Picking Up The Pieces

Just a little bit of life lately and a Instagram dump. Because every blog needs a catch all here and there right, to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest of what's going on in our life. hee hee. 

Dinner in Nashville a few weeks back at Hattie B's. It was quite tasty, we must have gone at the right time because we got right in. Typically this place is packed with a line out the door and down the side of the building. I went with the chicken tenders, coleslaw pimento cheese mac n cheese. I was semi disappointed to find out that they only serve their Chicken and Waffles on Sundays. :( 

Finding ourselves in Nashville once again we went to Blaze Pizza for lunch. You can choose from one of their pizza's on the menu or you can "customize your own" and its made right there in front of you. This place reminded me so much of Chipotle and let me tell you it was so so good!!! We'll def. be going back here. I got the BBQ Chicken and the hubbs got the Green Stripe. Both where delis!!!

Our most resent Nashville outting was complete by gathering some goodies from some of my favorite stores that we don't have in Clarksville, such as Trader Joes, REI and Fresh Market. I'll say we cleaned up pretty well and are going to be eating some tasty snacks. I finally got my hands on Cookie Butter which I'd been looking EVERY where for, for months. Its soon good!!! 

 What better way to enjoy your 3 day weekend, Thank You Labor Day. Then go for a nice long run on post. I typically don't run on post. In fact this was the first time I ran on Ft. Campbell. I wanted to change things up, you know put a little spice in my life. I didn't have a set milage I wanted to run when I headed out but knew I wanted to make it a long one. And that I did, 15 miles just shy of 2.5 hrs and I was sweating my booty off. But it felt great. I'm officially training for my 2nd Full Marathon, which I plan to complete next April for my 30th birthday. Yikes we aren't talking about that though. 

 This past weekend the hubbs and I headed out early EARLY Saturday morning for a quick two day trip to Louisiana for a wedding. One of the Soldiers in his platoon was getting married to the Post's Deputy General's Daughter and had plans to attend. Driving through the city of Monroe we where talking and the hubbs made a big deal about it. I wasn't sure why he was making such a deal for then he reminded me about the Duck Commander store / filming location. Well of course we had to stop then. We / I are big fan and I had to get the obligatory picture in front of the sign. The "shop" turned store was packed with loads of goodies and souvenirs to take home. We took a quick look around before heading back on the road. 

 Only 3 hours away from home, if only we come make a quick stop. But only having two day's we just couldn't swing it. 

 We stopped for lunch once in Shreveport at a local restaurant and the hubbs orders Fire Gator bites even after I told him I would NOT be trying them. Something about it just completely weirds me out and I just can't do it. The idea of eating Alligator, NO thank you. However he pretty much twisted my arm and I tried the tiniest bite. No it wasn't horrible but just the idea of it I couldn't get behind. Mixed in was fried Jalapeño slices so I chowed down on those since the hubbs doesn't care for Jalapeños by themselves. 

Busy enjoying ourselves and the beautiful wedding I failed on getting any pictures of us at all. EPIC FAIL. I was so bummed, but there's always another time. I did get a picture with my fabulous boots on. I mean you can't go to a country themed wedding and not wear your boots!!! It was a absolutely beautiful wedding and I couldn't be more happy for the newly weds. I'm so glad we where able to make the trip out to be apart of their celebration. 

The next morning we slept a little bit, if you call 5am sleeping in. We decided to take advantage of the hotel's complementary breakfast they have. I mean after all I'm pretty sure we paid for it in our rate some how or another. Waffles, Yogurt, Banana's and a Muffin just to name a few things that may have crossed my plate. On the road by 6:30am headed home. 

Our GPS took us out of Louisiana through some back country roads and blessed us with this beautiful sunrise. It doesn't get more relaxing or better than looking over a fog covered pasture with cows out grazing around. 

On our drive home we finally had a chance to stop at the largest Bass Pro Shop ever. The outside looks way neat, and on the inside you'll have just about everything your normal BPS has. I think it get's the title being the largest one simple from the building size. There is a restaurant inside, a body of water aka mini pond that has boats for display and I believe its the worlds tallest free standing glass elevator in the middle. It's one of those places where we can save we've been and check it off the list of must see's. 

