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Welcome to the 6th floor.

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

Subject: Withdrawal

Recap:  Tabitha and Billy are Unplugged, spending a week without computers.

“I think I’m going through withdrawal.” Tabitha says, eyeing Sara checking her email on her phone at dinner with Billy, Scott and Ann.

“Not surprised.  I checked your Farmville earlier, all your watermelons are rotting away.”  Sara teases.

“I miss the cellphone, but I’m doing well.  I’ve read a couple of books I wanted to, and haven’t missed doing all those silly things you do on computers that take up time.  Following random links people send you that rarely end up being funny, reading webcomics that aren’t funny but are in your feed reader so you feel obligated to clear it out..”  Billy notes.

“You _can_ clear out your feed reader of junk you know.  I do an audit every couple of months to try to keep the clutter down.” Sara explains.

“I just accumulate everything and have hundreds of unread posts.  I add a lot of New York blogs that I want to read and possibility exchange links with, and many of them just suck.”  Ann says.

“Delete them!  You’d be better off working on the blog site, or the blog itself, than trying to get more links anyway.” Sara says.

“What? Actually write regularly?  What kind of writer does that?” Ann replies, sarcastically.

“Why do I always order this?  It always sounds good on the menu, and then I taste it and regret it.” Sara complains, pushing her meatloaf around the plate.

From Pictures

“It’s because they say they cook it with beer.  Gets you every time.  It’s one of the buzzwords that they use to try to sell food.”  Scott explains.

“What really gets me is my memory.  We eat here at least once a week, you’d think I’d remember that the meatloaf sucks.” Sara says.

Cindy: “You’re going to hurt the meatloaf’s feelings, insulting it like that.”  Cindy says, clearing away some empty plates.

“Another please Cindy.” Scott says, holding up his empty beer glass.

Cindy: “Certainly.  You’re going to hurt the meatloaf’s feelings, insulting it like that.”  Cindy repeats.

Scott sighs and clarifies.  “Another beer for me.”

Cindy: “Coming right up.  Are you done with that one?”  Cindy asks.

Scott looks down at his empty glass.  “No, I think I’ll try to lick the last drops out of this one.”

From Pictures

Cindy: “Okay.” Cindy says, walking away.

“I think she’s getting worse.”  Scott notes.

“Try working with her.” Ann says, shuddering.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Billy

Subject: E-Cleanse

(geeze, we didn’t post for a month.  How lazy.  I guess I’m just lucky no one cares.)

Tabitha and Billy are fiercely debating something as Ann walks in the door of the 6^th Floor, carrying a bag of flour and a box of strawberry Jello.  Sara is on the couch, legs crossed, with her laptop.

“What’s up guys? Debating world peace?” Ann asks.

“No no, we’re talking about John Mayer and his digital cleanse.”  Tabitha explains.

“Digital cleanse?” Ann asks, putting the groceries away.

“Don’t ask.” Sara says.  “It’s stupid.”

“Mayer’s, as posted on his blog, doing this digital cleanse thing, where he doesn’t use Twitter, texting, etc.” Tabitha says.

“Tabitha said maybe she should do it, and I said that the way Mayer describes it is pretty lame, and she should do a more complete cleanse.”  Billy says.

“He’s really just saying that people’s lives are defragmented and they need to commit more solid time to interactions.”  Tabitha argues.

“Ooooh, he learned a new computer word and made up some silly blog post to apply it to life.  I thought his music was rock, not emo.”  Sara says.

“Ouch, harsh.  What have you got against John Mayer Sara?”  Ann asks.

“Nothing.  I just think the cleanse thing is stupid.  There is nothing wrong with using computers or Twitter or whatever.” Sara says.

“I dunno.  I’m tired of feeling like there are a zillion things to check every time I touch a computer, I’m tired of tending my Farmville farm.”  Tabitha says.

“I’ll do it with you for a week, but only if it’s a full unplug.  None of this ‘email from real computers, no gossip sites stuff.’  All of it.” Billy says.

“Fine.  I think the no-texting thing might be tough though.  Or are we doing no cellphones entirely?”  Tabitha asks.

“I don’t know if we can get away with no calls whatsoever.  But no texting seems fair. It’s about being unplugged and not in constant communication all the time.  Try to only use it for emergencies.”  Billy says.

“If it’s on me, I’m going to end up using it.  If someone needs to get in touch with us..everyone knows where we work, where we live, etc.  Your phone doesn’t even work at work since you spend most of your time in Subway tunnels anyway.. “ Tabitha reasons.

