Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Bad Boys Get Spanked

The Who/Pretenders show was fabulous! Roger and Pete still rock. And it's darned endearing to watch the 60 + year old men in the audience pretend they are Pete Townsend by playing air guitar. Silly boys, all the girls are in love with Roger Daltrey. Who, by the way, is still a hottie!!

Chrissy Hynde still rocks and she'll kick your butt if you need it. Oh yea, she tried to steal my boyfriend too. Read the story here.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Carnealian's Big 80's Weekend

As you all know, I celebrated a big birthday weekend, and it was celebrated in big fashion (unbeknownst to me prior to this weekend.)

Friday night started out when Dean and company came out with my friend Stacey and Nittanybri and I to see The Sharks. This band was a really big deal around here in the 80's. They played our dances, our proms and were even part of the MTV 80's video generation. I dug out my Go-Go's concert t-shirt from their 1985 Vacation tour and wore that in honor of the event. Prior to leaving for the show, I did finally open my little blue box. Yep, it was definitely Tiffany's. I got a lovely sterling "Return to Tiffany's" bracelet with my initials engraved on the back. Yea, it's never coming off my wrist!!

After only a couple of hours of sleep from the night before, I was up and at 'em again by noon on Saturday thanks to some prodding from my other friend Stacy who was coming to pick me up promptly at 1:00 to take me to book club. It was from there that we all were going out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Or so I thought.

I had some difficulty trying to find something to wear, my hair wasn't doing what I wanted it to and I just wanted to take a nap. But, "Herr Commendant" got me dressed and into the car for book club. We met at our usual location in a neighborhood bar in Harrisburg. We had lunch and a few drinks and briefly discussed the book.

I knew everything that I thought was supposed to happen was falling apart at the seams when Stacy came up to me and said I had to go outside. Everyone got up from the table and made me cover my eyes. When I got to where they were leading me and was allowed to look, there in front of me was a white limosine. I thought we were all going to pile in and go where ever. But in the limo was Nittanybri holding up a dress I had just bought for some upcoming Christmas parties and shoes which I was instructed to go put on. So, back into the bar for a quick wardrobe change, then I was wisked away in the limo. Now, I love surprises, but I was a nervous wreck. Nittanybri was dressed in a very fashionable suit with a pretty pink t-shirt underneath, shoes and no socks. I was presented with a beautiful wrist corsage and some champagne all that was waiting for me in the limo.

We drove around Harrisburg for a bit, enjoying the sunset over the river, drove through nearby Hershey and then I was instructed that I had to put on a blindfold. Now, I'm really nervous. We get to our final destination and when the car stopped, I was told to get out. And when my blindfold was taken off there I was in front of my house with all my friends and family standing in front of me in tuxedo's and evening dresses. Saturday night was the prom I never went to in high school!! Since my prom would have been in 1984, everything that night was 80's themed including Nittanybri's outfit- it was straight out of Miami Vice!

All the time we spent at book club and driving around in the lap of luxury in the limo was giving "the staff" at home and my friends time to get into their prom outfits. The stereo played nothing but 80's music all night. We had tons of homemade food (all vegetarian I might add!) and lots of festive beverages. The food table had matching plates, table cloth and cups all of which were in my class colors, with a centerpiece of my class flowers, white roses and baby's breath. My class motto was printed out and there were even pom-poms in my school colors. There was even an attempt to get the Luv Gods to play at my party. They are a reincarnation of the band we saw Friday night. After the party started winding down, there were the few, the proud, the determined to stay up later than ever before. We plopped on the couch and what movie was just ending? The Wedding Singer! What movie was just about to come on? Fast Times at Ridgemont High! There was no way were not watching either of these!!

Apparently, this covert operation has been in the works for some time now. All of my friends and family played some part in making this a most wonderful birthday. Nittanybri really knows how to make a girl feel special. I am very loved!! And thanks to everyone who helped and was there for my special day!

The party isn't over yet. Tonight Nittanybri and I are going to see The Who and The Pretenders!

P.S. Party pictures to follow!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I Am Truly Blessed

And for that I am thankful. May your Thanksgiving be as richly blessed.


"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."
-Samuel Pugh

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

The Wonderful World of Sagittarians

I've waited for as long as I could. I can't take it any longer. My birthday, m'birthday, m'birthday's comin up! Whoo!!

So, in order to get the party started a little early, because the big day isn't until Friday, I thought I would let you all know a little bit about Sagittarians. Here's a few things about us that make us irresistible. We are: Daring, Fun-loving, Optomistic, Funny, and Evolving.

We are easily seduced..by humor, and outdoor sexcapades. According to AOL Horoscopes, the best "Head-for-bed" line to use on a Sagittarian is "If you were a chicken, you'd be impeccable." While that is cute, it's a little too corny for this Sagittarian's taste. I much prefer the line to use on a Scorpio (probably since I'm on the cusp of being one,) ""I'm an organ donor. Need anything?"

Other fabulous Sagittarians include: Tyra Banks, Brittney Spears, Katie Holmes, Kim Basinger, Tina Turner, Interstellar Lass, Julianne Moore, Jimmy Buffett (Jimmy, call me, we'll celebrate together!)

The party starts on Friday night. Party round two starts Saturday afternoon. My friends are acting very strangly, offering to make reservations for dinner, offering to pick me up, etc. I'm getting sort of nervous. But I love surprises so I'm enjoying every minute of this!! Oh and another surprise is from this guy. It came in the mail the other day and I happened to be there when he opened the shipping box. There was a smaller box on the inside. It was wrapped in pretty blue wrapping paper. It was strangely close to the shade of blue wrapping paper used by this place. Whoo hoo!!!! The most wonderful people in the world love me!

I'm Free!

Well, free for a little while anyway. Yesterday was my last day of classes until next Monday. I am working on summarizing the Sociology experiement you all helped me with. The basis of this experiement was based on General Social Survey's results from survey's performed in 1985 and again in 2004. Their results showed that the number of confidents a person has has decreased over the years, but that people are more willing to discuss important matter with a spouse or "kin" rather than "non-kin" such as a friend or coworker.

Each of my classmates surveyed five people just like I surveyed you. We compiled the results and found that in both my individual findings and the findings of the class that the people we surveyed had a bigger non-kin network that they confided in. So, our results do not match that of the GSS. I think this may be in part that most of these kids probably interviewed other college students who are away from home and rely on roomates or other classmates to confide in since parents aren't readily available.

I have a few other projects to work on over the semester break so I don't have to cram it all in at the end of the fast approaching semester end!

So, to start my first day off I decided to tear apart the bedroom. I wanted to take out the carpet under the bed which I did. I think carpeting is just another method of collecting dirt and dust. And holy cow was there a lot of dirt and dust under the carpet! I think I found a few old boyfriends in there! Now, I just have to put it all back together again. Then, it'll be on to homework.

I'm pretty much stuck at home all day, my car is in the shop today. Which of course will result in a really ugly repair bill. It's only money, I can make more, right???

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Meet Me at the Met

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day in New York City. I had to get up super early and get myself to school which is about 30 to 45 mins from my house. I was treated to a splendid sunrise. I did take a picture, but driving and snapping pictures usually results in blurry photos which it did this time.

I had a project to do for my Renaissance Art class. So, my day started at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in their Renaissance collection. We were to choose one painting or sculpture to write about. I chose The Allegory of Avarice.


This image is about a couple who stole money and of course as we all know, paybacks are a b^*ch!

There were two other exhibits I really wanted to see before I left. There was a collection of photographs from the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. They were unbelievable! It's hard to imagine such devastation.

There was another called an American in Paris. This was a collection of paintings from American artists in Paris, like Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. I discovered two very appropriate quotes out of this exhibit. One I have added beneath my title too my blog, because it was just too appropriate! The other was: "If I must go home soon, I hardly know what will take the place of my weekly visit to the Louvre - perhaps Patriotism." -John Twachtman 1885

After leaving the Met, the rest of the day was mine. So, I hopped aboard a downtown train to meet up with my poet-friend Susan Maurer. We were meeting at a place called The Dumpling Man which I had seen on the Food Network and just had to try. I had a couple veggie and shrimp dumplings, seared with the hot monster sauce on the side thankfully. That stuff was killer. Made me cough for a good 5 minutes. Whew!

This place is in the East Village so there's lots of fun vintage shops, art shops, etc. Here are some pics:

















This is a great little punk shop called Trash and Vaudeville. This was the premier punk shop at least when I was in high school. There was even protocol for shopping in the store. I suppose it is still is pretty high on the list of punk shops still.







We found our way to Union Square park in the heart of NYU. Every Saturday there is a green market, or farmer's market type event. They had everything! In lieu of a Christmas card, Susan opted for the living gift called a broccoli something or other. Yes, that is the official name. It looks like this:


Here is my broccoli thingy in situ with Ghandi and friend.














