An Abundance of Updates

So I really have no excuse for not updating this past week since I took the week off between jobs. But that's precisely a reason not to blog - no cares in the world, not even blogging!

Just for fun, here's a re-cap of the last week.

Last Monday: Worked late, as always. Ran home to finish making "Heavenly Tidibits" to give to some co-workers in appreciation for all they'd taught me in the past year. Stayed up way too late, but hey, I knew there was an end in sight. And after all, I wanted to leave a good taste in their mouths :)
Last Tuesday: Last day of work. Mixed feelings - sad to say goodbye, but was looking forward to time off and excited for the new opportunity and challenge ahead. Trained my replacement and in true Kristi-Lynn fashion left on my last day after 7pm!

This is Ladies Row! All seven us of along this row were female and came to be known as Ladies Row. Luckily my replacement is a girl, so the legacy can live on :) I am in the way back...I posted the picture with my friends more in the forefront since you all know what I look like. I miss those girls!Last Wednesday - Friday: Tried to do as little as possible - ok, that's a lie. You all know I am incapable of doing nothing. No matter how free I am, I always manage to keep myself busy enough to be stressed :) So, what did I do? Well, caught up on a few of my favorite morning talk shows, enjoyed a couple long phone calls to catch up with friends and fam, deep-cleaned the bathroom and kitchen, manicure/pedicure (awww yeah!), grocery shopping all the way down at Union Square at Trader Joes (I forget how much I love that place), wrote thank you cards (sad that I still have more to write), sent out a few long overdue packages to family with some little presents, stayed in my pj's until at least noon (you don't get to do that very often with a working life), made some meals (that's a luxury for me now considering that the only time I really have to cook is on the weekends), and I'm sure I did a ton more but can't think of it right now.

Last Saturday: Brett and I spent the day together. He found out that since Monday was Veteran's Day and the bond market was closed, he had a half day Friday and all of Monday off. So, he worked a little longer on Friday so he wouldn't have to go in again until Tuesday (though he did have to go in tonight unfortunately for a last minute thing that came up). The highlight of the day was going to the Chocolate Festival. It was a three day event here in the city where a bunch of chocolate vendors from all over the world set up booths and handed out free samples. We tried a little bit of everything and oh my were we ever chocolated out by the end of that! We tried some of the best (and worst) chocolate! To all you chocolate lovers: if you come out here for the festival next year, I'll be happy to join you (I think by then I'll like chocolate again)! Brett and I each picked our favorite thing and bought some to savor once the chocolate hangover had passed :)

This is the pure white chocolate Statue of Liberty...mmm, tasty!
Mary's Chocolates of Japan showed us how it all came to be. Talk about handmade!
So they had all these manequins with outfits made of chocolate (only in the fashion capital of the world). Here I am posing like the one to my left. The one on my right was wearing a wedding dress made of white chocolate. It was sweet (no pun intended).
Peanut Butter & Co. has some of the craziest kinds of Peanut Butter. It's in NYC so we'll have to visit when you come out. Brett found a fast friend :)
From the Chocolate Festival we went to Stake Conference and on the way home we walked through Rockefeller Center where we saw them getting the tree all ready for the lighting ceremony at the end of the month. I saw a video of them cutting down the tree a few days ago. It's huge!

Yesterday: We went to Stake Conference in the morning where we got a new Stake Presidency. It was a neat meeting. Then we went home and packed a few things before heading uptown a few blocks to pick up our rental car. We drove (I love the freedom of a car!) up to New London, CT where we stayed at the cutest little place, The Lighthouse Inn. We enjoyed a beautiful evening together (something we don't get to do often). There wasn't much traffic through the Inn, so we were well taken care of. Our romantic dinner in their dining room was all about us (since the only other guests there finished their dinner a few minutes after we sat down). :)

Our cute little room. I always wanted a canopy bed (maybe not a lace canopy, but still)!

Today was our 6 month anniversary so this was part of our celebration. Hey, six months is a pretty big mark, right? Like Patty & Vance always tell us...if you can make it six months, you can make it an eternity!

Today: We enjoyed a leisurely morning before heading out to see the fall colors and shop at some of the greatest outlets! On the way out from New London, we picked up two lobsters to enjoy tonight for dinner (part 2 of our anniversary celebration). Never cooked a lobster before, but since the nice man at the store steamed it for us, I didn't have to worry about watching the poor lobster steam to death and figure out how long to do that. All I did was heat it up and make a wonderful lemon/garlic butter to dip it in. It was pretty tasty!

The fall colors outside of our hotel.

I have been eyeing this jacket for a long time! I've seen it in the window at J. Crew and online. I've looked at it almost daily (ok, maybe more like weekly) for the past few months hoping that it would go on sale. The high price wasn't budging, so I was beginning to come to grips with the fact that I might never find it in my closet. The jacket had a different plan :) Thanks to the J. Crew outlet, my jacket and I have been united! It was on sale at the outlet plus when I paid for it there was an additional 30% off. Talk about a deal! I left that store very happy!