Back at it first thing Monday morning. My BB group is hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge this week and its just what I need after a weekend of splurging. I'm going all out and doing 10 days. We have another little trip planed next weekend and I / we plan to fully indulge in lots of yummy goodness. 

Day 1 workout complete, and lunch curtesy of Hops Java and Juice in downtown Clarksville. This little joint has only been only about 2 maybe 3 months and let me tell you they are fabulous. All clean, organic, natural ingredients. Plus selection of baked goodies, a ice cream bar and pup cups (puppy ice cream). Its just what we needed here in town. My new Monday lunch spot, Military Monday Discount day. 

Tuesday I headed out for a 6 mile ride after my morning work out and it was so chilly. I'm not at all ready for the cold weather, I mean really who is. I'm really enjoying my bike and even more so that we both where able to purchased one when we where home in Texas. I try to make a point to go riding at least twice a week in the mornings before work and then the two of us go together on a longer ride on Sunday's. We've been going on post and riding around a couple different area's which has been really nice. I foresee lots of fun times ahead of us. :) 

"We've got Spirit, Yes we do. We've got Spirit, How about You?"  It's Spirit week at school and today was Story Book Day. Dress up as a Story book character. Barbie and I decided that we'd go together as a team, seeing's after all we are always working together and getting into one thing or another. I'm not one for dressing up all the time and to be honest this was the first time this week I remembered or even put effort into what I was going to wear. I have to say our outfits / costumes turned out pretty darn cute and we had so many complements on them.  

I suppose that catches things up for a bit. Until next time folks. 

Where has the time gone?!?!

I was doing so well with keeping up with this here blog of mine and then the last two weeks have just been cram packed filled with life. All good, mostly that I can recall. Just busy busy busy. Keeping up with work, thankfully with graduation behind us now we can enjoy our summer program. Not that it slows down the work load at all. We are still busy bee's in class keeping the kiddos on their toes. My Friday nights typically consist of me mowing our massive yard. I try to get it done at least once a week, other wise waiting two weeks it can be a big head ache. If I can't get it done on Friday after work then Saturday after I get home from school and running around it is.

Taking this summer course has definitely kept me on my toes and busy with school work. I have had so so so much homework. Its been a great learning experience and I'm def. glad I'm taking the class and its helped the month fly by but OMG, the work load. My Saturdays and Sundays have been flipped. I have class Tuesday and Thursday nights till 8:30pm and then pretty much all day Saturday, from 8:30-3:30. When I would normally get up and go get my long runs in and then stop by the downtown market, I'm heading to class to get my edu-ma-ca-tion on. Then I try to get any running around done that I need to do after class before heading home. This way once I get home, I'm home for the day. We live pretty far out from where a lot of the stores and shops are so going back out can be a pain sometimes. So Sunday's have been my running / relaxing days. I've been getting up between 6:30 and 7am (that's with out a alarm, my body just doesn't know what sleeping in is) having a light breakfast and heading out the door to the Greenway for a run. I have to get it done early before it gets to hot and going in the evenings is just NOT a option since that is when the hubbs gets on line and its our only chance to talk and catch up on life.

Going early I also beat the crowd and am able to get good parking not that its a hassle to park but by 9:30-10:00am when I'm done the trails are getting pretty busy and cars are lined up along the road. It's been kinda a bummer missing church the past couple Sunday's but its a choice I've made. I really enjoy running and its a great way for me to get out of the house and clear my head. Getting my long run in puts me in such a better mood and mindset for the week to come. I'm able to think, breath, talk to God and simply have that me time with out any distractions from the outside world or social media. The rest of the day is generally spend meal prepping and finishing up any homework assignment I have due the up-coming week. This way I'm not cramming Monday night to get it all done.

