Thursday, July 16, 2009

Another year wiser...36

It was a great birthday, July 10th!! Lots of Facebook friends wishing me Happy Birthday through out the day. I did go to work for most of the day. I really enjoy work because of the people I get to spend my time with. They took me out to lunch and had a surprise ice-cream cake waiting for me. YUM!!! Valerie thanks again for everything!!
Later I met up with my family at Costa Vida...love that place.
If I can't have Cafe Rio I'm going to have something real similar
Then it was off to the American Idol concert with my parents, LaMar and Van and cousin Karen. We had a blast!!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

I heart NY

New York...east coast...I loved every minute of it!! This was my second visit, the first was a few years ago in February. This time was different, they'd been having some serious rain there but luckily 4th of July weekend was a dry and sunny one. I also think who you're with makes all the difference in the world. A special shout out to Colin Wheeler for making my trip to New York unforgettable.


There was so much that we did and saw...let's see where shall I start...
Well I have to start with this fella. He was sitting next to me on my direct flight to JFK. He turned to his side and fell asleep. A bit too close if you ask me :)
The morning of the 3rd Colin and I went to The Diner for brunch. It started to sprinkle but it was still warm. We split for a few hours and I went for a run along the bike path that they have. Good times running with other runners. I love that feeling.
That afternoon we went to bluechili for some yummy Thai pan and sushi. Followed by a black and white cookie from Roxy's at Times Square. I loved sitting in the bleachers just people watching and see...lots of people to watch. We also spent some time at Bryant Park. We then ventured to the Lion King on Broadway and I was very disappointed. Sure the costumes were amazing but that's all I can compliment them on. Performers weren't that great. On our way home we stopped by Madison Square Park and saw how lit up the Empire State Building was.



The 4th of July was a packed day. Had morning muffin in Central Park, Yankee game in the direct sun for a few hours but over looked by garlic fries and hot dogs, photo shoot by the notorious Bull, Chinese food from Liberty View so nice outside everyone was eating outside and not a soul indoors, laid out on the concrete for four hours to hold a spot for fireworks. As you can see by the pictures below there were people everywhere. During the 20 min spectacular show you could feel the explosions of the fireworks in your chest...that's how big of a production it was. The walk home was a bit intense for me, once again people everywhere.
Day of the 5th...we drove to the Hampton's. The first beach we ran into, Sagg, cost $225 for non residents to park there for a day at the beach. WTF?? So we rented bikes and passed by some resident houses, stopped off at a different beach access, later had lunch at this cute place. How about that $20 Lobster roll Colin? Then we headed home. Ordered pizza in. Colin has crazy work hours so he went to bed around 9ish and I went out and walked to Brooklyn Bridge at sunset with the full moon. I then passed by City Hall Park, then Ground Zero and decided to call it a night.
Monday the 6th while Colin was still at work he left me a subway pass and his house keys. I decided to venture out and take a run in Central Park, stop was at 59th Street. It was so beautiful I stopped several times to take pictures. I'm glad I did. Of course I got lost on my way back to the apartment and found Colin quietly waiting for me. He was a very good sport. Sorry C!!


We then went out for lunch to the Shake Shack. And YUM is all I'm going to say. Bryant Park is amazing!! Off to the movies...Phelham 123. Then I went on top of "the Rock".
Then up at 2:30 am to get catch the airport shuttle. JFK was packed even that early in the morning. I don't think there's ever a time there that the employees have time to catch their breath. They had over booked our flight and trying to get people to take the 5pm flight. Tempting but it was a hell no...some things just aren't worth it. :)
As you can see I had an amazing time. Thanks again Colin!!!