People Actually Want To See Me

What is happening? It has been WAY too long since I blogged last. Let's see if I can even remember what has happened since my last post....

I guess I'll start with my visitors :) Let me just say that I LOVE living in a place that people actually want to come visit. [I'm sorry Waco, but you are not so appealing to those who do not attend Baylor (and even to a large amount who do attend Baylor).] Now that I live here people are coming out of the wood work to come visit or they just happen to be coming on vacation and I get to see them! It's fabulous. A couple weeks ago one of my littles in Theta (my sorority at Baylor), Mika, was here with her family so we had a quick catch up date at Schmackary's Lip-Schmakin' Good Cookies. It just so happens to be a couple blocks from my apartment! [May I suggest getting an oatmeal cookie and vanilla bean ice cream sandwich. Killer.] If you are ever visiting the city. You must try it :)

I also got to see my old roommate, Rachel, just this past weekend! Granted it was only for about 2 mins because she was here for business, but it was still so great to see her! Great news is that she is coming back in December and January! YAY!

Even though I love seeing people as they pass through the city on vacation or business, what I love most is getting to have my family and friends come visit!

About a month ago Mama and Papa P came to the Big Apple! I was so stinkin' ecstatic to be able to show them where I live and what I do/see every day :) I think it made them happy to finally see how I live and what a day in the life of their daughter is really like. [For my dad this trip actually might have given him anxiety more than anything else (cars everywhere, loud noises, crazy people, busy streets). And for those family members reading this, yes he did hold my hand as we crossed every street. Captain Safety at your service].

They just so happened to come during one of the busiest weeks thus far in my acting program, so I didn't get to see them as much as I would have liked, but the time I did get with them was AMAZING!

The first day they were here we made a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond and they helped me get all the things on my To Buy For Apartment List, that I just never wanted to spend the money on, ie toaster, steak knives, trash can, vacuum, etc. They also came in a helped me clean my air conditioner! BEST THING EVER! My dad, of course, had to buy me a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. [Captain safety at it again] I felt like I was in college all over again. But for reals my parents are truly amazing. They are so good to me. Honestly I don't know what I would do without them! Wait yes I do... I'd be eating untoasted bread, cutting onions with butter knives, and living in filth. Thank you mom and dad for saving me from these horrors!

But don't worry I didn't put them to work the entire time! We also got to do a lot of fun New Yorky things! One day we spent the afternoon exploring lower Manhattan. We walked through Greenwich Village then made our way over to Washington Square Park then stopped at McSorely's Old Ale House in East Village. If you want a truly unique experience go to this place! When you ask what kind of beer they have the waiter/bartender will respond with "light or dark" and he is very serious. There are 2 options, light or dark. But hey you get 2 glasses for about $7 [can't beat that!]. This place truly looked like it had not be changed a single bit since it was built in 1854. It was awesome. Everyone must go!

Washington Square Park

One night my parents asked me where I thought we should go to dinner and of course I said The Smith, the restaurant Kelsey and I swoon over every time we walk passed. And every time we say, "One day when we are famous we will be able to eat here." But thank goodness for parents because who knows if that dream would have ever come true. 

The most amazing fillet mignon 

Another day we took the train over to Brooklyn to eat at the infamous Grimaldi's Pizzeria. This place also looks like it has been here forever so I guess that has something to do with why it's so famous, but the pizza definitely has had a part in that as well! It's great!

Grimaldi's Pizzeria

Kimmy, myself, and the Brooklyn Bridge

And what is a trip to New York without seeing a Broadway show? Especially when you are with me and my mom. It's always a must. After much deliberation we decided to see First Date the Musical! Oh. My. Gosh. I AM OBSESSED. This musical is fabulousss. So stinkin' cute and hilarious. Seriously I could not get over how much I loved it. SEE THIS SHOW NOW!

Yeah we didn't actually eat here, but apparently it's REAL good

I wish they could've stayed longer, but I am so thankful I got to see them at all! I love my parents so much and I am so blessed by them. Thank you for letting me move to New York to pursue my dreams! I love you guys!

