We finished off the day going to our first Stanford women's volleyball game of the season. The Stanford women are amazing to watch and they dominated Oregon in three straight games .... enough said.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Apple Picking + Volleyball = Good Day
For Lindsey's birthday we headed down to Watsonville south of Santa Cruz for u-pick apple picking! Lindsey had prepared an amazing picnic lunch for everyone that we enjoyed with some fresh squeezed apple juice and then we headed out into the fields to pick. The trees were loaded with apples (and suprisingly short .... no more than 7 feet tall). We picked red, yellow, and green apples before calling it a day. The other great surprise was that they also had strawberries to pick! If you're interested in u-pick (and cheap strawberries) this was a great place and I think they should be open for a few more weeks: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizdich-ranch.com/
We finished off the day going to our first Stanford women's volleyball game of the season. The Stanford women are amazing to watch and they dominated Oregon in three straight games .... enough said.
We finished off the day going to our first Stanford women's volleyball game of the season. The Stanford women are amazing to watch and they dominated Oregon in three straight games .... enough said.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Chipotle to the rescue!
Monday night was our first official CA event of the year for Barnes (our apartment building). We had a beautiful set-up planned - Compadres Mexican dinner in the back picnic area of the building. We chose Compadres as they were a favorite local restaurant, offered great Stanford discounts, and were close by for pick-up. Everything seemed to be going perfectly until 4pm on Monday afternoon (two hours before the event!) when I got a call from Compadres announcing that they were locking their doors and closing permanently. What?? So you aren't going to be able to fill my order for 70 people in 2 hours (are you even allowed to do that?)?? On Tuesday the local news wrote a story about it, but no real explanation has been offered about the sudden closing: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=9380 .
Luckily Chipotle came to the rescue and made 85 burritos in an hour, gave us a discount, and threw in free chips & salsa. I always knew I loved Chipotle! The event went great, everyone loved the burritos and didn't even notice the panic and mania of a few hours before. Yay!
Luckily Chipotle came to the rescue and made 85 burritos in an hour, gave us a discount, and threw in free chips & salsa. I always knew I loved Chipotle! The event went great, everyone loved the burritos and didn't even notice the panic and mania of a few hours before. Yay!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Bambi Lives!
Unfortunately for Dan, but fortunately for all the cuddly-creature lovers out there Dan was unsuccessful during opening weekend of hunting season this past weekend. Although plenty of critters were around - including lots of does and fawns, 2 skunks, 2 turkeys, quail, and even a coyote - not a single buck (you can only hunt the males in California) ventured out. As he silently prowled the hillsides I contented myself camping and hunting out fruit trees.
We didn't leave empty-handed as we came home with a full box of pears and bag of blackberries from the ranch. I tried to tell Dan that this is good enough for me but he still craves his venison and will be venturing out again in the weekends to come.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
CA Retreat
Dan and I are now officially CAs (community associates). Basically we get paid (not much but still something) to plan a few fun events for our apartment building each quarter. Our plan ... lots of free food, sports, outdoors, etc. To officially become CAs we went to training this last weekend in a hostel up in the Marin Headlands. The Marin Headlands are right on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and offers good hiking and views of the city. We also ventured up to Muir woods to see the big redwood trees. One of the activities was completing a photo scavenger hunt which included building a human pyramid. Here are ourselves and our partner CAs:
Thursday, September 11, 2008
To the Northwest!
For the last week I've been galavanting around the Northwest with my mom and it was wonderful! From Seattle to Victoria the whole area is gorgeous and there are a ton of things to do. Here is how my mom and I kept ourselves busy through the trip:
Day 1: San Jose to Seattle to Anacortes
To begin with the flight from San Jose to Seattle is absolutely beautiful on a clear day. You pass right over Mt. Shasta, Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helen, and Mt. Rainer with great views. Once I arrived in Seattle my mom and I actually found each other without too much trouble (she finally has a ce
ll phone) and headed off to our first destination ... REI :) A few pairs of sale shoes later we headed down to the famous Pike's Market to look around a bit and have some lunch. The amazing bouquets of flowers and the energetic folks throwing around fish make the overwhelming fishy smell of the market worth it. At this point we were done with the city and headed up to Mukileto to catch the ferry over to Whidbey Island. We spent the rest of the day driving up the narrow island stoppint at wineries and farmers market. We went for a quick hike at Deception Pass, a narrow and supposedly dangerous narrow passage between islands, and finally called it a night at the northern tip of the island at Anacortes.
Deception Pass
Day 2: Anacortes to Vancouver Island
The next moring we got up REALLY early to catch the first ferry over from Anacortes to Sidney. After the 90-minute ferry ride we ventured over to the Butterfly Gardens where we peacefully watched all the butterflies and birds float around (my favorite part was the venus fly traps and carniverous ferns). There
was even a special moth that after 5 years had just come out of its cacoon. The guides said the moth would only be alive for 3-5 days ... that's a lot of waiting for not a lot of life! From the butterfly garden we headed over to the Buchart Gardens, a huge old limestone quarry that had been turned into an amazing garden. Here we had I think my favorite part of the whole trip, an afternoon tea. The tea, food, and views were just too good to forget. We ended up liking the gardens so much that we came back in the evening for dinner and to see it lit up in lights. 
Just about 20 miles south of Buchart Gardens is the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. We decided the best way to explore the city would be by bike so we rented a couple and rode down the Galloping Goose Trail (that is really what is called) to Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. The 60,000 square foot castle was amazing and looked like it had been plucked right out of medieval Europe. We hadn't had enough castles for the day though so we headed over to the Craigdaroch Castle that sits on the highest point in Victoria. We spent the evening exploring downtown and then relaxing at our amazing bed and breakfast which sat right on the water and even had a hot tub.
Day 4: Zip-lining and forts
For our second day in Victoria we decided to head over to the town of Sooke and try ziplining. My mom has been bugging me to do this for years (wouldn't you think it would be
the other way around) so I finally let in and we went. After an ATV ride through the forest, 8 ziplines, suspension bridges and two hours of beautiful views I have to say it was totally worth it. It may not be quite the adrenaline rush that it might have been in Mexico where you are unsure if your equipment is going to hold up but their added saftey measures means they can get their ziplines going really fast and the harnesses let you lay down, spin around, or do whatever else you want. In the afternoon we went and explored an old fort and light house before heading back downtown for dinner in Chinatown.
Day 5: Back to the mainland
Well ... the morning of this day didn't start out too great. We had three hours to get to the ferry station on the northern side of the island at So, we took our time, explored some cute little cities (one of which had an amzing amount of murals) and in the end we ran into some construction and missed our spot on the ferry by three minutes! They use a reservation system where you have to be there 30 minutes before the ferry leaves
and we were exactly three minutes late which meant we had to wait 2 more hours for the next ferry ... oh well, we learned our lesson about dawdeling. We finally got out of Nanaimo headed to Vancouver about noon. For the afternoon we headed up "Vancouver's Mountain" (aka Grouse Mountain) on a cable car. At the top we were greeted with pretty views, a fun and corny lumberjack show, grizzly bears, a bird of prey show, and a delicious dinner. For anyone heading up this way and planning on going up the cable car this is last point makes it totally worth it! The dinner is expensive ($35-40) but if you are planning on going up anyways thetickets for the cable car are $30 so you might as well get a gourmet meal with a beautiful view for a few extra bucks (or loonies or whatever they call them). Reservations are required though.
