July 30, 2004
Five on Friday for July 30, 2004
Favorites
1. What is your favorite city? I'm quite fond of New York City. I've only been there a handful of times, but each time has been a great experience. Sure, there are a lot of people, but I don't mind. Especially when that means you'll find even more people with shared interests.
2. What is your favorite dessert? Ice Cream. I love pumpkin, cheesecake, and cinnamon. Come to think of it, I like most flavors. I just hate neapolitan, chocolate, and Cherry Garcia. Does orange sherbet count as ice cream? Because I love that too.
3. What is your favorite piece of clothing? A pair of low rise, straight leg, size 16 Calvin Klein jeans that I haven't been able to wear since last summer. They were my first 16s in 10 years and I wore them to death, they were so comfortable. Did I mention that they were only $25 at Marshall's?
4. What is your favorite time of day? Twilight
5. What is your favorite room of the house? The kitchen. I would like it even better if I could change it, but I'll have plenty of time to do that when I grow up.
Posted by criminal at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2004
Fiscal Year
I get my first paycheck of the new fiscal year tomorrow, and it's going to show some big changes. Unfortunately it won't include any pay raise type changes -- no one at WPI will be seeing those this year. It will however reflect my enrollment in WPI's retirement plan, which is mandatory for administrators. I'm not exactly happy about losing five percent of my paycheck to a retirement fund at a time when I would rather use it to pay off loans. WPI matches six percent, so it's not a total loss. Even though my paycheck is significantly less this month, I get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that I have $300 squirreled away in a retirement fund. Even if I can't exactly use it for emergencies, savings is savings. It makes me want to be even more fiscally responsible.
Posted by criminal at 04:14 PM | Comments (0)
Revenge of the Mice
Two weeks ago I disovered that mice were pillaging Tia's foodstores. And leaving their dirty turds in the pantry drawer where the extra food was stored. Last night I opened one of my kitchen drawers to grab a plastic bag for my cornbread muffins and discovered more evidence of mice. That's right, more mouse poop in the drawers I thought impervious to mice. And to top it all off, they ran off with my extra ant traps. I suspect they did it because I took away their cat food. I got the traps on Monday to hopefully take care of the very small problem with very small ants near the front of the house and threw the extras in my junk drawer. It turns out that there are gaping holes in the wall behind my lower cupboards and drawers, allowing intrepid rodents to use it as their own little Walmart and litter box. Ugh. Now I definately need to call the landlord. And find a way to turn those dirty little things into cat food for Tia.
Posted by criminal at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2004
The Bloat
I don't know what I ate yesterday to make them do it, but my intestines are killing me. I swear, you can hear the dastardly air bubbles being thrown around inside me from the other side of the office. Even though I said I would go to the gym today, I'm seriously starting to reconsider. How on earth am I supposed to lay on a bench when my intestines are busy playing some strange combination of football, rugby, and boxing, making my gut bloat up? And even worse, how am I supposed to hold all this deadly gas inside while I lift hundreds of pounds in a public gym? It's not like sticking a cork in my bum will solve the problem either.
Perhaps it's time for the gentle organ massage provided by yoga. Performed in the privacy of my living room, of course.
Posted by criminal at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2004
Millar is the Man
Kevin Millar, my absolute favorite Red Sox player, went 10-for-13 against the Yankees, including four homers (three in Friday's game) and eight RBIs, in a week where every hot-headed sports radio star was calling for his head. I'm glad MLB has recognized his efforts with an MVP of the week award, even if he has to share it with Miguel Tejada. Now if he could just start hitting more home runs in odd innings...
Posted by criminal at 09:42 PM | Comments (1)
July 25, 2004
My First Yankees Game
Jon took my to my first Yankees game on Saturday. What a humdinger!
When I first moved to Massachusetts, I wasn't a baseball fan. I used to tell people that I disliked the Red Sox, just as much as I disliked the Yankees, and the Cubs, and the Indians, and any other team. I never understood or enjoyed the game -- to the point that I avoided it. Even so, I knew about the Red Sox - Yankees rivalry. Once I started dating Jon, I got to enjoy baseball and learned even more about the rivalry. The only thing in my experience I can compare it to is the Michigan v. Michigan State football game. Except the hype isn't just during the preceeding week -- it goes on all year long. These teams face off nearly twenty times a season keeping everyone on edge, deepening the loyalties.