Last but certainly not least, my best friend and former roommate Allie Crowder came!!! Ahh!!! I cannot even begin to describe how great it was to have her here! I missed her so much and to have her here in the city with me just meant the world. SOOO of course since she hadn't been here in a while (or maybe ever... I can't remember) we had to spend a long afternoon in Central Park (duhhhh)! Along with that we explored Chelsea Market [The most fabulous place ever. I could spend a day just eating my way through it], went out in East Village and Union Square and had Artichoke Pizza at around 3:00 am [great choice. seriously. best pizza you'll find in New York], went to Blockheads [the closest a margarita can get to a La Fiesta marg. Waco is my city.], went to Soho and made a quick pit stop in Times Square before she headed back to North Carolina. 

Central Park is perfection in the fall

Best margaritas in NYC

No matter what I feel like I never get enough time with people. Seeing Allie go was so sad. I miss sharing a room with her and getting to talk with her everyday about life. PLEASE apply to grad school here! I would be the happiest person ever :) Love you Allie-cat!

Who will be the next to visit? Don't miss out ;)

Pure Bliss

I had the most PERFECT weekend. Ugh. Why do weekends always have to end?? The one and only Patrick Herndon came to visit and we had such a blast! Living in a different state than him is challenging to say the least. I love living in New York and I know I am right where I am supposed to be, but I still don't feel fully invested or at home yet because a part of me is still back in Texas. But this weekend that part of me was here and it felt so right. We had the most fabulous weekend jam-packed full of exploring, food, adventure, fun, laughs, and love. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time.

This is Patrick. On a subway. With me!

Of course his flight was delayed because it is Southwest and who knows what's been happening with them recently. So.... he got to my itty bitty apartment around 2 am Thursday night. But whatever he was HERE! After a goodnights rest and a lazy Friday morning we took the train down to the Chelsea area and I showed him where CAP21 is and he got to meet a couple of my cutie friends. We then headed up to Madison Square Park [one of my most favorite places ever] for Patrick to try the infamous Shake Shack! After waiting in the ginormous line we finally got to indulge and man oh man was it worth it! I think he would definitely agree! I mean how could you not love a burger with a deep fried, cheese filled mushroom on top? After completely pigging out it was time for a little shopping in Union Square to work off the calories. So perfect. 

Yummmm

Can't forget the milkshakes!

Later that night we met up with Kelsey and Alekza and went to City Wide Worship. What is that you ask? Well basically a bunch of churches throughout NYC get together and put on this worship night at a neutral location. How amazing is that? I never would have expected to get so much Jesus in this city, but I ain't complain! After the service we all went to this completely perfect little Mediterranean restaurant called Stix. If you live in the city and you haven't gone... GO!

Such a great meal!

Saturday we spent hours in Central Park. I had never explored much of the park before. [What was my life before this?] Central Park is PERFECTION. What a beautiful oasis in the middle of such a hectic fast-paced city. There is so much to do in the park and so many little spots to explore or to just sit and enjoy. I am in love. 

We started off by walking over to Strawberry Fields [the John Lennon Memorial]. It's in the park right next to the Dakota where he lived in. That building... oh my... so beautiful. He was shot outside the gate to the building one night in 1980. The memorial covers 2.5 acres of Central Park and was dedicated on what would have been his 45th birthday.

This is what happens when you ask a tourist to take your picture

Of course we had to take a picture on a bridge :)

We found the Boathouse Restaurant... the most perfect little restaurant on the water. You can sit out on the terrace and watch the rowboats and duckies. We waited in line to get a table, but of course it was booked for the entire day. Looks like we will have to go back and make reservations way in advance. But I WILL eat there at some point in my life. I HAVE to!

After we grabbed a bite to eat at the to-go cafe at the boathouse we headed to the Bethesda Fountain. Why have I never been here? First of all it's beautiful and I feel like I am in another country somewhere in Europe, but it is also filled with different street performers and artists. It is just such a fun little spot.

Bethesda Fountain

After a beautiful afternoon in the park we headed all the way down to the most southern part of the city to visit The Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Patrick's mom had asked me to visit and get her a prayer card, so Patrick and I thought it would be fun to go together! The church is settled into the home she lived in. It is the only home from the 18th cenutry left in that area. It is now completely surrounded by buildings. It is such a little treasure to find. St. Elizabeth is known because she started the very first Catholic school in the U.S. and she was also the first native-born American to be canonized. 

We finished off the jam-packed day with a little vaunt over to Queens for the Annual Pumpkin Carving Party at Karina and Victoria's [Baylor friends! BUTS in the city. Sic 'em]. We had such a fun night of pumpkin carving, apple cider, and delicious treats. Thank you for hosting us Victoria and we missed you Karina! :( [she's on tour being all awesome]

Mine and Patrick's is the far left!

After a late start the next morning and almost not waking up in time we made it to church! We decided to go to St. Patrick's Cathedral because my Patrick had been before and loved it and I mean come on it's absolutely breath-taking. Why aren't churches built like this anymore? What an amazing setting to be in to worship our God! Only downside is that it was soo packed that we had to stand in the middle of one of the aisles and they are completely renovating it so most of the walls were covered in scaffolding. Womp. Nevertheless it was still gorgeous.

After church we made a short trip to Greenwich Village to have brunch with Kelsey. We ate at the cutest little restaurant called Cafe Angelique. I will definitely be going back there. If you are going to be visiting New York in the future make sure you spend an afternoon in Greenwich. I'm slightly obsessed. It kind of feels like you are in a small town in England or some other cool place like that. Beautiful old brick buildings with tree lined streets and precious little cafes. It was a fabulous way to spend Patrick's last few hours in the city.

I then had to take Patty to the train and say my farewells. After a long hug and few tears I sent him on his way :( It will be a little over 6 weeks before I get to see him again. I know it is going to be so hard, but Thanksgiving is going to be so great! I cannot wait to be in his arms again. 

I love you Patrick! Thank you for a perfect weekend.

The Great Unknown

I have been to Radio City Music Hall twice in my life and they happened to be in a 4 month period.

The first time I was in that beautiful venue was for the Tony Awards this past June. What a wonderful experience that was. I was surrounded by thousands of people all there because their love for theatre. They all were there to acknowledge the beauty that is presented every year on stages throughout New York City and to honor the many talented people who make it possible. Everywhere I turned were people I have admired my entire life and people I still aspire to be like.

Friday night I had the opportunity to go to Radio City once again. This time it was for a very different reason. Kelsey and I got free tickets to go to the VERY FIRST Hillsong Conference in the US. And what an amazing city to have it in right? The Big Apple [the city of temptation]. I mean who needs it more?! Once again I was surrounded by thousands of people, but this time it was because of their love for Jesus Christ! WOW! Every single person in that room was there to worship and honor our Saviour! Such a moving experience.

It was so crazy and powerful to think that I was in the same place that I was a few months back (both times for something I am EXTREMELY passionate about), but for a completely different reason.

The lights came on and the music started and I saw people standing on the same stage that people like Bernadette Peters and Patina Miller had stood on, but this time they were worshipping my God! Mind blownnnnnn!

It has always been my dream to stand on the stage at Radio City for the Tony's, but last night that dream became SO much more real and deep. Sometimes you lose sight of your dreams. You let the struggles and the obstacles cloud your vision and get in the way of the ultimate goal.

But the minute I saw those hands go up and I heard the voices of thousands of people singing to The Lord on that stage I knew right then and there that I wanted to be up there praising my God one day too. Not in the same way as these worship leaders from Hillsong Church, but I decided that my goal is to one day be on that stage as an actor worshiping Him. Praising Him for the talents he has blessed me with. I want more than anything to be a light in this industry and bring glory to our beautiful Father's name!

I have BIG dreams, but I know The Lord will be with me through it all! Through the joy, through the struggle, through the tears, through the smiles. He has never failed me and I don't expect Him to start now. Yes, I know these dreams might not come true, but I know I am exactly where I'm supposed to be right now. He is with me and I know he will guide my path. 

Brian Houston the senior pastor at Hillsong spoke on Friday about the Great Unknown. Every word he said went right along with the vision and dream that I had at the beginning when the lights came on and the worship started. He based his message on the Hillsong United song "Oceans". One of my absolute favorites! 

[You should have seen Kelsey and I when they started singing it!!! SO HAPPY!]

The song says, "You called me out upon the waters. The great unknown where feet may fail. And there I find you in the mystery. In oceans deep my faith will stand... Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me. You've never failed and you won't stop now... Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me."

The will of God is FULL of the great unknown but there are no guarantees... We just have to trust Him and make the jump. Brian challenged us to be like Peter. Not to be the people who stayed on the shore watching as the disciples got into the boat and to also not be the ones who stayed in the boat and didn't trust Jesus when he said to step out onto the water. Peter did. His faith was without borders. He stepped into the unknown and he got to walk on water with Jesus!!

