Sometimes Sweet

tonight

I haven't really felt like writing much lately other than just giving a daily rundown, which is odd for me. Even when I don't post, I write in my free time quite often and I just haven't been in the mood. I've been very up and down with my moods, most days happy but on those other days when I'm sad, it's a lot heavier than I'm used to. I know a big factor is my return to "normal" life. It's hard to travel for three months and then have to go back to work (and I know, poor me, right?) and I know it's weighing me down a bit. I just need to stay positive and remind myself what a wonderful job I have, and how I need to be thankful for the fabulous schedule I get to enjoy. But on the subject of being bummed out, today I also found out some sad news that I'm not going to go into here, but I'm feeling pretty low and discouraged. I just don't get how people can believe in God when so many horrible things can happen to amazing people. There is no rhyme or reason and I am just so annoyed and sad at whoever or whatever is in charge, be it God or fate or pure chance. Ugh. So anyway, tonight was a fun, quiet night with Amber, which was just what I needed. We hung out over here and then walked downtown for about 30 minutes to see friends. Now I'm just relaxing with Hank on the couch, contemplating going to sleep or staying up and doing some cleaning. Exciting! ;) Tomorrow is a day dedicated to relaxing and I'm going to fully enjoy it. I'm looking forward to a great workout in the AM and movies during the day. Goodnight, I think sleep wins! xo <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3774509244/" title="my best friend by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="my best friend" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3774509244_3145c74e4e.jpg" width="500" /></a>

tonight

I haven't really felt like writing much lately other than just giving a daily rundown, which is odd for me. Even when I don't post,...

11:57 PM

Wednesday night

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771994073/" title="Docs and mousies by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Docs and mousies" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3771994073_834521dd4d.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771993385/" title="Amber and me by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Amber and me" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3771993385_463054b1af.jpg" width="375" /></a> toasting at St. Micheal's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3772790958/" title="manicure Wednesday for both of us! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="manicure Wednesday for both of us!" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3772790958_72062f2408.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771983669/" title="Cheers at St. Michael's by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers at St. Michael's" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3771983669_2612232518.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3772791350/" title="Cheers at St. Michael's by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheers at St. Michael's" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3772791350_0a7ff9cf20.jpg" width="375" /></a> Jordan- playing bass in Hot Skin <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3772791586/" title="Jordan by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Jordan" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3772791586_dfa3961dbd.jpg" width="375" /></a> Hot Skin at Sundance's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771984691/" title="Hot Skin by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hot Skin" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3771984691_1739c56b66.jpg" width="500" /></a> Amber and me, my leg looks weird but Amber's face makes me laugh so it stays :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771988315/" title="Amber's stoked by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Amber's stoked" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3771988315_06a46b5eb7.jpg" width="375" /></a> our typical bathroom photo <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771992035/" title="we always take this silly bathroom photos by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="we always take this silly bathroom photos" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3771992035_1220ca73e1.jpg" width="375" /></a> Hour of the Wolf <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3772796290/" title="Hour of the Wolf by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hour of the Wolf" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3772796290_b17ea94cb6.jpg" width="375" /></a> my cute hubby <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3772797192/" title="Hank <3 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hank <3" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3772797192_fb147f9c62.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3771992397/" title="Jordan and Amber by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Jordan and Amber" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3771992397_71ee38be05.jpg" width="375" /></a>

Wednesday night

toasting at St. Micheal's Jordan- playing bass in Hot Skin Hot Skin at Sundance's Amber and me, my leg looks weird but Amber's f...

11:30 PM

manicure Wednesday

manicure Wednesday

manicure Wednesday , originally uploaded by daniellehampton .

