Just to remind myself
Advice from a wise woman: Don't bait the fruitbats.
Also useful at times: No shoes, no shirt, no service.
Advice from a wise woman: Don't bait the fruitbats.
Also useful at times: No shoes, no shirt, no service.
Thursday, February 28, 2002
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
New Finds
This article from MSN.com about making the most of your digital camera is excellent. All you digicam fans check it out!
I found it linked from Confessions of December, a gorgeous personal site that I recently discovered and have been enjoying over the last few days. Deb takes beautiful pictures, and her site includes music reviews and recipes as well as lots of interesting writing. Go see!
Gee, I'm bossy today...
This article from MSN.com about making the most of your digital camera is excellent. All you digicam fans check it out!
I found it linked from Confessions of December, a gorgeous personal site that I recently discovered and have been enjoying over the last few days. Deb takes beautiful pictures, and her site includes music reviews and recipes as well as lots of interesting writing. Go see!
Gee, I'm bossy today...
Miracle of Modern Science
Just got back from Marty's first follow-up appointment with the eye doctor after having the laser surgery yesterday. It's been just 24 hours since the surgery, and his vision has gone from worse than 20/400 in both eyes to 20/20 (or at least, close enough that no correction should be necessary).
I was so proud when he read those tiny little numbers and letters on the eye chart this morning! It is absolutely amazing. The thought of him without glasses or contacts is so foreign, but I think he is going to get used to it very, very quickly.
Wow!!!
Just got back from Marty's first follow-up appointment with the eye doctor after having the laser surgery yesterday. It's been just 24 hours since the surgery, and his vision has gone from worse than 20/400 in both eyes to 20/20 (or at least, close enough that no correction should be necessary).
I was so proud when he read those tiny little numbers and letters on the eye chart this morning! It is absolutely amazing. The thought of him without glasses or contacts is so foreign, but I think he is going to get used to it very, very quickly.
Wow!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2002
Message from Marty
Marty says to tell you that everything went very well and he is recovering nicely. Also that he appreciated all the notes and good wishes last night and today.
We arrived early at the laser surgery center in Fairfield. His appointment was scheduled for 9:00 this morning, but traffic can be so miserable in southern CT that we didn't want to end up late. So we were in the parking lot at 8:15. We sat in the car and read the newspaper, and I was pleased to notice that a place I had read about was right across the street: The Fairfield Diner and Vegetarian Enclave. (A few years ago when I first moved to Connecticut I was looking for vegetarian restaurants -- I am not vegetarian but I like vegetarian cooking -- and this one was listed in a couple of directories. I just thought the name of it was funny. What is a vegetarian enclave? Do they have a meat section and a non-meat section in that place? I still don't know -- today wasn't the right day to try out a new restaurant -- but at least now I know where it is.)
We went into the surgery center around 8:45. They were already busy, lots of people in the waiting room and several doctors taking them back. We checked in and waited around, then Marty had some initial processing. I went back with him for that. Later they asked if I wanted to come with him again while he got ready for the surgery, but I stayed up in the front. After awhile, a doctor came and said I could go and see Marty, so I went back there, not realizing that the surgery was already done! But it was. And already he could see better, although it was cloudy and hazy.
We were finished by 11:00 and home by noon. Traffic was worse getting back to Hamden than it was during morning rush hour. Since then, Marty has been resting and taking it easy, with hard plastic guards over his eyes. But he can see -- his vision is already much better, and clearly it's still improving. It makes me so happy just to think about it.
So that is our day. Thanks for all your good thoughts and well-wishes. We appreciate it, and I'm happy to say that things seem to be going very well.
Marty says to tell you that everything went very well and he is recovering nicely. Also that he appreciated all the notes and good wishes last night and today.
We arrived early at the laser surgery center in Fairfield. His appointment was scheduled for 9:00 this morning, but traffic can be so miserable in southern CT that we didn't want to end up late. So we were in the parking lot at 8:15. We sat in the car and read the newspaper, and I was pleased to notice that a place I had read about was right across the street: The Fairfield Diner and Vegetarian Enclave. (A few years ago when I first moved to Connecticut I was looking for vegetarian restaurants -- I am not vegetarian but I like vegetarian cooking -- and this one was listed in a couple of directories. I just thought the name of it was funny. What is a vegetarian enclave? Do they have a meat section and a non-meat section in that place? I still don't know -- today wasn't the right day to try out a new restaurant -- but at least now I know where it is.)
We went into the surgery center around 8:45. They were already busy, lots of people in the waiting room and several doctors taking them back. We checked in and waited around, then Marty had some initial processing. I went back with him for that. Later they asked if I wanted to come with him again while he got ready for the surgery, but I stayed up in the front. After awhile, a doctor came and said I could go and see Marty, so I went back there, not realizing that the surgery was already done! But it was. And already he could see better, although it was cloudy and hazy.
We were finished by 11:00 and home by noon. Traffic was worse getting back to Hamden than it was during morning rush hour. Since then, Marty has been resting and taking it easy, with hard plastic guards over his eyes. But he can see -- his vision is already much better, and clearly it's still improving. It makes me so happy just to think about it.
So that is our day. Thanks for all your good thoughts and well-wishes. We appreciate it, and I'm happy to say that things seem to be going very well.
Monday, February 25, 2002
R*ne Sanb*rn, Ch*ld of L*ght (TM)
As if it wasn't bad enough that R*ne Sanb*rn, Ch*ld of L*ght (TM) had to go back to school with that title attached to his name, today in the New York Times article about the closing ceremonies he suffered the ultimate indignity:
Like Marty said, "Ch*ld of L*ght? That kid's never gonna make it to the cafeteria with his lunch money."
As if it wasn't bad enough that R*ne Sanb*rn, Ch*ld of L*ght (TM) had to go back to school with that title attached to his name, today in the New York Times article about the closing ceremonies he suffered the ultimate indignity:
- Even the symbolic passing of the torch — from Salt Lake City to Turin, Italy, the 2006 host — went without incident. A little girl bundled up in an Eskimo parka handed the lantern to another little girl, who skated off the ice, into the night, as the crowd swayed and cheered.
Like Marty said, "Ch*ld of L*ght? That kid's never gonna make it to the cafeteria with his lunch money."
Just in from Dinner
We went back to the Side Street Grille tonight for dinner. I had a Caffrey's Irish Ale (they were out of Young's Oatmeal Stout). Very yummy. (And so cool, the way the head separated out and settled... their slogan is "A Storm Brewing," and that really is what it looked like.)
As we were finishing dinner, Marty still had half a glass of his Labatt's sitting in front of him. He cracked me up -- he said, "I think I'm too full to finish this, but you know, there are sober children in China who would love to have it, and so I feel guilty wasting it..."
BWAH!
They have the best onion rings at Side Street. It's the only place I've had them where they are made of real onions AND the onion part doesn't pull out of the fried part when you take the first bite. I don't know how they get them like that.
I don't know if I've mentioned this here or not, but Marty is having laser surgery on his eyes tomorrow morning. I am driving him down to Fairfield for it first thing. Then I will be home with him tomorrow and Wednesday. The bad thing is, I have so much work due this week that I couldn't take the days off -- I brought my laptop home and will have to work tomorrow afternoon and probably Wednesday too... bah.
But anyway, Marty is looking forward to having his vision corrected. Maybe by this time tomorrow he will have a whole new view of the world!
We went back to the Side Street Grille tonight for dinner. I had a Caffrey's Irish Ale (they were out of Young's Oatmeal Stout). Very yummy. (And so cool, the way the head separated out and settled... their slogan is "A Storm Brewing," and that really is what it looked like.)
As we were finishing dinner, Marty still had half a glass of his Labatt's sitting in front of him. He cracked me up -- he said, "I think I'm too full to finish this, but you know, there are sober children in China who would love to have it, and so I feel guilty wasting it..."
BWAH!
They have the best onion rings at Side Street. It's the only place I've had them where they are made of real onions AND the onion part doesn't pull out of the fried part when you take the first bite. I don't know how they get them like that.
I don't know if I've mentioned this here or not, but Marty is having laser surgery on his eyes tomorrow morning. I am driving him down to Fairfield for it first thing. Then I will be home with him tomorrow and Wednesday. The bad thing is, I have so much work due this week that I couldn't take the days off -- I brought my laptop home and will have to work tomorrow afternoon and probably Wednesday too... bah.
But anyway, Marty is looking forward to having his vision corrected. Maybe by this time tomorrow he will have a whole new view of the world!
Lunch
Another day, another sandwich. I eat a lot of tuna salad for someone who Does Not Like fish. (Somehow it doesn't seem much like fish to me... although today I couldn't finish it, and that's never happened before.)
Hmm... what's up on this Monday? I have tons of work to do and I'm getting through it slowly but surely. Just taking a quick lunch break to wave hello. ::waves::
Oh! Amanda has checked the TV listings and it turns out Pup Stars will be on again next Saturday at 7:00 AM. Don't miss it!
Another day, another sandwich. I eat a lot of tuna salad for someone who Does Not Like fish. (Somehow it doesn't seem much like fish to me... although today I couldn't finish it, and that's never happened before.)
Hmm... what's up on this Monday? I have tons of work to do and I'm getting through it slowly but surely. Just taking a quick lunch break to wave hello. ::waves::
Oh! Amanda has checked the TV listings and it turns out Pup Stars will be on again next Saturday at 7:00 AM. Don't miss it!
Sunday, February 24, 2002
A Few Thoughts...
...on the closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Salt Lake City:
...on the closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Salt Lake City:
- I think tonight may have been the first time Donny and Marie ever performed on the same show as KISS. It also may be one of the first times KISS has played Salt Lake City. Remember how people used to call them Knights in Satan's Service?
- Does R*ne S*nborn, Ch*ld of L*ght (TM) have business cards printed up with his name and title? If he doesn't, he should.
- What was up with those dinosaurs?
- They picked some awesome musical acts -- Gloria Estefan, Earth Wind & Fire, and KISS were great.
- Who were those handsome guys with the angel voices who sang the national anthem?
Good News!
The car for England is rented. We got a very good rate through Marty's company and it turns out that the insurance is covered by one of our credit cards, so we used that one!
Also, this morning I called our old next door neighbors in Brampton. We will be staying with them two nights after we leave London. It was great to hear their voices again!
Today I want to get out and take some pictures with my old camera -- the one with the film in it -- so I can get them developed and take them with us when we go. Several of the people we are going to visit aren't online, and so I would like to show them what the house looks like and the sights around Hamden.
I do not think I will include the Ghost Parking Lot. They probably already think Americans are crazy enough without that.
Plans are coming along!
The car for England is rented. We got a very good rate through Marty's company and it turns out that the insurance is covered by one of our credit cards, so we used that one!
Also, this morning I called our old next door neighbors in Brampton. We will be staying with them two nights after we leave London. It was great to hear their voices again!
Today I want to get out and take some pictures with my old camera -- the one with the film in it -- so I can get them developed and take them with us when we go. Several of the people we are going to visit aren't online, and so I would like to show them what the house looks like and the sights around Hamden.
I do not think I will include the Ghost Parking Lot. They probably already think Americans are crazy enough without that.
Plans are coming along!
Saturday, February 23, 2002
New 'Do
Well. Today I went and had something new done to my hair. In this picture it kind of looks wet, but it was really dry (is this what we used to call the "wet look" twenty years ago?).
Anyway, I like how it turned out. I think I will like it even better when I start styling it myself. Although Tiffany did a great job.
Other than that, I didn't do too much today. Read the new Rolling Stone with Linkin Park on the cover (but mostly while I was having my hair done). Now I'm thinking about what to cook for dinner.
The weather was pretty here today. And so was the sunset. Unfortunately, I can't get a very good shot of the sunset from my house. There are too many electrical lines right around here. But it was a pink and blue one tonight, very pretty.
Well. Today I went and had something new done to my hair. In this picture it kind of looks wet, but it was really dry (is this what we used to call the "wet look" twenty years ago?).
Anyway, I like how it turned out. I think I will like it even better when I start styling it myself. Although Tiffany did a great job.
Other than that, I didn't do too much today. Read the new Rolling Stone with Linkin Park on the cover (but mostly while I was having my hair done). Now I'm thinking about what to cook for dinner.
The weather was pretty here today. And so was the sunset. Unfortunately, I can't get a very good shot of the sunset from my house. There are too many electrical lines right around here. But it was a pink and blue one tonight, very pretty.
Uh-Oh
According to this Good Housekeeping Institute Report, Pirate's Booty is not quite so health-conscious as its makers might have us believe...
Oh, what's Pirate's Booty, you ask? Hmmm. It's kind of like cheesy poofs marketed as health food. And it's yummy. But apparently not quite as healthy as previously reported.
According to this Good Housekeeping Institute Report, Pirate's Booty is not quite so health-conscious as its makers might have us believe...
Oh, what's Pirate's Booty, you ask? Hmmm. It's kind of like cheesy poofs marketed as health food. And it's yummy. But apparently not quite as healthy as previously reported.
Pup Stars
Was I dreaming? Or was it real?
This morning at 8:30, Maria called me from Detroit and told me to turn on VH1. Actually, I think what she said was, "Is someone at VH1 on drugs?"
When I turned it on, it took me a second to figure out what I was watching. There was a big-screen TV showing Nelly Furtado's "I'm Like a Bird" video, and in front of the television were five or six puppies lounging around on astroturf. Sometimes they'd get up and start playing, jumping on each other and barking, or poking behind the TV, or sticking their tails up in the camera. Then they'd flop back down and rest.
And yes, this was the whole show. Videos and puppies. Not even a host, or any explanation of what was going on, except for a message on the screen that the puppies were available for adoption.
It was surprisingly entertaining.
Anyway I looked it up on the VH1.com schedule, and apparently it was on from 7am to 9am today -- but I don't see it listed at any other time. However, it was listed as "Pup Stars #1," so maybe it's just the first of many to come... we can only hope!
Oh, and in other news, I can access Kiss the Rain again! Woo-hoo! However, those other sites are still forbidden...
Was I dreaming? Or was it real?
This morning at 8:30, Maria called me from Detroit and told me to turn on VH1. Actually, I think what she said was, "Is someone at VH1 on drugs?"
When I turned it on, it took me a second to figure out what I was watching. There was a big-screen TV showing Nelly Furtado's "I'm Like a Bird" video, and in front of the television were five or six puppies lounging around on astroturf. Sometimes they'd get up and start playing, jumping on each other and barking, or poking behind the TV, or sticking their tails up in the camera. Then they'd flop back down and rest.
And yes, this was the whole show. Videos and puppies. Not even a host, or any explanation of what was going on, except for a message on the screen that the puppies were available for adoption.
It was surprisingly entertaining.
Anyway I looked it up on the VH1.com schedule, and apparently it was on from 7am to 9am today -- but I don't see it listed at any other time. However, it was listed as "Pup Stars #1," so maybe it's just the first of many to come... we can only hope!
Oh, and in other news, I can access Kiss the Rain again! Woo-hoo! However, those other sites are still forbidden...
Oh, no...
Ever since we switched over from @Home to the Comcast Network a couple of weeks ago, I have been having unexplained problems with random web sites. It's almost as if they're blocked. Internet Explorer tells me it can't access them, and Netscape doesn't do any better -- and I think Marty's computer is having the same problems (I checked the same sites over there just to be sure). So it sounds like a network problem to me.
Well, I've been working around it okay -- if by working around you mean not going to those sites. But this morning I woke up and I couldn't get to www.kisstherain.com, with the same error message I've been getting on these other sites. That is sooooo not going to work. I must check that page ten times a day, every day. Not to mention Everything Here is Mine, which is on the same domain, and which I also can't access.
If this doesn't clear up soon I am going to have to call Comcast and complain. I can't live like this!
Ever since we switched over from @Home to the Comcast Network a couple of weeks ago, I have been having unexplained problems with random web sites. It's almost as if they're blocked. Internet Explorer tells me it can't access them, and Netscape doesn't do any better -- and I think Marty's computer is having the same problems (I checked the same sites over there just to be sure). So it sounds like a network problem to me.
Well, I've been working around it okay -- if by working around you mean not going to those sites. But this morning I woke up and I couldn't get to www.kisstherain.com, with the same error message I've been getting on these other sites. That is sooooo not going to work. I must check that page ten times a day, every day. Not to mention Everything Here is Mine, which is on the same domain, and which I also can't access.
If this doesn't clear up soon I am going to have to call Comcast and complain. I can't live like this!
The Feline Seal of Approval
Ziggy quite approves of my new Craftsman chest, as you can see here. Actually, the part he is sitting on (with the black drawers) is the new part. The upper part (red drawers) I have had for about three years.
We had a nice evening with our friend Bill. We tried to go to dinner at the Troutbrook Brewhouse in Wallingford (actually Yalesville), but when we arrived there to meet him, it had changed to the Q River Bar and Grill. So we ate there anyway, and it turned out to be very good. (It wasn't like the time the Chinese restaurant changed to Russian, Laura.)
