Unashamed NYC Tourism

(by guest columnist Lowell Smith)

When I was 13, at Disneyland, I was on a canoe ride around Tom Sawyer Island. The Disneyland employee with us taught a game he referred to as “Spot the Tourist” in which we wave at a large crowd watching us from New Orleans Square, near Pirates of the Caribbean. Whoever waves back, he said, was most likely a tourist.

We waved. Many waved back. We laughed at them. In our eyes, they stood out like a sore thumb, and I considered them ridiculous.

Now Elise and I are in the tourist category. And darn tootin' proud of it.

Our Thanksgiving was spent in New York City. In my mind, we shouldn’t go back west for Christmas without having done so. Rather than share a step-by-step overview of our adventure (we all have OTHER blogs to catch up on, don’t we? Time is money when it comes to these things), here are a few gems to polish for you.

We begin with an excursion to the Macy’s® flagship store on 34^th street, and yes—I’m dense. At 26, I finally understand why they call the movie Miracle on 34^th street—because Macy’s is there. Never said I was a genious, mind you.

Miranda Priestly-ish, no? A little 'Devil Wears Prada' action going on?

Exited onto 34^th and Broadway, right in front of the cameras and the décor for tomorrow’s national broadcast. With no real plans for the day—only a handful of “touristy” items on our list, we wander aimlessly like diabetic kids in candy store.

Within a few minutes, we accidentally found ourselves in Times Square. At least, I think that’s what the locals call it.

There was a line of people waiting to take their picture with the Naked Cowboy™. Forgive our not wanting to wait in a line.

We did, however, find a set of stairs set up in middle of Times Square. In a feeble attempt for artistry, I asked Elise to be my muse. Please observe Ozzy Osbourne watching over my wife on high. Such a caring fellow, he.

North from Times Square three blocks, we found ourselves in front of the Ed Sullivan Theatre.

I grew up watching David Letterman—my evening guidance counselor until college—and remember watching Mel Gibson ride a horse down that street and through those doors when promoting ‘Braveheart’ back in the day. This picture has been bottled up in me since 1995.

Another ¼ mile north we arrived at Central Park, and found this bridge. I’m sure it’s been in a movie somewhere. Remember that one? With that person? That was classic.

Being that a main purpose for visiting New York was for the Macy’s Parade, we watched them blow up balloons on Wednesday afternoon for the following day. This is Horton, who is gracing the parade for his very first time after wow-ing us in that marvelous film ‘Horton Hears a Who’. At least, we’ve been told it was marvelous. We’re waiting for Redbox.

Leaving the balloon area, we noticed this lovely site. This is a church. Rented out by NBC. I love the sign. Now employees of the National Broadcasting Company are the only ones allowed in churches.

Radio City Music Hall, where we saw their Christmas Show. Apparently it’s been running for 76 years or something. Very well done show, and the interior of Radio City Music Hall is gorgeous. We fell in love with the décor, our apologies if you can’t see much from the photos.

Next up: Jack Donnaghy, Liz Lemon, and Lorne Michaels.

Considering there isn’t an episode of 30 Rock we haven’t yet missed (thank you NetFlix Instant Play®), touring Rockefeller Center was requisite.

(but not before going out of our way to purchase hot dogs. And by “our way” I mean “I begged Elise to let us retread our path for ¼ mile so I could buy hot dogs for $1.” Everyone else was selling them for $2-$4. I’m all about helping the economy, but let's be serious....)

Stunning décor and design throughout all of Rockefeller Center.

Atlas, who stands in front of the International Building at Rockefeller Center, is directly across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our tour guide pointed out the symbolism between Atlas’ posture possibly symbolizing Christ.

Good times after finishing our tour. A gentleman proposed to his fiancé on the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink, with everyone on the second level cheering them on.

On Thursday morning, we found a great seat on the Central Park Wall, right on the east corner of 62^nd street and Central Park West.

Great parade. Personally, a lot more enjoyable (and actually less cold) than the Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California. A few generationally-bound popculture highlights include, but are not limited to:

Miley Cyrus appearing on the Bolt float.

