It's an older one, from earlier this summer when Boo and I took a "girls weekend" trip to Portland. But still... pretty cool!
Saturday, September 29
Yelp
I got a pleasant surprise this morning... ROTD on Yelp! (Click the image to go directly to the review.)
It's an older one, from earlier this summer when Boo and I took a "girls weekend" trip to Portland. But still... pretty cool!
It's an older one, from earlier this summer when Boo and I took a "girls weekend" trip to Portland. But still... pretty cool!
Friday, September 28
Lucky
This post inspires me to say...
Thank you, Scott!!
I tend to be the keeper of the schedule at home. I try to keep track of all the kids events - and there are many. Between school sports, birthday parties, conferences, and everything else it seems like we are always on the run. But somehow the homework still gets done, violins are practiced, the kids get their showers, and generally everyone gets to bed "on time".
And then there are the rest of the evenings - the ones when I am not home for one reason or another. I try to limit my after work commitments, but not to the point where I never, ever get out. Those are the nights that I can come home to... just about anything.
This week in our crazy kid-schedule - we only have Stinky at home. Last night, when I arrived home from the COWPU meeting I was greeted with...
QUIET
Scott texted me when Stinky got home from his XCountry meet in Sunriver (at about 6:30pm). When I walked through the door at 8pm:
I am such a lucky girl!
Thank you, Scott!!
I tend to be the keeper of the schedule at home. I try to keep track of all the kids events - and there are many. Between school sports, birthday parties, conferences, and everything else it seems like we are always on the run. But somehow the homework still gets done, violins are practiced, the kids get their showers, and generally everyone gets to bed "on time".
And then there are the rest of the evenings - the ones when I am not home for one reason or another. I try to limit my after work commitments, but not to the point where I never, ever get out. Those are the nights that I can come home to... just about anything.
This week in our crazy kid-schedule - we only have Stinky at home. Last night, when I arrived home from the COWPU meeting I was greeted with...
QUIET
Scott texted me when Stinky got home from his XCountry meet in Sunriver (at about 6:30pm). When I walked through the door at 8pm:
- Stinky was finished with his homework (except for reading - but that's part of the bedtime routine)
- Stinky had eaten dinner (and it wasn't cereal - he ate some leftover ribs and vegies from the other night)
- Stinky had taken a shower and was dressed in PJ's
- The house was relatively picked up - daily mail, homework, and clutter were put away.
I am such a lucky girl!
Pets
I like to camp. I like to travel. And when I do... I like to take my dog with me.
It's not easy to find good places to stay that are dog-friendly. Many motels have outrageous fees for pets - probably because some bad apple left a big mess once upon a time. But what really irks me is that pets are banned from yurts and cabins at the state parks.
But... that might change soon. And all of us could have a hand in making that change (or not... depending on your point of view).
The Oregon Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to see how people feel about allowing pets in the cabins and yurts. From their website:The only problem is they didn't include a "comments" area for people to share their ideas. For instance, I agree it would be a good idea to designate only a few of the units for families with pets but keep the rest pet-free - but I thing they need to consider the unique demands at each park.
They need to hear from as many people as possible, so no matter how you feel about this issue please visit their website and complete the survey by October 31, 2007. Thanks!!
Updated October 2: Chris at Oregon Parks and Rec added a comments area! If you already filled out the survey and have comments please email him at: chris dot havel at state dot or dot us. Thanks, Chris!
It's not easy to find good places to stay that are dog-friendly. Many motels have outrageous fees for pets - probably because some bad apple left a big mess once upon a time. But what really irks me is that pets are banned from yurts and cabins at the state parks.
But... that might change soon. And all of us could have a hand in making that change (or not... depending on your point of view).
The Oregon Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to see how people feel about allowing pets in the cabins and yurts. From their website:
There are more than 250 yurts and cabins in the Oregon state park system. Right now, pets are not allowed in any of them. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is interested in permitting pets in some yurts and cabins, but before we decide where and how to do it, we'd like your opinions.The questions are pretty detailed and they even ask how much you would be willing to pay (per night) for your pet to stay with you.
Are you a pet owner who likes to travel with your animal? A yurt or cabin visitor who doesn't own pets? Everyone is welcome to take our online survey before October 31, 2007. Let us know what you think.
Take the online pet survey now.