“Good point. Okay, no phones at all then. You going to join us Ann?  I know Sara will just yell at me if I ask.” Billy says.

“Umm…nah..I don’t need another excuse to not use the Internet and not blog.  It’s been like a month and all I’ve written is two half posts that had to do with Christmas and shopping that just seem..outdated now.”  Ann says.

“Okay.  We start tomorrow when we wake up.  Got that Tabitha?  One week?” Billy asks.

“One week.  May all my Farmville crops wither up, etc.”  Tabitha says.

“You guys are insane.”  Sara says, rolling her eyes and retreating to her room.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Sara, Frank, and Scott.

Subject: Date Me

Scott and Frank enter the apartment, it’s noon on Monday, and Sara is lounging on the couch with her laptop, which is named Xerses.

“Sara! I see you’re very busy playing bejeweled blitz but we’re planning to go to that new bar that opened to watch the game tonight. You will join us.” Scott commands.

“You sure they’ll have the Islanders on?” Sara asks.

“I told you she didn’t want to watch the World Series.” Frank says to Scott.

“Come on! You need to get out of the house anyway.” Scott says.

“I am getting out. I actually have a date tonight.” Sara says.

“Ooooh, who’s the lucky guy?” Frank asks.

“Forget it. I’m not telling you anything.” Sara says, turning back to bejeweled.

“Shouldn’t you be studying?” Scott asks.

“Studying? For my date?” Sara asks, confused.

“I always study for my dates. You gotta look ‘em up, find out what they like. Google them!” Scott says.

From Pictures

“You’re crazy. If you find out everything about a girl you’re going to date, what do you talk about at the date?” Sara asks.

“Oh, I don’t tell her that I Googled her. She might think I’m creepy.” Scott says.

“It’s not a bad plan. It helps you steer the conversation in a proper fashion. Like if you Googled this guy and found out he’s a Yankees fan, you wouldn’t bring up baseball or the World Series because your Mets sucked this year.” Frank explains.

“Actually, that does make a lot of sense…and you just wait until next year with the Mets.” Sara says.

“Here, let me help you. I’m an expert on finding info on people.” Scott says, taking the laptop from Sara. “What’s this guy’s name?”

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy

Subject: Happy Columbus Day

“Happy Columbus Day everyone! I didn’t know what a traditional Columbus Day cake was, so I just bought a box of donuts from Krispy Kreme.” Billy says, returning home from work.

From Pictures

“Smallpox blankets maybe? I could go off about how we shouldn’t be celebrating a guy like Columbus, but then again, It’s hard to argue with donuts.” Frank says.

“Well, It’s not like our other holidays are oh so pristine.” Sara says.

“You could probably make a case for why those holidays shouldn’t be celebrated either.” Frank responds.

“We could just become Jehovah’s Witnesses and celebrate nothing..” Tabitha says.

“Life is full of horribleness. Columbus, Thanksgiving, etc. July 4^th is basically the celebration of war and treason is it not? But good things came from all of it, and that’s what I’m celebrating.” Billy says.

“Like it or not, our lives are the way they are because of what Columbus did. It’s similar to the idea that you can’t/shouldn’t actually go back in time and kill Hitler.”

“That’s just tv stuff. Not real.” Frank says.

“Because time travel is real anyway? I’m not arguing that we should ignore the horrible things Columbus did, or the horrible way the natives were treated, or that school programs shouldn’t be altered, but Columbus setting sail in 1492 was the start of a series of events that led to the creation of America, New York, and this apartment that we’re standing in.” Sara says.

“Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Tabitha quotes.

“There is a difference between celebration and remembrance though.” Frank says.

“Does anyone really ‘celebrate’ Columbus Day? Most people just enjoy the day off. It could be for any other reason and it wouldn’t change anything for most.” Sara says.

“Not celebrating would be worse. It would be forgotten and glossed over.” Billy comments.

“Do we have to call it ‘Columbus Day’ like he’s some sacred hero?” Frank asks.

From Pictures

“Probably not. But people don’t do change well. Things stick. Tradition. It’s the same way with Thanksgiving, which basically has the same cultural negatives to it, but we still get together with family, and celebrate life. As much as you can say ‘we should do that all the time’, it wouldn’t happen that way without the holiday. Or Christmas. I know more people that celebrate Christmas without once thinking of Jesus than celebrate it with religiously.” Sara says.

“I guess as long as people continue to be educated about the truth and not think this was all lollipops and roses. I still think Columbus’ name should be left out of it. Macy’s can advertise just as well with a different holiday name.” Frank says.

