Ahhhh... Sandy Beaches!!

My  parents took Josh and me to Destin, Florida last weekend and, apart from the constant rain... it was a fabulous weekend!! As if I needed another vacation, right?!  I've been to AR to party, to NY to party and now to Destin.  Buuuuut.... school is back in full-swing, and I will be busy busy until I graduate in May 2010.   I may or may not get a week off over Christmas or New Years.  I'll definitely get one or the other, but I won't find that out until the 2nd week of December, if that early.  So... I know you don't feel sorry for me now, but I'll be asking for sympathy soon :) Anyway, I was thankful to my parents for wanting to share their vacation with us, if not for them- Josh and I may have been enjoying a staycation this year. 

In keeping with Destin tradition we visited all of our favorite food spots including The Crab Trap, The Donut Hole, and The Candymaker.   We also stopped by the outlet mall which is a fave of mine. I think Josh and I should look into Florida for a post-graduate location! 

Ariel Dunes at Seascape, our fantabulous resort! We were on the 18th floor. I love high rises!

Dad may be dressed for the beach, but they are headed out to buy fresh shrimp for dinner.

The beaches in Destin are immaculate

My favorite woman in the whole world!

If you can't beat the bucket hat... join the bucket hat :) P.S. This is my new Juicy bathing suit that I bought in NYC! The bows are SO cute!!!

A storm rolled in, cutting short our time in the sun, so we headed for the work-out room instead.  I got a mile and a half in before dinner. Not too shabby for vacay. 

Josh pushing some weight around. 

Happy Birthday Mom!!  Just like last year, we celebrated Mom's birthday at the beach again this year.  The orchid on the top was so perfect, since orchids surrounded our resort!

NYC Week 1

NYC day 1: Saturday, May 2

I woke up on time, but I still managed to miss my flight... I was cleaning the litter box. That was the problem.  So, I ended up on a plane that left an hour later than my original time and 50 bucks shorter. Dang transfer fee.  Once I got into JFK, I found my taxi and headed to Manhattan. I buzzed Courtneys apartment like in Seinfeld, haha!  It wasn't very long after I set down all my stuff before we headed out to see the sights. We went to Times Square, Union Square, Chinatown and Grand Central Station.  I bought a fabulous headband on the streets and some apples in Union Square.  We saw tons of guys break dancing in Union Square. It looked painful, but pretty cool.  After dinner at some yummy Italian place, Courtney told me that we had party with a "Country Club" theme to attend. We dressed as best as we could like preppy people. The party was on some rooftop and very hip.  There was a velvet rope outside, and just like in the movies we - the pretty gals- got to go to the front of the line to get in ahead of others. 

Breakdancing in Union Square. that looks like it would  hurt so bad!! Check out the old-school boom box on the left! ha!

My fabulous new feather headband!

Ta-daaa!!  Times Square!!!

The Country Clubbers

NYC day 2: Sunday,  May 3rd

Courtney had to work today, so I slept in and eventually decided to take a leisurely walk (in the rain) to the Juicy Couture flagship store at 52nd and 5th to see Mary Kay! She moved to NY from Orlando to help manage the store's grand opening. I found lots of goodies for mom and me, including a new bathing suit that will make it's debut in Destin next weekend.  On my walk I saw Donald Trump driving his car!  It was a quick sighting, but I saw him!  I couldn't helpt but take pictures of budding Park Avenue tulips, the Plaza Hotel (a NY Bride's desire), a Louis Vuitton store (I'm goofy, I know!), and Trump Tower.  I felt like everything I saw was picture-worthy.  I knew I would start work Tuesday, so I had all intentions to buy groceries, but as I walked into the busy busy busy grocery store I turned around and walked right back out.  I was not ready for that... After Courtney got off work we went to her church at Park Avenue Presbytarian. The pastor is from Arkansas!! What a coincidence! The church group went for margaritas at Mustangs after. They are a fun group. 

A rainy walk along 5th Avenue

Standing on the gorgeous staircase in Juicy.  This store had the most unique decorations. I loved it!

NYC day 3: Monday, May 4

I took a train to Brooklyn to see Mary Kay.... it was kind of tricky trying to figure out the train.  I ended up going the wrong direction twice.  I always knew as soon as the train started moving that I was going the wrong way, but I didn't know how to find the train going the right way!! Luckily MK is very patient and she helped me work through it.  We walked all around (in the rain) the Park Slope area of Brooklyn and had lunch at a delicious French bistro.  Ignoring my better judgement, I had 2 cappucinos at lunch (this was 3pm).  I was so jumpy for the rest of the day!  Mary Kay took me to buy groceries; I don't know why grocery shopping seemed so daunting, but I was thankful I had her with me.  We went back to her apartment where she gave me a canvas bag instead of those plastic bags, band-aids, and ear plugs.  I ended up using all of the band-aids, and the ear plugs were a blessing.  Thanks MK!!  I made my way back to Manhattan much easier than when I left.... maybe I'm getting the hang of it!

making my way to Brooklyn on the F-train.  

