Holy Guacamole Patrick!

July 14th is Patrick's birthday. Since there was no way we could top his birthday last year (zip lining in Costa Rica), we did the best we could here in NYC.
Once again, it was proven that it does not matter what you do, only, who you are with. A friendly dinner gathering with Paul, Patrick, Joe, Gaelen, Joey and Scott.
Oh, and Rosa Mexicana guacamole made right at your table... not THAT'S a party!!!

Dinosaur BBQ and Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Last Friday after work I went out with a group of co-workers to the famous Dinosaur BBQ. The call of macaroni and cheese and fried green tomatoes was too great to refuse (not to mention the exceptional company).
The celebration was in honor of Javon's birthday, but really, this group does not need an excuse to gather after 5:00pm and nurse our frustrations with conversation and libations.



After dinner, I was feeling full and content and decided that since it was such a lovely summer night, I would walk a few blocks before jumping on the bus/in a cab/on the subway. As Dinosaur BBQ is right next to the Hudson River, I decided to take advantage of the bike bath that runs along the river. I entered at 131st and planned to walk to 125th (it was dark and I was more concerned about safety than the distance). Unfortunately, I did not realize that once you get on the path, there is not an outlet until 96th Street!!! Once you start, the Henry Hudson Highway is on your left, and the Hudson River on your right.
Fortunately, it was a lovely night, and the view of the Jersey lights and the river made for a gorgeous view. Since I was wearing my work shoes, I ended up walking barefoot by the end (carefully avoiding dog poop and needles) but I did finally make it home.

Happy Birthday America!

Those who know me well know that I LOVE the 4th of July. Besides Christmas, it is my all time hands down favorite holiday.
Family, parades, fireworks, summer, BBQs, watermelon... seriously, it's like all the best things in life on one day. The past 8 years or so I have not been feeling too patriotic, however, some of that USA pride is starting to return and only adds to the celebration.
The past two years I have been able to go home to Idaho for the 4th. Oh, I love it there so much! Due to work/school schedules this summer (as well as the 2.5 week vacation I have coming up in August) I was not able to get away. However, I had a spectacular time with my NYC family.
Joe had a great view of the firework show from his private roof deck. We had a BBQ, all the fixings, and Paul singing "God Bless America" in full soprano voice during the fireworks (I think he was trying to compete with Audra for the vocals).
Here's to another great holiday surrounded by the people I love. If only Avery, Wyatt, and Mitchell could have been there- that would have made it perfect.

Joey, Patrick, Robyn, me, and Paul enjoying the fireworks


Yes, that is Patrick with a watermelon and arugula salad with balsamic reduction.

Prince Recker Comes Home (temporarily)

Former roommate and dear dear friend Chris Recker snuck away from the Spring Awakening tour and came back to NYC to visit last week.
Naturally, both of the two nights out found us at Therapy- the usual watering hole.
It's always nice to have old friends back in town- but even nicer to know that although miles may separate us... this friendship is strong enough to handle a few years of distance and minimal contact.
Chris my dear, you are missed. Hurry home. Your friends miss you.

HIStory

It was a big week for celebrating diversity and individuality here in NYC (and around the world). On June 25th the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, made his transition (no disrespect, but I kind of thought he died like 5 years ago). In my semi-professional opinion, the man was clearly mentally ill, most definitely a severe substance abuser, and may or may not have had a string of inappropriate relationships with minors. Regardless, he sure could dance, sing, put on a spectacular show... and throughout his career, created a ridiculous amount of amazing music.
I work a block away from the famed Apollo Theater in the heart of Harlem. The streets were packed all weeks with mourners coming to pay their respects, write messages of love, and leave gifts. I have not seen anything close to this kind of memorial since 9/11. Way to steal Farrah's spotlight, MJ.


Continuing with the theme of celebrating individuality, Sunday the 27th was the annual Pride Day Parade. This year was significant as it was the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969 (by most accounts, the official kick off of the gay rights movement). It is sad (and a little sickening) to think that 40 years later so many of our gay brothers and sisters are still fighting for basic civil rights. Yet, I am glad to see that progress has been made and will continue until these gross inequalities are rectified.




My friend Kelsey giving ATTITUDE!

Jaslene Gonzalez- American's Next Top Model winner




Me, Clark, and Joe heading home after a long day of Pride Celebrations

Another One Bites the Dust

New York is a very transient city, and living here, I have become used to friends coming and going. Sometimes (let's be honest) it's good riddance. Some folks are not cut out for city living and begin counting the days until their exit almost as soon as they arrive.
Others come to NYC to make the city their home. They put down roots, build their network, and join in the ridicule of the ones who just cannot take it.
(For the record, I fall somewhere in between... I love this city and have no immediate plans to leave. However, once my knees start to go and I can no longer tolerate 5th floor walk-ups, public transportation, and noisy neighbors- I am OUT).
This last week I had to say goodbye to my dear friends Carly and Neil (my more faithful readers may remember the blog about their SLC weddng last summer). This was a rough one. Carly has been a friend for over a decade- since the BYU days. Neil was a friend in the city and I played a big role in setting them up (Neil stole my phone and sent texts to Carly asking what she thought of him under the guise it was me). Sneaky, but effective.
They were seduced by opportunity outside the city and we had a final night of laughs and stories before their bitter departure.
While some friends come and go, these are friends I am confident I will see again.
Love you guys!

