Archive for the Category ◊ Travels ◊

Fun Saturday Wanderings
Author: Measi
• Saturday, August 07th, 2010

Erich, Matt and I headed to South County today for theCharlestown Seafood Festival. Lots of great seafood, some interesting raffles, a fantastic classic car and motorcycle show, and some great music. The weather was just a bit hot (due to the asphalt), but we had a great time.

Afterward, we headed a bit further down Route 1 to Quonochontaug Pond and wandered through the salt flats on the southern side of the pond for a couple hours. We saw several crabs, tons of minnows, jellyfish, and a horseshoe crab. The water was wonderful – I honestly wish I would have had my bathing suit so I could have gone deeper. At one point on our way back from a little rock shoal in the flats, we tried crossing through a cut path in the reeds – but I quickly sunk to mid-calf in some very stinky mud… so yeah, backed out of there and continued trudging through the water instead. On the mud trail, we did see lots of bubbles against the water – we’re thinking it was a well-populated clam bed. Several people were walking around with buckets and nylon bags, and I’m pretty sure I saw Quahogs in those bags (a local really, really big clam for those who are unfamiliar).

It’s a fantastic place – the water is brilliantly clear and a great temperature (not too warm, not too cold, with some neat swirling eddies of both temperatures). Great for little kids because there’s no real tide to worry about. There were plenty of people there, but it didn’t feel crowded or chaotic – just a bunch of very friendly people enjoying a gorgeous little nook of Rhode Island on a gorgeous summer afternoon. Can’t beat it!

Matt got very sunburned, and I’m a little toasty feeling – but I think both of us should be okay tomorrow. Erich is just fine – I’m envious of the native blood in him. He just tans.

***

I’m redoing some pictures for the Postcrossing of the Day cards – I wasn’t happy with how they photographed (they look very blurry to me). Once I get some done and cropped, I’ll start back up with the feature. Probably will get at least a few done this week.

***

Stitching, stitching… it’s been a wild week! On Sunday, I got together with a few fellow stitchers from Rhode Island for our first official Rhode Island Stitchers get together. We hit it off immediately and had a great time. The next meetup is scheduled for Saturday the 14th at the Warwick Public Library (open to all, so please come down… info is on the Facebook group).

I’ve been working on two projects this week – Spryntz‘s RR piece and Astrology Sampler.  I decided to restart Astrology Sampler on Thursday.  The original fabric I’d chosen just was NOT working as I’d hoped.  Even Erich looked at it and went “ugh… no, that looks bad.”  So rather than have fun with Silkweaver fabbies on this one, out came the Aida tubes.  I’ve restarted it on good old-fashioned 14 ct black Aida, which is what the sample piece is on, I think.  It already looks much better.

Spryntz’s piece is coming along slowly but steady.  I’d planned on getting some of it done tonight, but I’m too tired after being in the sun.  I’ll work on it tomorrow.

Speaking of Robins – there’s a new UFO Round Robin starting up soon, if anyone’s interested.  Go over here for the information.  Right now it’s in preliminary sign-ups.  The plan is to kick it off sometime in September (I’m guessing probably late-ish September).

That’s it for me… time for bed.  :)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Exchanges & Robins, Life, Work, and all the Rest, New England, Stitching, Travels, WIP Progress, Wanderlust  | Leave a Comment
Random catching up…
Author: Measi
• Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

I’ll admit that I’ve been in a meh mood about blogging lately so I haven’t been around LJ often. Part of it has just been a pullback after all of the fandom b.s. over the last several months (and taking a breather). Part has just been that frankly, I don’t have a lot I’ve felt like writing about. And really – in a lot of ways I just don’t feel like I have anything interesting to say. *shrug*

That being said, I hate that with the exception of a few very filtered entries, my journal has really only been filled with dragon eggs for the last several weeks. And that needs to change. I’m also debating whether to start posting most stuff in unlocked entries again, and just say “eff it” to all of the crap that’s gone on. Filtering myself into a lockdown, and then forcing myself to further filter due to the people who were on my friends list has honestly hurt my writing style. A lot.

Thankfully, I’ve done a lot of sweeping. And I’m thinking I’m okay.

