Regis & Kelly

So after Steve Guttenberg sighting #1 Annie and I made our way into the Regis & Kelly show. Carefully avoiding the summer interns asking if anyone wanted to be on TV or had special talents.
The studio was surprisingly small but just as adorable as it looks on TV. We were a bit to the back of the line as we entered so we had to sit off to the side and in the first row. Terrified that we were going to get dragged up to be the gogo dancers or answer some embarrassing question we remained quiet in our seats. That is until they went to the first break. As the camera man sat down with a sigh in the empty seat next to me, we got to talking. Then we got the inside scoop.
Apparently, on Friday's Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, lie to the American public. It is not live! They shoot it on Thursday! While I know that this is like revealing that Santa or the Tooth Fairy don't really exist, (jury is still out for me on this one,) it is necessary to share as it relates to the story. The camera man let us in on this little secret, so as the show ended we hurried around to the entrance line again and scored great seats for the second taping. (Friday August 5th).
A few highlights:

• Did you know that if you clap faster it sounds louder and fuller? I do (and you do) now. You're welcome. Now you can stop banging your hands together at the sporting events or at the end of shows. Just clap faster. 
• On the Friday show there was a proposal. (Note to those reading....I my mind this is NOT a good way to propose. It ranks right up there with a score board proposal. My answer would have be no on principal.) 
• Caroline Reyes was hysterical. 
• Regis and Kelly were really nice and at all the breaks they came out and chatted with the audience. 
• The camera man asked if I was single (for his friend) across 5 British tourists (mortified) 
• Several of the guests were from the movie, so I immediately downloaded The Help on Kindle. 

A huge success I think.
As we left we were able to snap a picture and I can I just say, the lighting in that place was amazing! If I ever have the opportunity to design lighting in my house, I want it to be just like the set of Regis and Kelly.

Annie and I on the set of Regis and Kelly

Love,
Lucy
xoxo

It's a small city...

I had the fortunate opportunity today to attend the Regis & Kelly show with our friend from California who is in town, Annie. (See following post for show recap.) I scooped her at her hotel in a taxi and up to 67th and Columbus we went. For those not familiar with NYC, 67th and Columbus definitely counts as the Upper West Side is a very uppity neighborhood. Its proximity to Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center along with easy entrance to Central Park make it a very desirable nieghborhood for shall we say "the wealthy, rich and famous."
As we hopped out of the cab we proceeded across the street to the Starbucks in much need of a morning wake up. As I peered into the door, the line was absurd so we quickly detoured to the local cart on the street for our cup-o-joe. Poor Annie had no idea where I was taking her so she got her first intro into ordering coffee in New York. Let's just say, it's not do it yourself and you either want sugar and milk or you don't. No, low-fat, 2 Splenda and a pump of vanilla.
Anyway, as we are standing in the much shorter line, I look at the crosswalk and I see a familiar face. Now, I don't know how many of you are cheezy movie lovers, but I can't tell you how many times I've watched It Takes Two with the Olsen twins. (Nerd Alert!) Trailer Here for your enjoyment http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1336869145/. So I immediately recognized the man standing there as Roger Callaway. I had to pull it up on IMDB for Annie, but I was pretty proud that I knew who Steve Guttenberg was and that Annie had received her first celebrity spotting. I tried not to stare and played it cool, we got our coffee and off we went.

So into the show we go and had a great time, hopped on the train and off to work I went. I popped up on 13th street and walked a few avenues over to Union Square. (Could have taken the L but it was a lovely day and who needs to rush to work at noon.)
I kid you not, that as I am walking along, who passes by but Steve Guttenberg! As we are passing, he turns around and says, "Hey, are you the girl from the coffee cart this morning?" I of course started to crack up and turn around to reply. "Yes, I was, it's such a small city." Very long story short, he proceeded to ask me out for coffee. So yes, Steve Guttenberg has my phone number. And yes, I've heard from him and yes, it's a little weird and yes I think he is about the same age as my father, and no, there are no plans set yet. So we shall see....

