Thursday, September 13, 2012

I Own My Own Ass...

If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter, then you might have seen a few photos from when my girlfriend Jenna was in town. I got to play tour guide and show her around, which is my favorite thang. Here is our little tour of Springs in a day...

I had a Living Social for the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, so we hit that up before it got crowded.

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Then it was lunch and shopping in Manitou Springs, which just happens to be one of my favorite places in the US. Tucked away and untouched. Full of characters too...

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But we weren't done yet...If you've ever heard about Colorado Springs, you have probably heard about the Garden Of The Gods. It is amazing and so accessible!

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Welcome to my 'hood'.
Can you believe that I get to live here?

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Not only was it a fun day, I got to catch up with this wonderful girl that I will always hold a place in my heart for, and we had some amazing experiences, including getting schooled by a vet.

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"I don't own much, but I own my own ass AND my own time..."

We could have walked right passed him, but we didn't. We gave a man a voice on a random afternoon, and truly listened to his rants and advice. I have revisited his words several times since, as has Jenna, and we wouldn't have those pearls of wisdom if we hadn't have taken the time. Remember that you can learn from everyone you cross paths with, and that your elders deserve your respect and an ear to listen. Just make sure you listen with your heart.

I particularly thought that his above statement was my favorite. I think that too many people are "owned" by their materialistic things and the societal obligations, but I am happy to say that I strive to live off very little, and I am very good at owning my ass and managing my own time.
I will never forget him, and I will most certainly never forget that!

Anyone wanna come visit? I'll be happy to introduce you!


36 comments:

  1. wow! i would love to visit colorado too. and i love the title of this post

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  2. beautiful pictures!!
    I wish I could sit there and talk to that guy. haha he sounds AWESOME.

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  3. I so badly want to go and visit the Garden of Gods it looks absolutely beautiful and my husband has told him so much about it. He lived in the Springs for some time.

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  4. I want to come visit you!! My hubby's uncle lives in Denver. We are supposed to visit next year. I'll let you know :)

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  5. Colorado looks amazing! Right there with you about living off a little bit & thriving!

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  6. MEMEMEMEMEMEMMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMMEMEME!

    MEMEMEMMEMEMEMEMEMEMME!

    <3

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  7. Oh wow! My husband and I went to the exact same places last year on our road trip to Colorado and Utah! It was fantastic! i definitely want to come back! Your pictures are wonderful!

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  8. Oh I just visited Colorado a couple a weeks ago but did not get to see the cliff dwellings, those look amazing!

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  9. I've always wanted to go to the Garden of the Gods--it looks so pretty! Maybe Ill have to plan a trip sometime ;)
    Good for you for stopping to talk to the vet--love his quote!!

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  10. Wonderful quote - thanks for sharing! It's too bad more people don't have the same mentality anymore.

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  11. You are so lucky to live in such a scenic place with beautiful weather. Garden of the Gods is beautiful and appropriately named.

    The quote from the Veteran is something to keep in my mind. So many of us like you said are slaves to our possessions,wealth or social media...
    Will definitely be something to reflect on. You always look so pretty btw. Your hair is just gorgeous...

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  12. Love that quote of his! I've been to Garden of the Gods and it's amazing, you really do live in a gorgeous place.

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  13. GIRL! Your home looks gorgeous! I can't get over it :)
    Looks like I need to book a Janna tour myself! haha!

    xo

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  14. Aww that's so cute! And your hood is gorgeous

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  15. looks likes you guys had such a gr8 time!
    i know i always LOVE when my gals come to see me! and dont you love the deals you can get on living social!!!


    http://infinitelifefitness.com
    http://mscomposure.blogspot.com

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  16. Looks gorgeous and I wanna meet that vet! Too funny! Such simple wisdom :)

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  17. What a beautiful place. And those two old men are priceless. Some amount of wisdom comes with age no matter who you are. Love that quote.

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  18. Love colorado! And we are defiantly meetin if I come visit! Love his quote!

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  19. Looks like you guys had a ton of fun! I love the pictures - so gorgeous.
    It's always so fun to stop and talk to those people that have been there, done that. They always have the best advice! I love that "I own my own ass" bit!

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  20. And think, how many people have just passed him by because they think he can't possibly no as much as them... good thing you took the time to stop and listen.

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  21. Oh how fun! So I wonder what it looks like under snow? haha :). And I love listening to elderly talk, sometimes it takes you to such a mystical place.

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  22. what a gorgeous place! these photographs are so much fun!!
    xo TJ

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  23. wow! That is so awesome... I cant wait to come visit! My best friend lives there now and she loves it. I really want to come visit, especially before I get to big and you wont want to hang out with me anymore ;-) ha!

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  24. i wanna come visit SOOOO badly!! just to meet you in person! what beautiful photos! the clouds are gorg!! youre such a great tour guide gf! loveyou!

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  25. I've seen people get so bent out of shape because they don't have this or that. They'll sit there and let their bills lapse because they've wasted money on having the newest gadget or the biggest whatever. I have the essentials for keeping in contact with people and being able to attend class and do homework. I don't need much more than that.

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  26. Janna,
    I was just going to ask you if you could be my tour guide if ever I visit! :D

    I believe in living simply. I'm so annoyed w/ some materialistic people. It's like a drug! Keeping up w/ the Jones' kind of stuff. Ick. So disgusting. They get all caught up in themselves and each other. Very disgusting! I know, I don't own much, but I am happy to say that at 28, I have NO debt. None! :) I rather have what I have than credit card bills and loans that I am dreading to pay for. It really is that easy to live.

    And indeed, I love my elders, they have so much wisdom. We could learn a lot from them.

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  27. what great pictures! looks beautiful!

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  28. Aw such great photos! I love showing my friends my city because I love it. Although being a tour guide can be exhausting :p

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  29. I bet you made his day! Just stopping and listening to him is such a precious gift. And looks like you girls had fun! :)

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  30. Wow, those dwellings are gorgeous! And as always...so are YOU!

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  31. I loved visiting GOG last year. Am loving that man's quote!

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  32. Love that quote! And love all these amazing photos. Looks like it was a wonderful day of exploring and photo taking!

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  33. I've visited and toured some cliff dwellings in CO before, and they are so awesome!

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I love every bit of insight, encouragement, and to hear your stories as well!