Current Obsessions - Special NEW YORK Edition '11

This month was I took a very special, long awaited trip to NEW YORK! So its only right that I have a special edition of Current Obsessions. Check out the high lights from my trip!
1. Waking Up in NY

My first morning in New York, I sat down in a cute little house, and had this breakfast. :) It made me feel like it was all really happening and things were just bright and full of promise! Seeing the New York Times on the breakfast table was a big turning point where I was like, "Oh my God... I'm really here!" Such a cool feeling!


2. Ground Zero

My first night we went to Ground Zero. Unfortunately we missed our reservation so I wasn't able to go inside to see the memorial, but we walked around and I got to peek through the construction walls and see the hole where the towers used to stand. It was such an overwhelming feeling walking around that part of the city. At one point I saw a bit of white paper being carried through the air by the wind, and my mind thought about all the ash that must have flown through that air ten years ago.. It was a very humbling experience. May we NEVER forget.


3. Times Square

Times Square was when it finally, full on hit me, 'I'm in New York City!' We parked on a side street and walked towards everything and as I turned the corner, there it all was! I was so overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for being able to be there that I started crying. It was so amazing to be in a place that I have wanted to go to for so long, but have only seen in movies and pictures! The energy was so alive and more than I expected! It was a rush and I could have sat there on those red steps for days just watching and soaking it all in!


4. Black&White

My friend Casey had told me about the infamous black & white cookie. So before we got in line for tickets to SNL (which we didn't end up scoring by the way), I stopped at a little food mart on the side street and saw that they had these cookies! I was excited to try one! And boy, they sure did not disappoint! So yummy! I may have to go back to NYC specifically to get another one!


5. Carlo's Bake Shop

After sleeping in our car for two hours, we decided to drive to Jersey at 6 AM in order to be there by the time Carlo's Bakery opened! If you don't know, Carlo's Bakery is known for their TV show called 'Cake Boss' with Buddy!! We were so excited to go there and purchase a cup cake! And even though we got there right when they opened, we still waited half an hour before we were able to make our purchase! Just shows how delicious and popular they are! It was a fun little side trip!


6. Ellis Island

Ellis Island was a very cool stop on my tour of New York. The history was almost haunting and it was so cool to think of how many people had made there way through there. We spent hours walking through and just looking at everything! I could have spend days reading all there was to read and learn about! I'll definitely have to go back when I can spend more time there!


7. Lady Liberty

This picture shows the few moments when I first saw the Statue of Liberty's face. I didn't look at her face while riding on the ferry towards the island. And standing there looking up at this iconic figure was so very overwhelming. Again, something I've wanted to see for a very long time, was finally right in front of me. It was another humbling experience during that trip. So amazing to actually be standing there looking up at history.


8. RENT

Probably my absolute FAVORITE experience of my trip was being able to see my favorite musical 'Rent'!!! The musical itself is so good, but being able to see it IN New York, took it to a whole other level! I felt sooooo thankful for the opportunity to be there and I think while I sat watching the show was when I realized how rare of an opportunity I was experiencing! Did I mention we had front row seats?! Absolutely amazing!


9. Fuerza Bruta

This show was something I really didn't know anything about, but my friend Casey had raved about it for months and months after seeing it and insisted I check it out! At first I was so confused, but after a while, I just let go, stopped trying to analyze everything and enjoyed the performance. I still can't really tell you what it was about exactly, but I know it was way cool! I think its kind of up to your own interpretation of what you want it to mean. So if you are in NYC, definitely check out this show! Its so different and exciting and opens your mind up to creativity while you figure out what it means to you!


10. Ripley's Believe it or Not!

My last night in NYC, we went back to Times Square, and we ran into Ripley's. I had never been to one, so I thought might as well check it out! It was shocking, horrifying, and fun all at the same time! I learned a lot of random facts and had a great time taking pictures! It all was very interesting!


11. Jenelle

The best part of New York, was being able to experience it all with my best friend. I was so happy to be able to go and visit Jenelle and even more thankful for her flying me out there. It was a trip of a lifetime and I will never forget it! Thank you for everything Jenelle! I love you!

So for now, NYC, I will bid adieu... and will dream of the time when we will meet again!

New York, New York