Working IT... 9 to 5

I finally saw the new musical 9 to 5.
Our talented friend Gaelen was going on for the Judy Bernly role (played by Jane Fonda in the movie), so Paul, Patrick and I went to see her.
She was amazing (as expected) and the whole show was fun fun FUN!

Happy Fathers Day Dad!!! Happy Birthday Mom!!!

What a week worthy of a great celebration!
My extraordinary momma celebrated a birthday, and three days later Father's Day provided an excuse to praise and honor my spectacular dad.
I am so SO SOOO lucky to have the family and parents I have.
Mom and dad, you are both amazing. Thank you for giving me life, love, and providing 33 years of happiness.
Dad, thank you for teaching me how to tell a story, taking me to The Phantom of the Opera when I was 13 and developing my love for musical theater, and loving me even when I was awkward and bratty.
Mom, thanks for caring about the mundane details of my life, for buying lime juice bars when I come home, and never making me feel guilty for just being me.
Both of you, thank you for falling in love and being my family.
Remember when I was a teenager and you said "your friends may be the most important people in your life now, but just wait... one day your family will be your best friends."
You were totally right!!!

One quiet night

The other night I was heading home after a lovely night with my lovely friends.
The weather was misty after a rainy day. Cool, but not cold, wet but not rainy.
The extraordinary thing was that it was Saturday night in Manhattan, but felt totally quiet and still. I did not see anyone else on the street, and traffic was barely existent.
It was one of those moments of reflection and I stopped and realized how lucky I am. I am healthy. I am surrounded by amazing friends. I have the most supportive family. I have a fully functional mind. I am able to work full time and attend graduate school. I have been blessed with countless experiences and opportunities. I get to live in the most spectacular city in the world.
I snapped this picture- not a great shot, but I feel it captured the moment.
I love this city!

Indigo Girls, Matt Nathanson, and Central Park... A Musical Trifecta

I thought that nothing could be better than last year's musical pairing of Joshua Radin and Ingrid Michaelson concert. I was wrong.
Last Tuesday I gladly missed class and spend the evening in Central Park where I heard the Indigo Girls work their magic (third time seeing them at Summer Stage).
I admit, I am a fan. A huge fan. A slightly obsessed fan. I have 214 Indigo Girls songs on my ipod. They are easily my most played music. They have been the soundtrack of my life for the past two decades. I thank Jake Haeberle for turning me on to their music freshman year of HS. I thank Paul for sharing my obsession since freshman year of college. I thank God for sending such brilliant musicians to create the perfect mood music- whether driving up the canyon, celebrating summer at the beach, or crying my eyes out after a miserable day... they have a song to fit the mood.
The addition of Matt Nathanson- a more recent (past two years) addition was the perfect complement to this folk duo.
The night was made even more perfect by being able to share it with two of my besties and fellow Indigo girls fans.
Dinner with Paul and Joey following the concert at Citrus (one of our favorite restaurants) only made the experience more memorable.

Miss Katie the Beautiful

Last week an old friend came into town to celebrate her birthday.
Katie was a BYU acquaintance, and a NYC friend.
I adore her. She is one of those truly exceptional women. Beautiful, talented, wise, loving, generous, and an incredibly supportive friend.
She is about to have baby #2 and has never looked more beautiful (seriously, look at her. She is beyond stunning!).
Wonderful to see you Katie! It was a short visit, but so glad we were able to make it happen.

Fire Island/ Paul's Birthday

In sticking with tradition, Paul's recent birthday was a CELEBRATION of the highest order. Paul, Patrick, Joe, Carlos, Matt, Jacob, Joey, and other friends all went out to the wildly fun and beautiful Fire Island for the weekend.
The first day was overcast and foggy. Perfect for walks on the beach and jammies. The second day was sun shiny and hot. Perfect for ocean playing and soaking up some rays.
Now, there is no doubt that this crowd could have fun anywhere... but a stunning beach house on an isolated sand strip surrounded by besties is pretty ideal.
The weekend included dancing on the beach, grilled kabobs and pineapple, BBQs, playing in the ocean, singing at the piano bar, riding the ferry, and just hanging out. Of course, we all went to high tea (be prepared, there is not a miniature sandwich or saucer in sight), and everyone (sans me and Jacob) hit up the midnight underwear party (check you clothing at the door- totes NOT my scene).
Happy Birthday Pauly!!! Can't wait to enjoy your birthday present with you at the Indigo Girls concert next week!