tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47185444610593091412008-07-16T17:19:46.706-06:00sweigartSpotCraig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-12689231118573589442008-07-10T21:08:00.003-06:002008-07-10T21:17:46.812-06:00Not so Frigid-aire<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHbPJlhsQ1I/AAAAAAAADOk/1_EwYbrmDDU/s1600-h/IMAGE_081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221588581581865810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHbPJlhsQ1I/AAAAAAAADOk/1_EwYbrmDDU/s400/IMAGE_081.jpg" border="0" /></a> What you see here is a very expensive plant shelf. Yesterday I opened the freezer to find all of the food was defrosting. So I quickly emptied all of our food out and put it in our spare freezer from the 70's that came with the house. <br /><br />Today I noticed that all of the fridge food was warm too. So the entire fridge has gone kaput and has become a rather expensive plant shelf. Now some of you may remember, this is not the first run-in we've had with our fridge. See <a href="http://www.sweigarts.com/2007/03/bad-timing.html">here</a> to learn about what this beast did to us when we were trying to sell our old house. We ended up putting $600 into this $1200 fridge to get it fixed the last time it acted crazily and spoiled our food and hard wood floor. Now a little over a year later it is completely unable to do the one thing it was put on this earth to do....keep our food cold. <br /><br />To say that I am irritated about this is an understatement. I'm so frustrated. This fridge is only 6 years old. And there is no way we're paying a fix-it guy another $600...in fact we're wondering now if he ever really fixed it correctly the first time. So I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">craigslist</span> shopping to see what kind of deal I can find on a fridge. But ugh! Not a life complication I needed right now.Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-22375896987953046112008-07-08T12:45:00.002-06:002008-07-08T13:03:27.290-06:00Lunch Break<p class="mobile-photo" align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHO10pljYbI/AAAAAAAADOc/PyILrBU_JlM/s1600-h/IMAGE_075-738040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220716309173723570" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHO10pljYbI/AAAAAAAADOc/PyILrBU_JlM/s400/IMAGE_075-738040.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-family:Arial;" >Ciege and I enjoying a cold soda and some talk radio politics in our car for lunch. </span></p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-7818419153086634162008-07-06T14:35:00.003-06:002008-07-06T14:38:56.286-06:00Working Overtime<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHEsw7HDMfI/AAAAAAAADOU/lgzZ2auBDFU/s1600-h/IMAGE_059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220002662111719922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SHEsw7HDMfI/AAAAAAAADOU/lgzZ2auBDFU/s400/IMAGE_059.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm still cranking away trying to hit a deadline at work and Ciege and Bachelor came along with me today. I looked over at his desk and noticed that Bachie was sitting on his lap. I couldn't resist taking a picture and taking a break to post about it. It's hard to see from the picture, but Bachelor has a t-shirt on as well. :)<br /><div></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-69188463058937262162008-07-04T22:21:00.004-06:002008-07-06T03:35:57.423-06:00Fireworks<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8FHMMSiyI/AAAAAAAADNw/hL2mc-rJCXI/s1600-h/IMAGE_053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219396114235689762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8FHMMSiyI/AAAAAAAADNw/hL2mc-rJCXI/s400/IMAGE_053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8FAjjiPOI/AAAAAAAADNo/3d0hQS82m5M/s1600-h/IMAGE_051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219396000248118498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8FAjjiPOI/AAAAAAAADNo/3d0hQS82m5M/s400/IMAGE_051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8E6oxOmgI/AAAAAAAADNg/9pjr2PlrBY4/s1600-h/IMAGE_052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219395898568514050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG8E6oxOmgI/AAAAAAAADNg/9pjr2PlrBY4/s400/IMAGE_052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="mobile-photo" align="center"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG73ACwomzI/AAAAAAAADNY/jq4wtrG_lMs/s1600-h/IMAGE_050-744187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219380598281902898" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG73ACwomzI/AAAAAAAADNY/jq4wtrG_lMs/s400/IMAGE_050-744187.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-family:Arial;" >We just had the time of our lives at the Ann Morrison park fireworks display. We rode our bikes down to see the fireworks and we got front row seats eventhough the place was packed. The show was amazing. My favorite was the fireworks that were shaped like hearts. There were TONS of people there and it turned out to be quite handy to have our bikes with us. We were able to weave in and out of crowds easily and got home with ease while tons of people were stuck in traffic. The ride home on the greenbelt next to the river was as gorgeous as usual and the night was really calm, the weather very cool. It was awesome. I have to say, this was my favorite 4th of July ever! It was just Ciege and I and we had such a great time together. Afterwards we came home for some low-fat frozen yogurt and some more PS3....let the games begin :)</span></div></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-4935488890967815192008-07-04T22:20:00.001-06:002008-07-04T22:20:31.956-06:00Fireworks at the Park<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG72kMPyxeI/AAAAAAAADNQ/aZIquXtvegE/s1600-h/IMAGE_048-731957.jpg"><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG72kMPyxeI/AAAAAAAADNQ/aZIquXtvegE/s400/IMAGE_048-731957.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219380119792174562" /></a></p><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-WEIGHT:Normal;'>Here we are at the park getting ready to see the fireworks...we don't know how to use the flash on the camera phone...countdown just started.