A Recent Fascination // New York City

I want to travel. And when I say travel I mean travel. I want to explore the world. I want to experience other cultures and have my feet firmly planted in another country. I want to try their food and drinks. Their coffee. I want to take a train from one city to the next. I want to hike up a mountain and swim walk ankle-deep into a different ocean. I want to wander through castles and old gothic cathedrals. I want to experience life on the other side of the world. If I had unlimited amounts of money that’s what I would like to do most- travel. Take my family to a new place every year.

However, I’m about 90% sure that this will never happen. That remaining 10% is me holding on to hope. If I’m being honest, I’ll be lucky if I can make the jump across the pond once in my life. And that kind of bums me out a little bit. But this doesn’t mean that I can’t travel somewhere closer in the meantime, right? Maybe somewhere that has a lot of different cultures and foods. A mesh of people from all over the world. And what better place is there to visit for that than New York City?

Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash 

Taking a trip to NYC has been on my mind a lot lately. From wanting to visit the 9/11 Memorial to riding on a subway for the first time. I want to taste a real New York pizza and personally visit some of the places that have been featured on Humans of New York. Maybe even take a stroll through Central Park? I want to talk to people who have lived there for years and hear their stories - the changes that they’ve witnessed. There’s just something so fascinating about this city and the people who live there. I feel like there’s just a completely different energy there too. And I’m also kind of stunned by the amount of money people spend to live there. I mean, rent alone is outrageous! Check out this video for a glimpse. So, being able to see and learn what the majority do to survive there is something I’m really curious about. And then after finding the “watchingnewyork” Instagram account by John Cirillo I just have this desire to go sit on a park bench and people watch for a day. Take in all of the different personalities, if you will.

So, this is something I’ve brought up to Corey. While he didn’t live in New York City he did live in New York for a year and was able to visit NYC as well as Niagara Falls. And while he says that he has no desire to visit NYC again, he may make an exception if I commit to going. Which is something I’m really considering at the moment. Round trip flights are really cheap, but on the other hand, the restrictions right now are really strict. Though there is an option to book flights about 6 months in advance there’s no telling how things will be that far out. So, we’ll see. Right now, I just know that visiting New York City has moved WAY up on my bucket list.

Now, what do you think? Have you ever been? When is the best time to go visit? What are some cool places to check out? What are some budget options? Was the trip worth it? Is there possibly another place we could visit that offers about the same type of vibe but at a much cheaper price? Obviously, I won't be going anytime soon, but I’m definitely wanting to take a vacation every other year to visit a new place. New York City will probably be tossed into the hat as a contender for the next family vacation. So, suggestions are welcomed. Until the next post, ✌.

Mount Pleasant - Day Two & Three

Our second day in Mount Pleasant was a short one. We all woke up a little on the late side and had pan dulce with coffee for first breakfast. Then we slowly, but surely, got ready for the day. We packed up our bags and started discussing our food options before having to start our drive back home. My dad and brother went downstairs to make some final adjustments to one of the trucks they had been working on the day before while we all debated where we’d be headed for second breakfast. The toss up was between IHOP, and a local family restaurant. And let me just say that it was a bit of an ordeal when it came to deciding. I made two circles before we finally ended up at Herschel’s Restaurant.

After having a little freak out moment, sorry Kim, we all made our way inside. And it was a cute little restaurant that had a diner feel to it. We ordered off of  the breakfast menu and I totally recommend the Royal Breakfast. This bad boy comes with two‎ extra-large eggs, short stack pancakes, a sausage patty, two slices of bacon, and breakfast potatoes. And you can bet your sweet cheeks that I ate ALL OF IT. Well, minus the bacon because my daughter asked if she could have my slices. OH! And definitely ask for them to throw in some chocolate chips for your pancakes if you ever visit one of their locations. It’s the bees knees! And the next time we go out there I definitely want to try out their lunch menu. Because the burgers that were rolling out as I stuffed my face with pancakes looked pretty mouthwatering. Once we finished up with our food we made our way back to the apartment in order to load up our bags, say our goodbyes, and head back home.

