Scarlett

Yes, please! me too!?! :PickMe-1: Wow, there's so many of us!!! How about an after-party? Please post suggestions, your hotel locations and preferences in the tour thread - Kalamazoo... (Who's got that LynninNJ "Party-All-Night" picture from Sterling Heights? We need to <insert> that here!!!) ETA: ldyjocelyn, what a nice time you must have had with your mom. *sniff* I miss mine. Beaujolais Nouveau is a unique wine that is made and drunk just weeks after the grapes are harvested (ie. in November of the same year). I had some yesterday too and it was great!

It's party-all-night time! We have an entire day to get to DC on Saturday. Can we have an after-concert party (well, after busline if there is a busline)? Is anyone from Kalamazoo? Where is everyone staying? I'm sharing a room at the Raddisson. Anyone have space for all of us? Any good places nearby? We can add Solo and PerusingOne to the list and merrieeee's definitely coming -- we're flying out together. I'll bring the chocolates. I hope PerusingOne'll bring the CheezDoodles.

Well we are going to meet at Kalamazoo, won't we? And we can justify our eating it because we need the calories to keep warm. We can also convince cindilu2 to have some. *giggles* Stops abruptly with sudden realization -- it's just 1 week away. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! JennaZ, I remember galantina too but I never learned to make it. (I think it contains brains). If it has soy sauce, is baked and served hot, it's "Chicken Relleno". If it doesn't have soy sauce, is wrapped in cheesecloth and steamed or boiled & served cold, it's gallantina -- I think. I didn't realize we had so many Filipinos here. Could we invite emmasage too?

Gibby, they are so goooooood! We can console each other on the diet thread come Monday morning (*waves to Toots*). I was at a potluck party with friends but only 1 person brought dessert and we were running out. I remembered reading your post about chocolate pecan pie before leaving the house and also knew that there was a Cracker Barrel close by. I volunteered to go get some dessert and came back with: a pecan pie, a chocolate pecan pie, a box of Moonpies and 2 bars of Hershey's all natural Extra Dark Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts and Cranberries, one of which I'm sending to jazzgirl. Any takers for the other one? cha cha trusty, that's a much classier recipe for sweet potatoes (and I bet more luscious) than I'm used to. Back home we just peel, slice and fry them and when they're almost done, sprinkle brown sugar directly into the pan -- Filipino Kamote-que. Ansa, LOL! I'm not even in the money league. When I play, it's for M&M's.

Turporken is an alternate version of Turducken - turkey stuffed with duck stuffed with chicken. I think it's kind of a cajun recipe. My sister-in-law ordered it online. But I think I've had something similar to what you discussed. My mom calls it, "galantina." (sp?) Tres leches is a cuban dessert of cake soaked in three milks (regular, condensed, and evaporated) and topped with a meringue icing. Delish! And yes, the karaoke is with what they call the "magic sing." Ansa, I know what you're describing and I used to make them (chicken relleno) every Christmas before we came to the US. Deboning a chicken sounds more difficult than it really is. JennaZ, is the "magic sing" the all-in-one mike that you just plug into any TV -- and it gives everyone a score based on keeping with the beat and the main melody? That one's fun because it counts melisma as "mistakes" and so the better singers get slapped with scores of 50 or below (I think Quiana would get a 20 and a "Why don't you try singing?!!" comment). Per National Geographic, turducken was invented in 1985 by Sammy and Junior Hebert (pronounced "A-bear"). There's an ehP member close to each of their stores here (Woodlands-Shenandoah for merrieeee, Galleria for KAndre and Dairy Ashford for Kareneh & me). Seems I neglected a group of people who also insist on finding out what Clay's musical direction is, the "Too cool for Clay Aiken" media guy: A***** media guy: We really must know, Clay. We absolutely insist and we're going to keep asking until you tell us. What is your musical direction? Clay Aiken: But why do I even have to have one? And why do you need to know? A***** media guy: Well we're all confused. First we thought you were Broadway material and we had a good laugh over that. A***** media guy: But you didn't go to Broadway and some cool people like Fantasia did. A***** media guy: So we had to turn on you for doing covers but then Rod Stewart did the same thing and we like him. A***** media guy: Now we hear that you're going Broadway after all but not the way we thought. A***** media guy: We need a target, er, guidance. Clay Aiken: I fart in your general direction. A***** media guy: (gasps!) Clay Aiken: Ooops, did I say that our loud? I was just memorizing something. Gotta go to rehearsal now. Bye! Whoever talked about chocolate pecan pie was evil!!!! And there's still half of one in the fridge -- how can I survive tonight?

