Party like it's Mardi Gras

Last night my friends and I went to a Mardi Gras party at Darcy's Pub. I'm not sure why an Irish Pub was celebrating Mardi Gras, but that's beside the point. We were actually celebrating Evan and Christy's February birthdays.

We had dinner and a cake and then we danced the night away to a band that played New Orleans-type music and then other random stuff. This is the group of friends that I met through salsa dancing so we had no problem getting out on the dance floor and just going for it. Dance is dance and we just did our thing. It took awhile for the rest of the people at the party to get into it. I am so lucky to have awesome friends!

Here are a few highlights from the evening:













Back: Rob, Evan, Theresa, Jason, Renee, Amy
Front: Christy, Laura













Party girls: Christy, Amy, Renee














Birthday girl Christy and Birthday boy Evan














The band

Salsa dancers getting the party started

Call back in 3 weeks

That is the latest I have from the FS. My medical clearance is done but the security clearance is still pending. Today the guy said "Call back in 3 weeks." I wanted to ask what in the process is still pending that MIGHT be done in 3 weeks but I don't really want to mess with these people. So I keep waiting...and trying not to stress out about the future.

I Never Promised you a Rose Garden

Today's adventure (day off work for President's Day) was a trip to the Botanical Gardens. It was free entry day for Colorado residents too. (They do that every so often because we all pay sales tax to fund these places.) It was a lovely 50+ degree day and a great day to be out. But I have to say...the Botanical Gardens in winter? Not so spectacular.

Let's start with the good...The Japanese Gardens were lovely.
















The Rose Garden, now that should be nice. Well, maybe if it's only meant to be a garden of thorns.



No? Let's try the Romantic Gardens.




Noxious weeds? Well at least THEY are blooming.








The verdict? Go back to the Botanical Gardens in the summer. Or maybe not; I've already checked it off my list.

Red and White Ball

Saturday night was the Salsa Central Denver Red and White Ball. It always happens around Valentine's Day but this year it was ON Valentine's Day. I almost didn't go because I thought it would be weird to show up at a dance by myself on Single's Awareness Day but, as with most things, it turned out to be fun and there were lots of other "unattached" people there too.

It's really great to know people and be part of a little salsa community. The dance was held at the Mercury Cafe which serves local and organic foods. The desserts were all organic and I wish I would have taken a photo of them. They were yummy!

Amy, Theresa and Jason










Amy, Andrew, Karen and Jake








The dancers--everyone was supposed to dress in red and white (hence the name "Red and White Ball.")

The Valentine Party

We had our Valentine party at work today. Many of us created Valentine boxes that were masterpieces. Here is the competition:










Though there was only one grand prize winner, everyone got an award. We all knew Briana would win because her box included white lights, a bubble machine, and a slide made out of pvc pipe. Who could compete with that?








Some of the other awards included Judy K winning the "Best Use of a Pancake Box" award.








And Judy M took the "Best Use of Feathers" Award








And we can't forget Gail winning "Most Kissable Box"









I got a box full of Valentines and candy. We also brought treats so it was a feeding frenzy all day long.

Valentines Box

Well, it's that time of year...the second annual Valentine's Day box competition. This year, it's serious. I don't know that the blog will do justice to what I have created, but here goes...

I created a "replica" of the building where I work and I found photos of co-workers I have taken over the last 2 years and given the observer a chance to peek into the fun and fabulous lives of elections workers.













Seems like an innocent looking box. Let's take a look inside...








































It's what is behind the curtains that counts!

















Hopefully my co-workers will find it hilarious. Unfortunately I don't think I'll win the grand prize because I've heard that one of them is coming with a box that requires an extension cord and batteries!