Saying Goodbye

Tomorrow is my last full day here. At 8:30am Wednesday morning Skyline Car Service will be at my door to help me and my ridiculous amount of luggage to LaGuardia Airport. I will be leaving one extreme heat for another (actually, Weather.com predicts it to be 7 degrees HOTTER in NYC than in Panama City! That is insane!!) I am excited about getting to spend some time in Florida with my family. My cousin Ben is getting married this weekend, and family is coming in from literally all around the world. And after Florida, I am going to get to spend a few wonderful days in Slap-Out before returning to Kentucky. I can't wait to see Stephanie and Brian - I hope you guys have your walking shoes ready - because after a summer of walking every where, I have grown accustomed to the walk-n-talk! :) And I know arriving back in Kentucky will be great for many reasons: I will once again have a PAYING job!, I get to see my puppies (whom I have missed maybe more than anyone else!!), I get to sleep in MY bed, and I get to see Kris!

But before all of that can happen, I have to say goodbye to New York. This weekend I spent with the US2s, who have become such dear friends in such a short time! There was ice cream, street fairs, a riviting game of Trival Pursuit, a poetry Slam and a time of dedication. Yesterday I went to Christ Church to watch everyone be commissioned into Mission Service within the Methodist Church. It was a solomon and humbling moment as a cross was placed on each person's neck, and prayers were said over them. They are getting ready to embark on the journey of their life, and I am so excited for them. Going every where from Detroit to Atlanta to southern California to Fargo (yes, the middle of nowhere USA), they will be participting in community building, acts of social justice, and showing the love and grace of God through their gifts in all circumstances. I can't wait to hear their stories!!

Last night, Emily was the first to leave. Most everyone else is heading out today, while I am at work. For those of you I missed saying goodbye to...you are awesome and I appreciate your friendship these last few weeks more than you will ever know. You are each a blessing and I can't wait to hear from you soon!

I am not only having to say goodbye to people, but to places and things I have become use to. I enjoy my walks, the people-watching on the subway, running along the Hudson River, seeing the Empire State Building from my window, $1 hotdogs on the street corner, any type of dining cuisine you could imagine within walking distance (did I mention before that there are 6,310 restaurants within 5 miles of where I live!?!), and the music of the city. I will not miss the traffic, the honking horns at all hours, the heat that swelters off the pavement and is captured between the buildings, the shoving on the train (I got caught in the door on Saturday...I now have a nice little bruise on my arm from people trying to make room in a too-crowded train!) or having to watch sad dogs taking daily walks on nothing but sidewalk instead of enjoying some place green. But all of this, rolled into one, is what I have called home for the last six weeks. It has been an experience, a time of growing, of learning, and of dependence on God. I am so thankful to the General Board for this opportunity, and to the friends and family who have supported me through prayers, and emails and phone calls of encouragement.

So....Goodbye New York City. You were a great place to visit....don't know if I would ever live here, but thanks for the memories!!!

Everyone else is doing it....

1. FIRST NAME? Elizabeth
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my mom and I think some random great-aunt
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? A few days ago
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Turkey!!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think I probably would....I mean, what's not to love!? =)
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, a couple
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
~~~what happened to number 9?~~~~~
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Plain Cheerios
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not usually
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I think that if I can single handly lift a keg, that classifies me as strong!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip and my latest discovery - Fluffernut!! yummmm
14. SHOE SIZE? 9
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I worry too much, and sometimes this effects my decisions (I don't do something because I worry it will turn out bad, so I miss out on great opportunities)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? It is really a toss up between Kris (my very hairy boyfriend) and Hank (my very hairy puppy)
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure. Why not.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green kaki shorts and no shoes
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? a cookie
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The sounds of Bleeker St. (the street right off of mine)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? without a doubt green!!
23. FAVORITE SMELL? mint and fresh fruit
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Kris
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? their hair
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Well, no one really sent this to me, but I love all the people that posted it!! =)
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee!
28. FAVORITE SPORT? To watch? Football. For me? Running
29. EYE COLOR? Dark blue
30. HAT SIZE? I look stupid in hats
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheese!!
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? scary movie
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White tank top.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs from most everyone else, but kisses from one particular person *wink*
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Hot apple pie with ice cream!!!
