Fourth Trip, and Scene.

And, as one friend said, its not a Zendejas family trip, unless you go to Utah. This trip was mainly for taking Lexi back to school. And if we got to visit my nieces and help my sister and see her new house, so be it.

We didn't do too much. Just hang around my sister's place and play. But, my niece Charley is old enough to start Pre School. Crazy! She is so smart. We visited her school and she seemed excited to go. Although, like any other proper BYU student's child, she has already attended at least a semester's worth of criminal law classes. I think it might account for a comment she made to her mom a few months ago.

So, one of my favorite days there happened when we went school shopping. My sister and brother in law had already taken her to lunch and had a special time with her, and then it was up to the girls to go shopping! So, we were there for Charley...but Gabby was there too. And she was getting antsy. The girl loves shoes. And jewelry. At Pow Wow once, I was trying on rings and she helped me decide which one to get. (Good taste--literally, she put it in her mouth, so I figured, I better buy it). Meredith let her try on a baby ring with a tiny stone in it. She complained, "No! Big one!" The girl is going to be expensive. BUT, while we were shopping and I occasionally let her try on shoes or something. At Kohls, she almost didn't let us take them off! Then, we go to Target, and I find these adorable pink shoes with polka dots and a sparkly bow. She puts them on, and they are too freaking adorable. And she loves them. Like, REALLY loves them. Meredith had to cave, or rather, grandma did. She sat there staring at her shoes saying, "But I love them so much!" And who could say no to that?

I can't wait to see what Schramm Baby Girl, III is going to be like! Enjoy these visual delights.

Here is also a couple of videos showcasing some Schramm Girl talent. At Charley's school we visited the cafeteria/gym/stage area. Its not her famous rendition of Bah Bah Black Sheep, but she's still cute.

Here, Gabby is wearing a princess night gown she got from Grandma and Grandpa for her birthday. She is practicing her twirls. Ben and Meredith say that she can be like a mini-Jordan. I say, that must be why she's so cute!

Ry Guy

The bulk of my Arizona trip was spent with Ryan James Blood, Jr. AKA, Ry J. Such a cute little boy! He was shy towards me at first. And then he really seemed to warm up to me. He would give me hugs and kisses. And even though the kisses were full of slobber, I didn't care. Love.

But, my sister went to work during the week, and my brother in law was working at home. And, I watched Ry J all day. So, it just so happened that Ry J started to realize that when I was watching him, his parents were gone. And he did not appreciate that. He still loves me I'm sure, but it came to a point where he'd see me, and then start shaking his head, "NO!" Apparently, he loves his mom and dad more than me. I'll let that one slide.

Other highlights of the trip: some GREAT Mexican food. Gotten from a restaurant and from my sister. Some great pizza! Shopping time. And ...dum dum duh dum! ...just plain hanging out with my awesome sister and brother in law. It was just fun and relaxing.

There is a picture of Ry J hugging me, but I look like a fat turd. Ergo, that will be for my own personal enjoyment. The rest here are some choice photos.

We're cool.

Oh, also, the kid can dunk. He's just learning to walk, and first thing he does is learn to take the ball to the hoop. Ry Jimmer coming up!

Royal Wedding

Arizona: My next trip was a double duty trip.

1) I hadn't seen my nephew in months (or my sister and her husband)

2) Stacy Nancy was getting married!

Stacy Nancy went to law school with both my sister and I. In our last year together, Stacy Nancy and I, and others formed a law school gang. Stacy was an officer in our gang. 1% made it so. This gang is not to be confused with our secret law school club. We basically ate out every day together, and looked very intimidating going across the walkway to the Wilkinson Student Center to grab our weekly Jamba Juices before our very long child advocacy class. Yeah, we're cool.

So, while I couldn't actually attend the wedding ceremony of my friend, I was very excited to be there, and watching my nephew and another child of a friend of the bride. I also got to see Stacy in a fancy white dress! I was a bit nervous she'd just show up in a white hoodie.

The only thing I think is a little sad, is that I had gently tried to persuade my sister and friends to come to the wedding dressed the same...with flowers. And if we looked like bridesmaids, then so be it. I have always threatened to do it to my friends when they got married, so they caved and made me a bridesmaid anyway. I kind of wanted the chance to show up doing it anyway.

Anyway, it was very fun to go to this wedding. It was very low key, yet nice.

