Pope
The faithful say that even if you catch a glimpse of the Pope then it is like being blessed by him. So with Minnie in tow, we headed up Fifth Avenue on Saturday afternoon to try and catch a glimpse. The Pope was on his way from Mass at St. Patick's to the Vatican residence in Manhattan. And where does the Pope stay while in New York? On the Upper East Side of course!!!
Security was everywhere. My tote bag was checked and Secret Service was all over the place making sure that every window was closed. The scene was quite pleasant-everyone was in a good mood, singing and playing music to pass the time.
Then the motorcade came. A ton of NYPD on motorcycles, vans, cars, limos until finally, there it was. The Popemobile!
Minnie and I are very, very blessed...
The Pope waving at Minnie and Me.
Minnie trying to be patient while waiting...
Hola
I had the opportunity to travel to Madrid, Spain the last week in February. In true Philbin fashion, I extended my stay through the following weekend to hang out and be a tourist.
I was fabulously surprised by Madrid. It was fabulous! The people we met were perfectly nice and hospitable. I found the city to be clean, sunny and trendy. There were not a lot of native English speakers there at this time. I don't speak Spanish, but thank goodness I grew up in California, so at least I knew my numbers and a few other words!
There are just loads and loads of things to do and see in Madrid. My $20 tour book was well worth the price. I wish I had more time in the city and the country, but I managed to pack in quite the agenda during my few days there.
I made visits to the Prado Museum to see Goya and Velasquez. I made it to the Thyssen-Bornemisen to see the Modigliano exhibit. I toured the ginormous Picasso exhibit in the Jean Nouvel wing of the Renia Sofia. I saw contemporary art at the new Caxia Forum designed by Herzog and de Meuron. I took a self-guided tour of the Palacio Real-the armoury collection there is really impressive. Mostly because it's really old... I also walked around the main tourist areas and shopped at the Puerta del Sol and ate paella at the Plaza Mayor.
Plaza Mayor with painted facade.
Madrid icon-Bear eating from strawberry tree in the Puerta del Sol.
Palacio Real.
10
Ten years ago today, I packed up five suitcases and left the beach house on the strand in Hermosa for Manhattan. Sasha brought me to the airport and I arrived in the city wearing a long-sleeved white tee shirt and a pair of jeans on one of the coldest days of the year. I thought I would celebrate by reflecting on ten things that popped into my mind first that have happened to me, effected me, or changed me in the past ten years.10. I bought my first wool coat-on March 3, 1998. I now own several coats, hats, scarves, gloves and earmuffs...9. I lived in Maryland for two years, went to business school and got an MBA.8. I've traveled to countries in three continents including: China, Ecuador, France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland.7. I've moved from a two-bedroom, to a one-bedroom, to a studio...6. I've had three jobs: MLS, ATC and PMA.
5. I've had two serious relationships - at least I thought they were...4. I discovered chocolate souffle cake at CPK.3. I've gained at least 10 pounds - one for each year I figure...2. I have a dog that my mom gave me three years ago. Her name is Minnie.1. Even though I moved here when I was 25, I am still only 28!!!
Chicago
I went to Chicago in October to celebrate Kimberly's birthday and for the USC vs. Notre Dame game. It was my very first time visiting South Bend for the big game. It was such a blast! There was Cardinal & Gold all over the streets of Chicago and it was loads of fun running into old friends. Gameday was a longday, but the Trojans marched on to victory and a good time was had by all!
Touchdown Jesus!
USC wins 38-0!
Reflection in the Anish Kapoor sculpture.
Fight On!
BOO
H. A. Double L. O. Double U. Double E. N. spells Halloween.
Witches and Goblins and Ghosts and Ghouls.
Halloween. HALLOween. HALLOWEEN!!!
I learned this little ditty at Handy School way back when I was still trick-or-treating. Today's the day and I always find myself humming it in my head!
Halloween is such a crazy day in New York. Tons of people dress up and go to the parade in the village. I hung out with a couple of friends and got Korean food. It was awesome! And thank you Laura for the candy-you made my day! I did wear my cat ears and a little gold mask...that was my only contribution.
The best costume I saw today was a couple dressed as Shrek and Fiona. They were painted all green with ogre ears and everything. I hope they win a costume contest somewhere!
So...this picture of Minnie never gets old. She hated that costume but she just makes people smile and I think its great!
USC
It's September and you know what that means...College Football!!!USC is in the driver's seat again this year and even Minnie is in the Trojan spirit.
Fight On!
Beat the Huskies....
Birthdays
"28" never felt so good!!!
Thanks, girls, for the company and a great weekend and week!
Photo by ericabartelphotography.com
