As many of you know I have been called to serve a mission in the Arizona Mesa mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will be speaking English and my service begins on September 3, 2008 and will end sometime in March 2010.
While on my mission I will have very limited computer time reserved for e-mailing family. As a result this blog will become dormant for the next 18 months.
For those of you who will be starved for the written word of Tomoser be sure to mail me. My mother has made a mission Web site for me while I'm gone at Sister Sarah Tomoser's Missionary Web site.
If you would like to know more about the church and what I will be preaching to the people of Arizona, please visit mormon.org.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church and look forward to sharing my testimony of it with the people of Arizona.
I'm grateful to have had you as a part of my life thus far and hope to continue that friendship. I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors, whatever they may be and wherever they may take you.
Signing off until March 2010 this is Sister Sarah Tomoser with t-minus 2 hours and 5 minutes until I report to the MTC.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cool Item: the Jimi Wallet
Just found out about the Jimi Wallet. (Check out the demo) They are a very green, recycled wallet that looks really slim, trim and awesome. If I had a reason to buy a new wallet right now for me or someone else I'd certainly be tempted.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Olympic Memories of the Past and Current Frustrations
The Olympics has entered my life again and I couldn't be happier to have this international event part of my last month before going on my mission.
I love the Olympics, always have. The first summer Olympics I remember was in 1992, I was 5. My brother Stephen was almost two and who also shared my love for the 'Lympics (Yee-mpics) as young Stephen called it. (We still call it the 'Ylmpics among my family, gotta love those familyisms.)
A cherished memory of mine is watching the women gymnastics in '92 with my then small family with overwhelming childhood enthusiasm. Before the final landing was "stuck"my brother Stephen and I began competing in our home-style 'Lympics. Walking along the edge of the coffee table for the balance beam, cartwheeling in the open area in the family room for the floor competition and somersaulting into the Lazyboy for the vault. All ending with a dismount with arms raised to the sky, with smiles on our faces.
Fast forward 16 years later and my love and enjoyment for watching the gymnastics competitions in the Olympics is still strong. Unfortunately that enjoyment is often also thwarted by spikes of extreme frustration with the judging system.
I feel just awful for our United States female gymnasts. My family and I have audibly expressed my frustration as Alicia Sacramone, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liuken have all experienced heartbreak due to undeniable judging errors.
The only girl from China who actually looks over 16, Cheng Fei, practically kneeled on her vault landing and gets the bronze. Where Alicia Sacramone stuck both of her landings and gets fourth place.
Shawn Johnson is slighted in the floor individual competition when, although small, visible errors are evident in Romania's Sandra Izbasa who took home the gold. Leaving Shawn Johnson, who lives just a couple hours away in Iowa left with a silver.
Finally the most recent demonstration of the U.S. getting slighted was tonight in the Uneven bars competition.
First let me go over the current way of judging. Recently the judging of gymnastics has been changed and the "Perfect 10" of old no longer exists. Before the routine begins the judges determine the degree of difficulty of their score. After the gymnast competes they are judged on their execution. The highest and lower scores are removed leaving the final score. Also there can not be a judge and a competitor from the same country. Leaving the judges to be from fairly weak gymnastic countries, such as South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand, et. al. to determine the scores.
Nastia Liuken did a fantastic job with only one minuscule error (her legs separated slightly). Whereas HE Kexin of China (who I swear must be 12) had in my and the opinons of the commentators more visible errors. Nevertheless Nastia Liuken and HE Kexin received TIE scores.
Heads began to turn trying to remember what is done in a tie with the new system. In addition to the standard of removing the highest and lowest scores (seen in red), the next lowest score is removed (seen in green). Leaving only the scores of 3 judges to determine the winner.
Not only did Kexin HE receive a higher score than she should have, because of this poor tie breaker system Nastia left with a silver when she fully deserved a gold.
Despite these frustrations, I still enjoy watching the gymnastics and hope the poor judging will cease with the beam competitions tomorrow.
What are some of your favorite Olympic memories from this Olympics or others? Frustrations? What remaining event are you looking forward to the most?
I love the Olympics, always have. The first summer Olympics I remember was in 1992, I was 5. My brother Stephen was almost two and who also shared my love for the 'Lympics (Yee-mpics) as young Stephen called it. (We still call it the 'Ylmpics among my family, gotta love those familyisms.)