1:27 PM

Monday, Tuesday

Yesterday was a wonderful first day back in Prescott, and Hank and I spent it food shopping and organizing around the house. I was so nice to wake up in our bed, and be able to have my entire wardrobe to choose from! ;) I got up around 8am and lounged around in my pjs until Hank woke up later and we got up and headed to New Frontiers. We got tons and tons of fresh, local produce and ingredients for our dinner plans this week. Most of the time we eat vegan, and I always have a good time trying out different recipes I find on the internet. One of my fave sites is the <a href="http://vegandad.blogspot.com/ ">Vegan Dad</a> blog and also <a href="http://www.fatfreevegan.com">Fat free Vegan</a> . Sometimes I think it would be fun to take cooking classes so I think sometime soon I would like to actually do that rather than always wishing I did. I think I'm an okay cook but by no means great and I would like to be! So we spent the day doing stuff around the house and then went on a run together later in the evening. It was a wonderful day! This morning I woke up around 7:30am and Amber came by to pick me up and we headed down to Phoenix for a day of shopping. She leaves for college in Santa Barbara next week and needed to get some clothes for school and stop by IKEA for some stuff for her new house! So we did all that, somehow surviving the disgusting 112 degree heat and headed back up the mountain to Prescott. Hank and I spent the rest of the evening at his wonderful Grandma's house. I absolutely LOVE her- she is such a cool lady who watches politics (Rachel Maddow and Keith, etc) like they're soap operas. She's so smart and I always learn someting new whenever we go over, which is once a week for "Grandma Night." So tomorrow should be fun also- Hour of the Wolf is playing their first of two shows this week (they leave for tour next Tuesday) and it should be a good night. Tomorrow morning I need to get back into the gym. I've been taking it easy for the past couple of days minus some cardio because I hurt my back a bit while lifting last week. It's been super painful some nights and totally fine others which is quite annoying. I hope these past days without being really strenuous will be good for it. I am definitely looking forward to a good workout tomorrow morning. from tonight, about 20 minutes ago...isn't she CUTE! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3767433657/" title="I look creepy but look at HER! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="I look creepy but look at HER!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3767433657_928d46316e.jpg" width="500" /></a>

Monday, Tuesday

Yesterday was a wonderful first day back in Prescott, and Hank and I spent it food shopping and organizing around the house. I was so nice ...

10:05 PM

Home sweet home

Well, it's almost midnight on Sunday and Hank and I are officially home. It was a long drive...and I am so happy to be sprawled on the couch with my laptop, catching up with my DVR, making shopping lists for this week, pulling recipes, and getting excited for the new school year to begin. As much as I love to travel, I do crave routine and I always feel relieved in a way to be home after any trip, be it San Diego or Canada. This weekend was definitely a quiet one for me, and I only went to the Convention for day so I got a lot of rest and relaxation in. :) This week is the first full week I have spent in Prescott since May, and even so I will be going to Phoenix with Amber for a little shopping trip, and then again with Hank this upcoming weekend. I was supposed to be coming to Seattle this weekend and as much as I second-guessed my decision to cancel my trip, I am so happy to be home and to have time for recharging before next year begins. And it begins very soon- I have to return to school next Tuesday for "pre-school year prep" - it's a time when all the teachers are there before the kids come the following week. It's full of meetings, comittees and tons of other boring stuff like that. I definitely don't teach for all that, so I am really looking forward to the kids actually getting there. It's always weird to have 125 kids I don't know come through my classroom, but after the first week it gets a little easier. In my four years of teaching I still haven't ever had a huge discipline problem so I am keeping my fingers crossed its another good year. I'll leave you with some more photos from San Diego. Have a great week blogger friends! And ps, now that I am home from all this traveling you can expect more regular posts. :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753677313/" title="Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hank" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3753677313_021780df9d.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753682989/" title="YEAH! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="YEAH!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3753682989_058c835cb3.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753680969/" title="cuties by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="cuties" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3753680969_7eb9d7203d.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753684033/" title="SO EXCITED @#$%^ by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SO EXCITED @#$%^" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3753684033_7b1cb2d581.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3754483702/" title="thumbs up in motion at the New Moon booth by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="thumbs up in motion at the New Moon booth" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3754483702_816398af38.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3754485240/" title="My Little Pony <3 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="My Little Pony <3" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3754485240_f0ed766955.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3754490008/" title="Ugly Dolls! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Ugly Dolls!" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3754490008_bc69d197da.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753693519/" title="Alex interviewing Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Alex interviewing Hank" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3753693519_5d7a391916.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3754485992/" title="SW + Hank = <3 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SW + Hank = <3" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3754485992_9931e276e0.jpg" width="500" /></a>

