NYC - Day 2

As we were getting ready for the day, Stefan turned on the Today Show to see that Giada DeLaurentis was in the crowds outside of Rockefeller. If you know Stefan, you will know that just like Jay-Z is my celebrity crush, Giada is Stefan's. The look on his face was priceless.... he looked like a little kid that was let down on Christmas.

Instead of walking down to Rockefeller to try and find Giada, we walked up towards Central Park and had breakfast at Sarabeth's (and paid $6 for a glass of orange juice..... welcome to the city, I guess). Stefan swore he saw some famous political analyst from TV at the restaurant, but it wasn't Jay-Z so I wasn't paying too much attention.

I bought tickets for Stefan and I to go on the Sex and the City tour (bless him) so we met in front of the Pulitzer Fountain outside the Plaza Hotel for our GIANT tour bus. Thank goodness it was just plain white and had dark tinted windows so we didn't look like too big of tourists! The tour was SO much fun, we saw so many things from the show and the movie... My favorite part was seeing Budakahn, the place where Carrie and Big's rehearsal dinner was held in the movie. SO beautiful! We got some great ideas for restaurants and shopping and ended up at Bryant Park at the end of the tour.

We walked around the shops at Bryant Park (Stefan bought some earmuffs), and then thought about going ice skating again and decided against it, again due to the weather. :) We walked through Times Square, walked back to the 5th Avenue shops, shopped at Bergdorf Goodman (LOVE THAT STORE!!!!!!!!), then took a carraige ride through Central Park before we started walking to the Upper East Side. Our intention was to take a cab to meet some of my college friends in that neighborhood, but we just started walking.... stopping in different shops until we made it to the restaurant. We stopped at the Jimmy Choo store.... and I'm sure you can figure out what happened next. They are the most BEAUTIFUL black patent pumps.... and they have an alligator-skin texture to them.

We stopped at this awesome market called Eli's before we met up with my friends... if I lived in the city I would be there all the time. They had such an amazing selection of gourmet and healthy food. We made our way to Cascabel, a really cute little mexican place in the Upper East Side and met my college friends Tina and Becca for dinner. The food was SO good and we had a great time catching up.

Instead of walking the 30+ blocks back to our hotel, we took our first (and last) cab ride. The "and last" part really just ended up being a coincidence.... We just walked a lot and later figured out the subway system which made things much easier.

NYC - Day 1

Stefan and I have always wanted to go to New York at Christmas and this was finally our year to do it. I always told people that New York was my favorite city that I had never been to.... I knew that I would fall in love with the city as soon as we arrived.

The day before we left, New York had their first snowstorm and luckily we didn't have any delays with our flight--- we just knew it was going to be FREEZING! As we flew in, the skyline was absolutely gorgeous! As gorgeous as it was, my first thought as I looked at the skyline was September 11th..... such a surreal feeling and I'm sure I'm not the only one that's had that thought flying into the city.

Stefan's cousin Dennis owns and operates a limousine company in the New Jersey/New York area, so he picked us up from the airport and took us the "scenic route" back to our hotel. He was such a nice guy and we appreciated everything he did for us and showed us as he welcomed us to the city.

We got to our hotel and my goodness--- it was BEAUTIFUL! The bellman greeted us "Welcome to the Waldorf Astoria" (just like in the movies!) We made our way up to our room and a few minutes later our luggage arrived... Normally we would unpack right away and get everything situated, but I think we were both so excited that we took off and headed towards the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.

There were so many people on the streets and admiring the Christmas tree.... Our original plan was to go ice skating, but we were so cold that the idea of skating just wasn't very appealing... So we watched the other ice skaters, and walked around the area, stocking up on scarves, hats and gloves. We thought we were prepared, but until the wind hit us, we realized that two people from AZ could never be prepared for that kind of weather!

After dinner at Cucina & Co. at the bottom floor of Rockefeller, we walked around the area, saw Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and had some hot cocoa and cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery (YUM!). We saw the Today Show studios at Rockefeller and as we were walking around the tree, we saw a proposal. The girl was so excited and was on her phone telling everyone about it as her family stood there equally as happy.

We had tickets to go to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center to see views of the city at night, so we made our way up 70 stories (via an elevator) and the views were incredible. It was really windy so we didn't stay up there for too long, but it was a great way to end our first night in the city...

Sticking with it....