Day 6: Vancouver
Our first rainy/foggy day of the trip (I guess the Helen hot-air, high-pressure zone really does work ... my mom likes to talk ... a lot). We started off the morning going to Lynn Canyon which has a gorgeous suspension bridge over a deep gorge with waterfalls and crystal clear waters. We did a big figure 8 loop around the park. Continuing our outdoor theme despite the rain we decided to rent bikes and make the trek around Vancouver's Stanley Park. The trail goes right along the coast of the park and makes a circle past totem polls, cool bridges, cliffs, and lots of blackberries (like everywhere else in the Northwest). Also in the park we went to the Vancouver Aquarium. I forgot how excited dolphins,
whales, and cute sea otters make me ... what ever happened to becoming a marine biologist? They even had a baby beluga whale that was just too cute. At this point it was time to head back into the United States. After an easy drive over the border we decided to end the trip and style with a dinner at the top of space needle. It turns out my mom and her mom did the same thing 43 years ago when my mom was just starting her first summer at Boeing so it made it a nice, memorable end of the trip. As one would expect the views and food was amazing. Dinner on the top of the space needle
Day 7: Homeward bound
All good things must come to an end and I hopped on the plane at the early hour of 6am back to San Jose. I guess the one good thing about leaving the husband at home is it makes you super excited to get back home although I don't think I'll be leaving him behind again any time soon (build up those vacation days honey!).
Day 1: San Jose to Seattle to Anacortes
To begin with the flight from San Jose to Seattle is absolutely beautiful on a clear day. You pass right over Mt. Shasta, Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helen, and Mt. Rainer with great views. Once I arrived in Seattle my mom and I actually found each other without too much trouble (she finally has a ce
ll phone) and headed off to our first destination ... REI :) A few pairs of sale shoes later we headed down to the famous Pike's Market to look around a bit and have some lunch. The amazing bouquets of flowers and the energetic folks throwing around fish make the overwhelming fishy smell of the market worth it. At this point we were done with the city and headed up to Mukileto to catch the ferry over to Whidbey Island. We spent the rest of the day driving up the narrow island stoppint at wineries and farmers market. We went for a quick hike at Deception Pass, a narrow and supposedly dangerous narrow passage between islands, and finally called it a night at the northern tip of the island at Anacortes.Deception Pass
Day 2: Anacortes to Vancouver Island
The next moring we got up REALLY early to catch the first ferry over from Anacortes to Sidney. After the 90-minute ferry ride we ventured over to the Butterfly Gardens where we peacefully watched all the butterflies and birds float around (my favorite part was the venus fly traps and carniverous ferns). There
was even a special moth that after 5 years had just come out of its cacoon. The guides said the moth would only be alive for 3-5 days ... that's a lot of waiting for not a lot of life! From the butterfly garden we headed over to the Buchart Gardens, a huge old limestone quarry that had been turned into an amazing garden. Here we had I think my favorite part of the whole trip, an afternoon tea. The tea, food, and views were just too good to forget. We ended up liking the gardens so much that we came back in the evening for dinner and to see it lit up in lights. "The" Moth
Day 3: Exploring Victoria
Just about 20 miles south of Buchart Gardens is the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. We decided the best way to explore the city would be by bike so we rented a couple and rode down the Galloping Goose Trail (that is really what is called) to Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. The 60,000 square foot castle was amazing and looked like it had been plucked right out of medieval Europe. We hadn't had enough castles for the day though so we headed over to the Craigdaroch Castle that sits on the highest point in Victoria. We spent the evening exploring downtown and then relaxing at our amazing bed and breakfast which sat right on the water and even had a hot tub.