Home sweet home

Well, it's almost midnight on Sunday and Hank and I are officially home. It was a long drive...and I am so happy to be sprawled on the ...

11:40 PM

Preview Night Dinner in San Diego

Tonight is definitely a first- I stayed in the hotel and Hank is out on the town! It's rare for him to be around other straight edge friends, as most of our friends in Prescott who were straight edge, aren't anymore. He's definitely not against drinking or anything for others, but he chooses to just not be around that stuff, which kind of excludes him from most of his friends activities where we live. When he's on tour with everyone it's a different story though, and I know he is so thankful for Lance (the singer and one of his best friends) who also makes the same lifestyle choices. Lance is with his girlfriend a lot when they're home though, so he's pretty much loving this, getting to spend time with friends and do fun nerd stuff for five straight days, which is right up his alley. It warms my little heart. He's at a party right now, and who knows when he'll be home, haha. It's usually the other way around and I am loving it! As for me, I am cozied up in this amazing CA King bed and enjoying every second. Sarah and Andy are downtown, but after I hit the gym and curled up in bed I just couldn't drag myself out on the town. We arrived Wednesday afternoon after driving the five and a half hour drive from Prescott. I shouldn't say we though, because I drove the whole way! Yay for me. Lately I've been offering to make the big drives to CA because it helps me less bored when I am behind the wheel. And plus, then Hank will drive home Sunday night and I can sleep. :) Awesome. Hank had an exhibitor pass this year, from Super 7, which is a toy store in San Francisco, so he attended Wednesday night, which was Preview Night. I stayed back at the hotel and worked out and layed by the pool until I had get ready for a dinner party given by one of Hank's friends. The dinner was basically all of Hank's "board" friends, from skullbrain.org, which is a toy collecting site and is kind of a kick off for the Convention. It was definitely a fun time, and it was good to see familiar faces. Most of all I get so happy when I see Hank so happy and he was stoooked, so it was a perfect night. :) Driving to SD <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3747646009/" title="hitting the road for San Diego by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="hitting the road for San Diego" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3747646009_0f4c6c9a17.jpg" width="500" /></a> SO COMFY <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3747646309/" title="comfiest bed ever by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="comfiest bed ever" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3747646309_8104bb059c.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3747647021/" title="Sweet Dreams by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet Dreams" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3747647021_73876ff686.jpg" width="500" /></a> getting ready! :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748200623/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3748200623_ab459afa3b.jpg" width="375" /></a> Hank and Alex at the dinner <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749019120/" title="Alex and Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Alex and Hank" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3749019120_9de74471e1.jpg" width="500" /></a> some of the raffle stuff <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748992714/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3748992714_98048e020b.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749033994/" title="Mori, friend, and Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Mori, friend, and Hank" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/3749033994_9cf418beaf.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748201169/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3748201169_b8ff6c2d68.jpg" width="375" /></a> our friend Connell and me, he is the sweetest <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749018008/" title="Connell and me! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Connell and me!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3749018008_512b71fec1.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748251803/" title="Lulu Luke and Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Lulu Luke and Hank" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3748251803_f0d678f560.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749029048/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3749029048_6a0bab4357.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749026394/" title="Don, Connell, Pop Soda by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Don, Connell, Pop Soda" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3749026394_b99fa06e8c.jpg" width="500" /></a> melts my heart <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748988798/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3748988798_ca98d66915.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748250771/" title="Scott, Alex, and Scary Andy by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Scott, Alex, and Scary Andy" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3748250771_e440235db0.jpg" width="500" /></a> fancy photo by Hank ;) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3749043300/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3749043300_d230bc3a60.jpg" width="375" /></a> being silly when we got home <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748910170/" title="love by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="love" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3748910170_fe4960bf80.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748910262/" title="??? by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="???" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3748910262_3b21d703ca.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748122203/" title="party dress by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="party dress" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3748122203_57cd953fcf.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748122101/" title="heey by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="heey" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3748122101_f0a240ca9a.jpg" width="500" /></a>

