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Friday, December 28, 2007

6th Floor's Secret Santa

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Secret Santa

Christmas songs are playing softly in the background, and the sweet smell of cookies fills the apartment. Were all drinking seasonal themed drinks and gathered around in our pre-Christmas Christmas party amongst ourselves before we all depart to spend part of all of the upcoming week with family. Six presents are stacked near our tree, in various shapes and sizes.

Thats the last sheet.Ann says as she sticks the last cookie sheet of cookies into the oven.

You managed to bake them faster than we ate them, good job!”

Thanks Billy. Ive still got plenty left to bring to my parents too.

We should discuss what we’re going to do for New Years, and who is going to be back for it. I don’t want it to end up like last year.”

That was pretty bad. Maybe we can just do something a little more low key this year. No reason we have to get rip-roaring drunk amidst a bunch of other crazy New Yorkers.

Your southern roots are showing Frank.”

I thought five other crazy New Yorkers was enough right here. Why, do you think we should do something like that again?

It doesn’t matter to me. As long as I’ve got a beer in one hand and a beer in the other hand, I’m happy.”

And a beer in Tabitha’s hand ready and waiting?”

Itd be warm though. Tabitha can nurse a beer with the best of them.

Just because I don’t funnel it down my throat doesn’t mean I’m nursing it! I'm just appreciating it!”

Last time Sara went to recycle a six-pack, she found the sixth beer half drunk and warm on your desk!

Oh, stop bickering and lets open presents!”

Presents!

Gifts!”

Packages!

We get it! Open them! Who goes first?”

We drew straws for it already remember? Billy, me, Ann, You, Frank and Scott is last.”

Saving the best for last, as usual.”

That’s very subjective.”

Tabitha goes over to the table with the presents on it and removes a box and tosses it to Billy.

You’re up Billy. Open it up.”

Billy opens up the present. “Oooh, Mario Galaxy. Nice.”

My turn. Wow, this one is rather badly wrapped.” Tabitha says, picking up a slightly fluffy package with a liberal amount of tape all over it.

Oh! It’s Herpes, Chlamydia and The Pox! Awesome! Thanks Santa!”

Hehehe. Santa gave Tabitha an STD.

I always knew Santa was a dirty old man!”

Well he is always watching…”

Okay, my turn!

Tabitha hands Ann a pretty little present wrapped in pink paper with a purple bow.

Wow, this is a very pretty package. I dont even want to open it.

Shopping for Ann is easy. She’s content with a box.”

Fine fine.Ann opens up the box to find a pair of earrings.

Oh, these are nice! Emerald earrings. Cool. Saras turn.

Sara looks over at Tabitha, who has sat down on the couch.

I’ll get my present myself, thanks Tabitha.” Sara says, picking up her gift.

Oh! Whoops, sorry Sara!”

Sweet, A binary clock!”

Binary clock? How’s that work?”

Well, see these lights represent the seconds and..”

Whoosh, right over my head! I get it, it’s a geek clock.” Tabitha says, cutting Sara off.

It certainly is. They actually sell them on Thinkgeek.com. Hand me my present Sara, since youve taken over Tabs role.

Frank’s present is pretty round, so Sara takes it and shoots it like a basketball into Franks lap.

Nice shot. I hope this isnt a basketball, Its hard to get a basketball game going on the 6th floor of an apartment.Frank rips open the present.

A round box of truffles! Deliciously awesome!

Scott jumps up and grabs the last gift, which also has a little envelope sized gift taped to it, which he opens first.

Oh, a Starbucks gift card! How…utterly..useless. I hope you didn’t activate it?” Scott looks around, trying to figure out which joker bought his present.I’ll check at work then, I’m sure George will get a kick out of this gift. Now what’s the rest of it?”

Oh, a radio controlled mini-helicopter. Sweet.”

Ann, we need more cookies!” Billy says, holding up the empty cookie dish.

Already?

Opening presents is tiring work.”

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

It's Time To Go To The Movies!

