So, I had my hair cut on Thursday. While Cathy D. (of Cathy D. Hair Salon, naturally...) worked on the finishing touches, she had my chair turned to the wall. After putting down her blow dryer, she spun me around to face the mirror and announced, "There, now you look New Jersey."
It was at that moment that I came face to face with what I am right now- a Jersey girl. Suddenly, I had the urge to run home crying. How did this happen? I am and always will be Laura. I'm just Laura and my home is where my heart is.
I was thinking about home recently. Sometimes as an adult child returning home, I can be driven a little insane. My parents know that I pay my own utility bills on time every month, but I still can't be trusted to remember to put my dishes in the sink? I feel like the repeated phrase from my mouth is always "I knoooooow!" It's frustrating that they don't realize how grown up I have become.
On the other hand, my home will always comfort me. I love love love seeing my brick porch with cast iron swirls guiding my way up the steps. I love opening that big wooden door and walking into the light, smell, and feeling of my childhood. Dinner with my family is the best. My dad goes all out with presentation, the candles and the whole shibang. My mom makes enough food to feed an army, and always remembers to heat up leftovers for those who don't want the meal being served. I was literally dreaming the other day of the shishkebobs my mom puts together and my dad grills. DELICIOUS. Of course, not to sound eck eck corny but everything is made better by the fact that it is my family sitting around the table. Another cool thing about home and food is that the party never ends until the food runs out, and in my family, the party never ends!
That being said, I figured out why I feel very squirmish about ever moving back home. It's because my siblings aren't there anymore for the most part. Everybody has flown the coop. My sisters are married off and having babies. One sister is in college. My brother is away from home and only my baby sister and parents remain. I still love and adore them, but it's not my family as I knew it.
My ideal situation would be this: Everybody move back home. It is possible. Jobs can be changed and (extremely reasonable) real estate can be bought. It is a win/win. I say we're all in this together. If I can talk them all into this, we will have the good life. Think about 50 years ago, mostly because that is the number I just thought of, people didn't move all the time. People graduated from high school, went to college locally while living at home, went into the family business, and moved into their own house in their parent's cul-de-sac when they were married! It's so simple! That way all the cousins can be friends. All the kids can stay in very good touch with Mom and Dad. And best of all, the siblings will be able to lean on each other in a way that is just not possible over the phone.
Life is just too short to forget what's important. I would hate to become one of those families that only see each other once a year. I just wanna go home...but only if my heart can be there too.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Karma Bug
The whole family had the stomach bug. So I think to myself, I'm going to brain power my way out of it! I felt a little queasy, and I'm not gonna lie, I was doubled over in pain at one point. But I said, "NO, I am NOT sick." So I went on with my day acting like I was fine and telling myself over and over how I could beat the odds. I made plans and followed through with them, without passing out or puking.
I decided to go to the mall with my friend, and guess what? We were hit by a speeding car running a red light.
I guess if you dodge one bullet, another is on it's way, and that one is much worse.
I decided to go to the mall with my friend, and guess what? We were hit by a speeding car running a red light.
I guess if you dodge one bullet, another is on it's way, and that one is much worse.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
It's Lent and I gave up Pepsi! But this is Coke so okay!
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. In the Catholic world, this is the day that everybody swears to give up chocolate (sweets), fast food, or some other indulgence that gets in the way of their walk with the Lord. Of course, when Sunday comes, it is permissable to break the fast because Sunday's aren't officially part of the 40 days of Lent. I know this full well from when I gave up alcohol for Lent because every Saturday night at midnight, I was getting my week's worth! Tomorrow is also a fasting day, which means two small meals and one big meal, and no meat. Finally, it's a Holy Day of Obligation, so Mass attendance is required.
