Today, however, if I don’t do it this way it’ll be Friday before I post anything. I seem to be quite busy lately, so here are some things going on.
>I decided to jump on the bandwagon and try out the 30-day Shred. I probably won’t be able to do it 30 days in a row due to days I work 12-hour shifts, but I’m going to try. So far I’ve done three days and I’m walking around like an old lady all stiff and jerky. Seriously, I am sore all over it hurts to sit on the freaking toilet. I knew I let myself get soft, but this is ridiculous.
>Megan and I saw In the Heights last night as I mentioned, and it was great! My brother said he’d burn me the soundtrack and I can’t wait. I usually fall even more in love with musicals after I have a chance to memorize their songs. One day I’ll put together my top five, but I want to become more of a connoisseur before then.
>I donated blood today for the first time since before I got pregnant. I wouldn’t have been surprised if they denied me due to low iron, but I was right at the cutoff. There was a bad moment when the screener asked me the birth date of my last child (because I had to answer ‘yes’ when I was asked if I had ever been pregnant). I don’t feel that people should assume that just because a woman has been pregnant it means she has a child. It really made me sad for some reason.
>Only me and one other person are going to make it to our book club meeting tonight, so instead of our usual dinner at Cafe Express I’m going to her apartment to have Boston Market, brownies (I think since I gave blood I deserve a little something sweet), and watch Dancing With the Stars.
>Almost forgot – anyone have any links to recipes that are healthy and not too complicated? My husband and I are pretty picky when you put us together, so it’s hard for us to find healthy meals we’ll both eat. We’re fine on snacks, but I really need some dinner ideas that will give us meals other than cereal & sandwiches.
>I feel like I barely have time to be online these days. I don’t know how my days got so packed. I’m working a lot (I picked back up the contract job giving chemo on my days off from my other job that I did before I was pregnant), and seem to have a lot of social engagements as well. At home I’m trying to keep the place clean, change our eating habits, exercise every day, and handle our crazy dogs. I’m going to need to slow down soon!
I find it essential for my state of mind to have some good things to anticipate, no matter how big or small. Here are a few things I’m currently excited about!
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This girl (the one on the left), one of my absolute best friends, is back in town after 7 months in Scotland! I spent the afternoon with her and my soul feels more at peace. She’ll be moving to Nashville this summer, so I’m going to try and see her as much as possible before then.
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I’m on a total musical kick lately. In the Heights is in Houston for a few more days and Megan (see above) and I are going to see it on Sunday. I can’t wait; I’ve heard amazing reviews of it.
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I’m excited about participating in Her Cozy Swap! Just a fun way to make someone happy, and a reason to get my creative juices flowing. Click on the picture for details, and to sign up. :)
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It may sound masochistic to say that I’m looking forward to donating blood, but the truth is that it was a part of my regular routine for a long time before I got pregnant and miscarried. I’m finally going back on Monday, and it makes me happy because not only am I helping save lives, but it means my body is strong again. Now I just hope my iron levels are high enough!
I don’t know why I thought I would have free internet access in my hotel in New York City this past week, because everything there is a million dollars excluding hot dogs on the street. I originally wanted to update you day by day about this long anticipated vacation, but instead you’re getting this brief recap.
Day One – Monday
We were out of the door by 5:30 a.m. that morning, but by the time we were checked in and settled in our hotel it was 3:00 p.m. We stayed in the Marriott Marquis, which is in the center of Times Square: convenient, but a very expensive area. We ventured out into the giant mass of tourists and I took a direct line to H&M, the awesomely trendy yet surprisingly affordable clothing store which doesn’t have a branch in Texas and doesn’t support online shopping. (Do you hear me, H&M people? There is a huge untapped market down here that I strongly suggest you take advantage of.) Anyway, since I literally shop for clothes maybe twice a year, David let me kind of go crazy. It was quite fun.
