It also turned out to be a "retro" night. A few weeks back a friend left their extra Crock Pot here after the Super Bowl. I washed it out but have neglected to return it. Oops! Anyways, my Crock Pot was in the dishwasher when I started dinner. Yes, we use it a couple of times a week, and I usually have to fish it out and wash it by hand. But today the dishwasher was actually running - so I found the visiting Crock Pot and put it to good use. Isn't it great? A word about older Crock Pots - keep a careful eye on the temperature and cooking progress. This particular unit tended to run a little hot, so I would turn it down for a bit every couple of hours to keep the food from sticking and burning. Also these are a booger to clean since you can't remove the crock part! Whoever came up with the idea to make the crockery removable is a genius, I tell you.Sunday, February 24
Chicken & Dumplings
Though I love cookbooks and have an extensive collection, many of my favorite recipes originate from something I found on the Internet. Alton Brown has a lot of great, easy-to-follow recipes; inspirational (and mouthwatering) photos and recipes can be found at Smitten Kitchen; and for baking there is nowhere better than Never Bashful With Butter (Oooh You Tasty Little Things). The particular recipe I prepared tonight comes from another local blogger, Deby. I was bummed that I didn't get to meet Deby at the recent blogger meetup and am hoping to see her at the next one (hint, hint)!
It also turned out to be a "retro" night. A few weeks back a friend left their extra Crock Pot here after the Super Bowl. I washed it out but have neglected to return it. Oops! Anyways, my Crock Pot was in the dishwasher when I started dinner. Yes, we use it a couple of times a week, and I usually have to fish it out and wash it by hand. But today the dishwasher was actually running - so I found the visiting Crock Pot and put it to good use. Isn't it great? A word about older Crock Pots - keep a careful eye on the temperature and cooking progress. This particular unit tended to run a little hot, so I would turn it down for a bit every couple of hours to keep the food from sticking and burning. Also these are a booger to clean since you can't remove the crock part! Whoever came up with the idea to make the crockery removable is a genius, I tell you.
It also turned out to be a "retro" night. A few weeks back a friend left their extra Crock Pot here after the Super Bowl. I washed it out but have neglected to return it. Oops! Anyways, my Crock Pot was in the dishwasher when I started dinner. Yes, we use it a couple of times a week, and I usually have to fish it out and wash it by hand. But today the dishwasher was actually running - so I found the visiting Crock Pot and put it to good use. Isn't it great? A word about older Crock Pots - keep a careful eye on the temperature and cooking progress. This particular unit tended to run a little hot, so I would turn it down for a bit every couple of hours to keep the food from sticking and burning. Also these are a booger to clean since you can't remove the crock part! Whoever came up with the idea to make the crockery removable is a genius, I tell you.
Thursday, February 21
Sally
I finally met my personal hero, Sally Heatherton (of Marvelous Bend!), tonight. I was a little intimidated by the fact that BOR would be at the blogger meetup until I met Sally. There's nothing like that, I tell ya.
My life is complete. Thanks to Sally for all personal validation. :) I can now move on. You are an inspiration to me and many other bloggers in Bend. I am so impressed that you have shown perseverance and stood up to the negativity of the media in this town, for as long as you did. Somehow it was unsurprising that you are a renter!
My life is complete. Thanks to Sally for all personal validation. :) I can now move on. You are an inspiration to me and many other bloggers in Bend. I am so impressed that you have shown perseverance and stood up to the negativity of the media in this town, for as long as you did. Somehow it was unsurprising that you are a renter!
Immobilized
My mobile phone... isn't. Some time last week it was looking like the battery died. After a full charge my phone stayed on for only a few hours. Even less if (gasp!) I actually made a call. So in order to make sure it was on I had to keep it plugged in at all times.
A replacement battery didn't help alleviate the problem, so now I am faced with the task of choosing a new phone. I'm frustrated because I really like my little phone. It isn't much more than a phone, though it does have a camera. The style is nice and the call quality has been very good. If possible, I would just get another one. But (of course) they don't make this particular device and the prices on the Internet are prohibitive.
