March 31, 2004
Half
Last night I took it upon myself to relist a bunch of my crap on Half.com. Those text books and duplicate CDs I've been lugging around for the last couple years are not moving with me next month. Its been a little over 12 hours since I listed the items and I already have two orders. Hooray. That means two less pieces of clutter! All of this stuff is going to Goodwill if it doesn't sell, so let me know if you want anything. They're free to a good home.
Posted by criminal at 11:51 AM | Comments (2)
March 30, 2004
Mmm... Panera Lunch
I stopped at Panera for lunch after my doctor's appointment. I got a small bowl of mushroom bisque and half of their new Pepperblue Steak sandwich (Tender, slow-roasted steak filets with bold gorgonzola roasted red pepper sauce, nestled with lettuce, tomatoes and onions between two slices of freshly toasted Ciabatta bread). Holy crap it was good.
Posted by criminal at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2004
So Tired
My tail is really dragging tonight. I was ready to drop at 9, so I started cleaning and getting the garbage ready. As I opened the door, giant yellow bag in hand, Liz and Jeremy showed up to get the washer and dryer. So I helped a little. Now I'm even more tired. Almost too tired to get my butt up off the sofa and into bed.
Posted by criminal at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2004
Fixed
The UMass board of trustees snatched up one of the finalists in our Presidential Search, their interim president, Jack Wilson. And they prooved themselves to be beligerent oafs in the process. Not only did they have their story about our interest in him wrong, but they snubbed their other finalist and subverted their own search process. I wonder which school Wilson would've chosen, had we decided to make him an offer earlier this week.
Posted by criminal at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2004
mRNA
You are mRNA. You're brilliant, full of important, interesting information and you're a great friend to the people you care about. You may have sides to you that no one understands. But while you understand more than most people, you're only half-there most of the time.
Which Biological Molecule Are You?
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Posted by criminal at 03:44 PM | Comments (0)
Handyman's Secret Weapon
A true sign of geekdom: Duck Tape Prom Attire.
Posted by criminal at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2004
Punching Out
It's late. The catalog isn't finished but its damn close. I have one department and three minors to format tonight or tomorrow morning. For now I'm going home.
Posted by criminal at 08:01 PM | Comments (0)
Reshaping Clay
I wasn't always such a sucker
It's the sentimental me
Maybe I'm blowing my cover
But what I want to see
Is the way things used to be
[Peter Salett, The Way Things Used to Be]
Posted by criminal at 07:07 PM | Comments (0)
Apartment Hunting
I looked at three apartments last night. Two in an old colonial building on Cedar Street, just a short walk from campus, and another on Whitmarsh, about 8 blocks from my current place in Greendale. Both run $725 a month with heat and hot water included. The first and third floor apartments on Cedar Street include electricity but don't have off-street parking or laundry in the building. The first floor has a fireplace, big windows, a large kitchen, a butler's pantry that would be perfect for my crafty stuff, and unique architectural features (high, rounded ceilings). The third floor has a huge bedroom, a large and light living room with great views, but a tiny kitchen and low, narrow hallway. The other apartment is on the second floor, of moderate size, and modern. There is laundry and storage in the basement and a parking lot around back. We didn't look at the place on Alvarado near UMass because it's been spoken for. I'm still torn. I really wanted off street parking, but if I live close to campus I won't need to drive much and parking won't be too much of an issue. I need to call my broker today and let him know if I want one of them. He's willing to keep looking and says we have plenty of time. I'm not as comfortable with waiting though...
Posted by criminal at 12:14 PM | Comments (2)
Hurry Up
We launched the new undergraduate catalog today. The only problem is that we're not done. We decided to do it ourselves because it didn't turn out very well when the student webworkers did it last year. Turns out we didn't allow enough time to wade through all of these files. Troy has been plowing through pages with scripts and "search and replace" but I'm trudging through the department sites. And we'll still need to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb, because there are bound to be mistakes.
Posted by criminal at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2004
Friday Five for March
If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Blueberries. All things blueberry with a smattering of pancakes, breakfast foods, innovative twists on traditional home-cooking. Oh yeah. And pasties too.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? Artsy things. It would end up looking a lot like the front section of the Futon Company on Highland Street. Or a funky transformed antiques store, like the one Robb Whittlef of HGTV's Decorating Cents runs.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? Probably a cookbook or craft book. I think I write pretty concise and interesting instructions.
