Bus Wars

Basically if you don’t take public transportation…mainly the bus…you may not sympathize with my situation.  The situation that is the full on bus etiquette war I'm in with another woman at my bus stop. 

So every form of public transportation has it's "rules" and things that people just know about and obey.  You get away with not knowing things maybe your first/second time around.  After that - no chance underpants.  Such things may include (but are not limited to):

• No speakers (ie cell phones, boom boxes, video games, etc.)
• Not sitting directly on top of another person (if and only if there are no other seats available)
• Elderly, disabled, pregnant people allll get first dibs on seats 
• When going on the escalator down to your train, you stand to the right and run to the left (might change depending on the city)

Now those are just a few…however my BIGGEST rule is how you get onto said transportation.  Now in NYC, at a bus stop, there is typically some sort of line.  The first person stands wherever and then everyone else that arrives stands behind them.  Now of course there are times where it's more of a "cluster", in these situations, you normally have an idea of who came when and everyone files in accordingly. 

There is this woman at my stop every morning and seriously - we're in a huge fight.  First let me explain her.  She looks like she has no idea where she is and doesn't know anything, but don't let that fool you - she knows exactly what she's doing!  She always is wearing a longer trench coat.  And my favorite part is her head gear.  I can't even describe.  She has one hat that kinda looks like this (yes it has fur, too):

However, most of the time she wears a scarf around her head, ties it under her chin, and puts a Yankees bucket hat on top.  What?!  Not necessary.  It doesn't even add warmth!!

Now the fights…every day she comes sweeping in on the corner and pretends to not see the 10 other people standing in line.  She cuts to the front EVER SINGLE TIME!!  So the first few times I let her get away with it, now my friend it's on.  Every day we're in a war/battle.  

I now can track the bus on my phone, so when it starts getting close, I position myself to be in front (not cut necessarily, just be in front to box her out).  This morning I shoved myself in front of her, however there was an older woman to my side with a cane, so I obvi let her go ahead of me, she was livid!  Mainly because I almost pushed her over.  

Another time I just pretended I didn't see her "merging" into the line, and I just stayed really close to the guy in front of me not letting her in, she was soooo pissed off.  My blood literally boils when I see her. 

She's not going to get me - not if I can help it!  I don’t even want her seat, I go to the back of the bus (she sits in the front), but it's just the principle of the thing! 

It's officially on biotch…it's on…game over for you and your stupid hat!

The Night Dana Carvey Wouldn't Leave Me Alone/I Heart Austin

Ok - "surrrry folks - parks closed - moose outside shoulda told ya!"  And if you don't get that reference I sorta feel sorry for you.  

Anywho - sorry for the delay - I had some brother's wedding things to tend to last week!  Their big day is coming up in 2 months!!  Wahhoooo!!  But I digress…now back to my story!

Thursday Night

Hazel had a work happy hour that she had to attend/run/organize/be everything for.  So I joined her - never one to turn down free food/drinks and it was another gorg night!  Basically after a little while, I was being more awkward then I've ever been.  No one really wanted to talk to me and one gentleman actually said "you look like a lost soul".   So that was my cue to exit and just sit myself at the bar and watch basketball until she wrapped up!  So I headed to the outdoor bar, got a seat and was answering emails, watching the game, entertaining myself.  Next to me was this guy - I swear to God was  Dana Carvey look-alike.  He even talked like him - that voice he does in the "isn't that special" skit.  

Oh and he was a office furniture salesman.  Dying.  Well he took a liking to me and would.not.stop talking!  He was about 50+ and I really had no interest.  He kept telling me how pretty I was, asking about dating in NYC, said he'd like to come visit.  Oh that's right folks - he was looking for an invite to come visit - what?!?!  My favorite line was when he looked at me through his spectacles and said "you have really pretty eyes. Everyone tells me that too.  We have like the same eyes.  Let me look closer (leans in) - yup they're the same."  What is going on?!  I wanted to crawl under the bar stool and cry.  This was the best TX had to offer me?!  I'm sorry - he was a nice man, just came on a little thick and I clearly wasn't into it.  I was very polite and kind though, I wasn't rude.  Eventually he left - sigh of relief all the way around!

Hazel finished up and had invited her brother and his wife to join us for a few drinks.  It was great to meet them - totally love!  We hung out for awhile - it was just so nice out we didn't want to leave!  We had a great time!!

Friday

Austin day!!!  Yippeeeee I get to see Hermione!  I got up and Hazel had to go to the office for a few hours.  So I went to breakfast at this place - Twin Sisters.  It was great - a nice leisurely morning!  Then I headed back to meet Hazel and got ready for our trip to Austin. 

We left and grabbed lunch on the way - prob the most amazing place I've ever been to.  We had BBQ at Rudy's that was the best I've had in my life.  

It's served on paper - that's right - just paper.  And we had some sides which were even more amazing.  The clientele was straight up Texas - I loved every second of it! 

We got up to Austin and headed right to Hermione's apartment.  After our initial yelling/squealing with excitement over seeing each other we all get ready for dinner.  First we had a drink at this great Mexican place then we headed to Lamberts - again - amazing.  I think I prob gained like 10 pounds on this trip! After that we went out to a few bars - so much fun!  Some of the best people watching I've ever seen!! 

Saturday morning Hermione had to head out of town - wahhh - but Hazel and I got to stay at her apt!  We went to breakfast at this place - soooo hometowny I loved it.  I had "migas" - yah that's right I know the lingo.  For those of you NOT in the know - it's like eggs & tortillas.  They were superb!  Only in TX do you get chips & salsa with your breakfast - it was fabulous.  Then Hazel took me on a tour of campus and downtown Austin!  I hit up the bookstore - saw a few key places.  After that we went for a walk around the lake - again - weather was amazing! 

The afternoon was spent a great bar - sitting outside - enjoying some beer!  We watched the basketball games, a few of her friends stopped by, nice and relaxing!  We also went to this area of Austin - Rainey Street.  Basically this guy just bought up some old houses and converted them into bars - it's the coolest little section.  We went to Clive - it was fabulous!  Here are some pics:

We didn't stay out too late - I had to get up at 4:30 AM for my flight, which was not the most fun - BUT no biggie! 

Sunday

Sunday came wayyyy to quickly.  I was so sad to leave Hazel!  I had such a good trip and it was fun to see a new city.  I'm pretty much obsessed with Austin and would love to go back soon!  It's such an amazing city!  It's never fun to come back from vacay - but it was good to be home in my apartment and back into a routine!

Just My Life For The Past Week...

Howdy!  So I know I've been absent for a little while - BUT for good reason - I was on a mini-vacay!!  I went out to good 'ol Tejas to enjoy some great friends, good food & fabulous drinks!!  So I'll break it down for you - prob in 2 parts.  OH and I also saw Isabella in Philly - I'll do that first - ok I'm scattered!

Philly - The City of UNbrotherly Love

Let me break this down for you in bullets, so this post isn't like 8 pages long.  Basically I went for the weekend - got in Friday night/left Sunday morning.  Here are  few takeaways:

-We went to this little hole in the wall Mexican place for dinner  with my brother & his fiancé.  It was hilarious - there was insane décor all over the place, they were playing Frank Sinatra, there was only room for about 20 people.  It was hysterical.  The waiter helping us had tinted glasses, hair slicked back, a white cowboy-esque type shirt on, denim faded jeans and a smile that wouldn't quit.  About half way through our dinner a private party rolled through and they were basically kicking us out.  The food was good, though and I had a fantastic grapefruit margarita!!

-Saturday was spent wandering around and shopping.  Just loving the gorg weather on St. Patrick's Day in my Ireland shirt.  UNTIL some homeless woman yelled this to me - in front of all of Philly - "YOU'RE NOT IRISH - YOU'RE A WHORE!"  Oh ummm ok.  So that was fun.  God I just LOVE Philly!!

-We then went out to a bar to join the rest of the city in SPD debauchery.  We got to the 2^nd place and eventually got a few seats at the bar.  It was great - we just hung out, watched people, drank some beer, had a few laughs.  The perfect way to spend the evening!  UNTIL some guy comes rolling up next to me and is immediately angry.  Like before he even got to me, he hated my guts.  This was our exchange (may be slightly altered - but no joke this is basically how it went):

Me:  (sitting quietly drinking my beer - chatting with Isabella & her friend.)
Guy:  I'm a male nurse.
Me:  Cool
Guy:  I work in the operating room and see heart surgery.
Me:  That's great.
Guy:  You don’t even know - I'm better than the surgeon.
Me:  Oh really? (really not trying to engage or wanting to talk to him)
Guy:  I hope have a heart attack die.
Me:  Umm that's a little aggressive and unnecessary.
Guy:  You don’t even know how great I am as a male nurse and in the operating room, basically I'm the best in there - above the surgeons & doctors.
Me:  Ok - well I'm just going to drink my beer and pretend you're not an awful human being.
Guy:  If you had a heart attack you'd be transported to my hospital because it’s the best.
Me:  Welp I don’t live here, so there's that.  Please just stop talking to me.