Whatever this restaurant is called, it is located about half a mile from a house we tried to buy back in 1999. It was, dare I say it, our dream house. Mid-Victorian, lots of rooms, upstairs sitting room with built in bookcases, a huge garage, great neighborhood -- and geographically exactly where we wanted to be in Connecticut.
We made an offer on it the day we saw it -- without knowing that the sellers were already considering another offer (their agent was less than forthcoming with us). Still, even after we found out about the other offer, there was a chance the other buyers would not be able to get a bridge loan and the house might have come to us. We spent a torturous week waiting for news, and finally got it at 4:45 Friday afternoon, just fifteen minutes before the decision deadline. The other offer was approved and accepted. What a disappointment.
That weekend, though, we went out and saw our house for the first time -- this one, the one we ended up buying. And although I didn't connect with it right away, the way I did with the other one, I am glad things turned out the way they did. We both love this house, and it's turned out to be a good place for us. I'm not superstitious, and I don't believe things happen according to a plan, but I will say I'm glad we didn't end up in that house at the expense of the other couple who had first bid on it. We would have gotten the house in Yalesville only if their deal had fallen through. For that and several other reasons, I think things worked out better for us in the end, with this house.
Hmmm, I guess I get rambly late at night.
While I'm ramblin', let me mention that Amanda has started an online journal to go with her weblog! Go and read!
Ziggy quite approves of my new Craftsman chest, as you can see here. Actually, the part he is sitting on (with the black drawers) is the new part. The upper part (red drawers) I have had for about three years.
We had a nice evening with our friend Bill. We tried to go to dinner at the Troutbrook Brewhouse in Wallingford (actually Yalesville), but when we arrived there to meet him, it had changed to the Q River Bar and Grill. So we ate there anyway, and it turned out to be very good. (It wasn't like the time the Chinese restaurant changed to Russian, Laura.)
Whatever this restaurant is called, it is located about half a mile from a house we tried to buy back in 1999. It was, dare I say it, our dream house. Mid-Victorian, lots of rooms, upstairs sitting room with built in bookcases, a huge garage, great neighborhood -- and geographically exactly where we wanted to be in Connecticut.
We made an offer on it the day we saw it -- without knowing that the sellers were already considering another offer (their agent was less than forthcoming with us). Still, even after we found out about the other offer, there was a chance the other buyers would not be able to get a bridge loan and the house might have come to us. We spent a torturous week waiting for news, and finally got it at 4:45 Friday afternoon, just fifteen minutes before the decision deadline. The other offer was approved and accepted. What a disappointment.
That weekend, though, we went out and saw our house for the first time -- this one, the one we ended up buying. And although I didn't connect with it right away, the way I did with the other one, I am glad things turned out the way they did. We both love this house, and it's turned out to be a good place for us. I'm not superstitious, and I don't believe things happen according to a plan, but I will say I'm glad we didn't end up in that house at the expense of the other couple who had first bid on it. We would have gotten the house in Yalesville only if their deal had fallen through. For that and several other reasons, I think things worked out better for us in the end, with this house.
Hmmm, I guess I get rambly late at night.
While I'm ramblin', let me mention that Amanda has started an online journal to go with her weblog! Go and read!
Friday, February 22, 2002
Good Advice from Susie's Mom
Here's some concert-going advice from my e-mail today:
Here's some concert-going advice from my e-mail today:
- Never, never buy tickets behind the stage. If anyone ever asks you if your mother ever gave you any advice you can tell them that.
New Leaf?
I think I'll try to start updating the journal again on a regular basis. I enjoy writing the longer entries and I've missed being able to say the journal is updated. (It is.)
Well, what's up for the weekend? Tonight, dinner with our friend Bill. Tomorrow, a new look for me. After that, some chores around the house. Changing all my online accounts over to the new e-mail address (sigh). Maybe catch up with some friends on the phone.
I hope somewhere in there we get out for a nice long walk, too, if the weather cooperates.
I think I'll try to start updating the journal again on a regular basis. I enjoy writing the longer entries and I've missed being able to say the journal is updated. (It is.)
Well, what's up for the weekend? Tonight, dinner with our friend Bill. Tomorrow, a new look for me. After that, some chores around the house. Changing all my online accounts over to the new e-mail address (sigh). Maybe catch up with some friends on the phone.
I hope somewhere in there we get out for a nice long walk, too, if the weather cooperates.
Circus Peanuts
I recently came across this review of circus peanuts candy, and somehow it awakened a craving for them. I picked some up last night, and now I'd like to report that yes, they are just as gross as you probably remembered.
However, I did get a kick out of the official site for them.
I recently came across this review of circus peanuts candy, and somehow it awakened a craving for them. I picked some up last night, and now I'd like to report that yes, they are just as gross as you probably remembered.
However, I did get a kick out of the official site for them.
Latest *NSYNC Rumor
Now it appears Lance may not be going into space... but here's an *NSYNC rumor that's even stranger (from popdirt.com):
Something funny -- after I read this last night, I told Marty I had heard another *NSYNC rumor, and he said, "Hmmm, let me guess. JC and Lance are announcing their engagement?"
I love those boys...
Now it appears Lance may not be going into space... but here's an *NSYNC rumor that's even stranger (from popdirt.com):
- "I'm a student at NYU, and work part-time at the Nederlander Theater in New York City, where Rent is playing. Our Roger is taking the summer off, and there's been lots of discussions as to who'd take his place. I spoke with the stage manager, Rick, and he said the producers have decided on JC Chasez from *NSYNC. He'll be in the role for June, July and August at least. Rick said the producer's have wanted him for a long time, but now it seems their schedule will allow it. I've heard this guy... he's a wonderful singer."
Something funny -- after I read this last night, I told Marty I had heard another *NSYNC rumor, and he said, "Hmmm, let me guess. JC and Lance are announcing their engagement?"
I love those boys...
Zzzzzzzzz...
It's National Slacker Day. Now that's a holiday I could really call my own.
Thanks to Deborah for the link.
It's National Slacker Day. Now that's a holiday I could really call my own.
Thanks to Deborah for the link.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
As if I needed a reason...
From the New York Times, here are 64 Reasons to Love Canada (down at the bottom of this article about Olympic hockey).
An excerpt from the list (the rest of it is more diverse than this part, but this made me laugh):
From the New York Times, here are 64 Reasons to Love Canada (down at the bottom of this article about Olympic hockey).
An excerpt from the list (the rest of it is more diverse than this part, but this made me laugh):
- 31. The late Rick Danko of The Band.
32. The late Richard Manuel of The Band.
33. Robbie Robertson of The Band.
34. Garth Hudson of The Band.
35. Levon Helm of The Band, despite being from Arkansas.
- 1. Nick Lea
2. Paul Gross
3. Canadian candy
4. A passion for donuts (although they do have Tim Horton's on the list)
5. Canadian TV shows
6. American TV shows filmed in Canada (why do you think The X-Files went all to hell after leaving Vancouver?)
7. Prince Edward Island
8. William Shatner (what, you think I'm kidding?)
Why I LOVE "The Ceaseless Torture of Adulthood"
Anyone who can make me smile before 6:00 AM must be doing something right... check out Marel's latest: Hamlet, the Hamster with No Regrets.
And happy birthday, Marel!
Anyone who can make me smile before 6:00 AM must be doing something right... check out Marel's latest: Hamlet, the Hamster with No Regrets.
And happy birthday, Marel!
Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Is it bedtime yet?
Tonight I am just so tired for some reason. I don't even know why. But all evening I've been looking at the clock, thinking surely it was 10:00 by now... and now it finally is.
Marty has been busy this evening working on plans for the trip to England. He is figuring out what to do about the rental car. Where we should pick it up, etc. Once we get this part arranged, it will be just a matter of planning what we need to take, what we'll be doing while we're there, and other fun things like that. The big plans are mostly done already. That's a good feeling.
The big news today is that one of the *NSYNC boys is going into space. Can you believe it?
Luckily, it's not until after I see them in concert.
Tonight I am just so tired for some reason. I don't even know why. But all evening I've been looking at the clock, thinking surely it was 10:00 by now... and now it finally is.
Marty has been busy this evening working on plans for the trip to England. He is figuring out what to do about the rental car. Where we should pick it up, etc. Once we get this part arranged, it will be just a matter of planning what we need to take, what we'll be doing while we're there, and other fun things like that. The big plans are mostly done already. That's a good feeling.
The big news today is that one of the *NSYNC boys is going into space. Can you believe it?
Luckily, it's not until after I see them in concert.
This Egyptian train fire is a terrible tragedy. What a horrible accident.
And this thing about the crematorium in Georgia is just disgusting. What on earth were they thinking?
And this thing about the crematorium in Georgia is just disgusting. What on earth were they thinking?
