Nick’s was celebrating their 50th Anniversary which is AMAZING since New York trendy restaurants normally turn over every two years.

For the big anniversary, Nick’s was going back to the original menu and the original prices! Rolling back to 1962! Check out those prices!

And we weren’t the only ones that turned out, the line was around the corner!

My dear friend Laura accompanied me on the adventure too. She reminded me that she always accompanies me on the “waiting patiently” adventures.

The line went super quick though cause the serving staff was awesome. They literally threw down the orders like they were behind the server’s back. I kept the fast pace moving and scarfed down my food before I could even take a picture! It was awesome though!

And check out that bill!! I can’t even get a coffee for that price!

And then. The best thing ever. Beard Papa, only the best cream puffs in San Francisco, franchised!!!! GAH!!!! One block down. Bad for Gut. Good for Soul. And just as expensive as my entire meal.

It was a happy belly night :)

Here are 5 little goods from this week:

Dealing with Grown-Up Stuff on My Own!

This week two of my credit cards were used fraudulently AND I had an outstanding bill from the doctor that my insurance was covering (Neither deserve high-fives). BUT, through many phone calls and deep breaths, I cleared both up without my bank accounts being damaged! Yay for being a grown-up!

Going to My Hot Dentist

Nothing brightens up an 8AM appointment more than a hot dentist. I’ve never enjoyed an appointment more. And I got a blog post out of it that I’m really proud of.

The Civil Wars

I decided to go through Grammy nominated artists I hadn’t listened to before at work on Spotify. I halted at The Civil Wars. How have I not been on this train until now!?? Beautiful. Beautiful Beautiful. I melt over a good harmony and this is jam-packed. I cannot wait for the Hunger Games Soundtrack to come out just to get their new stuff (along with all of the other amazing artists!!)

Doing Nothing This Weekend

After last weekends excitement I am looking forward to doing nothing that exerts more energy than doing my laundry. I will be enjoying our gorgeous weather and painting my nails. Maybe like this again? Let me know if you have any ideas!!

Fingers Crossed for Sunday!

My Cup of Coffee I’m Getting On My Way to Work This Morning

Cause I haven’t had a Starbucks all week, I didn’t have work off on Monday like the rest of the world, this week has been super long, and damn- just cause it’s Friday!!!

Happy Friday Y’all!

So I told you I wouldn’t say everytime I have a new post on MCG cause I think the target audience might be a bit different but I really like this one and think everyone might enjoy it!

Enjoy my new post from my COLUMN, “Awkwardly Ever After”  (A little cheesy column title maybe? But totally appropriate…) Check it out here!

Comment away on MCG!! Happy Thursday! WOOT!

I Love My Dentist

But since I’ve moved here, I’ve slowly found little perks of riding the subway. Here is the first installment of my 4 part series, “The Joys of Riding the Subway”

1. People Watching.

There is absolutely no place better to find a total variety of people than on a subway car. And people are really interesting. As annoying as it is, I love hearing what music people are listening to through their blaring headphones, it really lets you into their lives!  Fashion is of all sorts on the trains too, including neon tie dye spandex pants, close-to-straight-up-indecent boob exposure, cross dressing, and some really interesting hairstyles.

MG found this lovely tail of a thing on our way from IKEA... It was HUGE

I love making up back stories for fellow riders. Where are they coming from? Where are they going? Can we fall in love in 2 minutes?

All time favorite people watching activity is being able to tell the profession of the person based on their attire or what is with them. I love seeing actors reading scripts, dancers with buns and standing with their toes pointed out, flight attendants adorned in uniform and perfectly packed suitcase. Favorite though- clowns. And I’ve seen a few. One time I saw a whole Chinese New Year’s act get on the train. Sparkly headdresses and dragon included. Where was my camera????

This isn't my picture. But my picture would look pretty damn similar.

 On Friday, my dear Kevin picked me up and we made the trip down to Bloomington. At first, I was totally weirded out. Deja vu set in hard and the feelings of studying for exams and sleep deprivation hit me. While continuing to remind myself I had nothing to study for, I made my rounds at old employers then headed to Anthony’s very college bro-pad to prepare for the evening.

The first of many necessary Bloomington stops was to Mother Bear’s for dinner with 16 of my great friends. I was so thankful that they made time. And was so thankful it was Mother Bear’s. Oh how I missed you so.