Things aren't slowing down either, in fact that are about to get even busier over the next 2-3 weeks. I'm thankful to be able to stay so busy and active to help the time go by with the hubbs being gone but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for them to slow down just a bit. Not really sure what I was thinking planning two weekend road trips back to back with only a full two days back at home in-between them. Having to meal plan and prep for both, making sure I have Fixed approved food options to take with me on my drive. Having to make a Pot Luck dish for this coming Saturday's class. Why on earth did I volunteer to make the cake. Coming home Tuesday evening and then on Wednesday night making a Pot Luck dessert dish to take to work on Thursday, cookies for my sweet neighbor thanking them for watch the pups, as well as a batch to take with me on my road trip to see the In-Loves. Not to mention laundry, and re-packing in between those two days. I should really make sure I do the yard one of those two nights but that's going to be a last resort. Oh and I've got to start meal prepping for when the hubbs comes home. I am making up a good handful of Fixed approved meals ahead of time and freezing them this way I'm not spending the first couple weeks each night in the kitchen when I get home and we can sit down and enjoy dinner together. It's early but the earlier I do it the sooner its done and one less thing I have do to and I can mark it off my "To Do List".

I've finally started tackling the "Truck, To Do List", before the hubbs left we knew there where a few things we wanted to get fixed on it while he was deployed. Like replacing a lost cap in the floor board, new tires, oil change and getting the e-brake fixed (it currently does not work). Well I've let time get the best of me and I haven't touch the darn thing. So much so that the battery is dead and we will probably end up having to buy a new one. A cost we did not factor in. But I mean what's a girl to do when you don't know how to drive a standard. Well I finally got the cap replaced this past week. Hubbs looked all over the internet looking for it and I just made one quick phone call and the next day had it. I went down to the tire shop and ordered new tires so those will be installed soon. Only thing left to do after that is the break job. Slowly but surly making progress on it. It would make my life so much easier if I could drive the stupid thing. I'm making it a priority when he gets home that he teaches me.

I think that pretty much sums up what's been going on lately here in the Music City Capital area of the World. Busy busy with work, school, running and continuing to live and healthy life and fine tuning my routine along the way. A couple pictures to go along with what's been happening. If you follow me on Instagram I'm sure you've seen some of these already. :)

Sausage Hash Brown Bites from Nerdy Birdy for breakfast last Saturday before class. Simply AMAZING!!!!! 

2013- 1st Half Marathon- 2:27hrs @ a 11'11min pace, last Sunday's Half Marathon (non-race) 2:04hrs @ a 9'28min pace. Major progress!!! 

Followed by lunch with a great friend we where stationed with at Ft. Jackson, you can't go wrong with Mexican food!!! 

A guy in our neighborhood owns a gun store and well this girl got the inside hook up on powder. You know just a evening stroll through around the circle with the dog to pick it up, no biggie. 

I made Fixed approved (minus the dash of powdered sugar) French Toast one day last week for breakfast and scramble up a single egg to go on the side. It tasted fabulous!!!! Quick, Easy and Healthy that's what I'm talking about. 

I helped with and attended a memorial service this past Thursday for one of my dear sweet friends at work who lost her boyfriend suddenly to a heart attack last Friday night. 

Had to run to the mall on Friday to pick up a few things on my lunch break, I walked by Auntie Annie's 3 different times and passed it up. That's victory there people. I decided on a fresh fruit smoothie instead. I know I made the right choice. 

Fulled and Ready to tackle another Saturday of school, H2O, Shakeology and loads or fruits and veggies to help get me through the day and stack on track. And it worked. I will NOT eat vending machine junk!!!! 

Because a piece of me will always be in Texas and Texas will always be in my heart. YALL, know its only the greatest state that was ever founded. Don't hate. 

Looking like a hot sweaty mess after this mornings 7 mile run at the Greenway but it felt great!!! 

I did a little window shopping at Miss Lucille's this afternoon and decided to treat myself to lunch and didn't feel the least bit guilty about it. I had Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Willies Brisket Sliders, Grilled Skewer Veggies and for dessert Homemade Banana Pudding. You bet I finished my plate. I'd eat here just about every day if I could. 

Getting to the Valley......

......was no easy task. 

I've been looking forward to today for the last 2-3 weeks, since I decided I was going to AZ for Christmas. I haven't been back to the valley in almost 5 years. We were in fact still living in Hawaii the last time I went. It's going to be a much needed break from life and my busy hectic schedule because lets face it, starting school in January its just gonna keep going. And as much as I want time to speed right on by I need things to slow down just a bit. 

I didn't wanna bother any one with driving me to the airport or picking me up since my flight left so early so I packed the and headed to the airport. Not before a minor heart attack though. Friday night I dropped the pups off at a friends who was so kind enough to watch them. So Saturday morning when I woke up at 3:30am to make the almost hour drive to the airport I didn't think to unset the alarm because I didn't have to let outside. After a couple last minute things around the house I was headed out the door just after 4am. When the alarm went off with what seemed like the loudest possible noise ever. I'm sure if my neighbors would have been at home they would have heard it. My heart was racing, I couldn't figure out how to turn it off and I just knew the police were gonna be showing up any minute. Finally I figured it out although it seemed like the longest couple of seconds ever. Loading the car and heading out my heart was still racing, still waiting for that phone call from the alarm company or the police department. Which thankfully never came. I was able to chat with the hubbs all the way to the airport, I found parking and told him to make sure he remembered were I parked lol. A lot of help he's gonna be in a week right. Lets hope I remember. This is the first time flying out of Nashville, its the busiest time of year and I was on my own so I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to catch my 7:45 flight. All was going well until I went to check in when the self service machine told me I had to see the gate agent for my seat assignment because I didn't have a seat. Ummm, excuse me. I'm not on a stand by ticket, the seat has already been bought and paid for. I stood there for a couple minutes but everyone was so busy I just continued on with checking it. Completely forgetting to check my bag in or even see if I could change my seat. Panic set in again, what in the crap was I going to do. I had a plane to catch and a layover with another plane to catch. Finally I was heading through security when of course my bag had to be searched, oh dear lord what else on earth could happen this morning. I made it to my gate and asked about my "not having a seat" the kind gentleman explained to me that my connecting flight in ALT hadn't opened up yet so the system was unable to allow me to select a seat or sign me one. Ok so that made so much more sense and I able to stop panicking. Wow it'd been a morning and it was just barley 6am. The sun was coming out though and Starbucks was calling my name. Not before a quick Airport Bathroom Selfie of course.

Finally back at my gate I enjoyed my cheese danish while waiting to board my flight. I was exhausted and could wait to catch a couple hours of sleep until I realized it was only a 35 minute flight. We arrived in ALT with just over a hour to spare before my next flight took off. Landing at terminal E having to ride the Sky Train to terminal A which was mmmm only 5 terminals away. Not to mention the long walk to get to the Sky Train. I was hungry, tired, my bags were heavy, I was hot and I needed to get my seat assigned first. Goodness grasiou what a morning it had been. Finally getting to my gate and getting a seat I didn't even think twice about it when the kind man gave me my ticket. I grabbed something to eat from a non-fast food place (seeing's I've completely given up FF with the hubbs is gone) and sat down to eat. This creepy man came over asking about my boots and was trying to feel the thickness of them. Seriously dude, you want to ask before you go touching something that someone is wearing. It made me so uncomfortable, and then he just stood there for what seemed like 10 minutes, awkward moment of the day for sure. 

We all boarded the plane, and I quickly figured out how many people work the checked baggage system and get out of paying for their bags. Pack a carry on roller back as though your going to carry it on and then at the gate take them up on the gate check to "help" save over head space. Seriously about 20+ bags were dropped and tagged at the gate with no service fee charge. You can't tell me at least half if not more of those people didn't have a plan. 

Walking down the aisle to my seat I knew I was in the back by the seat number but I didn't think I'd be the very last freaking row. I should have known that was going to happen. At least the seat still reclined a good bit. Again expecting to now get some good sleep the fight attendant announced they were going to be showing a movie I had been wanting to see. Dolphin Tales 2, call me a kid but I saw the first one and just though it was to cute. Only down fall was I forgot my head phones in my car. I even reminded myself to get them when I parked and still forgot. So I splurged and paid the $2. that Delta was charging for them. Seriously I remember when they were free, well that and when you didn't have to pay for checked bags. My how times have changed. I did manage to get a hour or so of sleep after the movie. 

We arrived in PHX about 25 minutes early, so I was able to get my bags and head outside before my Mother-in-Love arrived. In tow with her was one of the hubbs Aunt and our two nephews who I hadn't seen in forever. Finally after a crazy morning I had made it and felt like I could really start to relax and enjoy the Holiday. 

