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.