Brett Visit: Day 9

My last day in New York was a sad one. I didn’t want to leave. We had just a few more things to do before I left. Numero uno, the Shake Shack. Voted best shake in the world by three shows on the Food Network Channel. So we get there early because there is always a long wait. While we wait we stop by Magnolia's. They have some good cupcakes. And then we do a little shopping for Ashley. She found some boots but to everyone’s surprise, she let them go. I did agree with her on this one. They were expensive and if you’re going to spend that much on boots then get the ones you really like. Then we saw apartments for ungodly amounts of money. I couldn’t believe it.

So, the time comes where we head to the Shake Shack. We get ready to order and Ashley says “I’ll have the number one with a Diet Coke.” WHAT??? I look at her and go on a little monologue. “It is the Shake Shack, voted best milkshake in the world by three different sources. And you get a Diet Coke? Are you kidding me? That just doesn’t make sense, who goes to the place with the best milkshakes and gets a Diet Coke?” The lady taking our order laughs at us and Ashley gives in and gets a shake. Not get a shake? That’s like going to a Chinese buffet and getting the pizza, or wiping before you poop. It just doesn’t make sense. So we get cheese burgers and a shake. Who ever voted for these shakes knows what they are talking about. They were the best. I usually get malts but these shakes were second to none. And the burger was perfect. They complimented each other perfectly.

Next we got to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This was really cool. The church is beautiful. There is so much detail in every square inch. And the service was short and sweet. It is so big in there I can’t even explain.

We are in Ashley's apartment when her work calls and she has to go in early. This was the sad part. I had to say goodbye to her. It was hard to leave when we were having so much fun and she lives so far away, that I know it will be a while before I see her again. But I know that she can take care of herself. I had such a great time, we did so many things in such a small amount of time. What a great experience.

Day 83

November 28, 2009

Today is a sad day in New York City. Brett left today. =( I know you’re wondering if I cried. For those who know me, you already know the answer…I cried like a baby! I’m pretty emotional when it comes to good-bye—it’s never been something I’ve been good at. I’ve learned to say, “See ya’ later,” not “Bye.” To me, goodbye means forever. See ya’ later, means, well…see ya’ later!

We wake up early to be one of the first people at the Shake Shack. America’s best place to get a milkshake. On our way, we pass Magnolia Bakery. The quintessential bakery in this city! Some may know from it Saturday Night Live, or best, Sex & the City! They have some pretty tasty cupcakes. I must say, I think I like them better than Crumbs. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Magnolia’s are smaller and not as rich. Crumbs are stuffed with delicious frosting and topped with all kinds of goodies. Magnolia is a basic cupcake, but tastes so dang good! Brett and I do agree; however, that The Little Pie Company by my apartment has the best cupcakes between all of them! The red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes they sell…forget about it! You won’t taste better!

 

As we wait for the Shake Shack to open, we walk past a realtor’s office. Seven million dollars for a three bedroom, two-bathroom condo! But it overlooks Central Park! I don’t care if it sits on God’s property itself…that’s too much money for a 2,500 square foot of space! Do you know what you could in Iowa for that price? Probably the town of Colfax! Hehe! Do you like that reference, Tammy? =)

Okay, serious business—the Shake Shack! I’m not a huge fan of milkshakes, but I gotta tell ya’…this is one seriously tasty shake! I got strawberry and Brett got vanilla and chocolate mix. The burger was really good too! I love a good cheeseburger and these taste fantastic! I will be going back!

 

After this, our time is quickly dwindling, so we go to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I love going to church there. I don’t know what it is, but when I’m there, I feel a sense of calm and relaxation. Which is great because I don’t ever have that feeling. I don’t focus on anything, but what’s going on at that moment. I love it! I always have too many thoughts racing through my head daily, even when I sleep. So, not having that for 30 minutes during the day is refreshing.

Brett loves the church! He thought it was pretty cool there and they had their nativity scene set up for Christmas. Brett loves nativity scenes, so I was really happy he got to see that! The picture is a little dark, but you get the overall idea.

When I leave for work, Brett says he can walk me there. I start to cry, of course, and tell him no. Again, for me, it’s easier to avoid confrontations like this, and it’s easier for me to just walk away. So…that’s what I did. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him, and cried all the way to work. It sucks having that person there who has a tie to your home leave you. So, I head to work, and he heads to the airport.

Note to self: There is no such thing as too many pictures! They are the best artifacts anyone could ever have! You capture the best, the worst, the ugly, the attractive! You capture funny, goofy, serious, and sassy! They remind you of all the great times you have shared with someone and groups of people! Treasure them and look back on them, smile, and laugh. Snap a photo every chance you get. Once a second in your life passes, it instantly becomes a memory. Capture the special memories in your life, so you can constantly be reminded of how crazy you were at a dance club, how delicious all of your food was, or all of the great places you toured. Make your memories last as long as possible and cherish the great opportunity and fantastic times you share with your loved ones.

Day 37

October 13, 2009

You know how babies get upset about something and cry for like, two seconds? Then, all of a sudden, they feel 100 percent better? This is me today. I want to tell you all about what makes me cry and breakdown, but am afraid I’m going to jinx myself, so when something great comes from it, I’ll let you know!

I will tell you it is an eat out of the peanut butter jar and have a few Oreos kind of day! ;) I receive a great care package from back home! I get shoes! I get my favorite magazine, InStyle! I get some mail, some feet and hand warmers, and some Oreos! Mom knows I hate the cold! ;) The best, minus the shoes…a Starbucks gift card! I love it! Coffee is what gets my day going and since I am currently on the water diet, due to budget restrictions, this is amazing!

I also pay a little visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is the most beautiful Catholic Church in this city! I go to have a chat with J.C.—him and I need to become better friends. I actually go to light a candle for myself! Lord knows I need it! =) But then I find out that mass starts in ten minutes, so I stay. It is my first time going solo to church. It isn’t so bad and the mass was short and sweet! I can get used to this priest!

 

Lately, my mind is in five hundred different places. I am never a forgetful person, but I tell ya’ what…I cannot remember a darn thing to save my life. I lock myself out of my apartment today. As soon as I close my door, I realize what I just did. I feel like I’m in slow motion—slowly turning around with the long, drawn out and slow, “Nnnnoooo!!!” Dang it! They let me back in, but inform me that if I lock my keys out of my apartment after 6 p.m., they charge $75! Really? That’s insane! So, needless to say, I need to start paying attention and focus on life a little more!

Note to self: “Pain is temporary. The prize is forever.” The benefit of having the night off is getting to watch television. The Biggest Loser is on and a husband says this to his wife. So, of course, it gets related to my life. In my case, the frustration being experienced right now will not stick around forever. Be determined and face the world with a damn it, I will make it attitude and you cannot steer yourself wrong. When you walk down the street, your heart beating, and the powerful walking music that’s played in the movies are going through your head, just realize that you make your own destiny. Don’t waste your time on meaningless jobs that will get you nowhere. Sometimes you have to take risks and just believe in yourself that you can and will make it happen.