Twice As Nice

These stories are really random, on the long side (but worth the read!) and have nothing to do with anything that's happened recently. They are just too good to not document. And the fact that each "category" happened twice in the last three months is just uncanny.

First, I had to break into an apartment (mine)/house (Nate and Amy's) two times within about 10 days of each other. Yes, I'm your gal for any breaking-and-entering job - if the cause is worthy.

The first time it happened, I had gone for a long run in Central Park (I was training for the Hartford, CT half at the time, which I didn't run because of an injury). When I first left my apartment I realized my iPod had no battery. There was not a chance I was running 11 miles sans iPod. My thoughts aren't that interesting for hours on end. So I climbed back up the five flights of stairs, and my roommate, AnnMarie, let me borrow her iPod. In the process, I accidentally left my keys on the kitchen counter. Not smart. But I did not realize this until I was almost done with my run. Blast. Well, I knew my roommate, Jane, was home and sleeping (she works the night shift as a NICU nurse) and could buzz me in. Standing at our building door, I buzzed. No answer. I buzzed again. No answer. This went on a few times, and by this point it was getting overcast and a little chilly. And I was freezing and STARVING. In the midst of racking my brain, I somehow thought I could feasibly scale the outside of my building up all six flights and get in through our balcony.

Alas, I did not have to mimic Spiderman, and finally thought to start buzzing other apartments in our building. Luckily, I was quickly let in. This solved the freezing problem. When I reached my apartment door, I knocked and knocked and knocked. Still, no answer. So I sat on the stairway for another 30 minutes, until I saw it. The ladder leading from our stairwell up to the roof! This was perfect! I could climb the roof and hope for an open window. Well, the window to my room still had the A/C in, which meant it was unlocked! With all my skills and strength, I simultaneously opened the window and caught the A/C (oh, and I had to unplug it, too). All was well. Wait. Nope, I hear the buzzer from my apartment. I put the A/C on the balcony, and lean over to see who's there. It's my roommate Adrienne. She somehow had been locked out, too! So I quickly climbed in my window, let her in, and then began chowing down!

Second tale of sneaking in. I had just flown in to Vermont for the annual Madsen tradition: Le Tour de Vermont. My mom and Kasey picked me up from the airport, and we were heading to Nate and Amy's house to pick up a few things (spices or something) for dinner before heading up to Stowe, VT. Well, the house keys didn't make it with Mom and Kasey. So we did what any Madsen would do - get creative and resourceful. We checked some of the windows, and sure enough we found one that was open! Yes! With Mom on all fours, Kasey stood on her back and shimmied right in. She came around to open the front door for us, welcoming us with open arms. We grabbed what we needed, and off we were to enjoy the biking, family time and gorgeous fall colors of Vermont!

Yep, It's Winter!

I know it's winter when....it SNOWS over night, it's hotter than Hades in my apartment and feels oh-so-nice to catch a chilly breeze when I step outside, and when weather.com looks like this:

New York, NY (10025) Weather

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Updated: Dec 14, 2010, 9:25am EST

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Right Now	Next 36 Hours

	Today	Tonight	Tomorrow
Cloudy	Flurries	Cloudy	Scattered Flurries
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Feels Like: 8° Get FREE weather on your desktop	High	Low	High
Past 24-hr: Precip: 0.04 in (est.) Snow: 0.7 in (est.)	Chance of Snow: 30%	Chance of Snow: 20%	Chance of Snow: 30%
Wind: From WNW at 15mph gusting to 21mph	Wind: WNW at 17 mph	Wind: WNW at 14 mph	Wind: WNW at 16 mph

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See that? Feels like 8 degrees?! This is when I'm

especially grateful for the "sleeping bag coat".

Best winter purchase. Ever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My life is pretty good, I have to admit. I don't have much to complain about, and those things that do irk me are relatively insignificant. I am so grateful for the many, many blessings I have now, and the ones I've had throughout my life. (Warning: This part might get a little cheesy for some of you, but it comes from my heart. So proceed with caution.)

But today, I am most grateful for my family. This year, I'm lucky and blessed enough to be with half of my family members - eight of them, to be exact. I am pretty sure I have the best parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews ever. The fact that I know we can be together forever puts a smile on my face and brings me peace and happiness. They are all such examples to me and teach me so much. Today, I even learned from one sister that to have room temperature eggs in a flash for a delicious chocolate pie, all it takes is a few seconds in the microwave. (I don't recommend doing this on a regular basis.) I love being with them, and we always have fun, even if it's just hanging out and telling stories with lots of laughing. Thank you, to all of the Mad-Family!

