September 30, 2004
A Little More Yarn
I like Winslow Homer's work, but this image of a woman knitting is really grabbing me right now. I haven't found a print anywhere online yet.
Posted by criminal at 8:31 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2004
A Catch
Jami posted her results from this relationship quiz in her LiveJournal and I couldn't help myself. I'm a sucker for good memes. The results are below...
You are a XPIG--Expressive Practical Intellectual Giver. This makes you a Catch.
You are a magazine-cover, matinee idol dreamboat. Parents love you and want to set you up with their kids. However, first dates are tough because it takes time for your qualities to come out.
You are generous and kind. You think first and act later. You are cool in a conflict, but your practical side means if your partner throws out emotional appeals ("why can't we do what I want for a change?") they will grate on your nerves, even when the conflict is resolved.
You're a romantic. You enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and you don't just fall into bed with anyone. You pay close attention to your significant other's needs, and this makes you an excellent lover and partner. The problem is that your friends and lovers may find it so easy to express things to *you* that they lose sight of whether you feel as comfortable with *them*! This doesn't necessarily make you feel under-appreciated -- you're too well-adjusted and self-aware for that -- but you may feel restless. Thus you seek adventure in your life outside the relationship to prove and actualize yourself.
Of all the types, you would make the best parent.
You are coiffed.
Didja see "Big Fish"? 'Cause you're like Ewan MacGregor in "Big Fish."
Of the 113741 people who have taken this quiz, 9.1 % are this type.
Posted by criminal at 10:35 PM | Comments (1)
Don't Tempt Me
J.Jill sent me an e-mail coupon for 20% off. I can't describe how tempted I am, especially since the weather has all of a sudden become more fall-like. All of those beautiful sweaters and cordoroys... It's an incredible marketing ploy. We're all suckers for sales and we'll run in to buy lots of things just because we're getting a bargain, not because we need them. I wish I weren't so easily tempted.
Posted by criminal at 9:31 AM | Comments (1)
September 28, 2004
cowbell
And Millar says, "I gotta have more cowbell." He lines this pitch to left for the two-run homer... And the Sox win it. [Tom Caron, Extra Innings]
Posted by criminal at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)
Playoffs
The Red Sox are in the playoffs again this year. This means I have only ever known them to be virile, fun-loving, playoff-bound baseball gods. Coincidence? I think not. It just goes to show that I'm getting better at picking winners all the time. (Except in football pools. Throw in spread and other complications and all of a sudden, I suck.) Alas, this also means that I'll be a true baseball widow. Jon and Steve already have their tickets for the playoffs, which means they'll probably be scarce on weekends for the next month.
Posted by criminal at 2:13 PM | Comments (1)
September 27, 2004
Chest Pain
I've been feeling pretty crappy for the past week or so -- fatigued, sick to my stomach, clammy, dizzy, etc. I haven't really done a whole lot about it, but after this weekend, I'll be seeing my doctor very soon. I woke up early Saturday morning with pain in my chest. It felt like someone was stabbing me between my lower ribs everytime I'd empty my lungs or hold my breath. I was fairly certain it wasn't a heart attack, although my left arm was tingly and numb from being slept on, but still, I was concerned. I tried to go back to sleep, but mostly I tossed and turned. Eventually I told Jon, took a gander on WebMD, and called my doctor's office. After several hours of moderate to severe pain it started easing up. By the time the nurse returned my call, I was only experiencing the twinges every few minutes. She recommended that I go to the emergency room if I experienced any other symptoms and to make an appointment with the doctor. I took it easy the rest of the day, worried about it getting worse. I also missed the concert on Saturday afternoon because I didn't think I'd be able to control my breath enough to play. I'm hoping that this is something that can be fixed soon.
Update: I have an appointment on Friday.
Posted by criminal at 11:57 AM | Comments (4)
Got Pep?
During Homecoming, the WPI Pep Band is starting a new tradition. They've asked pep band alumni to come back and play with them during the game. I'm very psyched, even if I haven't picked up a trombone in over three years. Hopefully I'll be well enough to play. Anyone else coming?
Posted by criminal at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2004
Knitting Needles
You are bamboo.
Warm, cozy, and thoughtful, you take your time and enjoy how things feel, smell, and taste. You love the craft and beauty of traditional things, and you value the comfort and experience of knitting as much as the results. But while you are reveling in your warm cozies, don't get stuck. Warm is wonderful, but so is the whole wide world!
