Office Costume Contest!

Costume contest at work today. There were some AWESOME costumes! I dressed up as Rosie the Riveter and got nominated for Most Original. I didn't win though - I got beat by the Suicidal Wall Street Banker. While his costume/makeup was very good, I have to question the originality of that costume this year. Granted, mine's not very original either. Oh well! It's been awesome seeing everyone in costume around the office. I love my coworkers!

Halloween?

Scary McDoughnuts

Who wants to buy me this Halloween costume?


Trust me, it'll be worth it.

My Christmas List...

This shirt. That is all.


Actually, I'll probably get it for my Dad for Xmas. In true goofy-gift tradition. He'll love it.

Now I'm craving donuts. Boulder - you need a donut shop!!

Gregory Canyon Hike

Thanks to my new programmable coffee-maker, I actually got up at a decent time today. You just can't beat having a pot of hot coffee waiting for you in the morning. Today was perfect hiking weather. About 55-60 degrees, with a bit of a chill in the air. I took a while deciding which hike to do (such a dilemma, I know.) Finally decided on a 5-mile Gregory Canyon loop. Up a canyon and then back down in a round-about way. It was perfect. Took me about 2.5 hours. The leaves are still turning colors, it was a great little workout, and the trail wasn't very crowded. It was also very scenic. My favorite part was after a long time of climbing up, I rounded a bend and was surprised/rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Divide to the west and north, including Longs Peak.

Anyways - here's the pics! Time to go veg out.

Haunted Corn Maze Pictures

Tonight...

I am going to willingly enter a haunted corn maze.

Normally I wouldn't think much of this, however, my brother-in-law (woh, weird to say - still getting used to that Johnny!) is currently working at a Haunted House in Buffalo, NY (which will be featured on the Travel Channel on Sunday) and has apparently made quite a few people "urinate themselves". I never really thought this was a) very common or b) a possibility, but I have to say, now I'm a little bit nervous.

Pumpkin carving pictures!

Click the slide show to see full-size pics!

Lucky to be loving life (aka the namas-gay post)

I got into a car accident the other day. My first real accident. It ended up being pretty minor, so I guess it could be classified as a fender bender, but it was fast, scary, and could have been a LOT worse. I was leaving my office park, waiting at a red light to turn left. The light turned green, I started turning left, and all of a sudden I see this car flying through the intersection on my left. I braked hard (witnesses reported hearing squealing brakes) and luckily he just skimmed the front of my car and took part of my bumper off. That's pretty much all I remember. I was so confused and shocked that I thought maybe I had ran the red light. Especially since he was going so fast. I don't really remember pulling over to the side of the road. I just kept thinking "Holy shit, I could have died." I was so shaky that I couldn't even write the dude's information down. Afterwards, I read online that it helps to draw a picture of what happened. So here's my awful graphical representation:

Asshat admitted to running the red light. He told the cop "I drive down this road everyday and never see the light turn red." Umm... that's what lights DO!! It's a fairly busy intersection as well. That light turns red all the time. Jerk.

My car is currently at the mechanics. The mini-cattle guard on my bumper is going to come off. I don't know what that thing is. Probably just for looks. Not anymore. I realized yesterday that I also lost my (new) front license plate. Not really sure what to do about that. When I drove through the intersection later that day, the pieces of my car had either been cleaned up or scattered down the road. I figure maybe someone found the license plate and will send it to the DMV. Or maybe eventually I'll get another. Not sure if you need one on the front in Colorado or not.

As Truman said, if I was going to get into an accident, this is definitely the best case scenario. No one hurt, not too much damage to the car, not my fault. I may not even need to make a claim against anyone's insurance. I definitely feel pretty damn lucky right now. I feel like I should hug everyone I know. Maybe I will. (Consider this fair warning...)

Tonight we're having a pumpkin carving party at my house. I can't wait. Last year was a lot of fun, and there were some amazing carvings. I can't decide if I'm more excited for the jack-o-lanterns or the hot spiked apple cider! Stay tuned for pics...

While most of the country was watching football...

Sunday, Vanessa and I ventured out of the Boulder bubble into Focus-on-the-Family-Land. That's right, Colorado Springs. It actually looks a lot like Boulder, just different political signs. And Pike's Peak is definitely not as attractive as Long's Peak. Sorry Pike's.

Our destination was Garden of the Gods - a place I've heard a lot about (especially in the climbing community), but had never seen. Ditto Vanessa. Vanessa also wanted to check out a famous and amazingly talented glass artist - Dale Chihuly - at the Fine Arts Center. Unfortuntately, I found out after we had left the museum that I would have been allowed to take pictures of the amazing glass work. Oh well, next time! All in all, a pretty good day in the Springs. Dare I say that I actually look forward to going there again?

Pics from Garden of the Gods...

Pumpkin Hunting!

