Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Snow in Portland
Honest to goodness, real snow!! And it is still coming down. This rarely, rarely happens here.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tech Support
So, today when signing on to my work computer, I was prompted to change my password. Apparently the computer decided I'd had the one I was using long enough. For years now, I've used basic variations of the same password. Only now, I get confused about which variation is used with which password-needing situation and often get locked out due to too many password misfires. (Side note: is there anything for which we DON'T need a username and password?) Today I decided to pick something completely different and totally easy-to-remember.
Imagine my embarrassment when this afternoon I had computer problems and had to tell the internal tech support guy that my password is Sassypants77! Now he'll never forget my password either.
Imagine my embarrassment when this afternoon I had computer problems and had to tell the internal tech support guy that my password is Sassypants77! Now he'll never forget my password either.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Are you expecting?
I can't help but wonder...Who else out there amongst my reader pool is with child and hasn't announced it, yet? I'm sensing a trend as I keep hearing from expectant friends. The count keeps getting greater, so I've given up trying to put a cap on it. It's very exciting to celebrate such happy news!
Monday, September 29, 2008
This weekend, Brett and I decided to drive north and hike Ape Cave near Mount St. Helens. Ape Cave was discovered in 1947 and was formed 2,000 years ago during an eruption of the volcano. The official cave information explains the formation in this way: “About 2,000 years ago, fluid basaltic lava poured down the southern flank of the volcano. As the lava flowed, chunks of the lava’s surface cooled, crashed and fused together creating a hardened crust. In turn, the crust insulated the molten lava beneath, allowing it to remain fluid and travel down to the Lewis River Valley.
The hot flowing lava began melting into the pre-existing rock and soil. This thermal erosion deepened and widened the channel of the flow. The level of lava in the tube rose and fell as the eruption surged and slowed, contributing to the unique contours of the walls.
During this eruptive period, hot fluid lava pulsed through the tube for months, possibly up to a year, until the eruption subsided. As a result of this rare eruption, a spectacular 13,042 foot (3976m) long lava tube, the third longest in North America, was created.”
We weren’t expecting it to be so busy as it’s nearing the end of the season but the lot was crawling with visitors. In an effort to avoid the loud, boisterous groups we opted to hike above-ground to the upper entrance to the cave and hike the Upper Cave instead of the easier, more-traveled Lower Cave. This entrance was literally a hole in the ground with a ladder descending into the darkness. I made the statement that if at any point I had to get on my belly and crawl, we were turning around and returning from whence we came! Off we went. What an eerie feeling being underground with nothing but a flashlight to show you the way. There were several rock piles that had to be climbed over which was a little tricky, but not too bad. Actually, if I’d been able to see more, I probably would’ve been more scared but what you can’t see clearly isn’t that bad! The worst part by far was what they call Lava Fall which is literally a wall of lava. An 8-foot wall of lava and there’s no way around it. Since we were traveling “down” we had to go down the wall. I literally broke into tears at the thought of falling. I mean, where was I supposed to put my feet? There was a foothold about 2/3 of the way down and to the right. Brett went first, literally sliding until he got to the foothold while grasping with his hands. I came down next and with his helpful coaxing (and a helpful hand) was able to make it down. Looking back I can’t believe I did it. A huge benefit of the lava was it afforded many grips and holds regular rock wouldn't. That being said, it wasn’t enough to comfort me at the 8-foot wall.
It was really a lot of fun - a very exhilarating experience. Next time I’ll take more pictures. It was hard to hold my flashlight, scramble over rocks and take pictures at the same time! Also, my camera was acting up. Apparently it doesn’t like being underground! It’s not natural. And, to any of you wondering, we did not have any Bigfoot sitings - or smellings - though there were plenty of ledges on which he could’ve been hiding.
The hot flowing lava began melting into the pre-existing rock and soil. This thermal erosion deepened and widened the channel of the flow. The level of lava in the tube rose and fell as the eruption surged and slowed, contributing to the unique contours of the walls.
During this eruptive period, hot fluid lava pulsed through the tube for months, possibly up to a year, until the eruption subsided. As a result of this rare eruption, a spectacular 13,042 foot (3976m) long lava tube, the third longest in North America, was created.”