So for giggles, here’s just a “what’s Mel been up to lately?” life recap post…

Writing Stuff
I’ve been doing a lot of writing, both fanfic and casual fiction, but not getting anywhere near where I want to be. That’s frustrating. I’m now two months late on my Support Stacie fic – mostly stuck because NC17 was requested, but I just can’t get my brain to go that route right now. *sigh* (and of course, forcing makes it even worse). I’m now also late on an OT3 fic, although the deadline was a bit looser on that one. I do think that my OT3 writing is being affected by the Stacie fic situation. I’ll just try to keep plugging… somehow.

Once these two fics are done, though, I need to take a break from fanfic for a while. Just to focus on other projects, I think.

Travels
This past weekend Erich and I headed to Chicago to celebrate the wedding of our friends myownwench and jgulner. We had a great time, despite some extremely crappy weather on Saturday and Sunday. Neither of us had been to Chicago before. To be able to fly from snowy teen-degree Rhode Island to a sixty-five degree Chicago and sprawl out on the Navy Pier on Friday, complete with mini-icebergs in Lake Michigan, was a blast.

The wedding itself was very nice – a pretty and heartfelt ceremony for two fantastic people, followed by a good party that went past midnight with lots of dancing and goofing off. Really can’t beat it.

Oh – and if you ever go to Chicago, you must eat at Glenn’s Diner. We saw it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network just a week before heading out west… and it was fantastic. It’s a bit pricey ($17-22), but very, very good and worth it in my opinion. Some very different fish selections than you’ll normally see.

Work
Work’s been stressful, and I admit that I’m very frustrated with the situation. I love the company I work for, but I’ve got a growing resentment regarding the people I work with… and having gone to my manager about it, now know that I have absolutely no solutions beyond the traditional “put up and shut up” about it.

I know I’m good at what I do, and I take pride in my work. I’m not just there to get a paycheck – if that were the case, I definitely wouldn’t be traveling 90 minutes each way. The downside of being good at what I do and taking pride in my work is that because I’m willing to take the responsibility, I see the two people I work with taking advantage of that. It’s expected that if a project’s going to go later than our scheduled hours, I’m the one staying. We’ve been on an adjusted work schedule since October when our receptionist went out for double hip surgery. One of the women I work with volunteered to work every morning starting at 8:30, and then the other two of us work the afternoon shifts. When early morning admin is off or having to cover the mailroom because THAT clerk is out, then the two of us who cover in the afternoon have go come in early. Well… I’ve wound up having to cover six of those so far this year, and nine since October, including working THROUGH the office Christmas party. The other girl has worked that extra phone shift… once.

And when I pointed this out to my manager, I got absolutely no help on it. In fact, she claimed that both of them are getting glowing reviews – completely OPPOSITE of what I’m hearing from people, who come storming to me to complain about the stupid mistakes and attitude they get from the others. I suggest they take it to my manager, but they tell me that they get blown off about complaints.

So yeah… despite carrying a heavier workload because extra afternoon person sucks, both personality and work-output wise… I’m just expected to put up and shut up. More and more people are either waiting until I’m by myself in the administrative assistant cube to give work, or just not bringing it to our department at all because they don’t want the other two working on their projects.

And of course, I’m happy to do the work. BUT… I’m also getting major attitudes from the other two, who of course, I’m making look bad by actually DOING MY JOB.

The whole situation is souring me. I’m tired, I’m frustrated, and just need a venting session. I keep reminding myself that I need to be thankful I have a job. That because I live in one of the states with an over 10% unemployment rate, I can’t do anything to risk it.

But it’s getting harder to get up in the morning, knowing that I’m going to have to put up with the crap again.

*sigh*

Health
On the downside – I really need to get in soon to get my blood pressure under monitoring. Three separate times over six months, my reading was at roughly 140/90. Considering I was at 115/75 consistently (even at my heaviest weight) until very recently, I’m wondering what’s up. I’ve been watching my sodium intake in the meantime, since it’s the easiest thing to keep an eye on.

On the upside – I’m somehow down two dress sizes. My clothes still fit me, but I’ve gone down a couple dress sizes… and a bra cup size. Not complaining about this. Not sure how it’s happening, either.

But I’ll take it.

And I’ll look forward to the weather getting better so I can take advantage of it and get some good walking in.

So yeah, that’s basically everything going on in my head these days.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Celebrations & Holidays, Family & Friends, Fandom, Geeky Stuff, Life, Work, and all the Rest, Travels, Writing  | Leave a Comment
FINALLY
Author: Measi
• Monday, November 24th, 2008

Hey masquedbunny, myownwench, and aibhinn? A big red box from Stratford FINALLY arrived.

