Meandering

I have loved yesterday and today. Really loved them. I told Dan it was a little bit alarming how much I enjoy not talking to people. But the thing about New York is you are surrounded by people and activity, but are anonymous. And that's nice once in a while -- especially when you live in Utah and it seems like you always are running into people you know. There's something fun about that too. But like anything, it's nice to have a change once in a while.

Yesterday my amazing walk around Central Park was so invigorating -- for mind and spirit. I'm not sure if there's anything I love more than Central Park. It's a daily must-do while in New York. Most times its where I get my exercise, so I'm jogging (or walking), with the intent to get in my hour of exercise then head back to the hotel in a hurry to get on with whatever is planned for the day.

But yesterday, nothing was planned until lunch at 1:00. And I'm not running, so I just walked and walked with plenty of time to wander and stop to snap photos. Rejuvenating!

I also listened to podcasts all day. Throughout my walk and then after I was dressed, I walked the 1.5 miles down to lunch where I was meeting Camille and Sophie who are in the city for Sophie's radiation/proton therapy for 8 weeks!

I listened to All In: "Don't Miss This" interview with David Butler and Emily Belle Freeman. Also an interview with Lola Ogunbote, a magistrate in London, originally from Nigeria, who left her job to become a youth soccer coach. Then today listened to "Leading Saints" interview with Diljeet Taylor, BYU's cross country coach "Empowered and Confident Young Women and another interview with Kim Partridge, "Strengthening Relationships with Young Women." It's like I'm at my own little self-improvement camp.

It was so fun to see Camille and Sophie! We laughed that we see each other back home 2 - 3 times a week, but somehow its different and exciting to see each other in another spot! So far Sophie's treatment is going well. She's tired, but still enjoying going out and about and Camille has got all sorts of fun sight-seeing for them to do. About three weeks in she'll start feeling stronger effects and become more tired. So they're maximizing their fun time for now.

I shopped all through discount stores Century 21 and Bloomingdales' Outlet looking for dresses for Marty's wedding, but didn't have any luck. Today I scoured real Bloomingdales and didn't find the right thing either. Online will have to come through for me! Fingers crossed.

In the evening, I met Courtney and we travelled down to Chelsea to meet Michael and have dinner at Black Barn with another wedding planner. He was very energetic and fun. Each of the wedding planners have had different strengths. It will be fun to see who they pick. (And find a venue and get a wedding date!)

The rooftop terrace at the Assemblage

Michael's offices were just a few blocks away so he gave us a tour of the space. It's at a space where a company rents "desks" for their employees but is shared space with whoever else rents other desks. It's got lots of green plants, couch seating areas for comfortable work, a library for quiet work, phone booths for longer phone calls (or confidential calls?), conference rooms, a couple of cafes, two beautiful rooftop terraces AND a yoga/meditation/cacao ceremony/ritual space (with a gong!). It was a super comfortable, welcoming, homey place to work. And a little bit hippy-ish too. I loved seeing it!

Today I skipped my exercise since I was walking across the park 2 miles anyway to get to real Bloomingdales. Then I walked down to Bryant Park to check out a potential venue spot at the grill.

It is freezing cold out and I'm wearing my beanie and coat everywhere. Glad I brought it!

This evening Courtney and I checked out the wedding shop at Anthropologie, then met Michael for pedicures and manicures (and a long visit with Lois, the healer/psychic/Nurse Practitioner, sitting next to me). Thai food after and now I'm home.

I love, love, love that you can walk out your door and have everything you need within walking distance in New York. Sigh. The whole world is filled with amazing places that I want to be! Each night in my prayers I am so grateful we have the chance to travel and pop over to places we love.

P.S. Michael's (Adair, not Petersen) favorite band from college (high school?) was widespread panic. They're here in concert at The Beacon right near me! I even saw one of their members (deduced by the people asking for a photo and him holding a musical instrument. Then saw a security guy wearing a jacket with widespread panic logo).

Took a photo for Michael (Adair, not Petersen).