</SPAN>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-76505962650310052072008-07-04T21:04:00.003-06:002008-07-04T21:10:26.804-06:004th of July<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG7k7XXJCTI/AAAAAAAADNI/kRS8KiLcX3s/s1600-h/IMAGE_045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219360726703474994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SG7k7XXJCTI/AAAAAAAADNI/kRS8KiLcX3s/s400/IMAGE_045.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's been a CRAZY week! On Wednesday, we worked the entire night until 5:30am trying to meet a deadline. We basically created an entire website in one night for a major client and it was just pure crazy. This is our first "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alnighter</span>" at our work and it was just insane. Luckily we were able to suffer through it together and that made it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span>. Yesterday was filled with a little sleep and lots of work. Finally last night I was able to sign off of work and today has been nothing but pure non-work enjoyment. We got up super late (11am) and then rested around the house. When we got sick of the house, we went out to Panda Express (our new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fav</span>) and then we bought a couple of PS3 games at the mall. Then we went to see the movie Hancock with my Mom and "D". It was a pretty good movie. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ciege</span> was disappointed because he had hoped it was going to be awesome and it was just good. It sounded like Mom and "D" liked it and had a good time. It was great to spend a little time with them....and to NOT BE WORKING :)<br /><br />So now we're just sitting at home playing PS3 together on the couch and I realized that I've neglected to post in over a week so here I am. We're going to possibly hop on our bikes in an hour to go see some cool fireworks. If we're feeling lazy, we'll go out back up to the foothills and catch the view from up there. Either way, the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> of July festivities are about to begin and I'm so excited. Happy 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> everyone!Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-64982309627039269102008-06-27T09:51:00.005-06:002008-06-27T09:56:29.115-06:00Take Your Dog To Work Day - Part II<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUND3nAWfI/AAAAAAAADM8/d9zCorpWUc8/s1600-h/IMAGE_036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216590103496907250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUND3nAWfI/AAAAAAAADM8/d9zCorpWUc8/s400/IMAGE_036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM_cirhyI/AAAAAAAADM0/K_F19g-PDh8/s1600-h/IMAGE_035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216590027511531298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM_cirhyI/AAAAAAAADM0/K_F19g-PDh8/s400/IMAGE_035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM6bB-Z_I/AAAAAAAADMs/niBfnAQCtI8/s1600-h/IMAGE_032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216589941206575090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM6bB-Z_I/AAAAAAAADMs/niBfnAQCtI8/s400/IMAGE_032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM2nzf4FI/AAAAAAAADMk/qZ3XnHrIwJA/s1600-h/IMAGE_031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216589875916038226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUM2nzf4FI/AAAAAAAADMk/qZ3XnHrIwJA/s400/IMAGE_031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUMyDg09nI/AAAAAAAADMc/LyRcWmOI5mE/s1600-h/IMAGE_037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216589797454575218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGUMyDg09nI/AAAAAAAADMc/LyRcWmOI5mE/s400/IMAGE_037.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a hard day's work, Bachelor took an invigorating swim in the lake on the bike commute home. He LOVED it and had a great time fetching sticks. By the end of the evening last night he was completely tired out. It turned out to be quite a fun day of showing off the dog's tricks and we really enjoyed having him beside us at work. I wish every day was Take Your Dog To Work Day.</div></div></div></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-15260677717777868242008-06-26T09:26:00.010-06:002008-06-26T15:20:46.672-06:00Take Your Dog To Work Day<div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1iPssO2I/AAAAAAAADMM/FHmRKe8ppn4/s1600-h/IMAGE_022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216212393359326050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1iPssO2I/AAAAAAAADMM/FHmRKe8ppn4/s400/IMAGE_022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1dMwnSdI/AAAAAAAADME/J4J6gqkGK_Y/s1600-h/IMAGE_023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216212306671126994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1dMwnSdI/AAAAAAAADME/J4J6gqkGK_Y/s400/IMAGE_023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1YUM2d5I/AAAAAAAADL8/k17b42WuPoQ/s1600-h/IMAGE_024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216212222769264530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1YUM2d5I/AAAAAAAADL8/k17b42WuPoQ/s400/IMAGE_024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1TJfXLRI/AAAAAAAADL0/5Z0oyfzZPDU/s1600-h/IMAGE_026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216212133994769682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGO1TJfXLRI/AAAAAAAADL0/5Z0oyfzZPDU/s400/IMAGE_026.jpg" border="0" /></a>Today is "Take Your Dog To Work Day" at Wirestone. When we heard about this day, we were so excited to bring our trick dog to work so that everyone could see him. The only down side is that he is so full of energy and we were afraid that he'd be too much of a spaz in the work environment. So we brought him along on our 3.5 mile morning bike commute and worked him out so that he would come to work exhausted and ready for a day nap. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Riding with Bachelor turned out to be a little challenging. One time CJ crashed because Bachelor saw another dog and took off. Another time Bachelor saw a squirrel on the greenbelt and took off after it as well. But after the two of them got the hang of it, they were trotting along just fine. The ride turned out to be a little much for Bachelor, so we had to stop several times and feed him water out of our water bottle.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Right now we're at work and little Bachelor is wiped out right by CJ's legs. I plan on updating later in the day with pictures from 'dog day'.