A cherished memory of mine is watching the women gymnastics in '92 with my then small family with overwhelming childhood enthusiasm. Before the final landing was "stuck"my brother Stephen and I began competing in our home-style 'Lympics. Walking along the edge of the coffee table for the balance beam, cartwheeling in the open area in the family room for the floor competition and somersaulting into the Lazyboy for the vault. All ending with a dismount with arms raised to the sky, with smiles on our faces.
Fast forward 16 years later and my love and enjoyment for watching the gymnastics competitions in the Olympics is still strong. Unfortunately that enjoyment is often also thwarted by spikes of extreme frustration with the judging system.
I feel just awful for our United States female gymnasts. My family and I have audibly expressed my frustration as Alicia Sacramone, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liuken have all experienced heartbreak due to undeniable judging errors.
The only girl from China who actually looks over 16, Cheng Fei, practically kneeled on her vault landing and gets the bronze. Where Alicia Sacramone stuck both of her landings and gets fourth place.
Shawn Johnson is slighted in the floor individual competition when, although small, visible errors are evident in Romania's Sandra Izbasa who took home the gold. Leaving Shawn Johnson, who lives just a couple hours away in Iowa left with a silver.
Finally the most recent demonstration of the U.S. getting slighted was tonight in the Uneven bars competition.
First let me go over the current way of judging. Recently the judging of gymnastics has been changed and the "Perfect 10" of old no longer exists. Before the routine begins the judges determine the degree of difficulty of their score. After the gymnast competes they are judged on their execution. The highest and lower scores are removed leaving the final score. Also there can not be a judge and a competitor from the same country. Leaving the judges to be from fairly weak gymnastic countries, such as South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand, et. al. to determine the scores.
Nastia Liuken did a fantastic job with only one minuscule error (her legs separated slightly). Whereas HE Kexin of China (who I swear must be 12) had in my and the opinons of the commentators more visible errors. Nevertheless Nastia Liuken and HE Kexin received TIE scores.
Heads began to turn trying to remember what is done in a tie with the new system. In addition to the standard of removing the highest and lowest scores (seen in red), the next lowest score is removed (seen in green). Leaving only the scores of 3 judges to determine the winner.
| G |  | Kexin HE | 7.70 | 9.30 | 9.10 | 9.10 | 8.90 | 9.00 | 8.90 |
| 16.725 |
| S |  | LIUKIN Nastia | 7.70 | 9.00 | 9.30 | 9.00 | 8.80 | 9.00 | 9.10 |
| 16.725 |
Not only did Kexin HE receive a higher score than she should have, because of this poor tie breaker system Nastia left with a silver when she fully deserved a gold.
Despite these frustrations, I still enjoy watching the gymnastics and hope the poor judging will cease with the beam competitions tomorrow.
What are some of your favorite Olympic memories from this Olympics or others? Frustrations? What remaining event are you looking forward to the most?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I Make Lists: NYC Restaurants
Some of you may know, many of you do not know but I like to make lists. Some more odd than others. Of course I make To do lists but there are other odd ones, a couple being a list of all of the cars I've driven in my life and the airports I've been to. Most of the time I never share these lists, not to be secretive but I don't think anyone else would get any pleasure out of them. But I've decided to share one that is perhaps of greater interest to those who followed my NYC adventures and to anyone who may go there in the future.
I've bolded some of my favorites and ones I would say shouldn't be missed, if possible (sorry about the PRSA Silver Anvil Awards) and linked to previous posts if possible for more detail about my experience.
Almost every single place I ate was fantastic, the only one I would make a point to steer people away from and that was Stop 125.
Per the servers suggestion at Stop 125 I got a Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The Chicken was shredded with so much FAT, I couldn't tell what was fat and what was chicken! It was like a Russian Roulette with your taste buds and I quickly stopped playing the game. I just can't get my head around how the server would recommend that dish to me! I'll stop venting now.
What restaurants have you been to in New York on my list? What were your thoughts? Or any recommendations for the Mesa area, appropriate for a missionary?
I've bolded some of my favorites and ones I would say shouldn't be missed, if possible (sorry about the PRSA Silver Anvil Awards) and linked to previous posts if possible for more detail about my experience.
