A Little Trip to the Big Apple

New York, New York. To all of my friends living in the Big Apple, I salute you. Every time I visit your metropolis, I return to little DC utterly tuckered out. In one day of business meetings in New York, I easily walked more than three miles! Cabs are expensive and your subway scares me (really, how long does it take you to learn that thing! I am so spoiled by the DC metro.) Also, every time I visit your city it is extremely hot and humid, which is not conducive weather for pre-business meeting nerves. But I have to say: when I took this job, trips like this were exactly what I envisioned, and overall I had a fantastic time!

Awesome perk number one was my room at the Algonquin Hotel. I was told it is the oldest hotel in NYC, and has a very rich Hemmingway-esque look and history. I’ve never stayed at a place like this and since my family is really more into lodgings that have “Budget” or “Econo” in the name, I doubt I’ll stay someplace like it again any time soon. The bed was an enormous king and the Victorian bathroom fixings and décor were lovely. The lobby was luxurious and the walls were papered with old cartoons from "The New Yorker." And you KNOW it was high class when the mini-shampoos are from Bath and Body Works! You better believe I brought those home. The free cocktail upon arrival and free sit-down breakfast in the morning didn’t hurt either. I was only sad my work took up more time and I couldn’t lounge around and enjoy the place more!

During the day I went around Manhattan meeting some of CER’s supporters and donors, talking to them about CER’s priorities and asking them about their needs. It was exciting tromping around the city in heels and a blazer, handing out my freshly minted business card and learning a lot about the state of education in NYC from some amazing people. I had a real “living the dream” feeling when I was there, and hope it’s just the start for me doing trips like this.

Best of all, I got to grab a bite with Stephanie and Stacey and catch up on their NYC lives since we last visited. My old Syracuse girls are so dear to me and I’m happy to report that they’re both doing very well in their journalism careers. I’m so proud of them! I enjoyed my copy of “Parenting” magazine compliments of editor Steph the whole train ride home, probably to the surprise/judgment of my fellow passengers!

Since my return to DC, my schedule has been packed with the usual joys of life these days- visiting new restaurants in my neighborhood, wine nights with the ladies, babysitting my adorable charges, cocktail parties, delightful dates, amazing fall weather… I take back the phrase “usual joys.” There is no such thing. I’m amazingly grateful and lucky for all the cool and special things I get to experience lately.

Tomorrow I go to an official “weather watchers” training class with the Washington Post. Prepare for a gleefully nerdy entry soon!

Peace and Love.