I have to say: I’m really lovin’ having an apartment near Downtown Denver (four blocks, “Uptown”, even though it feels like Downtown proper). Everything is within walking distance: Great restaurants, bars, bookstores, coffee shops, movies, etc.

Being a single guy, I really think this was a good move. Next Tuesday will be two weeks living Downtown. Things are going well.

(As of this very moment, I’m having a late dinner — Fish Tacos — at the Tavern Uptown and a few rum-n-cokes, while watching random TV screens and listening to random songs on the jukebox. Did I mention the Tavern is only two blocks away from the apartment? It’s great!)

This morning, I planned on visiting a friend today, which would require a 15 minute bus ride north of Downtown Denver, then another 10 minutes or so in my bike to reach his house. Well, I discovered that my bike was gone (I left it overnight several blocks away from my apartment, secured and in a busy area).

There’s only three explanations here:

1. Someone stole the bike (This is only possible if I neglected to properly secure the lock and chain)

2. The City of Denver removed the bike (I’m still on the fence about this — I’ve noticed a bike locked up for days that was still there today).

3. The bike decided to part ways and find a new owner.

Fortunately, because I live Downtown now, getting around isn’t a problem — I’m near everything! I’ll be looking on Craigslist this week for a cheap replacement.

Other than my bike, everything is fine. I still have to finish putting things away from the move. My spirits are up. I feel good.

Three years ago, I had to leave the comfy confines of a nice apartment in Nashville. The reason? I ran out of money. I was too distraught emotionally over a failed relationship I attempted to save, but to no avail, and I fell apart — Everything fell apart. I’d eventually lose a well-paying job as well, for I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do and I wasn’t committed to it with everything else going on.

Sucking up my pride, I moved in with a friend and his wife. A few months later, I’d wind up taking a road trip to Denver on the last day of my employment (April 27, 2005 to be exact). A week long vacation became a month. I was stuck on Denver like glue and wood. I found a roommate to live with. I gave up my new car and decided to pursue self-employment full-time.

I’d revisit my past twice — Only to fall apart some more each time. I’d find myself chasing my own tail in frustration, confused and totally at a loss over what I should be doing, where my life should be going, etc.

The last four years of my life had been a mess and I can only fault myself for allowing a single individual to have such a damaging impact upon my livelihood and happiness. Alcohol became a new friend to cure my wounds and afford me the opportunity to “live a little”. I’d drink just enough to escape the reality of life I often hated, while dazing about my life ahead, things I wanted to accomplish, etc.

The quiet and innocent boy I’d been most of my life was forever gone. I never imagined I’d ever drink alcohol or experiment with marijuana. I felt tainted. I felt bad. I suppose I was just along for the ride, not sure of where I’d end up next, but certainly hoping things would get better (when they in fact got worse).

Despite the roller coaster of life, I’m happy to share that last Tuesday, I executed the most important step in re-establishing MY life: I moved in to an apartment in Downtown Denver. Best of all? I did it independently of a job — Something I’d been stubborn about for quite some time.

How does it feel? AMAZING! I’d spent a lot of time dwelling over everything I once had, rather than moving ahead with my life. You could say that I expended a lot of valuable time wallowing in self pity, hate and anger. Last Tuesday was a defining moment for me. It was the beginning of finally getting back on my own two feet and realizing a long, urging desire to re-establish my own peace of mind — Independently of any job or help from friends and family.

What do I like most of all? The close proximity to all the entertainment, food and nightlife I can handle in Downtown Denver. While my latest apartment isn’t nearly as luxurious or modern as what I had in Nashville, it’s a fresh start for me. Like my very first apartment some seven years ago, things are fairly basic: I’ve got a queen size mattress on the floor (given to me be a friend), a desk, chair and best of all, my OWN world.

It’s true what they say: You have to crawl before you can walk. I’m much happier now that I’m once again living on my own. It was three years too long, however, here I am. Life can only get better from this point.