A Duck post is on its way

But for now you can check out the view I had for four days, and to see one of the New York houses click here and scroll down to View Your Favorite Property and click #291 (Sun Terra.)

The wait is over....We got Carried away

There are some New York nights that are monumental, gigantic, historic.  Others, are just Big.

-Carrie Bradshaw

Thursday night finally came and Curtis and I went to the 12:01am showing of Sex and the City at Battery Park.

We headed to Union Square for dinner at Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man.  You can't go wrong with this place, it's one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  If you're ever in town DON'T miss it!  

We started off with the Mediterranean Platter; Hummus in olive oil, Babaganush, Spanish eggplant dip, Greek stuffed grape leaves served with grilled pita bread.  The bread was SO good and our favorite spread was the hummus.

Then I got the Marinara Penne and Curtis got the Salmon Wellington.  We finished it off with the Melting Chocolate Heart Cake; Warm chocolate cake with a melting heart of dark and white chocolate.  Served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh strawberries and blueberries with a choice of warm chocolate or raspberry sauce served on the side.  MMM.  SO GOOD!  But we both ate way too much and ended up with hurting tummies and Curtis with a bad headache.  Luckily we were both feeling fine by the show.

We got down to the theater at about 10:30 with other mobs of girls decked out in their great shoes and cute dresses, "I <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZDe5B8cT4LvjCSAth48mz_PoIiLNe-qtmLT-dhuWJcqPfAXWt2rLgMH-5pRj-QtmDEVowo9yUgAwBTrEJkYXGfVTn9G51tFoZL1vyRyBfEBoxSgmfgS_Ufuvmo7Re8QAKgLg9kaUAsVl/s1600-h/DSCF2316.JPG">Even though I'd downed a Red Bull, by about 11:30pm I was getting sleepy, and kinda worried I would struggle through the movie.  Luckily when the show finally started and they played the theme music I got the biggest adrenaline rush and didn't get sleepy once.  The crowd was great, everyone cheering and clapping at all the best parts, ie the first time it showed all four girls together, during the fashion montages, when Big first appeared onscreen, etc etc.  

I loved the movie.  I loved how everything went and how it ended.  

The night ended perfectly with a cab ride home (even though the weather was absolutely perfect and gorgeous I'd had enough with the walking in 4 1/2 inch heels.)

Getting home at 3am and to bed at 4am (and having to go to work the next day) was entirely worth it!  

Words of wisdom by Carrie Bradshaw

...and if I don't ever get married or have a baby, what?  I get bupkiss?  Think about it, if you are single after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you.

I am talking about the single gal.  Halmark doesn't make a "Congratulations you didn't marry the wrong guy" card.  And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?

I'm thrilled to give you gifts to celebrate your life, I just think it stinks that single people are left out of it.

Not that I'm complaining, nor do I wish I could have gone down a different path, I'm just sayin.......

Sometimes when I don't have all the kitchen supplies I need, or whatever else it is engaged couples register for, I feel like sending out "I'm single and fabulous" announcements.....and telling everyone I'm registered at Target.

Sorry folks....

...but I'm going private again.  Totally annoying.  Sorry.  But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

If you're new to my blog and haven't received an invite before, leave me your email.  Gracias.

TMI?

Sorry, I've never been one to hold back.  I braved the Brazilian.  YOWZA!!  Every single person I know has said the same thing, "It's really not that bad."  Uhhh, it wasn't that bad.  It was WORSE!

Two models and a fitness guru

So I never made this blog, aka public knowledge because I wanted things to be for sure in case plans changed.  Well, plans changed.  For like a week it was all but final for me to move June 1st.  I hadn't been aggressively searching for a new place, but happened to find out about a place that was opening up only a few blocks from my current apartment.  It's a long story, but I fell in love with it, and was set to go, and then decided against it.  The cool part?  While I was waiting in the lobby to check out the apartment, Danielle, America's Next Top Model's cycle 6 winner, walked in, said hey to the doorman, and then hopped in an elevator.  I take this to mean she lives there.  Pretty sweet.  

Then last Saturday I was headed to Bloomie's to meet up with my fabulous roommates for a little froyo action from 40 Carats.  It was my first time, and while I really liked it, and it's a step in the right direction, still, nothing quite compares to my beloved Golden Spoon.

