This is truly my favorite time of year in New York City. Nights are cool and we are sleeping with out windows open every night. Sweaters are coming out of the closet, and though the leaves aren't changing in the city quite yet, you can just tell that at any moment they are going to shift from green to gold. The apples in the market are fantastic, and all the candles in our house smell like cinnamon. It is an amazing time to be in the city.
Kevin is back in his normal grad school classes after a summer full of intensives. He's taking highly fascinating classes...Global Economics and Technology Innovation and New Product Development. I can barely type it without yawning. But he's enjoying it, which is what matters. I am going to auditions several times a week, which remains a simultaneously interesting and frustrating experience. Let's just say the Lord is using this experience to teach me more lessons then I have time to talk about here...not the least of which is patience. For instance, yesterday I auditioned to be a singing Christmas Tree at Macy's during the holidays this year, which was fun. Today, on the other hand, I arrived at 8:30 a.m. to sign-up for an audition, only to find out that all of the 5 minute time slots from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. were filled, and I was number 100 on the alternate list. Needless to say, I didn't stick around. Oh well, I just keep pounding the pavement, pouring myself out in 16 bar increments, and trusting in God's perfect plan.
Anyway, thought I'd throw out a quick update since it had been awhile. I hope this finds everyone well, and I hope you're feeling autumn in the air where you are, too!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Big 3-0!
Last Thursday, August 3rd, was my 30th birthday. Quite a milestone, and one I was frankly looking forward to. It feels like an accomplishment. So here's the rundown on my birthday festivities. As you may or may not know, Kevin is in grad school, and attending classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Because of the intense summer schedule, they are not really allowed to miss class sessions. So I have known for months that Kev had class on the night of my 30th birthday, and I was going to have to come up with alternate plans. I emailed a couple of my girlfriends here in the city -- Dana and Laura -- and said I wanted to get a Girls' Night Out planned for my b'day. Dana and Laura jumped on the idea and immediately took over the planning, effectively leaving me in the dark.
I woke up on Thursday morning to 30 roses from my husband, delivered and arranged by the Flower Fairy (Dana from across the street). I also received a birthday present...tickets to see Wicked in London in November! And not only that, Idina Menzel will reprising her Tony award winning role of Elphaba. This may not mean much to you...but this is HUGE for me!!!!! I simply could not believe it. Kev treated me to an early morning breakfast at the diner around the corner from our place before he had to head into work.
I had a relaxing morning at home, and then headed to an audition at noon. I spent an afternoon in a small holding room waiting to sing 8 measly bars...ridiculous. But I got through it, and was free to spend a few hours at home before the girls came over. Kevin called me a little before 6:00 p.m. to say Happy Birthday as he was headed into class. Dana and Laura arrived about 6:00 p.m. and we opened a celebratory bottle of champagne to kick off the evening. Dana had provided both a crown and a purple leopard print party hat that said "All Hail the Birthday Princess"...and they were insistent that we take them with us for the evening.
As we were getting ready to take off at 6:30 p.m. my phone rang...Kevin? He said, "Hey, I just snuck out of class to call and tell you that you need to go downstairs...there's something waiting for you. Have a great night...I love you." And hung up. What? So the three of us head downstairs to find a black stretch limo parked outside our building. The driver was standing by the back door and as I walked out he says, "Are you Tracey?" Uh...yes. "This is for you." As we walked up to the limo the driver opened the back door and all these people yell "SURPRISE!!!!" Out jumps Kevin, and a whole group of friends -- Hicks, Dana's husband, as well as Brian & Jen Henson. Needless to say, I was absolutely speechless!!!! Kevin had sneakily gone to class the night before...same class, but a different session. He'd clearly been planning this for months. Well, over the next two hours we picked up Laura's husband Matt and my dear friend and Kevin's cousin Carrie. By the time we made it to dinner there were 9 of us! {Carrie's husband Tom selflessly stayed home with the three kids! :) }
After cruising around New York for 2 hours the limo dropped us off at the W Hotel in Midtown for dinner at a restaurant called Heartbeat. We had a fantastic dinner, topped off with white chocolate cheesecake for dessert...complete with 3-0 candles...not actually 30 candles, but the numbers 3 and 0. :) I blew out the candles, we ordered coffee, and then Kevin hands me another envelope. Inside is a note that says, "Having fun yet? Why stop here? This turning 30 thing only happens once. Party continues upstairs!" And with it is a room key! So all 9 of us head up to the top floor -- 18th floor -- to room 1805...the corner suite. This room had a terrace that was bigger then our entire apartment (I know, I know...if you've seen our place you know that's not saying much!). We cranked up the music and hung out on the terrace for the rest of the evening. Kevin gave me another envelope...a massage scheduled for the next morning at the Bliss spa at the hotel. Are you kidding me?!?
Everyone finally left around midnight, and Kev and I crashed. But not before opening one final present. When we were on our honeymoon we bought a black pearl with the intention of having it set in some piece of jewelry. Kevin had sent it to our jeweler in Texas and had him set it as a drop on a necklace. I was so stunned...it is gorgeous!
We stayed the night at the W, I had my massage the next morning, and we vegged all day Friday (Kevin's birthday) at the hotel...we didn't check out until 4:00 p.m.!! Absolute heaven!
To make the whole thing funny, I had been planning a low-key surprise party for Kevin on Friday not, clearly having no idea of what he had put together for Thursday. I told him we had a dinner reservation, but I had invited all the same people over for a game night. I had to do a little scrambling on Friday, but at 7:30 p.m. Friday night everyone showed up at our apartment, much to Kevin's shock! It was such a lazy night...we were all exhausted. We ordered pizza, all the parents brought their kids, and we just hung out in our living room. Perfect recovery!
Whew...quite a story! Here are a couple of photos from the night. It was an unbelievable, unforgettable birthday!
I woke up on Thursday morning to 30 roses from my husband, delivered and arranged by the Flower Fairy (Dana from across the street). I also received a birthday present...tickets to see Wicked in London in November! And not only that, Idina Menzel will reprising her Tony award winning role of Elphaba. This may not mean much to you...but this is HUGE for me!!!!! I simply could not believe it. Kev treated me to an early morning breakfast at the diner around the corner from our place before he had to head into work.
I had a relaxing morning at home, and then headed to an audition at noon. I spent an afternoon in a small holding room waiting to sing 8 measly bars...ridiculous. But I got through it, and was free to spend a few hours at home before the girls came over. Kevin called me a little before 6:00 p.m. to say Happy Birthday as he was headed into class. Dana and Laura arrived about 6:00 p.m. and we opened a celebratory bottle of champagne to kick off the evening. Dana had provided both a crown and a purple leopard print party hat that said "All Hail the Birthday Princess"...and they were insistent that we take them with us for the evening.
As we were getting ready to take off at 6:30 p.m. my phone rang...Kevin? He said, "Hey, I just snuck out of class to call and tell you that you need to go downstairs...there's something waiting for you. Have a great night...I love you." And hung up. What? So the three of us head downstairs to find a black stretch limo parked outside our building. The driver was standing by the back door and as I walked out he says, "Are you Tracey?" Uh...yes. "This is for you." As we walked up to the limo the driver opened the back door and all these people yell "SURPRISE!!!!" Out jumps Kevin, and a whole group of friends -- Hicks, Dana's husband, as well as Brian & Jen Henson. Needless to say, I was absolutely speechless!!!! Kevin had sneakily gone to class the night before...same class, but a different session. He'd clearly been planning this for months. Well, over the next two hours we picked up Laura's husband Matt and my dear friend and Kevin's cousin Carrie. By the time we made it to dinner there were 9 of us! {Carrie's husband Tom selflessly stayed home with the three kids! :) }
After cruising around New York for 2 hours the limo dropped us off at the W Hotel in Midtown for dinner at a restaurant called Heartbeat. We had a fantastic dinner, topped off with white chocolate cheesecake for dessert...complete with 3-0 candles...not actually 30 candles, but the numbers 3 and 0. :) I blew out the candles, we ordered coffee, and then Kevin hands me another envelope. Inside is a note that says, "Having fun yet? Why stop here? This turning 30 thing only happens once. Party continues upstairs!" And with it is a room key! So all 9 of us head up to the top floor -- 18th floor -- to room 1805...the corner suite. This room had a terrace that was bigger then our entire apartment (I know, I know...if you've seen our place you know that's not saying much!). We cranked up the music and hung out on the terrace for the rest of the evening. Kevin gave me another envelope...a massage scheduled for the next morning at the Bliss spa at the hotel. Are you kidding me?!?
Everyone finally left around midnight, and Kev and I crashed. But not before opening one final present. When we were on our honeymoon we bought a black pearl with the intention of having it set in some piece of jewelry. Kevin had sent it to our jeweler in Texas and had him set it as a drop on a necklace. I was so stunned...it is gorgeous!
We stayed the night at the W, I had my massage the next morning, and we vegged all day Friday (Kevin's birthday) at the hotel...we didn't check out until 4:00 p.m.!! Absolute heaven!
To make the whole thing funny, I had been planning a low-key surprise party for Kevin on Friday not, clearly having no idea of what he had put together for Thursday. I told him we had a dinner reservation, but I had invited all the same people over for a game night. I had to do a little scrambling on Friday, but at 7:30 p.m. Friday night everyone showed up at our apartment, much to Kevin's shock! It was such a lazy night...we were all exhausted. We ordered pizza, all the parents brought their kids, and we just hung out in our living room. Perfect recovery!