What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by criminal at 2:05 PM | Comments (0)
Five on Friday
Cruisin'
1. Do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? Driver. I'm not very comfortable being a passenger, especially in the back seat. Although I'm getting better about riding, I can't relax with most people driving.
2. Do you prefer back roads or the highway? Open highway is best.
3. Do you listen to music or talk radio? News radio while I'm getting ready in the morning (WTAG) and music when I'm driving (WXRV). Unless of course the Red Sox are on. Then I'm tuned in to sports radio.
4. Do you ever just cruise with no particular destination? Not often. I'll drive out of my way just so I can go for a drive.
5. What's the longest road trip you've ever taken? Massachusetts to Michigan.
Posted by criminal at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
D.P. Don't
We had D.P. Dough delivered last night. I've heard lots of people raving about them, but honestly, they left a little something to be desired. Like yumminess. I suppose it might have had something to do with having them delivered over an hour after I ordered then (30 minute estimate my ass). While the names and flavor combination sound good, the (famous?) dough and sauce sucked, for lack of a better word. We would've been better off walking the two blocks to Ernie's for calzones.
Posted by criminal at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2004
Later Tonight
Jon is competing is some sort of golf tournament in Uxbridge tomorrow, so he's coming down tonight to hang out with me. Of course, I have band rehearsal for Saturday's concert, so I won't be home until after seven. But then we can grab dinner (hopefully DPDough because I'm having a wicked calzone craving) and curl up for the Sox game.
Posted by criminal at 5:28 PM | Comments (0)
Political Junkies
I know I've taken this political compass test before, but it's so much more fun in groups. We took it today in the office just to see where everyone landed. Amy was shocked to be more left than right and I'm Ghandi. Although I'm the furthest left so far, everyone is clustered within a few points left-right and authoritarian-libertarian. (For those who want to compare my score to their own, I was -5.62 on economics and -2.62 socially. Because I felt so overwhelmed by the questions the first time, I took it again, being more careful with the strong ratings. My second score was -7.88 and -4.05, which I think is a little more accurate. What's your score?
Posted by criminal at 5:00 PM | Comments (4)
Refreshing
I'm not OCD about brushing my teeth, but I am particular about my toothpaste. So I was pleasantly surprised when Crest unveiled a new flavor: Refreshing Vanilla Mint. Let me just say that I hate pastes and strong flavors when it comes to toothpaste. I prefer mild gels on my sensitive teeth. And I don't give a hoot about whitening or tartar control, or whatever else they put in there. I just want clean teeth and an tongue unscathed by burning flavor oils. The Refreshing Vanilla Mint, which I finally found at Target earlier this week, is incredible. It makes me want to brush my teeth all the time now. The vanilla is so subtle and warm while the mint adds just enough cool freshness to make your mouth feel clean. Oh god it's good. This is toothpaste nirvana.
Posted by criminal at 12:05 PM | Comments (1)
September 22, 2004
More Shoes
I think I have a lead on good shoes. During lunch, I did a little research, starting with the Merrell web site, which in turn led me to Track'n'Trail, one of their retailers. I love almost every pair of shoes they sell, and I could buy them online, but I'm scared that they won't fit. Unfortunately, they don't have any brick and mortar stores in the Northeast yet (Albany and Holyoke stores are opening sometime "this fall") so I can't try them on. From there I checked out Hush Puppies. Eureka! They carry wide widths. And barring freakish construction, and 11W is almost guaranteed to fit. You see, that's most of my problem: my feet are in proportion with my body. They're long and curved in all the wrong places. So even if I find something in my size, there's no guarantee that my high insteps will even make it into the shoe or that I won't be spilling over the sides of the sole. Anyway, Hush Puppies are available online and at several places in the area, including Red's Shoe Barn. So I think a trip to Plaistow will be needed sometime in the next few weeks. I'm also holding out hope that Track'n'Trail in Holyoke will open soon so I can take a road trip.