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216302986596184418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGQH7dzf8WI/AAAAAAAADMU/1zNSPPVLbzI/s400/IMAGE_029.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br />Update: CJ having a conference phone call with Bachelor. During this call, Bachelor saw someone go by the window and started barking wildly...so now he's wearing a muzzle :)Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-28532018179132118652008-06-25T22:45:00.002-06:002008-06-25T22:49:53.975-06:00Goodnight From Bachelor<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGMfA8WTwCI/AAAAAAAADLs/-0HDON-Wpgg/s1600-h/IMAGE_021-755025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216046894485323810" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGMfA8WTwCI/AAAAAAAADLs/-0HDON-Wpgg/s400/IMAGE_021-755025.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">This is a quick picture I took with my great new cellphone. It has this really cool feature which lets me post to the blog directly from my phone by just sending an email/text. Now I really have no excuse not to keep this thing more updated. We're staying up late tonight watching rerun streaming of Jimmy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kimmel</span> Live. It's great but definitely past our bedtime. So goodnight.</p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-53374936643637131082008-06-25T16:06:00.004-06:002008-06-25T16:13:23.771-06:00Working From Home Today<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGLCU4xQBsI/AAAAAAAADLU/lmVe4vapFNY/s1600-h/IMAGE_013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215944982540584642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGLCU4xQBsI/AAAAAAAADLU/lmVe4vapFNY/s400/IMAGE_013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGLCMHBLRGI/AAAAAAAADLM/6Ax-WPDrex0/s1600-h/IMAGE_015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215944831746655330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGLCMHBLRGI/AAAAAAAADLM/6Ax-WPDrex0/s400/IMAGE_015.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Sweigarts are working from home today and we're finding ourselves very very productive. It's amazing how much work you can get done without all of the office chatter and distractions. Bachelor has planted himself in our office chair and we're having a great time.</div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-30027542596593357092008-06-24T09:08:00.009-06:002008-06-24T09:24:31.871-06:00Our Guitar Heroes<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOXh3sWPI/AAAAAAAADLE/HtT9m-ZSi_E/s1600-h/IMAGE_006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215465640863488242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOXh3sWPI/AAAAAAAADLE/HtT9m-ZSi_E/s400/IMAGE_006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOTiLDsdI/AAAAAAAADK8/1fT15NQu5q4/s1600-h/IMAGE_008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215465572225233362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOTiLDsdI/AAAAAAAADK8/1fT15NQu5q4/s400/IMAGE_008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOLLoqYVI/AAAAAAAADK0/Uf7eGER6IRk/s1600-h/IMAGE_009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215465428736434514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SGEOLLoqYVI/AAAAAAAADK0/Uf7eGER6IRk/s400/IMAGE_009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sean, Kendra, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nataya</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Traece</span> came over last night for a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fu</span> Panda movie night and some Guitar Hero. It was so much fun and such a rare treat to get to hang with them on a work night. These guys are the busiest people we know. During the Fall, they have something going every day of the week. So it is great to be able to spend some time just hanging with them. It was fun to watch Sean, our real life "guitar hero" belt out a little "Barracuda" on the super hard level. We all sat on the couch and jeered at him as he "missed the easy notes" but nailed the super hard notes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nataya</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Traece</span> also got a chance to try their hand at some guitar action and we were quite impressed at how good they were!<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So it has been a while since I've posted to the blog...and that is because I've been out enjoying the wonderful new summer weather. We've been out and about on our bikes riding all over town. We've started commuting to work on our bikes in the morning and have been riding whenever we need to go get groceries. So far we are over a week and a half on only a tank of gas! Take that $4.10/gallon! :)<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">And work is going great, but very very busy. I'm working on a tight deadline for June 30, and have been working through my lunches. It has been crazy. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">And one more thing.... I got this awesome new cellphone which easily connects to my work Outlook so it makes sending my phone pictures to my computer like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lickety</span> split. I think having a camera/phone with me everywhere I go will result in some more interesting and frequent posts....that is the plan anyway.</div></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-28049025048281914552008-06-15T09:00:00.001-06:002008-06-15T09:00:02.147-06:00Happy Birthday Aunt Lori<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SFFBeNnZBoI/AAAAAAAADKM/aYzfkXS23VI/s1600-h/auntLori.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211018231151134338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SFFBeNnZBoI/AAAAAAAADKM/aYzfkXS23VI/s400/auntLori.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today is my Aunt Lori's birthday. Happy Birthday Aunt Lori! CJ and I love her so much. She lives in San Pedro, California so it is a rare treat that I get to spend time with her, but when I do I am always amazed at how kind and thoughtful she is. She is an animal lover so we have fun chatting about our pets and how much we love them. She is Bachelor's greatest fan and sends him gifts on his Birthday! :) She is such an amazing woman and definitely someone that I really look up to. We have so much in common and I wish that I could see her more...but this long distance Birthday wish will have to do for now... Happy Birthday! We love you.Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-21374097434741521582008-06-14T22:25:00.003-06:002008-06-14T22:39:20.869-06:00Happy Father's Day<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SFSZ6eNDDbI/AAAAAAAADKs/ezzHKwrhFgg/s1600-h/IMG_1223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211959898593758642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SFSZ6eNDDbI/AAAAAAAADKs/ezzHKwrhFgg/s400/IMG_1223.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Happy Father's Day "D". When I was 15, my Mom married "D" (pictured above) and he took on the amazing burden of a family that had just gone through major tragedy and a step daughter who would have none of his new role in our family. He became a surrogate Father to me and was amazingly patient with me as I completely discounted his role in my life for years. He has been so loving, stable, and kind to my Mom and has given her some much needed peace in her adult life. He is a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fun loving</span> person who is always very warm and friendly. I love his kindness and sincerity. Mostly I just love that he has been always willing to stand by and be there for me no matter what. He has been so understanding as I've struggled through the years and I so look up to him and love him. Thank you "D" for being there for me, for being a Dad when I've needed you to be, and for lovingly being a friend when I've needed that instead. You're such an great person and I just want to give you some much deserved and long overdue praise for the loving sacrifice you've made over the past 15 years. I love you and Happy Father's Day!</div><div>-Can </div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-11107384379069903342008-06-11T17:24:00.004-06:002008-06-11T17:30:20.711-06:00RoutineI realized today that it has been a week since we've posted and I'm feeling a little guilty about being so blog lazy...so here is a post about nothing :)<br /><br />We've really not done anything too exciting the past week. I really can't even recall most of the days of the week. I would say that we've settled into a routine of not doing anything. And this is not good because I've really wanted to start developing some more intentional routines. I am the type of person that doesn't do well with routines...but I LOVE the idea of doing things the same way every day. I wish that I was better at getting up early, going to bed on time, exercising every single day, doing routine laundry, but I always break those routines after about four days of doing them. This week our routine has been to sleep in until the very last second possibly allowable and then rush to get ready and out the door. We barely get breakfast. Then during the evening, we've been retiring to our TV and watching movies, playing games. It's beautiful outside, but I've found myself quite exhausted lately.<br /><br />So I was thinking...is anyone good at routines? If so, does it come naturally to you? And what things are you great at sticking to a routine in your life? What is the secret to keeping a routine? Inquiring <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sweigarts</span> need to know!Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-1608142524848757552008-06-04T14:22:00.004-06:002008-06-04T14:26:23.401-06:00Ciege's Work Shenanigans<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SEb5jflOr-I/AAAAAAAADJk/jr2-2ZomE_8/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208124407268945890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SEb5jflOr-I/AAAAAAAADJk/jr2-2ZomE_8/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ciege is wearing shorts today and is finding it a little chilly over in his office space...so he decided to put his hoody sweatshirt over his legs. It didn't take long for our coworkers to start poking fun at him when he got up from his desk to walk around. It was really funny and nice comic relief to see him posing for his coworkers as they gathered the picture evidence on their cellphones.<br /><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-18117846261883482202008-05-28T12:20:00.003-06:002008-05-28T13:27:30.958-06:00Goog411<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SD2in--aBAI/AAAAAAAADJc/3takbVXdqCY/s1600-h/goog411.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205495552113509378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SD2in--aBAI/AAAAAAAADJc/3takbVXdqCY/s320/goog411.png" border="0" /></a>Since I broke my rule about promoting products on the blog yesterday, I figured I might as well do it again today. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Goog</span>411 is awesome and is such a money saver for me. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Goog</span>411 is a free directory assistance service that you can call while out and about. I use it to call and make appointments, to order pizza, and just whenever I've forgotten a phone number. Prior to using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Goog</span>411 I used to spend lots of money on calling 411 on my cell phone. And while I'm sharing my favorite tips, products, and money savers...what are your favorites? <div><p style="MARGIN: 0in"> </p></div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-70193378843569331892008-05-27T10:22:00.002-06:002008-05-27T10:44:35.159-06:00Great New Find<p align="left"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDw30u-aA_I/AAAAAAAADJU/VFcQ0t5dS-I/s1600-h/ziplock-banner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205096648435958770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDw30u-aA_I/AAAAAAAADJU/VFcQ0t5dS-I/s320/ziplock-banner.