A: Quartet
Q: Number of LL Bean Reversible Down Jackets ordered by plasticann
A recent request has been made by yet another member of plasticfamily for a Down Jacket . Plasticmom started this recent flurry by requesting the same color as Adam's the day I arrived in "la la land". She's been commenting how light and warm my jacket was, now she has one of her own. It won't surprise me to receive other requests since dear old mum is displaying zealous enthusiasm. With that said, here's the jacket count thus far:
1 Lilac
2 Dark Blue
1 Dark Raspberry
P.S. The upside is only Adam and plasticmom will look like twins which isn't really a realistic fear given their disparate physiques.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Monday, December 29, 2003
Wicked Cute
Adam's parents got me these great shoe bags and this makeup bag from Kept Couture. They're fabulously adorable and upon close inspection, an impressed plasticmom passed the following verdict, "These bags are really well constructed...who makes these bags?" Plasticmom, having genetically passed down the bag loving gene to me, should know a thing or two about bags since she's always examining the stitching and the seams in bags. Plasticmom's other specialty is ceramics, a fixation I've also inherited. The best part, Adam's sister's friend (now that's a mouthful) created them along with Adam's cousin...yeah small businesses.
Adam's parents got me these great shoe bags and this makeup bag from Kept Couture. They're fabulously adorable and upon close inspection, an impressed plasticmom passed the following verdict, "These bags are really well constructed...who makes these bags?" Plasticmom, having genetically passed down the bag loving gene to me, should know a thing or two about bags since she's always examining the stitching and the seams in bags. Plasticmom's other specialty is ceramics, a fixation I've also inherited. The best part, Adam's sister's friend (now that's a mouthful) created them along with Adam's cousin...yeah small businesses.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Positive Externalities
I recently discovered the extent of plasticaunt's (plasticmom's younger sister) obsession with collecting Longaberger baskets. I was aware of our mutual interest in receptacles of all sorts (baskets, bags, etc) and I was also aware she enjoyed the occasional Longaberger basket...as do I.
I'd first read about the Longaberger basket collecting craze in the Wall Street Journal in high school. The article was most likely about the construction of a ten story high basket shaped company headquarters somewhere in the middle of Ohio. Longaberger sells their baskets much like Tupperware, through hosted "basket parties." I snagged the brochures off my high school Physics teacher's desk (with her permission) and ended up purchasing a few baskets. Plasticaunt became intrigued and purchased a few baskets of her own.
Due to my absence and my prolonged sojourning years on the east coast, as expected, I've been a bit out of touch with plasticaunt's daily activities. I assumed she purchased baskets sporadically since I was only aware of two purchases. Upon opening up her Christmas gift to me (wee & a little bigger than wee...way cute), I realized that plasticaunt has been purchasing baskets regularly from the very same Longaberger basket lady I initially purchased my baskets from and they are quite friendly. This is particularly remarkable given that plasticaunt lives across "town" and that's a significant distance given that Los Angeles is the "town" we're speaking of.
Plasticaunt has amassed an impressive collection of baskets over the last eight years...enough to fill two boxes. She doesn't enjoy the round ones and only owns one round basket, but vastly prefers baskets of the rectangular variety. I've given her instructions to e-mail me digital photos of her basket collection. As for me, I'm reaping the benefits or what economists might call "positive externalities" of plasticaunt's peculiarly heartland obsession.
I recently discovered the extent of plasticaunt's (plasticmom's younger sister) obsession with collecting Longaberger baskets. I was aware of our mutual interest in receptacles of all sorts (baskets, bags, etc) and I was also aware she enjoyed the occasional Longaberger basket...as do I.
I'd first read about the Longaberger basket collecting craze in the Wall Street Journal in high school. The article was most likely about the construction of a ten story high basket shaped company headquarters somewhere in the middle of Ohio. Longaberger sells their baskets much like Tupperware, through hosted "basket parties." I snagged the brochures off my high school Physics teacher's desk (with her permission) and ended up purchasing a few baskets. Plasticaunt became intrigued and purchased a few baskets of her own.
Due to my absence and my prolonged sojourning years on the east coast, as expected, I've been a bit out of touch with plasticaunt's daily activities. I assumed she purchased baskets sporadically since I was only aware of two purchases. Upon opening up her Christmas gift to me (wee & a little bigger than wee...way cute), I realized that plasticaunt has been purchasing baskets regularly from the very same Longaberger basket lady I initially purchased my baskets from and they are quite friendly. This is particularly remarkable given that plasticaunt lives across "town" and that's a significant distance given that Los Angeles is the "town" we're speaking of.
Plasticaunt has amassed an impressive collection of baskets over the last eight years...enough to fill two boxes. She doesn't enjoy the round ones and only owns one round basket, but vastly prefers baskets of the rectangular variety. I've given her instructions to e-mail me digital photos of her basket collection. As for me, I'm reaping the benefits or what economists might call "positive externalities" of plasticaunt's peculiarly heartland obsession.
Trend Spotting
What's a girl to do when her "been there seen that" mother is quicker at spotting cool new things. I suppose mutually admiring the same things is affirmation enough and confirmation that one is considered "cool" by the mater familius. I was showing plasticmom this cool pepper grinder when she exclaimed that it wasn't new, but she'd seen it in Japan a few years ago at a tempura bar where the chef was using this pepper mill. I suppose, like mother like daughter.
What's a girl to do when her "been there seen that" mother is quicker at spotting cool new things. I suppose mutually admiring the same things is affirmation enough and confirmation that one is considered "cool" by the mater familius. I was showing plasticmom this cool pepper grinder when she exclaimed that it wasn't new, but she'd seen it in Japan a few years ago at a tempura bar where the chef was using this pepper mill. I suppose, like mother like daughter.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Chicken & Waffles
Laurel & I hit Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. Laurel had rosier memories of KFC Chicken which she hasn't had for several years. I've rarely met fried chicken I didn't enjoy so I was pretty much a happy camper. Incidentally, there was a KFC next door to Roscoe's.
My favorite all time fried chicken is from a defunct chain called Pioneer Chicken. Honey Dipped fried chicken in college was a close substitute. For now...Popeye's takes the prize...which reminds me of the time Nina & I went down to DC for work. On our way to our destination via cab, I spotted a Popeye's and I practically swooned (the early morning start may also have contributed to my irrational enthusiasm).
Nina, who's a vegetarian, offered to walk over to Popeye's first for my fried chicken and then go to Subway for her veggie sub. I was wearing my brand new red coat and on the way back to the office for lunch, my box of fried chicken left a huge grease stain on my coat.
Initially, I optimistically thought the stain was rain or water from above. However the distinctive smell of fried chicken emanating from the grease spot was unmistakable. I took it to my dry cleaner that night and somehow they magically got the grease stain out and we lived happily ever after. The End!
Moral of the story...be careful when carrying boxes of fried chicken because clothes are highly absorbent when it comes to fried chicken grease.
Laurel & I hit Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. Laurel had rosier memories of KFC Chicken which she hasn't had for several years. I've rarely met fried chicken I didn't enjoy so I was pretty much a happy camper. Incidentally, there was a KFC next door to Roscoe's.
My favorite all time fried chicken is from a defunct chain called Pioneer Chicken. Honey Dipped fried chicken in college was a close substitute. For now...Popeye's takes the prize...which reminds me of the time Nina & I went down to DC for work. On our way to our destination via cab, I spotted a Popeye's and I practically swooned (the early morning start may also have contributed to my irrational enthusiasm).
Nina, who's a vegetarian, offered to walk over to Popeye's first for my fried chicken and then go to Subway for her veggie sub. I was wearing my brand new red coat and on the way back to the office for lunch, my box of fried chicken left a huge grease stain on my coat.
Initially, I optimistically thought the stain was rain or water from above. However the distinctive smell of fried chicken emanating from the grease spot was unmistakable. I took it to my dry cleaner that night and somehow they magically got the grease stain out and we lived happily ever after. The End!
Moral of the story...be careful when carrying boxes of fried chicken because clothes are highly absorbent when it comes to fried chicken grease.
Monday, December 22, 2003
Bright Spot For Those Depressing Winter Months
Marimekko...love the wall hangings...thinking about finally decorating my room.
Marimekko...love the wall hangings...thinking about finally decorating my room.
Cheaper By The Dozen
Went to a sneak preview of Cheaper By the Dozen. It was hilarious! I've been totally excited about seeing it for a while since I loved the book growing up...although the only thing the book and movie share is the dozen kids.
Went to a sneak preview of Cheaper By the Dozen. It was hilarious! I've been totally excited about seeing it for a while since I loved the book growing up...although the only thing the book and movie share is the dozen kids.
Sesame Topped Scallion Chedder Biscuits (yields 8)
With input from plasticmom & co., I've tweaked yesterday's Cheese Biscuit recipe.
2 cups Bisquick Baking Mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk
2 stalks chopped scallions
1/2 clove of chopped garlic
1/8 cup melted butter
sesame seeds
1. Mix Bisquick, cheddar, scallions & milk until mixture is doughy.
2. Knead dough with hands or beat vigorously 30 seconds.
3. Form into 8 biscuit patties and dip in a shallow bowl filled with sesame seeds before placing on baking sheet.
4. Bake biscuits for 10 minutes at 450 degrees until golden brown.
5. Brush tops of biscuits with the melted butter/garlic mixtures before serving warm.
With input from plasticmom & co., I've tweaked yesterday's Cheese Biscuit recipe.
2 cups Bisquick Baking Mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk
2 stalks chopped scallions
1/2 clove of chopped garlic
1/8 cup melted butter
sesame seeds
1. Mix Bisquick, cheddar, scallions & milk until mixture is doughy.
2. Knead dough with hands or beat vigorously 30 seconds.
3. Form into 8 biscuit patties and dip in a shallow bowl filled with sesame seeds before placing on baking sheet.
4. Bake biscuits for 10 minutes at 450 degrees until golden brown.
5. Brush tops of biscuits with the melted butter/garlic mixtures before serving warm.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Chocolate Truffles cont.
I made another batch of truffles this morning. This time I didn' chop the chocolate chips a bit finer and I added 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract. The texture was a bit crumblier, but that could be due to either the addition of the peppermint, skipping the chocolate chopping or I may have used a bit less heavy cream. All in all, the mint truffles are mighty tasty.
Cheese Biscuits
Plasticfamily is a fan of the Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits and I succesfully replicated them this morning using this recipe. They're really simple to make and a hit with the family.
Chocolate Molten Cake
I tried making Chocolate Molten Cake using a recipe from the latest issue of FOOD. Getting the cake to set with the inside molten was very difficult. More trial and error is needed.
I made another batch of truffles this morning. This time I didn' chop the chocolate chips a bit finer and I added 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract. The texture was a bit crumblier, but that could be due to either the addition of the peppermint, skipping the chocolate chopping or I may have used a bit less heavy cream. All in all, the mint truffles are mighty tasty.
Cheese Biscuits
Plasticfamily is a fan of the Red Lobster Cheese Biscuits and I succesfully replicated them this morning using this recipe. They're really simple to make and a hit with the family.
Chocolate Molten Cake
I tried making Chocolate Molten Cake using a recipe from the latest issue of FOOD. Getting the cake to set with the inside molten was very difficult. More trial and error is needed.
Rounding out the top one hundred with [drumroll please] number one...
I pondered very seriously what the last gift idea should be. Should it be whimsical (a pink tutu)? Spiritual (peace on earth)? Random (carton of toilet paper)? or Bizarre (two parakeets in a cage)? I've settled on cheating off of today's Wall Street Journal Kitchen Addiction gift list. My favorite random gadget from today's list is...
1. Chocolate-Breaking Fork
By the way, I'd like to point out the ORKA silicone mitt I featured in my exhaustive food related entry a few weeks ago. I first noticed an ad for it in one of those airline skymall catalogs last Christmas and I jotted it down in my little notebook. Folks scoffed at the mitt idea whenever I mentioned it. However, I feel vindicated because the mitt is now available everywhere and It's been featured as a kitchen gadget must have in both the WSJ and Bon Appetit.
I pondered very seriously what the last gift idea should be. Should it be whimsical (a pink tutu)? Spiritual (peace on earth)? Random (carton of toilet paper)? or Bizarre (two parakeets in a cage)? I've settled on cheating off of today's Wall Street Journal Kitchen Addiction gift list. My favorite random gadget from today's list is...
1. Chocolate-Breaking Fork
By the way, I'd like to point out the ORKA silicone mitt I featured in my exhaustive food related entry a few weeks ago. I first noticed an ad for it in one of those airline skymall catalogs last Christmas and I jotted it down in my little notebook. Folks scoffed at the mitt idea whenever I mentioned it. However, I feel vindicated because the mitt is now available everywhere and It's been featured as a kitchen gadget must have in both the WSJ and Bon Appetit.
Friday, December 19, 2003
"Oriental Swirl"
Following today's observance of plasticfamily's time honored weekly tradition of "sushi day," we stopped by Mikawaya Sweet Shop for some mochi when I spotted their "Oriental Swirl" Ice Cream. It's essentially a Neapolitan Ice Cream combining Green Tea, Red Bean & Vanilla. I had to have it and it was surprisingly delicious which reminds me of Nina's whole "Harlequin versus Neapolitan" debacle. There's an unfortunate generational divide, she calls it "Neapolitan," but her family calls it "Harlequin." I'm with Nina on the whole "Neapolitan" thing, but apparently both names are valid.
Following today's observance of plasticfamily's time honored weekly tradition of "sushi day," we stopped by Mikawaya Sweet Shop for some mochi when I spotted their "Oriental Swirl" Ice Cream. It's essentially a Neapolitan Ice Cream combining Green Tea, Red Bean & Vanilla. I had to have it and it was surprisingly delicious which reminds me of Nina's whole "Harlequin versus Neapolitan" debacle. There's an unfortunate generational divide, she calls it "Neapolitan," but her family calls it "Harlequin." I'm with Nina on the whole "Neapolitan" thing, but apparently both names are valid.
Wild and Crazy Behavior
A Wall Street Journal article on Wednesday about low carb alcoholic beverages warned readers that, "...drinking can weaken inhibitions, making people likely to indulge in wild behavior such as eating pasta." I suppose pasta to an Atkins’ dieter would be pretty much a tragedy. We should start a chapter of MADPC: Mother's Against Drunk Pasta Consumption.
A Wall Street Journal article on Wednesday about low carb alcoholic beverages warned readers that, "...drinking can weaken inhibitions, making people likely to indulge in wild behavior such as eating pasta." I suppose pasta to an Atkins’ dieter would be pretty much a tragedy. We should start a chapter of MADPC: Mother's Against Drunk Pasta Consumption.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Truffles
I'm presently kickin' around on the west coast taking in the warm sunshine, running errands and today I made truffles. Having pored over my latest issue of FOOD, I decided to try making chocolate truffles namely because they are scant in ingredients and don't require much equipment. It's an understatement to say plasticmom's home is not equipped for baking. The truffles turned out great and weren't as difficult as I was anticipating. Here goes...
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips...chopped up a bit finer
1/2 cup heavy cream (4 oz. or half a 1/2 pint) I'm not familiar with all the grades of dairy products so I used "heavy whipping cream" which seemed to work.
Assorted Coatings: I used crushed candy canes and chopped up cashews. Other ideas from FOOD include coconut, other nuts and cocoa powder.
1. Chop up chocolate chips a bit finer and place in a medium heat resistant bowl.
2. Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan...this doesn't take long so keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil over and cause a raucous.
3. Pour boiling cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth. (I used one of those hand held upright blenders because I couldn't find a whisk in plasticmom's kitchen.)
5. Refrigerate (uncovered) until somewhat firm (about 1 hour)
6. Spoon mounds of chocolate mixture onto a plate lined with wax paper/saran wrap/etc.
7. If the mounds are not too soft that they melt in your hands, start rolling mounds into balls and coat them with various candy/nut/etc. coatings. If too soft, return to fridge for 15 min to firm up.
9. Return to fridge to firm up...around 30 min.
Keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge
TIP: I found that if the surface of the chocolate balls were cold, the coating wouldn't adhere properly. I rolled the chocolate balls a few more times in my hands to warm them up so the candy/nuts would stick.
I'm presently kickin' around on the west coast taking in the warm sunshine, running errands and today I made truffles. Having pored over my latest issue of FOOD, I decided to try making chocolate truffles namely because they are scant in ingredients and don't require much equipment. It's an understatement to say plasticmom's home is not equipped for baking. The truffles turned out great and weren't as difficult as I was anticipating. Here goes...
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips...chopped up a bit finer
1/2 cup heavy cream (4 oz. or half a 1/2 pint) I'm not familiar with all the grades of dairy products so I used "heavy whipping cream" which seemed to work.
Assorted Coatings: I used crushed candy canes and chopped up cashews. Other ideas from FOOD include coconut, other nuts and cocoa powder.
1. Chop up chocolate chips a bit finer and place in a medium heat resistant bowl.
2. Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan...this doesn't take long so keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil over and cause a raucous.
3. Pour boiling cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth. (I used one of those hand held upright blenders because I couldn't find a whisk in plasticmom's kitchen.)
5. Refrigerate (uncovered) until somewhat firm (about 1 hour)
6. Spoon mounds of chocolate mixture onto a plate lined with wax paper/saran wrap/etc.
7. If the mounds are not too soft that they melt in your hands, start rolling mounds into balls and coat them with various candy/nut/etc. coatings. If too soft, return to fridge for 15 min to firm up.
9. Return to fridge to firm up...around 30 min.
Keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge
TIP: I found that if the surface of the chocolate balls were cold, the coating wouldn't adhere properly. I rolled the chocolate balls a few more times in my hands to warm them up so the candy/nuts would stick.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
2. Cozy indoor slippers: Completely random, but plasticmom purchased several pairs of these lovely squishy indoor slippers covered in a knit material with leather traction pads sewn on the sole from Japan. I was admiring her red slippers when she offered me one of her extra pairs of slippers. I think they might be the best gift in my stash of stuff this season...they're really quite lovely if I haven't mentioned before.
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Back here in "La La Land"
I'm back in "La La Land," for the holidays and boy oh boy is this the land of wonderful eats. I started off with juicy dumplings and I shared a Baja Burrito with plasticmom. The shining sun and warm weather have lifted my spirits significantly in addition to the prospect of two weeks of good eats. I'm currently the hero of the household having registered our matriarch up with her own online verizon wireless account so she can keep track of her cell phone usage followed by a lesson in excel...it's the least I could do for the one who potty trained me as a wee one. It's all in a day's work, but hero status doesn't last long as I'm sure to regress from mature adult to whining teenager who can't be bothered to wash the dishes. I'm hoping for the best that the mature adult will hold out for the duration of this visit. Later folks...gotta figure out what's for dinner...it's tough when you've got tons of delicious options.
I'm back in "La La Land," for the holidays and boy oh boy is this the land of wonderful eats. I started off with juicy dumplings and I shared a Baja Burrito with plasticmom. The shining sun and warm weather have lifted my spirits significantly in addition to the prospect of two weeks of good eats. I'm currently the hero of the household having registered our matriarch up with her own online verizon wireless account so she can keep track of her cell phone usage followed by a lesson in excel...it's the least I could do for the one who potty trained me as a wee one. It's all in a day's work, but hero status doesn't last long as I'm sure to regress from mature adult to whining teenager who can't be bothered to wash the dishes. I'm hoping for the best that the mature adult will hold out for the duration of this visit. Later folks...gotta figure out what's for dinner...it's tough when you've got tons of delicious options.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
3. B*Stylin with this button maker toy: Now Nina can finally make buttons filled with lint and other "found" (trash) materials inspired by this Onion article..."Fourth-Grader's Button-Making-Machine Priviledges Suspended Indefinitely."
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Allergic to mailing packages
4. If you're the type who looks for gifts that easily fit in an envelope (flat items such as stickers and baseball cards)...send this flat packing novel pop vase available locally at Paper-Source.
4. If you're the type who looks for gifts that easily fit in an envelope (flat items such as stickers and baseball cards)...send this flat packing novel pop vase available locally at Paper-Source.
Introducing CAD Cowboy & DJ Methane...
...a website devoted to their favorite victuals...also a work in progress so check back often.
...a website devoted to their favorite victuals...also a work in progress so check back often.
Fun & Games
5. Replace their missing board game parts: Kate's roommate for life, Monica, slaps down a full sized dinner knife on their Clue board because the miniaturized version is long gone.
6. Scene it...perfect for pop culture fiends. My friend Steve has an amazing gift for singing theme songs to TV shows of yesteryear....as does MGDub.
5. Replace their missing board game parts: Kate's roommate for life, Monica, slaps down a full sized dinner knife on their Clue board because the miniaturized version is long gone.
6. Scene it...perfect for pop culture fiends. My friend Steve has an amazing gift for singing theme songs to TV shows of yesteryear....as does MGDub.
Monday, December 08, 2003
zero inches of snow
Zrad's overheard response to the question whether Saturday Men's Basketball would commence given the snow emergancy conditions of this past weekend was "zero inches of snow are predicted for the Morse school gym."
Zrad's overheard response to the question whether Saturday Men's Basketball would commence given the snow emergancy conditions of this past weekend was "zero inches of snow are predicted for the Morse school gym."
Friday, December 05, 2003
Demotivators
8. In a much appreciated effort to cheer me up, my coworker Steve sent me this link. I had forgotten all about despair.com. A few years ago, my friend Marc went on and on about these mocking spoofs on inspirational posters. My favorite classic features the leaning tower of Pisa and reads "Mediocrity...It takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference until it's too late." Snaps for Steve and thanks for the chuckle.
8. In a much appreciated effort to cheer me up, my coworker Steve sent me this link. I had forgotten all about despair.com. A few years ago, my friend Marc went on and on about these mocking spoofs on inspirational posters. My favorite classic features the leaning tower of Pisa and reads "Mediocrity...It takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference until it's too late." Snaps for Steve and thanks for the chuckle.
Those Crazy Brits
9. Coupling: Totally Bawdy Yet Completely Hilarious...it's laugh out loud funny and I loved it even though I'm puritanically uptight. I haven't seen season 2, but season 1 is awesome.
10. Fawlty Towers: John Cleese at his obnoxious best
9. Coupling: Totally Bawdy Yet Completely Hilarious...it's laugh out loud funny and I loved it even though I'm puritanically uptight. I haven't seen season 2, but season 1 is awesome.
10. Fawlty Towers: John Cleese at his obnoxious best
Elmer's Gift Stik
I'm a total sucker for "new" stuff. I'm not sure what makes this glue stick more suitable for gift wrapping than any old glue stick, but I used it last night to wrap some gift and it seems to be pretty adhesive. I would stick to using the stik on boxes. (Was that a pun?) I'm not sure if the adhesive residue is harmful if it comes in direct contact to your gifts. On another note, apologies all around if I've been "smug" about my not having procrastinated about Christmas shopping. If it makes anyone feel better, while I don't procrastinate about Christmas shopping, I do tend to neglect other areas of my life such as housekeeping.
I'm a total sucker for "new" stuff. I'm not sure what makes this glue stick more suitable for gift wrapping than any old glue stick, but I used it last night to wrap some gift and it seems to be pretty adhesive. I would stick to using the stik on boxes. (Was that a pun?) I'm not sure if the adhesive residue is harmful if it comes in direct contact to your gifts. On another note, apologies all around if I've been "smug" about my not having procrastinated about Christmas shopping. If it makes anyone feel better, while I don't procrastinate about Christmas shopping, I do tend to neglect other areas of my life such as housekeeping.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Generic Gifts for the hard to shop for Parentals
For Christmas, plasticmom has requested one purple ballpoint pen, not a box...not two...just one that's preferably retractable. Perhaps purple pens are the hottest item topping all the Mommy wishlists, but just in case your mommy wants more than a purple pen and your daddy doesn't want underwear and tube socks, a few items that toe that fine line of what Adam calls, "useless crap." Gift cards or cold hard cash are viable options as well, but may be perceived as thoughtless. As for plasticmom's purple pen...done!
11. Pocket Reference: countless hours of fun looking up random stuff like where one's social security number was issued and the proper proportions of ingredients for cement.
12. Philosophy [an upgrade from the usual Bath & Body Works fare from the mall] & Caldrea [an upgrade from Mr. Clean, Dawn & Dial]
13. Sew D'Lite: a more convenient mini-me for smaller projects
For Christmas, plasticmom has requested one purple ballpoint pen, not a box...not two...just one that's preferably retractable. Perhaps purple pens are the hottest item topping all the Mommy wishlists, but just in case your mommy wants more than a purple pen and your daddy doesn't want underwear and tube socks, a few items that toe that fine line of what Adam calls, "useless crap." Gift cards or cold hard cash are viable options as well, but may be perceived as thoughtless. As for plasticmom's purple pen...done!
11. Pocket Reference: countless hours of fun looking up random stuff like where one's social security number was issued and the proper proportions of ingredients for cement.
12. Philosophy [an upgrade from the usual Bath & Body Works fare from the mall] & Caldrea [an upgrade from Mr. Clean, Dawn & Dial]
13. Sew D'Lite: a more convenient mini-me for smaller projects
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
TWENTY-ONE---an effort to spare the non-foodies by getting the rest of the food related gift items out of the way
*Vegetarians need not apply
14. Brand your Meat
*Foodies: Enjoys the Cooking Process
15. Cooking Class or Special Event Dinners
16. Cooking Light: rated highly by all my gift recipients for its highly cookable, delicious and healthy recipes
17. FOOD: Martha Stewart's Reality Check...easy recipes & great ideas
*Foodies: Couch potatoes who are unenthused about Cooking
18. Restaurants to Check Out: be the critic
19. Sandwiches That You Will Like: great title and it's PBS so it's holy enough for Jesus Day
*Foodies: Curious Georges
20. French Fry Science---geek alert
21. Pickin Alton's Brain...my friend Dave's favorite show on the Food Network
22. Get in my Brain: study and eat up...the hungry man's counterpart to WineSmarts
*Bakies: Sweet Tooths...I know a great dentist by the way
23. "Domestic Goddess doesn't feel like feeding the cats"...I purchased this for plasticaunt last X-mas and she's taken to refering to herself in the third person as "Domestic Goddess,"...I've created a monster.
24. Fake it by barely Makin' it or Clone It
25. Retro Cake Stand [Round & Square]...even oreos look that much cooler
26. Pie, Pie & Pies: a road trip in search of pies...what's not to love
27. Take Away With Me: safely tote your creations on the MBTA now available with a stackable insert to convert the cake carrier into a double decker pie carrier.
28. Silicone Holly
*Hungry, yet Clueless
29. Help, My Apartment has a Kitchen and I could use a case of Ramen...also available in Dining Room edition
30. The essense of Julia without the warbling
*Funny Stuff
31. Garlic Breath...CUTE
32. Easy Guac w/ this Avocado Masher
33. Flip over this Oink Oink
34. Mad Inventor...my favorite is the pepper ball
*Vegetarians need not apply
14. Brand your Meat
*Foodies: Enjoys the Cooking Process
15. Cooking Class or Special Event Dinners
16. Cooking Light: rated highly by all my gift recipients for its highly cookable, delicious and healthy recipes
17. FOOD: Martha Stewart's Reality Check...easy recipes & great ideas
*Foodies: Couch potatoes who are unenthused about Cooking
18. Restaurants to Check Out: be the critic
19. Sandwiches That You Will Like: great title and it's PBS so it's holy enough for Jesus Day
*Foodies: Curious Georges
20. French Fry Science---geek alert
21. Pickin Alton's Brain...my friend Dave's favorite show on the Food Network
22. Get in my Brain: study and eat up...the hungry man's counterpart to WineSmarts
*Bakies: Sweet Tooths...I know a great dentist by the way
23. "Domestic Goddess doesn't feel like feeding the cats"...I purchased this for plasticaunt last X-mas and she's taken to refering to herself in the third person as "Domestic Goddess,"...I've created a monster.
24. Fake it by barely Makin' it or Clone It
25. Retro Cake Stand [Round & Square]...even oreos look that much cooler
26. Pie, Pie & Pies: a road trip in search of pies...what's not to love
27. Take Away With Me: safely tote your creations on the MBTA now available with a stackable insert to convert the cake carrier into a double decker pie carrier.
28. Silicone Holly
*Hungry, yet Clueless
29. Help, My Apartment has a Kitchen and I could use a case of Ramen...also available in Dining Room edition
30. The essense of Julia without the warbling
*Funny Stuff
31. Garlic Breath...CUTE
32. Easy Guac w/ this Avocado Masher
33. Flip over this Oink Oink
34. Mad Inventor...my favorite is the pepper ball
Ben Who-Fleck
I was reading a couple of issues of Us Magazine this past weekend and noticed a couple of paparazzi shots of Ben, one with JLo & one without her but Ben was holding a Baja Fresh cup in both photos. I deduce that Ben loves Baja Fresh more than JLo...then again who wouldn't.
I was reading a couple of issues of Us Magazine this past weekend and noticed a couple of paparazzi shots of Ben, one with JLo & one without her but Ben was holding a Baja Fresh cup in both photos. I deduce that Ben loves Baja Fresh more than JLo...then again who wouldn't.
Monday, December 01, 2003
"With Child"
35 Hot Mama
"Wee"
36 Latest in the Worst Case Scenario Series tackling the scariest of them all...Parenting
37 Keep those little piggies toasty with these Baby Uggs
38 Get squeaky clean with bath tints, finger paints & crayons
"A Little Bigger than Wee"
39 Puddly Fun Rain Boots...supah dupah fly
40. Crayola Crayon Maker
"Freakin' Huge"
41 These watches remind me of those grosgrain ribbon belts that are all the rage...once again if you feel compelled to buy me, I'd be more than delighted...pink striped please!