I had also been eyeing this headband (in a different pattern) and got a killer deal on it as well. I love you J. Crew outlet!

Just getting ready to heat up the lobsters. I really didn't think they were disgusting but had to make some kind of a face for the picture.

Marathon schmarathon!

Today is the New York City Marathon. It makes its way through all five boroughs. Well, it just happens that the part of the race through Manhattan runs right by our apartment. It wasn't a problem getting to church this morning because our leg of the race is at about mile 17, but getting home from church was a little bit of a different story! Massive amounts of people lined the streets with 1st Avenue baracaded off so that you couldn't cross. At first I was fine with it and thought I would get in the marathon spirit and watch like everyone else. Well, that can only be fun for so long (especially when you're standing there alone all dressed up beside others in sweats). After about 45 minutes and a couple of phone calls to pass the time, I decided to see if I could find a way home since it seemed as though half of the population of Manhattan was running the race. Another hour later I had finally made my way down 30 blocks to cross 1st Avenue and then head all the way back up. Blasted runners! Although, to their credit, I was semi jealous as I hope to run a marathon or two in my lifetime (just have to find the motivation to get up and train every morning)! Here are some pictures I snapped before my patience had run out.
The crowds at 86th and 1st cheering on the runners.

The runners themselves. Goodness, you would think there would be a break, but no, the whole world was out there running and very evenly spaced out.
This is looking down my street. So close and yet so far from me. Who knew it would take over an hour to get 1/2 block away. Gotta love NYC!

Last night I met Brett at work so we could share some dinner, spend some time together and organize his cubicle. Since it was pretty dead (not surprising since it was a Saturday night), I took advantage to take some pictures. It still embarrased Brett, but come on, it's better than trying to snap them while everyone is there :)

I made labels for all of the companies that he covers and organized new files for him. That's some serious dedication! It turned out mighty beautiful (I'll see if I can snap a picture next time I am there)

While I prepared the new files, Brett purged the old ones from many analysts that came before.

Gibson/Gee First Annual Family Camping Trip

Over Labor day weekend Brett and I met up with my sister and her husband and went camping in western Pennsylvania. We sure had a blast and with us both being so far away from family, it was definitely fun to spend time with them! There's just something about being with family that you can't get anywhere else. Here's a little re-cap of the trip. Enjoy the pictures!

Although we got off of work early, by the time we made it to Summit, NJ to pick up our rental car (I was finally old enough to rent one and oh how wonderful it was to drive again!), stopped at Wal-Mart to stock up and made the drive, it was well after midnight before we arrived at the campground.

Saturday morning we made baggie omelets. I found the idea on the internet and they worked surprisingly well.

Sisters...sisters...there were never such devoted sisters...

Check out the sweet leaf bug we found climbing on the kitchen box!Saturday we enjoyed an afternoon on the river in Kirsten and Kyle's little boat. The fishing wasn't too great, but at the end of the day we had all caught at least one small fish and I managed to hook a few trees (oops...although to my credit, I was the first to catch a fish!)

The boat is only big enough for three so Kyle showed us the ropes while Kirst enjoyed an afternoon to herself. I think that included a nice nap, a shower and some reading.

Check us out. I reeled this guy in not too long ago!

The worms looked quite appetizing. I thought that if the fish saw me about to bite, they might jump and take a bite themselves!

The first catch of the day...no, not me, the little fish in my hand! Although we do strike an incredible resemblance. :)

I started a chain of good luck. Check out my fine catch with his catch :)

Sunday we went into Punxsutawney, PA to attend church and get to know the little home town of our famous groundhog Phil.

Now entering Gobbler's Knob. Mom, this picture is for you. Kirst and I were showing our Groundhog Day enthusiasm excited that we finally reached the place! We felt very festive (though the day wasn't anywhere near).

This is where it all happens! On February 2nd, Phil appears right here! We even met one of the members of the Inner Circle who was there fixing the place up. He took our picture. Next year on Groundhog's Day we'll feel special knowing that we've stood on the same stage as our famous friend! Look who saw her shadow...
We found this sign outside of a church on the drive to Punxsy. In case you can't read it, it says "WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning."There are over 30 Punxsutawney Phil statues throughout the city. Each statue is of Phil dressed up as something different. We drove around and found the statues that we most identified with.

Dr. Kirsten with angel Phil outside the hospital.

Belhop Kyle outside an old historic hotel.

Tourist Kris (don't know why I got that one?) Maybe it had to do with my obsession with pictures or love of scrapbooking and the fact that Phil had the camera around his neck just like me.

