Samples: Carpet, Tile, and More

Yesterday, we (Behrend's Offices of Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, and Alumni Relations) met with Herm Weber of the Weber, Murphy, Fox about the color pallette the architects want to use in the new Admissions and Alumni Center.

While I know this is an exciting topic for many, this is just too much pressure for me. I am part of a decision that will impact all of our campus visitors. We want the reception/presentation rooms to feel warm and welcoming, while emulating Penn State pride.

Some people want the warm tones, others want the Penn State blue. I don't even know what my opinion is because I'm stressed over what an important choice this is.

The new building is going to be the first place our prospective students see and the place we welcome alumni back. This building should be remarkable and impressive.

Below are some photos I took of the samples:

To be honest, with so many choices, I don't know how people can build/decorate their own house. It's overwhelming.

This carpet has subtle paw prints. WMF is really leaning towards a warmer (more inviting) color pallet.

Although, some of us still want the Penn State blue carpet. (P.S. the tile will be for the bathrooms.)

One thing all of use could agree upon was the Cherry wood ceiling. It will be a magnificent two-story room with white pillars running up to the ceiling and becoming beams across the ceiling divided by the wood. The room will serve many purposes depending on the time of day and which office is using it, but it will have a stone fireplace in the middle that separates it in two spaces. It will be magnificent!

Does anyone have any opinions on the color pallette? Should we go with warmer tones or Penn State blue? What do you think about the "paw print" carpet?

Seeing Strange Things

I saw some random things at work today.

As I was walking in this morning, I saw three crows trying to scare a hawk our of a tree. When I got inside, the crows were gone and the hawk remained victorious.

After lunch, the maintenance guys came over to remove a lamp post. They attached it to the front of a bulldozer with a belt and then placed it into their pickup truck. I guess it's not that strange, but it reminded me of Lincoln Logs.

I am sure going to miss my views when I move to the new building.

"What building?" you ask. The Metzgar Admissions and Alumni Center - ground breaking with happen this April. My office will be on the first floor behind the flowering crabapple trees.

... honestly, I'm not going to miss my views that much. This building is just too exciting! For those of you who are familiar with Behrend's campus, the building will be situated in front of the Kochel Building's far right entrance (Academic Building for all your Pre-2003 grads) and to the left of the Reed Parking lot.

I will post much more on the Metzgar Center as things develop. We are meeting tomorrow to discuss color samples and next month we will be speaking with contracting bidders.

Improvements: Things Will Always Get Better

Do you remember college?

I'm fortunate enough to work at my alma mater. Going to work is a constant reminder of college and the good, the bad, and the great memories.

Working in the alumni relations office, I often try to find something that unites the graduates of our school. There is one thing that all Behrend alumni have in common: Change.

Below are some pictures of Behrend's recently upgraded computer center:

( Yes, that is a TV hanging from the ceiling. Some of the workstations have a double monitor with three chairs - perfect for group computer work.)

(This is the new computer classroom with a great view of the "ski slope." Actually, if I was taking Computer Science again, I might find the windows distracting.)

(There are even couches and lounge spaces for those who need a break from the flat-screen monitors.)

(This lounge has a flat-screen TV, couch, and computer hookups.)

(Even the lighting, chairs, and carpet are awesome.)

Another great upgrade for the Behrend students. Another thing for Behrend alumni to be proud of and envious over. (And, yes, I just ending that sentence with a preposition - but that's only something my 6th grade teacher would be disappointed with. (hehe, I did it again there too.))

Umbrella, Ella, Ella

I finally got it! My new Totes, clear, bubble umbrella!!

Sure, it's winter and I won't get to use it for another 3 months, but I might actually look forward to rain with this sweet accessory.

I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feelin'

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds

So dark up above

The sun's in my heart

And I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

Just singin',

Singin' in the rain

Favorite Lines from Inauguration

Like most of the country, I was inspired yesterday. I was encouraged our country could rise above centuries of discrimination and elect a president not based on the color of his skin. I was enthused by how many people went to D.C. to witness this historic event. And I was moved when thinking slaves had built the Capitol and the White House, and were sold on the lawn of the Mall -- the same place where almost 2 million people stood yesterday.

History was made and I am happy I was a part.

When listening to President Obama's (what I smile I just got from typing that) inaugural address there were many things that motivated me. Below are some of my favorite lines of his speech.

• "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."
• "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."
• "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
• "America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."
• "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
• "Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

What are some of your favorite lines?

P.S. While I was heartened by the United States' presidential choice, we, as a country, still have a long way to go for equal rights. Even now there are many races crushed by prejudice, religions that are not tolerated, and stations/classes that are discriminated against. Women are still paid 76% less than men, diverse ethnicities are still targeted by law enforcement, and unorthodox religions are still feared. We need to stop looking that other way. We need to face our intolerance (for some people) and indifference (for others). With this election, we took an enormous step forward and I hope we can continue onward for the our country's next generation.

1930s Ad #9

(For all of you who are having trouble with your New Year's resolutions. Don't worry. We have the solution for you. Banish the fat with tape worms! Don't worry -- they're easy to swallow.)

One Forth Pittsburgher

I consider myself about one forth Pittsburghish. My mom was raised in Pittsburgh and moved to Erie to go to college. She married my dad (who is from Erie) and stayed in Erie -- the spot of many family vacations for her growing up.

My mom lost her "Pittsburgheese" before I was born. Yet every-so-often (mostly after she gets off the phone with her brothers and sisters), she slurs some words together. Luckily, I did not inherit any strange words (although, admittedly I am convinced Jimmies are a type of sprinkle) or accent.

I do make several trips to Pittsburgh every year. Mostly because now KT and Nikkie live there, along with my mom's family. Because of these trips I really feel like I have experience much of Pittsburgh.

Below are some pictures of some things I have done.

I LOVE HEINZ KETCHUP! You know those two giant, 35-foot ketchup bottles atop the Steelers' stadium sign? If they were real, they would contain 1,664,000 fluid ounces of Heinz ketchup --enough for 3.2 million hot dogs.

I toured Heinz stadium as a Behrend student for an events marketing class. There are 64,450 mustard-colored seats in the stadium.
Oh yea, during our tour we were taken into the Steelers' locker room. But the Steelers were done playing for the season (This was 2006, so they were Super Bowl XL Champions), so we didn't get a chance to see them.

It's bad luck to step on the locker room's emblem on the ground. So they cover it with plastic to guarantee good luck (I guess it has worked this season and last).

Some of the other trips down included hitting clubs, restaurants, boutiques, and stores with the girls.

It seems we've been to most of the fun neighborhoods. Downtown, Southside, North Hills, Robinson, Squirrel Hill, and Shadyside (to name a few). And we certainly have done our fair share of shopping at stores Erie doesn't have, like Trader Joes, IKEA, Nine West, White House Black Market, BCBG, Apple, H&M, and many bridal dress shops.

The girls and I have even done touristy things like go to the Pittsburgh Zoo and make sandwiches for Rocky the Grisly Bear (using grape leaves with peanut butter, nuts, berries, and fruit).

While at the zoo, we also watched the elephants take their bath.

Yet some how, one experience escaped me until last weekend. I had never eaten at Primanti Brothers. KT and I split a pastrami and cheese (I never had pastrami before either). I thought the sandwich was yummy and it hit the spot on a cold winter day.

Sure I've done a lot in Pittsburgh, but there definitely is a lot more to do. Any suggestions?

P.S. Thanks for all the memories, Pittsburgh (and the friends that made it special)!

1930s Ad #8

(Ewww! This grosses me out!

Ladies, that's right; you heard it here first. All you have to do to land a man is lysol your va-jay-jay.)

It's the BIG DAY

While my mom's solo art exhibit has been on display since January 5, tonight is her opening reception.

If you are willing to brave the cold, please make your way to Urraro Gallery (152 W. 12th St.) after 7pm tonight.

Her show will be on display until the end of the month, so you can, of course, wait until Erie warms up a bit to check out her pieces. But then you will miss my Buffalo Chicken Dip, my roomie's Buckeyes, and all sorts of other goodies and libations.

Hope to see you there!

1930s Ad #7

(OMG. I didn't know they were even allowed to talk about this stuff in the 30s!)

1930s Ad #6

(I love the bottom of the ad: "Issued by the Lard Information Council." Really?! There was an information council for lard. I wonder if in 80 years, the next generation will laugh out our "Milk. Does a body good." ads?)

1930s Ad #5

(That's true! And in Erie, one never knows if David Justka has been reinstated.

I guess I will have a ciggy; they just look so happy and gay!)

Who Else Wants to Learn this Dance?

1930s Ad #4

(Oh yea, baby. That is just too sexy.

Gag! Cough! Weeze!

Do it again.)

1930s Ad #3

(Aside from the fact this company is using Santa as its campaign face, what that heck is that white ribbon doing?! The big guy looks pretty freaked out and afraid of being strangled.)

Demetri Martin is my B-Day Present

In just one month, Demetri Martin will be starring in his very own show, Important Things, on Comedy Central.

I first fell in love with Demetri and his form of comedy when he appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as their resident trendspotter.

I loved his one-hour special, Person, on Comedy Central. The best part of his stand-up are his sketches and his new show will also make use of his drawings. This sketch comedy series, Demetri mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits, and music to explore one "important thing" per episode.

"Important Things with Demetri Martin," will premier on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central. (An early birthday gift to me.)

LBD

Last night I ordered this Little Black Dress (LBD) online. I am hoping it will work for KT's wedding.

KT is getting married in July and is having her bridesmaids pick out LBDs to wear with funky, brightly colored shoes. I can't wait for her wedding. And hopefully, this Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress will be the one that will work.

P.S. My other friend, Nikkie, set her wedding date: September 12. Her reception will be at Union Station Concourse in Erie.

1930s Ad #2

(This one is more sad then funny. What a shame people thought cigarettes were healthy.)

Ads for the Thirties

Normally, I do not care for email forwards, I do, however, like the ones with pictures. My mom just sent me one that included advertisements from the 1930s.

So stay tuned, tomorrow and next week, to see some ads from the Thirties.

(I hope they don't all open like that. What a pain!)

IMAGO DIVINA: Images for Meditation

Announcing:

IMAGO DIVINA: Images for Meditation by Carol Posch Comstock

You are invited to stop by between Jan. 5 - Jan. 31 to see my mom's latest exhibition and/or attend the opening reception (Friday, Jan. 16 at 7pm).