibly blessed with such a great husband that I am able to enjoy being with so much. Time is valuable these days and this past week was a refresher that Dave and I needed!!





But, Monday morning we were right back at it. Dave has one more week left at the ICU at Rose Hospital and I have begun my first respiratory class. And this is how I was welcomed back to school...


Yes, that is 10 books! I may be a bit busy drowning in RT knowledge. But nonetheless, I am soooooo excited to start learning about respiratory care!

July catch-up

Dave is over two weeks into working and got his first paycheck on last Friday! It was pretty exciting to get his first paycheck as a doctor! No kidding though, Dave is working at least 80 hours... yes, 80 hours in one week. I see him most every night, but sometimes he is almost too tired to even talk much. It has been a long week for him because he is getting used to getting up early and being on the go all day long. He barely eats or drinks water from 5:30 am to 7 pm. I am proud of his hard work, and the fact that he still has energy to hang out any moment he is not in the hospital. We have tried to capitalize on any time he has and have packed our evenings full of Frisbee or dinner or just relaxation on the porch.



I have been very busy with school as it seems I have papers, speeches and exams each week, but I am doing great and I cannot wait until August when I start my first Respiratory Class. One curve ball we got thrown this week was that the Honda's engine ceased up on the Interstate and it is gone. Dave's dad is planning to rebuild the engine, but it could talk all summer due to him being busy. So, Dave and I had to make a plan for our car situation. We decided to help get us through the summer months we would look into a scooter. They are gaining popularity in Denver and the 50cc scooters are classified as a motorized bike so you can park on the sidewalks. Welp, a few weeks ago, we bought a Genuine Buddy. It is an American made 50 cc scooter. It's a cutie and we've taken it to Cherry Creek, school, and the park. I have been driving it to school since I only travel 5 miles to and from school each day. The only problem with the weather pattern we have been in the last few weeks has been the afternoon rain storms make for a wet drive home! I am sure some are scared for us, but we have helmets and will be mostly traveling on residential roads going a max speed of 35 miles per hour. Oh, the gas on this bad boy is 100 miles per gallon! Yes ma'am, it has a 1 gallon tank and goes about 100 miles per tank! Awesome! Here is a picture of the scooter at city park. Each Sunday night in the summer the park has a few jazz concert. We try to go each weekend and have enjoyed people watching, music and being outside.

Summer Time

Welcome summer! Dave and I have tried to enjoy the beautiful weather as much as we can before he officially starts his Internship on wednesday. We have had some great times recently. Here are a few pictures of our summer-time enjoyment. And for those of you who don't know, Eric (Dave's freshman year college roommate and our good friend) is staying with us for the summer, so he is in many pictures.


Red Rocks: Eric's first time

Food Truck Party: local restaurant's food trucks meet up for food and fun!


Amy, Keely and I at Blue Bonnet Cafe

Denver Zoo Date!

Fly Fishing!