Fire Island

Nick and I decided to take a day trip to Fire Island. It's a 32 mile stretch of land that is only accessible by taking a ferry. I had heard a lot about it from other people and patients - I think it's well known too because parts of the island is very gay friendly.

We decided to go to the main area... sort of the capital of the island, Ocean Beach. It was a kind of trains, planes, and automobiles day to get there. It wasn't hard by any means but a few transportation switches.

First there was a subway ride to Penn Station. Then we caught the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica where we had to switch to another train. This train took us to Bay Shore where we then caught a taxi service to the ferry. And lastly the 20 minute ferry ride to Fire Island... it was quite the trip! Fire Island has no cars - you walk or ride your bike. Also there is no eating or drinking on the beach (except water)... it keeps the beach areas clean and pristine.







The ferry was extremely crowded!



Ocean Beach is this cute, quaint beach town. The main square area had the typical restaurants, beach stores, etc. It really was very nice. We had a about a 5-10 minute walk to the beach. We passed a lot of small houses with a very topical feel to them. Nick and I talked about looking into renting a house and getting a group of friends to go.



The Atlantic!

The beach was crowded but not overly crowded. We found a nice spot and proceeded to relax. It was hot but we didn't have the humidity we had been experiencing the last few days. And there was a nice breeze coming off the Atlantic. As we lay there I tried to remember the last time we were at the beach... I couldn't. It's been a long time. I missed it... the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Priceless.





We ate lunch at a little cafe in town for a break from the sun. And of course we had to get some ice cream for dessert. We stayed at the beach for another hour or so but then decided we had enough. I'm not one for just laying out in the sun and Nick's skin can't take too much either. Next time we will bring an umbrella so we can have some shade.


Those people were smart - umbrella!


Our first beach day!

So began our transportation journey back to the city. It didn't take too long to get back to the city. Fire Island is a great day trip. It's definitely something we will be doing again!

Goodbye Coppell

July 24, 2012 marked the day my family said goodbye to Coppell. It's a sad day for me.

I grew up in Coppell or what my friends and I like to call "the bubble." Because that's what it was... a bubble. My parents and I moved to Coppell when I was 5 years old. It's a great community 20 minutes outside of downtown Dallas. It's home and will always be home to me.

It holds so many memories for me. Here's a few off the top of my head:

• Starting kindergarten at Lee Elementary. It's where I met my first friend, Lauren Johnson, and I am happy to say we are still friends 23 years later. I think... and I'm sure Lauren can correct we if I'm wrong but we met over chocolate chip cookies. Cookies! 

•  Performing a dance with three other friends (I believe Lauren and Lauren were both part of it) at our second grade talent show. Not sure how that happened since I was pretty shy. I must have been conveniced somehow... 

•  Saturday mornings with my mom. We would get donuts at Donut Palace (Best.Donuts.Ever.) and then drive to the Galleria for my ice skating lessons. 

•  Moving right before fifth grade started. Hello, Mockingbird Elementary. I was not happy about moving in my last year of elementary school. I thought life was so hard back then...

•  My first crush was in 5th grade... I thought he was the coolest thing ever! I think he even gave me my first kiss on the cheek.  

•  The joys of middle school. Thinking we were so cool back then. Ha! My introduction into school sports. I didn't really play before middle school. I did more of the ice skating and horse back riding. But, once I hit 7th grade I was in love with the athletics program. Volleyball, basketball, track... loved it all! 

•  Girl time and lots of sleep overs! I was thankful my parents were willing to let me invite friends over for some fun!

•  Girl Scouts... same troop from daisies to seniors. I remember once we hit middle school/high school a lot of us were embarrassed to still be in Girl Scouts. But I'm so proud of it now. It taught me a lot and we had great leaders. Also, we received the Gold Award which is the highest honor you can receive in Girl Scouts.  

•  High School! Oh the joys and drama of high school. It was some of the best four years of my life. I know a lot of people say high school was the worst period of their life. But it wasn't for me. I'm not sure if it was our class, my friends, or my involvement but I loved it. Don't get me wrong... there was the normal high school drama but I had a great time.

•  Sports and more sports! Volleyball, basketball, track, and one year of softball (not my decision). Games during the week and tournaments on Saturdays. Tearing my ACL in the middle of the Southlake basketball  game... which hurt like hell. I remember seeing my dad jumping over the stands and running to the court. 

•  Turning 16 and getting my license. My dad had always said I would get a "reasonable and safe car" but he knew how much I wanted a sports car. And sure enough I got one. A 1995 Black Mustang. I was in love. I went out to Olive Garden with my parents and two friends, Lauren and Lauren. Afterwards us girls (I was the first one to get my license) went to the movies. I was so excited about being able to drive. Halfway through the drive cars kept flashing their lights at me. I couldn't figure out why but soon realized I was driving without my lights on!

•  Having to call my dad at midnight because I had two flat tires. How did I get two flat tires on the same side? I was messing with the radio and hit the curb. I told my dad I swerved to miss hitting a dog. I'm pretty sure he didn't buy it but he didn't say anything.

•  7-11... the hangout in Coppell (during my time... I'm sure that's changed now).

