Halloween, Fall 2001
CARIBOU
CHILI!

Halloween 2001 began with the first annual Schlumberger chili cookoff at the Regal Ranch in Sugar Land.  Eighteen teams participated, including our "Caribou Chili" squad from SPC.  Dave, Vic, Andy, and Kristen managed the actual chili recipe, while the remainder of the group (Chris, Alex, Steve, Luis, and I) created the Eskimo costume motif.  The chili turned out great, and we looked even better.  We suspected that the cookoff would be dominated by "southern" themes, so we decided to go in the opposite direction - our booth was decorated with snow, an igloo, and a string of animal pelts.  Despite our impressive motif, we did not win either of the cookoff awards, due to our "lack of interaction" during the final judging - I think that much of our group had already retired to the drink stand, and was looking ahead to the party later that night.  In any case, we exhibited good team bonding, and were definitely a crowd-pleasing bunch of eskimos.  A few of the better cookoff images....
 
Chris in the cracker eating contest
The eskimo clan
The witches next door...
Relaxing in front of the igloo
Chris' eskimo dance
Dave enjoying the champion chili

After the cookoff, most of the eskimos retired to their own abodes for a brief siesta and a little college football.  Everyone rallied at Steve and Luis' house at 7pm to prepare for the Halloween Bash at Eloy's friend's house that night.  The party turned out well, as expected.  Regardless of which room I was in, there was always another Eskimo in sight.  The fleece costumes, which had plagued us with insulation and heat all day long, were finally useful as the outside temperature dropped below 70F.  Some of the better party pictures are as follows....
 
Jennifer the cat....
The cutest eskimos....
Chad trying to be a real doctor
Aaron at the ice block
Witches in action
L & L