Wonder Boy: I made it there.

Oh Lord, don't you HATE it when people make you look at their vacation photos?

So anyway, I just got back from New York! Let me tell you ALL about it. Not really- in fact, I didn't want to take very many photos, since I was only in town a few days and just wanted to relax. Most of the following are just random google images of places I went, and the ones I took will be obvious for their crappy quality and because, you know, I'm in them.

I took this trip for a couple of reasons. First, I desperately did not want to miss Jim's first lead in a Broadway play, and I can't even tell you how glad I am that I went. I'm not sure I can put into words how wonderful he was, and how thoroughly charming the play is. It's been so long since I've seen a Broadway show, and I had forgotten what magic they can have (except for Phantom of the Opera, which is a slow march through hell, if you ask me). I'm afraid I burst into tears during the curtain call, much to the irritation of the lady in front of us, but I was just too full of joy and pride and excitement. Y'all- he's damn good. Amazing.

Secondly, as detailed in my post at The Oxygen Mask Project, I wanted to do something for myself, to fill up the tank a little. I realized I hadn't been anywhere alone since before Elena was born, and she's seven. I strongly believe that if you're not putting your kids first, you're doing it wrong. But, I didn't put myself on the list at all, which makes me bitchy and resentful at times, even though it's my own doing. This was such a great opportunity to stretch a little, rest a little, breathe in the (admittedly foul) air, and spend time with much-loved friends and family. This trip was a bit of magic for me, and you're totally not required to sift through the photos- this post is really just a little jewel box of images for me to hold in my heart.

Thank you to Jim, Shauna, Suzanne and Peter for showing me such a wonderful time.

Special thanks to my Dad for your support of this trip.

Friday

The hotel.

First stop :)

My sister Suzanne and her kids Gracie and Jack

Shopping in SOHO

Kidrobot.

Ferrara- best cannolis ever.

My bestie, Shauna, who graciously led me through New York like the big baby I am. Thank you so much for everything.

With Suzanne and her family.

Peruvian dinner at Pio Pio in Hell's Kitchen.

Saturday

Brunch at Balthazar (Not pictured: Peter Rosch, who held us rapt with his stories, as ever. You can enjoy his stories for yourself! My Dead Friend Sarah is available at Amazon and other fine booksellers!)

Staten Island Ferry

Dinner at Mario Batali's Lupa.

Rooftop drinks at Ink48.

Jim in lights :)

Jim with the iconic Carol Kane. Or rather, Carol with the iconic Jim Parsons. She came into his dressing room afterward to pull him out to meet someone, and said a general hello to the room, which I am totally counting as meeting her. So, we're basically best friends now.