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? Communications: journalism, speech, business writing, etc.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? I made plans to record a kind of strange acoustic folk album with friends a couple years ago. Needless to say, it never happened. Audible Velcro would've gone platinum though, I'm sure.
Posted by criminal at 02:46 PM | Comments (1)
March 18, 2004
Keep It Coming
The snow is still falling in big, beautiful flakes. The crystalline structure of each is visible as the light hits it, making this gray spring much more dazzling.
Posted by criminal at 06:57 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2004
Reunion
Thanks also for killing the goat in coat! [Beth H.]
Posted by criminal at 05:33 PM | Comments (0)
Not Enough
I got all excited because the forecasters said we would be getting 6-12" of snow last night. That's a pretty broad range, but most painted us into the upper end of it. When all was said and done, we barely had 6" in Worcester. It's snowing again, but not enough to cause significant accumulation. Damn. I was hoping for one last hurrah.
Posted by criminal at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2004
Bush Whacked
George W. Bush has an online store where you can purchase all kinds of overpriced political statements. I'm particularly disturbed by the little Bush-Cheney onesies and bibs. Children really shouldn't be such blatant political pawns.
Posted by criminal at 11:16 AM | Comments (1)
Word To The Wise
Do not buy Jolly Rancher jelly beans. The flavors are lackluster and the texture is disgusting. I made the mistake of dumping a bag of them into my happy bowl of Starburst jelly beans. Now they're polluted. I have half a mind to pick the Jolly Rancher nasty beans out and throw them away.
Posted by criminal at 10:28 AM | Comments (1)
March 15, 2004
Celebrate
I dont know if you believe in Christmas,
or if you have presents underneath the Christmas tree.
But if you believe in love, that will be more than enough
for you to come and celebrate with me
[Kermit the Frog]
Posted by criminal at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)
Mmm, Lactose
I've been mildly ill for the last three weeks. I'll spare you the details, save to say that I suspect I may be lactose intolerant. For the last week I've been pretty good about going without dairy products. Since I don't drink milk, other than in Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts Chai or shakes, its not hard. I already use soymilk for my breakfast and chai needs. Giving up the cheese has been harder. Today at the cafeteria they had grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and a nice hearty tomato soup with a little cream added. And it tasted sooo good. I guess if I get sick this afternoon I'll know why. So much for will power.
UPDATE: It's 1:30 and my digestive system is in fits. I have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow afternoon to discuss lactose intolerance and other possible causes of my pain and discomfort. No tests yet, so I won't know exactly what's going on for a couple weeks. After my reaction this afternoon, I think my suspicions will be confirmed.
Posted by criminal at 01:01 PM | Comments (3)
Pancakes
I had the most amazing pumpkin pancake at Parker's Maple Barn on Saturday. Jon's parents have made their yearly visit a sort of family tradition. In fact, I met them for the first time this weekend last year when we went for pancakes. Breakfast was great, even if the place was crowded. I was a bit confused by the Native American trinkets in their restaurant and shop, until I browsed their Web site and found information about a pow-wow they're sponsoring this fall.
Posted by criminal at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2004
apartments
LEOMINSTER, 15 Blossom Street 1 bdrm., $650. One year lease, 1st, last & Sec. deposit. Heat & H.W. included first floor, off street parking, laundry. No dogs. 978-764-8846 leave message
SHREWSBURY CENTER 1br, new carpeting & applcs, $699 incl heat & hot water. Laundry, Off st. prkng. No dogs. Avail. Immed. After 6pm 508-798-3757 Mon.-Fri.