They need to hear from as many people as possible, so no matter how you feel about this issue please visit their website and complete the survey by October 31, 2007. Thanks!!
Updated October 2: Chris at Oregon Parks and Rec added a comments area! If you already filled out the survey and have comments please email him at: chris dot havel at state dot or dot us. Thanks, Chris!
Thursday, September 27
Comical
Today I saw something that made me chuckle.
I was driving through town and when I stopped at a red light a car pulled up next to me. In the window was a big sticker that said, "Hang up and drive". Guess what? The driver was yakking away on her cell phone.
But it gets better. There was a flag ornament on her radio antenna, and another dangling from the rear view mirror. She pulled ahead of me and I saw another flag in the back window. And there were stickers all over the rear bumper proclaiming that she was a "Proud American" and the like.
And then... one bumper sticker that said "Thank God for Wal-Mart". You know, that place where you can buy all things made in China.
People are funny critters.
I was driving through town and when I stopped at a red light a car pulled up next to me. In the window was a big sticker that said, "Hang up and drive". Guess what? The driver was yakking away on her cell phone.
But it gets better. There was a flag ornament on her radio antenna, and another dangling from the rear view mirror. She pulled ahead of me and I saw another flag in the back window. And there were stickers all over the rear bumper proclaiming that she was a "Proud American" and the like.
And then... one bumper sticker that said "Thank God for Wal-Mart". You know, that place where you can buy all things made in China.
People are funny critters.
Wednesday, September 26
Twelve
Happy birthday, Stinky!!!
That's right, the Stinky one turned twelve today.
To celebrate? He had a couple of friends over to hang out and play video games and foosball for the afternoon. I was allowed in the room for the purpose of delivering food, but other than that I was... er... excused. They had some pizza, root beer, watermelon (there are rinds so I know someone ate a little), and cookies. Nope, he didn't want a cake. He didn't want us to sing either. But he still liked the presents and enjoyed the chance to "hang" with the guys.
I put the MBP up there for a little while with Photo Booth running. They took some pretty funny pictures so I burned CD's for them to take home. That is a cool party trick, thanks for the idea Rassmass!!
The verdict? Preteen boys smell. Bad. And not just their feet, either. It's a whole body aura thing. Pretty gross! They also like to talk about blowing things up. It doesn't matter how nice and well mannered a boy appears to be - he still likes to talk about blowing things up. With grenades (especially German ones?!) and machine guns.
But overall it was a quiet afternoon for me. I managed to get some housework done, and they pretty much did their own thing. MUCH easier than a girls' birthday party - now that's a lot of work!
P.S. When I delivered the food I managed to sneak in some really cute "Happy Birthday" napkins decorated with dinosaurs wearing party hats. Left over from maybe birthday #5? I am mean like that.
Happy #12 dude... Love you!
That's right, the Stinky one turned twelve today.
To celebrate? He had a couple of friends over to hang out and play video games and foosball for the afternoon. I was allowed in the room for the purpose of delivering food, but other than that I was... er... excused. They had some pizza, root beer, watermelon (there are rinds so I know someone ate a little), and cookies. Nope, he didn't want a cake. He didn't want us to sing either. But he still liked the presents and enjoyed the chance to "hang" with the guys.
I put the MBP up there for a little while with Photo Booth running. They took some pretty funny pictures so I burned CD's for them to take home. That is a cool party trick, thanks for the idea Rassmass!!
The verdict? Preteen boys smell. Bad. And not just their feet, either. It's a whole body aura thing. Pretty gross! They also like to talk about blowing things up. It doesn't matter how nice and well mannered a boy appears to be - he still likes to talk about blowing things up. With grenades (especially German ones?!) and machine guns.
But overall it was a quiet afternoon for me. I managed to get some housework done, and they pretty much did their own thing. MUCH easier than a girls' birthday party - now that's a lot of work!
P.S. When I delivered the food I managed to sneak in some really cute "Happy Birthday" napkins decorated with dinosaurs wearing party hats. Left over from maybe birthday #5? I am mean like that.
Happy #12 dude... Love you!
Marvelous!
As just about every other blogger in town has pointed out, there is a new "fun read" in town - Sally Heatherton's blog.
Sally is not just a Bend realtor, she is also the wife of a celebrity! Her husband is a popular TV personality, Bob the Builder.
