Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Book of Mormon on Broadway



Do you possess the ability to laugh at yourself?
Are you able to hear horrible and offensive things and NOT take them seriously?
Are you able to appreciate differences in beliefs, standards, and lifestyles?
If so, gird up your loins and hasten to the Eugene O'Neill Theater for the most outrageous, hysterical, and brilliant live theater I have seen in years!

Thank you Book of Mormon for restoring my testimony that great musical theater still exists.




Special shout out to my dear friend of over a decade CLARK JOHNSON for his brilliant portrayal of a Mormon Missionary (what a stretch!).

Monday, March 28, 2011

BRITTANI! Surprise Visit with a Long Time Bestie


On a recent flight back to NYC from Salt Lake City, I was bumped from my 3:00pm flight until the midnight red eye. Having a few hours to kill in SLC, I immediately called one of my oldest and dearest friends- my old college roommate, supermodel (seriously- after 4 kids) and uber talented forever girlfriend Brittani Nordberg Brown.
Britt came to get me, and we spent the evening eating sushi, gossiping about our friends (past and present) catching up on kids (hers), NYC life (mine), and work (ours). Even though Britt and I have only seen each other a handful of times in the past decade- every time we do meet up, it is like no time has passed. Above all else, that has to be the #1 defining characteristic of a true friendship.

It was so So SOOO great to see my old friend- as well as her ridiculously perfect husband (TRENT ROCKS) and her gorgeous kids.

I hope you enjoy these horrible/wonderful pics of some of our past times together. I sure had fun going through old photos from the college years. I love you Britti!!!






Family Time in Idaho


Following my trip to CA, I had a connection flight in SLC. I made a somewhat spontaneous decision to not catch the connection, and instead, head up to Idaho to spend a few days with the fam.
My sister was having a lumpectomy (benign cancer-free tumor, thank goodness) and so I was able to spend a few days entertaining the kids while she recovered. We hit the movies, The Craze Arcade (where Mitch hit the jackpot), Sammys burgers, went to Wyatt's basketball game, and had a sleepover at Grandmas. Come on, I only have a few days a year to win their affection- I have to make every minute count!

In addition to spending time my amazing parents, sister, and kiddies, I was also able to spend some time with my awesome cousin Jared, my dear Grandma, and the always entertaining Aunt Nancy. I love my family!



San Francisco- Back Again


I love San Francisco. As a young kid, we lived outside the city and I have memories of going into San Fran to see The Nutcracker at Christmastime, driving up and over the steep city streets in the family car, and tearing apart round loaves of sourdough bread bought at Fisherman's Wharf.

Going back as an adult is even better. We got to do all those things (well, not see The Nutcracker), PLUS have cocktails, dance all night at an 80's club, and sleep in a hotel (not the backseat of the station wagon).
We only had one day in San Fran, but we made the most of it. Dinner at Harvey's (as in Harvey Milk), dancing all night at Trigger in the Castro, and the double decker tour bus to catch see the city sights.

... AND, the company couldn't be beat!







Sunday, March 27, 2011

My Favorite Place on Earth (I think)


I have been very lucky to have been able to travel extensively around this country, as well as the world. I have seen some pretty spectacular places- but if I had to choose, I think my favorite spot would have to be the California Coast/Big Sur. It doesn't get any better than eating and drinking your way up the most stunning coastline with the people you love.
This trip was no exception.
Following our weekend in LA, we hit the road and spent two days driving up the coast (final destination San Francisco). We did almost the identical trip Paul and I made in October- Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Solvang, Cambria, hiking in Big Sur, Nepenthe, and Carmel.
Not only was the location and experience amazing, but two days in the car with your best friends is always good forced bonding time (especially when Paul pulls out the question books).

Los Olivos Wine Tasting:



Solvang:




Cambria:




Big Sur:





Nepenthe:







Carmel:




Before/After beach feet: