New Bed!

Shopping for a new bed sounds exciting but who knew it involved robots. We spent two weekends roaming the local furniture and mattress stores for a decent bed that was not going to break our pocket book. One of our many stops included Furniture Row just down the road from our apartment. As we walked crammed isles of furniture and beds we came across this gigantic robot. Wow, how random. As you can see in the image below, Matt is wondering what this thing is doing here. By the feet of the robot was his mini robot pet. Even though the little robots eyes glowed an ominous red, it still seemed kind of cute and friendly.

The time came to make a decision. We returned to American Family Furniture, laid on the bed we were considering, and a few seconds later as the salesmen walked by we said, "We'll take this!" He was taken off guard and asked, "Really, your not kidding. Do you really want this bed. Have you looked at other beds?" We explained that we had done our research and this was what we wanted. It was funny he was so shocked. The next day the news add had free pillows with any bed purchase so we ended up with getting two brand new pillows for our new bed! We moved our old bed into the second bedroom.

And our new bed arrived. Serta Princess Euro-top. Fancy! The bed has a comfortable memory foam pillow-top. This bed is about 5 inches taller than our former bed. I have to jump to get onto this mammoth of a bed. We are glad we stuck with a queen size because the bed looks big with it's huge height. We were able to find some sheets to fit this 18" tall mattress but we are still looking for a comforter. The bed is quite firm and has that new bed aroma. We are excited that when people visit we have a bed and the pullout couch. So people..... come visit. It is sunny and 70 degrees for the fifth day this week! What is stopping you people from a two hour plane trip?

Valentines Day 2011

Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays. I favor this holiday because it means my husband will probably do something fabulous for ME! Most of my favorite holidays also consist of multi-day events. This holiday was no exception. Matt had 100 beautiful multi-colored Peruvian Lilies delivered to our door on Saturday. :) I was not up to going out for dinner this Valentines. So at my request, we went shopping at the local Whole Foods for a delicious gourmet meal. We had fun sampling foods as we picked out a variety of cheese and crackers, a mini heart shaped new york cheese cake, and red snapper with asparagus! Matt being such a talented chef, whipped up a yummy meal for dinner on Saturday.

Monday was the actual holiday, but it is Matt's busiest day of the week with work followed immediately by class in the evening. I decided on my way home from work on Monday to visit Whole Foods again. I picked up some delicious snacks of smoked salmon, bread, crackers, cheeses, and a little fruit tart. It was not as perfect as Matt's gourmet dinner, but I think he was happy to come home to some delicious surprise Valentines treats after a long day. Overall A great weekend!

It's a little chilly out there

While it might have been in the mid 60's only four or five days ago, those days are gone now. The last couple days have been some of the coldest in Colorado History. We didn't break the record for the coldest temperature in Denver last night. We were one degree off. So close. It hasn't snowed like it has on the East coast but none the less, it has been pretty and interesting.
Here we show the picture from the side porch. Looking off into the distance you can see all the heaters on top of the buildings trying to pump out as much heat as possible. Monday, we reached our high temperature of 8 degrees around 1 in the morning. Tuesday, the high was supposed to be -2, but it warmed up significantly to about 1 during the afternoon.

Here is the picture from the back deck. Beautiful view of the snow covered mountains. Not a bad sight to see.

Last of all, here is a picture from the news about 7 this morning. I have been getting up and starting the car for JJ before she heads off to work these mornings. While I am sure I have been out in temperatures like this before growing up, it never gets any easier.

A Newish Deli

Last night we couldn't think of what to cook at home. We have some food to make but nothing really sounded good. We were in a food rut. Well, that was until JJ had suggested we go somewhere. We tossed around a few ideas. Chinese? Kabobs? Pizza? Nothing was hitting the mental or guttural spot. Than she mentioned this place I had been too a couple months before and told her I enjoyed. The New York Deli News. This is a Denver icon as far as Deli's go. Started by a few New Yorkers who opened up a deli back in Manhattan 50 years ago. The bread is made for them as are their meats. Looking at the menu reminded me of an old favorite from Framingham. So here are some pictures.

What we have here is the combination Reuben. Half corned beef, half pastrami, kraut, Swiss, Russian dressing, on rye. Delicious. Here served open face. JJ also had a Reuben of a different color not pictured here.

Also served on the table is a bowl of all you can eat homemade pickles. We went through two bowls of them and could have easily eaten another if we weren't so full. Oh, what a lovely dinner. The place was packed but the food came quickly. Surely a place to remember.

www.nydndenver.com

Portland

So I am behind on my blogs. Here is a few fun pics of my trip to Portland. It was great to go back and see friends and family, but I sure did not like the gloomy rainy weather.
The bride, my BFF Lauren, and I headed to the Portland bridal show. We arrived with a 45 minute wait and probably a half mile line to enter the show. Miss Lauren started to question the worth of waiting in this gigantic line, but I told her to buck up and we were waiting no matter what. I mean, I did fly all the way from Denver to attend this big event with her. So we eventually made it through the windy line to the entrance. Once Lauren received her bride to be name tag she began to have some fun!
Of course it wouldn't be a proper bridal without photographers. We found a couple booths that had props we could use to enhance the free photos we took.

And the cake. Oh my, the cake. So much cake. We must have tried over 30 samples. I did not want to eat cake ever again. Good thing we came hungry with empty stomachs!

Saturday night of my trip was great because friends and family came out to Big Als for some dinner and fun! It was great to see everyone. I was so happy!!!

It was truly great to visit with my Dad, Robin, Anna, and Ryan. I sure do miss my Dad!

The last day I was able to squeeze in an afternoon with Al and Darlene. It was great to go home and have a relaxing day. I love my new home, but I sure do miss the people at my old one. I promise Matt will be heading out for the next trip since I always seem to leave him at home!!

NHL Avalanche vs Canucks

This photo was taken during the warm up's. A hockey puck broke one of the glass barriers so they had to quickly replace it before the game! Very neat

Last year I didn't get Matt a specific birthday gift since it is three days before Christmas. When Matt reciprocated the non-birthday gift, I decided this terrible pattern had to stop! This year I decided to purchase Matt a Birthday gift separate from the Christmabirthday gifts. NHL Tickets to the local team!! I unknowingly chose a great game to attend since the Canucks were first in the league and Avalanche were right behind them in second. This was my first experience at a live hockey game and I loved it! The game moved so fast and it kept me on the edge of my seat. By the end of the third when the Avalanche lost in a close game, I was wishing there was more game to see. We had a great date night out and I can't wait to see another NHL game!

Skating in the Park

Some day back in December, JJ really wanted to get into the spirit of the holidays and enjoy one of the most awkward sports a novice could do. Throwing caution to the wind, we decided to go ice skating. Below is a picture when we first arrived and the Zamboni was out clearing the ice so it would be much smoother and wetter when we both fell and broke our necks.


We actually didn't hit the ice right away. There was just far too many people there. The whole ice rink was about the size of our living room and tons and tons of people were waiting to go.

Later, after dark, there were fewer children to fall on and kill (albeit there were still many out there) so we got our free skates and stepped on. Below is the elegant and talented skating JJ posing for the camera.

Another photo of evil twin JJ who has absolutely no coordination on the ice. Which blows my mind since she was once a gymnast in a past life which one would assume would have some kind of balance. You would be wrong.

Relaxing before heading back out.

So you didn't believe me JJ has no balance on the ice. Just watch the video. It speaks for itself. Sorry it's sideways. You're just going to have to deal.

All in all this was a good trip. I didn't fall once during the whole time we were there, until just about when it was time to go and we were attacked by some of the aforementioned children. They came straight at us and there was no escape. It either them or us and I chose us. Down we went. Not bad all in all.

THE LORD OF THE RING!!

The day began much like any other. It was an early winter morning in November (disregard the presents in the background). The day was a lazy one as it was the weekend and I didn't have to work this day. I awoke. Complete (IE: with ring). Who was to know, this was the day the ring would try and escape from its owner.