What's next? It's fun to tease the RHPB that I will just get an iPhone (and use my mom's address in Salem for billing). While I think there are some really cool things about the iPhone, that probably not the direction I will go. A lot of people are recommending "smart phones" or "mobile devices" but it's a little scary to go down that road.
I really don't have a burning desire to read email on my device. Part of me just wants to get another plain ol' phone. I like having a camera - even if it's not a high quality one it's nice to have one that "does" in a pinch.
But on the other hand, I wouldn't mind having the ability to Twitter from my cell. ;)
What do all y'all think? Any recommendations?
A replacement battery didn't help alleviate the problem, so now I am faced with the task of choosing a new phone. I'm frustrated because I really like my little phone. It isn't much more than a phone, though it does have a camera. The style is nice and the call quality has been very good. If possible, I would just get another one. But (of course) they don't make this particular device and the prices on the Internet are prohibitive.
What's next? It's fun to tease the RHPB that I will just get an iPhone (and use my mom's address in Salem for billing). While I think there are some really cool things about the iPhone, that probably not the direction I will go. A lot of people are recommending "smart phones" or "mobile devices" but it's a little scary to go down that road.
I really don't have a burning desire to read email on my device. Part of me just wants to get another plain ol' phone. I like having a camera - even if it's not a high quality one it's nice to have one that "does" in a pinch.
But on the other hand, I wouldn't mind having the ability to Twitter from my cell. ;)
What do all y'all think? Any recommendations?
Wednesday, February 20
Published!
I like photography. In fact, I can't remember a time when I didn't have a camera. One of my earliest memories is playing with a toy Fisher Price camera that said "Say Cheese" when I pressed the button. Soon I graduated to "real" cameras too. I have owned a LOT of cameras - including a cheap 110, my dad's old Brownie, and cheezy plastic 35mm point and shoots. I even took an "actual, real-live photography class" once, in high school, so I have a basic understanding of f/stop and shutter speed. Photography has always been a part of the important events in my life. I was always "the one who would have a camera"... and I still am.
I got my first digital camera in 2000, when Boo was just a toddler. I liked that I could download and look at the pictures right away, and only had to print the ones I liked. Unfortunately the picture quality wasn't great. And somewhere in there I also picked up my first SLR camera (a Nikon FG) with a couple of lenses. I loved the manual controls and enjoyed the results of playing with all the settings. Sometimes things turned out OK... and other times not. It was agony waiting to finish a roll of film, and then waiting for the film to be developed. I wished and hoped that someday I would be able to afford a big, fancy digital SLR camera... but not too hard. I always figured they were just to expensive.
Finally I "adopted" a Nikon D40 - a "prosumer" DSLR. I loved it from day one - the first time I used it was at the sleddin' hill and I captured some incredible "air shots" that I never would have accomplished with a point and shoot. And still I love it. For me it's a "best of both worlds" camera - I can pretend it's a point-and-shoot when I just want to snap a picture. Or when I have the time and the inclination I can flip into manual mode and have some fun.
I was having fun with it at the Ice Crit last week. It was dark, and I decided to open things up and try to get some longer exposures, which resulted in some really interesting photos. I am not "good enough" to claim that I could reproduce the results - this is just fun for me. But apparently someone else thought the photos were pretty good too, because one of them graces the cover of this week's edition of The Source.
Did I ever expect any photo that I took to be published, let alone on a cover of anything? Nope. But it's a really cool feeling to see "my" picture in print, for Bend (if not the world) to see.