Elise loves the look on her face. As for me, I’m left wondering how often she or Raven Symone have a say in what they actually do. How much of these things are performed through contractual obligation? I catch a hint of that in her smile.

If there’s one thing you better cheer for, it’s the Sesame Street float. Gordon is on there. He’s the man. He was also on the Sesame Street float in 1999 for the Rose Parade. On both occasions, when the Sesame Street float came down the road, you knew everyone loved it. Gangster or not, whatever class, creed, or background, you know everyone grew up “On the ‘Street” because of how loud they cheer.

So loud, it's almost as if they are... Defying Gravity. [cue the music, fellas!]

Wasn't that intro to this picture totally WICKED?! [ba dum-DUM!]

Idina Menzel. If you like the musicals “Wicked” or “Rent”, she was the original Elphaba and Maureen, respectively. Also played Patrick Dempsey’s fiancé in “Enchanted.” I’m hoping, though, you will know her mainly from those first two.

After Kermit passes by us…

… and we receive a visit from Santa Claus…

… we sprint for the subway to avoid the crowds — passing the LDS Manhattan temple in the process,

… arriving at the subway, we take it all the way through the city, heading south, to Battery Park.

Elise, excited to use the subway. On the ride, I spoke with a family who was planning a trip to Disneyland soon. Gave them my personal recommendation to, if possible, plan Disneyland for the middle of the week in January or February. The weather would be considerably warmer than what they know in January, with absolutely no lines.

But I digress…

Very soon, we found ourselves at the Statue of Liberty.

We learned that we hadn’t actually purchased passes to enter the Statue of Liberty, only to walk around the outside. See in that photo those people walking around the ledge underneath Lady Liberty? Yeah, we dropped the ball on that one.

Disappointed (and freezing cold!), we opted for what was going to be a generic tour around the island by a National Park Service ranger. The elderly ranger, though, was very kind to us, and since we were the only two who showed up for his tour, he gave us a personal walking tour of the inside of the Statue of Liberty, sharing tons of unique, amazing stories about the statue and its construction which we otherwise wouldn’t have known. Major props to him for being so kind in giving us that personal tour and making our trip to the Statue of Liberty that much more memorable.

(Elise from right below the feet of the Statue of Liberty, with New York City in the background. Isn’t this a gorgeous picture of her?)

Finally making it back to the City, we found a random pizza shop that didn’t look like much. From what I’ve been told, though, those kind of shops are the ones you should actually go to for genuine New York pizza. So of course, we couldn’t help ourselves.

Our lovely Thanksgiving dinner.

Subway up to 34^th street, a two-hour bus ride, and we return home exhausted and ready for bed.

For us, this was a very thorough trip. There are always tons of sights, museums, and excursions to experience, and we feel our 28 daylight hours in NYC were well spent.

Enjoyable, satisfying tourism with the pictures, memories, and painfully sore legs to prove it.

Update: we did eventually have a delicious Thanksgiving meal on Sunday evening. No breaking tradition here ... [cue 'Fiddler on the Roof', fade out]

How hard is it for you to travel 8 miles?

For my job (which yes I am in the process of quitting - he is moving offices sometime next month) is approximately 8 miles from where I live in a straight shot down the road. However,the past two trips to work have felt MUCH longer.

Last Tuesday I ventured to work via the bus. (I love having the option of driving or riding). All went well on my morning commute. Heck, there was even a new bus driver that didn't weave in and out of traffic making me feel carsick like the other one did. My afternoon ride was much more exciting.

I left my office at 2:12pm. The bus reaches the stop closest to my work between 2:16 and 2:22pm. I like to be early. I got to the bus stop at 2:14 and called Lowell to tell him how cold it was. While on the phone the bus approached (2:20ish). I waved like usual to make sure it would stop. However - I think that was my first mistake. The bus went flying past like he had never seen me. No attempt to even slow down!

Luckily, Lowell was on the phone and told me the next bus would be coming between 2:29 and 2:35. I figured by the time I walked back to my office for warmth I would miss it,I waited. Please note this is mistake 2.