We came upon a couple of really good street musicians along our way.

There was this really groovy sculpture nearby with random numbers flashing beside it. Apparently, it has many people not liking it, I thought it was pretty cool, even with the numbers!








As all good things do, my fun afternoon was drawing to a close. I had to get back up to the very overcrowded midtown. The Christmas tree is up in Rockerfeller Center and will be decorated with Swarovski Crystals this year. Saks Fifth Avenue's windows are all decorated in their usual over-the-top manner. I do love the holidays in New York! Thanks Susan for showing me unique sites as usual!!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Power to the People

There is nothing more satisfying than a group of people coming together for a common cause, acting upon it and bringing about change.

This happened just recently at the college I attend. Our football team, the Flying Dutchmen, yea, ferocious I know, won a football game 55-33 over a neighboring college. According to tradition, the students are supposed to get day off for this. This tradition dates back to the 1940's.

The other night, a small mob of students stormed the president's house chanting rhyming couplets of a poem written by a senior requesting the extra day off due to the football victory. The day was granted so we get to begin our Thanksgiving holiday one day early this year. Go team go!!! You can see news footage of the event here.

In other sports news at Lebanon Valley College, the girls field hockey team is participating in the NCAA semifinals in New York this weekend. Go girls!!!

Monday, November 13, 2006

¡Saludos! RecepciĆ³n a Cuba!

I've seen on the news recently that the CIA believes that Fidel Castro may have cancer and may not survive much longer. I do not wish any ill-will on anyone, but just think of the possibilities when he dies!!! I am hopeful that the next person in control will not be as uncooperative and we will end our silly embargo on Cuba. Here's my top three reasons to end the embargo and open Cuba to the United States:


Number 1:






Number 2: Mmmmm Mojitos!




Number 3: Yea, I know, I wouldn't eat it, but it looks DAMN good!!!

Friday, November 10, 2006

When Thanks Isn't Enough

I was reading a blog and it reminded me that today is Veterans Day. I usually associate this day with my Aunt Emily's birthday because until fairly recently I didn't know too many Veterans except both my uncles who fought in WWII; one in Normandy, one in the Pacific.
As I was thinking about what to write here, I first did a search for a picture to include here and this is the one that caught my eye, and epitomizes what I believe to be a true veteran. To me, this picture says, I love my country, I'd do it all over again if I had to, and hey, I can still fit into my uniform!

Last night as I was watching the local news. They did a story about a local man that just passed away that was a seven-year POW in Vietnam. They showed an interview they did with him a few years ago, and that was the first time he had spoken about his time in Vietnam. I was amazed at the emotional control he had while telling his story and that he doesn't consider himself a hero. The question that finally broke through the emotional barrier was what was his reaction upon seeing the American Flag for the first time upon returning. That's when the emotion finally showed. That's when he said "it was all worth it."

My uncles have passed on, but now it seems I have quite a few new veterans in my life. You can find them here, here and here. Thanks guys!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Feeding Frenzy

Over the weekend, we indulged ourselves in one of my more favorite events in the area. It was the Taste of Central Pennsylvania which benefits the Central PA Foodbank. This one day event gathers restaurants, various cooking schools, wineries and brewing companies from the area to one location where they prepare a dish and the public gets to taste it.

Needless to say we left stuffed and somewhat tipsy. My favorites were the chilled strawberry soup, brownie cheesecake, langostine bisque and Loco for coconut cake, mini crab cakes, and dish from A Passage to India. It was vegeterian, had saffron rice served with it. It was to die for!!! Another veg dish was from 2nd Street Kabob which was hummus, falafel, tabbouleh salad, and pita. This is a very new restaurant in Harrisburg and is conveniently located next door to Hookas on Second. Just in case you're in the market for one. I had so many different wines, I can't remember them all. We both had some tasty beers from Lancaster Brewing Company. We tried a Milk Stoudt, dark and creamy and a Strawberry Wheat. I love fruity beer!

Now that I'm looking over the bill of fare from this event, I see we missed a few tables with some very delicious sounding food. However, I don't think we could have fit anymore food into our bellies.

Not only did we get the general tasting, we were also entitled to a private tasting, meaning we just got first dibs on the grub. But, prior to that, we had a private wine tasting with various fruits and cheeses. They served Coppola wines including my favorite Sofia. If you've never tried this sparking wine, you absolutely MUST! They also served a Coppola red and a Fetzer Chardonnay, another favorite of mine.