Can I hear a "Yay, me!"? :)
I got my first digital camera in 2000, when Boo was just a toddler. I liked that I could download and look at the pictures right away, and only had to print the ones I liked. Unfortunately the picture quality wasn't great. And somewhere in there I also picked up my first SLR camera (a Nikon FG) with a couple of lenses. I loved the manual controls and enjoyed the results of playing with all the settings. Sometimes things turned out OK... and other times not. It was agony waiting to finish a roll of film, and then waiting for the film to be developed. I wished and hoped that someday I would be able to afford a big, fancy digital SLR camera... but not too hard. I always figured they were just to expensive.
Finally I "adopted" a Nikon D40 - a "prosumer" DSLR. I loved it from day one - the first time I used it was at the sleddin' hill and I captured some incredible "air shots" that I never would have accomplished with a point and shoot. And still I love it. For me it's a "best of both worlds" camera - I can pretend it's a point-and-shoot when I just want to snap a picture. Or when I have the time and the inclination I can flip into manual mode and have some fun.
I was having fun with it at the Ice Crit last week. It was dark, and I decided to open things up and try to get some longer exposures, which resulted in some really interesting photos. I am not "good enough" to claim that I could reproduce the results - this is just fun for me. But apparently someone else thought the photos were pretty good too, because one of them graces the cover of this week's edition of The Source.
Did I ever expect any photo that I took to be published, let alone on a cover of anything? Nope. But it's a really cool feeling to see "my" picture in print, for Bend (if not the world) to see.
Can I hear a "Yay, me!"? :)
Monday, February 18
Addiction
Hi, my name is Jen. And I have a problem. I know that many others suffer from this condition, so I am stepping forward in hopes that I can help.
I am addicted to McDonald's french fries.
It all started at an early age. My sister and I were taken to Mickey D's by our parents and given McDonald's food. Soon we lost all taste for any other foods. We only wanted McDonald's. And in particular, the fries.
Then things got worse. During my impressionable middle and high school years, activity buses would stop at McDonald's so that we could grab a bite to eat during road trips. Sheep that I was, I did what my friends did. I did not order a healthy salad (did they have those at McDonald's in the 80's?). I ordered fries and a milkshake.
College years were much the same. Broke and with few alternatives, I shunned the school cafeteria and traded essay-writing services for boxes of crispy, hot McCrack. My downward spiral was not finished, though.
Now I take my kids to the drive through. "Apple dippers? Nonsense, child! You must have french fries with your Happy Meal!" Why do I insist? Because I must steal my child's fries. Yes, I have hit bottom. I am ashamed to admit it, but there it is.
Looking up from the bottom of this pit, I see the beacon of light that is "The Colbert Report". If only my mother was like this woman, maybe I wouldn't suffer from this addiction.
But what a wonderful addiction it is. In fact writing this has made me hungry... would someone please toss me down some yummy McDonald's french fries?!
I am addicted to McDonald's french fries.
It all started at an early age. My sister and I were taken to Mickey D's by our parents and given McDonald's food. Soon we lost all taste for any other foods. We only wanted McDonald's. And in particular, the fries.
Then things got worse. During my impressionable middle and high school years, activity buses would stop at McDonald's so that we could grab a bite to eat during road trips. Sheep that I was, I did what my friends did. I did not order a healthy salad (did they have those at McDonald's in the 80's?). I ordered fries and a milkshake.
College years were much the same. Broke and with few alternatives, I shunned the school cafeteria and traded essay-writing services for boxes of crispy, hot McCrack. My downward spiral was not finished, though.
Now I take my kids to the drive through. "Apple dippers? Nonsense, child! You must have french fries with your Happy Meal!" Why do I insist? Because I must steal my child's fries. Yes, I have hit bottom. I am ashamed to admit it, but there it is.
Looking up from the bottom of this pit, I see the beacon of light that is "The Colbert Report". If only my mother was like this woman, maybe I wouldn't suffer from this addiction.
But what a wonderful addiction it is. In fact writing this has made me hungry... would someone please toss me down some yummy McDonald's french fries?!
