Sunday, January 20, 2008

You Couldn't Pay Me Enough!


You Are What You Drink, originally uploaded by CraftyGuy.

I saw this at the mall yesterday. Someone dressed up as an inflatable cup of coffee.

You couldn't pay me enough to don one of those stupid costumes! I prefer to drink my coffee, not wear it.

At least Victoria's Secret didn't do anything similar. They're only giving away a pair of pink panties with every $30 purchase - so says the signage anyway. I won't step foot in that place; it's waaay too pink for my liking - my eyes...they burn....

Imagine someone dressed as a pair of inflatable pink panties. On second thought - don't. Ewwwww....

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

"Idol"-ing Away This Evening

Tonight was the first night of "American Idol". I rather much like the audition episodes, they are in many ways more entertaining than the show proper. And so far, this season hasn't disappointed any in the cheap entertainment department.

And now, my list of what I consider to be the highlights of the low-lights:
  • Alaa: Mr. "Love 'Em from the Hair to the Nipple". WTF?
  • The "Go Down Moses" guy: Enunciation? Just say "no"!
  • Nick Stano: Please leave "Unchained Melody" to the pros. Don't try this at home.
  • ZhengZhong: Zzzzzzzzzzz
  • Udgeet: Another WTF?
  • Alexis: Pillar of maturity that you are... not! Oh, grow up!
  • Milo: Looks like Peter Yarrow, sounds like Billy Crystal. 'Nuff said...
  • Ben: What the Flaming Hell was that? Ewwww! And what's with the waxing - dude, that is just plain not right, not to mention against the laws of nature. No self-respecting guy does that. Then again, Ben, you're clearly no self-respecting guy...
  • Paul the Stalker: Ahhh... Security?
  • Cristina: Princess Leia in hot pants, fishnet stockings, and leather boots. Mommy, I'm scared!
I daresay that's enough "entertainment" for one night. I used to like "I Love Rock and Roll"...

(Patti suggested that I should at least make mention of some of the more touching moments. Oh puh-leeze! Save it for Oprah...)

Until Chewbacca yodels again...

Monday, January 14, 2008

Snow Day Dinner


Stew and Biscuit, originally uploaded by CraftyGuy.

Today was a snow day. Not just for the kids, but for myself as well.

Our street is not exactly on the priority list of streets in Fitchburg that get attention when the time comes to plow and salt the roads. Sure, the Blazer has 4-wheel drive, but is not being used until some necessary repairs are made to prevent things from bottoming out (one of a number of much-needed repairs that all have to wait until after tax-refund time). Suffice to say, I wasn't about to attempt the 25-mile commute to work today. Fortunately I was able to work from home today.

The kids spent much of the day outside (either playing or shoveling - since my back does not allow me to man the shovel for very long), Patti spent the day resting (having come down with the same headcold-from-hell that the rest of us are just about recovered from), and I spent the day in front of the computer, (mostly) working.

Evening came, and this kind of day cried out for something simple, yet warm and filling for dinner. A quick forage in the pantry revealed a few cans of beef stew and a can of peas, and the fridge provided a couple of canisters of pre-made biscuit dough.

The biscuits were brushed with butter, and topped with Parmesan cheese and a garlic-herb blend, and placed in the oven. The stew and peas came together in a large pot, along with a little bit of allspice and some dried parsley (the fresh would have to wait until the next payday). This made for a totally awesome meal, if I do say so myself! If we had some in the house, I could see having a nice glass (or two) of Merlot with this.

It goes to show that sometimes the best things are the simple ones.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Getting "Mugged"


01.04.08 Mugshot, originally uploaded by CraftyGuy.

Yes, I've been known to get a little surly sometimes, so what of it? I'm damn proud of it!

Seriously though, this photo was taken for the latest Utata project, "Mugshots". It was a hell of a lotta fun. I have a couple of 'em posted to the project already, and I might even do one more before I'm finished.

Plus it helps that they can double as shots for the 365days project on Flickr as well...

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Another One Done


Purple Afghan, originally uploaded by CraftyGuy.

Last night I finished that afghan I started in early December. I was hoping to have not only this one done by the end of December, but another one as well. That's how crazy busy it's been.

At least the next one is started - a nice light blue one for Patti this time.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Good Morning and Happy New Year


1.1.08 Good Morning, originally uploaded by CraftyGuy.

Happy New Year, everyone!

It's been too long since I blogged last (yet again!), but nonetheless here I am, making another go of it.

I'm enjoying a nice quiet morning, while everyone else is still asleep upstairs (except for Bethanie whose internal clock also woke her up despite none of us having gone to sleep until 2am). And the cat, of course. MJ was planning on staying up the entire night and then going to bed at 6am - I wonder how he fared with that.

I'm certainly in no rush to wake anyone up - the house is really quiet and peaceful for a change.