Rocktober!

This is a fun time to live in Denver - The Rockies are in the playoffs (I attended the wildcard-clinching day game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers with my co-workers - I love my job!) and the Broncos are looking strong, going 4-0 into today's game and exceeding everyone's preseason expectations - including mine. Further, as expatriate Gators, Julia and I were excited to watch a healthy-looking Tim Tebow and his Florida team beat LSU this weekend, their toughest opponent so far, to continue their undefeated record.

Also quite exciting, for me, is that I joined a new band (see cheesy photo left). I had played guitar and bass in various bands since high school, but since moving to Denver almost three years ago, I haven't played in anything consistent. As a musician, it's hard to go without a band for a prolonged time, so I was particularly psyched to get an email from our friend Cynthia (who is another Denver-dwelling Gator) asking if I was interested in playing bass in a new punk rock band. After playing with these women for one practice, I was impressed with their musical focus as well their fun, supportive attitudes - I'll post further news as we get gigs.

Julia is still working hard on her Master's thesis, while spearheading various projects at her corporate job. While I am working on a big project at work too, I simply can't complain when I look at her work and school load.

We are looking forward to a Christmas trip to Vail with some good friends, where we will rent a big house for a week; just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the ski lifts. It contains a hot tub and fire place, as well as comfy beds and an inviting, cozy communal area. The snow should be great, and the crowds should be manageable at that time of year. Other than that trip, we have plans to return to Gainesville, FL to see the big Gator game vs. Florda State in November. It should be a ton of fun - my first live UF Football game - and a chance to see our Florida friends and family!

Thank you Colorado...

... for contributing to Obama's commanding victory, and for playing a leading role in the Democratic redrawing of the electoral map in the Mountain West. For that matter, Julia and I are proud of our former home, Florida, for going Blue - something I didn't think would happen in my lifetime.

Last night clearly marked a turning point in American history, and we feel privileged to have been a part of it. It reaffirms my faith in the intelligence and higher expectations of American voters today. As evidenced by last night's results, we respond positively to a candidate who speaks to us as an adult, and who treats complex issues with the respect and intelligent analysis that they deserve. We reject - resoundingly - a campaign that simplifies issues into "us vs. them" and tries to persuade us through fear and xenophobia.

Julia and I ate dinner at Sengers on the Fax, a classy but casual restaurant traditionally frequented by yuppy Democrats such as ourselves ;). We drank Miller lite while cheering along with the other patrons, every time Wolf Blitzer would announce another Democratic victory on the large screen TVs. Afterward we crossed the street to the hipster hangout Rockbar, which morphed into "Barackbar" for one night. They set up chairs for viewing CNN while serving free Heinekens to people wearing Obama gear. Everyone was in high spirits, even the Sarah Palin-costumed cross dresser we sat next to (she stayed in character, chiding us every time we cheered Obama).

When Barack came out to give his beautiful and moving victory speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the crowded room. When he was done, the DJ lay down some appropriately Obama-themed dance grooves, to which everyone was more than happy to shake their booties. It was a great way to share our enthusiasm with like-minded Democrats and the perfect way to release some steam after a seemingly interminable and nail-biting general election.