Lovely Weekend

First, let me answer the most important question everyone has been asking: Yes, there was chocolate at the company Christmas party. It was yummy. In fact, all of the food (recognizable or not) was tasty. And since I arrived before nearly everyone else, I had my fill of various sorts of appetizers -- all of which were intricately crafted delicacies containing exotic ingredients...some of which were mounted upon thin wooden sticks, while others were delivered in some sort of hollowed out edible containers. I think some of them were built into mushroom or tortilla-based constructs, while others consisted of multicolored goo lovingly arranged to artfully decorate the surface of some kind of very thin dried toast.

Somebody went to a LOT of effort to design and produce these appetizers, but from what I saw, most were consumed in a single gulp, with the consumer failing to take the time to appreciate the artistry and skill of the chef. In other words, some peanut butter on a Ritz would've received the same treatment and appreciation.

There were several options available for the meal itself. I tried a little bit of everything, but since the lighting was subdued and my eyesight ineffective, I have no idea what most of it was. No matter -- I was able to eat enough of it to have just the right amount of hunger remaining when the desserts were brought out. Again, I had difficulty identifying exactly what I was eating, but there was chocolate...so I was happy.

The rest of the event was filled with amiable conversations among coworkers, a short speech by the boss, and the opportunity to meet the non-employee support staff (ie, spouses). There was also abundant alcohol, but since I knew I had to drive myself home at an hour well past my bedtime, I abstained. I probably was the first to leave the party, but I think everyone recognizes that it was due to my genetic lack of party stamina rather than any sort of implication that I didn't enjoy the event. It was a swell party, and I extend the most hearty thanks and enthusiastic kudos to all involved in its planning and execution.

I must also express my gratitude to my buddy Reynold for coming up with an idea that made my morning at least as enjoyable as the evening. (Yes, I know that it's traditional to put blog paragraphs in chronological order...but I felt obligated to answer the chocolate question first, and that meant starting off with the party review, and then returning to cover the antecedent events. Sorry.)

Wait, let me back up even further and thank the pool staff and the Masters Swim Team Coach for providing an outstanding environment in which to swim early that morning. As they always are, our "Fun Friday" workout was challenging, stimulating, and utterly delightful. The water was probably too hot for the fast people, but it felt good to me, and I swam reasonably well. I have to admit that I am a HUGE fan of our Friday swim coach; I am baffled as to why the chicks aren't all over him. The dude totally rocks!

But I digress. After practice, Reynold and I went for a hike out in Roxborough Park. Some background: Reynold hiked a whole bunch of 14ers this summer, and when our pal Desmond had shoulder surgery, suggested that hiking the entire Highline Canal Trail would be a good way to stay in shape during rehab. They've invited me on a few of their hikes, but I've had to decline for one reason or another. But this time, I thought I'd be able to go.

Unfortunately, there was snow. Since Desmond isn't supposed to move his arm too much yet, the conclusion was that he'd be better off sitting this one out. One little slip with an instinctive bracing of the arm, and he'd be right back in the OR. It was a bummer that he wouldn't be joining us, but a wise decision nonetheless. Anyway, Reynold and I decided to save the last Highline leg for when Desmond could come -- and we would do a loop within Roxborough Park instead.

It was bee-you-tee-full! It was a brisk 18° when we started, but the trail had enough snow, slope, and (eventually) sunshine to keep us comfy during the climb. We pretty much had the park to ourselves (though we did see some bunnies, birds, and deer.) The deepest snow was about 6 inches, and the trail was easy to follow. All of the scenery was gorgeous, but there is a nice lookout point where you could see much of the valley. I love the fact that such wonderful places are so close to my home. And when you combine the red-rock aesthetics with good conversation and good exercise, well, you just can't beat that for a fabulous morning activity.

Did I burn enough calories on the hike to make up for what I later ate at the Christmas party? Sadly, no. Not even close. But going for a hike was certainly better than going straight home and chowing down on nachos all morning, which I probably would've done with Reynold's invitation. We completed our hiking before it was warm enough to muddy everything up, and we enjoyed a brief stop at McDonalds afterwards to refuel. After a short drive home, I had a nice hot bath and a brief nap, and then it was time to dress up for the party.

The rest of the weekend was nice, too, though unremarkable. I ended up coaching Saturday and Sunday as well as Friday, and put in some pretty productive pool yardage. And yes, I did watch the Broncos and their "You gotta be kidding me!" comeback on Sunday afternoon. I would comment on the endless string of improbable events that put them in the position they're currently in...but you've heard enough commentary from others, I'm sure. At this point, I would normally provide the lone "voice of reason" and advise people against expecting the rest of the season to go that way. But "reason" has nothing whatsoever to do with the performance of this team. The normal rules of the Universe seem to have been suspended. That's cool, I suppose, but until things start making sense again, I'll keep my opinions and predictions to myself.

Well, OK -- one prediction. I predict that Tebow gets some lucrative endorsement contracts, and will be all over the media during the off season, regardless how the remainder of this campaign unfolds. I know I'm going out on a limb with that one, but it's how I feel.

And along with that feeling, there's one of general contentment right now. Perhaps it's the holiday season and its "wonderful life" vibe. Or perhaps it's my progress with my training program...or maybe the fact that there are still more parties on the horizon. Whatever it is, I'm feeling good, and I intend to enjoy it. Perhaps we can all stay on a good December roll, eh? Hope so. In any case, thanks for reading, and have a great day!