When I was thinking all these things over, I realized that Lent isn't hard at all! Not compared to being beaten and dying on a cross anyways. So, I want to try and give up something difficult. But not too difficult, ha. What I mean is, I can't give up TV because honestly, I would be so bored and start wallowing in self pity and I know myself well enough to say that it wouldn't be beneficial to my spirit. I don't want to give up le smokes because, well, that would just be mean to my employers. I could just imagine me spouting off what I REALLY think when the babies try to squirm away from a diaper change. Plus, going out to the porch is a great opportunity to talk to the mom and dad, so no, I'm not gonna give that up.
What I was thinking is that I'll give up waking up late. If I can accomplish getting dressed, putting my laundry away, brushing my teeth, saying my prayers, and making my bed (all large tasks for a live-in au pair) before I start working in the morning, then I think I will be a more pleasant person. If I'm well rested and put together, then I'll have more opportunity to spread God's love vs. when I'm cranky and moody. Ok, so deal! I'll let you know on Easter how it goes...
When I was thinking all these things over, I realized that Lent isn't hard at all! Not compared to being beaten and dying on a cross anyways. So, I want to try and give up something difficult. But not too difficult, ha. What I mean is, I can't give up TV because honestly, I would be so bored and start wallowing in self pity and I know myself well enough to say that it wouldn't be beneficial to my spirit. I don't want to give up le smokes because, well, that would just be mean to my employers. I could just imagine me spouting off what I REALLY think when the babies try to squirm away from a diaper change. Plus, going out to the porch is a great opportunity to talk to the mom and dad, so no, I'm not gonna give that up.
What I was thinking is that I'll give up waking up late. If I can accomplish getting dressed, putting my laundry away, brushing my teeth, saying my prayers, and making my bed (all large tasks for a live-in au pair) before I start working in the morning, then I think I will be a more pleasant person. If I'm well rested and put together, then I'll have more opportunity to spread God's love vs. when I'm cranky and moody. Ok, so deal! I'll let you know on Easter how it goes...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Worries and Anxieties
I really like myself a lot, but sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one so fond of me...
Lenten Promise
Dear Lord,
I would like to give up TV for Lent this year, but The Bachelor season finale is on and I just can't miss it.
Love, Your daughter
PS- Do you think you could swing it so the surprise ending is that Jason comes and proposes to me?!
I would like to give up TV for Lent this year, but The Bachelor season finale is on and I just can't miss it.
Love, Your daughter
PS- Do you think you could swing it so the surprise ending is that Jason comes and proposes to me?!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Queen of the house
This little angel is my goddaughter. Tonight we were talking on the phone and she declared "I'm a princess and my daddy is the king.""Who is the queen?" I asked.
She responded, "Umm, Grammy!"
When my sister came back on the line, she was quite offended...
You're a twitter.
So, who's heard of this new twitter phenomenon? Apparently, it's a networking tool that you can update from your computer or cell phone. Basically you become friends with other people you know, and then send and receive messages with what you're doing. For instance, my twitter status right now would be "Laura is sitting on her bed with her computer." However, I don't have a twitter account. I started one and less than 4.5 minutes later, it was deleted. I just don't feel comfortable with it. I don't know one person in the whole spectrum of my friends and family circles that I would like to have minute by minute updates on me. Privacy is sacred in this world of 20/20 stalkers and human traffickers. Serious dangers aside, I feel like this is the peak of narcissism. If you for one second think that anybody in the world cares that "your name is sitting a dark room, pondering how a square peg could ever fit in a round hole" then you are sadly mistaken! And, you might want to get on some anti-depressants, emo!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Rude People
It's rude to call people rude. So, allow me to be a bit unkind for a minute. This past weekend I had the pleasure of eating at The Melting Pot, a very delicious fondue restaurant. It was the day before Valentine's Day, and the place was decked out in red and pink. My friend and I were perusing the menu when our waiter, Tom, walked up.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" he greeted us. Then looking from me to her, he took a step back and asked "Are you two together?"
My immediate reaction was to say "Are you serious?! No, she's just one of my best friends!"