Hanging out in Mary Kay's apartment in Brooklyn.  Small space, but very tidy and comfortable. See the rainboots... it was so rainy!

NYC day 4: Tuesday, May 5
I thought I headed out early this morning, in order to make it to the AMC early enough to check in, get my locker, get changed, etc... Well I got there with 10 minutes to spare  (7:50) and the woman at the front desk made it sound like I was late!!  But when I asked her if I was late, she said no... and that no one is there yet...  Well turns out the rotation that I meet with usually meets at 7:30-7:45 on Tuesdays.... but I was told 8.  So I was late, and missed rounds.  Oh Well.  It turned out to be a busy day, but I still was able to leave around 6:30.  Courntey and I met up and walked home together, making a fabulous stop at Pinkberry.  Have you ever had it?!  So good!! My fave combo is raspberry with almonds and blueberries. yummmmm!  That night we met up with a friend of Courtney's for Cinco de Mayo dinner in the Lower East Side at San Loco.  After that we went to a neat little place hidden back in the alleys called, The Back Room. It had a very Renaissance-style feel, with naked women paintings, and velvet couches/chairs, and the coolest part: they served all their drinks out of tea cups!! 

The AMC!  

NYC day 5: Wednesday, May 6
This morning I was right on time - 7:30. There was a lecture in the morning on diabetes.  After the lecture we did surgery in the morning and saw appointments later in the day.  I left by 6:45 and grabbed pizza on the way home.  NY style pizza is so yummy!  

NYC day 6: Thursday, May 7
I got to the AMC at 7:45 for rounds. There was another lecture this morning.  It covered laparascopic surgery in veterinary medicine.  It's pretty impressive: the surgical incision is greatly reduced and average time to recovery is 4 hours instead of 30! Nice!  There were only 2 surgeries today, but we would accept any emergencies that arrived.  I left early this afternoon and shopped around some midtown thrift stores for a while.  That night, Courtney made me a tasty dinner of spegetti and salad with pecans and strawberries.  delish!

NYC day 7: Friday, May 8
I didn't have to be at work until 8:30 this morning since it's just an appointment day, so Courtney and I were able to walk to work together.  She works at the My Gym on 60th and 2nd.  One of the appointments today was very exciting.  The pooch was Cha Cha Walters.  As in Barbara Walters dog!!! And she even came in with Cha Cha! No dog nanny... just Barb.  It was very cool, but kind of hard to keep my cool.  It definitely made my day.  Courtney was headed back to AR for the weekend for her sisters graduation, so I was on my own for the night.  I decided to stay in... the week really wore me out!  I stopped by Pinkberry again (this was my dinner), and headed home to watch Sex and the City all night.  

NYC day 8: Saturday, May 9

I met Mandy at 11:30 (after maneuvering the trains), and we headed to the Empire State Building.  It was a foggy day, so there was limited viewing at the top, but it was still beautiful to me!   We even saw King Kong!! haha!  Later, we made our way to Ground Zero.  There is a lot of construction around that area right now, so you can't see much, but I still had that lump in my chest just being there.  I looked up at the tall buildings around me and pretended they were falling down....................... oh my gosh.

Later that night, Mandy and I met up with MK.  We went to a lovely Italian restaruant called Ciao Bella.  There was a wait for a table, so the host ushered us to the bar to wait.  We received a free round of champange at the bar (which the bartender tried to make us pay for!).  Then another at our table. Followed by another as we payed our ticket.  I think they liked us. :)  We headed out to the trendy meat packing district to Hotel Gansvoort, for a rooftop party.  We saw Dennis Rodman heading in as we waited in line.  Mary Kay stayed the night with me since Courtney was out of town, plus this saved her a trip to and from Brooklyn for work.  This first week was Fabulous!!

The Empire State Building was so tall, I couldn't fit it all in the picture!

It was pretty foggy, but we got to see quite a bit. 

I'm not sure what this little guy was looking for, but I enjoyed him stopping by. 

You can see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade emblem painted on the Street

Mandy and me posing with King Kong. 

Ground Zero.   It made my heart hurt for everyone involved. 

I found a column that my daddy would appreciate.  

