October 31, 2002
Happy Halloween
Its that time of year again! Time for all the little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts to visit their old haunts. Remembering all the fun I've had on Halloweens past just makes me smile.
Posted by criminal at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
I'm frustrated. No matter what I do, Samuel and I can't seem to end up on the same page. We're back to stealing each other's foul moods, overreacting to every situation, and misinterpreting every exchange. It drives me mad. There are so many times when I just want to give up and chuck the whole damned relationship. But then I remember that I grew away from my old friends because, as differences arose, I didn't make any attempts to keep them close to me. I don't want to do that anymore. Once upon a time, Sam and I actually loved to spend time together. We spent more time together than we did alone, but must have taken that comfort for granted. We screwed up. Now, for every good interaction there is one just as bad, not to mention the two or three that are simply confusing. Its like our baggage is slowly spilling out onto the floor and neither of us has the common sense to repack it or let go of it. We're tripping on the contents dragging behind us, breaking ourselves, turning our pain into anger. I never think its my fault and he never thinks its his fault, so we blame each other for our pain until we get lonely enough to forget. Then we just fall again. I want some emotional duct tape to hold our issues in until we repack or find some new bags. I really just want things to be comfortable again - for us to get along without trying, the way we used to.
Posted by criminal at 12:01 AM | Comments (0)
October 30, 2002
Yoga
I'm really enjoying this yoga class at WPI - granted, I skipped today's class to sew. It makes me feel physically healthy and strong. However, I've also noticed some of my weaknesses because of it. I've always considered my core to be quite strong, but between the planks, pushups, and plows on Monday, my back is dying. Its not that it hurts or feels out of place, its that all the supporting muscles are sore from practicing yoga. Man, I really could use a massage, but I'm not the type of person to beg for one. I asked once, didn't get it, and am unlikely to repeat myself.
Posted by criminal at 10:57 PM | Comments (1)
Back in Business
Criminal Grace has been down for more than the last 24 hours due to server problems at CyberPixels. I really had a few things to say yesterday, but wasn't able to post them, and now I just can't remember what they were. But at least the site's back up, right?
Posted by criminal at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2002
Costume Capers
Somehow I volunteered myself to help Liz, Amy, and Jami make their Halloween costumes. They're going to be the Power Puff girls, but I found a relatively simple pattern for their dresses, so it should only take a few hours. So, in addition to making their three costumes, I have to finish my own. I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised by my costume - its going to be really cool. I'm so excited for the parties this year, even if I haven't announced one of my own yet.
Posted by criminal at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)
Chill in the Air
There's a nice chill in the air. Its even starting to feel like winter. They were forecasting snow for tomorrow, but its only a chance. The real stuff has been postponed 'til Friday and Saturday. Works for me as long as it snows. I don't care what anybody says, I like it.
Posted by criminal at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2002
Like a Cat in Water
I went sailing for the first time ever today. Liz arranged for us to go out on a Catboat, which she worked on several summers ago. I have to admit that it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had in New England. Since I was a kid, I've had issues with boats and water. Mostly its the fish in the water that the boats are on, but its also the wave motion. Rolling along the waves used to make me green in the face - but my boat travel was limited to ferries and small cruise ships. I was fine on the little boats on the lake this summer, although going below deck on the Heritage made me thankful for the dock it was moored to, so it surprised me when going out on a 34' sailboat didn't make me uncomfortable at all. I was even comfortable moving around it - no gripping the rails or worrying about falling over, despite sitting near the edge in the bow. I'm not sure if I love it as much as Liz, Eric, or Sam do yet, but I definately want to do it again. And again. Now I'm just a little sorry that I'd never been out before - especially since three of my closest friends love sailing and plan on owning boats of their own - because there's so much I've been missing. I can't wait until next summer when the season starts again.
Posted by criminal at 11:59 PM | Comments (1)
Cape Cod
I went to the Cape this weekend for the first time in the four years I've lived in Massachusetts. Its a bit too hyped. It was pretty and quaint, and seemed nice enough in late October. Unfortunately, I think I'd hate it in mid-summer when it is apparently most attractive. It would be too touristy and fake. It was a nice trip though - good company makes all the difference in the world. Liz, Jeremy, Chris, and I went to dinner at the Dolphin with Liz's family. I enjoyed a wonderful blueberry glazed duck and pumkin ice cream pie (which I plan on making for thanksgiving or christmas). We followed it up with a bit of bar hopping in Hyannis. Most of our time (and alcohol) was spent in the Hyport Brewery and the Blue Anchor, although we also stopped at Harry's and the RooBar. It was just a great night to be wearing high-heeled boots, fishnet stockings, and a little black skirt. Somehow, I don't think the it shocked any of the quaint locals.
Posted by criminal at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)
Where's the savings?
I fell back this morning. And now I'm falling asleep. According to my clock, its not even midnight, but my body's telling me that I should be in bed. What's this whole daylight savings thing going to do to my body? I've been waking up on my own every morning at 9:30. Does this mean I'll be up an hour earlier from now on? That's a depressing thought.
Posted by criminal at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2002
New Fall Look
I know its a bit late, but I wanted a new fall look. So here it is. The sidebar is still a bit funky, but its late and I'm tired, so I'll fix it later. How's it look on regular displays?
Posted by criminal at 02:23 AM | Comments (2)
October 25, 2002
Little Punkins
Apple picking was great. We ended up going to the Tougas Family Farm in Boylston. It was the last week for pick-your-own there, and let me just say that pickings were slim. We did manage to come home with a peck each. I also got a family of little pumpkins for the mantle while we were there. That wasn't enough though, because when I stopped at the Paquette Farm Stand in Shrewsbury, I found this gem. I spotted it as we were getting back into the car empty-handed and just couldn't leave without it. What can I say? I'm a sucker for deformed squash.
Posted by criminal at 08:01 PM | Comments (1)
How Do You Like Them Apples?
All is not lost. I'm still going apple picking with Eric and the kids this afternoon. We're going to the Clearview Farm in Sterling, which is right up 190, near Mt. Wachussett. Its a bit late in the season, so we're not sure if they still have pick your own. We're taking the chance anyway because I like orchards regardless.
Posted by criminal at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)
Friday Five for October 25, 2002
Once again, thanks to the wonderful folks at FridayFive.org.
1. What is your favorite scary movie? I seem to remember the entire Gremlins series as being terribly scary. Of course, I was young. These days, I'd have to say The Cell and Silence of the Lambs are my favorites.
2. What is your favorite Halloween treat? The donuts I got from the MacArthurs, my grandmother's neighbors. Next to those, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the absolute bestest.
3. Do you dress up for Halloween? If so, describe your best Halloween costume. I love to dress up for Halloween. I wish it came around more often so I could come up with even more fun costumes. I think the best ever was the pregnant nun.
4. Do you enjoy going to haunted houses or other spooky events? I don't much care for haunted houses because most just feel fake. I've been on a great spooky hayride though.
5. Will you dress up for Halloween this year? Oh hecks yeah. I'm planning on being a cave woman, although I keep thinking I want to be a greco-roman goddess.
Posted by criminal at 03:07 PM | Comments (0)
Poopy
I'm feeling poopy today (to use Liz's word). First of all, my hormones are running rampant thanks to the shot and my cycle, making me moody, bloated, and overly sensitive to smells. Secondly - and don't you dare laugh - I'm teething. My wisdom teeth are pretty much in, but they're still covered in tissue. Every once in a while, a new section will decide it wants in on the action and tear its way through my gums. This makes me want to eat lots of crunchy, bad-for-you foods. Next, I'm not going to Ireland. Its not that earth-shattering, but its certainly not happy news. Finally, tonight's date got postponed, so until tomorrow's trip to the Cape, there's not much to look forward to. I hate to complain, but today is just being poopy.
Posted by criminal at 02:58 PM | Comments (2)
October 24, 2002
What If?
I had a nice chat with Caitlin tonight. We talked about school, roommates, and finding men. Every time I talk to her, I can't help but wonder "what if?" What if circumstances had been different? Would we have been better friends if not for Sam? Or would we have lacked that common experience as a bonding agent? I suppose that without him we never would have known each other, and there are many years left in our lives. Years from now we may be able to look back and laugh at ourselves like old friends. I think I'd like that.
Posted by criminal at 12:01 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2002
Snowflakes Are Falling On My Head
Hooray! The first snow of the season fell in the wee hours of morning and I couldn't be happier. It was only 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch, but its enough to make everything look a little prettier.
Posted by criminal at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)
WWPI
Chunshek has been futzing with the WWPI web page and it looks great. It now lists the last 10 songs in the rotation and features a webcam. Look for lots more great stuff on the page. The station is also getting in some new equipment, so hopefully I'll be in by next week recording some sexy station identifiers. Sweet.
Posted by criminal at 02:02 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2002
Man Magnet
What am I today? A freakin' man magnet? I didn't even go out much, but spent the majority of my time in the company of men. Eric and I conspired and got dinner at New England Roast Beef before going to the Tech News meeting (which is always mostly men). Then I get a few nice emails from prospective studs (yes, I call them studs, but its not derrogatory or indicative of their status, just a catch-all term that has a nice ring to it). The one guy I've been quite chilly to lately made a huge effort to be nice and talk to me about what's going on in my life, despite my lousy attitude. And finally, when I signed on tonight, I had a few more guys IM me. I've really only talked to two women today. Two. But more than a dozen guys. Now, if I can just stay magnetized a bit longer, I'll be all set.
Posted by criminal at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)
The Search is Over
After a year of searching, I finally found the font I wanted for the Tech News T-Shirts. Its called Codex and its based on the work of Leonardo Da Vinci. Now, the design I've been envisioning is complete and just needs the approval of the editorial board. I can see them around campus already...
Posted by criminal at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)
Ire
I'm going to Ireland in a few weeks if I can find a cheap enough plane flight. Well, and once I get it approved by my sister. My mother wants me to be my sister's travel buddy when she tours Ireland. It should be a great time.
Posted by criminal at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
Nice Rack
My pal Alex asked me what was new in my life and this is the conversation that transpired:
parzlee: so i can get my boob job
AHaley42: really?!
parzlee: yep
AHaley42: gee ... can I keep the remains on display? ! ( yea .. that's some fine rack up there ... where'd ya bag that? )
Posted by criminal at 02:54 PM | Comments (0)
Real Friends
Its so comforting to have real friends that will put up with you even when you're in the oddest of moods. Eric and Liz let me act so strange last night and loved me reguardless. From dinner, to geek time, Sneakers, going to The Dave's, watching South Park, and getting Frosties, they were great. I guess I just needed to say how glad I am to have them around. Otherwise I might be stuck stealing pint glasses with an insensitive dink.
Posted by criminal at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2002
Honesty Pills
It seems I must have been slipped a few honesty pills yesterday... I've been bluntly honest for quite a while and it feels pretty good. From turning down creepy old men to dealing with Sam, I've had an urge to say what I mean and get it over with. If you know me, you'll understand how big of a deal this is - I'm not ever dishonest, but I don't usually speak all of my mind for fear of hurting or angering someone. But now the fear seems to have receded. How refreshing.
Posted by criminal at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
Cold Toes
Damn, my toes are freezing. I'm sitting here on Eric's futon and using his heating pad to warm up the icicles I call my feet. And its not even that cold in here... what is wrong with me? And where are the large human furnaces I should be warming them up on?
Posted by criminal at 01:08 AM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2002
Enough Already
I've been on the computer way too much in the last week. I think my poor laptop was on for three days straight. So I'm cutting back. That's not to say I won't use it at all, but I'm going to let the poor computer have a rest. Not to mention my eyes. I've had enough.