Because they would like him to confirm that his "direction" is the same one they've not so subtly been pointing out to him all this time? And if he's even a tad off then it'll be a chance for them to change his course to the one true way to that rocketship/stardom/fame they've always wanted (no matter the cost to his life) so they could affirm the staggering amount of time/effort/angst they've been pouring into his every career move all these years and smugly say "I-told-you-so" to all the "tasteless" morons (critics/djs/family members/acquaintances) who ever dissed them for their choice of idol or the "even bigger tasteless morons" who accepted and appreciated Clay's recent music that didn't past their muster for star quality. *yeah, I got up grumpily after missing the blog alert last night by mere minutes* LOL! Thanks goodness I'm using my easy Thanksgiving recipe -- get the kids to come home and cook. I ::heart:: Bottlecap's School of Culinary Principles!!! Awwww, he's sleepy. I hope he gets some rest or he could fall asleep on stage next week. Not that I would mind watching him sleep for hours. Happy Thanksgiving, FCA!!! ETA: (Looks down and covers eyes!!! Thanks, bottlecap!)

So when he says first "half" of a year, is that like 3/4ths? I'd rather bold this part because he sounds so confident and optimistic. He must really love these songs -- can't wait to hear snippets! omg, I forgot to greet Cotton...

(Bolding mine)What a nice note to respond to while coming out of semi-lurkdom (swung by everyday, though)! ROTFL at the thought of how many of us will be adding wishes for his stamina to our Thanksgiving lists! Speaking of albums, I've been getting reacquainted with MOAM lately. Also been listening to JNT05 -- Denver & mimefan Clearwater. My burning question for the Christmas tour is "will we hear any growls"? I've been missing those a lot. *crickets* Hugs to everyone, especially wandacleo and jumpingjacks. And belated birthday wishes to all celebrants. I did get to greet Kareneh personally last Saturday -- eHP and Birraporetti's do ROCK! ETA: LOL, Happy Thanksgiving too, merrieeee! How 'bout a slight rewrite: May cute guy's stuffing be tasty; May his turkey plump, May his potatoes and gravy wind up in his rump. May cute guy's yams be delicious; And his pies take the prize. And may his JNT07 outfits bring out the joyful thighs!

Fact? How do we know this is a fact? Sure he had some close friends that he didn't date (as far as we know) but that doesn't mean that there weren't girls that he did date or girls that he didn't date that wanted to date him. Just because he has chosen not to tell tales doesn't mean there aren't tales to tell. And really there are some parts of Clay's life that we have heard nothing about. FWIW, Clay (then) is exactly the kind of guy that I went after in HS. Me, too. Oooh, he would've been so my type. I had crushes on guys like him. The kind of funky, musical, artistic ones with senses of humor. That final profile shot of him in the audience has completely undone me today. Clay's nose alone is a sex object worthy of worship. *raises hand frantically* Oh, me three me three!!! (or four, after gibby's DD). And Solo & I both agree that we would so buy multiples of a CD where Clay sings nothing but lines of songs that have "Baby" in them. Still swooning at today's "Baby" and digging up all my other favorite "Baby" songs! They're 100% Merino wool but I don't think I'm good enough a knitter to post WIP (works in progress) on our Striped Sock Sirens blog; I think I'm a better dyer/color designer than a knitter. BTW, thanks to those who have been supporting our Fall Sale!!! :F_05BL17blowkiss: -- Completely amazed at how well we're doing and we've only been up for a week; lots of non-Clay fans / long time knitters too, so it helps spread the word for TBAF!!! Yay on adventures with Toots! Yes let's and we don't need to go on the fast rides -- the water ones are fun too! Hope you don't mind getting wet. ITA about the ice wine! Thanks for bringing it all the way there! I'm glad it's with Couchie since we're meeting in Minneapolis. I won't need a bucket hat until MSP, I think. I hope. (ps. And thank you, Couchie!) Don't kwow about that road but I'm going somewhere in a rapidly accelerating handbasket. Took another step towards groopiedom today. I went and clicked on all the M&G buttons for my JNT07 shows. No, not all the shows because "Failure to provide proof of tickets upon selection as a winner may affect your chances of participating in a future meet and greet event." Was this warning always there before? How do you establish proof of tickets-- half my tickets are with other people. I think he's always been cute and I love the funny/quirky cuteness. ETA: Couchie, Thanks bunches!

Yikes! Should have posted about this earlier but completely forgot/was distracted. The StripesSockSirens fall sale has started. This is the blog with pictures & background notes from the knitters with a link to the main sale site. A lot of the initial items are gone (*can't believe I missed geekette's Unicef scarf. I really wanted to get that one*) but more items will be added over the next few days. Knitters from the US, Canada and UK donated these items and all the proceeds go to TBAF. Please drop by sometime this week or next (right now, many items have just been bought so we only have about 10 things up) and maybe you'll find something to bring or wear to the winter shows. Thanks in advance for your support!!! :6: :EmoticonRingAround: ETA: AnAmeraikenInTX, Thanks for the great pics!!!

Thanks so much for sharing the experience and yay for Clay peeking in and signing some of the party items!!! Maybe they were trying to 'o' at the same time? *ducks* But seriously ITA with you. It doesn't make sense to scream over his voice at any time. I hope people will either hug or punch (per KAndre)or grab someone's arm (yes, I'm still apologizing to Solo for nearly twisting her arm off at the Raleigh NAT) but maybe for some it's an oral thing. Lately my impulse has been to gnaw on the back of my fist, which isn't a very good idea on the nights when he's glory-noting all over the place. (Try explaining that to your HMO!) I probably should carry a handkerchief to bite into and twist and pull on but I always forget ("Here, take my handkerchief. Never, at any crisis of your life, have I known you to have a handkerchief.") Perhaps they can add something soft and springy to the merchandise list to help this situation and maybe save someone's arm in the process? If it's Clay-shaped it's even better. {{{Toots}}} Glad that you're using your voice (tm:cute&magnificent guy) and you're absolutely right! Anyone over 10 who screams "I love you Clay" should be ashamed of themselves. Awww, congratulations, zena!!! Have fun watching him and I hope you find someone to take Chrack (not you, since it's your moment to watch and enjoy)!

Sigh! He sounds wonderful! I miss him!

DSIAFCD - screams on "that's a fact"

As cindilu2 says the JNT is weeks away, so I am going to sniffle a bit because I had to sit next to a window near the airport all day watching planes that could have been going to Vegas... and I almost caved last week (because I'm not the only eeevil enabler in FCA), but the airfares were in the stratosphere -- a trip to Vegas could have fed a family of 4 for a year in a developing country -- can you listen to MGUCL after that? so sorry, laughn. *whimpers and wipes ***t on sleeve and wonders with keepingfaith how that could ever be connected to 5th grader cuteness* Hey Toots, thanks for rescuing me from the top of page 12. KAndre and I need to take you on some adventures soon -- I'll scan the representing lists for your name. Change my siggy for Bookwhore.... thx!

If I cry as cutely as possible *tiny sob* would it be ok, couchie? *Looks down, gasps and starts wailing uncontrollably*

Contemplates going for broke and ordering 100 C pins.... Can't do it!! That's right couchie! Rub it in!! Oh don't lose heart. Start a "Save the C pin" pledge drive! Maybe enough people will order an extra 'C' to make the cut. Besides, I think a 'C' pin will be more valuable than a 'D' pin 5 years from now -- look at both and see if you don't agree. You know how those 2nd place finishers end up! Some slogans: "Can't have cutie without a 'C'" "Keep 'C' close to your heart this holiday" "Have you had your Vitamin 'C' today?" "Multiple C's keep the doctor away" "Give a heart for our 'C'" And count me in for at least 2 because "Clay is Cute!"

Not only is he CUTE!, but his shirt has actually been ironed for once! I love that CUTE man in a well-ironed shirt. A well-ironed shirt is nice... but I think he's CUTE even when somewhat rumpled..... actually... he's especially CUTE! when slightly rumpled... as you might guess, I vote for C. I'm feeling really ignorant here... "Tara's Theme" had lyrics?!! FromClaygary, the quilt show was awesome! I stayed until they shooed people out the door. And the good thing was I spent so much time staring at the fantastic creations that I forgot to buy (much). Has anyone heard from Play and Fear?

{{{{{Play}}}}}} I'm v. sorry to hear about the nightmare you had to go through! I hope tomorrow will be a much better day that'll see you arrive safely in Vegas. Maybe you might even run into a bunch of cuteness to cheer you up! Have a safe trip tomorrow -- my best thoughts and wishes will be with you!!!

