I am proud to announce that I slept until 9 o’clock this morning.
Technically, though, that’s only 7 o’clock California time, so I’m not really a lazy slug after all.
Technically.
And I actually had a dream last night that I got to do a couple of things I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
The first goal I realized in my dream was that I found some terry cloth yoga pants. They were hanging next to the cash register at Walmart, and they were white, and they were soft as down. Except they weren’t down, of course, because they were terry cloth. And they didn’t have my size, either, so I just bought a medium and figured that maybe if I ate nothing but salad for the next year, I could wear them. Plus, they only cost $9.53, so I could hardly refuse.
Welcome to the inner-workings of my subconscious, everyone. It must be such a fun place to visit.
By the way, my terry cloth yoga pants obsession stems from the fact that Alex has a pair of terry cloth shorts, and they are adorable. And while I know I’m not, you know, four, I think having a pair of lightweight terry cloth sweatpants / yoga pants to put on after a shower would be oh-so-delightful, because then my legs wouldn’t get as itchy as they normally do when the air hits my damp skin.
These issues are important to me.
The second goal I achieved in my dream is that I planned a trip for my mother-in-law and me.
Please permit me to explain.
When Mama and Martha were here a couple of weeks ago, we had a long conversation about places we’d like to visit. At the time D. and I had our California trip on the horizon, and planning to go one place always fuels my desire to go to Lots Of Other Places. I start to think about all the cities I’d like to visit (London, Rome, Madrid), and because I’m such a practical girl I start to think about all the groceries I’ll stop buying in order to contribute to my travel fund.
I’m sure you can recognize that rationing my family’s food so that I can spend a long weekend in Spain makes total sense. And, I might add, is completely in keeping with Proverbs 31.
Ahem.
So anyway, Mama, Martha, D. and I started talking about places we’d like to visit.
Mama doesn’t really like to travel, so her list was pretty much confined to the cities where her children live, and that was really just a courtesy, God love her, because there’s absolutely nowhere she’d rather be than at home. She’ll happily have 100 people over to her house and cook a four-course meal for every one of them – but she hates to fly, doesn’t love staying in hotels, and isn’t so much for sightseeing.
Instead, her idea of a vacation is for Daddy to leave town for a few days so that she can rearrange furniture, dust baseboards and iron clothes to her heart’s content without having to stop and prepare meals for somebody else.
Which would be pretty fun for me, too, truth be told. My OCD-housekeeping side does like to come out and play every once in while, you know.
D. doesn’t want to visit anywhere outside the continental U.S., and in addition to that, he has absolutely no desire to visit New York City, which is probably my favorite place in the whole world.
Besides sitting contentedly by his side, of course.
I think D.’s reluctance to visit NYC is the result of watching one too many “Law and Order” marathons on A&E. In his mind there is a body in every alley, a criminal around every corner, and only two detectives in the whole city who can bring the evildoers to justice. Besides that, he sees NYC as a place with a murky, gray haze that never goes away (THANK YOU, “Law & Order” cameramen), a place where you can never find a moment’s quiet because you’re too busy trying to shield yourself from All The Gunfire when you’re not scrubbing like crazy to remove All The Grime from your person.
And the fact that he’s (OH, PARDON THE PUN IN ADVANCE, I BEG YOU) dead wrong is of no consequence, really. The bottom line is that he simply does not want to visit the Big Apple. And that is fine. Because I do not want to listen to podcasts about Macs or read magazines about computers. Sometimes it’s just better to accept your differences and move on.
(How? How do I ever find my way back to my original topic? How?)
So after hearing about Mama wanting to go, well, nowhere and D. wanting to stay far, far away from NYC, I was curious about Martha’s perspective on the whole travel thing. She hasn’t taken many trips in the last few years because of Sissie’s declining health, and I wondered where she might like to visit now that Sissie has full-time care.
And wouldn’t you just know it? She wants to go to New York City.
She does! And what I didn’t realize, prior to our dinnertime conversation, is that she has never been there before.
Which can only lead me to one conclusion:
WE ARE SO GOING.
Sister is going to help me plan the trip and will be our official tour guide. I’m hoping my sister-in-law Janie will be able to go, too. And if any of you do some sort of documentary filming on the side, you might want to think about joining us. Because MY WORD! WOULD YOU JUST LOOK AT THESE BUILDINGS? MY WORD! HAVE YOU EVER? I MEAN, HAVE YOU EVER? MY WORD!
Martie Takes Manhattan, y’all.
Oooo, I love NYC too and am lucky enough to have friends who let me camp in their living room whenever I can make it down there. I have a zillion favorite places to recommend if you’re at all interested – a little chocolatier in Greenwich Village that is sold out by 3 pm every day and is no larger than my desk at work, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Macy’s (for real shopping) and Bloomingdales (for ‘staring’ shopping), every corner of Central Park… I should stop. You’ll have a grand time. Maybe you should alert the film schools? They’re bound to have some ambitious videographers looking for entertainment, right?
Two of the places you mentioned made my heart beat a little faster. Madrid: it’s the city where I grew up. Beautiful. Wonderful. You must go!
New York: going there with my hubby this summer. I can’t wait to see the city itself as I’ve only been in the airport.
Traveling is SO fun!
I want to go to NYC too! (And Madrid, and London, and Athens, and Paris, and Rome, and and and… well, you understand!)
My dh does not want to go anywhere I do though! Maybe I can take a trip when you do (My cousin said she’d go with me!), and we can say “Hi!” to each other in NYC! :)
I’ve never been to NYC so while you’re sister is planning the trip why don’t ya have her pick up an extra ticket for me, k? Well, only if we can go to a taping of Live! with Regis and Kelly. :)
Thanks for the laugh. Now, back to the housework. Ahem.
I don’t know if you are really having a hard time finding terry cloth yoga pants, but if you really want some, check out QVC. Seriously. Either their Sport Savvy line or their Stan Herman line will have something.
It’s one of my FAV cities outside of Paris!
My Feller used to live 20-30 minutes from there so I got to go every time I flew to see him. In fact, the daughter and I got to ring in the ’99 New Year on Times Square right in front of dear Dick Clark…we nearly froze to death, but my word, how fun!
If you want to see a Broadway play, check the playlist with TKS. CHEAP tickets, first run shows! Ahhhh, Les Miz!! You have to stand in line at the kiosks in Times Square, but so worth it.
Best pizza in the city is in an old, magnificent restored church in the theater district, John’s, I think. I will get back to you if you are interested. I thought I had gone to pizza heaven! (and not too expensive considering one place we left had $24.00 cheeseburgers! We declined.)
Do it…..have fun! :-)
Target also has some cute terry cloth capris in the pj section…even white I think. Jillian O’Malley brand.
My husband DOES want to go to NYC… but only to see the Yankees play. We may go next summer (it’s the LAST season in THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT, you know, EVER) for a night just to see a game!
(Oh, and please forgive me for uttering that terrible word yank**s on your southern blog! It’s a travesty here in OK, also)
It’s been awhile since I have commented!! You are on my Bloglines and I read you everyday!! Its been busy around here!! No excuses but wanted to drop in and say Hello!!
Did you tell your Hubby that there is a beautiful Apple store right off 5th Ave! Would that change his mind? LOL I bring the little girl I nanny for to NYC all the time (her parents work there). There is sooo much to do and see. I would love to read about you and your family coming to NY! LOL
GOING TO NYC in SEPT! It is my dream vacation. (I have only been there once but it was before I was married!) My husbands dream vacation consists of hiking boots, tents and bathing in the good old river! But he is truly serving me by taking me to the city! Actually, he couldn’t say no, because I found tickets for (I am totally serious here…) $.01. Yes, one CENT! PLANE TICKETS! So I bought them and we are going with our best friends for something like 35 hours to the Big Apple! It will be a power trip through NYC but our friends are very familiar with all of the hot spots so we will see lots! So here’s to you BooMama, and your trip to the big city!
Oh, I love NYC! Martie needs to take Manhattan when Manhattan is at its best – Christmas! There’s nothing like it.
The mental pictures that Martie Takes Manhattan brings are making me giggle already and you two haven’t even gone yet. Have fun – I will be there in spirit. My dh is much like yours – has no desire to go anywhere except to visit family …..
Oh, I think we now know the subject of your first book.
I know you could go the book route, but I’m serious–This is Major Motion Picture or Major HIt for the Season Sit Com Material. And–after all, Todd does all the sound for the movies–You’re set, girl!
I think the most important thing you need to think about is who will play you-and Martie, too, of course. Let’s see. . .
I’ve been to NYC twice, in highschool, many, many years ago.
I would love to go back but my hubby has no desire for that specific city. So until I find someone to go with me, I’ll enjoy hearing about you plan your trip. :)
FYI, I bought a pair of pink terry cloth sweat pants from Old Navy about a year ago. I love them, they are one of the most comfortable pair of pants I own.
I believe they were on the sale page at the time, that is the only reason I bought them. What a great investment.
Amanda
I don’t have anything to contribute as far as NYC, but you can get some great terry cloth capris at NY & Company. Ironic, huh?? Good luck with both! :)
Oh ya’ll are going to have fun, just more fun. Girl, just the packing lists and trips to Steinmart(s) for this trip are going to be grand.
I too heart NY. Go see a play. There is nothing that compares to a broadway production. Please let us know when you are going, for I want to hide out on the escaltors at Saks and just observe.
So … THAT’S where Alex gets his “indoor voice” from … Martha!
By the way, have you ever googled “terry cloth yoga pants” ?? Because I did, and your blog is the first thing to come up. That, and … Gymboree BLOOP Pink GOLDFISH Top & Yoga Pants 12 18 MNTH — so, if you’re either a 12 or 18 month size, they might work for you…
Great Post! I’ve never been to NYC either and would love to go. Mostly, I think because I am imagining the NYC that is in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Friends and You’ve Got Mail and not the one in CSI and Law & Order.
Oh Oh, I do amateur filmography! I’ll be your documentarian! Maybe we could hire Sally Fields to do the voice over work! Maybe I could win my long anticipated Oscar for which I have been practicing my acceptance speech since I was 12.
Do you think the fact that I’m expecting a baby due August 5th would put a crimp in any of those plans :-) No I didn’t think so either. :-)
Love Love Love NYC – best city in the world. Bleecker St Pizza is the best pizza. I’m first in line to see the documentary. Martie is my rock star! Does she know how famous she is?
you could sell tickets. “Martie Takes Manhattan: Group Tour.”
Hey BooMama! You MUST order tickets right now for “Wicked” the musical! My precious daughter and I have seen it twice (in Chicago and Atlanta) and “Martie” HAS to see it! Just letting you know! Have a great time and no, I am not green because I am jealous of you going! Not much anyway! Love ya!
New York City is my favorite place in the world too-I just went there in May for my 40th birthday with my husband! I blogged about it if you want to read…. We saw Mary Poppins and LOVED it. Also, my husband wasn’t such a huge fan of NYC, but after this trip, he’s already mentioned wanting to go back and take our girls. I can’t wait to read your posts about this trip already.
That would be “OLD Martie takes Manhattan!”
We’ve been to Manhattan several times and LOVE it LOVE it LOVE IT!!! It is the most amazing place to visit and it’s true… it is the city that NEVER sleeps!
So much to do…so little time!
Martie Takes Manhattan!!!!! HA!HA!HA!HA! I LOVE IT!!!
Oh my that would be a riot to watch. The Martie Takes Manhattan Documentary. A RIOT!