The day became an arduous one. While the rings owner thought today was going to the aforementioned "lazy" one, the ring (and the owner's wife) had other plans. CHORES ABOUNDED!! "To the store", said the wife of ring's owner. "We need sustenance!! But first we need to put in the laundry." A loud sigh came from the ring's owner as he trekked past the trials of the never-endingly long hallway to the house of laundry.

Here, in the house of laundry sits the monsters of peril which many a man (and perhaps one woman) dread more than any other. These particular beasts of burden require extra attention as they are peculiarly good at not doing their jobs properly. The rings owner must pay a toll to the machine in order to make it function. While most days, it was paid in dollars and cents. Today, with the help of the ring, it was much more. With the toll paid, the monster filled its cavity with liquid to help dissolve the soap (otherwise, because they are so crappy, it leaves white soap spots all over your clothes and makes you wonder why you even bother washing them in the first place...) The ring's owner stuffed the clothes into the soapy opening, making sure as to not overfill the monster.

Then, back to the domicile and off to the next journey. To the store, back from the store, back to the laundry. What is this?! The owner spent too long away from his laundry that some other villager took out their clothes and cast them aside like unwanted scraps. Saddened, the owner took his clothes and moved them to the fire breathing dragon which scorches the clothes dry and then back to his shire.

Due to the large amounts of evils in the world, training is required to maintain peak performance. "TO THE GYM!!", the wife said. After hours of training, lifting heavy objects, and stretching (as to not get cramps) the owner and his wife make their way back home.

It wasn't until now when the owner noticed. When had it happened? Where did it go?! The ring... it had successfully made its escape!!!!!! But where? But when? Had he had it all day? Did he lose it only recently?

Mildly panicked, he scoured high and low. Back to the gym, back to the laundry room, to the car, in the bed, under the bed, the couch, hallway, laundry room, in the other people's laundry (while the wife stood lookout. Maybe they stole the ring?) etc, etc, etc. The ring was lost. Sadness again filled the owner. He wept and wept (well not really).

After some time passed. The owner stood up with an epiphany. He ran out of the house and down the never-endingly long hallway to the house of laundry. Perhaps, he thought, when the vandals removed the clothes instead of stealing the ring, as was previously thought, the ring fell out. He fell to his hands and knees and scoured the depths of the dirty ground. A glint came from under one of the monsters feet. With a forceful nudge, he lifted the front of the monster to see it there. Sitting sheepishly, staring back at its owner, laid the ring.

With the ring back in the owners possession, the world is right again. The scare the ring gave would not be forgotten. To this day, the owner has not worn it since, at least until it is re-sized to the point where it won't fall off again.

The moral of this story, at least I think the one which was learned... DON'T EVER DO THE LAUNDRY!! Get someone else to do it.

Tree 2010

Yay, our tree is up! We spent much of yesterday assembling our faux tree and adding the touch of holiday memories with our years of ornament collection. We discovered over half the ornaments are "Island of Misfit Toys". This fact made me happy! We found a great spot for our Olsen famous advent calendar next to the tree. Choosing a perfect hand-made holiday symbol to add the the calendar daily is one of my favorite traditions. The only thing we have left to do is add the train around the tree. The big question is, Lego or Misfit train???

New Shoes

I got the gift of new boots! I thought I was cold weather prepared when we moved here but I was wrong. Even though it is sunny here most days the weather is extremely cold. Before my cold weather experiences consisted of most winter days being in the mid-40's and wet. Not here. When we have ventured out into the elements my feet have been so cold. Matt got new kicks to wear to school and keep him warm but I was out of luck until a nice gift was given to me. New Boots! I was so happy I cried.

I knew I wanted just the right combination of comfort and style for work and play. I easily found a great weatherproof cushioned black boot with fuzzy fur lining the tops perfect for playing outside. Then the search began for a nicer boot to wear with a dressier outfit and still keep my toes warm. I spent a lot of time roaming the department stores and trying on shoes. With the boot being a fashion style of this season I had so many options. But what was the perfect boot for me? With my crazy process of elimination and a great Black Friday sale at Macy's I found my perfect boot; shorter black boot with a zipper side to easily slip on and off my foot with a sturdy heel, a few inches lift to boost my height while saving the bottom of my pants, and a great overall contour fit. I have worn them both out and they are perfect indeed. Thank you!

