America, America

I snapped this photo from the back of the boat on the way to the Statue of Liberty - a nice view of the Big Apple.

The Return Home

I knew we were back in the city as soon as we departed the plane at LaGuardia airport on Sunday afternoon. I heaved my suitcase up the two flights of stairs that led to the baggage claim terminal and fondly recalled the hospitality and genuine friendliness we encountered at the Bluegrass airport. The tinkling laugh of the desk agents and the “ya’ll enjoy your trip” sendoff from security replayed in my mind.

My happy memory quickly faded when the airport agent that awaited our arrival at LaGuardia greeted each deplaned passenger with a stern gaze and straight face. No sunny Sunday afternoon smile. Not even a small wave.

I dropped my suitcase and rolled it through the crowded terminal, shaking my head at the difference 600 miles can make. Oh, Kentucky, how I love thee.

New Posts Soon

I apologize for the lack of new posts this past week. My computer gave its last "hooray" before biting the dust on Tuesday. Therefore, leaving me with nothing to use to type. I did get a brand spankin' new computer on Wednesday, so there will be plenty of posts next week.

Until then...

Cruising

I know, I know... another picture from California. I can't help it. This weekend we traded summer clothes for winter and got our first hot chocolate on Friday night. Sometimes, I just need a little reminder of summer.

Perspectives: Part VI

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the 3rd graders at my school and their enlightening comments about the presidential candidates. Last week, the 2nd graders shared their knowledge about the vice presidential candidates. They weren’t too far off.

For Biden, they commented on his white hair and kindness at helping Obama become president. They also mentioned that he often looked like a weather man. Understandable.

They said Palin wants to help McCain win and that she loves to hunt moose. Oh, and that she looks like Judge Judy.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

On A Mission

A couple of weeks ago, Ben and I ate dinner several blocks from our apartment. As we ate, about 15 black SUVs with black tinted windows and men in black suits zoomed up Broadway. Who was important enough to deserve a fast moving caravan of black Chevy Tahoes?

We soon found out.

As we walked home, we noticed the same cars and bodyguards waiting in and around the entrance of Barnes and Nobles. My first thought? C-e-l-e-b-r-i-t-y. Ben’s first thought? Not sure. I had already snapped into celeb-stalking mode and was on an intense storewide search for anyone famous.

Minutes later, after a fruitless search, I cornered a store employee and pressed him for information about who was in the store. His response… “the president of Turkey and some other really important people.”

I was impressed, but not SUPER impressed. My camera was poised and ready to snap pictures of Brangelina or TomKat; pictures that would have earned me lots and lots of money.

Maybe next time. After all, it is New York. Anything can happen.

Beep, Beep

I love taxis. They're so easy. Piece of cake.

Ben and I take the bus or subway everywhere - when we go out at night, on the weekends, to work. Not very sexy.

But, when friends visit or when we celebrate a special occasion, we hop in a taxi and zoom all over town. A taxi ride basically means: a temperature regulated motor vehicle, perfectly coiffed hair upon arrival, and a decrease in overall travel time. The stress of getting somewhere is virtually eliminated.

Oh, and I always feel very Carrie Bradshaw when hailing one from the curb in heels. What can I say? It’s a girl thing.

Ben's Birthday

This weekend we celebrated Ben’s upcoming 27th birthday. New York City style, of course. The only way to do it here.

On Friday, Ben’s best friend made a surprise trip from Washington, D.C. and on Saturday 12 friends came together for a surprise dinner. I was nervous all week. The anticipation of pulling off Nick’s visit AND the dinner had me going crazy with anxious excitement. One slip of the tongue or misdirected email could have ruined everything. Oy! The life of a New York party planner is hard.

For dinner, we ate at a trendy restaurant in the Meatpacking District called Vento. The restaurant is shaped like a triangle because it sits in the middle of two streets that cross in the shape of an X. The restaurant was delicious, trendy, and very posh… so... us.

The weekend celebration was perfect, fun, and exhausting. Just the way a 27th birthday should be.

Not Cool Enough

Yesterday, in school, a small group of students were upset by the difficulty of a class assignment. Amidst the whining and the groaning, I said “Whoa, guys. Chill out. Don’t worry. We’ll get it.”

Five fourth graders turned my way and burst into laughter. Apparently, I said something… wrong?

A student spoke, “You can’t say ‘chill’. That’s a cool word that teachers can’t use.”

Everyone murmured in agreement.

Wait! What? Excuse me! I am 26 years old, wear skinny jeans, AND watch Gossip Girl… how am I not cool?

These kids really know how to hit below the belt.

Still Dreaming

One more picture from San Francisco. Gotta love the west coast.