NYC State of Mind

Hello my fellow bloggers - I'm alive! I've been on a little hiatus, which involves getting sick and going on a wonderful vacation to D.C. and NYC!

I spent a day in D.C. with my dear friend, Andrea, and then we took a bus to NYC, where I stayed for a few days. I would like to take this moment to apologize to Andrea for being sick on the trip - I know that's out of my control - but I still felt bad. That's not fun for anyone. No one wants to start dry heaving on the bus or during cab rides because of extreme nausea. It was a horrible feeling. But I digress because I'm better now. She took great care of me!


Andrea and me.

I'm going to do a few posts about my trip but I wanted to tell you all quickly about a really special part about it... When I said that just I stayed in NYC for a few days, it's because I spent 48 hours alone there. Now that might not seem like much but for me, it was huge. I've flown alone multiple times but never stayed somewhere alone. Andrea had to head back early for work but I didn't want to leave NYC without spending a few days there and getting the most out of my trip.

So when I was sadly seeing Andrea off, I admit I was panicked. I was about to be alone in this huge city, filled with strangers, and I was freaked out. But I put on a brave face. I went shopping, I went to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I ate alone at a sit-down restaurant (first time) - and guess what? It was all flippin' fantastic. I felt like a whole new person. I was content being with me. Of course, I prefer vacations with a friend or loved one, but now I KNOW 100 percent that I'm okay on my own.

I went into this experience, excited. When I was about to be alone, I considered myself nuts. And I came out of it, braver, stronger and reassured that I am an independent woman. And for that, I am thankful.

More pics to come!

My Little Man

I went to New Orleans over Thanksgiving to visit my brother, his significant other, Jocelyn, and my little man, my nephew - John. I only get to see John about twice a year, and that's really difficult (for me). I always cry when I say goodbye to him because I don't know when I will see him next.

John's such a doll - he's always smiling and let me tell you - he has the sweetest smile. I can tell he's going to grow up to be a gentle, kind man. Just like my big brother. John looks just like his daddy, too!

Here's a few pictures of my favorite guy:


He loved my phone - he liked scratching the cover and pressing the button to light it up and look at his cousin "Becca."


Sweetest guy around.


What a face!


Cute family! John's pointing to Aunt Rachel. Yay!

I miss them! Hopefully I can get back there by summer!

Winter Foes

It happened yesterday. Temperatures dropped below 30 degrees. The coat was pulled from the closet. Gloves donned. Breath was visible in the air.

I knew it was coming; although I had been dreading it… for a multitude of reasons. Winter brings unwelcome changes, such as…

Cracked skin
Poor hands - they’re pink, dry, cracked and in pain. Washing my hands (and I do this often) really does a number on them. I try to use Aveda’s Hand Relief lotion a few times a day.

Driving on ice
I grew up in Texas and we didn’t have much snow or ice. So every year I have a “slight” panic attack when it snows and try to plot the best way to work that involves the least amount of hills.

Dry skin
Cold temperatures also cause some drama with my face, specifically near my eyebrows. I’ve been using Ponds dry skin cream and that helps.

Running in the cold
I’m now training for a 10K and I can’t let the cold slow me down. Last night was my first cold run and let me tell you: brrr! But I think I’ll be “brrring” for the next couple of months.

Just being itchy
Something about winter makes me itch. My head itches, my legs itch. Maybe it has something to do with wearing bulky clothing and having dry skin. Either way – isn’t it annoying?

Can you tell that I don't like winter? I'll admit it has at least one perk: wearing skinny jeans and tall boots or leggings and a dress. Oh, and cute scarfs and coats. Okay, there are a few good things about winter.

What are your winter foes?