Holiday Time

Well, it is officially the holiday season in NYC. Decorations have been popping up everywhere. I will have to take some pictures of the many different lights, wreaths and trees that are all over the city. Along with the holiday season has come the COLD...brrrr. The cold in New York is not like the cold in Salt Lake City. It is biting....it really chills your bones. I always wondered why people donned hats, gloves, scarves, long coats, boots...not for fashion, but for the COLD.

Mom's Visit

Mom came to visit me September 24th to 30th. We had a very packed schedule with places to go things to do. To 'entice' her to come, I found out that Willie Nelson would be in concert at Radio City Music Hall. I asked her if she would be interested in going. David, Sally and I popped for the plane ticket for a birthday present. The week before she came, I talked to Mom on the phone and she was sick.....she went to the doctor the day before the trip and found out she had pneumonia. Mom arrived on Wednesday morning after a 'red-eye' flight. I told her she could sleep all day and we could 'play it by ear' for the trip depending on how she felt.

Day 1 - Wednesday

Mom arrived at JFK and ordered her own car transportation to the city. I got up and made breakfast for her arrival. To do this I went downstairs to the deli next door and picked up some fresh bagels, yogurt and juice. Mom arrived in her 'town car' movie star style.....and I promptly sent her to bed...I went to work.

Day 2 - Thursday

I got up, got ready for work and woke Mom before I left. She could not believe she slept through my shower, hairdryer and 'getting ready' noise....I can...she was snoring like a baby.....I went to work and she slept. I came home from work about 1:00 PM and we went to lunch. We went to Grand Central Terminal to the Oyster Bar. We sat down at the lunch counter and had great po'boy sandwiches. After lunch we did a little shopping and then came back to my place. We rested up and then got ready to go to the Willie Nelson concert. After the concert we went to grab a bite to eat. Mom wanted to go to a Scottish pub that Mel had told her about. We went to St. Andrews Pub and Mom had her 'Manhattan in Manhattan'.

Day 3 - Friday

We got up...not to early and got ready to go shopping. We went to lunch at Pershing Square which is a restaurant under the Park Avenue bridge. We sat and talked for awhile because it was raining and we were hoping it would pass. It did not. We walked over to Macy's and began shopping. Mom got a bunch of new clothes and a really great coat. After our long day of shopping we went back to my place....Cooked dinner....ordered out from an Italian Place around the corner. Mom loved the lasagna.

Day 4 - Saturday

We got up early and took the train to Poughkeepsie. We met a tour bus and went to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Museum and Presidential Library. We spent the day there touring the grounds. It was a beautiful crisp fall day. We headed back to the city on the train. I cooked a great Indian dinner from my favorite restaurant across the street from my building.

Day 5 - Sunday

We stayed in on this day. Mom twisted her knee on the way to catch the train, so we stayed in on Sunday and Mom rested and iced her knee. We had planned to go to the Jets game, but the forecast was for rain and neither of us wanted to stand at a game in the rain. We substituted by watching some football on TV and we ate leftovers for dinner.

Day 6 - Monday

Monday we walked to Rockefeller Center and went to the 'Top of the Rock'. From the top there is a 360 degree view of New York City. Mom was a little nervous at first because of the height, but I think she ended up enjoying the trip to the top. We began to walk back to my place and took a side trip to stop at Safra for Mom to meet Peter and Jeremy. After meeting the guys, we stopped at a Starbucks for a bit....then we walked home. Italian for dinner and watched Monday Night football...and Dancing with the Stars.

Day 7 - Tuesday

I got up and went to work and Mom got ready to go home. I stopped by my favorite place for lunch and brought back a sandwich for Mom before she left. Mom left via car to JFK and then back to SLC. We had a great time. Below are some pics from the week. NOTE: The last picture is of Isabel and Alfred. The entire week they fought over who got to sleep in Mom's suitcase. After she left, I looked over on the couch and saw them sleeping next to each other....they must have been tired of fighting?

