As we close the book on 2014, I'm reflecting on the ups and downs that filled this year's chapters. On New Year's Eve, I'll be covered in glitter and toasting myself for gaining independence, embarking on a "big girl" career and making a life for myself in Denver. I'd like to think that 2015 is full of promise and will offer me the opportunity to cross a few more things off my bucket list.
See also: Sacking Peyton Manning, Dancing Boylesque, Digging Up Bones Make This 2015 Bucket List
1. Climb the Incline at Manitou Springs
Sidelined by knee surgery this past summer, I spent part of the year being infuriated by every photo I saw of someone striking a yoga post in their sports bra at the top of the Incline, the former-narrow-gauge-railway-turned-hiking-trail. It has also been giving me extreme FOMO. I plan to climb the steep one-mile trail by spring. What's a measly 2,000foot increase in altitude, right?
2. Go to one of the dozens of Crossfit gyms in the Highland Sometimes it seems like it's easier to find a Crossfit gym than a liquor store in my Highland neighborhood. Even so, I've never managed to do more than pass one on my way home from the bar. Just once, I'd like to put myself through a Crossfit workout just to say I did it. It won't be appropriate for me to call the gym "a box" or use terms like "PR" and "AMRAP" -which stand for personal record and as many reps as possible until I work out with these athletes.
3. Go to Film on the Rocks
Every summer, I tell myself that I'll make the trek up to Red Rocks to catch a film. I've gone to my fair share of concerts at the outdoor venue, but there's something about watching Jurassic Park while sitting on a rock formation that sounds really appealing.
4. Relive my emo days at the Vans Warped Tour
I'll admit it: Sometimes I like to pretend it's 2004 and listen to My Chemical Romance and Newfound Glory. This year I'd like to kick it oldschool and throw on my checkered Vans and a pound of eye makeup for the Warped Tour. I am more than prepared to fangirl with the best of them. I was fourteen once, too, you know.
5. Go to My Brother's Bar
I find the Beat Generation fascinating, and this iconic Denver bar was a frequent stop for Jack Kerouac back in the day. I'd like to order a drink and find the photo of Kerouac and Neal Cassady that's hanging in the back of the bar. I'll also marvel at the letter, posted by the bathrooms, that's signed by the On the Road poet.
Keep reading to see more Colorado bucket list items... 6. Go to Frozen Dead Guy DaysAt some point in my life, preferably this year, I need to see Grandpa Bredo frozen and suspended in his grandson's shed in Nederland. The festival itself is jampacked with live music, costume contests and pancakes. This is my year to dress up as the Ice Queen.
7. Go on a minimicrobrew tour in Denver
While I've definitely indulged in some of Denver's finest beers, I want to dedicate an entire day to hops and barley. I'll befriend a Lyft driver to take me all over the city, from TRVE to River North to Renegade and wherever else the brewmasters tell me to go. This is the only way I'll ever educate my palate beyond saisons.
8. Order a massive pink box at Voodoo Doughnut
I've tended bar next door to Voodoo, but I've never actually bought any doughnuts at the place. I've also become infatuated recently with an Instagram account called Doughnuts and Deadlifts.That said, I should probably make 2015 the year that I order a massive pink box filled with sugary pastries, then follow up with that Crossfit session.
9. Eat a farm dinner at Lyons Farmette
Here's hoping that 2015 will give me a reason to pay $125 - or have an extremely generous date cough up the dough for a farmfresh dinner at the Lyons Farmette. Throughout the summer, dinners are hosted by local businesses, and often to benefit a cause. Last year, Meadowlark sat at the head of the table a few times, as well as Fancy Tiger and Oskar Blues. As a working, sustainable farm, the Lyons Farmette would provide me with what could be the best meal of my life, followed by an educational workshop.
10. Find the best food truck on Federal
I am not the kind of girl who's afraid to venture out and try something new, especially when it comes to food. Some of the best meals I've eaten were from a truck on the side of the road in different cities. So I think it's high time that I perused the plethora of loncherias and taco trucks on Federal Boulevard. If I'm lucky, I'll find some worldclass tacos, tortas and tamales, all of which will be accompanied by a tall bottle of Mexican CocaCola.
Send your bucket list ideas my way on Twitter at @laureneverytime.