I personally don’t LOVE NYC but the shopping is pretty decent (H&M!) and if you go in the early summer (like now) the weather is pretty good. It’s an OK place to visit but I would NEVER want to live in NYC. Boston was close enough for me, I lived there for 2 years, and that was all the Big City Life I could handle.
I already have butterflies!!! (w/excitement) :-) Y-E-S…I am sooo IN!! So, when are we going??
xoxo!!
Thrilled and Tickled Pink to be included – thank you!!!!
Wow! I JUST posted about my upcoming trip to NYC…in 17 days! I’m so excited! It will be a very quick trip, but my best friend from college and her hubby (mine is staying home…a weekend in NYC AND a wedding is NOT his cup of tea) will have time to take in The Lion King on Broadway, and do a little shopping and wandering. Did I mention that I CAN’T WAIT?!!
We’re going to NYC in October, without hubby. Just 2 girlfriends & our daughters, taking it all in. I’ve been twice before, and CAN’T WAIT!
I’m sure your trip will be a real hoot! For some reason, now I’ve got the theme from “Green Acres” running through my head!
I am so jealous..i have been dying to plan a girl trip to NYC..i will have to live vicariously through yall… and stay home and watch Samantha Brown on the travel channel;(
Tee hee. You’re a crack up. Very witty. :)
I lived in Fairfield County (CT border of NY) for several years, so got to spend quite a bit of time in Manhattan. Love it! (Although, I know it’s a cliche, but I wouldn’t want to live there.) My husband proposed to me in a rowboat on the pond in Central Park, in fact. Great memories. :)
I am a music educator, a musician, a singer, a performer, and when I was ten years old, my “theatre father” who was the dad of my understudy in “Annie” surprised us with a trip to NYC. It changed my life. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to visit a place so rich in culture and music. My mom is taking her students there in a couple of weeks to take dance classes and see shows. Ah, how I wish I could go!
I would love to go to NYC. Sigh. Take me!?
Now London would be a great idea. Gather some girls, or Martha, and I will meet you at the airport and take you to see London! I can do that. Yes, indeed I can. I want to see New York. And my list is very long. Sigh.
I’ve always wanted to go to NYC! I’d like to go between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the air is crisp and festive (yes, air can be festive) and the tree is up at Rockefeller Center.
The best part would be walking absolutely everywhere (except when our arms are heavy-laden with shopping bags – in which case we’d take a taxi) because then we could eat hot dogs from the street vendors, fabulous pastries from famous bakeries, and everything else in the entire city without gaining an ounce.
Sounds marvelous.
The whole post was so funny, but the last line is such a ZINGER…you just know how to throw a zinger in there EVERY time girl…and yes, Mrs. Dryer is right, the title of your first book! How cool is that? I’d love to go with ya’ll!!!
Are these anything like what you’re looking for?
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=26519&pid=455747&scid=455747052&vid=-1
Oh, and NYC? Only my favorite place on the planet! I have a friend who has homes in Tribeca and on Long Island, and whenever he opens a show or does Cabaret, I Priceline my way up to be supportive because I’m THAT KIND OF FRIEND.
Ha ha :) I dreamed of YOU and that you were being very hospitible and feeding me, and I dreamed of another blogger friend Lois Lane on the same night over the weekend. Methinks I read blogs TOO MUCH. Enjoy your trip ;) xoxo melzie
We lived in Manhattan for 11 years. Even though we now live an hour away, I visit the City often, because I love it so. If you need any pointers or ideas, let me know.
Also, because Patrick does so much work for so many Broadway clients, he has connections for really good tickets. They are not discounted, but they are excellent seats for shows like Wicked that are usually sold out weeks in advance. Email me if you need anything!
And so, you MUST go! You are bound to have a smashing time. I went about 20 years ago…it is cleaner since Guiliani came in as mayor. We ate at Sardi’s, Tavern on the Green and Mama Leoni’s. Also, some shows!
Looking forward to hearing all about it on that day.
Blessings,
Holly
My word! What a cute documentary that will be!!! : ) So glad you have someone so precious to go with!
NYC was one of my favorite trips. We took all 3 kids and you name it, we did it!
A blast!!
Now that I’ve been over to Ireland/Wales/England, my hubby and think that Dublin is now our favorite city.
Fun for you!
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers
I’ve got to stick with my boy D on this one. There are other places that would be on the top of my list.
Of course, the one time I’ve been to NYC, I didn’t leave Times Square. I stayed at the Marriott Marquis, and when I went out to try to get something to eat, I made a 180 and went right back into the hotel. Never left its sweet confines again until it was time for my flight out.
So maybe I’m not the one to ask. Not that you did.
Glad y’all are home safely.
Wow! BooMama, how great are you to dream of a trip with your mother-in-law!! I have lots of friends that like their mother-in-laws, but I don’t know anyone that dreams of a trip with them. D’s family should feel so loved!
One of my very favorite trips is a Girl’s Trip. With my mom and my sister. We have had a BLAST together seeing some BIG buildings!! You just can’t believe the big buildings!! My word!!!
I think you will have the time of your life – and Martie will do. How fun!! Just how much fun!! You will have so much fun!!! :)
Not to mention, it will be blogging GOLD. :)
Hello,
I’m a teacher in Manhattan and a native New Yorker. This is the first time I have ever commented on your blog although I read it every day and enjoy it very much. This is a great post! It is also so fun to go through the comments and read what people think and say about New York. Reading about how highly it is thought of in terms of excitement is really interesting and good for me to remember right now. It’s very true that living here is exhausting some of the time and sometimes you just get fed up with the subway during rush hour or the throngs of people on the sidewalk in busy neighborhoods. But it is also true that living here is exciting a lot of the time and there is a surprising sense of community between strangers. I think that’s something that people who visit don’t get the opportunity to understand. I know a lot of people think it is a scary place, and it is very true that some neighborhoods are to be avoided alone, but it is mostly a really, really safe and kind city.
Anyway, thanks for this post and enjoy the town! :-)
And YES, do get tickets for Wicked! I see a lot of shows and this one is truly amazing.
One thing must happen if you travel to NYC in the summer.
Yankees Game. You really must.
I’ve never been to NY and wouldn’t mind going myself. Take lots of pics while you’re there (when you get around to going) and share them on your blog so I can see what I’m missing. :)
Boomama…
Please let me know when you go!!! My brother lives in Manhattan (Gramercy to be exact), and gets a ton of freebies through his office. (He’s an auditor for PWC.) We love corporate perks! And I just got back two weeks ago, and am ready to go again.
Boomama,
Long time reader, but I’ve never commented….Regarding NYC –
You ABSOLUTELY! MUST! SEE! WICKED! It is the best show. Do yourself a favor and order the tickets before you go. Don’t even wait to go the Cheap Tickets route. It’s worth it even at full price!
Have fun – New York is the best girls trip ever.
Boy, do I envy someone with an OCD-housekeeping side. What’s that like?
Check out Cosco. We were there on Sunday and they had Terry Cloth Capri’s with matching jackets in black, brown, aqua, and pink.
Have a great week.
Amanda
There is something magical about NYC at Christmas time. The lights and decorations are beautiful.
Colonial Williamsburg is an inspiring place, one of the Birthplaces of our Nation! It never gets old, even after 35 times, at least.
Honestly, I think you should go to New Zealand. :) It’s amazing. But I’ve heard NYC is pretty cool too :)
Oh, I am so there! We honeymooned there in July/Aug 2001, and got some great (last) shots of the Twin Towers…skyline isn’t quite the same.
Oh my sweetness…yeah, even big city girl like me almost got ran over by a taxi because “Oh my word! The buildings are so big! Honey! Look!”
yeah.