Whew...quite a story! Here are a couple of photos from the night. It was an unbelievable, unforgettable birthday!
What in the world?!?
The big 3-0 birthday candles!
The Girls in the Limo -- Jen, Laura, the B'day Girl, Dana. (We picked Carrie up later).
The Master Planner and the Birthday Girl!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. John & Kelly Kent
Last Saturday, July 15, Kevin's younger sister Kelly was married to John Kent in Dallas. We went back for all of the festivities of what was a whirlwind wedding weekend. We flew in early Friday morning, and dove straight into the craziness! Bridesmaid's luncheon, bowling, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception, post- wedding brunch, etc., etc., etc. But, we all had a wonderful time, most importantly Kelly & John. They are off on their honeymoon in Hawaii right now, hopefully recovering from all the stress! They'll be setting up home in Washington D.C. upon their return. Here are a few pics from the happy weekend!
Here are Kelly & John getting a little snack before heading into the reception!
Kevin and older sister Jamie in the sanctuary before the wedding.
Here's James and me, the proud sisters, before the ceremony.
Here are Kelly & John getting a little snack before heading into the reception!
Kevin and older sister Jamie in the sanctuary before the wedding.
Here's James and me, the proud sisters, before the ceremony.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
My country tis of thee...
For the second year, Kevin and I spent the 4th of July holiday in Washington D.C. with dear friends Aaron & Karrie Cohen. There are few things more exciting then celebrating our country's independence in our nation's capitol! D.C. does the 4th up right!
We flew down on Saturday morning, watched some World Cup soccer at Aaron & Karrie's, and then met friends for Mexican food...good Mexican food like we can't find in NYC. That night the guys decamped to the back porch for poker and cigars while the girls played card games in the dining room. Sunday morning we had brunch with the newlyweds, Nate & Daffnei Riedel, and then we all drove out to Annapolis for dinner. We went to this fantastic restaurant called Cantler's right on one of the off-shoots of the Chesapeake Bay, and ordered fresh crab by the dozen. The 14 of us sat under this tin roof pounding fresh crabs with wooden mallets, while a crazy thunderstorm rolled over and shook the rafters. In fact, we returned home to find the power out and the Cohen's new puppy about ready to pass out from fright! The guys got up early Monday morning and played 18 holes before it got too hot, and the girls met at AMC for a 1:20 p.m. showing of "The Devil Wears Prada"...which I highly recommend! Monday night we had a cook-out in the Cohen's backyard with about 15 people...burgers, dogs, chicken, and all the trimmings. On Tuesday the 4th, we slept in, and spent most of the day in our pajamas...ah, bliss! We played card games and watched more World Cup Soccer in the afternoon. In the late afternoon we went to a BBQ at the home of a girl we went to school with, and then headed into the district for fireworks. Some friends from school had tickets that allowed us all on the roof of their office building, which is right across the street from the Mall. We had the U.S. Capitol to our left, the Mall right in front of us, and the Washington Monument to our right. It was amazing! We had the best fireworks views in the city!
All in all, a great vacation with wonderful friends, and all the things you could possibly want in a 4th of July weekend bash! We are glad to be home, looking forward to a short week, and a few days of vacation recovery. Happy 4th of July to you and yours!
We flew down on Saturday morning, watched some World Cup soccer at Aaron & Karrie's, and then met friends for Mexican food...good Mexican food like we can't find in NYC. That night the guys decamped to the back porch for poker and cigars while the girls played card games in the dining room. Sunday morning we had brunch with the newlyweds, Nate & Daffnei Riedel, and then we all drove out to Annapolis for dinner. We went to this fantastic restaurant called Cantler's right on one of the off-shoots of the Chesapeake Bay, and ordered fresh crab by the dozen. The 14 of us sat under this tin roof pounding fresh crabs with wooden mallets, while a crazy thunderstorm rolled over and shook the rafters. In fact, we returned home to find the power out and the Cohen's new puppy about ready to pass out from fright! The guys got up early Monday morning and played 18 holes before it got too hot, and the girls met at AMC for a 1:20 p.m. showing of "The Devil Wears Prada"...which I highly recommend! Monday night we had a cook-out in the Cohen's backyard with about 15 people...burgers, dogs, chicken, and all the trimmings. On Tuesday the 4th, we slept in, and spent most of the day in our pajamas...ah, bliss! We played card games and watched more World Cup Soccer in the afternoon. In the late afternoon we went to a BBQ at the home of a girl we went to school with, and then headed into the district for fireworks. Some friends from school had tickets that allowed us all on the roof of their office building, which is right across the street from the Mall. We had the U.S. Capitol to our left, the Mall right in front of us, and the Washington Monument to our right. It was amazing! We had the best fireworks views in the city!
All in all, a great vacation with wonderful friends, and all the things you could possibly want in a 4th of July weekend bash! We are glad to be home, looking forward to a short week, and a few days of vacation recovery. Happy 4th of July to you and yours!
Friday, June 30, 2006
California Skies
I just back to NYC on Monday from LA, where I got to spend a long weekend with Amber, my college roommate and one of my best friends in the whole world. It was supposed to be a long anticipated Girl's Weekend with the inclusion of Kristin, the other member of our trio, but life being what it is, Kris was unable to make the trip out, and was sorely missed. Amber shipped her sweet husband Jeremy off to his parents house in Northern California for a few days, and we took over the house. It was a great weekend of SoCal stuff I miss. I flew in on Thursday and we had lunch at Marmalade Cafe in Santa Monica. We spent an afternoon in Malibu, including lunch at John's Garden down at the Malibu Country Mart, an extra large Mocha Iced Blended from the Coffee Bean, and a trip up to Pepperdine. Amber and I drove around campus, swung up to our old home in Towers, and reminisced about college. Ah, the good ol' days.
If you've never lived in California, I don't know if you can truly understand how it can get to you. Now, I'm sure it doesn't happen to everyone, but for us there is quite literally this physical longing for California sometimes. When Kev and I get really nostalgic we can actually feel the SoCal air. There is a scent in the air that I find nowhere else, but when I smell it there my heart aches. It's a smell I associate with Pepperdine...this damp, verdant green scent that I wanted to bottle and bring back for Kev. Every time we walked out of Amber and JJ's apartment in the evenings it would hit me and couldn't inhale deeply enough. Living in New York calls this into sharp contrast because in the summer the streets of NYC smell like a Porta Potty. Seriously unpleasant.
We are leaving tomorrow morning for Washington DC for the long 4th of July weekend. We're going to visit our dear friends Aaron and Karrie. This is our second annual Independence Day in DC, and we're really looking forward to the vacation.
I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July celebration!
If you've never lived in California, I don't know if you can truly understand how it can get to you. Now, I'm sure it doesn't happen to everyone, but for us there is quite literally this physical longing for California sometimes. When Kev and I get really nostalgic we can actually feel the SoCal air. There is a scent in the air that I find nowhere else, but when I smell it there my heart aches. It's a smell I associate with Pepperdine...this damp, verdant green scent that I wanted to bottle and bring back for Kev. Every time we walked out of Amber and JJ's apartment in the evenings it would hit me and couldn't inhale deeply enough. Living in New York calls this into sharp contrast because in the summer the streets of NYC smell like a Porta Potty. Seriously unpleasant.
We are leaving tomorrow morning for Washington DC for the long 4th of July weekend. We're going to visit our dear friends Aaron and Karrie. This is our second annual Independence Day in DC, and we're really looking forward to the vacation.
I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July celebration!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
M.I.A.
Ok, we're not even going to talk about how long it has been since I updated my blog. Let's just say the first half of 2006 has been nuts. So, let's put the past behind us...let bygones be bygones...and all those other cliches, and move forward. Ok?
It is a foggy, rainy, miserable spring day in New York today. So what am I going to do? I'm going to go do 12 hour walk for cancer. Smart, huh? I'm headed out to Astoria, Queens this afternoon for the Relay for Life. I am on a team with 3 other gals from church, and we're heading out to raise both money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. We are pitching our tent along with several hundred others at Astoria Park, and then someone from our team will be walking around a track (I think) from 5:00 p.m. today until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Yep, should be a long night. But I am determined that it is going to be fun! I think they're going to have fun events and bands all evening...Twister tournaments, Limbo contests, pizza parties, yoga classes...fun stuff like that. Or maybe I should say, stuff they are hoping we all consider fun at 3:00 a.m. after we've been either walking or sitting in the rain for hours. It's all about attitude, right?
But who cares about rain, lots of walking, and a long night. This is all for an excellent cause. Maybe our children won't even know what cancer is...
It is a foggy, rainy, miserable spring day in New York today. So what am I going to do? I'm going to go do 12 hour walk for cancer. Smart, huh? I'm headed out to Astoria, Queens this afternoon for the Relay for Life. I am on a team with 3 other gals from church, and we're heading out to raise both money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. We are pitching our tent along with several hundred others at Astoria Park, and then someone from our team will be walking around a track (I think) from 5:00 p.m. today until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Yep, should be a long night. But I am determined that it is going to be fun! I think they're going to have fun events and bands all evening...Twister tournaments, Limbo contests, pizza parties, yoga classes...fun stuff like that. Or maybe I should say, stuff they are hoping we all consider fun at 3:00 a.m. after we've been either walking or sitting in the rain for hours. It's all about attitude, right?
But who cares about rain, lots of walking, and a long night. This is all for an excellent cause. Maybe our children won't even know what cancer is...
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