Random Posts and Pics

I was looking through some of the pics in my library and I thought I would post them. Last Thanksgiving (2007) David and I were invited to the Sansom House for dinner. I remember arriving and being greeted by Meg. She had glamorized herself with a little makeup from her makeup kit. I remember how beautiful she looked and what a great job she did on her application. This picture always makes me smile and remember seeing her when I arrived.



Sally and Chris were dating for their first Thanksgiving together. That evening after the meal the suddenly decided to 'drive to Disneyland'. They left the table and drove to California. Every following Thanksgiving, Chris has tried to master cooking the perfect moist turkey. Once it was cooked in a bag, another time ice packs were placed on the turkey breast before putting it in the oven. Finally, Chris has perfected his recipe with a brine. This brine consists of Bourbon and salt and two days of marination. (see MarthaStewart.com for an idea of the process) Every year Chris has cooked the 'brine turkey'. IT IS WONDERFUL!!! He also has worked on the perfect mashed potatoes with garlic and buttermilk. I love being a recipient of the yearly quest for the perfect turkey and potatoes. This is a picture of the bird....mmmmm.

After we have finished eating our wonderful meal, we retire from the table to 'digest' before the pumpkin pie. It has become a tradition to play Dance Dance Revolution. This is a fun thing to do especially after eating a big meal.

Finally, I added a cute pic of Mason. He has a mouthful of those wonderful potatoes. What a cutie!

Remembering 9/11...Where were you?

I remember Mom and Dad discussing where they were when President Kennedy was shot when I was younger. I tend to remember 'where I was' for many random events in my life. I remember when I found out that my Mom was going to the hospital to have my brother David...I was in first grade. I remember where I was when I found out I got into BYU. I remember Sally promising me one of her babies if she was indeed having twins. I remember where I was when the "City of Salt Lake City" was awarded the 2002 Winter Games. I could go on and on. I remember 9/11/01.

I woke up like any other Tuesday morning and got in the shower. When I got out of the shower, I began my morning ritual...dry hair, put on make up, continue to dry hair, what to wear, etc.... I was surprised when my phone rang, because no one calls me in the morning before work. It was Dad...he said to turn on the TV, that the World Trade Center was on fire... I went into the living room, wrapped in a towel, and turned on the TV...I sat there and watched...what was going on??? The second plane had hit the WTC. I continued to get ready for work...I had a big day ahead and school that evening. On my way to work, I heard the reports about the Pentagon, then the Flight 93...down in rural Pennsylvania. This was surreal. When I got to work, the radios were on in the office, we were all trying to understand what was going on.

That night I went to school...no the class was not cancelled..but the topic was the days events. On my way home, I went to Mom and Dad's house. They were in the TV room recliners watching the continued news coverage....I remember Dad sitting there shaking his head and almost in tears...disbelief of what had transpired. I stayed for awhile then went home. I knew the world would never be the same.

Today was one of those beautiful fall mornings in NYC. There were a few overcast clouds, perhaps in memory of the many heroes who were here that morning. I will never know what the people of NYC felt that beautiful morning before the attacks. I do remember every year on 9/11 where I was and what I was doing that beautiful morning.

NYC Buildings - Chrysler Building

Since moving to NYC I have found a new appreciation for the beautiful buildings in this city. My favorite by far is the Chrysler Building. This building is not the tallest in the city, but by far the most beautiful in the daylight and nighttime. I have slight view of the building from my apartment and whenever I leave, I look up to see what the the building looks like in the different times of day. Everywhere I go, I look for the Chrysler Building as a landmark for where I live. I am going to post a few of my recent pics and will keep posting them as I take them.

I went to Mexico.....

