September 28, 2006
A Private Beach
I think we need these kinds of beach clubs in more places. Let the ladies have their own place to enjoy the sand and sun without men ogling them.
Posted by criminal at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
Comedic Relief for Commuters
Spotted this morning on the bumper of a mini van on Middlesex Turnpike:
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons
For you are cruncy and good with ketchup
There's nothing like a little Tolkien reference to take the bite out of the morning commute.
Posted by criminal at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2006
Eating a Horse
I am ridiculously hungry this morning. The bowl of shredded wheat I had at 7 should've been enough to keep me full until at least 10. But I started feeling hunger pangs at 9. I just wolfed down the yogurt I brought for my mid-morning snack and already I feel like I want something else. To top it all off, I keep smellling baked goods. Since I can't see anyone eating them, I'm beginning to worry that it's all in my head.
Posted by criminal at 09:36 AM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2006
Gratitude
I don't think I've mentioned recently how much I appreciate my husband. Tonight he saved me a trip to the grocery store by stopping on his way home from work. He even cooked some of the stuff he bought. But that's just one example of the many little (and big) things he does for me.
Posted by criminal at 07:17 PM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2006
Monday Musings
- Green Mountain Coffe's Wild Mountain Blueberry is a great way to start the day. Especially when paired with Grape Nuts and banana pudding. You heard me. Banana pudding. It's the breakfast of champions.
- I miss Dr. Plotnick. I've only seen one other dentist in the last 26 years, and that was only in the last few because I needed a local one. The thought of finding yet another is a little daunting. None of them will know the rest of my family and their teeth, or my entire dental history without looking at my records. But I need a good cleaning, especially now that I indulge in coffee. It's a shame he had to retire, because I would consider an appointment with him a good excuse to head back home for a few days.
- Thanks to Jon (and his infinite patience) I completed and returned my swatches for the Bazzill paper swap I'm doing at Amandalinz. Now I'm chomping at the bit to get them back, even though I know it might not be until late October. In the meantime I'll have to distract myself by making swatches of Stampin' Up cardstock to add to the book. I just need the rest of the color families from my order at Amy's workshop.
- I am totally on a stamping kick right now, thanks to my discovery of Split Coast Stampers, a Web community dedicated to rubber stamping. Although they focus primarily on Stampin' Up (because they started as a demonstrator resource) they have loads of inspiration and instruction. Not to mention Artist Trading Card swaps. [More info on ATCs...] I'm just wrapping up my second set to send out and have signed up for an A Muse card swap. I also made some halloween cards I'm particularly proud of and a set of cute cards that should find their way into my mother's hands today or tomorrow. I really need to scan this stuff in and add it to my crafty gallery so everyone can see it.
- Every time I think my wardrobe is complete, I find something else I want. I recently fixed my pants situation by purchasing some tall dress pants and jeans from Avenue. But now I want more sweaters and button down shirts. And then there are all the boots and fabulous flats I want... *sigh* Will it never end?
- I think I need to clear out some room in my closet first though. Any one interested in trying a clothing swap? [More info on Clothing Swaps...]I know there are plenty of women in a size 18-20-22-24 in my extended LJ friends list.
Posted by criminal at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)
September 22, 2006
Iced Coffee Heaven
I am enjoying a completely free iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts courtesy of Yahoo and the co-workers who passed the coupon along to me. You should get it out and get a cup of iced coffee heaven for yourself.
Posted by criminal at 01:43 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
Cold Spell
While I can't wait for more of the current cold spell, I'm a little disappointed that my hands get so cold while sitting at my desk. Shouldn't we be piping in warmer air now?
Posted by criminal at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2006
Brand New Key
Thanks to Justin, I have Brand New Key stuck in my head. This video has helped, even if it isn't the original Melanie track.
Posted by criminal at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2006
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
The Master Brewers Association of America had their New England regional summer meeting in Portland, Maine last weekend. Since it was billed as a family affair, Jon asked me to come with him. It ended up being a great weekend away and made me want to visit Portland again. (I also took photos.)
Friday: We both took half-days at work so we could leave early and squeeze in a tour of Allagash Brewing Company. We got to taste their yummy beers before heading to the hotel to check in and socialize. And drink beer. Lots and lots of beer. I think just about every brewery represented brought their brews to share and it looked like a college student's dream, chilled bottles, growlers, and cases of more in the corners. We had a late dinner around the corner at Norm's which included more beer.
Saturday: While Jon went to all of the technical sessions (actually more talking than drinking) that formed the heart of the meeting, I set off to explore downtown Portland on foot. I started with the Dunkin' Donuts down the street from the hotel, because no walking tour is complete without iced coffee. I ducked into a little yarn store, an L.L.Bean outlet, and the Public Market (mid-renovation and deserted) during my trip down Congress Street. From there I headed down to Old Port, the quaint, cobbled section of town. It was absolutely filled with cute shops, unique restaurants, and photo opportunities. Highlights included lunch at the Cold Stone Creamery, goodies at Stonewall Kitchens, the exotic Mexicali, and the inspiring Edith & Edna. I would've liked a few more hours, but I wanted to check out Henry Wordsworth Longfellow's childhood home before meeting Jon for dinner and a harbor cruise with the MBAA guys. I didn't end up touring the house, but I spent a good deal of time in the restored garden behind the house which is open to the public and totally unpretentious. While we didn't have quite enough time for a proper sit-down dinner, the cruise was definately worth the sacrifice. As we climbed aboard the boat, we could see dark storm clouds rolling down the city towards us. It did rain for most of the tour of the harbor, but it wasn't heavy enough to drive us inside until a half-hour in. On the plus-side, we got to see a beautiful lightening show from the harbor and the seals still said hi. More beer drinking with a few guys at $3 Dewey's across the street from the wharf before the long walk back to the bar on the roof of the hotel.
Sunday: Finally, a chance to really sleep in. We didn't have to meet anyone until the scheduled brunch at 11, so we just slept. Starving, we headed to The Great Lost Bear only to find that they didn't open until noon and hadn't heard of our party. It was a shame really, because they had a huge menu full of tasty food and a bar stocked with great beer and we all had very empty stomachs. Maybe next time. After dropping off a new friend from the Atlantic Brewing Company we headed down Route 1 in search of food. The wait at the infamous Maine Diner looked lengthy, so we opted for the Bull and Claw across the road. If you're ever in the neighborhood, don't make that mistake. There are plenty of reasons the line across the road is so long, but I'll share one. I ordered the baked macaroni and cheese, hoping for some homemade comfort food. What I got was a crock full of macaroni and cheese out of a box (first clue was the straight, thin, and penetratingly orange pasta) sprinkled with shredded cheese and a few breadcrumbs that had been tossed under the broiler for a minute. Talk about disappointment. The rest of the ride home was uneventful, but I would've preferred to have ended our weekend trip on a higher note.
Posted by criminal at 04:32 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2006
Pulse Personality Survey
My Personality
28 | |
48 | |
86 | |
44 | |
10 |
| Find your MySpace/Xanga/Hi5 soulmate / pysch twin MySpace Surveys, Piczo and MySpace Layouts by Pulseware Survey Software |
Conscientiousness? Since when am I not conscientious? I definately wouldn't have guessed that my score on that scale would be so low. But then again, I didn't realize that they used it to indicate the following qualities: Self-Efficacy, Orderliness, Dutifulness, Achievement-Striving, Self-Discipline, Cautiousness. Because I don't really have much of those in the traditional sense. Otherwise, I think the evaluation is pretty accurate.
Posted by criminal at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
Either Or
I'm so indecisive at times. For years I've been missing out on a new coat from Eddie Bauer because I can never commit before they sell out of my size (XXL Tall). I vowed that I would strike early this year and snatch one up before there was a chance to sell out. Selling out won't be a problem though because they aren't carrying that size at all this year. Aaargh.
Enter Jessica London, one of the Chadwick's catalogs. They carry large and tall sizes, not just large or tall. I haven't really found anyone else who does. Now I just need to figure out whether I want the pea coat or the 3/4 walking coat. And pick a color.
Posted by criminal at 08:53 PM | Comments (0)
September 11, 2006
Commentable
Comments have been temporarily disabled. I've been innundated with comment spam again, so until I find a better plugin to deal with it and the time to actually install it, you'll have to send me an e-mail.
Posted by criminal at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
Falling Behind
- I'm really falling behind on this whole journal updating thing. I blame the long weekends and busy schedule, but really, it boils down to laziness. Not much lately has seemed worth the effort.
- I also completely forgot to write Five on Friday. I am such a bad host. For months I was on top of my game, writing questions ahead of time and getting them up early. Then the last couple weeks Fridays totally snuck up on me. I think I'll have to make up for it with a double five this week.
- I also feel like I'm behind on my laundry. No matter how much I do, there always seems to be more. If it weren't for my nearly endless supply of twinsets and underwear, I don't know what I would do. Perhaps it's time to buy more twinsets and underwear.
Posted by criminal at 12:01 PM | Comments (0)
29 and Holding
Happy Birthday, Amy!
Posted by criminal at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2006
The Long Weekend
Friday: Got out of work a little early because of the holiday weekend. Used that time to hit the grocery store for weekend essentials. Successfully prepared stuffed chicken breast casserole type meal in under an hour. Look out Rachel Ray.
Saturday: Enjoyed a major shopping day in New Hampshire while Jon was at the Sox game. Purchased very little except for supplies to make an upholstered headboard and long-sought black dress pants, size 20. 24-hour Super WalMart in Amherst a bust -- sold out of new favorite peanut butter, Skippy Natural Creamy. Made chili (with beans) for late dinner.
Sunday: Long-awaited lazy day. Made fabulous slip-covered upholstered headboard. Teased cats. Nuked chili. Watched V for Vendetta.
Monday: Slept in again. Spent the afternoon in Boston with Jon and Steve. Drinks at Kinsale and a stroll through Quincy Market. Followed that up with dinner at Brown Sugar and a dramatic walk-off against the Chicago White Sox in extra innings at Fenway.
Posted by criminal at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)