I waited and waited. (Standing in the freezing cold makes time go by soooo much slower). At 2:29pm (17 minutes after leaving the office) my boss drove by without stopping - I was furious, he knew I had been out there for a while. He was heading the direction of my house and I was so cold!! (Mistake 3)

This is the only time one should ever really be that cold...playing in the snow

Please note the extreme style statements in the above picture.

At this point I think Heavenly Father decided to be nice and bless me for my patience - the clouds broke and the sun came down in a triangle of light right where I was standing. Finally - warmth!

Over the next couple of minutes the sun periodically broke through the clouds and warmed me up. However at this point I just wanted to get home. Lowell had told me the bus should be there by 2:35. Well 2:35 came and went and I was still waiting. I didn't get on a bus until 2:45pm.

Yes, I really did trust him...

...to correctly read the bus schedule, luckily - he knows I love him. :)

Yes that is right, I was outside in freezing weather standing at a bus stop for 30 minutes. (Mistake 4 - I could have gone inside) The little rays from above did much to lighten my mood and I arrived home safely without any major trauma, although it did take me an hour to thaw.

After last week's adventures I chose to drive today. I was even leaving a little so I ran out to the car, got in, and started it.

Wait - did I say I started the car? That would be incorrect. I attempted to start it however there was no hope - it was completely dead. Most of the parking lot was deserted as my neighbors all leave for work earlier. By this point I had also missed the bus - my alternative transportation. A quick call to Lowell verified the next bus wouldn't be coming for 25 minutes. I called my boss and he was understanding.

The offending vehicle...

All I needed to do was find someone to jump my car. Luckily, a neighbor lady appeared at just that moment walking out to her car. She was Indian (as in, from India) and didn't really understand me, but we crossed the cultural divide - she drove over and allowed me to attach jumper cables to her car and get my car started. She even waited around to make sure I could get out of the parking lot.

At this point I was frustrated. All I wanted was safe transportation to and from work that didn't give me any hassles. This was on my mind the entire trip to work and I just kept getting more and more upset.

When I was about 2 minutes away I suddenly noticed a slowing of traffic and few cop cars with sirens. You read that right all signs pointing to a car accident - which just so happens was occupying the lane I usually drive in. Had I been in that spot the 10 minutes or so earlier I most likely would have been one of the 4 cars involved. It looked like a rear-ending with minor or no injuries, however one car was totaled with a completely bent tire axle and shattered windshield.

I called Lowell crying - thankful for my blessings. Heavenly Father does love me, and does want me to be warm and safe. I just needed a reminder.

Let it Snow!

So, the lack of posts over the past week represents a lack of exciting things happening at the Smith household. The middle of November has not been the most exciting time. Believe, I have tried to think of things to blog about - and have been stopped in my tracks. That is until yesterday - the first snowfall of the season.

I awoke to flurries falling from the sky and slight accumulation in some extra cold spots. To celebrate, I went visiting teaching for the day and bought hot chocolate at WaWa. Oh - and I took pictures.

Yes, there is a slight dusting on the ground in this picture.


Last night I was ready to post my blog, but rushed off to a meeting instead. By the time I returned it was far to late to spend time on the computer. So I went off to snooze - land and awoke to a "Winter Wonderland."





That's right folks. 2-3" of snow overnight. (I think our deck got about 4"). It stopped for a while but has started again. We will see how long this lasts - and I do believe it is a sign of a long winter starting this early). I love looking at snow - especially when it is untouched, however after a few days and way too many people walking on it, snow looses its appeal. I have already ventured out in it once - and was not excited to dig my car out. I have been spoiled with covered parking for the past two winters. :)

But for now...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Miss you already....

This morning my mom and sister flew back to Idaho. I have been a little sad and weepy all day. I hate saying goodbye! However my mom hooked me up with some fun projects so hopefully that occupies my time.

It was fun having them here for a few days - and for them to take me shopping with the money I have been saving since my birthday. We joke that Stephanie and my mom are my my personal shoppers - they get me to try on things that I would never otherwise try.

We also explored Amish country, where my sister affectionately called them "my Amish" and was determined to get a picture from a distance. My favorites were the ones she took of the buggy stalls at WalMart - yes there is buggy parking for the Amish at WalMart.