Fast forward two weekends later, and we managed to squeeze one more trip in. And on this one we actually ate more and were able to visit a few other locations. As usual, when we all woke up that Saturday morning coffee was first. Once everyone was ready we made our way downtown to a local pizza tavern. Now, originally, I thought this was going to be regular pizza joint like the one we ate at in Sulphur Springs. This was so not the case. Nardello’s Pizza Tavern is on the fancy side, y’all. The pizza is gourmet, the dinnerware looked pretty expensive, and the prices were on the higher side. Now normally, when I order a single large pizza I’m expecting it to feed three of us in the price range of $10 (Little Cesar’s) to $15 (Pizza Hut). If you’re on my same level then just know that Nardello’s isn’t going to do that for you. There were seven of us so I get that we were a decent size group. And man can we put it away so you’d expect us to have to pay a good bit for some grub. I get it. However, at this place we had two pizzas (medium size option only), a kid’s personal, and one small appetizer plus drinks. The total bill came out to $100. I their defense I will say that the pizza was pretty yummy. They make it in a brick stove right in front of everyone, and the ingredients seemed very fresh. However, if you’re on a budget, or you’re expecting some pizza and wings action this is not the place. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I was still hungry after we left.

This is where we parted ways with the boys. They went back to the apartment to work on a vehicle while we hit up the local thrift store. They had a decent size selection of clothes, home goods, and furniture. Keep in mind that this is a second-hand store though, and sometimes that’s where you find some of the coolest stuff. And the lady who was working there was really sweet! Once we were done looking around my sister-in-law asked if I was ready for coffee. I mean, is that even a serious question? She didn't have to tell me twice. We left my mother at the thrift store to happily continue browsing while we walked across the square to a coffee shop. And I’m just going to go ahead and say that this was the highlight of all the places we went to that day. Jo’s Coffee Shop is pretty much perfection. The layout is exactly what I always pictured one day running myself. Though, in m shop, I’d have a bookstore/lounge area on the second level. Still, this place was fantastic! They offer coffee, lattes, drip coffee, non-coffee options, and some food. You have plenty of places to sit, a few couches thrown in, and a little stage for when they have musical guests playing. Then the back door opens up into a large deck with tables in case you want to be outdoors while enjoying your coffee. Or non-coffee. I opted for the “Daydreamer” latte which had lavender in it, and oh my sweetness. Y’all I fell in love with that coffee. They next time we go to MT. Pleasant you better believe I’m getting myself as much of that coffee as I can consume. I don’t care how many trips I have to make! Take all my money, Jo! JUST. TAKE. IT. So, if you couldn’t tell by now, Jo’s was a hit for me. The barista was really nice, and the other customers were really friendly. Side effect of drinking coffee, obviously. And you’re looking at Starbucks pricing for coffee that was waaay better. So, if you’re ever in the area just do yourself a favor and stop in. You won’t be disappointed.

And this is when we started to see the rain headed towards us. We made our way back just in time for me to squeeze in a nap during yet another thunderstorm. I find that this is the best time to sleep, read, or binge on Netflix. And since I still had to drive back home that afternoon I decided to get some sleep before it was time to go. When I woke up an hour later we had more coffee. Are you sensing a theme yet? The majority of our group were watching TV and discussing politics in the living room. Once the rest of the sleepy heads got up we all loaded up our cars, and then headed out for dinner. The burger joint we had originally decided on was closed so we quickly made our way across the street to Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant. It was pouring outside so we were the only ones there. It smelled like Fabuloso, carne asada, and tortillas. A slightly odd combination when you write it out, but this is seriously the only way you can tell if your in a REAL Mexican restaurant. And maybe it's because we grew up with it, but that smell always makes me feel at home. With Spanish music playing in the background we all talked, shared food, and laughed. This would be the last time we’d ALL be together for a while, and you could sense it. None of us really wanting to rush with eating or leaving the restaurant. But after an hour it was time for us to say “See you later” and hit the road. And that was the end of our adventure that weekend.

