Irish Breakfast

Since it's St. Patrick's Day, my friend Jim had the idea of going to the British Bulldog pub for an Irish breakfast. It was quite tasty, as you can tell from the photos below. And yes, I am wearing green in honor of this fantastic day o' the Irish.

Beard Season

I love beards.

Laura (my roommate) pointed out to me on Monday that the Denver Post ran an article regarding beards on Monday. I found that quite fantastic.

And, as Beard Season is pretty much from November through March (maybe through April in the CO) it is now nearing its end. Maybe I can convince some beards to stick around into the summer, though.

Pink Tights Day

Yesterday was Pink Tights Day, so basically the day that I wear my Pink Tights from Target to work. See below:
Scary picture, yes, but a reason for a great day!
Today is not pink tights day. So it is more sad. Pthhh. hahaha. Oh well.

FAILURE

As most of us know, yesterday was Valentine's Day. My roommate Laura had heard about an art opening called, most appropriately for the occasion "FAILURE" that was occuring at The Lab in Bel Mar (which is in Lakewood, a western-bordering suburb of Denver). So of course, we went. With promises of love songs played on the oboe, cheese fondue, readings of bad poetry, and Ms. Pac-Man to be played, who could resist?

To be sure, it did not disappoint. An added plus was Laura running into an acquaintance with an adorable three-year-old who I had the pleasure to converse with regarding her amazing ability to slide in and out from under a picnic table carefully placed on Astroturf. The art was interesting, featuring work from I believe 34 different artists and their interpretations of failure. They also had two old-school typewriters set-up so patrons could type their own messages of failure--or whatever else their heart's desired on this loved-filled day--and place the cards they typed on in a box for others to peruse.

In addition, mini 7-ounce bottles of Miller High Life, yes, that great Champagne of Beers, were available FOR FREE. I also was able to snag the Ms. Pac-Man joystick for seven straight games, where I was unable to get past 8,610 points, but which my friend Jason (a pleasant surprise he ended up attending the same event) promptly beat into the ground with a score of around 15,220, to claim the High Scorer prize. It was really great to have that love for Ms. Pac-Man revitalized, let me tell ya. Oh! There was also life-size shuffleboard a la retirement homes in Florida. We played with a lovely older gentleman with a kind of white mullet who was afraid he might spill his pinot.

Overall, a quite enjoyable Valentine's Day evening, with several things I love: good friends, mini-Miller High Life, and Ms. Pac-Man.

(On a side note, Laura and I did go to another bar after the art opening, on Colfax, where we nearly got puked on by a stranger. But perhaps that is a story for another day).

Yes, We Can!

If you haven't seen this yet, I think it is pretty cool. Caucus is tonight in the CO! Last night I was at a caucus training and saw Forest Whitaker for a minute before I had to go, he was speaking for Obama. Cool things happenin', people. Get involved, it's exciting!

Yes, We Can!

Obama!

I saw Barack Obama speak today in D-Town, and it was very inspirational.

This pic is from my cell phone--obviously I was pretty far from the podium--but I have a few more I will try and post later on.


Obama was motivating, engaging, and funny, referring to the fact that in November, George W. Bush will not be on the ballot, nor Obama's "cousin," Dick Cheney.

Some info from an MSNBC article. I should have took a picture of the long lines outside!

"Eighteen thousand people showed up to see Obama in Denver, the site of the 2004 Democratic national convention and what Democrats see as a state that could go the Democrats' way in 2008. Obama spoke to an overflow crowd of 4,500 at an adjacent gym, and also addressed a second overflow crowd of several thousand at the university's lacrosse stadium. The Denver Broncos' Rod Smith and Federico Pena, the former mayor of Denver, were also on hand and spoke to Obama's ability to bring change."

LMH, POD, January 27, 2008

On Sunday I traveled to the Center of All Consumption in the universe, THE MALL (Cherry Creek Mall to be exacted, even more overwhelming then the norm), with my roommate because we were meeting two friends to see the fabulously sappy new movie, "27 Dresses." Well, since we were going to the mall, I had to go to the Verizon store because my phone has taken to the habit of breaking every two weeks. So after I got another new phone, we are walking to take the escalator up to the movie theatre level, when I see this, and of course, snap a pic with my new telefone:


I kid you not, dear friends. I think these sell these at the pretzel store. Now, I love hot dogs, and jalepenos, and of course, cheesy bread, but this might even be too scary for me. How did I not know this existed? Next time I might just try it, if I am feeling brave.