Eventually Isabella's friend stepped in with some choice words and he vanished.  

-We were home, ordering dinner by 9:30 pm.  Period.  

-Sunday we got up, grabbed breakfast & went to drive me to the train station.  Isabella's car wouldn't start.  Womp womp - battery died.  Had to grab a cab.  Train ride back was uneventful.

Back in the good 'ol NYC

Giuliana & I saw 21 Jump Street when I got back.  Let me just say - I basically peed my pants.  Like I haven't laughed this hard in a movie prob since Bridesmaids.  It was stellar.  I actually have to go and watch it again because I’m sure I missed things on account of my laughter.

Off to Tejas I Go...Can't wait to see Hazel & Hermione (btw - this was her choice for a name)!!

I left Tuesday night.  I was basically running through the airport for absolutely no reason and got to my gate in a full out sweat patrol.  Oh don't worry - I just had to have my dermatologist prescribe me prescription strength deodorant (fingers crossed it works)!  I grabbed some dinner and the off I went.  I sat next to this high school/college boy who was quiet as a mouse - so I was thrilled!  And I flew JetBlue, so I didn't even have to miss out on my evening shows!  Amazing!  I got to Austin and Hazel was there to fetch me.  It was really late so we just headed right back to San Antonio to her new apartment!  LOVE - and she a new puppy which is adorbs!  We pretty much went right to bed - we were both exhausted! 

Ok so I'll pick up here tomorrow!  The adventure continues!!! 

European Adventures - Part 6: Take It Home!

Ok here's the next…and FINAL…installment of my European travels!  Hope you've enjoyed the recaps and you've lived vicariously through me!!

Day Nine

Ok so as mentioned - actually I don’t know if I did mention this - we had one more Gaudi thing to do!! We left bright & early in the morning to go to the Casa Batlló.  This is it from the outside…

And the inside did not disappoint.  The colors were spectacular and his visions were just unreal.  I seriously LOVED this house - like I didn't want to leave/want to live there forever.  We did an audio tour which I was pretty much obsessed with.  I'm such a nerd - but I love learning about these things!! Here are some pics:

After we were done there, we just wandered around and did some shopping.  Sydney and I both purchased a bag from this store Hakei - the bags were gorg!  AND my sister, Sydney & I also ALL bought the perfume - smells so good - I mean it's sure to hook me a boyfriend…any day now…

The night was low key, Sydney wasn't feeling that good, so my sister and I had a nice dinner at this little hole in the wall restaurant.  It only sat about 20 people and was so dark and cozy.  Had some great wine and food!!

Day Ten

The next day was our last day in Barcelona (insert sad face).  We went  to the Picasso Museum and theJoan Miró Museum.  I enjoyed both - but they were not my favorites/ not what I expected.  Definitely worth it - if you're looking for something to do - but I just liked the other stuff better.  After the Miró museum, we went to see the Magic Fountains.  Now this is more my speed.  It was INCREDIBLE!  It was like Disney, beauty, water, craziness, music, all rolled into one!  The show was about 20 minutes and I loved it!  Basically it's this huge fountain and they play music and change lights and put on this spectacular situation.  Here's a pic and some video:

Then we were all depressed and sad that we had to go home.  So we went back and packed and tried to be excited to be returning back to the good 'ol U S of A!

Day Eleven

Came way too fast!!  We had to get up bright and early (6 am) in order to be at the airport in time for flights.  Our cab driver had to drive down Las Ramblas to get us to the airport and it was strewn with people just making their way home - amazing.  We saw drunk people, crazy people, prostitutes, etc. - it was great - a good variety!  We all made it through security without a hitch and the flight back was pretty seamless (minus the extra 2 + hours we had to wait on the tarmac due to "scheduling issues"). 