How do I get myself into these situations??!!

Love,
Lucy
xoxoxo

Happy 4th of July (one week late)

Our 4th of July weekend was a success! Lucy and I have gotten into the spirit of summer in the city and we are loving it. There is so much to do that we have taken to planning our weekends out a week in advance!

Leading up to the holiday weekend we took full advantage of NYC's free activities and caught a great comedy show in Central Park. We relaxed as the sun was setting and laughed our butts off at John Pinette and Jim Gaffigan. If you're not familiar with either comedian I highly recommend checking them out :)

(Free comedy in Central Park)

Saturday we rallied a group of friends and made our first beach trip of the season. We took the LIRR (Long Island RR) out to Long Beach, walked three blocks and we were there. Can't get much easier. The beach was busy but still relaxing. We played in the sun and went in and out of the water all day. We survived the day without incident and stayed until Andrew got kicked out of the water by the lifeguard. Needless to say, by the time we got home we were exhausted and caked in sand.

(Long Beach - perfect beach weather)

The next morning we rallied and caught a traint to Queens to bbq with another group of friends. Unfortunately, the weather didn't want to cooperate. But we made the best in the drizzle. Afterall, it's about quality time with your friends.

Monday we decided to walk the Chelsea Highline and catch the fireworks. But Andrew's cousin called and we made a split decision to meetup at the beer gardens at Seaport. We hung out by the water for couple hours before heading a little further uptown. Thanks to Lucy's handy iPhone we learned early on that the Highline was closed early due to the expected crowds for the fireworks. So we scrambled for a plan B.

After taking in some Pop Burger we decided to brave the crowds and find room by the Chelsea Piers to view the fireworks. Afterall, we are used to the spectacular firework shows in the Bay Area. Andrew didn't quite get it, but was sweet enough to fight the masses just to make me happy :) We pushed our way up to 12th ave and got a decent view. There were a total of six barges all the way down the river - pretty cool. But I have to admit that I still enjoy the show that SF puts on.

(Fireworks off the Chelsea Piers)

After the fireworks we hustled home along with what felt like thousands of other people. Really, we couldn't figure out where they were all going. Thanks to the art of jaywalking we finally arrived home.

(Exhausted after a long weekend of fun)

I took a nice long, hot shower to clean the tourist scent off of me and it was off to bed to face another week. This truly is the city that never sleeps.

::Victoria::

They say it's your birthday...it's my birthday too!

This year's birthday festivities rank among the top five of all-time. The celebration kicked off on the 16th with a flight down to Puerto Rico to meet up with Andrew. He spent the previous week in Puerto Rico celebrating his birthday and visiting with his family. Not to mention getting a solid tan. Needless to say I was on a mission to get some color on my sun deprived skin. After what felt like a six month long winter I was ready for some beach time.

We stayed with family Thursday night and then made our way to the beach on Friday. The weather was perfect - sunny and hot with a slight breeze. And the water temperature was amazing! We relaxed and played in the sun all day - and topped it off with homemade empanadas and cervezas :)

(Me & Andrew on the beach in Puerto Rico)

We eventually made our way back to the hotel to shower and freshen up for dinner. As I looked in the mirror I couldn't help but smile - I looked a bit sun kissed :) As far as I was concerned our trip was a success! I could go back to New York a happy girl.

(View from our hotel room)

Saturday morning we made our way to his parent's house for some family bbq in celebration of Andrew's birthday. I felt like I was back home in California (minus the harsh humidity) - the multiple conversations at one time, the smell of beef on the bbq, and the latin music soundtrack in the background. It was a pleasant afternoon.


In my opinion, Sunday morning came too soon. After what felt like a six hour flight (thanks to yet another crying baby) we finally touched down in sunny New York! And with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn. We did a mini celebratory birthday dinner in Park Slope and then took a stroll through Prospect Park. I've been dying to go there and the weather had yet to cooperate.

My actual birthday was pretty smooth. I went to work in the morning and got brownies. Talked with my mom and got birthday hugs and kisses from California. Then I went to my board meeting for the PR League and got mini cupcakes from Crumbs Bakery. And finally went out to dinner with Lucy and Andrew and got margaritas and all you can eat tacos at Mercadito! I went to bed with a smile on my face (and woke up with a headache).

To round out the birthday funness (I know it's not a real word, but seemed appropriate for this post) Lucy planned a fun-filled day with our friends at Central Park. The whole gang came out: John and Mike, Micheala and Shane, Angel, and Ro! We basked in the sun and played frisbee, catch and football. And naturally we had a couple undercover drinks on hand in the coolers. It was such a blast (except for the part when we got locked in the park - never thought that would happen)! Thank you Lucy!!!

Now that all the build-up of turning 29 has passed, I look towards the so-called big 3-0! But not before I reflect on how amazing of a life I have. I am surrounded by wonderful, kind hearted people, live in one of the most amazing cities in the world and am healthy and happy. What more could a girl ask for?

xoxo

Victoria

Home is where the heart is

After nine long months away from my friends and family, my vacation home finally arrived. After the whirlwind week of going out with our out of town guests I was looking forward to a nice nap on the plane ride home followed by more r&r after I landed. As luck would have it I got the seat in front of the designated crying baby.

I finally landed in Oakland, got the keys to my rental car and began the two and half hours drive to my mom's new place. My body was running solely on adrenaline and excitement to see my mother and dog (who I had to leave when I moved to NYC).

I have to admit there is nothing better than a hug from your mother. There's something comforting and reassuring about it. And even though my dog looked confused at first, I like to think the flood of kisses I got meant she missed me as much as I missed her.

It was nice to be home. And most of all to enjoy some home cooked Mexican food the first night home!

The next couple of days were spent in the Bay Area catching up with friends. Part of the trip home was to celebrate my best friend's accomplishment of receiving her master's degree. We spent the day in Napa touring the Castello di Amorosa winery. The castle was beautiful and the wine was delicious.

(Me & Jen)

Later that night I met up with some old friend in Walnut Creek. And what a night! We had our fair share of drinks and decided to walk down to one of our favorite bars because it was Thursday night....and that usually means The Spazmatics are there...but of course not this night. Instead we were forced to listen to a strange 90s cover band decked out in matching army fatigue shorts and basketball jerseys....I still don't get it. As the bar closed me and two of the boy made our way to get some late night Mexican food :) They know the way to a California girl's heart!

(Jeff, Me, Ross, Victor & Diane)

Friday night I got to catch up with a couple of my best girlfriends :) Lucy and I have been fortunate to meet some amazing women in New York, but nothing compares your friends back hoome. The ones who know all the dirt about you. I love them!

The rest of the trip home was spent relaxing and getting quality time in with mom. A quick trip to Reno over the weekend to watch my goddaughter play in a basketball tournament was a nice surprise. At least weather wise. Let me explain that I left rainy, dreary New York with high hopes of catching some sun while I was home. Not only was it raining in Califonia when I arrived BUT I was lucky enough to get SNOW in Reno. Seriously? Not cool.

(Me & Lexie in Reno)

Weather aside, the trip home was a much needed break from the constant sensory overload that is Manhattan. But, I will admit I did miss New York. Just a little bit.

Now I'm looking forward to my mini weekend trip to Puerto Rico :) I'm in desperate need of some sun.


::Victoria::

Girls, girls, girls!

No doubt you're singing the Motley Crue song to youself right now...I know I was when I was typing in the title of the post ;) Well, sorry to disappoint but this post has nothing to do with half naked girls or guys with long hair in spandex.