Moving to New York was a scary thing! I can't tell you how hard it was to leave the people I love and everything that was comfortable to me behind and come here. But I knew it was what God was calling me to do. I don't know exactly what The Lord wants to do with me here, but that's the exciting part. I have no control... That is terrifying, but it will be so rewarding. The mystery is what makes Christianity exciting!

In the dictionary a Mystery Tour is described as a pleasure excursion to an unspecified location.

That is exactly what I am going to call this new adventure. A mystery tour. The Lord called me to New York City, for what reason I am not sure yet, but I cannot wait to find out!!

I am committing right now to step into the great unknown and follow whatever path He lays before me and praise Him and thank Him every step of the way. It will be hard I know [and my feet may fail] but He has never failed and I know he won't stop now!

"Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Saviour."

Thanks for reading :)

Happy Monthiversary NYC!

Setting up this blog has been quite the experience. I tend to be a little challenged when it comes to computers, technology, being artsy, etc... so this is about my 5th attempt to just set up a blog.

Just ask Kelsey. She thinks it's pretty funny...

So where do I even start?

I guess by saying, Happy Monthiversary New York City! 
Today marks exactly one month since I made the big move! And I have to say New York, you have been quite wonderful to me so far!

View from the Hudson Hotel roof top

The Hunt
It has been a CRAZY month, let me tell you. It started off with one of the worst weeks of my life (if I'm being real)... I know dram-ma-tic, BUT it's kind of true. Real estate here is hellish to say the least. 

The loverly Kim Peterson (Mama P known to some) came to help to attack the infamous apartment search here in the city. Of course my flight was majorly delayed, so my ever so kind mom started the search without me. She saw a few good ones, so we went back the next day to check them out. After a few more days of searching and a long pros and cons list later we decided to put in an application for one of them. 

Celebratory drinks with the Mama :)

After the nightmare of finding an in-state guarantor so our down payment was less, having to STILL pay a ridiculous amount upfront, and ALMOST not being able to move in the day we were supposed to, blah blah blah (I'll spare you the gory details) we FINALLY got the keys to our New York apartment!! 

Then began literally the worst day of my life... Move In Day (dun dun dun...) Let me just tell you, if you ever hear the words "5th floor walk up" run in the other direction! But hey good news is that it makes our rent cheaper!
Major shout out goes to my mom for helping search for an apartment! She is an angel for going through this with me... I would have died without her! I am so thankful!

Move In Day

Back to moving... so the very generous Kelsey Martin and her pops drove a MASSIVE Penske truck all the way from Texas to the Big Apple with all of our furniture (Praise the Lord for that!)

So the long day of moving the entire contents of that truck up to the 5th floor without an elevator began.

My cutie roomies: Kelsey Martin and Alekza Latte (Baylor girls what up!)

It was honestly one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but we can all say we felt SO accomplished when it was all done! And I never thought an empty Penske truck would look soo good!

The unpacking festivities then began obviously with some wine and a good ole record playing in the background.

BEFORE

And 4 weeks later here is the result! Not quite finished but almost there!

AFTER

Exploring

I'm sure everyone knows this already, but New York truly is the city that never sleeps. There is always something going on. From free concerts in the parks (and the parks themselves can keep you occupied for the rest of your life), flea markets, street fairs, Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, Off Off Broadway shows, concerts, dancing, street performers, shopping, etc. I honestly don't think you could ever get bored here. I feel like I haven't even skimmed the surface of all the exploring that is to be done in the city and I have already done some pretty fabulous stuff!

Here's a little overview :)

Shake Shack in Madison Square Park

Dinner at the Frying Pan (a boat on the Hudson)

The Brooklyn Flea

The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy

"It's time to get serious"

Although my new life in New York City seems like all fun and games, there is actually major work being done. I did come here to do a musical theatre program at CAP21 and let me tell you... I am doing musical theatre! I am learning crazy things and meeting amazing people, but I am working my butt off! I have SO much to share about my classes and everything I am learning, but that will have to wait for another post.

I am so very sorry this post is so long, but like I said before I had some major technical issues getting my blog up and running so I had to play a little bit of catch up here.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and I cannot wait to share my upcoming adventures as I tackle the concrete jungle!

Thanks NYC for a great first month. Can't wait for the many more to come!