Let’s Make Some Memories

“Make memories because no one can take them away” ~Cyndi Neumann

Going through my room the other day attempting to get more organized, I came across mementos that I had saved from my past travels and adventures!  Looking at each, brought back many great memories.  It made me truly appreciate everywhere I have been and everything I have been able to do!  My experiences have  all been special and unique to me.  They have included relaxing at a beautiful winery in Upstate New York, to seeing the spectacular views of San Francisco when riding a cable car, to the pure adrenaline rush of skydiving!!!  None have been short of amazing!

What 2013 Taught Me…

While I know it is almost the end of January, I figured it isn’t too late to still reflect on last year.  Instead of just making resolutions this year, I decided to share what 2013 taught me.

I learned I may get lost, but I will eventually find my way.

I learned that being disappointed isn’t easy, but it can make you stronger.

I learned that I should constantly challenge and push myself out of my comfort zone.

I learned that you can’t force things to work out if they were not meant to be.  If they were, then they will.

I learned that the most beautiful things can sometimes be the simplest.

I learned that things can finally start to go your way, but instantly change.  The trick is to not get discouraged.

I learned that traveling not only makes me happy, but also pushes and challenges me.

Learned that I should travel to a new place once a year. 

I learned you need to be able to laugh at certain situations.  Laughter really can be the best medicine.

I learned that the NYC subway is surprisingly  a good place to write and get work done. 

I learned it is important to have a passion and to do what you love. 

I learned that you have a good friend when you can just laugh at the craziest things and have a blast where ever you are.

I learned that apartment hunting can teach you a lot. 

I learned that hiring movers is worth the money.

I learned how important it is to travel to different parts of the country and to see how different they are.

I learned the importance of spending time with family and friends that matter and getting rid of the toxic people in your life. 

New Year, New Beginnings…

Trip to the Big Easy!!!

“New Orleans is unlike any city in America.  Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture – even the local superstitions.  It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.”

~ Ruta Sepetys

I know it has been awhile since I have last written in my blog.  However, I wanted to talk about my recent trip to New Orleans and why my love of travel will never go away.

I make it a point to travel to at least one new place each year.  It doesn’t matter if it is a short trip by car or a long plane ride away.

My trip to New Orleans was a great time!  New Orleans is a fantastic city!  The City of New Orleans is a unique place with an interesting history.  It has its own character and charm and is full of life! NOLA, as many people call it, has had its high and low points, especially Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

I was not disappointed with my trip at all!  I was able to enjoy the peacefulness of the Mississippi River, the energy of the French Quarter and the debauchery of the infamous Bourbon Street.  I also learned that Halloween is very big in New Orleans, so if you want to avoid going to Mardi Gras, but still want craziness, October is a great time to visit!  If you are a football fan, I would also suggest trying to go when the Saints are playing.  It is a a great time and experience.  My friend and I were able to meet some fantastic people!

For a fantastic history lesson, I recommend visiting The National World War II Museum.  You will not be disappointed and will probably learn something new about the “War that Changed the World”.  Be sure to get tickets for the  4-D movie “Beyond All Boundaries”.  The movie takes viewers on a journey from the bombing of Pearl Harbor, epic battles and to America’s final victory in the War.  

I was able to also take a haunted tour of the French Quarter and learn about some of the history and why New Orleans is many times consider one of America’s most haunted cities.

New York and New Orleans are very different in many ways.  So is the North and the South, however it is always great to explore a different part of the country.  My trip to New Orleans not only fulfilled my goal to travel to a new place every year, but also further solidified why I absolutely love to travel!!!  My wanderlust continues!!!

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Boston Is In My Heart

Another senseless tragedy that will forever change the lives of many innocent people.  My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this horrible event.

This morning I came across the blog post for The Daily Love, entitled “What to Do When Tragedy Strikes”.  At first I had to re-read “we can choose love”.   How can we love when we are angry  upset and confused over what happened.  I don’t know anyone hurt by the tragedy, my good friends living in Boston are all safe. I am thankful for that.  However, innocent people were hurt and killed. Their lives and the lives of their friends and family are forever changed.  However, when I read the post again, it made sense.
“So, if we really want to heal, if we really want to do the right thing, then – when tragedy strikes, we must Love more.”

“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” ~Plato

It makes sense.  Let’s love and respect each other, rather than hate. Hopefully LOVE will always triumph.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by

demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat,

worry, and die, it can introduce the idea

that if we try and understand each

other, we may even become friends.”

 

~Maya Angelou~

 

Please Help Me Win a 6 Month Trip Around the World!

My Destination is having a competition called the Biggest Baddest Bucket List…6 Months, 6 Continents ALL EXPENSES PAID!!!!

Please vote for my entry!  This would be an amazing opportunity and a dream come true! 

http://www.mydestination.com/users/virginiainny/bbb#tab

New Year, New Adventures

First I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  2012 was a good year.  I had some great trips! San Francisco and Northern California for my brother’s wedding! Such a fun and beautiful day!  I was also able to fulfill a New Years resolution I made, travel somewhere new. I went to Vegas for the fist time. Vegas is definitely in a world of its own, but what a great trip!  I also did some mini trips, including Atlantic City and Philadelphia!

 

So as the first month of the new year is coming to an end (wow time sure flies by) I decided I should really reflect on what I want to accomplish in 2013.  Like last year, I listed my New Year’s resolutions.  I was able to accomplish some, but unfortunately not all.  

 

One that i did accomplish, travel to a new place, is also going to be a part of my resolutions for 2013.  I was able to volunteer in 2012 and helped with distributing supplies and clean up due to Hurricane Sandy.  Volunteering again showed me to appreciate everything I have.  It was great being able to give back and I met some amazing people!  So before January comes to a close, below are my resolutions for this coming year.

 

Travel somewhere new (I am also looking into a Contiki trip)

 

Visit friends more often (it is a great reason to travel!  I just visited my old college roommate and even though we talk, we don’t hang out enough.  We had such a great time and decided we must do visits and trips more often!)

Run a 5k (I want to do the Color Run!)

Take a trapeze class at the Trapeze School in New York

 

Start freelance writing (I actually did accomplish this recently and wish to continue and build up my portfolio)

 

Graduate from graduate school

 

Get a new job

 

Take a new class (want to learn InDesign and photography class)

 

So cheers to 2013!  A new year that will bring new adventures!

City of Brotherly Love

I know this was awhile ago, as Christmas is tomorrow, but the weekend before Halloween two of my good friends and I took a road trip to Philadelphia to visit our friend Dave for the weekend!

   

We had such a great mini trip! Philadelphia is a great city! It’s only about 2.5 hours from New York. There is a lot to do. I have been to Philadelphia before, but not for a few years.

Philadelphia is a great city! There is a lot to do.  On that Saturday we went to the Union vs. Red Bulls Game which was a lot of fun and was a beautiful day!

A great place to go for brunch in Philly is North Third. The place is cozy and a great place to go with friends. When you walk in the door, there bar is near so be sure to order a mimosa or Bloody Mary. They are excellent! I loved the decor of the place! The best way to describe it is random. Above the bar is an awesome American Eagle.

      

There is also a picture of a winking cat.  Random at its best!

However, the food is delicious!!! Overall, North Third is a great place to go with friends for Sunday brunch!  What more can you ask for?  Good friends, delicious food and great drinks.  CHEERS to that!

Rainbow of Hope

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by and recovering from Hurricane Sandy!  Stay Strong! #NYCStrong.

Rainbow over Lower Manhattan after Hurricane Sandy.

Photo Courtesy of: www.huffingtonpost.com