It's so much better - it's about our two girlfriends from Cali that came to visit and take NYC by storm with us. Our very own version of Sex and the City for a week! That's right, Dorothy and Carlita came to play for almost a week. And boy, did we play ;)

Where to start...so Lucy and I went to meet our friends at their hotel...in the middle of Times Square...aka, my idea of hell. We surprised them with a bottle of champagne and NYC 'survival bags' with key essentials, ie hand sanitizer and breath mints (for those celebrity run-ins). After a quick toast we were off to grab another cocktail and do some catching up. We decided to stay near the hotel since it was already late (or so Lucy and I thought). And man, the bar we ended up in was full of crazies. The waitress felt so bad that they kept coming up to our table that she bought us a round of shots!

(A round of 'redheaded sluts' - compliments of the waitress)

It should be noted that the girls planned this trip specifically for Spring/Summer to avoid the crappy weather that NYC can produce at times. So it was unfortunate that it rained most of the week while they were here. But we didn't let the rain 'dampen' our spirits...sorry, it had to be said.

Friday was our Sex and the City day. Lucy had to work in the morning so me, Dorothy and Carlita made our way uptown. We stopped in at Dylan's Candy Bar and Serendipity before landing at the Central Park boathouse for a light lunch. We met up with Lucy around 3 so we could all go on the SATC bus tour. The tour was a blast (and I'm not even a huge fan, I just catch the reruns). That night we decided on dinner at Butter down in Greenwich Village. Afterwards we took the girls over to the West Village for some late night jazz and ping pong challenge. I think we all got home around 430am. Same as the night before.

(Stop three on the SATC tour - photo op!)

Saturday we took the girls to brunch at Essex House because we love the envionment and the food is delicious. Afterwards, Dorothy, Carlita and Lucy headed uptown to catch a matinee on Broadway and I went home for a nap. Later that night we met up to watch Andrew's comedy show in the Lower East Side. The HIGHLIGHT of my night, hell my ENTIRE NYC experience was spotting Jake Gyllenhaal walking through the East Village!! So cute in person :) My heart melted. And I think he felt the same way ;)


Needless to say after two solid nights of staying out late and drinking Dorothy and Carlita were ready for some rest. We got them in a cab and made sure they were safe and then made our way uptown to a rooftop bar for a few more tequila shots. A girl's got needs :)

(View from up top)

Sunday was a blast! Yes, Lucy and I pulled ourselves together at a decent brunch hour. We picked the girls up and caught the train to Brooklyn. We had a delicious brunch at Bubby's - they make amazing spicy bloody marys!! After brunch we walked our butts across the Brooklyn Bridge and explored the financial district. We even caught the Staten Island Ferry so they could check out Lady Liberty.

(Playing around down under the Manhattan Bridge - we later walked across the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.)

After a failed attempt at dinner reservations we managed to recover with a cute restuarant in SoHo called The Mercer Kitchen. And after stating firmly (at least four times) that it was going to be an early night we closed the restaurant down and then made our way to a bar up the street for another round of cocktails. At that point Dorothy decided we needed to go to a rooftop bar. So we did :) And we popped a bottle of Cristal to celebrate! And eventually made it home around 4am (again).

(Enjoying the bubbly)

Monday we finally made time for some serious shopping...and there was only one place to take them...SoHo! I had a blast window shopping and helping Dorothy pick out goodies for her husband's upcoming birthday :) I eventually had to say goodbye so I could go home and pack my suitcase for the trip home the following day.

The ladies later met up at our apartment for a mini happy hour and then we made our way across town to The Cat Restaurant for our farewell dinner. The melted cheese appetizer thingy was great. But then again any melted cheese is pretty amazing.


I have to say the week was a success. I had so much fun and loved having two of my friends from back home here enjoying the city with us! I can't wait for round two ;)


~Victoria

First year under my belt

I'm happy to report that I have completed the first year of my master's program at NYU. I'm officially half way through! Hooray for me!! And not only did I complete the second semester after a solid round of irritating finals, but I managed to finish with a 3.925. Gotta say, I impressed myself.

The bonus was that as I scored an internship as the semester was wrapping up and before the start of summer. I know you're thinking, who cares? An internship? The bonus part is that it's a full-time paid internship.

On June 2nd I put on my intern hat and went to work. For the next three months I'm working at a start-up jewelry company called Chloe+Isabel handling the social media branding/marketing strategy execution. So far, so good. It's a hands on position and great experience to develop everything from scratch. I'm hoping I can take this experience and find a real paying job entering the fall semester.

*Fingers crossed*

Victoria

Yes, we're alive

First off, let me apologize (again) for our lack of blogging. I was on a roll and then school finals interfered. Yes, Lucy and I are in fact alive. I feel like there is so much to catch everyone up on (at least from my side of the blog) that I think it's best to try and break them up into separate blog posts. Wish me luck!

Victoria

Thank goodness for Victoria

I'm alive, I swear. =) Thank goodness for Victoria as I have clearly neglected this blog thus far in 2011. Shame on me. Here's a quick recap:

Let's start with St. Patrick's Day, because let's face it, the Irish New Year really begins on March 18th. The celebration was a huge success starting with a pub crawl down 3rd Ave the Saturday before. Several new friends were made and plenty of $1 beers were consumed. The actual blessed day was spent with Guinness and March Madness and I could not have been happier. (Oh, and it was sunny and warm!)

Work is going beautifully, I am absolutely loving the position and the people and am so thankful for the opportunity to really push myself. This is exactly what I came here for. Although most days are 10 hour days, hence the lack of blogging, it feels good to work hard and get something out of it.

Easter, a success with candy filled with candy filled eggs for the girls at the restaurant and between Michaela (Irish) and Regina (Russian) I learned a lot about Easter traditions. Did you know that the Irish have a picnic and roll their decorated eggs down a hill?....Seems like quiet the mess. At least we pick all of ours up after we hide them. Here in New York, this was my favorite Easter find.

Don't ask why it is sideways.....

The best news I have though, is that I have a new NIECE!!!! Bailey Lorraine was born on April 22nd. 9lbs 4oz. 21.5". Mom and baby are healthy and happy!! So exciting!!

Again my apologies for the angel. (From the top) my nephew Peyton, Bailey, my mom Joan

Weekends and I have been in a fight lately. It all started when I started picking up a shift here and there at the restaurant. Then Weekends lashed out with rain and cold weather. I am working on forgiving Weekends but it is hard when it insists on being stubborn and always throwing thunder in my face. I am hoping to reconcile at the end of this week with a mandatory Sunday Funday.

In summery....all is well and I will try to write more often.


~Lucy
xoxoxo

Spring is in the air...or is it?

March 20th marked the first official day of Spring. Almost a month has gone by and we have only enjoyed two Spring-like days in NYC. I feel short changed. To get two wonderful days of 75 degree weather followed immediately by a 20 degree drop in temperatures and rain is cruel.

I'm happy to report I have seen visual evidence that Spring is near. Or at least trying to make an entrance. Within the last week and a half the trees that line the city streets have begun to bloom. At first just a little. Just enough to give us New Yorkers hope that warmer weather is around the corner. And then the tulips began to spring up. I snapped a couple pictures during my daily walks around the city to share with you all.

(Trees in front of Macy's Hearald Square)

(Tulip bed along 35th St)

(Pink blooms along Park Ave)

I'm optimistic that any day now we will be able to retire our winter coats and enjoy a cocktail outside. Until thenI will look to the blooms around the city to me through the last of the cold winter-like temperatures.

~Victoria

Walking for a Cause

As many of you know (no doubt from our emails) Lucy and I have decided to participate in the NYC AIDS walk! Our official walk date is May 15th.

With a little over a month to go, some might find it difficult to reasch our team's set fundraising goal. Not us! We, our team as a whole, have a wonderful support system of friends and family to keep us motivated.

