I ♥ NYC - Part 4 - AU Event

Sunday evening, we hosted an alumni event at the AKA Lounge.  This was perfectly located at our hotel and was in close proximity to MoMA.

Two of our architecture alumni selected this lounge and helped us book it.  They closed down the lounge for our private party. 

Sweet Julie Young, recent Architecture grad. and Chi O.

We had about 40 attendees.

After our event, we took the subway to Bar Baresco in Chelsea for dinner.  Our friend, Katie, booked it for us.  It was a wonderful night.  We pretty much closed the place down and took a harrowing cab ride back to the hotel.  So glad that AJ was able to go on this trip with me.

I ♥ NYC - Part 3 - Rural Studio Exhibit at MoMA

Our Rural Studio program was featured at an exhibit at MoMA - Small Scale, Big Change: New Architectures of Social Engagement.  Along with some of our alumni, we took a tour of the exhibit.  It was very well done.

Sketches of the $20K house at the Rural Studio exhibit.

A life size picture of the $20K house. 

Models of the $20K project. 

After seeing our exhibit, I had to take a side trip and visit Van Gogh's Starry Night.  I snapped a pic of it before the security guard scolded me.

I ♥ NYC - Part 2

I have always wanted to jog through Central Park.  This was the perfect time to cross this off my To-Do list.  The weather was great and our hotel was one block south of the park entrance.  I decided to stay with other runners on the main path.  Even though I wanted to break off on the side trails, I reminded myself of all the Law & Orders I have seen. 

I saw so many sites on my journey, including the carousel.

The park was very crowded on Sunday.

AJ and I walked to Rockfeller Center and ate at Bill's Bar & Burger. 

I had a fantastic veggie burger.  We met a guy in the restaurant who had graduated from Auburn.  He had just moved to NYC and seemed pretty homesick.  We talked to him for a while.

After lunch, we got stuck in the Columbus Day parade (Hispanic version).  AJ asked a policeman how long it would last.  He said 6 hours!  We told him that parades in Alabama last for 30 minutes.

I ♥ NYC - Part 1

I really do ♥ New York City.  The real excitement of any trip to NYC starts when I see the skyline and then land at LaGuardia.  My anticipation builds as my taxi approaches Midtown.  I love the energy of the city.  This time, I was even more excited when we arrived at our hotel.  First, our hotel (AKA Central Park) was wonderful - located just south of Central Park right behind the Plaza Hotel.  Second, Alabama was losing to South Carolina.  Then, Auburn beat Kentucky.  During half time, we ran out to a local cafe and grabbed dinner so we could watch the rest of the game.  This was shaping up to be a great trip.

Our boutique hotel.

Last Braves Game (For Us) - October 3, 2010

Well... It was a fun run while it lasted.  We had a great time at the Braves game on Sunday, October 3.  We knew we had made the playoffs AND that we wouldn't get to attend the first set of games.  We had already committed to be in New York.  Who could have predicted that the Braves would be playing at home that following weekend?  AJ was also very excited to see the concert after the game - REO Speedwagon.

After the game, waiting for the concert to begin.

REO Speedwagon drummer

 Heading out after the game.

Auburn vs. South Carolina and AU Minority Award

For two straight weeks, I was on the field for pre-game festivities.  One of my great friends and colleagues, Carla Bell, won the AU Minority Award.  Working with our students and our dean, I nominated and supported Carla for this award.  I was thrilled when she was chosen.  It is very deserving. 

 Carla, her sweet husband Roger, and the eagle.

Carla and family

 Me and Carla.

One of our professors, Tin Man Lau, was award the Alumni professor award. 

Carla and Robert Gibbs, White House spokesperson

Auburn vs. Clemson Game

I had a great time at the Auburn vs. Clemson Game. One of our alumnae, Rebecca Hatcher, was on the field for pre-game festivities as a former Pam Sheffield award winner.  I was able to escort her on the field.

Rebecca and the eagle

Several of the previous winners.

My favorite former winners - Pat Wingfield, Susan Hubbard, Rebecca Hatcher 

Picture of the student section in "All Blue"

I accidentally glance over when they fed the eagle a treat after a great flight... a rat - eeeek.

This year's recipient, Joyce Ringer and family. 

One of my favorite families - the Stones (minus son, Stuart)