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND: I think I am kind of last on the list
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND: See above
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I am inbetween books right now. I started this one called Four Mothers, but I gave it away because it wasnt really my style
41.WHATS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? mine at home has frogs, the one here is bright colors with the Methodist logo and its says United Methodist Women
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? I didnt watch TV last night, I went to my first SLAM!!
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? children giggling, when someone is playing guitar but they dont know you are listening
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles of course
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Uganda, East Africa
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Just being me (it takes a lot of work!!) seriously? probably hospitality
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Panama City, Florida
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I saw it on Valerie, Laura and Heather's blogs...

Pictures from the Park

<---- Summer Stage, Central Park. We could hear everything but couldn't see much. But I guess you can't ask too much for a free concert!












<----Margaret and Valerie in the sea of woodchips!
















<----Tyler and I staking a claim against the tree.













<-----Here are some girls excited about Damien Rice!!!













<----Not really sure if Adam is excited, or just weird. And I am pretty sure Christina was just laughing at Adam! :)











<-----Random art/sculpture I saw on my walk home yesterday. If you can't tell, it is made up of real canoes and kayaks!

Ahhh the city life

Yesterday was a GREAT day. I ran home after work to change and grab a blanket, then back on the subway to meet my friends at Central Park's Summer Stage. They had gotten there really early, so they had a great spot right on the fence line. Damien Rice and Fiona Apple were giving a benefit concert for the park, and tickets were $50. But, it was also an outside concert, so you could get right up to the fence line and hear just as well as anyone inside the fence, with a lot more room! We were sitting in a field of wood chips, which wasn't the most comfortable thing ever, but we had our own tree, and that proved to be a nice back rest. Before the concert we told stories of the day, and started a game that was really just an elaborate way to people-watch. When Damien came on, I sat, captivated by his voice. I could really listen to him all day long. I have often said that he has the best break up music, but without the sad memories. He played all my favorites, and the songs I didn't know I still enjoyed. In between Damien and Fiona, a guy came and sat on the other side of our tree. We were trying to make up a story for him, when we realized he was writing in a journal. Valerie thought it would be funny if we could so what he was writing, so Christina acted like she was posing for a picture, but really Valerie just zoomed in behind her and got a slightly fuzzy shot of what he was writing. We couldn't make it all out, but it was something about wanting to write a song in a basement with beer. We for whatever reason, got a really big kick out of that. Slight invasion of privacy, yes. But funny all the same.


After the concert, we stopped at Tasti Delight for ice cream. Mary, you would have loved it. We walked in, and proudly hanging on the wall was a certificate with pictures announcing that this was THE Tasti Delight featured in one of the episodes of Sex in the City! Crazy. The ice cream was so good on the hot summer night after a great night in the park with amazing music. I couldn't imagine anything better!

Today I had my own city adventure. One of my (very random) goals of the summer was to walk home from work. Let me clarify by saying that I work on 120th St. and live on 11th St. It took me two and half hours, but I made it! By the time I got back, I was so proud of myself! So to celebrate Emily, Michelle, Margaret and I went out for ice cream! (sense a pattern? :) My only other (very random) goal of the summer is to order Chinese take-out at 4am. We plan on accomplishing this goal tomorrow night! (since we can sleep in on Saturday)

It is still hard to believe that this is my last weekend!! I have a lot to cram in just a few days!!

Branching out

Ok...here goes...

I have started something new. I am a little nervous about sharing, but I am learning to conquer my fears this summer. I learned to navigate the subway, and I am yet to get a heel stuck in a grate, so surely I can share a little more of myself....

I have been feeling the need to dig a little deeper, share a little more of who I really am. Pictures and funny stories are all well and good, in their place. That is what this place, this blog, has become. That was not the original intention in its creation, but that is what it is now, and I am glad to have a place to share my life in pictures and stories with family and friends all around the country. But I still have that desire to share something a little more, dig a little deeper. So I created Walk with Me. A new site, where I can freely share what I am learning, how I am growing, ask questions, and hopefully learn from you, my friends. I want a space, seperate from this, that is a little more serious, and more intentional about growth and intelligent conversation. So, in honor of the way I have learned to learn, I invite you to Walk with Me. I am not giving up on this site. I will continue to post and share, so please continue to check in. But for those who are looking to know me a little deeper, for those who want to help me grow, who want to share and to learn, come on over and join me in a little walk.