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, rarely do I blog about products that I love...but this time I need to make an exception. My Mom suggested these to me and gave me a couple to sample and I am hooked! I guess they never really appealed to me in the store because I didn't think they would be very useful. I really only thought of them as vegetable steamer bags and I always steam my frozen vegetables in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tupperware</span> container and that works fine. What I didn't realize is that these little bags are like magic cookers for your microwave! Last night I chopped up a bunch of baby red potatoes and added them to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">zipnsteam</span> bag along with some crushed garlic and salt and pepper. I put the bag in the microwave and 12 minutes later I had the yummiest steamed red potatoes ever. The texture was perfect, not like the usual microwaved too chewy potato. And what is really great is that you can cook meat and vegetables together in these little bags for a quick healthy meal. I love these bags. We are so busy and we need quick prep meals. My Mom says she has tried salmon and I've found some really great recipes on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Internet</span> here: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/dietcenter/zip_n_steam/recipes-submit.shtml">http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/dietcenter/zip_n_steam/recipes-submit.shtml</a>.<br /><br />Tonight we're going to try shrimp fajitas...yum! We have been dieting and have recently gotten very sick of salads for dinner. I can't wait to try out a bunch of new healthy quick recipes.Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-3269110700247460122008-05-26T11:03:00.007-06:002008-05-26T11:32:29.656-06:00So Tired<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDrwMO-aAyI/AAAAAAAADHY/gejLAB6C4ZM/s1600-h/tired.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204736412348973858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDrwMO-aAyI/AAAAAAAADHY/gejLAB6C4ZM/s400/tired.jpg" border="0" /></a> 20 + Hours of working this weekend along side Ciege has really caught up with me. I'm so tired. After a fairly full night of sleep I woke up feeling very groggy and in need of some serious caffeine...which for me means Diet Coke (coffee is gross).<br /><br />I'm really puzzled as to why I am so exhausted. Although I have been in the office all weekend, I've gotten a chance to do some fun research and haven't had anything that I've HAD to accomplish. And it is not like I've been really stressed out lately. But for whatever reason, I'm really feeling the effects of this weekend.<br /><br />Ciege is quite the trooper. He is exhausted too, but not showing it nearly as bad as I am. No matter how much makeup I put on this morning, I still have huge bags under my eyes. :) It really bugs that guys are so much more resilient than us! And the older they get, they become handsomer. But I digress.<br /><br />We're hoping to break away from work long enough today to enjoy a couple of hours at my Mom's house for a Memorial Day BBQ. That should be nice and relaxing.<br /><br />And although it sounds like I am complaining here...I am very happy. In fact, I have to say that this time in my life is one of my favorites. Ciege and I are still fairly young and very much enjoying our life. We've got no real responsibilities beyond work and our little doggie Bachelor. We've had an amazing couple of years working together. I didn't think it was possible get even closer to Ciege, but our bond has really strengthened this last year as we relate to each other as spouses and coworkers. He is my favorite person and I love being able to share so closely in his work. I feel so blessed to have all of my needs met, have a great career, but most of all to have such a great relationship with my spouse.Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-4424437240859491082008-05-24T21:40:00.004-06:002008-05-24T21:46:29.926-06:00Morphed So Raven!Nona (Ciege's Mom) has told me before that I look just like Raven from "That's So Raven" and I've always denied it like crazy. But alas, a silly website has verified her observation.<br /><br />I was so excited to go over to this cool website and see what celebrity they think I look just like. I have to admit that I was kind of hoping it would choose a more glamorous celeb. <br /><br />Oh well! Nona wins this time. *sigh*<br /><table height="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td height="1"><embed src="http://www.myheritagefiles.com/video/K/28/9ufc25_32365018fd8384if81m325" width="340" height="340" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com/">MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/celebrity-morph">Celebrity Morph</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/ancestors">Ancestors</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/genealogy-search">Genealogy search</a><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bHQ9MTIxMTY4Njc4ODg5OCZwdD*xMjExNjg2ODE2NTkyJnA9MTEwNTcxJmQ9bW9ycGgmbj1ibG9nZ2VyJmc9Mg==.jpg" width="0" border="0" /></p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-80740829211513740062008-05-24T20:24:00.006-06:002008-05-24T20:39:05.451-06:00Work - Life Balance<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDjN7e-aAwI/AAAAAAAADGs/kBf7MplbGFM/s1600-h/worklifebalance.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204135791237399298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SDjN7e-aAwI/AAAAAAAADGs/kBf7MplbGFM/s400/worklifebalance.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><p>I'm standing behind my Man this weekend as he feverishly works to complete a deadline on a project he was supposed to be taken off of weeks ago. He's working so hard this weekend and I couldn't be prouder. It makes me so happy to see that he will do what it takes to follow through on his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">commitments</span>. And I have to admit, it is difficult sometimes to do the right thing and not discourage him from doing this. I would much rather play. We had considered going to Yellowstone this weekend...so I'm pouting a little bit :) </p><p>Working together has its many many benefits, but one of the mixed benefits is that when he stays in the office and works, I find myself compelled to do the same to keep him company. So we were here in the office until 11pm last night and have been in the office all day today. I've been having a fairly good time and have gotten the rare opportunity to do some heavy tech geeky research which is very good for me. Also, last night I queued up "Super Size Me" on my laptop using my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NetFlix</span> account and we were able to enjoy a movie while working. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ciege</span> is getting a little burnt out though, I can tell. We're about 20 minutes away from heading home and I'm hoping that we'll be able to get some major rest before we have to come back in tomorrow for another round of this. </p><p>And the Dilbert cartoon is not meant to belittle our work situation. One of the things that our work has always been awesome about is promoting a great Work - Life balance. For every hour of overtime I have spent here, I think they've <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">repaid</span> me double as far as flexibility in the hours I work and plenty of allowing me to "work from home" when I needed to get out of the office around 3pm from time to time. Working with my spouse blurs the line of work and life because we are experiencing work together. It makes it easier :) </p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-73539878793691324872008-05-21T19:50:00.004-06:002008-05-21T20:23:50.240-06:00In Christ Alone<p><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZFzsU6u853I&amp;hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZFzsU6u853I&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p><p><br /><br />I have something that I just must share with you. It is a long story, so stick with me :) I know that I rarely talk about God and about faith on this blog, but God has been so much on my mind this week, that I can't help but share about this time in my life. Some of you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SweigartSpot</span> readers are not Christians and I ask you to read anyway. If nothing else, I think you'll learn a little more about me and I want to make sure since I am so quiet about my faith that I get a chance at least once to tell you about the most important thing in my life.<br /><br />I have been a Christian ever since I was a little girl. I can remember my first prayer to God and I was four years old when I asked him to "be in my heart". Although I didn't understand the full ramifications of this childhood decision, I can tell you that I have reaffirmed this faith, and very much tested this faith throughout my entire life.<br /><br />My childhood was definitely not picture perfect. I've always had really big "Dad" issues. My biological Father is a career criminal. I can remember lying to my friends about the reason why my Dad didn't live with us. My stories ranged from his greatness as a fireman or a police officer. Instead, he sat in the State <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Penitentiary</span> for robbery, rape, and many other things throughout the years. This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">absence</span> of a Father was always such a big deal to me. Being an only child until I was 13, I truly missed having a Father.<br /><br />When I was 12 years old, my Mom married someone from church. The day they were married, I hugged him and called him Dad. I purposed in my heart that he was the Father I had been waiting for and accepted him as such from that day. He was a highly spiritual man and very involved in our church at the time. He was the loudest "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Amen'er</span>" in the church and constantly told everyone around him about his faith. However, he was a very conflicted person who never received freedom from his own painful past. He was involved in a terrible car accident during his early twenties which left him in a coma for quite a while as well as very affected for his entire adult life. It didn't take long to realize the affects of a spiritual person who isn't quite living their faith. He was highly abusive (in all ways). Much of this abuse was going on in secret. One day my Mom told me that she was going to divorce him, so I decided to tell her about the secret abuse that had been happening during the three years of their marriage. Immediately she went to the courthouse and I found myself telling police officers what had been happening to me. I eventually ended up testifying in front of a Grand Jury and my Step-Father was sent to serve a 3 month jail sentence. 3 days after he was released from prison, he went into our backyard and shot himself. I was 15 at the time and found myself in a very confusing mess of trying to grieve this person that I loved so much while being so intensely angry about everything he had put our family through.<br /><br />Years later, I found myself very anti-religion, especially anti-spiritual people who didn't necessarily live what they were preaching. As a result, I saw the same kind of hypocrisy in my own life. I would profess to be a Christian, yet would definitely live like a non-Christian. Also, I found myself very angry at God. I had the same questions many had...why did I go through this, why are children starving, why do you choose to intervene in some people's lives yet you didn't save me from pain? I could never get great answers to these questions. I found myself knowing Christ, yet very very confused, angry, and not feeling like my faith was very substantial.<br /><br />A couple years ago, I attended a wedding for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CJ's</span> cousin. It was a beautiful ceremony and I loved every minute of it...that is until the bride got up to dance with her father. For some reason, this is the one thing that can send me to tears immediately. I looked away, consoled myself, and thought nothing more of it. On the way home from Seattle, I was looking down from the plane at the mountains below. In my mind an old hymn, "On Christ the solid rock I stand" was playing in my head. I thought this was so weird because I hadn't been to church in forever, and certainly hadn't heard that song in years. And that song always meant nothing to me, so it was weird. </p><p>Three days later, I attended a conference in Utah by Beth Moore. During the conference, I was questioning how HE could possibly be a loving God. I knew that I was taught that HE was, but how could a loving God stand by as so much injustice and pain was going on in the world? I was convinced that he didn't love me. Beth's message was all about how much He did love me. She said that God said that his love for me was immeasurable, as many stars as were in the sky, that is how much he loved me. The entire message went about proving to me that he did love me. It was amazing. We stood up afterwards for the traditional post message worship and this song was performed. I was so moved and definitely "Standing in the love of Christ" when the song transitioned to "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand". It was amazing! Seriously the feeling I had was indescribable. Beth Moore spoke into the microphone, "He wants to dance with you". Oh my goodness, I was overcome with emotion. I'm not sure if that line meant anything else to anyone else in the room, but to me, it was exactly about the wedding dance I had witnessed weeks prior. It was amazing, but it still didn't answer all of those questions still looming in my head about suffering and God's intervention.