Preview Night Dinner in San Diego

Tonight is definitely a first- I stayed in the hotel and Hank is out on the town! It's rare for him to be around other straight edge fr...

11:52 PM

NYC, July 2009

I just returned home from NYC on Monday and now I'm in San Diego, so I didn't have a minute to blog about my trip before we left for another. Today is a shopping day for me, but it's only 8:45am so I figured I would try and post quickly before I forgot details of my wonderful time spent there. My dear friend Emily and I got a chance to spend time together when I was on the East Coast in June, and the one day we had together definitely wasn't enough, so we decided to plan for me to visit in July. And that's just what I did...and it was the most beautiful time! I grew up in NJ, so I have spent lots of time in the city, but we moved when I was 13 so following the move I've gone a lot, but never really done touristy things. The last time I went with friends was in 2005, when I flew out with Erin and Rachel to visit Hank on tour with Life in Pictures. They were supposed to play Hellfest, which was canceled that year. It was a great time, but we didn't have much time for sightseeing besides one day in the city. I went back a few times following that year with my family and with Hank, but still just kind of visited friends and family without really exploring. This visit was totally different though, and I already can't wait to go back and do more things, see more things, etc. I left at 11am on JetBlue and arrived into JFK around 8pm or so. I somehow managed to figure out the Airtrain, and then connected to the J train, where Em and her boyfriend Jesse met me at their stop. We walked back from to there home so I could drop off my luggage, and we decided to go out for awhile. So we hopped back on the subway and headed over to the Little Branch speakeasy, where Becky (a friend of Em's) was bartending. This spot was so insane- there's no sign, it's simply a black door you have to knock on to be admitted. Someone takes you downstairs, and you're literally in a 1920s speakeasy! It's small and super cute! I had some of the best drinks of my life at this bar...they have a whole bar full of fruit and you just tell them what flavors you like and they make you a healthy drink that is to die for! Emily, Jesse and I spent the entire night there, catching up and chatting. It was an amazing way to start my trip. first photo of the trip- I am so tired and just arrived! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742466378/" title="first photo, upon my arrival! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="first photo, upon my arrival!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3742466378_1c444fe778.jpg" width="375" /></a> Em and Jesse down in the speakeasy- it was super dark and I didn't want to ruin the ambiance with a flash, so apologies for the grainy photo. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742466466/" title="in the Little Branch Speakeasy by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="in the Little Branch Speakeasy" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/3742466466_5a048f06f6.jpg" width="500" /></a> We went to bed pretty late, but Em and I decided to still get up early to go on a long run over the Williamsburg Bridge. Friday ended up being super humid and it was definitely a challenge, but really rewarding when we reached the other side and got water. Turning around and going back the other way was a different story though... ;) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742466578/" title=":) by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt=":)" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3742466578_dc25a54e23.jpg" width="500" /></a> After our run we got ready for the day and spent our afternoon walking around, shopping, and spending time together. Em and I are already in great touch so it was nice to not have to go over all the details of our lives and just pick up from the present. It was the best day, although it was crazy hot we still enjoyed the city, sweaty and worn out (well, I was) from our run! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741671687/" title="good morning Brooklyn by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="good morning Brooklyn" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3741671687_3719ef3b54.jpg" width="372" /></a> We went to lunch at Souen, a vegan/raw spot that I just loved. I got the macro platter, which was the best macro platter I've ever had. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741671989/" title="delicious lunch at Souen by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="delicious lunch at Souen" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3741671989_56d90a0968.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741672241/" title="flowers by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3741672241_419f74135b.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741672519/" title="close by Em's home by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="close by Em's home" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3741672519_c54511ce2c.jpg" width="500" /></a> After our long day in the city, we headed home to wait for Meg to arrive from Westchester. We went to dinner (I am spacing on the name), and I got a delicious hand-packed veggie burger and we ended our meal with the most delectable piece of vegan blueberry/peach pie I've ever had. I am such a pie girl too, so calling something delectable is a true compliment. ;) It was so good to see Meg, it had been years and years, so the dinner was a great time for catching up. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741673335/" title="love this by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="love this" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3741673335_35d84b2be9.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741673183/" title="picking out our dinner by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="picking out our dinner" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3741673183_08e7d79a27.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741674215/" title="before heading out to Westchester by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="before heading out to Westchester" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3741674215_7169e88e3e.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741674467/" title="vegan blueberry/peach pie...to die for! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="vegan blueberry/peach pie...to die for!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3741674467_e30d3127ef.jpg" width="500" /></a> After dinner we got into Meg's car and headed out to Westchester, where Megan lives with her daughter and family. We arrived pretty late, but I could totally tell how beautiful my surroundings were. I am a total tree/green/forest lover and Westchester was all of the above, much like my 2nd favorite place in the US besides Hawaii- Vermont. We spent the night drinking wine, making Meg a match.com profile (so fun) and giggling our heads off. Perfect night. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741674859/" title="a great Friday night by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="a great Friday night" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3741674859_6828946c2f.jpg" width="500" /></a> The next morning Emily got up early with Megan's Dad, Patrick to go for a run in the national park there. I elected to stay in bed and enjoyed another two hours of peaceful sleep! When they got home, I got to hang out with Chloe, Megan's daughter, and I totally fell in love with the little munchkin. Side note: both Emily and I are god-mothers to a Chloe! Me, to Autumn's Chloe, and Em to Meg's. Too funny. So after saying goodbye we got into Patrick's SUV and headed to the train station, where we boarded and headed back into the city, traveling along the Hudson River. It was a really pretty ride and it was nice to watch the river go by as we rode next to it. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742469888/" title="beautiful day by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="beautiful day" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3742469888_b2cb1e16eb.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742470146/" title="leaving Westchester by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="leaving Westchester" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3742470146_89a1829ef0.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742470216/" title="waiting for the train by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="waiting for the train" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/3742470216_bfac109083.jpg" width="375" /></a> We arrived in Grand Central station and were just starving, so we got some sushi (surprisingly really good) and gelato. I had never been in GC and I was blown away with the beautiful architechture and detail throughout the building. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741676085/" title="Grand Central by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Grand Central" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3741676085_a230a86f4f.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741676459/" title="love this by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="love this" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3741676459_b142f62cb9.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742470868/" title="beautiful by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="beautiful" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3742470868_8ccbda3d14.jpg" width="500" /></a> After leaving GC we decided to do a bit of a tourist afternoon and visit FAO Schwartz and Central Park. We walked through a huge street fair to get there too, which was neat. The last time I had been in FAO I was just a kid, and probably just wanted to see the "BIG" piano, so this time it was neat to really take everything in...it really is an amazing store! Street fair <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741676901/" title="mmm by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="mmm" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3741676901_4f10b62f52.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741676649/" title="NYC by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="NYC" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3741676649_4cf4883e85.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741677649/" title="shoes on the street by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="shoes on the street" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3741677649_4ea5860f95.jpg" width="500" /></a> Muppets in FAO! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742472788/" title="Muppetmaker looks like a Muppet too by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Muppetmaker looks like a Muppet too" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3742472788_a9b6ac43fe.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742472930/" title="I want one of these, and I'm not sure why by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="I want one of these, and I'm not sure why" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3742472930_47287df9ae.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741678295/" title="caandy! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="caandy!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3741678295_0cf055a70f.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741678871/" title="HARRY POTTER LOVES US by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="HARRY POTTER LOVES US" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3741678871_9c9be4f26d.jpg" width="375" /></a> After FAO we headed over the Central Park to take advantage of the truly gorgeous day and lounge around a little. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741679299/" title="street performer by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="street performer" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3741679299_43820d5716.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742474606/" title="hi! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="hi!" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3742474606_c05efb13dc.jpg" width="375" /></a> view from our spot on the grass :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741680057/" title="view from our lounging spot by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="view from our lounging spot" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3741680057_1134782ceb.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742475838/" title="IMG_6480 edit by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6480 edit" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3742475838_5849066e6d.jpg" width="375" /></a> After Central Park we went over to Union Sqaure to see 500 Days of Summer with the lovely Zooey. I had super high hopes for this film and liked it, but didn't love it. I wasn't necessarily let down, but perhaps my expectations were a bit too high. I am curious to see what my friends thought though, so if you've seen it, what did you think? After the movie we decided to go over to Babycakes to finally (last time I was in the city with Em they were sold out) try their cupcakes. I have heard a lot of things about this shop, both good and bad, and I have to say that I LOVED what I tasted. We got the cupcake tops, which is just like a muffin top...but a cupcake. YUM! I also tried a couple of samples and really loved what I tasted. I thought the frosting was to die for, and as we were leaving I noticed the "Frosting Shot" sign on the wall, so I will definitely be taking that route next time! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742477250/" title="Babycakes! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Babycakes!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3742477250_fd8c266029.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742477428/" title="pumped by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="pumped" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3742477428_5d5ec7ea72.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741681935/" title="cupcake toppers, mm mm mmm by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="cupcake toppers, mm mm mmm" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3741681935_64f61c5053.jpg" width="500" /></a> After Babycakes we went home to get ready for a night out with friends! We started the night at Taco Chulo (amazing, amazing Vegan tacos...best ever) and ended up at the Levee, then out dancing before ending the night at Vinny's for pizza. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741682435/" title="of course, who knows by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="of course, who knows" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3741682435_2fd4613cf6.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742477576/" title="inside Em and Jesse's apartment by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="inside Em and Jesse's apartment" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3742477576_30816f9433.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741683209/" title="heading to Williamsburg by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="heading to Williamsburg" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/3741683209_72d1f43a56.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742477894/" title="love by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="love" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3742477894_b83fb1f33b.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742477744/" title="heading out for the night by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="heading out for the night" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/3742477744_b3a8f3cbfd.jpg" width="500" /></a> at Taco Chulo- like I said before, best tacos...and best healthy (as healthy as alcohol can get) margaritas! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742478594/" title="my heart! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="my heart!" height="382" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3742478594_68531ab5de.jpg" width="500" /></a> Em and Jenn <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741683655/" title="wonderful girls by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="wonderful girls" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3741683655_cccdd9521f.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741683765/" title="Emily's happy :) by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Emily's happy :)" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3741683765_53a3a971af.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742479096/" title="dance! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="dance!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3742479096_b0bf8c9448.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741684217/" title="lovebirds by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="lovebirds" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3741684217_d2d973ed76.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741684463/" title="at The Levee by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="at The Levee" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3741684463_305833389c.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742480002/" title="LOOOVE by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="LOOOVE" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3742480002_df9213d327.jpg" width="375" /></a> So as I mentioned above, after a looong night of fun we ended up at Vinny's for pizza, which was delicious. We took a car home and I literally fell asleep before my head even hit the pillow. Not before I got some cuddle time in with Ms. Salsa though! :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742480940/" title="Salsa and me, I love her so much! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Salsa and me, I love her so much!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3742480940_4076bff7c4.jpg" width="500" /></a> The next morning we woke up pretty late (thank goodness- I needed it!) and decided to go to Coney Island. Coty and Brandy picked us up and somehow we got lost along the way and ended up just going to a smaller beach. This beach was great, but super weird because along the shore was every kind of fruit you could imagine from coconuts to pears. Halves and wholes, pieces and fragments...scattered everywhere! It was bizarre, and the beach recieved a new name- "Fruit Island." Emily had ended up borrowing my banana bikini, which was quite appropriate for the day! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742481240/" title="Fruit Island by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Fruit Island" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3742481240_61c8c51833.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742482070/" title="cuties by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="cuties" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3742482070_3d747fc572.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742482648/" title="girls girls girls by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="girls girls girls" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3742482648_6285d7d4d1.jpg" width="375" /></a> After the beach we went back and got ready to head out to a party with some friends from Jesse's work. The bbq was held in Brooklyn in a courtyard of an apartment building, and was such a cute spot. There were tons of dogs too, and even a doggy pool. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742483194/" title="Emily's neighborhood sky by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Emily's neighborhood sky" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3742483194_b9456607b2.jpg" width="500" /></a> walking to the train <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741688221/" title="portable pup! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="portable pup!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3741688221_df61679cdc.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741688367/" title="heading downtown by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="heading downtown" height="371" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3741688367_d97cbdce04.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741688901/" title="oh hey Jesse by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="oh hey Jesse" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/3741688901_d828da5553.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742484066/" title="me and my homegirl by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="me and my homegirl" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3742484066_1496d96bef.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742484306/" title="pretty girl by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="pretty girl" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3742484306_c6d83fd20f.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742484582/" title="bbq by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="bbq" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3742484582_a23140b323.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742484926/" title="trying to get a photo of the vicious Salsa! ;) by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="trying to get a photo of the vicious Salsa! ;)" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/3742484926_2bf147dc44.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742485078/" title="me! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="me!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3742485078_21753d9345.jpg" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741690083/" title="what a night! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="what a night!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3741690083_6513a75cab.jpg" width="500" /></a> When we got home that night we spent a relaxing night in, watching movies and hanging out while Emily got caught up on some work. It was the best way to end a busy/wonderful weekend. The next morning I woke up, excited because my flight didn't leave until 8pm that night, so I had an entire day of sightseeing ahead of me while Em was at work. I packed up my stuff, and took the train to the Financial District so I could leave my suitcases with her while I wandered around. She had already been up since 7 or so, that crazy girl! I spent the day shopping, eating and just really enjoying a "me" day. I tried Magnolia cupcakes (Babycakes IS better!) and walked my little heart out, covering a lot of ground all over NYC. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3742486014/" title="red velvet from Magnolia by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="red velvet from Magnolia" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3742486014_5cc73b9544.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3741691383/" title="beautiful day by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="beautiful day" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3741691383_bcfbee12d6.jpg" width="500" /></a> Overall it was one of the best trips/vacations I've ever been on. I could write a million pages about how wonderful it was, but the photos really do a better job. I could also write a million pages on how much it filled my heart to spend 5 solid days with Emily. We've been friends for a long time, and I loved being able to be around her for an extended period of time like we used to be able to do. She is like a sister to me, and it's amazing to know that no matter where life has taken us, we have remained close through our ups and downs, and our friendship continues to grow stronger! Jesse and Em were truly the best hosts- so generous and accommodating and I will always be thankful for how "at home" I felt in their beautiful house. We are already planning for me to come out in September and I can't wait. I've been out of NYC for two days, but I am still so so happy and cannot wipe this smile off of my face. :)

NYC, July 2009

I just returned home from NYC on Monday and now I'm in San Diego, so I didn't have a minute to blog about my trip before we left for...

7:12 AM