I was a tad worried about it.

In any case… the paper items are safe and sound. I will mail yours, Aibhinn… probably next week once I get back from parental Thanksgiving travels. I’ll meet up with my fellow partners in crime at some point soon to get books & posters together.

*sigh* The Warwick Castle mugs didn’t make it intact – all three handles shattered. *sigh* Erich’s thinking he’ll just dremmel the edges to smooth them down though, as the actual goblet part is intact for each of them.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Foreign, Travels  | Tags: , ,  | Leave a Comment
UK recap – journal entry 16 October
Author: Measi
• Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Part two of the recap, now with photo goodness at my flickr site. :) As before, spelling and weird grammar errors are what comes from the entry. I’m being a purist here.

—-

16 October 2008
on train to Cardiff via Birmingham

Well, leg one has ended and now we’re on leg 2 – a couple hours until we arrive in Cardiff. I’ll miss Stratford – it was a lovely little town, so quiet at night yet bustling all day.

Love’s Labour’s Lost was extremely good last night. Our seats were directly below ours from last night – only 8 rows from the stage and an unobstructed aisle view straight to the stage.

We laughed most of the night – it’s amazing how modern (or perhaps… universal) the humour is in Shakespeare. Add to that the very flirtateous asides of David to the audience (and the screaming fan girls) and it was a good time had by all.

I’m not sure which play I liked better in respect to David’s performance. Both were so different that it’s honestly a bit tricky to compare. I think they provided a fantastic cross-section of his talents.

Unlike Hamlet, Love’s Labour’s Lost had one set – a large tree with multi-coloured stringed glass hanging from the rafters to represent tree limbs. Lounging pillows and a swing that dropped from the ceiling added to different scenes. And there were a few instances where David was up in the tree. :)

So yes – no regrets. The shows were fantastic! :)

After the play last night, Maria and Erich and I went to the Dirty Duck, a pub known for post-production pints by crewhands and actors at the RSC. It’s a cozy llittle place – only a few tables. While we were there, a few of the actors came in – the actor playing the Spaniard, two fo the Ladies, and Zoe Thorn, who is the tinest woman! She was in 4″ heels and still barely could see over the bar! Last call was early – about 11:30. We walked Maria back to her B&B and then went back to our hotel, the Thistle.

We did some sightseeing whilst there. Before the play, we hopped the train to Warwick and went to Warwick Castle. It’s been kept up lovely – there were tours through the main living quarters, decorated in Victorian times – there were residents in teh castle until the twentieth century. Each room was wax-like fitures that honestly appeared too real. A bit creepy – almost as if they could turn to you at any moment.

Erich, Michelle and Maria did the ramparts and towers walk. I managed to get up to the first rampart, but had to turn back at the first tower. The stairs were so narrow and so tightly enclosed that I panicked. Full-on claustrophobia. So Erich helped me back down to firm Earth, and then continued the walk. Apparently I bailed out at the right time – the stairs and path grew more difficult later on. But Erich got pictures. SO I’ll still be able to enjoy them. And even without that, I got to go into a real castle! :) I’m not complaining!

This morning we headed over to Trinity Church to see where Shakespeare is buried. Unfortunately there was a funeral this morning, so we were unable to go inside. We wandered the church grounds, though – now nearly entirely a graveyard, very peaceful and quiet. The centuries have worn many engravings away, much as they have in New England.

We went back to check out, and then I popped over to a newsagent to get postcards and a Shakespearean bookmark for Matt. I found the cards, but no bookmark. So I decided to head back over to the Courtyard Theatre. I bought a couple bookmarks at the RSC and walked into the main foyer, where I find…

David Tennant! Having some water during a rehearsal break!

I shook his hand, complimenting him (and a couple of the other actors) on the plays, and then left him alone. Quiet, simple, but oh… squee!

Erich, Michelle, and Maria all hate me now, of course.

But such strange timing – to think that I was there only to find that bookmark. SO I suppose I have Matt and his desire for a Shakespeare bookmark to thank! :)

I’m a bit sad that we had to leave Stratford so soon – we might have needed another day or two. But hopefully we can go sometime again. Erich jokes that we’ll do that on the next Doctor Who hiatus, when David’s again on an RSC turn. :)

I’m sure I’ve forgotten to record some of the early stuff – I’ll write more later tonight once we’re at the Cardiff hotel.