The point is, as I was walking up 5th Ave I walked right past Claire, from this past cycle of ANTM.  She was pushing her daughter in a stroller.  It was weird because it was one of those "aha" moments when I realized I really am tall (thankfully, according to Ed) because all those models looks so tall on the show, and when I saw Claire in real life she was like, my same height.  Didn't really think anything of it.  She pretty much looked exactly the same as she did on the show.  I don't normally talk to celebrities (whether they're A list or D list) however I would have approached her if I wasn't on the phone with Shantay.  Oh well, maybe next tim.

PS Earlier this same day my roommate Jaclyn saw Richard Simmons, teeny shorts and tank.  Love it.

Happy birthday John

Tuesday was the boss man's birthday.  He was in London so we celebrated Thursday with $1400 worth of Daisy May's BBQ (SO good,) his favorite cookies, and a singing telegram.  Well, the chicken suit was pretty beat up, but he was more than embarrassed, especially when such a scene was caused that pretty much everyone on the floor came over.  (And yes, that's an In-N-Out sticker on his top left monitor.  That New Yorker has good taste.)

It's not a secret that I have the world's best boss.  I hope he enjoyed his day.  

Um, what?

Today was one of those perfect New York spring days.  The Manhattan 3rd, 8th, and Union Square 3rd wards had a picnic in the park and it was divine.  Such a stark difference from the hurricane-like weather I schlepped through last night.  Honestly, ridiculous rain, wind, and 40 degree temps.

Things were going great until my buddy Ed here informed me I'm lucky I'm tall because I make a really cute tall girl, but if I were short I wouldn't be cute.  Uhhh, what?  And then it's not even like it was one of those moments where you both realize it came out wrong.  That's really what he meant to say.  Thanks?

PS Duck Beach in less than a week.  I'm thrilled.

I can't help but respond

I posted about the weather and got some lovely comments from my fabulous friends in California, not to mention every time my mom calls I'm subjected to hearing all about the amazing weather back there.

I can't help but say, HA!  Enjoy your next fill up.  :)  I love public transportation.

Can't even wait for June 7th

I've been wanting to do it for years, and now I'm finally going with four other girls.  Happy birthday to me.  :)

May 30th, 12:01am

I've never been to a midnight movie before, but this week I bought us tickets for the first showing of SATC.  I couldn't be more excited.

My coworker's bff went to the world premier in London.  She said it was great.  Her boss' apartment was used in the movie; he got paid $180k per day for it.  Must be nice.

SJP: Fashion Icon

And she's rocking my Louboutins on last week's New York Magazine.

Carrie Bradshaw: Words of wisdom

New York is the best place to be single.  You're never alone.  The city is your date.

So over the weather

Happy birthday Jason

Jason is our family's Cinco de Mayo baby.  He had his birthday last week and I missed giving him his post.  I'm lucky enough to only be two years younger than Jason so we grew up being pretty close.  We used to play game together when we were younger, and stay up late talking.  We had a lot of the same friends in high school, and got to hang out a lot while were in college.  He was in Provo and I was in Rexburg but I went down to Provo to hang out a lot and he came up to Rexburg a few times.  

Jason was always so nice to let me tag along with his friends and include me.  Just like my sister, he is such a wonderful example to me as someone who always tries to do the right thing.  He's shown me how a husband should treat a wife as I've watched him and Elise through their courtship, engagement, and marriage.

Jason is so great in that he doesn't get caught up in negativity.  He likes to just have a good time with his family and friends, and is always fun to be around.  He loves to play cards and do anything else that's interactive.  When I'm with him we always end up laughing together and always have a great time.

I hope you had a great birthday Jason, I love you!

Happy birthday Rebecca

This is my gorgeous sister Rebecca (with her daughter Megan) and she had her birthday on August 29th.  She is one of the best mommies I know.  

In honor of Rebecca's birthday I've decided to list my favorite things about her:

• She's so giving and always thinks of herself last
• She's super organized
• She is easy going and doesn't get annoyed with the rest of us when we all get together and are so loud and obnoxious
• She is super patient
• She's so thoughtful and never forgets important dates
• She always includes everyone
• She's a great host
• She never has any bad intentions
• She never says anything negative about anyone
• She's one of the best examples of someone who lives a Christ like life

Happy belated birthday Rebecca, I love you!