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Sara, Frank

Subject: It’s Movie Time!

“I miss baseball.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m all for full disclosure, but I’d like to have an actual game to watch and discuss, not just allegations of cheating and who’s talking to who about acquiring who.”

“I’m surprised they don’t have a live blog and webcam on Johan Santana’s agent and the Twins GM. Those two must be wearing out the phone lines. If you’re having trouble placing a call in Minnesota, it’s probably because those two are on the phone.”

“No kidding. Islanders are on tonight, sans Simon. I may watch.”

“I’d lounge and watch sports. I think Ann’s going to be baking cookies, so we can ‘test’ them as she works.”

“Cookies! We should all go see a movie tomorrow night. Might be our last chance to watch a movie together this year.”

“That sounds good. Yeah, I think Tabitha’s actually going to be with her family for most of the time from Christmas to New Years. What should we see? I Am Legend?”

“How about Alvin and the Chipmunks?”

“Eh. There’s National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”

“I’d see that, but I don’t think Scott will. He was ranting about them making a sequel to that movie when we went to see the Golden Compass. I’m not sure what he has against it.”

“What’s left? Sweeney Todd? I don’t really know what it’s about, but it’s supposed to be good or something. Johnny Depp. Directed by Tim Burton.”

“I don’t always trust it when people say it’s supposed to be good. I’d see it though, but I don’t think it comes out until Friday. “

“There are a couple of midnight showings tomorrow. We could see it then.”

“Midnight? Bleh..I have to..oh wait! I’m off Friday! I’d do that then. We’d have to check with everyone else then though.”

“Sounds like a plan. Hey, it’s almost seven. Let’s get that ice-game going.”

Monday, December 17, 2007

Gingerbread House

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Tabitha's Gingerbread House


I created my gingerbread house over the weekend. Normally I do a typical gingerbread house, a wintry scene of some sort. This year I mixed it up and make it a little more tropical. Here was my five fellow flat mates (I'm British today apparently)reactions to my house, as well as some pictures.

Sweet house Tab! That raft is really cool. Although why there is a gingerbread house on a raft..”


Look, there is a snowman! Although..it looks like he's melting. And that monkey over there is waving to him from the little island.”

So this is edible? I can eat it?”


Yes Billy...if you want to eat my stale gingerbread house that's covered in dust after the holidays, you're more than welcome to.”


Awesome! I'm going to start with your snowy roof. Get the coconut stuff out of the way first.”

I can't believe you have a volcano. A gingerbread house with an erupting volcano. It is cool though. Well, except that rabbit probably doesn't think so if the lava keeps flowing.”

How is that guy water skiing..if no one is driving the boat? Ooo...Jujubes!”



Thursday, December 13, 2007

This Post Brought To You By 6th Floor Blog

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Frank, Billy.

Subject: This subway ride brought to you by 6th Floor Blog


Ugh! You and your MTA!” Ann says, throwing her coat at Billy as she arrives home.


What happened now? Your train explode?”


No, I..” Ann pauses, “Explodes? Is that something I need worry about?”


Nah, almost never happens. Hey, you don't ride the F a lot do you?”


Who rides the F anymore? Ha! What's up Ann, you get annoyed at the endless reminders about searches?”


Frank starts speaking in a deep, throaty voice, “...reminded that backpacks and other large containers are subject to search by the police.”


I so wanted to be the guy that makes all those recordings. How cool would that be? I don't quite have the clout for that though.”


Clout? Isn't that word a little big for you Billy?”


It's only five letter's Sara, not that big.”


Sara sticks her tongue out at Billy. “No, I bet she's annoyed at those damn Marie Bartiromo ads.”


The CNBC lady? She's not that bad looking for being 40.”


I don't care what she looks like! It's not you see her anyway, it's just another freaking recording where she identifies herself and tells you to watch the gap. I was only on the platform for a couple of minutes and definitely heard it a couple of times. What's the world coming to that even our safety announcements are sponsored?”