I was expecting the usual, with maybe a few more fights in the stands, what with all the beer and team pride flying everywhere. I was right about the fights and ejections, but not about anything else. The whole place had a playoff atmosphere. We lived and died with every pitch. I saw homeruns and defensive heroics. I even witnessed a bench- and bullpen-clearing brawl. Fans started filing out after the Yankees scored six runs in the top of the sixth, taking the lead. Ever the defeatest, Jon correctly predicted that we'd rally in the bottom of the inning only to fall short by a run. I'll admit that things really looked dismal when the evil empire scored another run in the seventh and we brought in Mendoza. By the time the bottom of the ninth rolled around and Rivera took the mound, we had joined Steve and Andy in the AB seats as more people left, assuming the outcome. But Millar, like a man on fire, sent Nomar home with his fourth hit of the night. And then it happened. We won. Mueller's walk-off home run into the bullpen lit the place up. We screamed and jumped for joy, high-fiving complete strangers. The noise was deafening.
What way to be introduced to this storied rivalry..
Posted by criminal at 09:35 PM | Comments (2)
July 23, 2004
Hahahaha
Yet here I am with a smile and you're sitting there all miserable. [WLH]
Posted by criminal at 02:03 PM | Comments (0)
Five on Friday for July 23, 2004
The Silver Screen
1. Best movie kiss you've ever seen. I hate to admit it, but I'm rather fond of the closing scene in The Cutting Edge where warring figure skating partners, Doug and Kate, argue about whether or not to do the death-defying new move called the Pamchenko. Doug professes his love and asks her not to do it. Kate insists and skates onto the ice to end the argument and start the program. They have an amazing performance (including a near-perfect Pamchenko) and skate into the intimate embrace that marks the close of their program with huge grins and share a breathless kiss. I think the dialogue is what does it for me:
Doug: You didn't have to do it
Kate: Yes I did
Doug: Why?
Kate: Because I love you
Doug: Just remember who said it first
2. Movie you're embarassed to admit you love. I'm not really embarassed of any of the movies I love. Some people might be shocked to learn that I adore Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Devil's Advocate.
3. Worst movie you've ever seen. A Walk in the Clouds or We Were Soldiers or Baby Geniuses or The Island of Dr. Moreau or... the list could go on, but I think those are the worst offenders I can recall.
4. Movie scene that makes you cry every time. In Cocoon, I cry like a baby when Bernie tries to bring his dead wife back to life in the pool. And then again when David runs after his grandparents, hoping to go with them to outerspace.
5. Movie character you think is most similar to you. I can't really think of any character that is similar to me. They just don't write very many real characters into movies. Not enough dimension to even come close.
Posted by criminal at 11:36 AM | Comments (2)
July 22, 2004
Old Navy
Seems like I'm the last one to find out, but Old Navy has started carrying plus size clothing for women. It's only in 50 stores and online right now. I was so excited when I found out. Until I read the sizing chart that is. The standard inseam on all their plus size clothing is 29. That's two inches shorter than the women's clothes, which are always an inch too short on me. So, they're using 5'4 women as their fit models, which means none of the shirt sleeves will be long enough for this amazon woman either. Oh well. I know Amy's psyched. And I bet my sister and Cathy will be too. I'm glad some retailers are starting to realize that fat women deserve cheap, trendy clothes too. Maybe Gap will be next!
Posted by criminal at 04:07 PM | Comments (1)
July 21, 2004
Back on the Wagon
I posted this in Flogging, my food and fitness log that has been neglected for nearly a year:
I've been ignoring last summer's weight gain for too long. Although I've managed to slow things down since that first two months in the WDO, I wasn't able to stop the slide. I tried the new staff yoga class. I've had a packed gym bag sitting at the office for months. Amy and I agreed to start walking during lunch. The IT Activities Committee looked into starting a walking group. I even promised to walk to work every day, which is more like 2-3 days a week. But none of it has happened. So I decided to do something about it. I went to the gym today after work, trying to ignore the gym shorts that have become just a little too small to be comfortable and the muscles that haven't done real work in a year. It felt really good, although I didn't push myself too hard. I just forgot how much I enjoy lifting weights. If I feel good tomorrow, I'll be back at it. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until Friday.
Posted by criminal at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)
It's Gettin' Hot in Here
But I won't be taking off all my clothes. I was really hoping for some nice AC after my sunny walk to work, but was dismayed when the air inside was warmer than the air outside. It's a balmy 86 degrees in the office according to the thermometer next to my workstation. For the last few weeks, the temperature has been hovering around 80 in the office and 70 in the hallway and bathrooms. According to an e-mail sent this morning, the "chiller" is being repaired and should be back on by noon. At least the HVAC is still moving the air around, making things bearable.
