A Brief Update 2025
Hi friends! I sure hope someone is still out there! It seems each entry is me going on and on about the time I’ve been away. Well, this entry I’m gonna do my best to fill you in and catch you up to all the things that have changed in the last few years. The last I had spoken of my life’s journeys I was still living in Raton NM with my Pa and Mama She. That was in roughly 2022, just before some major changes would come my way.
In 2022 at the end of the year I had an opportunity to apply for a position at a production company in Trinidad CO. This particular production company made cannabinoid infused topical products and edibles, and for years prior I had been not only a consumer but a big fan of this company’s products. I landed the job and started in December of 2022 while still working at the restaurant in the hotel in Raton. I commuted for most of January before finding my apartment in Trinidad. I moved in a little less than 2 weeks before my birthday, and wild enough this would be my first apartment solo in well over 13 years. I was so excited! It was beautiful! The building was recently built in 2020, modern kitchen set up, high ceilings, and large windows! I was in love! I was finally in a place to try out my footing and I couldn’t be more ready. After a few months in my new home I welcomed a sweet little potato (pug) into my life, and I named her Frida <3 My life felt so complete and my roots felt strong enough to take on more growth.
I loved the job at the production facility a lot. I started out in the topical department making bath bombs and other skin care products. I worked with a great team of coworkers, got to operate special machinery, and best of all my work place smelled like high quality weed!!! Haha it felt like a dream come true. As the months went by our team from time to time would be outsourced into other departments to help with packaging and sorting. I started to see the other half of the production aspect of the facility- edibles. I was moved into the kitchen (or candy factory as I called it) after a worker had left, with my prior kitchen experience the bosses were quick to get me moved and trained to fill that position. I never quite got to run the chocolate machine by myself but I got to make a whole shit ton of gummies!
Unfortunately a lot of things were happening with the industry and a number of companies suffered in that time frame, it wasn’t long before layoffs were inevitable. By July 2023 the entire topical department had been laid off, and since it was my original department I would be a part of that first cut. I was pretty devastated. Not only was the coolest job I’d had in a while completely gone, but now I had a brand new expense with the apartment I had acquired to be closer to work. How silly of me to doubt the Universe… It was Friday July 21st when we were given our papers and walked out for the last time, and on Monday July 24th after returning my paperwork signed, I stopped into the freshly built Hilton Inn to apply for a job. I was dressed up with resumes in hand and ready to fill whatever position they might have available. Luckily for me this hotel also had a kitchen and the kitchen was seeking a breakfast cook. That same morning I filled out an application, sat down with the Chef, and within 15 min, I had a new job starting on Wednesday the 26th. (An extra special little dash of magic in the midst of this chaos- my divorce was finalized July 24th!!!!!!)
While business was struggling, before the lay off, I had started working part time in Raton at a Craft bar I loved. I kept this job with the job at the new hotel for about 2 months before committing to just the kitchen. I’ll save going on about my experience in this kitchen for a dedicated post, because there’s so much to talk about when it comes to the awakening I had getting the chance to wind up in this place at this time. Granted this experience would last me a little over a year before I would move on to the next (and my most favorite) chapter yet (!) again. There was certainly a lot that occurred that must be documented since it’s brought great changes to the life I currently live. The only thing I’ll touch on briefly (and then gush on later) is the young man I met and fell in love with while we both worked for the same chef. His name is Carlos and there will be much much more to tell about him in the future, but you’ll need to know he exists in order for me to finish my update hehe.
I was helping at a sister establishment that chef also owned as well as at the hotel before finally taking a new opportunity. An opportunity I never thought I could ever have the chance at, but here I am typing this story to you! A local female business owner was opening a craft cocktail bar and eatery and was in need of a chef to run the kitchen. I hadn’t planned to apply for the head position but I certainly wanted to work in this kitchen. Much to my surprise I would be given the chance to take the lead position and learn a new side of kitchen work I hadn’t done before. I was nervous, but motivated to show my new boss that she had made the right choice taking the chance on me! This is my current place of work and will be yet another blog subject that I shall spill on to give all the cool deets about how this experience is shaping my life. I’m also thankful to say that it’s my only job
I’ve worked 2 jobs for a majority of the last 2.5 years, all just to afford rising rent costs in a little town that doesn’t pay nearly enough. Sadly, with annual rent increases after 2 years I was forced to give up my apartment. It didn’t really make sense any more to hang on to a place I had to work so much to afford that it literally left me with no time to spend enjoying the place. This is where Carlos came into play, he had also been needing a new roommate as his had just moved. So, we made the decision to cohabitate in April of this year. It’s taken a lot of stress off of my plate, and is helping me deal with some relationship PTSD in the meantime. We make pretty good roommates, and pretty darn good partners for the most part. With how complicated life can tend to be, I’m thankful our dynamic isn’t something that can’t be sorted or improved. Plus it’s a lot of fun living with your best friend 🙂
I suppose that’s a decent place to sum everything up. I did my best to hit on all the key points to give ya a rough idea of how my life has progressed in the years that have passed. Some things I’ve yet to touch on, but those deserve center attention, so I’ll hold off for now. Life is crazy, but it is also so fulfilling. I’m thankful life keeps me on my toes but always keeps my heart full to make it through the chaos. As always, thank you for lending me your time and attention. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that anyone takes the time to read what goes on in this little noggin of mine. I love you so much for being here <3
Until Next Time
<3 Miki Len
