It's good to be home but I want to go back

I am back from my adventures in New York. I went all week without a computer. I didn't even bother bringing my netbook this time. I knew I would keep myself entertained. A week in New York is never enough for me. I am looking forward to my next trip there already.

We got in late in the afternoon. We headed over to our favorite restaurant. If you are ever in New York, you need to check out aperiTIVO. You will not be disappointed. The food and drinks are delicious.

Outside of the restaurant. It was a Monday night and the city was jumping. 

 

 The next day I woke up to freezing rain.  I went to  check out the skating rink at Bryant Park for the next day. There was no way I could skate in the rain. They had the cutest little shops all set up at the park and of course, I couldn't resist shopping. I had a quick lunch at Grand Central Terminal.  I also found a craft fair inside of the terminal. I walked and shopped all day waiting for my husband to be done at the office

 

 

 I stopped at this cute little coffee shop for a latte. It is called Rize. It was across from my hotel. I wanted to sit and people watch. It was so miserable out and I had had enough of getting pelted with freezing rain all day. When my husband came back from the office we ordered in and went to bed early. I didn't want to go back out in that weather. I wanted to rest up for the rest of the week because it would be sunny.

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The next day I started with a hearty breakfast from Pershing Square (another favorite). I needed energy for skating.

 

I skated at Bryant Park for 3 hours. I had an absolute blast. I did not fall once. I was proud of myself. I only stopped because the skates were so heavy. They weren't dainty little figures skates that you could rent, they were clunkers.  

 

 

 

 

 After skating I headed over to Rockefeller Center where the tree lighting was going to take place that evening. I wasn't sure if we were going to go or not. I wanted to check it out and get a feel for it.  I have heard it is a zoo and they were right. I decided we would go later and see the tree lit up after the festivities.  You couldn't really get near anything anyway. They were pushing us back at 4pm in the afternoon. You would not be able to see any of the performers from where you would have to stand. The above picture is the ice at Rockefeller Center being set up for the evening festivities. So far Tuesday and Wednesday....skating was out at Rockefeller Center for me. 

 I did get a spot and watched them setting up. If you listen you can hear Cee Lo Green practicing for the telecast. I could see him barely. He has a great voice. 

 

We ended up going to dinner with two of the sweetest and funniest ladies. I love meeting up with them in New York. We always have a great time with them.

 

 After dinner, we walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. It was breathtaking. The lights all twinkle, or maybe it was the two Cosmo's giving me blurred vision.

 

 

 The next day, one of those sweet ladies sent these cupcakes back to the hotel with my husband. They were delicious. She had asked me the night before if I had tried them yet and I had not.

 

 

My husband got out of work early on Thursday and we walked over to Rockefeller Center to skate. Sadly, the ice was still a mess and they were cleaning it from the night before. My skating dreams were dashed. My husband, being the good sport he is, suggested we go to Bryant Park so I could skate some more. He stood and watched me for hours. He took pictures and video taped me as well. I am sure he was totally bored but he didn't seem to mind.  I would have skated all day if I could have  It was pretty cold out for my husband to just be standing around. Sadly, I called it quits a few hours in.

 

 We had a wonderful dinner at Smith and Wollensky on our last night. Personally, I think my husband cooks a better steak. I must be spoiled.

 

 

We walked around to work off our dinner and ended our night at one of my favorite spots, the bar in our hotel that juts out over the street.

 

The next morning, we went to Pershing Square for breakfast again and packed up and headed to the airport.

 

 I came home to a clean house and this prize from my daughter. My new Alex and Ani bracelet. We were going to get matching snowflake bracelets for the holiday season but sadly, you cant get them anymore. This is such a cute bracelet. My daughter is very thoughtful.

 

 





This is me skating. I had to save the best for last. I truly think I had the best time this time in all of my visits to New York. I was more comfortable with the skates the second time around or maybe I just got a better pair. I did not fall at all this time either. That is quite an accomplishment after not having skated for so many years. I was very disappointed that I did not get to skate at Rockefeller Center at all. It just didn't work out. That just means I have to go back soon so that I can.

 

It is good to be home but I miss New York already.

 

I missed my kids, my bed, my fuzzy blankets with the satin trim, not being able to have coffee as soon as I wake up, my slippers, blogging and reading blogs (and not necessarily in that order).

 

I probably would have been able to convince my husband to stay a few extra days but I have my work Christmas party tonight. I am sure it will be a good time.

 

I will be putting up my Christmas tree today. It is lightly snowing and it is the perfect day for it.

 

I hope you all have a great weekend!