February 28, 2007
What a Present!
I just checked my e-mail for the first time today and I'm not sure which message I'm more excited about:
- learning an old professor is leaving WPI or
- getting my Stampin' Up demonstrator number
Posted by criminal at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
Another Long Weekend
Highlights of the weekend include:
- going to work on Saturday afternoon for some much needed software testing
- dinner and a movie (Smokin' Aces) with Steve on Saturday night
- Dim Sum is next weekend -- luckily Cathy caught our date mix-up early
- tasty beer and scenery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Sunday
- President's Day shopping trip to get cute clothes and a killer steam vac
- Dinners out at Ruby Tuesday, La Carreta, The Portsmouth Brewery
- spring cleaning part one: freshly steamed carpets and a closet run-through
Posted by criminal at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
An Interview - Part II
from Jami
1. What is(are) the biggest difference(s) between life in Michigan and life here?
The pace. There doesn't seem to be as much of a rush to do everything in Michigan.
The roads are a close second. There's a relatively direct route to anywhere from where you are.
2. Do you think you'll ever complete your degree?
Yes. At some point I'll get fed up with not having it and force myself to take enough classes somewhere to complete it. I'm pretty close to that point right now, but I'm honestly afraid that if I start here and we have to move I'll have to start over again because of residency requirements (the number of credit hours earned at a school to have a degree granted from that school). It's a lame excuse, but if I start spending a big chunk of money that I should be using to pay down debts, it seems reasonable.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? in 20?
In five years, chasing after a small child or two in a house in St. Louis. Possibly doing contract design/development/writing to keep my brain active.
In twenty, married to an all-powerful brewmaster. I have no idea where.
4. What do you think your best trait is? Why?
Flexibility. I can bend a long way without breaking. Mostly it helps me deal with a lot of different people and situations without becoming upset or stressed out.
5. What do you consider your biggest personality flaw?
Being unaware of or just indifferent to time. Unless something is under my skin, I will wait for days to do something. People write to me and I don't realize that it takes me weeks to remember to write them back. I am lousy at estimating how much time it will take to do anything and am constantly late because of it.
How to play:
- Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
- I respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better! If I already know you well, expect the questions may be a little more intimate!
- You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.
- You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.
- When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Posted by criminal at 5:00 PM | Comments (0)
An Interview - Part I
from Amy
1. You have a close relationship with your sister. Did you always, growing up, or is that new? Why do you think you and your sister are so close, when other sisters are so distant?
Growing up, my sister and I were only close in proximity. Although we were just a year apart, honors students, and band geeks, we made a point not to be too chummy. I think it took distance to make us closer. We have more in common with each other than we probably do with anyone else - our family, upbringing, and values. I know I appreciate her more now that we have separate lives and don't have to worry about a lot of the day-to-day annoyances that siblings who live closer do.
2. If you could only pick one hobby to do (and do well) for the rest of your life, which would it be?
This has to be one of the most difficult questions I've ever come across. Couldn't you just ask me if I'd be willing to sell my organs for cash or commit hari kari?
If I had to pick just one it would probably be photography. I only dabble in it now, but I want to devote more time (and money for equipment) to it going forward. I think it's the one thing that will transcend all of the other trends to leave a lasting record for my family.
3. How long did it take you to realize that you and Jon were meant to be together? (Feel free to express in increments of hours or minutes, if applicable.) Why?
I knew that I wanted to get to know him after just a few minutes, but I think I knew within a week that I wanted to spend the rest of my life getting to know him. And it's not just because he's a hunk, although that helps. He seemed strong and self-confident but still very sensitive to people's feelings, which was something I hadn't seen in many men. He wanted to trust me as much as I wanted to trust him and that sealed the deal.
4. Besides not finishing your degree (yet - I still hold out hope!), do you have any regrets about your time at WPI? Do you ever regret going there? Do you think it was really the right choice for you?
How much room do I have?
