Summertime 09

I have so much free time lately, I don't know what to do with myself! I've been enjoying going to happy hours, exploring rooftop bars, going to outdoor movies and concerts, eating my meals outdoors, taking walks along the East River, and just enjoying Manhattan in the summer. I love the city in the summer; it really empties out as New Yorkers migrate to the Hamptons, Fire Island, the Jersey Shore, or summer houses.

2 out of 4 ain't bad -- Out of the 4 concerts in the second summer series of the Nassau Pops, we were only able to play 2 due to the rainy weather on Long Island. Our last concert went well despite the fact that it was extremely humid, there were small microphone mishaps, and the oboe player's last minute replacement was awful (and I mean really awful - she was late for the performance, never in tune, missed many of her entrances, and when she showed up in the middle of our third piece, took her seat during a movement of selection from Carmen with the conductor and entire orchestra glaring at her for her inappropriate behavior...I have a feeling she won't be asked to play for the group again). Nonetheless, it was enjoyable and I was happy to be able to play fun repertoire. We recently had our annual orchestra party to end the summer season.

This past weekend, Nicole, my college roommate, came for a visit to NYC. It was wonderful! Friday night we ate at one of my favorite restaurants, and, after a pitcher of sangria, hit the bars in my neighborhood. We sang along to an awesome cover band, watched the end of the 15 inning Yankees game, and met boys that made us thank our lucky stars that we had boyfriends. Saturday we had delicious brunch at Trata and noticed an unusually frequent amount of ambulances passing the outdoor cafe we were seated at. The helicopter/plane crash over the Hudson was so shocking and tragic - we didn't find out about it until hours after our brunch as we were exploring a street fair in Union Square. After spending hours shopping, trying on clothes and make-up, we headed back to my apartment empty handed and hungry. We rested a bit, got dolled up and went out for a romantic dinner at an amazing Italian restaurant with garden seating. It was delicious. Later went to a dive bar called it an early night. Sunday, after some New York bagels, we went for a walk along the East River, and then headed to Penn Station. With the Dominican Pride Parade causing an obscene amount of traffic, our trip was a bit stressful but I was so happy to spend a weekend with my best friend that I didn't care.

Nicole is someone who knows me for who I am and always has some words of wisdom to help guide me along as I figure out my goals in life. Whether it be to offer up some juicy gossip, advice about decisions I'm making, or just to reminisce about all that we have been through, she is always there for me. I value our friendship and I know how lucky I am to have such an honest, dependable, awesome person in my life. I am excited to visit her in Philly soon so that she can show off the beautiful house she recently bought.

My work load at Juilliard is fairly light in the summer with Fridays off from work. This upcoming weekend is our last "Summer Friday" and I will be enjoying it in Atlantic City with Eric where we'll be celebrating our 1 year anniversary.