Undercover Hippo

There is a documentary on the National Geographic channel Saturday night (which I don't have, so sad!) but you must go here and watch this video and see what it is about

Undercover Hippo

Pretty much they made a 200 pound hippo suit so they can go scrape the sweat off hippos cuz hippo sweat may have high SPF and help with antibiotics. I want to wear the hippo suit!!!

Here is the suit, and check out the hippo dude:

Happy New Year!

Hi friends!
I hope everyone had a very happy new year. I welcomed it in with five good friends up in the mountains at Stacy and John's house. Stacy reminded me that this was her and my fifth New Year's celebration in a row! So fantastic.
The night was filled with pop culture trivia pursuit, New Year's party favors, shots of whiskey, rum and tequila, tea (for Laura) and lots and lots of dance party!
Here's one pic--more to come since I got a new camera!
Best wishes for everyone as we kick off the '08.

Stach

I love natalie dee.

Just sayin'

New 'Do

Yesterday, I got new hair. See the before and after shots; feel free to rate what you like better.

Old Hair, approximately 3:30 p.m. Nov. 8

New hair, approximately 7 a.m. Nov. 9th

Oh, Senor

So the World Series did not end up as I had hoped, but I did get to go to a game, I did dress up as Senor Misterioso last Saturday for Halloween, and Libby and Kristin came to visit last weekend!

Me, Kristin, and Lib reunite!

Senor y Senor

Annie and I at World Series Game 4!

Unfortunately, my wig did not bring good luck to my Rox, but that's ok! Great season overall.

All in all, things are good.

Here we come, WS Game One!

The time has come. At 6 pm Mountain Time tonight my beloved Rockies will battle the Boston Red Sox.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I am wearing my Rox jersey in eager anticipation, and scored tickets (thanks to Annie I. and her parents) to game 4 on Sunday and game 5 (if necessary) on Monday.

GO ROCKIES!! I AM SO PUMPED!

Enjoy a few pix from the NLCS game 4 clincher I was at last Monday. It was a SWEEP BABY!

Sweet, sweet, sweet

And he does it again.

I love Yorvit Torrealba (as every one of my friends who knows my love for the Rockies is aware of). He's the manager of the Rockies on the field as their catcher, and has come up big at key times in the playoffs. Last night, he was the star as the Rockies came up with a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to take a 3-0 lead in the National League Championship Series, thanks to his 3-run homer in the 6th inning. And he dedicated the shot to his grandma.

How sweet it is.


As a kid growing up watching the Minnesota Twins, I learned to love baseball. I still have the Homer Hanky from the '87 series, and some Wheaties boxes featuring the team back home at my parent's house.

But to enjoy this as an adult, to have a team you love doing so well, is pure joy. The Rockies became my National League team when I moved here a little over four years ago, and I still say, every time I go into Coors Field, with a big, goofy grin on my face: "I love this place. It's the best place in Denver. Maybe the best place in the world. Smell those hot dogs. Look at that grass. I love it here."

And sitting there last night, in section 203, row 11, seat 19, wearing long underwear and my pink stocking cap and my Choo Freeman jersey, I did not want to be anywhere else in the world.

Tonight I'll go to the ballpark again, waving my foam finger with one hand and the rally-rag in the other, fingers crossed, hoping the boys can stretch it to 21-1 and earn the Rockies first every World Series berth.

I have chills just thinking about it.

It's not even noon and I wish I was down at the field right now. That's right people, I Believe.

For a great story in the Post about Yorvit, go here.

The lil Kaz that could

Final, NLDS Game 2: Rockies 10, Phillies 5

That's right baby, 2-0 in the best of 5 series.

Think people are paying more attention to the Rockies now?

And who we have to thank primarily is little Kaz Matsui, the Rockies speedy second baseman who hit his 5th homer of the season which was also his first ever grand salami in the majors.

It was smiles and hi-fives all around at homeplate! And of course Yorvit was key in the victory again (great double, dude). Sadly I won't be attending Game 3 Saturday night at Coors Field as I am flying to Boise Saturday afternoon to run my first marathon on Sunday. But I have faith in my Rox and that their success will help propel me over the finish line.


And yes, I plan to bring the Foam Finger to Idaho.

Check out the Denver Post's photo essay of today's game

Includes a pic of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper in the stands!

One Down

One down.

That's right folks.

Your Rockies came out triumphant yesterday over the Phillies in the Phillies own house. The doubters on TBS and every other sucka of a sports writer who doubted is eating their words right now.