Wednesday's Thanks

What am I grateful for today? A random, new friend I met on the plane on my way to Detroit. We were both on our way to visit family for Thanksgiving (both my sisters, brothers-in-law, niece and nephew live there, and the parents came, too!). She also lives and works in NYC and is a transplant to the city. Normally, I would have slept a good portion of the time, but this was just one of those people I connected with. No joke, we talked the entire flight. I gave her my travel copy of The Book of Mormon. And crazily enough, we live semi-close to each other. Three cheers for new friends!

T is for Tuesday and Temple

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month I get to work in the Manhattan Temple. It's beautiful, and I've really come to love it - more than I did before. I love the feelings of peace and happiness I feel there. I love the prayers that have been answered in quiet - and sometimes unexpected - moments. I love the people I work with. And I love seeing all the different people who come to do work.

courtesy of lds.org

There have been so many amazing moments. There was the time when a man came to do the sealing of his grandfather to his great-grandfather. Another time, a woman who walked very slowly with a walker came to do work. She had a big smile on her face the entire time. So many people make huge sacrifices to come here, to serve those who have passed on. And time after time, I feel the love they have and the love of Heavenly Father. Today, I am grateful for the temple.

Monday's Thanks

(I know I'm writing this on Tuesday, but I'm going to give my thankful note of Monday and write it as if it were still Monday).

Today I'm grateful for leftovers. Yep, that's right. My roommate Jane G. and I made a really good chicken curry rice soup yesterday, and I ate it for lunch today. I can't even tell you how nice it is to just pick it right out of the fridge and straight into my bag as I'm running out the door for work. And it's even better that I don't have to spend extra money on lunch.

Give Thanks! (Sunday)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving being this Thursday, I decided that I will post one thing everyday for which I am grateful. Just to get me in the mood.

Today's item is a good friend, good conversation and good laughs whilst taking a {1.5 hour} walk through Central Park. Having a few good "ah-ha" moments. Enjoying the BEAUTIFUL fall colors here that are in their prime (relatively a little late, but the advantages of living in NYC). Discovering the Conservatory Gardens for the first time (why didn't I go there sooner?!?!). Being able to escape reality for a bit. Loving every moment.

A Betty White Kind of Halloween

Halloween. How has it already come and gone? I do love Halloween. I always get excited to see how creative people get with their costumes. And NY is one place that people pull out all the stops. This year, I dressed up as Betty White in the Snickers commercial for Halloween. Twice! I even found velcro sneakers and did some make-up making me look all wrinkled. If you haven't seen this commercial, shame on you. But just because I want to give you a good laugh, click here to watch it.

The first time was for the work costume party. Sadly, I did not win. There were some pretty good costumes, and the judges had some tough decisions to make. I was quite impressed by how many people got into it.

The second round of BW was on Saturday - two parties. The first party was at the church. Usually this is the best church party/dance of the year. This year DID disappoint. Sad for us.

But luckily, my friends Kristin, Jessica and Ruth were having a party at their place in their courtyard. The cops came and broke up the party. Apparently their neighbors became tired of throwing water on us while we danced and chatted in the courtyard and resorted to more effective ways of shutting us down. (Just to note, we weren't being that loud.) When the cops showed up, they were asking where the alcohol was. I think they were pretty surprised that there wasn't any! We didn't let that deter us - we just moved inside and kept the party going.

All in all it was a great Halloween. Well done everyone!

So Long Sweet Summer

As the summer is fading away, I love that my beach towel still smells like the beach. Like summer.

I loved this summer. So, so many memories. Most all of them good. (At the moment, I honestly can't remember a bad moment.) Here are just a few to give you a taste.

Lovely days at the beach are beatable by very few things. Waking up early(ish) on a Saturday morning to head to Penn Station so we could head to Long Beach on the 9:22 express train was always a rush. But sooo worth it an hour or so later when we were setting up camp for the day and slathering on the sunscreen. Except for that time when I managed to FRY my legs. We'd bask in the sun, or in my case the shade of my umbrella and large sunhat, and laugh and play and talk about celebrity gossip until we couldn't handle it anymore. Cold ocean water called our names. The waves are cold at first, but even the shock is welcome from the heat the summer can bring. After a long day, which was usually never long enough, we'd head back to the city completely exhausted and happy as clams.