Halloween 2010

This Halloween was a fairly quiet one compared to last year. I decided since Darlene emailed me all month Wilton's Halloween recipes and decorations, that I should give-in and try baking one of these festive cupcakes. I made from scratch the classic German chocolate cake, cupcake. Then I found a simple butter cream frosting recipe, added food coloring, and busted out my baking tips. Voila! Yummy creepy cupcakes that I hand delivered to Matt's co-workers, dropped a plate at the neighbors, and devoured a few for myself.Yum!

We bought pumpkins, as always, mainly for the pumpkin seeds. Disappointed that there was only a small bowls worth of seeds, we lost the motivation to carve our pumpkins. But we have had some tasty apples, some of which we baked in the oven with cinnamon. The aroma of the apples baking filled our apartment and made me happy while a little homesick. It reminded me of the annual Carmel apples Lauren and I used to make and make no more. Sniff. On Saturday we decided to get out of the house and head downtown to HAPA Sushi in Cherry Creek. We had walked by this happening joint many times but never went in. We gave it a try and census says - 7 out of 10. Not the best I've had but pretty good. I was feeling the spirit of Halloween so I used my makeup to create Zombie looking eyes before we headed out on the town. I tried to convince Matt he should have Zombie eyes too but he wouldn't budge. Oh well, maybe next year he will participate.

We had the opportunity to pass out candy in our apartment building. All we had to do was tape a pre-designed Halloween sign on our door to let kids know we were giving out candy. We got a huge bag of candy for all the trick-or-treaters but sadly we only had about a dozen kids show up. As tradition, we put out the smokey skull with the creepy green lit-up eyes on our doorstep and it was a hit. Thank you again Darlene for the only Halloween decoration we own. At least the quality of it is awesome!

Fall Festival Botanic Gardens Chatfield

This weekend we set out to celebrate the coming of fall. I looked online for Denver events in the fall and was not surprised to find a bazillion ideas. It was my day to choose the activity so I settled on the Denver Botanic Gardens Fall Festival. It was about a half hour drive in the rain from our place to the festival.

When we got out of the car the clouds broke up and the sun poked its head out from behind the clouds. We wandered the pumpkin patch for awhile to find a good carving pumpkin, but sadly it seemed they were all picked over. The only ones left were rotten, green, and deformed which is not a good base for great carving. We strolled through the vendors and enjoyed all the kids participating in fun activities while sporting their creative Halloween costumes. There was a really impressive exhibit of turn-of-the-century steam engines on display. One of the collectors gave us a great demonstration.

For our finale of the day we decided to try the corn maze. The first picture below is the design of the corn maze and it looks impressive but we never really found a dead end and was able to do the whole maze in less than a half hour. We were a little disappointed with the easy skill level of the maze but glad to get out of the house. When we walked back to the car the clouds began to gather and it started to rain.

First Friday

This week we headed down to the art district on Sante Fe street. Every town seems to have some type of art walk including Denver. We have been to many art walks, but I think this was the most impressive with 10 blocks packed with people cramming into over 60 independent art galleries. It was even expressed to us that this may even be the largest art walk in the country. This exhibit included many impressive 3d canvases ranging from landscapes to emotional faces.

This very simple exhibit explored light and shadow. White paper folded into cranes and oblong circles were pinned off the all the walls and lit from above the space to create a very impressive piece of art. This was the only space I saw people whipping out their camera phones to capture the essence of the piece. Although I think it was impossible to capture the emotion without experiencing the space itself.

This picture shows one of the packed galleries overflowing onto the street. Portland never had the art following that Denver has. It was amazing to be part of the experience. Galleries full of unique original art with everyone from the artist to ordinary people critiquing the pieces and filling spaces. Street vendors trying to sell art and musicians playing instruments or free style raping capturing crowds on the street. It was fabulous.

Here is a pic of MoJo standing in front of a artistic film piece capturing the process of the artist. I can't wait to go back next month!