PLACES I'VE EATEN IN NEW YORK
Restaurants
Harry’s Burrito (2)
Ollie’s (3 or 4)
Café Lalo
Carnegie Deli (4)
UN Cafeteria (3 or 4)
Dinosaur BBQ
The Little Place
Hot and Crusty
Francesco’s (2)
Junior’s
Burrittoville (3)
Paula's Pizza (By Yankee Stadium) (2)
Galaxy Diner
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Max Brenner
Applejack Diner
Famiglia’s (2)
Grey’s Papaya
Taste of
Mama
Carnegie Hall Catered Reception
PRSA Silver Anvil dinner
Tom’s Delicious Pizza
Stop 125
H&H Bagels
Zabar’s
Tasti-de-lite
City Pie
City 75
Majestic Deli Café
1050 Bar and Restaurant
Chevy’s
Applebee’s in
Two Boots
Café Napoli (Little
Tom’s Restaurant
International House Cafeteria (?)
McDonald's (?)
O'Neal's Restaurant
The Shake Shack
Numerous Hot Dog, Shish Kabob Vendors
Other
Haagen-Dazs
Buttercup Bake Shop (2)
Europan (3)
Gelato Shop Ferrara’s? (Little
Caffe Palermo (Little Italy)
Pinkberry (3)
Coldstone
Serendipity
Starbucks
Magnolia Bakery
Numerous Pineapple, Italian Ice Vendors!
Almost every single place I ate was fantastic, the only one I would make a point to steer people away from and that was Stop 125.
Per the servers suggestion at Stop 125 I got a Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The Chicken was shredded with so much FAT, I couldn't tell what was fat and what was chicken! It was like a Russian Roulette with your taste buds and I quickly stopped playing the game. I just can't get my head around how the server would recommend that dish to me! I'll stop venting now.
What restaurants have you been to in New York on my list? What were your thoughts? Or any recommendations for the Mesa area, appropriate for a missionary?
Monday, July 14, 2008
O! What a Concert: Feist
The newspaper is a wonderful thing.
Saturday morning I woke up and headed to the kitchen, poured myself a bowl of Honey Buzzers and searched for the newspaper. I realized that no one had gotten it from outside yet and delicately hopped across the recently wet pavement in my PJs. Delicately grabbed the partially drenched paper. Despite the drenched state of the day's headlines, I opened the paper and eyed the front page. In the left side column a select few words stood out: "Feist tonight...in Memorial Park."
Yes, it was Feist. Yes, it was free. I knew had an exciting Saturday evening planned.
My brother Stephen who had just gotten back from EFY came with me despite being quite exhausted from his week at EFY. I'm really glad he came because we had a lot of fun and although I would have gone by myself, but it was nice to have another fun concert we've attended as sibs under our belts.
The evening began with performance by "The Good Life" an Omaha band and Juana Molina from Argentina. Both were good, I was a bit more impressed with Molina though. Just as the sun fell behind the trees the main event began...
Feist was splendid! It was amazing to see her live. She is very good live, further proving she is a impressive vocal artist worthy of the previous Grammy nominations and Juno award she won.
Some of my favorite parts of the concert included when I left my exhausted brother in his lawn chair and went up to the front. By doing this I was able to better see the images projected on the screen. They had 1-2 girls who were manipulating the images projected on the screen, later revealed to be "shadow mistresses." (Just think of that listed on your passport, occupation: shadow mistress.) They had various cut-outs projecting birds or clouds, transparent colored fans and the coolest was when they had paint or pudding or some shape able semi-solid which one of the "shadow mistresses" manipulated to help tell the story of the song, "The Water."
Overall an overwhelming Tomoser thumbs-up. If you get a chance to see Feist I totally recommend doing so.
Saturday morning I woke up and headed to the kitchen, poured myself a bowl of Honey Buzzers and searched for the newspaper. I realized that no one had gotten it from outside yet and delicately hopped across the recently wet pavement in my PJs. Delicately grabbed the partially drenched paper. Despite the drenched state of the day's headlines, I opened the paper and eyed the front page. In the left side column a select few words stood out: "Feist tonight...in Memorial Park."
Yes, it was Feist. Yes, it was free. I knew had an exciting Saturday evening planned.