MK and me at Ciao Bella

The gals on the rooftop patio at Hotel Gansvoort

NYC Week 2

NYC day 9: Sunday, May 10

Today I was all on my own.  Courtney was out of town, and Mandy & Mary Kay were both working.  I thought this would be a good time to head to the American Museum of Natural History.  There was exhibit after exhibit... you could spend all day here!! One of my favorites was the Butterfly Conservatory exhibit.  It's only in town for a few months of the year, and I was lucky enough to catch it!  I made sure to call both my mom and mother in law today to wish them a Happy Mothers' Day! Julie got a text as well... it is her first one!  Courtney was not supposed to arrive in NYC until later this evening, but I didn't feel like sitting at her place alone, so I headed out to her church again.  Since it was mothers day they passed out flowers to all the women in the church! It made my day, even though I'm not a mom.  After the service, we passed out flowers to random women on the street.  Some liked it, and some seemed confused. Whatever. It was fun.  In keeping with the church group tradtion they went out for dinner and drinks, so I joined them.  This time we went to Molly's where I enjoyed a lovely, but kinda chunky, hummus.  By the time I got home, Courtney was getting home.    

The American Museum of Natural History

the most beautiful butterflys ever!  There were so many cases of them... in all different colors!

we were able to walk into a very humid room and the butterflies were just flying around! 

some Afican tribal costumes.  I wouldn't mind having one of these. 

scary mammoth!!

NYC day 10: Monday, May 11
Another day at the AMC.  Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are appointment days while Tuesdays and Thursdays are surgery days.  It was going to be a slow day with only a few appointments on the schedule, but this also meant I would get off early.  I took advantage of my extra time and headed out to the Upper West Side to find the diner that is always featured in Seinfeld, Tom's Restaurant.   I purchased a strawberry milkshake and a t-shirt for my dad.  Both of us are Seinfeld fanatics and could probably quote every episode. This was definitely a challenging find, since I had to transfer to 3 different trains in order to get there.  I knew I had gone too far (took an express train that didn't stop at my stop!), when I reached Harlem.  By the time I got home, it was already late and Courtney and I were hungry.  Still in our work clothes, we headed out for dinner.  We went to the cutest place called Fetch. Patrons bring pictures of their pooch and it gets posted on the wall!  I asked about the cats, and those pictures were in the restroom. Boo! No, really, it was a cute restaurant and the food was yummy.  I got the Martha's Nicoise Style Salad with tuna, red bell peppers, egg, and green beans. Ahhhh!

"These pretzels are making me thirsty!"

Do you see the cute doggies on the walls in the background!?  I love Fetch!

NYC day 11: Tuesday, May 12
On my walk to work, I dedided to stop and buy an infamous NY Bagel.  It was good, but nothing to move to NY for. The bagels here in Baton Rouge are just as fab.  Today was a surgery day, and as always- it was an interesting day, but I was ready to head home because Mary Kay and her boyfriend Alex were coming into the city for dinner with me and Courtney!  We went to a quiet little restaurant and wine bar called Cafe Notte.  It was so good! Thanks, Alex for treating us to dinner.  

The 4 of us out to dinner at Cafe Notte

NYC day 12: Wednesday, May 13

Another appointment day at the AMC. Two of the Soft Tissue A girls, Dr. Buote (the resident) and Dr. Yeh (the intern) invited me to lunch with them today.  I was so pleased they invited me.  They both have been so helpful in making my time at the AMC worth while and educational.  We went to a place called Bistro 61 that was really close to the AMC.  I ordered an awesome mushroom risotto, but what I like most about this place are the menus.  The front of each menus is a laminated record album!  I had Janis Joplin!

NYC day 13: Thursday, May 14

This was a crazy busy day at the AMC.  It wasn't busy because there was so much to do, but because one surgery took sooo long!!  I will post about all the procedures later, but let me just say... this 4 hour surgery was not good. :(  Courtney and I headed to Serendipity tonight, to enjoy the expansive menu and amazing desserts. I got cheese ravioli in creamy tomato sauce, and Courtney and I shared the Strawberry Fields dessert= cheesecake + strawberry ice cream + strawberries + whip cream.   It was SOO good!  After that, Courtney and I headed out to McSorley's Old Ale House.  It was recomended by Josh. It's a 140 year old bar, and they only serve beer in twos.  You order "one" and you get two.  You order "two" and you get four..... weird, huh? There was a chandelier hanging over the bar that must not have been dusted since the place opened. Seriously... dust was swaying in the breeze...  After this we went to the Gansvoort Hotel again to meet a friend of Courtney's who came in town to party, Lee.  He took us to the birthday part of a friend of his, where I met Marcus Schenkenberg.  One of the hottest supermodels of the 90's. Later that night, Lee took us to the oh-so-trendy SoHo House.  This is the same place where Samantha on Sex and the City tried to become a member for the pool and pretended to be some member who lost her card.   I took a picture of me and Courtney in the SoHo House lounge, and as soon as it flashed, a man in a suit swooped over to tell me that wasn't allowed.  Oops. As we were leaving I was introduced to David Boreanaz. He looks kind of scary to me.  After SoHo House, we headed to Griffin Nightclub.  It opened only 2 weeks before we attended, and it offered a young, very much alive crowd.  I enjoyed the jumble of chandeliers that hung over the dance floor and the techno music, too.  Courtney and I finally cabbed it home around 1:30am. 