Update: The AC must be fixed because the temperature was back down to 78 by the time I left.
Posted by criminal at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
Can't Stop Thinking About Her
And I, Oh I
I feel that word for you
And I will because you've worn me down
Oh I will because you've worn me down
Worn me down like a road
I did anything you told
Worn me down to my knees
I did anything to please
[Rachel Yamagata, Worn Me Down]
Posted by criminal at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2004
Calling All Cooks
You are SARA MOULTON, host of "Cooking Live" and "Sara's Secrets"!
Sweet and helpful, youre the editor of Gourmet Magazine. You are an amazing chef who seeks to teach the masses that, yes, you too can be a gourmet cook, even on a limited budget. Food is a pleasure, and she shows you how to indulge yourself while demonstrating technique in an encouraging way. She's great.
Which Food Network Personality are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by criminal at 01:53 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2004
Attack of the 50-foot June Bug
I was sitting here, minding my own business and reading funny and inspirational website, when all of a sudden Tia jumped up, entranced by something out of my sight. She quickly lept off the sofa, towards what i feared was a mouse. Once she vacated her warm spot next to me, I quickly realized that the giant June bug just a few inches from my knee was what spooked her. I just kind of sat there in awe for a moment before jumping to my feet and rushing into the next room to formulate a plan to rid myself of the menace. I mean, you can't just squish something that big -- it makes a big sticky mess and a stomach-flipping crunch when you do. So I brought out a big collander and a cookie sheet to trap it in. The damned thing wouldn't cooperate. I finally managed to get it in the collander inside a grocery bag with a lot of wiggling and a little ingenuity. The outside world now has to contend with the giant killer bettle that tried to eat my cat and I have to figure out how to keep it out there.
Posted by criminal at 10:25 PM | Comments (0)
Our Land
A bit of political tomfoolery to bring a smile to everyone's face, whether you live in Bush-land or Kerry-ville.
Posted by criminal at 08:53 PM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2004
Cartoonish
I think it looks like me, in a way... I even made a Jon. I'm still working on one for Amy, who is having trouble with hers.
Knock yourself out.
Posted by criminal at 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
At Sea
If you don’t need it every day
But sometimes don’t you just crave
To disappear within your mind
You never know what you might find
So come and spend some time with me
And we will spend it all at sea
Like a warm drink it seeps into my soul
Please just leave me right here on my own
Later on you could spend some time with me
If you want to, all at sea
[All at Sea, Jamie Cullum]
Posted by criminal at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)
Five on Friday for July 16, 2004
Personality Profile Game
1a. What is your favorite word? tomorrow
1b. What is your least favorite word? yo
2a. What turns you on? strength
2b. What turns you off? indecision
3a. What sound do you love? mandolin
3b. What sound do you hate? yowling cats
4a. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? teaching
4b. What profession would you not like to participate in? meat packing
5. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? [intentionally left blank]
See also my answers to a similar set of questions just about a year ago...
Posted by criminal at 11:24 AM | Comments (1)
Amy's Manifesto
"I will not have more children."
Apparently Ainsley "was cute and cuddly at first" but has turned into Amy's worst nightmare -- a sleepless tot. This morning she came in vowing not to have any more for fear of never sleeping again. I had to resist the urge to laugh, because I know it happens to all parents. I'm sure she'll forget it at some point when she decides she needs someone to wear all the impossibly cute little clothes Ainsley has grown out of, but I'll have this here to document her mini manifesto.
Posted by criminal at 09:37 AM | Comments (1)
July 15, 2004
The Cheese Stands Alone
I have mice. Mice who like to eat expensive cat food and poop in drawers.
When I finally got up to feed Tia at 7:30 (after trying to sleep through over an hour of her famous feed me frenzy) I discovered I was out of cat food. No problem. I went to the drawer in my pantry area where I store the extra food. Tia has been known to open cupboards and knock over canisters to get to this food, so I've learned to keep it in a heavy drawer. As I went to refill the canister, I noticed a small hole in the center of the bag. It had to be that clever cat. I was certain of it when I saw her rooting around in the open drawer. As I pulled her out I noticed bits of bag and lots of little brown mouse turds. Tia attacked the drawer like a cat posessed, sniffing and squirming, trying to figure out where the furry little critters were. She paced around the pantry for the rest of the morning. I suspect they've got a nest somewhere behind the drawers, in the walls, or in the basement. Either way, I have a problem. Luckily the cupboards in the kitchen are completely modern and nearly impossible for a mouse to penetrate. But now I'm nervous about leaving things out. I don't want to set traps, because I'd have to deal with squished mice or worse, a curious cat caught in a trap.