Posted by criminal at 01:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2002
Friday Five for October 18, 2002
1. How many TVs do you have in your home? One in the living room and one in my bedroom.
2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?Including football, about 8-10 hours, most of it on Sunday.
3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children? Hell no. Television can be great for kids - as long as its supervised and explained.
4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you're heartbroken? Monday Night Football. I used to pout when I missed Christopher Lowell or Trading Spaces. But there are always reruns.
5. If you had the power to creat your own television network, what would you line-up look like?A heavy rotation of educational programs (like the discovery channel and TLC) with sports weekends, block buster movies at night, and news/weather at the top of every hour. Oh. And good music videos instead of commercials.
Posted by criminal at 03:46 AM | Comments (0)
Twitterpated
Liz is so completely twitterpated. We went to dinner with Sarah Kelly and soent an hour at the mall, and I swear that every other conversation was about Jeremy. That's not to say that I don't dominate my end with a particular topic (luckily enough, today it was boobies, and everyone likes boobies), but it just makes it more obvious how hung up she is. Its so sweet that it can be disturbing. I think that's jealousy talking though, because I really do think that she's in a good romantic situation, and I'm just not. I mean, she was looking at engagement rings and telling me which ones she liked best "just in case." That's twitterpation.
Posted by criminal at 03:37 AM | Comments (1)
Giddy Fools
Eric and I are giddy fools. I'd explain it all here, but he's already said it here. Plus, it gives me an excuse to plug his site (and to tell you that I've answered several question of the days right)
Posted by criminal at 03:30 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2002
Making Contact
I got contacts again last Friday. So far, I like these better than either of the ones I tried a couple years ago. My only complaint is that my eyes seem to dry out a lot. Does that get better with time or should I invest in a gallon-size container of rewetting drops? Oh, and Sunday night they were basically glued to my eyeballs. Ouch. Half an hour and two red, irritated eyes later I was free. I've been trying to wear them for shorter durations since then, hoping my eyes will adjust.
Posted by criminal at 08:41 PM | Comments (1)
The Right Trousers
Wallace and Gromit are back! According to this article, the duo has returned in a series of one-minute shorts featuring a host of Wallace's latest inventions. Even better, there's a new movie in the works, due out in 2004. This makes me want to go out and watch The Wrong Trousers all over again.
Posted by criminal at 08:03 PM | Comments (0)
I'm Beat
Don't know what it is, but I was totally beat after my trip to the gym this afternoon. I still haven't regained my earlier energy. Granted, it was my first real workout in more than two weeks, but it still shouldn't wipe me out. Maybe tomorrow won't be so tiring. I feel like I need to build up my upper body so that I don't lose everything I've worked for during my recovery. I have no doubts that I'll be able to walk, ride a stationary bike, or even use the stairmaster after a few weeks. But I know my upper-body movements will be severly restricted for quite a while. That means no bench presses or lat pull downs, which makes me an unhappy, unstrong girl.
Posted by criminal at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2002
Holy Boobies Batman!
I've been so preoccupied with the latest news that I forgot to mention it. And how much more important could it get?? My surgery was approved by the insurance company and is scheduled for December 5. Holy boobies. Its actually going to happen. Now I just need to make sure that my boob blog happens too. I'm working on it...
Posted by criminal at 05:51 PM | Comments (1)
Lesbian First Lady
Which Famous Homosexual are you?
Seems I'd be Eleanor Roosevelt. I didn't even know she was a lesbian, although that revelation doesn't come as a complete surprise.
Posted by criminal at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
Put: People
If you're an astute reader, you'll notice that I griped about someone in the previous post. Which almost never happens in this blog. That would be because I'm afraid that friends will read too much into what I've said or take what I've said the wrong way. Now I realize how much of my life I haven't documented for fear of telling too much. But I guess there's no reason to hold it back. I don't think I'll ever stoop to personal attacks, but I think this journal lacks many of my observations and feelings concerning the people in my life. Prattling on about what I did or read is only interesting for so long... At some point, you realize that its missing the people that make it interesting. So, they're back in.