Banker Brett (enough said)

Fireman Phil posing with Kirst & Kyle

How fitting...Statue of Liberty Phil with the New Yorkers themselves!

Sunday afternoon we enjoyed some game time (until the wee hours of the night in true Nicholas fashion) and of course a campfire with delicious treats. Over the course of the two days we enjoyed classic foil dinner, s'mores, banana boats, Ruthie G's brownies, Trash, kabobs, Jiffy Pop popcorn over the fire...mmm, it was all very tasty!

Brett went out to gather some more tinder and kindling.

Resident fire expert #1.

Resident fire expert #2.

Kirst and Kyle enjoying their foil dinners!Monday morning before heading back home, we went to a spot on the shore near the dam to see if we could have more luck with the catches. Though it didn't prove to be much more fruitful, we managed to catch a couple more little suckers.

Kirsten looked so serene, I had to snap the moment.Like wife, like husband...Kyle wasn't too far away on the other side of me looking quite tranquil himself.

We had to catch a peaceful (check out all of my synonyms for that word) moment as well (though this was a bit staged).
Thanks for planning the trip Kirst and Kyle! We had a blast! Let's do it again soon (or maybe as soon as the winter weather passes).

One year ago yesterday...

...we walked to the East River in the rain, sat on a bench overlooking the river and my cute Brett got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! It was the perfect night (the rain kept all others away giving us the entire East River to ourselves) - I was there with my perfect match, on the perfect night. He said the perfect words and gave me the perfect ring! Happy Engagement Anniversary!

Moving up and moving on

I feel like the past year has been one of big news...

October 25, 2006 Start my first official job on Madison Avenue
October 27, 2006 The love of my life proposes to me
May 1, 2007 Our lease begins to our first home
May 12, 2007 I married my best friend
August 6, 2007 Brett receives and accepts a full-time position on Wall Street
October 24, 2007 I accept a job offer at a different agency

I put in my two weeks notice today at my current agency and will start at a new, thriving agency on November 13th. It's all very surreal. It feels a lot like transfers did in Argentina. You fall in love with the people and then just when things are comfortable, you find out you're leaving. You have mixed feelings, so sad to say goodbye and yet excited for what's to come (and the fact that you can start fresh). The moment you know you're leaving, you begin to see everything through different eyes. And that's how the past day or two have been. The agency looks a whole lot different when you know that in two weeks, life as you know it will change. One things for sure, I will miss the incredible friends I've made at Y&R and cherish all that I've learned. I look forward to the wonderful people I'll meet and the new beginning.

Check out my virtual congratulations bouquet :)

Just when you think you're on top of things...

So real quick let me take you through my morning...I had to get up early to teach seminary this morning, so I rolled out of bed 15 minutes later than I wanted to (not like that's unusual, I do it everyday) and scurried to get ready so that I could make it on time. Today I had to go straight to work so that I could get a few things done before heading to an interview. Unlike every other day, I was able to pick out an outfit fairly quickly. Things were running smoothly and I decided to grab the make-up bag to do at work and forego the blowdry for the scrunched/wet look today. Fine, no problem...or so I thought. I shook the bottle of mousse to quickly scrunch the hair, turned it upside down and pressed to spray the mousse. NO MOUSSE! Ok, fine, I'll just throw the hair up in a bun to keep it curly and stop on my way to work for mousse. Great, done. Go to seminary...put on make-up...go to CVS...head to work...run into the bathroom...shake the mousse can...turn upside down to spray. Hmmm...it's a different nozzle, they must have changed their packaging design. Spray...but no foamy mousse leaves the can. Hmm. Read the can, oh, maybe because it's volumizing hair spray!!!! Not too happy, but in a hurry. Can't look bad for the interview. So, we now have a hairsprayed, scrunch kind of look. We'll know how much of a disaster it was by whether or not the offer comes, right? Gotta love these kinds of mornings :)

Addendum: So, right after I posted, I ran off to a photoshoot. I walked down into the subway and as I did so, I looked down to fix my shirt. To my utter disgust I find a little present from a feathered friend. That's right, a bird pooped on me! I mean really, what bird thinks he has the right to use my shirt as his bathroom! Come on! I immediately pulled the tissues from my bag to remove the mess. Unfortunately it left quite a nasty colored stain. No worries though...Tide-to-go to the rescue! There I was on the subway platform Tide-to-going it away. The whole platform was looking at me like I was one of the street musicians trying to earn money. I should've put a hat out in front of me or something. They say it's good luck to have a bird poop on you...maybe I would have earned a pretty penny!

My new favorite store!

