New York City

So, I was suppose to go to NYC for my birthday with my friend Kristi, but thanks to the hurricanes it had to be delayed. Finally it looked like it was going to happen...but guess what....it rained the entire time. I don't know if it was a result of Hurricane Kyle or just insane rain and weather that was passing throug NYC. Either way it slightly disrupted the trip.

We made it to NYC!!!!

Flight was a little delayed leaving Newport News into New York but we managed to get up there and Kristi and I took a cab to our hotel. My sister was able to get us the friends and family discount since she works for Hilton. So we stayed at the Hilton on 6th Ave and 53rd St...about 5 blocks from Central Park, 4 blocks from Rockerfeller Center. Beautiful hotel in a great location.

Saturday it was misty & drizzly part of the day...Sunday was pouring rain.

Saturday Kristi and I started off hopping on the subway to lower Manhattan. We walked around Chinatown, down to where the World Trade Centers were and over to Wall St.

Site of former World Trade Center

We then hopped back on the subway and went to the garmet district, Mood (fabric store seen on Project Runway), over by Macy's on 34th St and over to the Empire State Building. Sadly visability was ZERO so we did not go up to the observation deck. Then quickly over to Time Square.

Back to the hotel to get all dolled up for .......Phantom of the Opera. OMG it was a fabulous performance. Goosebumps!

Sunday there was even more rain. We went to the NBC studios and did the NBC Experience tour. We went onto the set of NBC Nightly News, Conan O'Brien Show, AND Saturday Night Live. It was so cool to see the sets/props that were used not 12 hours before! With visability at the Empire State Building still zero we went to central park...over to the main fountain where many movies have scenes at the location

...For all the Battlestar Galactica Fans!

...Central Park...recongnize this fountain from the movies....

With the rain picking up and now not sprinkling but POURING we decided to try and catch another Broadway show...why not...catch a matinee at 2 and that gives us enough time to get back to the hotel, grab our bags and cab it back to the airport.

What broadway show did we see....LEGALLY BLONDE. It was so much fun!

omigod it was wonderful!!!!

I did try both times to talk Kristi into taking the subway to and from the airport but she prefered taking a cab...so we did! Always a great way to see the city.

And yes, with the weather being what it was...our flight home was delayed. But made it home safely we did and had a great weekend in NYC.

The Nation's Triathlon - Washington DC

Triathlon day has arrived (and now past)!!!!! After months of training the big weekend finally arrived. It was a beautiful weekend.

I started off meeting a college friend for lunch on Friday; checked into the expo and started to get an idea what the weekend was going to be like. That night the Virginia chapter of Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society went out together and I met some wonderful people.

Virginia's not just for lover's....it's for CURES!

Saturday I ended up meeting a college roommate and sorority sister for lunch with her husband and little boy...isn't he a cutie! What a great lunch to have before a crazy afternoon and following day. That night we had our pasta party...what a wonderful, motivating, and inspiring evening.

Jen, Zack, Amy

Sunday....race day. We were up at 3:20 in the morning. Left the hotel at 3:45 and was down at the race transition site at 4am. We got our body marked, transition area set up, a little food in our systems and waited for our time to get in the water and start the race.

With my mentor Rena before the race

My transition area...swim....bike....run

It turned out to be a beautiful day for the race...maybe too nice of a day...Sunny, 95, blue skies, no clouds...thus a little bit of the problem. Not much shade in the water or on the run portion of the race.

Me with Ellen, Willie (patient honoree and triathlete), Erin

Me with Diane (an elite triathlete and teammate)

I finished in 4 hours 1 minute and 42 seconds.

I achieved both of my goals: I raised $2,800.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and I finished the race.

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me and donated to the cause.

a quick update

Sorry - It's been a while since I've updated my blog. A lot has gone on!!!! I had a wonderful time with my family in Hilton Head Island. Had a blast on the booze cruise with some friends from DC and....are you ready for it.....I COMPLETED THE TRIATHLON!!! I finished in 4hrs 1 minute 42 seconds.

I'll be posting pictures of each event soon...I promise.