WORCESTER 3 rm., 1BR appl, 2nd flr. off st. parking, no pets. $650 incl. heat and hot water. 1st & last call. Sandy 508-892-7596
WORCESTER Burncoat Cozy 1br new paint, HW, appl. Ready! $650 HT/HW. inc. 508-852-0725
WORCESTER Burncoat Lincoln. 3rd flr, 1br, DW. No smkng/pets. Lndry. $650mo 1st/last/sec 508-853-5244
WORCESTER Studio. $525 Arena St. 1 BR., from . $625 Fraternal Ave. 1 BR. $650 Burncoat, Roycroft 1BR. $695 Andover St., 1 br., ht/hw. $725 Fraternal Ave. 1BR, ht/hw. $725 Burncoat Off. 1br, ht/hw/el . $750 Lincoln St. off, 2 BR. $750 Greendale Ave, 2 BR. Ht/HW. $825 Holden line Brand New 2 BR Townhouse, garage. $1350 1 month free rent on 12 mo lease! No pets/smoking No Fees! 508-852-6001
WORCESTER Greendale. Studio. Great local; close to 190/290. Lndry, prkng, H/HW incl. Great price $595. Call today! MICOZZI 508-798-6450
WORCESTER GREENDALE 1 sp. BR, appl., carpet, parking, with hot water & heat. $725 (508)752-1314
WORCESTER Burncoat Cozy 1br new paint, HW, appl. Ready! $650 HT/HW. inc. 508-852-0725
CHECKWORCESTER Burncoat St. (upper) Bright-unique 1 br. apt. Applcs, off-st. parking. No pets/no smoking, Quiet, 1st., Last Sec. $690. Bill George 508-755-1129
Worcester BURNCOAT EXCLUSIVE SUBLET $799 Enormous, elegant 2 BR. nestled in meticulously maintained courtyard on quiet cul-de-sac. Fully appl’d. kitchen. Plush wall to wall carpeting throughout. Abundant closets w/additional private storage. A/C, laundry, tennis, saunas, Olympic-sized pool, private fitness center. Free video library. On bus line. Conveniently located off 290, near UMass. Heat/hot water incl. (508)853-1144.
WORCESTER West Boylston line. 1 BR, clean & modern. $675 includes all. Steve, PMT 508-561-9445.
WEST BOYLSTON- 1 br home, quiet residential area, avail immd., $850/mo. A & E Realty Call (508)835-4874.
SHREWSBURY (UMASS) Unique 1BR townhouse duplex. Incl. applc, parking, yard. $750. Fee Required. Apt. Dir. (508)799-6737
SHREWSBURY Private home, studio apartment in basement. Utilities included. $650. 508-842-3183
SHREWSBURY Williamsburg Court: Spacious, quiet apts. Studio $650 with HHW, Joan 508-366-2014; Leo Realty 508-881-3895
WORCESTER/W. BOYLSTON Cute smaller house, lrg yard, W/D, $895+ 1st last/sec 508-867-6649
Posted by criminal at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2004
New Music
I've heard a few new artists on WXRV lately that have just captivated me.
- Nellie McKay. Completely retro cool. She's a strong woman with a voice powerful enough to match her opinions and insight. Love It's a Pose.
- David Berkeley. He's been described as "a double fantasy of Nick Drake and Donovan." Mmm. Mellow and introspective 60s/70s troubador. Keep singing Jefferson.
- Mindy Smith. First caught her cover of Jolene on the Dolly Parton tribute album. She also does a song about Jesus that I can't help but sing. Damn she's good.
- Joss Stone. So young, but oh so soulful. Her cover of the White Stripes' "Fell In Love With a Boy" (there's a clip in the media section of her site) has made her famous.
Posted by criminal at 03:00 PM | Comments (1)
Giant Microbes
Remember when I wanted to do more of those cute little microbes? Well, it turns out they beat me to the punch. ThinkGeek only sells a selection of them, leaving out Ebola and the Black Death, Athlete's Foot and Kissing disease, among others. They're apparently coming out with more "Calamities" this spring. Now if I can just get them to make my line of STDs, they'd be all set.
Posted by criminal at 09:56 AM | Comments (2)
March 11, 2004
Bad Days
Its a good thing I'm going home now. All bad days need to come to an end and I'm dictating that this one stop RIGHT NOW. I'm meeting Natalie and Eric at Bugaboo tonight. If I didn't have to drive, there would be much drinking involved.
Posted by criminal at 05:19 PM | Comments (1)
Quitting Time
I cannot fully express the frustration I feel right now.
I have spent the last two and a half hours trying to debug a conference registration form that Liz wrote, in addition to learning to write my own. I love Liz, but picking her loose ends has left me feeling utterly defeated. The form she wrote was obviously never tested because it didn't even meet the basic requirements of the script it uses. Although it took me a while to find it, the fix was simple, so I did that yesterday. Today I noticed that it was processing everything as check payments, even when I selected credit card on the form. The values for the payment method field weren't explicity defined, so I defined them. Now the script returns an ugly error saying I've passed too many parameters. It is, however, writing the correct information to the datafile, indicating that part of my change is working.
In the middle of all of this, I get a call from the Alumni Office because someone noticed they were being overcharged when they registered for reunion. An error in the form Liz made for them early last month. I have no idea how many people were overcharged, and even though its not my fault, I feel bad. Its fixed now -- no more mysterious $95 cocktail receptions. But back to that form...
