Happy Independence Day!

This year we were not quite sure what to do with ourselves for the fourth of July but it just so happened that I was checking things out on the FB when I spotted a picture of my dear friend Judit Stolpa who lives in Hungary. I met her while I was working at a YMCA in New Jersey 5 summers ago. This picture of her just so happened to be in NYC! I commented on her picture to see if she was still there only to find out that SHE WAS!!! Lucky for us it just happened to the fourth of July so we had the day off of work. We didn't have plans and I couldn't pass the opportunity to meet up with someone I never thought I would see again. So we headed into the city. We rode the train in and met Judit in Grand Central. We walked to Central Park, got a jumba juice and then meandered our way back down to 34th street. We were headed to grab some pizza at La Famiglia but Judit saw a Wendy's and had to have it. Her brother lived in the states for several years and was always raving about Wendy's so she just had to try some. It's kind of funny to think about someone raving about Wendy's and other people never having that experience.
After Wendy's we headed down to the piers to watch the fireworks. Let me tell you, this may sound like it was a completely relaxing way to watch the fireworks and I am sure it would have been had the 4 million other people in NYC would have stayed home. It was something that I always thought would be so cool and  nothing would be more patriotic than watching the fireworks exploding all around Lady Liberty. For all of you who thought this would be the case, let me assure you that this is NOT the case. Or perhaps it is, but only on TV OR if you pay nearly $300 a ticket to get on the piers or boats on the water!!
Don't get me wrong, it was still an experience - but one I never have the desire to do again. I will certainly be just fine watching my little town fireworks from where ever that little town may be. We had a great time with Judit and I am so very happy that Brett was able to meet her. I have wanted them to meet for so long - I've actually told Brett since the day I got back from camp that we would be going to Hungary to visit her because he just had to meet this incredible woman. Well, I didn't quite get him to Hungary (although I haven't given up trying to get him there... maybe someday. Anyone want to donate to our Hungary vacation fund?...)
but they sure did finally get to meet and they hit it off. Brett is now encouraging my younger brother to marry her - and heck I sure wouldn't complain if that happened.
Judit made such an impact in my life in just a few short months. She is an amazing person and friend. She is so very thoughtful and I am truly amazed at how much she impacted my life in such a short period of time. I think I only stayed through the whole thing because of her. I honestly thought that I would never have the chance to see her again but my heart filled with joy and joy leaked out of my eyes when we embraced. I love her very much and wish that we could have spent more time together. But now Brett is more motivated to get to Hungary because he loves her too. :)
And no post of mine would be complete without some pictures....

Walking to Central Park

Chillin (trying to) in Central Park in the HOT, HUMID weather

It was so hot and cramped and miserable
but we were still enjoying our time together!

NEVER AGAIN!

View of the fireworks