Posted by criminal at 3:40 PM | Comments (0)
Knitable
I forgot to mention that the little knitting group at Barnes and Noble on Friday night was fun. Besides Jami, Amy, and I, there were only three other knitters there. It turns out they only meet once a month. But it was nice to meet new people and talk about knitting. We actually ran into one of the women, Joan, during our book club meeting at Panera the next day. I worked on the kitty bed at the meeting, working several rows in the round. Jami had one of her fun fur scarves and Amy cast on for a cute poncho for Ainsley. Unfortunately, Amy has never knit in the round, or done much in the way of increasing, so she had to start over a few times. At one point, she lost the first four stitches that she cast on and I was sure I could add them in reverse. I swore it wasn't crazy talk because I could totally see how it would work in my head. I just couldn't make it happen with the needles. So now Amy thinks my new Indian name should be "Crazy Talker." I still think it's not crazy talk, but I'll have to find a more advanced knitter to find out for sure.
Posted by criminal at 3:15 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2004
Cute Shoes
Oh crap, I'm old.
No longer can I get away with wearing cute, completely unsensible shoes. My feet are old and picky now. I wore my knee-high black boots today and by noon, when I was hustling to get to the Campus Center for my book club meeting, I was regretting it. Even with cushiony inserts, a wide toe box, and broad, supportive heels, they're killing my lower legs. The balls of my feet are hot and threatening to blister from all the pressure and friction. Even worse is the stabbing pain in my instep caused by -- get this -- insufficient arch support.
Stop the presses. I shouldn't be old enough to care about proper arch support! I should be wearing pointy-toed, high-heeled, frivolous shoes that Stacey and Clinton (of TLC's What Not to Wear) would die for. But here I am, hunting for sensible shoes. Me. The girl who loved Payless platforms and gawd-awful dress heels. But now I see them at DSW and smile wistfully, continuing down the aisle to the granny shoes. *sigh*
To make matters worse, I'm having terrible luck finding sensible shoes. I thought I found some that look cute and comfortable at Payless, but alas, after one day of wearing, I can tell that they're crap. Where does one find good shoes these days? Every time I've been to J.C. Penny or Filene's, I have to leave empty handed because the whopping four styles they carry in my size (11) either don't fit or are inappropriate. I'm happy to order shoes online, but I need to try them on first so I have an idea of what will work. Every pair I've ordered so far has had to go back. Any ideas for my tired old feet?
Posted by criminal at 3:59 PM | Comments (7)
September 17, 2004
Leader Board
I'm at the very bottom of the leader board in Jami and Amy's football pool because I forgot to place my picks last weekend. So I made sure to do them this week. Other than one or two games, I found myself agreeing with the spreads, at least as far as who the winner will likely be. Now we'll just have to see how much I actually know. For now, I'm off to fondle yarn at the A.C. Moore before my first trip to the Barnes and Noble knitting group.
Posted by criminal at 6:02 PM | Comments (0)
Five on Friday for September 17, 2004
1. Do you have any favorite quotations?
- It is possible to forive someone a great deal if he makes you laugh. [Carolyn Llewellyn]
- I don't need time. What I need is a deadline. [Duke Ellington]
- Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. [Oliver Wendell Holmes]
2. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Someone once told me that I could and should make myself happy. I've been trying ever since, and it seems to be working.
3. Do you usually trust your intuition? Why/why not? All the freakin' time. I think it's the one thing I have going for me. People tell me I'm intelligent, but what they don't know is that 90% of it is intuition.
4. Is there anyone in your life who you feel is exceptionally wise? Wise? Not really. I know a lot of smart people. I also know people with great common sense. But I'm not sure anyone would fall into that "wise" category.
5. What words/philosophy do you try to live by? Make yourself happy. It could sound a little self-centered, but it's just a reminder that ultimately, you're responsible for your own happiness. You can't wait around for someone to make you happy or even blame them for making you unhappy. You need to take matters into your own hands. It's not trendy or trancendental, but it's a good philosophy for me.
Posted by criminal at 9:57 AM | Comments (2)
September 15, 2004
Not So Pampered
Amy's Pampered Chef Party was a blast. I met all the ladies from LiveJournal, had great food, and laughed my ass off. And Tim (the only man there) only looked a little uncomfortable. I managed not to pamper myself like I did last time and only bought a storage rack and a $1 book of seasonal recipes. Everytime I look at the catalog I see tons of stuff that I already have and a few things that nobody really needs. Eventually I might like a few more stoneware casserole dishes and baking stones (you can't rotate cookies very well with just one stone) but for the most part, I'm as pampered as I need to be.
