Penguins and dinos, and brides...

Oh my!
Since I had no other plans for Halloween (lame, yes) and no trick-or-treaters (my building is gated in), I requested to work - and I'm so glad I did!

I waited until the last minute to figure out my Halloween costume - typical Michelle move (I have an excuse - read on!), but I knew that I was going to create it myself. The night before Halloween, I bought myself a green zip-up hoodie, and a bunch of felt (which actually cost me the same amount as a premade costume...ugh), and created my dinosaur costume!

My boss as Tim Burton's corpse bride

Working on Halloween turned out to be a blast. We spent most of the morning/afternoon preparing for the trick-or-treaters (an event the outdoor mall Fran's Chocolates is located in puts on), and taking pictures with each other.

RAWR!

The Halloween staff

The trick or treaters were bountiful, and made out like bandits at Fran's (and their parents knew it!). We gave each kid an almond goldbite (a mini version of our almond goldbar: almonds and caramel covered in dark chocolate... mmmm). Because of their large numbers, and the incredible amount of sugar many of them had already consumed, the kids were exhausting. So, despite some serious persistance from my dear friends, I didn't wind up going out after work other than to swing by Ben's place to say hello.

Now, here's my excuse for not creating a costume sooner: I spent the weekend before in Denver having an awesome time Brandon!

I was welcomed to Denver by a ton of snow, which I had not packed for at all. But we still got out and about for some fun times including a day at the Denver art museum. I loved the extensive contemporary art exhibit which had some very unusual pieces. One of my favorite works was a large walk through sculpture scene by American artist, Sandy Skoglound (below).

What I really loved about this work is how each fox had it's own expression, action, and movement. No two were alike, but they were each set in 'action vignettes' (for lack of a better term) that flowed from one to the next as you walked through. It was fantastical, and the grey foxes against the red background, floor and celling were wonderful. I particularly loved this angle because you can see the only red fox, and the red fox fur coat hanging on the back on the chair.

Other than some awesome artwork, Brandon and I found an amazing Jewish deli right in his neighborhood... jealous (I'm still on a hunt for my own Jewish deli here in Seattle. Suggestions anyone?).  Apparently this deli was featured on some "improve your already pretty good restaurant because it has serious potential" cooking show I don't watch - but whatever they did to the place, it's great! The cramped feel, visible kitchen, and loud voices made this place feel so right. Check out the reuben Brandon got: it's about the size of his head (and I'm pretty sure it's the first meal I've ever seen him not finish).

The weeks leading up to my departure to Denver were rather exciting as well. Anytime I have a day off, I try to visit somewhere new in Seattle. Luckily, one of my days off coincided with the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Seattle World's Fair. Although there were lots of events going on that day, I really went for the $1 ride up the space needle (50 year vintage price!), and the free Seattle Symphony performance. I got there just in time to grab a seat for the symphony and enjoyed the performance (program below right). Then popped over to the Space Needle for cheesy pre-"flight" photos, and city viewing.

On a different day off, I biked down to the International District and went for a run around the area to get a feel for it. It was a great run... until I got bit by a huge Mastiff dog! Usually they're super friendly, and too lazy to even look at you, but apparently this guy was a butt-hole. The brute broke my skin leaving me with a pretty gross looking bite, nasty bruise, and huge lump - very, very close to some very personal areas... jerk. Somehow, my running leggings didn't tear though (ladies - check out Lucy Activewear for a pair of leggings of steel for yourself!).

Other than being eaten by giant dogs, I also did some awesome eating here in Seattle. I went to the Seattle Underground Market: a monthly event (but the date and location are secret until 2 weeks beforehand) for aspiring chefs, and aspiring foodies (such as myself). After paying the $10 entry fee, you can wander around at will and chat with the chefs who have prepared mini portions of their specialty dishes for $1-$5, making the evening an affordable way to taste tons of delicious food, help new chefs, and provide feedback for them. I really enjoyed how much each chef takes the time to talk to you about what has gone into the food, where the ingredients are coming from, and why that dish is special/different/unique. There were a ton of vegetarian options for me (YAY!), and I left happy and full of good food.


I think that about covers the last few weeks of my life... oh, and chocolate, coffee, espresso and more chocolate. Now that about covers it.

I hope that everyone made it through the storm safe and sound! 

Sending my love.