A couple of weeks ago I went to Mexico.....Cancun..actually Riveria Maya to be exact. This is the area about 1 hour south of Cancun near the town of Playa del Carmen. We stayed at an all inclusive (Sandos Caracol Spa and Resort)...thanks to my government stimulus check..the trip was all paid for! After a long hot summer in NYC, I could not wait to get to my favorite vacation activity....nothing! I love to sit under the umbrella looking out over the ocean and just relaxing, with a beverage and a good book (or trash magazine as Sally and I call them) By the end of my vacation I am usually up to date with all of the Hollywood set and who they are sleeping, partying or living with. This trip was a tad bit tooo short for me...We left on Sunday and came home on Thursday.

As you will see I am not in any of the pics...I promise I did go, but I had a slight problem. On Monday morning I woke up with swollen eyes...so swollen that my eyelid could feel my brow bone. No....not too much tequila. I had an allergic reaction to something. 1. Seafood, 2. Kiwi fruit, 3. Sunshine. I do not think it was the sun, but either number 1 or 2. So because of said swollen eyes I stayed out of the pics and covered by my big black sunglasses.

To the surprise of my friends there was not an abundance of Americans at our resort. I think Canada had the lead with a combination of European Countries a close second. Cancun was built in the early 1970s for the Americans, but many other people have found it to be a great place to vacation. I wish I could vacation like a European. They take two weeks at minimum! Now that is a vacation!

Chairs

Walking home a few weeks ago, I noticed that an office building was changing out their furniture. There were about 100 or so chairs lined up on the sidewalk ready to go to the warehouse or be thrown away. Last night walking home from work I saw a lady sleeping in an office chair on the corner of Lexington an 45th near my building. She was parked right under a tree next to a planter. I looked a Jeremy and commented that I did not remember a bench being on our corner? Obviously it was a 'mobile' bench. This morning when I was out running errands I walked past the corner and saw the chair abandoned on the corner next to the planter. The lady had left the chair. A couple of hours later, I saw the 'change cup' guy that hangs outside the McDonalds relaxing in the same chair, up the street outside the McDonalds...still shaking his change cup. I guess the chair has become a fixture of the neighborhood for those that need to take a load off their feet. Even later this afternoon I was walking home and what did I see, but another guy, relaxing and reading a book in an office chair right on the street, I could not help but laugh to myself....then I took a picture to document this funny sight. I also went back to the original chair, but it was not occupied, but waiting for the next person to use.

David's Visit

David came to visit last week. We did a lot of different things while he was here. One of my most favorite things I have done in NYC is a sunset cruise. I have a yacht...yes...I have a yacht with all of the other members of the New York Health and Raquet Club. The Yacht runs on weekends for sunset cruises and brunches. There are also other different 'specialty cruises'. We booked the yacht with about 80 other strangers to have a buffet and drinks and cruise down the East River, around the tip of Manhattan and up the Hudson. The highlight was the sunset view of the Status of Liberty. After the sun set all of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey were lit up. On the Yacht, we also got to see the Waterfalls and travel under several bridges. On the way back, the DJ pumped up the music and it became the party cruise. What a fun night to spend on the water. I highly recommend the cruise. If you come and visit...let me know and we can book a spot...I definitely will be going again.


I also took David to the Chinese Massage....we got 40 minute foot rubs....how heavenly. We had been walking around the Metropolitan Museum of Art all day and our feet were TIRED...so I suggested stopping by my new favorite place for relaxation...the Chinese massage. As we sat there, Sally called, we had to tell her where we were and where we were headed next...to Cafe Napoli in Little Italy for some great food! Sally was jealous.

David arrived the night of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, so we also spent some time watching some of the events. On Monday night, I took David to the little Indian restaurant across from my building to get some takeout. We spent the remainder of the night watching Olympics and hanging out. David thought it would be funny in honour of the Olympic games to do some Greco-Roman Wrestling in my living room when we cleared the room to set up the airbed. Like usual, I took him down....ha ha. (not really) David got up before the sun to catch a car to head to the airport at 4:00 AM....I went right back to bed after he left.