It still isn't working. And Liz wasn't able to tell what the problem was after quick code review. The organizers wanted it done this afternoon and I can't give it to them. That sucks, not to mention that I haven't been able to work on any other projects or webmaster tasks either. I'm about ready to throw the towel in.
Posted by criminal at 04:41 PM | Comments (3)
So Little Time...
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by work this morning. I haven't been able to finish as many of my projects as I had planned over the last few weeks. For the last two months I have been trying to make time to launch a couple alumni class sites. The problem is that they're lower priority than the conferences and fixes that land on my desk, so I keep pushing them off. Now I'm a month past my projected review date for one of them and I haven't so much as looked at it since then. I hate to think that I'm holding this group up somehow. I'm not very good at estimating how long it will take me to do something in this office. While it might only take me three hours to create one of the new alumni sites, I can't seem to scrape together three hours to do it without being interrupted by something that's supposed to be more important. I feel guilty every Monday morning when we have our staff meeting and I report that I've finished next to nothing. My section of the minutes is always miniscule compared to everyone else's. It makes me feel like I'm not pulling my own weight. I'm constantly writing the same projects on my to do list. Most days I go home feeling like I've accomplished something. I do actually get work done -- just not work on these projects. I spend most of my time making sure that we don't fall too far behind on small webmaster updates. This week I've spent the better part of several days doing webwork updates because our student webworkers are on spring break. All the while pushing my projects around to make room for new projects. Just a few minutes ago Troy dropped a stack of corrections on my desk and I realized that if I put them near the end of my queue, they wouldn't get done for at least a week or two, and that's unacceptable. Yet if I move them to the front of my queue, I won't be able to wrap up these conference registrations that have been such a thorn in my side. Even writing this post makes me feel guilty because it seems like a waste of my time. And time is what I don't seem to have enough of.
Posted by criminal at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
March 10, 2004
webinar
me: wtf is a stamats webinar?
amy: stamats is an organization
amy: and a webinar is... well, a web-based seminar
amy: like Gartner Group
amy: only it's more marketing focus
me: so, should i make time in my schedule for this bit of marketing nirvana?
Posted by criminal at 03:54 PM | Comments (1)
March 09, 2004
Nuts!
You are Sally!
Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by criminal at 12:19 PM | Comments (1)
March 08, 2004
Here Today. Gone Tomorrow.
I couldn't help it, I bought Girl Scout cookies last week. Those decadent little cookies were calling to me. The Thin Mints lasted until Saturday, making excellent meals on several days. I managed to save the Peanut Butter Patties a little longer -- or so I thought. I had a few here and there, leaving half a box before I went to Jon's for the weekend. Tonight, I thought it would be nice to have two after dinner, so I ran to the kitchen. No cookies. Just a neatly folded box in with the recycling.
Posted by criminal at 07:41 PM | Comments (0)
apartments 3
WORCESTER JUNE ST. 1br on Coe Pond. Walkout to Lake. Only $650. Northeast Sales Ctr (508)799-7900
SHREWSBURY CENTER 1br, new carpeting & applcs, $699 incl heat & hot water. Laundry, Off st. prkng. No dogs. Avail. Immed. After 6pm 508-798-3757 Mon.-Fri.
WEST BOYLSTON 1br includes heat/HW. $650. No pets. Monahan Properties 508-754-8802
WEST BOYLSTON Cozy 1BR + office. Country setting nr hwys $600. Guardian Select (508)754-8081
WORCESTER 3 rm., 1BR appl, 2nd flr. off st. parking, no pets. $650 incl. heat and hot water. 1st & last call. Sandy 508-892-7596
WORCESTER Burncoat off cozy 1br new paint, hrdwd, stove, refrig. Ready! $675 ht. inc. 508-852-0725
WORCESTER Elm Park. Sunny 1brs in secure bldg. Carpeted, applcs, parking. $750 w/heat & HW. No Dogs. 508-755-8686
WORCESTER Indian Lake area. 4rms, 1br. Credit ck, ID req’d. Heat, cable incl. $750/mo. 1st/last/$100 cleaning deposit. 1yr lease. Call Scott 508-341-4289
WORCESTER Arena Studio. $550 Greendale 1br. From. $575 Burncoat, Roycroft 1BR. $695 Andover St., 1 br., ht/hw. $725 Burncoat Off. 1br, ht/hw . $750 Lincoln St. off, 2 BR. $750 Catalpa Cir. 2 br., TH. $1050 Massasoit off. 2 br, Townhouse, garage. $1050 W.Mountain Off New 2 br, Townhouse, garage. $1350 1 month free rent on 12 mo lease! No pets/smoking No Fees! 508-852-6001
Posted by criminal at 05:49 PM | Comments (0)
Old Man Winter
Its not over yet. With the recent warm weather, everyone has been talking about spring like it's already here. Yesterday I was driving around with my windows down because the weather was so nice. Today, I'm going to be scraping snow off my car. Looks like old man winter hasn't had his fill yet.
