New York, New York!

So I was packed and ready to go the night before. I guess when you are only packing for one its easier than packing for 3. I was still really nervous about leaving Jaxson. I have never left him more than one or 2 nights in a row. But he will have a great time! && so will I! Know whats funny? It took 4 adults to replace me while I was away. Jason, Gigi, Grandpa & Cassie!

Can't forget the laptop!

Jason was able to bring me to the airport! I was so excited and I had PLENTY of time before my flight. I booked my tickets with a budget as the main deciding factor, so a flight with a 2 hour delay in Atlanta was going to be ALL mine. & I was soo ok with sitting around not doing anything but waiting...tick tock. No toddler to chase. No extra bags to carry! Life was good.

Ew, I hate having to take off my shoes for security...

wish you were here Mom!

I have to comment on the fact that Southwest Florida International Airport is really nice. && if I were coming here for the first time I would be impressed by how clean and simple it seems. I have flown into a LOT Of airports...and this I can really say is true. Maybe because it's new it can still be nice! I had to check out my Mom's favorite store while waiting for my plane. New York trip and Brighton, she wishes she was with me!

The first flight was a breeze and I was in Atlanta before I knew it. but BRRRR! the whole terminal was an ice box. I hadn't been out of Florida 3 hours and I was freezing my buttt off. I found a sports bar where I could sit, order some lunch and relaxx. && that's exactly what I did! 

Ecco Domani: don't mind if I do!

I had 2 glasses a wine and a really BAD burger. I should have went to MOES! But the wino inside didnt allow it. After all they don't serve Ecco Domani at Moes's! Priorities People Priorities!

I found this cool store where everything was $10! (guess that's the new $1 these days) and I actually bought a blanket! I figured there was NO WAY! I could be comfortable for another hour there.. it was  freeeeeeeezzzzing. I was excited to get this thing out of its bag and onto my goosebumps! I found the gate and sat down. People watching is so much fun at the airport! My friend Michelle said something funny, "traveling is so confusing to some.." LOL. Ain't that the truth. But luckily not for me! I love to travel and visit new places! 

the Book is Re-Made in the USA

One of the things I find myself watching and paying closer attention to, is military men and women. Im always wondering all sorts of things about them, where they are going or coming from? What they have seen? Do they know how much support they have?  I could go on and on. I just so happen to sit by a military man chatting it up w a young man. I found there interaction to be sooo intriguing. I wish I could hear what they were saying. I could see that they seemed to be sharing books they are reading with each other. It was a really cool moment to me, and I wanted to get it on camera.

I arrived in New York on time! I flew into LaGuardia and as soon as possible  I quickly headed off to baggage claim. 

Huh? This place is confusing && GROSS! yuck. Smelliest airport in the world! I was ready to get my bag and get the HECK out of here. They had 5 flights coming on to one belt, && no one around me was on my flight, I was beginning to think I wasn't it the right place. After asking I was assured, this is the one! It was very nerve wracking as I watched the bags go by over and over, none of them were mine...and slowly the selection of bags diminishes.....leaving just a few stragglers. Which a airline lady quickly grabbed up and took off on a cart, WAIT!! this cant be all the bags? My bag was NOT here.
panic. sets. in.
I call out to the lady,"excuse me. Where would my bag be?" She asks, "what airline."  "Airtrain", I replied.
She looks at me says "not my airline" and pushes the cart off and leaves.
Nice. Welcome to New York....
Panic is to say it mildly, I have never had this happen before. I knew I should have gotten a direct flight!! I asked another worker. I was pointed in the direction of lost luggage...please please please be there!
RELIEF! I am not even half way in the room and I can see my cute little green RUFFIN tag...Apparently while I was sipping on Pinot, my luggage was arriving in New York.

I've always LOVED seeing my name in print!

The car service car came and the ride was quick. It seemed so weird to be in the city alone, but it was nice at the same time.

Almost can see the Manhattan skyline

It was awesome to see how my brother Eddie was able to make my grandma's apartment finally his own. She passed in February and he is taking over the lease. The apartment looks great with the changes he has be able to make. Im so happy for him. We ordered Chinese and talked til midnight. It was nice to catch up with him!
Loving my trip so far!!

UPDATE!!!

With how far behind my trip got me with daycare and life in general, it took me forever to find the time to sit down and talk about my trip. I am super bummed I didn't get my blogging done right after I got home, but after the trip home that took over 24hours...I didn't have the energy!

My Trip sans the departure home was AMAZING!! I loved sleeping in. It was really nice to not have to worry about getting things done or arranged around any kind of nap or sleep schedule.

FRIDAY

Union Square

My first full day in the city there was one main mission I needed to be on...FIND SHOES FOR WEDDING! I had the perfect dress. Black. Pretty, but simple. So rocking shoes was the goal. Eddie knew there was a DSW at Union Square so even know it was almost lunch by the time we got moving...we headed there!! Oh man do I love the city! But I love to VISIT the city I decided years ago that I couldn't see myself living there again. Once upon a time as a famous actress...maybe. As wife & mom, No thank you. I am wayy too much a Florida girl!!

Found the Shoes!

Later that day I went to get a mani/pedi w. with Falon. I have known Fal since I was about 3 years old. We grew up in the same neighborhood, Stuyvesant Town (where I was visiting) and went to preschool together.

You can always know a REAL friend; when you don't see each other often but when you are together its like you just saw each other yesterday! When we were done we met up w Eddie to go to dinner at Hane, a really yummy Sushi place in Stuyvesant Town.

it was soo dark but it was the only pic I took!!

SATURDAY: Brynn's Wedding Day!

I had some time to kill before my hair appointment. So Eddie and I decided to get some food and walk down by the village. I really love this part of town, it really makes me feel like good!! 

We past a flea market and we just HAD to go in and check it out. There was such a eclectic arrangement of items and people.  

LET THE STRESS && PANIC BEGIN. 

While out shopping and killing time before the hair appointment our meeting/leaving time was pushed forward almost 45 minutes which in girl time might as well be a week! The stylist doing my hair took  forever (unaware of my dilemma) on the person before me and ran 15 into my depleting getting ready time. I literally had to run from the salon to the apartment jump into my dress and run back out the door. I was a sweaty mess by the time I got into the car service. But we made it JUST in time!!  :)

Brynn & Stephen Maxwell

Brynn w/ her daddy!