Mo Bear's. Goldfish in salad. Bliss.

Then we all headed to go see my sweet sweet Full Frontal perform. I was so happy. They did an amazing job. So many new members for the next generation! It is great to see the greatest love of my college career continue.

Then we quickly headed over to the Bluebird to see Anthony and Lindsay in their band The 5 O’clock Shadows. They were awesome!!! I wish they could just play all night.

Yep. Those are my friends.

Seriously, after FFC and the 5 O’Clock Shadows, I have never been more proud in my life. I was so grateful and lucky that they were both performing during my visit. My heart was bursting. I felt like a proud mama. I was so happy to see my friends just totally kick ass.

The joy continued on Saturday with some lovely breakfast/lunch dates and a walk around campus. I lucked out on weather,  it was beautiful! And I saw all the old stomping grounds and redeemed my very old TIS bookstore points and got a sweatshirt! Win!

Ye ole dorm

The 414 has a front porch now!! Jealous!

Saturday night, the group gathered again for some more love and cheap food! I repeat- cheap! The whole trip was a shock after New York prices! Again, so much fun. Margaritas at La Cha (long awaited) and Sink the Biz at Nick’s. New catch phrases were created, lots of laughs to be had.

SO Cheap!! For so much!

And then, the luck continued with one of my favorite local bands playing a gig across the street! We danced our butts off until we could not dance any longer. It was bliss.

I woke up this morning dehydrated, exhausted, and aching. I have no idea how I kept that pace for four years. Just one weekend was insane!

I admit, I was a bit anxious to return for the first time. I wasn’t sure what emotions I would feel, if I would be super sappy and reminiscent or sad or what. But after the brief bout of deja vu and total weirdness, I realized everything was just fine and totally perfect. I also quickly realized that one of the reasons everything was so perfect was because I’m so happy with where I am now. I have no need to feel sad about leaving Bloomington because New York is just as great but in a whole new exciting way. I’m so lucky to have a great job and be in an amazing city. As weird as it is, visiting Bloomington made me realize how much I love New York too. There. I said it. The “L” word.

This trip was a total success. I was so happy to see so many of my friends and so grateful that they took the time out of what I know are their hectic schedules to see me. So thank you my sweet friends!! My apartment is now waiting for you!!

My sweet friends at FFC with me. "Prom Style"

My one regret- I should have taken more pictures!

Now back to the fifth floor…

Flying back in...

1. New Candle

After recommendation from a friend due to my new obsession with candles, I got a new candle at Anthropologie. It blows Yankee Candle out of the water!! Best scent and it lingers for so long! And the jar is so pretty.

2. Bloomington Bound!!

Right now I am currently on my way back to Bloomington, Indiana. Home of my alma mater and some of my most wonderful friends! It is my first random trip out of the city and first trip back to Bloomington since I moved away!

3. Full Frontal Comedy!!

Tonight I’m seeing my old comedy troupe perform in Bloomington, Indiana!! The show was almost canceled due to terrible scheduling at the local performance venue but then the stars aligned so I get to see them perform!! Can’t wait to see how my babies have grown!

4. 5 O’Clock Shadows!

Right after the Full Frontal Show tonight I’m heading to my favorite local venue to check out my wonderful friends play in their new band! They’ve had some great support and success and I’ve been wanting to see them perform. Luckily again the stars aligned where they booked a gig while I am in Bloomington, Indiana!

5. BLOOMINGTON BOUND!!!

This exciting trip deserves two high fives. There are so many reasons I am excited to be heading back to Bloomington, Indiana but mostly it is because of my wonderful friends that I get to see!!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!! GOOOOOO HOOSIERS!!!!!

SO MANY EXCLAMATION MARKS!!

I sang Whitney Houston in my 5th grade talent show (I was a confident child).

She was one of the first CDs I ever owned.

Somewhere there are images of a huge collage I made of my favorite “divas” from about the 4th grade. I intricately cut and taped images of my favorite female singers from all of my mom’s People magazines onto a bulletin board. It took over a year for me to complete but I was committed.  There was Shania, Gloria Estefan, Aretha, Bette Midler, Mariah, a little Britney and Christina (they were still new), Celine, and Whitney. She was all over it. I had that board for sentimental reasons until I moved to college.

I watched her tribute at the Grammys about 10 times before noon.

Talking about her at work today got me emotional.

But how could you not get emotional with the death of someone that could bring out so much emotion with her voice? It is such a sad story and she will truly be missed.

So it truly touched me today when walking home from work I saw this at the Apollo (where Whitney filmed The Greatest Love of All)

And this:

And this:

Whitney music has been blasting in the streets here since Saturday. I woke up Sunday morning to the sounds of “The Greatest Love of All” from outside my window.

Such a lovely tribute and just another reason why I love living in Harlem.

Jessica Quirk on What I Wore, (Bloomington Local!) gave me inspiration on her blog this week as well.

It started with a ton of different nail polish I already owned. (Don’t ask me why I own two of almost the same, but they worked well!)

Then I added the new Essie nailpolish! My first Essie polish. I guess that’s a big deal.

And then my nails got all fancy! (Ignore the weird little cut on my hand and the polish around my cuticles… that will come off). Definitely not as classy as Jessica’s but I think this will definitely make typing at work this week much more fun! They look better in person actually… but whatever.

The plan was for the Justice to come to the Law School for the retirement celebration of her friend and old colleague, and then attend an all day conference in her honor the following day. The professor sadly passed away though, so instead, we decided to hold a memorial for him. The family was very appreciative and I was very nervous. I’ve been to 1 funeral in my life, and a Supreme Court Justice was not there.

This professor was well-loved and the event grew from a tentative 68 people, to 300. Plans changed everyday. This along with the fact that RBG would be there meant many details, many changes, and quite the week.

Now THAT is a business card!

I moved classes, put those classes back, moved different classes,  scheduled 2 overflow rooms, assigned seating, reassigned seating, re-reassigned seating, took RSVPs, had a walk-through with US Marshals, secured 2 caterers, secured more food for security, set the reception, changed the set-up for the reception, closed down an elevator, escorted the cellist, called in a few more staff, called in 12 more staff, wrote a staff briefing (beautiful), ordered more programs, prepared for RBG arrival at 4:00, prepared for RBG arrival at 3:45, pushed students out of the hallways, washed RBG’s coffee mug.

It was exhausting.

And nothing went exactly as planned.

But oh well. As my boss says, nothing ever goes as planned but we plan for everything, so when something doesn’t go as planned, everything else does and we can focus on the one unplanned thing. Get it?

It was extremely rewarding though. The family was so grateful and the memorial was so beautiful. The conference today was also super smooth and everyone was so excited to be in RBG’s presence. But the whole team is glad it is over.

I remember being in my interview for my position when my boss explained our involvement with high-profile government officials at events and thinking it sounded completely insane. I’ve dealt with high-profile before, but this is at a Law School, at a university, with crazy people, protestors, students everywhere, and 17 entrances and exits to the building. But, now I’m here and I did it. My first US Marshal experience was a success. And we are totally buddies now- me and the Marshals.

I can’t really talk about the details more than the little stuff already mentioned, but it was awesome. There is not a better feeling than escorting down the hall 3 US Marshals who are guarding a Supreme Court Justice, who smiles as she walks past a 6 foot tall portrait of herself on the wall. See the visual in your head? Now that is a successful day at work.

And that is why I’m at home on a Friday night. This lady is drinking some wine and going to bed.

Happy Friday y’all.

But this year became special because my newly adopted home-team was in the game. And Eli Manning is brother to Peyton Manning, Indiana and Tennessee legend,  so the Giants were representing all homes for me.

Also- we found out this year that like New Year’s Eve, all NYC bars either jack up their prices, charge a crazy cover, or have an outrageous spending minimum. So we built our own party that included my cornbread casserole and Funfetti cookies (WHAT!?) that I didn’t get pics of.  Enjoy the pics that I did take below!

MG's amazing veggie dip stuff!

My party staple since the age of 13... Rotel Dip.

MG Food Coma (note the oatmeal creme pies)/ Enjoying the Game

My attempt at chili without reading the recipe... it became a yummy gumbo!

Some of my lovely guests

Bonnie recreating the Bradshaw squat into the endzone

And we won!! Happy Super Bowl for all.

And since I had to miss the Puppy Bowl to watch the Super Bowl, my favorite commercial pays homage: