I’ve had two weeks off work and haven’t done much, although I think it was well overdue. The reason why I had 12.9 days saved up was because I didn’t take any time off last year, aside from lieu days for working my butt off even more. John took some time off as well, sure he doesn’t have a 9-5 to go to everyday but he slowed down on the blogging, podcasting and various other projects so we could enjoy some time together. Next week it’s back to work for me and our calendar seems to be filling up again.
Tomorrow, for Hockey Day in Canada [cbc], they’re showing the Canucks/Leafs game on GM Place’s big screen at 4pm and then the UBC Thunderbirds will take on Regina [mbv]. They’re hoping to obtain a record for attendance for a university hockey game as Nelson, BC hosts the nation via CBC for other festivities.
We bought our tickets for the event today after I discovered another Ticketmaster location downtown. I had only known about the kiosk adjacent to the Lotto booth in Pacific Centre but after browsing the website I found another. We walked over to Cathedral Place (on Georgia, across from the Hotel Vancouver) [Flickr]. I’d never been in there before but the shopping space on the main level is pretty small so we easily found SAK News. It’s a tiny mom n’ pop newstand nestled in the corner. They were very courteous and helped us pick out some great seats. The ticket total was only $24, although there are better deals for families of 4 and UBC students [Canucks]. We’ll be there, hopefully filled with a couple ‘frosty beverages’ (that’s Dave-speak) and looking forward to some great hockey.
Update: Alanah is liveblogging Hockey Day in Canada, head over to Canucks & Beyond for all the action (she even tosses in a few trivia questions here and there, try your luck)
We recorded Episode #123 of RadioZoom tonight, and for the first time in about a month it was a full in-studio episode complete with Vancouver trivia. As talked about in the episode, we’ve included links below to sites we mentioned during the show.
Our first episode back in the studio after quite a while. We’ve been having too much fun with the video podcasts, so it’s about time that we got back into the groove of the strictly audio world. We recorded this just ahead of watching the Canucks play on TV, so you’ll hear the sound of glass bottles clink in the background just a little bit. We’ll leave it up to you to figure out what’s inside of them.
I’m posting this during the second intermission, so I’ll make this brief.
Artist links:
58:43 minutes – Click here for MP3 – radiozoom.net
I wish. I hadn’t heard this Phil Ayoub song since I played it on the Six Song Donut Spectacular way back in October [RZ#115]. Ever since John played it again the other morning it’s been stuck in my head and I think I’ll probably lobby to have it included in our next podcast.
After being couped up indoors all day yesterday, we took a leisurely stroll down to English Bay. We’d already ventured into the park last week and since more damage has taken place (and more snow has fallen) we decided against wandering past the “Do Not Enter” signs this week.
We walked around the West End, staring up at cute little apartment buildings, talking about their unique features and what would attract us to them if we ever decided to move.
Everyone and their dog was out today to enjoy the sunshine and sub-zero temperatures. I mean that. Lots of pups running around in the snow and even bounding into the Pacific to retrieve a ball. I seriously didn’t know that snack dogs could swim like that, let alone have the guts to hop into the ocean with chilled waves crashing all around them.
John captured some scenes with the trusty camera phone, and he’s posted the results [audihertz]. Who says you need to travel to hot tropical destinations to have a good vacation? My stay-cation is working out just fine.
Episode #15 of the podcast is up and so are our spirits. I really like JJ’s post about how good “7” feels.
Yes, we’re on a total high having hit a 7-game win streak this past week. All parties are present to discuss the most recent games, winning in OT and by shut out. Rory’s out of the All Star running, Luongo’s integrity and stamina will last until the summer and it sure is fun beating the pants off another Alberta team.
Record as of this episode: 24-18-1
Northwest Division: 1st
Western Conference: 3rd
On top of the world, we’re looking at tomorrow’s game versus a division rival, and Saturday’s contribution to Hockey Day in Canada.
While sitting at Fogg n Suds Sunday night watching the Canucks cruise into a 7 game win streak [chb], I noticed that they have a birthday special. Being a couple that tends to spend little money, and just to milk the fact that it’s my birthday, I thought I would check into the kinds of deals you can find in this town on your special day – mine being January 9th.
It used to be that Kelly O’Brien’s was the place to go on your birthday since you got a free meal. Actually, many more places used to have the “free” meal policy but it seems nowadays it’s mostly just “any entree up to $____”. So just what can I get in Vancouver for the next 24 hours?
Fogg n Suds – Bring 3 friends and your meal/dessert are on the house (up to $20).
Free: Dessert: Milestones, Odouls, Sammy J Peppers, White Spot, TGIFriday’s, Red Robin (warning, singing may be involved)
Red Robin – Coupons, if you sign up for their email spam, and dessert.
Kelly O’Briens – Free entree (not sure the “up to” amount)
The Keg – Dessert and then they will sing to you as well.
Any others? For now, I’ve got a breakfast scheduled, made by my husband. I hope he doesn’t sing.
Update: TGI Friday’s and Denny’s both give free meals on your birthday (unsure of limit)
Boston Pizza, Swiss Chalet, and Las Margaritas – Free dessert
Mondo’s Gelato – Free scoop
Blockbuster Rewards – Free rental
Rogers Video – Free rental
Thanks Ghosty!
Update: SOME Blenz locations also offer a free beverage on your birthday. Ask before you order.
UPDATE Please note this post was composed January 8th, 2007. This post does not guarantee that there are in fact birthday specials at any of the establishments above. I would recommend you call ahead to check if the restaurant does offer a birthday special.