Going to the Beach

I never thought when moving to New York that I was moving close to the beach. There are beaches in New Jersey, beaches on Long Island, even a man mad beach right across from Manhattan called Water Taxi Beach. One day Jeremy and I decided to go out to Long Island to the beach. We headed by subway to Penn Station. Inside Penn Station is a Kmart. We stopped at Kmart to get a few 'beach supplies'....beach chairs, sun screen, beach towels and treats. After purchasing our necessities, we headed for the train. There were tons of people in the station with their beach essentials too....I guess there are alot of people who head out to the beach on the weekends...duh! We purchased our special 'beach tickets' and headed for the train. We loaded the Long Island Railroad and were off to the Babylon station. NOTE: Jeremy and I have noticed a large number of people in New York either talking on their wireless device or talking to themselves...usually it is the latter....we encountered a few 'self-talkers' this day. I guess they are not only in Manhattan, but all over the state of New York? Once we arrived at the Babylon station, we waited for the bus to Robert Moses Beach. We boarded the bus with a few other beach goers and were off through the town and across a causeway to the beach. The beach was beautiful. I walked down a bit and collected some sea glass and shells. When it was time to leave we boarded the bus back to the train and back to Manhattan. We encountered a drunk guy on the train who decided to speak obscenities to me...when Jeremy asked, "excuse me?" the guy got agitated and gave us the stare of death until the next stop. When the drunk got off the train he 'called out' Jeremy to fight on the platform. By that time the doors shut and the train was on its way....Jeremy gave the guy the thumbs up as we departed...again...weird people everywhere. By the time we got back to the city it was 7:00 PM. I think we will take another trip to the beach.

Sally's Visit

Sally came to visit the last week of July. We had a great time just hanging out. Sally brought some friends who had not been to New York, so we sent them on the bus tour. For those who have not been to New York, this is the best way to see the popular sites and get around the city. Whenever Sally is in New York with me, we always go to a Broadway show. We have seen many different shows. Everytime I go to a show I think how lucky I am to live literally blocks from Broadway. I can go see a show whenever I want, but I seem to wait for Sally to come so we can go together. There is a special discount ticket window where you can get 1/2 price tickets. TKTS. The only catch is you have to buy the ticket 'same day' and there usually is a line. Sally and I do not mind the line, because we can pick the show for the group. So far, we have seen the following shows: Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Mama Mia, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening. I just saw Spamalot...it is my new favorite show!

One thing that I miss about living in SLC, is the weekly visits to the massage school with Sally. We got into the habit of visiting when we were training for the Salt Lake Marathon. I had heard about the Chinese Massage/Reflexology places in Chinatown, so when Sally was here we found a place to visit....let me say....they work your back and your feet....but it is sooo worth it. I have been back every week since Sally left...taking Jeremy one week and David the next week. The Chinese massage is a little different than a regular massage. The one noticable thing is that you may be in a room with others. When Sally and I went, we were the only two...until the 'moaner' showed up....luckily his massage was only 15 minutes! It was hard not to giggle when he would 'moan and grunt' as his back was worked out by his therapist.

Another thing I did when Sally was here was take the Staten Island Ferry. It is a free commuter ferry from the tip of Manhattan to Staten Island....another know tidbit...it is a 'free' trip past Lady Liberty. So if you are in the city and do not want to wait in the Statue of Liberty line....the Staten Island Ferry is the way to go. I cannot wait until Sally comes again and we can go to the Chinese massage and maybe get a pedicure at the spa just around my block...Spa Butterfly.

Tequilaville.....and something to think about

When I used to work in New York last year, I stayed downtown. After 8:00 PM there were really no restaurants open. Downtown becomes deserted...the only restaurant close to the AMEX tower was Chevy's. One night after returning from work with Paula, I said Hey, let's go get a margarita...and that is when it all started. We began to go to Chevy's after work almost every night after work...they stayed open until 10 or 11 PM. When I moved here, I knew that I could continue the margarita tradition because there was a Chevy's in midtown...a few blocks away. A colleague of mine mentioned that there was this little place called Tequilaville just around the block from my apartment...on the way home no less. So, when Paula came to town we all went to try out Tequilaville. Jeremy and I liked the place and have made it our regular place to go after work....we even have a 'regular' order and the waiters know us. Each night there is a different type of crowd. Thursday's seem to be the loudest.

