Happy Gradutation Day!

Today is the day Nick has been working towards for the last three years. One year of grueling preparation with the GMAT, applications, interviews and two years of a challenging and rigorous MBA program. He worked extremely hard for this moment and I could not be more proud of all that he has accomplished.

The graduation was held at Radio City Music hall. Beautiful venue. We were lucky enough to amazing seats because Nick's dad was actually the first person in line outside the doors. I felt like it was a stampede as we were walking to get seats. I didn't realize how aggressive parents could be!

As everyone knows graduation ceremony's can be long and exhausting. I felt NYU did a relativley good job with keeping the ceremony on time. A couple of points:

1) There was a NYU professor in attendance as a guest speaker. I absolutely loved his speech more than anyone else. He spoke with such sincerity and the message he delivered was one that really registered with me. He spoke to the students about how they wanted to people to percieve them. Do you want people to say, "he drove a fast car," or "he has a expensive house." Or do you want it to be "he was a great leader," or "he always gave back." I think that's really important to remember. For a lot of students the higher education means bigger paychecks... but money isn't everything. Second, he made a point to say that the balance between work and life is a difficult one. It is not easy. Acknowledge the people that are your support system and lean on them to keep you grounded.

2) The guest speaker for the program was Maria Bartiromo from CNBC's "Closing Bell." She is a former graduate for NYU and definitely has the background in business to provide knowledge. However, I did not like her speech. Nick agreed as well. It read to much as a biography of her career than a motivational speech to the students. As a guest speaker, in my opinion, your speech should motivate and prepare the students for what is about to come. Reiterate that the two years of hard work will be worth it - it might not be easy and sacrifices will be made but in the end this is the best experience you could have asked for. It definitely was not that. I didn't like it at all.

3) After an hour of speakers and two hours of 800+ students names being ready we were ready to stand up and stretch. That didn't quite happen. The dean gave a rather long winded ending speech that could have been condensed to a much shorter version. By that time a lot of the seats were empty and everyone was becoming restless. Note to next year - the conclusion should  be kept short and sweet.

Overall a wonderful graduation ceremony and I could not be more proud of my amazing husband!




He did it!



For dinner we had reservations at Eleven Madison Park. This is one of the nicest and hardest restaurants to reserve a table at. It's one of the top 10 (out of 100) restaurants in the U.S. We literally had to call exactly 28 days in advance at 9am to get a table. Nick and I have been wanting to try this restaurant since we moved here. And tonight was the night!

It was magical! It did not disappoint in the least. The restaurant was beautiful, the staff were considerate, and the food tasted like heaven. We all had the 4 course menu. And this wasn't your traditional tasting menu. You picked ingrediants and then the chef would create the meal based on that one ingrediant. So for example, I picked asparagus, cobia (white fish), pork, and malt. You had no idea what would be delivered to you but it was all based on that one ingredient. The suprise and presentation of the food was almost as good as the taste.

All of the flavors exploded it your mouth. Two things that you thought would never go together ended up tasting amazing. We all shared and tasted everyone's dishes and it was just sublime. Before we even had our main courses we sampled about 4 special dishes from the chef. Add some cocktails and wine to the meal and you have one mind blowing dinner celebration. You were never rushed... our dinner lasted 4 hours! It really was one of our best dinners ever!













By the time we left and returned home it was 11pm. Nick opened his graduation presents... cuff links, really nice pen, and an IPad to name a few. It was an amazing day and Nick deserved every minute of it.

Next up? LONDON! I will be MIA for a while because I thoroughly plan to enjoy everything that London has to offer!

Graduation Eve

It's the day before Nick's graduation... hard to believe. Really hard to believe. It feels like we were just starting this process.

Mike and Karen were in town for the big day. We decided to take it easy and grab dinner at Tony's around the block. Nick and I had been there a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

We started with fried mozzarella sticks and shrimp bruschetta for appetizers and followed that with family style ravioli napoli and chicken marsala. All of it was delicious and very filling. We couldn't pass up desert though. Nick and I ordered the strawberry shortcake desert at our last visit... it was big enough for 4 people. We hardly made a dent. This time we decided on the chocolate decadence (which is just as large) but luckily we had two other people eating with us this time. It was massive, full of chocolate, and wonderfully tasty!





We were all stuffed by the time we made it back to the apartment. We relaxed and watched Betty White'd Off Their Rockers TV show... hilarious!


Mike, Karen, and Nick

Up next? Graduation and a meal Nick and I have been looking forward to for a very long time... Eleven Madison Park!

He's Finished!

Nick is officially finished with graduate school! He took his last final exam this morning and he couldn't be more excited. It's been a long, stressful, exciting, and well worth it!

We celebrated at Bareburger with some delicious burgers and a chocolate milkshake.



A lot more to come on graduation in the next few days!

A Little Bit Of Everything

Sometimes I feel like I'm always playing catch up with blogging. I need to get better about posting on a regular basis.

Last Thursday I went on a boat cruise on the Hudson with the soon-to-be graduating NYU MBA class. Nick and I weren't sure in the beginning if I would be able to attend because the tickets were reserved for the graduating class. Luckily a few opened up and I was able to attend (I later found out I was one of six non-stern people).

This was actually my first boat cruise. It was a clear day and you could see the sunset... the only downside? It was so cold. I have started to curse New York weather... I mean, really? It's the middle of May! So we only spent a few minutes outside taking some pictures before we had to return the warmth of inside.

We had a really great time. Nick had a great time just relaxing with his fellow classmates. It was quite a party. I am always surprised, even though I shouldn't be, how loud and crazy the class can get!



 


What a view!