–

So yes, that’s the rest of the Stratford recap, and yes – I got to meet the man under purely unusual circumstances… but was so stunned and shocked at it that I barely said anything. No photos (the camera was with Erich), no autographs (too shy to ask). Just a handshake, and my chance to compliment him.

And I didn’t even mention Doctor Who. Somehow, I bet he would have known anyway, given that there was a Yank at the RSC. :)

Squee!

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Erich, Family & Friends, Fandom, Foreign, Geeky Stuff, Travels  | Tags: , , , ,  | Leave a Comment
UK Trip Recap – Journal Entry 14 October 2008
Author: Measi
• Monday, October 27th, 2008

I’ll be typing up my handwritten journal entries over the next few days for my trip recap. Weird spellings and broken trains of thought are from the journal – I figure I might as well be a purist in this and just use the immediate reactions I had. :)

—-

14 October 2008
Stratford-Upon-Avon

We returned just a few minutes ago from seeing Hamlet at the RSC. Absolutely fabulous! And contrary to my husband’s teasing, I didn’t stare only at David Tennant the entire time – the entire cast was fantastic (!!).

But still the fangirl in me is all thrilled that I have now seen David perform – in person – and… and now also have seen Patrick Stewart perform on stage, which I’ve dreamed about since my early teens.

It’s hard to believe that the original catalyst for our entire trip – seeing Hamlet – is now past us. It was so worth every penny (pound?).

The almost entirely blank set, save the mirrors and reflective stage, were used in such an interesting way, and right from the start! In the first full scene, the guards and Horatio are on watch, seeing the ghost of Old Hamlet, and rather than having stage spotlights, the actors provided lights themselves, bouncing the beams of slashlights off of the stage surface into the face of one of the others – very clever!

As much as I loved David and Patrick (more on that in a moment), I think Polonius stole the show. I don’t remember him beng the slightly absent-minded, tangent-loving old man from reading or watching previous versions. But here I felt he was oddly endearing, not so slimy as int he Mel Gibson version as I remember. Oh, how he made the audience laugh!

Laertes looked so familiar. His program bio had nothign I’d remember, though – I shall have to look him up on IMDB when I get home.

I like dthat the scene in Gertrude’s bedroom (and yes, I’m lazy and not referencing the exact scene numbers) wasn’t as overtly sexual as I’ve seen it interpreted before. The hints are still there – a strong undercurrent. But the raw anger expressed instead made a lot of sense… it seemed very “true.”

Seeing Patrick Stewart perform has been a dream of mine since I was 13 or 14. I learned of him through Star Trek, of course, but while I was a teenager, he also performed a one-man version of A Christmas Carol on stage, and I desperately wanted to go (but never dared ask Mom for tickets – she’d think I was very weird).

His presence on stage is amazing – his voice just booms from the stage, and his diction is so clear. He played both the ghost of Old Hamlet and the King in this production, and I think the combination worked perfectly. It was an absolute treat, and I’m so happy to have one of those longtime goals fulfilled.

And onto another goal – THE goal that brought us here – to see David Tennant in Hamlet I think Russell T. Davies has it right in his Production Notes in Doctor Who Magazine – I can say I was there. Hamlet. RSC 2008.

Absolutely thrilled. to. bits. Beginning to end, I saw Hamlet. Yes, my more annoying fangirl mind broke through fromt ime to time, but I saw Hamlet. He was a destroyed man in mourning. he was mad. He was hysterically funny. I stand amazed – David acts with every ounce of his being. His body movements, his facial expressions, his words – all are perfect.

And like I said – I am amazed.

One particular point got me – after Hamlet has broken from Horatio and the guards to follow the Ghost and hear its tale, he has a soliloquy on stage -and he was staring right at me. Now, I know he wasn’t actually looking at me – I was merely in the way of his focal point. But for one small moment – many lines, in fact, I was breathlessly still because David was staring at me, and for that time, i felt like it was only me in the theatre. Just amazing.

I am in awwe. And osm eof me can’t believe that it’s now over. At least… Hamlet is. Tomorrow is Love’s Labour’s Lost. :)

One thing I’m very thankfully about – Maria and Michelle had originally planned on goign to the theatre door after the performance to get autographs. I wasn’t keen – over the months I’ve heard the horror stories, so I wanted to stay away. While yes, I’d love to have David’s autograph, I’d much prefer to send him a small note via his agent to compliment him, but still give him at least the portion of privacy that I can provide.