Posted by criminal at 02:26 AM | Comments (0)
Falling
Ahhh. Its finally fall. The air has a chill, the trees have become earthy rainbows, and football season is well underway. I just got back from a weekend trip to Maine. Eric and I went up with Sam and Nick, who are both spending the rest of term break at home. I'd like to say it was relaxing, but not all of it was. I mean, I think anyone would be hardpressed to put "Sam" and "relaxing" in the same sentence. I know, I know. I usually describe his effect on me as "relaxing" because being with him can put me at ease, but he was a particularly large pain in the neck this weekend. But other than that, it was nice. There will be pictures soon.
Posted by criminal at 02:17 AM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2002
Just Call Me Frank
Frankenstein that is. I believe I've created a monster by giving my father a computer and access to the Internet. I set a stalker bell on him in AIM like I've done with my mother and sister, and so far, it goes off an average of 6 times a day. Sooner or later he'll get the hang of it and his instant messages will start sounding more normal, but for now they sound trendy and comical. Somehow, when he moved into the Internet Age, he adopted the speech of the other new converts who are his junior by an average of 45 years. It just makes me giggle everytime I get a message. I don't imagine all the people I've loosed him on are giggling though. I guess that's the fun of being a mad scientist.
Posted by criminal at 06:13 PM | Comments (0)
Sweet Jonnie
Jonnie is back in town and I'm sure he's already up to his cute little hijinx. He's even suggesting that I call him honey instead of just a casual hon. Sometimes the kid just tries too hard. Well, I haven't seen him in a few months, on account of his MQP work for NASA in Maryland, so I guess he's entitled to be a little fresh. Sam is supposed to be taking us out to dinner tonight, which should proove to be a good time as long as we stay away from the booze.
Posted by criminal at 06:04 PM | Comments (0)
Site Fixes
The problems with my galleries finally got annoying enough for me to fix them. Turns out it was easier than I thought it would be. Let me just say that whoever designed that "find and replace" function is entitled to free lovin' for life. Anyway, you'll find that the Photo Gallery is functioning properly, minus a few issues with padding that I haven't worked out. I've also added my latest creations to the Greeting Card Gallery. Knock yourselves out.
Posted by criminal at 06:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2002
Shoot the Moon
From a song by Norah Jones:
Now the fall is here again
You can't begin to give in
It's all over
When the snows come rolling through
You're rolling too with some new lover
Will you think of times you've told me
That you knew the reason
Why we had to each be lonely
It was just the season
Posted by criminal at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)
Naughty Pictures
Well, maybe not so naughty - more semi-nude. I mentioned to Liz and Eric today that I want to take pictures of my breasts for posterity. I mean, the plastic surgeon took a couple shots for my file, but I don't have them. Both of them seemed to think it was a good idea. Eric even mentioned that Jonnie would be back in town tomorrow and that we might be able to get him to take quality photographs. He started talking about lighting and film effects and art... Now, I don't know if my boobs would count as art, but I'm tempted to do it while I can.
Posted by criminal at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)
Restocking the Pantry
While I was home, my parents spoiled me. My mother took me shopping at Sam's Club. I'd nearly forgotten how great buying in bulk was. My dad got me a half pound of Koegel's Vienna hot dogs, Angelo's Coney Sauce, and Vernors. So when I got up today, I discovered that all I had to eat was the pasta, rice, and snack stuff I got at Sam's and the hot dogs. No sauce, vegetables, or even hot dog buns. I survived with an apple (direct from Michigan) and ramen until Liz got out of work and went shopping with me. Thanks to our trip to Trader Joe's and Shaw's, my pantry is well stocked and should hold up for the better part of a month or two - excepting quick trips to get more perishable goods like fruit, bread, and milk. There's something very comforting about looking at a full cupboard...
Posted by criminal at 10:49 PM | Comments (0)
Into the Internet Age
My father has officially moved into the Internet Age. I'd been promising to get him a computer of some sort for the last two years, and finally brought my old one home for him. He's used computers before, although has shied away from them after a little fiasco involving disappearing solitaire and paint programs, so he has been very easy to bring online. Now his challenge is learning about the Internet. Until I tried to teach him about it, I never fully realized how complex and completely nonsensical it really is.
Posted by criminal at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
I'm Back
How exciting to be back in Worcester. Nothing, other than the weather, seems to have changed. Its quite comforting, although, a part of me secretly wishes that a few semi-cataclysmic events would have changed the landscape and situation a little while I was away, just so I could have some excuse not to fall back into my rut.
Posted by criminal at 01:31 PM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2002
Barbie's Birthday
My little sister turns 21 today! Does that ever make me feel old... I would have loved to take her out for her first official drink, but she's in Scotland living it up at the pub where she doesn't even need to be 21 to get a pint. Cheers to Barbie!
Posted by criminal at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2002
Apple Festival
On Sunday afternoon I went with my mother and Aunt Marlene to the apple festival at Kohn's Orchard on Beecher Road. Mom was supposed to help a friend with a Fiber Arts exhibit (read spinning and weaving) but she was late and the exhibit was gone by the time we got there. There was a small craft show, entertainment, a petting zoo, and of course, apples. The entertainment was an Elvis impersonator with quite a substantial following and hoardes of tacky souveniers. The star of the petting zoo wasn't nearly as annoying and was cute in a very different way. There were bunnies, ducks, fuzzy geese, sheep, goats, pygmy goats, turkeys, and most interesting, a dwarf bull. It looked like a young bull, about half size, but with short stumpy legs, a huge bulging belly, and a curly mop of hairs set between its horns. Dwarf bulls are apparently not bred purposfully, but are a trick of mother nature, mutch like dwarfism in humans. As for the harvest, mom wasn't able to get the apples she likes, which the orchard imports from the west side of the state, but I was able to get a cooking pumpkin which I turned into pumpkin butter, pumpkin-cranberry-walnut muffin loaves, and salted pumpkin seeds. The festival was a bit out of the ordinary, but that's what makes it memorable.
Posted by criminal at 06:15 PM | Comments (0)
The (un)Common Grill
Since Liz and Jeremy were in Michigan for the weekend visiting Chris, we all went out to dinner on Friday. Chris insisted upon the Common Grill in Chelsea, and we're all happy that he insisted because dinner was anything but common. The restaurant was very open, with high ceilings, and only a few bar cabinets to obscure the kitchen. It made for a very casual, low-key dining experience. After a few drinks at the bar, we made our way to our table where we were introduced to real food. We started with a few appetizers, including papaya-lobster quesedillas, baked brie with flatbread and apple compote, portobella Wellington, and firecracker shrimp, and a nice white wine. Next came the soup/salad course: Chris chose a seafood chowder, Jeremy a Caesar salad, and Liz and I had a Tuscan pear salad with delicate greens, gorgonzola cheese, and walnuts. Barely believing our tastebuds, we weren't sure if we'd be able to stuff ourselves with any more wonderful food. But we did manage the swordfish, chicken and squash pasta, sea scallops, and New York steak with only a little difficulty. We were sure to save room for dessert, and were not disappointed with our various chocolate cakes and sweets. The final bill was nearly $300. A small price to pay for gastric heaven.
Posted by criminal at 01:48 PM | Comments (1)
October 02, 2002
Car Care
I took my Malibu to the Dealership today and ended up getting new front brakes, a fuel filter, and fuel system tune-up. Immediately afterwards, I could feel a difference in the breaks. And almost as important, the annoying wear indicator (read: squeak) was gone. I'll have to drive around more to see whether the fuel economy is changed by any of this. For once, I'd like to see 31mpg on the drive back to Worcester.
Posted by criminal at 03:31 AM | Comments (0)