HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLY!!!

Ring, ring - pick up the phone Roomie - a certain someone is calling to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!Safe travels back to NYC where we can celebrate properly. :)

ROOMIE SEZ

Leaving on a jet plane - ok a bus - heading home for the holidays. PA here I come, it's been a long time.

What will NYC do with both roomies out of town?

Don't worry we will be back soon to rock New Years Eve and we're bringing reinforcements!!

Baby it's cold outside...

Well I have arrived to my old stomping grounds, but it hasn't been easy. After a cancelled flight, I came home to no power. But it's all okay, family love warms you right up!

On a non-awesome note...it was -1 today....................

That's about all I have to say really...more to come later. I see Roomie is holding the blog down - good job Roomster!

Oh yes, Piven, high mercury levels? Seriously?

ROOMIE SEZ

The snow started coming down on Friday and it seems as if the chill is here to stay.

Yesterday my goal was to finish up Christmas shopping come hell, high water, snow or freezing rain. So to prep I uploaded some holiday tunes on my MP3 player, bundled up and braved the world. I took the train down to Canal St. and worked my way up the shops in SoHo, NoHo and Union Square.

The Union Square open air holiday market had some awesome booths but the snow was starting to chill my bones so I enlisted the help of my friend Peppermint Mocha to pick me up. With that, I'm pretty sure I checked out each vendor multiple times as I worked my way through the maze of shops. However, after that I ditched my plan to walk to Bryant Park and check out their stores. Instead I hoped on the train, so I could get the feeling back in my feet, made my way back to the UES and finished shopping on my home turf.

The weather outside is still frightful but tis the season.

ROOMIE SEZ

It's curtains for the Piv.

Daily Variety is reporting that Jeremy Piven will abruptly end his run in Broadway’s “Speed-the-Plow” due to a high mercury count. Ummm, ok... but it seems I'm not the only skeptic. David Mamet, who wrote the showbiz satire had this to say:
“I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury. So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”

Hmmm...


Regardless, it will be interesting to see who they get to step into the role. Word on the street is that Norbert Leo Butz, who I saw in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels alongside John Lithgow, will be his temporary replacement. Maybe my Entourage and I will go check him out.

Site-a-licious

A colleague just shared this new Website with me and it is hilariousity at its finest! What makes it even better is that it is sooo true!

It's a site completely dedicated to conversations overheard in New York City. It's so true in fact that while I was reading it and laughing my butt off, I overheard a girl in my office say, "No one is going to steal my lunch or spandex....geez!"

This site is awesome - http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/

Great quote:

"I'm an evolution science guy. If you want to believe in that nonsense then you gotta admit your god is an underachiever with a good publicist."

Another good one: "Yeah, I would never fart in her face, that's disrespectful."

Dave is coming, Dave is coming

Oh happy day....oh happy day. My man is coming and he is coming to me. Such a gent!

TWO shows, count that, TWO shows here in NYC (well one in North Jersey). One at the IZOD center (next to Meadowlands) and one at thee Garden...and what's that you say Dave? You're celebrating the new album release at the Garden on April 14? I'm sorry - that's the first show of the tour? Well, you have outdone yourself young man.

My theory that I'd only go to one show this Spring tour just went out the door.

He's not playing the Midwest, so Fasha, I'm looking to you to come visit your daughter on April 14th. Angie, I'm looking to you to find a babysitter or introduce Alyssa to the world she is bound to live in - Daveland.

Patiently waiting...

Dave announced he's announcing tickets today...but when is this annoucement taking place? Announce already - I'm dying here!!

I heart New York & the internet

Okay peeps...walking home last night, I totally saw a man with a cat on top of his head. As I was going to post about it, I began searching for some funny pics. Low and behold, here is a pic of the SAME man with the SAME cat on his head!! Someone had taken it and uploaded it to Flickr.

I can't make this up people.

Got to love New York. Got to love those who upload the craziness of the city to the internet for all to see. Got to love life.

I'm sorry Scott

After starting the season 5-1, the Bills have again returned to Buffal-uh-oh...slipping to 6-8 with last night's loss to the Jets, officially taking them out of the playoffs. I'm sorry Scott.

Poor JP just couldn't pull it out. He played a pretty good game, but when it came time to clinch, he just couldn't do it. Actually, he is one of the worst QBs under pressure that I've ever seen. Sorry Scott.

I had the pleasure (?) of being assigned to JP's press conference last night. He was like a piece of meat, but not in the good way. He was torn to shreds (thinking of pulled pork here). After multiple inquiries of why he didn't hand the ball to the CB behind him (JP fumbled on this play), he finally had to resort to "Next Question" - the first time I've heard that in my press conference attending experience. He also didn't make sense some of the time...but then again, I'm sure he didn't want to face anyone, especially media, after that last fumble. However, the fumbled play was supposedly not JP's fault. It was Coach Jauron's. Not sure which is worse actually. Sorry Scott.

I bantered with my bro quite a bit during the game. He started out excited when the Bills picked off Favre sometime in the 3rd...and then again when they took the lead. Sadly, that would be the last time he got excited that game. Sorry Scott.

I have attached a headline and story that sums up many's feelings on the Bills after last night -"Buffalo Bills are a joke and Losman is the punch line." Ouch. Sorry Scott.

In respect to my brother, I shall post a picture of him in happier times...when the Bills were 4-0 and the playoffs were not a matter of "if," but a mere "when."

I am truly sorry Scott.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081215/SPORTS0106/812150318/1007/SPORTS

ROOMIE SEZ

It may be cold outside but I've had a Spring Awakening.

Miss Meggie and her friends ventured from Lancaster to NYC this weekend which gave the two of us a great opportunity to not only catch up but to see a show... and boy did we see a show! I had heard the buzz and had some idea of the storyline (Germany, 1891, teenage self discovery) but what I didn't know was how sexually charged Spring Awakening would actually be.

This isn't your typical Broadway musical. No big voices, no elaborate sets. It is intimate to the core. So much so that you rightfully feel like an intruder witnessing the characters' cry for knowledge, physical intimacy and understanding; especially during the love scene shared by Melchoir ("Weeds" Hunter Parrish) and Wendla (Alexandra Socha). This young cast came out swinging. Their voices were pure yet raw, rocking the Sheik-score with honesty and passion.

I think the subtle touches are what made this show stand out and added to its boldness. I loved that while the boys' uniforms were just that uniform, their self expression couldn't be contained. It had to come out somewhere and it did -- their hair. Furthermore, I appreciated that while the stage was simple it still managed to transform from a school room to an Oak tree to a hay stack to a grave yard, carrying you throughout the story with uninterrupted adjustments.

The curtain closes on Spring Awakening January 18, 2009 and the Tkts Tkts booth has now reopened in Times Square. So if you are in the city support the Great White Way and see this show. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise tell them blah, blah, blah-blah, blah blah blah.

Leo-tastic

Nothing much to this post except this:

On my way home on Wednesday, I spotted a man, much like the one in this photo, wearing a black leotard, running shoes and his hair up in a bun. He had earphones in and was jogging in place near a curb...waiting to cross the street. I was in shock as I shared this scene with my mom who was on the phone with me at the time. What could be better than the sight of a middle-aged man in a black leotard jogging in place in December?

It was a thong-leotard.

Early Christmas!!!

I just received an email much to my delight - it makes me such a happy girl!!!

COMING SOON: FIRST DAVE MATTHEWS BAND TOUR DATES OF 2009!
We will be announcing the first Dave Matthews Band tour dates of 2009 on Monday, December 15, 2008. This tour will mark the first time that Dave Matthews Band will perform songs from forthcoming studio album due this spring. Warehouse members will have the first opportunity to request tickets for the spring shows. (Hint: I am a Warehouse member)

Is it me or does Dave look distrubingly hot with his distressed look?

Santa is real....he really is!!!

*Please note that my birthday is Dec. 29...I will be accepting tickets to any show within a 5 hour drive. That's right...I went there.

Review: Jack Talk Thai Very Well

Yesterday Carly and I did something that we very rarely do, ate lunch away from our cubes. We broke free and boy was it worth it. As I sit here today, in cube land, eating my leftovers I decided Q2 Thai needs a shout out. Both my tummy and wallet love their lunch special.

For $7 (from 11:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.) you get a salad, appetizer and entrée. The salad is small but the dressing is delish and my app of choice was the vegetarian spring roll – you get two little guys in a sweet chili sauce – yum! The entrée size is generous and I could have eaten those Drunken Noodles for days … well I guess I did. http://q2thainyc.com/menu.html

The outside of Q2 Thai is unassuming but once you enter the joint has a neon glow and modern vibe. If you are in the area (on 9th Ave btw 52nd & 53rd) stop in, the wait staff is friendly and the service is quick but the tasty food at a great value is what won me over. I'm pretty sure even the chairman would approve.

