Family in the City

Okay, you might be wondering where I've been. I've been busy. Between classes and work and dates and guests, there is little time left to write.

Mom and Sis were in town starting late Thursday night. We woke up Friday morning to see huge snowflakes falling and thick snow on the ground. After some coffee we headed out (yes... into the cold, winter wonderland). We went to Columbus Circle and walked across the bottom of Central Park. It was beautiful. Then we walked down 5th Ave all decorated for Christmas and accented with snow. We went to the store H&M and it was all downhill from that point... ha, ha. I got a white coat for Christmas. It looks fantastic, very chic.
I took them to Rockefeller Center to see the Tree. Then we went to a brewery for lunch. Afterwards it was more shopping! We went to Century 21 which is a huge department store with discount brand names. "New York's best kept secret" had plenty to offer. I found a fabulous hat that says "I'm Carrie Bradshaw". The store had lots of great buys, but I wasn't willing to sort through more people and stuff. By this point all the walking and shopping had worn us out. It was time to go home, nap, and get ready for our evening.
I took Mom and Melissa to my weekly happy hour place. We enjoyed our frozen margaritas even with the cold and snow outside. Then we went next door for French food. It was great upscale dining. Afterwards we just went home and crashed. We had a very busy day, and we were tired. The next morning I had to work (I really hate my job lately, but that is a different story). I did wear my fantastic new hat and received lots of compliments. Mom and Melissa hit shopping on Canal Street. By the time I called them to say I was finished working, they were loaded down with shopping bags. So they brought them back to my place, then we were off again. We went to get hamburgers at this great little dive restaurant on the west side. They were pretty good... Then what did we do? More shopping.
Saturday night we had dinner reservations in the theater district on Restaurant Row. It was excellent. Then we met my suitemate and went back to see Rockefeller Center at night. We also saw the snowflake light show accompanied with music. Much like the light show at the Bellagio in in Las Vegas, except snowflakes not water. Then we went dancing on the Lower East Side. My mom managed to stay with us until midnight, but when she was falling asleep at the table we sent her home. The rest of us got home about 4am. Even though we were in the city that never sleeps, we need to sleep. We had another day of shopping.
The next morning I was still tired, but we had to take advantage of the day. We went to brunch back on the lower east side at a place recommended to me. From the outside it looked a little scary, but inside it was great. It seemed to scream New York. For $15 we enjoyed 3 mimosas and our brunch. I plan to go back.
Then we walked over to Canal Street. I saw parts of the city I didn't know existed. Once on Canal Street there was definitely more shopping. I got a pair of Chanel sunglasses.. for $10. They'll go great with my new white coat or my new hip hat.
After all that, we went back to my room, popped popcorn, watched TV and waited for the car to pick them up for the airport. I said good-bye to them at the curb, then headed back upstairs to face what I had managed to avoid all weekend:
I have to write a paper due Wednesday. And 6 more papers due next Tuesday. I guess it can't be all fun and games.