I did hear something about that actually. I'd forgotten about it. I'd rather them sell advertising space than have a fare hike. Well not really, since I don't pay to ride...haha..I'd rather them give us all raises though.”


I'd rather them give you a raise too, or not raise fares..or really anything other than that. I could swear that the damn ad is louder too.”


I didn't end up taking the subway the last couple of days, I could see that being annoying though. I'm already so inundated with announcements that I tune them all out. It doesn't help me hear the info I actually need to hear.”


I am usually pretty good at letting stuff go in one ear and out the other, but this one just annoyed me. “


I hear that. What won't they advertise on? Will we swipe our card and have our remaining balance brought to us by Chase? Will we soon know it as the Jetblue E train?”


That could be horrible. Although if they started sponsoring specific trains, you'd hope the Yankees create the Lou Gehrig 4 train.”


Sara takes her turn imitating the MTA recordings. “Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a Jose Reyes #7 Express train approaching Citi Field.”


Now there is an idea I could get behind!”


I apologize for my horrible horrible photoshopping, but I'm tired now and don't want to play with it anymore.



Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Dinner is Served

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Dinner Time


I realize it's well past Thanksgiving. Normally I would've just let this one slide, but I figure I should at least finish the story since I left it as a kind of cliffhanger. If you need a refresher on what was happening, go here and here. Otherwise, just remember that I bet Billy he wouldn't eat the potatoes before dinner.


Dinner is served!”


Yah! So where are the potatoes? Did Billy get to them?”


Nope, I never left the ki..” Ann trails off as she opens the dish with the potatoes to see a big scoop missing.”


Billy! How'd you get in here?”


I'll never tell!”


I was here the whole time!”


Evidently not. You lost. We can still eat though right?”


Everyone grab a plate and sit down.”


It all smells so good!”


They all sit down and take turns passing around the bowls and platters and filling their plates with food.


We should all take a minute and go around the table and say what we're thankful for.”


Nope.”


Uh-Uh.”


Yeah. It's food time, no more waiting!”


Scott digs in, and everyone else starts in too. It's silent for a little while as they really get into the meal.


Thanks for cooking Ann.” Sara says between bites. “Everything really is delicious.”


Well except for this stuffing.” Ann says, making a face. “I'm not sure If I messed it up, or it's just a horrible recipe.” Ann slides the rest of the stuffing off her plate back into the bowl.


Oh good. If you're not eating it, I don't have to. I was going to feed it to the dog, but then I remembered we don't have a dog!”


Well, sort of.” Sara says, nodding towards Billy, who's busy filling up his plate a third helping of turkey.


You said it best. Everything tastes delicious! I'm eating Tabitha's share.”


Well gee, ain't that sweet of you?”


You know, I'm kind of glad my parents went to Vegas and we're all here for this holiday. This is fun spending it with you guys.”


We should definitely do it again. Family be damned!”


Maybe next year you'll even be better at guarding the potatoes.”


I'll have to go into dinner-guarding training or something. We never really made an official bet though, so what did I lose?”


Well I was trying to think of something good, but that meal left me satisfied enough that let's just leave it at you buying me a drink or two next time we go out.”


Fair enough. How about something with vodka? It is made with potatoes after all.”


Vodka works for me!”


Then they all finished their meal in merriment, spending the rest of the evening watching sports, eating dessert and having fun. If you're keeping score, it turns out Sara was the first to succumb and take a nap. She fell asleep shortly after dinner after lounging on the couch and Scott stole her drink. Tabitha thinks she was just trying to avoid helping to clean up.


Friday, December 7, 2007

December

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: December has arrived!


It's Sunday, and we're walking back to the 6th Floor from eating brunch together when a snowball plops Tabitha on the back of the head.


Tabitha turned around to see Scott rubbing his hands together for warmth. "Scott! That was cold!"


"Was not!" replied Scott.


As Scott's not paying attention, Sara picks up a handful of snow, packs it into a ball and launches it at Scott. She calls out to him after she lets go, "Hey Scott!", and the snowball explodes high on his chest and splashes up into his face. Tabitha cheers and she and Ann give Sara a high five.


Frank and Billy take up handfuls of snow to defend Billy, and all of a sudden it's a Boys vs. Girls snowball fight as we make our way back to the apartment.


...


"I think snow is my favorite part of December." Ann says as they enter the apartment, shedding their wet outer layers.


"Mine's definitely Repeal Day. The 21st amendment to the constitution is my favorite."


"The freedom to drink beer after beer after beer is definitely a wonderful thing."


"I guess we're really doing this huh? My favorite thing about December is secret santas."



"Secret santas rock! Let's do one this year instead of trying to buy everyone presents. Sound good?"



"Aye Aye Matey!"


Sounds good to me.”


Everyone nods, and Ann looks at Frank. “So what's your favorite thing about December Frank?”


I like all the Christmas cookies. Cookies are wonderful things.”


I like decorating gingerbread houses. All the candy and fun little decorations. Fun fun fun!”


You're going to make a gingerbread house this year then? Maybe I'll help out.”


Get your own house! We don't want any of your kind around here!”



Well fine then you gingerbread nazi! Frank, you didn't answer.”


I don't like December.”


What? Don't be silly. What do you like about December?”


I'm not kidding. I don't like December. I think it might be my least favorite month.”


I don't understand. How could December be your least favorite month. It's a great month! What'd it ever do to you?”


Yeah! What'd it ever do to you! It beat you up as a kid or something?”


Nothing. Doesn't matter. I just don't like it. The best part about December is New Years, because then December ends. How's that?”


Sara sings softly to herself. “Wake me up...when December ends..”







Monday, December 3, 2007

Repeal Day Note

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann

Subject: Repeal Day Note


Hey everyone. I'm working tonight and won't be home, but I wanted to remind you that Wednesday is Repeal Day. I figured the simplest place to drink would be Catalina's, and I'm not working that night so it does work out. I'll actually be able to celebrate with all of you, and I don't think enough people have caught onto the holiday yet that I'd be missing any big tips or anything. It really is the ultimate drinking holiday though, no strings attached, just the celebration of alcohol. Not that the six of us really need any excuses to party or celebrate alcohol. If you're looking for a prohibition era cocktail to order Wednesday, you can check out Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Mixologist Blog, but I think most of them are a little more complicated than Zachary (Catalina's bartender) is used to handling. He's not a bad bartender, but he's certainly not in Jeffrey's league. It's a shame he lives in Oregon, although he says he's going to be in New York for the holiday. Oh dear, I'm rambling again. I just wanted to remind you all that we should celebrate, and we should do it at Catalina's on Wednesday. Talk to you later.


P.S. I'm sticking this on the television because I know you guys are going to watch the Monday Night Football game and this way you won't miss it.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A 6th Floor Thanksgiving: The Potato Wager

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: a 6th Floor Thanksgiving Story, part two

2:15-

Mmm! Something smells good!” Sara says, as she walks into the apartment after having left for an after-brunch walk with Tabitha and Frank.

Could it be Turkey?”

That would be my guess. How's the game?”

Brett Farve's destroying the lions.”

Nice..by the smell...4 hours until dinner?”

About that, yes. Good guess.”

Thy nose never lies.”

Either that, or because I told you dinner was at about 6:30 earlier.”

No, it's the nose.”

So we having mid-meal appetizers here?”

Geeze Billy, don't you ever take a break?”

Breaks are for the weak!”

And the thin.”

Hey now. That wasn't nice. I just put on my holiday weight preemptively!”

Of course you did dear. I'll cook up those appetizers Tabitha bought.”

You bought appetizers? With me?”

You were preoccupied with trying to find a smaller turkey. I got us some pigs in a blanket, some jalapeno poppers, some fennel and olives, and the usual chips and dip.”

Now that's what I'm talking about!”

Pass the chips and veggies. They should tide us over until the pigs come out.”

"I thought you two were already sitting on the couch?"

"Wow Sara, you're really on today."

"Just a little revenge. They're always like that."

"These chips are good! What kind are they?"

"Potato."

"Nice! Good choice Tabitha!"

"Speaking of potato, what kind of potato are we eating with dinner?"

"I've got a nice garlic mashed potato recipe going over here. My aunt's recipe."

"Mmm...mashed potatoes."

"Does anyone know what the difference is between mashed and smashed potatoes? You seem them both in restaurants sometimes. Are they the same thing?"

"Maybe how violently they're prepared? Smashed potatoes are prepared by throwing them at walls and hitting them with hammers?"

"That seems unlikely. I always thought smashed potatoes seemed thicker, but I don't know why."

"I looked it up once. They are generally thicker. The main difference is that smashed potatoes aren't whipped. Once you use an electric mixer you start to get more of a whipped feel to them and then they become mashed potatoes instead."

"Maybe I should mix them by hand so they're smashed potatoes?"

"Whatever's faster."

"It doesn't matter what's faster, you're not getting them until dinner time either way."

"Wanna bet?"

"That's not a bet you want to take Billy."

“Oh yes it is!”

Others: “Dun Dun Dun!”

Will Billy manage to eat the potatoes right under Ann’s nose, or will Ann successfully defend the spuds until dinner?

Will dinner turn out alright, or will Ann horribly burn everyone so that we’re vomiting all night?

Who will be the first to fall to the tryptophan and take a nap?

To find out, stay tuned for another episode of “As the 6th Floor turns.”

To Be Continued....

Sunday, November 25, 2007

A 6th Floor Thanksgiving Story, Part One

Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: a 6th Floor Thanksgiving Story, part one


10:30:

Ann arrives back home at the 6th Floor with Tabitha and bags of groceries.

The store was a mob scene! The streets themselves were quiet, but everyone is packed into the couple of open stores.”


Craziness. Hey, Frank is cooking pancakes!”


Oooh, Pancakes! A suitable Thanksgiving brunch if I do say so myself.”


I've got plain, blueberry and chocolate chip. Help yourself...just hurry before Scott and Billy eat them all.”


Billy's eating them at such a pace that I had to keep guard in the kitchen because he was trying to eat them right off the griddle.”


Didn't stop him from taking a swig of pancake batter though.”


Eww! Billy!”


It's Thanksgiving! I was hungry! I am hungry!”


Thanksgiving is about being thankful your roommates are as well-fed as you. So share!”


Can I have a little space Frank? I want to get this turkey started so it's ready for dinner.”


Definitely. Wow, that's a pretty big turkey for six people.”


Five. I don't eat meat remember?”


The turkey deserved it though.”


It was the smallest one I could find actually. That's what I get for waiting for the last minute.”


You could blame your parents for going to Vegas and ditching you last minute too.”


Your parents went to Vegas? And they didn't invite me?”


Contrary to popular belief, every time someone in the general vicinity of New York goes to Las Vegas, they don't have to notify you.”


Isn't a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner better than room service on the strip anyway?”


I don't know, you haven't made it yet.”


Thanks for the vote of confidence.”


I'm sure it'll be great. We're all going to help anyway. Right? Right?” Sara says, looking over at Scott.


Of course! I don't think Ann can eat that all by herself.”


Not quite what I meant.”


You want Ann to eat that whole turkey? What is this, a Friends episode?”


Oh forget it!”


Oh good. The new episode of the Thanksgiving Day Parade is on. Is this the one where Underdog gets away?”

1979 Underdog Balloon

If only. The weather's very tame today. No crazy winds or anything.”


It's very warm out too.”


Won't last, I heard it's supposed to be frigid tomorrow.”


Well, luckily it's not tomorrow, it's today. I call next batch of flapjacks!”


Whoops, Tabitha already called it.”


Tabitha sticks her tongue out at Ann.




To Be Continued....