I know, I've lived in New York for almost a year and a half and I just discovered the Container Store. How many times have I walked by it? How many times have I said that I was going to go in? Well, last night I finally ventured in. It was everything I dreamed it would be and oh so much more! If only I had an apartment bigger than 370 square feet, but alas I must be couped up in our not-so-spacious studio (don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining...it could be worse and I'm more than grateful for our beautiful place). Anyway, I think I'm going to spend half of a Saturday getting lost in that store and planning for our first home outside the city. I could have just taken the displays right from the store and placed them in my home. Everything from the shelving to the vintage books, the closet organization to the adorable coats and dresses hanging inside...I could have taken it all. What did I walk out with though? Just some fun things to use for Martha Stewartly wrapping up cookies for Brett and I to take in to work in honor of National Boss Day. Check out the site though, there are some seriously great finds there.

My purchases included:

Some of these

And this (black & white)

And some homemade goodness stacked like this

All put inside to look something like this (you get the idea)

With a little homemade card to finish it off.

Happy Bosses Day!

Dove Onslaught

Here I go, trying one more time. I tried to post this video a few days ago. I think it's brilliant, just like it's campaign. Talk about finding an insight and running with it. Way to go Ogilvy (from my experience working there, I know this is their pride and joy) and way to go Dove for taking a stand for such an important problem in our society. I know they are reaping the rewards in their sales, but I also hope that it's helping us change our perceptions one ad at a time.

What I LOVE about New York

Just a taste of what I love about New York...

1. Central Park - whether it's running, walking, picnicing, exploring, bike riding, boating, taking pictures, I just love being in Central Park. It's SO beautiful!

2. Shopping - there are endless places to find the latest and greatest in fashion. Sometimes I venture into the cute boutique shops, but then I see the price tags and I think, "Never in a million years would I spend that much on one item of clothing, not even if I were a millionaire." There's just something about getting a great deal that makes you feel like you've really accomplished something :) And trust me, there are some definite deals to be found in this city.

3. Fruit stands on every corner - I probably love it because it takes me back to my days in Argentina. But I also just love having such easy access to fruits and veggies as I head to work, out for a break or home at night.

4. The abundance of nail salons to pamper yourself with great mani/pedi deals - enough said!

5. The best restaurants in the country - Brett and I love to try new places...you just can't go back to the same place even if it was fabulous cuz you just feel like you're shorchanging yourself.

6. Street fairs! - I just love finding random street fairs on the weekends and walking through to survey all the merchandise. Last weekend I walked through one after a run in the park and came home with a bonsai tree that looks a little like this one. Brett had been wanting a bonsai tree. Truth be told, we're having a hard time keeping it alive. Who thought it would be that hard? If we can't even keep a simple bonsai tree alive, I don't think we're ready to take the step to a child...haha!

7. Pinkberry - my oh my...this is one place I'll always go back to...mmm! The best ever...it's literal soft serve yogurt! I'm salivating just thinking about it. And how convenient that our apartment is just a few short blocks from the nearest one! For any of you Californians, you are the only other state privileged enough to house Pinkberry.

8. The East River - because that's our spot. Brett and I have shared some of our greatest memories on the East River. And I will forever LOVE New York because this is where I found my man!

Stay tuned for the list of opposites (i.e. what I definitely don't love about New York)

One down, one to go!

Brett passed his Series 7 test yesterday with flying colors! I'm so proud of him and so happy to have that in our past so I get a little more of his time back. Congrats! Now onto the Series 63 and then he's official on Wall Street.

Don't worry about it!

So, I don't know what my deal is and why it seems SO incredibly hard for me to post regularly, but seriously, I've gotta get better at this otherwise I may as well tear down my whole blog. Let's see if for the next couple of days I can update you guys a little at a time. Let's rewind a couple of weeks to the week prior to the U.S. Open. So, my friend Jane and I were going to dinner to celebrate my birthday. She calls me from work (she works as a media planner) and asks if I want to go to an US Weekly reception and meet Venus Williams. (Thank goodness that I could actually say I knew who Venus Williams was). Of course I accept the invitation, glad that I was the lucky one to accompany her. We get there fashionably late and arrived as Venus was doing a Q&A. She talked mostly about tennis and her new line of clothes coming out this fall. Check it out at http://www.elevenbyvenus.com/. Everytime I encounter stars, I come to the realization that they are just like me and you. I mean really, Venus was just so normal - so down to earth. And she has a great personality. She seemed like a very humble person. So why is it that we fuss over them so much and follow their every move? Honestly! And why aren't people so intrigued by my every move? (Actually, I'm grateful for my privacy...) Anyway, after listening to Venus and enjoying some hors d'oeuvres, we were able to get a quick picture with her to prove that the moment happened. (Don't mind the fact that I look like a very white giant in the picture...I only put it up for the Venus factor, not as a glamour shot). On the way out we were handed a gift bag with two shirts from Venus' new line! Don't worry that they're not available to the general public! I know!

Kris, Janers, Venus and Andi (Jane's US Weekly media rep).