I spoke with Wendy (Bob's co-star, not the blogger). According to her bio on the popular TV show's website Wendy is "Bob the Builder's reliable and tech-savvy business partner and friend". I asked her about her friendship with Bob, and here is what she had to say:
Since Sally is not listed in the Bend White pages I left a comment on her blog, inquiring about her feelings regarding Bob and Wendy's friendship. At this time she has not responded.
According to Bob's agent, the show's theme song will be updated to reflect his change in circumstances. The old tagline was, "Can we fix it? Yes we can!" Starting next season the cast will chant, "Can we fix it? For a price!"
Sally is not just a Bend realtor, she is also the wife of a celebrity! Her husband is a popular TV personality, Bob the Builder.
I spoke with Wendy (Bob's co-star, not the blogger). According to her bio on the popular TV show's website Wendy is "Bob the Builder's reliable and tech-savvy business partner and friend". I asked her about her friendship with Bob, and here is what she had to say:
Since Bob's marriage to Sally our relationship has become strained. Sally is extremely jealous and controlling. It's a very emotional time for me right now. I have taken on a lot of extra duties, including the maintenance of Scoop and Lofty. Bob has been spending a lot of company money on Priuses and other unnecessary expenses to keep Sally happy. Sally dislikes being associated with the "dirty" side of the business and makes a lot of high-maintenance demands.Poor kid! I suggested she join us at a future WoTech meeting and she agreed that it would be nice to make some new friends.
Recently I "rescued" Bob's cat Pilchard after Sally threatened to take "that mangy, howling creature" to Bend Spay & Neuter. Apparently he scratched her teacup chihuahua. The poor animal just doesn't understand, and wanders around looking for Bob.
Since Sally is not listed in the Bend White pages I left a comment on her blog, inquiring about her feelings regarding Bob and Wendy's friendship. At this time she has not responded.
According to Bob's agent, the show's theme song will be updated to reflect his change in circumstances. The old tagline was, "Can we fix it? Yes we can!" Starting next season the cast will chant, "Can we fix it? For a price!"
Monday, September 24
BEAT
The good folks over at BEAT sent me some info on their upcoming show, "The Miracle Worker". Maybe Jon over at HackBend will add this to his new community calendar! :)
Dear B.E.A.T Fans:
What an exciting season we have planned – It kicks off with 6 performances of The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, Directed by Mary Kilpatrick at The Tower Theatre.
Four Cultural Student Performances:
Wed. Oct 24th 9:30 AM
Thurs Oct. 25th (2 shows: 9:30 & 12 Noon)
Friday Oct. 26th 9:30
Two Public Performances for families:
Oct.26 at 7PM
Oct 27th 2PM
The B.E.A.T. Players have already performed this inspirational show about Helen Keller, this summer, at 2nd Street Theatre to rave responses and reviews. See www.towertheatre.org for tickets.
“A Tour de Force.” Eli Ashley The Tower Theatre
“So professional and believable. The whole production was excellent.” Maralyn Thoma-Dougherty 2nd Street Theatre.
"Director Kilpatrick has done a fantastic job with these young actors" Sara Lawrence Cascades A & E
Please come to the show and assist us in having great attendance at the level that works for you. This can include sending this letter to an email list, or any other means of grass roots communication you can think of. Of course direct participation as a volunteer is always welcome.
Please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely:
Howard Schor
Executive Director
Bend Experimental Art Theatre
541-419-5710
ed@beatonline.org
Dear B.E.A.T Fans:
What an exciting season we have planned – It kicks off with 6 performances of The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, Directed by Mary Kilpatrick at The Tower Theatre.
Four Cultural Student Performances:
Wed. Oct 24th 9:30 AM
Thurs Oct. 25th (2 shows: 9:30 & 12 Noon)
Friday Oct. 26th 9:30
Two Public Performances for families:
Oct.26 at 7PM
Oct 27th 2PM
The B.E.A.T. Players have already performed this inspirational show about Helen Keller, this summer, at 2nd Street Theatre to rave responses and reviews. See www.towertheatre.org for tickets.
“A Tour de Force.” Eli Ashley The Tower Theatre
“So professional and believable. The whole production was excellent.” Maralyn Thoma-Dougherty 2nd Street Theatre.
"Director Kilpatrick has done a fantastic job with these young actors" Sara Lawrence Cascades A & E
Please come to the show and assist us in having great attendance at the level that works for you. This can include sending this letter to an email list, or any other means of grass roots communication you can think of. Of course direct participation as a volunteer is always welcome.