Mount Pleasant - Day One

In April we found ourselves getting to spend two(ish) weekends in Mount Pleasant with my family. We live several hours apart (that’s how we measure distance in Texas), and with a few changes that we’d all been undergoing – as well as my aunt’s recent passing- we decided it was time to spend a few days together. So, we packed some clothes along with a few essentials and made our way over. Now, before I get too into this, let me just say that both of our visits were rainy. Because it wouldn't be Texas without some freak storm passing through while we were in town. So, while Spring was just dusting off its boots for us here where we live, it was the beginning of tornado season for them in Mount Pleasant. But we made the most of it.

Before we had decided on this venture I had been playing around with the idea of committing to a strict diet, and exercise routine. Sadly, or not so sadly depending on how you look at it, as soon as cheesecake was mentioned in my presence that idea was shoved way back into a tiny corner of my mind. Which brings me to the first place we went to eat while there: Laura’s Cheesecake & Cafe. This is a fairly new little café right off of their main square. It had been raining, and the lighting gave this place a really warm and cozy feeling. We had arrived a little too late to order breakfast so we grabbed some items off of their regular menu. I had a “*Chicken Fajita Wrap” with a slice of triple chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Then there was the whole “build your own sandwich” option which I may or may not have indulged in as well. And let me just say that whoever was back in that kitchen: YOU. ARE. AMAZING. And whoever makes the cheesecakes: CAN I TAKE YOU HOME SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE ME CHEESECAKES TO MY HEART’S CONTENT? PLEASE?! Overall, this place was really nice. I think the pricing was decent considering where we were at. The décor was on point, the staff was friendly, and the food was great! We walked out with full bellies. And by the time we made it back to the apartment I seriously considered taking a nap. Laura’s will definitely be a place that we go back to on our next visit.

HOWEVER, I had already made plans. You see, on our drive up to Mount Pleasant the night before I saw a sign on the interstate that read “SULPHER SPRINGS NEXT THREE EXITS”. And I kept thinking, “Hmm. Where do I know that town from?” I didn't give it much thought after we passed the sign as I was focused on my coffee and making sure not to piss off any of the eighteen-wheeler drivers I was sharing the road with. It wasn't until we were getting off on our exit about twenty miles down the road when it hit me: COLLEEN! THAT’S WHERE COLLEEN LIVES!! As soon as I got over my fangirl moment I was hit with another round of excitement. Because as we pulled up to the apartment I realized that The Bookworm Box Bookstore was only twenty-five minutes away from me. If I went the speed limit, and that was a big IF by this point. As I threw my car into park and grabbed our bags I knew that there was NO WAY I was going to miss out on making a trip to this bookstore when it was so close. Now why is this place so important you ask? Well, Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors.  “It Ends With Us” is really important to me as it literally changed my life. Or at the very least, allowed me to be okay with the changes that needed to be made in my life at that time. Now, a few years ago she started The Bookworm Box which was a way for her to give back. Then a physical store was opened. And ever since I found out about it I have always wanted to go. However, for one reason or another, I never got the chance. Until THAT day. So, as I have shuffled half rolled my ass into my car I asked my sister-in-law if she would like to join me. Once she agreed we loaded up the kiddoes, put on some 90’s tunes, and made the drive over.

