A Woman's Perfect Day.

Today, Jessica and I weren't expected to go into work until a little later in the afternoon, so we slept in a little later than usual. We met in the morning before work to do some research and brainstorm ideas for our event. We got a call about 1 saying we didn't have to go into work today so we decided to go on an adventure. This was the first time Jessica and I have gone somewhere new without all the boys with us so we were excited to "get lost in New York." I have been wanting to go to SoHo for ages, so thats where we decided to go.

We got off at 14th street and after a few apprehensive glances at each other (it looked a little sketchy) we walked on down the street. Just a few streets down we started to see some quaint stores and shops. We stumbled upon this little gem called "Love Gelato." It was Jessica's dream come true. The lovely lady that worked there, a sweet girl named Ardeen, helped us to pick the perfect flavors. I got pistachio and one that was a combo of mascarpone, nutella and something else... IT WAS AMAZING!

After our gelato we wandered the streets of SoHo. We went to a little ma and pa bookstore, the Murray Cheese store...(YUM) and into a little shoe store called Toosh. It was here that Jessica and I found the most comfortable shoes in the world..We couldn't say no. Not only are they adorable but literally they are like walking on clouds. They are a New Yorkers dream!!! (She got orange I got fuchsia.) 

From SoHo we ended up right into Greenwich Village. Its full of brick buildings, great ethnic restaurants and cute little private schools. It started to sprinkle a little at this point but we were ready with our umbrellas. Jessica then noticed a place called "Molly's." It was a winner in cupcake wars. We decided to go in and take a peek around. We must have good taste because I picked the number one best seller, Birthday Cake Batter, and Jessica picked the second best seller Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I can't even describe how amazing they were. The birthday cake had batter inside. The cookie dough had dough inside..Unbelievably good.

There are a few more things I learned today. Its easy to make friends in New York. I just started talking to people at the places I went and they were really nice. I enjoyed that. Also they say New Yorkers just look straight ahead but in the subway I have noticed a lot of middle aged women staring at me. I think I stick out here like a sore thumb.

Reasons why:

1. I don't wear black
2. I wear lots of blush
3. I talk a lot to myself and others. (on the subway no one talks. its dead silent. I just felt like I should cheer up the place is all..)
4. I make noises a lot. Like when I eat. (MMMM) When I stumble around on the train. And just in general awe of my surroundings.

I should probably try to blend in so I don't get mugged, but heres the thing. I'm enthusiastic, colorful and sometimes boisterous. I laugh loudly, I'm clumsy and I make weird faces. I think New York could use a little more of me. They need some cheering up, I can tell you that. I know people are busy, but you know, frowning gives you 4 times more wrinkles than smiling. Just something to think about.

I'm on my way our for another adventure! As the nice man at Toosh said today as we left. Peace and Love y'all. Peace and Love.

Arrival into the City. Day One. Day Two.

So here we are. In the Big Apple. The city of all cities. I find myself sick with a cold and beyond tired. But what an adventure so far! Monday we got to the airport bright and early for a 9:30 flight, 1 stop in the Washington D.C. airport. Since I was already feeling sick, a took something to help me sleep and feel better. Needless to say I am sure that Jessica, Gabe and Pat heard some incoherent talking coming from me. It was awesome though because before I knew it we were already in NYC!

The International House is actually a really cool place to live. Students and interns from all over the world live here. I have liked that New York is such a colorful place. Anyways, the facilities here are great and there is a laundry mat, ballroom, basketball court, cafeteria, pub, music rooms and study rooms all in the building. I was expecting my room to be gross but it isn't at all! It was clean, bigger than I expected and had a good ceiling fan. It really feels like I am living in DT all over again!

I have a shelve just for my shoes so of course Im happy! Tuesday morning Me, Jessica, Gabe, Patty and Mike headed out to discover the city. We got a subway pass and went up to the Target in the Bronx. If there is a city with a Target I'm a happy girl! It was a big Target too. As we were leaving we stopped outside and met a nice street vendor, an Egyptian named Aladdin. He sold the yummiest Shish Kabobs, I got a chicken one with BBQ and hot sauce for only $3. It was a treat! We headed back to the I-House to put away our things. After we went out into the city to find where everyone would be working the next day. There are a few things I learned.

1. You sweat a lot. (at least I do..TMI?) But you walk fast/run everywhere. I don't mind it but by 4 o'clock I am ready to shower.
2. There are lots of stinky people.
3. The subway is really clean!!! and its not scary at all.
4. I am working on getting over my claustrophobia of crowds. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! Esp on the subway. Also, no one talks on the subway. I noticed people looked at me funny because I kept making little noises every time i almost fell over when the subway bumped around or made fast stops.
5. People are helpful. If you ask, they will help. Also, they said not to smile at people but I have smiled at people and have found that (mostly men of course) are really responsive and polite. They give you big smiles right back. I have adopted the NY stance and avoided eye contact with creepers though.
6. You have to make a lot of money to live here. End of Story.