35 Hot Mama
"Wee"
36 Latest in the Worst Case Scenario Series tackling the scariest of them all...Parenting
37 Keep those little piggies toasty with these Baby Uggs
38 Get squeaky clean with bath tints, finger paints & crayons
"A Little Bigger than Wee"
39 Puddly Fun Rain Boots...supah dupah fly
40. Crayola Crayon Maker
"Freakin' Huge"
41 These watches remind me of those grosgrain ribbon belts that are all the rage...once again if you feel compelled to buy me, I'd be more than delighted...pink striped please!
"Hello Kitty Pretty Kitty"
42. Toast her adorable image onto every slice of carbo tastiness
43. Luggage that could persuade me to stop my rantings on the negative externalities of carry-on suitcases....oh no...rage rising...here goes...it's all fun and games if a few people cart on their suitcases as carry-ons, but it's not OK when everyone does it. It's a problem if your "carry-on" requires two to lift into the overhead bin...that's a good indication that it's TOO heavy and you're taking up TOO much space. It becomes my problem when the heft of your "carry-on" causes you to lose your balance and it whacks me in the head. Finally, "carry-ons" that clear the width of the aisle by merely an inch are TOO wide because they clog up the aisles. That said, if anyone feels so inclined to buy me one...who am I to refuse, but I would definitely check it.
44. Illuminate your love for Hello Kitty.
45. If not for my oddly shaped ears, this FM Radio would be awesome...gently poke her eyes to change the station.
42. Toast her adorable image onto every slice of carbo tastiness
43. Luggage that could persuade me to stop my rantings on the negative externalities of carry-on suitcases....oh no...rage rising...here goes...it's all fun and games if a few people cart on their suitcases as carry-ons, but it's not OK when everyone does it. It's a problem if your "carry-on" requires two to lift into the overhead bin...that's a good indication that it's TOO heavy and you're taking up TOO much space. It becomes my problem when the heft of your "carry-on" causes you to lose your balance and it whacks me in the head. Finally, "carry-ons" that clear the width of the aisle by merely an inch are TOO wide because they clog up the aisles. That said, if anyone feels so inclined to buy me one...who am I to refuse, but I would definitely check it.
44. Illuminate your love for Hello Kitty.
45. If not for my oddly shaped ears, this FM Radio would be awesome...gently poke her eyes to change the station.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Caffeine & its implements
46. BeeHouse Teapot...downright adorable, but not cloying so. Pick up some tea to round it out.
47. Peet's Holiday Blend...buy it at the Peet's downtown lovely HKR has a shot at the holiday bonus or you may alternatively send HKR a couple of bucks which is really ultimately more efficient in my opinion.
48. Bodum Hot Pot...stylish and no long yoked to that outlet...anyone hungry for ramen?
49. Cimmmamin at Jacques: Adam is delighted with Dunkin Donuts' Cinnamon Spice Coffee.
50. Chemex Coffee Pot..."kickin' it retro old school" as one might say if they were hip enough, but I'm not. There was this kid who was disturbingly addicted to coffee...he was quite jittery nonetheless and I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with the amount of coffee consumed. Anyhoo...he swore by these Chemex coffee makers.
51. Smiles Coffee: a rare instance of good coming from spam. Zeith roasts his own coffee in the microwave.
52. Nissan Stainless Vacuum Thermos from Campmor...the cheapest place I've found these high quality stainless steel thermoses...I toted my sugary hot tea in my vacuum thermos all through high school. I think the backpacker is pretty neat.
46. BeeHouse Teapot...downright adorable, but not cloying so. Pick up some tea to round it out.
47. Peet's Holiday Blend...buy it at the Peet's downtown lovely HKR has a shot at the holiday bonus or you may alternatively send HKR a couple of bucks which is really ultimately more efficient in my opinion.
48. Bodum Hot Pot...stylish and no long yoked to that outlet...anyone hungry for ramen?
49. Cimmmamin at Jacques: Adam is delighted with Dunkin Donuts' Cinnamon Spice Coffee.
50. Chemex Coffee Pot..."kickin' it retro old school" as one might say if they were hip enough, but I'm not. There was this kid who was disturbingly addicted to coffee...he was quite jittery nonetheless and I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with the amount of coffee consumed. Anyhoo...he swore by these Chemex coffee makers.
51. Smiles Coffee: a rare instance of good coming from spam. Zeith roasts his own coffee in the microwave.
52. Nissan Stainless Vacuum Thermos from Campmor...the cheapest place I've found these high quality stainless steel thermoses...I toted my sugary hot tea in my vacuum thermos all through high school. I think the backpacker is pretty neat.
Sports Fans
53. NFL Snack Helmet: so ridiculous it's hilarious, imagine a helmet for your chips and your dip.
54. Bobble Head Shirt...reminds me of that grinning face on MAD magazine. Children's shirts are perfect for small adults. [Shipping is only 2 bucks]
55. Moneyball...comes highly recommended by Adam, the only baseball nut in our relationship.
53. NFL Snack Helmet: so ridiculous it's hilarious, imagine a helmet for your chips and your dip.
54. Bobble Head Shirt...reminds me of that grinning face on MAD magazine. Children's shirts are perfect for small adults. [Shipping is only 2 bucks]
55. Moneyball...comes highly recommended by Adam, the only baseball nut in our relationship.
Let it Bloom Let it Bloom Let it Bloom
56. Specialty Cut Flowers...tome on growing and caring of cut flowers reviewed by the NYTimes.
57. Underwater Flower Cutter...nifty guillotine contraption
58. Flowers from Martha Stewart with a discount. I've also sent plasticmom blooms from Wal-Mart on two separate occasions and they've been very nice...or so she graciously claims because they could be gross and rotten for all I know. With Wal-Mart, I would go with some nice single variety blooms like these calla lilies to avoid any potential cheese factor.
56. Specialty Cut Flowers...tome on growing and caring of cut flowers reviewed by the NYTimes.
57. Underwater Flower Cutter...nifty guillotine contraption
58. Flowers from Martha Stewart with a discount. I've also sent plasticmom blooms from Wal-Mart on two separate occasions and they've been very nice...or so she graciously claims because they could be gross and rotten for all I know. With Wal-Mart, I would go with some nice single variety blooms like these calla lilies to avoid any potential cheese factor.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
"Buuht, I doooon't wine!"
59. BYO Bag...use this lightweight neoprene bag for toting your wine bottles about town. Spotted this year in at least one gift guide and available locally at Best Cellars and online at MOMA.
60. WineSmarts...also available locally at Best Cellars.
61. Rabbit Corkscrew...for those who lack the upper body strength or simply can't be bothered.
62. Stemware Plate Clips...soup up any old plate with these clips to accommodate wine glasses. Great for multitasking type shindigs: Drink, Eat & Chat all while Standing.
63. Plastic Wine Glasses...perfect for dropping on the floor...classier than a Dixie cup. There's a reason I'm plasticann...I love plastic...that's why.
59. BYO Bag...use this lightweight neoprene bag for toting your wine bottles about town. Spotted this year in at least one gift guide and available locally at Best Cellars and online at MOMA.
60. WineSmarts...also available locally at Best Cellars.
61. Rabbit Corkscrew...for those who lack the upper body strength or simply can't be bothered.
62. Stemware Plate Clips...soup up any old plate with these clips to accommodate wine glasses. Great for multitasking type shindigs: Drink, Eat & Chat all while Standing.
63. Plastic Wine Glasses...perfect for dropping on the floor...classier than a Dixie cup. There's a reason I'm plasticann...I love plastic...that's why.
Monday, November 24, 2003
The Event of the Holiday Season
MGDub beat me to the chase, but in honor of MGDub's Annual Holiday Gift Swap...a reiteration of some sure fire Diamonds coupled with sure fire Coals.
64.
Diamond or Coal: Pet Goldfish---really depends on the crowd
Coal: Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets...yours truly discovered this practical gift was the pariah of the party. MGDub had to beg one of her friends to take it off her hands.
65.
Diamond: Anything from The Onion
Coal: Gift wrapped box of bagels
66.
Diamond: Sandwich Maker & a composed "Ode to the Sandwich Maker"....Adam gets major “props” for this one.
Coal: Used personal hygiene items such as contact lenses.
67.
Diamond: CASH in unmarked bills or gift certificates. [I personally frown upon such uncreative selections, but they seem to be popular]
Coal: CHANGE in penny increments.
A cautionary note: For the sake of MGDub's shindig...everyone should not just bring one of these items. The more Onion calendars there are at the event, the less desirable they become...it's merely an issue of supply and demand.
MGDub beat me to the chase, but in honor of MGDub's Annual Holiday Gift Swap...a reiteration of some sure fire Diamonds coupled with sure fire Coals.
64.
Diamond or Coal: Pet Goldfish---really depends on the crowd
Coal: Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets...yours truly discovered this practical gift was the pariah of the party. MGDub had to beg one of her friends to take it off her hands.
65.
Diamond: Anything from The Onion
Coal: Gift wrapped box of bagels
66.
Diamond: Sandwich Maker & a composed "Ode to the Sandwich Maker"....Adam gets major “props” for this one.
Coal: Used personal hygiene items such as contact lenses.
67.
Diamond: CASH in unmarked bills or gift certificates. [I personally frown upon such uncreative selections, but they seem to be popular]
Coal: CHANGE in penny increments.
A cautionary note: For the sake of MGDub's shindig...everyone should not just bring one of these items. The more Onion calendars there are at the event, the less desirable they become...it's merely an issue of supply and demand.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
World Travelers
The Wall Street Journal reported on a exclusive society of folks aiming to visit every country/local on this planet, as defined by the all-powerful board of the said society. So far only 10 people have completed the task since the geographic definitions are constantly in flux frustrating the very weary world-traveling members. This is for those enthusiastic travelers who are a little less hard-core and esoteric.
68. Hanging Toiletries Bag & Nalgene Toiletries Bottles: I use my bag year round to avoid cluttering the sink and it's very portable.
69. Defend your legroom with the Knee Defender.
70. Travel Documents Holder or Passport Holder: plasticmom and I purchased these wicked cool leather passport covers at Harrods that look like the passports from our ethnic homeland.
71. A Bag for your Bag: plasticmom always carries a small lightweight tote in her purse while traveling for toting unexpected purchases and I've taken to doing the same. I got her this bag from Walker last summer and she was overly concerned about the bag's strength and durability chiding me for wasting my money. I been feeling vindicated every since plasticmom reported that she's been using her Walker bag on a daily basis during her most recent trip to Tokyo and the bag is surprisingly strong and expandable. Harumph!
The Wall Street Journal reported on a exclusive society of folks aiming to visit every country/local on this planet, as defined by the all-powerful board of the said society. So far only 10 people have completed the task since the geographic definitions are constantly in flux frustrating the very weary world-traveling members. This is for those enthusiastic travelers who are a little less hard-core and esoteric.
68. Hanging Toiletries Bag & Nalgene Toiletries Bottles: I use my bag year round to avoid cluttering the sink and it's very portable.
69. Defend your legroom with the Knee Defender.
70. Travel Documents Holder or Passport Holder: plasticmom and I purchased these wicked cool leather passport covers at Harrods that look like the passports from our ethnic homeland.
71. A Bag for your Bag: plasticmom always carries a small lightweight tote in her purse while traveling for toting unexpected purchases and I've taken to doing the same. I got her this bag from Walker last summer and she was overly concerned about the bag's strength and durability chiding me for wasting my money. I been feeling vindicated every since plasticmom reported that she's been using her Walker bag on a daily basis during her most recent trip to Tokyo and the bag is surprisingly strong and expandable. Harumph!
Friday, November 21, 2003
Victuals By Mail
Part I...slightly classier
72. "Christmas Tamales" a.k.a. Tamales from Curra's Grill.
73. If you've got a whole lot of dough for not a whole lot of [cookie] dough...delightful options from Eleni's.
Part II...regional favorites
74. TastyKakes harken back to MGDub's youth...remarkably shelf stable.
75. Just in case Zrad is stranded without access to Fluff for his morning Fluffernutter.
76. Cookie Puss & Fudgie the Whale Carvel Ice Cream "Cakes" delivered to your doorstep. Please note that there's not a speck of cake in this "cake," but there are those delicious "crunchies."
77. Bushel of Fruit [Gems]: They've got Sunkist's stamp of approval, but be forewarned that these pectin jellies are not a good source of vitamins as no fruits have been harmed in their manufacturing process. I would stick to those Rugrat chewables Zrad.
78. Stadium Mustard: I find this fascinating...a city devoted to their regional mustard...those crazy buckeyes. I wonder how it tastes...any thoughts?
Part I...slightly classier
72. "Christmas Tamales" a.k.a. Tamales from Curra's Grill.
73. If you've got a whole lot of dough for not a whole lot of [cookie] dough...delightful options from Eleni's.
Part II...regional favorites
74. TastyKakes harken back to MGDub's youth...remarkably shelf stable.
75. Just in case Zrad is stranded without access to Fluff for his morning Fluffernutter.
76. Cookie Puss & Fudgie the Whale Carvel Ice Cream "Cakes" delivered to your doorstep. Please note that there's not a speck of cake in this "cake," but there are those delicious "crunchies."
77. Bushel of Fruit [Gems]: They've got Sunkist's stamp of approval, but be forewarned that these pectin jellies are not a good source of vitamins as no fruits have been harmed in their manufacturing process. I would stick to those Rugrat chewables Zrad.
78. Stadium Mustard: I find this fascinating...a city devoted to their regional mustard...those crazy buckeyes. I wonder how it tastes...any thoughts?
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Mines
79. Neighborhoodies---the perfect day to blog about this indeed. Newsweek featured this in their gift guide last week and lo and behold the mysterious birthday present that my friend Corinna was having made for me arrived this morning and it turned out to be the cutest t-shirt emblazoned with my neighborhood. It's totally awesome and I love it. Corinna gets the best gifts...it's always something I really want. I'm so glad she wasn't getting me a porcelain doll made in my likeness...eeekkkk.
80. Tote Bags from L.L. Bean [Free monogramming this holiday season.] I love these bags and the price is nice too especially if you've got the L.L. Bean Visa which offers perks such as free shipping and free monogramming. Along the same note...personalized towels. Adam's got one and he seems to enjoy it, but then again he didn't really have a towel before so it seems to be better than nothing.
81. Tiffany's Initial Pendants---Elsa Peretti designs for all 26 letters of our alphabet...breakfast sold separately
82. Lego Mosaic---upload your digital pictures and Lego will create a complete kit for your very own black & white mosaic...not sure if it's totally cool or total kitsch. Then again there's always the Yoda sculpture for die hard fans.
79. Neighborhoodies---the perfect day to blog about this indeed. Newsweek featured this in their gift guide last week and lo and behold the mysterious birthday present that my friend Corinna was having made for me arrived this morning and it turned out to be the cutest t-shirt emblazoned with my neighborhood. It's totally awesome and I love it. Corinna gets the best gifts...it's always something I really want. I'm so glad she wasn't getting me a porcelain doll made in my likeness...eeekkkk.
80. Tote Bags from L.L. Bean [Free monogramming this holiday season.] I love these bags and the price is nice too especially if you've got the L.L. Bean Visa which offers perks such as free shipping and free monogramming. Along the same note...personalized towels. Adam's got one and he seems to enjoy it, but then again he didn't really have a towel before so it seems to be better than nothing.