But then when he walked away, after my flushed cheeks started to turn back to normal, I realized how out of line was that question. Since when is it okay for restaurant staff to inquire about guest's personal lives? I began to think how it would even be inappropriate had I been sitting with a man. I'm pretty sure that it's none of their business! (Plus, can I just ask who he thought was the butch one?)
My friend's solution to the problem was proceeding to flirt with Tom for the rest of the night. (that was also fueled by the drinking of our $60 bottle of cakebread cellers sauvignon...) Naturally, she wanted him to know that she was only interested in men. My passive aggressive approach? When he mentioned that he had just had wine at a tasting earlier that night, I snapped, "So THAT'S why you're drunk."
However, I still left him a generous tip because it's not his fault that the world is so jaded and it's not out of the ordinary for two girls to be dating. Just remember that when you assume, you make an ass-out of-u-and-me.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" he greeted us. Then looking from me to her, he took a step back and asked "Are you two together?"
My immediate reaction was to say "Are you serious?! No, she's just one of my best friends!"
But then when he walked away, after my flushed cheeks started to turn back to normal, I realized how out of line was that question. Since when is it okay for restaurant staff to inquire about guest's personal lives? I began to think how it would even be inappropriate had I been sitting with a man. I'm pretty sure that it's none of their business! (Plus, can I just ask who he thought was the butch one?)
My friend's solution to the problem was proceeding to flirt with Tom for the rest of the night. (that was also fueled by the drinking of our $60 bottle of cakebread cellers sauvignon...) Naturally, she wanted him to know that she was only interested in men. My passive aggressive approach? When he mentioned that he had just had wine at a tasting earlier that night, I snapped, "So THAT'S why you're drunk."
However, I still left him a generous tip because it's not his fault that the world is so jaded and it's not out of the ordinary for two girls to be dating. Just remember that when you assume, you make an ass-out of-u-and-me.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I hate pigeons.
I want to move to the city. I don't care if I have to be a dumpster diver. My pro list is three miles long. My con list has only one word on it though- pigeons. Flying rats if you ask me, ew. Everytime one flies near me, I feel the need to take a bath in germ-x antibacteria hand sanitizer. I love many things, but I'm sorry pigeons, you are not one of them.
(*although ideas cannot be copywrited, the thought of hating only one thing, out of everything in the whole world, came from my friend Kate over at http://www.myadventuresinafrica.blogspot.com/, who hates puppies.....read all about it!)
(*although ideas cannot be copywrited, the thought of hating only one thing, out of everything in the whole world, came from my friend Kate over at http://www.myadventuresinafrica.blogspot.com/, who hates puppies.....read all about it!)
My friend, Theresa
I met this girl during one of the first weeks of my freshman year in college. She lived on my floor. The first thing I noticed about her was the Strawberry Shortcake purse she was carrying to class one day when I rode the elevator down with her. I don't remember when specifically I became friends with her, but I know that every time I went out to a party or bar, she was there, surrounded by people, having the time of her life. She would be wearing something crazy- like a shirt that said "Save the drama for your mama" or light up kid shoes from Walmart. We would get tipsy on Arbor Mist (freshman girls........), laugh, joke, and make plans. I was thrilled that I was getting to know such a popular, crazy party, beautiful and eccentric girl.
Later in my college career, we had the opportunity to live together. I could fill 25 blogs with the stories from our house, but suffice to say, she became a true, everlasting friend. All of the roomates became like sisters. We didn't mind waking each other up, even if it was only just to talk...or even watch Grease 2. Theresa remained hilarious, and wildly unique.
This past year, her boyfriend became her fiance. We are all super happy for her because the two of them are just perfect for each other. She started making wedding plans, and soon discovered that she'd have 11 bridesmaids to go with his 4 groomsmen. That's okay though. Like one day after the engagement she emailed the wedding party with the very lax dresscode- black tea length dress and red heels. She recently informed us that instead of traditional flowers, we will be carrying lollipops down the isle.