My review is 4 out of 5 Morimotos

And isn't it ironic...

Does Carrie Fisher realize that if she'd turned down her Princess Leia role back in '77 that we wouldn't be reading this article because we wouldn't know who the hell she is?

Carrie Fisher: I wish I’d turned down ‘Star Wars’

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28158582/

Northern Hospitality

So it's no secret that since moving here, I have taken four steps back in my financials to the time of my college days. I am again working off of my college grocery shopping theory of only purchasing food items that cost $1.00 or less*. I am proud to say that I have been creative with getting food over the last few days. I'm like a ninja in the City, fighting for survival. Upper East Side survival.

Monday I decided I could afford a slice of pizza (but only cheese mind you), so I went to a place right around the corner from me. PizzaNova. I ordered the deliciousness, but only to find out that they do not take debit or credit cards for purchases under $10 (it came to $2.30). Crap! I didn't have it in me to locate some ATM on such a freezing night, so I said that I would have to forgo the cheesy-goodness. All I could think was, "Please Zeus, I can not eat another biscuit!" It was then that the New York Pizza Gods smiled down on me.

The Italian stallion making the pizza pies looked at me and said, "No, no, you take the pizza. I know you're good for it. You come back another time and pay. You take the pizza." Please note that the sentence was stated in a thick Italian accent that I could hardly understand but in the same right felt cool for hearing. His buddy confirmed the offer that I couldn't refuse.

There it was. What the South is attributed for and what I was told I would lose if I moved here. Hospitality. And damn, it never tasted so good!

I will be back to repay them for that delish slice of pie. I invest quite a bit of money in pizza and they were smart to help this girl out. They will soon be a Fortune 500 company after I am through with them...that is if I ever get money to buy their pizza.

*Please note that inflation has increased the grocery purchasing amount of $1.00 to $5.00.

Mayday, Mayday

Mamacita does not feel good today. You may ask yourself, "Why are you at work today Carly, if you don't feel well?"

I would have to reply I could not tell you. I'm pretty sure my standing in -56 degree weather to watch an iffy Beatles cover band may have led to the crapiness I feel today. Also...since we have no food and I'm too broke (and lazy) to go get groceries, my lunch & dinner yesterday consisted of biscuits. That's right, biscuits. Some with butter, some with jelly, but all just the same. My sad attempt at veggie burgers didn't work, so just biscuits.

On a related note...donations to "Don't let Carly die of malnourishment" can be made out in my name.

ROOMIE SEZ

Operation surprise mom for her birthday accomplished.

That's right I left the apple for the peach on Friday and my bro made the trip from la-la land today for a double sibling surprise. The fam is reunited and we haven't missed a step. Love it!

I did some shopping with mom this morning (found things I can actually afford!) and then we all took our places in the living room for a little Duke, pizza combo (too bad my boys couldn't pull it off). Now we are plotting our next move. Will it be dinner, will it be a movie, will it be Trivial Pursuit? Only time can tell. But no matter what, it is nice to have the family of four all in one place.

Happy birthday mom - wow! :)

Cuteness Alert!

How cute is this?!

Imagine

Oh I'm like a kid in a candy store with this City! Whether it's Dave at the Garden or the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, there's one event after another that I've been excited about since moving here. I am thrilled to add another to the list!

If you're a Beatles nut like me, you may know that Monday, December 8th marks 28 years since John Lennon was killed here in NYC. There is a memorial in Central Park - Strawberry Fields - that fans go to celebrate his amazing contributions to music (duh Carly). You may remember that I went there my first week of moving here and radomly, there was a group singing Beatles tunes. There wasn't a specific occassion or event as to why they were playing...they were just playing to honor John. And for that, I love this City.

So...as Dec. 8th drew closer, I knew something would be going on in celebration of his life and music. Well my peeps, I found it:

John Lennon tribute concert will be held in Central Park Bandshell
A free tribute gig to John Lennon will take place in New York's Central Park. For The Love Of Lennon, organised by New Arts NYC, will commemorate the life of the music legend on December 7, the eve of the 28th anniversary of his tragic assassination.
The two-hour-long concert at the Central Park Bandshell will be led by professional musicians, encouraging fans to sing along to their favourite Beatles songs and pay homage to the icon.