“What bridge do you take to get to the beer garden in Astoria Frank?” Tabitha asks.

“The Triboro. Why?” Frank asks, puzzled.

“Wrong. It’s the RFK bridge. People don’t adjust to change well. Some people still call the Jackie Robinson Parkway the Interboro, and that’s been like that for a long long time. But just because we’re using an archaic name, doesn’t mean we can’t fully understand or talk about the bad things associated with Columbus.” Tabitha says.

Frank laughs. “Well, you got me there.”

“Enough social studies. Let’s have a donut and watch some hockey.” Billy says, flipping on the Islanders game.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Frank

Subject: Leave the Apartment!

Sara is sitting on the couch, in her pajamas, with a big mug of coffee watching tv when Ann gets home. Frank is in the kitchen warming up leftover quesadillas from dinner last night.

From Pictures

“Sara..still in pjs? Have you left the apartment at all this week?” Ann asks.

“Umm..” Sara thinks. “I think I took out the garbage on Tuesday.”

“So out of the apartment for two minutes, but haven’t seen the light of day?” Ann comments.

“Outside!” Frank scoffs, “Who needs it.”

“I guess no interviews this week?” Ann asks.

“Actually, I talked to a recruiter yesterday. I may have one early next week.” Sara responds.

“So you might actually get out into the world next week.” Ann says.

“Since we’re going to go see Zombieland tomorrow night, I assume she’d make it outside this weekend.” Frank comments.

“If she still remembers how to get dressed anyway.” Ann says.

Sara sticks out her tongue at Ann.

“I don’t think they have a dress code at the theater. They’d probably let her in like that.” Frank says.

“I hope she’s showered at least. Otherwise you’re sitting next to her.” Ann says.

“I showered!” Sara says.

“It’s alright.” Frank says, ignore Sara. “We’ll put her next to Billy. He won’t smell her over the popcorn that he seems to get at every movie.”

“I don’t smell!” Sara says.

“Good idea. Unless we put Sara in the middle and have her hold the popcorn. Mask her odor.” Ann theorizes, ignoring Sara.

“Oh fine, I’ll shower.” Sara concedes, handing her coffee mug to Ann and heading to the shower.

“Well, that was pretty easy.” Ann says, dumping the coffee down the drain.

Frank gasps. “You dumped her coffee? She’ll kill you!”

“Eh. She drinks too much coffee anyway. It’s good for her to cut back.” Ann says.

Frank chuckles, “It’s your life.”

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Tabitha, Frank.

Subject: Walking

“Ugh!” Tabitha says. “I’ve been so lax with weight loss and exercise.”

From Pictures

“Wasn’t it your New Years Resolution to lose weight?” Ann asks.

“Now it’s my October resolution.” Tabitha says.

“Maybe I should resolve that..I’ve been meaning to introduce a little more activity into my lifestyle.” Frank says from the couch.

“You mean taking a break from poker on the couch to get a beer from the fridge isn’t active?” Ann jibes.

“Hey now! Weren’t you just saying yesterday you wanted to be a little healthier? Especially before the holidays?” Frank replies.

“I always look back at holiday pictures of me and cringe. Not this year.” Tabitha says, adamantly.

“Let’s at least go for a walk.” Ann says.

“I could get behind a walk.” Tabitha says.

“Uptown or downtown?” Frank asks.

“It’s not like we live in San Francisco where one way is uphill..what does it matter?” Ann says.

“We still have to choose whether we turn left or right at the corner.” Frank says.

“We’ll exit the building, turn right, then turn left and go downtown. Acceptable?” Tabitha says, grabbing her coat.

They exit the building and start walking west.

“How many blocks are we doing?” Frank asks, as they reach the corner. “I’m already kinda tired.”

“Well, what’s the formula..10 blocks is a mile?” Ann asks.

“No. That can’t be right, seems too short..20?” Tabitha asks, as they head south.

“20 is the number I’ve heard. So..we’ll do 15 and turn around?” Frank asks.

“A mile and a half? I guess that’s okay.” Ann says.

“We don’t need to turn around. We’ll turn left and head back up the next avenue. Change of scenery.” Tabitha says.

“It’s cold out today.” Ann says, nothing the wind blowing some papers across the street.

“Yeah. Glad I brought my jacket.” Tabitha replies.

“Oooh, street cart. Let’s get a pretzel.” Frank says, reaching for his wallet.

“No!” Tabitha says, grabbing Frank’s hand and pulling him along. “That defeats the purpose of exercise.”