There was the time Malia and I went to Harry Connick, Jr. on Broadway. We decided to buy the "cheap" tickets in the balcony almost in the very back since we were going for the music and his sweet, sweet voice. Then someone from the show asked us if we wanted two extra tickets she had downstairs in the orchestra, for free. Yes, please! We didn't know until we were seated that they were 10th row center. Amazing.

Then there was a wonderful when Kirby (Paris friend) was in the city. We had the most lovely day together. Moaz falafels. Pinkberry. The Met. Thai food. A walk around the Reservoir in Central Park. Talking just like no time had passed. I love Kirby - her gift of gab and her love of life.

My birthday. I LOVE my birthday. My sisters and my mom and anyone else who's known me forever can tell you how much I love my birthday. When I was younger, I would start planning my birthday months in advance. You may think this is a little crazy. But it's not. I'm just a planner (that's what I get paid to do, after all) and like to be prepared. The whole day was so much fun! Texts, Facebook messages, cupcakes, g-chats, phone calls, treats, visits all day long from friends new and old, cookies, manicure at lunch (I treated myself). I was seriously feeling the love. That night, my wonderful roommates planned a most memorable evening. We saw "Grease Sing-Along" at a theater in the East Village. Yes, "Grease" along with all the words to the songs and animation came up on the screen. We sang our little hearts out. "Summer Lovin". "Greased Lightning". You name it, we sang it. After we'd all lost our voices, or at least I had, we headed back to my apartment where my roommates had decorate our back terrace with twinkle lights, stars, sunflowers and lots and lots of cookies and treats. A girl - this one in particular - couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

That's all for now folks. Stay tuned for more summer memories...And maybe if you're lucky I'll post some pictures one of these days.

Joshua Brown: New York Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire

Hi y'all! My friend, Josh Brown, is an AMAZING New York Wedding photographer and videographer. He's been doing weddings in New York (and everywhere else in the world, literally) for years. If you're looking for someone to shoot your wedding, he's your guy. Heres one of his shots. Pretty cool, huh?

As it Turns Out...

I'm not as individual as I thought I was:

HowManyOfMe.com

There are people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

But this is only 0.0000077% of the total US Population. So I guess I'm still pretty unique, right?

Oh What a Night

Tonight, I was at Pinkberry doing some Visiting Teaching with my friends Lauren and Alex. While we were waiting outside, these two older gentlemen asked us if they served frozen lemon ice. Unfortunately, we had to tell them no. Well, after we had ordered and were enjoying our own yogurt, we saw that these two men had decided to give it a try regardless. Here's the interesting part of the conversation (something along these lines):

Jane, "How do you like it?"
Man, "I don't know yet...You in school around here? At Columbia?"
J, "No, I've been out of school for a long time. I went to Brigham Young University out in Utah."
M, "Oh...you mean the Mormons?"
J, "Yep."
M, "Well, you don't look like a Mormon."
J (laughing), "I'm not quite sure how to take that."
M, "It's a compliment, believe me."

I couldn't help but keep laughing! I'm still not sure what his view is of what Mormon's are supposed to look like, but hopefully I changed that. And at least I have a good story out of it!

Summer's Here!

Happy first day of Summer everyone! Things I'm looking forward to - or have already enjoyed - about Summer:

• Everything about Central Park - running, free Opera and NY Philharmonic performances, Shakespeare in the Park (Al Pacino is in one of the plays this year), Sunday picnics, the flowers, mid-week lunches
  
• Saturdays at the beach
• Free outdoor movies
• Air Conditioning!
• My birthday (July 15th for all of those who weren't aware)
• Late nights
• Dinners, parties, gatherings, chats on our two terraces
• The saxophone player who practices on the rooftop of the building across the street
• Scooter rides
  
• Weekend trips (these aren't exclusive to the Summer, but I like them still the same)
• BBQs

That's just the beginning! A few things I could eliminate from the equation, like the humidity, heat, subways, etc., but there's no place like NYC in the summer. The good and the bad.

I Missed My Life's Calling

Not too long ago, I came to a conclusion: I should have selected "teacher" as my profession/career. Why, you ask? My number one - and only - reason at the time was that I have a plethora of cardigans, a staple in any teacher's wardrobe. Good reason, right?

Well, I told this to one of my friends and we've been noticing other characteristics that would deem me an appropriate educator. One is that I love grammar and math. Yep, I'm a nerd at heart. Another thing she pointed out is that I really am all about organization, efficiency and making sure things have a logical flow (e.g., how food is set-up when serving buffet-style). This last one really doesn't apply solely to teaching, but I still am adding it to the list anyway.

You can just call me Miss Madsen from now on.

"If I Can Make it Here, I'll Make it Anywhere"

"It's up to you, New York, New York." This is what plays after every home win at Yankee Stadium. And it is quite a sight. I love going to Yankee games, definitely on my list of favorite things to do in the city. The best is staying until the end when everyone in the stand starts singing - and dancing - along. If you're in NYC this summer, let's head to the Bronx and enjoy America's favorite pastime.

The new field. Isn't it pretty?

Sally, the season-ticket holder we met. She's had these tickets for years, works at the NYSE three times a week and lives at least two hours from the city. Talk about a die-hard fan!

The girls - Jane G., me and Alex

Jeff, a former New Yorker now living in Utah/Canada. He's the one who organized this whole night.

Thanks Jeff!

The whole crew - Alex, Russell, me, Jane G., Jeff, Tony, Leigh and Danny

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This morning I planted some little seedlings - sweet basil, cilantro and lavender. My mom would be so proud! I did it all on my own accord. I might even find one of those upside-down tomato plants. And don't worry, I'll give updates as they grow.

A San Francisco Treat!

A few weeks ago my friend Bryndee and I made the trek from one coast to the other and back again. We went out to visit one of my best friends, Ashley, and she was a wonderful tour guide. Our weekend was just simply delightful. The weather was beautiful and sunny the two days we were there (a miracle!), the food was amazing, and the company was the best!

After meeting up with some old BYU friends, Patrick and Sarah, for brunch at The Maverick, we headed down to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Of course we had to have some of the sourdough bread, too!

Bryndee, me and Ashley at Pier 39 with Alcatraz in the background

The Golden Gate Bridge along with some string that seems to have made its way in to the picture

After a day of touring the city, driving Lombard Street, mani/pedi and eating good tacos (oh how I miss them), we rode the cable car through downtown SF. Of course we had to top it off with a stop at Ghirardelli Square!

Me and Bryndee on the cable car

Ashley's turn!

We decided to ride bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge - probably my favorite part of the whole weekend. What made it so great was that the rental shop we found rented only electric bikes. Yes, you heard me right. And I am so, so glad we had them. Yes, we still pedaled. But no, I was not out of breath at the top of all those many hills. Instead, I had a huge smile on my face. We rode all along the water and up and over the bridge to Sausalito on the other side, where we ate lunch right on the marina. The best part was when a cyclist rode up next to me and asked if I had "one of those bikes with a motor on it" because he couldn't figure out how I was passing him going up the hill while barely pedaling!

Ashley and Bryndee with Sausalito in the background

Bryndee and me on the bridge

We decided to spend our last few hours of our little jaunt in Half Moon Bay. The best spot to watch the sunset is the beach at the Ritz Carlton (fancy, right?). One of the things I miss about living in NYC is the lack of sunsets I get to see. So I was in heaven!

Ashley and Wes

Bryndee, me and Ashley

A wonderful weekend! I can't wait to go back and visit again.

Just Paying a Visit

Last week I walked passed our lobby and saw this lovely, shiny piece of metal being admired and photographed:

You guessed it - THE Stanley Cup. Live. In the flesh. I still can't quite figure out what it was doing in our office. Something along the lines of promoting the NHL playoffs, perhaps? Whatever the reason, I just had to provide evidence that I did see it with my very own eyes. And this provides infinite bragging rights to my hockey-loving brother, Josh.

Me and my friend, Christine with the Cup

A Lovely Day for a Run

Last Saturday, a bunch of my friends and I headed down to the Jersey Shore (aka beach for all you west coasters) to run a 26.2-mile relay race for the Special Olympics. So I can technically say that I ran in an marathon last weekend!

