So along with the usual resolutions like losing weight and trying to become a better human, etc., etc.... I also threw in a couple of new ones.
I want to cut down on the PROCRASTINATING.
And I want to explore New York City at least once every month in 2013.
So it was Wednesday, January 30th....and I knew I couldn't go anywhere on Thursday because I had a dentist appointment smack dab in the middle of the day.....and I realized that if I didn't go in to The City that day I was going to break both of my resolutions in one "fell swoop." I had procrastinated going in to NYC until the last available day in the first month of the new year. (Although in my defense, the weather was pretty sucky for 80% of January.)
So it was supposed to be close to 70 degrees on this day, which made it extremely foggy. I figured taking the bus might be a good idea so I wouldn't have to drive in the fog. But I didn't give myself enough time (the fog was thick for the four miles down the mountain, but was gone when I got to "town.") I got to the bus station just in time to see the driver throw his cigarette butt on the ground, climb in, and drive away.
I wasn't going to let that stop me though...I had already decided that if I missed the bus I was going to drive myself. The fog was not a problem. I'd get there quicker than the bus anyway, parking's cheaper than the round trip fair, and I could come and go by my own schedule.
I got a late start so I was only actually in the city for about 4 to 5 hours, but I DID IT! And that's the most important thing, I think. I explored some of what's called the Garment District in Manhattan. I parked around 30th and 8th, stopped in to the first Irish pub to grab a bite and a pint, (
Molly Wee Pub) and just walked around exploring.
I ducked into what looked like a "bargain bin" type store and bought some junk. They had this bin full of bright neon colored t-shirts and they were...get this....2 FOR A DOLLAR! lol So I bought two to wear on my bike rides. (I like to wear bright colors so cars can see me.)
Here's a pic I snapped from outside the store of people digging through said bin:
I don't know if it was because it was relatively slow in some of the stores, or if I just look like some crazy lady, but I felt uncomfortable in a lot of the stores that I popped in to. There were usually more employees than customers...and they would loom around and watch EVERY SINGLE MOVE I MADE. And speak in another language. I realize shoplifting must be a problem, but C'MON!
Because of the pressure I felt, I bought a stupid t-shirt for 20 bucks and it doesn't fit. I usually don't buckle for that...and I did like the shirt. I just HATE that it doesn't fit. So yes, that's what makes it stupid. :)
The United States Post Office is a pretty magnificent building...one that might rival any one of the HUNDREDS of beautiful structures in Rome...
Of course, my picture doesn't do it justice....
It wasn't 70 degrees, but I was more than comfortable in my fleece jacket. The rain held off too, so it was really perfect for walking around. I wished I had come across a park because I really just wanted a moment to relax without people so close. Too much of that staring can wear a girl out. Even the crazy guy talking to himself kept looking at me! And no, I didn't look out of the ordinary. Pretty "non-descript" in my opinion...no make-up, no long hair flowing, no bright colors....
I don't know. I just don't know.
- Madison Square Garden/Penn Station
- Subway entrance near the USPO
- Cute Sushi Sign!
- My Dad's name was Joe :)
My hubby called and said he was staying in Yonkers, and would I like to meet him and hit a couple of Irish pubs with him that night. I said sure and when should I head that way? He said Now! :)
Well, Now turned out to be RUSH HOUR. But did that deter me? Nope. I even snapped a couple at some of the lights...
- Honk Honk Beep Beep
- Through the sunroof...
My husband (Mr. Manhattan himself) said I wasted the day, going to a crappy section of town and basically not seeing anything of worth. "You want to go shoppin'? I'll take you in to the city and show you some SHOPPIN'!"
I explained that "shoppin'" was not my goal. Exploring and getting to know NYC was my goal. Even the not so shiny parts.
Ended the evening with one of the most beeeuuuuteeeful pints of Guinness at
Dunne's Pub in White Plains, NY. Great burgers too. :) AND great ghost stories.
- A Perfect Pint.