I have to laugh, because this wedding is a culmination of all that is Theresa. She is quirky. She doesn't care what anybody thinks. I don't think I'd be half as confident if I hadn't learned from her great example. She saves the drama for her mama (or wait, I guess she let's everybody have it) but that's why she's so loveable! So, here's to T-buck...we lift our lollipops up and toast to a girl who teaches us all how to be ourselves and still be loved for it.
Later in my college career, we had the opportunity to live together. I could fill 25 blogs with the stories from our house, but suffice to say, she became a true, everlasting friend. All of the roomates became like sisters. We didn't mind waking each other up, even if it was only just to talk...or even watch Grease 2. Theresa remained hilarious, and wildly unique.
This past year, her boyfriend became her fiance. We are all super happy for her because the two of them are just perfect for each other. She started making wedding plans, and soon discovered that she'd have 11 bridesmaids to go with his 4 groomsmen. That's okay though. Like one day after the engagement she emailed the wedding party with the very lax dresscode- black tea length dress and red heels. She recently informed us that instead of traditional flowers, we will be carrying lollipops down the isle.
I have to laugh, because this wedding is a culmination of all that is Theresa. She is quirky. She doesn't care what anybody thinks. I don't think I'd be half as confident if I hadn't learned from her great example. She saves the drama for her mama (or wait, I guess she let's everybody have it) but that's why she's so loveable! So, here's to T-buck...we lift our lollipops up and toast to a girl who teaches us all how to be ourselves and still be loved for it.
A Mother's Love
It has happened. Nanny diaries warn that the number one rule in this job is to never fall in love with the children. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to rebel against that one because these kids are just too wonderful.
The other night I had just gotten off of work and I was leaving the twins downstairs. The curly headed one grabbed my neck and wouldn't let go. She screeched as I tried to set her on the floor. She made it clear- "Do not leave me!" It broke my heart to pass her off to her mother while she was wailing, crying, and reaching desperately for me.
Later I realized something. Nobody can ever replace a mom. I've been an au pair for almost two months now. While I'm trying to chase after two vivacious babies all day, I always think about my own mother. At one time she had a 10 year old, 8 year old, 6 year old, 4 year old, 2 year old, and newborn. It might seem like there couldn't possibly be enough attention paid to each kid. I am the fifth child out of seven, not first, middle, or last so I don't think there are any books on how to love a fifth child out of seven. I did have an adult friend though. God and my parents knew she was just what I needed. She would come and pick me up, take me to McDonald's, buy me clothes, and play with me at her house. All the while, she DOTED on how beautiful and special I was. I loved coming home with bags of candy and drive my siblings absolutely insane with jealousy. In those days it was a treat to eat a happy meal or buy a new toy that wasn't originally somebody else's, so my special treatment was a big deal.
The thing is though, back then I might have run from my mom's arms into "Mrs. Toothpick's" (yes, that is what I called her) but that doesn't mean that I ever stopped loving my mother. Sure, as a kid, I thought it was great to go to the park with Mrs. Toothpick and cried when she had to drop me off. I might have even preferred leaving home, where I was given Wheat Thins as a bedtime snack and put to bed at a reasonable hour, to sleep over where I got to have a huge bowl of icecream and watch TV until I fell asleep. However great it all was, it all comes down to which of these ladies I talk to weekly on the phone and attribute almost all my good childhood memories of love and affection to...my mom, of course.
Nobody can ever replace a mother. I've never been one, but I can imagine how hard it is to be the bearer of bad news- eat your vegetables!- and the enforcer of bedtime. It must be devastating to tell your child that no they can't play outside for five more minutes. To them, you are interuppting the fun. To you, they are being kept from danger, or sickness, or whatever other reason that is in their best interest.
For now I guess, I'm the lucky one because I get to be the toothpick in these kid's lives. However, someday when the little boy is off to college, he's going to call home just to say "I love and miss you, Mom" The beautiful girls will grow up someday and before their weddings, hold their mom extra tight and say "Thank you". I'm grateful to be their nanny, but I'm floored by how lucky their mom is and always will be.
