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.

"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.

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."

My Firend Crionna tlels me...

as lnog as the frist and lsat ltetres of a wrod are splleed crrocelty, it deosn't matetr waht odrer the leettrs in bteeewn are in.

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.

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 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?"

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.

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?

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.)

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.

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.

COBB Salad

I'm presently eating a Cobb Salad from Legal Seafood for dinner since I'm working late. Verdict: pretty good, but Finagle a Bagel still makes tastiest Cobb Salad thus far. Can't beat those bagel croutons.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Tastier than your average snack kake

Thanks to MGDub and GJDubya, I got my first tasty TastyKakes...Butterscotch Krimpets and Peanut Butter KandyKakes. I said to Michelle, "better than a twinkie," to which she reponded, "I've never had a twinkie."

Keurig

We've got one of these nifty Keurig coffee machines at work that brews and dispenses exactly 7.5 ounces of coffee with a push of a button. You choose your favorite flavor, stick the K-Cup in the machine, press the button, and out shoots your cup of coffee. The kitchen is stocked with a variety of K-Cup coffee flavors, but my favorite hands down is the Nantucket because it's "full, hearty and distinctively complex." At Adam's temp job, they had a Keurig machine as well and I'm pretty sure he methodically worked his way through all the different K-Cup flavors and concocted some combo coffee/hot chocolate frozen drinks as well. One day, we even did an equal exchange of K-Cups, his temp job had the Belgian Chocolate Nut, but didn't have Paradiso or Rain Forest Nut. I stopped in the kitchen this morning for some water when I noticed these new K-Cups for tea. They're from Celestial Seasonings and we had Green Tea and Mandarin Orange Spice. They seem kind of superfluous, but how could I resist so I opened up a box and brewed myself a spot of green tea just for the heck of it.

rejuveniles...

apparently some sociologists find this trend of adults enjoying childish things like Hello Kitty, Chipmunks music, Strawberry Shortcake, Harry Potter and such "deeply troubling." Tell that to plasticmom who continues to encourage all things Hello Kitty including offering to send me a Hello Kitty vacuum cleaner in hopes that I would be cleaner. Then again, I suppose "real adults" don't need cute pink vacuum cleaners as enticements to be more domestic. In my defense...I do pay taxes and I try to take Vitamin C daily so leave me alone Mr. Furendi.

Archaic Laws

Courtesy of my friend Heather, archaic area laws still on the books. My favorites are, "At a wake, mourners may eat no more than three sandwiches," and "Tomatoes may not be used in the production of clam chowder." On the other hand, quick lookup of home sweet home yielded this law; "Peacocks have the right of way to cross any street, including driveways." This may sound asinine, but makes perfect sense to a native...the L.A. Arboretum peacocks have been known wander around the residential cul-de-sac behind the arboretum...last I checked, residents smiled upon wandering peacocks.