Here are a few pics of the city.

Today was mine and Jessica's first day of work. We got some blood work done, paper work and such and met the lady we will be working with. She was so warm and welcoming. I can tell she is very smart and I know I will learn a lot from her. We are already jumping in and working on an event. It should be la wonderful learning experience. I look forward to it.

Much love from this Diet Coke Monster. Sipping one as we speak. Cheers!

Some pictures of the last year...

 Me and handsome David at Jeff's wedding

My second family. We had the Nordstrom photographer take a family portrait of us!

The girls at my birthday dinner

 The group at Jeff's wedding. Notice everyone is smiling and I look ridiculous ;)

 Me, Charlotte, Jess and Nathan at my birthday

 Me and my PR boys

 Enter....my PR face

 Yep. I had to put chopsticks in my mouth.

The adorable Heidi, sexy Carlos, me and my bff Nathan in Vegas

I hope it's okay I borrowed this photo from the lovely Hayley Pingree. This was me and the beautiful bride to be Elizabeth at her bridal shower. I just adore this picture of us. She is marrying Nathan (see above) I love them.

In Retrospect..

I don't think I am very good at translating what I am thinking into words but I will try. I also don't feel I am as funny on paper, which is a shame.

I have met a lot of amazing people in the past couple years...mostly married girls/women and I feel put to shame at what great house makers they are. Not only do they cook, they decorate, they plan parties, they bake amazing little delicate cookies, they are good wives (sometimes mothers) AND they are put together. I know why they are married. They put the rest of us to shame. Granted, I am not in that position, so here's to hoping that when I am I will not let the sisterhood of martha stewart down. They impress me and I admire them greatly. Then I realize I have been away from home for too long because my mom has always done the same thing, I just forget sometimes. In the past three years because of work I haven't been able to see my family really more than 2 or 3 times a year. Talking on the phone just doesn't really cut it anymore. However, I soon get to see them all. Yep. After...ahem 5.5 years I am graduating from BYU. Though to be honest I wouldnt have minded if it took a little bit longer, which i can't believe I am admitting.

It is really strange to have this chapter in my life come to a close. It has been the most rewarding and most difficult experience of my life thus far. I'm sure being a wife and mother will be harder, but of course even more rewarding. I have met so many amazing people, some which have come and go, others I will never forget even if we have lost contact, some I still see. Each one of them has helped me develop into the person I am now. I have developed a lot of compassion and patience. A LOT. Learned to have thicker skin and to let things go. Learned more about myself and the stuff I am made of. There have been some people that really became family to me out here in Utah.

My Nordstrom family.  When you spend 5 days a week for three years in close quarters with 40 people you get to know each other real well. Without this job I would never have met my dearest friend, Natalie Ruth Shill Irwin Torres Howard. When laughter outweighs every thing else you know you have found a great friend. She told me those things I didn't always want to hear, loved me regardless of my faults. We have had some of the funniest times. She teases me about the day I was really stressed and was stoically silent, which was unusual for me. The countless makeovers in which she said I looked and smelled like Christmas. The time I tried the twilight liip venom. The time we drove to the airport and I was chatting away as she silently and horrifically stared as a truck flew off the back of a tow truck and towards us. At the last minute I noticed and diverted the car. The time we were in my mini van and some guys pulled next to us and revved their engine, so i revved mine. What we so lovingly started referring to as "its a chilis day" which was code for "Im having a bad day." She moved to California last October and I miss her every day.

 If i didnt like public relations I would have probably still joined the communications major just for the people. I have made so many wonderful friends. I can definitely be categorized as the class clown. My teachers still love me though! (Not to be a kiss up which I am but my professors think im brilliant and funny, maybe just dkp.i have witnesses..Chuck?) Not only are the students great but so are the professors. I have just loved them. I have made friends with my dearest Emmy. What a beauty! Sweet, brilliant and impeccable style! I just adore her. My bestie Jessica, just like me but a lot more sass ;) Nathan..ahh..i Love that kid. And of course Elizabeth. What a gem! I wont forget my dear Estelle! I'm naming my future daughter after her.

There are so many more past roommates and friends that I love and will miss as I leave on my next adventure. I hope that I am ready for this next step. Even if I'm not I am taking it anyways. New York I'll be seeing you in less than 3 weeks..