This city is full of surprises

I went to work today just like any other Thursday. Real Simple coordinated what they're calling a "Pop-Up Shop" in Rockefeller center. The store opened yesterday on 49th street right across the street from the gorgeous Norway Spruce Christmas tree at Rockefeller center. I'd planned on going to the shop today with a coworker and fellow NYU alum, but she got too busy so I went by myself. Since Kodak and L'oreal are co-sponsors of this shop, on my lunch hour I got a free makeover and I got to sit on Santa's lap and have my photo taken, all for free. I also looked around at all of the goodies they had for sale and received a free gift bag full of goodies.

Thursday's are usually pretty slow, but with the trip to the Real Simple shop and taking things slow, I was able to stretch my work out to fill the day. Ashley had an interview at Time today she came by my "office" at 5 and I got to show her around, she got to see what I do and I took her upstairs to our art department where another NYU alum works that we both know. It was nice to show someone my workplace.

A few weeks back I signed up for the Time Inc./HBO volleyball league. I haven't been able to attend any games thus far due to my late schedule, but tonight our game was at 8:30 and I was able to go. I braved the cold for a 4 block walk and made it in time. The teams are co-ed and we ended up winning one match and losing the remaining two. Afterwards, HBO sponsored a little holiday party at a bar close by with free appetizers and beers. It was nice to mingle and eat and drink for free, but I never thought I'd be caught dead in a bar in my sweatpants, especially in New York City, but I wasn't the only one.

Since my commute in and out of the city everyday can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes, I've become a much more avid reader. At the moment my roommates and I are consumed in a Nora Roberts series that involves 4 best friends that run a wedding business. The series is called the Bridal Quartet and we are all hooked. I'm almost through with the second book and can't wait to start the third. I never thought I'd actually look forward to reading. If you have any suggestions for books you think I'd enjoy, please leave a comment!

Thanksgiving at home and pre Christmas events

Again, time has slipped away and I've neglected my blog. So, to catch yall up on what's been going on in the big city...

A few weeks ago, Mama came up to visit as a chaperone for a trip with the high school she works at. While she was here, we got to spend a lot of time together as well as attending two things that have been on my New York bucket list since I lived her last summer: see the Rockettes Christmas show and the Lion King on Broadway. They were both equally amazing and the Rockettes really got me in the Christmas spirit.

Mama left Wednesday afternoon and I left Wednesday night after work to go home for Thanksgiving. I rode home with my coworker Tracey and my friend Ashley from the NYU program came home with me for the holiday. We pulled into Tappahannock early early Thursday morning. We split our time between Mama and Daddys houses and caught a Greyhound back to New York from Richmond. We had a great Thanksgiving filled with amazing food and family time.

Tuesday was a crazy night in the city. The lighting of the Rockefeller center tree started at 7, while I was still at work. We could hear the music and see the crowds forming long before. Once I got home, the roommates and I decided to decorate our apartment for Christmas. It looks great and it's fun to come home to an apartment door wrapped like a huge Christmas present :) The city is really starting to transform into a real Winter Wonderland. I've found my official favorite city decoration and it's across the street from my building. A beautiful fountain holds a dozen huge red Christmas balls, I just love them. I'm excited to see the Rockefeller tree for the first time and continue to explore the other magical spots in the city with the coming weeks.

Here are a few pics to help you get in the spirit: