Chicken Joe's

We love weekends!

6:20 AM

I don't get to see as much of Taylor as I used to. After we graduated, we were spoiled by spending almost all day, every single day together. We were apart for very few things (like when he went golfing haha). We love to doing everything we can together so this whole schedule with intense, long hours is not my favorite. And yet, I will cope. Because I have no choice. :) 

But weekends are a whole other story!

The US courthouse

Right behind City Hall

I scarfed before I had the state of mind to snap a picture of my delightful crepe from a stand that sits directly across the street from City Hall. I loooove savory crepes. This is chicken pesto. The best kind.  

Taylor's was similar to mine. Tasty and filling. Favorite kind of breakfast. Does anyone else still feel kind of hungry after cereal, or is it just me?

The boys requested a Yankee game. It was a good one. Hotter than Hades but great. 

It's a magnificent stadium. Played the Toronto Bue Jays. 

The fam. Plus friend Ben. 

I didn't want peanut or crackerjacks but the popcorn was pretty stinking perfect. 

We walked up to the Chelsea Pier for some bowling. Had we known about the strict dress code, we would have spiffed up. An employee came over and asked those wearing hats to remove them as they are not permitted after 9:00pm. I wish they had standards like that in their bathrooms which were atrocious. 

We had to visit friends in New Canaan! And when in New Canaan, one must eat at Chicken Joe's. I'll let you in on a secret, I like it better than Chick-fil-A....*gasp!* 

It feels like home...

We walked around the outside of the Larson's former residence. It was my first time seeing it in person. These guys were reminiscing about their many happy years here. 

It might be creepy but we knew no one was around :)

A beautiful home
We had dinner with lovely friends. Sad I didn't get a picture of all of them. However, can we all just take a second and applaud dear friend Amy Anger for her masterpiece work with this triplet high chair? She had a need and she made it happen with her own two hands. Color me impressed!

We drove past the Little Red Schoolhouse. A darling historic site in New Canaan. What a wonderful day. 

Bruce had that meeting so we got to hang out. Little did they know that when they ask for crepes, they're in for a whole day full of Suzette's. When this place popped up on yelp, of course we had to go!

Just in case you're in downtown NYC sometime and want to check out my name sake haha

I don't remember what number this is on the menu but I went with a sweet one this time. Greek yogurt, strawberries and bananas. They were out of the kiwi that are also supposed to be included. 

Another thing the boys wanted to go do. (After Canal st and Chinatown, of course) I think it's totally worth it. I haven't been up to the Empire State Building but the Rock is more economical and is a great time. 


See the Empire State Building over there? I bet you don't get the spectacular view of Central Park (below) from there that you do from the Top of the Rock. 

See what I mean?

He likes me. I think...

We did some more strolling. Went to see what we could see in Times Square and headed back to the hotel. Dinner at PJ Clarkes was....ok. The lobster macaroni and cheese could have been better but the server messed up my order thinking I didn't want the jalapeños (like Peter had asked for) and gave me a version with peas. I thoroughly dislike peas. Blech. 

I love living near water. Docks like this remind me of Juneau, Alaska and I feel right at home. 

A lovely sunset over the New Jerey skyline. The tallest building on the left was where Taylor was still in training while we walked along the Hudson up to our next activity. He goes to the Jersey City GS office every day for training. 
 
It's just too beautiful to not post. 

I love all these parks. 

Mini golf. No matter how good a golfer you might be, ANYONE has a chance on a mini golf course. Ask Jake how he felt that I beat him. That's all that matters. 

It was a glorious 'long weekend'. What a blast from Friday to Monday. 

exploring Manhattan

New York, New York

4:01 PM

We're here. It's finally happening. We've been talking about it and planning for months and now it's here. This is real life.

We just completed Week One of GS training. I don't know what life would have been like if I had stayed behind in Utah like we thought I might. I miss Taylor while he's at work enough already that I don't think we could be alright hundreds of miles away from each other. 

Training is long and requires homework after hours of lecture. It's a lot like being back in school! 
We have been figuring out how to open a UK bank account without being present in the UK. It is very difficult (nearly impossible) but we're almost done and home free! Through an agent in the UK at CitiBank and Citi At Work, we have filed the application and paperwork necessary to activate an account. Though it was difficult and time-consuming, it's worthwhile so that we can get paid before September, ya know? Almost done with that!
The view of Manhattan from our balcony

Same spot on our balcony but over the Hudson River.   
The Hudson always reminds me of this movie moment (s/o to my fellow 'You've Got Mail' lovers). 
So...this is what I've been doing all week! 

World Trade Center tower (Freedom Tower)

Washington Square Park and Arch=prime people watching area

 I have been walking around so much that I thought my feet were going to fall off before the weekend. There is so much to see and so little time! There are recommendations galore and while I wish to see them all, I just had to start somewhere.