And if you think Steve Wozniak wasn't in front of me at customs in Newark - you're wrong.  And some idiot got in trouble for taking a picture of the 2 of them - so dumb.  The cop flew over and started screaming.  So we got through, got bags, said our good byes to return to our designated cities.  Just when I thought my travels were ending - they were just beginning - much to my dismay.  I jumped on what I thought would be a 2 second ride on the Airtran to go to the NJ Transit station - to head back to Penn Station - oh I'm sorry - it's broken!  

AND you're stuck there because you can't walk/go anywhere to get a cab.  So you have to wait until its fixed.  No worries 2 1/2 hours later - it was up and running! So you can imagine how angry, tired, had it, I am at this point.  Finally got to NJ Transit - get on train - stop…held for another 20 minutes because of something I don’t even know.  Get to Penn Station - fly onto an elevator - hit the buttons…we move…doors open…we're right back to where we started.  It's only letting off at one stop…exactly where a homeless man is laying across the exit - obviously.  So I hoist my suitcase up…cursing the whole way…get out in the completely opposite side of Penn that I need to be.  Careen my way through the station and out to the taxi line.  45 minutes later I get in a cab. Finally - I'll be home in 10 minutes.  Oh how wrong I was!  Don’t' worry - Batman is filming on my street - right by my apt!  Bumper to bumper traffic - is this some kind of sick joke?!  It took me an hour and a half to get home - I repeat an hour and a half!!  At this point I literally started crying in the cab - I had just had it.  

Could. Not. Take. Anymore.  My cab driver was so sweet - he was like "please don’t cry I'm trying my best ma'am - I'm gonna get you home as soon as we can".  FINALLY we pulled outside my building - home at last!!!  I ordered food and took a nice hot shower and went to bed! EXHAUSTED!! 

It took me a few days to regroup from the jet lag, but it was totally worth it!  Such an amazing trip and I highly recommend it!  If you ever need suggestions - just let me know!!!  Enjoy your weekends!! XOXO

European Adventures - Part 5: Gaudi Day

Please excuse my brief hiatus.   I've been having an awful migraine situation - basically since last Wednesday!!  It's been insane and I feel like I'm pretty much losing my mind.  Do any of you out there suffer from migraines?!  Seriously - the WORST!!  I've been getting them since I was about 10 years old - so you can do the math - but it's been a long time sufferin'!  Anyways…back to the final installments of my European travels and THEN next week we'll start fresh with some other things!! 

Day Seven

It's Gaudi day!!  It's Gaudi day!!! By far one of the best days on this whole trip!!  I didn't know a lot about Gaudi before I went to Barcelona, but now I've become completely OBSESSED with him.  Like I'm in love.  We started the day with a quick breakfast at the hotel and then went on to catch the bus up to all things Gaudi.  We began the day at Park Güell.  Seriously - I've never seen anything like it.  It was like a fun architectural dream park.  Absolutely amazing.  Here are a few pics of the park:

Part of the "bench area"

This is made to look like the inside of a wave...pure genius

The columns

The ceiling of the "column area"

The Lizard

Entrance to the park

Seriously - if you ever find yourself in Barcelona - this is an absolute MUST!!  It's filled with gorgeous colors and "ideas" - just breath taking.  And if you think we didn’t get our picture taken with the "lizard" that stands in front of the park - you're seriously wrong.  We also had a delightful lunch in the park and just enjoyed our time there immensely. 

After our stroll through the park, we headed down the Passeig de Gràcia (a fantastic street to shop on)to Gaudi's apartment.  Again - the architecture in this place was not to be believed.  I normally don’t get all "omg" over buildings - but this was like nothing I've ever seen before.   We walked up the crazy amounts of stairs and finally arrived on the roof.  The view was spectacular and you could see a good portion of the city.  Here are a few of the pictures:

Apartment Building from outside 

Inside the lobby looking up

Rooftop Statues

More art on the roof

The view

More view

From the top looking down

After this we just strolled around and walked down the Passeig de Gràcia, in and out of stores.  I also snapped this shot of the tallest/shortest duo I've ever seen.

We also had a nice afternoon snack at this place called Qu Qu - a lil wine & tapas never hurt anyone in the middle of the afternoon!  Then back to the hotel to regroup and meet up with sister #3! 

We walked over to dinner after my sister got there.  She took us to this amazing little tapas place - the food was so good.  It was all very fresh/organic and I basically licked my plate clean.  Then we headed to a bar that was basically like a Rain Forrest Café for adults - nbd.  It was so cool!  Umm pretty sure I haven't said "so cool" since '97, but it seemed fitting.  It's called El Bosc de les Fades and again - it's a "must" if you're in Barcelona.  Here are some pics:

After our busy day - we were exhausted and even more excited that we actually had to spill Gaudi day into another day (actually it will turn out to be another one, too)!!!  I know you're psyched!