Please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely:
Howard Schor
Executive Director
Bend Experimental Art Theatre
541-419-5710
ed@beatonline.org
Friday, September 21
Ribbit - Simplicity!
I am working on incorporating some of the Ribbit functionality into a Flex application built for work. At the most basic level - it's a contact management solution sort of like GoldMine, but with a lot of custom reporting and organizational "goodies".
I loveloveLOVE how simple it has been to add the Ribbit functions to this app. In a matter of hours, I was able to update the application to enable the user to click on any contact and place a call from their computer, without re-dialing.
It was similarly easy to log the user into the Ribbit system in the background - which means the app still loads and they can work while Ribbit does it's thing. (To be fair, we have a pretty slow connection to the Internet here in the office - so I think it's an "us" thing and not a Ribbit issue!) Once the session is connected I have it setup to simply change the status and enable all the form items. Basically... like this:
This weekend I will try to make a screencast demo of the functions I have integrated so far so you can see how it works. Stay tuned!
I loveloveLOVE how simple it has been to add the Ribbit functions to this app. In a matter of hours, I was able to update the application to enable the user to click on any contact and place a call from their computer, without re-dialing.
It was similarly easy to log the user into the Ribbit system in the background - which means the app still loads and they can work while Ribbit does it's thing. (To be fair, we have a pretty slow connection to the Internet here in the office - so I think it's an "us" thing and not a Ribbit issue!) Once the session is connected I have it setup to simply change the status and enable all the form items. Basically... like this:
This weekend I will try to make a screencast demo of the functions I have integrated so far so you can see how it works. Stay tuned!
Thursday, September 20
Ribbit - Getting started
I've had some time to play with Ribbit, and it's pretty cool. I used the sample apps provided to place and receive a couple of test calls, and also play with the messaging features.
I like that every time someone leaves me a voicemail message, Ribbit sends me an email with the caller ID, length of the message, and a text transcription of the message.
If the caller is someone in my Ribbit contacts list, it provides me with lots of other information including a picture or "avatar" of the caller, depending on what I have set up.
And that's just the beginning. There's a wealth of other information that I can access in the Ribbit database... I am just looking at the tip of the iceberg still!
Want to help me out? Leave me a comment and I will send you my Ribbit phone number so you can give me a call! ;)
I like that every time someone leaves me a voicemail message, Ribbit sends me an email with the caller ID, length of the message, and a text transcription of the message.
If the caller is someone in my Ribbit contacts list, it provides me with lots of other information including a picture or "avatar" of the caller, depending on what I have set up.And that's just the beginning. There's a wealth of other information that I can access in the Ribbit database... I am just looking at the tip of the iceberg still!
Want to help me out? Leave me a comment and I will send you my Ribbit phone number so you can give me a call! ;)
Wednesday, September 19
Gar!
I know it's already been said (by many, many, many others) but...
Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
How cool is that?! I scored a "Princess Bride" reference in my pirate name. Woot!
"What's my pirate name?" as seen on CO Mandy's blog...
Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!
My pirate name is:
Dread Pirate Bonney
Like the famous Dread Pirate Roberts, you have a keen head for how to make a profit. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!
Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
How cool is that?! I scored a "Princess Bride" reference in my pirate name. Woot!
"What's my pirate name?" as seen on CO Mandy's blog...
Tuesday, September 18
Ribbit
I am so excited that I have been accepted as a prerelease developer for the new Ribbit component for Flex!
In a nutshell:
In a nutshell:
The Ribbit Phone Component will give Rich internet application developers the ability to make and receive calls, record/send and receive voicemail, as well as add and manage contacts.Lots of good ideas are percolating on potential applications for this component. I am going to start by tying in some of the Ribbit functionality with our internal (and proprietary) contact management application. Which (of course) was built using Flex!
Kinzua
We are back from another fun-filled weekend at Kinzua.
It was a much quieter weekend. The last time we went it was for a couples' tournament and it was really busy. This time there were only six of us at the campground. Pat, the groundskeeper, lives in his trailer up by the clubhouse. And there were a few other golfers that came in for the day.
On Saturday we arrived late in the morning. Scott went right out onto the course to start playing. I rode along to heckle and take pictures. That evening we played a friendly scramble-format tournament, with five people on each team. We made it through twelve holes, then it was time to kick back and relax.
Our friends treated us to a kicking BBQ dinner of London Broil, potatoes, and asparagus. We brought some corn, and everyone had plenty to eat. We proceeded to sit around and drink and laugh into the night.
The next morning the guys went up and tee'd off at nine in the morning... waaay too early for me. I think Scott played 30 holes on Sunday. He just hated that. ;) I stayed around the campground to hang out with Divot, sit in the sun, sit in the shade, and relax with a book.
I think we have definitely decided on buying a family membership for next year. The next natural step (I hope) will be the purchase of a smallish tent trailer. My bones are just too creaky for golf after a night sleeping (or not) on the ground.
It was a much quieter weekend. The last time we went it was for a couples' tournament and it was really busy. This time there were only six of us at the campground. Pat, the groundskeeper, lives in his trailer up by the clubhouse. And there were a few other golfers that came in for the day.On Saturday we arrived late in the morning. Scott went right out onto the course to start playing. I rode along to heckle and take pictures. That evening we played a friendly scramble-format tournament, with five people on each team. We made it through twelve holes, then it was time to kick back and relax.
Our friends treated us to a kicking BBQ dinner of London Broil, potatoes, and asparagus. We brought some corn, and everyone had plenty to eat. We proceeded to sit around and drink and laugh into the night.The next morning the guys went up and tee'd off at nine in the morning... waaay too early for me. I think Scott played 30 holes on Sunday. He just hated that. ;) I stayed around the campground to hang out with Divot, sit in the sun, sit in the shade, and relax with a book.
I think we have definitely decided on buying a family membership for next year. The next natural step (I hope) will be the purchase of a smallish tent trailer. My bones are just too creaky for golf after a night sleeping (or not) on the ground.
Monday, September 17
Friday, September 14
List
Girls out there on the Interweb, all y'all have a "list", right? You know the one I am talking about. The one your significant other knows all too well.
Shawn Mullins is on mine.
Picture me and Scott. From the second row, center - with no one between us and the stage until the end of the show when the "crashers" appeared. (EM, my friend Laramie was in the third row. With her hubby. Dori called me this morning offering the second row. Could I say "no"? After all, he's on my "list". I still owe you a beer! Or two... or three!) It felt like it was a concert for Scott and me alone, listening to music from someone who sang every word from. the. heart.
Blue
Beautiful Wreck
House of the Rising Sun
...and so much more.
There was one guy on the stage with an acoustic guitar. But you coulda fooled me... he sounded soo amazing there should have been more. He is that good.
And it was good to see friends there too... Laramie & John, Adrienne & Tyler, Tom, Bonnie... I hope everyone loved the music as much as we did.
Shawn Mullins... storyteller and poet. Scott had almost as much fun as me. When he comes back to town, I will find a way to be there. (Hey Shawn, we have a great guest room and even Scott says you are welcome any time!!!) Maybe I am not his most well known stalker in Bend... but total respect for his music, and I am a big fan.
Shawn Mullins is on mine.
Picture me and Scott. From the second row, center - with no one between us and the stage until the end of the show when the "crashers" appeared. (EM, my friend Laramie was in the third row. With her hubby. Dori called me this morning offering the second row. Could I say "no"? After all, he's on my "list". I still owe you a beer! Or two... or three!) It felt like it was a concert for Scott and me alone, listening to music from someone who sang every word from. the. heart.
Blue
Beautiful Wreck
House of the Rising Sun
...and so much more.
There was one guy on the stage with an acoustic guitar. But you coulda fooled me... he sounded soo amazing there should have been more. He is that good.
And it was good to see friends there too... Laramie & John, Adrienne & Tyler, Tom, Bonnie... I hope everyone loved the music as much as we did.
Shawn Mullins... storyteller and poet. Scott had almost as much fun as me. When he comes back to town, I will find a way to be there. (Hey Shawn, we have a great guest room and even Scott says you are welcome any time!!!) Maybe I am not his most well known stalker in Bend... but total respect for his music, and I am a big fan.
Thursday, September 13
Geno's
This is for Keeneye...
Man, do I love me some Geno's. Any time we are in Redmond around feeding time, that's our go to place. You all can have Pizza Mondo, Olde Town, Little Pizza Paradise and Cibelli's. While all those places are pretty good, Geno's has them beat. Their calzones are consistently the best in Central Oregon. Olde Town comes in second, but they are so inconsistent, and often the crust is way overdone. Crispy calzone is not for me... I like 'em big and puffy like they make 'em at Geno's!
(click on the menu to see a larger - readable! - version)
Here's my yelp review:
Man, do I love me some Geno's. Any time we are in Redmond around feeding time, that's our go to place. You all can have Pizza Mondo, Olde Town, Little Pizza Paradise and Cibelli's. While all those places are pretty good, Geno's has them beat. Their calzones are consistently the best in Central Oregon. Olde Town comes in second, but they are so inconsistent, and often the crust is way overdone. Crispy calzone is not for me... I like 'em big and puffy like they make 'em at Geno's!
(click on the menu to see a larger - readable! - version)Here's my yelp review:
Walking into Geno's you might think that you have mistakenly walked into a golf shop. You haven't.I have never tried their pasta dishes, but the next time we go I am thinking about it. I just have to know if theirs is as good as the stuff from House of Pizza (near Disneyland)!
Where you HAVE walked in... is the place with the best calzone and New York style 'za in Central Oregon. How good is it? Well, out of all the awesome pizza places in Bend, we still drive TWENTY MILES TO REDMOND, just for a calzone from Geno's.
My favorite is the Mrs. G's, which has pepperoni and pineapple. If that's not your pleasure, then pick from one of the other options or build your own from their extensive list of toppings.
Enjoy... with a beer, Mike-a-rita, or soda. Yummy!
Wednesday, September 12
Thirsty
OK folks I am ready for something new and I need your help!
We are going to be spending some quality time with our golfing buddies this weekend... which will be bringing out the lush in me. (Not that it's difficult to find, I know!) I am definitely bringing the makings for my latest favorite: Blueberi Stoli & Lemonade. Here's where you come in...
What's your favorite drink recipe? Maybe it will be my new favorite too! Keep in mind I am lazy, so the fewer ingredients and less work... all the better. And since we are golfing, it must travel well in my Nalgene bottle.
Don't worry I will be taking plenty of non-alcoholic liquids with me too! :)
We are going to be spending some quality time with our golfing buddies this weekend... which will be bringing out the lush in me. (Not that it's difficult to find, I know!) I am definitely bringing the makings for my latest favorite: Blueberi Stoli & Lemonade. Here's where you come in...
What's your favorite drink recipe? Maybe it will be my new favorite too! Keep in mind I am lazy, so the fewer ingredients and less work... all the better. And since we are golfing, it must travel well in my Nalgene bottle.
Don't worry I will be taking plenty of non-alcoholic liquids with me too! :)
Tuesday, September 11
No
It sounded like a good idea at the time. I was at McDonald's anyways, buying my (semi) monthly bacon & egg "McGriddle". (Yeah, those are darn good... in the bad kinda way!)
So I did it. I ordered an iced coffee. From McDonald's.
Now, keep in mind that I am grumpy before my morning caffeinated beverages. Imagine how crusty I was after tasting the large cup of swill that was handed to me:
Use your imagination. Perhaps I am using my powers of concentration to try to make the iced coffee from McDonald's taste good. (Hmm... maybe that's shooting too high. Let's go for "less bad".) Or maybe I'm shooting invisible rays out of my eyes that will magically transform the nastiness that is an iced coffee from McDonald's into a delicious iced toddy style coffee from Thump... or even a Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks. Cripes I would even go for the stuff out of the office urn over the iced coffee from McDonald's!
Yeup. It's that bad. Just say no. Do not pass go, do not collect $100. Don't wonder, like I did, if iced coffee from McDonald's can really be that bad... because I promise you it is!
Where did it come from and what does iced coffee from McDonald's taste like? Well here's my best guess. Last night they put all the leftover coffee in the fridge. When I drove up someone poured out a little of that day-old, not-so-good-to-begin-with, coffee. Mixed it with a little milk. Poured over ice... and there's my beverage. It's like sucking on my dog's dirty paws (not that I know for sure what that tastes like, but it's gotta be in the same ballpark). I am pretty sure that in two hours I will still be able to taste the bad flavor, even gum isn't masking the taste of the icky iced coffee from McDonald's that is coating my tongue.
There is one good thing about the iced coffee from McDonald's. It comes with a free apple pie! But since the iced coffee was two bucks and the pies are usually two for a buck... if there is ever a "next time" I think I will just go straight for the four pies.
Folks, consider this my public service announcement. Just Say No to the iced coffee from McDonald's. I wish I had.
So I did it. I ordered an iced coffee. From McDonald's.
Now, keep in mind that I am grumpy before my morning caffeinated beverages. Imagine how crusty I was after tasting the large cup of swill that was handed to me:
Use your imagination. Perhaps I am using my powers of concentration to try to make the iced coffee from McDonald's taste good. (Hmm... maybe that's shooting too high. Let's go for "less bad".) Or maybe I'm shooting invisible rays out of my eyes that will magically transform the nastiness that is an iced coffee from McDonald's into a delicious iced toddy style coffee from Thump... or even a Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks. Cripes I would even go for the stuff out of the office urn over the iced coffee from McDonald's!
Yeup. It's that bad. Just say no. Do not pass go, do not collect $100. Don't wonder, like I did, if iced coffee from McDonald's can really be that bad... because I promise you it is!
Where did it come from and what does iced coffee from McDonald's taste like? Well here's my best guess. Last night they put all the leftover coffee in the fridge. When I drove up someone poured out a little of that day-old, not-so-good-to-begin-with, coffee. Mixed it with a little milk. Poured over ice... and there's my beverage. It's like sucking on my dog's dirty paws (not that I know for sure what that tastes like, but it's gotta be in the same ballpark). I am pretty sure that in two hours I will still be able to taste the bad flavor, even gum isn't masking the taste of the icky iced coffee from McDonald's that is coating my tongue.
There is one good thing about the iced coffee from McDonald's. It comes with a free apple pie! But since the iced coffee was two bucks and the pies are usually two for a buck... if there is ever a "next time" I think I will just go straight for the four pies.
Folks, consider this my public service announcement. Just Say No to the iced coffee from McDonald's. I wish I had.
Monday, September 10
Horror-scope
Via Painted Maypole's Monday Mission... here's my (really lame, really boring) horoscope.
Crabby Cancer-ian Forecast
With more quiet time on your hands, work time (from home and the office) should be more productive and suffer from fewer interruptions. Visitors are on the way... be ready for fun this weekend!
Crabby Cancer-ian Forecast
With more quiet time on your hands, work time (from home and the office) should be more productive and suffer from fewer interruptions. Visitors are on the way... be ready for fun this weekend!
Friday, September 7
88
Author Madeleine L'Engle, whose novel "A Wrinkle in Time" has been enjoyed by generations of schoolchildren and adults since the 1960s, has died, her publicist said Friday. She was 88.
source
Meg Murry, Vicky Austin, Adam Eddington, Poly O'Keefe, and Charles Wallace Murry were all my friends growing up. I pored over the volumes of Madeleine L'Engle as a child, and I still enjoy her books as an adult. Now my kids read them too. Together we wonder what it would be like to have Mr. Jenkins as a teacher. Soon they will be mature enough to wonder, like I did, if Canon Tallis was too good to be true.
She will be missed!
source
Meg Murry, Vicky Austin, Adam Eddington, Poly O'Keefe, and Charles Wallace Murry were all my friends growing up. I pored over the volumes of Madeleine L'Engle as a child, and I still enjoy her books as an adult. Now my kids read them too. Together we wonder what it would be like to have Mr. Jenkins as a teacher. Soon they will be mature enough to wonder, like I did, if Canon Tallis was too good to be true.
She will be missed!
Wednesday, September 5
Tuesday, September 4
School
The first day of school ... an event that triggers a combination of emotions ranging from anguish to ecstacy ... for everyone in the household!
Boo started third grade today. She is excited by her school's "habitat" where they are growing a variety of crops and critters. Today they snacked on sunflower seeds from the garden (she likes the bagged ones better, because they are salted). She proudly showed off her "agenda" (a notebook with a calendar and organizer) and seems happy with her new teacher and classmates.
Stinky and QP both started sixth grade - middle school - today. This is the first year that they will be attending the same school. It will be interesting to see how things go. They are in separate "houses" so they only have music together so far. Currently they are biking to and from school, since the trip is about a mile. We'll probably re-evaluate this plan when it's not so light at 7:15 in the morning, though. That's right... they leave at seven-freakin-fifteen. School starts at 7:45 in the morning. Yaa-aaawwwwn... I am sooo glad that I am not in middle school any more.
QP said that she had a blast and that middle school is waaaay better than elementary school. How long do you think that will last? She wanted to stay and watch Stinky's practice (more on that in a minute) but she called me and said she was cold, and heading home. She decided against playing volleyball this fall (?!?!?!). I told Scott she's turning into a girl. Heaven, help us.
Stinky is happy too. He saw his new buddy from orientation and had sushi (yeup, SUSHI) for lunch. Hmm, maybe I wish I was still at middle school after all! He had a great time at his first Cross Country practice, even though it was really tough. I reminded him that the first couple weeks will be the hardest, as that is when they tend to weed out the kids who aren't as dedicated. If he can make it through that stretch then he will be fine.
Happy kids? Check. Phone calls from the office? Zip (so far). Yeah, I would say this year's off to a great start!
Boo started third grade today. She is excited by her school's "habitat" where they are growing a variety of crops and critters. Today they snacked on sunflower seeds from the garden (she likes the bagged ones better, because they are salted). She proudly showed off her "agenda" (a notebook with a calendar and organizer) and seems happy with her new teacher and classmates.
Stinky and QP both started sixth grade - middle school - today. This is the first year that they will be attending the same school. It will be interesting to see how things go. They are in separate "houses" so they only have music together so far. Currently they are biking to and from school, since the trip is about a mile. We'll probably re-evaluate this plan when it's not so light at 7:15 in the morning, though. That's right... they leave at seven-freakin-fifteen. School starts at 7:45 in the morning. Yaa-aaawwwwn... I am sooo glad that I am not in middle school any more.
QP said that she had a blast and that middle school is waaaay better than elementary school. How long do you think that will last? She wanted to stay and watch Stinky's practice (more on that in a minute) but she called me and said she was cold, and heading home. She decided against playing volleyball this fall (?!?!?!). I told Scott she's turning into a girl. Heaven, help us.
Stinky is happy too. He saw his new buddy from orientation and had sushi (yeup, SUSHI) for lunch. Hmm, maybe I wish I was still at middle school after all! He had a great time at his first Cross Country practice, even though it was really tough. I reminded him that the first couple weeks will be the hardest, as that is when they tend to weed out the kids who aren't as dedicated. If he can make it through that stretch then he will be fine.
Happy kids? Check. Phone calls from the office? Zip (so far). Yeah, I would say this year's off to a great start!
Kaboom!
The first day of school is starting with a bang - literally. There is a huge thunder, lightning and hail storm passing over us right now. Fun, huh?
I wonder if Stinky's first XCountry practice will be canceled? Do you think the kids are still glad they decided to ride their bikes to school?
Monday, September 3
Song
Via Painted Maypole's Monday Mission... here's my song rewrite of The Beatles' "Maxwell's Silver Hammer".
Stinky was ready; he held the Wii-mote steady
Zelda's a cool game.
Riding a horse around on the TV.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Balanced on the ball*, defeating monsters big and small,
Excitement starts to mount.
"Watch me beat my highest of high scores,
Mo, aw, aw, om?"
But as he's bouncing u-up and down
His feet slip and he frowns.
Bang! Bang! There goes my new vase**
Down onto the floor.
Bang! Bang! There goes my new vase
That's right, it is no more.
*It's one of those big inflatable stability balls, an almost perfect perch when playing Wii.
**The vase used to sit on the hearth, next to the fireplace. Now it's on the kitchen table in pieces. Scott is gluing it back together.
No children were harmed in the course of this event.
Stinky was ready; he held the Wii-mote steady
Zelda's a cool game.
Riding a horse around on the TV.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Balanced on the ball*, defeating monsters big and small,
Excitement starts to mount.
"Watch me beat my highest of high scores,
Mo, aw, aw, om?"
But as he's bouncing u-up and down
His feet slip and he frowns.
Bang! Bang! There goes my new vase**
Down onto the floor.
Bang! Bang! There goes my new vase
That's right, it is no more.
*It's one of those big inflatable stability balls, an almost perfect perch when playing Wii.
**The vase used to sit on the hearth, next to the fireplace. Now it's on the kitchen table in pieces. Scott is gluing it back together.
No children were harmed in the course of this event.
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