First MiLP of 2026 – Let’s Go!
Posted on March 31, 2026 by Ching under Pickleball.
Now that my knees are feeling better — that and Duane doesn’t really need me on tournament day (I mostly help with tournament promotion, team/player recruitment, helping orphan players find teams, pre-tournament logistics planning and prep, etc.) — I decided I should play in one of these super fun, super amazing the Dink Official Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) team events. Why should everyone else have all the fun?
Besides being my first for 2026, this is also my first after my pickleball sabbatical. This tournament was further made special because our friend Jim Tsen, who we met in Mexico in 2024, came to visit and play in it with us.
Our MiLP team consisted of Brady Randall, Julie Egy, and me and Jim. We had the lowest team DUPR of all the teams in the DUPR 16 division so I knew it would be an uphill battle but it was a great day of competition over all. Plus, it was fun reconnecting with Jim (the last time Brian and I saw him was before our Alaska cruise in June and it had been since November 2024 for the others) and introducing him to all our Wichita pickleball friends. He even got to meet my mom and dad (who he didn’t get to meet in June because they decided to do their own thing and didn’t go to dinner with us in Seattle) and other Chicken N Pickle ambassadors they day before he left.
I will share more from Jim’s recent visit on the next post.
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First Time at Coquetry Maison
Posted on March 30, 2026 by Ching under Food and Drink.
Had the opportunity to check out this cute, new coffee shop downtown.
Their decor is super cute.
Their coffee is good and reasonably priced. I think it’s the perfect place for a casual meeting or catch up with a friend. Pennant still has my favorite iced vanilla latte, though. Which coffee shop is your fave?
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March Madness
Posted on March 30, 2026 by Ching under Hobbies, Things to Do.
The month of March was all about drinking martinis and reviving old hobbies. First, I picked up crochet again and made a few things.
I made a washcloth and a lizard for Brian.
For myself, I made a coaster and a scrunchy and also a little flower thing (not pictured) using the leftover yarn from the washcloth.
Also in March, I decided to try all 20 martini flavors at TapNPaddles. I actually finished my last one on March 24 but I’ll probably go again tomorrow to have my favorite one. Here’s to ending March with a bang!
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Baileys Tasting
Posted on March 27, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
We had an impromptu Baileys tasting at home the last time that Laurie Adams came to visit. Who knew that Baileys Irish Cream had so many flavors? I had previously only ever had the original.
On a recent trip to Groves (because Laurie wanted to pick up some NUTRL vodka seltzers), we came across the Cinnamon Churros flavor on sale for $16. But then I noticed they were offering a $20 mail-in rebate (which I am still waiting to receive in the mail) on three bottles so I picked up a bottle of Salted Caramel and Chocolate. These were not on sale unfortunately but I was counting on the $20 to offset the cost. #ChingMath
Anyways, we had ourselves a little Baileys tasting. I was excited to try these three flavors that I’d never had before.
The Chocolate flavor reminded me of Godiva chocolate liqueur, which I have had bottles of in the past.
The Churros kind of reminds me of RumChata.
The Salted Caramel was my favorite and could definitely see myself adding it to my morning coffee (only on weekends, of course, and not on work days) for that extra little kick. I could also see myself drinking it plain over ice.
Our little tasting adventure made me curious about how many different flavors of Baileys Irish Cream are available. Apparently, there have been over 20 flavors over the years when you include discontinued, seasonal, and regional releases. However, there are 11 currently sold in the US market.
- Original Irish Cream
- Espresso Crème
- Salted Caramel
- Strawberries & Cream
- Chocolate Liqueur
- Cinnamon Churros
- Apple Pie (often seasonal)
- Colada (limited/seasonal)
- Almande (vegan)
- Coffee Toffee (non?dairy oat milk)
- Cookies & Creamy (non?dairy oat milk)
Now that I know these exist, I’m on a mission to try them all. If I remove the two seasonal ones, I guess there are only five I need to try right now. Totally doable. Who wants to join me in this mission?
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LEGO Build Day with the Children
Posted on March 26, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
The same weekend that we did Overnight at the Museum, we were in full nerd-out mode and had a LEGO build day with Kendra Wicks (one of our pickleball daughters) and Jared Smart, local LEGO expert. I had gotten the LEGO Insects Collection set from Brian’s parents for Christmas but hadn’t found time to complete the builds because I knew it would take several days and I didn’t want to be in the middle of a partially completed build when the cleaners came. I was afraid that I would lose parts and pieces in our last-minute scramble to de-clutter before cleaning day. We have lost so many things this way.
When I found out that Jared is a LEGO expert, I figured we would be able to complete all three insects in one sitting with his and Kendra’s help. We were able to complete what would have taken us (Brian and I) days in less than two hours!
Brian and Jared decided to work on their builds solo. Jared took the praying mantis and Brian took the beetle, while Kendra and I worked on the butterfly together.
Jared who, is a pro at building LEGOs, actually finished his praying mantis first. He also helped the rest of us with ours.
Here’s the butterfly that Kendra and I completed.
Brian chose the most elaborate of the three project and finished his beetle last.
Here are all three completed insects.
I didn’t really get any LEGOs growing up because they are kind of expensive. As an adult, I’m now completely obsessed. Here are some of the other LEGO projects that I want to build:
- LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees
- LEGO Botanicals Hibiscus Flower
- LEGO Botanicals Orchid
- LEGO Botanicals Flower Arrangement
- LEGO Icons Tranquil Garden
- LEGO Art Love
Anyway, not sure what I would actually do with all of these if I ever get around to building them. I might have to buy a special display cabinet. What about you all? Do you like LEGOs? What are your thoughts on my latest obsession?
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