Knicks vs Jazz

So I realized I never posted these pictures.  This was one of Curtis' and my first dates.  I randomly got tickets to the game in the HSBC box.

We had a blast.

Happy (belated!) birthday Cindy loo hoo!

So I have totally been slacking with my bday shout outs lately, so I'm totally sorry to those who are getting a late post!

My longest and best friend Cynthia turned the big 25 on April 17th.  Cindy and I have been best friends for just under 15 years now and I can't think of anyone that is more patient, loving, understanding, considerate, and loyal for a best friend.

Cindy has always been so great to stay such a good friend after she got married, which is really saying something considering so many people just fall off the planet.

Sadly to say the number of pictures the two of us have together have together since we've gotten older are minimal, so I decided to use some of the more "fun" pics from the awkward days.
Love you Cindelle!  I hope your birthday was fab!

Saturday night and Sunday

So Saturday night Sara and Jenna threw a Pirate Palooza, which was totally fun because as trendy as pirates have been for the past five years, I've actually never dressed up like one.  It was interesting walking the 6 blocks to their place dressed up, all along, but living in New York, it's not uncommon to see something like this.

The awkward part?  When I got to the party, peeked in, and saw a bunch of people dressed normally.  I have to admit I got a little insecure and walked out to call Curtis to see if he was there yet, because I knew he was going.  He wasn't there yet, but I decided to pull an Elle Woods circa Legally Blond (the original) and just hold my head up high and walk into the party.  I felt a little lame, but there were a few more people dressed up one I got inside, like my lovely friend Courtnie.

Curtis' outfit was so great, when he walked in he was super serious, and no one knew who he was.

Ellie and Carley dressed up like mermaids.  Love it

Maybe there was dancing.....

So after the party we couldn't help but walk the couple blocks down to South Street Seaport to take some pictures with the ships.

Sunday there was a picnic in Sheep's Meadow.  Once it gets nice there's picnics a lot on Sundays. So fun.

And maybe when I saw this little piece of art I couldn't help but see an ANTM moment....

As requested....

So I posted about my big Oprah debut a couple weeks ago.  My roommates suggested I take a picture of the moment so I'd have it forever.  Do you see me?

As heard from the trading floor...

"There she is!  Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.  Give up!  Give up piggy!  It's over!"

The guys hate Hillary.  One of my favorites, Charlie, is biggest loose cannon I've ever been around, and he loves to shout things at the tv every time Hill makes an appearance.  This quote was the day after Indiana's primary.

I work with a bunch of lunatics.  And I love it.

About six weeks late

So here are the real pictures from Florida, FINALLY!  I was really wanting to get my blog 100% caught up before I went to Duck Beach so after I could have it all printed off and made into a book buuuuut it doesn't look like that will happen since I just haven't felt up to blogging lately.  We'll see.

So Florida was a totally blast, and totally needed.  On Wednesday night Caroline, Janice, and I flew down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  We got to the condo in Bonita Springs at about 2am and were exhausted, but not too tired for a late night swim in the pool.

We got up early the next morning to go to the beach.  Please note how pasty I am.  All ready for my first sun of the summer.

Day 1: Barefoot Beach

So I don't think I've ever been to the beach before that was on water from the Gulf.  It was seriously the strangest thing not having any waves!  Very confusing.  Caroline suggested we load rafts into the car when we were packing up and I thought, "Um, no one goes on rafts in the ocean but, okay."  Turns out they do when they're on the Gulf.  There were paddle boats, canoes, rafts, etc.  I didn't last too long on the raft, I was too scared of sharks.  I hear they're everyone down there, and considering I get scared in lakes (I know) you can imagine how much time I spent in the water.

I had no idea how much wildlife was just out and about in Florida.

Putting on my Rainbows for the first time in months seriously felt SO GOOD.

So Janice was wearing a tube top bikini and about five minutes into our beach trip on our first day the plastic piece holding it together totally popped off while she and Caroline were in the water.  I went over there to see what was going on.  We seriously had nothing that would help.  Janice wanted me to start walking up and down the beach asking moms if they had a safety pin.  I didn't really want to do that, because who brings safety pins to the beach?  And I thought it would probably just rip the suit.  I told Janice to give me her hair tie to see what I could fashion. I didn't really know what I was going to do, but this is what I came up with, and guess what?  It lasted all day!  I was pretty proud of my MacGyver moment.