Michelle was chatting with two ladies who work for the RSC, and from what they said,t he poor guy has just been bombarded. So I was happy when Michelle and Maria decided not to go. We stayed for the curtain calls (only a few people standing – perhaps standing O’s are not British proper?), and then headed for a pint, wandering into the dark Stratford night, where the streets were dead silent within a half-hour after the play.

More thoughts tomorrow – it’s now 1:20 a.m…. must sleep!

—–

More recap stuff tomorrow, once I get some photos uploaded! :)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Celebrations & Holidays, Family & Friends, Geeky Stuff, Travels  | 2 Comments
And the weird pretrip weekend begins
Author: Measi
• Saturday, October 11th, 2008

This morning I’m getting everything together – doing the final load of laundry, collecting all of my addresses and phone numbers, etc. Then I’ll pack.

And then I’ll go get ready for wedding #1 of the weekend – for a friend who was one of our groomsmen, but someone we’ve essentially only seen AT weddings for the past couple years. Otherwise, we’re in totally different circles. It’s going to be a weird one, I think.

We’ll get home late, then get up Sunday morning, clean up, and drive up to New Hampshire for wedding #2 (Erich’s dad’s).

And then up early on Monday, leave the house about quarter past five, and head to Boston for our flight over to London. An early morning shower and coffee should get me up and moving!

It’s weird – maybe it’s because of these weddings still lying between us and the trip, but I’m still not quite believing we’re going. I dunno. I’m excited, but I think disbelief is still overpowering the excitement too much.

I think once I hear “mind the gap” at Heathrow. That’ll make me realize where I am. :)

Definitely won’t be my last entry before I go – I’m sure that’ll be on Sunday night.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Big Life Events, Family & Friends, Foreign, Travels  | Tags:  | Leave a Comment
Final UK Itinerary done…
Author: Measi
• Monday, September 08th, 2008

*gasp* I know – I’m alive! Actually, just been very, very busy this summer. But yes, we’re both okay – and actually, we’re much better than we’ve been for a while. :)

I’ll write a catch-up post later – but just had to do some bouncing up and down. Our trip to the UK is now only about a month away, and we’ve finally finished our itinerary. :)

Erich and I sat down yesterday, figured out hotels and where we’re going, for how long, etc. We’ve had to sacrifice one leg of the trip (to Edinburgh), but it was the right one to make. We’re thinking we’ll plan another trip in the next couple years to do a full Celtic trip – Scotland and Ireland, and give both countries the attention they really deserve (and that we want to give them – rather than a stupid and honestly worthless overnight to Edinburgh that was the only possibility this round).

So… here’s the plan. If our paths meet and you want to get together, fantastic! Just drop me a line here or via email (measiwitch@gmail.com) and we can plan something, even if it’s just a pause for a cuppa somewhere. :)

Oct. 13th – arriving late into London. Staying overnight in the city.
Oct. 14th – train to Stratford in a.m., wander around town Hamlet @ 7:15
Oct. 15th – touring Stratford/Warwick Castle. Love’s Labour’s Lost @ 7:15
Oct. 16th – train to Cardiff, wandering city a bit once we get there.
Oct. 17th & 18th – Cardiff and day trip to Bath
Oct. 19th – train to London
Oct. 20th to 23rd – Touring London with a day trip up to York somewhere in there
Oct. 24th – home to Boston

If you’ve been to these places and would recommend we avoid something, please let me know. I’ve already heard some negative reviews on Shakespeare’s birthplace as being not quite worth the admission, for example.

We have definite plans for Warwick Castle, Cardiff Castle, all sorts of random Doctor Who/Torchwood related stuff, and history geeking in both Bath and York.

*squee*

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Travels  | 2 Comments
One thing down…
Author: Measi
• Wednesday, July 09th, 2008

The tickets to England have finally been booked thanks to the house selling. Our dates are Oct. 13-24th.

Now to start finding places to stay. We’re thinking of mixing hostels and B&Bs… any recommendations?

Riverhouse Backpackers in Cardiff looks quite nice. As is saving money in London by hostelling it.

Places we’d ideally like to go this trip are Stratford (definite), Cardiff (definite), London, and Edinburgh.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Foreign, Travels  | Tags:  | Leave a Comment
Heading back to the Faire
Author: Measi
• Monday, October 15th, 2007

It was a lower-key trip to King Richard’s Faire this week. More people – Matt, Maria, Tricia, and Kevin joined Erich and me. The weather was beautiful. We had a great time – and seemed to spend a heck of a lot more time eating and drinking this time around.

Tricia and Kevin bought themselves full new outfits, so they are now officially well-garbed for the Faire and Halloween festivities. Erich bought a leather poncho (it’s beautiful!!!) that signifies the beginning of his new full Druid idea for the Faire.

I told him that the poncho made him look like a Moonkin from World of Warcraft. (and yes, I did the obligatory Owlbeast waddling run with my elbows slightly pointed out as I called him an Oomkin… fellow WoW players know exactly what I’m talking about… hee!)

But yes – the new garb I bought last weekend was quite comfortable. I kept getting asked by people around the Faire for shopkeep help… apparently I’m now dressed well enough that people think I work at KRF. *snicker*

The rest of the pictures from the two weekends are on my Flickr account (just click on the photo). A lot came out annoyingly dark, though… I need to figure out why I’m so crappy with my camera.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Family & Friends, Geeky Stuff, New England, Travels  | Leave a Comment
Thursday Thirteen #28: Invading Britain
Author: Measi
• Thursday, October 11th, 2007

Since I’m now officially a year away from the Great British Expedition of ’08, I’m doing this week’s Thursday Thirteen on things I’d really like to do while I’m across the pond. I know we can’t do them all due to the distance between places. But that’s why there are additional trips in the future, right? :)

1) See Hamlet and Loves Labour Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This is checked off the list. Tickets are bought and have arrived at our house, all shiny and glowing. :)

2) Go to Cardiff and take the obligatory geek shots in front of the water tower, the Millennium Centre overhang, the Torchwood door on the dock, and wherever else my geeky heart needs to do for Doctor Who and Torchwood-itis.

3) Ride the Tube. I have a weird fascination with subways and how I just sink into the crowd and into the population when I’m on a train. It’s stupid, I know – but it gives my heart a fun little flutter.

4) Do the Tower of London tour. I know… tourist-ey to hell, but SOME things just need to be done.

5) Go tour a castle outside of London. We’ll probably go to Warwick Castle, since we’ll be in Stratford-upon-Avon anyway.

6) Have a pint at a pub… and some proper British chips, too.

7) Take Erich up to Crouch End so he can do his fanboy enjoyment of Shaun of the Dead. (Shh… I promise not to be doing any Tennant scoping while we’re here. Promise. Well… okay, a little).

8) Go up to Scotland – I’d love to do a tour of the hidden city in Edinburgh if it exists (the underground city that survived for decades). But honestly, I’ll just happily take going to Scotland, getting rained on… because it’s Scotland… and taking in some of the scenery.

9) Go around the Magical Roundabout.

10) Lose myself in something I would have never thought about before getting to Britain.

11) Meet one of the many Brits I’ve been in contact with via penpalling or the internet over the years. That may be for the obligatory pint in #6.

12) Meet the McNulty family that became so close to my grandfather during WWII when he was stationed there. My dad’s side of the family has essentially become extended family. This requires said trip to Scotland (and as such may be for another trip).

13) Take so many pictures and develop so many memories I’ll wear out both my camera and fill a journal of adventures!

Via Thursday Thirteen.

So… any Brits or those who have visited Great Britain – what would you recommend I do? Have any advice?

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Memes, Travels  | 8 Comments
Shopping at the Faire
Author: Measi
• Tuesday, October 09th, 2007

With the wedding insanity now over, the first true event to mark that our lives are returning to normal was our trip to King Richard’s Faire on Sunday. We went along with Maria and Matt, meeting up with Gina and Gabe, who are two of Erich’s college friends, at the faire.

Before the faire, I was dreading the weather report – it said it would be in the upper 70s and sunny. Great normal weather to go anywhere, but when you’re decked out in layers of Renaissance period garb? Eh, not so much.

It turned out to be a comfortable overcast day in the mid-60s, although Erich was a little chilly in his modern punk variant of his formal kilt in a t-shirt. :( (he looked fabulous though).