The other night I had just gotten off of work and I was leaving the twins downstairs. The curly headed one grabbed my neck and wouldn't let go. She screeched as I tried to set her on the floor. She made it clear- "Do not leave me!" It broke my heart to pass her off to her mother while she was wailing, crying, and reaching desperately for me.
Later I realized something. Nobody can ever replace a mom. I've been an au pair for almost two months now. While I'm trying to chase after two vivacious babies all day, I always think about my own mother. At one time she had a 10 year old, 8 year old, 6 year old, 4 year old, 2 year old, and newborn. It might seem like there couldn't possibly be enough attention paid to each kid. I am the fifth child out of seven, not first, middle, or last so I don't think there are any books on how to love a fifth child out of seven. I did have an adult friend though. God and my parents knew she was just what I needed. She would come and pick me up, take me to McDonald's, buy me clothes, and play with me at her house. All the while, she DOTED on how beautiful and special I was. I loved coming home with bags of candy and drive my siblings absolutely insane with jealousy. In those days it was a treat to eat a happy meal or buy a new toy that wasn't originally somebody else's, so my special treatment was a big deal.
The thing is though, back then I might have run from my mom's arms into "Mrs. Toothpick's" (yes, that is what I called her) but that doesn't mean that I ever stopped loving my mother. Sure, as a kid, I thought it was great to go to the park with Mrs. Toothpick and cried when she had to drop me off. I might have even preferred leaving home, where I was given Wheat Thins as a bedtime snack and put to bed at a reasonable hour, to sleep over where I got to have a huge bowl of icecream and watch TV until I fell asleep. However great it all was, it all comes down to which of these ladies I talk to weekly on the phone and attribute almost all my good childhood memories of love and affection to...my mom, of course.
Nobody can ever replace a mother. I've never been one, but I can imagine how hard it is to be the bearer of bad news- eat your vegetables!- and the enforcer of bedtime. It must be devastating to tell your child that no they can't play outside for five more minutes. To them, you are interuppting the fun. To you, they are being kept from danger, or sickness, or whatever other reason that is in their best interest.
For now I guess, I'm the lucky one because I get to be the toothpick in these kid's lives. However, someday when the little boy is off to college, he's going to call home just to say "I love and miss you, Mom" The beautiful girls will grow up someday and before their weddings, hold their mom extra tight and say "Thank you". I'm grateful to be their nanny, but I'm floored by how lucky their mom is and always will be.
Did it hurt?
I was walking to the library today (it was closed...Happy President's day) and I saw a post-it note laying in the debris on the side of the highway.
Scrawled on it in black sharpie was: "Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven?"
I couldn't help but wonder the story behind this little note. Did it mean something to somebody? Why did they throw it out of the car? Was this a note written in 1992 at a bar named Big Manny's, where Susan and Brett first laid eyes on each other? Now suddenly, Susan has decided that she just can't deal with the Brett's crazy lifestyle because let's face it, they are now almost 40 and he still hasn't put a ring on her finger. As she drove away with all her belongings, she found this old declaration of love and remembering the Brett that she fell in love with, went back home. When she arrived, was he down on one knee in the middle of the livingroom surrounded by candles and holding a spectacularly green, ribbon clad box from Tiffany's? Let's hope so! Or maybe it was just written by some sweaty Jersey guy, hoping that his chains and greasy hair, along with this pick up line, would score him some ass on Valentines Day. I don't think I'll ever know the answer to this mystery, but I'm hoping it was the first scenario. And I wish I had taken a picture of the piece of paper, so I never forget that true love really can exist.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Number of times that I cried: 2. Honestly though, it was a great day/ night spent in the city, doing girl things like shopping and watching chick flicks. I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic, which incidently was quite heart-warming, despite the materialistic overtones implied by the title. I had read the books a few summers ago, but I want to re-read them. (Hence, my visit to the library...) I also read He's Just Not That Into You, and I must say, the book is much better than the movie. I enjoyed it though. Overall, I'm happy to be a single 20 something, because I have plans. Those plans do not include Coby Pizza Guy (who is in my phone like that because I was on my way from the bar to eat late night pizza when I met him) who texted me this message on Valentine's Day- "hey cutie. i ment to tell u how beautiful you are and i really like your personality. you should call me tonite and we'll meet up" Ye-ye-yeahhh right~! I have no time in my life for that. I'll hold out for the guy that actually is, in fact, into me.
