Do it Again

This is a picture from the pier at W. 70th st, right on the Hudson River. It was taken in the summer, on a beautiful night when they projected a movie on a huge screen and invited all to come and watch. I don't think I could have asked for a better backdrop. Things like this remind me why I love this city so much (and, well, sunsets in general).

Joshua Radin = Love

Before we even get started...Joshua Radin is a musician/singer who I was able to see perform last night at Webster Hall (first time ever there!). It was amazing and I loved every second of it! If you don't know him, check out his songs here, here or here.

photo courtesy of: http://www.joshuaradin.com/

We got to the theater at 6:00, which is what our tickets said when the show started. Little did we know that was just when they opened the doors. The first opener came on at 7:00 and then the second opener started playing around 7:30. Around 8:00, the moment we'd all been waiting for, Joshua Radin came on stage! He was a great performer and really interacted with the crowd, telling jokes and stories about the songs he played.

At the end, he told us it was his last song the crowd (and myself included) was so sad for it to be over. But like a good musician, he came back out to play one last song. But instead of staying on stage, he came into the audience!!! And where was I in relation to him you might ask yourself??? Let's just say right in front of him! Maybe all the girls around me and I screamed like we were 14, but can you blame us?! Here's a video (thanks to Mark Weinberg! Check out his workhere).

I'll put up pictures from my friends once I get them (I forgot my camera - oops!). All in all, an amazing and memorable evening.

Correction

Sadly, I will not be meeting Tim McGraw. A meeting came up at work during the same time. Sad, sad day.

Lunch?

This Tuesday (November 17th to be exact), I will be having lunch with this person!!!!!!




...and about 50 other people. (If you don't know, shame on you. This is Tim McGraw.) He's one of my all-time favorite country singers. And to say I'm excited is just the tip of the iceberg. I'll let you know how it goes!

In Fourteen-hundred and ninety-two...

All I have to say is Happy Columbus Day! Unfortunately, I do not have the day off to celebrate Christopher and all his discoveries. But at least he's the center of one of my favorite places in NYC - Columbus Circle. (It's beautiful to look down at the statue in the middle of the fountains (yes, Mr. Columbus is at the top) and look down Central Park South toward 5th Ave. I also love sitting at the base of the statue and watch all the people that make it an ever-interesting sight. I love New York, and especially in the Fall!)

photo courtesy of: http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/columbus-circle-mitchell-cateyes.jpg

While at BYU, one of my friends really, really, really loved Columbus Day, and we even had a big ole party to celebrate. But the thing that she was so inspired by was to reflect on our new discoveries, and that has stayed with me over the years. My new discovery (one of them): the farmer's market that is just a block away from my office. It has such amazing deals on fresh fruits and veggies, and gives me a good break during lunch!

Take a moment to look around and examine what new things you have learned or done this year, and make a goal to keep it up over the next year.

Pause

It's true...I've been a little deliquent in my blogging lately. But that's just because so many fun things have been keeping me busy! Someday soon I'll update it. For now we'll just keep the pause button on. Deal?

Do You Belong in NYC?

I found this short, three-question test on a friend-of-a-friend's blog (maybe I blog hop), but found it interesting. Here's another quiz that will test your compatibility with the so-called city that never sleeps. So if you've ever wondered, you can now see for yourself if you should live in New York. As for me? I'm loving the city and it suits me for now. Being here for the long-run might be a different story.

On the Streets

The streets of New York City are apparently grounds for practicing many talents. If you've ever been here, you've seen street/subway performers, roller bladers/skaters in Central Park, and such. One other form of art, if you will (and I think you will), is that of the pick-up line.

Here's one for the books: The other night I was getting off the subway (72nd St. off the 1/2/3 for those familiar with the city), meeting up with some friends for dinner. I had pulled out my phone to see where my friends were, when this guy said to me, "Girl, why you callin' me? I'm right here." Usually my first response is one of annoyance, but this one put a smile on my face and made me laugh. Props to the guy who came up with that one. Well done.

Lately...

It may seem that I've been on hiatus recently. And I have. Last Saturday was the first one I've had to myself (no traveling, visitors, plans, birthdays, etc.) since April! Don't get me wrong. I love all of those things. But sometimes it's nice to just have some much-needed R&R.

So, what has been going on lately? Here are just some of the things (and yes! pictures!)

Duck Beach 2009 - Corolla, NC. Four days of pure fun with friends, the beach, an amazing house and all the food and treats you could ever (or never) want to eat.

We're SO excited to be at the beach! (Sara, Jane G., Autumn, me, Adrienne)

Ashley and I

Yankees Game! Yes, this is the new stadium, which is right next to the old one. They look very similar, but the new one is just...new. bigger. nice. probably safer. And they won! Always better than losing.

Disney World with the entire Madsen family - yes, all 16 of us! It was a blast! We did the parks in the morning, pool/naps/relaxing in the afternoon, food all day long (we had this magical little card that got us into the Parks and all our food...reminded us of Dining Plus, only better!), parks again at night. We loved the Fast Passes. We loved the rides. We loved being together. Some of my favorite moments: getting caught in a torrential rainstorm with Annie, Dad and Jessy (we just had to embrace it and slide through the gushing water); ladies night (plus Nate and Josh), of course we sang Aerosmith on the bus; raffle (need I say more?!); Kasey letting all her skeletons out of the closet (I'll let her share that story); Beth and Sarah just loving being able to hang out all week together; our matching yellow shirts...and ponchos. Sadly, my camera battery died, and I forgot the charger. Alas, I do not have pictures (or very good ones) of everyone. So here are some of the pictures at least.

From the top: Will (don't you just love his face?!); Kasey and Annie post Splash Mountain; Beth in front of Cinderella's castle at the Magic Kingdom; Sam taking a nap in his stroller and his hand in the "snack trap" (that's what holds his snacks); Beth and Sarah wearing the cute Minnie Mouse outfits that Kasey made; Dad so excited to be...wearing Sarah's Minnie Mouse ears.

Back in May, I completed my very first duathlon with my roommate Adrienne and Jessy (click here for Jessy's post about this monumental excursion). It was a beautiful park where we ran a 5K, biked a 25K (a loop we did 4 times), and then ran the same 5K only backwards. I really loved doing this race and loved the bike, which was the first bike race I've done. The greatest news? We all finished and weren't last! But Ade and I did finish in fourth and third place for our age division, respectively. And Jessy won her age division! Way to go ladies!!!

Me, Jessy and Adrienne - plaques, medals and grins for the winners!

Today's Recipe: A Good Monday

Ingredients:

- 8 hours sleep

- New pair of running shoes and orthotics

- One reservior in Central Park (to use those new shoes and orthotics)

- Lunch already made to take to work

- Realizing it's a four-day week, then a four-day weekend

- Slow day when at work

- ABC.com to watch the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" during that slow day at work

Hopefully Monday will continue to give me little treats like this. I have a feeling this is going to be a good week!

Still Amazed

E.B. White wrote, "No matter where you sit in New York, you feel the vibrations of great times and tall deeds." How true this is. Every so often I am hit that I do live in one of the greatest and most incredible places - and what a blessing it is. I Heart NY!!!

Less is More

Here's a quote Elder Oaks gave in his talk from this past General Conference: "...A [selfish] person becomes disconnected from the covenant promises of God (see D&C 1:15) and from the mortal friendship and assistance we all need in these tumultuous times. In contrast, if we love and serve one another as the Savior taught, we remain connected to our covenants and to our associates." Being more service-oriented and selfless are always good reminders for me. 

"Let's Go Rang-ahs!"

Last night was one to remember! Not only did I get to go to my first-ever NHL game (that's hockey for all you sports novices), but it was the Rangers (Rang-ahs, if you're from NY) in Madison Square Garden in the playoffs! Even though the Rangers lost, I still had a blast!

(logo courtesy of: http://www.nhl94.com/images/logos_lg/rangers.gif)

Yes, I love that once in a while I am treated with free tickets/dinner/shows/swag/etc. for work. I will be forever grateful to have had so many opportunities to experience things New York because of my job that otherwise I wouldn't have done.

Some highlights for me:

- Human puck race in the second intermission: Grown men running around an obstacle course on the ice in huge suits shaped like hockey pucks (think of the sumo suits and you'll get the idea)
- The guy behind saying, "Corporate fans," as two guys left the game early when the Rangers were down 3-0
- An amazing amount of energy (some not exactly friendly/positive) that was in MSG, even if the whole crowd in unison started taunting the refs

I'm now a true Rangers fan (and pretty much a fan of any New York sports team).

Too Young!

I'm too young to be losing my mind! This morning I put all my things in my gym bag so I could go right after work (otherwise, it's highly unlikely I'll make there!). And only when I got off the subway did I realize it was still at home, sitting right next to my bed. Can anyone help me find my memory again?

Good Friday

In my opinion almost every Friday is a good Friday. Why? It's the beginning of the weekend, of course! Two whole days (and a little extra if you count the hours on Friday night) to not think about work. (Don't get me wrong, I love my job and am very grateful to have it. It's just nice to put it to the side.)

This Friday, however, is extra special. Because Passover and Easter fall in the same weekend, it's made for a very quiet Friday - peaceful subway ride in the morning, lots of people out of the office, and few people (relatively speaking) in the city. Another reason I'm a fan of today is...I got out of work early! I'm always a fan of that. So, now I get to jump-start my weekend's list of errands.

I'm excited for Easter this year. And it didn't really sink in until yesterday. Because of a cold I caught earlier this week, I didn't feel like it would be the best to go up to Josh and Jessy's to celebrate with the whole East-coast Madsen crew (Nate, Amy, Beth, Sam, Josh, Jessy and Will). Instead, I'm going to stay local and start checking the boxes on my t0-do list (Target, laundry, cleaning, putting Easter baskets together, dying Easter eggs).

As Martha (Stewart) would say, "It's a good thing." So, Happy Easter to you all!

As Promised...

Some pictures of Christmastime in New York. Enjoy!

My roommate, Adrienne, and I at the formal Christmas party. So much fun to get all dolled up!

Autumn and I (next roommate) in front of the Plaza at the beginning of our walk down 5th Ave.


The snowflakes out of lights on the outside of Sacks.

And the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Evan at the Ugly Sweater Party...If he hadn't been hosting I think he would have won! Cheers!

White Christmas - The Musical! (I didn't take any photos outside the theater. Next time.)

Okay...this was after Christmas, but I just had to show off my third roommate, Jane (yep, I live with another Jane!),\. Just one of the many snow storms we've had this winter.

A San Francisco Treat!

So last weekend I got to spend two whirlwind days with one of my very best friends, Ashley, in San Francisco!

(Background: Ashley and I were in the same major (advertising) at BYU and moved out to NYC at the same time to do internships. We went through a lot together, were roommates for over a year and a half and have become dearest of friends. But she knew she wouldn't be in New York forever, being a native Texan and used to the luxuries of space, cars, large grocery stores and other things that are novelties here in the city. I miss her, so why not go visit???)

After leaving straight from work and a few hours on the plane on Friday night, Ash came to pick me up from the airport. We drove all through the city and saw some great neighborhoods (I can't remember all the names right now). We just chatted and got caught up on each other's lives - the theme of the whole weekend. We are girls, and we're good at talking. A talent, you might say.

Saturday morning we slept in (thank you Sudafed for putting me on West coast time! or I would have awakened at 7am.) and then went to the famous Farmers Market at the Ferry Building. On our way to the market, we hit some major traffic. Why, you ask? Well, let's just say we were IN the St. Patrick's Day Parade! Well...we drove through it anyway. But it was all about the experience and everyone needs to celebrate the Irish in some way or another.

When we got to the farmers market, we ate a yummy lunch - it was a little late for breakfast - meandered through all the booths/vendors, took in all the fabulous and fresh produce, people watched (we were obsessed with this cute girl and her basket), and bought some lemons, bread and asparagus for part of our dinner on Sunday.

(photos courtesy of www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com)

We then walked alond the water and saw the Bay Bridge. Then we drove all around SF. We saw Pacific Heights, the Golden Gate Park and the Bridge, Sunset, Union Square, the Marina, Chinatown, the Castro, Japantown, and I'm sure much more. I loved all the cute neighborhoods and the victorian architecture. Ash was a perfect tour guide!

