Small Victory

Although it was many moons ago that we all lined up at the field at Sutton Middle School to start our fitness test--running 1 mile--I remember it vividly. Everyone took off running so I took off too. Unfortunately I didn't make it very far running. I ended up walking most of the mile (how embarrassing). I have always been a pretty healthy person and into sports, but running just hasn't ever worked for me--even as a kid. As an adult I have been into exercise (most of the time) and have even completed the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day walk twice--60 miles over 3 days! Walking, kickboxing, step aerobics I have loved, but running just has never worked for me.

Last week I decided to go for a walk in Central Park because it one of those perfect spring days. When I reached the reservoir (1.58 loop), I got a wild hair and decided to run thinking I would only go a little ways. Well, I made it over halfway around the loop. I was so excited...and determined that one day I would be able to get all the way around running. For those of you who are runners, I am sure you are sitting there laughing at my goal, but keep in mind that I have never been able to run a mile...much less 1.58 miles. I told myself that within two weeks I would be able to get around the loop.

Yesterday was another beautiful spring day in NYC so I decided to head off to Central Park for a walk. When I got to the reservoir I was feeling a bit tired and hungry, but I decided to go for it. A couple of times I wanted to quit because I was tired (and people were passing me left and right and making me feel stupid), but I kept going. I was hoping to get 3/4 of the way around this time. And I did....but I didn't stop. I pushed through all the way to the "finish line"!!! Now I know this isn't like completing the NY Marathon or the Peachtree Road Race for that matter, but it was a huge victory for me.

Random post...

Georgia Visits the Big Apple

Thanks to Mason's awesome Christmas gift idea, Georgia and I had a fantastic girls weekend in NYC. Georgia arrived early evening on Friday and it was a beautiful night so we hung out on the balcony and visited. After eating in (healthy po 'boys, yummy!) we decided to go out for a walk and to stop by Vince and Eddie's, our neighborhood watering hole, for a quick beverage. There was lots of entertainment so we ended up staying a little longer than expected. Four hours later we came home (finally) and hit the sack.

Saturday we woke up a little late, got ready, and hit the Upper West Side for a day FULL of shopping. Georgia and I have recently lost weight so we decided to hit the stores for new "reward" clothes. We finally threw in the towel at 7:30 (after 7 hours of shopping!!!) and got ready for dinner. Saturday night was Georgia's birthday dinner. We had a hard time deciding what to eat because there are so many choices in NYC, but ended up going to Rain, an Asian fusion type place. It was perfect--yummy and something Georgia wouldn't be able to find in Gainesville, FL! We may have over-eaten just a tad, but it was well worth it...and we had walked for 7 hours!

Sunday was tourist day. We started the day with a trip (on the subway) to Grand Central Station. Then we headed to Times Square (and the Ann Taylor Loft store). From there we walked to Macy's in Herald Square. Georgia couldn't get over the shoe selection! It was so overwhelming that we couldn't even find any to buy. Hard to believe...I know. After a few hours at Macy's, we hopped on the subway and headed to Canal Street. For those of you who have never heard of Canal Street, it where you go to find knock-off handbags, watches, etc. Georgia found a fabulous "Gucci" bag and some awesome "I love NY" t-shirts for souvenir gifts. We headed back to our apartment to drop of bags and take a quick cat nap (and say hello to Chris). Then we walked over to Central Park. Spring is here for sure...the flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and the roller skaters are out! During the spring and summer, they set up a roller skating rink on the sidewalks and folks skate and perform for those passing by. It is hard to fully explain how awesome it is. It is one of the things I enjoy most about NYC. Truly hilarious, random, and entertaining! We finished the trip off last night with a delicious and authentic Italian meal at a hole in the wall in our neighborhood. The three of us (Chris, Georgia, and I) had a great time visiting...and of course eating!

I can honestly say that the weekend was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. Georgia and I got to spend uninterrupted time together--just the two of us--talking, walking, eating, shopping, and laughing. Life just doesn't get better than that!

All Things Southern at the Masters

One of my favorite sporting events of the year is the Masters--golf tournament played at Augusta National Golf Club. I have had the privilege of spending several days at the Masters with my dad and Chris over the years thanks to the Blanchards, Giornellis, and Burtons. One day at the Masters in a lifetime is a treat...several is a SUPER duper treat!

It is a little difficult to get to the Masters now that I live 13 hours away from Augusta so I decided I would create a Masters experience in the Big Apple. Who said you couldn't bring the South above the Mason Dixon Line?!!?!? We invited friends over Saturday (ended up a small crew because most of our friends were out of town) and served lots of southern foods--pimento cheese sandwiches, ribs, veggies with vidalia onion dip, peach salsa and chips, pecans, and sweet tea! We even had an azalea which was a nice touch! Oh, and I can't forget the outfits...Chris and I both had on our Masters golf shirts (although you can't really tell in the picture). Our Masters experience was a great one, but we both admitted last night that it just isn't the same as the real deal. We might have to make a trip down next year...

After 4+ days of watching golf (and the Red Sox/Yankees series), I am super excited about my girls weekend with Georgia this weekend in NYC. This is her first trip to NYC since she was a kid. She is in for a ride! :)

Visit to Atlanta

I made a trip to Atlanta for the weekend (March 28) to catch up with friends and family. Georgia and family were visiting Atlanta as well so it seemed like a good weekend to visit. Of course it was a whirlwind of a weekend. For those of you who didn't know I was in town, I am very sorry. It was a really quick trip!

Friday night Mom and I hung out until around midnight and caught up. Saturday morning we had a lazy morning and then went for a nice (and challenging) long walk around her neighborhood before the cold and rainy weather moved in. It was nice to experience a spring morning--I had on shorts and a short sleeve shirt! Our weather in NYC isn't quite that nice. Actually, it is 37 degrees as I type this blog. We met Mom's friend Melissa for lunch and then made a quick (and successful) trip to the mall.

Mom dropped me off at the Giornellis on the way home so I could catch up with the kids. Although I would prefer to stay in the land of denial and pretend the kids are still young (which would make me young too), they are not! Thomas is a wrestling star and taller than me! Ann and Jill are writing major term papers and continue to enjoy fashion. Adelaide is about to graduate from high school and head off to school. College acceptance letters arrived last week so it has been very exciting! She is now faced with the big decision...Kenyon, Middlebury, Davidson, or Dartmouth?!!? I am so proud of her.

Saturday night I met Georgia and family at La Tavola for dinner. Ellie and I spent most of the time going to the potty (well, really just using that as an excuse to walk around). She is a real cutie pie...and has her "Aunt NeyNey" wrapped around her finger.

After dinner, I made a surprise visit at my aunt and uncle's Medicare Ball--a gathering to celebrate hitting 65 and transitioning to medicare. My cousin and her husband gave swing and foxtrot lessons. Grandma and I were dance partners--so fun!!!

Sunday some friends were having a gathering with all of the kids (yes, my kind of party!) so I went and had yummy BBQ and got my kid fix. The kids are growing up so fast!

Sumner and Rand (Brian and Sarah's boys)

Henry (Ann Carter's nephew), Ann Carter, and Anna

Colin (Tyler and Ashley's son) playing a video game

Easter at the Himenos

As if we didn't eat enough at our place for Easter...

My Aunt Christine invited us over for Easter dinner on Sunday evening. They live just over the George Washington bridge in Fort Lee, NJ....less than 20 minutes away! That is quicker than getting from my mom's house to my grandmother's house. Christine cooked a delicious comfort food meal...chicken casserole (like my grandmother always made), green beans, salad, and rolls. We had a full house...Christine, Tomo, Adam, Kate, Tyler, Fumio, Chris, my dad, and me. The boys introduced me to the Wii. I know it is a shock to you that I got totally into it...I was literally perspiring playing the boxing game. Sad I know. You are never too old for games, right?!!?

Easter 2008...Our Families Meet

We had an exciting Easter this year! My dad came in town from Tulsa for a long weekend (Thursday-Tuesday) and Chris' parents came in town Saturday-Sunday. The five of us had a wonderful time together at our "new" place. Well, our apartment isn't really new (we have lived here for a year), but it feels like it because it is finally starting to feel like home. We have been slowly adding new furniture and small accents and now it looks homey. It was nice to show of our place to our parents!

Chris (my personal Chef) fixed leg of lamb for dinner Saturday night. Chris and Carol (Chris' mom) made lots of yummy sides--sweet potatoes, turnips, asparagus, roasted potatoes, and green bean casserole. I contributed wine, flowers, decorations and cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery (yummy!). We spent the day visiting, eating, cooking, and drinking.

Just in case we didn't get enough to eat Saturday night, we decided to have Easter brunch on Sunday with NY bagels, cream cheese, tofu spread (my favorite!), smoked fish, eggs, and fresh juice from the juicer! Dad is quite the juicer these days. We had carrot, celery, apple, banana, and pear juice (I think). It was delicious, healthy, and filling!

It was nice to share a holiday with both families for a change...and to be at home! Of course we missed my mom, but she was busy catching up with our relatives at a big family reunion in Florida with my grandmother, aunts, and uncle.

Just a blog seedling...

So, it is the year 2008 and apparently paper newsletters are outdated! Before Christmas I asked my dad what he wanted for Christmas. Typically I get, "My gift is having you as my daughter" which is of course super sweet! (I love being a princess even at 29 and change). This year his response was a little different. He asked me to send monthly updates about what is happening in my life. So, I decided to create a newsletter for Mom and Dad called "Peach in an Apple Basket" so they would know what was happening in my life in NYC. Well, then I ended up sending it to my grandmother...and then to Georgia...and then to the Giornellis....and then to some more friends. My little newsletter is graduating today to a blog. Many of my friends have blogs so I am going to give it a try. Bare with me though...I am new at this!