Saturday, January 31, 2009

Wicked Thoughts...

I always find it intriguing how whenever I go back to NYC, I automatically get right back into the "NY mode"--my pace quickens, I start jay-walking like crazy and I feel that familiar energy pulse through my veins once again.--It's almost as if I never left!

I never get tired of seeing the skyline! It never fails to take my breath away...
The minute I would step foot off of the bus from the airport at Grand Central, I was instantly energized. There's just this amazing energy that this city exudes! ...



Since I never had a car when I lived there, I used to walk everywhere...You don't realize how many blocks you're walking because there's always so much to see and so many people to watch. It was often times a great way to unwind after a long day...I would just start walking and see where I ended up...

It sure felt good to be back there today. Although most of my hobbies and interests deem me a "country girl"--I have a "city girl" side to me that I sometimes still crave.

When we finally moved out of the city (after being there for 10 years), the transition to eastern PA. was much easier than I thought it would be because we still live about an hour and forty five minutes from Manhattan...It's nice to know that, especially as our kids get older, we can take advantage of all the amazing things that NY has to offer.

My mom and I drove in today and parked right at the Gershwin Theatre...



We decided to have lunch at a thai restaurant which was across the street from the apartment building where I lived when I first moved to NYC. (before moving to the upper east side). I never took a picture when I lived at the Ritz Plaza!--maybe it was because I secretly wanted to forget that I lived there in a one bedroom apartment with 4 other girls--one who ultimately became a stripper!) But I digress!...


The food at Pongsri was fantastic...


We ordered: Tom Ka Gai soup; Yum Nua (a spicy beef salad with a spicy lime dressing--my favorite!); and Phad Thai (stir fryed rice noodles with egg, chicken, and bean sprouts--with a bit of added spice!)


For dessert, we had fried banana fritters (sliced bananas deep fried in won ton wrappers and drizzled with honey and sesame seeds) Holy Moly!


After lunch, we high tailed it over to the theatre...It was fr-e-e-z-i-n-g! I wish it wouldn't have been so cold, or we could have done a bit more sightseeing...

The show was nothing short of Amazing! It was the best show I've ever seen! I just couldn't believe it!

One of my favorite songs was at the end entitled, "For Good"

"I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And when we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them in return

And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
...Because I knew you...I have been changed for good."



So many subtle lessons were taught throughout the production...

Words cannot describe how much I loved it!



Afterwards, we got a quick picture in front of the wicked dragon before we went to get our car...


Our drive home was filled with rehashing the show and laughing and sharing memories...
We stopped off at Boston Market for a comfort food dinner and returned home exhilarated after a wonderful day!



A shared memory--what a perfect gift--one that won't soon be forgotten...

I have definitely been "changed for Good"

8 comments:

  1. nothing like revisiting the comforts of past lives. and you're right NYC's energy is like no other city. i feel the same way about L.A. it exhilarates me, even though i've never lived there. i feel like NYC is a town for singles, which i wasnt when i visited. i enjoyed myself though and like you said, i was astonished as to how close in proximity everything was, it was amazing. one of the more fascinating walks ive been on in my life.

    i need to see Wicked, so many love the production. i didnt hate the book but i didn't love it. ive heard the adaptation is actually better which is rare. what do you think, have you read Wicked?

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  2. How wonderful to live so close to NYC. I've only been there one time, and I was 9 so it's a distant memory for me.

    I'm such a food wuss that Thai food has no appeal whatsoever to me. I know...

    I'm glad you loved Wicked so much, I've only heard great things about it.

    When I was assistant camp director 3 summers ago our theme for camp was this song from Wicked.

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  3. I love NYC so much! I've been there many times, and I really want to go back.

    Actually, we saw Wicked the last time we were there, which was fun!

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  4. wow~ what a GREAt post!!
    I love pad thai & I heart NY- big time!!! I have been there twice & guess what? we are taking our 4 -at home kids- there in a couple of months. I am really excited :)

    I was debating on Wicked tickets- but now I KNOw that's what we have to do- I've been but it was 4-5 years ago. what a great reminder this post was. should I risk getting 1/2 price tickets or spring for them now? we'll be there a wed-sat then on sunday we are driving to palmyra.

    I had no idea you are a NY girl!- thrilling- that was my dream when I was younger... living in NYC- wow I am dazzled~

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  5. I've never been to NY City, but it looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your trip with your mom. What fun!

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  6. It's true, NYC has an energy all its own. So tangible. I love this post -- the Thai food, my favorite!, a Broadway show. A great day with your mother. Perfect.

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  7. I am 137% jealous! I want to see Wicked in New York so bad I might have a heart attack about it someday. I'm glad I'm not the only one who loved it so much they cried! (I literally cried.) Yay!

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  8. Sounds like the perfect day, to be sure.

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