..taking a nibble of the BIG APPLE

So, after much wrangling and drama Friday afternoon, I decided that I would indeed visit my old friend from college, Genius.

It's one of those friendships where we wouldn't talk for months, then with one quick call or visit, we'd be giggling like schoolgirls over everything. One of those friendships, where, (since I have no eye for details some days) I could totally miss that she's had her nose redone. She was Genius after all, and I see HER, her essence, not caring about the size of her schnoz. (Truth be told, it was the long blond hair that had thrown me). She had been so looking forward to my reaction because it had totally changed her life, but I didn't even notice. She wasn't offended, well aware of my ways...when I explained that I ALWAYS thought she was beautiful.

Anyway, for $20 and some patience, you can hop a bus any time of day from Baltimore to NYC. The bus was hot, and there was no toilet paper, and traffic sucked because it was a Saturday afternoon. At 4PM, I arrived in the BIG APPLE! City....here I come!

It wasn't quite the 'hat throwing in the air' moment I thought it would be. We were outside Macy's. Which is always a tread because it's gigantic AND has the most beautiful old escalators. Otherwise, just like the Macy's at home and except home doesn't usually have 25 person deep lines for fitting rooms and checkout. Meh. No shirt is THAT cute.

I hate the branding of America. It is getting harder and harder to go new places and actually find something NEW. I mean, there is a level of comfort knowing you can find things you know and trust wherever you go. HOWEVER, I like to travel to see new things. Otherwise I'd stay home.

When I caught up with her, we went immediately to a wholesale costume jewelry store. BINGO! I thought of 10 women for whom the trip to the city would be worth it if nothing else just to go to this store. I got several pairs of earrings, a bracelet, and two necklaces for about $30. It totally rocks.

We also ventured into this store called Lush .
A store chock full of yummy soaps and body lotions...all hand made-all fancifully priced- all great smelling.

We walked and talked and laughed. It was FANTASTIC. Love the people watching. Except the guy at the ice cream place. He had been apparently on the streets for so long, that his smell preceded him. He was very overweight, and was holding his pants up with one hand. You could see much more of his skin than you wanted to, and it was dried and brown and cracked like a mud puddle that dried quickly in the sun. Vomit inducing gross. But he was enjoying his cone. More power to him!

Genius and I mostly talked about men and dating. She's been single all this time and I've been married. Now she's been seeing this guy for about a month and is totally into him, and he is into her. We talked about how funny it is to see us switching roles...I'm single and she's in a relationship.

I'm enjoying her minimalist apartment with no toys on the floor, and cleanliness as far as the eye can see. Ahh...surely I'll be happy back in my own personal chaos later today.

Just for the record. Yesterday I rode 17 miles, ran about 2.5, then WALKED NYC from 4PM to 10:30 PM. I'm tired people.

Oh Genius just woke up. Hope she doesn't mind that I used her laptop. But I've been up for HOURS!! (it's 9:26AM)

Anyway, I'm hoping we have food soon, and head back to the bus. Not quite the hell raising weekend you'd think, but a change of scenery and pace and a good friend. Well spent.