Scrawled on it in black sharpie was: "Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven?"
I couldn't help but wonder the story behind this little note. Did it mean something to somebody? Why did they throw it out of the car? Was this a note written in 1992 at a bar named Big Manny's, where Susan and Brett first laid eyes on each other? Now suddenly, Susan has decided that she just can't deal with the Brett's crazy lifestyle because let's face it, they are now almost 40 and he still hasn't put a ring on her finger. As she drove away with all her belongings, she found this old declaration of love and remembering the Brett that she fell in love with, went back home. When she arrived, was he down on one knee in the middle of the livingroom surrounded by candles and holding a spectacularly green, ribbon clad box from Tiffany's? Let's hope so! Or maybe it was just written by some sweaty Jersey guy, hoping that his chains and greasy hair, along with this pick up line, would score him some ass on Valentines Day. I don't think I'll ever know the answer to this mystery, but I'm hoping it was the first scenario. And I wish I had taken a picture of the piece of paper, so I never forget that true love really can exist.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Number of times that I cried: 2. Honestly though, it was a great day/ night spent in the city, doing girl things like shopping and watching chick flicks. I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic, which incidently was quite heart-warming, despite the materialistic overtones implied by the title. I had read the books a few summers ago, but I want to re-read them. (Hence, my visit to the library...) I also read He's Just Not That Into You, and I must say, the book is much better than the movie. I enjoyed it though. Overall, I'm happy to be a single 20 something, because I have plans. Those plans do not include Coby Pizza Guy (who is in my phone like that because I was on my way from the bar to eat late night pizza when I met him) who texted me this message on Valentine's Day- "hey cutie. i ment to tell u how beautiful you are and i really like your personality. you should call me tonite and we'll meet up" Ye-ye-yeahhh right~! I have no time in my life for that. I'll hold out for the guy that actually is, in fact, into me.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thoughts on a lazy Sunday
I could throw something at the TV everytime I see the commercial "It's not fast food, it's Wendy's". IT IS FAST FOOD! Don't know why, but it irkes me every time...
My day in NYC
Yesterday I took the train into New York city. The first thing I did when I got there was go to Border's in Penn Plaza and buy a book. Then I took a walk until I found the perfect place to eat- La Bella's. I ordered a glass of wine and eggplant parm, sat by a window, and read my book. I felt so worldly! Just like I had lived in the city my whole life and regularly spent Saturdays lunching with Greg and Liz (the authors of He's Just Not That Into You). After my meal, I bought a Starbuck's vanilla latte and took a walk down 5th Avenue. Indeed, it was another moment of- "is this actually my life?" I was convinced that anybody seeing me would think I was a native, dressed in my boots, sunglasses, and stylish toggle coat, trying as hard as I could to channel every stereotype of a fabulous New Yorker.
I walked and walked. My original plan was to spend some time exploring the Met, but the weather was too perfect not to be outside. I ended up in Central Park, taking pictures of ducks, climbing on rocks, and replaying the movie Home Alone 2: Lost In New York in my head. There was a birthday party going on at the skating rink and of course I stood on the bridge and craned my neck to see if there were any celebrities there! I thought I saw Donald Trump, but I also thought I saw Meg Ryan, Rosario Dawson, and the lady from the Active-on commercial throughout the day. I guess either there are a lot of look a likes, or my eyes see what my brain wants them to see sometimes.
