You found me (not that I've been hiding) and, yes, I realize this page was built in Blogger, but I'm really not using it as a blog. Occasionally, I'll post a note in the space below, but not too often.

However, I do blog regularly and invite you to check it out. If you're looking for me, I'm probably logged in to Facebook right now. I also tweet a lot.

Twitter is where I make most of my noise...


Saturday, January 16, 2010

Curling: You KNOW you want to try it

With the Winter Olympics quickly approaching, you will no doubt at some point find yourself staring at the TV, mesmerized by the mystical, ancient sport of curling. You may even think, perhaps out loud, "I'd really like to try that."

Well, your dreams can soon become a reality. See, I found myself in that exact same place during the 2006 games. Then, almost as if by fate, I stumbled upon the Triangle Curling Club while searching Google for an explanation of the game. As luck would have it, they were hosting a Learn to Curl event, where I really could try it.

After several attempts (apparently, I wasn't alone in wanting to check it out), I managed to get into one of the sessions. I immediately fell in love with the game, joined the club and began playing.  Over the next few years, I've taken on the role of the club's PR person and have since begun the process of becoming a Level 1 Instructor. I even managed to collect a couple trophies along the way by finding myself on the winning team in our most recent fall league and summer bonspiel (tournament).

The game itself is simple to learn. Sure, everyone struggles with balance and delivery at first, but the overall concepts are fairly easy to grasp. The best part is, you don't have to buy any equipment to get started. The club owns the stones and has brooms and sliders to borrow.

So, if you want to give it a go, the club has arranged for several Open House and Learn to Curl events surrounding the Olympics, Open Houses will be set up as stations where you can try out different aspects of the game. Learn to Curls are more of a step-by-step learning process.  Dates are:

Thursday, February 4th - 8:00 pm
Open House

Friday, March 5th - 8:30 pm
Open House

Sunday, March 7th - 4:00 pm
Open House


Friday, March 12th - 8:30 pm
Learn to Curl


Sunday, March 14th - 4:00 pm
Learn to Curl:


Thursday, March 18th - 8:00 pm
Learn to Curl

Friday, March 19th - 8:30 pm
Learn to Curl

Check out the club's upcoming event schedule for details, costs and RSVP instructions.

Hops & Hickory