New York, New York

I had a great time in New York.

When I go to NY people always want to know what I did:
Did you climb the empire state building? No.
Did you go to a Broadway show? No.
Did you see the statue of Liberty? No.

I hung out with Sara, and it was fabulous.

I also learned some valuable lessons this trip that I'll share with you:

Lesson #1: I would advise against sharing a bed with your adult siblings:

My brother Rand happened to be in town for business the first night I was there. Rand is 12 years older than me, so we have never had to share a bed before. Space was tight at the NY casa, Dave hadn't joined us yet, and I couldn't convince Rand to sleep on a air mattress in the unfinished basement. So there I found myself, at 10pm, frantically borrowing PJs from Sara, and sliding into bed with my 40 year old brother wondering if it is taboo to make conversation once the lights go out. Don't get me wrong, I really love Rand. But sharing a bed with a 40 year man who is not your husband is just not natural. In fact, it was quite awkward. I wasn't the only one feeling strange about the situation. Rand suggested I sleep under the sheets and he sleep on top of the sheets. Instead, we put C's giant stuffed snake down the middle of the bed. Even with the barrier in place, I was worried I would breath too loud (as I've been accused of before), drool, or worse case, snuggle him in my sleep. Turns out I had nothing to worry about, as I didn't get a wink of sleep.

Lesson #2: I am completely out of style

I had a sneaking suspicion how out of style I was, but I figured a NY trip was just the medicine I needed. With a few key items I figured I could get my wardrobe back on track.

I was wrong.

When Sara and I walked into H&M I immediately sunk into a state of depression. There was no way anything in my closet could ever be worn with these H&M items. It would be like trying to pair a poodle skirt and cowboy boots. I felt like I was like shopping for clothes in the future.

Sara said enthusiastically "So, what do you need?"
I paused and said "everything."
Sara "everything?"
Me "everything."

I bought a new coat and called it good. I figure I can hide all my out of style clothes underneath my cute new coat. I'm always cold anyway, I'll just never take it off.

Lessons #3: I am the most inefficient grocery shopper in the world.

Watching someone else complete everyday tasks can be a real eye opener. Shock and awe do not do justice to the emotions I felt watching Sara at the grocery store. I've never seen anyone move with more velocity or precision. We may as well have been at battle. Where as I have been known to spend 10 minutes trying to pick out the best carton of strawberries, Sara gave produce a concentrated 2 second once over and then would make a decision and never look back.

As she explained "sometimes you pick the wrong one, and its OK."

It felt like super market sweep. I pretty sure Sara wasn't holding her arm out as she ran the aisles, knocking items on the shelf into her cart. But I can not for the life of me figure out how when she sent me to get one item, I returned to a cart with 30 new items in it. In 20 minutes our overflowing grocery cart was filled with ingredients for well planned and coordinated meals. I still get chills thinking about it.

Lessons #4: If you take your camera somewhere, use it.

Despite hauling my camera to each event I only took 3 pictures.



Here is Dave at Rockefeller center. After exploring Mid-town with Sara, Dave and I headed to Soho for shopping and dinner at tiny and amazing place recommended by Travis.



I snapped this picture of Sara on the way to the airport. You know. To prove that I saw her.

We had so much fun. I love Sara's kids. They having fantastic personalities. Oz may just be the fattest, most kissable baby in the world.

Sara and Travis --- thank you SO much for your hospitality. We love you and wish we could hang out more often.

"CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN'T LOSE!"