The City

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week.  As for myself, last weekend was a blast, but this week has been dragging on.  I’m on the homestretch of my stay in DC-which means, in only 2 days, I’ll be back in Birmingham living the wonderful life. 

First, I am going to tell you about my weekend in The City (that’s what locals call NYC).  I am proud to report that my first trip on a real train was a blast.  Thankfully, I made friends with a local girl who taught me all about Union Station and the train system.  Union Station is absolutely beautiful-picture old world architecture mixed with new world comforts, such as Ann Taylor, a beauty salon, a cigar shop, and restaurants galore.  The most exciting part was how the conductor and train staff wore outfits just like they do in The Polar Express.  The train was packed, so, some frequent train-rider sat next to me and took it upon himself to teach me the history of the train.  He was very nice and once he spilled all his knowledge from 5^th grade train history class, he quickly turned on his Apple to watch Mad Men.

Once in NYC, Lara met me at Penn Station, which is nothing like Union Station.  It’s more like your average subway stop with a few extra escalators.  Anyway, after a few rides to get above ground, NYC greeted me with a gigantic picture of the incredibly handsome, David Beckham.  Thank you NYC for the warm welcome—If only Bham will welcome me the same way. 

 During my stay in NYC, Lara and I strolled though Central Park, went shopping, ate at Little Italy, experienced the Black Market in China Town, had drinks at Eatily, and went to a club.  Lara decided she’d rather go to Eatily than the 80s party on Saturday night.  She made a good choice, Eatily was a blast! 

This week in DC has been uneventful.  The only exciting thing is that I get to go home soon.  I know Scott is looking forward to my arrival-his quality of life greatly diminishes when I’m gone.  My entertaining thoughts, low quality dinners, and inability to sit still, makes him happy.

Hello from America's Capital!

This is my second trip to DC in just a couple months.  Pretty odd since I’ve never visited here prior, but fun.  This week I am going to share with y’all (all 3 of my blog followers) some interesting things I’ve learned:

(1) It is cherry blossom time in DC.  What does that mean, you ask?  It means that people flock to DC to see the beautiful trees in full bloom.  The trees were originally a gift from China back in the early 1900s.  Most importantly, my cab driver stated, “the blooms make people happy-and DC is ranked as the #1 most unhappy city”.  Why I asked- he simply stated because “we listen to politics all day.”  That is an enlightening statement from a cab driver at 7am.  

(2) I fit in quite well wearing tennis shoes to work.  For those that do not know, my foot is broken.  I use to wear a big black boot, but thankfully, the doc outfitted my tennis shoe insert to do the same thing-not bend the toe-bed.  So now, I get to wear my new sneakers around the office.  Here in DC, its pretty much protocol for girls to wear a blue button down, black skirt, ID badge, and tennis shoes.  Oh and the ID badge must be on some fancy chain so it can double as a necklace.

(3) This weekend I’m taking the train to NYC to visit Lara.  This will be my first time on a real train.  I feel like such a city girl when I tell people I’m taking the train to NYC- if only they knew that I don’t even know where the train station is.  I hope someone will notice that I’m a foreigner and help me- maybe my pink Vera Bradley bag or happy expression on my face will be a dead giveaway.  Naaaaaa, they’ll check out my skirt and sneaker combo and think I’m a local.  

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Hope everyone has been doing well since my last post!  I made a  pack that I would post once a week…looks like I broke it. Sorry…I’ll do better, I promise.   

Many exciting things have happened lately.  The most exciting of them is that my best friend, Katie, invited me to go wedding dress shopping with her!  Katie looked absolutely amazing in e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g she tried on, so it was tough to rule some out, but I’m pleased to say, the one she picked, is stunning!!!

Last week I went to Dallas for work.  I love that town and I love the hotel I stay at, the Hilton Anatole.  Not only does it have the best hotel gym I’ve ever seen, but there is always some type of convention going on.  Last week it was Women of Aviation and some association for house roofers.  The best part about staying at a hotel with conventions are you get to either (1) sneak into their parties and drink for free (2) get sweet swag such as pins, hats, or playing cards or (3) get to meet some of them in the Executive Lounge, which always results in some very interesting conversations.  This week, I talked to a lady pilot for the air force who told me that best perk of working in aviation is wearing a jumpsuit-I would have to agree—Only a badass female can look good going to work in a jumpsuit, that is, unless you’re an inmate and the jumpsuit is bright orange. The other best thing about going to Dallas is getting to visit Susan and George.  This was the 1^st time I got to see her engagement ring-all I have to say is pictures do not give it justice!!

One more very very exciting thing—next week I leave for DC for two weeks!  Over the weekend I’m taking the train to NYC to visit Lara for her birthday!  This is a very big thing for me.  I’ve never been on a real train before- I mean one that you are on for more than 30 minutes.  Also, Lara is having an 80s themed Birthday party!! I think I’m going to go as Jane Fonda.  Pretty doable.

This week I’m in the beautiful town of Anniston, AL. Let me give you a quick little fact about this town.  The Army base here holds the contract to train all government dogs how to smell nuclear vapor. Pretty cool hey? 2 weeks ago, I was here on assignment and decided to bring Nellie, our German Sheppard.  She fit right in with the other 50 big dogs at the hotel.  Ok, so that’s my random fact of the day.  Hope y’all feel smarter now. J