I listened to the game on the radio in my office yesterday. It is actually very exciting to listen to baseball on the radio--and I would argue, more intense, than watching on the tele.

Until Manny Corpas' final pitch I was moaning and making other painful noises until my co-worker Renee stuck her head into my office to make sure I hadn't choked on any raisins.

My boy Yorvit Torrealba had a single (please enjoy the fabulous pic of him below from yesterday's game) and I got to hear him be interviewed in the post-game. Oh Yorvit, I know you really want to play catch with me sometime.

You can bet I will be glued to the radio again starting at 1:07 p.m. today to see how my Rox fair in Game 2.

GO ROCKIES!

And for an entertaining article about the pain that the love for the Rockies can induce, and discussion of beards (which I am ALWAYS in favor of) check out Adam Clayton Holland's Article in the Westword today.

ROCK-TOBER!

I love baseball. This season, I fell in completely in love with the Colorado Rockies. And last night they made me an even stronger believeR.

Not only have they won the last 14 of their 15 games to make it into the playoffs for the first time since 1995, but they have heart, they have charisma, and they have the love of a city who has too long neglected this wonderful sport to favor those that wear the orange and blue.

I would guess I have been to between 15 and 20 games this season. I was at the game on September 18th when Todd Helton hit the two-run home run in the bottom of the 9th with two outs to win over the Dodgers.

I was at the game on Saturday night the 29th when Troy Tulowitzki lined the ball into the bullpen for a grand slam.

I was there Sunday afternoon (the 30th) when a packed house watched the scoreboard click over in favor of the Brewers over the Padres, and then watched us squeak out a 4-3 victory where Brian Fuentes brought the heat in relief and Todd Helton got the chance to take his first real step towards the playoffs in his career.


And I was there last night, with a packed house, even more full it seemed than any of the four opening days I've attended at Coors Field. I sat through all 13 innings, holding my breath through most of them, even though my favorite Rockie, My Boy Yorvit Torrealba hit a home run in the second inning (which made me especially happy as he struggled at the plate on Sunday). I had text messages throughout from friends who were watching elsewhere, some trading emotions about the game, others checking in on how I was holding up.

I don't think I said a word through the whole 13th inning, until Holliday crossed the plate head first and the ump singled safe. Coors Field erupted, and I was trading hugs and high fives with old men who, like me, had waited years for a Rockies playoff re-appearance.

Last year I went to about 25 games. The two years before at least 10 each season. I am a member of the ladies night crew that gets tickets to every Wednesday game (not to mention a voucher if you go on Wednesday to a future Rockies game). I've gone with them on their ups and downs. Sometimes I think it is odd when people refer to their favorite sports team as "We won" or "We lost." But I get it, because with the Rockies, I know WE are the wild card and WE are in the playoffs and WE are totally awesome.

Man, I love this game. And I love foam fingers!!!


Things I love about the Rockies:
1. Great farm system and lots of scrappy young guys!
2. Foam fingers
3. Rocky Dawg (though better last season than this)
4. I usually hate rally caps, but I made one last night, and it worked
5. Clutch hits (triples, especially)
6. Great defense
7. Ryan Spilbourghs having the Gwen Stefani song Sweet Escape playing and the whole crowd singing along

SONIC

It is tough to describe how much I love Sonic Diet Cherry Limeade.


Here is a picture of what I had for lunch, (minus the salad).

I LOVE DIET CHERRY LIMEADE FROM SONIC, more than polar bears even.

The End.

hippoPUBamus

Get ready for hippoPUBamus '07 baby!

Make a Free Flash Slideshow

Beer and bluegrass

I like bluegrass music.

Maybe it's the Colorado that's been bred in me these past few years; or maybe it's watching people's fingers dance across the mandolin frets; or maybe the twang of the banjo; or the beauty of the upright bass. At any rate, I like bluegrass, and I like beer, and so do my friends, as these pictures illustrate when Acey, Allison, Julia, me, Stacy, John, Lloyd, Annie, Sarah and Gareth wen to the Beer and bluegrass festival in Keystone at the beginning of August. On a warm Saturday for Summit county we enjoyed many a beer and the music of bands we favor like Grass It Up, Hunkerdown Bluegrass, and Oakhurst. And of course we shook it, a lot.

Por supuesto!

Yes I most certainly broke out the sundress/cowboy boot combination for this very special occasion.

Senor came along for the ride and had a bit of a beer bath.

Here Senor, Lloyd and John are tasting some TASTY turkey legs. This day also marked the first time I ever tasted a turkey leg. And if I was a doubter before I am a COMPLETE BELIEVER now! Sooooo tasty! Don't knock it unless you've tried it, dudes.

WHOOMP

I love natalie dee! And purple hippos, of course. Her drawing today, 8/13/07.

And this clip that Annie sent to me is enough to make me want to go work at the zoo and feed baby hippopotami carrots all day!

Senor and Ryan Adams

Last week I got to see Ryan Adams twice, at the Fox in Boulder on Thursday, the 2nd, and at Red Rocks on Friday, the 3rd. This was an especially fantastic time because Andy and Miriam were visiting from So.Dak, and because these were the first times I saw Ryan Adams live! The show in Boulder was amazing and Ryan and the Cardinals sounded great, but the highlight was probably hearing him sing "Dear Chicago" at Red Rocks.

Notice we did some tailgating beforehand and Senor climbed the Red Rocks.
Miriam and I enjoyed some Budweiser, whiskey Nalgene, and Hard Salami.

And Bridget was super excited for the show, too!

As was Kentucky Bridget and Laura!

And of course Kate's boys, Michael, Adam, and Senor and I all had a great time!

Hip to the hippo and Monkeys on planes!

Most of you know that I do love hippos. My older brother was awesome enough to send me the video below. It tells the story of a couple in South Africa that have a pet hippo. I kid you not, dear friends. Her name is Jessica. For your viewing enjoyment.

I also hope one day to have a Monkey Farm with my friend Tiffanie. She sent me this very interesting article yesterday about a man who snuck a monkey from Peru to New York on a plane, under his hat. Ingenius!

To the Estes Festiveness

To continue documenting my weekend adventures of late playing the role of "me-sooooo-outdoorsy" woman, I went camping a few weeks ago near Estes park with many Denver/Boulder friends. Ashley was our fearless and super fabulously, super-organized, organizer. Though Annie and I arrived and met Ashley in the pouring rain where we ate entirely too many Cool Ranch Doritos in the car for an hour, the rain did subside and we had something like a 14 person and 1 dog camping/hiking crew.

I don't own my own camp stove, but luckily, John does, so we were able to fire up some meannnn cheese tortellini and sauce, as shown in the picture below. We are also displaying our talent for combining pink, red, and orange and making that color combination WORK!


Though it rained a lot that night, the next day was pretty nice and cool for our hike on a trail that Ashley had helped create a few years back. Jayden and Senor both made it to the summit. The last picture is from the bottom of the hike and shows the mountainy mountain we climbed. Good times! Beer was had, of course, after this hike as well. Then it was back to Denver to become urban again, and take a shower. After all, there's only so much outdoorsy in me.

Tres hermanas

So, the summer hiking season continues. For those of you here in Colorado, you know I am not Hard Core with the hiking, but I will let all of you out-of-towners think that I am :)

I do have PLENTY of friends that are hard core hikers though, don't be mistaken. The only time I get called hard core is for my tendency to favor a good bourbon, and in that case, I digress.

At any rate, I did a hike a week after Shavano 14er called Three Sisters in Evergreen, CO. This is a very pretty hike, albeit rather leisurely. Annie, Lloyd, their pup Yuki, Chris, his dog Diablo, Elizabeth, Laura, Ashley, Randy, baby Cozy, and Randy and Annie's pups Bijou and Boudin all made the trek.


As you can tell, though not particularly strenuous, Bijou especially found solitude in the water when we took a break. For some odd reason, I forgot to take pix of us having post-hike beers and bacon, but rest assured, we certainly did!

Watch a video of the pups in some mountain water!

woo hoo!

Sh-sh-sh-Shavano

At the beginning of the summer, I had plans to do at least two, possibly three 14ers. But, now that we are into August, I must admit that I will likely just have 1 "bagged."

Kate, Stacy, John, Maggie, Justin, Steph, Trav and little Jayden made the trip down near Buena Vista and Salida on July 14th and camped the night before we slimbed Shavano 14er.

Even though I forgot my bear bell, the bears did stay away while we camped, and we hiked it up on Sunday. Took me 7 hours roundtrip, and according to my heart rate monitor, I burned something like 3,000 calories.

As you can tell from the pix, our campsite was surrounded by Aspens, and very pretty.

Also, I needed to take a little time out at about 13,800 feet. Notice my fashionable hiking attire.
There was a marmot on top of the summit when we arrived, and the flowers were super super beautiful. Oh yes, I had a PBR when we finished as well, of course.