New York City Day 6

New Year’s Day we slept in, much needed after the long day we had yesterday. We headed to brunch at one of my favorite places to eat at Sylvia’s. Its known for their fabulous Southern Soul food. You haven’t had Soul Food till you’ve had Sylvia’s. Fried Chicken, Garlic Mash Potatoes, Collard Green and SWEET Tea. Hubbs went for the breakfast but I was dying for some fried chicken. As always it didn’t disappoint.

 After lunch we made our way down to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree and all of the other Christmas decorations. It was absolutely beautiful, I kinda wish we would have been able to see it at night as well all lit up but still even in the day light it was pretty. We walked around for a good bit checking out some local stores including the Sony store. You can guess who picked that one. I had a name picture made for my sweet friends daughter who was house sitting for us back home. It not a trip to NY if you don’t go to the GIANT Macy’s store. 9 floor plus a basement / cellar you could get lost in there. After Macy’s we headed back to the B&B we were beat it had been a LONG day and we’d walked out feet off. We considered going for dinner before going back but I had just finished a giant pretzel and wasn’t to hungry just then so we decided we’d go back and go out for dinner a bit later. 

It worked out perfect we were able to relax some. Any other time I’ve come to NYC its always been GO GO GO. This time was different and I was ok with that. We took advantage of our time and if we were tired or wanted to take a little nap we headed back and did just that. It made for a nice relaxing trip which was nice for the hubbs because he was suppose to go back to work the day after we got back. 

I’m glad we decided to wait on dinner because if we hadn’t we wouldn’t of ended up at this fabulous Mexican restaurant. If you’ve been around here for a while now you know we LOVE Mexican food. The hubbs had decided he was gonna go all out since it was our last night in the city and on vacay. Heck why not I mean you only live once. So what’s a $10 bowl of Guacamole, a $8 Mojito, a $25 entree for him and a $7 dessert that was so good I though I was going to have to sleep there I was so full and didn’t want to walked back to the subway station. It was well worth the $80 bill when we got it. 

After dinner we called it a night and headed back to our B&B to pack up and get ready to head out in the morning. So sad to see our trip coming to a end but excited about getting home to our puppies. 

New Years Eve n New York City Day 5

Its a long one, but SOO worth the read!!!!

The big day is finally here, the whole reason we came to NYC. To go to Time Square to watch the ball drop at the stroke of Midnight ringing in the New Year. We took the morning to sleep in and relax a bit since we knew we had a LONG day and night ahead of us. Mid morning we got ready and headed down to Time Square for a early lunch before the waiting game began. While walking through Time Square we came across the CakeBoss Cafe and of course had to stop in for a treat.

 From there we search out for a place to eat lunch and ended up at Juniors. We’d never eaten there before but the menu had a wide variety of items and cheese cake. We were worried about the wait because I wanted to be in our spot waiting by Noon. Reading online the viewing area’s filled up quickly and the streets closed at 3pm. If I wouldn’t see the ball drop I was going to be devastated. Lunch was absolutely fabulous, I had a open face Brisket Sandwich and the hubbs had a Turkey one. I love brisket so much and was a bit hesitant getting it at a place in New York but it was great. We of course had to try some of their famous Cheese Cake and while I’ve defiantly had better it wasn’t to bad at all. I had the original with strawberry on top and the hubbs had red velvet. 

