I heart NY...

Julie, Celia, Me, and Carlos on a carriage ride in Central Park

I am back home and completely exhausted from lack of sleep and the amount of FUN that I had in NYC. That was very possibly the best weekend I have ever had (without Ken anyway). I keep going back and forth how to approach posting about my trip. We did so much that it might take several posts and since this is my journal too, I want to remember everything. So I think I will start with a overview and then add more as/if I get around to it.

I left Wednesday night packing a blanket and pillow so I could sleep on the red-eye flight to New York City. Well, my brain would not stop racing and despite being very tired, I did not get one wink of sleep. I flew into La Guardia and got a cab to Celia's apartment. She lives in a great location in Chelsea. We talked and hung out for a bit and then when Celia went to work, I fell into her very comfortable bed and slept for 2 and a half hours. I got up just before noon so I could try to make the 12:30 session at the temple. Didn't quite make it in time, but I loved being in the temple. It is so beautiful inside and a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside.

After serving in the temple, Carlos picked me up and we went back to Celia's and changed clothes so we could run errands. We walked down to Chelsea market browsed around, bought some cheese, and ate lunch. I totally loved my chicken Caesar salad with warm, seasoned chicken breast. Yummy.

Celia and I in front of Carnegie Hall

That night Celia and I went and heard Bobby McFerrin and Yo Yo Ma perform at Carnegie Hall. The concert was absolutely amazing! I think I can officially die now because I received a "brava" in Carnegie Hall. After the first part of the concert where Bobby performed with Yo Yo and the orchestra, the stage was cleared and he performed improvisations. For several of these he had us, the audience, sing a part too. Well he wanted us to sing the Bach Gounod Ave Maria, with him doing the Bach accompaniment and us singing the Ave Maria on top. About halfway through our section was not doing very well so I started singing out a little. At the end of the piece, people around me started clapping for me and I even got a brava or two from some people in front of me. :) After the concert, Celia and I went to Roxy's for a late dinner before going home and brainstorming a design plan for her new apartment.

On Friday Morning Julie got in from San Diego. Now that Julie was there we could officially have fun. We took off for the day heading up to Rockefeller Center and walking around the city. Of course we had to stop in for some breakfast at Tiffany's and try on a diamond or two. Then a carriage ride around central park and take in the sights. The trees, tulips, and daffodils were in full bloom and it was a beautiful day! Then we headed downtown to see the sights, especially the WTC site. That was very emotional. We also saw some beautiful churches and other historical buildings.

That evening we went to see Legally Blonde at the Palace Theater. We met up with our friend Brittany so she could enjoy the show with us. We had awesome seats. I can't begin to tell you how incredible Laura Bell Bundy is in that role! After the show we had dinner at the Carnegie deli. I love that cheesecake!

On Saturday we walked all over enjoying the sights of the city before meeting up with Celia's friend Miriam to take in a matinee of Sunday in the Park with George at Studio 54. The show was wonderful and the lighting effects were very innovative. I have no idea how they did that! The last number, especially, gave me goosebumps. Then we did some shopping and split up so we could each do what we wanted. Celia and I did a lot of talking and then some shopping at home depot for her new apartment. Dinner was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed being with each other.

Sunday we attended services at Carlos' church before seeing the opera Candide at the Lincoln Center. We then headed down to Washington Square Park. It was so fun wandering around Greenwich Village where we found some great pizza and gelato.

I hate to say it, but I was sad to go back home. I was not quite ready for our vacation to end. I had missed my family, but I completely loved reconnecting with my dear friends. I love them so much and missed them. We had the time of our lives. I am so grateful to Ken and my wonderful friends who helped take care of my kiddos while I was gone. It is a trip I will never forget. I am showing some of my favorite pictures from the weekend. If you want to see more of the almost 200 pictures we took, you can go here.