My best NYC trip yet!

This weekend was wonderful for me. I made a fast decision to book a cheap flight to NYC for an audition and to see friends. Luckily, I have amazing friends who don't mind the spontaneity or to let me use their couch. I started out staying with Nathan, a lifelong friend. It was wonderful to actually see him and "share" with one another. We usually chat once a month and catch up so it was as if no time had passed. He is one of my closest friends so it did my heart loads of good to see him, and as always, he shared so many thoughts that got my wheels turning. He is an amazing person, and I always enjoy every bit of my time and talks with him. We took a walk in Trion park and around the Cloisters, which is where I spent a good deal of time when I was in NYC a few years ago. It was refreshing as I realized how much healing had occurred in my heart since I was last there. Nathan and I loved the huge masses of ice that were all over the park. In our usual fashion, we weren't content just to look at it, we had to experience it ourselves. Perhaps that is why we connect so well. :)

What a lucky gal I am -- in between two of the greatest people and friends ever.

On day two I headed to Tim's place. No matter the time span, I was so glad to see him again -- remember, he is in my top three funniest people! Tim has a way of turning the subway experience (usually depressing) into a form of entertainment. I am sure that many people in our car wanted to hit us -- literally. They contained themselves though and limited it to disapproving looks. Our time was short, but I always love being around him (even in spite of his ghastly scrabble dictionary). Also, Tim has really "climbed the ladder". He made his Off -Broadway debut this year in the show "Altar Boyz." While I was there that show was closing, and Tim was invited to perform in the last show. He stood in between Broadway performers and sang with them! If anyone will make it, I have full confidence it will be you. Congrats, Tim!

There was also a "Hooray for Holidays" reunion in the city. Sean, Tim, and I met and had dinner which was tons of fun and pretty fresh considering we were still living together three weeks ago. The man taking this picture wasn't thrilled about it -- obviously. haha.

While I was there I had an amazing experience. Glenn Phillips has become a favorite singer/songwriter of mine this year, and I generally listen to him at least once a day. Three different times in the past two months, I have been close to where he is playing but always missed it by a day or so. Well, WPA, a band he is in, was playing in the city last weekend so I hopped on the subway and headed to the City Winery where they were playing. It turned out to be a great show with some amazing musicians, and Jeff Daniels (the other guy from "Dumb and Dumber") hosted it. After the show, I got to meet Glenn Phillips and talk with him for a few minutes. He was an amazingly humble and sincere person -- just the kind of person that makes you happy to be their fan.

Here I am with Glenn Phillips!!! I decided against telling him that someday I hoped to share a stage with him for a night. :)

Then the icing on the cake was Tiffy moved back to the city the last two days I was there! She is a great friend too, and I have missed her since I left Wytheville; although, we have kept in touch pretty well this year. Well, we had a great time trying out ice cream in 30 degree weather. We took a chance on Sundaes and Cones in the East Village and were happy with our choice. Tiffy tried the Pumpkin flavor, and I had Ginger and Mocha Chip. We both gave it a thumbs up.

All in all, I think NYC was just what I needed. The last time I was there was three years ago, and I was a much different person --" broken on the wheels of life". I had lost all sense of joy and purpose. Three years later, I am now able to laugh, share, and relish every moment with dear friends that have walked different stages of "the journey" with me. Perhaps that was the purpose, a reminder of how God loves -- and usually through people. Each of these friends has been a blessing from God in my life and has often shown me different faces of Him. I only hope that I am now able to give the same back.

Ringing in the New Year right!

I ended 2009 in Wisconsin and began 2010 in KY -- the perfect place to begin a year. I took no pics that New Years Eve but had an absolute blast at my sister's house. Other than Poca, I'm not sure there is anywhere I feel more at home or happy. There are always loud noises going on, usually laughing, singing, and playing. I love being there. New Years Day I rushed home to WV and took off with DJ for Davis, WV. Yep, we decided to spend the beginning of 2010 skiing, plus he wanted to because he has to go back to Saudi in a few days. Talk about excited -- it was great to see each other again and great to know we were headed on another adventure trip. As we drove toward Davis, we drove into lots of snow which got us excited for the next day. But when we awoke, we realized that the 20 degrees we were anticipating had dropped to six degrees. It was decision time, and we decided to give the slopes a try regardless of temperature. The sign at Canaan Valley read "Frostbite Warning -- Keep all skin covered". Luckily, DJ had made a pit stop at the Ski Barn and was quickly persuaded to purchase ski goggles and face masks. Good choice.
We spent the entire day looking like this. We were warm though and skied until 8:30 that night. This gives a full view look at the single digit ski ensemble. I knew Meg would enjoy this outfit. Yes, it is hideous, but I was warm!