After last year’s trip to the faire, I was fully prepared to be seeking out a new bodice for my outfit. The one I’ve had for eight years is too small for me, and the boning that lines the row of grommits is beginning to poke through the top – so I just can’t wear it anymore. I absolutely adore it, too – it’s a rust and forest green tartan, with a red reversable lining (that I’ve never worn on top). Not easy to replace, but I decided that I’d got to my trustworthy Threads of Time, and finally get the bodice that matches what I have. Their prices are fantastic, and the clothes are wonderful and easy to wear. I’m good to go with ideas in hand.

That was before I realized that my overdress from Threads of Time had shrunk last time I washed it, too – and now was sitting a few inches too short in the back. Then again, it also is eight years old.

*sigh*

So now I’m thinking okay- new outfit. I can do this. I’ll work around it. I have a new underskirt in basic black that I bought at Threads last year. I just need a new overskirt, and the new bodice, and I’ll be set. And because this is the faire, being plus-sized isn’t quite as much of a detriment as it can be in other places. Being busty and curvy is a good thing at the faire. :)

So we go to the faire. And we’re looking around at the shops. Most of the same folks I recognize from last year, but a few new places. Beautiful things as always… most of which I can’t afford.

We head into Moresca, which is the shop that has oodles that I covet, but never can justify purchasing from. And everything always looks too small, so I haven’t bothered. Eh, moo.

And then my eyes fall on a particular bodice – deep blues with black accents in rich brocades. (sample of the style here). It’s an XL, but the shopkeep assures me that my normal 2X sizing on top will translate to this XL (which does look like it will fit me just fine – but I don’t want to deal with the 30 minutes of re-lacing my current bodice post fitting if I can help it). This bodice has lacings on both sides AND the back, so it’s quite flexible with sizing.

Have I mentioned how gorgeous this bodice is? Erich loves it too. But it’s a Moresca bodice, which means it’s about twice what I was planning on paying. I need to sit and think on it over lunch, even though I’m coveting it dearly.

Erich points out over lunch that we do have wedding money, and that I can indulge if I want to. It doesn’t take much to twist my arm at all.

Right after lunch, we head right back and I buy it. :)

We collect a couple other things along the way during the day – a new leather belt for me and a

Then I need new skirts to match the color scheme. I find lovely ones in the same deep blue and a pretty moss green (for a brighter top offset) in rough silk at Threads of Time that are just wonderful to the touch. I buy both of those. Nice offset texture, nice soothing colors that I prefer to wear.

And best of all? My outfit’s ready for this upcoming weekend’s return trip to the Faire.

Rock. :)

(and yes, there will be pics)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Family & Friends, Geeky Stuff, New England, Travels  | 2 Comments
Hamlet and Loves Labor Lost
Author: Measi
• Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

Oh. Yes.

Ordered.

10/14 for Hamlet
10/15 for LLL

And if I’m reading my seating chart of the Courtyard Theatre correctly – holy SHIT we have great seats for both.

I’M GOING TO ENGLAND NEXT AUTUMN!!!!!!!!

I’M GOING TO SEE DAVID TENNANT in BOTH PRODUCTIONS!!!

AND PATRICK STEWART IN HAMLET!!!

AHHHHH…. GEEK EXPLOSION!!!!!

(pop)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Geeky Stuff, Travels  | One Comment
The weekend, and the future
Author: Measi
• Sunday, September 09th, 2007

14 days. Eep!

The bachelor party was easily survived. I, as planned, spent most of my evening on the couch. I did not, as planned, get anything else done. My brain needed a complete break from all things wedding last night, and so that’s what I did. I just shut off the phone, took a break, and had a very needed evening to myself.

The unedited Graham Norton episode had me laughing so hard that I went into a coughing fit (and had to stop watching it for a while). Funny stuff. Sometime around 11:30 or so, I threw in my Blackpool DVD and settled down, fell asleep somewhere into episode 1, and woke up when the guys came home – right as the scene in Funny Girls starts. :)

Erich and the guys returned just a bit after 2 a.m., and amazingly, the party broke up immediately- apparently the guys were just exhausted on the bus on the way back from Foxwoods (and most had sobered up by that time). I guess this is the sign of a bachelor party when the guys are mostly in their 30s! Most of the guys went home. I ended up with only Matt, Jason, and Erich’s Dad crashing out at our house.