<br /><br />This last weekend, I went to another Beth Moore conference in Boise. It was so cool because it was almost like God picked right up where he left off with me. Over the past couple of years I have continued to struggle with the whys. God answered my whys <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unequivocally</span> this weekend. I believe that I have a purpose in life and that my purpose will be closely tied to the pains of my past. God is amazing and spoke again to me. Ever since I have just been a different person. During the conference this "In Christ Alone" song was again played. I really can't describe for you how amazing it is to be in a room with 5000 other Christians yet to feel that the entire conference, both conferences were just for me. Amazing! So that is my story. I hope to take you along with me as I struggle and get closer to God. And of all of the silly things I blog about, it was just eating at me to share this one with you! </p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-69064187227877085962008-05-15T09:08:00.004-06:002008-05-26T11:34:56.766-06:00Son & Mom Roller Derby<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SCxSNUg9MsI/AAAAAAAADGk/mZW2m1W5ACY/s1600-h/roller_Derby2_006__800x600_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200622058504794818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SCxSNUg9MsI/AAAAAAAADGk/mZW2m1W5ACY/s400/roller_Derby2_006__800x600_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Last night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ciege</span> took his Mom to "May Day Massacre". Its the Treasure Valley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rollergirls</span> championship bout and by the sounds of it, they had a great time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ciege</span> is hooked. He loved the fights that the girls had and their crazy Roller Derby names. For some who might not be familiar with Roller Derby, here is an explanation (thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wikipedia</span>):</p><blockquote>Roller derby is an <a title="United States" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States">American</a>-invented contact <a title="Sport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport">sport</a>—and<br />historically, a form of <a title="Sports entertainment" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_entertainment">sports<br />entertainment</a>—based on formation <a title="Roller skating" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_skating">roller skating</a> around an<br />oval track. In past decades, roller derby has been primarily a <a title="Professional sports" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_sports">professional</a> or paid<br />sport for both women and men. Roller derby currently consists primarily of a<br />predominantly female, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Amateurism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateurism">amateur</a> or unpaid circuit<br />with a strong <a title="Do it yourself" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_it_yourself">do it yourself</a> ethic.</blockquote><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ciege</span> has been discussing the event this morning with coworkers and you can tell that he just had a really great time last night. He asked his Mom to go because she liked Roller Derby when she was a kid. He had a great time visiting with his Mom and they were out until 1am chatting after the event. </p>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-8223269802863459862008-05-14T18:10:00.002-06:002008-05-14T18:30:03.568-06:00UpdateTime is just flying by. We're already half way through May and I have no idea where the last two weeks have gone. Work has been fun and challenging lately. I'm enjoying what I've been working on so that has been keeping me pretty preoccupied. We recently got a subscription to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Netflix</span>, so we've been spending a lot of our evenings watching movies and hanging out.<br /><br />Last Sunday we got a chance to spend some quality time with both my Mom and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CJ's</span> Mom. We spent breakfast with my Mom and lunch with his Mom. It was a good time and was nice to be able to see both of them. However, I was in a super cranky mood all day and it just so happened that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ciege</span> was also a little irritable. It was definitely one of those days where you are just super happy to get to bed so that you can go to sleep and start fresh on a new day.<br /><br />We're doing the "Biggest Loser" contest again at work. This time around there are 8 participants and each of us put $75.00 in the pot. The winner will be the person(s) who consistently loses at least 1 pound per week until the end of the contest, which is the first of July. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ciege</span> and I are currently the only ones in the contest who have consistently lost. I've lost about 16 pounds and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ciege</span> has lost about 10. We're feeling great, getting to the gym more often...and unfortunately obsessed with dieting right now. Dieting can be such a consuming and draining thing. Although we're feeling very motivated, it will be nice when these healthy habits become more of a way of life for us and we don't have to concentrate on it so much. And I can't wait until I don't fit into a single pair of my current jeans so that I can go shopping for new ones :)<br /><br />The dog is driving me CRAZY. We're going through a rough spell with him because he has become completely neurotic. It all started with a stupid laser pointer. We found that if we shined a laser pointer he would go crazy and chase the light around. His little tail would wag and we thought it was great. Well that silly laser pointer opened up a new world of possibilities in his little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">doggee</span> brain because now anytime there is any kind of shadow or light on a wall he goes crazy. He spins and fixates on it and won't settle down. He smacks his little face on the wall trying to bite the shadows. I can't put on my makeup in the morning without him freaking out because of the shadow my compact mirror makes on the wall. We're really going to have to figure out how to break him of this.