I have my own personal reasons for participating in this walk for AIDS. My family lost a close friend to HIV/AIDS when I was young. For those of you who know me well, and that's most of you, I have always participated and campaigned for issues that sit close to my heart - homelessness, child welfare issues, education and more. It makes me happy that I can participate in this year's event and give back to a cause that I believe needs continued attention.

If you, or someone you know, would like to donate to our fundraising goals you can follow one of the two links below to reach our individual donation pages.

Victoria (aka Angelina)

Lucy (aka Kasey)

Thank you for all your continued support and love.

xoxo

Victoria

A little NYC history

I came across an article today in the Wall Street Journal that profiled a variety of NYC maps in honor of our city's street grid system's 200th birthday. Below are a couple of my favorites, but take look at the article for the full listing. I love things like this!



For those of you interested - Lucy & I live in the lower left hand corner on this map - at 35th between 3rd & 2nd Ave!



This is what Manhattan would look like positioned between Oakland and San Francisco. Pretty cool.



And one of the funniest maps created - all the spots listed on "missed connections" on Craigslist during May 2010! The very thought of this creeps me out! Apparently the Upper East Side is the place to be (or not depending on your personal view).

Hope you all find this as much fun as I did :)

xoxo
Victoria

Spring break baby!

No fancy trip away for me this spring break. Unfortunately, I am too old to run around with my top off. To be honest I'm just happy to have a one week break to relax and decompress a bit. My Saturday class wrapped up last week so I can now go back to enjoying my Friday nights like most normal New Yorkers. Although I gave up all forms of alcohol for Lent, so it will have to be clean, sober fun :)

The weather has been pleasantly sunny lately. It makes me excited for Spring to get here! But then the rain comes and I am reminded that it is still a ways away. Bummer. But then I remember that Lucy and I have two great girlfriends coming out to visit in May and I get all excited again!! We can't wait for Dorothy and Carlita to get here so we can wreak havoc on the city. Hooray for visitors!

~ Victoria

All about food

I recently began cooking again. After moving out to New York, I quickly fell into the routine of ordering out. Or grabbing something from the corner deli on my way to and from class. It was just so simple. Since discovering the convenience and cost effectiveness of a little company called FreshDirect.com I am excited to cook for myself again. Even if that means something as simple as pouring a bowl of cereal in the morning instead of grabbing a bagel - I love it. Since New York is an expensive city as it is, anything to save money makes me smile! I've also cut back to ordering out only once per week. It seems I have quite a bit of "planned" traveling this year so I need to start saving ASAP.

On the occasion that Lucy and I go out and enjoy the New York food scene, I have noticed a couple trends among the menus. First, despite the classiness or shoddiness of the venue the menu will inevitably feature some variation of fired mac n cheese. I'm not quite sure when the low budget college treat became the go-to for fine dining appetizers, but Kraft must be pissed.

The other highlight on most menus is the wonderful, mouthwatering buffalo wing. In most cases three varieties are listed. In California these delectable little treats are reserved for the local neighborhood bar. Or Domino's. Not in New York! And the funny thing is never in my life have I craved these fiery poultry wings. So much so, I have some in our freezer in case of an emergency.

Since I'm on the topic of junky, fatty, fried foods - let me mention my strange obsession with shoe string fries. I don't know what it is, but they are like crack for me. And to up the weirdness factor - most New Yorkers eat them with a fork! Really?! Come on. Every time I witness this strange behavior I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode where people eat Snickers with a knife and fork or M&Ms with a spoon. And people think Californians are odd. Think again.

Last but not least, I have to say I'm not impressed with the pizza out here. And neither is Lucy. Not sure what it is - perhaps the extra thin crust, the dripping grease, or lack of topping options. Maybe it's because you have to fold it in half to take a bite. I know I have a big mouth, but even some of the slices out here are hard to handle.