Got up this morning, had coffee and breakfast, and then just relaxed for a while. Some of the guys came back over to watch the Pats game, play board games, and just hang out and plan out characters for Erich’s new d20 game he’ll be kicking off at some point.

The last folks left around 7:30. Erich and I have just been relaxing since then – I have some laundry going, but otherwise, we’re chilling out. We got a LOT of housework done. Other than the kitchen, the entire downstairs is put together and ready for family to see it. The upstairs just needs some work done in my office, and then we’ll be good to go.

One very productive thing for today? We bought our full membership to the Royal Shakespeare Company. So as soon as tickets go on sale online? Oh yes, we shall purchase. :)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Big Life Events, Erich, Fandom, Foreign, Geeky Stuff, Misc. Musings, Travels, Wedding  | Tags: , , , ,  | Leave a Comment
The weekend, and the future
Author: Measi
• Sunday, September 09th, 2007

14 days. Eep!

The bachelor party was easily survived. I, as planned, spent most of my evening on the couch. I did not, as planned, get anything else done. My brain needed a complete break from all things wedding last night, and so that’s what I did. I just shut off the phone, took a break, and had a very needed evening to myself.

The unedited Graham Norton episode had me laughing so hard that I went into a coughing fit (and had to stop watching it for a while). Funny stuff. Sometime around 11:30 or so, I threw in my Blackpool DVD and settled down, fell asleep somewhere into episode 1, and woke up when the guys came home – right as the scene in Funny Girls starts. :)

Erich and the guys returned just a bit after 2 a.m., and amazingly, the party broke up immediately- apparently the guys were just exhausted on the bus on the way back from Foxwoods (and most had sobered up by that time). I guess this is the sign of a bachelor party when the guys are mostly in their 30s! Most of the guys went home. I ended up with only Matt, Jason, and Erich’s Dad crashing out at our house.

Got up this morning, had coffee and breakfast, and then just relaxed for a while. Some of the guys came back over to watch the Pats game, play board games, and just hang out and plan out characters for Erich’s new d20 game he’ll be kicking off at some point.

The last folks left around 7:30. Erich and I have just been relaxing since then – I have some laundry going, but otherwise, we’re chilling out. We got a LOT of housework done. Other than the kitchen, the entire downstairs is put together and ready for family to see it. The upstairs just needs some work done in my office, and then we’ll be good to go.

One very productive thing for today? We bought our full membership to the Royal Shakespeare Company. So as soon as tickets go on sale online for Hamlet? Oh yes, we shall purchase. :)

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Life, Work, and all the Rest, Travels, Wedding  | Leave a Comment
*don’t mind me squeeing over here… *
Author: Measi
• Thursday, August 30th, 2007

(backstory of me flailing fangirlishly in email, drooling over the Tennant announcement, yadda yadda yadda). Conversation has pulled back to just myself, my other-half (talonscar and masquedbunny), and then the convo goes to this…

masquedbunny asks how much the £65 full membership overseas translates to.

At almost the same time, Talonscar and I both answer $2 = £1, roughly. So about $130.

The discussion bounces back on how many tickets we could possibly order. We take other folks off the list so they don’t get spammed. Talonscar threatens to spam us with LOLcats if we’re keeping him on the thread. I accept his proposal to get spammed (he does every day to my email ANYWAY…)

And then things get interesting…

Me: What? You don’t want to go to the UK? We’d be doing more than just Tennant drooling, you know.

Masquedbunny: I really really really want to go … And there would be so much more than Tennant drooling going on–London is full of history and other cool stuff.

Talonscar: Like the British contribution to world cuisine… the Chip. ;) Well then lets get tickets!

Pardon my little squeeage at this…

Me: Well, we really WILL have to get the RSC membership if we want to get tickets – because given it’s Tennant, just post- DW, and Hamlet on top of that – this thing’s going to sell out. FAST. The tickets will go on sale to RSC members on the 12th. So we have some time to talk about how to go about it this weekend. (and somehow, I get the feeling that Sister Behavior may be interested in this, too, given she really wants to go back to England…)

Masquedbunny: Oh, I think myownwench (aka Sister Behavior) could be talked into this. ;)

My brain? Gone. Into Squee. I am officially worthless for the rest of the work day.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Fandom, Foreign, Geeky Stuff, Travels, Wedding  | Tags: , , ,  | Leave a Comment
« Previous Entries