I heart NYC

I think I am addicted. Ever since going to New York City with Ken about 18 months ago, I keep wanting to go back over and over. I totally love that city. I am sure the biggest part of that is the wonderful friends that I am able to visit while I am there. I just got back on Sunday and I am missing the city already.

My dear friend Celia is a fabulous musician and singer. During the month of March she has a Thursday night at Arturo's Italian Restaurant and she asked if I would like to come out and sing with her. I had an airlines voucher that I had to use anyway, so I booked my flight. It was a thrill to sing with Celia and Dave, the bassist that plays with her. (It was a little tricky because for some reason, my ear was stuffed up and I couldn't hear very well and when I spoke or sang, it sounded like I was underwater. Ugh! It was the wrong weekend for that to happen!) In any case, we had a great time with the tunes that we performed together and I loved listening to them jam the rest of the time.

On Friday, Celia and I mostly hung around her apartment. It was so much fun helping her to get organized and do projects around the place. We talked and talked and even had fun together running errands. That evening, we went to Carlos' goodbye party at Uncle Charlie's. They had a section of the bar that was a piano room part and everyone had a blast singing. I especially loved getting to see some old friends from high school that have all ended up there in the city together. After singing for a couple of hours, Celia, Miriam, and I headed out for a late dinner on Times Square. It was such a beautiful evening and there were people everywhere!

Miriam, Celia, and I in Grand Central Station

In Times Square

RBHS Alumni singin' at Uncle Charlie's

Saturday we did the tourist thing and spent just about the whole day on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It was fascinating learning more about the history behind the Statue of Liberty and all the immigration that happened at Ellis Island. We walked and walked -- boy were our feet sore! We got back up to midtown just in time to meet Brittany for dinner and then catch the Broadway show, Shrek. (I thought the show was cute and had some amazing talent in it. I love Sutton Foster!) Of course, we had to get some cheesecake on the way home to complete the NYC experience.

After our tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island (can you see them in the background?)

Sunday we kept it rather relaxed. Celia wanted me to teach her a voice lesson and then we jammed a bit before heading out to walk around a have a delicious brunch. I was so sad when I had to head to the airport. I had missed my family, but it was certainly nice to get away for a few days.

Thanks so much to Ken for holding down the fort while I was gone. I am also grateful to my dear friends Brandie and Wendy for watching Trevor and Peyton so Ken could work during the day. And most of all, to Celia for inviting me out to visit her. I love making music with you -- you are amazing and I appreciate you sharing your talent with me!

Now...how long before I can go back again? :)