There are usually news crews around during this event, but I apparently missed them this time. When I got to class on Monday morning, my professor said, "I saw you on TV this morning." (insert perplexed look here) "You were at the Taste on Sunday weren't you?" Oh geez. He assured me I didn't have any food hanging out of my mouth or anything. Next time I'll have to remember to wear a disguise!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Stuff about Me!

Usually these things come via email as this one did from my friend at Smoke and Mirrors. And, since I really, really like to talk about myself, I thought I'd give you some of these details, some of which you may already know, may have already read the last time I did something like this or simply may not even care about. But, I'm going to talk about myself anyway...read on if you dare.

WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Like 5 seconds ago
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes, I guess it's the mood and that determines the handwriting
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ew!!!
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, most of the time.
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
I attempt paper journals but they all seem to have really huge gaps in them. I guess my best journal is this here blog
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Oui!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Something I should never eat...like Frosted Mini Wheats or Frosted Flakes or Sugar Smacks
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends if they have shoelaces or not
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
More physically than mentally, though I've persevered through a heck of a lot over the last year and guess what? I'M STILL STANDING!!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Duh...chocolate
SHOE SIZE?
A delicate 8 1/2
RED or PINK?
Pink, and yes, I am pretty in it, thanks!
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My weight which is considerably less lately
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue flannel pj bottoms and big, fuzzy, black socks
LAST THING YOU ATE?
Brownies, before that, chips. Nice huh?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The hum of the laptop and the click of the keys and Jasmine making smacky noises
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cornflower
FAVORITE SMELL?
The ocean
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
Their face
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes, he's quite a groovy dude!
FAVORITE DRINK?
Wine, Whiskey, Soda
FAVORITE SPORT?
Tennis
EYE COLOR?
Blue
HAT SIZE?
Dunno
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope
FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything that doesn't require the slaughter of animals
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING?
Depends on my mood.
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White
WINTER OR SUMMER?
Summer!
HUGS OR KISSES?
Yes please!
FAVORITE DESSERT?
Creme Brulee or anything chocolate or Red Velvet Cake
BOOK YOU ARE READING?
Prodigal Summer
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad...lap top
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Since the remote to the TV is missing...it's kinda difficult...but something on the Food Network
FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Ocean, purring kitties, the sound of a restaurant from the street outside as you pass by
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME
Barbados
WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I don't think I can mention that here....(kidding!)
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Pennsylvania
WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Michael

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Don't Get Sent to Iraq!

I never really concerned myself with politics. Though, my mother was a Republican Committee person and because of that I have been registered as a Republican my entire life. Because of the recent job I have, I am heavily involved in the upcoming elections on November 7 and have become acutely aware of other people's opinions on the war in Iraq, the job W. is doing and the state of affairs here in Pennsylvania.

Last July of 2005 proved to be a huge turning point for the state legistlature of PA. In the middle of the night, they decided to give themselves a huge payraise. Some of them were going to get like a 50% increase in their pay. It seemed like a good idea in the middle of the night, but when the constituents got wind of this, no one was smiling. Many people claim they will vote out every individual that voted for the payraise last year. There were some of the state legislators that paid the money back, some refused to pay it back, some donated it to charity, which is still the same as stealing, it's just a passive-aggressive way of doing it.

In the election taking place next week, we will be voting for a governor as well. The Republican candidate is none other than Lynn Swann from the bygone days of when the Pittsburgh Steelers were really, really good. But, I don't see Ed Rendell going anywhere, because as past mayor of Philadelphia, he has much of their vote.

The race that has me concerned is that of the United States Senate. We have former governor's son Bob Casey Jr. on the Democratic side and Rick Santorum on the Republican side. Rick scares me. He's just a little too far to the right for me. And the two of them are just ridiculous with their mudslinging advertisements. Their debates however, have been extrememly entertaining. According to a poll recently taken by Susquehanna Polling and Research, Rick is on the downslide...whew!!

I have been known from time to time to really stick my foot in my mouth. Thank goodness I'm not a politician. I hope to never say anything as stupid as Mr. Kerry did on Monday. Did the Republican's pay Kerry to say such a ridiculous thing so Bush's ratings would go up?

I happen to know two soldiers that have fought in some aspect for this war in Iraq and I think they are both about the smartest people I know!