One of the most enjoyable events during the Olympics was Jason and I 's trip (okay, 15 min on the skytrain) down to the O-zone in Richmond. After wandering a bit, we found the ice-skating rink with cash in hand. For a loonie each, we rented ice-skates and sped around the outdoor trail. Jason was a pro! I was so impressed.
We also took in a bit of a show at the mainstage that night. Have to say that Huxley Workman's interludes between songs were much better than the music at this one.
Lastly, we also glimpsed the famous Heineken House with its infamous 2 to 4 hour waits for entrance. The big orange tent was impressive, as was the line. Rumor had it that it boasted bikes for easy transport for Dutch fans to and from the House and the long-track speed-skating rink in Richmond. All for a brew with hundreds of people you don't know.
March 11, 2010
February 27, 2010
We Touched the Stanley Cup!
Today we wandered downtown on the last Olympic weekend to visit the country pavilions. We only made it to four before the rain hit. We waited in line the longest for the Canada Pavilion inside LiveCity Downtown. But it was worth it. We got to touch and have our picture taken with the Stanley Cup! & real Mounties!
February 17, 2010
USA 13, Russia 0
Yesterday was our big Olympic experience - we went to the USA vs. Russia women's ice hockey preliminary game. Maybe the most amazing thing - we walked over to the venue, UBC's Thunderbird Arena, after working in the morning. Yup, microscope counting viruses in the morning, Olympic hockey in the afternoon.
Here we are walking up to the arena after the security line (we arrived an hour early and spent 20 minutes in the line up). There is a bit of crazy camera in the middle before a cute pic.
Our seats were really great. We were able to see the entire ice as well as the Russian goal for two periods. We had some Canadians behind and to the left of us and Russian fans to the right. Everyone had a flag or a jersey for one country or another. It was pretty awe-inspiring. We both had US flags and sweatshirts on. Here are the pre-game warm-ups. Russia is in red, USA is in white.
The US team was in control the entire game. Here is the first goal! We were soooo excited when they scored, and scored, and scored some more.
Jason made it on TV! Follow this link and around 1:30:00 you can see him on the big screen TVs above the ice. While I was in the loo the cameraman zoomed in on him. Such a cutie!!!
Here we are walking up to the arena after the security line (we arrived an hour early and spent 20 minutes in the line up). There is a bit of crazy camera in the middle before a cute pic.
Our seats were really great. We were able to see the entire ice as well as the Russian goal for two periods. We had some Canadians behind and to the left of us and Russian fans to the right. Everyone had a flag or a jersey for one country or another. It was pretty awe-inspiring. We both had US flags and sweatshirts on. Here are the pre-game warm-ups. Russia is in red, USA is in white.
We ended up cheering for Russia. Everyone was cheering for them by half-way through the 2nd period. You just couldn't not want them to do something, anything. Any time Russia touched the puck everyone started yelling. I do not feel bad for being a bit of a traitor. To me, that is true sportmanship, rooting for the other team when they need inspiration. I must say that we didn't ever participate in the "Go Russia Go" chants, and I always waved my American flag when clapping for Russia.
Jason made it on TV! Follow this link and around 1:30:00 you can see him on the big screen TVs above the ice. While I was in the loo the cameraman zoomed in on him. Such a cutie!!!
February 16, 2010
Olympic Torch Relay
I can't believe I have not posted yet about the Olympics. They are here, finally, at long last, in case you had not noticed. I can hardly work from the desire to watch them on TV or wander around the pavilions downtown. We have a lot to post about, but have to start at the beginning.
Last Thursday, the day before the opening ceremonies, the Olympic torch relay ran by UBC. That's right, Jason could have watched from his office window. The Olypmic Torch came by our WORK!
We went out to the newly constructed green space across from the Student Union Building in the center of campus and stood in the rain for about a half hour before the torch came by. The crowd was probably around 500 students and faculty, some with family. We had some trouble finding some friends, and I was getting a bit crabby standing in the mud.
But then we finally saw the torch. The flame appears about 30 seconds into the video below.
It was amazing. I still get a bit teary-eyed thinking about it. How to express seeing this symbol of peace, unity, and sports in person?
The runner was a bit jumpy with the torch, but now I realize that he was just so EXCITED. We were all so excited, still are.
Last Thursday, the day before the opening ceremonies, the Olympic torch relay ran by UBC. That's right, Jason could have watched from his office window. The Olypmic Torch came by our WORK!
We went out to the newly constructed green space across from the Student Union Building in the center of campus and stood in the rain for about a half hour before the torch came by. The crowd was probably around 500 students and faculty, some with family. We had some trouble finding some friends, and I was getting a bit crabby standing in the mud.
But then we finally saw the torch. The flame appears about 30 seconds into the video below.
It was amazing. I still get a bit teary-eyed thinking about it. How to express seeing this symbol of peace, unity, and sports in person?
The runner was a bit jumpy with the torch, but now I realize that he was just so EXCITED. We were all so excited, still are.
February 02, 2010
Big News!
The Olympics are coming! No, no not yet!
We are moving (again)! No, not yet!
We are getting a nephew! Yes, that's it!
"Getting" one, like it comes from the pound or something, you say? No! It comes from Tiffany and Derek, Jason's sister and her husband!
We are so excited to welcome the newest "Hedgehog", Cullen Charles Oxford, in early May 2010. Hopefully Tiffany won't mind a couple belly and ultrasound pics of her and the new baby.
We are moving (again)! No, not yet!
We are getting a nephew! Yes, that's it!
"Getting" one, like it comes from the pound or something, you say? No! It comes from Tiffany and Derek, Jason's sister and her husband!
We are so excited to welcome the newest "Hedgehog", Cullen Charles Oxford, in early May 2010. Hopefully Tiffany won't mind a couple belly and ultrasound pics of her and the new baby.
January 13, 2010
Vancouver Aquarium
We finally made it out to the Vancouver aquarium in Stanley Park three weeks ago Sunday. We had a great time wandering around all of the exhibits. We even made the dolphin show, the otter feeding time, the frog feeding time, and the shark feeding time. And did I mention we saw a sloth actually moving!? Jason was particularly impressed by the feel of sea anemone tentacles in the touch tide-pool while my favorites were the sea otters, of course. Even saw a Hedgehog Amphipod. It was great way to spend a semi-rainy afternoon. We wandered into downtown on the way home and had crepes at that place we had passed a million times but never stopped at. Bananas and dark chocolate, mmmm. Here are a few videos from our visit.
First, Jason at the entryway
Watch out for Canadian eelpouts and giant sea anemones!
Jason is a walrus?
First, Jason at the entryway
Watch out for Canadian eelpouts and giant sea anemones!
Jason is a walrus?
January 07, 2010
New Year Resolutions
Happy New Year from us! We have started off strong in 2010 with all of our favorite college football teams winning and the first work week of the year almost over. My New Year's resolutions are:
1. Get back on the diet. It is not really a diet in the sense of weight loss, but a diet in the sense of eating fresh fruit and veggies, homemade dinners, breads, and desserts, and less meat peppered with fewer yummy dinners-out. We're starting off by trying not to eat meat for the next 30 days. We are on day 4 and counting! Hedgehog Guy says the mystery meat on the sandwich at the luncheon today does not count. We really don't know what that was...
2. Exercise more. The bridge over the Fraser River is right there. Why can't I just go run over it? Motivation needed. So, that sounds like a reason to go shopping for a new "goal" outfit?
3. Plan a vacation. Preferably our vacation. A real one. Desperately needed. Some place that takes dogs.
4. Share more. Share more homebrew beer and recipes. Share more pictures and stories on the blog. Share more fun with family and friends. Our sharing starts with sharing Hedgehog Dog's ultra-cuteness with you.
Happy New Year!
1. Get back on the diet. It is not really a diet in the sense of weight loss, but a diet in the sense of eating fresh fruit and veggies, homemade dinners, breads, and desserts, and less meat peppered with fewer yummy dinners-out. We're starting off by trying not to eat meat for the next 30 days. We are on day 4 and counting! Hedgehog Guy says the mystery meat on the sandwich at the luncheon today does not count. We really don't know what that was...
2. Exercise more. The bridge over the Fraser River is right there. Why can't I just go run over it? Motivation needed. So, that sounds like a reason to go shopping for a new "goal" outfit?
3. Plan a vacation. Preferably our vacation. A real one. Desperately needed. Some place that takes dogs.
4. Share more. Share more homebrew beer and recipes. Share more pictures and stories on the blog. Share more fun with family and friends. Our sharing starts with sharing Hedgehog Dog's ultra-cuteness with you.
Happy New Year!
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