I Totally Want This: TMBG Science Is Real Mask

 

I already have the "Science Is Real" t-shirt* from They Might Be Giants, so why not get the mask? My credit card has been getting a workout over the last 48 hours, though — I dropped almost $200 on clothes** yesterday and then donated $250 as part of OU's Giving Day*** this afternoon. 

Hmm. Just reread the description and realized that I can get 2 for $20. Do I give the second mask to my sister? She and I were just texting about the possibility of seeing each other in person in a few weeks. She had the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine a few weeks ago, so she's all set, but I haven't had my second dose**** of the Moderna vaccine yet. She's also a TMBG fan, so this might be a fun gift for her when I do see her. 

Eh, why not? Impulse buy completed!  

* Like this one, but in blue:

** As part of my seasonal wardrobe rotation about a week ago (after the mercury shot up to the 70s for a few days but before it snowed three inches last night/this morning), after I transferred all the spring/summer t-shirts/cardigans (including my blue Science Is Real shirt!) from the under-the-bed boxes to my dresser drawers and the fall/winter t-shirts from the dresser drawers to the under-the-bed boxes, I tried on all of my pants. Everything I tried on was too baggy — !!!!! — so I was in the market for some new stuff. I went to Macy's when I was at Summit Mall for my eye exam last week, but I didn't like the super-skinny-leg style that seemed to be the only thing they had in stock. After I picked up my new glasses (my first pair of "progressive" lenses, ugh) yesterday, I went down to the other end of the mall to look at Dillard's, where I found two pairs of Levi's that I could tolerate. I also splurged on a striped button-down shirt and a white tee at Talbots, even though I needed those like a hole in the head. However, I do have a few situations coming up where I need to look presentable — I'm working at a friend's shop this weekend, and I'm going to be a poll worker for the primary election in about two weeks — so having something to wear that is not flannel pajama pants and a slightly grubby OU basketball t-shirt (i.e., the lounging-around-the-house outfit I'm wearing right now)  is probably a good thing.

*** This "giving day" concept seems to be going around, and OU scheduled theirs for 4/21. The gimmick is that you can donate any amount and direct it to a specific program that you want to support, and there are different challenges and matching gifts and power hours and social media sharing blah blah blah. I usually donate to the scholarship funds sponsored by my local alumnae chapters on a regular basis, but those groups haven't been able to host their usual in-person fundraisers. (Thanks, COVID!)  I wrote a check to one group in the fall anyway, since that's when we usually have that fundraiser. So today I donated the same amount to the other group's scholarship fund online and threw in some bucks for the band, the newspaper, the library, and the college of communication. 

**** Scheduled for May 5, meaning I should be fully protected on May 19. Yay!

I Would Totally Vote for Them

Spotted on Facebook this week: Some t-shirts that cleverly straddle the intersection of art and politics.

I did order the Sharon Jones one, because the Daptone Records site was having a half-off sale.

The TMBG shirt reminds me of another viable slate of officers:

Speaking of Colbert: I wish that I could watch CBS shows on Hulu, or that the cable company was faster about uploading episodes of The Late Show to their On Demand channel, because I'm not a big fan of watching the little clips that get posted to YouTube. I have this (probably irrational) fear that I'm missing part of the show, or seeing it out of order or something.

I Totally Want This: Pawprint Keychain

I love this keychain charm that's on sale at the Bobcat Store!

However, I already have an Athens Block keychain that I'm not really using.

I insist on keeping my car key on a separate key chain, and all I have on it is an old OU bottle opener. I've had it since I was a student, so the logo and paint have long since worn off -- I'm probably the only one who knows it used to be green and have a white paw print on it. I tried to replace it with a white one in the same style, but it was too weird and I switched back.


Anyhow: I need to find my keys, load the car, and get going on my road trip. It's a little bit of a working vacation -- going to meet up with a freelance client -- but it should be a good time!

I Still Totally Want This: Chromebook

I was at trivia on Monday, and I was taking notes on all the Qs & As in one of my new red notebooks . . .

 . . . and one of my friends wanted to know if I was going to start blogging about Monday trivia the way I used to blog about the monthly Wednesday trivia.

I said I doubted it, because I am lazy. Too lazy to turn on my laptop and type things into it.

Actually, change that: Too lazy to clean off my desk at home so I have somewhere to put my laptop down so I can sit there and type things into it.

Also, too lazy to drag my laptop to the library and sit at their (ostensibly clean) desks and type things into it.

Ditto, w/r/t taking the laptop to the office.

On top of that, I'm sort of getting behind at work, so I probably shouldn't be typing this there now.

But back to Monday:

I explained that since I have an iPad, I tend to use it for everything instead of turning on my laptop. However, it's tough to type on an iPad (well, to type anything longer than pithy Facebook comments) (or pissy Facebook comments, whichever) so I tend to passively consume — checking my Google Reader feeds, reading Kindle editions, etc. and so on — instead of actively create — editing photos, updating Web sites, typing up OU alumni stuff, posting to ye olde blogge, etc. and so on.

I said that I'm still fantasizing about getting a Chromebook, which combines the instant-on of the iPad with the handiness of a physical keyboard, and that having one would solve all of my (admittedly first-world) problems.

Videos like this are not helping me resist clicking the "Buy Now!" button.

I Totally Want This: Chick Magnet

Peeps - Chick Magnet

I need this like a hole in the head, but it would be a fun addition to the magnet collection I've got going on inside the supply closet in my cubicle and on the file drawer at my desk.

I Totally Want This: Rally Drum Red Ale

Rally Drum Red Ale is created in honor of Cleveland's own John Adams! Who's John Adams? For anyone that's been to a Tribe home game in the last 38 years, you've no doubt heard him beating his iconic drum in the bleachers! Baseball is a sport of nostalgia and grand tradition. Nobody knows this better than John Adams. From the minute the batter steps into the box, to the set and the pitch, his steady hands add drama and excitement to every inning of every game. The Rally Drum Red Ale pays homage to the man behind the mallets and the team and game that he loves.

A local grocery store chain is tapping kegs of this tomorrow afternoon in anticipation of Opening Day on Thursday. 


Hmmm. I may have to show up at work on time (or, gasp!, early) so I can go check this out at 4 p.m.

I Totally Want This: Chromebook

As with most gadgets, I need it like a hole in the head, but . . . I still kinda totally want it.

My dad was asking me the other week what kind of techy thing I had my eye on this year, and I didn't really have an answer for him at the time. I figured that between the iPod, iPad, massive laptop, and the Roku box I kind of had all of my entertainment and computing needs under control.

Then I inadvertently went to the Google home page today (had to check out the new doodle) and saw the pitch for holiday gift-giving.

My parents already gave me some Christmas money, so I could theoretically afford it, but . . . I don't really need it. (Then again, I don't really need half the junk I buy, so that kind of loses its effectiveness as a rationale for not hitting "Buy Now!")

However, I could buy a lot more of other junk instead of shooting my wad on one thing. For example, I already got some new sweaters on sale (which is very important because my unofficial Monday-Friday uniform is pretty much a cardigan, coordinating t-shirt, and dress slacks) and I might be in the market for some new shoes. (I have a coupon from the shoe store burning a hole in my pocket.)

Conversely, maybe if I had a Chromebook I would blog more. I've been totally spoiled by the size and speed of my iPad, which has made using my laptop a chore, even though it's much easier for me to type stuff on the laptop.

But since nobody but me really cares if I blog or not — with the possible exception of one person who misses the Pub Quiz recaps — I can't use that as a valid excuse either. Maybe I should price iPad keyboards instead. Anything to avoid doing actual work, right?

Christmas (Story) Is Coming

Saw this in the TV Addict's December calendar and cracked up. I have it on DVD (hell, I have it memorized...) so it's not really necessary to tune in on Christmas, but I like it. And it annoys my dad, so ... double bonus!

In other news that makes me happy: I only have to come up with 11 more outfits to wear to work, and then it's pajama pants and sweatshirts until New Year's!

Is it lame that I'm so excited about staying at home for vacation? (Don't answer; I think I know.)

I don't have to stay home every day, though. Maybe I'll hit some area hot spots, like ... A Christmas Story House  and Tuba Christmas. I'll probably also go visit my parents and  my sister for a bit. Maybe my sister and I will take another holiday road trip. When she lived in upstate New York, we used to go down to the city for a few days. When she was in Georgia, we did some touristy stuff in Atlanta. Now that she's in southeast Ohio, I'm not sure what the destination would be . . .

OMG.

I was just on the Christmas Story House's online gift shop, and they have Christmas Story "comfy throws" (aka Snuggies).

Ha!! I think I know what my dad just bought me for Christmas!

I Totally Want This: Post-It Note Wrist Watch

I spotted this on Office Supply Geek (What? It's a thing.) and was immediately consumed with lust. Not enough to order these from freaking France (?!), but still.

I could have used one of these yesterday, when I was making a mental list of items I needed to pick up on my way home (Zicam was recommended by a Facebook friend as a cold preventative; I needed some business-sized envelopes; I was out of contact lens solution; etc. and so on) but I was too good to, like, write any of this crap down. Or type it into my iPod touch. Or even write it on my hand.

So, I wandered the aisles randomly, picking up some assorted odds and ends that are useful, but not necessarily on my list. (Carmex now makes hand lotion? I must try it!)

Fast-forward to about an hour after I got home, when it hit me that I never got any envelopes. Doh!

I Totally Want This: Kermit Sneakers

   

Kermit the Frog - Adidas Sneakers

   

I had several pairs of green shoes while I was in college —  Doc Martens, adidas sambas, Chucks... Now I have several pairs of green Chucks (I'm wearing a olive green corduroy pair right now!) and I think the Docs might be gathering dust in the back of the closet, so obviously I totally need these Kermit the Frog adidas.

And don't even get me started on how much I want these Marty McFly limited-edition Nikes ....

I Totally Want This: To the Googles!

To the Googles! at HilariAwesome

It's one of my favorite parts from this poster . . .

So You Found Something Cool on the Internet

 . . .   which I found because a friend of mine posted a copy of this poster on Facebook  . . .

So You're Mad about Something on the Internet

Meanwhile, back at the cube:

I need to go to the Googles to look up some sources that are quoted in this manuscript I'm assessing. Real work ... boo!

I Totally Want This: Boba Fett Carbonite Crunch Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s Boba Fett Carbonite Crunch Ice Cream

Chocolate Han Solos frozen in carbonite? Hi-larious!


[ETA: I know it doesn't actually exist. But it should.]

I Totally Want This: Rolo McFlurry

When I was driving up 77 on Monday, I stopped around Cambridge for gas and a snack. I saw this on a sign and had to have one:

I totally heart Rolos, but haven't had any in quite some time. I also enjoy the McFlurry, even though it is obviously the poor man's Blizzard. So, Rolo McFlurry? Yes, please!

It was delicious. The end.

I Totally Want This: Hipsta Case

Yeah, so, telling the universe on Friday that I have some extra coin in my pocket resulted in my iPod dying on Saturday afternoon.

The staff at the Apple store quickly agreed with my diagnosis of dead, never to be resurrected, and pointed out that I could trade it in on a new one.

I'd be saving the cost of the sales tax, essentially, but I'd be getting one with a fancy display and two cameras and a microphone and blah blah blah: Long story short, it wasn't hard to twist my arm into upgrading. Especially since I spent most of Sunday/Monday exploring my iPod Touch-less options: Lug my iPad everywhere (technically possible, but not always preferable) or get an iPhone (would cut down on the number of gadgets I haul around, but would cost — at a minimum — $30 a month more than what I'm paying now for phone service). (I hardly talk/text at all; I'm still all about the e-mail, because I'm old.)

Anyhow: After demonstrating poor impulse control at the beginning, I did manage to talk myself out of getting  this adorably retro Hipsta Case  . . .

. . . but not before taking it off the shelf and fondling it for several minutes. Twice.

I Totally Want This: Field Notes - Dry Transfer Edition

I've bought a few sets of Field Notes — they're great for taking notes at Pub Quiz, although they don't do much for my motivation w/r/t transcribing said notes into recaps for the blog . . .

Ahem. Anyway, the point is, I'm on their mailing list. And this most recent marketing e-mail had me at  

Relive the golden age of graphic arts and celebrate the power of Futura Bold in all-caps using our FN-11 Dry Transfer Kit and the free FN-11B Application Template.

Ha! I had to click through for all the details, of course. 

 

I also loved the video, which I will embed for the enjoyment of any of you nerdy typophiles out there . . . (What? They exist! It's a thing! I'm not the only one!)
 



Field Notes: Dry Transfer Edition Instructions from Coudal Partners on Vimeo.

I Totally Want This: Coleto Lumio

The Coleto Lumio is a pen.

Actually, it's just the shell of a pen — you get to choose four ink refils to put in it.

Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto Lumio 4 Color Gel Ink Multi Pen - Pen Body - Metallic Pink

I am an avowed fan of the Hi-Tec-C pens from Japan because of their amazingly fine line and quick-drying ink, which are great qualities to have when marking up page proofs and taking notes during pub quiz.

I was looking online for refills, since my green one is running low, and found that I can get this shell and some refills and make my own four-color pen. Squee! I placed my order yesterday.

I Totally Want This: Peepshi

I am not a sushi fan. I am, however, a Peeps fan.

A Peeps fan who is too lazy to actually make the smorgasbord of sugary delights pictured above, but who appreciates the concept nonetheless.

If you're more motivated than I am, check out Serious Eats for complete instructions and ideas for incorporating Peeps into other common dishes. That's right:  "Peeps . . . It's what's for dinner." Or "Peeps. . . Not just for Easter anymore."

I Totally Want This: Ernie Hat

My sister described this Ernie hat to me on the phone the other day, so I had to Google it immediately.

I find it amusing that the people at Newbury Comics have the URL punk.com. I wonder whatever happened to the travel mug I bought there during Spring Break 1995.* Actually, I know that answer to that question: It's probably on my kitchen counter with the rest of the dirty dishes. Sigh.







*That's right: Everybody else went somewhere warm; I went to Boston! (P.S.: Thanks, Megan!)

I Totally Want This: Late Night Snack

Yfrog Photo : yfrog.com/hs70goxj - Shared by jimmyfallon

Hmm. Chocolate-covered potato chips in vanilla ice cream with a salty caramel swirl? I enjoy most of the things in that list, but not all mashed together like some kind of Best of Bootie mix. (Speaking of, I downloaded the 2010 edition over the weekend and added it to my iPod. It adds a little zazz to the workday.) But I am a fan of Ben & Jerry's flavors created for late-night hosts, so I'm sure I'll be sampling it at some point in the near future.

In other news, Emilio Estevez washed his hair. <--- That was my favorite of the many Charlie Sheen-related team names at pub quiz the other night. I have had several requests to get off my lazy a-dollar sign-dollar sign </Principal Figgins> and resume my recaps, so I will get on that forthwith. Right after I finish doing freaking math to update the suggested responses in this stoopid econ lesson on the CPI.

In the meantime, may this fulfill any tiger blood needs you have:

(I haven't actually watched it yet, but it was highly recommended to me over lunch. I saw Jimmy's tweet about how much he looks like CS, but I will wait to watch the episode in its entirety on Hulu later tonight. So, you know, something to look forward to . . . )

An Impulse Buy

On Sunday I was working with one of my freelance clients, and I noticed how nice it was to have a wireless printer. It made the prospect of hauling my laptop over to my el-cheapo inkjet and connecting with a USB cable seem so  . . . old school, but not in a cool way.

Since I already have a wi-fi router in my apartment, I indulged in a fantasy of how nice it would be to just hit "print" from wherever I happen to be. A little Googling, and voila!

Canon PIXMA MG5220 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One (4502B017)

It happened to be on sale at Amazon for about $90, and it has scanner/copier capabilities that I don't have with my existing printer. (Although I do have a giant flatbed scanner, that's another thing that needs a wired connection  . . . ) I have a hunch that the sale price means it will be discontinued soon, but the reviews seemed to be pretty uniformly glowing and the ink cartridges probably aren't that much more expensive than what I'm already buying, so I took the plunge.

It's supposed to be delivered today; we'll see if I get motivated over the weekend to hook it up. Since that will probably require some cleaning/reorganizing of my living room/office area, I'm not getting my hopes up. But we'll see.