I went to Rockafeller Center next. I acted like a huge tourist, taking pictures of myself with the building behind me. I was in good company with about 1,000 Asian tourists though, so I didn't stand out. I had the idea to have my ears pierced since they grew in, but after some searching, I couldn't find anywhere that looked clean enough to do the job. I ended up going to a couple stores until it started to get dark. I went to a vigil Mass at St. Francis of Assisi monastary, a cute little church right in front of Penn Station.
Then I had a text from a girl I had met here in New Jersey. She gave me the address of a bar and said it was the birthday party of her brother's friend. Her timing was perfect. I was just about to buy a train ticket home and suddenly, I had an invitation to an exclusive party!
I hailed a cab and asked if he could take me to the village for some shopping. I found a cute purple dress at Urban Outfitters and some great Steve Madden boots ON SALE. I changed my clothes in a random bathroom, then sat in Pinkberry drinking a strawberry smoothie and absorbing the no excuses truth to understanding guys (from my book).
At around 9:00, I walked down to The Country Club, met up with Jillian, her brother Ozzie, and sister-in-law Sandy. The next couple hours were spent having drinks, meeting people, laughing, and dancing the night away! It was so much fun and really random. The best quote of the night "Wow, Laura, that's why you don't know anything about anything" said by Oz when he found out it was my first time in the city. Haha. I really need to learn how to say no when guys ask for my number...enough said.
We came back to Jersey at 5am. I slept a little in the car, but it felt so great to come back to my room and sleep! What a long, great, spontaneous day in the city ;) I'm a huge dork for being so excited about this, but I'm not so sure I'll ever get used to this.
I walked and walked. My original plan was to spend some time exploring the Met, but the weather was too perfect not to be outside. I ended up in Central Park, taking pictures of ducks, climbing on rocks, and replaying the movie Home Alone 2: Lost In New York in my head. There was a birthday party going on at the skating rink and of course I stood on the bridge and craned my neck to see if there were any celebrities there! I thought I saw Donald Trump, but I also thought I saw Meg Ryan, Rosario Dawson, and the lady from the Active-on commercial throughout the day. I guess either there are a lot of look a likes, or my eyes see what my brain wants them to see sometimes.
I went to Rockafeller Center next. I acted like a huge tourist, taking pictures of myself with the building behind me. I was in good company with about 1,000 Asian tourists though, so I didn't stand out. I had the idea to have my ears pierced since they grew in, but after some searching, I couldn't find anywhere that looked clean enough to do the job. I ended up going to a couple stores until it started to get dark. I went to a vigil Mass at St. Francis of Assisi monastary, a cute little church right in front of Penn Station.
Then I had a text from a girl I had met here in New Jersey. She gave me the address of a bar and said it was the birthday party of her brother's friend. Her timing was perfect. I was just about to buy a train ticket home and suddenly, I had an invitation to an exclusive party!
I hailed a cab and asked if he could take me to the village for some shopping. I found a cute purple dress at Urban Outfitters and some great Steve Madden boots ON SALE. I changed my clothes in a random bathroom, then sat in Pinkberry drinking a strawberry smoothie and absorbing the no excuses truth to understanding guys (from my book).
At around 9:00, I walked down to The Country Club, met up with Jillian, her brother Ozzie, and sister-in-law Sandy. The next couple hours were spent having drinks, meeting people, laughing, and dancing the night away! It was so much fun and really random. The best quote of the night "Wow, Laura, that's why you don't know anything about anything" said by Oz when he found out it was my first time in the city. Haha. I really need to learn how to say no when guys ask for my number...enough said.
We came back to Jersey at 5am. I slept a little in the car, but it felt so great to come back to my room and sleep! What a long, great, spontaneous day in the city ;) I'm a huge dork for being so excited about this, but I'm not so sure I'll ever get used to this.
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