formerly phread: #NYC12

On the last day of July, my 13YO daughter and I took off from SLC on a redeye to JFK. We were able to get some sleep while not watching Olympic events on TV, and when we landed early in the morning we were very excited. It was pretty early and I didn't want to arrive at Hailey's at an unreasonable hour, so the first place we went was Rockefeller Plaza. We hung out and walked around, finally deciding to take a cab to the Upper West Side. Still early, we went to Dunkin Donuts. Finally, we went to Hailey's building and up to her apartment where she and her twins were headed on a field trip to Staten Island, so 13YO and I did what any people who have just taken a redeye should do: we slept.

Upon waking, we jumped the bus to Shake Shack, and on to Central Park.

That night, 13YO babysat the twins while we adults attended Into The Woods with the Shakespeake in the Park series, with Amy Adams and Donna Murphy (as Rapunzel's mom). It was just as unbelievably amazing as you think it was. And Mayor Bloomberg was there (purple shirt).

The next morning 13YO and I packed up and made our way to midtown to set up for the SocialLuxe Lounge party. All day. I was, admittedly, distracted because I was missing Richard's funeral and a big part of me wanted to be home so I could be there for Sue and Liz.

But we went to work and I only cried a couple of times that day. The work went quickly and efficiently - the volunteers were amazing. It was a good day, and when we were finished, we checked into our hotel. And then we shopped. Like we do.

Thursday was another day of setup, and the party was that night. I can't say enough about the people who volunteered before and during the party. Really. They're incredible. And Allison, Jane, and Marie really know how to put on a party.

we made her hail a cab at night

That night I got to visit with my friend Jim; we hadn't seen each other in 21 years. It was so great to catch up.

Friday brought a morning run in Central Park for me, and MAN -- I loved that. So much.

view from my run

I was, however, mistaken on how well I'd run: I thought that with the lack of elevation in NY, as compared to where I live (4500), I'd have an easy time of running . . . I did not take into account how thick with humidity the air is. It was just about even. As for the rest of the day, 13YO did some babysitting, I spent some time in the expo hall at BlogHer, and I enjoyed a dinner with Stephanie Schwab and many of her fantastic associates. That night I danced at the SparkleCorn party.

at the American Cancer Society booth at the expo hall, being a crybaby

Saturday was another babysitting day for 13YO, and I walked around Times Square and whatnot. I just really enjoy being in the city.

That night was a party at Bryant Park sponsored by Today's Mama and Southwest Airlines. It was the perfect setting, and beautiful weather. If you asked me my favorite part, though, I'd have a hard time choosing between Hailey's and Carrie's '70s costumes, and the fact that the bartender was all but forced to create a drink called 'The Mormon' (non-alcoholic and fruity!).

That night was, of course, the CheeseBurgHer party. It was so fun, and I was supposed to go do karaoke when the party was over, but hello, that party ENDED at 1:am. How old am I? I took some cheeseburgers to my daughter and we went to sleep.