I forgot my camera for the roller derby last night, but I did bring it along today when Truman and I went pumpkin hunting with some friends. 858's annual pumpking carving party this Thursday! The pumpkin patch was fun, but I miss my apple cider and cider donuts! Here's some pics:

What I'll be watching from the sidelines tonight

Two of my coworkers are Denver Roller Dolls. Such an awesome way to spend a Friday night. Hopefully I'll remember to bring my camera and get some pictures!

You need to listen to this...

...if you're extremely frustrated with not understanding what is going on with the mortgage crisis and more recently, the incredibly scary global economic crisis.

This American Life has produced two amazing shows explaining in layman's terms and breaking down what the F is going on in our world of economics lately.

Part One - "The Giant Pool of Money" - All about the housing crisis

Part Two - "Another Frightening Show about the Economy" - What has happened in the past couple of weeks that is scaring the crap out of everybody, and some opinions about the $700-billion bailout.

Part Three - The last 10 minutes of "A Better Mousetrap 2008" explains how the bailout reinvents our government's role into a quasi-bank.

Also of note - Because of the success and popularity of these two shows, the guys who reported them - Alex Blumberg and Adam Davidson - have started a podcast called "Money Planet" focusing on the economy. I haven't listened to it yet, but will probably check out an episode or two today.

Daydreaming...

About this:

Scallop with Foie Gras

By Chef Jeremy Thomas of French 250

2007 Taste of Elegance "Peoples Choice" Chef

Thursday October 30,2008, 6 to 9 PM
TASTE OF ELEGANCE CHEF’S WINE AND FOOD COMPETITION/AUCTION
Tickets: $85 (limited to 300)

Hailed by many as Denver's premier wine and food pairing competition, featuring samplings of expertly created cuisine paired with Gold Medal Winning Wines from the 2008 Denver International Wine Competition. Attendees will taste Gold Medal Winning Wines chosen through a blind tasting, from an accredited panel of judges.

From those wines, competing chefs will create "Iron Chef" style dishes to pair with them. In addition, a live and silent auction will take place prior to the award ceremony.We are currently complying the list, but Chef's signed on so far include:

• Jeremy Thomas- French 250
• Ian Kleinmann- O's Restaurant
• Keith Jones- The Champagne Chef
• Daniel Joly- Mirabelle, Beaver Creek
• Goose Sorensen- Solera Restaurant and Wine Bar

Location: University of Denver School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM), 2044 E Evans St, Denver

Cost: $85 per person (limit 300)

*le sigh* *le drool*

Now I am le hungry.

New wine site!

I found a new wine site! This is probably where I'll be stocking up for my post-surgery-couch-rest. Love the free shipping deals!

The French Bunion Soup Story

(Chips and Dip in Flip Flops...)

I've had this foot problem for as long as I can remember. When I was 11 or 12, my gymnastics coach told my parents to have it checked out by a podiatrist, as he was concerned with my knee bowing inward when landing leaps and other one-legged-landing moves. It was in this doctor's office, that I first heard the word "bunion". Ewwww. Bunion.

A few days later, I was at my grandparents' house hanging out with my family. Swimming in the pool, BBQ-ing, drinking (not me... well, maybe a sip of Nana's wine), and eating corn on the cob. The usual. At one point, one of my uncles points at my foot and says "What is that?!?" I got embarrassed, but I think they were a little tipsy and just kept talking about it. By now, all my aunts, uncles and parents have joined in.

"Is that a corn?"
"God, what is that thing? A sixth toe?"

Et cetera... They weren't being mean. Just poking fun. Finally, I get annoyed and say "No! It's a bunion!"

And literally two seconds later, Nana brings out some chips and dip.

"Hey Bert, what kind of dip is this?"
"French Onion Dip...whaddya think?"
"What? French BUNION Dip?!?!? HAHAHAHA!"

Hilarious laughter ensued from my entire drunk family. Soon, it was all talk of Bunion Rings, the Bloomin' Bunion... the list goes on. Finally, the list dwindles and the laughter dies down. A few minutes later someone announces that the soup was done. I think it was my grandpa's signature Manhattan Clam Chowder, but one of my aunt's says, "I think it's French Bunion Soup!" And that was it. Everyone was laughing so hard they were crying and could hardly breathe. By now, I was no longer embarrassed, and also laughing hysterically (but mostly laughing at my family.)

So now, whenever I look at my feet, or think about my bunion I remember that day and it makes me happy. That day really helped me get over the embarrassment of having an ugly foot, and made me able to laugh it off. It actually makes me a little sad that I won't have the bunion anymore after January 8th. But at least I'll still have the memory.