After lunch we made our way to the viewing area and of course the streets were already packed. I was trying not to panic as we were turned away and told to go down a couple blocks and then enter again. Once back in we noticed a large open area were people were waiting. Ok I though now how do I get in there. Everything was blocked off and then finally I saw it....the ENTRANCE. There was NYPD doing security checks on everyone as you entered the area which they called “pens”. Other wise known as the corral or holding area. I did a lot of research before hand on line about being in TS to watch the ball drop which paid off for us. No bags were allowed in the viewing area’s, I packed light, just my phone, camera and debit card all on the inside pockets of my coat. I wanted to be hands free and not have to worry about anything. As we entered our pen and I was being search with the lovely metal detector I had tears in my eyes with joy and excitement. This was a day I’d dreamed about for ever and finally that dream was coming true. Once in you can not get out, well you can but if you do you can’t get back in. As the pen’s fill up quickly and become extremely packed making it very hard to move around let alone at all. We made it in just after 12pm and were between 46th and 47th St. right in the middle of TS. We had a PERFECT view of Time Square One, were the ball would drop down from. We quickly made friends with a few of the people around us. Thankfully they were all pretty normal so it made for good conversation. Would have been pretty crappy standing there for 12 hours if they weren’t. Don’t get me wrong there were defiantly some odd balls around us and I tried my best containing my aggravation. Like the group of 6 teenagers in front of me that had to stand in a circle and kept bumping into me and acting like complete idiots. Or the couple beside them that could not stop making out the entire time. Don’t get me wrong it wouldn’t of been so bad if they weren’t completely and utterly awful to look at. At one point the back of the guys head was literally centimeters away from my face. Ok I understand in this type of environment that you are going to be come extremely close to come people you’d rather not but sometimes there’s a little to close for comfort. Every so often we moved a little closer to the left (which made for a even better view of the ball) which made me happy because it was further from this couple. Never the less they always ended up RIGHT back in front of me. Through the evening, I mean the day, you know the 12 hour wait we counted at least 12 people leave the pen who just couldn’t handle it and wait it out. Included the group of 6 teenagers. Hello!!! Thank You, you were annoying the CRAP out of me. Starting at 5pm there was a count down for every hour. The clock struck the next hour and we counted down the last 15 seconds on the TS clock. At 6pm the opening ceremonies started and the ball was raised to the Top of Time Square One. From were we were standing we had a pretty decent view of the stage but not great. I wasn’t to worried I didn’t come for the performers. The first 2 hours the different artists came out and did a rehearsal of whatever it was they were going to be singing once the evening went live. Meaning we heard each performance twice. Wasn’t to made for some but for others it was gut wrenching. At the start of every new hour there was a couple of the wishes read allowed from one of the co-host. It was neat to hear what people wished for, for 2014 or what their dreams were. Did I mention there was NO BATHROOMS for you to use while you waited. That’s right you read that correctly NO PUBLIC BATHROOMS. You either sucked it up and held it and waited or you left. Thankfully I didn’t have to much to drink during lunch so I was completely fine the entire time and didn’t have to go at all. Although I was seriously dying of thirst and had nothing with me to drink. I guess it was a good thing because if I did I’d probably have to have peed like crazy. Maybe people left because they had to use the restroom, no way. Even if I did I’d suck it up. The hubbs made a comment about a 10:30pm that he had to go but could wait till it was over. THANK FREAKING GOODNESS. No way we were leaving. If you got hungry you could buy a Pie of Pizza from Domino's for $20 each. You didn’t get a choice on what it was either. They just had delivery guys out with bags full of them working the crowds selling. We were two people over from being next to the railing were all the new reports were walking back and forth crew were. I made some small talk with a few but didn’t really try to get on camera with them. They were all random TV stations so we knew no one we knew would see us so it wouldn’t be worth it. Nivea was a big sponsor for the event and the passed out large Top Hat to everyone with lip balm attached inside. Sideman was another big sponsor and they passed out gloves to everyone. Perfect free souvenirs if you ask me. Right around 11pm we only had 1 hour to go and I was getting really tired. My back was starting to hurt from standing for so long. You wouldn’t even consider sitting because the streets were so dirty from all the trash not to mention you really had NO room to sit down. The performers were great once they really got out and did their thing and it was a rehearsal. We saw / heard Ryan one time after that it was a someone else. (I forget her name) The whole evening is completely different in person vs. on TV. It was great don’t get me wrong but the performers and the hosts are all there for the viewers back home watching from the comfort of their couch. 45 minutes to go, 30 minutes left, 15 minutes OMG I though we are almost done. This is going to be the longest 15 minutes of my life. The whole day / evening went by pretty quickly looking back on things once the sunset and it got dark. Finally we were down to the last 3 minutes, I couldn’t believe it. And then the last 60 second of 2013. The crowd went crazy (even more than they already were) we counted down as the ball slowly made the drop to the bottom. It was such a magical moment, one I’ll never forget. Confetti fell from the windows of the buildings above, fire works went off and it was officially 2014. The hubbs and I had our New Years kiss as we rang in the New Year. 