Tuesday, February 19, 2002
USA-2 Bobsled Women Win Gold
Today Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers of the US won the first gold medal ever awarded for women's bobsleigh at the Olympics. This was very cool to watch, especially after all the hype that surrounded the other US team (Jean Racine and Gea Johnson). Bakken and Flowers both seem so down-to-earth and humble. About as un-diva-like as you can get, or at least that's how they appeared to me. Also, Flowers is the first black athlete ever to win a gold medal in a winter Olympic event.
I haven't been watching much of the Olympic coverage, but this was an interesting story and I'm glad I caught it.
Today Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers of the US won the first gold medal ever awarded for women's bobsleigh at the Olympics. This was very cool to watch, especially after all the hype that surrounded the other US team (Jean Racine and Gea Johnson). Bakken and Flowers both seem so down-to-earth and humble. About as un-diva-like as you can get, or at least that's how they appeared to me. Also, Flowers is the first black athlete ever to win a gold medal in a winter Olympic event.
I haven't been watching much of the Olympic coverage, but this was an interesting story and I'm glad I caught it.
Boo!
Something scary for those of us who use PayPal: When a Secured Site is Not So Secure.
If that's not enough for you, check out this one, about Internet Explorer.
Eek!
Something scary for those of us who use PayPal: When a Secured Site is Not So Secure.
If that's not enough for you, check out this one, about Internet Explorer.
Eek!
Been a Long Time, Revisited
Ever since I wrote this entry about the car commercials the other day, I've been getting hits from Google and Yahoo! for "song from the cadillac commercial" and the like. (I've also been getting hits for "wife swapping," from that same entry. Heh.)
I hope Rock and Roll by Led Zeppelin is the song people are looking for. Not some other Cadillac commercial song that I don't have any information about (I really don't watch much TV).
What always surprises me is how quickly the search engines are updated these days. In the last month there have been probably two or three times where I've posted something to my weblog in the morning, and by the afternoon I've had a hit from Google that obviously came from that day's post. I wonder what's going on there. Maybe Google is hooked into the weblog update pages and just automatically goes to them whenever they're updated.
Anyway, if you're looking for that song, Rock and Roll, it's on Led Zeppelin IV, arguably their very best album. You really can't go wrong with this one. Besides the obvious (Stairway to Heaven), you get some of the best songs LZ ever did: Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, Black Dog...
But I still think it's funny that Rock and Roll is in a Cadillac commercial. And now whenever I hear it, I can't help but sing my own lyrics in my head:
Ever since I wrote this entry about the car commercials the other day, I've been getting hits from Google and Yahoo! for "song from the cadillac commercial" and the like. (I've also been getting hits for "wife swapping," from that same entry. Heh.)
I hope Rock and Roll by Led Zeppelin is the song people are looking for. Not some other Cadillac commercial song that I don't have any information about (I really don't watch much TV).
What always surprises me is how quickly the search engines are updated these days. In the last month there have been probably two or three times where I've posted something to my weblog in the morning, and by the afternoon I've had a hit from Google that obviously came from that day's post. I wonder what's going on there. Maybe Google is hooked into the weblog update pages and just automatically goes to them whenever they're updated.
Anyway, if you're looking for that song, Rock and Roll, it's on Led Zeppelin IV, arguably their very best album. You really can't go wrong with this one. Besides the obvious (Stairway to Heaven), you get some of the best songs LZ ever did: Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, Black Dog...
But I still think it's funny that Rock and Roll is in a Cadillac commercial. And now whenever I hear it, I can't help but sing my own lyrics in my head:
- It's been a long time since I rock and rolled
I'm drivin' this car 'cause I'm gettin' old...
Monday, February 18, 2002
This Ziggy sounds (and looks) a lot like my Ziggy.
Katynka pointed him out to me, Ziggy's "English cousin."
Katynka pointed him out to me, Ziggy's "English cousin."
Sunday, February 17, 2002
Sassy!
I was just sitting here wondering, "Why am I so tired?" Then I remembered that I woke up at 4:30 this morning and never got back to sleep... oh, yeah. That explains a lot.
Tomorrow is a holiday for a lot of people here in the US (President's Day) but not for me. I guess there won't be any mail delivery though. Bummer. I hate it when the mail doesn't run.
We had a good weekend. A very productive day yesterday, in particular, running about ten errands and getting a lot done on our respective studies. Last night we watched Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, which is one of our old favorite movies. I got it for Marty for Valentine's day. We laughed and laughed.
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.
Today I met up with Clarissa and her son (who is six) and we had lunch, then went to see Return to Neverland. I thought it was cute. The songs aren't as memorable as the original Peter Pan songs were, but I really liked the new characters. Jane is a feisty little girl and she makes a good heroine. Tinkerbell was so sassy, and not nearly as irritating as she was in the other one. I hate how jealous she is in the original. And don't even get me started on how her entire existence depends on what other people think of her, or whether they believe in her or not. Shudder.
I was just sitting here wondering, "Why am I so tired?" Then I remembered that I woke up at 4:30 this morning and never got back to sleep... oh, yeah. That explains a lot.
Tomorrow is a holiday for a lot of people here in the US (President's Day) but not for me. I guess there won't be any mail delivery though. Bummer. I hate it when the mail doesn't run.
We had a good weekend. A very productive day yesterday, in particular, running about ten errands and getting a lot done on our respective studies. Last night we watched Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, which is one of our old favorite movies. I got it for Marty for Valentine's day. We laughed and laughed.
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.
Today I met up with Clarissa and her son (who is six) and we had lunch, then went to see Return to Neverland. I thought it was cute. The songs aren't as memorable as the original Peter Pan songs were, but I really liked the new characters. Jane is a feisty little girl and she makes a good heroine. Tinkerbell was so sassy, and not nearly as irritating as she was in the other one. I hate how jealous she is in the original. And don't even get me started on how her entire existence depends on what other people think of her, or whether they believe in her or not. Shudder.
It's Been a Long Time Since I Rock and Rolled
Is it just me, or is it very wrong for the Led Zeppelin song Rock and Roll to be used in a Cadillac commercial? Are you SERIOUS? I bet Jimmy and Robert are laughing all the way to the bank. (Assuming they own those songs -- please, let this not be another one of those horrible situations where the artists don't have the rights to their own music.)
It's very interesting to me, what's happening to car commercials as the Baby Boomers get older. Remember This is not your father's Oldsmobile? That's the first one I remember that tried to say, "Hey, look, you can drive a fogey-mobile and still be hip..."
But that's not all. There's one out now for a minivan (I think Ford Windstar?) where the basic premise is a joke about swinging. Yes, I mean wife swapping. Have you seen it? The guy calls his next-door-neighbor over to the fence and asks him whether he and his wife ever think about, you know, swapping (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more). The neighbor seems taken aback, but kinda sorta says, er, yes. "What about the kids?" the other guy asks. The neighbor just goggles at him. Then the guy whips out his car keys and hands them over, and next thing you know he's got his whole family in the other guy's Ford Windstar or whatever and they're cruising down the road.
That is just twisted. No, really. Think about it. They're using the idea of swinging to make a minivan seem cool. I think it's for people who just... never thought they'd be considering a minivan. So they make this commercial that sort of pokes fun at the whole minivan thing while the underlying message is that you can drive a minivan and still be on the cutting edge of culture (if swinging could be considered on the cutting edge of culture). This commercial cracks me up every damn time I see it.
Say no MORE!
Is it just me, or is it very wrong for the Led Zeppelin song Rock and Roll to be used in a Cadillac commercial? Are you SERIOUS? I bet Jimmy and Robert are laughing all the way to the bank. (Assuming they own those songs -- please, let this not be another one of those horrible situations where the artists don't have the rights to their own music.)
It's very interesting to me, what's happening to car commercials as the Baby Boomers get older. Remember This is not your father's Oldsmobile? That's the first one I remember that tried to say, "Hey, look, you can drive a fogey-mobile and still be hip..."
But that's not all. There's one out now for a minivan (I think Ford Windstar?) where the basic premise is a joke about swinging. Yes, I mean wife swapping. Have you seen it? The guy calls his next-door-neighbor over to the fence and asks him whether he and his wife ever think about, you know, swapping (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more). The neighbor seems taken aback, but kinda sorta says, er, yes. "What about the kids?" the other guy asks. The neighbor just goggles at him. Then the guy whips out his car keys and hands them over, and next thing you know he's got his whole family in the other guy's Ford Windstar or whatever and they're cruising down the road.
That is just twisted. No, really. Think about it. They're using the idea of swinging to make a minivan seem cool. I think it's for people who just... never thought they'd be considering a minivan. So they make this commercial that sort of pokes fun at the whole minivan thing while the underlying message is that you can drive a minivan and still be on the cutting edge of culture (if swinging could be considered on the cutting edge of culture). This commercial cracks me up every damn time I see it.
Say no MORE!
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Blogger's Back!
I haven't been able to post for hours... well, ever since I woke up this morning. But it appears to be working again now! Hooray!
Marty and I have spent most of today working on projects around the house. My study is coming along nicely, and his computer is working again, so it's been a productive day.
We got some new light fixtures for the two studies, and it makes such a difference to have nice bright light when you're working. My office at work feels very dark to me, although other people say it's bright in there. I think fluorescent light in particular is tough on the eyes, probably because it looks so unnatural. Anyway I like my nice bright office here at home. And if it's too bright, I can just use my table lamp instead of the overhead light.
I couldn't decide whether I was going to put pictures and cards up on the wall again in the study, but the walls look so bad in here that I decided to go ahead. This is the smallest bedroom in the house, and rather than putting up drywall like in the rest of the house, the previous owners just put some cheap wood paneling up over the crumbling plaster. Sometime after that they painted the paneling white -- but they didn't bother to take any of the nails out of the walls or even scrape the tape off... so the walls in here are really dreadful. That's partly the reason why this became my craft (ie, junk) room. Also partly the reason why I started putting the cards up in the first place. Someday we will redo the whole room, new walls and everything, but for now I think it's best just to deal with it however we can. (After all, we still have to finish the other projects that wouldn't die... the downstairs bathroom, the hallway wallpaper, the glazing on the windows, etc.)
Anyway, the picture over to the right is a detail from the wall. It just tickled me so much when I put that David up there. Hee!
I will post some pictures of the craft room when it's closer to being done.
I haven't been able to post for hours... well, ever since I woke up this morning. But it appears to be working again now! Hooray!
Marty and I have spent most of today working on projects around the house. My study is coming along nicely, and his computer is working again, so it's been a productive day.
We got some new light fixtures for the two studies, and it makes such a difference to have nice bright light when you're working. My office at work feels very dark to me, although other people say it's bright in there. I think fluorescent light in particular is tough on the eyes, probably because it looks so unnatural. Anyway I like my nice bright office here at home. And if it's too bright, I can just use my table lamp instead of the overhead light.
I couldn't decide whether I was going to put pictures and cards up on the wall again in the study, but the walls look so bad in here that I decided to go ahead. This is the smallest bedroom in the house, and rather than putting up drywall like in the rest of the house, the previous owners just put some cheap wood paneling up over the crumbling plaster. Sometime after that they painted the paneling white -- but they didn't bother to take any of the nails out of the walls or even scrape the tape off... so the walls in here are really dreadful. That's partly the reason why this became my craft (ie, junk) room. Also partly the reason why I started putting the cards up in the first place. Someday we will redo the whole room, new walls and everything, but for now I think it's best just to deal with it however we can. (After all, we still have to finish the other projects that wouldn't die... the downstairs bathroom, the hallway wallpaper, the glazing on the windows, etc.)
Anyway, the picture over to the right is a detail from the wall. It just tickled me so much when I put that David up there. Hee!
I will post some pictures of the craft room when it's closer to being done.
Friday, February 15, 2002
Friday Night
End of the week. It was a pretty good one. Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because I enjoy doing valentines for my friends, so that was lots of fun. Also, it was nice to get out in the middle of the week for the Fancy Feet. I made some more progress on the trip to England. I got to catch up with Mary on the phone. Plus my NSYNC tickets arrived. And I had a fairly productive week at work. What's not to like about all that?
Happy weekend, everyone!
End of the week. It was a pretty good one. Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because I enjoy doing valentines for my friends, so that was lots of fun. Also, it was nice to get out in the middle of the week for the Fancy Feet. I made some more progress on the trip to England. I got to catch up with Mary on the phone. Plus my NSYNC tickets arrived. And I had a fairly productive week at work. What's not to like about all that?
Happy weekend, everyone!
Thursday, February 14, 2002
Don't Start!
Check out this funny valentine Maria sent me. I love it. I am so crazy about these hearts, and the thought of candy with these sayings makes me giggle every time I look at it. (You can click on the picture to see the full size version.)
Alicia sent me official Necco *NSYNC candy hearts, too (I never could find any around here). They say things like "N Love" and "Joey" on them. Too funny.
Today's been a busy day at work, so I'm glad that it's going to be a low-key Valentine's day here. Tonight I plan to cook dinner for Marty and then we may watch some Olympic finger painting (ie, figure skating). Valentine's fun!
Finally, nobody says happy Valentine's day like Odin says happy Valentine's day... pucker up!!!
Check out this funny valentine Maria sent me. I love it. I am so crazy about these hearts, and the thought of candy with these sayings makes me giggle every time I look at it. (You can click on the picture to see the full size version.)
Alicia sent me official Necco *NSYNC candy hearts, too (I never could find any around here). They say things like "N Love" and "Joey" on them. Too funny.
Today's been a busy day at work, so I'm glad that it's going to be a low-key Valentine's day here. Tonight I plan to cook dinner for Marty and then we may watch some Olympic finger painting (ie, figure skating). Valentine's fun!
Finally, nobody says happy Valentine's day like Odin says happy Valentine's day... pucker up!!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2002
Bee Mine
This little bee was my valentine's day present from Marty last year. So adorable!
Tonight I made some cupcakes for Marty and me to have tomorrow night and some to take to work tomorrow. I was at Amanda's for the Foot Fun party last night and she had made the cutest cupcakes... I thought it was a great idea. So I had to make some of my own!
I also had a nice chat with Mary on the phone. She gave me a list of restaurants to try in London, and her husband Michael gave me tips on renting a car in England.
So, it was a productive and relaxing evening. But tomorrow morning is my weekly 8:30 meeting, so I should get to bed soon.
But first...
Hope you have a yummy valentine's day!
Big Brother Comcast
Sounds like Comcast cable internet service is going to stop storing Web users' data. It's a good thing, too.
I'm not surprised to find they were caching Web usage -- it's a very common practice, from what I understand, although most companies don't tell their customers that it's being done. (Lots of consumer health information sites do the same thing -- here's a very interesting report on this practice, from the California Healthcare Foundation.)
I am a Comcast customer, and this switchover from the @Home network to the new Comcast network has been a painful one so far. It's not over yet, either. Because my e-mail address isn't the primary e-mail address on the account (Marty's is), I haven't been able to change my address to the new Comcast network yet. And the @Home e-mail will cut off two weeks from tomorrow.
It's not so hard to write and tell friends and acquaintances that I have a new e-mail address, of course, but it takes time for me to switch over all the business accounts I have under that address. I am nervous about losing access to my accounts with online services like NetFlix, PayPal, eBay, Half.com and so forth. It's very inconvenient, especially since I don't have the new address yet, and there's no guarantee that it'll be the same userid as my old one.
But at least they won't be tracking my moves on the Web anymore.
Sounds like Comcast cable internet service is going to stop storing Web users' data. It's a good thing, too.
I'm not surprised to find they were caching Web usage -- it's a very common practice, from what I understand, although most companies don't tell their customers that it's being done. (Lots of consumer health information sites do the same thing -- here's a very interesting report on this practice, from the California Healthcare Foundation.)
I am a Comcast customer, and this switchover from the @Home network to the new Comcast network has been a painful one so far. It's not over yet, either. Because my e-mail address isn't the primary e-mail address on the account (Marty's is), I haven't been able to change my address to the new Comcast network yet. And the @Home e-mail will cut off two weeks from tomorrow.
It's not so hard to write and tell friends and acquaintances that I have a new e-mail address, of course, but it takes time for me to switch over all the business accounts I have under that address. I am nervous about losing access to my accounts with online services like NetFlix, PayPal, eBay, Half.com and so forth. It's very inconvenient, especially since I don't have the new address yet, and there's no guarantee that it'll be the same userid as my old one.
But at least they won't be tracking my moves on the Web anymore.
An Intriguing Concept
This Power Structure software sounds interesting. I guess what intrigued me most about it was that Charles Haddad who reviewed it (favorably) is a published writer and a writing teacher.
I would never have thought that a software program could really teach you anything much about writing -- or could work so seamlessly with the creative process -- but it sounds like Power Structure has a fairly specific purpose and it fulfills the purpose well.
This Power Structure software sounds interesting. I guess what intrigued me most about it was that Charles Haddad who reviewed it (favorably) is a published writer and a writing teacher.
I would never have thought that a software program could really teach you anything much about writing -- or could work so seamlessly with the creative process -- but it sounds like Power Structure has a fairly specific purpose and it fulfills the purpose well.
Academy Awards
Well, the Academy Award nominations have been announced. I was happy to see Moulin Rouge on the list in several categories, including best picture. Nicole Kidman was nominated for best actress, as well, which I think is appropriate. Of course I wish Ewan McGregor had been nominated for best actor, too! But it's a good list, I think.
Now this makes me want to go and see a bunch of these other movies.
It is Wednesday, the middle of the work week. I like Wednesday because things usually seem to start moving faster after that. Plus, tomorrow is Valentine's day.
I still need to find a little something for Marty. I have a card for him, but I can't decide what I want to give him as a token of my affection. And as for dinner, I think maybe I will bring home something we don't get very often, like Thai, and make a cake or some cupcakes. Mmmm, cupcakes!
Last night I heard from my friend Laura (the one in Georgia) that her *NSYNC tickets arrived yesterday! Mine will surely be here today. I can't wait!
Well, happy Wednesday!
Well, the Academy Award nominations have been announced. I was happy to see Moulin Rouge on the list in several categories, including best picture. Nicole Kidman was nominated for best actress, as well, which I think is appropriate. Of course I wish Ewan McGregor had been nominated for best actor, too! But it's a good list, I think.
Now this makes me want to go and see a bunch of these other movies.
It is Wednesday, the middle of the work week. I like Wednesday because things usually seem to start moving faster after that. Plus, tomorrow is Valentine's day.
I still need to find a little something for Marty. I have a card for him, but I can't decide what I want to give him as a token of my affection. And as for dinner, I think maybe I will bring home something we don't get very often, like Thai, and make a cake or some cupcakes. Mmmm, cupcakes!
Last night I heard from my friend Laura (the one in Georgia) that her *NSYNC tickets arrived yesterday! Mine will surely be here today. I can't wait!
Well, happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Headaches Galore
Seems like these last few weeks have been characterized by a long string of headaches for yours truly. I have been experiencing them on such a regular basis that a day when I wake up without one (like today) is worth remarking. Why? Why? I don't know. Just one of those mysteries, I suppose. The doctor thinks they're stress-related. Well, whatever. I could do without the visual disturbances.
It's 1:30 PM. Do you know where your cat is?
Seems like these last few weeks have been characterized by a long string of headaches for yours truly. I have been experiencing them on such a regular basis that a day when I wake up without one (like today) is worth remarking. Why? Why? I don't know. Just one of those mysteries, I suppose. The doctor thinks they're stress-related. Well, whatever. I could do without the visual disturbances.
It's 1:30 PM. Do you know where your cat is?
Celebrate! Ohio!
Choose your holiday! Today is Mardi Gras, Lincoln's Birthday, and Chinese New Year (it's the year of the horse), all in one. Also, as Jul pointed out this morning, it's the new moon. Everyone should be able to find something to celebrate on that list of happenings!
Speaking of Ohio... I hate it when I start to question my own unfounded prejudices. It was bad enough when I started thinking maybe squirrels weren't so bad (years ago now -- I was rehabilitated -- these days I love them), but Ohio? I thought I could always count on Ohio to inspire my contempt... Now I find I have way too many friends living there to think of it as a frustrating and evil place anymore.
So let me send a big shout-out to my friends (both human and feline) in Columbus and Cincinnati, and admit I was wrong! I will turn over a new leaf and love Ohio.
Plus it is the home of Value City. In other words, it is the Mecca of bargain shopping.
Let the Ohio Love begin...
Choose your holiday! Today is Mardi Gras, Lincoln's Birthday, and Chinese New Year (it's the year of the horse), all in one. Also, as Jul pointed out this morning, it's the new moon. Everyone should be able to find something to celebrate on that list of happenings!
Speaking of Ohio... I hate it when I start to question my own unfounded prejudices. It was bad enough when I started thinking maybe squirrels weren't so bad (years ago now -- I was rehabilitated -- these days I love them), but Ohio? I thought I could always count on Ohio to inspire my contempt... Now I find I have way too many friends living there to think of it as a frustrating and evil place anymore.
So let me send a big shout-out to my friends (both human and feline) in Columbus and Cincinnati, and admit I was wrong! I will turn over a new leaf and love Ohio.
Plus it is the home of Value City. In other words, it is the Mecca of bargain shopping.
Let the Ohio Love begin...
Monday, February 11, 2002
Brrrrrrrrr
It turned cold here today! When I left work at 5, it was already down to 30. Now it's even colder.
Thank goodness we had a Katynka-style pot roast waiting when we got home (yes, I did it the real Katynka way in the slow cooker). Yum.
I think I'll also see if I can convince the man of the house to start a fire in the fireplace (once he finishes assembling my new office chair).
It turned cold here today! When I left work at 5, it was already down to 30. Now it's even colder.
Thank goodness we had a Katynka-style pot roast waiting when we got home (yes, I did it the real Katynka way in the slow cooker). Yum.
I think I'll also see if I can convince the man of the house to start a fire in the fireplace (once he finishes assembling my new office chair).
Monday, Monday...
When you are a cat, every day of the week is basically the same. Except for the fact that there are days when everyone goes away and leaves you to your own devices for several hours (allowing you to sleep as much as you want) and then there are days when everyone stays around the house all day (while you sleep as much as you want).
For a human, it's different. The difference between, oh, Saturday and Monday? It's almost like they aren't even both days of the week... they should be two different things.
I dreamed I was on a vacation last night with a friend; we were in a foreign country (a European country but I couldn't tell which one) and we were riding this train around and around and around... then we went to a very crowded restaurant full of locals, where nobody spoke English, and couldn't figure out what to order. Finally we ordered what the people at the next table had -- it turned out to be a very large ham sandwich, about a foot square, between two huge slices of white bread. The waiter sort of carved it for us at the table and served it up to us.
This weekend Marty and I made some progress on my craft room/study project. He put up some shelves for me and we moved my computer in... I have these new utility tables that I will be using for a desk/craft surface and I think they are going to work out great. I still have a lot of work to do in here, but this is the beginning of what it will look like:
Of course, I have to clear off that table to the left -- that huge stack of stuff is my paper for printing CD covers, labels, etc. Once I get that table clear, I will put my paper cutter over there and use that area for assembling CDs and other jobs that need space. The corner behind me (when I was taking the picture) is still a big mess, but it's a lot better than it was a few days ago. It's full of art supplies, craft goods, mailing necessities, stationery, rubber stamps, etc etc etc. I'm still organizing it.
It feels good to be getting something accomplished! And now Marty and I both have our computers upstairs -- his is across the hall in the study. It's a greatly improved state of affairs.
When you are a cat, every day of the week is basically the same. Except for the fact that there are days when everyone goes away and leaves you to your own devices for several hours (allowing you to sleep as much as you want) and then there are days when everyone stays around the house all day (while you sleep as much as you want).
For a human, it's different. The difference between, oh, Saturday and Monday? It's almost like they aren't even both days of the week... they should be two different things.
I dreamed I was on a vacation last night with a friend; we were in a foreign country (a European country but I couldn't tell which one) and we were riding this train around and around and around... then we went to a very crowded restaurant full of locals, where nobody spoke English, and couldn't figure out what to order. Finally we ordered what the people at the next table had -- it turned out to be a very large ham sandwich, about a foot square, between two huge slices of white bread. The waiter sort of carved it for us at the table and served it up to us.
This weekend Marty and I made some progress on my craft room/study project. He put up some shelves for me and we moved my computer in... I have these new utility tables that I will be using for a desk/craft surface and I think they are going to work out great. I still have a lot of work to do in here, but this is the beginning of what it will look like:
Of course, I have to clear off that table to the left -- that huge stack of stuff is my paper for printing CD covers, labels, etc. Once I get that table clear, I will put my paper cutter over there and use that area for assembling CDs and other jobs that need space. The corner behind me (when I was taking the picture) is still a big mess, but it's a lot better than it was a few days ago. It's full of art supplies, craft goods, mailing necessities, stationery, rubber stamps, etc etc etc. I'm still organizing it.
It feels good to be getting something accomplished! And now Marty and I both have our computers upstairs -- his is across the hall in the study. It's a greatly improved state of affairs.
Sunday, February 10, 2002
Squeaky David
Behold the Squeaky David... a molded rubber toy of Michelangelo's David, with a squeaker in the base. This is one of the best toys ever. Amanda found it for me. I don't think you can imagine the sqeals of glee.
Yesterday was a beautiful blue-sky day, perfect for driving and being out in the sunshine. Amanda and I drove up to Farmington, Connecticut, to go to Design Forum, one of my favorite shops. As usual they had a million beautiful things, from cards to jewelry, and lots of fun stuff too. The rubber stamps were on clearance and I got two. One of them has toast on it!