So I've been a little bad with my blogging.... I think the last time I updated this was when Obama got elected into office. Since then, I've been busy finishing up my master's program (graduated in November) and getting ready for the Holidays... Now that the madness of school and the holidays are behind us, I've decided to start blogging again (and hopefully this time I'll be better at updating it).

When we were in NYC a few weeks ago for Christmas I really wanted to update my blog with all of our adventures each day, but when I saw the $18.95/day fee for internet in our hotel, I changed my mind and realized I'd rather put that money towards something more tangible (shoes).... So I blogged the old-fashioned way, in a little journal. But since no one will ever see my little journal, I decided to transfer them to my blog, adding a few pics as well.

So enjoy!!

25 random things about me...

1. When I was little, I told everyone I wanted to be a clown and a cheerleader when I grew up.

2. My first sentence was "what y'all doin?" (And I'm not from the south)

3. I absolutely LOVE sunrises and sunsets.... I think they're the most beautiful things in the world.

4. I have an obsession for shoes... or you could say I just collect them.

5. I was voted "worst driver" in high school.

6. I have 11 nieces and nephews... plus 3 on Stefan's side of the family, and my oldest niece is only 3.5 years younger than me.

7. We take our dogs to doggie daycare every day during the week.... they have too much energy to leave at home all day.

8. I am "red" on the color code assessment.... I am apparently driven by power and always have to be right. I think Stefan can agree with that.

9. I was born in Montana, but consider Washington my home (and LOVE LOVE LOVE my Seattle Seahawks!)

10. I am afraid of ladybugs.

11. I took ballet and tap when I was little, then gymnastics for 6 years, and then switched over to drill team and cheerleading. I also ran the 800m and did long and triple jump in junior high. Then I decided that running was boring, and I wasn't any good at the jumps. :)

12. I would prefer a piece of fruit over candy or chocolate any day.

13. My dad is a collector--- he has a sports bar in my parents house and has thousands of autographs from athletes... and he also has a Pez collection :)

14. My mom is probably the most patient person in the world... clearly I didn't get those genes.

15. I've had two extra bones in my body removed, one in my left leg and the other in my right foot.... I'm convinced I was supposed to be a twin.

16. I absolutely LOVE planning things and being the hostess.

17. I am a perfectionist and love to organize things.

18. I work better when I have a lot on my plate... I've always been this way, and don't think I will ever change.

19. I have a newfound passion for Bikram Yoga and encourage anyone to try it...

20. I don't have patience for ignorant people.

21. I have a problem staying awake during movies.... any movie, any time of day, and any place.... even in the theater.

22. I have a double-jointed right hip, and I can make it pop out of its socket.

23. I love to read autobiographies... especially the ones about people coming from difficult backgrounds, mental disorders, etc.

24. I love that my imac has spell check on EVERYTHING.

25. I love music, singing, and dancing.... but I'm not good at singing, so I only do it in the car when I'm driving to yoga at 4am and need to do something to keep me awake :)

This moment in history...

“This is a new chapter in both American history and the world’s history.”

– British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

I’ve been gathering my thoughts and reflecting on the events that have transpired over the last several months and while it’s been an emotional ride, I’ve finally been able to put some of my thoughts into words…

A few days ago when Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th President, I felt such a strong sense of hope and overwhelming pride as an American. It was an incredible feeling and words were hard to come by while I was capturing every moment, watching the people in the crowd with tears streaming down their faces and an overwhelming glimpse of optimism in their eyes. The size and diversity of the crowds during the inauguration was extremely powerful. The message President Obama gave to the United States and the rest of the world during his speech instilled the notion that American ideals are still alive and he’s prepared to lead the country into a new chapter of optimism, hope, and dignity. The significance of this particular inauguration brings out the best of America and allows other countries the opportunity to see our country from a new perspective.

“We are eager for him to get to work so that with him, we can change the world.”

– Nicolas Sarkozy of France

Only in America would a woman and a black man debate over who is more qualified to become elected as a presidential candidate. What other country would elect a once-oppressed minority as their chief executive? We’ve proved wrong the idea that institutional racism is so entrenched in America as to block the election of a black president.

There has been a clear generational shift in the American electorate and there’s always been a paradox between Democratic values preached and they way they are practiced. This country was founded in slavery that expresses democratic ideas, which has always been a paradox. It’s fascinating that in 43 years, we’ve gone from a lack of voting rights to an audacious run for the white house that was actually taken seriously and resulted in a win. It’s more than just race that makes this such a remarkable breakthrough in both American and world history, due in part to the aspirations of earlier generations.