So.... where's the sign-up button for that type of Meet'NGreet? I've never tried for one but if that's part of the "new 2007 M&G format" I'm in! It'd be such a fun story to tell the grandkids someday. Yay for your special "touch", laughn!!! Thank you, Toots!!! I needed that! And there's another side to it too. Whenever something naughty happens while the eHP is around (which I admit is a fairly regular occurrence), people turn around to identify the culprit and they always focus on someone else like KAndre, allowing me to slip away unobtrusively. Aww, merrieeee, I missed this while trying in vain for Erie tickets. (yes, I should have gotten off the computer at 7am to set up the DVR but but I couldn't tear myself away from all the cuteness) Anyone got the audio? And anyone got extras for Erie? Heading off to see the International Quilt Show!!! I've never been there but according to what FromClaygary and Kareneh have said, I probably should rent a segway (ps. I think it's cute the way BF spells segue as segway) Oh no! I'm really sliding down the "Everything-he-does-is-cute" slope... pretty soon every single thing will be cute... must.shake.this.off.... Eeeeeeaaaaaaaghhhh! Should I pray for him to pick his nose on national tv or something? No?!! (don't mind me, it's just sour grapes. I didn't plan on Vegas and now I wanna go but the airfares have skyrocketted to a range even I can't justify. *Sniff!* Have fun y'all and blow him a kiss for me, pretty please! And I'm jellus that my hat will get to watch him instead; I should have left my whole self in playbiller's car instead of just the hat -- thanks for bringing/passing it, play and Kareneh!)

I was getting overwhelmed by the cuteness, so I started working on a montage and then realized that this series of pictures fits right into KAndre's and jazzgirl's visions of breaking into a different industry altogether.... Full directory (jpegs are faster to view, tiffs are the larger 2 megapixel files) (Heh! Still not at the top of the next page..... yessss!!!)

It wasn't I! Cross my heart!!! (tho' I cross Clay Road twice everyday & always wave at the sign) Yes, I'm giddy. Happy times!!! Cutiepie always wins in my book!!!

Just got home and I know you've seen it all but I still want to say......... HE'S SO CUTE!!!!! *melts completely*

Just wanted to say hi to CG and everyone. Finally started getting caught up with RL work today and so can begin to get back to normal again. (I know I was pushing it for Sedaka because I was already swamped back then but wouldn't have given up that experience for anything in the whole world!!! As merrieeee said, the Clay part is hopeless but if anyone's interested in david & neil and other neil clips, PM & I'll get it to you. I think I'll make a montage of the Clay screencaps just so I don't have to ship a box of dramamine to everyone who views it. First of all, I need to say thank you to playbiller for taking care or me on Friday night and Saturday evening. I need to upload pictures of the fresh food / farm store we visited on Saturday evening before heading out to the beaches. Huge Honeycrisp apples were $1.49 a pound IIRC. The pies and cakes and cider and fruit and other goodies were to die for! Especially the apple cider doughnuts!Since play and I share a birthday & water/moon horoscope, the sight of that near-full moon rising over the ocean was breathtaking!!! Only play (and maybe keepingfaith) would indulge my wanting to wade in the tide on a 60-degree windy & cloudy night. The food at the beach was fabulous too -- lobster cakes and other v. fresh & pretty seafood dishes. Huge hugs to ldyjocelyn, the folks who faced fires and earthquakes and everyone else who needs them! Congratulations to everyone welcoming new babies to their families! Love all the cute halloween pictures as well! HBD xxx4Clay and all whose birthdays I missed! Kareneh, would you pls pick up my hat from playbiller at the skating event? Thx! To the folks using DVRs tomorrow, I suggested this for AIR and it's probably a good idea for AYSTAFG too: record the show after AYSTAFG, in case it goes over. You can always erase it when it doesn't. ABC has been notorious for being a couple of minutes over or under -- this is also why my Clyra clip is missing the kiss. You don't want that to happen to you! Missed y'all v. dearly!!!

Posted this at CH, but wanted to let you know that I was on the phone with SLC to borrow a firewire cable but we're pretty far from each other. But she's going home and uploading her Clack tomorrow. I now have a reason to go to B&H tomorrow too, but you all know that I've been living on a couple hours sleep here & there (ok, every other day) for the past week. Between that, the gallons of Mt Dew (because I refuse to drink anything stronger) and Clay singing stupendously and tossing his head back at the most wonderful moments which would normally cause you to drop anything you're holding in your hands and go GUH! ...onsider mine as backup vid but with great sound since I was able to use the external mic. Thanks so much to Play whom I met at the subway station -- she drove me back to the hotel and we might get together tomorrow, depending on whether she can get reservations at some guy's restaurant that apparently y'all know about (Food Network's my background noise but it really is background. Or is this guy on a diff channel). ps. Hugs to KAndre!!! pps. Neat thing about travelling alone is that I finally get to hold the room key *blows raspberry* at the eHP who have prohibitted me from doing so on occassion. 'Course the room key would be useful if I could remember my room number!

See if you were going to Sedaka like I told you to, then you'd have a reason to skip this! :6: FromClaygary and spikesmom, care to donate finished aticles to the StripedSockSirens sale? Anything fiber-related (knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched latch-hooked, woven, dyed, spun, shorn, etc) would be very welcome! {{{Perma}}} {{{ldj}}} {{{KF}}}