Middle of Nowhere

no·where: state of nonexistence or seeming nonexistence.

Today, Benjamin had his final Quiz Bowl tournament of the season. The first match was a regular match with standard questions counting toward the team's points for the season.

However, the second match did not count as points and was just for fun. This type of match includes silly questions where there is no right or wrong answer.

Usually the audience is to remain quiet during the rounds, but this is the one time where words escaped my mouth before I could stop them.

It went something like this:

Facilitator: "Where is the middle of nowhere?"
Me: "Hartland."

Andrew was sitting next to me, and as soon as I said it, our eyes locked and we both started laughing.

I think I spent too much time in New York City.

Back to Reality

Today was my first day back home from my whirlwind trip to New York City. Reality set in as I unpacked my suitcases.

Brighton and Hartland are nothing like New York City.

Heart and Brain Agree

Last night we went to the top of the Empire State Building. As we rode the elevator to the top, I thought about what it would look like seeing the city from so high up.

When I walked out onto the observation deck, I was breathless. The lights twinkled in the city and I was overwhelmed at the view. At that moment, I felt my heart and brain both agree. I love New York City.

New York City Education

The girls make me laugh so much. Just to watch them and see their youthfulness makes me smile. They have learned so much on this trip including how to bargain to buy illegal handbags, how to hail a cab and how to get the check in a restaurant.

What a learning experience.

Broadway Books

The hotel we are staying at is right near the Theatre District of New York City. Tonight we went to see Jersey Boys and the night before the girls went to see Phantom of the Opera.

I am always amazed at plays because I can only imagine how much work and talent is needed for a production. As I sat in the theatre tonight, I was thankful I could block out my reality and place myself in another world for a bit.

Just to watch people with such great talent that they could mentally take me to another place is amazing. It is like reading a book, but I don't have to close my eyes and use my imagination because the characters are already there.

Times Square

New York is unlike any place. When we arrived, as we began our cab ride to Times Square, my first impression was that New York City looked like Chicago.

As we neared the hotel, we saw store fronts with glamorous dresses showcased in the window and gradually, my impression of the city changed. I noticed taller buildings, more taxi cabs and brighter lights.

When we arrived at the hotel, the girls thought the room was amazing! They stood on the windowsill of the full length windows overlooking Times Square and talked about how they had never seen anything like the city.

We ventured down into the square and along with many other people, looked up in awe at the lights. So many people walked around, cameras facing upwards, taking photographs of their surroundings.

I so badly wanted to love New York since I have wanted to come here for so long, but I was worried I wouldn't like the city. Initial reaction is...I think I am going to love this place!

Leaving for New York

Today, Madeline, her friend Jill and I will begin our big adventure to New York City! I am so excited!