I try not to think of them as regrets, but I'm a dreamer at heart. I can't help but wonder what would've been different if I'd made a few different choices at critical junctures. Like, what if I'd joined the newspaper staff straight off instead of waiting until Justin found me? What if I'd focused on writing and demanded more challenges from the faculty? What would my social life have been like if I didn't have a long-distance relationship tying me to the Internet?
In some ways, yes, I do regret going to WPI. I wasn't self-aware enough to know that while seductive, the relative independence of the project system and tech writing program was just too independent for me. It sounded great, but I didn't realize that I wouldn't force myself to learn in that kind of envinronment. I also didn't realize just how little I would get out of the technical writing program. A typical state college would've been better if I wanted to graduate on time and Michigan Tech would've been the best choice for a technical writing degree.
5. What aspects of your personality come from which of your parents, do you think? Are there other people in your life you've become similar to, personality-wise?
I think I get the "jack-of-all-trades" thing from both of my parents. My dad seems to know a little bit about everything and my mother can do anything she sets her mind to. It seems perfectly normal to me to have dozens of hobbies and interests and a fair amount of knowledge in each. I think some of my need for instant gratification comes from my father, who likes to do things when the inspiration strikes. And my hesitancy and buyer's remorse from my mother who can spend years talking herself into and out of large decisions and purchases.
You know, I think I've relearned being assertive from watching Amy at work. I went through a relatively meek and mild period during college and working with her helped me gain more confidence in myself. And of course Gillian has helped unleash my inner window-shopper again.
Wanna Play?
- Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
- I respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better! If I already know you well, expect the questions may be a little more intimate!
- You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.
- You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.
- When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Posted by criminal at 3:42 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Head Cold
Yes, it's snowing. But there wasn't really enough to keep me at home this morning. Instead, my head cold did. For being the first "storm" of the season, this sure is a bit of a disappointment.
Posted by criminal at 5:19 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2007
Has it Been Five Years?
There are times when I think I've grown significantly, when I think I've been able to handle everything being thrown at me and be proud that I came out on the other side still in one piece. I've faltered, but I keep moving and growing through it. Every now and then, I'm reminded of just how different things are, of how different I am. Like a reunion. Or a simple invitation to an annual gathering with friends: Dim Sum for Chinese New Year.
I was a very different person when I went almost five years ago. I don't know that it was the first time, but it was the most remarkable for a number of reasons.
I know now that five years ago was the beginning of the end of my innocence. I was a senior in college, struggling to complete my coursework, suffering from severe depression, and wallowing in two convenient but empty relationships. It wasn't rock bottom -- that came almost a year later -- but I've come to think of it as the point of no return. I ended up losing the one worthwhile relationship I had then because the other was more gratifying. I was so addicted. Not to drugs or alcohol, but to anything else that made me feel anything other than dead inside: TV, weight-lifting, unattainable men, spontaneity, and the last-minute rush before a deadline. Which may be why I never did finish that coursework.
Why the sudden navel-gazing? Because when I got the invitation and saw the guest list I was scared to accept. I'm not exactly eager to rub elbows with any of my demon spirits, at least not until I think they've been excorsized. But then I'm struck by how much has changed since that trip five years ago. I have a loving, dedicated husband. A job I (mostly) enjoy. Friends that have my best interests in mind. Not to mention, I'm a much stronger, more emotionally stable person. I have grown a lot. Maybe enough to finally excorsize my old demons and enjoy some good bao without feeling a grudge.
Posted by criminal at 6:25 PM | Comments (1)
February 9, 2007
Just One Word
Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me. It can only be one word.
No more.
Then copy & paste this in your journal so that I may leave a word for & about you...
Posted by criminal at 11:50 AM | Comments (1)
Five on Friday for February 9, 2007
Roses Are Red
Inspired by friday5.org
- 1. What is your favorited red food?
- Apples. Although I really like the green ones too.
- 2. Do you own any red clothing?
- I have several red shirts, a few red sweaters, red undergarments, red socks, a red windbreaker, red gloves, red flip flops and heels. I want red sneakers and a red wool coat. As you can see, I like red. Almost as much as I like black.
- 3. Name one item you can see right now that is red.
- The Rubix Cube on Aaron's desk.