I don't think I saw Laura's favorite pens, but then, I don't know what they look like! (Laura is home from Hawaii, by the way!)
Afterwards we went to HomeGoods and I got a new tablecloth for a great price. Also a picture frame with conversation hearts on it, which I could not resist, for obvious reasons.
We finished the day by meeting our husbands at Eli Cannon's in Middletown for dinner and beer. What fun!
Today the weather doesn't look nearly so perfect. It's gray and overcast, and it seems like it'll be cooler than yesterday too. In the backyard everything looks gray-brown, wintry and cold, except for the red See Rock City birdhouse hanging in one of our trees. Here in the study, Ziggy is curled up on the daybed behind me on Mamie's red thermal blanket, which is one of his favorites. He knows how to keep warm even in this cold, old house.
Today I think I will work on my craft room some more. I have taken some "before" pictures, so I need to get working on the room so I can get to the point where "after" pictures might be appropriate...
I just remembered... the other night I had a dream that I was driving my car and taking pictures out the window at the same time. Driving along, I looked up and I saw a million buttonballs hanging in a tree overhead. I took a bunch of pictures and said to myself, oh, I must send these to Laura! I was reminded of this dream because I finally figured out how to download my camera to the new computer, and I was a little surprised to find that there were no buttonball pictures... or any pictures taken out the window of my car, for that matter. But anyway, welcome home, Laura!
And here's Design Forum on a gorgeous February day:
Friday, February 08, 2002
How could you overlook Mr Big?
The Brunching Shuttlecocks have done it again... this time they're rating Canadian Snack Foods (Canadiens Casse-Croûte). The only thing I don't get is, how could they neglect to include MR BIG? It's at least as good as Aero and Coffee Crisp, and it's got the best name, too. I think it even gives the Big Turk a run for its money on "Best Candy Bar Which Is Also Someone's Prison Nickname."
I do agree with some of the ratings, but I can't believe they didn't include the Cadbury's Flake. Dear god. (I realize it's British and all, but you can buy them in Canada and you can't here in the US, so it could definitely have been included in the Canadian snack food category.) The flake could have kicked all those other candys' butts to the Northwest Territories and back again.
I also have to beg to differ on the Canadian/British Smarties. I am very fond of those myself.
The Brunching Shuttlecocks have done it again... this time they're rating Canadian Snack Foods (Canadiens Casse-Croûte). The only thing I don't get is, how could they neglect to include MR BIG? It's at least as good as Aero and Coffee Crisp, and it's got the best name, too. I think it even gives the Big Turk a run for its money on "Best Candy Bar Which Is Also Someone's Prison Nickname."
I do agree with some of the ratings, but I can't believe they didn't include the Cadbury's Flake. Dear god. (I realize it's British and all, but you can buy them in Canada and you can't here in the US, so it could definitely have been included in the Canadian snack food category.) The flake could have kicked all those other candys' butts to the Northwest Territories and back again.
I also have to beg to differ on the Canadian/British Smarties. I am very fond of those myself.
Fortune.com - The Office Kitty
Does *NSYNC Count?
Maria pointed out this article in Fortune to me today: The Office Kitty. It's about businesswomen who are using their Hello Kitty notebooks and planners in the office.
I have a lot of Hello Kitty stuff, and some of it I use in public. I imagine my Chococat key lanyard is the most noticeable, plus I've been carrying it for over two years (I'm on my second one now). I also have HK gloves which I wear in winter, and many HK character notebooks and notepads that I use regularly.
My weekly engagement calendar this year is an *NSYNC calendar. I switched over from my Franklin Planner. I wasn't really using all those pages, so this one is smaller. Plus the pictures are very enjoyable. I haven't noticed any raised eyebrows at work, but I don't flaunt it either. (The few people who have noticed, though, seemed to like it.)
I guess I just think it's interesting that this is enough of a trend it made it into Fortune.
Maria pointed out this article in Fortune to me today: The Office Kitty. It's about businesswomen who are using their Hello Kitty notebooks and planners in the office.
I have a lot of Hello Kitty stuff, and some of it I use in public. I imagine my Chococat key lanyard is the most noticeable, plus I've been carrying it for over two years (I'm on my second one now). I also have HK gloves which I wear in winter, and many HK character notebooks and notepads that I use regularly.
My weekly engagement calendar this year is an *NSYNC calendar. I switched over from my Franklin Planner. I wasn't really using all those pages, so this one is smaller. Plus the pictures are very enjoyable. I haven't noticed any raised eyebrows at work, but I don't flaunt it either. (The few people who have noticed, though, seemed to like it.)
I guess I just think it's interesting that this is enough of a trend it made it into Fortune.
A Linkin' Fool
My links page was long overdue for an update, so I sifted through and updated some things. A few things I wanted to mention:
- Jul of the Day is a new weblog started by Julie, who has been keeping an (offline) journal for quite awhile. I think her page will be fun to watch.
- Mighty Like a Rose is a new journal that I know I am going to like. Yeah, I know there's only one entry up there now, but just take my word for it...
- Thoughts from the District is the new weblog by Rebekah (formerly of Thoughts of an Egotist and Thoughts from Moz).
- Odin's Kingdom has a new Odin of the Month up.
In other news, I got my CD burner in the new computer working. I had to change software and I still haven't worked out all the kinks, but I am feeling better now that things are working a little more like they ought to.
Oh, and if you'd like some candy hearts of your own... visit the ACME Heart Maker.
Thursday, February 07, 2002
Avoiding Commodity Status (Alertbox Feb. 2002)
For all you Windows XP users...
Check out the latest Alertbox for a great tip on Windows XP (down at the "Crisper Screen Fonts" heading). I'm loving this ClearType option on my home computer. Reading on the screen just got a whole lot easier for me.
Check out the latest Alertbox for a great tip on Windows XP (down at the "Crisper Screen Fonts" heading). I'm loving this ClearType option on my home computer. Reading on the screen just got a whole lot easier for me.
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
From yesterday's Wall Street Journal:
- Jonathan Sacks, the president of America Online unit AOL Interactive Services, has announced plans to retire in order to devote more time to his family and pursue a doctorate in English literature. Mr. Sacks joined America Online in 1998 as chief of programming.
Quick Note
Lately it seems my life has been one Computer Issue after another. Yesterday my ISP was switching networks (from @home to its own Comcast network) and I had no internet service for a day. Also, now my primary e-mail address (the @home one) isn't working properly. So... if you are trying to reach me, send it to susannahx@hotmail.com. Sigh.
Before the end of this month, I should have yet another e-mail address, when I start using the Comcast network all the time. How many addresses does one girl really need?
Lately it seems my life has been one Computer Issue after another. Yesterday my ISP was switching networks (from @home to its own Comcast network) and I had no internet service for a day. Also, now my primary e-mail address (the @home one) isn't working properly. So... if you are trying to reach me, send it to susannahx@hotmail.com. Sigh.
Before the end of this month, I should have yet another e-mail address, when I start using the Comcast network all the time. How many addresses does one girl really need?
Tuesday, February 05, 2002
Hearts are Here!
I am a Necco freak. I love those hearts. This evening I bought 22 little boxes of them at the drugstore. (They were having a sale.)
I am a Necco freak. I love those hearts. This evening I bought 22 little boxes of them at the drugstore. (They were having a sale.)
Monday, February 04, 2002
Found It
Okay, here it is. The restaurant we ate at on Saturday in New York was the Trattoria dell'Arte at 900 Seventh Avenue. It's right across the street from Carnegie Hall (I mean, right across the street). We were seated in the upstairs dining area, which was pretty and (fairly) quiet, and although the place was extremely busy, we got excellent service. The food was great. Absolutely great.
Actually, that reminds me... on average, I'd say that I get better service in New York restaurants than I do anywhere else I go out. Certainly much better than in Connecticut. It's surprising to me, I guess because of the stereotypes about New York, but after a few years of visiting the city, I'd say that nine times out of ten I get consistently good service.
Where do you like to eat in New York?
Okay, here it is. The restaurant we ate at on Saturday in New York was the Trattoria dell'Arte at 900 Seventh Avenue. It's right across the street from Carnegie Hall (I mean, right across the street). We were seated in the upstairs dining area, which was pretty and (fairly) quiet, and although the place was extremely busy, we got excellent service. The food was great. Absolutely great.
Actually, that reminds me... on average, I'd say that I get better service in New York restaurants than I do anywhere else I go out. Certainly much better than in Connecticut. It's surprising to me, I guess because of the stereotypes about New York, but after a few years of visiting the city, I'd say that nine times out of ten I get consistently good service.
Where do you like to eat in New York?
Sunday, February 03, 2002
Weekend Wrap-up
Yesterday we went to New York with our friend Bill. We had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant (of course now I can't remember the name) and went to see RENT at the Nederlander theatre.
This musical, loosely based on the Puccini opera La Boheme, has been on Broadway 6 years. It's an updated story set in New York's East Village, still about starving artists who can't pay the rent, but with AIDS taking the place of tuberculosis as the disease of the day. It's more an opera than a musical, and I enjoyed it very much.
The current cast is really excellent. All the lead characters were portrayed by very strong actors, but my favorite character was Angel, played by Andy Señor. I imagine this is a challenging role, because Angel embodies both the highest and lowest emotional points of the show. What a beautiful character, and what a great job this actor did.
The singing and dancing were great, although surprisingly enough, the songs themselves (with a couple of exceptions) weren't very memorable to me. It's no La Boheme in that respect. But it was a great show, with a lot of energy and emotion, and I'm very glad I got to see it for myself.
The rest of the weekend was spent on projects around the house. Today I cleared up some clutter downstairs and then worked for several hours in my craft room, getting things organized and set up the way I want them. I think it's going to be a great improvement over the way it has been, with a lot more work space and better use of the storage in the room. I'm very excited to see it coming together. I have taken some pictures, but still haven't managed to hook my camera up with the new computer, so I will have to wait and post them later.
And today Marty reformatted the hard drive (on the new computer) -- twice. Everything appears to be working properly now, at last. (Although I still have to figure out about hooking up the camera...)
Yesterday we went to New York with our friend Bill. We had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant (of course now I can't remember the name) and went to see RENT at the Nederlander theatre.
This musical, loosely based on the Puccini opera La Boheme, has been on Broadway 6 years. It's an updated story set in New York's East Village, still about starving artists who can't pay the rent, but with AIDS taking the place of tuberculosis as the disease of the day. It's more an opera than a musical, and I enjoyed it very much.
The current cast is really excellent. All the lead characters were portrayed by very strong actors, but my favorite character was Angel, played by Andy Señor. I imagine this is a challenging role, because Angel embodies both the highest and lowest emotional points of the show. What a beautiful character, and what a great job this actor did.
The singing and dancing were great, although surprisingly enough, the songs themselves (with a couple of exceptions) weren't very memorable to me. It's no La Boheme in that respect. But it was a great show, with a lot of energy and emotion, and I'm very glad I got to see it for myself.
The rest of the weekend was spent on projects around the house. Today I cleared up some clutter downstairs and then worked for several hours in my craft room, getting things organized and set up the way I want them. I think it's going to be a great improvement over the way it has been, with a lot more work space and better use of the storage in the room. I'm very excited to see it coming together. I have taken some pictures, but still haven't managed to hook my camera up with the new computer, so I will have to wait and post them later.
And today Marty reformatted the hard drive (on the new computer) -- twice. Everything appears to be working properly now, at last. (Although I still have to figure out about hooking up the camera...)
Saturday, February 02, 2002
Why is it always about food?
I've been lurking around the Pub Food Guide lately... just looking down these lists makes me think we're not staying nearly long enough in England next month. I mean, wouldn't you want to try out the Ancient Shepherds pub in Fen Ditton? Or The Oliver Twist, which is located in "High Road, Guyhirn, Near Wisbech, Peterborough." I certainly would.
Another great site is The AA (which is the Automobile Association, not Alcoholics Anonymous). You can get driving directions and travel tips from there.
I still have a lot of planning to do for the trip, but I guess I'm making progress with every week or so that goes by. Next up is making arrangements for Cambridge, and setting up the car rental.
Last night Marty and I watched the movie Galaxy Quest, which Tj had told me to watch three years ago! I don't know how time gets away from me like that. We thought it was hilarious. I love Alan Rickman, and he was just so funny in this. I was impressed that he and an Sigourney Weaver appeared in such a goofy, fun movie. Tim Allen did fine too. Anyway, this movie is fun for people who like Star Trek; it kind of pokes fun at the whole TV Sci Fi thing. Also, I loved the aliens -- the Thermians. They were just incredibly appealing to me.
Well, today Marty and I are headed into New York with our friend Bill, to see a play and have dinner. That should be a lot of fun. And tomorrow I will probably work on my craft room project for awhile. Other than that I will be spending some time on the phone with HP customer support (I am having some problems with my CD burner and DVD drive on the new computer) and trying to straighten up some around the house.
Can you believe it's February already?
I've been lurking around the Pub Food Guide lately... just looking down these lists makes me think we're not staying nearly long enough in England next month. I mean, wouldn't you want to try out the Ancient Shepherds pub in Fen Ditton? Or The Oliver Twist, which is located in "High Road, Guyhirn, Near Wisbech, Peterborough." I certainly would.
Another great site is The AA (which is the Automobile Association, not Alcoholics Anonymous). You can get driving directions and travel tips from there.
I still have a lot of planning to do for the trip, but I guess I'm making progress with every week or so that goes by. Next up is making arrangements for Cambridge, and setting up the car rental.
Last night Marty and I watched the movie Galaxy Quest, which Tj had told me to watch three years ago! I don't know how time gets away from me like that. We thought it was hilarious. I love Alan Rickman, and he was just so funny in this. I was impressed that he and an Sigourney Weaver appeared in such a goofy, fun movie. Tim Allen did fine too. Anyway, this movie is fun for people who like Star Trek; it kind of pokes fun at the whole TV Sci Fi thing. Also, I loved the aliens -- the Thermians. They were just incredibly appealing to me.
Well, today Marty and I are headed into New York with our friend Bill, to see a play and have dinner. That should be a lot of fun. And tomorrow I will probably work on my craft room project for awhile. Other than that I will be spending some time on the phone with HP customer support (I am having some problems with my CD burner and DVD drive on the new computer) and trying to straighten up some around the house.
Can you believe it's February already?
Friday, February 01, 2002
Does this look familiar to you?
Today is Raspberry World's fourth anniversary. Those who've been around since the start (I can only think of one or two current readers, actually, who were around on February 1, 1998) will remember this old design as the original RW look. I didn't have all those sections at first, of course, but I added them as time went by.
I still think of Raspberry World whenever I run across that font elsewhere.
A couple of years later, I redesigned with a more contemporary look. Still pink, of course. (After all, you know what they say: "Of course it's pink -- it's Raspberry fucking World!")
I didn't keep this design very long, not because I didn't like it, but because I decided to move my weblog out to the front page (it used to be the link called "Redux"). That's when the latest design took over, and I'm still not sick of it. Or maybe I'm just too lazy to change it. (That's a rousing vote of confidence, no?)
Looking back over the last four years, I am proud of my web site. I started out wanting to build something that would encompass the many parts of my life, and I think I've mostly succeeded. Music, books, food (lots of food), friends, family, and all those other things that are important to me, they're all represented right here. It's also my longest-running journal ever.
I do it for myself. Of course I'm always glad to have visitors -- and this past Tuesday was my biggest day of all time, with 147 hits! (Okay, well, my biggest day not counting the cranberry sauce madness of 1999.) And it's nice to be noticed, too, like in the Personal Journaling article. But in the end I really do it for myself. Because it makes me happy.
Thanks for visiting!
Today is Raspberry World's fourth anniversary. Those who've been around since the start (I can only think of one or two current readers, actually, who were around on February 1, 1998) will remember this old design as the original RW look. I didn't have all those sections at first, of course, but I added them as time went by.
I still think of Raspberry World whenever I run across that font elsewhere.
A couple of years later, I redesigned with a more contemporary look. Still pink, of course. (After all, you know what they say: "Of course it's pink -- it's Raspberry fucking World!")
I didn't keep this design very long, not because I didn't like it, but because I decided to move my weblog out to the front page (it used to be the link called "Redux"). That's when the latest design took over, and I'm still not sick of it. Or maybe I'm just too lazy to change it. (That's a rousing vote of confidence, no?)
Looking back over the last four years, I am proud of my web site. I started out wanting to build something that would encompass the many parts of my life, and I think I've mostly succeeded. Music, books, food (lots of food), friends, family, and all those other things that are important to me, they're all represented right here. It's also my longest-running journal ever.
I do it for myself. Of course I'm always glad to have visitors -- and this past Tuesday was my biggest day of all time, with 147 hits! (Okay, well, my biggest day not counting the cranberry sauce madness of 1999.) And it's nice to be noticed, too, like in the Personal Journaling article. But in the end I really do it for myself. Because it makes me happy.
Thanks for visiting!
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