Monday, September 28, 2009

Goodbyes and Hugs


Yet again I have had to say goodbye to another friend.

However, I have figured out something. Goodbye hugs are the best and the worst. They are so sincere and meaningful. In those brief moments of embrace you have a connection that is unique. Its sweet because its a sign that you are appreciated, and you feel safe. Hugs are really amazing.
They are simple yet profound way of saying I will miss you, or thanks for being such a great friend. On the other end goodbye hugs are the worst. It is hard because you know this is the last
hug from them in who knows how many days, months or years. I have experienced many of these hugs in
the past 2 years. I am getting down to the last of my guy friends from High School to leave on their missions. I am ready for them to start coming home! Can't wait to experience "Hello Hugs."

Thanks to my cute niece and nephew they have showed exactly the happiness a hug can bring. (Thanks Monica for amazing Photography)

Monday, September 14, 2009

Bucket List 9. Go to New York City

Well I have successfully started fulfilling my bucket list. Here is a bit of an overview of how my trip went.
We (Denae, my mom and I) left SLC Wednesday morning. We had a bit of a layover in Chicago, which ended up a bit of a long layover.
On the plane ride from there Denae and I got a bit impatient wanting to get to NYC!
Finally we arrived :)

We checked into our hotel--Hotel Pennsylvania--and met up with Kyle and Monica (my older brother and his wife). That night we decided to walk up Times Square and to this restaurant called Stardust! It was this dinner that had people trying to get on Broadway as the waiters and waitresses. They sang while they served us and we ate an enjoyed their show! It was really fun and I loved it!
The next day we did a lot! We went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, the memorial building/church for 9/11 and canal street. It was all so fun! My experience on canal street was quite the experience. Everyone was so sketchy but I found it so entertaining. I did get a knock-off Coach bag.

So later that night we went to Red Lobster for dinner and then saw Wicked. It was my second time seeing Wicked but I loved it just as much as if I were seeing it for my first time! The singing was incredible. I just love the music from that musical.
On Friday (9/11) it was raining. We went to the Bread Factory for breakfast. I really thought it was way good for good prices. After breakfast Denae and I went to the Empire State building. Since it was raining we couldn't see much from the top but we could see some of the city while looking down. I was a little disappointed but there was a man up there that was working as a tour guide and I found him pretty funny--he helped lighten my mood about it!
Then the rest of our day was filled with going to the Manhattan Temple, Central Park, Serendipity and lots of rain. On the subway down to the Manhattan Temple we met a guy whose father had died on 9/11. It was a really memorable experience to talk to someone who had a first hand experience with the attacks on 9/11.
The Manhattan Temple was a very spiritual experience for me. We had just left the subway when we saw the temple. We then got to go inside. I have never had a more dramatic change before. I felt the Spirit so instantly it brought me to tears.
Serendipity was a little restaurant that was famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate. So we had to go there and try it out. I liked the place because it was full of random things. The environment was way chill and I probably would go back if I ever went to NYC again.
The last night we got tickets to see Marry Poppins on Broadway! It was soo good!! I would recommend anyone to see it. It was fully magic, happiness, smiles, dancing and singing!

Overall I feel this trip couldn't have gone any better! I loved spending time with my mom, Denae, Kyle and Monica. I hope this isn't my last visit to New York City because I loved it!!