Strawberry Fields at Serendipity

You remember this place from the movie, right?!

At McSorley's with our "two" beers.  That really means 4. Why would we ever order 4 beers at the same time?

At some dudes birthday party.... I want one like this for my birthday this year!

Look at the super cute old fashioned lamp shades made cool again! I love it!

At SoHo House, just before we were told we can't take pictures. Our bad. 

NYC day 14: Friday, May 15

Luckily today was an appointment day, because it was really hard to get out of bed.  Also lucky... (maybe not for my veterinary experience opportunity), we didn't have any appointments scheduled for the day.  I took off around 10:30 and headed home to get ready for Courtney-and-Lindy's-Day-Of-Fun!  She was taking off at noon, so we would finally have a whole day together!!  As soon as she got home, we headed out to Times Square where we chowed down on some street corner hot dogs. After that, we went on a mission to find Lindy's Cheesecake.  I have always wanted to go, ever since I received a menu as a gift from a friend in 8th grade.  Now I've been, and I've eaten the cheesecake.  I must say it did taste fantastic... but maybe I'm just biased :)  Right across from Lindy's is Maddison Square Garden and the largest Macy's in the world.    After Lindy's, Courtney and I went in search of Mood.  The designer fabric store that is featured on Project Runway.  I bought a beautiful yellow Micheal Kors eyelit material.  Mom is going to make me a dress!!  After this, Courtney and I headed to Chinatown in search of treasure.  I bought mom a scarf, and had to hold back from buying the most radical (as it out-there) sunglasses I've ever seen- Shutter shades.  I wanted them so bad, but why would I spend even 5 bucks for sunglasses that I cant see out of!?! We kept making our way downtown and headed to Wall Street & the New York Stock Exchange where we saw the Golden Cow.   Then we hopped on the Staten Island Ferry and got to see the Statue of Liberty.  I tried to pretend like I was an immigrant coming over for the first time and seeing Lady Liberty.... how would that feel?    I could't get a feel for it, so I just enjoyed it.  And I sang my own version of the National Anthem that I sang when I was a child. After a trip deep into Brooklyn by mistake (we ended up at Utica Ave!), we made our way to Dylan's Candy Bar.  Oh, my gosh... I wanted to eat it all.  They have paired up with Barbie, and the Barbie t-shirts, bags, and martini glasses were so cute!! "Ken can't satisfy every craving" is what the glass said.  Too cute!!  Due to our detour it was getting late, so we just snagged a pizza and headed home to go to bed.  

Enjoying a Times Square hot dog.  They don't have yellow mustard, only spicy mustard. hmmm....

Working on picking out the most perfect fabric for a dress!

I found it!

The pink shutter shades that I want so bad. Maybe I'll have to get some anyway...

I'm famous for cheesecake!!  How fitting :)

NYSE

Wrangling that feisty golden cow

Ready for the ferry ride!

I tried to get Manhattan in the background. 

Goodbye, Manhattan!

Hello, Lady Liberty!

The store of demons- Dylan's Candy Store. Such temptation!!

NYC day 15: Saturday, May 16

Mandy and I met up again on Saturday afternoon and shopped all over SoHo- the container store, crate and barrel, etc.  We went to a rice pudding bar called Rice to Riches; I didn't order any since I was working on a Starbucks latte, but I did taste Mandy's and it was so yummy!!  That night Courtney and I ate on some leftover food from the birthday party at her gym, enjoyed the cupcakes from Crumbs, and played Sex and the City trivia until I knew I needed to go to bed.  Five a.m. was going to come early!.

NYC day 16: Sunday, May 17

No missed flights this time around.  I hailed my cab at 5:30am and was at JFK in no time.  The flight was smooth and I landed in Atlanta, and for the first time ever... there was not a delay!!  Buuuut, I heard them asking for volunteers to give up their seats in trade for 400 Delta dollars and a meal voucher.  The next flight out to BR wasn't until 8am the next morning, but they could get me to New Orleans by 6:30 that night.  I was worried that Josh might not want to make the trip to NO to pick me up, but then they offered me a taxi to Baton Rouge!! I took it right away, but not before I asked for an upgrade to First Class.  They said "absolutley!"  Woo hoo!!  I enjoyed wine and chocolate all the way to New Orleans and was in Josh's arms by 8:00.  It was the perfect ending to the perfect trip.  And did I mention that Josh had cleaned the entire house? I love him!! I missed him so much!! And I have 2 more two week trips to go!