Father of Six

Me at 2:06pm
Trying to finish “The First 90 Days” so I can move on to more action oriented tasks.

Niece at 2:17pm
What’s “The First 90 Days?”

Me at 2:25pm
It’s a book from the Harvard Business School Press, by Michael Watkins, about “critical success strategies for new leaders at all levels.” I’m transitioning to a new leadership role in a different organization, and I’m trying to make sure I “do it right.”

Niece at 2:27pm
Wow, impressive

Me at 2:30pm
Well, I try to be a good leader, but what I really aim for is being a perfect leader. I can use all the help I can get.

Niece at 2:35pm
That’s great…so what exactly are you leading?

Me at 2:39pm
I’m the Senior Manager of Facilities Risk Management. My group is responsible for investigating accidents that cause issues to the things we build (rockets, spacecrafts, and satellites.) We are also responsible for performing Risk Assessments, and eliminating bad conditions before accidents happen. Sounds thrilling, right?

Niece at 2:41pm
Sounds pretty intense actually. That’s really cool. Do you like your job?

Me at 2:47pm
Intense is a good way to describe the condition. What I like about my job is being a leader who can guide the team through strategy, helping them achieve success, and add value to the company. Accidents and failures cost money. We want to eliminate those conditions, or at the least minimize the potential for bad things to happen.

Niece at 2:51pm
Did you just read that in your new book? haha Just kidding. I’m glad you can appreciate and enjoy your job.

There’s several days of preparation – marinating, rubbing, and resting – prior to smoking a brisket. On the day of the loading the smoker, you have to get up early, and put on the proper attire.

(As with all these photos – click to enlarge.)

My smoker is a Kenmore vertical electric model.

There are multiple rack locations inside the smoker. I usually put whatever I smoke in the top position.

At the bottom, near the electrical element, I have two pans. The one on the left is for fluids for steam generation. I’ve used water, beer, and wine. On the right is the wood chip pan. I’ve only used apple tree chips.

At the top is the brisket – completely marinated, rubbed, rested and with a thermometer.

After four or so hours of smoking, I remove the brisket …

… then cover in Italian dressing, wrap in foil, and put back into the smoker for another 3-4 hours.

At 170 to 180 degrees it is finished.

It was fantastic – served with salad, baked beans, mashed potatoes, green beans, and asparagus.

Tami and I went to dinner with our favorite local dining partners, Tim and Jeanne, last night at The Melting Pot.

This franchise of the Melting Pot is in the former Carnegie Foundation Littleton Public Library, built in 1920, at the far west end of Main Street.

Here is how the building looked in 1920:

And here is how it looked last night (11/1/2008.)

The Melting Pot sign.

Here is a photo of Tami and I, shot into the mirror, while we were waiting Tim and Jeanne.

We were seating way down in the dungeon portion of the building (some say the haunted portion) at a cozy, two-burner table.

Both couples decided upon the Fall Feast, which included a three course fondue, salad, and a bottle of wine.

The first course was a cheese fondue, made with four cheeses, lager beer, and scallions. This is served with raw vegetables, granny smith apples, and an assortment of bread.

The second course was our salads. Me, Tami, and Jeanne all had the California – with a spring mix, crumbled bleu cheese, walnuts, crushed tomatoes, and a tasty raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Tim had a Caesar.

Next, course three, was our main entree. We had chicken breast, three differently prepared styles of steak, shrimp, and salmon. Additionally, we had broccoli, zucchini, mushroom caps, and potatoes. This was all served with seven different dipping sauces.

Finally, the fourth course – dessert!
We had the Flaming Turtle chocolate , and Tim and Jeanne had the Bailey’s Irish Creme chocolate. This came with brownies, rice crispy treats, graham cracker covered marshmallows, Oreo cookie crumb covered marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, and a piece of cheesecake.

A fantastic dining experience, with the best company, left us all very satisfied.

I’ve got it stacked so high right now, I hope it doesn’t fall.

Adding the last block (a record 20!) and then ….

… it all came crashing down.

Amanda was a Nurse.

Boomer was Buzz Lightyear.

To Infinity, and Beyond!

Becca was a Firefighter.

Danielle was Lindsey Lohan and Brittany was a Valkyrie.