Rest Day

Today, we slept in because we were tired from the New York trip. Karen, Erica's sister, provided us with a luxurious guest room. The bathroom smelled nice, the sheets were clean, and a cool breeze floated in through the open windows. Simply gorgeous! Thank you Karen and Paul! I felt like royalty.

Erica and I needed to make plans for when Emily and Hannah came to Connecticut. So, we went to a local coffee shop for about an hour, called The Daily Grind, I believe. It had just opened not too long ago and was a very cute place. It was at this coffee shop that I looked across the street and saw the red door with "USA" written over it. Hence, came the idea for the blog and its name. Yay!

The Daily Grind only stayed open until three, so Erica and I packed up and moved over to Starbucks in Vernon, CT. Erica wanted to run errands, so I sat at the Starbucks. It was a very odd Starbucks... There was a strange couple sitting next to me while I was wasting my time trying to figure out HTML. A tall, lean man in denim was talking, talking, talking, while a lady maybe his age? a little older? was nodding her head going, "I know. You told me," every once in a while.

When Erica came back, they proceeded to make conversation with us. Now, I am all for having conversations with strangers, but these people were drinking something else besides Starbucks coffee! They had to be. While the woman is telling Erica all these grand stories about Cape Cod, lean man is talking over her trying to tell us about how all his friends have died in these freak accidents. I believe one involved barbed wire? I'm not sure. I'll have to ask Erica about that one. And another story had to do with a snow mobile. Oh! I believe someone was decapitated by barbed wire or something. Ya, I know.

When we were finally able to leave that Starbucks, Erica and I sat in the car and were like, What just happened??

We left there different people, I tell you. At home, Karen and Paul were making us dinner! Dinner was great! Stuffed bell peppers. Mmmm. That night, we watched Wipe Out. Karen and Paul went to sleep after that. It was so entertaining watching Paul laugh at Wipe Out. That's what made me like the show, actually. Hearing his hearty, joyful laugh. I loved it!

And now we come to the part of the blog where Erica and I watch a movie almost every night. This night was 27 Dresses.

Then, we went to bed. It was a quiet day today... but that's alright. We need a rest day every once in a while. :)

New York - Chelsea Market

The four of us, Emily, Erica, Hannah, and I, woke up slowly today. This was a different New York today  for them than it was for me. They wanted to see some of the tourist sights and I was going to hang out with the guy, Justin, we met at Starbucks a couple of nights before.

Now, before you think I'm completely crazy, I just want to let you know we made plans to meet in a crowded, very public area. :) No Law and Order scene for me, thank you very much.

I wanted to see something different in New York that wasn't going to be a huge tourist trap. Justin suggested the Chelsea Market. We met up at a Rite Aid at the corner of a subway entrance. I thought to myself, What a weird day. I'm about to hang out with someone I don't know. We could have absolutely tons to talk about... or nothing at all. 

It wasn't a very long walk from our meeting spot to Chelsea Market. I didn't know what to expect because I had never heard of it before. Justin told me a lot of the Food Network shows were filmed on the second floor of the building. Pretty cool.

When we walked in, the building was alive, my friends. People everywhere! Groups just getting out from shows, people buying groceries, and others sight-seeing like me. :) There were pictures framed on the walls... all of the same guy--just in different outfits. Very random, but funny.

Justin took me to this bakery where he claims his favorite cookies were made. The pastries looked so pretty and they were good! Just like he said. Ha. There was a lot of pink icing going on, which I am never opposed to.

We sat at a table outside of the bakery next to this gigantic window. On the other side of the window, you could see the bakers making the dough, rolling it, kneading it... whatever they do... baking it. So cool! I loved the atmosphere! The coffee was good, also, and Justin commented on how he couldn't believe I was such a slow drinker. It's so weird. I always feel like I'm drinking fast, but the liquid just doesn't seem to go down...

While we sat and ate our cookies, Justin and I had great conversation! Most of our hanging out that day was talking at the table. We talked about pretty much everything. Passions, religion, family, food, career... Justin told me about his art, which is inspiring! He told me all about the mediums he used and how he came to his certain style. So interesting. Plus, next year, he'll have his own gallery on display, which he told me in New York basically means you're an official artist. Congrats, Justin! What an accomplishment!

Justin also shared with me the song "Allentown," which was written by Billy Joel for a movie. Allentown was Justin's hometown and he was describing to me how accurate the lyrics were to real life. I found it so fascinating. Looked up the song later and it had a good sound, as well. Go, Billy Joel! Haha.

We hung out a little bit more looking through different shops. I loved it in there. There was one store that had all this imported food from Italy. Anything you could think of! They even had bricks of chocolate. Come on, that is awesome! I was so tempted to buy one... just to have it. Justin had to leave and get ready for work so we said our goodbyes at a bookstore. Bad idea for me because I immediately went in there and discovered a book I just had to have.

