when life gives you lemons, make some CUPCAKES!

I love New York... it's been a great couple of days. I got in briiiiiight and early Sunday morning (yes, voluntarily chose the 7:30 AM train out of DC) to make the most of my time in the city. I didn't have any set plans -- the best way to go some time. I checked into the hotel, unpacked, and then set off to bum around the city.

I'm in Midtown, which I'm liking. I usually end up being further downtown, but I'm finding Midtown definitely has its benefits. First thing I did was head to get me some great NYC pizza. I'm a big fan of John's, so that was definitely on my must do list. I then went to my favorite area for wandering - SoHo. It's prime sale season, so I just went in and out of stores. Such a great thing not to be in a rush to get anywhere. Love it! Did I buy a lot? Nope (and my credit cards breathe a sigh of relief...) but I had a blast.

I was actually walking the street -- somewhere around Prince -- when Italy won the World Cup. Talk about crazy! Prior to the final of the game, you could see hordes of people with their faces pressed up against the glass of any restaurant, bar, or shop that happened to have the game on. I think I enjoyed watching the crowds more than perhaps I would have enjoyed the game itself (if I'd had that luxury). Well, it wasn't more than five minutes after the close of the game that the celebrations began. There were soon people screaming and running up and down the street and then the cars started to fly by -- Italian flags flying overhead. It was like Mardi Gras! So fun.

I was so worn out (before heading to SoHo, I think I walked 15-20 blocks!), so I popped in a local market to grab some groceries (no $5 hotel cokes for me) and a salad. Only forgot one important item -- silverware. Oooops. Ever eaten a chef salad with your fingers? I now have -- interesting. Surprisingly though, not that bad!

Today I actually had to start my class. It's the one out of the certification program that people put off because it's thought to be one of the harder courses. I was a bit anxious, but definitely feel better after having completed the first day. We'll see if I still think so after my test on Wednesday morning, right? It's all about statistics for compensation work. It's nice to at least take something that's so useful for me. Ok, enough about work stuff!

I was hoping to get to meet up w/ the Actress tonight, but she has to work. I think our schedules are polar opposites! It would be so fun to do acting work like she does. Bet she'll be a soap opera diva yet. Hmmm so instead, I wandered over to Bloomingdales on 59th. Love me some Bloomingdale's. I had dinner in some lovely brasserie close to Bloomie's. My waiter was quite a cutie - truly a meal I was sad to see end. My two crab cakes didn't offer me too long to sit and enjoy the scenery. Hmmm, maybe Matthew's on MySpace? *wave*

I wandered up Second Avenue to Buttercup Bake Shop. I hadn't really seen that portion of the city (I *think* that's Upper East Side? Or is that technically Midtown?). I really liked it -- some cute cafes, great local grocery places... very cozy! Mmmm and la mejor cosa... the cupcakes. Ahhhhhh! The subject of much debate... Magnolia v. Buttercup Bake Shop. Cupcakes are serious business, you know? Well, I can make my own personal educated comment now -- 2 cupcakes later... I think both places have mighty fine cupcakes! Buttercup Bake Shop was much closer to me so thought I'd give it a go. I recommend the lemon ones... delish... but honestly, I really love Magnolia and I have to say, I think Buttercup was pretty darn close ;) I'm definitely not disappointed! Just because it wasn't in Sex in the City doesn't mean that they didn't have the same crazy buttercream frosting. Good stuff. Hopefully I'll still be able to get some good sleep in my lovely huge posh hotel bed. Mighty fine.

Ok, I swear -- I don't just shop and eat. Sometimes I think it sounds like it when I travel. Oh well! Off to be a dork and study so I can not be a dork tomorrow night.