The beginning of the end....

It is hard to believe, but one week from today, I will be boarding a plane for Florida. My time in New York City is quickly coming to a close. As I skim back through my first few posts, I am amazed at the way my attitude toward this city has shifted. I know it is by the Grace of God that I have opened my heart to this city. He graciously provided new friends and the courage to keep moving, even when I just wanted to stay in my room and dream of Kentucky. (and that is SO not like me!) I am almost sad that my time is coming to a close so soon. The friends that I have made through the US2s are becoming like family - as living in such close quarters can tend to do. We have enjoyed many adventures around the city and good meals that I probably shouldn't have been able to afford. =) Our conversations have ranged from religion to nature, from coffee to children. They have opened their arms and welcomed me into their group, and for that I am eternally thankful. I know that they have made my time in NY enjoyable.

And aside from the friends, I am beginning to actually enjoy the city. Nothing will ever take the place of living in beautiful country, but I have found a place in my heart for this city as well. There is so much to offer here: the museums, the street vendors, the free concerts (Fiona Apple and Damien Rice tomorrow!!!), and fascinating people watching. I have almost gotten used to walking out of my door in the morning for work and seeing my own street taken over by movie makers (today marks the third time I have had to stay out of the way of camera cords and director's chairs). For the first time, I saw the beauty in the city at night, all of the buildings glowing together to create an image that was breathtaking. I have created a routine: my subway commutes offer down time to read or people watch; the late afternoon warmth surrounds me as I take my run along the Hudson River, running towards the hope that the Statue of Liberty offers; dinners in restaurants often smaller than the subway car I was just on, with waiters who speak a handful of languages; weekends spent enjoying the tourists spots in the city, trying to blend in like I belong. And I am finding that I do belong. Almost daily now, I am stopped by someone and asked for directions, and usually I can help. The fruit vendor by the subway I use in the morning recognizes me now, and tips his hat every morning as I walk by and offer a smile. I have even gotten (mostly) used to getting up early in the morning for work. Even on weekends my body has grown accustomed to the routine and wakes well before my alarm.

And yet I am ready to return home. I still miss my bed and my pillow, my puppies and our yard, my boyfriend and my life in Kentucky. So it is a bitter-sweet moment to realize, with only 7 days left, I am ready to return to life as I knew it, yet not quite ready to give up life as I now know it.

The weekend

<-----Saturday Valerie, Tyler, Margaret, Emily and I went to the MET
















<----We enjoyed exhibits of Roman and Greek statues, strange Euporpean costumes, and my favorite, Japanese Art.














<---After that, we braved the rain to head up to the northern tip of Manhattan to visit The Cloisters. It is a mesuem branch of the MET, devoted to the art and architecture of the midevil Euporean Church. There were mini-chapel (such as this one) and rooms of relics and art.















<----Sheltered from the rain in one of the cloisters.












<---That night we went to Cosi's for dinner.

















<---I was super excited to learn they had S'mores for dessert!!!!

<----Another shot of the cloisters.













<----Yesterday we worshipped at Riverside Church. It was AMAZING. The presence of God was so real and so near, that when I was leaving, the pastor stopped and thanked me "for the sunshine on your face."

It was a great weekend!!!

Singing in the rain

Ok, so seriously, last night was the most fun I have had since being in New York. After work, Harris, Christina, Tyler and I decided to brave the UNBEARABLE heat to go hear the Philharmonic give a free concert in Central Park. We stopped at a little local deli along the way and had our sandwiches made the real New York way - by a man that didn't speak a lick of English - just pointed to the different meats and cheeses while we nodded or shook our heads. By the time we got to the park around 7:45, the place was packed! The concert was being held on the Great Lawn, and if I had to guess, I would say there were probably 20-30,000 people there, no lie. Everyone was spread out on blankets with picnics and candles (probably somewhat illegal in the park!) So we found the only spot we could, a good distance off to the right where we could barely see the stage, and laid out our feast of deli sandwiches, trail mix and a $3 bottle of wine - complete with styrofoam cups. (only in New York do the corkscrews cost more than that wine!)