Posted by criminal at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2004
hold on tight
I know you so well
I can tell by the sound of your voice
If you're really in love with me
And you are
You are
[Harry Connick, Jr., We Are In Love]
Posted by criminal at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
March 05, 2004
Say It Ain't So
Today, the jury in Martha Stewart's obstruction of justice trial found her guilty on all four remaining counts. Although the judge dismissed the charge of securities fraud last week, the jurors convicted her of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. The stock for Martha Stewart Omnimedia plummeted 22% in the hour after the verdict was released. I'm highly concerned for the future of a company/brand that I rely on. Even if Martha goes to jail, I think they'll try make a go at it. I'll be there to consume their media and products, but will anyone else? Who will be our domestic goddess while Martha's in prison? This is a dark day. A juror even touted it as "a victory for the little guys." How little he knows about Martha and how MSO became the powerhouse it is today. But he got his revenge on the fat cats by sending her off to jail.
Say it ain't so, Martha. Say it ain't so.
Posted by criminal at 05:29 PM | Comments (4)
Friday Five for March 5, 2004
What was...
1. ...your first grade teacher's name? Roxanne Canute
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Looney Tunes or Garfield and Friends
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Liana Lloyd
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? Frosted Flakes
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? read
Posted by criminal at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)
unforgotten
I stopped my dreaming. I won’t do too much scheming these days
These days
These days I sit in corner stones and count the time in quarter tones to ten
Please don’t confront me with my failures, I had not forgotten them
[Nico, These Days]
Posted by criminal at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2004
History Meme
Just yesterday I was pondering where I was in my life six months ago, one year ago, two years ago... Then I found this little meme and couldn't resist.
15 Years Ago, I:
- was in the 3rd grade.
- broke the 5' mark.
- started wearing my first real bra.
- tutored my classmates instead of doing my work.
- had starring roles in school musicals.
10 Years Ago, I:
- stretched to 5'9 and wore an 18/20.
- made the transition from junior high to high school.
- skipped pre-algebra and dove headfirst into algebra.
- started dating seniors.
- wanted to be a physicist or politician when I grew up.
5 Years Ago, I:
- moved into my first apartment.
- ended a three-year relationship
- became treasurer for the Pep Band. (created their first real web site too)
- failed my first class, Music of the Medieval and Renaissance Periods.
- gained 30 pounds.
3 Years Ago, I:
- started exercising and lost 30 pounds.
- became Editor-in-Chief of Tech News.
- met Sam and started along that downward spiral.
- interned at Compaq.
- learned about my Native American heritage and visited our reservation and casino.
1 Year Ago, I:
- fell in love with Jon.
- scored a job as a web developer at WPI.
- adopted Tia.
- fit into a size 16 after losing more than 75 pounds.
- underwent breast reduction, shedding five pounds and five cup sizes.
Yesterday, I:
- paid my bills and balanced my checkbook.
- slept under a Pendleton wool blanket bearing my tribe's insignia.
- worked for 10 hours.
- made disparaging comments to the growing figure in the mirror.
- cooked up a few great ideas for the library luau.
Today, I:
- dug a sliver out of my foot.
- updated a few web pages.
- removed William from webwork.
- wore my favorite red sweater.
- will spend at least an hour in the library doing work on my projects.
Tomorrow, I:
- will return one copy of the Looney Tunes Gold Collection DVDs.
- will brush up on the discussion questions for my bookclub meeting.
- should put away the basket of clean laundry sitting in my room.
- will finish PIEE and CEO East and S2P if it kills me.
- will try to get to work around 8.
3 Bad Habits I Have
- Procrastination.
- Interrupting.
- Playing with my earrings and earring holes.
Interests at the moment:
- platform bed designs and plans
- apartment listings.
- car window motor repair.
- cat toys.
- hawaiian/luau gear.
4 Places I've Lived:
- Flint, Michigan.
- Worcester, Massachusetts.