My brother Stephen who had just gotten back from EFY came with me despite being quite exhausted from his week at EFY. I'm really glad he came because we had a lot of fun and although I would have gone by myself, but it was nice to have another fun concert we've attended as sibs under our belts.
The evening began with performance by "The Good Life" an Omaha band and Juana Molina from Argentina. Both were good, I was a bit more impressed with Molina though. Just as the sun fell behind the trees the main event began...
Feist was splendid! It was amazing to see her live. She is very good live, further proving she is a impressive vocal artist worthy of the previous Grammy nominations and Juno award she won.
Some of my favorite parts of the concert included when I left my exhausted brother in his lawn chair and went up to the front. By doing this I was able to better see the images projected on the screen. They had 1-2 girls who were manipulating the images projected on the screen, later revealed to be "shadow mistresses." (Just think of that listed on your passport, occupation: shadow mistress.) They had various cut-outs projecting birds or clouds, transparent colored fans and the coolest was when they had paint or pudding or some shape able semi-solid which one of the "shadow mistresses" manipulated to help tell the story of the song, "The Water."
Overall an overwhelming Tomoser thumbs-up. If you get a chance to see Feist I totally recommend doing so.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The ABC of Tomoser's Current Life
I have been absent from blogging for (it's sad to say) almost a month. I feel so awful about it, I really do. I've moved back from New York back to Omaha and started working again less than 72 hours after stepping foot on Omaha soil. So I am bringing back the "ABCs Tomoser's Current Life" to bring you up to speed, in a cryptic yet hopefully creative way.
Arizona, of course
Blogs, despite the fact that I haven't updated mine lately I've learned a lot from PR bloggers
Compilation Surveys, I just finished entering over 200 surveys for work and am about to go nuts
Dresser drawers, I don't have any available due to redecorating. So I'm living out of a suitcase
E-mail, my work e-mail was programmed with my first and last name spelled wrong
Finding items for the mission, slowly but surely; long skirts are in short supply in summer :(
Going on the mission in 54 days
Hugs, my youngest brother Erik, hugs me at least of eight times a day (I'm going to miss those)
Interested in pursuing social media PR as my career path after graduation
Julio's, my restaurant from last summer is overstaffed and couldn't take me back this summer
Kissed at work, on the forehead, for my knowledge and efficiency
Linked In, another social media site I've joined (my profile)
Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, from mom. Meryl Streep can sing, Pierce Brosnan, not so much.
New York Times, an article that I provided information to the reporter was published
Omaha, home sweet home
Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. where I am interning again
Quick, this summer has flown by, the majority of the time
Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate a la Mousse au Chocolat, German chocolate treat for me
Shish kabobs, what we had for our BBQ on the 4th
Twitter, a social media outlet I'm now in love with (follow me at @stomoser)
Under the weather, I was sick for my first week back in Omaha
Wish I could spend more time with my friends outside of Omaha before I leave
X-rays, despite going to the dentist today I did not have an x-ray (no cavities, yea!)
Yankees, I had been a fan before, but after going to Yankee stadium I check the scores nightly
Zorinsky Lake, I biked around it for my bike's reunion after two months of being separated
(In same format) What are the initials of your name currently?
For Example: I'm SMT so,
Splinter, in my toe from walking the plank
Mayor, I was just appointed to be the Mayor of Mankato (it's the kitchen parts capital of the world)
Treetops, where I prefer to sleep
These were obviously made up, but I want to hear something true about what's current in your life using your initials.
Arizona, of course
Blogs, despite the fact that I haven't updated mine lately I've learned a lot from PR bloggers
Compilation Surveys, I just finished entering over 200 surveys for work and am about to go nuts
Dresser drawers, I don't have any available due to redecorating. So I'm living out of a suitcase
E-mail, my work e-mail was programmed with my first and last name spelled wrong
Finding items for the mission, slowly but surely; long skirts are in short supply in summer :(
Going on the mission in 54 days
Hugs, my youngest brother Erik, hugs me at least of eight times a day (I'm going to miss those)
Interested in pursuing social media PR as my career path after graduation
Julio's, my restaurant from last summer is overstaffed and couldn't take me back this summer
Kissed at work, on the forehead, for my knowledge and efficiency
Linked In, another social media site I've joined (my profile)
Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, from mom. Meryl Streep can sing, Pierce Brosnan, not so much.