81. Tiffany's Initial Pendants---Elsa Peretti designs for all 26 letters of our alphabet...breakfast sold separately
82. Lego Mosaic---upload your digital pictures and Lego will create a complete kit for your very own black & white mosaic...not sure if it's totally cool or total kitsch. Then again there's always the Yoda sculpture for die hard fans.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Give Early Give Often...24 & 12...the days of Christmas that is
83. Advent Calendars...Playmobil has the most funnest ones followed closely by Lego. On the more traditional sweet tooth route, I've spotted the Chocolate Advent Calendars from Gerhhhmahhhny at both Star Market and of course, Trader Joe's ($0.99-$1.50). You'll have to shop earlier to meet the Dec. 1 deadline, but then you'll get to enjoy the next 24 days of hassle free bliss.
84. 12 Days of Christmas (also available in the 8 day form for Hanukkah): Harry & David's box filled with boxes filled with treats. Jessica is starting a tradition by sending this to her hard to shop for grandparentals. Harry & David fruit, especially the Royal Riviera Pear, is really delicious. I like to call it, "Merry Christmas!...Sending you some fiber in the mail."
Note: 10% off this month.
83. Advent Calendars...Playmobil has the most funnest ones followed closely by Lego. On the more traditional sweet tooth route, I've spotted the Chocolate Advent Calendars from Gerhhhmahhhny at both Star Market and of course, Trader Joe's ($0.99-$1.50). You'll have to shop earlier to meet the Dec. 1 deadline, but then you'll get to enjoy the next 24 days of hassle free bliss.
84. 12 Days of Christmas (also available in the 8 day form for Hanukkah): Harry & David's box filled with boxes filled with treats. Jessica is starting a tradition by sending this to her hard to shop for grandparentals. Harry & David fruit, especially the Royal Riviera Pear, is really delicious. I like to call it, "Merry Christmas!...Sending you some fiber in the mail."
Note: 10% off this month.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
"Kickin' It Old School" as Nina likes to say
85. Retro Aprons from the aptly named American Hostess
86. An oldie, but most definitely goodie...Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" illustrated with line drawings. Perfect for any golf newbie as well as that seasoned golfer who for some freakish reason does not already own it.
87. A bit bizarre, most likely impractical, but it still warms my heart because of my love for most things mini...The Easy-Bake Gourmet cookbook. Gourmet recipes of both the sweet and the savory persuasion contributed by top chefs for use in an Easy-Bake oven.
85. Retro Aprons from the aptly named American Hostess
86. An oldie, but most definitely goodie...Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" illustrated with line drawings. Perfect for any golf newbie as well as that seasoned golfer who for some freakish reason does not already own it.
87. A bit bizarre, most likely impractical, but it still warms my heart because of my love for most things mini...The Easy-Bake Gourmet cookbook. Gourmet recipes of both the sweet and the savory persuasion contributed by top chefs for use in an Easy-Bake oven.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Fun twists on that same old chocolate!
88. Chocolate Handbags from Choco Choco House
89. Mice, Penguins and lots of other options like hot chocolate from Burdick's.
88. Chocolate Handbags from Choco Choco House
89. Mice, Penguins and lots of other options like hot chocolate from Burdick's.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
Vertically Challenged
90. Play "librarian" and lord over your home library with a bonafide KIK-Step. Order from the manufacturer, Cramer, for wholesale prices and free shipping. Plasticmom received a red one last Christmas.
Extreme Cooking
91. "I just may be impervious to heat!"---The ORKA Miracle Mitt enables you to plunge your hand into boiling water...fancy that.
92. Slash Resistant Gloves are just the thing for klutzy cooks...it's like chain mail for your hands.
90. Play "librarian" and lord over your home library with a bonafide KIK-Step. Order from the manufacturer, Cramer, for wholesale prices and free shipping. Plasticmom received a red one last Christmas.
Extreme Cooking
91. "I just may be impervious to heat!"---The ORKA Miracle Mitt enables you to plunge your hand into boiling water...fancy that.
92. Slash Resistant Gloves are just the thing for klutzy cooks...it's like chain mail for your hands.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Think Gastronomically, Buy Locally...fun foodstuffs to bring along to a holiday shindig
93. Tiny Trapeze Candies---from the folks that started Dancing Deer: Old Timey candies like barley drops, honey bites, caramels and homemade marshmallows.
94. Homey treats from Dancing Deer: Molasses Clove Cookies are kind of Christmasey
95. Sweet + Spicy Pecans and other nutty offerings from Sampsons Nuts
93. Tiny Trapeze Candies---from the folks that started Dancing Deer: Old Timey candies like barley drops, honey bites, caramels and homemade marshmallows.
94. Homey treats from Dancing Deer: Molasses Clove Cookies are kind of Christmasey
95. Sweet + Spicy Pecans and other nutty offerings from Sampsons Nuts
This is why I try my best to keep my blog friendly for all Moms
from the Onion..."Mom Finds Out About Blog!"
from the Onion..."Mom Finds Out About Blog!"
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Gag Type Gifts
96. Self Inflating Whoopie Cushion---prevents hyperventilation
97. Lego Maniac: Lego came out with the Soccer themed sets a few years ago and now they've got them for basketball, hockey and even extreme sports. Note: themed sets for Spiderman, Harry Potter and Star Wars also available.
98. Cat Crap: My friends Dave & Kristen have two cats and the last thing Dave needs is more "Cat Crap," of a different sort. This stuff works...'nuff said.
99. Pint Lock: Combination lock from Ben & Jerry's to fend off hungry roommates looking to pilfer a bite of your ice cream...for singles only...may cause marital conflict.
96. Self Inflating Whoopie Cushion---prevents hyperventilation
97. Lego Maniac: Lego came out with the Soccer themed sets a few years ago and now they've got them for basketball, hockey and even extreme sports. Note: themed sets for Spiderman, Harry Potter and Star Wars also available.
98. Cat Crap: My friends Dave & Kristen have two cats and the last thing Dave needs is more "Cat Crap," of a different sort. This stuff works...'nuff said.
99. Pint Lock: Combination lock from Ben & Jerry's to fend off hungry roommates looking to pilfer a bite of your ice cream...for singles only...may cause marital conflict.
Gift Ideas
I must confess that I love Christmas, but that's no secret. I love the whole gift giving process: purchasing, wrapping, etc. I could be completely done by Thanksgiving if not for my baking plans because who wants to eat stale moldy month old cookies. That said...in order to spread more Christmas cheer which will mostly serve to cheer me up, I present my Christmas 2003 list of gift ideas. I'm feeling up for a (realistic) challenge so I'm shooting for 100 ideas by Christmas...this will be an instance of quantity not quality. If you happen to be someone who may receive a gift from me this season, do not fret...I will try not feature the gift you are about to receive this year until after you've unwrapped your gift. However, some gifts that are less specialized from this year's Ann's gift list will be featured prematurely on the gift guide...after all who's going to be upset that they saw "cookies" on my gift guide and their surprise was ruined because they got "cookies?" That said....(drumroll please)....the countdown:
100. Homemade Cookies...always a surefire hit unless the recipient is diabetic. Remember, holiday amnesty renders cookies non-caloric and non-fat.
I must confess that I love Christmas, but that's no secret. I love the whole gift giving process: purchasing, wrapping, etc. I could be completely done by Thanksgiving if not for my baking plans because who wants to eat stale moldy month old cookies. That said...in order to spread more Christmas cheer which will mostly serve to cheer me up, I present my Christmas 2003 list of gift ideas. I'm feeling up for a (realistic) challenge so I'm shooting for 100 ideas by Christmas...this will be an instance of quantity not quality. If you happen to be someone who may receive a gift from me this season, do not fret...I will try not feature the gift you are about to receive this year until after you've unwrapped your gift. However, some gifts that are less specialized from this year's Ann's gift list will be featured prematurely on the gift guide...after all who's going to be upset that they saw "cookies" on my gift guide and their surprise was ruined because they got "cookies?" That said....(drumroll please)....the countdown:
100. Homemade Cookies...always a surefire hit unless the recipient is diabetic. Remember, holiday amnesty renders cookies non-caloric and non-fat.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Perfect for our long limbed friends...
...the "Knee Defender." Adam (a long limbed lad himself) alerted me to this contraption created for those who max out on legroom of airplanes...a problem yours truly does not suffer from. The plastic thingamabobbers attach to the metal arms of your lowered tray table and they essentially jam the reclining mechanism of the person seated in front of you. Don't let the name "Knee Defender" mislead you, this product is very genteel and even comes with a "Courtesy Card" that diplomatically attempts to foster dialogue between all parties. As for those who take issue with the width of airplane seats, you're out of luck, but please do not lift the armrest separator between you and your neighbor out of common courtesy to those seated in your row and respect for their personal space and boundaries.
...the "Knee Defender." Adam (a long limbed lad himself) alerted me to this contraption created for those who max out on legroom of airplanes...a problem yours truly does not suffer from. The plastic thingamabobbers attach to the metal arms of your lowered tray table and they essentially jam the reclining mechanism of the person seated in front of you. Don't let the name "Knee Defender" mislead you, this product is very genteel and even comes with a "Courtesy Card" that diplomatically attempts to foster dialogue between all parties. As for those who take issue with the width of airplane seats, you're out of luck, but please do not lift the armrest separator between you and your neighbor out of common courtesy to those seated in your row and respect for their personal space and boundaries.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Frying Pan
I bought a 12 inch frying pan from Williams-Sonoma yesterday and I'm going to go pick it up tonight. I don't really cook, but the price was right and my house sure could use a new pan to replace good old peeling teflon. We could also use some heat, but that's another story.
I bought a 12 inch frying pan from Williams-Sonoma yesterday and I'm going to go pick it up tonight. I don't really cook, but the price was right and my house sure could use a new pan to replace good old peeling teflon. We could also use some heat, but that's another story.
ELF
This sunday was a momentous occasion, it was the first time I'd ever seen Nina wear pants in the three plus years I've been working with her. Sure, I'd heard tales about how back in the day Nina wore giant pants, but I've only seen her wear skirts and dresses. Nina, Jess, Adam and I went and saw the ELF movie. We all loved it and it was hilarious and sweet and touching and really really funny. I've got a few favorite lines from the movie including when Buddy answers the phone at his biological (human) father's office, "Hi, it's Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?" Upon hearing that Santa will be arriving at the department store, Buddy screams, "Santa...I know him." Finally, witnessing toilets in human proportions having come from a land of little elves with wee little toilets, Buddy enthusiastically describes the toilets as, "gi-normous!"
This sunday was a momentous occasion, it was the first time I'd ever seen Nina wear pants in the three plus years I've been working with her. Sure, I'd heard tales about how back in the day Nina wore giant pants, but I've only seen her wear skirts and dresses. Nina, Jess, Adam and I went and saw the ELF movie. We all loved it and it was hilarious and sweet and touching and really really funny. I've got a few favorite lines from the movie including when Buddy answers the phone at his biological (human) father's office, "Hi, it's Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?" Upon hearing that Santa will be arriving at the department store, Buddy screams, "Santa...I know him." Finally, witnessing toilets in human proportions having come from a land of little elves with wee little toilets, Buddy enthusiastically describes the toilets as, "gi-normous!"
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Zesse Zazer
I'm excited to announce that MGDub's good good friend Zesse's website is up and running. There you'll find archived comics, published in our alma mater's daily rag, and some other funny tidbits by Zesse. I've never met Zesse, but I've seen some of his fabulous work. MGDub commissioned Zesse to draw a comic depicting our friends Zatie & Zils for their wedding in the style of that classic "Providence" comic strip. His rendering was uncanny…the comic strip was a work of art and a stroke of pure genius. Way to go Zesse! You should celebrate by going to Disney World or at the very least, buy yourself some books from Amazon.
I'm excited to announce that MGDub's good good friend Zesse's website is up and running. There you'll find archived comics, published in our alma mater's daily rag, and some other funny tidbits by Zesse. I've never met Zesse, but I've seen some of his fabulous work. MGDub commissioned Zesse to draw a comic depicting our friends Zatie & Zils for their wedding in the style of that classic "Providence" comic strip. His rendering was uncanny…the comic strip was a work of art and a stroke of pure genius. Way to go Zesse! You should celebrate by going to Disney World or at the very least, buy yourself some books from Amazon.
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Everybody LOVES Cupcakes...
...well, Cupcakes aren't Adam's favorite, but I think he does like them. Check out this article in the NYTimes about cupcakes with an audio slide show to top it off. Oddest tidbit...actress Amy Sedaris (Sister of writer David Sedaris. She once played David Spade's doppelganger on Just Shoot Me) bakes cupcakes for some bakery in NYC. She hawks her homemade cheeseballs and cupcakes in the lobby during her shows. How bizarre is that? I'm not ashamed to report that I bake cupcakes from cake mix and I even use the plastic tub frosting...although I usually buy name brand.
...well, Cupcakes aren't Adam's favorite, but I think he does like them. Check out this article in the NYTimes about cupcakes with an audio slide show to top it off. Oddest tidbit...actress Amy Sedaris (Sister of writer David Sedaris. She once played David Spade's doppelganger on Just Shoot Me) bakes cupcakes for some bakery in NYC. She hawks her homemade cheeseballs and cupcakes in the lobby during her shows. How bizarre is that? I'm not ashamed to report that I bake cupcakes from cake mix and I even use the plastic tub frosting...although I usually buy name brand.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
"Happy Place"
I managed to weasel my way into a trip out to Hilltop Steakhouse last night to celebrate Z.J's birthday. Z.J. is one of Adam, Zrad and Zeith's housemates and also attends B.I.T. Z.J. and I aren't great friends...in fact we barely recognize each other, but he seems like a congenial chap and I couldn't pass up the Hilltop having heard so much about the steakhouse in Saugus graced by a huge neon cactus and a herd of plastic cows. Zrad is extremely enthusiastic about Hilltop bordering on fanaticism. Throughout the evening, Zrad would say things like, "this is a happy place" or "this is a happy day." Heeding Zrad's advice, I settled on the prime rib...the "regular" 16 oz. cut because according to Adam & Zeith, "I'd be throwing my money away" if I didn't opt for the extra 4 oz. Hoping for preferential treatment by speaking their language, Zrad ordered the "Super King Cut Prime Rib." Without batting an eye, our waitress took Zrad's order and moved on to me. Curious about this "Super King Cut," I asked our waitress "How big is the 'Super King Cut'?" The "Super King Cut" was merely 16 oz. or also known as the "Regular." The Hilltop Steakhouse had at one point served a 20 oz. "King Cut," but no longer offered the "King Cut." Excited to share his enthusiasm for the Hilltop, Zrad kept encouraging me to keep up with him by eating my entire meal plus a slice of Hilltop Mud Pie for dessert. Given that I don't possess Zrad's superhuman metabolism, I'm a full foot shorter and I shouldn't aim to consume 3% of my body weight, I tried hard not to get sucked into a game of steak eating "chicken" and stuck to my original plan of eating two thirds of my meal saving the rest of lunch. There were times when I was afraid the meal that sat before me would overwhelm my will and I would end up eating a pound of steak, my sides and Mud Pie. Adam and I did split a slice of Hilltop Mud Pie and Zrad sure was right...it was sublime. I dare say, at $3.50, the Hilltop Mud Pie was hands down the best part of the meal.