Weekend in New York

Carlos didn't have to work over the weekend, so we hung out! I told him of the few other places I'd like to see, and he took me to some places I didn't know about.

We went to Union Square, and he showed me the apartments he'd like to live in when he becomes a bigillionaire. We also went to see the Macy's in New York, which does some amazing store displays over Christmas. And we went down 5th Ave again, and saw the Empire state building. Maybe one day I should go up it. I mean, that is where Sleepless in Seattle met Meg Ryan!

We also went to the New York Public Library!

I know this is supposed to be a gorgeous building, and it is! And it is also where Audrey went in Breakfast at Tiffany's! Also, it is where they filmed part of The Adjustment Bureau. (Which is an awesome movie!)

We also went to Brooklyn. Carlos liked the neighborhood, and it was a cute neighborhood. It's where the Cosby family was supposed to live! I wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, so we did! I don't know why I love walking bridges, but I do! We were going to eat at Grimaldi's, but we got there at 4, and we're not 65.

We got home all tired and walked out. We ordered in Chinese and watched a movie.

Sunday we went to church, and it is comforting to know that the decorators for the chapels keep it the same, whether you are in Utah, Omaha, or NYC. We were going to take a leisurely ride on the Staten Island Ferry around the Statue of Liberty, but ended up taking a long Sunday nap instead. Brilliant!

Then we spend the evening talking, as we normally did at nights. All I will say is that my brother is a genius and will be a bigillionaire one day. He also is very ambitious. And I already called dibs on looking after his homes.

That was going to be my last night in NY, until the airlines decided to be brats. But, my week with my brother was awesome. NY was cool too.

The Met

On Friday I ventured to The Met. It was an art museum. I thought it would be nice. It was amazing. I just wish I had some of my artsy friends nearby.

Because without their enlightenment, I sometimes saw paintings like this from Picasso, and thought, "Blinkin! Fix your boobs! You look like a bloody Picasso!" -Robin Hood, Men in Tights

Another manifestation of my uncouthness; I don't particularly enjoy Modern Art such as this. I know Polluck is famous and important. I don't get it. But sometimes I feel like followers of modern art just pretend like its good so that when other disagree with them, (No, this is a 3rd grade art project) they can act offended toward the uncultured swine!

However, I did see some lovely Degas, Monets (gorgeous), Manets, and other beautiful paintings. But, epiphany! I also now love Van Gogh. He might be crazy, but he can paint. And its so much better when you see it in person rather than prints in books. Brilliant with the brush strokes. Copies don't do it justice. I'll just have to buy an original. Ebay has everything, right?

I turned a corner and saw this by Van Gogh. It took my breath away. As well as others.

I think this was the day Carlos and I got home at the EXACT SAME TIME. Pretty cool.

PS. This guy is awesome. I almost decided to marry him. Alas, I am not yet a sugar momma. So, I don't quite live up to the standards of this graying, middle-aged man, who apparently is so well off he no longer needs to work during the day--probably at all.

Pilgrimage

My second full day in NY I woke up and during the course of my preparations, I got a phone call from my hermano. He needed a suit for a work thing that evening, and could I bring him one. Yes, yes of course. But by the time my phone charges, etc, it is nearly time for me to meet up with my friend Marie.

Time is perfect with Marie. She is on maternity leave so she no longer is at her job all day, and therefore able to visit. I'm excited. I'll note that she was still pregnant. So I didn't make her venture out with a newborn. We went to a nice lunch place, and she took me to a place where the cookies were as big as your face, and just as wide. T'was amazing.

Then, I venture south. I decide to wander while I'm down there, see things like the new memorial to the 9/11 towers.

I also get lost.

But do not despair, reader, I find my way back to a 1 train. Remember, it is the only train I try to conquer on my own. I also decide to get off at 59th and Broadway, because it seemed like the shortest route to get to, dum dum da dum! 30 Rockefeller Center!

30 Rock, Tina Fey aka Liz Lemon!

I sit, ponder life's mysteries. Wish my life was as awesome as Liz Lemon's. (later on my brother convinces me that while she is hilarious on tv, I should not actually base my life decisions on what Liz Lemon would do). Wise man, my brother.

Oh, the walk to 30 Rock was actually long. Once again, the map just made the distance seem to small. But t'wasn't. Along the way I walked down 5th Avenue. I jumped into a H&M's just for the AC. On the way back, I go into the St. Patrick's Cathedral, not only to see its beauty, but also to sit and rest. I'm pretty sure I nearly walked a marathon in 2 days.