<------ Here we are, (l-r) me, Harris, Christina and Tyler, enjoying being outside in the ridiculous heat! (did I mention that it was hot - it was 90 degrees at 8pm!!)













<----- Harris showing off, Christina laughing at Harris, and Tyler looking at the ice cream truck he just noticed.





The orchestra was cool. There were times it was hard to hear, but we had a blast, telling stories, playing games and enjoying being somewhere we could just relax. After the show was over, there was a great fireworks display. I am not kidding when I tell you that the fireworks last night were far better than most 4th of July displays I have seen in my lifetime!! As soon as the fireworks were over, and everyone had clapped and cheered, there was a mass exodus towards the subway. I want you to get a mental image of this: Imgaine 20-30,000 people all moving in the same direction, with blankets and coolers and baskets and chairs and strollers and the occasional bike...all trying to squeeze through the same narrow pathway that led to the west side subway, all while holding hands with everyone in their party. As if not is not funny or frustrating enough, the sky decided that very moment would be prime for letting its bottom fall out. There was little warning - a loud clap of thunder, and then a torrentail down-pour!! The four of us just looked at each other and laughed.


<----a slightly fuzzy shot of the fireworks over the Manhattan sky line.










By the time we made it to the street, we were soaked and laughing. We were watching way too many people try and squeeze their way into one subway tunnel and so we decided instead of taking the crowded train at 86th, we would walk down to 59th and catch the train there. So we walked the 17 blocks in the pouring, now chilling, rain. We ran like little kids, stomping in puddles, while this little 7 year old boy beside us looked at us like we were crazy. It was so fun to be out in the rain, and to just not care!!



<----Here we are, soaked and grinning, in front of the Trump Tower

Tourist pictures

<---- The Imagine Memorial - a tribute to John Lennon in Strawberry Fields, Central Park. There are fresh flowers (and sometimes bagels) placed there every day!
















<----- Time Square (duh)
















<----- Two fabulous looking tourists! Leslie and I before the show.





















<---- Enjoying A Slice of New York after the show...yum!!!













<-----This is all that is left of the old tree that shielded the church across from the WTC blasts












<----Good (and new) friends - Jen and Leslie

A Tourist Weekend

<---- Chillin' the the man-voiced Lady Liberty -me, Jen, Leslie and Chad








My good friends from Kentucky came to visit me this weekend!! And they drove. 11 hours. How is that for being a good friend!?

Leslie is good at a lot of things: singing and making people laugh just to name a few. But her real secret hidden talent is bringing out the tourist in those around her. She is a tried and true tourist herself - if it were 1985 she would have no problem wearing the brightly printed shirts with a fanny pack and huge sunglasses. (well, it may not be 1985, but she still wears the huge sunglasses!) And what is so fun about her, is without being pushy, she brings out the hidden tourist in us all. I think we covered the ENTIRE island of Manhattan this weekend. ON FOOT. No lie. We walked all over Central Park. We saw the Great Lawn, the Lake, Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), and Shakespeare Gardens. We learned that even though it looks cool, a rickhaw ride around the park is $50 and those beautiful horse drawn carriages are $35 (per half hour, per person!) So we walked.

We stood in Times Square, overwhelmed by the neon lights, honking horns, getting knocked over by the masses of people. The smell of hotdogs and pretzels and the sounds of 15 different vendors flooded our senses. There was a short period that we got stuck in a web of pamphleteers (for those of you who don't know what a pamphleteer is: they are the people on the streets handing out flyers for anything from comedy shows, discounts at local stores, church tracts, and surveys. These people stick the flyer in your face, if you lose and make eye contact, or worse yet, take their flyer, not only do they bombard you with questions and their pitch, but every other pamphleteer within 15 yards sees you are a sucker, and swarms in on you, until you are surround and can no longer see the street.)