<br /><br />And I think that is pretty much all that has been happening at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sweigarts</span> lately. I'm really disappointed with my lack of blog posting lately. My life can't really be this boring!Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-22130768236118382682008-05-04T22:16:00.004-06:002008-05-04T22:43:30.395-06:00We LOVE Rebates<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">never mind</span> that the "economic stimulus" package will probably fail miserably and not bring our economy out of a slump. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Forget </span>that the government is actually borrowing this money to go even deeper into debt.<br /><br />We thought we'd do our patriotic duty and pump our rebate cash back into the economy...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SB6LFQImqZI/AAAAAAAADGc/6s4cglGbLFE/s1600-h/194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196743942378793362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SB6LFQImqZI/AAAAAAAADGc/6s4cglGbLFE/s400/194.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SB6K7wImqYI/AAAAAAAADGU/P6kPDN-bEmg/s1600-h/195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196743779170036098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ziQXjfTtijM/SB6K7wImqYI/AAAAAAAADGU/P6kPDN-bEmg/s400/195.JPG" border="0" /></a> This week we brought ourselves into the 00's and finally kicked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CJ's</span> old TV from high school out the door in exchange for this shiny new 47" LCD. We've been talking about doing this for over a year and the government's cash gave us a perfect excuse to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">splurge</span>. It is amazing. We also purchased a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Playstation</span> 3, so that we could play <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bluray</span> movies, and all I can say is... amazing. We're in TV heaven. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CJ's</span> in Madden heaven. </div><div> </div><div>We've opted to not jump right into buying cable or satellite for now. We figure that the summer is about to hit and there are no good shows on anyway. So we'll spend our summer watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Netflix</span> movies. We've also hooked our computers up to the TV and have been enjoying streaming our favorite current TV shows. But I am afraid that come football season, we'll be needing to get some cable so that we can enjoy hours of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CJ</span> watching and me sleeping my Sundays away.</div><div> </div><div>So we didn't really go out and enjoy the great weather this weekend. Instead we watched several movies, online TV shows, and played some games. We've set the TV up for now on a table, but soon we'll be mounting it to the wall. This wall is just perfect for it too. On the other side of the wall is our walk-in crawl space. So it is going to be a snap to install and get at the equipment from the other side of the wall. </div><div> </div><div>And another really great thing about our new setup...we've placed it in our basement which stays super chilly cold in the summer. Today the rest of the house was a balmy 78 degrees while the basement was so chilly we were snuggling up with blankets. It was great! We've decided that we'll probably move our office/craft room to the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> level room and we'll convert that basement's bedroom into a summer sleeping quarters. We're excited to be able to save some energy cash this year. But the funny thing about it is that we're sleeping everywhere in the house BUT the master bedroom. Ever since we purchased that spare bedroom King-sized bed, we've been sleeping there. And now we'll be sleeping in spare bedroom #2 during the summer. Ha! :) The master bedroom is really great, but we haven't slept there much in this house. The really funny thing is that this is where Bachelor loves to nap during the day while we're at work. I think he must chuckle to himself...Who's the master now? :)</div><div> </div><div>Everything else is going great at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sweigarts</span>. We're loving the Spring weather with the exception of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">CJ's</span> allergies. (and lawn work) We're just about ready to start riding our bikes to work again. We're finally getting some good relaxing entertainment at home with our great new TV. I think the only thing that isn't quite right around here is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">CJ</span> is a bit stressed at work. Other than that, we're doing great and I'm feeling quite content and happy with the way our life has been going.</div>Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4718544461059309141.post-56198964416473743802008-04-23T08:30:00.001-06:002008-04-23T08:34:07.198-06:00Pro-OxidantOn the way to the gym yesterday, Ciege and I had a very funny conversation. We were talking about all of the "hype" about antioxidants and how we have no idea what an oxidant is and why an antioxidant would be good. But these antioxidants sure are getting quite a bit of attention lately. With the way that things change over the years with the hype surrounding nutrition, we can see there being some news story that comes out and tells us that oxidants are good for your diet. So then CJ blurted out that in fact he thinks he might be Pro-Oxidant. It was hilarious and probably a "you've got to be there" moment...but I thought I would share. If the world ever decides that oxidants are good for you, CJ was "Pro-Oxidant" all along. :)Craig, Candace &amp; Bachelorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10796833732101212628noreply@blogger.com