A Summer to Remember
Date day in PHILLY
We took an early morning train from Penn Station to Philly a few weeks ago to spend the day learning about some US history (had to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall). It was such an easy train ride, and the weather was perfect that day. After doing some historical stuff, we made our way to the Rocky Steps (my second time there, one of my favorite places given my love of Rocky movies). I ran up the steps and took in the awesome view! We had the best time grabbing sushi for lunch at random little spot, stocking up on reasonably priced fresh squeezed juices at Reading Terminal Market (since they’re so expensive in NYC) and then made our way back home on the train that afternoon. It was honestly one of my favorite days of the summer. The best part was walking 12+ miles and taking in the change of scenery!
special family visits
Another summer highlight was getting to hang out with my mom and Matt while they visited town. We enjoyed hanging out at the Tin Building (they loved the incredible chocolate / candy store), walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, checking out our favorite bookstore in Seaport, and taking in the beautiful sights downtown. On their last morning, I met them at Pier 26 (the best pier, in my opinion) before work and we got to snap some pics of the skyline. I’m glad I got to show them one of my happy places in the city, and for all the fun walking and talking we got to do together. I will never be too old or too cool to admit that hanging out with the parentals is one of my favorite things to do!
We got to celebrate Mercy turning double digits (and her first visit to NYC!) We had a fun sushi dinner night together, and she loved her surprise sprinkle cupcakes and “Wednesday”-themed gift bag of goodies. Mercy is getting so tall, mature, and more beautiful by the day, and it was such a special treat to spend some time with both of them!
Earlier this summer we also spent time going on our favorite walk with our favorite walking buddy. We walked all over and had fun catching up on our favorite pier!
sister dates
I love spending quality time on my sister dates. We went to Morgan Library (so neat!) and walked around some of the parks nearby before grabbing acai bowls from one of our new favorite acai spots. We’ve also gone rock climbing together and went to see Barbie when it came out!
solo dates
Last but not least. I’ve spent a lot of time this summer with myself, on long walks alone, solo Broadway shows, time at the pool reading, and exploring new places like Roosevelt Island. I cherish my alone time (especially as an introvert) and I’m proud of myself for carving out time intentionally to listen to podcasts, audio books, music, get lost in my thoughts, do whatever I want to do, on my own time frame. For me, having complete control over my schedule and time is the ultimate indulgence in life and I can never seem to get enough of it. I’m already excited for the long winter walks I’ll get to take this winter too - there is something about the crisp cold air that is so refreshing! Cheers to what has been undoubtedly been the best summer of my life, living my dream life in my dream city. Xoxo