Tea
Yesterday was a mostly lazy Sunday. But some time during the afternoon we decided it would be a good idea to get out, even if just for a little while. Stinky and I decided to swing by and try the new tea shop in downtown Bend. It's a nice little place, and they are open 7 days a week until 10pm.
The variety of teas, chai, infusions, and so on is dizzying. They also serve "build your own" bubble teas, and tea lattes. It was hard to decide! And I was surprised to find the shop very busy late on a Sunday afternoon. Apparently, this spot is enjoying some early success.
Our tea was piping hot and good, and our snacks were tasty. They don't serve much food, just a variety of baked goodies. However the teamistress told me it was perfectly acceptable to pick up a sandwich next door at Great Harvest and bring that in to enjoy with your tea.
The variety of teas, chai, infusions, and so on is dizzying. They also serve "build your own" bubble teas, and tea lattes. It was hard to decide! And I was surprised to find the shop very busy late on a Sunday afternoon. Apparently, this spot is enjoying some early success.
Our tea was piping hot and good, and our snacks were tasty. They don't serve much food, just a variety of baked goodies. However the teamistress told me it was perfectly acceptable to pick up a sandwich next door at Great Harvest and bring that in to enjoy with your tea.
Sunday, February 17
Italian-style Roast Beast
I like Costco. A lot. Even on days when there aren't sample ladies (and sometimes gentlemen) around to keep my kids fed. I am happy to kick them a couple of bucks for a smoothie or another cheap treat from the snack bar while we wait in line. And you always have to wait in line at Costco, it's one of the rules. (Another most important rule: stay out of the middle. Period.)
But the other thing I like about Costco is that it keeps my freezer full. A full freezer is a happy freezer. And it means fewer trips to the grocery store. This time of year (the cold time) I try to keep lots of options around for Crock Pot meals. And since today is "Challenge Sunday" I thought I would share tonight's recipe and meal.
But the other thing I like about Costco is that it keeps my freezer full. A full freezer is a happy freezer. And it means fewer trips to the grocery store. This time of year (the cold time) I try to keep lots of options around for Crock Pot meals. And since today is "Challenge Sunday" I thought I would share tonight's recipe and meal. Saturday, February 16
Benumbed
My toes are still cold. Maybe by tomorrow they will be thawed... Maybe. But it was well worth it! RHPB, Stinky and I made the trip up to Swampy Lakes Sno Park to watch the Ice Crit again this year. Where were you?!
The weather has been darn nice lately so we wondered how that would impact the race. All the ice and snow were gone from the pavement, so the organizers added some of their own. When we arrived they were busy digging snow off the "walls" and spreading it around the course. It looked iffy in some spots and downright dangerous in others.
Across from the finish line, a jump was erected with a fire pit in the middle. There were several small fires (in portable "pits") along the sidelines to keep spectators warm as well.
Not too long after the jump fire was lit, the race started. There were probably ten racers, and some of them wore costumes. The crowd cheered for all of them... and cheered louder when they made the jump!
In the end, of course awards were given for first, second, and third place finishes... but there were also trophies for "Best Wipeout" and "Best Costume".
It was a good time, and nice to see a little bit bigger crowd than last year. The good folks at Cog Wild seem to be stepping in to support this event so hopefully next year it will be even better!
Great job to all the racers... we are already looking forward to next year's event! If you want to see more pictures click here!
The weather has been darn nice lately so we wondered how that would impact the race. All the ice and snow were gone from the pavement, so the organizers added some of their own. When we arrived they were busy digging snow off the "walls" and spreading it around the course. It looked iffy in some spots and downright dangerous in others.Across from the finish line, a jump was erected with a fire pit in the middle. There were several small fires (in portable "pits") along the sidelines to keep spectators warm as well.
Not too long after the jump fire was lit, the race started. There were probably ten racers, and some of them wore costumes. The crowd cheered for all of them... and cheered louder when they made the jump!
In the end, of course awards were given for first, second, and third place finishes... but there were also trophies for "Best Wipeout" and "Best Costume". It was a good time, and nice to see a little bit bigger crowd than last year. The good folks at Cog Wild seem to be stepping in to support this event so hopefully next year it will be even better!
Great job to all the racers... we are already looking forward to next year's event! If you want to see more pictures click here!
Thursday, February 14
Woot
This tweet leads me to suspect a WootOff starting tonight at 10pm PST. Let me know if you get a BOC!
Three posts in under an hour?! Busy day, I guess...
Three posts in under an hour?! Busy day, I guess...
ILY
Inspired by Keely (who was inspired by Melissa)... but since we aren't married I am leaving the wedding-related questions blank (just in case someone else wants to play). And no, it's not in the plans. :)
Updated May 4, 2008: Plans changed. We got engaged on Leap Day and decided to tie the knot this weekend. See updates accordingly...
1. Where/how did you meet?
We met at a mutual friends' divorce party. I got there late, and things were already in full swing. A group was playing quarters, so I joined in. Scott is really good at that game. I'm not, so I "won"!
2. How long have you known each other?
Four years.
3. How long after you met did you start dating?
About a month.
4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
Updated May 4, 2008: About four and a half years.
5. How long was your engagement?
Updated May 4, 2008: About six weeks.
6. How long have you been married?
Updated May 4, 2008: Almost 24 hours. :)
7. What is your anniversary?
I consider our "committed as a couple" anniversary to be July 4. That's when we introduced our kids to each other. That's about as committed as you can get!
Updated May 4, 2008: May 3, 2008
8. How many people came to your wedding reception?
Updated May 4, 2008: Twenty, including us. :)
9. What kind of cake did you serve?
Updated May 4, 2008: Strawberry shortcake
10. Where was your wedding?
Updated May 4, 2008: Atelier 6000 in Bend, OR.
11. What did you serve for the meal?
Updated May 4, 2008: Country Style Ribs, Lemon Chicken Kebabs (with zucchini and mushrooms), salad, rolls, Cheesy Potato Casserole, and Asparagus Gruyere Tart.
12. How many people were in your bridal party?
Updated May 4, 2008: The kids each had a "job" but no formal bridal party.
13. Are you still friends with them all?
Updated May 4, 2008: Sure!
14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony?
Updated May 4, 2008: Almost!
15. Most special moment of your wedding day?
Updated May 4, 2008: When the official read our vows, and everyone burst out laughing.
16. Any funny moments?
Updated May 4, 2008: Stinky laughed so hard that he fell off his stool. Boo's job was to hold my bouquet when Scott and I said our vows, and she got embarrassed. Our friends bebe balanced a rubber ducky on her head.
17. Any big disasters?
Updated May 4, 2008: Nope!
18. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Updated May 4, 2008: Not yet, still deciding where to go and waiting till the kiddos are out of school for the summer.
19. How long were you gone?
Updated May 4, 2008: Not long enough! :)
20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change?
Updated May 4, 2008: That I let Scott's 22 year-old daughter buy me an AMF at my bachelorette party. G'night, Jen!
21. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
The right side. We got ourselves a new (bigger) bed for Christmas, so now we finally have "sides"!
22. What size is your bed?
King size... yeah!
23. Greatest strength as a couple?
Ummm... our enduring devotion to one another? LOL... Actually, we are both really hard working, honest people. I know that's not very exciting, but it's important.
24. Greatest challenge as a couple?
We are the second- and third-most stubborn people I know. (Stinky being the most stubborn.)
25. Who literally pays the bills?
Me.
26. What is your song?
Faith, by Shawn Mullins
27. What did you dance your first dance to?
Scott doesn't dance.
Updated May 4, 2008: Still no dance. :)
28. Describe your wedding dress.
Updated May 4, 2008: An off-white sundress with a brown floral print.
29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding?