And most definitely, my last thoughts before going into surgery and getting drugged out will be "French Bunion Soup!" :-D

French Bunion Soup

This is not my actual x-ray. But I imagine it's pretty close. Actually, mine might be worse. After months/years of procrastinating, denying, and deliberating - I finally saw my orthopedic surgeon yesterday and scheduled a date for my Lapidus bunionectomy. On January 8th I will be sedated, have my foot and calf sliced into, have a tendon lengthened in my calf, my big toe joint essentially broken, some extra bone sawed off, and some screws put into the upper portion of my first metatarsal bone to permanently fuse them together. When all is said and done, my foot will hopefully look something like this:

I'm not really looking forward to it. The recovery process is going to be long and slow. 2 weeks bed rest, 6 weeks no-weight-bearing on crutches, and then I'll have to relearn how to walk. But I know it's only going to get worse as I get older, and now all the pieces are fitting together, and it just seems like the right time to do it. If my 50-year old dad can handle two knee-replacements, I think I can handle what essentially boils down to a broken foot.

I'll definitely blog the entire process. I think that will help with the cabin fever I'm undoubtedly going to suffer. Two weeks in bed/on the couch?!? I can't even imagine. At least it will be the middle of winter. I wonder if I'll be allowed to drink wine.... Might be time to stock up! ;-)

Someday...

....I will adopt one of these dogs. (Scroll down.)

Mom & Dad's Alaska Cruise

My parents went on an Alaskan Cruise recently for my Mom's upcoming 50th birthday. I just found out that my Dad got all techy and posted pics on Picasa! Way to go Dad!

Here's the pics if anyone is curious:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jackfish41/AlaskaCruise#

Kezza's Famous Turkey Chili!

Kezza’s Famous Chili
(4-6 servings)

(Not the best picture. I started eating it before I snapped the pic. Oops!)

3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey (95% lean)
4 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp Dinosaur BBQ Cajun Foreplay Spice Rub
1 Tbsp cumin
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp Sriracha (or any other hot sauce)
1 large yellow or white onion, chopped into 1cm chunks
2 large bell peppers, any 2 colors, chopped into 1cm chunks
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
3/4 bottle of your favorite beer
1 14oz. can Muir Glen tomato sauce
1 28oz. can Muir Glen diced fire-roasted tomatoes, do not drain
1/2 cup Dinosaur BBQ Sensuous Slathering Sauce
1 14oz can of corn kernels, drained
1 14oz can kidney beans, drained
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped


• Heat a pot over medium to med-high heat. Add olive oil and the turkey meat.
• Season the meat with chili powder, Cajun spice rub, cumin, Worcestershire sauce and Sriracha.
• Break up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon to make small crumbles.
• Brown meat for 5 minutes. Chop onions and peppers.
• Add onion, bell peppers and jalapeno. Cook 10 minutes more.
• Add beer to deglaze the pan, scraping drippings off the bottom of the pan.
• Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, BBQ sauce, corn and beans.
• Adjust seasonings and heat level to taste. The heat tends to diminish a bit as it sits over night, so don’t be afraid to throw in some more Sriracha.
• It will be a little watery. Simmer uncovered until desired thickness, stirring occasionally. Usually about 30-45 minutes. It will thicken up in the fridge. (You can also help thicken it by adding 1 Tbsp of corn starch dissolved in 1 Tbsp cold water.)
• Right before taking off the heat, stir in the cilantro.
• Best made a day ahead of time so flavors really have time to blend!
• Serve with favorite toppings – chopped onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sour cream, cheese, etc!

Notes: The Dinosaur BBQ sauce is readily available at Wegman's grocery stores in New York. It's also available at a specialty food shop out here in Boulder, so I imagine it would be at other specialty food shops around the country as well. You can also order it at the website linked above. And of course, you can get it at the restaurants in Syracuse, Rochester, and Harlem.

If you're going to experiment with other BBQ sauces, I recommend using one that does not contain high fructose corn syrup or a lot of sugar. The smokiness of this BBQ sauce gives the chili it's signature flavor!

I once experimented with other Cajun seasoning, and the chili came out so hot it was almost inedible. So experimenter, beware!

I've also used Hunt's brand fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and I didn't like them as much. They were less diced and almost pureed it seemed. Not a huge deal, but I'm picky like that.

If you make it, let me know what you think! :-)

Peeping Toms?

Vanessa and I went "leaf peeping" today. We hiked up to Rainbow Lakes. It's a short 2 mile round-trip hike, but the weather forecast was calling for 35 degrees and snow, so we didn't want to do anything too long. After our hike, we drove up to Rocky Mountain and drove around a bit. I really wanted to drive up Old Fall River Road, but it was closed. Boo. Here's some shots of the amazing gold, yellow and orange aspen:

Super Kezza!!

http://www.makemesuper.com/r.php?i=1_e9d90-150905-f-Kerry

The Office

Over the past few months, a couple of awesome coworkers have left The Office. We couldn't let all of their hard work go unappreciated:

Scott's cube. Every item was meticulously wrapped in plastic (and I mean EVERY item), and the cube was filled with a surprisingly large amount of balloons.




Spencer's send-off was a little tamer, if only because half of the office was holed up in Excel training all morning. Because of Spencer's affinity for Boulder's Naked Pumpkin Run, we decided it would be appropriate to detonate a Halloween Bomb in his cube.



Who will be next???