New York Times, an article that I provided information to the reporter was published
Omaha, home sweet home
Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. where I am interning again
Quick, this summer has flown by, the majority of the time
Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate a la Mousse au Chocolat, German chocolate treat for me
Shish kabobs, what we had for our BBQ on the 4th
Twitter, a social media outlet I'm now in love with (follow me at @stomoser)
Under the weather, I was sick for my first week back in Omaha
Wish I could spend more time with my friends outside of Omaha before I leave
X-rays, despite going to the dentist today I did not have an x-ray (no cavities, yea!)
Yankees, I had been a fan before, but after going to Yankee stadium I check the scores nightly
Zorinsky Lake, I biked around it for my bike's reunion after two months of being separated
(In same format) What are the initials of your name currently?
For Example: I'm SMT so,
Splinter, in my toe from walking the plank
Mayor, I was just appointed to be the Mayor of Mankato (it's the kitchen parts capital of the world)
Treetops, where I prefer to sleep
These were obviously made up, but I want to hear something true about what's current in your life using your initials.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Word of Mouth Genius
PR post: Todd Defren's blog "PR-Squared" is my favorite PR blog, possibly my favorite blog period. He has great insights for the future of PR, with an emphasis on social media.
I have to ask the same question Defren did, "Is BzzAgent Dave Balter a Genius?"
Balter has written "The Word of Mouth Manuel, Volume II."
The book is $45 and limited copies were printed.
My initial thoughts: "$45 bucks! And there's only a few printed, what's he trying to pull?"
BUT...
Balter asked 20 popular bloggers (Defren being one of them) to post about his book. On the 20 selected bloggers post there is a link to get the entire book for FREE!
My fully informed thoughts: Genius, pure genius.
My PR friends (or anyone else for that matter) go to Defen's blog, click on the link to download the book or just click here. I'd also recommend that you add Defren's blog to your RSS feed.
I've just skimmed the first few pages and I'm planning on reading it through.
I really have to hand it to Balter, he is promoting his book through the means he is discussing. Pretty smooth, pretty smooth.
I have to ask the same question Defren did, "Is BzzAgent Dave Balter a Genius?"
Balter has written "The Word of Mouth Manuel, Volume II."
The book is $45 and limited copies were printed.
My initial thoughts: "$45 bucks! And there's only a few printed, what's he trying to pull?"
BUT...
Balter asked 20 popular bloggers (Defren being one of them) to post about his book. On the 20 selected bloggers post there is a link to get the entire book for FREE!
My fully informed thoughts: Genius, pure genius.
My PR friends (or anyone else for that matter) go to Defen's blog, click on the link to download the book or just click here. I'd also recommend that you add Defren's blog to your RSS feed.
I've just skimmed the first few pages and I'm planning on reading it through.
I really have to hand it to Balter, he is promoting his book through the means he is discussing. Pretty smooth, pretty smooth.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I GOT MY MISSION CALL!
I have been called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been assigned to labor in the Arizona Mesa Mission. I report Wednesday, 3 September 2008, English speaking.
This is a super rough sketch of my mission boundries.
It has part of Phoenix, all of Scottsdale, Mesa (obviously).
It also has the Navajo reservations in the Eastern part of Arizona.
But no Tempe or Gilbert.
I'm really excited to preach the gospel to the people of the great state of Arizona. Although I had thought I would serve foreign, I know that this is the right mission for me, with people waiting to hear about the gospel from me.
For those of you wondering who guessed the closest, the winner is my cousin Katie who guessed New Mexico.
I have much more to blog about NYC wise but I've been really busy this last week with our big event on June 4th at Carnegie Hall for work and 4 of my extended family arrived on Thursday night. But I'll do my best to get blogging!
I'm in the 'Zona!
This is a super rough sketch of my mission boundries.
It has part of Phoenix, all of Scottsdale, Mesa (obviously).
It also has the Navajo reservations in the Eastern part of Arizona.
But no Tempe or Gilbert.
I'm really excited to preach the gospel to the people of the great state of Arizona. Although I had thought I would serve foreign, I know that this is the right mission for me, with people waiting to hear about the gospel from me.
For those of you wondering who guessed the closest, the winner is my cousin Katie who guessed New Mexico.