Yah for New York to recognize. Yah for John Lennon for being awesome. Yah for me to be able to go. Yah.

Trumped!

Spotted: Blake Lively walking past Central Park looking fab-o. Yes folks, this morning I saw the Gossip Girl herself, but instead of being excited, I really just wanted to ask her why she talks like she has a broken jaw. But she's pretty nonetheless.

There are some girls in the office who love Blake, so when I came in, I made sure to gloat as I like to do. I was quickly followed by a colleague who was still wearing what she wore yesterday because she was out all last night...oh yeah...and she had drinks with Leonardo DiCaprio while she was out. Oh yes, I've been trumped.

Yes folks, just another day in New York.

Light vs. Lit

Well as Roomie said it best last night, we didn't make it to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, but we definitely got lit.

We met up with the one and only Megan Mc. from MS&L/Atlanta while she was in the City for some NASCAR stuff. We went to Mama Mexico which was very fun and festive - full Mariachi band and all. We had plenty of margs, we had guacamole (or I should say Roomie and Megan had it, I stuck with the salsa), and plenty of food to go around. It was an awesome night and I do love me some Mexican and Megan!

I'm sorry I missed the tree, but not sorry that I missed the crowds and had a yummy dinner...just walking to meet Megs was complete and utter nutso! We had to wait in lines just to cross the street! I'm sure we'll venture over soon enough to check it out for ourselves...and besides, there's always next year when Jordan Palmer can join in the festivities.

Parade pics

Some more pictures of the Parade balloons to enjoy...

Something to be thankful for...

So now that we have officially come out of our food comas, Roomie and I have returned to civilization. We'd like to share some photos from our little Thanksgiving dinner - yes folks...a sneak peek into our personal holiday celebration.

You will see Roomie and I cooking up a storm. To the left, we have Roomie making her Cope's Corn (family favorite I am told) and yummy salad (her own creation - spinach leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, onion and mandarin oranges with a light raspberry vinaigrette!). To the right, I'm cooking the onion and celery down for the stuffing...thank you fasha.

Here I am checking on one of the many items we made, but for the blog's sake, lets say the Tofurky and Texas potatoes. I'm also holding up the Tofurky - the first time I've tried it. While it was nice to have "turkey" at Thanksgiving for the first time in three years...I did not love it. Nor did I love the gravy recipe that went with the Tofurky. Not so much. No recommendations coming from me.

The final Thanksgiving came down to this: Tofurky, stuffing, Texas potatoes, green bean casserole, Cope's corn, Heather's salad, cranberries and crescents. For dessert: Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

After a few hours, a few phone calls to Fasha for cooking advice and many "tastings" of our food later, we finished the feast. It was time to cheers ourselves for our first Thanksgiving in NYC and for the first Thanksgiving where we were the ones in the kitchen! Well, truth be told, I usually spend every holiday in the kitchen, but usually as the "official taster" and not the cook.

We ate our meal while watching "Miracle on 34th Street," a nice NYC holiday movie if I do say so myself. I realized while watching the movie and stuffing my face that my grandma Dorthy looked a lot like Maureen O'Day. Here's to hoping that I'll look like that as I age...and have her career....hmmm....

Heather was smart enough to capture the before and after moment's of her first Thanksgiving plate. I can assure you that mine was pretty much the same. Happy Thanksgiving to us!!

We Love a Parade - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Carly and I are in the mist of our first NYC Thanksgiving! While she is in the kitchen (where she should be, hehehe) cooking away, I thought I'd share some videos and pictures from our exciting morning where we drank peppermint mochas, ate apple fritters and had an even sweeter view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade from our office...

Is that you Snoopy?!

The new "Horton Hears a Who" balloon makes us happy and five...

It's Miley!! And who doesn't love a marching band?!...

...we love them so much they make us want to join the fun, march and step ;)

And then it all comes to an end with Santa

--OK, we are having technical difficulties with this last file so please imagine an awesome video of Carly wrapping up the morning's events with some witty commentary and the Santa Claus float coming to town. Stay tuned.--

Now it's my turn in the kitchen (Cope's Corn, here I come) more updates on the deliciousness later.