Summer Fun

So, as fall approaches, I look back at a busy and fun-filled summer.

June brought Robin's wedding:
John and Grace Harden's wedding reception was also in June (sorry, no pics to post from that). They got married in Jamaica back in March and had a nice reception at his parent's house in Clinton to celebrate. It was the first time that our circle of friends were all able to make it to the same function. It was a nice cool evening that allowed us to sit outside until the mosquitoes started biting. We all went inside and cramped ourselves into an office and continued our rigorous conversations. It was really fun and I didn't want it to end.

The day after the party, I went with another group of friends to see "CATS" at the Orpheum in Memphis (of which I am a season ticket holder). I was looking forward to it, and was a little disappointed. Most people reading this blog know that I am a serious Broadway fan. I just did not understand why this musical played for twenty-plus years. I'm glad I saw it for myself, but I would not recommend it to others. The rest of that week was a blur of going to the airport in the middle of the night and Owen Phipps (who I have yet to meet) being born. That was one fun, exhausting week!

I settled down for the last weekend of June, because on July 2, I went to New York City (pictures are in a post below). I go every summer, but this one was extra special because we were going to be there on July 4. I went with a friend from high school, Natalie. Every time i step foot in Manhattan, I am reminded why I love it so much. Granted, I could never move there, but it is my favorite vacation spot by far. She had never been, so of course we had to do the touristy stuff.

The first day we got there, we mainly walked around midtown. We walked to the park, down 5th Avenue, did the Times Square thing, went to Top of the Rock (so cool!) and just explored. The next day, I HAD to go shopping. After a morning of lugging my friend through various stores in Manhattan, we walked to the park. We walked all the way to the little bridge past Bethesda Fountain before walking back to Primeburger for lunch. Since I had been carrying my bags around all day, I asked her if we could go drop off the bags and then go back out. After dropping off my bags (and stopping to cool off), we went to Serendipity 3. After indulging in the frozen hot chocolates, we walked back to the hotel to shower and dress for the theater. That night, we saw "The Little Mermaid" and had a post theater meal at Sardi's (where Morgan Freeman also dined that night). The next day was the 4th of July and we had tickets to see the Yankees/Red Sox. That was really fun, barring the rain. We left the ballgame, got some ice cream (really, Tasti Delight) and went to change clothes before going back out. We walked all the way to the FDR to watch the fireworks. After the fireworks, we walked ALL the way back to 8th Avenue, got some dinner and went to bed.

The next day, Saturday, I really wanted to go downtown. The first thing we did was go to the TKTS booth to get tickets to another show. I had in my head a short list. In order, they were : Gypsy, Chorus Line, Mary Poppins, and Grease. As we were standing there, my friend let me choose what I wanted to see. Gypsy was my first choice (I mean, please...Patti Lupone!). After getting the tickets, we walked to the World Trade Center, Trinity church, the NYSE, and Federal Reserve hall. We decided to go to Little Italy for lunch. I had gotten a recommendation to eat at a place called Da Nico, so we went there, where I got the most delicious veal parmesan. My friend wanted to ride the Staten Island ferry, so we did that, before venturing back uptown to the hotel. We rested, showered and went to the theater. The St. James may be my favorite theater and Patti Lupone did not disappoint. The next day, we flew home. After many, many, MANY delays, we made it home at 3am.

After the NYC trip, I settled down for a while. Then, I turned 31. Since my birthday was on Saturday, I got the whole weekend. I had a cookout at McIntyre Lake Friday night, lunch, time at the pool and steak Saturday night, and then Mama Mia and dinner at Lillo's on Sunday. What a great birthday! I didn't make any more travel plans for the rest of the month, citing the need to stay in one place and save some money.

Then comes August. First, there was Kim and Dusty's wedding. It was very hot, but it was alot of fun. We sat out at Lake Tiak O'Khata for a long time after the reception was over and just visited. I've got a surprise party in Ridgeland this weekend, a wedding shower in Brandon the next, then I am working the next weekend, and then off to Jamie's on August 29th for the first football game...and to meet baby Owen.

Amid all this, I did manage to work and spend time with my friends and family. Work is going very well. I love what I do and I got a raise over the summer, so life couldn't be better. I am having tons of fun and am not slowing down anytime soon. Okay, I am finished with this blog post. I think its the longest one I've ever done. I wonder if anyone actually reads this or if its just for my personal entertainment. Either way is fine with me!