Posted by criminal at 3:50 PM | Comments (1)
September 14, 2004
Fall is In the Air
The weather has finally cooled off and I couldn't be happier. I slept with my windows cracked so I could sleep in the cool fall air. When I woke, it was just over 50 degrees. It was so nice. And it sounds like we won't even break into the 70s today. It's time to break out the sweaters!
Posted by criminal at 10:22 AM | Comments (2)
September 13, 2004
Workin' 9 to 5
Note to self: please, please, please drag yourself out of bed and walk your ass to work at a reasonable hour tomorrow. Somebody has to be there since Troy has a meeting.
Posted by criminal at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2004
Midnight Madness
Since A.C.Moore had their midnight madness sale tonight I went in to stock up for the kitty bed project. With 25 percent off all regular price merchandise, it seems like a good time to get the double-pointed and circular needles I need. I also picked up a few skeins of Patons Classic Wool and Cha-Cha since they were pretty cheap. After looking at Cascade 220, Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride and Mission Falls 1824 Wool online, the color choices at A.C.Moore seemed really limited. I was really looking forward to some great colors, but for less than $4 a skein, I can't really complain. Since I've never used dpns before, it'll probably take a couple tries to start it right. I hope to be well into the circulars by the time I go to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble on Friday.
Posted by criminal at 10:58 PM | Comments (0)
Leavin' On a Jet Plane
Right now, Jon is on his way to Columbus. For an informal job interview. A few weeks ago the big boss recommended him for a new position at the Columbus brewery. Jon has been expecting a promotion, but figured it would happen next spring. If they decide they want him, it would be a pretty good move for him. It would also mean moving to Ohio. We've been weighing our options since we found out. It's been on my mind, but not in my journal because I didn't think it was appropriate yet. Now that my family and friends know, and Jon has started the process, it's time to talk about it more publicly.
- As if it weren't obvious, Jon and I are serious. He made it clear that he didn't want to go to Columbus without me. And I honestly have to say that I wouldn't want to live here without him. The marriage idea has been on the table for quite a while and we fully intend to do it at some point. And with the possibility of a move, maybe a lot sooner than we'd thought.
- At the moment we're assuming that Jon will move in October if all goes well. He's knee deep in a big project in Merrimack, but management doesn't seem to be too concerned about him leaving it early. His boss has said he'll try to keep him around as long as possible. Even so, it depends on Columbus and how bad they want him.
- If Jon moves in October, I wouldn't join him until late December. My top priority is finishing my degree, which should be in December. I could wrap it up earlier, but the tuition benefit makes me spread it out. I also don't want to leave Amy and the rest of the WDO hanging.
- One of the major reasons for even considering a move to Columbus is the affordability of housing. We could rent a nice apartment for a quarter of what we spend every month on our separate places. If we stay here (and move to New Hampshire) we probably won't be able to buy a house for a couple more years. But we could get one almost immediately in Columbus because they cost half as much.
- This could be the first time Jon moves away from his family. He's never lived more than two hours from them and still lives with his brother. So while I took that step when I left for college six years ago, he's still struggling with idea. On the plus side, Columbus is a four hour drive from my family and a cheap, direct flight from his.
Posted by criminal at 1:23 PM | Comments (3)
September 10, 2004
Five on Friday for September 10, 2004
Couning Sheep
1. Do you generally have trouble sleeping? Don't even get me started. I've always had trouble falling asleep. I can usually expect to lay in bed for at least half an hour before the sleep comes on. It's not unusual for it to take an hour or more as my mind churns and burns. This also means that naps are few and far between because it takes me longer to fall asleep than I'd actually be asleep. I also have the same problems falling back to sleep if I've been woken. And since I'm a pretty light sleeper in the morning, those last few hours before my alarm goes off are often spent tossing and turning.
2. Do you snore or talk in your sleep? I know that I'm capable of snoring like a buzzsaw, just like my mother, but it's not an everyday occurance. Although Jon says I do a strange heavy-breathing thing pretty regularly that he says borders on snoring.