- 4. Have you ever run a stop sign or red light?
- Never intentionally, but yes, I've run a stop sign. And I've very nearly run a red light or two. I usually catch myself on those though.
- 5. Do you ever get so angry that you "see red"?
- More often that I'd like. I try to stay calm about everything, but there are times when people do such incredible things that I can't help but get mad. And when I'm really, really mad I understand where the saying "seeing red" comes from. Red implies passion and blood, both of which are stirred by anger.
Posted by criminal at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 8, 2007
Rabbit Food
Why do so many people seem to enjoy eating raw celery? Sure, it smells good and adds a nice crunch when part of a larger dish, but I don't understand the attraction to a stick of raw, fiberous celery. I also understand that you burn more calories eating it than you ingest from it. Are there really that many people so desperate to eat light that they choke the stuff down?
Posted by criminal at 2:59 PM | Comments (0)
February 6, 2007
Decluttering My Mind
- My ill feeling was relatively short-lived. I'm mostly better now; functional to say the least. I still fear the stomach flu.
- Coffee should not be allowed to smell like heavenly sweet baked goods when you're intentionally trying to deprive yourself of them. Things like "Golden French Toast" should be outlawed for their suggestive scents.
- I've been working at Burst for almost an entire year now. Sadly, I don't feel as invested as I expected. I keep finding myself siding with the publishers rather than the company and it's wearing me down.
- A large brainstorm complete with thunderbolts led to the inspiration for my sister's wedding invitations. Maybe Troy and Tamisha's if they're still looking for inspiration. A couple simple cuts, a few strips of adhesive, and some ribbon will make the whole thing complete. I can't wait to make a real mock-up instead of the dummies I was testing on last night.
- I want to wallow in Gomez for a few days. I haven't done that with a band/artist in a while.
- I'm impatiently waiting to see the cards selected to be in the honorary gallery for last weekend's Virtual Stamping Night at Splitcoast Stampers. I secretly hope that some of my creations will be able to rub elbows with the fabulous things made by the artists there. I made quite a few cute little cards, but you don't have to take my word for it: just take a look at my Splitcoast gallery.
Posted by criminal at 4:49 PM | Comments (0)
February 5, 2007
Ill
My boss and another coworker are out sick today. I'm going home early with an awfully queasy feeling and feverish sweats. I really hope we're not in for a round of the stomach flu.
Posted by criminal at 3:07 PM | Comments (0)
February 1, 2007
A Townhouse
A couple weeks ago I mentioned that I was waiting to hear back about a townhouse for rent in Hudson, New Hampshire. The owners are moving to the UK for a couple years for work and want to hold on to the townhouse because they like it so much. A few smaller units in the complex, which is off Route 3A and across the Merrimack river from Nashua, are selling for a little under $200,000. The location is good for commuting and it has a great grocery store just down the road. Two bedrooms, one full bath upstairs and a half bath downstairs, a large living room and good-sized eat-in kitchen give it about the same living space as our current apartment. The closets may be a bit smaller (no walk-ins) but there's an entire basement and a large deck on the back for our grill.
The rent is less that what we've been paying in Lowell and we'll be able to save quite a bit on income tax and car insurance. All of which equals more savings for when we finally do decide to buy something ourselves. The market seems to be good for home buyers right now, but we're just not ready, especially given the possibility of Jon's promotion to another brewery in the next two years. I don't want to be stuck with very little equity in a house or condo that we can't sell quickly in this market.
And did I mention that it's cat friendly? They installed a little cat flap in the door to the basement so they can keep the litter boxes down there.
Most importantly, we're pretty close to making it official. After seeing it and deciding it was as close to perfect as we were going to find, the owners found out that they wouldn't be out by April 1 as they had originally intended. So we pushed it back to May 1 only to hear that the company was dragging their feet and it could be another month. We want it, but we didn't want to wait all summer because we're paying an extra $100 a month now to be on an open-ended lease. It finally sounds like a date has been set in stone and we'll be New Hampshire citizens by May 1, maybe earlier.
Posted by criminal at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)