I managed to weasel my way into a trip out to Hilltop Steakhouse last night to celebrate Z.J's birthday. Z.J. is one of Adam, Zrad and Zeith's housemates and also attends B.I.T. Z.J. and I aren't great friends...in fact we barely recognize each other, but he seems like a congenial chap and I couldn't pass up the Hilltop having heard so much about the steakhouse in Saugus graced by a huge neon cactus and a herd of plastic cows. Zrad is extremely enthusiastic about Hilltop bordering on fanaticism. Throughout the evening, Zrad would say things like, "this is a happy place" or "this is a happy day." Heeding Zrad's advice, I settled on the prime rib...the "regular" 16 oz. cut because according to Adam & Zeith, "I'd be throwing my money away" if I didn't opt for the extra 4 oz. Hoping for preferential treatment by speaking their language, Zrad ordered the "Super King Cut Prime Rib." Without batting an eye, our waitress took Zrad's order and moved on to me. Curious about this "Super King Cut," I asked our waitress "How big is the 'Super King Cut'?" The "Super King Cut" was merely 16 oz. or also known as the "Regular." The Hilltop Steakhouse had at one point served a 20 oz. "King Cut," but no longer offered the "King Cut." Excited to share his enthusiasm for the Hilltop, Zrad kept encouraging me to keep up with him by eating my entire meal plus a slice of Hilltop Mud Pie for dessert. Given that I don't possess Zrad's superhuman metabolism, I'm a full foot shorter and I shouldn't aim to consume 3% of my body weight, I tried hard not to get sucked into a game of steak eating "chicken" and stuck to my original plan of eating two thirds of my meal saving the rest of lunch. There were times when I was afraid the meal that sat before me would overwhelm my will and I would end up eating a pound of steak, my sides and Mud Pie. Adam and I did split a slice of Hilltop Mud Pie and Zrad sure was right...it was sublime. I dare say, at $3.50, the Hilltop Mud Pie was hands down the best part of the meal.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Manny
Talk of Manny Ramirez dominated the lunch table today. Nina, who loves Manny for his style, attitude, general zaniness and his hair, is heartbroken. If only Manny was a free agent and chose to go away, perhaps to those evil Yankees, Nina would have the freedom to hate him. Now if the Yankees pick up Manny, Nina won't be able to watch baseball forever or at least for a very long time. Steve, on the other hand, says, "good riddance," let's get rid of that "cancer." Steve doesn't like Manny's attitude and says "he's not into winning." Thus is the tug of war, there are the fans like Nina who love certain players and the team at large and then there are the less forgiving fans like Steve who want the best team possible. While Nina likes how Manny "sticks it to the man," Steve (perhaps being the man) doesn't like Manny "sticking it to him." Despite a comprehensive in depth analysis of “the man,” we have yet to determine who exactly is “the man” we’re “sticking it to.” I think Nina articulates this best, "Steve doesn't care if we have an ugly team...no one's as cute as Manny." I must say, I'm with Nina on this one and I've gotta admire her for her loyalty and devotion.
Talk of Manny Ramirez dominated the lunch table today. Nina, who loves Manny for his style, attitude, general zaniness and his hair, is heartbroken. If only Manny was a free agent and chose to go away, perhaps to those evil Yankees, Nina would have the freedom to hate him. Now if the Yankees pick up Manny, Nina won't be able to watch baseball forever or at least for a very long time. Steve, on the other hand, says, "good riddance," let's get rid of that "cancer." Steve doesn't like Manny's attitude and says "he's not into winning." Thus is the tug of war, there are the fans like Nina who love certain players and the team at large and then there are the less forgiving fans like Steve who want the best team possible. While Nina likes how Manny "sticks it to the man," Steve (perhaps being the man) doesn't like Manny "sticking it to him." Despite a comprehensive in depth analysis of “the man,” we have yet to determine who exactly is “the man” we’re “sticking it to.” I think Nina articulates this best, "Steve doesn't care if we have an ugly team...no one's as cute as Manny." I must say, I'm with Nina on this one and I've gotta admire her for her loyalty and devotion.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Great New Taste: 200% more Butter (see May 19 post)
I baked a Chocolate Pecan Pie this weekend and I made the mistake of using too much butter AGAIN. The recipe called for 4 teaspoons of butter, but I ended up using 4 tablespoons. Who measures butter for baking in teaspoons? It's embarrassing how often this happens...I'm going to work on that "reading" thing. Then again, just last week I wondered out loud at lunch, "Are Marlins Dolphins?"...my equivalent of a Jessica Simpson Chicken of the Sea moment. Apparently I'm really expected to know all about sea creatures?
I baked a Chocolate Pecan Pie this weekend and I made the mistake of using too much butter AGAIN. The recipe called for 4 teaspoons of butter, but I ended up using 4 tablespoons. Who measures butter for baking in teaspoons? It's embarrassing how often this happens...I'm going to work on that "reading" thing. Then again, just last week I wondered out loud at lunch, "Are Marlins Dolphins?"...my equivalent of a Jessica Simpson Chicken of the Sea moment. Apparently I'm really expected to know all about sea creatures?
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Cheesy Fudge
Nina saw this bit on the Food Channel, "Chocolate Cheese Fudge." Fudge made with Velveeta. I'm not sure what to make of it...I'm waffling between "morbidly curious" and "BARF!"
Nina saw this bit on the Food Channel, "Chocolate Cheese Fudge." Fudge made with Velveeta. I'm not sure what to make of it...I'm waffling between "morbidly curious" and "BARF!"
Monday, October 27, 2003
Banking Full Circle
I woke up this morning to NPR and the big banking news story of the day, Bank of America is buying Fleet in a $47 billion dollar deal. In the last eight years my bank account has been bought twice and is now gunning for bank buyout number three. While this may seem rather "inconvenient," it's worked out swimmingly for me. I started with a checking account at BayBank in 1995. When Bank Boston bought out BayBank, I was primed for the transition because the local bank near my school was the Rhode Island Bank and Trust--A Bank Boston Company so I didn't even have to open a new account once I got to school. Then Fleet bought Bank Boston which was fine with me since I was then moving up to Boston and my banking needs would still be met without so much as a hiccup since Fleet was now going to be everywhere in Boston. Now, Bank of America is buying Fleet. This cracks me up because good old Bank of America is dominant in California where I'm from. I got my first ATM card from "BoA" in 1993.This means, my banking will proceed as usual when I eventually move back to California. Plus, plasticmom will be able to use her ATM card here and I'll be able to use my ATM card in good old California without incurring fees. I love how these bank mergers and buyouts seem to be tailored to my ever changing geographical banking needs. "Fantastic," I say.
I woke up this morning to NPR and the big banking news story of the day, Bank of America is buying Fleet in a $47 billion dollar deal. In the last eight years my bank account has been bought twice and is now gunning for bank buyout number three. While this may seem rather "inconvenient," it's worked out swimmingly for me. I started with a checking account at BayBank in 1995. When Bank Boston bought out BayBank, I was primed for the transition because the local bank near my school was the Rhode Island Bank and Trust--A Bank Boston Company so I didn't even have to open a new account once I got to school. Then Fleet bought Bank Boston which was fine with me since I was then moving up to Boston and my banking needs would still be met without so much as a hiccup since Fleet was now going to be everywhere in Boston. Now, Bank of America is buying Fleet. This cracks me up because good old Bank of America is dominant in California where I'm from. I got my first ATM card from "BoA" in 1993.This means, my banking will proceed as usual when I eventually move back to California. Plus, plasticmom will be able to use her ATM card here and I'll be able to use my ATM card in good old California without incurring fees. I love how these bank mergers and buyouts seem to be tailored to my ever changing geographical banking needs. "Fantastic," I say.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Crust Ease
According to Adam, Zeith made some Krusteaz Key Lime Bars from a box the other night and they were very tasty. I'm a big fan of the Sunkist Lemon Bar Mix, but it's no longer available. However, the Krusteaz Lemon Bar Mix is just as good. I've pondered buying their Key Lime Bar Mix myself, but I've been a bit put off by its unnaturally green color. I wonder if Krusteaz used to license the Sunkist name for their lemon bars just like how Ben Myerson Candy holds the license for the Sunkist Fruit Gems. By the way, Ben Myerson makes their own fruit gem candies under their Christopher's Candy Line, available at Trader Joes, that aren't Sunkist branded, but Adam insists the Sunkist branded fruit gems are better. Here's some nifty trivia, Krusteaz stands for "Crust" with "Ease." Some progressive ladies from Seattle created a piecrust mix because "making a pie took too darn long."
According to Adam, Zeith made some Krusteaz Key Lime Bars from a box the other night and they were very tasty. I'm a big fan of the Sunkist Lemon Bar Mix, but it's no longer available. However, the Krusteaz Lemon Bar Mix is just as good. I've pondered buying their Key Lime Bar Mix myself, but I've been a bit put off by its unnaturally green color. I wonder if Krusteaz used to license the Sunkist name for their lemon bars just like how Ben Myerson Candy holds the license for the Sunkist Fruit Gems. By the way, Ben Myerson makes their own fruit gem candies under their Christopher's Candy Line, available at Trader Joes, that aren't Sunkist branded, but Adam insists the Sunkist branded fruit gems are better. Here's some nifty trivia, Krusteaz stands for "Crust" with "Ease." Some progressive ladies from Seattle created a piecrust mix because "making a pie took too darn long."
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Playin' for the NFL
Ever since I was delegated the task of purchasing the office birthday gift (a helmet chip bowl) for my boss, Greg, I've been inundated (I've received 2) with nflshop.com catalogs. Especially hilarious is their clever marketing ploy aimed at inspiring customers to realize their NFL aspirations or at the very least, purchase their own personalized jersey. By printing my last name on a jersey, I'll think, "Wow, my name looks really cool on a jersey, maybe I should buy one." The first time I saw my name on the jersey, I was genuinely confused. I thought, "Gosh, I don't know any Taiwanese American football players and I've never heard of an NFL player with my name...maybe I too could play football if I worked really hard." Upon closer inspection, I realized my name was printed on the photo of the jersey. Indeed, a sad day for of this Taiwanese American kid...my NFL aspirations were dashed. Wah Wah!
Ever since I was delegated the task of purchasing the office birthday gift (a helmet chip bowl) for my boss, Greg, I've been inundated (I've received 2) with nflshop.com catalogs. Especially hilarious is their clever marketing ploy aimed at inspiring customers to realize their NFL aspirations or at the very least, purchase their own personalized jersey. By printing my last name on a jersey, I'll think, "Wow, my name looks really cool on a jersey, maybe I should buy one." The first time I saw my name on the jersey, I was genuinely confused. I thought, "Gosh, I don't know any Taiwanese American football players and I've never heard of an NFL player with my name...maybe I too could play football if I worked really hard." Upon closer inspection, I realized my name was printed on the photo of the jersey. Indeed, a sad day for of this Taiwanese American kid...my NFL aspirations were dashed. Wah Wah!
DJ Names
Steve thinks "Tanner" would be a great DJ name as a reference to the Candace Cameron character on Full House. Nina's batted around a few DJ names herself including "DJ Logit" as in Logit Model. Other less viable contenders included two references to statistical programs such as "DJ Gauss" and "DJ STATA." Thus far, Nina's rapper name of choice "Vanilla Wafah" is a reference to that "white rapper who sings of 'ice' and wee little babies." LJN tells me there's now a "DJ Methane" and "CAD Cowboy" out there...they all go to that school that rhymes with BIT with Zrad and them all.
Steve thinks "Tanner" would be a great DJ name as a reference to the Candace Cameron character on Full House. Nina's batted around a few DJ names herself including "DJ Logit" as in Logit Model. Other less viable contenders included two references to statistical programs such as "DJ Gauss" and "DJ STATA." Thus far, Nina's rapper name of choice "Vanilla Wafah" is a reference to that "white rapper who sings of 'ice' and wee little babies." LJN tells me there's now a "DJ Methane" and "CAD Cowboy" out there...they all go to that school that rhymes with BIT with Zrad and them all.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Random Ramblings
I was on an architectural tour of the Back Bay this past weekend and did you know that the streets in that area are named alphabetically: Arlington, Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, Exeter, etc. Not only that, the street names' alternate syllabically between two and three. To top that, it took thirty years to fill in the Back Bay running trains filled with gravel day in and day out. There's water merely 12 feet below the streets and all the buildings sit on top of these wooden poles that have been pounded into the bedrock, but are submerged underwater. Apparently wood doesn't deteriorate as long as it's submerged underwater. When they built the Hancock building downtown, they dug below street level to build an underground parking garage. They had to pump out all this water to build this garage that the water level in the Back Bay dropped a few feet exposing the wooden supports causing them to crumble since they were no longer fully submerged. Fascinating!
I was on an architectural tour of the Back Bay this past weekend and did you know that the streets in that area are named alphabetically: Arlington, Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, Exeter, etc. Not only that, the street names' alternate syllabically between two and three. To top that, it took thirty years to fill in the Back Bay running trains filled with gravel day in and day out. There's water merely 12 feet below the streets and all the buildings sit on top of these wooden poles that have been pounded into the bedrock, but are submerged underwater. Apparently wood doesn't deteriorate as long as it's submerged underwater. When they built the Hancock building downtown, they dug below street level to build an underground parking garage. They had to pump out all this water to build this garage that the water level in the Back Bay dropped a few feet exposing the wooden supports causing them to crumble since they were no longer fully submerged. Fascinating!
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Organized Chaos
While I consistently get extra points for organization during my annual performance reviews at work and I'm often the designated "organizer" of things, I'm actually a super cluttered person. The overwhelming response people have when they first see my room is, “I thought you’d be really neat and clean.” They’re disconcerted and shocked that I’m not neat. It takes a while for folks to reconcile these contradictions and conclude that my chaos is somehow organized, but nonetheless chaotic.
My obsessively clean downstairs neighbor thinks my room is a "fire hazard" because of all the wrapping, craft and other papers I keep around. Since our household on the whole is like a pesky rash that won't go away, my room is the bane of his existence. Seeing how my room is a fire hazard and all and out of respect for his concerns that my room will spontaneously combust, I've decided not to take up smoking.
My roommates loyally defend my ways declaring that I'm a dirty person given there's no mold in my room and my coworkers wouldn't call me disorganized since I can almost always find everything. (Give me ten boxes documents and I’ll happily organize them.) Unfortunately, my preferred method of "organization" (piles of papers & things) lends to occasional paper avalanches at work when the paper piles on my desk and floor veer out of control. I figure as long as my boss doesn't complain and somehow still recognizes the ways I'm organized despite all the ways my workspace is chaotic, I'm OK...for now at least. Then again, I think Greg is also used to Nina whose organized chaos rivals mine. I'm always quick to defend Nina (and myself from association) from scoffers reminding them that Nina has never lost anything important.