Posted by criminal at 09:57 AM | Comments (3)
July 13, 2004
I Hate to Say I Told You So
Have you ever been involved in one of those group projects that just never seems to get off the ground? It always seems like such a good idea. Take the IT Picnic that the IT Activities Committee has been trying to organize this summer. The whole idea came to us back in March when we first started meeting. One of the members had a new house with a barbeque pit that he was just dying to use. A couple meetings later, we decided that would be too much of a burden for one person, so we looked into Kimballs' Farm way out in Littleton. Then a couple months later, slightly more local parks with picnic areas. Last month we pinned our hopes on Institute Park. With the date looming, we found out that even our own baseball field was booked. So now, two weeks from our first date, we're pushing it back another two weeks to mid-August. We have no official reservations, no rain date or location, no seating, and no clue what we're doing. But we fully intend to announce our picnic plans at the division luncheon tomorrow. I raised my concerns about our lack of a plan to the committee, but they just seemed to shrug and say "we'll figure it out later." I am beyond frustrated. Part of me wants to see it fail, just so my doubt and discomfort will be justified. But the other part wants to throw a big summer picnic for the division that will provide enough fun and good will to last through the school year.
Posted by criminal at 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2004
On the Upside
Despite all the skin I donated to the sidewalk on Saturday, the bad news I got yesterday, and the heartburn I woke up to early this morning, I'm in a relatively good mood. I have finally managed to take my car in to have it's brakes replaced. I should've done it six months ago, but I was afraid it would cost an arm and a leg after my first estimate of $500+. But the neighborhood garage, with the shaggy old German Shepherd watching the gas pumps out front, wants just over $300 for front brakes, rotors, and an oil change. Did I mention that it includes parts and labor? And that it will be done this afternoon? What a relief.
Posted by criminal at 09:42 AM | Comments (3)
Goodbye Ginger
My mom called me last night to let me know that she had to put Ginger Bear down. Although she has bounced back from a stroke and digestive problems, the heart failure that she experienced this weekend was just too much. The irony is that Barb and I were just discussing having her put to sleep later this summer. She was expecting to take care of it in August and I had hoped to do it myself when I made it home. I guess she beat us to it. As sad as I am to lose her, I'm comforted in the knowledge that she's not hurting anymore.
Posted by criminal at 09:28 AM | Comments (1)
July 09, 2004
Five for Friday on July 9, 2004
Politics
What are your thoughts on:
1. gun control? Guns are killing machines and as such, should be highly regulated by the federal government. With the right to bear arms comes grave responsibility. If you wish to exercize that right, for hunting, sport, or bodily protection, you should be able to demonstrate to the rest of the public that you can be trusted with such a weapon. Background checks, mandatory training and liscencing, along with regular inspections are good start to ensuring the safety of the public.
2. capital punishment? I don't have a very strong opinion about capital punishment. I think it can be effective for a handful of violent crimes. Until our judicial process is foolproof (and I don't know that it ever will be) I can't be 100% comfortable with executions.
3. the legalization of drugs? Make 'em legal then regulate the crap out of them, just like alcohol.
4. school vouchers? It's an interesting concept that allows more flexibility for parents and puts pressure on public schools to perform. Unfortunately, I don't think it works. Schools with little money can't attract the best teachers and have no way of motivating those they do get. Giving out vouchers only hurts those poor, underachieving public schools. We would be much better off if we could even it out, making sure that each child has the same resources available to them whether they live in a rich suburb or a housing project. It all boils down to money and responsibility. If we want an educated public, we need to be willing to pay for it.
5. assisted suicide? Bring it on. I was a big supporter of Dr. Kevorkian and his mission even when I was a kid. Maybe it's because I don't have religious standards that condemn suicide, but I've always felt that assisted suicide is the most humane thing to do. Some people say it's cold and callous, but it requires a great deal of compassion and emotional strength to end someone's suffering. That's probably why it's so unpopular these days: we're just too fragile to admit life is over and let go.
Posted by criminal at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
Summer is For Sisters
Barbie is going back home next week for a doctor's appointment. And she's not coming back. She decided that her job on Mt. Greylock just wasn't working out: she was always bored, never had weekends off, and was tired of sight-seeing by herself. I finally have vacation now that I could use to hang out with her and go sight-seeing, but it's too little too late. I was really getting used to having her around on a semi-regular basis. You know, visiting the way grown siblings should visit. I'm going to miss it.
Posted by criminal at 10:24 AM | Comments (3)
July 08, 2004
Recipe Swap
There's been discussion lately of starting some sort of recipe swap group online. Apparently I'm not the only one having trouble finding recipes that are easy to make but still taste amazing. Most of the recipes I find (and love) on Martha Stewart are scrumptious but require plenty of prep and loads of ingredients I don't have sitting around my kitchen. Some of the recipes from Food TV are easier to make, but I haven't been impressed with the outcome of the few I've tried. I don't want to sacrifice taste, but I'm ready to start subscribing to Kraft Foods' free seasonal recipe booklet. I guess the idea behind the whole thing would be to trade recipes that we've been able to execute successfully to the delight of our tastebuds. Sounds interesting enough, but would it be worth the effort?
Update: Ask and ye shall receive. Mom Almighty, a friend of Amy's, has created a new LiveJournal community especially for this purpose: fast_foods. Let's hope it does the trick.
Posted by criminal at 10:42 AM | Comments (4)
July 07, 2004
Catching Up
As hard as it seems to be to write something on Mondays, it's even harder to write things on the Tuesday after a long weekend. It's been a few days since I last updated, but I really don't have much to report. After a celebratory dinner for Jami on Friday (immediately followed by an excellent viewing of the Worcester fireworks from White City), Jon and I just relaxed the entire weekend. Despite feeling sick, I made it to book club and through some serious grocery shopping on Saturday. We made a couple recipes from last month's Real Simple, including a couscous, chicken, and apricot salad that Jon couldn't stop eating. On Sunday did our patriotic duty and saw Farenheit 9/11. It was very persuasive. And if even half of the people who saw the movie are motivated to vote, this election could be very different from the last. After the movie, we went to Target to look for a good fan but came out with Spiderman and Bowling For Columbine. I was able to find a nifty vertical fan after Jon left on Monday afternoon. On the whole, it was a very lazy and relaxing long weekend -- just what we needed after all the jet-setting last weekend. Except that I'm starting to get hooked on this whole 3-day weekend idea.
Posted by criminal at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2004
Five on Friday for July 2, 2004
Possessions
1. What is your strangest possession? Quite possibly a tattered piece of stuffing from Big Daddy Bugs (a 24 year old semi-stuffed Bugs Bunny) that I use as a worry stone. Or the petrified moose poop from my trip to Alaska.
2. What possession do you use most frequently? My new bed. The sofa is a close second though.
3. What do you collect? I used to collect anything and everything Bugs Bunny. And greeting cards. And moose. And pencils. And pins/buttons. Every member of my family had to collect something. How else would anyone know what to get you for gifts? Now I've limited myself to more practical things like vintage linen dishtowels and antique housewares. And a bit of Peter Rabbit for any buns I might choose to bake in my oven.
4. If you could afford it at this moment, what would you buy? A house.
5. Your house is burning and you only have time to save three items (assume people and animals are already safely out). What are they? I would save Big Daddy Bugs, because he's my oldest and dearest posession; my laptop, which contains loads of important information; and my file box because the realist in me knows that it's contents would be important should my apartment be consumed by fire. It's hard not to choose photos or other momentos, but in the grand scheme of things, they're just possessions.
Posted by criminal at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2004
Politics, Schmolitics
20 Questions to a Better Personality
You are an SECL--Sober Emotional Constructive Leader. This makes you a politician. You cut deals, you change minds, you make things happen. You would prefer to be liked than respected, but generally people react to you with both. You are very sensitive to criticism, since your entire business is making people happy.
At times your commitment to the happiness of other people can cut into the happiness of you and your loved ones. This is very demanding on those close to you, who may feel neglected. Slowly, you will learn to set your own agenda--including time to yourself.
You are gregarious, friendly, charming and charismatic. You like animals, sports, and beautiful cars. You wear understated gold jewelry and have secret bad habits, like chewing your fingers and fidgeting.
You are very difficult to dislike.
Posted by criminal at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)
Who's That Girl?
In just a few hours I'll be dancing my butt off at a Madonna concert. Ohh yeah. I'm so excited. There's only one problem though: what does one wear to this type of thing?
Posted by criminal at 03:00 PM | Comments (1)
July
I can't believe it's July already. The damned thing snuck up on me. Where has my summer gone? We've had consistently warm weather for at least six weeks now and I still haven't gotten a chance to swim, sunbathe, or hang out at a picnic or barbeque. I may have two months left, but September and the return of the students is looming on the horizon. It's time to get down to business. I'm thinking the vacation days that I can use starting today will be the key to my summer success.
Posted by criminal at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)