Times Square
Afterward we ate some pizza and decided to take it easy since traveling had kind of worn us out. We spent the rest of the evening in the hotel watching Dancing With the Stars and the NCAA basketball championship. We’re crazy like that.
Day Two – Tuesday
Since we had such a limited amount of time in NYC, we decided to do something completely touristy and kind of embarrassing, which was take a bus tour. It wasn’t cheap, but I have to say it was money well spent. Aside from the fact that our guide was a lifelong chain smoker who sounded like she probably has active throat cancer and we had to listen to her for five hours straight, it was an extremely enjoyable experience. There is no way we would have been able to see everything on our own. We saw too many sights to mention while riding the bus, but we stopped at the following places:
Ground Zero
NY Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, & Wall Street
Trinity Church
South Street Seaport
Rockefeller Center
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Madison Square Park
Flatiron Building
Empire State Building
Dakota Apartments & Strawberry Fields
Statue of Liberty (from a boat)
The gates of the Dakota Apartments, and the site of John Lennon's shooting. Yoko Ono still lives here.A section of Central Park memorializing John Lennon.These creepy statues were all over the place, mostly on top of buildings, as part of an art exhibit.The South Street Seaport with the Brooklyn Bridge in the backgroundMy very first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty!On the boat in front of the Statue of Liberty.Ground Zero. Just a construction site at the moment.
That night we had the best seats in the house (a Christmas gift from David & my brothers) to Billy Elliot, which won a Tony for best musical in 2009. I loved every minute of it, except for the old man behind us who found the need to loudly smack his gum. My wonderful husband put an end to that by politely informing an usher that we were being disturbed. After David saw how much I loved the show, he told me that we could see one every night. He may not admit it, but I’m beginning to suspect that he enjoys musicals as well. :)
Day Three – Wednesday
This was the only really “free” day we had to do whatever we wanted. We decided to take a Subway down to Greenwich Village, and it was definitely the right choice. I was beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic in Times Square, and up until that point I thought that there was no way I could live in Manhattan. Greenwich Village, however, is adorable. I think I could spend a few weeks there just exploring all the little shops, cafes, and historical spots.
Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.Site of the famed Stonewall Inn.The best pizza ever at John's on Bleecker Street.
That night we decided to see Promises, Promises, a 1960’s revival based on the movie The Apartment. It was cute and had two big stars in it: Sean Hayes (from “Will & Grace”) and Kristin Chenoweth (who was in the original Broadway cast of Wicked). It was funny, sweet, and even David really liked it!
Day Four – Thursday
This was the day that David had classes for work all day, so I just stayed in the hotel and relaxed. I can’t say that I regret it, because I really needed a break. I read a LOT, watched a movie, took a nap, and repeated the process. After David’s classes we went outside to walk around for a bit and got our tickets to the last show we’d be able to see. After much deliberation, we decided to see The Phantom of the Opera even though the tickets weren’t cheap and I had already seen it twice before. David really wanted to see it and I wanted to share the experience with him. It ended up being his favorite so I’m glad we spent the money.
Day Five – Friday
David had more classes in the morning while I packed us up. Although our plane didn’t leave until the evening, with travel time and preparations we didn’t have a lot of extra time. I didn’t want to leave New York without at least seeing a little bit of Central Park though, so I dragged David through the southern end.
Central ParkCan I have this tree in my yard, please?
Returning Home
I have to say that I was pretty depressed on Friday to be leaving, but I always get that way at the end of vacation. There was so much to see and do that we didn’t have time for, although I think we did a lot for the time we had. WHEN I go back I want to see more of Central Park, visit all the amazing museums, and go to the top of Rockefeller Center for starters.
Over the weekend I was busy cleaning, organizing, running errands, and getting ready for the week. It feels good to be back home with our dogs and our own bed, although I’m not ready to be back at work yet! I’ll just have to look forward to our next vacation. :)
Current Book(s): I am working my way through Emma by Jane Austen. I absolutely love Austen, but she’s not exactly a quick read. I make it harder on myself because the copy I have is in a huge anthology of all her novels, which is obviously not travel-ready. In conclusion, I have been slacking off on reading lately and someone needs to kick me into gear.