 I had so much fun, I'm so glad I was able to be in TS for such a big day. Many people like me dream of being here one day and its so exciting to say they’ve done it. I’ve been there in the middle of Time Square on New Years Eve. We waited around for just a bit taking a few pictures and saying bye to our “friends” we made during our wait before fighting the crowds to get out. 

That’s a completely different story and adventure in its self. You have over a MILLION people gated in several different gates / pens in a small block radios that are all trying to get out at the SAME time. Talk about complete fear and disaster. We made our way out of our pen only to get stuck in another one. Once we realized we weren’t getting any were there we veered far left. Were I got a hand in my face from a NYPD officer telling me we couldn’t enter that area unless we had a hotel key. Seriously dude its a alley way, whatever. Mean while the whole time Gabe had a death grip on my wrist because if we got separated even by one person we were done for and would not be able to find each other. I was in complete panic mode and just wanted out. There was so many people, many were nice because they wanted the same thing just to get to a open area. But others not so much as they just were flat out rude. Finally we made out way out of the madness and in to open streets. The subway entrances were over flowing with people. We new we’d be taking our life in our own hands by trying to get on and take it back to the B&B. We opted for a Taxi ride after a much needed stop at Dunkin Donuts for drinks. My dear husband bless his heart, he looked at me and said “so how do we get a taxi, how do we make them stop?” I stepped out on the street and stuck my head out and said like this, now we wait. Finally after about 5 minutes I hailed my first NYC taxi. Call me crazy but I was kinda proud. We get in and tell the driver were we needed to go. My husband proceeds to carry on a conversation with the driver as we are on my way. I couldn’t help but laugh, he’s a true Southern boy born in Germany. Just after 1:00am we made our way back to were we were staying and it only cost $17.00. I just knew it was going to be so much more than that. 

It was a great evening, one I will never forget and always remember. One that I’ll never do again but glad that I did it. Finally able to mark if off my 30b430 list. A dream come true and the best part about it was I got to share this moment with my best friend. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end 2013. 

New York City Day 4

This morning was def, our earliest morning of them all. We actually set a alarm for today. Something your not suppose to do on Vacation right. We had a full day ahead of us and so we wanted to make sure we got a early start. Being at the Empire state building when they opened at 8:00AM to beat some of the crowds and long lines. There was already people in line and making their way inside when we arrived at 8am sharp. Thankfully there really wasn't any waiting of lang time. We headed straight in and up the stairs through security and up the elevator to the 86th floor. We opted not to go to the 102nd floor. I went to the very top last November when I was there and well honestly its really not much of a difference in the view if you ask me. So we decided we'd say the extra $$$$ and stay down low. 

See I'm telling you the views are fantastic, its such a beautiful place. A city of buildings that never sleeps. 

No place I'd rather be. I had this magical moment planned out in my head for while we were on top of the Empire State building with my hubbs. However with the FREEZING temperatures all of those thoughts and ideas completely slipped my mind. We took in the view, tried not to get wind blown around. I swear once we went back inside I looked like Rudolph my nose was so red. I couldn't feel my fingers. And you know what at the end of our trip there none of that matter. The only thing that did was  that we were able to experience it together for the first time. Magical view curled up in his arms no place I'd rather be, freezing and all. 

One of my favorite cities in the world. 

We walked back down a couple blocks passing the New York City Library…..

….to Grand Central Station. Another city inside its self. One of the most beautifully built buildings in the city. 

Every time I'm here I feel like I'm in a movie myself. There's 100's if not 1000's of people going every direction. Both local and tourist. 

Its like your ticket to any were you want to go…..your way out….your escape from the world. 

Back out on the streets we headed up a few blocks to Bryant Park. I love the red, white & blue Christmas tree. So pretty. The different shops and cafe's to check out make this little walk through area / park a must go to during the winter months. Last minute gift shopping…..they've got it. And when your done doing your shopping take a spin around the Citibank Ice Rink. Christmas music playing, gets you in the spirit even being after Christmas. 

