The Sheriff - Indianapolis

 Remember that post where I was flying by myself for the first time? Well, that trip was to Indianapolis, a place I had never been before. It turned out to be a great trip and I loved all of the people I met while I was there.

Manning 18 - First retired jersey number in Indianapolis Colts history. NFL all-time record holder upon retirement: Five-time NFL MVP, passing touchdowns (539), passing yards (71,940), game-winning drives (54), comeback victories (45), total offense. Dedicated October 7, 2017 "The Sheriff" Sculptor: Ryan Feeney, Indianapolis, Indiana

As a Denver-ite and American football fan, you know that I had to look up some information about Peyton Manning. He played for the Colts from 1998-2011 before being picked up by the Denver Broncos from 2012-2015, managing to earn his teams 1 Super Bowl championship each.

Lucas Oil Stadium is located in the heart of the city allowing me easy access and I couldn't stop looking at this very cool homage to The Sheriff himself:

If you are an American football fan, this is a must-see on a trip through Indianapolis. I was there for about 29 hours and managed to squeeze it in just after my plane landed.

"The Sheriff" Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts Quarterback 1998-2011, The number one pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Peyton Manning went on to become one of the game's all-time greatest players, starting every game in his first 13 seasons and providing Colts fans with some of the most prolific moments in sports history. He was also one of the game's most popular players and personalities, re-nowned for his dramatic play-calling, colorful audibles, and heart-pounding comeback victories. Manning led a Colts team that set an NFL record for most victories in a decade, and he held seven NFL all-time passing records upon his retirement. He played in 14 Pro-Bowls, was named First Team All-Pro seven times, and was the MVP of the Colts Super Bowl XLI victory. He was also named the NFL MVP an unprecedented five times, and was the 2005 NFL Man of the Year. The people in our community will forever be grateful for Peyton's contributions, and for his role in bringing Indianapolis and Indiana their first major World Championship. "Always a Colt"  

My First Time

Today is the day, my first time flying all by myself. It's such a weird feeling being by myself, even though it's feels automatic - get to the airport early, get through security, wait patiently (and maybe a bit anxiously) at the gate, board the plane, etc.

A few months ago I encouraged my 19 year old niece to go somewhere by herself (of course I've been trying to get her to backpack Europe, so start small) and she did! She visited a friend in Virginia and flew by herself. Okay, so that's something she has accomplished that I have yet to do, and I told her so, she can do anything, even fly alone.

Two months later, here I am sitting at the gate waiting to board a plane for Indianapolis. I travel a lot for work, usually conferences and my husband tags along. We've been to several cities we may not have visited otherwise. So why is this one different? I started a side job coaching teachers and the company I work for also provides professional development. An opportunity popped up and I had room in my schedule so I jumped on it. It's a 3 hour training, that's it, so it's a quick trip. I've never been to Indy and neither has my husband but when I started looking at flights I knew that we couldn't swing a few extra days, I would need to get in and get out. He told me it wasn't worth it, I didn't want to be the one to say it so I'm glad he did. 

So, that's it, that's the story. I'm officially an adult.