I have much more to blog about NYC wise but I've been really busy this last week with our big event on June 4th at Carnegie Hall for work and 4 of my extended family arrived on Thursday night. But I'll do my best to get blogging!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Eradicating Grammar Errors
I thought I'd take a break from my NYC story telling and post this article one of my professors posted on his blog titled, "Typo Personalities: Armed with Sharpies, erasers and righteous indignation, two apostles of the apostrophe make it their crusade to rid the world of bad signs."
Read it, it's great. They are grammar heroes.
Read it, it's great. They are grammar heroes.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Maybe I am a Lucky Person
In the public affairs office where I work there is senior missionary couple, the Howells. I think they are great. They have a son visiting in NYC, so after work on Wednesday the Howells said they were going to Wicked to try and win the lottery so Sam could go.
Background info: Wicked the musical has a lottery system for 26 seats for each show. You put your name and how many tickets you would like (max. 2) and put it in for the lottery before two hours before curtain. The tickets are for the front row, for $26.25 a ticket and must be paid in cash.
I said I wasn't doing anything right after work and would go to try and help increase the chances. We didn't win.
Thursday however luck hit me in the face. After submitting our names Rita (the other intern I work with), Sam, Elder and Sister Howell and a fellow BYU Comms Intern, Alina, and I were talking. We were engaged in conversation when I hear "Sarah To-moser." I was hardly paying attention, and didn't even realize they had started and I was the first name to be picked!!!
So Sam and I got to see Wicked from the front row! It was really amazing, I saw Wicked last summer in Chicago and was really pleased with it. I walked away thinking that was really good, but I didn't understand the HUGE amount of adoration people had given it. After this time I walked away perhaps more impressed because I was able to see everything up close. I was able to see the costumes and the intricate detail put into each piece. Plus, I was given the soundtrack for Christmas and have been able to know the songs. So it was really awesome to be able to hear the CD played out for me live, and so well done! I really am a fan, did I buy a shirt or any other memorabilia? No. Did I wish I did? No. But it is for sure an amazing show and would give an extremely high recommendation to anyone.
Background info: Wicked the musical has a lottery system for 26 seats for each show. You put your name and how many tickets you would like (max. 2) and put it in for the lottery before two hours before curtain. The tickets are for the front row, for $26.25 a ticket and must be paid in cash.
I said I wasn't doing anything right after work and would go to try and help increase the chances. We didn't win.
Thursday however luck hit me in the face. After submitting our names Rita (the other intern I work with), Sam, Elder and Sister Howell and a fellow BYU Comms Intern, Alina, and I were talking. We were engaged in conversation when I hear "Sarah To-moser." I was hardly paying attention, and didn't even realize they had started and I was the first name to be picked!!!
So Sam and I got to see Wicked from the front row! It was really amazing, I saw Wicked last summer in Chicago and was really pleased with it. I walked away thinking that was really good, but I didn't understand the HUGE amount of adoration people had given it. After this time I walked away perhaps more impressed because I was able to see everything up close. I was able to see the costumes and the intricate detail put into each piece. Plus, I was given the soundtrack for Christmas and have been able to know the songs. So it was really awesome to be able to hear the CD played out for me live, and so well done! I really am a fan, did I buy a shirt or any other memorabilia? No. Did I wish I did? No. But it is for sure an amazing show and would give an extremely high recommendation to anyone.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Chocolate...a food that always brings happiness
It's been a chocolate filled week and I am more than okay with that. First Kaitlyn, Allison, her friend who I also knew from before Sam and I went to Max Brenner on Tuesday night for dinner and deserts. Max Brenner is known as "Chocolate by the Bald Man." Kaitlyn and I split a pulled pork crepe which was fantastic. I'm so glad she saw that on the menu. Then the four of us split three desserts all seen below.
Yesterday after exploring the Metropolitan Art Museum Rebecca, Sharlene and I met up with Alina and Irasema at Serendipity. Where Rebecca and I split a "Can't Say No Sundae." It was extremely good and just the right size for splitting. I would have been sick if I ate it by myself. (Sorry this picture isn't that great, I forgot to adjust it from it's previous setting.)