Now, Sulpher Springs --what we saw of it-- looked really cute. We drove around their main street and were able to see several little shops and restaurants. Some we made mental notes to look into for the next trip. Because there will be a "next trip". But this visit was a specific one. And as we walked up the little sidewalk I knew that this was going to be one pretty great day for me! I felt so giddy, as the store sign came into view, and I almost ran through the front door. As we entered we were met by a nice open seating area followed by rows of books. It felt amazing! It felt like I was a kid in a candy store. Unfortunately, Colleen wasn't actually there. Though I didn't expect her to be since I do keep up with her Instagram posts. But y'all, just being in that bookstore. Filled with so many books signed by their authors. Getting to meet her mom and aunt. Knowing that Colleen has walked through those same doors, I mean, I did my best to play it cool. But inside I was squealing like a little pig, I kid you not. Then as my heart finally started to settle back into a normal pace I was picking up my first book, just about to reach my happy place, when I heard: "MOM! This is soo cool! What BOOKS can I get?" And I practically heard my mental breaks screech to a halt. Because as much as I wanted to grab up ALL of the books for myself, it was now very clear that my daughter was also wanting in on this book action. So, I did what every other parent in my position would do. I compromised, and bargain with my 8- year old. After a few options, we finally settled on me getting a book and coffee mug while she got a book and the free t-shirt. And technically, she called dibs on the free t-shirt without even considering that I might want it so I really didn't even have a choice on that one. After we made our final choices we browsed for about thirty more minutes before heading out. Now, before I end this paragraph let me just say that this store had a pretty impressive collection. Not just in regards to books either. They had a nice selection of bookmarks, mugs, t-shirts, handmade items, and bundles. Everything was reasonably priced too. I thought for sure I'd be spending $20+ on a single signed book, but that was NOT the case at all. I spent less than $40 on two signed books and a coffee mug. Plus they threw in two bookmarks, and a t-shirt for free. How's that for an awesome deal? Afterwards, we grabbed lunch at a local pizza joint, took some more pictures, and then finally all climbed back into the car for the trip back. 

And those were the highlights of day one. Once we returned to the apartment we made a pizza run and watched movies. We stayed up debating several topics and listening to movie soundtracks. All while a nice storm rumbled outside. We drank coffee and ate pan dulce until it was time to call it a night. It was a wonderful end to a pretty epic day.

*If you order this just know that it has jalapeno even though it's not stated ANYWHERE in the description. I found out the hard way. 😞

Someday Somewhere

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about traveling. A friend of my mother's took a trip abroad last year on her own. She is married and a mother, but her husband isn't into traveling. Her son is the same age as Emery, but she wasn't sure how he would do. So her mother-in-law offered to take care of him for a week while her husband took a guys trip, and she went off to go explore another country for four days by herself. She came back with stories, and pictures. She talked about how amazing it was, and how she was able to just relax and do/see what she wanted without worrying about anyone else. I sat back in awe of her, and a bit envious of her at the same time because I wished so bad that I could do that!

Found this on pinterest, not sure who the credit goes to.

I wish that I could pick up and head out for a week to experience a new country, and culture. I wish I could learn all of these different languages and traditions. Being able to go once a year to a different place would be amazing. If I could do anything in the world, it would be that. Just...travel the world. Earlier this week I posted about how I unexpectedly had a "night off". It was great, and I enjoyed it very much. I was extremely grateful for that time, and I don't think I had a huge issue with it because it was only twenty four hours and my parents live five minutes up the road. However, when it comes to traveling I can't see myself going anywhere without my daughter. I'm sure I'd enjoy the first day or two that allowed me time alone, but the guilt would probably consume me in the end. Some people have told me that I need to move passed that, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to. She goes where I go, especially if it's longer than two days. 

So as much as I'd love to just go off and explore I couldn't go without her. Which brings up my current reality of not ever being able to afford to go anywhere. I have a sister in Japan who I would have loved to visit. She'll be moving back stateside in August. I have two sets of friends living in London. Another friend of mine lives in Switzerland. We have some of my mother's friends who have offered us a place to stay free of charge in Spain. And I would have loved to go visit every single one of them! A ticket for one isn't cheap though. Add two more to that and you're looking at over $4,000 just to fly. So, when you live paycheck to paycheck like we do dreams tend to get pushed back. Everything you wished you could do now turns into "maybe someday", and before you know it the time has passed and someday never came around. I don't want that to happen to me; to us. I want to be able to go out and explore with my little in tow. I want this as much for me as for her.