Current Playlist: It’s been awhile since I’ve really listened to music of any kind. How boring is that?
Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Lately for my chocolate kick I’ve been eating dark chocolate fudge icing straight from the tub, with my fingers. I get it all over my hands and face like a toddler. I really am ashamed.
Current Color: I decided that I want to start adding light blues to the color scheme in my house, so that’s what I’ve had on my mind.
Current Drink: During the recovery period of my GI sickness I asked David to bring me home some Powerade Mountain Blast so I could get some electrolytes into my system, and I’ve been stuck on it ever since. Unfortunately this also adds a lot of extra sugar to my body, and I’m not exercising enough to justify it.
Current Food: I think I could eat an entire roomful of fried rice in one sitting. Can you tell that my nutrition needs an overhaul?
Current Favorite Show: Dancing With the Stars, obviously. It makes me irrationally happy.
Current Wishlist: I haven’t shopped for clothes in forever (I rarely do), but as the weather changes it’s time for some new ones, and it’s also time for me to make my style a bit more my own. I’m ready to purge my closet and start fresh. I’m on a quest for dresses & skirts of all types, blouses, leggings, yoga pants, necklaces, earrings, belts, shoes, and basically an entire wardrobe.
Current Needs: A vacation, and fortunately I’m getting one!
Current Triumphs: This is silly maybe, but I was really stressed about finding my mentor a gift for retirement, and I did it. She loved it, and it’s a huge weight off my shoulders.
Current Bane(s) of my Existence: Wisdom teeth. Let’s talk constant headaches, swollen gums, aching teeth (all of them), sensitive facial skin, and all kinds of lovely things.
Current Celebrity Crush: Derek Hough is just so perfect when he dances.
Current Indulgence: On work days I’ve been letting myself sleep until past 5 a.m. before getting up to shower. This is nice, but it has caused me to miss breakfast several times lately. The two things kind of cancel each other out in my eyes.
Current Blessing(s): Oliver has been really good lately! And thank God for my parents who are watching him this week, and my in-laws’ who are watching Eddie and Cleo.
Current Outfit: Did you read what I wrote about my wardrobe? Yeah. All I wear these days is scrubs or jeans & a shirt. I’m not proud.
Current Excitement: Any minute now I will be in the air on the way to New York City for a week. I’ve never been, we’ve got lots of great stuff planned, and any vacation from work is welcomed with open arms. (Well, except for this kind, or this kind.) A month ago when I thought about this trip it didn’t mean a thing to me; I couldn’t fathom being excited about anything ever again. And now, I’m just…happy.
This week I bought a rug. I stressed over it. I deliberated. I took the plunge, and got way excited.
I still like the rug, but I think it looks awkward in my living room. I am going to try it in the dining room when we finish painting, and if I don’t love it there then I’m returning it. I’m now looking for a light blue, 8-foot, round rug to go in this spot.
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This week I figured out how to get my hair out of my face for awhile!
It took a headband and several bobby pins, but it sure was a nice break.
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This week I celebrated Passover with the youth group at church.
I thought the horseradish smelled tasty, so I took a big bite. WHOA. There is a reason you are supposed to eat it during Seder, and it is to make you cry. But at least my sinuses were clear.
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This week I went to the semi-annual antique festival with my parents.
Although I only ended up buying one thing, I had a fabulous time. My parents bought yard art in their typical fashion, tried to convince me to buy yard art (I resisted), fed me yummy food and ice cream, and were all-around fun and entertaining companions.
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Tonight my husband is taking me on a rare trip to the movies, this weekend I’m working (on Easter – sad), furiously preparing for vacation, and Monday we’re leaving to New York City!