It's safe to say that my eating habits have changed ever so slightly. Luckily I walk everywhere and have started hitting the gym at least four days a week. And to my surprise I have even taken a liking to running! Go figure - it took me moving from sunny, warm California to cold, snowy New York to take an interest in running. I don't question it, I just go with it. After all, I have to get in shape for all the cute Summer clothes! Even if it's still four months away.

xoxo
Victoria

Pictures of Winter Wonderland

I have to admit I am proud of how well I have maintained during my first winter in New York. I managed to survive the "blizzard of 2010" and continue to battle the snow throughout the month of January. I have learned to never underestimate the importance of a scarf, gloves and a warm goose down parka. And of course those ridiculous rubber rain boots. I'll tell you one thing though - they definitely keep your feet dry. And it's so much fun to tromp through all the puddles and piles of snow :) Yes, I'm still a kid at heart.


People keep telling me that January and February are the worst. The fact that January is almost over makes me anticipate the end of February and the start of Spring! I keep telling myself, "I can do this."




This past week we have experienced record low temperatures, and finally another snowstorm. The weathermen (sidenote: worst weatherman in the US) predicted approximately 6-8 inches of snow. By the morning of January 27th Central Park had received 19 inches. Just a tad off.





Every time it snows I always manage to snap a couple pictures - the very reason I always carry my camera in my bag. It always looks so pretty when the snow is fresh and untouched. It inevitably turns to a brown dirty slush. It's times like these that I miss those warm California winters. But I like to think this type of weather builds character. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself to survive.

New year, new post

Happy New Year everyone!

Another year has passed and I am now one semester closer to completing my masters degree! Hip hip horray :) Only three more to go.... I think I can, I think I can....

Lucy & I are looking forward to our first full year in the Big Apple. Afterall, the first four months have been good to us both (and we are truly grateful). Lucy is on a roll with her new job, and I am on a mission to get back into the corporate world after taking a mini break for the first semester of school. **fingers crossed** Now that all the holidays are behind us we can focus on getting things crossed off our 2011 goal lists (we're putting the orders out there Dorothy).

Speaking of holiday celebrations....New Year's Eve was a blast! After Lucy's initial flight home from Christmas was canceled I became concerned that our two other friends would encounter the same trouble coming out to visit. Luckily, Lucy was able to negotiate a new flight home before NYE and Jen's flight was unaffected. Unfortunately, we ended up one house guest short due to the airport closures and flight cancelations in New York. We were all bummed :(

After a couple delays in Chicago, a 50 minute wait on the tarmac, and an 1 1/2 hr wait in the taxi line, Jen finally arrived at my doorstep! All bundled up, and yet still freezing!! Welcome to New York :) She was excited to see all the snow still around from the blizzard (despite the cold). Lucy made it home several hours after Jen.

New Year's Eve day Lucy had to work, so Jen & I ventured up to Times Square before the street closures took place. We made it just in time - the police were unloading the baracades and the main section of Times Square was already sealed off. Police units were everywhere getting the rundown from their commanders. We finally made our way out and down to Harold Square before heading home to rest before hitting the five hour open bar later that night. Yes, I said five hour open bar.

Jen & I pulled ourselves together and Lucy dashed home from work to join us. We met up with Mo & Nick at Bar13 by 930pm (a fashionable half hour late). Sorry boys. They had each enjoyed a couple drinks by the time we arrived, so the girls and I headed to the bar. After waiting two mintues we each walked away with two drinks in hand. Love those male bartenders! Carlo & Caroline even made it back to New York in time for the celebration (after being stranded in Chicago from the blizzard). As the countdown began we all raised our glasses of champagne and toasted in the new year together. And then proceeded to dance the night away. I believe Jen, Lucy & I finally got back to the apartment around 330am. But what fun we had :) The aches in our feet can vouch for that!

I enjoyed having Jen (my little slice of home) out for an extended visit and miss her already. Our trip to the American Museum of Natural History was truly memorable! "Gorilla!!" I can't wait for all our other visitors in the upcoming months!

Looking back, 2010 was good to me. It's going to be difficult to top, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Bring it on 2011!

::Victoria::