I married a man's man because that is the kind of guy I like.
What I didn't realize is that his take- charge kind of personality permeates into every dimension of my life. For the most part I like it. I have probably embraced it but as I get older I realize that in so many respects I defer to him. It is easy to become complacent and lazy when somebody else is willing to do all the work. Don't misunderstand, I feel like an equal in my marriage but when it comes to the details like travel arrangements, which cell service carrier we should use, or refinancing the house, I let him take over. Since we became empty- nesters, though, I am making a conscientious effort to become more involved in the day to day along with the bigger picture decisions.
From the small things like figuring out why the Tivo isn't working to the bigger issues such as a better understanding of our investments and someday retirement funds, I am striving to be more of a partner than a follower.
Just last week I went to New York City with a friend who is married to an incredible man's man too. Between the two of us we felt like a couple of 50 something rookies. It may be symptomatic of our generation. I guess I am a throw back to the Mad Men era (Betty not Peggy). I used to fly by myself a lot when I was in my twenties. After the kids came along we did everything as a family. Other than a few road trips with my daughter and flying with my mom and aunt last year, I really haven't traveled much without my spouse.
Well, my friend's husband had planned this trip as a gift. All we had to do was get to the airport, figure out how to get checked in, find our connecting flight, meet up with the driver and find our hotel. Easy enough for most people but if you haven't done it for years it is a bit intimidating.
It isn't like we haven't traveled before, we have, but usually, like sheep, we just follow our guys. This time we were on our own.Both of our men were out of the country and out of cell range. We were flying solo. Guess what? With a little help from her daughter we did it! and I have to say there is a real sense of accomplishment and independence that comes with trying something new and being successful at it. I felt like a real grown up. Now I can't wait to go again.
:D
Here are just a few highlights from our girl time getaway.
The site of the 9-11 Memorial
The Memorial Museum scheduled to open in 2012.
One World Trade Center.
I love how it stands so proudly and defiantly above the museum and Memorial Pools as a confirmation of our united determination and spirit.
God Bless the USA!
I'm glad we were able to see this, even though it was so unGodly hot.
The rest of the time we spent on more self-interest pastimes such as this amazing musical,
and some pretty stellar shoe sales.
:D
KR laying out our plan of attack for the next day's shopping circut.
Google Maps are great but sometimes there is nothing better than an old fashioned paper map for being able to visually grasp the layout of the land.
:D
Lunch at Bergdorf Goodman's where two salads and two glasses of wine will set you back about $100.00
Sadly, I would do it all again.
:D
The Express Elevator to the eighth floor of Saks which is the epitomy of
SHOE HEAVEN!
These were just a few of the lovelies that awaited us.
A pair of these followed me home in nude.
A splurge yes, but I do crazy things like that when I am traveling.
These Miu Miu wonders were stunning but really, I don't have anywhere to wear them so I sadly had to bid them adieu.
I had added some "hope to find" things to my NYC Shopping Pinterest board and I was able to score this carry everything 8th wonder of the the world at Century 21.
Thank you God.
:D
On the streets there is just so much eye candy.
My guy would have been all over this jewelry store
and this necklace made me think of my mom.
My daughter would have obsessed over the window displays and design and branding elements.
I had to give kudos to Louis Vuitton for the most eye catching windows.
It was an incredibly fun week and I wish I could do it all over again.
We became pros at hailing a cab and the concept of charge ship. Not once did we get lost.
Yay us!
Next time we said we would be sure and get to Soho but all in all we are just proud to say that we arrived, we saw, we shopped, and we did it all by ourselves.
Those guys may regret ever sending us on this trip because they may have created a couple of grown up, independent travel machines.
Thanks guys.
xoxo,
p