The campaign team and Barack himself did an incredible job of downplaying the issue of race throughout the entire campaign. America did not elect Barack Obama because he was black; he was elected as a candidate who happened to be black. He won the election because of his eagerness for a new approach and hope in America, and because his charisma has inspired so many Americans who have felt their voice would never be heard, especially during a time where our country has fallen. We’ve come together because we believe in the hope that Barack Obama stands for.

There have been several historical breakthroughs in American history that makes this Presidential election so significant. In 1948, President Harry Truman broke the line on racial segregation and discrimination in the military. Rosa parks had a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955. In the early 1960’s, Martin Luther King Jr. focused on his challenge of legalized racial discrimination in the south and after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, he continued to challenge the nation’s fundamental priorities. The election of our first black president has such a powerful importance to both American and world history, signifying a revitalization of the national spirit.

We’ve come a long way and there is a new beacon of hope in America with the election of our new President. While this is only the beginning, we’ve reached a monumental breakthrough in American and world history, and this should not go unrecognized by anyone. Whether you supported Barack during the election or regardless of your political views, you must admit the unparalleled historical significance of this election and embrace the future with continued hope for America and the rest of the world.

“Today is a great day not only for the United States of America, but for the entire world.”
– President Shimon Peres of Israel

1 day down... 29 to go....

I started the 30-day Bikram Yoga challenge today....

A little breakdown of my day.... and what will be my routine for the next 30 days as I take on this crazy challenge:

3:40am: Alarm goes off.... I hit snooze.

3:45am: Snooze again...

3:50am: Get out of bed, wash my face, brush my teeth, grab my yoga stuff and head out the door by 4am

4:40am: Arrive at Bikram Yoga Institute in Scottsdale, pay for the challenge, sign my name up on the challenge board, get my pic taken (you can't imagine how beautiful I look at this hour... I don't understand the poing of the picture yet), drop off my stuff and head into the toasty warm room!

5-6:30am: Wonderful yoga practice!! I'm starting to balance much better on my right foot... my right leg is still a little smaller than my left leg from being in a cast for a couple months, but definitely getting better..

6:40am: Shower, head to work... (Starbucks on the way for some tea and oatmeal)

7:00am: Arrive at work, finish getting ready....

7:30-4/5ish: Work....

I'm really excited to continue with this challenge

for the next 30 days and hope I'm able to

catch up on some sleep on the weekends!~

A video of the Director at the studio where I practice....

I am a Yogi..

I've been doing Bikram Yoga on and off for about a year now (the "off" part being a result of my foot injury), and am so excited to be back in the swing of things again and starting a 30-day challenge at Bikram Yoga Institute in Scottsdale starting on Wednesday!!

What is Bikram Yoga?

A lot of people consider Bikram to be the most intense type of yoga.... it involves a room heated to 105 degrees, and 26 yoga positions and 2 breathing exercises, all in 90 minutes.

Whenever I tell someone about the temperature, they usually say "you live in Arizona, why would you WANT it to be that hot in there?" Well, there are LOTS of benefits to the heat besides the benefit of looking so lovely dripping in sweat and having people flick sweat on you as they move from posture to posture!

The benefits of the HEAT:

• Heavy sweating helps detoxify the body.
• The heart rate is elevated (my dad once told me "you need to do cardio with that yoga stuff".... I tell him that my heart rate is much more elevated when I do Bikram than when I run for an hour).
• The heat helps the blood thin in your body, which helps clear the circulatory system.
• Weight loss is easier because your muscles are warm and can burn fat easier.
• The heated environment is very challenging, so it helps with mental strength and will power.
• The practice is designed to work every muscle, bone, joint, ligament, tendon, gland, and organ in the body.... "inside and out, fingertips to toes."

I've never had the energy to wake up early work out.... Bikram is the only thing that can get me up at 3:45 for a 5am class 30 miles from my house.

Bikram Yoga is the BEST workout I've ever had.... some people call it a living hell, but I personally enjoy the 105-degree room and the different positions... there's something about practicing yoga with a bunch of sweaty people :) The concentration you can hold is amazing.... I don't think about anything throughout the class but holding the poses and breathing.

If you can breathe, you can get through the class.

A few of my favorite poses....

Standing Bow

(Dandayamana Dhanurasana)

Toe Stand

(Padangustasana)

Eagle Pose

(Garurasana)

I encourage ANYONE to try it at least once.... or twice. You will probably hate it the first time, but after a couple times, you may be come addicted!!!