We weren’t expecting it to be so busy as it’s nearing the end of the season but the lot was crawling with visitors. In an effort to avoid the loud, boisterous groups we opted to hike above-ground to the upper entrance to the cave and hike the Upper Cave instead of the easier, more-traveled Lower Cave. This entrance was literally a hole in the ground with a ladder descending into the darkness. I made the statement that if at any point I had to get on my belly and crawl, we were turning around and returning from whence we came! Off we went. What an eerie feeling being underground with nothing but a flashlight to show you the way. There were several rock piles that had to be climbed over which was a little tricky, but not too bad. Actually, if I’d been able to see more, I probably would’ve been more scared but what you can’t see clearly isn’t that bad! The worst part by far was what they call Lava Fall which is literally a wall of lava. An 8-foot wall of lava and there’s no way around it. Since we were traveling “down” we had to go down the wall. I literally broke into tears at the thought of falling. I mean, where was I supposed to put my feet? There was a foothold about 2/3 of the way down and to the right. Brett went first, literally sliding until he got to the foothold while grasping with his hands. I came down next and with his helpful coaxing (and a helpful hand) was able to make it down. Looking back I can’t believe I did it. A huge benefit of the lava was it afforded many grips and holds regular rock wouldn't. That being said, it wasn’t enough to comfort me at the 8-foot wall.
It was really a lot of fun - a very exhilarating experience. Next time I’ll take more pictures. It was hard to hold my flashlight, scramble over rocks and take pictures at the same time! Also, my camera was acting up. Apparently it doesn’t like being underground! It’s not natural. And, to any of you wondering, we did not have any Bigfoot sitings - or smellings - though there were plenty of ledges on which he could’ve been hiding.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Literary-Minded
I really like to read. This isn't a new thing or a unique thing or even a particularly interesting thing. But whenever anyone asks me what I like to do, this is what I tell them. Recently, it came to my attention that I had no idea where my library card was. I looked through wallets and drawers and backpacks and couldn't find it anywhere. Typically, I indulge myself with purchasing the books I read and seldom visit the library. However, due to a recent spate of books that left me disappointed and bitter at the invested money (not to mention the rising cost of living) I rethought my stance on borrowed books and found myself at the library being issued a new card. And what a wonderful thing it is! TO think, I just read a book I've been dreaming of reading, enjoyed it immensely, and all for the low low price of free! I figure if I fall in love with a book, I can add it to my personal library. But for all those I read and don't care to own, I'm out nothing. (I know, I know...there are many of you who are thinking, duh! but each reading experience feels very personal and the books on my shelves are like friends to me.)
The library system in my county is fantastic. I can check out from one and return to another. If the title I want is only at another library, they'll ferry it over to my local library so I don't have to go out of my way. Along with searching the entire catalogue, I can renew and reserve online. And when I check out books, I get a nice printout - a receipt if you will. Gone are the days of having to sit at the kitchen table and write out a list longhand so Mom knows what titles are missing when they come due.
Of course, all the advancements don't make up for the feeling I used to get walking into the old, brick library of my childhood. The smells of the musty books and the coziness of the basement children's section..the sound the rubber stamp would make as the date was printed on the checkout slip...the sheer anticipation of deciding which to read first...and the weight of the exciting new adventures in my arms as I walked up the stairs and out to wait for my ride home.
The library system in my county is fantastic. I can check out from one and return to another. If the title I want is only at another library, they'll ferry it over to my local library so I don't have to go out of my way. Along with searching the entire catalogue, I can renew and reserve online. And when I check out books, I get a nice printout - a receipt if you will. Gone are the days of having to sit at the kitchen table and write out a list longhand so Mom knows what titles are missing when they come due.
Of course, all the advancements don't make up for the feeling I used to get walking into the old, brick library of my childhood. The smells of the musty books and the coziness of the basement children's section..the sound the rubber stamp would make as the date was printed on the checkout slip...the sheer anticipation of deciding which to read first...and the weight of the exciting new adventures in my arms as I walked up the stairs and out to wait for my ride home.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Joie de vivre
I find this both lovely and mezmerizing. The music is by Nouvelle Vague and the clip is from a 60s-era French movie called Bande a Part. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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