I hadn't ridden a subway 'on my own' since I served as a missionary in the heart of the capital of Buenos Aires. New York's subway system makes Argentina's look like child's play. So the first time I got on the subway in NYC I accidentally jumped on an express train and ended up somewhere in Brooklyn. Luckily I found some nice people to redirect me but that could have been disastrous. 

I found what I was looking for at TKTS in South Seaport. Discount broadway tickets! (Go here for everything EXCEPT: Wicked, The Lion King, Book of Mormon the Musical and Aladdin) You can get 40-50% discounts on same-day tickets and some matinee shows the following day. The South Seaport office opens at 11. I went with BIL (brother in law) Nick when he came to visit. We got there at 10am and could have been first in line but we sat and ate some breakfast and stood behind two groups at about 15 after. We got three tickets together to Les Miserables! Beautiful show! 

Dreams do come true. Saw the restaurant version on Guy's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and made a goal to try it. The restaurant is way out in Queens but this stand was on my way home one day! Woot!

Two tacos: one Nopalitos (cactus, but don't knock it before you try it. It's probably my favorite thing), one carne al pastor. AMAZING! The corn tortilla are super fresh and everything was delicious. The horchata is legit. 

Once upon a time, there was a flash flood warning and I took this video during the storm. You can click on the link and check it out if you follow me on Instagram. I couldn't figure out how to upload it here, sorry! 

It was just coming down.

But, my goodness, it was beautiful after the rain.
Dinner at El Vez night #2 with the great Bruce Larson. Pretty fantastic tacos! Dinner #1 with Bruce we went to The Palm and had the best chicken parmesan I've ever had. I ate it too quickly to snap a picture ;) 

I wouldn't mind living in a neighborhood like this! 

Dear Ashley sent me to her favorite spots from a food tour that she did when she was here herself not too long ago. Number one: Joe's Famous Pizza. THANK YOU! It was perfect, cheap and fast. Deliciously met expectations!
L O V E

Number two from Ashley: cute little place called Home Restaurant. I must have missed the real lunch rush because I was there completely by myself. I sat in the garden area and it was dreamy.

Amazing artisan bread from local Hudson Bread, fresh lemonade sweetened with agave and the most amazing Mac and Cheese that has ever passed my lips. I'm a pasta and cheese lover. I could probably eat it every day so this was the perfect lunch!

A close up. Just in case you weren't drooling enough. 

This was the first time I had ever tried macaroons in my whole life. Verdict: I LOVE them. Chocolate and raspberry from Sugar and Plumm, at least. I have heard that they can be bad if they aren't made well so I'm glad my first experience was a great one!
When on the east coast, one must eat bagels and pizza. Every day.
Not many people are going to appreciate this but this kalamata olive schmear was perfection on a non-toasted, hand-rolled bagel from Leo's.
Nick came to visit for a few days! We met Taylor for lunch in the plaza just north of One World Trade Center. These guys kill me. 
Nick and I walked over to see the 9/11 Memorial. It's beautiful. We stood in awe and looked over the names that line each side. Walking around invoked many memories of that fateful day. We plan on going to the newly-opened museum one of these evenings that Taylor doesn't have to work too late!
Once upon a time, I had to go to Jersey City to meet Taylor and copy and sign documents for the bank account we are setting up in the UK. I took the PATH train and thought I was going to fall over and tumble down the escalator. The lights, tunnel and angle of the escalator made me so dizzy that I had to stare at my feet on the stair.
Downtown NYC from the Jersey City side of the Hudson. It's a beautiful sight!

Thursday night we went to Les Mis! We got one of the understudy Jean Valjean's but he was still spectacular! I wonder what the normal guys is like... 

Like I said, eat lots of bagels. This was a lucky morning that I got to go out with Taylor (again, to print and make copies for this bank account dealio)

Nick and I did the tourist thing and got on the Statue Cruises to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. She's a pretty lady! #freedom

Audio Tour was included in the ferry price. Not too bad, educational but we just had to laugh about a lot of it.

Downtown NYC from the ferry. I just don't get sick of that view!

Ok, I don't know this kid's name but he is hilarious. He and his family were in line in front of us as we were waiting to get on the ferry back to Battery Park. He was obsessed with the Statue so as soon as he got the foam crown on his head, he raised his arms to mimic Lady Liberty and BOOM! He was a statue and he couldn't move on his own. His father had to walk back and pick him. That is until his mother bought ice cream and he took a quick acting break. I was dying laughing. 

A Yankee game with lots of friends! Glad to say that I got to see Jeter play at home in his final season! 

 The rest of the weekend will be in the next post. Don't want to overload you all! Thanks for keeping up with us and our goings-on. We have three more weeks here. Taylor has tests for work so we are full speed ahead. 

 T-minus 2 weeks for my sister's wedding and until we get to meet our nephew! 

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