I also stopped by TIFFANY'S! I kept thinking, Audrey stood here! If only I had a case of the mean reds, it would have been a perfect way to dispel them.

After that, I went home, and tried to rest my feet. Walking on blisters proved difficult, but I managed. Luckily, we both had long days, so my brother and I were both content to sit inside, eat dinner, watch tv, and talk. Perfect nights.

Manhattan

My second trip was to see my big broseph! He had to work during the day, so I had to figure out how to amuse myself in New York. It was difficult, but I found a few activities to keep me busy. (In the mornings, I took my time getting ready, and watched episode after episode of 30 Rock. I finished 4 seasons that way. Well worth it, I'd say!)

I got in to NY and Carlos was able to get home at a good time so that when the taxi dropped me off, I could get into his place! I was grateful! Then he gave me a tour of Columbia, which he lived directly across the street from. Then we got dinner and talked.

This is his MBA building at Columbia. We decided that it is Eastern Block meets East Coast. All that's missing is the barbed wire. Very inviting, and you think, I want to study there!

Day 1: Columbia to take a few pictures and Central Park. I had to walk from 116th to 96th because the 1 train going south was closed for some reason. Thinking it wasn't too far, (it looked close on the map!) I walked it, then I spent at least 5 or 6 hours rambling the park. I had never been there on previous NYC trips, so I guess I overdid it. I found nearly every scene filmed in central park (that I could remember). I even had the "Enchanted" songs stuck in my head ALL day.

It was fun, but even though I picked flat leather sandals to wear, they were not the best shoes. I ended up with at least 5 blisters by the end of the day! It didn't help that when I went to look on the map to make sure I was going in the right direction, the maps didn't tell me where north was! I guess I wouldn't have had to walk as far/much if I had the talent of not getting lost.

If only I could have rested in one of their many playgrounds. But, alas, NYC has signs stating that unless you have a child with you, you can't go on the playground. Ageist, I'd say! Sometimes an adult likes to sit on the swings! Also, creepy.

Anyway, I limped back to the 1 train (because I didn't want to figure out the other trains) and got home before my phone died. Between using my phone to get gps and mom calling me on the hour to make sure I wasn't lying in a ditch, the battery didn't last as long as it normally did.

Carlos came home and we got dinner and chatted and watched TV. He showed me the series from England called "Luthor." He said the character Alice reminded him of me. She ended up being a crazed serial killer. Thanks big bro!

And that is it for today. This post is already crazy long.

Old Nauvoo!

This summer I worked, but I also got a good 5 or 6 weeks off of work. The joys of working at a University. So, while I had the time, I went on a few trips.

Trip, the first: Nauvoo, IL

My friend Brielyn had lived here in Omaha, a mere 6 hours away from Nauvoo, and had never gone. She was moving, and has since left us for OT school in Oregon. Boo. Anyway, she mentioned wanting to go, but with schedules, things weren't working out so well. Then, one week I was free, she was free, and so I emailed a few friends and said, we go this weekend or we never go. So, Bri, Me and our friend Suzzanne left for Nauvoo. Well, first we stopped off at our friend Jessica's. She was interning about 1.5 hours away from Nauvoo.

I hadn't been back to Nauvoo in over a decade, so it was nice to return. And it was fun to wander around with friends, despite the fact that it was like walking in water it was so humid. I offered to buy the girls bonnets, but they weren't that committed to being historically accurate. Next time.

Yay for us! For partying like it was 1842!

Surprising Night

Muffin is all over football again this year. I'm a little sad that I forgot to make a poster for him tonight, his first game night.

But, after a very long first quarter, and a sad score...Muffin made a touchdown! (the only one for the his team!) And he kept catching and knocking people over! Once, he hit into a guy, but fell, yet was still able to hold onto his foot!

I kept thinking, the Cougars won! Unfortunately, it's not BYU, and Ruben is a Raider. Still, Muffin did good!

Also, I was going to run to the store tonight after the game, when the wind picked up, and the lightning came crashing, and the rain it poured down in buckets! As this started to occur, I was singing, "I whip my hair back and forth!" in the car. Why? Because a little girl was standing in front of us singing along to it during half-time. And it got stuck in my head.

And the thought came to me, "I'm going to die. And this a pathetic end."

But it's ok. I'm still alive.