From there we headed to Time Square. They were already setting up for tomorrow evenings grand events. The ever so amazing Ball Drop at Midnight. We stopped in the Visitors center (which mind you I didn't know they had prior to a little research before our trip.) We both wrote on a piece of the official Time Square confetti paper our wishes for 2014. They were then placed in a bucket and dumped on the city of New York as the clock struck Midnight Ring in the New Year. We saw all the different characters dressed up and the little kids going crazy wanting to have their pictures with them and wanting to meet them. I love Mickey and Minnie Mouse, I've always been a fan ever since I was a little tiny person. 

Hopes and Dreams wall in the Visitors Center. 

From there we went to Bond 45 to have a late lunch before getting on the longest subway ride of our trip. We were headed to the city of Queens to meet up with A again. This time he was going to show us around the area he lived and more than just the tourist parts of NYC. We got of the subway and walked  up and I completely felt so out of place. I couldn't read any of the street signs let alone understand what anyone was saying. I made sure to stay close to the hubbs. Once we met up with A we headed down the highway. 

Our first stop was the World Largest Globe and the sight were the space shuttle took off from in the movie Men In Black. This was also the observation tower for the World Fair that was held in NYC in 1964. Both located in Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Queens NY. Kinda cool, got a little history lesson while we were out. 

From there we drove around some more and A showed us around. It was really neat to see such a different part of the city that I'd never seen before. The best part was hearing the hubbs and A talk and go back and forth on their stories and do the whole Remember When…. Thing. I sat in the back seat minding my own but it was one of the best days we had while we were there. It's so fun meeting up with friends when your on vacation. It made it feel more like we were home hanging out vs. on a vacation. We headed to lunch shortly after, being in Queens your options are well slim kinda. I knew we'd eat something that was well OUT of the BOX if you'll say. I'm can be a picky eater so I tried to keep a open mind. We went to this Vietnamese place A just raved and raved about I was so nervous I'd never had Vietnamese food before. We each got these sandwiches and fries with this sauce on top and let me tell you it was to die for. I couldn't get enough and was so stuffed be time we left. The hubbs and I may have been the only white people in the place and the hubbs may have made a huge scene hitting his head on the light fixture because he's so tall. Still it did not disappoint. I wish we had a place like that here in the South. 

We left there and headed over to Brooklyn. I was talking to A about how I'd never been and he was telling us about how different it was and offered to drive over and show us around. You can go from being in a really nice area to in a completely crappy area in less than a full block. Def. not some were I'd go and venture out on my own since I don't really know the area or culture. We made our way to Ft. Hamilton Military Base, its seriously the smallest Army post I've ever been on. Its small than the size of a postage stamp but still offered everything a normal post does. We stopped by and checked out the Officers Club which had amazing views of the Bay. It actually worked out because A was able to get some wedding information for his upcoming Ceremony in September. Wedding planning on vacay, don't mind if we do. This bridge that connected two of the burrows was located right next to Ft. Hamilton. A told me the name of it but I completely forgot. 

After playing tourist a little more and listening to the never ending stories which I loved it was time to say our "see you soons". I wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge while we were in NYC and well it seemed perfect to do it this evening since we were right there in Brooklyn. This was another thing I'd never done before. After a little convincing on my end, (it was pretty cold outside) A dropped us off just right out side the entrance of the walk way to the bridge. We made our way across the one mile bridge through the crowds and bikers. It had some beautiful views, I only wish we would have waited and done it during the day. We got there right at dusk. Pictures and the views were great but would have been so much better. I was adamant about doing it though because I just knew we wouldn't be back down in that area. You can't win them all though right. Still we had a great time and I can say I've walked across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. How many people can say they've done that.?!?!?

Kisses on the Brooklyn Bridge. 

I really can't get enough of him. He's not a big city kinda guy so him coming to the big city with me is such a big deal. He's given up so much for me and done so much for me in the last 7 years we've been together I couldn't imagine sharing these moments with any once else. We had such a great day today, like I said probably one of the best days while we were in the city. 

Since we got back to Manhattan so late we were wiped out. Went back to the B&B after stopping by Dunkin Donuts for Coffee and Hot Chocolate. We need up not going back out for dinner and just munching on some left overs we had from a couple nights before. Curled up in bed watching a little TV was the best way to end out evening.