•  Evan being born. I was an only child until I was 16 and then poof... another sibling. It was quite the change but as soon as he was born I was in love. I loved babysitting him... my parents friends and my friends just loved him. He was a huge hit at school functions!

•  Meeting the love of my life. Nick and I met junior year of high school and started dating right before senior year. Not many people are fortunate to meet "the one" at such a young age. I am so lucky to have seen him grow from a boy into the driven, caring, intelligent man he is today. We've grown so much together and I can't ever imagine my life without him.

•  Senior overalls... making them at Lauren's house with Melissa. That was a lot of fun! Oh and mums!!

•  Football games! You can't live in Texas without loving football games. I was there every Friday night cheering on the Coppell Cowboys.

•  Wash your car Sundays... not sure how this even came about but every Sunday I would meet with Lauren and Melissa and we would wash our cars at the local car wash.

•  Weekends at the lake and on the boat!

•  Holidays... Christmas is my favorite holiday. Helping my mom and dad decorate the outside/inside. I loved every minute of it. Still do.

That's a very short list. There are many more. It's hard to believe my parents and Evan are no longer there. It's not going to be the quite the same. No familiar drive down Bethel School Road to the house. Our 10 year reunion is coming up this September and it's going to be great to see everyone but also bittersweet because it's no longer where my family is

Coppell will always be home and I cherish the childhood I had there. 

Friends Visit NYC

Last weekend we had some friends, Kari Jo and Rick, who flew in from Dallas. It was so great to see them. We hadn't seen them in a couple of years. Kari Jo and I went through the trials of nursing school together so it was great to catch up. They just had a beautiful baby boy about 6 months ago and this was their first time out as a "couple."

We met them for dinner on Friday night. Nick and I decided to take them into West Village. It really is the place to go for all the exciment and vibrancy of New York City. It's such a fun area.

We had dinner at a tapas bar called Las Ramblas. It is this small... maybe 10 table restaurant right in the center of West Village. It actually worked out because they were doing a lot of specials since it was Running of The Bulls in Spain.

It was Nick and mines first visit as well and it turned out amazing! We loved all of the food and the sangria was some of the best I've ever had. We couldn't have asked for a better dinner expereince.

Afterwards we headed to one of our favorite Italian gelato places around the corner. Nick and I really can't get enough of this gelato! It's delicious!



It was so great to see them and catch up! I love when friends come to visit!!

Random Things

I've been a little neglectful with our lovely blog.... forgive me.

Here are some random things that have taken place over the last couple of weeks.

1) A couple of weeks ago we headed over to Mike and Jenienne's for some fajitas and the European soccer match. It's always a fun time over there. And, never forget the large amounts of alcohol consumed. Mike yelling, "One more shot!" It was during this that Nick has now become "Mr. Nick Wells." Don't ask me how it got started but it stuck the whole night. It was funny.




2) While walking home from work one day I decided to divert from my normal route of walking down Madison. Because of this I was greeted with one of the most crazy things I've seen since moving to the city. What you ask would be so crazy? Oh, just a woman, my age, walking down the street completely topless. No bra... no shirt... nothing! She only had jeans and flip flops on. I couldn't figure it out. Was she actually certifiably crazy? Did she lose a bet? What? All I know she created quite the spectacle along third avenue. Only in NYC!

3) I met Nick for dinner one Friday night after work. It's become our routine since we don't see much of each other during the week. I found this place down in West Village close to the Hudson called Malatesta Trattria... traditional Italian food. Yes, please. It was this really cute indoor/outdoor restaurant. The food was really tasty and we had a great time just catching up.




Bruschetta!



4) We relaxed along the Hudson one night... it was hot. New York has been in the midst of a heat wave. Now, I am from Texas... I can handle the heat. But the humidity not sure much. It's just so oppressive... it's awful. I much prefer the dry heat of Texas.



New Jersey in the background



Lower downtown Manhattan

5) Fourth of July! Another hot one too. I have to say I am not a fan of the 4th being on a Wednesday. It threw my whole week off... who wants to go back to work after celebrating the 4th? Not me.

Nick and I spent the day relaxing. We thought about going to the beach but we knew it would be really crowded. I much prefer our first trip to the beach to be a little more calm. We had brunch at Alice's Tea Cup... think Alice in Wonderland attire/decor. The brunch was delicious. I had the smoked salmon over a scone... poached eggs, buttermilk scone with hollandaise sauce. Nick had the traditional eggs benedict.





We ordered some cake to-go and headed to the park to relax. It was a little warm but we found a nice, quiet spot under a tree. It was peaceful!



Later in the night we cooked some shrimp quesidallas and watched the fireworks on TV. I know... I know... we live in New York City and we don't get out to see the fireworks. 1) I repeat... it was a Wednesday and we had work the next day 2) it's crowded... and I mean painfully crowded 3) it's just as nice on TV! I did some research and in 2014 the 4th of July is on a Friday. If we are still here that year we will be sure to attend!

Cooperstown, NY

Last weekend Nick and I took a drive upstate to Cooperstown, NY. My parents and Evan were there for Evan's week long baseball tournament.

