I am a key-carrying resident of Denver.

Today I signed a lease on a place that I hope will become as special to me as my adorable apartment in Nashville. That was my first “big girl” apartment, so I’m considering this my first “real world” apartment.

More photos to come once it’s all cute and decorated.

I was up and at ‘em this morning for a quick and final run around Wash Park. Setting out running clothes the night before does WONDERS for my ability to wake up and actually get to it. Contacts, water, a banana and sunflower butter later, and I was out the door for a quick-ish 2.6 around the park with an extra 2 of walking.

Breakfast was planned around mile 1.

Mr. Host told me this was a good presentation as I was plating it. I was flattered!

Lunch was good, but I was all over the place and didn’t photograph it. It was a spinach salad with chicken, red pepper, grapes and cashews, topped with yogurt and a honey drizzle. I was inspired by this post!

And then I got down to business.

I bought my FIRST EVER brand new mattress!!!! It’s ALL MINE. No grossness from previous owners [it gets good at 1:10], no bowing in the middle, no indention from having slept in the same position for 15 years in a row (oh yeah, that was me) – BRAND NEW BABY!!! And I negotiated it down $50.

To be honest, despite all my excitement, I actually felt pretty blue today. So I treated myself!

Oh yeah, and chocolate.

Later, as I was back in my kitchen-away-from-home for the final night, I whipped up a pretty random, but rather successful dinner. What do you do when all you have (that you haven’t eaten already that day – I do NOT repeat ingredients in one day if I can avoid it) is broccoli, onion, tomatoes, and hummus? Rummage in the hosts’ cabinets, of course!

I browned the onion, then threw in some chopped broccoli.

I threw a bunch of random spices into the mix, then added the tomatoes, some water, hummus, and nutritional yeast for flavor and body.

Once this seemed done-ish, I plated (bowled?) the stew and topped it with…crushed tortilla chips! The bag was open already…

And in a stroke of brilliance, added cheese. Yup, open.

After a string of totally awesome things relating to job leads occurred (THANK GOD), I treated myself to another creation: Microwave Peach Crisp for One.

This was super simple and seriously tasty. I mixed some quick cooking oats with flour, brown sugar (just a smidge!), cinnamon, and butter and mixed it all together before dumping on top of the peaches and nuking for two minutes. Instant gratification!

One thing I’ve forgotten in my athletic hiatus of the last month or so – I am HUNGRY after morning runs! It totally negates the burn from the run, and yet I don’t have the will power to resist. Oh well. More food for me!

I’ll tell you what. I know someone who is going to be H-A-P-P-Y to finally be home.

Bye bye basement bedroom!

No, seriously, I’m so grateful to have had this space. It’s been lifesaving. But I’m ready for my own place. It’s all happening – tomorrow!!! Till then, hang tight, friends!