Mom on Galloping Goose
Day 4: Zip-lining and forts
For our second day in Victoria we decided to head over to the town of Sooke and try ziplining. My mom has been bugging me to do this for years (wouldn't you think it would be
the other way around) so I finally let in and we went. After an ATV ride through the forest, 8 ziplines, suspension bridges and two hours of beautiful views I have to say it was totally worth it. It may not be quite the adrenaline rush that it might have been in Mexico where you are unsure if your equipment is going to hold up but their added saftey measures means they can get their ziplines going really fast and the harnesses let you lay down, spin around, or do whatever else you want. In the afternoon we went and explored an old fort and light house before heading back downtown for dinner in Chinatown. Day 5: Back to the mainland
Well ... the morning of this day didn't start out too great. We had three hours to get to the ferry station on the northern side of the island at So, we took our time, explored some cute little cities (one of which had an amzing amount of murals) and in the end we ran into some construction and missed our spot on the ferry by three minutes! They use a reservation system where you have to be there 30 minutes before the ferry leaves
and we were exactly three minutes late which meant we had to wait 2 more hours for the next ferry ... oh well, we learned our lesson about dawdeling. We finally got out of Nanaimo headed to Vancouver about noon. For the afternoon we headed up "Vancouver's Mountain" (aka Grouse Mountain) on a cable car. At the top we were greeted with pretty views, a fun and corny lumberjack show, grizzly bears, a bird of prey show, and a delicious dinner. For anyone heading up this way and planning on going up the cable car this is last point makes it totally worth it! The dinner is expensive ($35-40) but if you are planning on going up anyways thetickets for the cable car are $30 so you might as well get a gourmet meal with a beautiful view for a few extra bucks (or loonies or whatever they call them). Reservations are required though. Crazy Logger
Day 6: Vancouver
Our first rainy/foggy day of the trip (I guess the Helen hot-air, high-pressure zone really does work ... my mom likes to talk ... a lot). We started off the morning going to Lynn Canyon which has a gorgeous suspension bridge over a deep gorge with waterfalls and crystal clear waters. We did a big figure 8 loop around the park. Continuing our outdoor theme despite the rain we decided to rent bikes and make the trek around Vancouver's Stanley Park. The trail goes right along the coast of the park and makes a circle past totem polls, cool bridges, cliffs, and lots of blackberries (like everywhere else in the Northwest). Also in the park we went to the Vancouver Aquarium. I forgot how excited dolphins,
whales, and cute sea otters make me ... what ever happened to becoming a marine biologist? They even had a baby beluga whale that was just too cute. At this point it was time to head back into the United States. After an easy drive over the border we decided to end the trip and style with a dinner at the top of space needle. It turns out my mom and her mom did the same thing 43 years ago when my mom was just starting her first summer at Boeing so it made it a nice, memorable end of the trip. As one would expect the views and food was amazing. Dinner on the top of the space needleDay 7: Homeward bound
All good things must come to an end and I hopped on the plane at the early hour of 6am back to San Jose. I guess the one good thing about leaving the husband at home is it makes you super excited to get back home although I don't think I'll be leaving him behind again any time soon (build up those vacation days honey!).
Monday, September 1, 2008
Where's my husband?
Well I haven't gotten to see my husband much lately as he has been off traveling around. It started with a trip to Houston for work last week where it sounds like he watched different pieces of equipment explode and malfunction (not on purpose) and then visited with some old Mines friends in the evenings. From Houston it was straight back to Colorado for another wedding. Dan was the best man for Qiwei and Soncirae and from what I hear he gave a great speech and even danced ...how did I miss this! I can't wait to see pictures.
In the meantime I've been "teaching/helping" (or figuring out how much I don't know) about the software my lab helped to develop to a group of experts from around the world. I got to see models of everything from sprinting to a t-rex. The software is called OpenSIM and is a free, open-source program for musculoskeletal modeling. You can check it out (or even download it and try out the fun tutorials ... I promise they are easy) at https://simtk.org/home/opensim.
I guess I can't complain much about Dan being gone lately as I'm leaving in just a few days to go to Canada with my mom. Oh well ... we'll see each other someday soon.
In the meantime I've been "teaching/helping" (or figuring out how much I don't know) about the software my lab helped to develop to a group of experts from around the world. I got to see models of everything from sprinting to a t-rex. The software is called OpenSIM and is a free, open-source program for musculoskeletal modeling. You can check it out (or even download it and try out the fun tutorials ... I promise they are easy) at https://simtk.org/home/opensim.
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