When we originally talked about this trip we discussed renting the "cheapest" rental car we could find. I had been hearing constantly for the last couple of weeks how we needed to maintain a budget and start saving more. Nick kept reminding me of our London trip, loans to pay off for graduate school, and just overall saving now that we had two incomes again. So when it came time to rent I received a quote for a relatively inexpensive Camry.

So, how did we end up with a 2012 GT Mustang? Nick booked the car. Now, I am not complaining but I did inform Nick the next time I wanted to spend money on a purse, clothes, or whatever it may be I will be reminding him of this choice.

We left early Saturday morning in our sleek, blue Mustang. It.Was.Awesome. I loved that car and Nick had a awesome time driving. Especially when our drive took us on the back roads of upstate New York... 50mph around narrow country roads. He was in heaven for three hours!


Our beautiful and fast rental car!

Cooperstown, NY is nestled in the hills of upstate New York. It is absolutely gorgeous. I can't tell you how nice it was to be out of the city. Unless you have lived somewhere to similar to NYC you forget the absolute peace you feel from green trees, open spaces, and just the quiet.


It was absolutely gorgeous there. I loved how peaceful it was. 



Mom



Playing in the water!

My mom had booked Nick and I at the cutest B&B. Evan was booked all day with his baseball team so the four of us walked around the town square that held a mid-day parade and then watched a Baseball Hall of Fame game. Now, I love watching Evan play baseball. Other than that I'm not a huge fan of baseball. I find it boring.



The parents and Nick


Some Hall of Fame guy - I should know the name but like I said... not the biggest baseball fan.

Saturday afternoon the Dreams Park (where the tournament was being held) had a welcoming ceremony for the parents and players. It was the normal speeches, introductions, and parade of all the teams participating. We sat in the main stadium and it was unbelievably hot. I mean hot! I could feel my skin cooking (which is not the best thing for a dermatology nurse).

Now, I was a little taken aback by the main speech. It was made by the owner of the park. To be honest, I was slightly offended. It was too political for my taste. I mean, this is a boys baseball tournament. We don't need to hear how the "liberals" are ruining the country. Or how this is only a American baseball park and other teams can "go somewhere else." It wasn't only what he said but the tone he used as well. It definitely rubbed me the wrong way.


Skydiver with the American flag

Once the ceremony was over Nick, myself, and my parents went to dinner and then headed back to the B&B to rest for the two baseball games tomorrow.

It was great watching Evan play... I can't even begin to tell you how old I feel when I am around him. He is a young man... he has grown so much since I last saw him. He is basically as tall as I am. It feels like just yesterday I was watching him learn to walk or say his first words. As you get older you realize just how fast time goes.





 Look at him! He is getting so big!

Unfortunately they didn't win their two games (I am happy to say they have won two since Sunday). They played really well though... Evan did great on first base.





Sunday was also Father's Day so it was really nice to be able to spend it with Dad. We normally aren't home for those events so it was nice to celebrate together!



Nick and I were both really happy we were able to see my parents and see Evan play. It was a perfect setting for a baseball tournament. We enjoyed every minute of it... it just went by too fast!

Weekend Fun

Last week was Nick's first full week of work. Can you believe it? Time went by so incredibly fast.

He seems to be really enjoying the office and the team he is on. We really couldn't ask for more than that. You have to enjoy the place you go to work... you spend more time there than at home with your family.

I've had to get use to him being gone a lot more. With graduate school hours he was practically home all the time. Now he is out the door at 6:30am and home around 9:30pm every night. I miss him terribly during the week. So the weekend has now become our time to hang out.

I met him at his office on Friday night. We headed to the UWS for dinner at Wine and Roses. I had been here a while ago with Jenienne and loved it! It's such a a cute bar. Plus this wine bar has some really good food. We ordered some wine and chatted about his work week. We ordered the filet mignon flatbread pizza and the truffle mac-n-cheese. Delicious! We stopped by Coldstone on the way home for some ice cream too.



Saturday we decided to head to Brooklyn for the Williamsburg Food Market or otherwise known as "Smorgasburg." We had heard really good things about it and wanted to check it out. It did not disappoint. There were so many great food vendors there... I feel in love with this doughnut vendor. It's called Dough and I believe I have found the best doughnut ever! It was warm, fresh, and melted in my mouth. I was in doughnut heaven! Unfortunately I hate it too quick and didn't snap a picture!




Brisket!



Lobster Roll


S'more

 

We sat by the water and looked out over at the NYC skyline. It really is a beautiful sight and there isn't anywhere else like it. 

Girls Night

Last night I had a lovely girls night. I met up with Jenienne and some of her friends (Jamie, Johanna, Erin, and Andrea) at Casa Nonna in Midtown on the West side.

The restaurant had some really delicious Italian food. A glass of Chianti, fresh bread, bruschetta, ceasar salad, and tortelloni - little "hats" of ricotta cheese, tomato basil sauce, and parmesan. It was amazing. I loved every bite.



It was really nice to meet some of Jenienne's friends. We had some great conversations. Most memorable... discussing the Fifty Shades of Grey series. Gotta love Christian Grey!