Updated May 4, 2008: Just my bouquet. I bought flowers at Costco that morning. My sister made me a beautiful hand-tied bouquet from them. There were yellow lilies, purple mums, white alstromeria, eucalyptus, and even a few tulips.
30. Are your wedding bands engraved?
Updated May 4, 2008: We haven't picked them out yet.
And Missy said it better than I could, so here ya go...
Updated May 4, 2008: Plans changed. We got engaged on Leap Day and decided to tie the knot this weekend. See updates accordingly...
1. Where/how did you meet?
We met at a mutual friends' divorce party. I got there late, and things were already in full swing. A group was playing quarters, so I joined in. Scott is really good at that game. I'm not, so I "won"!
2. How long have you known each other?
Four years.
3. How long after you met did you start dating?
About a month.
4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
Updated May 4, 2008: About four and a half years.
5. How long was your engagement?
Updated May 4, 2008: About six weeks.
6. How long have you been married?
Updated May 4, 2008: Almost 24 hours. :)
7. What is your anniversary?
I consider our "committed as a couple" anniversary to be July 4. That's when we introduced our kids to each other. That's about as committed as you can get!
Updated May 4, 2008: May 3, 2008
8. How many people came to your wedding reception?
Updated May 4, 2008: Twenty, including us. :)
9. What kind of cake did you serve?
Updated May 4, 2008: Strawberry shortcake
10. Where was your wedding?
Updated May 4, 2008: Atelier 6000 in Bend, OR.
11. What did you serve for the meal?
Updated May 4, 2008: Country Style Ribs, Lemon Chicken Kebabs (with zucchini and mushrooms), salad, rolls, Cheesy Potato Casserole, and Asparagus Gruyere Tart.
12. How many people were in your bridal party?
Updated May 4, 2008: The kids each had a "job" but no formal bridal party.
13. Are you still friends with them all?
Updated May 4, 2008: Sure!
14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony?
Updated May 4, 2008: Almost!
15. Most special moment of your wedding day?
Updated May 4, 2008: When the official read our vows, and everyone burst out laughing.
16. Any funny moments?
Updated May 4, 2008: Stinky laughed so hard that he fell off his stool. Boo's job was to hold my bouquet when Scott and I said our vows, and she got embarrassed. Our friends bebe balanced a rubber ducky on her head.
17. Any big disasters?
Updated May 4, 2008: Nope!
18. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Updated May 4, 2008: Not yet, still deciding where to go and waiting till the kiddos are out of school for the summer.
19. How long were you gone?
Updated May 4, 2008: Not long enough! :)
20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change?
Updated May 4, 2008: That I let Scott's 22 year-old daughter buy me an AMF at my bachelorette party. G'night, Jen!
21. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
The right side. We got ourselves a new (bigger) bed for Christmas, so now we finally have "sides"!
22. What size is your bed?
King size... yeah!
23. Greatest strength as a couple?
Ummm... our enduring devotion to one another? LOL... Actually, we are both really hard working, honest people. I know that's not very exciting, but it's important.
24. Greatest challenge as a couple?
We are the second- and third-most stubborn people I know. (Stinky being the most stubborn.)
25. Who literally pays the bills?
Me.
26. What is your song?
Faith, by Shawn Mullins
27. What did you dance your first dance to?
Scott doesn't dance.
Updated May 4, 2008: Still no dance. :)
28. Describe your wedding dress.
Updated May 4, 2008: An off-white sundress with a brown floral print.
29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding?
Updated May 4, 2008: Just my bouquet. I bought flowers at Costco that morning. My sister made me a beautiful hand-tied bouquet from them. There were yellow lilies, purple mums, white alstromeria, eucalyptus, and even a few tulips.
30. Are your wedding bands engraved?
Updated May 4, 2008: We haven't picked them out yet.
And Missy said it better than I could, so here ya go...
It's all in the spirit of ADTILY or Another Day That I Love You Day. Because honestly, shouldn't you show that special someone that you love them everyday?
Wednesday, February 13
Perilous
It was almost 60 degrees outside yesterday which made it tough to remember that it's still winter out there. Despite the mini-heat wave there is still snow everywhere, and it's cold (hella cold!) at night. Friends are still making trips up the mountain. Others are escaping (temporarily) to warmer climates. But just as the hot, dry summers make Bend a fun place to live... so do the many traditional winter activities enjoyed by Bendites. Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowman building, and sledding - you betcha.
And then there is the Ice Crit.
Did you know there is an Ice Crit? If you did, then I will see you there because once you have been, you will be back. But for those of you that don't know, here's the scoop. Crit is short for "criterium", which is basically a multi-lap bicycle race on a closed course. So an Ice Crit is - yeup, that's right - carnage in the cold. And I just got word that Bend's 69th Twilight Ice Crit is going to be held this weekend. Come and watch the mayhem, or contribute to it by racing your bike (20 laps) around the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park parking lot - it's fun for all who dare attend.
See ya there!
Bend's Twilight Ice Crit
Saturday, February 16th
Registration and practice laps start at 6pm
$5 entry fee, free to watch
Race starts at 7pm
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park (16 miles west of Bend on Cascade Lakes Hwy)
Headlights, glow sticks, blinkies, and other forms of illumination are recommended.
And then there is the Ice Crit.
Did you know there is an Ice Crit? If you did, then I will see you there because once you have been, you will be back. But for those of you that don't know, here's the scoop. Crit is short for "criterium", which is basically a multi-lap bicycle race on a closed course. So an Ice Crit is - yeup, that's right - carnage in the cold. And I just got word that Bend's 69th Twilight Ice Crit is going to be held this weekend. Come and watch the mayhem, or contribute to it by racing your bike (20 laps) around the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park parking lot - it's fun for all who dare attend.
See ya there!
Bend's Twilight Ice Crit
Saturday, February 16th
Registration and practice laps start at 6pm
$5 entry fee, free to watch
Race starts at 7pm
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park (16 miles west of Bend on Cascade Lakes Hwy)
Headlights, glow sticks, blinkies, and other forms of illumination are recommended.
Monday, February 11
Symposium
There are many "dictionary" definitions for the word symposium. This one is my favorite:
Central Oregon Blogger Meet-up
Feb 21, 5:30ish at the Blacksmith (happy hour, woot!), Downtown Bend
RSVP to Shannon at shanlee at gmail.com
Keep in mind, this is intended for bloggers who wish to meet other bloggers. If you don't have a blog, then this may not be the get-together for you. So, if you just can't stand not being there and don't already have a blog... what are you waiting for?!
(in ancient Greece and Rome) a convivial meeting, usually following a dinner, for drinking and intellectual conversation.And... it best fits an upcoming event that everyone out there in blogland should consider attending! I have met many of you IRL, and have made some very good friends through this blog. This is a nice chance for all of us to gather, and put some faces together with the blogs.
Central Oregon Blogger Meet-up
Feb 21, 5:30ish at the Blacksmith (happy hour, woot!), Downtown Bend
RSVP to Shannon at shanlee at gmail.com
Keep in mind, this is intended for bloggers who wish to meet other bloggers. If you don't have a blog, then this may not be the get-together for you. So, if you just can't stand not being there and don't already have a blog... what are you waiting for?!
Sunday, February 10
Punt
Every once in a while, parents have to punt.
You know what I mean... you make a plan. And it's a good one, that everyone is excited about and buys into. But then something unexpected happens, and you make do. You quickly find alternatives before a situation deteriorates into tears or tantrums. You do your best to keep a smile on your face, because if your child saw your true emotions it would all be over.
For example, after weeks of snowy and cold weather you arrive at the skating rink for your child's birthday party... and the rink looks more like a swimming pool because of a sudden "warm snap".