We spent an afternoon at Ground Zero, amazed by the memories and personal memorials that line the inside of the church across the street. The church itself has an amazing story. Located not even 100 yards from the Twin Towers, it was the only building on the block that was not damaged by the blasts. Not even a single window was chipped. The only thing that fell was a 150 year old tree in the front lawn, that served a shield from flying debris. The church became a refuge for volunteers and victims alike. It was incredible to be standing in such a place of sorrow and hope. It made me very appreciative for the people in my life who have always been there, supporting and loving me. (Let me just take a moment now to both honor the fallen and to let those who are a part of my life know that I love you and appreciate you for what you mean in my life.)

After Ground Zero, we made our way down to Battery Park and The South Ferry, which would have taken us to the Statue of Liberty, if we had time. But our day was running short and our feet were close to falling off, so we settled to enjoy the view from afar and then headed back to get ready for the evening.

We had purcashed half priced tickets the day before to see Alter Boyz. By the time the show was over, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. If anyone has an opportunity to see this show, it is a must! The musical was spoof of a religous boy band, and it had me crying I was laughing so hard.

It was a great weeked full of NYC adventures, incredible site-seeing, lots of pictures and sore feet. Thanks Leslie for being a great tourist, and dragging us into your world!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!!!!!!

City Friends

Last night the US2s and I went out in search of Sushi and Ice Cream. We found a great sushi place that advertised $22 all you can eat sushi. While that is WAY to much rice and seaweed for this girl, Harris was all about trying to eat them out of fish and roll. I discovered that sushi in NYC is WAY cheaper than anywhere else I have ever eaten. When a California roll in Kentucky cost $6 - it is only $3 in New York. In fact, the most expensive, non-speciality, roll I saw was only $6.50!! Impressive and exciting!

Here Harris is owning up to a bet. We were all pretty disgusted as we watched him take a full shot of Soy Sauce. (notice Christina (L) and Margaret's (R) grimiced expressions. I am pretty sure our waitress thought we were nuts.

After sushi we went in search of ice cream. Instead of going back to Cones (see previous post) we decided to test the city's other ice cream parlors. We made our very round-a-bout way to Mary's Dairy.

Here Tyler is getting friendly with the Miss Mary Dairy herself.

We decided that while Mary's Dairy did have a fun atmosphere and good ice cream, it wasn't the city's best, and didn't even come close to Cones. Having tried two other ice places during my own previous adventures, I think it may be safe to assume that Cones does indeed have New York City's Best Ice Cream.

In other news, I have been discovering all kinds of great music in the city. The man that played at Central Park on Saturday (again, see previous post) - turns out his is the "most famous guy in New York that no one knows." Feel free to check out That Guitar Man. He has made a living playing "The Hill" at Central Park since 1992! I think he might very well classify as the city's best troubadour, with love songs about city such as Lost on Bleeker Street (the street that I life right off of), The Heart of New York City and Singin' in Central Park.

I have also discovered a new favorite female artist, Kirsten Thein. Mary, Valerie, Stephanie: you ladies should definitely take a moment to check her out - I think you will be impressed.

I think that is all the update I have for today, now that I have used the better half of my lunch break! =)

more pictures

Here are some of the pictures that I couldn't share last week for whatever reason, with a few extras added from this week:


<----- Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
















<---- The Castle in front of Turtle Pond
at Central Park













<----- Just a cool picture of Central park with a cityscape background













<----- Recognize this walkway? It is in pretty much EVERY movie ever that has anything to do with New York














<----- The stairs at Central Park leading down to the lake (another movie favorite)













<---- Random Jazz trio in the park













<----In case it is too hard to read:
"On this bench V.L. will one day propose marriage to H.R.H."












<---- "And she will one day say yes."

Does that sound like a threat to anyone else?

And welcome back from the weekend! The weather in New York was wonderful this weekend which left a lot of time for exploring. Even though the US2s are here now, they had training during the day all weekend.

Friday after work I spent the better part of the warm afternoon down by the Hudson River enjoying my book. After I had enough lounging around I went for a run along the water front. I went a different direction than I normally do and ending running with the Statue of Liberty in view! That night the US2s and I went to Cones - which has a reputation for being the city's best ice cream. As an experienced ice cream/gellato/sorbet judge, I have to give Cones 2 sticky thumbs up. They give very generous scoops of their creamy goodness on homemade waffle cones. I don't know about the ciy's best - only because I haven't tried all the ice cream in the city. This girl is on a limited budget you know!

Saturday I walked down to Union Square, about a mile from where I live, and enjoyed a Farmer's Market. Before I could even make it into the market though, this young man with a clipboard and a mission cornered me, trying to guilt me into sponsoring a needy child. I explained to him that I already have two children that I sponsor. Listen to his reply, "Well, I would like to believe you...." I was so offended!! Really? That is your best tactic at trying to get me in with your organization...to call me a liar? Needless to say, I walked away guilt free towards the apple stand.

After the Farmer's Market I decided to explore a little more of Central Park. This time I went in on the South side (normally I go in on the west side) - which put me right at one of Trump's Towers! I had a great afternoon walking around, discovering playgrounds, the Chess and Checkers House, a massive carousal, and a few really great performers. One group were comdian-acrobats. They had me in stiches I was laughing so hard. The next guy I found was this middle aged man, standing under an umbrella of shade provided by a weeping willow. He had been there since 12:30, and I didn't discover him till about 4:30 - he was just siging, taking requests and enjoying his job. There were probably nearly 100 people gathered around, laying on blankets, enjoying his soothing voice as the afternoon cooled off. It was so relaxing to be sitting in the park, in front of a lake (pond really), listening to guitar.

Sunday I went to Forfront Church. I have to admit that this is the first church that I have been to since I've been here that I really felt comfortable in. While the other churches I have been to have been unique and interesting, this one felt more like a church home, rather than a tourist spot. I really enjoyed being there. After church I got off the subway at Grand Central Station and found a great Street Fair. This city is famous for these street fairs that last for nearly 10 blocks. Vendors are there pushing everything from clothing and linens, to scarves and jewlery, to handcarved wooden figurines and blown-glass. There is a smoke coming from the vendors selling greasy pitas and a sent of tart from the fresh squeezed lemonade. You can hear music in about 5 different languages and hear little girls tugging their daddies hand saying "Puhleeese can I have this!?" It is such a fun experience.














After the fair I went and walked around the Grand Central Station Termanal. It is very impressive and ornate.










Last night the US2s and I all went out to dinner at this great Italian restaurant around the corner from where we live. The inside was bright and inviting, and the food was awesome. This place was also boasting Sangria Sunday - $1 Sangria with your meal - can't beat that!! Last night was the first time I have gone out to eat since my first two days here, so I was really excited to be in the company of people my age, eating at a sit-down restaurant. After dinner we went back to the house for some exciting, and near fatal, games of Spades and Egyptian Rat Screw.

I great weekend all and in all. I am looking forward to a visit from some Kentucky friends this weekend, as well as getting to meet up with my cousin Mary Grace.

My Weekend - part 2

So, it is kind of hard to believe that, even though I am still posting about LAST weekend, it now the weekend AGAIN! I love holidays!! And half days! (our office is now going to half days every Friday - can't beat that!!) So, here is a quick summary of what I couldn't post about last weekend:

Saturday I went to the Chapel of Mirrors.
Don't be deceived - COSM is not an actual chapel. And it doesn't really have anything to do with mirrors. Located near the docks in this old run down building that smelled like shrimp in the elevator, COSM is a gallery of Alex Grey's artwork. Grey has done a lot of artwork for albums such as Tool and Nirvana, and well as had his artwork featured in Newsweek and on the Discovery Channel. His artwork is so different than anything I have ever experienced. And it is certainly an experience. The gallery was only two rooms, and I was there for nearly two hours. There was a very spiritual aspect to his art, and some pieces were very telling of our world today (what could or should be vs. what it is). If you get the chance, I would recommend checking him out. But be sure to have an open mind!