I had lunch at the Chelsea Market and then took the subway back to the hotel. Erica and I decided to meet later, so I went to a Starbucks to chill. As I am reading and chillaxing, a wave of familiarity creeps up to the forefront of my mind. The tables, the chairs, the windows, the coffee bar... yes, something is quite familiar about all this--CRAP! THIS IS WHERE JUSTIN WORKS! And, he just so happens to work at 3. What time is it? 3:05! I frantically grabbed at all my belongings. Shove pen, phone, and journal in purse. Slam Bible shut. Grab coffee--stand up to leave--Oh. There he is. Oh no. Act completely natural. If he doesn't see me I can sneak out of here scot free... don't want to look like a weirdo stalker. But what if he sees me sneaking out and thinks I didn't like him? Then I'd look rude... Oh, the agony! 


I sucked it up and walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and when he saw me, he was no more surprised than he would have been if Lindsay Lohan tapped him on the shoulder and asked him on a date. Oh, crap. "Hey, Justin, just wanted to let you know, I forgot you worked here so I'm not being a creeper or anything." Oh no, this makes you look even more like a creeper! Stop talking! Goodness. More awkward conversation...me walking out the door...escaping into the rainy outdoors. Whew. That was rough. 

Now where do I go? Still about 2 1/2 hours before Erica and I meet up. Central Park. Great idea! God met me there that day. Definitely a Stones of Remembrance for me.

I also met this guy named Sunfree. He was cool. A musician. We had a brief conversation and Erica called. She was headed towards the hotel. Sunfree offered me a ride, but I gracefully declined. Erica would murder me if he didn't. ;)

Erica and I then met up and rushed to the train station. We made it just in time! The train was a lot nicer than the one we had arrived on. We sat back and caught each other up on our days...New York is a place to be remembered.

Central Park! Part Two...

So, we ate hot dogs at Central Park and commented on how there were people in their bikinis tanning on the grass... odd. Now it's time for the evening festivities. We had reservations at a restaurant called, Becco. It was to be our one expensive meal in New York. It's a must for all travelers, I believe.

Becco turned out to be quite pricey. Erica got the best deal out of the night. They served unlimited pasta at a set price. The waiters would come by every once in a while with a big bowl of steaming pasta in all its saucy goodness. She wasn't supposed to share, but each of us did sneak a little off her plate. It was delicious! That's frankly the only thing I would recommend if you decided to go there. You get the best deal and the food tastes awesome! Can't go wrong. Plus, a good glass of wine always helps.

Our waitress was a girl from Texas. It was so nice knowing she was from the home state! When the meal was over, she gave us one check which led to quite the fiasco. One of us ended up putting it on her card while the rest gave her cash.

After we stepped out of the restaurant, we sat on the neighboring steps for about twenty minutes doing the math for who owed who what. I just kept my mouth shut because I'm an English major and would cause more damage than good. They gave me some money back and I took it no questions asked. I had no idea what was going on.

Then it was time for step two of the night: Chicago on Broadway.

The theater was a cozy size and I was elated to see Chicago. It's my second favorite musical after all. Mamma Mia being my first. The set was very simple. Not too much glitz or glamour... which meant I was disappointed. My overall synopsis of the musical would be... eh. The actors just weren't passionate enough. I loved the songs, of course. However, this may slap a name tag on me that says "uncultured," but I liked the movie better. I know! I know! Say what you will... the movie was better. 

We got out kind of late and it was crazy stepping into the busy road of 49th street. Man, I love New York!

Central Park!

We woke up this morning and went to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. It is very easy to find a Dunkin Donuts over here because of the simple fact that they are everywhere. You can't really turn the corner without seeing a Starbucks, Subway, or Dunkin Donuts.

After breakfast, we made it to Central Park. It was absolutely beautiful! The trees were so green and the grass just rolled along the hills. There was a lake that led our eyes up to the Manhattan skyline.

Erica, Hannah, Emily, and I were casually walking around the park and decided we must row a canoe or pedal madly on some bikes. I was much more inclined towards the boat idea, but everyone else leaned to the bikes. I didn't really want to do it, but played along anyways. I am so glad I did!

The ride was excellent! We hopped on the cruiser bikes that were perfect for a sweet ride around Central Park. The weather was gorgeous and a nice addition to the day was the fact it was Memorial Day. All the roads in Central Park were closed to normal traffic. Pedestrians ruled the streets that day! The only obstacles we had to worry about swerving over were other bike riders and the bold runners. Also, something the bike rental people didn't tell us, was about the steep hills we'd be riding up. I tell you, I had to stand up and press on the pedals until I thought my thighs would give up. Every time a hill came, they would threaten to stop working and my calves were screaming at me about all the walking they had already done that day. I told them to shut up because I could hardly breathe and think at the same time. It was a great ride, though, and I would definitely do it again. It was cheap too! Nine dollars for an hour!

We were tired, obviously, after that and decided to go to the boat house for drinks. The line wasn't too long to get a table. Our seat wasn't right next to the water, but we did have a nice view from the porch. We just enjoyed sitting in chairs!

I hadn't eaten in a while and it was very hot, so the group decided it was time for a hot dog in Central Park. That experience is just necessary in New York. We left and found a cute little spot in the grass to lounge.

