Back in December when my friend, Cami, told me that she’d never been on a girls’ trip, of course I had to set a plan in motion. What better first girl’s trip than New York? And it just so happened, we (Shyloh, Cami and I) had signed up to run Ogden Marathon again. So, as a reward for running we booked our trip for the day after the marathon. Just to be fair, I quit first in February. I blamed the weather and school, bad conditions for training and lack of time, then the other girls followed suit for various reasons… It was a very good thing too because the day of the race, it was freezing and poured! Only three girls I knew out of ten that signed up ran it, and one didn’t even finish.
Cami and Shyloh felt really guilty about going, like they hadn’t earned it or something. I felt guilty about not feeling guilty Honestly, I think my daily existence (and theirs) as a mom and wife earns me a few days with friends. So we made the plan to walk at least as much as a marathon over the 3 days and actually ended up walking 50 miles. That’s what happens when you hardly take the subway and never take cabs!
I couldn’t NOT talk to these boys. I asked where they were all from – one went to Alta HS and knew Master D. They were all spanish speaking Manhattan missionaries. As I walked away tears just started running down my face. I hate when that happens, instantaneous emotion that comes out of nowhere… I guess being two hours from Albany was SOOO tempting to go visit him. I tend to not be a very good rule follower but I do respect that particular rule, it is understandable. I wanted to call all their moms to tell them they were okay! I feel like I am somehow closer to Master D when talking to any missionaries. Cami & Shyloh both said they didn’t think they wanted their boys to go because no one tells the truth about how hard it really is! I guess that’s why no one talks about it – then no moms would want their kids to go?
A must stop at the hot dog cart – in honor of our lack of marathon training – since Shyloh likes to eat a hot dog from 7-11 halfway through anything above a 16 miler. I passed on the hot dog, but got a pretzel. Shyloh doesn’t appreciate this photo. Sorry Shyloh, but it’s too perfect! I also got a lesson in instagram hashtags, that I am apparently a slow learner (I think “lame” was the actual word used). I still need to join so I can see all of our awesome photos.
Shyloh and Cami bought tickets at the half price booth two hours before the performance, while I chatted with the missionaries. I HIGHLY recommend this show, I loved the movie too – all the actors are the musicians and it is REALLY GREAT MUSIC in a very intimate setting – it feels like you are in a high school auditorium with Broadway TALENTED musicians. Wow! Wow! Wow! my favorite part of the trip. Cami had never seen Wicked so we saw that one too. Friendship ADDS so much value to my life (thanks CS Lewis for putting into words what I feel so strongly).
I decided I am completely RIPE for a midlife crisis. I started having kids way too young, spaced them out pretty far and I spend my life taking care of my lovely little family. Thus, all these crazy things that I decide to do (that are mostly harmless): coloring my hair, picking up running marathons in my 40’s, biking in Italy, restoring my MG (which is taking FREAKING FOREVER), going back to school and being the oldest person in the classroom room, attending concerts of “youngish” (Aub’s word) bands and going on girl’s trips… all keep me and my values in tact. And, thank heavens, B seems to understand that and supports me.
Oh my gosh! I thought that red-head WAS Dhane!! So cute!!
Love you!
Becca
I thought that was Dhane, too, but knew he isn’t in NYC! Did you tell us about this trip yesterday and I missed it?? That is my dream! We have booked a cruise out of NYC next April around my b-day.
That looks like a lot of fun. We are taking Paige there in August for her senior trip (also going to some church history sites–Palmyra and Kirtland. So, what is the name of that show you said was so good? (You are covering the name in your picture). We are planning our itinerary now, so I need to know what is worth seeing. Any suggestions welcome–attractions, restaurants, shows, etc.
I would have had to stop and talk to the missionaries too. You just feel a kinship with them when one of your children is serving!
Hello, totally had to do a double take on the three of you, looked like Ayden on my phone! Glad you had a great trip!