(From left to right: Allison, me, Kaitlyn, Sam)
Yesterday after exploring the Metropolitan Art Museum Rebecca, Sharlene and I met up with Alina and Irasema at Serendipity. Where Rebecca and I split a "Can't Say No Sundae." It was extremely good and just the right size for splitting. I would have been sick if I ate it by myself. (Sorry this picture isn't that great, I forgot to adjust it from it's previous setting.)
Mhmmmmmmm...chocolate
Where in the World will Sarah serve her mission?
As mentioned in at least one earlier post I want to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I submitted my papers on May 24th and was informed yesterday (30 May) by my BYU Bishop that according to things online, my call had been issued. So I'm just waiting for the US Postal Service to do it's stuff and expecting it to arrive Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. I'm really excited and can't wait to find out where I go!
This is the picture I submitted for my Mission Papers
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Memorial Day on/near the Water
On a Ship...
After sleeping in until about 10 a.m. Rebecca and I set off to have one of my favorite days in New York. We went to Fleet Week at Pier 88 where we went aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge. It was huge! I was also glad I was able to do something actually pertaining to Memorial day. Plus it was a great experience to be on an aircraft carrier, which is what my Grandpa Westphal was on when he was in the Navy in WWII.
On a Boat...
After getting a burger at Galaxy Diner, Rebecca and I strolled through Central Park until we rowed our rowboat on the Lake in Central Park. It was way fun and it was such a beautiful day to do it.
On a Bridge...
Then Rebecca and I took the subway down and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really enjoyable. At the other end we endured the line and some more of our friends met up with us and we got the famous Grimaldi's Pizza. Let me say this, it's not just famous because it's under the Brooklyn bridge, it is DANG good pizza. We then got ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, also famous for a reason. It's so creamy! Really is a great thing to do if you get a chance.
Our night concluded by walking back across the bridge to return to our home of Manhattan island. The coolest part of our walk back is currently the Brooklyn Bridge is celebrating it's 125th Anniversary, as part of the celebration at night different color lights are projected onto the bridge. It was awesome! And photography is a growing hobby of mine now, I took TONS of pictures and have picked out the best.
After sleeping in until about 10 a.m. Rebecca and I set off to have one of my favorite days in New York. We went to Fleet Week at Pier 88 where we went aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge. It was huge! I was also glad I was able to do something actually pertaining to Memorial day. Plus it was a great experience to be on an aircraft carrier, which is what my Grandpa Westphal was on when he was in the Navy in WWII.
On a Boat...After getting a burger at Galaxy Diner, Rebecca and I strolled through Central Park until we rowed our rowboat on the Lake in Central Park. It was way fun and it was such a beautiful day to do it.
On a Bridge...Then Rebecca and I took the subway down and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really enjoyable. At the other end we endured the line and some more of our friends met up with us and we got the famous Grimaldi's Pizza. Let me say this, it's not just famous because it's under the Brooklyn bridge, it is DANG good pizza. We then got ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, also famous for a reason. It's so creamy! Really is a great thing to do if you get a chance.
Our night concluded by walking back across the bridge to return to our home of Manhattan island. The coolest part of our walk back is currently the Brooklyn Bridge is celebrating it's 125th Anniversary, as part of the celebration at night different color lights are projected onto the bridge. It was awesome! And photography is a growing hobby of mine now, I took TONS of pictures and have picked out the best.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
America's Favorite Past-time
That's right baseball, better yet, Yankee baseball. I had the lucky opportunity to go to TWO Yankee games this week.
Wednesday- Orioles vs. Yankees
If you would have asked me Wednesday morning what I was doing that night I would have said "I'm going to Amateur Night at the Apollo." Although I still want to do this I was given an offer I couldn't refuse. While at work a friend e-mailed me asking if I wanted to go to a Yankees game tonight for free. I said, YES. A girl in my Relief Society presidency had four tickets to the game from work, and she thought they were for next week but she actually couldn't use them tonight. So Allison, Kaitlyn, Jared and I went to the game. It was a bit colder, about 60 degrees. Thankfully I checked the weather and knowing my tendency to be cold I layered up.
Coming into the game the Yankees had lost there last 4, with the previous night's score against the Orioles being 12-2, Orioles. So with that in mind I was so pleased to have the Yankees win 8-0! A-Rod hit two home runs, but was robbed of one of them because of some net thing. I was also pleased to see Joba Chamberlain, a Nebraska alumni pitch. He did a great job! I ended up buying one of my first souvenirs in the form of a Joba Yankees shirt.
Saturday- Mariners vs. Yankees
I almost didn't go to this game, not because I didn't want to. I had been going in and out of waves of feeling sick starting Thursday afternoon. I felt fine during the day at work but Friday night, let's just say it was bad. So I told Eric in the morning that I had been sick last night and to see if we could try to sell the tickets to someone else. After keeping some cereal down and actually feeling better after eating and having no success in selling the tickets, Eric and I went to the game. Thankfully, I was completely fine at the game and for the rest of the day.
The Yankees had a great game. The offense was fantastic, Giambi and Abrera each had a home run helping add to the total of 16 hits. Joba also made another appearance he is making his transition from closer to starter. He pitched for two scoreless innings (6th and 7th). All this helped form the 12-6 win against the Mariners. It was also a beautiful day, in the low 70s, partly cloudy skies. You couldn't ask for better baseball weather.
Sometimes I forget about how much I enjoy sports until I attend or play them after a long respite. In some ways I feel myself going back to my elementary school days where I was glued to Sportcenter. Now I find myself checking the Yankee's stats and rankings. I really believe sports can be a great thing, in moderation, of course.
Now, just because I can hardly go an entry where I don't talk about food...
I must tell you where to get the best slice of New York style pizza that I've had thus far. It's about a block or two away from the stadium on 161st St. right before Walton Ave. It's the one on the side of the street farther from the stadium (I specify because there is a pizza place on the exact opposite side of the street). It is so good and only $2.50 a slice. I ate it before the game on Wednesday and had to come back again and Eric and I ate there after the game on Saturday.
Wednesday- Orioles vs. Yankees
If you would have asked me Wednesday morning what I was doing that night I would have said "I'm going to Amateur Night at the Apollo." Although I still want to do this I was given an offer I couldn't refuse. While at work a friend e-mailed me asking if I wanted to go to a Yankees game tonight for free. I said, YES. A girl in my Relief Society presidency had four tickets to the game from work, and she thought they were for next week but she actually couldn't use them tonight. So Allison, Kaitlyn, Jared and I went to the game. It was a bit colder, about 60 degrees. Thankfully I checked the weather and knowing my tendency to be cold I layered up.
Coming into the game the Yankees had lost there last 4, with the previous night's score against the Orioles being 12-2, Orioles. So with that in mind I was so pleased to have the Yankees win 8-0! A-Rod hit two home runs, but was robbed of one of them because of some net thing. I was also pleased to see Joba Chamberlain, a Nebraska alumni pitch. He did a great job! I ended up buying one of my first souvenirs in the form of a Joba Yankees shirt.Saturday- Mariners vs. Yankees
I almost didn't go to this game, not because I didn't want to. I had been going in and out of waves of feeling sick starting Thursday afternoon. I felt fine during the day at work but Friday night, let's just say it was bad. So I told Eric in the morning that I had been sick last night and to see if we could try to sell the tickets to someone else. After keeping some cereal down and actually feeling better after eating and having no success in selling the tickets, Eric and I went to the game. Thankfully, I was completely fine at the game and for the rest of the day.
The Yankees had a great game. The offense was fantastic, Giambi and Abrera each had a home run helping add to the total of 16 hits. Joba also made another appearance he is making his transition from closer to starter. He pitched for two scoreless innings (6th and 7th). All this helped form the 12-6 win against the Mariners. It was also a beautiful day, in the low 70s, partly cloudy skies. You couldn't ask for better baseball weather.
Sometimes I forget about how much I enjoy sports until I attend or play them after a long respite. In some ways I feel myself going back to my elementary school days where I was glued to Sportcenter. Now I find myself checking the Yankee's stats and rankings. I really believe sports can be a great thing, in moderation, of course.
Now, just because I can hardly go an entry where I don't talk about food...
I must tell you where to get the best slice of New York style pizza that I've had thus far. It's about a block or two away from the stadium on 161st St. right before Walton Ave. It's the one on the side of the street farther from the stadium (I specify because there is a pizza place on the exact opposite side of the street). It is so good and only $2.50 a slice. I ate it before the game on Wednesday and had to come back again and Eric and I ate there after the game on Saturday.
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