What up, New York?!

I’m heading to New York City today — depending on what time you’re reading this, I’m probably already there — my flight leaves Austin at 5:30 am.

I went to New York City for the first time ever in December. I jammed as many things as possible into five days. I saw the Rockettes, the view from the Top of the Rock, the tree at Rockefeller Center, shopped at Ricky’s on Broadway, saw two Broadway plays (“Mean Girls” and “The Book of Mormon”), the 9/11 museum, took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, Central Park, I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, saw all of the buildings and properly got a hang of the subway.

And that’s not even mentioning the food! I had authentic ramen, tiramisu, cheesey fries from a diner, homemade pasta, crispy fish, afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel, pizza in Brooklyn, snacks from a bodega, a lobster roll… yum!

I had fun, although I expected to absolutely fall in love. There were definitely things I didn’t like about the city, but it was pretty wonderful to see so many places I’d only see on TV and in movies.

I think part of my frustration was just navigating everywhere I needed to be and checking off things on my list — which of course, is my own fault. It has become my signature way of travel, cramming in SO many things that sleep is not an option. But, when you travel solo, it totally works.

I tried to do everything on my list because I wasn’t sure I’d ever be back! And here I am, seven months later, back!

At the beginning of the year, John Mayer announced his summer tour. He said it was going to be the tour we’d all dreamt about… two full sets, and he announced loads of cities, including New York… at Madison Square Garden.

I never thought I’d see a concert in MSG, let alone John Mayer. So, I bought a ticket. I’ll talk more about John Mayer and my hopes for the concert in a post later this week, but I am so excited!

I do have other things planned on this trip (check Back tomorrow to see all of the things on my agenda), but it’s not as packed as my last trip. Of course, it’s a different time of year, too, so I have a feeling the vibe will be totally different.

The trip is coming at the tail end of a motivational slump and a slow month of work… taking a vacation is not the most logical choice I could make right now. But that’s the thing about being your own boss.

Plus, I think the universe has a way of making things happen in the time they’re supposed to. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m hoping to leave the city with a new zest for life, an inspired mind, and… a very full belly.

Wheels up, see you soon NYC!

For more travel inspiration, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Instagram @Orangejulius7– where I share more of my daily life. Live in the Baton Rouge area? I’m teaching a Blogging Boot Camp this September. If you don’t live in Baton Rouge, you can always schedule a Creative Session with me!