A Weekend in the Country- Take 2

Last fall Carlos, Joe, and I spent the weekend with our friends Jason and Yoav at their country house about 2 hours outside the city. It is a gorgeous home (impeccably decorated thanks largely to Jason) and is surrounded by woods, streams, lakes, and spectacular country.
In addition to the five adults, we had two babies with us as well. Jason and Yoav have a one year old daughter, Emma, and Carlos and Joe are now foster daddies to the most delicious little man you can imagine. (Side note: We know this is a temporary placement, but the gang (especially the daddies) have fallen in love with baby J and it is going to be rough to say goodbye).
It was a weekend of relaxing, playing with babies, singing around the piano, eating Jason's gourmet cooking, soaking in the hot tub, going on nature walks, and reading the entire latest Chelsea Handler book (love her!).
Thanks to Jason and Yoav for another extraordinary weekend (and for the tips on how to cut a babies fingernails).

TEAM TEDDY

...Because it is important to choose sides...

Easter BBQ

Carlos and Joe hosted an Easter BBQ at their beautiful house. It's so nice to have a place to go in the city with a back yard, plenty of space, and a fire pit. We are spoiled.
I didn't take many pics- but trust that the food was fabulous (the company was just okay). :)

Last minute vacation to Utah and Idaho

Thanks to my amazing Aunt Nancy (and her Delta miles), I was able to spend a week with my family in Utah and Idaho.
Highlights include:
1) Staying at the Grand America hotel and getting massages and room service.
2) Going to Legally Blonde with my mom, sister, niece, and Aunt.
3) Seeing my amazing friends Jeff, Josh, and Ven in LB in SLC.
4) Spending quality time with Aunt Nancy.
5) Spending time with Grandma Henderson and Grandma Flint.
6) Chillazing in Rexburg with no responsibilities other than go to Millhollow with the coolest kids ever.
7) Annual free-for-all spending spree in the College Bookstore with dad (thanks Dad!).
8) Mom cooking Sunday dinner with funeral potatoes (the best ever)!

LOWlights include:
Not having my camera and only taking one picture the entire week. WHAT? WHO AM I?!?!


(this photo of me and the handsome Ven is the only pic taken the entire week. Completely out of character for me).

A Night Out with my Girlfriends

Many nights when I go out, I am the only lady in the crowd (a fact I am not crazy about, but I have come to accept). I have a few dear friends who sometimes provide some extra femininity for the night. Thanks to Paige Turner, Eve Starr, and Squeezebox Heidi (we don't see you nearly enough Squeezebox) for continuing to keep it real. Love you gals!

Going Once. Going Twice. SOLD!

A few weeks ago the gang and I went to a fundraiser for the Gaynor School (private school on the UWS). In addition to having a great night out with friends, other highlights include live music provided by Bernadette Peters, amazing food, and, best of all... a live auction.
This was no ordinary auction. At one point, The Edge (from U2) got up and played the guitar, autographed it, and auctioned it off. You should know that I got caught up in the excitement and bid $14,000. Thank goodness someone outbid me- but I did get to experience the thrill of making a bid like that!
As a table, we were pretty stoked about the final item- an all inclusive private villa on the beach in the Dominican Republic (in house chef included). Thanks to Carlos's bidding skills and enthusiasm... WE GOT IT!!!
I will be vacationing with my friends over Memorial Day weekend at our private beach side villa being catered to by a gourmet chef. BRING IT!
(the above picture of Matty demonstrates my excitement over this upcoming vacay).

Night out at NOBU

Nobu 57 has become a favorite place to gather with the gang for food, drinks, and laughter. We decided to try the downtown Nobu location this last week.
Totally different atmosphere, slightly different menu, same amazing company.
Thanks to Joe for another great night!

Miss Carly Jeanne... One Night Only!

Of of my dearest girlfriends came to town last week- for far too short a visit.
We were able to grab lunch at our old favorite- Crepes on Columbus.
Wade joined us and we chatted about the latest news with our friends, our lives, and our families.
I LOVE THIS GIRL!

S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. NIGHT

John, Karyn Wade

Tony, Regina, John, Karyn, Joe

The Gorgeous Newlyweds- Tony and Regina

John and Karyn

The boys: Joe, Wade, Tony, John

Wade, Regina, Karyn

I thought this was the end of the night... it was just the beginning!

Growing Pains

These past weekend was full of unexpectedness (is that a word)?
While I clearly have no concerns about my own privacy (hence, the public blog), I do try to shy away from the life details of those around me. That being said, when big life changes come to those you are closest to, one cannot help but be affected.
(was that vague enough).
It is painful to see people you love aching.

I recently read a line in a book that so adequately captured that gut wrenching emotion of helplessness when someone you love is suffering and there is nothing you can do about it.

"You want to know what helplessness is? It's listening to your inmate wife tell you about the psychopath who is terrorizing her and not being able to do a damn thing about it."

This is clearly a very detailed and unfamiliar scenario, yet I can't explain why this resonated so strongly. Perhaps it's because this past year was pretty smooth sailing for me, but more than ever it seems that people I care about were suffering through some of the most painful life events (Death of parents, children, spouses. Unemployment. Broken relationships, broken hearts, health problems, etc...).

Wouldn't it be lovely if we could actually carry some of the pain of others when they need it (and likewise, pass some of our own off when it's too much)?

This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius

This past week I went to see the Broadway musical HAIR. The show was great fun- I mean, how often do you get a chance to wear flowers in your hair and get humped in your seat by an old friend dressed as a long haired hippie? (not often enough I say)!


Apparently the theme of the night was "friends in long haired wigs singing their faces off" because following HAIR, my lovely friend Heather and I headed over to Bartini to see another friend (Daniel Kelly, i.e. Paige Turner) do a little show.



Just another Thursday night in midtown...

Happy Birthday Carlos!!!

My bestie Carlos had a birthday last week (I am not permitted publicly disclose what number this is). All that matters is he still LOOKS 29.
The friends gathered at his house for a night of food, music, dancing, drinking, laughing, and loving.
I can think of no better reason to celebrate than the birth of this amazing man. Carlos, you are amazing, talented, handsome, loving, ambitious, generous, motivating, inspiring, and brilliant. Of course, you are also slightly crazy and I fear you are losing your mind. For better or worse- you are my best friend and I love you more than I can ever say. Thanks for more than a decade of of fights and making up. I love you stroodle!

Gary, Karyn, Joey, Paul

Carlos, Paul, Karyn, Joey

Eddy, Carlos, Patrick

Tom, Karyn, Kelsey

The amazing Eddy Bowles (in town for only a few days)

Gary Wright and the Bday boy