Mrs. Independent

 This  past week I went on my first solo trip to Manhattan. Boy did I do good on that NYC subway system. I think I might actually have it down. Pat on the back for me! 

{I still ask people every now and then if I'm going the right way because I doubt myself...and because who wants to end up in some scary part of town by themselves in a hot musty subway station? NOT me. But 99% of the time I'm right. Which makes me smile inside. A lot.}

So what did I do on my day in the city?

Hold on tight now...this is gonna be ubberly exciting! 

First: Subway ride to Manhattan.  Made it without any problems. A little worried at first? Of course.

Second: Examine inside lobby of Chrysler Building. Have elevator security men stare at me like I'm an idiot. Feel weird. Read the quick history wall. Walk out.
{Didn't even take one pic I felt so weird}

Third: Wander into Grand Central Station. Make it to the main area. Look around. Feel weird. Sit against the wall on the floor {I know you're thinking sick. The floor was clean. Pinky swear} Talk to hubs. Take a few pictures. Leave

 Fourth: Eat lunch at Cafe Metro {recommended to me by my lovely friend Alyson. Thank you!} Salad was delicious. Man behind the counter helping me was extremely friendly. Success.

Fifth: Explore NY Public Library. Wander through the 100 year celebration exhibit. Make it to 2nd and 3rd floor. Sit on bench and people watch/take pictures of the beautiful place.

 Sixth: Window shop at a sample sale. Have a man tell me I have beautiful eyes. Feel a little creeped out/a little flattered {you'd be too}

Seventh: Shop at H&M. Can you say chaaoooss?! Wow I felt overwhelmed by the madness of people and clothes everywhere! It almost felt like a nightmare. I like H&M. I like my uncrowded stores in Denver even better.

Eighth: Rockefeller Center. Get sorta confused by the whole place. Sit on bench and people watch/take pictures. Realize it's FNO {fashion night out} in celebration of Fashion Week. Ask a complete stranger to take a picture of me on the red carpet. Feel awkward. Walk away while being secretly super excited about the picture.

I totally fit in...right?! This is the picture I was pumped about!

  Ninth: Make my way to Penn station and meet my brother Michael who came to stay with us for the night from NJ. Find a Magnolia Bakery along the way and make a quick stop for their famous banana pudding and a red velvet cupcake. {I didn't even dig in until I got home to share with Eric. Wife bonus points right there!}

Banana pudding = awesome! Red Velvet cupcake = totally not worth my $3.50. bleh

 Overall it was a good adventure. However, exploring by yourself is nothing compared to exploring with a friend. Did I mention Jeff's wife Robyn quit her job and is coming out in a week and will be here the entire time?! score. Friend mission accomplished.

Love, The Smiths