My room has always been a source of aggravation for plasticmom who is uber organized and very neat. MGDub fights the urge to reorganize my room and rearrange my furniture. My roommate, Nayiri, gave me a gift certificate for 10 hours for room organizing for my 24th birthday and I wasn't even offended, only grateful. Alas, there is hope for my slovenly ways...I discovered flylady.com after reading an article in the Boston Globe. Sign up for flylady, become a flybaby and flylady will e-mail you daily reminders on what to clean, how to clean and how to organize. Inspired by her "27 Fling Boogie" method for decluttering, I threw out 27 things and gave away 27 things last night at breakneck speed. I'm considering signing up...if anything else it would make plasticmom proud or least give her hope to see I’m making some sort of effort.
Today, I, plasticann, am going to make an effort…I will at least gather the multitude of used coffee cups and water glasses and bring them down to the kitchen for cleaning…maybe I’ll even go as far as cleaning off the top of my desk, but definitely the coffee cups.
While I consistently get extra points for organization during my annual performance reviews at work and I'm often the designated "organizer" of things, I'm actually a super cluttered person. The overwhelming response people have when they first see my room is, “I thought you’d be really neat and clean.” They’re disconcerted and shocked that I’m not neat. It takes a while for folks to reconcile these contradictions and conclude that my chaos is somehow organized, but nonetheless chaotic.
My obsessively clean downstairs neighbor thinks my room is a "fire hazard" because of all the wrapping, craft and other papers I keep around. Since our household on the whole is like a pesky rash that won't go away, my room is the bane of his existence. Seeing how my room is a fire hazard and all and out of respect for his concerns that my room will spontaneously combust, I've decided not to take up smoking.
My roommates loyally defend my ways declaring that I'm a dirty person given there's no mold in my room and my coworkers wouldn't call me disorganized since I can almost always find everything. (Give me ten boxes documents and I’ll happily organize them.) Unfortunately, my preferred method of "organization" (piles of papers & things) lends to occasional paper avalanches at work when the paper piles on my desk and floor veer out of control. I figure as long as my boss doesn't complain and somehow still recognizes the ways I'm organized despite all the ways my workspace is chaotic, I'm OK...for now at least. Then again, I think Greg is also used to Nina whose organized chaos rivals mine. I'm always quick to defend Nina (and myself from association) from scoffers reminding them that Nina has never lost anything important.
My room has always been a source of aggravation for plasticmom who is uber organized and very neat. MGDub fights the urge to reorganize my room and rearrange my furniture. My roommate, Nayiri, gave me a gift certificate for 10 hours for room organizing for my 24th birthday and I wasn't even offended, only grateful. Alas, there is hope for my slovenly ways...I discovered flylady.com after reading an article in the Boston Globe. Sign up for flylady, become a flybaby and flylady will e-mail you daily reminders on what to clean, how to clean and how to organize. Inspired by her "27 Fling Boogie" method for decluttering, I threw out 27 things and gave away 27 things last night at breakneck speed. I'm considering signing up...if anything else it would make plasticmom proud or least give her hope to see I’m making some sort of effort.
Today, I, plasticann, am going to make an effort…I will at least gather the multitude of used coffee cups and water glasses and bring them down to the kitchen for cleaning…maybe I’ll even go as far as cleaning off the top of my desk, but definitely the coffee cups.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Baseball Cupcakes
My coworker Kate raves about Strawberry Cake Mix, the standby birthday cake flava for her household. I was skeptical of how good strawberry cake would be since the last time I remember loving strawberry cake was in third grade and the last time I purchased something strawberry flavored from the baking aisle was when MGDub insisted I buy this strawberry frosting because, "everyone loves strawberry frosting." She then proceeded to declare, "Yuck...this stuff is gross, who bought this?" upon tasting the frosting to which I had to remind her she was to blame. I digress! I decided to give strawberry cake mix another chance pairing it with some vanilla frosting baking the cupcakes in some sports themed cupcake liner. Taking a page from Martha Stewart, I decorated the cupcakes with two red Twizzler Cherry Pull and Peel arcs to look like baseballs. Unlike Martha who's insane, I declined to simulate the baseball stitching with teeny tiny bits of red candy. Here's the cupcake consumption count as of last night:
Zrad: 4
Adam: 3
Ann: 3
MGDub: 1
Zeith: 1
My coworker Kate raves about Strawberry Cake Mix, the standby birthday cake flava for her household. I was skeptical of how good strawberry cake would be since the last time I remember loving strawberry cake was in third grade and the last time I purchased something strawberry flavored from the baking aisle was when MGDub insisted I buy this strawberry frosting because, "everyone loves strawberry frosting." She then proceeded to declare, "Yuck...this stuff is gross, who bought this?" upon tasting the frosting to which I had to remind her she was to blame. I digress! I decided to give strawberry cake mix another chance pairing it with some vanilla frosting baking the cupcakes in some sports themed cupcake liner. Taking a page from Martha Stewart, I decorated the cupcakes with two red Twizzler Cherry Pull and Peel arcs to look like baseballs. Unlike Martha who's insane, I declined to simulate the baseball stitching with teeny tiny bits of red candy. Here's the cupcake consumption count as of last night:
Zrad: 4
Adam: 3
Ann: 3
MGDub: 1
Zeith: 1
Saturday, October 11, 2003
"Cowboy Up!"
Heck...if the highway traffic billboards are shirking their duty to disseminate traffic information by proclaiming "Cowboy Up," I might as well join in. It was after six last night when I realized nearly all my coworkers were still at work. They were frantically trying to get World Series tickets on the off chance the Red Sox make it to the final championship series...BOOYAH! Due to their computer savvy, their diligence in the matter, their healthy credit lines and their collective vow to persist until the tickets sold out...Steve and Jessica triumphantly scored five and two tickets respectively. Nina was shut out and didn't get any tickets of her own because of a last minute work request at around 6pm when the ticket center opened. No worries sports fans, our lovely heroine had nary a second to fret because Jessica promptly offered Nina her second ticket. That's what we call a "collegial work environment" here at L&*^%#$! If the Red Sox make it to the World Series, Nina, Jess, Steve & Co. will be at game two cheering on the home team.
Heck...if the highway traffic billboards are shirking their duty to disseminate traffic information by proclaiming "Cowboy Up," I might as well join in. It was after six last night when I realized nearly all my coworkers were still at work. They were frantically trying to get World Series tickets on the off chance the Red Sox make it to the final championship series...BOOYAH! Due to their computer savvy, their diligence in the matter, their healthy credit lines and their collective vow to persist until the tickets sold out...Steve and Jessica triumphantly scored five and two tickets respectively. Nina was shut out and didn't get any tickets of her own because of a last minute work request at around 6pm when the ticket center opened. No worries sports fans, our lovely heroine had nary a second to fret because Jessica promptly offered Nina her second ticket. That's what we call a "collegial work environment" here at L&*^%#$! If the Red Sox make it to the World Series, Nina, Jess, Steve & Co. will be at game two cheering on the home team.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Alma Mater, we hail the with loyal devotion...
Plasticmom called me on Tuesday night to put in an order for car decals from my Alma Mater since I was heading down there on Wednesday to recruit at the career fair. Due to an aforementioned freak accident involving gravity and a tree branch, we had to get a new car. Plasticmom tried to transfer the decal off the old car onto the new car, but the results were splotchy so she requested some new decals. Since I've been out of college for a few years, I questioned whether she should apply a decal on the new car. To that, plasticmom responded, "I don't really care what kind of decal, it can be Harvard Extension School for all I care, but we've got to have a decal because there are four white Camrys in our garage and we can't tell which one is our car." Decals from my actual alma mater are infinitely less questionable than decals from a community evening school where I take classes non credit just for kicks.
Plasticmom called me on Tuesday night to put in an order for car decals from my Alma Mater since I was heading down there on Wednesday to recruit at the career fair. Due to an aforementioned freak accident involving gravity and a tree branch, we had to get a new car. Plasticmom tried to transfer the decal off the old car onto the new car, but the results were splotchy so she requested some new decals. Since I've been out of college for a few years, I questioned whether she should apply a decal on the new car. To that, plasticmom responded, "I don't really care what kind of decal, it can be Harvard Extension School for all I care, but we've got to have a decal because there are four white Camrys in our garage and we can't tell which one is our car." Decals from my actual alma mater are infinitely less questionable than decals from a community evening school where I take classes non credit just for kicks.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Quarter Century
This past Sunday marked the quarter century celebration of my birth. Food dominated the agenda with dim sum, delicious brunch buffet, dessert party at Finale complete with my own special b-day menu and a coconut cream filled cake from Party Favors. Notable gifts include a "book" written by plasticmom expressly for this occasion, cool invitation software, laminating machine and my annual birthday check from the parentals, which I've used to purchase a pair of UGGs. The birthday check is an amusing ritual because every year, without fail, the check arrives with the following typed into the memo section, "Birthday Cake." The generous check is always more than one would spend on a "Birthday Cake," so rather than interpreting the instructions literally, I merely take it as a suggestion. Due to a typographical error, an extra zero had been added this year inadvertently inflating the check by a factor of ten. Needless to say, I didn't deposit the check and called home to report the error. All in all a wonderful birthday week indeed.
This past Sunday marked the quarter century celebration of my birth. Food dominated the agenda with dim sum, delicious brunch buffet, dessert party at Finale complete with my own special b-day menu and a coconut cream filled cake from Party Favors. Notable gifts include a "book" written by plasticmom expressly for this occasion, cool invitation software, laminating machine and my annual birthday check from the parentals, which I've used to purchase a pair of UGGs. The birthday check is an amusing ritual because every year, without fail, the check arrives with the following typed into the memo section, "Birthday Cake." The generous check is always more than one would spend on a "Birthday Cake," so rather than interpreting the instructions literally, I merely take it as a suggestion. Due to a typographical error, an extra zero had been added this year inadvertently inflating the check by a factor of ten. Needless to say, I didn't deposit the check and called home to report the error. All in all a wonderful birthday week indeed.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Replacement Part for your Milton Bradley Games
You can order replacement parts for your Hasbro/Milton Bradley games such as Monopoly, Clue, Boggle, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit and most of all Scrabble. They offer replacement parts for hundreds of products including the Easy Bake Oven. I'm particularly excited because I enjoy a variation of Scrabble called "Speed Scrabble" that requires only the tiles. Instead of buying multiple sets of scrabble for the tiles, now I can buy only the tiles. Woohoo!
You can order replacement parts for your Hasbro/Milton Bradley games such as Monopoly, Clue, Boggle, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit and most of all Scrabble. They offer replacement parts for hundreds of products including the Easy Bake Oven. I'm particularly excited because I enjoy a variation of Scrabble called "Speed Scrabble" that requires only the tiles. Instead of buying multiple sets of scrabble for the tiles, now I can buy only the tiles. Woohoo!
The Idiot Tax
My harried morning started with unexpected guests ringing the doorbell as I got out the shower and culminated with buying tokens for the T because I'd left my T-pass and keys at home. Having just missed my train because I was in line to buy tokens, I was feeling pretty frustrated with my morning when I ran into my friend Zeith who was on his way to BIT. Venting my frustrations to Zeith about forgetting my T-pass and having to buy tokens, he commiserated and told me he does the same at the beginning of each month when he forgets to pick up his T-pass from BIT and has to buy a token to get to BIT. He calls this "the idiot tax." Since Zeith's idiot tax is one token to get to BIT where his pass is waiting for him and my idiot tax is two tokens because my pass is sitting at home, I'm in a higher idiot tax bracket. There are worse things in life like the time when I left my T-pass and my wallet at home and I seriously considered borrowing a buck for a token from my homeless friend Hansy who panhandled outside the station. Then there's always cancer which is unequivocally worse than merely forgetting your T-pass.
My harried morning started with unexpected guests ringing the doorbell as I got out the shower and culminated with buying tokens for the T because I'd left my T-pass and keys at home. Having just missed my train because I was in line to buy tokens, I was feeling pretty frustrated with my morning when I ran into my friend Zeith who was on his way to BIT. Venting my frustrations to Zeith about forgetting my T-pass and having to buy tokens, he commiserated and told me he does the same at the beginning of each month when he forgets to pick up his T-pass from BIT and has to buy a token to get to BIT. He calls this "the idiot tax." Since Zeith's idiot tax is one token to get to BIT where his pass is waiting for him and my idiot tax is two tokens because my pass is sitting at home, I'm in a higher idiot tax bracket. There are worse things in life like the time when I left my T-pass and my wallet at home and I seriously considered borrowing a buck for a token from my homeless friend Hansy who panhandled outside the station. Then there's always cancer which is unequivocally worse than merely forgetting your T-pass.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
The Coke Lady
Plasticmom keeps her office in Coke and passes out cold sodas to the delivery folks that stop by their mail order business each day. The UPS guy prefers Coke and the Mail Lady enjoys boxes of Chinese iced tea. Due to a freak accident involving a tree branch and this natural phenomenon we call gravity, the number of usable motor vehicles in our household has dropped. Consequently, plasticmom has not been able to replenish the Coke supply. Her boss has taken to offering this explanation for the lack of Coke, "The Coke Lady's car broke so there's no Coke, but we have iced tea," as if Coke is only available through the "Coke Lady." Now the UPS guy peppers plasticmom with daily questions, "How is the Coke Lady? Is the Coke Lady's car fixed?" Nina thinks the "Coke Lady" sounds like a drug dealer, but plasticmom is merely enabling a caffeine addiction. However, plasticmom has discovered the following truism---plying delivery folks with cold drinks increases their helpfulness because they'll voluntarily stop by the warehouse for an extra delivery or pick up, but only for plasticmom.
Plasticmom keeps her office in Coke and passes out cold sodas to the delivery folks that stop by their mail order business each day. The UPS guy prefers Coke and the Mail Lady enjoys boxes of Chinese iced tea. Due to a freak accident involving a tree branch and this natural phenomenon we call gravity, the number of usable motor vehicles in our household has dropped. Consequently, plasticmom has not been able to replenish the Coke supply. Her boss has taken to offering this explanation for the lack of Coke, "The Coke Lady's car broke so there's no Coke, but we have iced tea," as if Coke is only available through the "Coke Lady." Now the UPS guy peppers plasticmom with daily questions, "How is the Coke Lady? Is the Coke Lady's car fixed?" Nina thinks the "Coke Lady" sounds like a drug dealer, but plasticmom is merely enabling a caffeine addiction. However, plasticmom has discovered the following truism---plying delivery folks with cold drinks increases their helpfulness because they'll voluntarily stop by the warehouse for an extra delivery or pick up, but only for plasticmom.
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Wearing two different shoes in public is all the rage...
...probably not, but unfortunately I've developed a tendency to walk out of my office wearing two different shoes. I keep a collection of shoes under my desk (flip flops, real shoes, sneakers, whatnot). A few weeks ago, I was walking out of my office to the printer when I noticed my feet...I was wearing one red flip-flop and one red Mary Jane. I made it all the way to the elevator today with Nina when I realized I was wearing one purple flip flop and one black flip flop...at least I was wearing the same type of shoe today and I don't think anyone noticed at the post office. The upside? Nina and I had a bit of chuckle when I realized my fashion faux pas.