“Oh fine.’ Frank says.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Sara, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: That Bacon Smell

Sara walks in to the apartment, it’s 8am and her nostrils are instantly assaulted with the smell of bacon.

From Pictures

“Oh! This place reeks! What have you guys been doing?!” Sara exclaims.

“I’d have thought it’d be fairly obvious.” Frank replies from the kitchen.

“We’re cooking bacon!” Billy replies happily.

“You guys are seriously up at 8am just to cook some bacon?” Sara asks.

“It’s bacon!” Billy replies happily.

“Actually, I haven’t been to bed yet. I was running hot last night, all the cards were hitting and I just couldn’t turn the computer off.” Frank says.

“What were you doing out at 8am anyway? You don’t work anymore..” Billy asks.

“Oooh..is this the walk of shame?” Frank asks, looking Sara over. “Was that what you were wearing yesterday?” Frank turns to Billy. “Do you remember what she had on yesterday?”

“I wish it was as exciting as that. I just went to get coffee because I was too lazy to make it.” Sara says, hoisting her coffee cup.

“You were too lazy to make coffee, but shuffling out of the apartment, down five floors, and down the street was okay?” Billy asks, incredulous.

“I went in a daze. Getting the coffee down, filling the damn pot with water. Cleaning the pot first because I didn’t clean it yesterday..” Sara shudders.

Scott wanders in looking more than half asleep. “I smell bacon. I’ll get up for bacon. Where’s the bacon?”

“Wow. Better than an alarm clock for Scott, bacon.” Sara says.

“Just about ready Scott. Have a seat.” Frank says.

“Just about is good enough.” Scott mumbles. He walks over to the stove, snatches a piece of bacon of the griddle, hisses in pain and drops the bacon onto the counter. Scooping it onto a plate with his other hand, he takes the plate and sits down.

“Smooth one.” Sara says.

Scott just grunts.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

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

Subject: Road Trip

“Anyone want to see Jim Gaffigan? A friend of mine just emailed me that he has two extra tickets.” Frank asks.

From Pictures

“Sure. He’s pretty funny. When?” Billy asks.

“Tonight…at the Borgata.”

“In Atlantic City? Nevermind, I’ve got an early shift tomorrow.”

“Gaffigan is the brother on My Boys right?” Sara asks.

“Yup. Apparently he’s a stand up comic too.”

“Sure, I’ve got nothing better to do. When do we leave?” Sara asks.

“An hour? Beat rush hour traffic and maybe get some dinner first. You remember Brett, my friend from Philly?”

“The Phillies fan..yeah..I remember.” Sara grumbles.

“It’s a comedy show, I’m sure baseball won’t come up.”

“Oh, fine. Let me just powder my nose.”

“Powder your nose? Is it suddenly the 20s? I have to warn you, Atlantic City is probably very different if we’ve gone back in time 80 years.” Billy lectures.

“You planning on playing poker or anything? Should I grab a book, or some cash to play slots?” Sara asks.

“Probably not, but might as well toss a book in the car. We can figure it out after the show.” Frank says.

“I have to say, driving down to Atlantic City last minute…this guy better be funny.” Sara gets up to get ready.

Frank, to himself. “Hot pockets..”

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Welcome to the 6^th floor.

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

Subject: Another One Bites the Dust

“Well, fuck.” Sara says, returning home to a busy apartment of Ann cooking, Frank and Billy playing chess, and Tabitha reading a book at the table. “I’ve joined the club.”

From Pictures

“Club?” Tabitha asks, looking up from her book.

“You know, those people they keep talking about. The rising unemployment rate.” Sara says.

“Lost your job? What happened?” Ann asks.

“Economy. They fired like eight people.” Sara explains.

“That sucks Sara. Sorry.” Billy says.

“Maybe I should take it as a slap in the face to change careers, or at least find a job I actually like. This support stuff is tough.”

“Not sure this is the economy to be switching careers in. Unless you’re talking more school.”

“Or playing poker. You could be my apprentice.” Frank chimes in.

“Not sure I have the stomach for poker. All that money on the line. Too nerve-wracking.”

“You’ll get unemployment at least.”

“Sure. It’s not what I was making, but should keep me afloat.”

“You get along with the people at work right? At least you’ll get a good reference from them.”

“True. I’ll have to see what’s out there. Maybe another job is right around the corner.”

“On the plus side, you no longer have to commute to Jersey every day!” Frank says. “Oh, and checkmate Billy.”

“Doh!”

“That’s an excellent observation. If I never see that part of Jersey City again, I certainly won’t miss it.”

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