My Top 5 Biggest Worries at the Moment:
- finding an apartment I can afford.
- figuring out how to feed Tia, but not overfeed her, when I spend the weekend at Jon's.
- finishing my projects...
- in time to graduate this May.
- making time to go to the gym four times a week.
My Top 5 Biggest Joys at the Moment:
- Jon.
- being (semi-)gainfully employed.
- not worrying about roommates.
- feeling content.
- learning to better manage my finances.
Posted by criminal at 03:18 PM | Comments (1)
Splintered
Don't you hate it when something unexpected happens while you're rushing to get ready in the morning? I stayed in bed for an extra half hour this morning because my lower back was freaking out, so I had to put my usually laid-back morning routine into high gear. I was cruising along, finishing breakfast while waiting for my pants to come out of the dryer, on target to be at work just after 8:30, when I felt a shooting pain in my foot. I somehow managed to lodge a splinter of something in my foot while walking over a floor mat. So I got out the tweezers and twisted my leg around so I could see the dastardly sliver. (See, continued yoga practice and natural flexibility are useful for something other than sex.) It wouldn't budge. So I got out a safety pin and spent a little more trying to remove the tiny little splinter from below several layers of skin. I did eventually get the thing out far enough to remove it with tweezers, but it cost me 15 precious minutes. Its hard to imagine that something so small can cause so much pain and irritation.
[Many thanks to my parents for holding me down to remove my slivers despite my loud and wet protests. I am now brave enough to remove my own without tears or flailing limbs.]
Posted by criminal at 12:06 PM | Comments (1)
March 03, 2004
Which Tarot Card Are You?
You are the Moon card. Entering the Moon we enter the intuitive and psychic realms. This is the stuff dreams are made on. And like dreams the imagery we find here may inspire us or torment us. Understanding the moon requires looking within. Our own bodily rhythms are echoed in this luminary that circles the earth every month and reflects the sun in its progress. Listening to those rhythms may produce visions and lead you towards insight. The Moon is a force that has legends attached to it. It carries with it both romance and insanity. Moonlight reveals itself as an illusion and it is only those willing to work with the force of dreams that are able to withstand this reflective light. Image from: Stevee Postman.
Which Tarot Card Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by criminal at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)
March 01, 2004
Jheri
Is it just me or is Pedro sporting a Jheri Curl?
Posted by criminal at 06:46 PM | Comments (4)
Birthday Weekend
I had a pretty full and relaxing birthday weekend. On Friday I went out for drinks after work since it was Liz's last day at WPI. Then I met Jon for dinner. He got me a talking photo album for another of our milestones -- the 1-year anniversary of the night he flipped my claddagh ring to take me off the market. He started it with a few pictures of us, Niagara falls, Tia, and one of his baby pictures.
On Saturday I was interviewed and photographed for a leap day story in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. If you don't have a subscription, try this link to a copy of the story. I look ridiculous and the reporter misquoted me several times, but I can live with that because I'm in the paper. Unfortunately, Jon's scrumptious carrot cake with cream cheese and walnut frosting doesn't photograph very well. You can barely see the little carrots he drew on top. Oh well.
I got my hair cut shortly after the photo and had to fix it myself. Although the cut is great, one side was nearly half an inch longer than the other. Not to mention the terrible disservice the senior stylist did it by trying to fluff it up with volumzing mousse about half an hour before my surprise birthday party. I went home and promptly washed everything out and trimmed the longer side. It looks good now, so I guess all is well that ends well. On to the party.
I suspected a surprise of sorts a few weeks ago when no one had made any plans with me for the weekend, except Jon. I just didn't know when or where. I was fairly certain a few hours beforehand when Jon mentioned that he wanted to try Cactus Pete's for dinner because he heard it was good. And not just Cactus Pete's; Cactus Pete's around 5:30, which is unusually early for us. Despite the minor hair emergency, we made it just a little late to find Amy, Greg and Ainsley, Jami, Troy, Jessica and Jon, as well as Liz and Jeremy waiting for us. We had drinks and steaks and fun. Then we went back to the Big Red House for cake and presents. I got flowers, two copies of the new Looney Tunes DVD, and a "complimentary" cereal bowl. We played Trivial Pursuit DVD, which I suck at. It requires a lot of pop culture knowledge. And let's face it, I just don't watch enough TV and keep up on celebrity gossip.
Sunday was a lazy day filled with more cake and a little laundry. All in all, a happy weekend.
Posted by criminal at 12:37 PM | Comments (1)