Saturday we took them into Philadelphia to see Rocky, Independence Hall, and the Love statute. My sister cheers for "Rocky Mountain High School" so she took a picture in her "Rocky" uniform with the statue. One of couples there thought it was so cool and told her she should stay there all day and charge people for pictures. :)



We had a blast.

Get out and vote!

So, I have always enjoyed elections. In 2004, I turned 18 and I think I registered to vote the same day. Actually, come to think about it, I think I submitted the registration before I turned 18 - I just had to be 18 by the election. The 2004 Election was conducted via Absentee Ballot in my Heritage Halls Apartment.
However this election has me scared about the outcomes on many levels - who knows what will happen. Hatred and fear have been the tactics on both sides. I have a hard time believing that is what our country has come to and it saddens me.

This year, as opposed to the past - I am living in a "battle ground" state and am happy to say that I made my vote count this morning. Last night I was so excited to vote that I had a hard time sleeping. Lowell and I arrived at the polls at 6:45 am for their 7:00 opening. We were out by 7:20 with no major issues or confrontations - the 28th and 29th voters in our area.

Considering the recent news reports - we were the lucky ones. Several precincts in Pennsylvania have had voting machines break, it is raining in some areas, some of our friends waited 3 hours - there are even Black Panthers "protecting" the entrance to one poll in downtown Philly. There are also reports of machines in Philly counting votes for one candidate prior to the polls opening (last I heard there was an investigation into this and I am not sure what the whole story is...).
edit: Now there is a guy in Philly saying that it is time for "change" and he is coming to vote a "couple of times." The CNN anchor mentions replies that would be illegal but "it's okay." Say what? I really hope the CNN guy just didn't know what to say - but that is a scary thought.

Lowell has sworn off the media and exit poll results until this evening. I am keeping a cautious eye on things - realizing that it will most likely not be accurate.

On a related note, in 2004 I worked the KBYU exit poll. I know how that worked and believe me - we tried to be scientific yet some people just wouldn't fill out the forms, ultimately messing up the "random" selection of voters we tested. If I were still in Provo, I think I would have worked the exit poll again - it was a great experience albeit a little cold. Plus there was a cute guy that I was certain was madly in love with me - he had a yellow sports car and took us out to dinner afterward. Oh the dreams..... (sorry for the dark picture - cute guy the last one on the right-hand side, sitting by moi)

However, looking back on that evening, I am certain I cast my vote for a much better spouse. :)

As for the next president, only time will tell.

Catch-up

So, I have been a slacker in taking the pictures from my camera. I finally did it! So, without further ado - "Trunk or Treating" with Frankenstein and Sarah Palin. (Sorry they are so dark the lights in the Church parking lot weren't working.)

Trust me...it looked a lot better in person. Lowell enjoyed his time in the trunk handing out candy and scaring the older kids who didn't know he was in there.

As for the apple pie Lowell was raving about earlier...here is a picture!

In other news, I unofficially resigned from my job today. My boss is contemplating moving offices and I told him if he moves I won't be going with him. Things just haven't gone the way I had hoped. My boss would really like me to stay on and has offered me the option to work from home so I have lots of decisions over the next couple of days. Any one have ideas for another job?

Oh, and I live in a "Battle Ground" state now. While I have issues with both candidates, I will most definitely be voting tomorrow. :) I just need to spend the evening looking over the local candidates - whereas I have tried a few times and haven't gotten very far to find information.

Also, today I was brave and defended Prop 8 on a message board I frequent that has more of a liberal slate. I usually don't post, but felt strongly that I should. Amazingly, only one person "flamed" me and later apologized. They were in strong opposition to my opinions though. I had so much more I wanted to say and didn't feel like it was the place to do so. There was only one of me and tons of them - which inspired me to vocalize my opinions a little more in real life. I am usually quite timid and don't want to upset anyone. Yet, I certainly caused a fuss today by sharing my opinions. Lets see how waiting in line to vote tomorrow works. Wait,isn't it illegal to share opinions with others in line to vote? Maybe I'm wrong. Anyone know?

I just realized this is logged in as Lowell - however it is most definitely Elise.