Day Eight

Day Eight was quite a busy day!!  I mean we really packed it in.  We started out at La Sagrada Família. Another one of Gaudi's masterpieces.  It was gorgeous.  The intricacies in his work are not to be believed.  Here are some pics:

There was an option to go up into the towers (18 stories high) and you can look out and then (this is what they forget to mention to you) you have to walk down the 18 stories down a spiral staircase that is about as wide as 2 large pizzas and basically pitch black.  Well me and my sisters thought it would be fun and I was trying to "challenge" myself on this trip so off we went.  Aggain - not knowing these details.  Well we got to the top (via elevator), they drop you off - you look out at the view for an second and then you're off to the races.  Wellll guess who didn't want to "accept this challenge" anymore - yup that would be me.  Shockingly enough I had a migraine that morning and I had to take my medicine - which can also make me a bit anxious/uneasy…so couple this with these specs and that equals a bit of a problem.  I was shaking like a leaf and sweating profusely…I just wanted to get down.  Thank God my sisters were with me and they were so good - they bookended me in and got me down.  All the while my younger sister motioning to people that we were trying to pass (with extreme difficulty) that if they didn't move I'd throw up on their heads.  Sisters are great!  We finally reached the bottom and I couldn't run out of there soon enough.  I sat down and about 3 guards came up to check me - so nice.  I was able to compose myself and we finished touring the rest of the church. 

When we finished up there we grabbed some lunch and then had one of the best sweet treats of live. Churros con chocolat…

It's like hot chocolate you can dip sugary greatness into.  Unreal.

Then we headed out to see the beach - don't worry I took my shoes off and put my feet into the Mediterranean Sea - it was a necessary thing.  We walked around down there.  My sister took us to this gorg park with this inside…

Crazy that these things are just "around" there.   We also saw The Arc de Triumf:

Afterwards we headed home for another lil nap/downtime.  We had a big night out with Sister #3 and her friends!  We went to this place on the water for dinner.  It was the best paella I've ever had in my life.  Randomly, our cab driver told us to go there after we told him where we wanted to go…he said "No no no…I take you to Salamanca…best paella in town!".  Sooo we didn’t have much of a choice - we just kinda went with it.  We met my sister's friend there, too - they go to school together so we know her - she's great.  We had a fabulous meal of paella and sangria - does it get much better?! 

After dinner we headed out to my sister's favorite Wednesday night bar - La Ovella Negra (translation - The Black Sheep - translation - what my family calls me).  I was pretty much obsessed.  And don’t think that we didn't get this to drink…

Because we did.  It was great - it's all picnic tables and relaxed - I had so much fun.  We played games and just hung out.  We got to meet some more of my sister's new friends.  And don’t worry we got souvenir mugs on our way out…NBD.  After this my sister wanted to take us to this place called "Raz Mataz"…yup just as you'd picteure it.  Now let me break this down for you - she's still in college and doing the college thing - which don’t get me wrong I'm all over - BUT when you're NOT in college and you all of a sudden go into "mom mode" things change a bit.  On our walk over with the "group" this is what we experienced:

-A girl fell and totally exposed her situation because of the shorter "skirt" she was wearing
-3 girls were trying their hardest to not tottle off their 8 inch espadrille wedges
-Someone's hair almost catching on fire because of a girl flailing her cigarette around
-An ambulance/ EMT people huddled around a guy that was sitting on the sidewalk - so drunk he peed his pants and didn’t know where he was
-People trying to "get us on the list" so we didn't have to wait 8 years for the pleasure of getting into said bar
-A lot of yelling/screaming/obscenities

NOW I'll reiterate - I'm not saying I was never like this - because the Good Lord knows another song - BUT at this point in my life - I feel more protective and I just wanted to scoop all these kids up and bring them home to bed - because NOTHING good (looking back when you're my age) was going to happen at good 'ol Raz Mataz.  Sooo my sisters, Sydney & I headed back to the hotel and passed on the second bar.  I think it was the best decision we made our whole trip.  The best part - my two sisters went out and bought us McDonald's "wedges" - not produced in the states - they were amazing little morsels of potato.  God I love BARCELONA!!!