The Jersey Shore (Seaside Heights)

It started out early with leaving the city around 5:30am to make it to the start line, but it was well worth it. The weather turned out just lovely for us - mostly sunny with a few clouds and just a little bit chilly.

We had a fun team - even matching pink and grey wrist bands. (Emily, Tyler, Jane G., me, Kim)

Tyler came up all the way from DC to join our team. What team spirit he had with all his pink!

Of course, we had to top off the day with a stop at the Cheesecake Factory and Target since we had a car to carry everything home. Sometimes suburbia is so nice! (no photos, sorry)

The Madsen {Girls} Take Over NYC

Last weekend was an absolute blast! One to go down in the books, for sure. We had all the Madsen girls (originals and in-laws and one honorary cousin) in one place. Mom, Kasey, Annie, Amy, Jessy and Jill all came to NYC - the city that never sleeps. And we sure didn't have a lot of that, despite Jessy's request. (I would link Annie, but she hasn't updated her blog in about a year).

We had a full house in my teeny, tiny apartment on Thursday night, with Mom, Kasey, Annie and Jill crashing. And a big thanks to my roommates for being so accommodating! By Friday morning, everyone had made it. And we never stopped going.

Here are some pics from the weekend:

Jill with Hans (as in Christian Andersen) - Central Park

Mom, Kasey, me, Jessy, Hans, Amy, Jill Annie - Central Park

Alice in Wonderland sculpture (Jill, Jessy, Kasey, me, Annie, Amy) - Central Park
At one of the many bridges in Central Park (no two are alike!)
Levain Bakery (West 74th and Amsterdam, if you're in the neighborhood): Kasey, Amy, Annie and Mom. (I do not apologize at all for posting this, even if your mouths are enjoying all that chocolaty goodness.) Maybe we made a daily stop here for their chocolate walnut, oatmeal rasin and chocolate peanut butter flavors. How could you not?! They are sooooo tasty!
All of us in my apartment - me, Jessy, Amy, Mom, Annie, Kasey and Jill
Carnegie Hall for the San Francisco Symphony (they performed Mahler's "Resurrection") - Annie, Jill, Mom (isn't her jacket so chic?), Kasey, Jessy, Amy and me.
The famous Carnegie Deli. We just got take-out cheesecake and carrot cake (can you sense a theme for the trip yet?) - Amy, Jessy, Jill, Annie and Mom
The Late Show with David Letterman. We just passed by, but didn't see a show (they film around 5:00 pm if you're ever lucky enough to have a chance to go!) - Jessy, me, Kasey, Jill, Annie and Amy
Liesel (Kasey's bestie from their delinquent teenage years) was able to join us for brunch on Saturday morning at Sarabeth's - Liesel and Kasey
Outside Sarabeth's - the brunch is absolutely delish! Mom, Jill, Kasey, me, Jessy, Annie and Amy
Mom on the Brookly Bridge - nothing's going to stop her! (and that is Kasey's purse she's carrying as a backpack)
There she is - the Brooklyn Bridge with Manhattan in the background
Just another windy day on the Brooklyn Bridge - Liesel, Kasey, Mom, me, Annie, Jessy, Amy and JillThe three "originals" - Annie, Kasey and me
A trip to NYC isn't complete without a little pampering - Amy, Annie and Jessy getting pedicures
And a manicure for me!
Thank you Pretty Angel for all the TLC! Amy, Annie, me, Mom, Kasey, Jessy and Jill
We saw "The Fantasticks" Saturday night and laughed the whole way through! Grandpa Madsen designed all the costumes for this play when it was in San Francisco. All look a little creepy in this picture - Mom, Annie, me, Kasey and Jill.
This was the main character - El Gallo - and he was just fantastic! Annie, me, El, Mom, Kasey and Jill. Doesn't he have a striking resemblance of Adam Pontipee ("Seven Brides for Seven Brothes")?
Or Eric Dane (aka Dr. Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy")?
We thought so!
And a trip to NYC would not be complete without visiting one of the millions of Duane Reade stores (read: pharmacy)! We found these fancy bunny ears that lit up! Maybe they were purchased....
Jill, me, Kasey and Annie

Sunday we were able to go to church at my ward and to brunch before everyone had to part ways. Thank you everyone for making the trek out here and just doing what we do best - loving being together and having fun!