Peter and Debbie were leaving the city last Friday and decided to stay for dinner. They gave Jeremy and me a call and we met at Tequilaville. We had a great time! After dinner we walked around Grand Central Terminal. Peter and Debbie had parked in a garage close by, so we walked there to pick up their car. Peter pulled out of the garage and around the corner to drop me and Jeremy off. I got out of the car on the passenger and sidewalk side of the street. Just as Jeremy opened the rear passenger door. BAM! A taxi sped by. The taxi's passenger side mirror was laying on the road. Jeremy was lucky he did not get hurt not to mention Peter and Debbie's vehicle. Peter settled with the taxi driver for $50. One more thing to think about......don't exit the car on the street side.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...Getting There...and something to think about

I went to Salt Lake City last weekend for a couple of things, 1. I wanted to go skiing at least once this year, 2. I had a friend get married, 3. It was Easter....at least we thought it was Easter when we booked the trip. Even thought it wasn't Easter, the trip home was worth it. Have you ever thought how easy it is to get to the airport? Well, I love how convenient the Salt Lake International Airport is to get to. There are three airports you can fly out of in the New York area: JFK, Newark and LaGuardia. To get to one of these airports can be a challenge when you don't have a car, traffic is crazy and it is a Friday at rush hour. I have taken cars and cabs many times, but there is always that thought..."will I make the plane?" The thought comes after sitting in traffic for over an hour and wondering...how much longer until I get there...I should have left earlier. An alternative way to get to the airport is to take the subway and the train. This route involves two subway rides to the train station, on trip to Jamaica (New York, not the island) and then a short trip to the AirTrain. This route takes about an hour and you can be pretty sure you will make the plane. The only downfall is dragging your suitcase on and off those FOUR trains. This is where you learn to pack light really wonder..."Do I need everything I packed??"....You know you don't!

Good Intentions

Well, I had good intentions to update my postings.....that did not work out, so I guess I will just start current. I had to laugh at Sally's blog about cleaning and the 56 things you should throw away NOW. I bet we threw out most of that list. Since moving to NY, I have really learned about what is a real necessity and what is not. I know now why there is no Costco in Manhattan, there is no room for keeping bulk items. While it would be nice to 'stock' up on things, there are a few things you need to consider living in New York....1. Where to store the 'extra' 23 rolls of toilet paper. 2. Will this giant bag of shredded cheese fit in my refrigerator. and finally 3. How will I carry a case of water home????? There are many different things that you get used to living in New York.

July 2007 - Cancun

In July, I went to Cancun with Sally and Chris and the kids. We stayed at Playa del Carmen at a fun all inclusive resort. The hotel rooms were these thatched roof buildings, and there were iguanas on the grounds. On our second day, the resort offered guests an opportunity to go to stay at the 'sister' resort in Cozumel. Always ready for an adventure, we decided to take up the offer. The next morning we loaded our bags and went to the ferry and on to Cozumel. We arrived at the resort, which was pretty much identical in layout, except...much bigger. The beach was BEAUTIFUL! The picture of me and Sally and the girls is on our last day, right before heading to the airport....we were TAN! I love to travel with the Sansoms and I always have one or more roomates!

Historical Posts Coming Soon

Well, I got a new laptop and downloaded my camera card....so now I have a bunch of pics to blog about.

New York, New York

It has been a bit since I updated the blog and many things have changed....I moved to NYC in January and started a new job at a private bank. I found a studio apartment a few blocks from work. It is actually an eight minute walk...during that time I pass THREE Starbucks! They are literally on every corner! I live a few blocks from Grand Central Station and the subway, so transportation is not a problem...walking or subway or cab. I do miss home, but I really like my new job and new city. I am looking forward to many visitors. I am going home next week to get my stuff moved and to go to Yellowstone with the family.