Headed back to the condo after a yummy italian dinner.

So I'm pretty sure this was the first time I've ever put on sunscreen in my life.  Being olive complected I just don't really burn, but now that I'm a working girl (and don't live in California where you can lay out year round) I get pretty pasty.  So apparently I'm not very good at getting the sunscreen on evenly...

By Friday we'd picked up Tammy and Adam, who'd flown down at different times.  This is day 2 on Sanibel Island, the shelling capital of the world!  Don't mind Adam, in the middle of a conference call for work, and Caroline studying for a financial test.  It was interesting to see what a hard time it was to transition from the busy city life to relaxation on the beach.  It took me about 24 hours to get in the relax mode.  Our first day on the beach I purposely left my blackberry in the car and after about 10 minutes was totally bored sitting on the beach and went back to get my phone.

I wasn't kidding about the wildlife.

Adam, Janice, Tammy, Caroline, and me.  We ate dinner at the Island Cow.  It was a long wait but so worth it.  We were so hungry and left feeling great!

Janice and Tammy are cousins and are Greek Orthodox.  We had really interesting conversations the whole weekend about our beliefs.  There are a lot of similarities in lifestyle between the two religions.  It was fascinating to hear about the Greeks.

Day 3: Naples

This was my favorite beach/day.  It was Saturday and just beautiful.  We had so much fun.  And I swear my swimming suit isn't as scandalous as it looks.  It is the same style as Caroline, I just had my straps down because I didn't want the funky tan line.

Loved the dolphins everywhere.

Going back to the cheerleading days...

Nice basket toss.

Saturday night Adam and I flew out so this was the last shot of vaca I got.

I had such a great time in Florida.  It was seriously exactly what I needed.  It was so nice to get some color, be in warm weather, drive in a car, and not have to work.  It's crazy once you get out of the city and have nice customer service everywhere you go!  I always say the people of New York are actually pretty friendly, but the customer service is the WORST.  People are so rude, not helpful, and act so put out if you ask them anything.  It was crazy to have people actually act like they don't hate their jobs, and be friendly towards you.

On the plane ride home I had a strange moment that you can only appreciate if you know New York vernacular.  I was talking to the guy I was sitting next to and mentioned to him all the families I noticed while I was waiting "on line."  What?  In case you didn't know, instead of saying waiting "in" line, New Yorkers say "on" line.  I have no idea why and every day when I hear it "next customer waiting on line?" (usually when I'm buying lunch) I always think it sounds so weird.  And now here I was, just saying it casually, as if that's how I always speak.  Weird.

So the strangest part of the whole trip was what happened the next morning when I was in New York.  I got up and was washing my face, getting ready for church, when I noticed my forehead looked a little weird.  It looked, like, big, for some reason.  I started investigating it and thought it just seemed kind of swollen and puffy, and it felt a little strange to touch.  I didn't think it was that noticeable, and thought maybe I was just imagining things.  It wasn't super noticeable, and I thought I would ask Curtis if he thought I looked any differently when I got to church.  So after Sacrament Meeting we were talking for about 10 seconds and before I could even ask he asked me what happened.  So sad.  He said it wasn't that bad but of course he would notice.  I didn't know what to think of it, but felt like later in the day the swelling had gone down a little bit.  Nope.  Monday at work the first thing my coworker asked was what was wrong because the puffiness had spread.  My forehead wasn't as big, but my eyes and bridge of my nose were a little puffy.  That night I iced it and took some Benadryl, and by Tuesday it still was puffy.  I went to the doctor (after doing lots of research online) and he really couldn't give any straight answer.  Basically the conclusion I came up with from what he said, what I read online, and what I heard from other people was that it was some strange allergy or poisoning from the skin.  I guess if you haven't been in the sun for months and then are exposed a lot (like I was for three days straight) this can happy.  Also, lots of people said the Florida sun is different from California sun.  So weird.  I mean, I've laid out in Hawaii, and other parts of the country and have never had anything like this happen.  I'm just happy to say it was back to normal by the end of the week.