"Hot child in the city!"

Last weekend I was lucky enough to visit a bunch of my good friends in The Big Apple. When I returned from Alaska, I got bumped which left a free plane ticket in my hot little hands. Since it expires, I had to use it soon. I tried to visit NYC for the SATC premiere, but free tickets were not redeemable. I fly in on Friday and made my way to Mandy and Stephane's new apartment. We met Sara for manicures and shopped a bit at Ricky's. For dinner, we went next door to Pinch n S'mac. I wish there was a Lansing location! You can get homemade-to-order mac n cheese in a cast iron skillet or hand tossed pizza. Plus the brownies are fabulous!

After dinner, we met up with Christian, Leigh, Erin, Steph, and Kate at The Delancey in LES (lower east side for those not from the city). There was a jungle-licious rooftop deck and a cool breeze. Unfortunately the deck closed at 9:30pm, so we walked over to the Magician. More cocktails were consumed and everyone had a good time. Urby even made an appearance! We called or texted Pier too. It was so good to catch up with old friends.

The next day, I met Mandy, Christian, and Leigh at the New York Aquarium on Coney Island. An MSU alum is a marine mammal trainer there. We caught the sea lion show and Nick took us behind the scenes. Each of us were kissed by a sea lion!

Saturday was also the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island. It was crazy! Erin somehow found us. We stayed for about half the parade. These 2 old tall guys were standing in the front, so my photos are kinda crappy. On the way back to the subway, Erin and I rode the Polar Express. Why might you ask? They were BLARING hip hop and had a dj. And yes, Tupac and Biggie were spray painted on the ride. Luckily, the guys working the ride recommended that Erin sit on the outside of the seat. So I crushed her. It was awesome! We also tried out our basketball skills (we were terrible) and skeeball (only 13 tickets between the 2 of us, so we gave them to a little kid).

Saturday night, Erin and I saw one of the final performances of "Cry Baby." It was great! I don't understand why it is closing. Steph met us in Time Square after the show and we headed to the Village Lantern for a comedy show. Erin knows Colin Kane. It was a pretty funny with 5 comedians performing. Afterward, Steph, Erin, and I hit the dance floor upstairs. As you know, I am a dancing fool! We danced til 3am. By the time Erin and I got back to Astoria and had a snack, the sun was rising. It was one of the best nights I have had in a long time.

Sunday morning I was supposed to meet Mandy and Stephane at the MET for the super hero costume exhibit. However, I needed to catch up on my sleep. Instead, we met them, along with Steph, Christian, and Leigh at Nevada Smith's for the Spain vs Italy Euro Cup match. Although I was routing for Italy (my people), Spain's win didn't upset me too much. Have you seen Spain's goalie??

Sara and Heather came to the bar late and it was packed. They were nice enough to hang out in Union Square during the 2nd half, overtime, and penalty kicks. I love those girls! Erin, Christian, Leigh, and I met than at Rickshaw's Dumpling Bar. A Penfield alumni is part owner. Christian describes it as "the Chipotle of dumplings." Another new eatery I would love to see in Michigan.

Erin and I headed home after that to pack and relax. I got car service at 4:15am the next morning and was back in Lansing by 2:30pm.

Monday night I was exhausted, but the trip was well worth it. I am very lucky to have the friends I do. It amazed Erin, Steph, and I that we hadn't seen each other since Kate's wedding 2 years ago. Hopefully, I will see them again soon (Big Ten football game perhaps?).

I will post photos in another, well, post.