...probably not, but unfortunately I've developed a tendency to walk out of my office wearing two different shoes. I keep a collection of shoes under my desk (flip flops, real shoes, sneakers, whatnot). A few weeks ago, I was walking out of my office to the printer when I noticed my feet...I was wearing one red flip-flop and one red Mary Jane. I made it all the way to the elevator today with Nina when I realized I was wearing one purple flip flop and one black flip flop...at least I was wearing the same type of shoe today and I don't think anyone noticed at the post office. The upside? Nina and I had a bit of chuckle when I realized my fashion faux pas.
Monday, September 29, 2003
"You know how I love those little bottles!"
I was browsing the Nalgene website last week seeing what was up when I came across these new minigrip bottles. They're slimmer 500ml bottles with the same wide mouth as their popular 1L bottles that come in "fly" colors, as Nina would say, so you can use the nifty wide mouth splashguard. I'm a complete sucker for new stuff and I couldn't quite justify buying one for myself so I promptly ordered one for plasticmom from their website (free shipping). Of course I ended up ordering one for myself later that same afternoon because I was beside myself with excitement. I was chatting with plasticmom last night when I mentioned the bottle I ordered her. Expecting her to chide me for wasting my money, she enthusiastically responded, "You know how I love those little bottles." She carries around two 500ml bottles filled with iced tea and since she already owns five Nalgenes, number six will merely be adding to her collection.
I was browsing the Nalgene website last week seeing what was up when I came across these new minigrip bottles. They're slimmer 500ml bottles with the same wide mouth as their popular 1L bottles that come in "fly" colors, as Nina would say, so you can use the nifty wide mouth splashguard. I'm a complete sucker for new stuff and I couldn't quite justify buying one for myself so I promptly ordered one for plasticmom from their website (free shipping). Of course I ended up ordering one for myself later that same afternoon because I was beside myself with excitement. I was chatting with plasticmom last night when I mentioned the bottle I ordered her. Expecting her to chide me for wasting my money, she enthusiastically responded, "You know how I love those little bottles." She carries around two 500ml bottles filled with iced tea and since she already owns five Nalgenes, number six will merely be adding to her collection.
Friday, September 26, 2003
Yet another post about food...please ignore if you are one of the "Dubs"
Last night was the "Taste of Cambridge" over at Technology Square by MIT. Adam and I gorged ourselves on food samples from all these great restaurants. The event ran from 5-8pm and we got there a little after 6pm, but some of the most popular stalls were packed up and gone by 7:15pm so I didn't get to try the desserts from Finale, ice cream from Tosconini's and the creme brulee from Sandrine's which was a bit upsetting. The food was awesome and the $25 pre-sale entrance fee included all the samples you could eat and four drinks from a slew of beer breweries and wineries. While I'm not promoting drunkeness, the alcohol was not being rationed so one imbibing more than the four allocated drinks was definately possible. Here are some comprehensive highlights: warm duck salad, scallops and salad, cubano pork and plaintains, salmon and seaweed salad, seared tuna, popcorn with truffle butter and a mini cheese plate. Apparently, there were 2000 tickets sold and each of the forty vendors were required to provide 500 sample servings which works out to be around 10 samples per person. I definately ate more than my fair share and intend to do the same next year. I met up with some friends there and they asked whether I was cold because I was hopping from one foot to the other while I ate my samples to which I responded "No...I'm just really excited."
Last night was the "Taste of Cambridge" over at Technology Square by MIT. Adam and I gorged ourselves on food samples from all these great restaurants. The event ran from 5-8pm and we got there a little after 6pm, but some of the most popular stalls were packed up and gone by 7:15pm so I didn't get to try the desserts from Finale, ice cream from Tosconini's and the creme brulee from Sandrine's which was a bit upsetting. The food was awesome and the $25 pre-sale entrance fee included all the samples you could eat and four drinks from a slew of beer breweries and wineries. While I'm not promoting drunkeness, the alcohol was not being rationed so one imbibing more than the four allocated drinks was definately possible. Here are some comprehensive highlights: warm duck salad, scallops and salad, cubano pork and plaintains, salmon and seaweed salad, seared tuna, popcorn with truffle butter and a mini cheese plate. Apparently, there were 2000 tickets sold and each of the forty vendors were required to provide 500 sample servings which works out to be around 10 samples per person. I definately ate more than my fair share and intend to do the same next year. I met up with some friends there and they asked whether I was cold because I was hopping from one foot to the other while I ate my samples to which I responded "No...I'm just really excited."
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Burdick's Hot Chocolate
Stopped by Burdick's Chocolate Shop in Harvard Square after my Boston Architecture class last night and grabbed a cup of hot chocolate. I enjoy the milk chocolate and I recommend getting what used to be called "child's size" now called "small" rather than the "large." The hot chocolate is delicious, but very rich and the "large" is almost too much.
Stopped by Burdick's Chocolate Shop in Harvard Square after my Boston Architecture class last night and grabbed a cup of hot chocolate. I enjoy the milk chocolate and I recommend getting what used to be called "child's size" now called "small" rather than the "large." The hot chocolate is delicious, but very rich and the "large" is almost too much.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Brazilian Celebrations
I purchased a box of chocolates from the Brazilian supermarket a few weekends ago and my adventurous coworkers have been sampling the various flavors. The process starts when one person predicts what the candy will taste like based on observing the wrapper and deciphering Portrugese using limited Spanish. Next, that same person, usually, will goad someone else to try the candy in question by comparing it to another type of candy the said person already proports to enjoy. For example, "Jess, you should really try the Chokito, I bet it's just like a 100 Grand bar." Lastly, taste testers write "candy reports" complete with the candy wrapper taped to the report (post its) as a visual exhibit. I have a slew of these "candy reports" posted on my window. The "candy reports" are really amusing to read, but my favorite part is the cross sectional pictures Jessica includes. They're very methodical and drawn to scale with detailed descriptions. Unfortunately, the candy hasn't been all that tasty with only one type declared a relative winner (Seducao), but despite all that, Jessica says it's still fun. Here are some fun, quotes from the "candy reports:"
"Not very tasty. :("
"Not much flavor."
"The Chocolate was pathetic, bordering on 'icky.'"
"Not bad, but not exciting."
"Recommended! (At least in relation to other options in the box.)"
Lastly, the literal translation of the Chokito description from Jessica, "stuffed bonbon covered with flakes and chocolate perfumed artificially."
I purchased a box of chocolates from the Brazilian supermarket a few weekends ago and my adventurous coworkers have been sampling the various flavors. The process starts when one person predicts what the candy will taste like based on observing the wrapper and deciphering Portrugese using limited Spanish. Next, that same person, usually, will goad someone else to try the candy in question by comparing it to another type of candy the said person already proports to enjoy. For example, "Jess, you should really try the Chokito, I bet it's just like a 100 Grand bar." Lastly, taste testers write "candy reports" complete with the candy wrapper taped to the report (post its) as a visual exhibit. I have a slew of these "candy reports" posted on my window. The "candy reports" are really amusing to read, but my favorite part is the cross sectional pictures Jessica includes. They're very methodical and drawn to scale with detailed descriptions. Unfortunately, the candy hasn't been all that tasty with only one type declared a relative winner (Seducao), but despite all that, Jessica says it's still fun. Here are some fun, quotes from the "candy reports:"
"Not very tasty. :("
"Not much flavor."
"The Chocolate was pathetic, bordering on 'icky.'"
"Not bad, but not exciting."
"Recommended! (At least in relation to other options in the box.)"
Lastly, the literal translation of the Chokito description from Jessica, "stuffed bonbon covered with flakes and chocolate perfumed artificially."
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
I just like saying "Cat Crap!"
Adam is correct that I like saying "Cat Crap," but I also think it's a quality product that will be making an appearance this Christmas. Wouldn't you like some "Cat Crap?"
Adam is correct that I like saying "Cat Crap," but I also think it's a quality product that will be making an appearance this Christmas. Wouldn't you like some "Cat Crap?"
Monday, September 22, 2003
Mistaken Identity
My friend Vanessa, Adam and I were enjoying the lovely weather yesterday afternoon kicking around downtown Boston when we stopped by Crate & Barrel to have a look. A case of mistaken identity, I started talking to a stranger thinking she was Vanessa. Although they had similar hair color, they were noticeably different in height to my chagrin. Here's a reconstructed conversation between plasticann & "Not Vanessa's Doppelganger" or "NVD."
plasticann: [noticing that "NVD" is examining an onion chopper] I was thinking about getting one of those because I really hate chopping onions, but I guess I rarely cook.
"NVD": [looking up at plasticann] Yeah...I was thinking of getting it for chopping onions myself.
plasticann: [hiding her dismay and embarrassment upon discovering "NVD" is not Vanessa and trying to act like someone who normally chats up strangers] That seems like a good idea.
"NVD" proceeds to the register with her chopper while plasticann tries to scurry away discretely to find Vanessa and Adam. The saving grace is that "NVD" seemed quite friendly and unweirded out by a stranger providing unsolicited advice on kitchen gadgets and my enthusiasm for the chopper seemed to seal the deal in her mind because she actually bought it.
My friend Vanessa, Adam and I were enjoying the lovely weather yesterday afternoon kicking around downtown Boston when we stopped by Crate & Barrel to have a look. A case of mistaken identity, I started talking to a stranger thinking she was Vanessa. Although they had similar hair color, they were noticeably different in height to my chagrin. Here's a reconstructed conversation between plasticann & "Not Vanessa's Doppelganger" or "NVD."
plasticann: [noticing that "NVD" is examining an onion chopper] I was thinking about getting one of those because I really hate chopping onions, but I guess I rarely cook.
"NVD": [looking up at plasticann] Yeah...I was thinking of getting it for chopping onions myself.
plasticann: [hiding her dismay and embarrassment upon discovering "NVD" is not Vanessa and trying to act like someone who normally chats up strangers] That seems like a good idea.
"NVD" proceeds to the register with her chopper while plasticann tries to scurry away discretely to find Vanessa and Adam. The saving grace is that "NVD" seemed quite friendly and unweirded out by a stranger providing unsolicited advice on kitchen gadgets and my enthusiasm for the chopper seemed to seal the deal in her mind because she actually bought it.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Foodie Baggie
Food bags for Foodies who are Baggies (one who loves bags not a sandwich baggie) and they're Hello Kitty to boot. I'm partial to the Hamburger, French Fry and the Cookie House is pretty darned cute too. Their pricing is what I don't get, stuff is either way overpriced or way underpriced, but rarely in between. Hmmmmm...thoughts anyone?
Food bags for Foodies who are Baggies (one who loves bags not a sandwich baggie) and they're Hello Kitty to boot. I'm partial to the Hamburger, French Fry and the Cookie House is pretty darned cute too. Their pricing is what I don't get, stuff is either way overpriced or way underpriced, but rarely in between. Hmmmmm...thoughts anyone?
Thursday, September 18, 2003
5 Conversations...
Conversation #1---"Ten Year Plan"
Jessica: Where you off to tonight?
plasticann: I'm going to that Kaplan B-School seminar Steve mentioned.
Jessica: Are you going together?
plasticann: Yup!
Jessica: Are you both going to end up going to business school together?
plasticann: I guess we should coordinate.
Jessica: What is this, the "Steve & Ann ten year plan?"
plasticann: Ha Ha Ha, that's pretty funny Jess.
(Note: plasticann & Steve went to the same college, work together and may both attend business school in the future...that's pretty much pushing a "ten year plan.")
Conversation #2---"The Suits"
Steve: [tucking in his shirt while walking with plasticann to the B-School seminar] I need to look presentable.
plasticann: Why? You look nice...don't worry about it.
Steve: You know there's going to be some guy wearing a business suit when we get there and I won't look presentable.
(Note: Sure enough, upon arriving at Kaplan, the only other guy at the seminar is wearing a business suit. The Kaplan brochures feature an image of a man wearing a business suit (shirt sleeves rolled up) studying hard for the GMATs.)
Conversation #3---"plasticann asks Good Questions"
Beginning of Seminar
Kaplan Rep: Please feel free to ask me any questions.
Middle of Seminar
plasticann: What are the restroom facilities for the GMATs?
Kaplan Rep: Do you mean here at Kaplan or at the testing facility?
plasticann: Testing facility.
Kaplan Rep: Well, the restrooms here are next door to this room, down the hall to your right. I'm not sure about the restrooms at the testing center.
End of Seminar:
Kaplan Rep: Does anyone have any last questions?
plasticann: Where did you say your restrooms were again?
(Note: plasticann wisely refrained from asking about the quality of toilet paper (two ply?) available at the testing center)
Conversation #4---"Airplanes"
Kaplan Rep: There are two testing facilities in the city, one in South Boston and one in Brookline.
Steve: You might not want to take it in South Boston, all the planes fly over that area.
Kaplan Rep: Good point, I've never thought of that. Maybe they have soundproofing.
Conversation #5---"Important Meeting"
Steve: If I take the Kaplan class, I'm going to wear a business suit to every class and say, "I had a really important meeting."
plasticann: I think you should wear one of those tuxedo printed t-shirts to every class and say, "I had a really important meeting."
(Note: plasticann & Steve work in a business casual environment, business suits are not required unless interviewing candidates.)
Conversation #1---"Ten Year Plan"
Jessica: Where you off to tonight?
plasticann: I'm going to that Kaplan B-School seminar Steve mentioned.
Jessica: Are you going together?
plasticann: Yup!
Jessica: Are you both going to end up going to business school together?
plasticann: I guess we should coordinate.
Jessica: What is this, the "Steve & Ann ten year plan?"
plasticann: Ha Ha Ha, that's pretty funny Jess.
(Note: plasticann & Steve went to the same college, work together and may both attend business school in the future...that's pretty much pushing a "ten year plan.")
Conversation #2---"The Suits"
Steve: [tucking in his shirt while walking with plasticann to the B-School seminar] I need to look presentable.
plasticann: Why? You look nice...don't worry about it.
Steve: You know there's going to be some guy wearing a business suit when we get there and I won't look presentable.
(Note: Sure enough, upon arriving at Kaplan, the only other guy at the seminar is wearing a business suit. The Kaplan brochures feature an image of a man wearing a business suit (shirt sleeves rolled up) studying hard for the GMATs.)
Conversation #3---"plasticann asks Good Questions"
Beginning of Seminar
Kaplan Rep: Please feel free to ask me any questions.
Middle of Seminar
plasticann: What are the restroom facilities for the GMATs?
Kaplan Rep: Do you mean here at Kaplan or at the testing facility?
plasticann: Testing facility.
Kaplan Rep: Well, the restrooms here are next door to this room, down the hall to your right. I'm not sure about the restrooms at the testing center.
End of Seminar:
Kaplan Rep: Does anyone have any last questions?
plasticann: Where did you say your restrooms were again?
(Note: plasticann wisely refrained from asking about the quality of toilet paper (two ply?) available at the testing center)
Conversation #4---"Airplanes"
Kaplan Rep: There are two testing facilities in the city, one in South Boston and one in Brookline.
Steve: You might not want to take it in South Boston, all the planes fly over that area.
Kaplan Rep: Good point, I've never thought of that. Maybe they have soundproofing.
