Wow.  I had no idea.  In the past, we have asked around about cool places to visit that are nearby.  Kern Canyon had come up a couple times, but for whatever reason I hadn't given it much thought.

On Saturday, we packed up lunch, and headed out on 178.  I was pleasantly surprised at how close and how beautiful it is out there!  On top of that, we actually really love that kind of weather too, rain clouds and temps in the 70s.  I love going to the coast, but even that almost seems to costly a trip now with gas over four bucks, so its nice to know there is another beautiful getaway so close by. 

Bakersfield is growing on me.  The city has a bad rap, which I heard repeatedly from people before moving here, but I think its got such a great location to be in so many different types of places within 2 hours or less.

Anyways, all that is to say I think I've found my new 'getaway' place.

With a 3 day weekend ahead, I am looking forward to a break.  Especially after a busy week (and its only Wednesday!).  We can't really afford to do any vaccation right now, not even a 'near by' vaccation.  So, I want to try to simulate one at home. 

Pretty much my favorite things to do when we ARE able to get away is to be completely chill.  I love to swim all day, then order pizza to the hotel, and watch movies into the night.  A stunning realization- I can do all those things AT HOME.  Sure, there is something about actually being away that makes the difference, but no reason we can't have a faux-vaccation. 

Anyone know of any fun things happening over memorial weekend? 

Do any of you listen to podcasts?  I have several that I listen to regularily. 

If Raising Bakersfield were to have a podcast, would you listen to it?  If you do not listen to them now, would you if this site hosted one?  Something that featured local events, interviews with childhood experts and doctors who could answer your questions. and hosted by a local couple?

Just curious how many of you would be interested in something like that.  I love podcasts because I can listen to them whatever I'm doing.  I can be working or driving or whatever, so don't have to make extra time for them.

So, this topic is a little belated, but I wanted to ask anyways.  I know many of you have moved here from another city, or even another area of the country entirely like we did. 

What is your typical response on mothers day?  I mean, do you just send a card and call?  Or do you typically send a gift?  Do you have the type of moms that are upset if they do not get a present?

My mom is real good about it.  She is pretty low key, and would be happy with a simple phone call, but I usually try to at least send something.  This year it was a book called 'A Mothers Legacy,' one of those books your mom can fill out all about her life.  I look forward to reading what she fills out.  There is a 'Fathers Legacy' as well, that I'd recommend for Fathers Day. 

I've been here long enough now to know that we don't exactly have great air here.  In fact, isn't it like the 2nd smoggiest city in the nation?

I am wondering how much this really affects us.  I mean, our bedroom is likely much less clean than yours, but it also isn't at a level that will threaten your health (thats debatable I guess.)  So, the air the way it is here, are there any kind of proven results of long term effects?  Are we talking 'its not clean, but its not harmful' or are we talking 'you are safer breathing 2nd hand smoke.'

If there are common long term effects, do you plan on raising your children here their whole lives?

(My wife and I worked on this list together)

Replacements

Area Code 651, 612 has been replaced by area code 661

National American University has been replaced by San Joaquin Valley College (with another ear-wracking tune)

Cold and snow has been replaced by heat and fog

Trips to Target has been replaced by, well, trips to Target

Reservedness has been replaced by friendliness

Lakes have been replaced by desserts

The Rosedale split has been replaced by  Rosedale Highway

Caribou Coffee has... Not been replaced. However, Seattle's Best & Dagny's will have to do

Hip, busy city living has been replaced with simple city living

Working opposite shifts has been replaced by togetherness

Grilling in our yard during summer months has been replaced with grilling on our porch every week

Weekend trips to visit family have been replaced by daytrips to the coast

Collapsing bridge has been replaced by earth quakes

North Minneapolis has been replaced by East Bakersfield

Child swap between friends has been replaced with church generosity

The Minneapolis Riverfront has been replaced by the Kern River Park of Bakersfield

Walking through snow has been replaced with walking past palm trees

Concerts have been replaced by story time at Borders

Bad renting experience has been replaced with good renting experience

Trees have been replaced by oil derricks :)

Brooklyn Center has been replaced by Oildale

Medium white mint condition has been replaced by a medium maple white mocha

Mosquitos have been replaced by hummingbirds

Familiar and comfortable replaced with new and exciting