3. Do you remember your dreams? If so, do you analyze them? I remember some, but not all, and mostly the feelings associated with them. Those that are particularly vivid or that remain in my conscience are the only ones worth analyzing. And I love disecting them. Some are just dreams, but others are interesting peeks into my subconscious. Like the one I had last summer where I was vacationing with my father, grandmother, Jon, and several other family members. We were excited to visit some place that my grandmother had always wanted to see. When we got to the bridge to our destination, my family couldn't pay the toll. So Jon and I started to cross alone feeling so guilty and sad to leave them behind. Very quickly the bridge started to move, like a maniacal drawbridge, tossing us around the deck. I had to cling to Jon to keep from falling into the choppy waters below. With a little analysis I was able to figure out that I was feeling some guilt and trepidation about the transition in my life. I was moving into territory that my family and I had never experienced and Jon (a rare mostly literal symbol) was helping me move forward.
4. How many hours of sleep do you average per night? I usually spend between seven and nine hours in bed, but I think my average sleep time is around seven.
5. Are you a blanket hog? Nope. It helps that I usually want a different weight blanket than Jon. But still, I'm the one always fighting to get the blankets back. I will admit to being an occasional bed hog though.
Posted by criminal at 11:31 PM | Comments (0)
Knitterly
I got back on the knitting bandwagon during my vacation. It was hard to say no when my mother and grandmother gifted me with a bunch of old needles and let me run through a super garage sale stash of natural fibers. I picked a light grey/brown hand spun wool in a bulky weight and started working on a ribbed scarf. So far I've used one of the two skeins and the skarf is just over two feet long. For the most part, I knit just before bed to help get myself tired and during Red Sox games so that I won't feel like I'm wasting my time on the sofa.
And because I'm always looking towards the next project, I've picked this adorable kitty bed. The pattern is pretty uncomplicated, aside from the increases and double pointed needle work, which is new to me. I can't wait to start, but I have to find materials first. The original calls for a scrumptious Noro Big Kureyon, which is outside my budget. I'd like to try a nice worsted weight wool that felts well, like Lamb's Pride or Cascade 220. That will probably require a trip to a local yarn shop, but I don't really know where the best ones are.
There's also a knitting circle type thing at Barnes and Noble next Friday which I'd love to go to. I'm hoping to convince Amy and Jami to join me so it won't be a total bust.
Posted by criminal at 2:19 PM | Comments (0)
September 9, 2004
Zzzzz
I really need a nap. And I can't quite figure out why. All week I have wanted to curl up on the loveseat and snooze. I've slept well the last few nights, and other than driving for hours on end, I haven't really done anything out of the ordinary in the last week. My diet has been pretty good. Except for the peanut butter cap'n crunch I had for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. It was really good though, especially since I used milk. Somehow, I don't think cap'n crunch would benefit from being doused in my usual sweet, vanilla soy milk. Anyway, being tired wouldn't bother me so much if I knew I could get a good nap. I have band practice tonight and I plan to watch the Pats cream the Colts in tonight's season opener, so I probably won't be able to sleep until midnight.
Posted by criminal at 3:15 PM | Comments (0)
Pampered
Anybody out there want to go to a Pampered Chef party? Or want anything out of the catalog? Amy is hosting one next Tuesday and I'm pretty much full up on kitchen supplies. So while I may spring for a pastry brush or suds pump, I'm not in the market for anything big. Unless anyone has birthday/xmas wishes for me to fulfill...
Posted by criminal at 1:55 PM | Comments (0)
September 8, 2004
My Little Hunter
Sometimes, when I'm in a good mood, I'll let Tia play outside at Jon's house. Usually she hates it. It was a different story on Monday however. We were standing by the door, looking outside when a little something darted under one of the shrubs along the walkway. Tia got excited, so I let her investigate. Taken a few moments before she pounced on a little mole that tried to sneak across the walkway behind her, this picture really captures her inner hunter. Not only did I get a great photo of her, but I also learned that she has traditional feline hunting skills. Tia played with the squealing mole while I giggled in delight. I know, it's cruel to cheer a blood sport, but I was so proud! Eventually the mole whipped out its own animal acting skills and feigned death, faking out Tia long enough for it slip away. Her outdoor adventure ended when I got tired of pushing her away from the grass she thought was so delicious and when the wild turkey she's been admiring from the windows all week thought we needed to have a little meet and greet.
Posted by criminal at 4:05 PM | Comments (5)
September 7, 2004
Back in the Saddle
After many, many hours on the road, I'm back. My relaxing vacation to Michigan was long overdue. I spent my week with family I haven't seen since the holidays. Yet, as nice as it was, I'm glad to be back home.
Posted by criminal at 2:03 PM | Comments (1)