I'm always saying that once Emery is out of highschool and off to college I'll go. I'll do all of the things I ever wanted to do, and visit all of the places I've wanted to go visit. That's a long time from now though. There is no telling where we'll be, or what will happen during that time. Maybe my husband will change his mind about traveling? Maybe we'll have our things figured out before then? Maybe Emery will want to come too? Maybe I won't make it that long here? Maybe in the next two years we'll sell everything and back pack over the summer? Or maybe these adventures will belong solely to my daughter. Nothing is ever set in stone or promised. Which is probably why I have that fear in the pit of my stomach. That sad little feeling that those years will go by and nothing will be the same by the time I'm able to wander the earth. But I can't worry about that now. It won't do me or anyone else a bit of good. I'm just going to sit back, and enjoy what I have. Eventually I'll get out there. Whether it's in a few years or when I'm eighty by golly I'm going to do it! I'm going to go see the world or at least try to see ONE other place before I kick the bucket. So, that's what I look forward to these days. That someday I keep searching for is out there somewhere and I'm going to find it.

Mexico

When I was little, up until I turned 18, my family and I would always find time to make a trip to Mexico to visit family. The majority of my father’s side lives in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas and we’d make an attempt to visit every other year when possible. As I was growing up I absolutely loved it! I looked forward to spending that week with my grandparents, and all of my cousins. We would have huge family dinners, lots of family gatherings at different houses, and so much fun playing at the local cancha with all of the neighborhood kids. Man, I wish I could tell all of you the many stories I have from there. I don't think there was a single visit that didn't hold some kind of adventure for us. It held the newness of a different place, the familiarity of family, and the much needed getaway. Mexico definitely holds a special place in my heart.

So, a few weekends ago my dad said he wanted to take a trip to Mexico either this fall or next summer, and wanted to know if we wanted to go too! He’s currently saving money to renew his and my mom’s passports for this trip and hopes to have everything done by this fall if not sooner. He offered to pay for Emery’s passport and told us to let him know so we could start planning. Our first responses were “YES!” of course we’d love to go. All of us together, with our respective families, making the trip to go see family in Mexico for the first time in years sounded like the most amazing thing in the world. I could only hope to be so blessed! The thought of my grandparents finally getting to meet my husband and daughter in person did so many things to my heart. And I was already thinking of the many things we’d be able to show them. How much better could it possibly get, right?? But then reality set in and even though my brother is still pretty set on going, whenever the time comes, I’m a bit undecided.

As many people already know things in certain parts of Mexico aren't great. The past few years have been tainted with massacres, bombings, and kidnappings. Mexican’s who had American relatives were threatened on a daily basis (we experienced this first hand). And many of the cities were put on lock-downs or curfews. My grandparents city included. Since then, it’s gotten a lot better, but there’s no doubt that the threat is there. Now, I haven’t really read up on whether American’s are still being targeted or if the violence is just being played out between cartels.We know a lot of people that have safely gone and come back regularly. But like many of you my husband has also read the horror stories about the violence going on. So when I suggested the trip he immediately shut it down. He said something along the lines of “No way are we risking our safety for a visit. We have a daughter to think about!”

He’s pretty set on this answer. I’m sure he thinks I’m insane for even attempting to talk him into it. And I've tried to remove my feelings from this and think about it in a realistic way. What are the chances of something happening to us while we’re down there? Is he just being a “negative Nancy” and thinking of only the bad? Maybe he’s just being overprotective? But as much as it pains me to admit it I constantly wonder if he’s right? I love my family in Mexico and I would love for them all to meet my family. I think Emery would have a blast, and I truly miss it. I want to go back. But right now, I’m wondering if this is the best idea? Should I take a chance and risk it? I know that we aren't supposed to live our lives in fear because then we’d never experience life. But where do I draw the line?