The hot dogs were, how shall I put it? Other than delicious, they were scrumptious,

pleasant-tasting,

mouthwatering,

appetizing,

tasty, flavorful, toothsome,

palatable; succulent,

luscious, delish, yummy,

finger-licking,

nummy, lip-smacking,

melt-in-your-mouth.... well, not really melt-in-your-mouth.

You get the point.

They were so good!

This day is to be continued.... because the rest is just going to come later. Lol. That's the only reason.

Rockaway Beach

I rode to New Baptist Temple on the train with Mike, the youth pastor of the church. NBT is the church of the pastor Erica and I stayed with the past few days. The church is an old one built in 1894. The outside is beautiful and the sanctuary contains a historic pipe organ. Pastor Edwin stepped into the church a few years ago and membership was lacking. He has more than doubled attendees since then. God has placed His hand on the congregation for sure. It is still a work in progress, but a great work.

Edwin's associate pastor, Gus, preached on Stones of Remembrance from Joshua 4. It took me back to the last night of the Women's Discipleship Training Program. We discussed how through our lives we have these stones of remembrance...these moments that stick out in our lives of how God was real to us and how we learned a big life lesson. One of my stones was a painting of a target. I placed the word "faith" over the target as a shield. 

This is to remind myself that it is crucial to put on the shield of faith every morning before I go about my day. There is a verse in Ephesians that explains it:

          

                 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."

It was nice to know that I can go hundreds of miles away from Texas and still receive truth and encouragement from my brothers and sisters in Christ.

After church, I went to lunch at Edwin's. A lot of the church members came. We had a potluck at their house which I found out consists largely of pizza and Dunkin Donuts. :) I didn't have a huge problem with that. By the time others brought their food, I was extremely full from the "appetizers."

I met a really cool girl named, Senanu (Sorry for the spelling! I know I butchered it).

She was Jamaican and we had a great conversation about the country. I asked her if she had seen TobyMac walking around those parts since he lives in Kingston, Jamaica sometimes. She didn't even know who he was... which made me suspicious. TobyMac is always coming out with these songs containing a Jamaican sound, marrying a girl from Jamaica, using their colors... and the people I have spoken to over there have no clue who this man is. It's a pretty small country. I'm onto you TobyMac. I think you need to prove yourself by taking me and my friends over to this supposed house of yours. You know, just to check it out... not for vacationing purposes or anything.

Anyways, Senanu and I hung out a lot that day. We went to the beach with her daughter who absolutely LOVED the water. She didn't want to leave! I had such a relaxing time there.

I met this lady named Betsy. She works for Random House Publishing in the science fiction/fantasy genre. I really enjoyed talking to her about her job and how she came about it. It was very inspiring.

After that, I said my goodbyes to everyone. I am so grateful to Edwin and his family for letting me stay with them for such an extended amount of time. God bless them!

Charles walked me to the Subway and I made it to Manhattan like a pro! Ahem, praise Jesus for that one.

I met up with Erica, Hannah, and Emily. We went to a cool, jazzy restaurant called Cleopatra's Needle. The place had a live band which sounded super classy. I was glad to be amongst friends and enjoy some good food.

After that, we went to Starbucks for a little dessert. This guy that worked there came up to our table and asked us if we wanted to hang out with him and his friend later that night. We were all so tired that we had to decline. He gave us his number and a cool flier announcing the opening of an art exhibit of his. I told him that I'd probably have some free time to hang later that week.

When we had our fill of decaf, Erica, Hannah, Emily and I headed for our hotel. It was nice to be in Manhattan. I discovered how much I love New York in Brooklyn and Manhattan this trip. I highly suggest visiting.

Bagels and the Beach!

Like the Tennessee day, Erica and I took a Far Rockaway day. We strolled down to Surfside Bagels on 97th street. The atmosphere contained the hustle of morning travel. The shop moved continuously with new patrons as Erica and I chilled at a table. It was a tiny restaurant with just enough room to cram in eight customers.

Our table was loaded down with the essentials: Bible, journal, travel journal, and cheesy, vegetably, peppery, lightly-salted omelettes. Can't get much better than that!

After the bagel stop, we hung out at the beach. It was fun walking around and shooting the breeze with our words. When the breeze had taken all it could, it was time for us to part ways. Erica waited for the Q53 and a lost feeling swept over me. It was like the feeling I had when we were lost on Rockaway and 98th Street.

I walked unassuredly to the train stop. An A-train came and I stepped on praying it was the right one. I needed to get to Jay Street and was relieved to know I was headed the right way. I met up with Sir Charles of New York, who showed me around town and then took me to Christ Tabernacle for church. Coney Island was quite alive with tourists. Very different from Far Rockaway. Advice from me to you: go to Far Rockaway for a nice beach trip. It's just as beautiful and relaxing (plus, there are way less tourists!).

Christ Tabernacle was a small church that housed many passionate members. The night I came they were playing a sermon that Tim Keller had done about the Prodigal Son and his Elder Brother. I loved it! I would like to find a church similar to this one in Texas.

I was very grateful to Charles for showing me around the city. I got to meet some cool people and walk around town. Today has been a true blessing.