Saturday night I was walking around the village, mostly in search of ice cream, when I was heavily persuaded to come to a comedy show (the guy selling the ticket was talked down from $15 to $7 to get in, AND he bought my ice cream!) Some of the comedians had been on SNL, MTV's Yo Mamma (which I don't really think that is a title I would boast) and the Chappell Show. It was a pretty funny evening, but nothing was as funny as the guy I was talking to after the show, Matt, one of the comedians. We were chatting for about 5 minutes when he leans in and says, "So, can we make out yet?" I just kind of stared at him. "Too soon?" he asked. Yeah, too soon buddy.

Sunday I went to The Brooklyn Tabernacle! It was INCREDIBLE!! I went for the Gospel service, and two hours later I was sad they were done. Listening to the choir gave me goose bumps that I thought were going to pop right off my arm!! Worshipping there was definitely one of my life's greatest experiences thus far! While there, I met this family, the parents had been missionaries to Brazil and they were here in NY to move their daughter, Lauren, up for her four week internship. They admitted she didn't have a place to live yet, and I told them about the Alma House. Hopefully that will work out for her to reside there while she is doing her internship. She and I decided since we were the only other people we knew in the city we would have to get together again soon. See! Church gives you friends! =)

A quick update on this short week:
The new US2 Missionaries have arrived at the Alma House!! This is really exciting because that means for the remainder of my visit, there are people my age living in the house. I met most of them last night, and they all had that same overwhelmed look in their eyes I am sure I had for the first two weeks I was here! There is one guy from Nashville, another from Birmingham, and a girl named Valerie from Texas!!

Last night I went to go see my first show of the summer. My boss had free tickets to go see Hot Feet - and its a good thing they were free. The show was alright - lots of modern dance and music. Not really my thing. All the music was Earth, Wind and Fire tunes - and the guy in front of me was throughly enjoying himself! But the highlight was at the end, where Earth, Wind and Fire - live and in person, came out on stage and sang a couple of songs! (I thought the guy in front of me was going to have a heart attack!)

That's all for now. I am still having techincal difficulty getting pictures up - so I am going to try to put them in a seperate post. Have a good weekend!!!

My weekend

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

I had a great 5 day weekend!! The weather up here was wonderful so I got to do a lot of exploring.

Friday I went to the Museum of Natural History.

The place was HUGE!!! 5 stories of incredible exhibits and fascinating things to learn. Did you know that on Mars I would only weigh 56 pounds, while on any given Neturon Star I would weigh well over 2 trillion pounds!!!!!

They had one floor totally dedicated to people groups. It was awesome to see art work and read about different wedding tradition from around the world and throughout time.

(I am skipping Saturday and Sunday because some of my pictures won't show up - so I will try again on a later post)

Monday was SO beautiful that I had to go back to Central Park. I have found this great spot, Turtle Pond, that is quiet and peaceful. It is right behind the castle. So I spent the day relaxing, reading, tanning and just enjoying being outside.

I guess I ended up spending a little TOO much time outside, because I ended up with quite a burn on my back and arms. But it was so nice to be in a park (with REAL grass) enjoying what little nature the city has to offer.

Tuesday started out as a bust. I had planned to go out to Coney Island to see the International Hot Dog Eating Contest!!! Unfortunately, I got my times mixed up and the train took forever, and by the time I got out there, they were already tearing down the stage!!! I decided to try and make the best of it, thinking a hot dog and a little time on the beach would be nice. After standing in line for 45 minutes for my one little $3 hot dog (standing next to these people with absolutly horrid Jersey accents!!! They were driving me nuts!), I was disappointed at the pier when I couldn't even see the water!!! There was such an incredible amount of people on the beach that you couldn't see past the bright umbrellas and bobbing heads to actually see the water (or even really the beach for that matter). I decided to call Coney Island a flop and get on the train home. Wouldn't you know it, as soon as I got off the train, it started pouring down rain!! So, I was stuck walking 7 blocks home in the rain with no umbrella.

Thankfully, the rest of the day didn't turn out as poorly. I had met a really nice family from India that is also staying in the Alma House. So the four of us met up together and walked down to the Hudson River Park (remember, fake grass...) to watch the fireworks. Turns out we had the perfect spot!!! From where we were, we could see 5 sets of fireworks!! We saw two from Jersey, one from the Statue of Liberty, and then the two Macy's productions. So all in all we had an hour and 15 minute firework show!! It was pretty awesome. Sadly none of my pictures turned out, so you will just have to trust me on how great they were!