After a full day of skiing, we were famished so in our regular fashion, we headed to a dining establishment to eat up! I am not a huge fan of pizza joints, but DJ loves this little place called Sariannis (sp?) in Davis so I actually suggested we head there. (quite different from our last Davis trip) I must say the food was outstanding, especially the garlic chips with roasted garlic on them. If you are ever that way, it is a must try for garlic lovers.

The veggie pizza was pretty good too -- loaded with tons of fresh veggies.

The next day we headed to Timberline for skiing. I must admit I didn't enjoy day #2 half as much. Firstly, the temperature was 2 degrees that day and a bit more unbearable. Secondly, I was fitted with a size 9 boot, and I typically wear a 7.5. I felt completely out of control on the slopes for most of the day until I went back in, and the lady told me they had completely fit me wrong and gave me my size. The rest of the day was better, but DJ was much better than I by the end of that day.

Taking a hot chocolate break! After two days of single digit skiing, we felt pretty tough and pretty exhausted.

I had such a great time. Thanks for the trip, DJ. Let's meet next time in Mexico! I'm ready!

The end of Wisconsin

Hooray for Holidays! If this doesn't get you in the spirit then nothing will.

I realize this blog entry is rather late (sorry, Nancy :) My remaining time in Wisconsin was filled with fun activities such as Secret Santa parties, Kathy Fry evenings, Christmas Eve Mass, skiing with Tim, and the Dolan family visit. It was bittersweet to leave because I will miss some of my friends sorely, I already do!

Ann and I chilling at Kathy Fry night. We totally look like we could be sisters here. She has become a dear friend, and I'm so glad. I'm not sure I could have made it these two months without Tim. You're definitely in my top three funniest people! Thanks for being my friend even during my grouchy moods and opinionated rantings. :)

Don't let this picture deceive you. Tim checked in everyday for the Jesus section of our show, but he skipped Christmas Eve mass -- a wolf in sheep's clothing!!!!Our Christmas Eve mass group. It was a beautiful service and a beautiful message of hope! Afterwards, Kevin made us Christmas Eve "snacks". Check out that plate of meatballs! It was deliciously filling. Luke and Matt completely agreed. Homemade pizza went along with the pasta perfectly!

Our Secret Santa Party was lots of fun despite the fact that two hours before it my Secret Santa tricked me into thinking that he wasn't coming so I assumed I wasn't getting my present -- the one I thought I was getting -- sweater socks. I acted awful before the party. Tim said I acted like Josie, my 23 month old niece. Tim gave me a stern talking, and I calmed down and went happily to the party and boy am I glad. The food was great and so was the party. Tim got new Nikes from his secret santa -- Jake.

And my secret Santa got me.....the sweater socks!!!!!! and a bottle of wine. Gotta love Mike D. Shawn and I enjoying the party -- the food and the company. Marianna and I -- the sassy ethnic girls. Luke, the sweet Kentucky boy. If I write a nice KY song, it will be dedicated to you :) Wow, how many faces can we fit in one photo. Casey and Brent are the bottom two. They are a great couple, and I hope our audition trip is still on!Alyssa, Ann, and I -- the three "older women" of the cast.

One of my favorite parts about this night was seeing old friends I had lost touch with. Jason W. was one of them. It was so good to catch up and hear his happy laugh. Angie was there for the party too. We always love having her there. And the other surprise was..... Carol, my roomate from last year! It was wonderful seeing her again. She's a fun and crazy woman.

One of my last nights in Wisconsin was one of my best there because the Dolan family visited. I had not seen them since 2005. Tim's family is as fun as he so our dinner at the Chop House (thank you, by the way) was amazingly delicious and hilarious. I hope to see you again but sooner than 5 years from now!

And what can I say? I got two months with one of my favorite friends. I was sad to say goodbye, but I've no doubt I'll see you again, and hopefully, Lindsey too

After telling Tim goodbye, I headed back for one last hang with the cast that was left at the bunny hut.

And the page turns.....