Conversation #5---"Important Meeting"
Steve: If I take the Kaplan class, I'm going to wear a business suit to every class and say, "I had a really important meeting."
plasticann: I think you should wear one of those tuxedo printed t-shirts to every class and say, "I had a really important meeting."
(Note: plasticann & Steve work in a business casual environment, business suits are not required unless interviewing candidates.)
Chick-fil-A no more
Jessica and I ventured to the Harvard Science Center Greenhouse food court only to discover the Chick-fil-A no longer exists...a sad discovery indeed. On a brighter note, tomorrow is my boss Greg's birthday and he ordered cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory for his birthday treat.
Jessica and I ventured to the Harvard Science Center Greenhouse food court only to discover the Chick-fil-A no longer exists...a sad discovery indeed. On a brighter note, tomorrow is my boss Greg's birthday and he ordered cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory for his birthday treat.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Hello Kitty Cabs
This article courtesy of my coworker Steve, Hello Kitty cabs are cropping up in suburban Tokyo oufitted with appropriately themed blankets, tissues, umbrellas, etc.
This article courtesy of my coworker Steve, Hello Kitty cabs are cropping up in suburban Tokyo oufitted with appropriately themed blankets, tissues, umbrellas, etc.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Monday, September 15, 2003
Chick-fil-A
A few years ago, I drove up to Boston with a friend who happened to be a die-hard Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme fan. I was taking a Contemporary Architecture class at the time and Frank Gehry, basking in the glow and critical adoration of Bilbao, was lecturing at the Harvard Design School. We were grabbing a bite to eat before the lecture at the food court in Harvard's Science center when we discovered a Chick-fil-A stand...chicken sandwiches and delicious waffle cut fries all around. Now that I live in the area, I've unsuccessfully tried on several occasions to score some waffle cut fries (more surface area=more crispy fried goodness) from Chick-fil-A, but unfortunately the food court keeps odd hours. However, Jessica and I are heading over the our respective extension school classes this Wednesday and her class is actually in the science center...perfect...maybe I'll call ahead for their hours just to be sure.
Note: For all those who attend a local school that rhymes with BIT, Gehry designed that crazy looking new computer science building with the windows that looked punched out and various other strange building materials.
A few years ago, I drove up to Boston with a friend who happened to be a die-hard Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme fan. I was taking a Contemporary Architecture class at the time and Frank Gehry, basking in the glow and critical adoration of Bilbao, was lecturing at the Harvard Design School. We were grabbing a bite to eat before the lecture at the food court in Harvard's Science center when we discovered a Chick-fil-A stand...chicken sandwiches and delicious waffle cut fries all around. Now that I live in the area, I've unsuccessfully tried on several occasions to score some waffle cut fries (more surface area=more crispy fried goodness) from Chick-fil-A, but unfortunately the food court keeps odd hours. However, Jessica and I are heading over the our respective extension school classes this Wednesday and her class is actually in the science center...perfect...maybe I'll call ahead for their hours just to be sure.
Note: For all those who attend a local school that rhymes with BIT, Gehry designed that crazy looking new computer science building with the windows that looked punched out and various other strange building materials.
Friday, September 12, 2003
timmy g
Kudos to Tim and his upcoming exhibition of black and white photo film strips. Unfortunately, St. Louis precludes attendance on the part of plasticann, but do note that I did at least make it down for the wedding last summer that featured both photo strip invitations and a photo booth at the reception.
Kudos to Tim and his upcoming exhibition of black and white photo film strips. Unfortunately, St. Louis precludes attendance on the part of plasticann, but do note that I did at least make it down for the wedding last summer that featured both photo strip invitations and a photo booth at the reception.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Singin' In the Rain
I just got the Singin' In the Rain double disk soundtrack from Amazon and it really cheers me up. My favorites are "Good Morning" and the title song "Singin' In the Rain." I emerged from my office with a big smile on my face this morning and Jessica inquired why I was so cheery...it's the songs.
I just got the Singin' In the Rain double disk soundtrack from Amazon and it really cheers me up. My favorites are "Good Morning" and the title song "Singin' In the Rain." I emerged from my office with a big smile on my face this morning and Jessica inquired why I was so cheery...it's the songs.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Lime Cookie Shortcut
I was all set to zest some limes for some lime meltaway cookies using my new microplane zester when I realized my limes had taken on an unsightly brownish ting, which seemed unsuitable for zesting. Having already creamed my butter and sugar upon this discovery, I decided to substitute the freshly squeezed limejuice and zest with some Trader Joe's Key Lime Juice in a bottle. I brought some cookies along to lunch and they were gobbled up without any hesitation. However, Adam's verdict is the true test of whether this substitution will pass muster. On the other hand...I doubt I'll be going back to zesting and juicing real limes since it's so much easier to use the bottled lime juice.
TIP: Coat these cookies in small batches...five cookies at a time. They will crumble and disintegrate when coating larger amounts of cookies in powdered sugar. This is one shortcut I will no longer take...the result is always crumbs that are still delicious, but no longer "cookies."
Note to Self: Check all my ingredients before I start a recipe. Are my limes brown? Is the milk stinky? Do I have eggs? Duh!
I was all set to zest some limes for some lime meltaway cookies using my new microplane zester when I realized my limes had taken on an unsightly brownish ting, which seemed unsuitable for zesting. Having already creamed my butter and sugar upon this discovery, I decided to substitute the freshly squeezed limejuice and zest with some Trader Joe's Key Lime Juice in a bottle. I brought some cookies along to lunch and they were gobbled up without any hesitation. However, Adam's verdict is the true test of whether this substitution will pass muster. On the other hand...I doubt I'll be going back to zesting and juicing real limes since it's so much easier to use the bottled lime juice.
TIP: Coat these cookies in small batches...five cookies at a time. They will crumble and disintegrate when coating larger amounts of cookies in powdered sugar. This is one shortcut I will no longer take...the result is always crumbs that are still delicious, but no longer "cookies."
Note to Self: Check all my ingredients before I start a recipe. Are my limes brown? Is the milk stinky? Do I have eggs? Duh!
Monday, September 08, 2003
Hooked on ATMs
I felt "like totally lame" this afternoon when I had to ask Kate, "ummm, how does one get money out of the bank without an ATM card?" I'm serious, who actually uses archaic means of banking...human tellers are just downright quaint and how do they know who you are if you can't used your PIN...I supposed a government issued photo ID card would do the trick, but it all seems so very strange. I used to possess life skills such as utilizing a teller window and actually banking via human interaction having properly filled out all my various slips and forms. However, having used an ATM card for the past decade to withdraw money has rendered me a bumbling newborn with regards to the finer points of person to person banking. I even get my paycheck deposited electronically, which eliminates yet another reason to actually go to the bank.
I unsuspectingly let my ATM card expire last month and tried to withdraw cash from an ATM with no avail this weekend. I thought, "no problem, I'll just use the cash back function on my debit card." Unfortunately, "no dummy, your debit card is your ATM card and neither is functioning properly." I ordered a new ATM card this morning, which will arrive in three to eight business days. This potentially leaves me an entire week without easy access to cold hard cash. YIKES!
Bringing me back full circle, I concluded that human interaction was necessary if I wanted cash any time soon. Kate, helpfully, suggested using a "withdrawal slip" or writing myself a check for cash. "Ingenious," I thought as I proceeded across the street to my local Fleet branch. I carefully inspected all the little cubbies filled with forms they had available at the bank, "Checking Deposit, Savings Withdrawal and Savings Deposit," but no "Checking Withdrawal" slip. Not knowing my savings account number, I really needed a slip for checking so I crossed over the other station filled with slips hoping to find the elusive "Checking Withdrawal" slip, but once again I failed to locate it.
Plan B was to write myself a check and cash it so I did just that and walked up to the teller hoping that this would work because there was no Plan C. While at the teller window, I inquired whether a "Checking Withdrawal" form even existed. The teller kindly informed me that “Checking Withdrawal” slips no longer existed and folks are now expected to just write checks to themselves..."Yeah Plan B…B is for ‘Booyah!’" I can't wait until I get my ATM card.
I felt "like totally lame" this afternoon when I had to ask Kate, "ummm, how does one get money out of the bank without an ATM card?" I'm serious, who actually uses archaic means of banking...human tellers are just downright quaint and how do they know who you are if you can't used your PIN...I supposed a government issued photo ID card would do the trick, but it all seems so very strange. I used to possess life skills such as utilizing a teller window and actually banking via human interaction having properly filled out all my various slips and forms. However, having used an ATM card for the past decade to withdraw money has rendered me a bumbling newborn with regards to the finer points of person to person banking. I even get my paycheck deposited electronically, which eliminates yet another reason to actually go to the bank.
I unsuspectingly let my ATM card expire last month and tried to withdraw cash from an ATM with no avail this weekend. I thought, "no problem, I'll just use the cash back function on my debit card." Unfortunately, "no dummy, your debit card is your ATM card and neither is functioning properly." I ordered a new ATM card this morning, which will arrive in three to eight business days. This potentially leaves me an entire week without easy access to cold hard cash. YIKES!
Bringing me back full circle, I concluded that human interaction was necessary if I wanted cash any time soon. Kate, helpfully, suggested using a "withdrawal slip" or writing myself a check for cash. "Ingenious," I thought as I proceeded across the street to my local Fleet branch. I carefully inspected all the little cubbies filled with forms they had available at the bank, "Checking Deposit, Savings Withdrawal and Savings Deposit," but no "Checking Withdrawal" slip. Not knowing my savings account number, I really needed a slip for checking so I crossed over the other station filled with slips hoping to find the elusive "Checking Withdrawal" slip, but once again I failed to locate it.
Plan B was to write myself a check and cash it so I did just that and walked up to the teller hoping that this would work because there was no Plan C. While at the teller window, I inquired whether a "Checking Withdrawal" form even existed. The teller kindly informed me that “Checking Withdrawal” slips no longer existed and folks are now expected to just write checks to themselves..."Yeah Plan B…B is for ‘Booyah!’" I can't wait until I get my ATM card.
Summer Outing
Unaware of how warm the weather would get this past weekend, I declined to pack a pair of shorts for our office summer outing to Provincetown. As a group of us negotiated the sinking sand of the very long stretch of beach between the motel and the town, where we hoped to find sustenance, in our jeans and flip flops, some natives commented, "What is this a field trip, why aren't you in your swimming suits and shorts?" Well, it was a "field trip" of sorts with the exception that no one had to have a pink permission slip signed by their parentals. While the weather was great and our dinner at the Lobster Pot gut-bustingly delicious; my find of the weekend was a donut type pastry from the Portuguese Bakery. It was fried dough filled with custard and coated with cinnamon and sugar...kind of like a churro filled with custard. The next day, I mentally debated for longer than I care to admit whether to buy myself another custard filled donut bun.
Unaware of how warm the weather would get this past weekend, I declined to pack a pair of shorts for our office summer outing to Provincetown. As a group of us negotiated the sinking sand of the very long stretch of beach between the motel and the town, where we hoped to find sustenance, in our jeans and flip flops, some natives commented, "What is this a field trip, why aren't you in your swimming suits and shorts?" Well, it was a "field trip" of sorts with the exception that no one had to have a pink permission slip signed by their parentals. While the weather was great and our dinner at the Lobster Pot gut-bustingly delicious; my find of the weekend was a donut type pastry from the Portuguese Bakery. It was fried dough filled with custard and coated with cinnamon and sugar...kind of like a churro filled with custard. The next day, I mentally debated for longer than I care to admit whether to buy myself another custard filled donut bun.
Friday, September 05, 2003
Compulsions...
I'm assuming most folks don't dream of handbags, but I literally did dream about handbags (Vera Bradley to be exact) last weekend so I purchased a lovely Vera Bradley bag with lots of interior pockets in one of their less "busy" prints. While I share her love of bags, I've always scoffed at plasticmom's (and other bag obsessed members of our family’s) insistence that her bags feature lots of pockets and compartments. I'm not a very neat person by nature so I find having lots of compartments overwhelming since I rarely put things "where they belong."
I bought my aunt a Vera Bradley bag a few years ago, which was subsequently re-gifted to me a week later with my consent. Her issue with the bag was it lacked a bevy of interior pockets (she even brought in a Vera Bradley catalog to illustrate her point and explained the advantages of having a lighter colored interior namely being able to better see the contents of the bag) so I appropriated my Christmas gift to her because I didn’t share her qualms. These days, I'm singing a different tune...I must be getting old. Though I've used my new bag for less than 24 hours, thanks to its six interior pockets, my handbag has never been so organized or accessible...no more fumbling around for my keys.
As much as plasticmom teases me about my soft spot for bags of all sorts, I'm always quick to remind her that she is equally if not more compulsive, "I learned it from watching you, Mom." She once promised me that the new backpack she was eyeing from LL Bean was the best backpack ever and she would never need another backpack again because it was absolutely perfect and fit all her needs. While the backpack looked very cool, I expressed my disbelief regarding her adamant assertion. However I assured her that I wouldn't judge her if she wanted to buy yet another backpack the following fall. When I gave Adam my backpack and proceeded to purchase the exact same one, but in a prettier color...rather than judging me, plasticmom stated, "if you don't give your backpack away, you'll never be able to have a new one." My aunt has always insisted, "you need bags to put your bags in." I suppose we're a family of enablers, but there are worse compulsions to have...like heroin.
I'm assuming most folks don't dream of handbags, but I literally did dream about handbags (Vera Bradley to be exact) last weekend so I purchased a lovely Vera Bradley bag with lots of interior pockets in one of their less "busy" prints. While I share her love of bags, I've always scoffed at plasticmom's (and other bag obsessed members of our family’s) insistence that her bags feature lots of pockets and compartments. I'm not a very neat person by nature so I find having lots of compartments overwhelming since I rarely put things "where they belong."
I bought my aunt a Vera Bradley bag a few years ago, which was subsequently re-gifted to me a week later with my consent. Her issue with the bag was it lacked a bevy of interior pockets (she even brought in a Vera Bradley catalog to illustrate her point and explained the advantages of having a lighter colored interior namely being able to better see the contents of the bag) so I appropriated my Christmas gift to her because I didn’t share her qualms. These days, I'm singing a different tune...I must be getting old. Though I've used my new bag for less than 24 hours, thanks to its six interior pockets, my handbag has never been so organized or accessible...no more fumbling around for my keys.
As much as plasticmom teases me about my soft spot for bags of all sorts, I'm always quick to remind her that she is equally if not more compulsive, "I learned it from watching you, Mom." She once promised me that the new backpack she was eyeing from LL Bean was the best backpack ever and she would never need another backpack again because it was absolutely perfect and fit all her needs. While the backpack looked very cool, I expressed my disbelief regarding her adamant assertion. However I assured her that I wouldn't judge her if she wanted to buy yet another backpack the following fall. When I gave Adam my backpack and proceeded to purchase the exact same one, but in a prettier color...rather than judging me, plasticmom stated, "if you don't give your backpack away, you'll never be able to have a new one." My aunt has always insisted, "you need bags to put your bags in." I suppose we're a family of enablers, but there are worse compulsions to have...like heroin.
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