Nick was out in Montauk for the weekend with the class again. The entire class spent the weekend on the beach relaxing. It was a chance for everyone to spend time together before everyone went their separate ways. Nick sent a few pictures and I am incredibly jealous he was able to spend the weekend at the beach with the nicest weather we have had to date. It is now expected that he takes me to what looks like to be a beautiful weekend escape!


This was the picture Nick sent me once he got off the train. Yeah, I was jealous!

I met up with Jenienne on Friday night for a girls night out. We met on the Upper West Side at Wine and Roses. It was this great wine bar that had some amazing food! I had one of the best glasses of wine I've had in a long time. We started with the meat and cheese platter and it was delicious. We then ordered the bruschetta (I really can't get enough) and the filet mignon flatbread pizza. That was unbelievable good! It was thin crust topped with filet mignon, gorgonzola cheese, and caramelized onions. I had such a great time with her - she is one of my favorite people in the city. I couldn't ask for a better friend!



Saturday was a day of cleaning, errands, etc. I am finalizing our trip to London... phone company, credit cards, packing list, etc. Everything that goes along with traveling out of the country. I also purchased Nick's graduation gift (post on that later in the week). So nothing too exciting.


All my clothes for London - I might need a bigger suitcase?!

And today is Sunday - Mother's Day.

I really have the best mom in the world. She is loving, beautiful, and selfless. As I have grown older she isn't only my mom but a great friend who I can count on and confide in. She has helped shaped the women I've become today. And for that I am grateful. I love you!



 

Happy Mother's Day!

Busy Weekend

After work last Thursday I went to Jenienne's apartment for a Stella and Co. party. I've become interested in jewelry lately. I mean heels, jeans, simple shirt, and a statement necklace/earrings is a great outfit. So I was super excited about attending this party. Not to mention Jenienne has an amazing apartment!

The person who was throwing the Stella and Co. party was Jenna... I'm always surprised when I meet another Jenna. It doesn't happen often. She was fantastic and the jewelry she brought was gorgeous. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted but ended up with some beautiful earrings, necklace, and bracelet. I had Nick's graduation in mind so now my outfit is complete!





I wished I could have stayed longer but I had dinner plans with the NYU girls. It was the first time since last Fall that we all were able to get together.... it was also the last. I'm extremely sad about this. I love our happy hours, dinners, weekend trips we were all a part of. It's extremely difficult when you move to a whole other world and I say "world" because there is no other place quite like New York City. It can really beat you down and you need some amazing friends to keep you sane especially when your husband is too busy with class, interviews, and internships.

We met at Mercadito in the West Village and had a delicious Mexican meal. I ordered the shrimp tacos and it was a great choice. We talked and caught up on what everyone has been doing and future plans. I am sad to say that Jen and Ariane will be leaving us. I am really going to miss those two. It's a great group of amazing, intelligent, and caring women... and that's hard to find in the city.  Jen and Ariane, I expect a lot of trips back to the city to visit!


Love these girls!

Friday night Nick and I had a date night. He met me at the office and we walked across Central Park to Luke's Lobster, Seriously, we love this place. However, I think the location on the Upper East Side is a lot better than the Upper West. Afterwords we headed to the theater because we had purchased tickets to see The Avengers.




Let me tell you about the craziness we experienced! Our movie was for 8:20pm (we had already purchased tickets online). We decided to head over in that direction and walk around a bit. That's not what happened. There was already a line around the block for the 8:20pm movie... and these people had tickets! We couldn't believe it. So what else was there to do but get in line and wait for 45min. Note to self - never again see a movie opening night... I forgot how awful it is.

The movie was really great. I didn't have a lot of expectations going in but I came out thoroughly entertained. I wasn't just entertained by the movie but Nick and I had a few good laughs because of the people who were in the theater. There were some die hard fans. I can't remember the last time I saw people screaming, jumping in their seats, and clapping at practically every scene. It was hilarious

Saturday held two festivities...Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby! We met up with Nikki, Chris, Anik at El Rio Grande for some good ole Tex Mex food. Chips, guacamole, queso, fajitas, and margaritas makes for a delicious Cinco de Mayo lunch. We arrived right when the restaurant opened at 12pm and when we left it was just starting to get packed. I can only imagine what that place looked like later on into the afternoon.



We ran a few errands after lunch and then headed back to the apartment to get ready for the Kentucky Derby party. I had bought a hat that morning - it will now be the hat a wear to every Kentucky Derby party in the future. Unless I find myself at a royal wedding anytime soon!



The party was at the Shipley's apartment... they always throw great parties! It was so festive. Juleps, little sandwiches, cupcakes and of course Kentucky Derby hats and attire. Nick and I did bet but unfortunately none of the three horses we bet on were in the top 3. It was a great afternoon with some great people.





By the time we got home we were exhausted! Sunday was pretty much a lay on the couch and watch TV day. Even though it happened to be the nicest day of the weekend we stayed in and relaxed.

Lots of events coming up with Nick's graduation a week away. It's hard to believe... and then to London!

Orange.Highlighter.

Yesterday we had an incident. Well, I'm not sure "we" is appropriate since Nick caused this incident. I'm still not quite sure how he managed this or didn't know he was doing it...

You see, our couch has orange highlighter marks on it. It's not a little mark that can be cleverly disused. No, this mark is large, ugly, bright, and right in the middle. No pillow or throw can hide it. Yes, lucky me. This is a problem for (I admit it) a slightly anal person. I liked things neat and clean and well orange highlighter on my couch just does not work.



Could you live with this?

This isn't so much of an issue for Nick... he says, "babe, you can hardly see it." Men. So now we have begun the discussion on buying a new couch. I want one... he doesn't want to spend the money. No surprise there.

I plan to win this battle. Pictures will be posted soon of our beautiful, brand new couch.