And since it was a girls' weekend, we of course had to get a mani/pedi. And since we didn't even think about bringing flip-flops, the cute lady wrapped our freshly-painted toes in plastic so our shoes and socks wouldn't mess them up.

We then went to Kara's Cupcakes. A-mazing! If you've heard of Magnolia's here in NYC, they don't even compare to Kara's (plus, I've never been a fan of the cupcakes at Magnolia's. Their banana pudding is a completely different story!!!).

After a trip to Costco and the grocery store (we were looking for halibut, but had NO luck...I guess it's not in season), we finally made it back to Ash's place (cute house in Sunset, just a few blocks from the park and the beach) for a little R&R. Once we recovered, we were off again. This time for dinner at Jackson Fillmore, a cute little Italian place that gave us free bruschetta! It was soo tasty! We shared a pasta with spicy tomato sauce and a chicken dish. When we left the restaurant, I was so shocked because everything was so quiet! I guess I'm used to the sounds of city life now, or something.

On Sunday, we just lounged around the house in the morning before church, which is always a welcome treat for me. After church, we went over to our friends' Sarah and Patrick's (such a cute apartment!) to make and have dinner with them. The four of us all were in the advertising program together at BYU. We just talked and ate and talked for a few hours...It's so good to have friends all over and to be able to catch up with them. We made a delicious blackberry crumble, which we adapted from this recipe. I highly recommend it!

Not too long after, we made our way back to the airport. Even though I always say I'm never going to take another red eye, I always do. It wasn't as horrible as some I've had, since I did get a few hours' sleep. But it was worth it to see Ashley and the place she now calls home. Thanks Ash for a fabulous two days on the west coast!

Superkalifragilisticexpealidocious

Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious!


And the site of it is even more surprising at times! I do think I saw a Mary Poppins-look alike when I was getting off the subway this morning. She had the boots, the umbrella, the coat, a hat (not quite as tailored as Miss "Practically Perfect in Every Way", but still close) and the hand bag. I'm sure she had a lamp in there, or a plant at the very least! I wish I'd had my camera to capture the similarities.

Oh how I love the many ways that New York puts a smile on my face.

'Tis the Season

So it's now been over two months since Christmas. So why not give a little shout out to that fabulous time of year and keep the memories and spirit alive?

I was lucky enough to do quite a few things here in the city to put me in the Christmas spirit before I went home to Utah:

• Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, with the infamous Rockettes and Santa Claus of course. This has unintentionally become a tradition for me every year I've been in New York. I was lucky enough to have dinner and tickets for free thanks to my job! I love being on the end of being "wined and dined" as they say. My favorite part about the show is that they have The Nativity story at the end. In a city and world that stays away from religion, it's great to hear the story of our Savior's birth with the respect and reverence it deserves.
• Walked down 5th Avenue to see all the department store windows all decked out for the season.
• Saw THE tree at Rockefeller Center. Yes, it really is as big as it looks!
• Went to a Christmas concert at St. Patrick's Cathedral where a bunch of different choirs performed. Of all my time in New York, this was my first visit inside the cathedral. The music was beautiful, but I have to admit that it didn't come close to the Mo-Tabs.
• Fun and themed parties, one formal and one ugly sweater party. Wow! Was I surprised by how everyone went all-out for both.
• I got to see the musical "White Christmas", a family favorite when it comes to Christmas movies. The best part was that I won the lottery tickets for it! What does that mean? I stood outside in freezing temperatures for about 30 minutes, made friends with a woman named Carol, wrote my name on a paper, heard my name called, paid the $26 and sat on the front row! It was an amazing performance! My friend Jacob was an understudy for it, but he was sadly not on that day.

Pictures of all these fun times to come (I'm at work, taking a break and don't have the pics with me). Merry Christmas!

I'm also going to post about my vacation in Utah...stay tuned.

Just Checking In...

Yes. I'm still here. No. I haven't posted in a while (okay, a long while). But that doesn't mean I won't. Someday soon I'll write all about all the fun Christmas things I was able to do in New York and the great times with the family in Utah. Happy Winter!!!