That's right, Boo's ice skating party was a bust. I was a little worried when I saw that it was nearly 50 degrees outside but figured since we had a reservation that we would have heard from the rink if it was closed. But somehow they lost my phone number, and we were greeted by apologetic and frantic rink staff. The kids carried the party goods back to the car while I talked about options at the resort with the rink staff. They gave us a big stack of free skating passes for the guests. And then I sat down to think. There was a snowman festival going on, but we hadn't asked anyone to bring snow clothes so I was hesitant to take the kids over there and risk colds. Finally, we agreed that the best course of action would be to take everyone to a local pizza place. We called ahead and they had tables set up and pizzas ready when we arrived. I think we lost a few guests because of the change in location, which was sad. Through the whole experience Boo was a trooper, and even though I could tell she was disappointed I think she was happy with how her party turned out.
The kids had fun in the play area, and Boo had a good time with her guests. She loved handing out goody bags, passing out cake, and opening presents. I think one of her favorite things about having a party is giving everyone a goody bag. She always puts a lot of thought into what she thinks her guests would like to have. They always have a splash of her personality so you know who it came from. From the stuffed monkeys to the hot chocolate to the silly straws, the goodies were definitely fun and memorable. I hope the kids enjoy them as much as Boo enjoyed shopping for them.
Happy birthday, Boo! I can't believe you are a big 9-year old already. You are such a great kid, almost always positive and upbeat. Your smile and hugs make any day brighter. Your silliness and sense of humor keep us smiling back at you. I hope you never stop dancing, laughing, tumbling, and loving. I love you bunches!
You know what I mean... you make a plan. And it's a good one, that everyone is excited about and buys into. But then something unexpected happens, and you make do. You quickly find alternatives before a situation deteriorates into tears or tantrums. You do your best to keep a smile on your face, because if your child saw your true emotions it would all be over.
For example, after weeks of snowy and cold weather you arrive at the skating rink for your child's birthday party... and the rink looks more like a swimming pool because of a sudden "warm snap".
That's right, Boo's ice skating party was a bust. I was a little worried when I saw that it was nearly 50 degrees outside but figured since we had a reservation that we would have heard from the rink if it was closed. But somehow they lost my phone number, and we were greeted by apologetic and frantic rink staff. The kids carried the party goods back to the car while I talked about options at the resort with the rink staff. They gave us a big stack of free skating passes for the guests. And then I sat down to think. There was a snowman festival going on, but we hadn't asked anyone to bring snow clothes so I was hesitant to take the kids over there and risk colds. Finally, we agreed that the best course of action would be to take everyone to a local pizza place. We called ahead and they had tables set up and pizzas ready when we arrived. I think we lost a few guests because of the change in location, which was sad. Through the whole experience Boo was a trooper, and even though I could tell she was disappointed I think she was happy with how her party turned out.
The kids had fun in the play area, and Boo had a good time with her guests. She loved handing out goody bags, passing out cake, and opening presents. I think one of her favorite things about having a party is giving everyone a goody bag. She always puts a lot of thought into what she thinks her guests would like to have. They always have a splash of her personality so you know who it came from. From the stuffed monkeys to the hot chocolate to the silly straws, the goodies were definitely fun and memorable. I hope the kids enjoy them as much as Boo enjoyed shopping for them.
Happy birthday, Boo! I can't believe you are a big 9-year old already. You are such a great kid, almost always positive and upbeat. Your smile and hugs make any day brighter. Your silliness and sense of humor keep us smiling back at you. I hope you never stop dancing, laughing, tumbling, and loving. I love you bunches!
Thursday, February 7
Brace Face!
Yeup, Stinky got braces today. And so the fun that is orthodontia, has officially begun in the "Weird" household.
Q.P. isn't far behind and will probably get hers this spring. Boo is slated to have them as well, but probably not for a few years. (Which means, probably right after the big kids are done!)
Q.P. isn't far behind and will probably get hers this spring. Boo is slated to have them as well, but probably not for a few years. (Which means, probably right after the big kids are done!)
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