New York City

My mom, brother, and myself traveled to LAX on January 10th for our 6am flight to the Big Apple! The biggest reason I went to the city was to see Darren Criss in his Broadway debut in "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" (AMAZING!). It's not entirely allowed, but I found this link on YouTube of Darren singing the song "Brotherhood of Men" which Daniel performed for the TONYS last year (check out the choreography!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFtldOB1wTE&feature=related

Below are some goofy pics of me outside the theater :) What can I say? I'm a dork.

I know I'm completely biased, but Darren was spectacular in this role. He was perfect for Finch (the lead male character)! I was so proud of all this boy accomplished in just over a year. He was so happy on that stage and I have NO doubt that we'll be seeing more of him on the big broad way! 

Some of the most memorable times were when I went on my own little adventures around the city! I took the subway to meet a couple new friends and overall explore. I ate "Shake Shack" in Madison Square Park and it was beautiful. They had white lights and heat lamps with the city in the background. I didn't want to leave but my fingers began to freeze so I headed back to the hotel :) 

It was INSANE to see his face in Times Square!

Fans waiting outside for Darren. Stage Door Insanity!

 This is just a small summary of my time, but overall, it was an amazing trip. I feel so alive when I'm in New York! This trip helped seal my plans of living there at some point in my life. I am so lucky that I have people and family who generously gave and donated to this trip to make it all happen. I can't thank YOU enough. This trip was a dream come true for me and the beginning of another excited chapter and goal in my life.

Although we didn't always get along, it was nice having my family there and getting to see my mom take in New York for the first time! It was a week of firsts and that was really exciting to experience. While my brother learned that he doesn't really like New York (he's nuts!) I was glad that he was there to see Darren and experience some new parts of the city too! 

Unfortunately, the trip had to end on Saturday, January 14th. Obviously I was very sad (and apparently my mom was too) but my brother accurately expressed how he felt to return home to LA in the picture below. 

You've all heard me talk about Darren (and maybe a little too much) but I can't help it. No I didn't get to meet him again or even talk with him. But because he got to perform on Broadway and live one of his dreams, I  got to travel to the best city in the world and witness it all for myself. I'm so blessed to have the opportunities I have and the chance to see all that I have already seen. It sounds crazy (and maybe it is) but so much of what I've done this past year has been related to what he has brought to my life. This trip was definitely MORE than just seeing him, but it never would have happened if he didn't start it. New York, I will see you again. You are beautiful and I hope we can be lifelong friends. And yes, I did just address a city as if it were a person. 

The remainder of the pictures we took will be posted on my Facebook later this week :)